Wandering Eyes

Sam Agars CHARMING BABE - R7 (1) A late scratch last month, he has since trialled nicely and looks ready to strike Jay Rooney EMBRACES - R6 (1) Made late ground first up and should make the required improvement Owen Goulding CALL ME TOPSEED - R6 (2) Much more like it in latest trial and Irish winner is drawn perfectly Phillip Woo DENFIELD - R7 (2) Looks primed to salute on the back of a good first up run Shannon (Vincent Wong) STAR CONTACT - R6 (3) Not beaten far last start and should go...View the full article

Will Douglass will join Ocala Breeders' Sales Company as their international representative, OBS announced. The English native established Will Douglass Bloodstock in January of this year. Previously, he had worked as a bloodstock agent with Charlie Gordon-Watson since 2010. Prior to that, Douglass was an assistant to Classic-winning trainer Luca Cumani, Ed Dunlop and Australian Champion Trainer David Hayes. “I am looking forward to working with [the] team at OBS and helping them expand their international client base,” Douglass said. “OBS has a long history of selling outstanding horses that are successful all over the world such as Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) winning at Royal Ascot whilst [Group 3 placed and OBS October graduate] The Publican's Son (Beau Liam) looks be a horse to follow next year.” Some of the horses-in-training acquisitions Douglass has been responsible for include Classic and multiple Group 1 winner Al Riffa (Wootton Bassett); Hong Kong group winner Helene Feeling (Sioux Nation), dual Hong Kong Group 1 winner Peniaphobia (Dandy Man), Qatari champion Kerindia (Cotai Glory), and Grade 2 winner Nancy from Nairobi (Sixties Icon). Douglass also selected the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches second Shes Perfect (Sioux Nation) and Grade II winner Luther (Frankel). “Will's expertise in Europe and Asia provides the perfect complement to the global appeal of OBS graduates,” said Tod Wojciechowski, OBS director of sales. “We are excited to bring him on board as his knowledge and skillset will be an invaluable asset in promoting our sales.” The post Will Douglass Appointed OBS International Representative appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dane McLeod/TTRAusNZ Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) finished a close-up third in his pre-Everest trial at Randwick on Tuesday, with the world's champion sprinter cruising into the minor placing under a hold behind the G1 Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker (Super Seth) and A$10.5-million earner and dual Group 1-winning sprinter Overpass (Vancouver). Plenty in the crowd were keen to catch their first glimpse of the outstanding Hong Kong sprinter, who enjoyed the strong hit-out and clocked a fast time ahead of the A$20 million feature Saturday week. The line-up was stacked with quality equine talent with big targets ahead in the coming weeks, with the 10-time Group 1 winner and G1 King Charles III Stakes hopeful Mr Brightside (Bullbars) finishing just under five lengths behind the winner in fourth. Jockey Zac Purton gave his immediate reaction to SENTrack following the trial, where Ka Ying Rising was held together but asked to extend his work past the line for fitness. “He hasn't had a run for a month and he hasn't done too much serious work in that amount of time, so it was the first time he's done anything competitive in a while,” said Purton. “The track was a little bit soft for him. He's not totally at home on that ground, but I thought he trialled well enough. I was hoping he would have changed his leg. He didn't, but that's him.” When asked whether there were any concerns heading into The Everest, Purton added, “No, I think he'll come on a bit from that. Obviously, it's going to be a competitive race. The horses in Australia are peaking at the right time, so hopefully we can draw a good gate and get a dry track. It's going to be a good race to watch, isn't it?” Welcome to Randwick, KA YING RISING! The Hong Kong superstar has his first trial in Australia alongside his @tabcomau Everest rivals and finishes nicely! pic.twitter.com/iT5OmtV9HC — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 6, 2025 Trainer David Hayes echoed the belief that the gelding would take significant benefit from the trial. He said, “It was a good solid trial, but he did need it. He blew a few cobwebs out and he'll really come on a lot for that. He'll have a nice gallop on Monday and he'll be right for the big one. He's about 20 pounds above his racing weight and I'll expect it [his weight] to come down a bit in the next week.” When asked about Ka Ying Rising's behaviour in the parade ring, where he appeared a touch hot and was having a good look around, Hayes added, “At Sha Tin he gets very edgy in the mornings going through the tunnels with all the horses, and when Zac – or whoever is riding him – drops over his neck, he relaxes straight away. “I think that was a bit typical of Ka Ying today. He will be better on race day, but he'll have to be, because there's going to be 50,000 people here. He really needed a dress rehearsal, he was a bit fresh in the pre-parade. It's been a big help for him.” The post World’s Best Sprinter Ka Ying Rising Warms Up for The Everest with Randwick Trial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this BH monthly interview, Karen M. Johnson profiles young racing personalities. View the full article

Key lead-up races the Holmes D G and the Methven Cup have prompted a big change in this week’s rankings for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup, to be held at Addington Raceway on Tuesday, November 11. Sooner The Bettor became the sixth horse to automatically qualify for the $1m NZ Cup with his win in the Holmes D G at Alexandra Park on Friday night while Better Knuckle Up has been rewarded for his third placing to go for 21st to 17. Better Knuckle Up was the inaugural winner of last year’s THE VELOCITY slot race at Addington. He completed a Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan-trained trifecta in the Holmes DG with Merlin finishing second. Further south Rakero Rocket solidified his 11th place in the rankings with his win in Sunday’s Methven Cup while the fast finishing runner-up Wag Star has been a big mover – up six places from 25th to 19, just four places outside the cut-off. After finishing fourth in the Methven Cup, American Me has improved two places to 13th. He was fourth in the 2023 New Zealand Cup as well. Both the Holmes D G and Methven Cup had Group 3 status. The top 10 in the rankings for the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot remain unchanged this week though there has been some manoeuvring just behind them, especially from two Australian contenders. Jilliby Ballerini has improved seven places to 12th on the back of her win at the Group 3 Australasian Trotters Championship at Melton beating a quality field that included Arcee Phoenix. She is now a $6 third favourite for the Dominion behind Oscar Bonavena and Bet N Win. The other trotter heading up the rankings this week is Parisian Artiste following his 15th career win at Menangle on Saturday night. He has gone from 14th to 11th. The rankings will be updated weekly with the final rankings coming out after the Kaikoura Cup meeting on Monday, November 3. To see the latest rankings click here View the full article

Time is running out for racegoers to get onboard The Whale Train for Kaikoura’s two day meeting next month. Held over Marlborough Anniversary weekend the Sunday meeting on November 2 will feature the opening rounds of the 2025 World Driving Championship while Monday’s card will be highlighted by the 100th running of the Kaikoura Cup. The annual meeting is always a crowd favourite with thousands flocking to the scenic South Bay race course. This year Pounamu Tourism is offering two return train trips from Christchurch on its Whale Train – a retro, red and white, 1950s classic DA locomotive. Both leave and return on the same day. The Sunday trip leaves Christchurch at 8.30am and returns at 6.15pm, with a one and a half hour window at the races while Monday’s trip departs at 8.30am and returns at 10.15pm, giving travellers the opportunity to catch all the day’s action on course. The cost for a family of four is $399, with adults at $169 and children at $69. Those wanting to make enquiries should go to : www.pounamutourismgroup.com or contact : paul@pounamutourismgroup.com View the full article

One of the country’s highest profile and most influential breeders is confident there will be spin-offs for all the racing codes from New Zealand’s Free Trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates. Recently Ken and Karen Breckon, who own and manage the award-winning Breckon Farms, hosted a delegation that included the chair and chief executive of TAB New Zealand, Bill Birnie and Nick Roberts as well as the UAE’s ambassador to New Zealand, His Excellency Mr Rashed Matar Sultan Alsiri Alremzi. “To have someone at that level from the UAE here shows that they are serious about looking at opportunities in the New Zealand bloodstock industry” says Breckon. The visit from His Excellency followed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) coming into force on August 28, 2025. It is New Zealand’s first free trade agreement in the Middle East. “New Zealand has over a billion dollars worth of exports to the UAE every year and that figure is set to increase exponentially in the next decade or so,” says Breckon, “that’s an incredible opportunity.” As well as being a top breeder Breckon also represents harness racing’s interests on a high powered committee set up to advise the TAB NZ. It stemmed from an idea from Racing Minister Winston Peters, Bill Birnie and Sir Peter Vela, who chairs the committee. Based at Ohaupo in Waikato, Breckon Farms was set up more than decade ago. Last year it underwent a substantial upgrade into a state-of-the-art facility featuring stabling for 48 horses, function rooms and a parade ring. “We drove him around the farm and showed him the investment here and to showcase harness racing which they are not familiar with,” says Breckon. The Breckons also showed Mr Alremzi replays of some of their best horses winning big races including millionaire trotter I Can Doosit, the winner of 18 in a row, and unbeaten superstar Millwood Nike who won 17 straight before being retired last year. “We brought I Can Doosit out for the day which he thoroughly enjoyed.” The UAE has no ties with harness racing at all. It is a thoroughbred powerhouse worth billions. Among its marquee races are the Dubai World Cup, one of the world’s richest races. But Breckon says that doesn’t mean there won’t be opportunities. “Going forward they could invest into our industry through studs or by buying into top broodmares, stallions or in horses at Group level.” “Then there are other activities in New Zealand like the way we train horses, veterinary science and horse welfare and technologies around performance monitoring and analysis which are world class.” “There are many lessons in the UAE we can learn from and vice versa.” Breckon is upbeat the relationship between the two countries will flourish. Among near term plans are to have His Excellency hosted at Karaka next year as it celebrates 100 years of National Yearling Sales in New Zealand. View the full article

A significant driver change has been confirmed for the upcoming World Driving Championship to be held around New Zealand this November. Italian representative Antonio Simioli has withdrawn due to personal reasons and has been replaced by Giampaolo Minnucci, the driver who gained fame and world-wide success with superstar Italian trotter Varenne. Known as the Il Capitano (The Captain), Varenne was acclaimed as the greatest trotter in harness racing history, earning a record $US8.7m, with 62 wins from just 73 starts. He was also the only horse to win Horse of the Year in three different countries – Italy, France and the USA. As his regular driver Minnucci played a critical role in Varenne’s success. Among their greatest performances was the win in a new world record at the 2001 Breeders Crown at The Meadowlands in North America and their two wins at Sweden’s great race, the Elitloppet in 2001 and 2002. Italy has won the WDC twice before in its 55 year history – Roberto Andreghetti in 1997 and Guiseppe Guzzinati (1972). The WDC starts in just over three weeks with 10 of the globe’s best drivers, including New Zealand’s representative Blair Orange, battling it out at Kaikoura (November 2 and 3), Cambridge (November 5), Addington (November 7), Winton (November 9) and finally on IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington on Tuesday, November 11. To see more on the WDC go to wdc25.nz View the full article

Voukefalas may not be a name we have heard of much in New Zealand, but in North America he is a horse that has captured the imagination of the harness racing world, and the hearts of those closest to him. To read more about the son of Lazarus click here View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Champion Aussie pacer Leap To Fame will go into the IRT NZ Trotting Cup sight unseen this trip. After much deliberation, trainer-driver Grant Dixon has locked in travel plans which will see the six-year-old arrive in Christchurch just five days before the $1 million feature at Addington on Tuesday, November 11. “He’ll be on a flight Wednesday (November 5) from Melbourne which I’m told then gets him into Christchurch on Thursday morning,” he said. It ends speculation about a possible lead-up race or at least an appearance in the traditional Cup Day trial the week before the Cup. At best, Leap To Fame could pop into Addington for a workout on the Saturday before the Cup. The later flight to NZ is a win for Victorian fans, who will now get to see Leap To Fame race three times at Melton over the next month. It starts with a surprise, earlier-than-expected appearance in Saturday night’s Smoken Up Sprint where he will clash with TAB Eureka winner Bay Of Biscay for the first time. It means Leap To Fame will be having his third start in as many weeks when he tackles the $250,000 Group 1 Victoria Cup on Saturday week. As sharp as Leap To Fame looked winning first-up at Albion Park last Saturday night, Dixon said another race this week would only help. “He’s booked on a flight (from Brisbane) to Melbourne in the middle of the night Thursday (night), so will be there early Friday morning,” he said. “He won well and did it easily last Saturday (at Albion Park), but another run will just sharpen-up that it more again. “It’s as much about how well he thrives on racing. Going into the biggest races, he seems to love racing each week, so we’ll do that again.” Perhaps Dixon is also mindful Leap To Fame’s only defeat in a Victoria Cup came back in 2023 when he had raced just once in the seven weeks leading into it. Beyond the Victoria Cup, Dixon has two other Melton race options for Leap To Fame before the flight to NZ. “Given it’s more than three weeks between the Victoria Cup and NZ (Cup), I’ll look to give him another race at Melton to keep him up to the mark, especially with NZ being over two miles (3200m).” Those options are a 2240m free-for-all at Melton on October 25 or a 1720m free-for-all on November 1. The timing of the 1720m race would seem better given racing again on October 25 would mean four runs in as many weeks for Leap To Fame. View the full article

It didn't take long for the Amo Racing team to make its presence felt as Book 1 of the October Yearling Sale got underway at Tattersalls, with Kia Joorabchian outbidding MV Magnier of Coolmore at 3,600,000gns for lot 15. The brother to last year's sale-topper, by Frankel out of the G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes winner Aljazzi (Shamardal), was bred and consigned by Graham Smith-Bernal's Newsells Park Stud. “The boys love him,” Joorabchian said. “We have a lot of people that really liked him around us and we couldn't really let him go. We want to keep the family tight. We want to be able to see how the family works out.” The colt's two-year-old sister, who fetched 4,400,000gns 12 months ago, is now named Partying and is with Amo Racing's new trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy at Freemason Lodge in Newmarket. He continued, “If he's a very good horse he's going to be a stallion but if he's not, he's not going to be a stallion. Obviously we like the filly [Partying] otherwise we wouldn't have gone for the brother. But who knows, right? She still hasn't run, but it's a completely different project because if the filly runs or doesn't run, she's still got a huge residual value and she can be a broodmare, and we have five stallions so it's important. “I thought we paid a little bit more than what we were expecting to but we're up against Coolmore, and they've got five [partners] versus one. So we've got to give them a crack.” Julian Dollar, general manager of Newsells Park Stud, said, “He just blossomed during the summer. Particularly during yearling prep, he just came into himself. What he has always had is a really lovely attitude – a great temperament. [He has] always been very athletic. Six or nine months ago, I thought he was just one of those gangly babies but he just started to come. He's still not where I'd like him to be now but he's a lovely horse.” The post Deja Vu as Amo Racing Strikes for Frankel Colt at 3.6m Gns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

OTI Racing is officially going trans-Tasman, with the Australian syndicator becoming a licensed New Zealand syndicator this week. “We are now a licensed syndicator in New Zealand, which means we can offer horses to the public (in New Zealand),” OTI Racing principal Terry Henderson said. “They will get the same offering as the Australians do, which could be New Zealand or Australian horses, trained by New Zealand or Australian trainers. We will certainly be racing more horses in New Zealand.” OTI Racing has been a large investor in New Zealand thoroughbred racing for many years and their silks have also been prevalent on this side of the Tasman, headlined by Vin De Dance’s (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) victory in the 2018 edition of the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). “We have had such a long relationship with New Zealand horses and trainers that it was a natural progression,” Henderson said. “So many of our Group One winners have been New Zealand-bred horses. I think in the last three years over 60 percent of the horses that we have raced have been New Zealand-sourced. “We have always relished the idea, as we have in Europe, that they do their early work in their home country and then come to Australia when they are ready. We have done that with quite a lot of horses over the years.” Henderson said the upward trajectory of prizemoney in New Zealand over the last few years and the relatively low cost in training fees compared to Australia has been a major factor in OTI Racing becoming a licensed syndicator in New Zealand. “These days we have more horses racing in New Zealand because the way the industry has changed in the last three years, it is an appealing location to race,” he said. “The cost of training horses in New Zealand is considerably lower than it is in Australia. For our owners, that is quite appealing. “The whole economic framework of New Zealand racing has changed substantially, and from an owners perspective, it is attractive. “I looked at a maiden race last week, which was worth $40,000, and we have still got plenty of races here that maidens are worth $30,000.” Henderson said OTI are finalising their New Zealand contact details this week and he is looking forward to welcoming New Zealanders to his syndicates and offering further opportunities to New Zealand trainers. “We will have a New Zealand phone number, which is coming through this week, and we will gradually build the profile,” he said. “There will be more New Zealand trainers in our ranks and possibly more New Zealand horses as well. We are quite looking forward to it.” View the full article

Willydoit didn’t run last weekend with a minor issue, will he start this weekend? Part owner Shaun Clotworthy talks to Steve Hewlett on Racing HQ. Shaun Clotworthy 07.10.2025 – Racing HQ with Steve Hewlett – Apple Podcasts View the full article

A new southern partnership is set to kick-off at Phar Lap Raceway on Thursday when Lady Maxima (NZ) (Circus Maximus) makes her debut in the Pink Ribbon & Heartland Chips 1200. She will carry the familiar orange and white colours of Barneswood Farm, which will appear for the first time alongside Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson’s name in the racebook. Bred by Barneswood Farm’s Sarah and Chris Green and Ger Beemsterboer, Lady Maxima is by Windsor Park Stud stallion Circus Maximus and out of their Lonhro mare Vaudesir, a half-sister to Group One winner Dreamaway. She has impressed Robinson with her two trials to date, including winning her last trial over 1000m at Ashburton last month, and he is hoping she performs well first-up for his new clients. “Her trial was really good and she has had a nice bit of time to get over that trial,” he said. “She is a nice filly and I have got a lot of time for her. “It’s my first horse for them (Barneswood Farm), so it is a privilege having one for them. I hope she runs well for them.” Lady Maxima holds a nomination for next month’s Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton, and Robinson hasn’t ruled out a tilt at the race sponsored by her owners. “We will just get Thursday over and done with and we will make a plan after that,” he said. Robinson will also head to Timaru with Skiddlydoo (Trapeze Artist), who will jump from barrier two in the Ascot Sportshouse & Eatery Social Club 1600, while stablemate Avoriaz (NZ) (Almanzor) will likely bypass the Jon Snow and Echoes Of Heaven @ Clearview Park 2200 in favour of the heading to Ashburton on Saturday. “Skiddlydoo is a horse on the way up and is a staying type of horse,” Robinson said. “He is working really well and whatever he does he will improve on, he is a horse that is looking for a bit further. He is a nice horse and we like him. “Avoriaz is in at Ashburton also, so at this point in time we are probably going to run her at Ashburton because she is a mare that likes a good track. She has got a wide draw at Timaru so possibly may not run.” Robinson is also set to take another five runners to Ashburton on Saturday, including last-start winner Alottago (Tagaloa) who will contest the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m). The son of Tagaloa hasn’t put a foot wrong so far in his career, placing in his three starts as a juvenile, including the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) and Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m), and has won both of his starts this season, including the Guineas Trial (1400m) at Riccarton last month. “He has done really well since his win the other day, we are really happy with him,” Robinson said. “He has done nothing wrong and is going the right way. He should run well.” Alottago’s main aim of the spring is the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton next month, for which he is currently at $16 on the TAB’s Futures Market. Robinson will also be represented on Saturday by Bella Luce, Elusive Impact , Pequot and Tembo. “Bella Luce didn’t have a lot of luck in her last start, she missed the kick and got back on a slowly run race upfront,” he said. “Just the way the race was run, it didn’t suit her. “She has had a bit of a freshen-up and Ashburton should suit her. She will jump and put herself up on speed and we expect her to run well. “Elusive Impact is working really well, it is a good field and I think he is up to it. “Pequot is a lovely horse and went terrific first-up and has improved since then. We expect him to be a good chance. “Tembo is working really well too. She went well fresh-up and has come on from that run.” View the full article

A pair of promising youngsters are set to make their debut for Cambridge trainer Chad Ormsby at Avondale on Wednesday, but track conditions may scupper plans for one of them. Two-year-old gelding State Of Valour (NZ) (Sword Of State) impressed when winning his 730m trial at Te Rapa last month and is set to make his first raceday appearance in the Tulloch Café 2YO (1000m). Ormsby has been pleased with the way the Cambridge Stud-bred and raced juvenile has progressed and he is looking forward to kicking off his career at the midweek meeting. “He had a nice trial and he has trained on well,” Ormsby said. “He really loves his work, so that helps with these young two-year-olds. “It’s not ideal conditions but we will probably get the ball rolling regardless tomorrow.” The Auckland track was rated a Heavy10 on Tuesday morning, and while the wet track won’t halt State Of Valour’s plans, they may do for stablemate Merini (Written Tycoon). The three-year-old daughter of Written Tycoon won her 1100m trial at Avondale last month on the same footing, but Ormsby is loath to give the JML Bloodstock-raced filly a gut buster first-up. “She is a slow-maturing filly and showed us in her last trial what we have been waiting for,” he said. “I am not certain of running her tomorrow. We have been waiting for her for a little while, so we can wait a little bit longer if we need to. She didn’t mind the wet going in her last trial, but we are hopefully going to have a nice, long season ahead for her so we will just weigh up our options tomorrow morning.” The stable will also be represented in the race by Kygo Star (Wootton Bassett), who finished runner-up on debut over 1300m at Taupo last month. “He has trained on well since his first-up run and he should cop the weather a little bit,” Ormsby said. “It’s (track conditions) probably not ideal, but he is a horse that has trained on soft ground and trained well. I am expecting him to run well.” Looking ahead to Friday, Ormsby will take three runners to Taupo, including Outovstock (NZ) (Tavistock), who will contest the Placemakers Taupo (1300m). The Group Three winner won his trial over 1100m at Ellerslie last month before finishing runner-up in his trial over the same distance at Te Rapa, and Ormsby is looking for a solid hit-out first-up as he sets his sights on cups targets in the coming months with the five-year-old. “He has had a couple of trials under his belt to get him ready and he always puts in a good run,” Ormsby said. “It is well short of his best, but we expect him to do something in a race like this down in the weights a little bit. “He has got Cups targets later in the year, but we have got to get the ball rolling, and he will probably go around regardless of the track.” The stable will also be represented by Pieces of Eight (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns) in the Chris Jolly Outdoors (1000m), while track conditions will dictate whether O’Sweet Darling (Zousain) makes her debut in The Belle Family (1100m). “O’Sweet Darling has been ready to go and missed out a couple of times now. She may miss out again as she has drawn the outside,” Ormsby said. “Track conditions will be a big part down at Taupo, but we will have to sit on the fence and see what happens there. “Pieces Of Eight has come on well from her first-up run where she ran well but just lacked a little bit of race craft and fitness, but she is better for it and is going into Taupo with a bit of confidence.” View the full article

David Hayes expects Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) to improve significantly ahead of Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) on 18 October after the world’s highest-rated sprinter finished third under Zac Purton in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Tuesday morning. Pitted against potential The Everest rivals Overpass, Joliestar and Angel Capital as well as Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) contenders Fangirl and Mr Brightside and The Golden Eagle (1500m) entrant Linebacker, Ka Ying Rising was kept under restraint by Purton throughout as the pair coursed wide. The four-time Group One winner jumped smartly from barrier seven and cruised up Randwick’s straight on the outside of Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth), who beat Overpass by half a head with Ka Ying Rising third, a head further away, in 58.39s. Mr Brightside was a distant fourth, almost five lengths from the winner. Hayes believes Ka Ya Rising will benefit from the trial, which featured the winners collectively of 71 races in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, including 24 at Group One level, and combined prizemoney haul of more than HK$300 million. “It was a good, solid trial but he did need it,” Hayes said. “He blew a few cobwebs out and he’ll really come on a lot for that and he’ll have a nice gallop on Monday (13 October) and he’ll be right the big one,” Hayes said. “He’s about 20 pounds above his racing weight (about 1,150lb) and I’ll expect it (his weight) to come down a bit in the next week.” Purton echoed Hayes’ thoughts: “Pass mark, needs to improve. He hasn’t had a run for about a month and he hasn’t done too much serious work in that amount of time, so it was the first time he’s done anything competitive in a while. “The track was a little bit soft for him. He’s not totally at home on that ground. But I thought he trialled well enough. I think he’ll come on a bit from that. Obviously, it’s going to be a competitive race. The horses in Australia are peaking at the right time, so hopefully we can draw a good gate, get a dry track and I’m sure he’ll improve a bit off that. “He had a big blow after the trial and he’ll have another 200 metres to run in The Everest, he’s got 10 days to do a bit more work and improve – hopefully he can.” The winner of his past 13 starts, Ka Ying Rising has not started since triumphing in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on 7 September. Hayes arranged for Ka Ying Rising to have a “full dress rehearsal” at Royal Randwick with the five-year-old spending time in the raceday tie-up stalls and the Theatre of the Horse, where he completed several laps and appeared slightly agitated. “Hopefully he’ll improve from the experience,” Hayes said of Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year. “He’s had a look at Randwick now. He hasn’t been away Sha Tin for a long time – that’s his only track – so to have a look around here was very, very good for him.” The field for the Everest, which is the richest turf race in the world with a purse of approximately HK$103 million, will be confirmed on Monday, 13 October. Ka Ying Rising ridden by @zpurton finishes 3rd in the 1000m trial at Royal Randwick edged out by Linebacker and Overpass. @WorldPool @HKJC_Racing pic.twitter.com/4WXb64VeWY — Australian Turf Club (@aus_turf_club) October 6, 2025 View the full article

Jockey Zac Purton gave Ka Ying Rising a “pass mark” and trainer David Hayes walked away confident the world’s best sprinter will improve significantly after this third-placed finish in a 1,000m trial in Sydney on Tuesday morning. In a star-studded trial featuring a host of Ka Ying Rising’s expected opponents in October 18’s The Everest (1,200m) at Randwick, he led out wide early before striding out down the middle of the track and finishing a close third under minimal urging from Purton. “It was...View the full article

Ka Ying Rising will need to improve before The Everest after finishing third in a barrier trial at Randwick on Tuesday morning. Picture: HKJC. David Hayes expects Ka Ying Rising to improve significantly ahead of Group 1 The Everest (1200m) on 18 October after the world’s highest-rated sprinter finished third under Zac Purton in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick in Sydney on Tuesday morning. Pitted against potential The Everest rivals Overpass, Joliestar and Angel Capital as well as Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) contenders Fangirl and Mr Brightside and The Golden Eagle (1500m) entrant Linebacker, Ka Ying Rising was kept under restraint by Purton throughout as the pair coursed wide. The four-time Group 1 winner jumped smartly from barrier seven and cruised up Randwick’s straight on the outside of Linebacker (Zac Lloyd), who beat Overpass (Josh Parr) by half a head with Ka Ying Rising third, a head further away, in 58.39s. Mr Brightside was a distant fourth, almost five lengths from the winner. Hayes believes Ka Ya Rising will benefit from the trial, which featured the winners collectively of 71 races in Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong, including 24 at Group 1 level, and combined prizemoney haul of more than HK$300 million. “It was a good, solid trial but he did need it,” Hayes said. “He blew a few cobwebs out and he’ll really come on a lot for that and he’ll have a nice gallop on Monday and he’ll be right for the big one,” Hayes said. “He’s about 20 pounds above his racing weight (about 1,150lb) and I’ll expect it (his weight) to come down a bit in the next week.” Purton echoed Hayes’ thoughts and said Ka Ying Rising needs to improve before next Saturday’s The Everest, a race which he has been installed a $1.70 favourite for with Aussie betting sites. “Pass mark, needs to improve. He hasn’t had a run for about a month and he hasn’t done too much serious work in that amount of time, so it was the first time he’s done anything competitive in a while. “The track was a little bit soft for him. He’s not totally at home on that ground. But I thought he trialled well enough. I think he’ll come on a bit from that. Obviously, it’s going to be a competitive race. The horses in Australia are peaking at the right time, so hopefully we can draw a good gate, get a dry track and I’m sure he’ll improve a bit off that. “He had a big blow after the trial and he’ll have another 200 metres to run in The Everest, he’s got 10 days to do a bit more work and improve – hopefully he can.” The winner of his past 13 starts, Ka Ying Rising has not started since triumphing in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at Sha Tin on September 7. Hayes arranged for Ka Ying Rising to have a “full dress rehearsal” at Royal Randwick with the five-year-old spending time in the raceday tie-up stalls and the Theatre of the Horse, where he completed several laps and appeared slightly agitated. “Hopefully he’ll improve from the experience,” Hayes said of Hong Kong’s reigning Horse of the Year. “He’s had a look at Randwick now. He hasn’t been away from Sha Tin for a long time – that’s his only track – so to have a look around here was very, very good for him.” The field for the Everest, which is the richest turf race in the world with a purse of approximately HK$103 million, will be confirmed on Monday, October 13. View the full article

Dual stakes winner Read About It run in a trial on Monday and a return to racing looms. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Robbie Patterson had high Classic hopes for Read About It last season before his rising young star’s progress was halted by illness. The New Plymouth trainer believed the son of Wrote was a genuine Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) prospect until the two-time stakes winner was laid low with breathing issues. “He was one of the most promising young horses I’ve had for sure, and then he started to make a bit of noise,” Patterson said. “He got some growths in his upper airways, and we treated him for a long time, but they wouldn’t go away. “We ended up getting them cut out and it’s taken a year to get to where we are now. These things seem to pick on the better ones.” Read About It stepped out in an open 1000m heat at the Awapuni trials on Monday and finished an encouraging fourth under rider Kelly Myers. “He trialled up really nicely, it was a quiet trial because he hasn’t done a lot and Kelly was happy with him,” Patterson said. “He makes a noise in his breathing, but it’s not affecting him at the moment, so we’re leaving him alone. “He’ll have another trial and then we’ll find a race for him and see where he ends up. “If he has to have another operation, we’ll do that, but if it doesn’t affect him then we’ll put up with the noise he makes and push on.” Read About It was a debut second as a two-year-old before going one better in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) and claimed the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) in his only subsequent appearance. “Obviously, he hasn’t been knocked around and he’s a very natural horse. He’s only a four-year-old, so he could hopefully race competitively for a few years yet, there’s still plenty of time,” Patterson said. Meanwhile, his Taranaki stable will have a quiet weekend with Freebelle and Ma Te Wa entered for Saturday’s Otaki meeting. “They’re both nominated for the same race, but only one will run,” Patterson said. “It will depend on the track, if it’s heavy then Freebelle will probably go and if it’s not too bad then Ma Te Wa will go.” Freebelle won for the third time from six appearances when the Belardo mare successfully resumed at Waverley. Time Test four-year-old Ma Te Wa posted his third victory from five starts when he accounted for Benefactor, fourth in last weekend’s Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), at Trentham last month. “He’s a lovely horse with a high cruising speed and he’ll go through to stakes grade, maybe not this campaign but by the end of this season,” Patterson said. “We won’t knock him around as a four-year-old.” View the full article

It’s part two of Michael’s chat with Craig Williams. This week they go deep on the Aussie jockey’s career, his preparation, the Melbourne Cup, Hong Kong, the NZ industry, and his bests. Guerin Report – S2 Ep.6 Craig Wiliams Part.2 View the full article

Robbie Patterson had high Classic hopes for Read About It (NZ) (Wrote) last season before his rising young star’s progress was halted by illness. The New Plymouth trainer believed the son of Wrote was a genuine Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) prospect until the two-time stakes winner was laid low with breathing issues. “He was one of the most promising young horses I’ve had for sure, and then he started to make a bit of noise,” Patterson said. “He got some growths in his upper airways, and we treated him for a long time, but they wouldn’t go away. “We ended up getting them cut out and it’s taken a year to get to where we are now. These things seem to pick on the better ones.” Read About It stepped out in an open 1000m heat at the Awapuni trials on Monday and finished an encouraging fourth under rider Kelly Myers. “He trialled up really nicely, it was a quiet trial because he hasn’t done a lot and Kelly was happy with him,” Patterson said. “He makes a noise in his breathing, but it’s not affecting him at the moment, so we’re leaving him alone. “He’ll have another trial and then we’ll find a race for him and see where he ends up. “If he has to have another operation, we’ll do that, but if it doesn’t affect him then we’ll put up with the noise he makes and push on.” Read About It was a debut second as a two-year-old before going one better in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) and claimed the Listed Wanganui Guineas (1200m) in his only subsequent appearance. “Obviously, he hasn’t been knocked around and he’s a very natural horse. He’s only a four-year-old, so he could hopefully race competitively for a few years yet, there’s still plenty of time,” Patterson said. Meanwhile, his Taranaki stable will have a quiet weekend with Freebelle (NZ) (Belardo) and Ma Te Wa (NZ) (Time Test) entered for Saturday’s Otaki meeting. “They’re both nominated for the same race, but only one will run,” Patterson said. “It will depend on the track, if it’s heavy then Freebelle will probably go and if it’s not too bad then Ma Te Wa will go.” Freebelle won for the third time from six appearances when the Belardo mare successfully resumed at Waverley. Time Test four-year-old Ma Te Wa posted his third victory from five starts when he accounted for Benefactor, fourth in last weekend’s Gr.3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m), at Trentham last month. “He’s a lovely horse with a high cruising speed and he’ll go through to stakes grade, maybe not this campaign but by the end of this season,” Patterson said. “We won’t knock him around as a four-year-old.” View the full article

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Mighty Commander will be among the key chances in the Class 3 Harbour View Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Picture: HKJC. Two of the early pace-setters in the 2025/26 trainers’ championship will send strong contingents to Happy Valley on Wednesday night, looking to open up a gap at the top of the standings. Caspar Fownes prepares six runners, hoping to improve on his seven wins so far this season at his favourite hunting ground. Mark Newnham has made an explosive start to his third campaign in Hong Kong racing, and he saddles seven runners. Three of Fownes’ six have already visited the winner’s arch this season, but none have escaped the attention of the handicapper for their efforts and find themselves in elevated company on Wednesday night. Mighty Commander (119lb), who will be ridden again by Ellis Wong in the first section of the Class 3 Harbour View Handicap (1200m), is one of Fownes’ leading chances after winning smartly over 1200m last time out despite mostly campaigning over 1650m. While Australian betting sites are yet to release odds for the Happy Valley meeting, these should drop on Tuesday at the latest. “He seems to be in good form – winning the 1200 (metres) first up in Class 4. Now he goes up to a higher grade,” Fownes said. “It’s always tougher in Class 3, but he’s proven to us that he can be close in Class 3, so there’s no reason why he can’t be competitive again at this distance.” Fownes, who has a remarkable 38% strike rate at the city course this term, also backs up Super Sicario (117lb), who was impressive in a wire-to-wire win at the Valley last month. Karis Teetan takes the ride on the four-year-old son of Tivaci in the first section of the Class 4 Man Cheung Handicap (1650m). “He’s a little bit gobby – he still doesn’t respect the bit too much,” Fownes said. “He’s another horse that got the job done in Class 5 and goes up to Class 4 with the light weight. “As long as he’s well-behaved and gives Karis a good ride, I’m sure he’ll be competitive.” Newnham’s hand is highlighted by Spicy Gold (132lb) in the second section of the Class 3 Harbour View Handicap (1200m), who returns to his preferred distance after disappointing in his first run this season over 1000m three weeks ago. “(1000m) was just a bit sharp for him, but he’s been very consistent at 1200m at Happy Valley, and he probably needed the race to bring his fitness up,” Newnham said. “He’s had a good preparation since that race.” Four-year-old Lunar Dash (131lb) was well-supported in his two outings last season despite failing to land for his backers. But he maintains the confidence of champion jockey Zac Purton in the second section of the Class 4 Li Yuen Handicap (1200m), and Newnham thinks the PPG will be in the mix. “He’s drawn well in (gate) five. He’s got early pace. We’ve been riding him just off the speed in his trials and he’s been finishing well. So if he can settle in the first four, I think he’ll be in the finish,” Newnham said. Monday’s (6 October) barrier trials at Sha Tin were highlighted by the reappearance of John Size’s exciting Four-Year-Old Classic Series prospect Sky Jewellery. Despite a leisurely gallop under Hugh Bowman, Size said the gelding is progressing nicely. “Nothing to see this morning – just giving him a jump out and letting him know he’s back at work,” Size said. “I think everything’s in order, but we’ve still got a long way to go. We’ll bring him along slowly and see what happens.” Wednesday’s nine-race card at Happy Valley gets underway at 6.35pm with the Class 5 Pedder Handicap (1800m). View the full article

On the Oct. 6 episode of BloodHorse Monday: Spendthrift's Ned Toffey and trainer Brendan Walsh highlight their opening weekend success at Keeneland. D. J. Stable's Jonathan Green talks their strategic reduction at the Keeneland November Sale.View the full article

While racing continues to see a decline in race days, races, and starts, the all-important third quarter economic indicators saw growth in purses and handle for those remaining race days.View the full article