Wandering Eyes

Leading jumps stallion Saint des Saints (Fr) has been pensioned from stud duties, it was announced on Wednesday. A Grade 1-placed hurdler for Guillaume Macaire, Saint des Saints has divided his time between Haras d'Etreham and Haras de la Tuilerie since retiring to stud ahead of the 2003 breeding season. He produced the high-class staying chaser Quito De La Roque (Fr) from his very first crop, while he was represented by two top-level winners during the latest season in the shape of Fastorslow (Fr), successful in the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase and the Punchestown Gold Cup, and Protektorat (Fr), who won the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Altogether Saint des Saints has sired 17 Grade 1 winners over jumps. “We had noted the growing interest for the British and Irish for French sires and their progeny, and were on the lookout for a serious jumps prospect,” said Etreham's Franck Champion. “Saint des Saints, who was in training at the time with Monsieur Macaire for owners Jacques Détré and Nicolas de Lageneste, presented a very attractive profile. As a son of top jumps sire Cadoudal and out of a Group winner on the Flat, adding class and speed, his cross appeared ideal. That was over 20 years ago! Saint des Saints became a great sire and will always be an influential factor in pedigrees.” The post Saint Des Saints Retired from Stud Duties, Sire of Fastorslow and Protektorat appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Delta Blues (Jpn), who made history by becoming the first Japanese horse to win the Melbourne Cup, has died at the age of 24. Old Friends Japan, where the gelding had lived out his later years of retirement, announced on Wednesday that he had “died due to complications from laminitis”. The Northern Farm-bred son of Dance In The Dark (Jpn) was trained by Katsuhiko Sumii and landed his first major win in his home country in the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) of 2004. He was also third behind Zenno Rob Roy (Jpn) that year in the G1 Japan Cup. It was as a five-year-old that he left Japan for the first time and, in his first start in Australia, he was third in the G1 Caulfield Cup in what transpired to be the perfect prep for the 'race that stops a nation'. The 2006 Melbourne Cup proved to be a banner renewal for Japan, with Delta Blues being chased right to the wire by his stable-mate Pop Rock (Jpn), who finished second by a short-head. The pair had drawn more than four lengths clear of the remainder of the 23-strong field. Delta Blues remains the only Japanese-trained horse to have won Australia's great staying race, though Admire Rakti (Jpn) has subsequently landed the 2014 Caulfield Cup, and Lys Gracieux (Jpn) won the G1 Cox Plate of 2019. The post Japan’s Melbourne Cup Hero Delta Blues Dies at 24 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $20m Everest has been upgraded to Group 1 status in time for this year's running on October 19. The All Star Mile was also handed a Group 1 update after Racing Australia issued a press release stating the organisation was “pleased to announce the elevation of two major races to Group 1 status”. It continued, “Following the recent agreement and adoption of the Australian Black Type Guidelines by the Racing Australia Board, a review of races under those guidelines is being conducted. “As a priority, The Everest and The All Star Mile, have been determined to have achieved the criteria and will be recognised as a Group 1. “The All Star Mile and The Everest race upgrades have been ratified internationally. Whilst these upgrades will take immediate effect, further analysis and review of all black type races is being undertaken with the expectation that further announcements will be made in the near future.” The Everest, one of the richest races in the world, was first won by Redzel in 2017 and has since captured the imagination of racing fans and enthusiasts Down Under. The post Racing Australia Elevates The Everest And All Star Mile To Group 1 Status appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With around five weeks to go, time is running out for those trying to qualify for the brand new $1m Golden Gait series at Alexandra Park on December 20. Ten races will be held on the night, five pacing and five trotting, each worth $100,000. In both gaits, there will be one 2YO and 3YO race as well as three ratings races for the 4YO and older horses. To be eligible horses must have raced at least six times at the Park during the qualifying period (January 1 – December 6) except for two-year-olds who must have a minimum four starts. There will be 12 horses in each race, and they will be selected on how many Golden Gait points they have accrued during the year. The latest points table has just been released. In the 4YO pacers 28 have qualified so far, headed by Artisan (32 points), Nelsons Boy (31), Seaclusion (28), and Clouding Over and Merlin (25). Merlin’s in-form stablemate Duchess Megxit is at the top of the 3YO pacers’ leaderboard with 38 points from Twista (31), Jeremiah (29), Obadiah Dragon (28) and Cold Chisel (25). There are 31 horses qualified there and 18 2YO pacers, spearheaded by Sugar Ray Lincoln (25), Youraretheonethatiwant (23) and Lincoln Lou (22). Of the 30 that have qualified so far in the 4YO Trotters, Jasinova is on top with 31 points, ahead of All Cashed Up (28), and Kiss And Run (27). Just four 3YO and two 2YO Trotters have qualified so far. Leading those two divisions are the Group 1 winning Inasinglemoment and Meant To Be. Including this Friday, there will be eight more meetings at Alexandra Park in the qualification period. They are Oct 11, 18 and 25, November 1, 8, 22 and 29 and December 6. To see the latest points table click here View the full article

An influx of two and three-year-olds has prompted a re-jig of races at both Addington Raceway on Friday and Oamaru on Sunday. “We had a total of 72 two-year-old pacers and trotters nominated in the South Island this week,” says Harness Racing New Zealand’s new Head of Racing and Wagering Matt Peden, “demand has essentially exceeded supply.” “But it’s a great problem to have.” To accommodate the numbers three new races have programmed across the two meetings. At Addington on Friday there were always going to be three Listed NZ Standardbred Harness Million races for the two-year-olds ($75,000 Trot, $150,000 Fillies Pace, and the $200,000 Colts and Geldings Pace) as well as the $100,000 Group 1 Canprint Flying Stakes Mobile Pace for the three-year-olds. Now an extra race, the NZB Standardbred 2YO Colts and Geldings Mobile Pace (4.56pm) has been added, as has Race 2, the Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue Trust 3YO Mobile Pace for R47-R54 (5.19pm). Further south at Oamaru on Sunday it was originally intended to have just one two-year-old race. But because of the volume of youngsters nominated there will now be two races, one of each sex – Race 5, the Denice Swain Memorial Fillies Mobile Pace (1.48pm) and Race 6, the Republican Party Road to the NZ Cup Mobile Pace (2.13pm). The winners of both races will be eligible for the Entain two-year-old bonus. “We always expect great numbers and quality this time of the year but we have been genuinely surprised and delighted to see the depth and calibre of fields that are coming together,” says Peden. “Judging by Addington and Oamaru things are looking very promising as we look ahead to New Zealand Cup week and beyond.” To see the Addington fields click here To see the Oamaru fields click here View the full article

Milestones for both Ray Green and Maurice McKendry, two good three-year-olds on the move, and a dog naming competition all feature in this week’s News Briefs. Double whammy in win Sugar Ray Lincoln produced two milestones with his win at Alexandra Park last Friday. The victory gave Ray Green 500 training successes and was driving win number 3400 for Maurice McKendry. Maurie Mac, as he’s known, has had a quieter than usual year with just eight wins in 2024. He is the country’s second most successful driver ever, 285 wins behind Tony Herlihy (3685). Ricky May is third on 3133. This year six-time champion Blair Orange leads the drivers’ premiership on 122, 24 clear of John Dunn, while the Dunns are racing away with the trainers’ premiership on 145, 29 ahead of Steve and Amanda Telfer and Sam Thornley (47) is nine clear of Carter Dalgety in the junior drivers. To see more on Ray Green’s milestone click here Dex tops $12m in stakes Dexter Dunn has extended his lead as the highest-earner driver in North America. The 10-time Kiwi champion has now earned in excess of $12.2m in stakes to be clear leader of Yannick Gingras ($11.8m). Dunn has had 261 wins in 2024 including four at Kentucky’s famous Red Mile over the weekend. Among his winners was Mirage Hanover who won the Tattersalls Pace in 1:46.6. Dunn is on course to be named US Driver of the year for the fifth time. Cullen adds to his firepower Hayden Cullen’s West Melton stables have been bolstered by the arrival of two gun three-year-olds. Both Harrison John and Hadron Collider have been transferred from the country’s leading trainer Robert and Jenna Dunn’s barn at Woodend. Harrison John has won five from 14, his latest win coming at Addington on September 27. On that occasion Harrison John beat Cullen’s top three-year-old We Walk By Faith who was third, with Hadron Collider fourth. Cullen is building a quality team and has 15 wins in 2024 including two quinellas from his only four runners at Addington last month with Winelight and General Jen and Justcallmemiki and Wish Me Luck. Volstead three-year-olds keep winning How’s this for two winning streaks by sire of the moment Volstead? The two three-year-olds starred at Melton on Saturday night with the New Zealand-bound Keayang Zahra making it eight wins from eight starts and Derek the Jet making it nine from nine. Keayang Zahara won the $50,000 Aldebaran Park Need for Speed Princess Final and will now head across the Tasman to be in the $500,000 THE ASCENT as part of the Show Day twilight meeting at Addington on Friday, November 15. Derek The Jet’s earnings exceeded $200,000 with his ninth win in a row. His dam Cyclone Jeter was an eight race winner for New Zealand owner Aaron Lowe. Under his moniker The Pukekohe Punter he is set to start his own horse Cyclone Zion W in THE ASCENT against Keayang Zahara. Cambridge to mark Rural Women’s day Cambridge Raceway will celebrate International Rural Women’s Day on Tuesday, October 15. Tickets for the function, including a food and wine package, cost $75 with $5 per ticket going to the Rural Support Trust. Doors open at 4.00pm, with the eight race programme expected to get underway half an hour later. For more information click here Open day at Matty’s The Matthew Williamson racing stables are holding their first ever open day at Oamaru Racecourse this Saturday. The objective is for the stable’s owners to get a close up look at the operation as well as meet staff and celebrate some of the successes so far this year. So far Williamson has trained 33 winners, well in excess of his previous season’s best of 18 in 2023. He has 80 career wins since starting out in 2020. He has also driven 1208 winners since his win with Springfield Tiz as a junior driver at Invercargill in 2008. Phelia Pockets winning name Maxine Mathews has won the Blue September “name a greyhound” competition. For $10 people could submit a race name for a dog that Dan Roberts will train. The prize is 10% of its lifetime earnings when it gets first, second or third. The dog (Ophelia Allen – Good Odds Harada) is seven months old. The winning name submitted by Maxine Mathews was Phelia Pockets. It’s the second time the raffle has been held. All proceeds from the competition went to the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation, with HRNZ raising just over $40,000 for the cause this year. Gavelhouse auction closes tonight A week or so after being sold, Imperial Command will do his future racing in Australia. The three-year-old raced 48 times for owner-breeder-trainer-driver Alan Clark in this country for two wins at Addington and seven placings and stakes of nearly $34K. He was sold on gavelhouse for $21,000. The latest gavelhouse auction is on now with nine horses up for sale including Its Electrifying. The Captaintreacherous two-year-old has won one from five starts for Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan. At last look he had reached his reserve and was at $20,000. To see the catalogue click here View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk By his own admission Jason Teaz isn’t one to get too nostalgic or sentimental. But at Cambridge last night he trained his 100th winner, acknowledging it was a “pretty big achievement” and one worth celebrating. He brought up the milestone with Always B Charlie, who led all the way in the Christmas At The Raceway Tickets On Sale Now Mobile Pace for driver Peter Ferguson, before clearing out to win by three lengths. “There was a time when I thought I wouldn’t even get to 20 let alone 100,” Teaz told Track Chat’s Jo Ferguson post race. It was Teaz’s 29th win on his own account to go with the 71 he had in partnership with Megan Teaz, with his first winner being Blake’s Red Sox at Manawatu in November 2022. As well as being a trainer, Teaz is also well known within the racing community for the years he spent commentating races on Trackside. Brookies Jaffa has been his most successful horse by far, with 13 wins in 117 starts. “He’s been a great horse for us,” says Teaz, “he put us on the map.” Brookies Jaffa is part-owned by Tony Armstrong, who’s been a big supporter of the stable over the years, as has Bill Hickey, the breeder and owner of last night’s winner Always B Charlie. “I’d like to thank every owner who’s had a horse with me,” says Teaz, “and also the drivers that have helped me along the way.” Always B Charlie started out with Mike Berger and had three starts for him in 2022 before a series of setbacks. “He had a bowed tendon, a blown suspensory and a broken pastern,” says Teaz, “so they are three major injuries.” But Teaz decided to take the punt on the son of Always B Miki and he had his first start for him at Cambridge on September 24, finishing fifth. “It was 820 days between the races.” And then last night that perseverance got its reward for both horse and trainer. “It’s a pretty big achievement, I’m not normally one to acknowledge those sorts of things but I certainly will on this occasion.” View the full article

Check out this week’s The Box Seat with Matt Cross and Greg O’Connor. View the full article

Bloodstock agent Tom Malone has called on the industry to support the Keagan Kirkby Race Day at Wincanton on Sunday, October 27. The former National Hunt jockey is set to ride in the charity race that takes place on the card and has already raised £10,000 for Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys Fund. Kirkby, who worked for trainer Paul Nicholls, died following a fall at Charing point-to-point in February. He was just 25 years old. Speaking about the upcoming charity event, Malone said, “This all started when I was asked to sponsor a charity event at Wincanton on October 27. I was asked if I would take a table as well. It was also suggested that I should ride in a charity race so I started looking into what it was for. “Keagan Kirkby sadly lost his life in a point-to-point last year. He worked for Paul Nicholls and was a massive part of the team at Ditcheat. He was a young man with his life ahead of him and was sadly taken too soon.” He added, “The charity race is being run for racing welfare and the Injured Jockeys Fund. The love, care and attention, and how they look after these families when they go through bereavement, is second to none. I have to get behind this. “We have already raised over £10,000 and I want to try and raise as much as I can. Goffs and Tattersalls have kindly pledged to sponsor me and a lot of other people have kindly come forward to sponsor but, what I would say is, every donation helps.” More information on the Keagan Kirkby Race Day at Wincanton can be found here – https://racingwelfare.enthuse.com/pf/tom-malone. The post Malone Calls On Industry To Support Charity Race In Memory Of Keagan Kirkby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2024 All-Star Mile winner, Pride Of Jenni. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Racing Australia confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the All-Star Mile (1600m) will ascend to Group 1 status in 2025. The announcement also included The Everest (1200m), which gained its own Group 1 designation ahead of next Saturday’s running. “Following the recent agreement and adoption of the Australian Black Type Guidelines by the Racing Australia Board, a review of races under those guidelines is being conducted. As a priority, the following races have been determined to have achieved the criteria and will be recognised as a Group 1: The Everest (and) The All-Star Mile,” stated a Racing Australia media release. “The All Star Mile and The Everest race upgrades have been ratified internationally. “Whilst these upgrades will take immediate effect, further analysis and review of all black type races is being undertaken with the expectation that further announcements will be made in the near future.” Responding to the news, Racing Victoria issued a statement: “We note and welcome Racing Australia’s announcement that The All-Star Mile has been upgraded to Group 1 status, a decision ratified by the Asian Racing Federation. “The All-Star Mile has surpassed the Group 1 rating benchmark of 115 in each of its six editions and thus is worthy of carrying this elite status. “This year’s All-Star Mile winner Pride Of Jenni was crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year last night and superstars in Mr Brightside and Zaaki preceded her on the honour roll. “With The All-Star Mile finding a new home at Flemington on Super Saturday 2025 (March 8), the race is now firmly entrenched as Victoria’s premier mile race of the autumn and a key feature on the Australian racing calendar.” Horse racing news
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What Mornington Races Where Mornington Racecourse – 320 Racecourse Rd, Mornington VIC 3931 When Thursday, October 10, 2024 First Race 1:30pm AEDT Visit Dabble An action-packed eight-race meeting is scheduled at Mornington Racecourse on Thursday afternoon on a track rated a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances. Clear skies are forecast in the leadup, meaning we should be racing on an improving surface throughout, with the rail coming out 3m the entire circuit. The opening race is set to jump at 1:30pm AEDT. Best Bet at Mornington: Ranveer Ranveer has had plenty of injury issues throughout his career, but one thing he has always done is put in a strong performance when first-up from a spell. The six-year-old gelding boasts a record of one win and three seconds from five fresh runs. At his best, he finished a length of subsequent Group 1-placegetter General Beau, which shows just how much potential this son of Winning Rupert has. Look for Lauren Burke to hold the rail from barrier three just behind the leaders, and when the gap appears on the home turn, Ranveer should have no issue in accounting for his rivals with even luck. Best Bet Race 5 – #1 Ranveer (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Matt Laurie | J: Lauren Burke (a3) (63.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Mornington: Cora Lynn Horse racing bookmakers went up $7 for Cora Lynn after having excuses as a drifting favourite at Geelong last time out. The three-year-old filly knuckled at the start and lost valuable ground when defeated by 2.3 lengths to Catoggio who would be a long odds-on chance if that runner lined up here. If Ethan Brown can get her out of the gates in a more efficient manner this time around, Cora Lynn can stalk the speed and when asked for the ultimate effort, run down her rivals. Next Best Race 2 – #3 Cora Lynn (4) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ethan Brown (57kg) Bet with Playup Next Best Again at Mornington: Zousinger Zousinger was only run down inside the final 100m at Tatura after hitting the lead at the top of the straight, but gets her chance to go one better by stepping back to the 1000m. The Zousain filly retains the services of Lauren Burke, who claims 3kg, and with just 52kg on her back, it looks likely that the pair will look to run their rivals off their feet. If the pair can find the rail from barrier six, Zousinger will prove too hard to run down. Next Best Again Race 4 – #12 Zousinger (6) 3yo Filly | T: Shane Nichols | J: Lauren Burke (a3) (55kg) Bet with Picklebet Thursday quaddie tips for Mornington Mornington quadrella selections Thursday, October 10, 2024 1-4 1-2-3-6-7 5-6-7-9 3-6-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Superstar galloper Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) will face just seven rivals as he steps up to 2000m for the first time this campaign in the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained galloper drew barrier one and will be ridden by Craig Williams. Chris Waller’s Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) also brings star power to the race, while Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare also features. Kris Lees brings a dual-pronged attack to the $1 million race, with Kalapour and Adelaide River both accepting. View the full article

Evergreen galloper Green Luck will try to continue to belie his age when he heads to Te Rapa on Saturday to contest the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m). The 10-year-old son of Street Cry made the long journey north to the Waikato earlier this week from trainer Stephanie Faulkner’s Timaru base, and the southern horsewoman said he has settled in well. “He arrived at Pam Gerard’s (in Matamata) at lunchtime yesterday (Tuesday),” Faulkner said. “My husband, Pete, went with him. It is his first trip away with a horse, so it is an experience for him. He travelled like a charm – he has eaten up and drunk well. We are pleased with him at the moment.” It will be the second crack at the Livamol for the well-travelled Green Luck, who began his career in Australia before competing in Hong Kong, and eventually made his way to Canterbury. He came into the care of the late Paul Harris two years ago and was taken north to tackle all three legs of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival, running fifth in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m), seventh in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m) at Matamata, and fourth in the Livamol Classic. He secured stakes success for Faulkner earlier this year when winning the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) at Riccarton in April, and Faulkner is keen to add to that this weekend. Green Luck heads into the race in winning form after taking out the North Canterbury Cup (2000m) at Riccarton last month. While his previous three unplaced runs weren’t overly flattering results, Faulkner said they were better than they appeared, and she believes he will be peaking for his Group One target on Saturday. “I know some of his runs on paper don’t look good, but if you watch the races, he has actually gone really well,” Faulkner said. “He has carried huge weights. Last start he had 61kg and the second horse had 54kg. To win was a massive effort by the horse and he is still on the improve. “We are happy going into Saturday, he will be at his peak.” While they have had to travel a little further to Waikato after the meeting was transferred from Hastings as a result of track conditions, Faulkner isn’t overly perturbed by the further trip. “When you are travelling for almost 24 hours anyway, another four or five isn’t too much of an issue,” she said. “It’s a long trip for us anyway, it is just sad for Hastings that it is not there.” Te Rapa was rated a Heavy8 on Wednesday morning, with further rain forecast heading into the weekend, but Faulkner said her charge won’t be hindered by a wet track. “The track sounds like it is going to be a bit on the heavier side, but that won’t bother him,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if it is a Good4 or Heavy9 or 10, if he is right on the day her will go well.” Faulkner has secured the services of in-form northern hoop Sam Spratt for the Livamol, with Green Luck set to jump from barrier 11. “We are really chuffed to get Sam, she is the best barrier rider in New Zealand I believe,” Faulkner said. “He likes to race on the pace, which is what he will be doing.” Green Luck’s northern trip will be a hit-and-run mission, and Faulkner said she will look for further targets when he returns home. “We haven’t really looked forward after this. He is just one run at a time type of horse,” she said. “Soundness-wise, his legs are looking great. He will definitely come home after this and have a week or two off and we will have a look at something after that. “It is hard to place him in the South Island now with the handicaps. We will be looking at set weights and penalties races somewhere or weight-for-age, which suits him.” Closer to home on Saturday, Faulkner will have just the one runner at Ashburton, with Cheney set to tackle the Mike Pero Mortgages (1400m). “Unfortunately, she has got a wide draw (15),” Faulkner said. “She may be ridden a bit cold this time and see if we can get her home. She is a horse that will run over a bit more ground coming into the summer. She likes the tight-turning tracks.” View the full article

New Zealand Horse of the Year Imperatriz had a near perfect season in Australia last term and was duly crowned Champion Sprinter at the Australian Horse of the Year Awards in Adelaide on Tuesday. Trained by Mark Walker, Imperatriz recorded each of her five Group One wins last season in the hands of Te Akau Racing’s stable rider Opie Bosson, who recorded his 98th Group One win when she retained her crown in the Gr.1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley in March. “It was a great honour to win Australian Sprinter of the Year and it was thoroughly deserved,” Walker said. “It was an unbelievable season of racing that she had in 2023/24 and everyone involved was so proud of her, which included those that worked with her at Te Akau Stud, the stables at Matamata and Cranbourne, and every part of the Te Akau training operation played its part in her success. “The ownership group were fantastic to deal with and she was a dream horse ever since Dave (Ellis, Te Akau Racing principal) bought her as a yearling at Magic Millions.” Ellis purchased Imperatriz out of Bhima Thoroughbreds’ 2020 Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft for $360,000 and she went on to win 19 of her 27 starts, including 10 Group Ones, and earned more than $7.5 million in prizemoney. Imperatriz was retired earlier this year, and in a full circle moment was offered at Magic Million’s Gold Coast National Broodmare sale where she was purchased by Yulong for A$6.6 million, becoming the highest priced filly or mare ever sold in the southern hemisphere. “Ben (Gleeson, Te Akau Racing Cranbourne assistant trainer) and I visited her last week at Yulong Stud, north of Melbourne, and we were amazed at the facilities there, simply world-class, and we got to give Imperatriz a pat and see what wonderful order she’s in after being served by Pierata (Pierro) the week before,” Walker said. “She’s on to the next stage of her career as a broodmare and mother and we look forward with great interest to seeing her progeny racing.” View the full article

Tony Pike will chase stakes features at both domestic venues on Saturday but will need withdrawals for a crack at the biggest prize on offer this weekend. The Cambridge trainer holds a strong hand at Te Rapa with Rudyard (NZ) (Charm Spirit) and Witz End (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Gr.3 Valley D’Vine Restaurant Spring Sprint (1400m) and Raziah in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton. However, their barnmate Val Di Zoldo (NZ) (War Decree) will require scratchings to get off the ballot for a run in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) and Pike is confident she will give a good account of herself if she does sneak in. “She is one of the unluckiest mares going around and should have won the Travis Stakes (Gr.2, 2000m) last season,” Pike said. “Wiremu (Pinn) lost his iron that day and she got beaten a couple of half-heads and she probably should have won last Saturday.” The daughter of War Decree finished fifth at Tauranga where she was unable to secure a clear passage down the home straight. “She has been desperately unlucky and if she does get a run, it’s not a vintage Livamol field and she’d definitely be an each way chance the way she is going,” Pike said. Rudyard and Witz End are in fine order for the feature sprint and top candidates, provided they get underfoot conditions to suit. “Hopefully the track will improve for both of them, and if it is reasonable they are hard to split,” Pike said. “Rudyard is a better horse at Ellerslie, although he has won at Te Rapa but is probably not as good there. “Witz End is very talented but it’s his first crack at open company and it’s only his seventh race day start. “It’s a tough ask of him but he’s obviously heading the right way and will get to that level sooner rather than later.” Rudyard was a solid last-start third when resuming at Ellerslie last month while Witz End returned to action off a break at Hastings where he was a dominant winner after making the play out in front. Both horses hold nominations for the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) on the middle day of the New Zealand Cup meeting at Riccarton. “That’s definitely an option for them and we’ll see what happens on Saturday first,” Pike said. Meanwhile, Niagara filly Raziah (NZ) (Niagara) will take another step toward the southern carnival when she bids to remain unbeaten this preparation in the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) at Ashburton on Saturday after winning last month’s Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m). “She probably won’t have the gate speed to get herself handy at Ashburton, she’ll probably sit midfield and hopefully they go quickly and she’ll be strong late as she always is,” Pike said. “That should set her up nicely heading toward the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m).” Pike will decide after this weekend whether Raziah has another run before the Classic in the Gr.3 War Decree Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on October 26. View the full article

Iffraaj’s speedy daughter Short Shorts (NZ) (Iffraaj) acquitted herself well during her time in Australia and has returned home to further boost her future broodmare value. Bred and raced by Mark Fraser-Campin and brother Chris under their Chequers Stud banner, the six-year-old won six races up to 1400m during her time with Hawkesbury trainer Brad Widdup. She emphasised her quality when finishing runner-up on her then home track in the Gr.3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) and ran third in the Gr.3 Dark Jewel Classic (1300m) at Scone. “She obviously showed a fair bit of speed and did very well. She was a bit unlucky in both her Group placings,” said Fraser-Campin, who is now training Short Shorts. “Brad encouraged me to bring her home, he was patient with her and she’s 100 percent sound. “She doesn’t like wet tracks and the prizemoney here is so good and easier to get black type than in Sydney. We’re paddock training her Kiwi style and she’s thriving on it.” Short Shorts had showed ability early on when initially in work with Fraser-Campin and a unique set of circumstances resulted in her crossing the Tasman as an unraced three-year-old. “I had jumped her out and we were going into our second lockdown at Cambridge and the racing and trials were being put off and they were still racing in Sydney,” he said. “I rang Brad, who is a long-time friend, and said I’ve got this filly who I think goes well and it could be three months before I can trial her, so we put her on a plane.” After her successful Australian venture netted nearly $500,000 in earnings, Short Shorts was given her first outing at the Matamata trials on Tuesday and showed her customary pace to lead all the way over 1000m with rider Sam Spratt sitting quietly in the saddle. “I nearly didn’t trial her because of the heavy track, but the timing was good,” Fraser-Campin said. “It will be a month before she runs, and she has won first-up a few times, and she’s pulled up well.” Short Shorts is likely to kick off in the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m) at Te Rapa on November 9, with the Gr.2 Dunstan Feeds Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe a fortnight later. Longer term, the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie on January 25 is another attractive target for the mare. Short Shorts is a daughter of the late Green Perfume mare Jabot, a half-sister to the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) winner Zirna who left the Gr.3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) winner Crafty Irna. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – Alison Rd, 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Thursday, October 10, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Hawkesbury is the destination for NSW racing on Thursday afternoon, with an ultra-competitive eight-race program scheduled to get underway at 1:15pm local time. The rail moves out +2m between the 1100m to winning post, while the remainder is in the true throughout the course proper. With only light showers forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect a perfect day of racing with the track holding its Good 4 conditions throughout. Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Mellifluent Mellifluent returns after a 130-day spell and appears ready for a first-up assault after undergoing a gelding operation. The James Cummings-trained three-year-old caught the eye in a recent piece of work at this course on September 17, trucking in behind the in-form Bonita Queen while going through the line under his own steam. He still has plenty of upside as he takes on BM64 company, and with Zac Lloyd set to take the reins from stall three, expect Mellifluent to prove hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 8 – #4 Mellifluent (3) 3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Hawkesbury: Rolling Magic Rolling Magic made a mess of his rivals at Newcastle on September 20, cruising to victory by 1.8 lengths to break his maiden in stylish fashion. He steps up to the mile for the first time in this Class 1 contest, and from barrier two, should gain a similar economical run in transit. Zac Lloyd takes the reins this time around, and provided he can land into the one-one throughout the journey, Rolling Magic will be careering down the centre of the course to claim back-to-back wins. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Rolling Magic (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Richard & Will Freedman | J: Zac Lloyd (59kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Hawkesbury: Emery The Sara Ryan-trained Emery debuts on the back of two strong barrier trials and represents terrific each-way value with horse racing bookmakers. The filly by Almanzor hit the line full of running in a recent barrier trial at Canterbury on September 24, showing an impressive turn-of-foot to get within 2.7 lengths of Tartaglia. Barrier four allows Regan Bayliss to be positive in the early stages, and provided he can slot into a mid-field position with cover throughout, punters can expect Emery to give a bold showing on debut. Best Value Race 3 – #10 Emery (4) 3yo Filly | T: Sara Ryan | J: Regan Bayliss (55kg) Bet with Dabble Thursday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury Hawkesbury quadrella selections October 10, 2024 1-3 1-2-3-4-8-9-11 5-6-7-8 4-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Toorak Handicap favourite, Another Wil. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) The Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) is the last of three massive Group 1’s at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with a quality field of 13 set to line up in one of Victoria’s greatest handicaps. The Ciaron Maher-trained Another Wil has been the long-standing favourite with horse racing bookmakers both pre-and-post barrier draw, with the progressive five-year-old gelding installed as the $2.80 favourite after drawing barrier one. The son of Street Boss will be ridden by Michael Dee while Jamie Kah serves the remainder of her suspension before returning on Caulfield Cup/Everest Day. Trainer Tony Gollan will be hopeful a return to handicap conditions will favour Antino after contesting the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 27, with the Queensland-based gelding being respected on the second line of betting at $6.00. The Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) winner Orchestral ($9.00) returns to Australia after a luckless first-up performance at Ellerslie on September 21 and appears well-placed with 54kgs on her back. Desert Lightning will be searching for back-to-back wins after claiming victory in the Group 3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) on September 28, with the five-year-old gelding needing to carry top weight of 57kgs to victory with Luke Nolen in the saddle. Godolphin has a tough decision to make regarding Pericles dual-accepted for this event and the $2 million Hill Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill on the same day. Craig will be trying to turn the tables on Desert Lightning from the Sandown Stakes and is being respected at the $10.00, while the Grant & Alana Williams-trained Alsephina ($11.00) brings winning form into this, claiming the Group 2 Stocks Stakes (1514m) on September 27. Meanwhile, Osipenko ($14.00) will be the only runner representing the Chris Waller barn, with Damien Lane booked to take the reins from barrier three. The 2024 Toorak Handicap is the final race on the program at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with the mouthwatering clash set to get underway at 5:45pm local time. 2024 Toorak Handicap Final Field 1. Desert Lightning (11) T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman J: Luke Nolen W: 57kg F: 13×93 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: Isstoora +850 +160 2. Pericles (13) T: James Cummings J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg F: 313×2 Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Accessories (GB) +750 +150 3. Antino (8) T: Tony Gollan J: Blake Shinn W: 55.5kg F: 334×0 Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Redwood (GB) Dam: Mahamaya (NZ) +450 -113.64 4. Another Wil (1) T: Ciaron Maher J: Michael Dee W: 55kg F: 11×71 Age: 5YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Arohanui +190 -200 5. Light Infantry Man (5) T: Ciaron Maher J: John Allen W: 54.5kg F: 6x07x Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Fast Company (IRE) Dam: Lights On Me (GB) +7000 +1100 6. Orchestral (6) T: Robert James & Robert Wellwood J: Daniel Stackhouse W: 54kg F: 8×311 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Symphonic (NZ) +900 +163 7. Alsephina (10) T: Grant & Alana Williams J: Joe McNeil W: 53.5kg F: 13×62 Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Mare Sire: Star Turn Dam: Delta Gee +1000 +180 8. Bank Maur (4) T: Richard Laming J: Patrick Moloney W: 53.5kg F: 403×0 Age: 5YO Colour: Brown Sex: Horse Sire: Maurice (JPN) Dam: Banksia +7000 +1100 9. Craig (12) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: Craig Williams W: 53.5kg F: 21312 Age: 4YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Territories (IRE) Dam: Travel Writer (IRE) +900 +175 10. Jimmy The Bear (7) T: Patrick & Michelle Payne J: Billy Egan W: 53.5kg F: 46521 Age: 6YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Jimmy Creed (USA) Dam: Belvedere Road +4000 +675 11. Magnaspin (2) T: Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin J: Daniel Moor W: 53.5kg F: 3×561 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Magnus Dam: Luxaspin +6600 +1050 12. Osipenko (3) T: Chris Waller J: Damian Lane W: 53.5kg F: 49×69 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pierro Dam: Raskova (USA) +1300 +240 13. Wishlor Lass (9) T: Symon Wilde J: Declan Bates W: 53.5kg F: 2x56x Age: 6YO Colour: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Mshawish (USA) Dam: Lorna’s Lass +3000 +500 Horse racing news View the full article

Might And Power Stakes favourite, Mr Brightside. (Photo by George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos) The time-honoured Group 1 Might And Power Stakes (2000m) is one of three Group 1 events sharing top billing at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with a quality field of eight set to line up in the $1 million feature. Mr Brightside is the clear $1.50 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, and it’s easy to see why, after only being bested by Pride Of Jenni in the Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on September 27. The seven-time Group 1 winning son of Bullbars should get every chance to add to his extraordinary resume, with Craig Williams set to gain the gun-run throughout from barrier one. The Chris Waller-trained Atishu is on the one-week backup after a strong outing in last Saturday’s Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and finds herself on the second line of betting at $5.00. James McDonald heads south to take the reins and will have it all to do drawing widest in barrier eight. Coco Sun ($14.00) is rock-hard fit third-up into the campaign and should get a soft run in transit from barrier two with Blake Shinn in the saddle, while the Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained Deny Knowledge ($10.00) should provide some much-needed tempo in a race devoid of any natural early speed. The Kris Lees-trained pair of Kalapour ($34.00) and Adelaide River ($16.00) bring some differing form-lines from Sydney, both coming through the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on September 21. The 2024 Might And Power Stakes is the first leg of the Caulfield quaddie on Saturday afternoon and is scheduled to get underway at 3:50pm local time. 2024 Might And Power Stakes Final Field 1. Mr Brightside (1) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Craig Williams W: 59kg F: 212×3 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Bullbars Dam: Lilahjay (NZ) -200 -2000 2. Vow And Declare (5) T: Danny O’Brien J: Billy Egan W: 59kg F: 75×14 Age: 9YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Gelding Sire: Declaration Of War (USA) Dam: Geblitzt +2600 +320 3. Kalapour (4) T: Kris Lees J: Damian Lane W: 59kg F: 84×31 Age: 8YO Colour: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: War Command (USA) Dam: Kaladena (IRE) +3400 +425 4. Adelaide River (3) T: Kris Lees J: Ben Melham W: 59kg F: 04×09 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Horse Sire: Australia (GB) Dam: Could It Be Love (USA) +1900 +230 5. Atishu (8) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 57kg F: 669×2 Age: 7YO Colour: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Posy (NZ) +400 -250 6. Deny Knowledge (6) T: Anthony & Sam Freedman J: Mark Zahra W: 57kg F: 5×120 Age: 7YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Pride of Dubai Dam: The Paris Shrug (GB) +1000 +110 7. Jennilala (7) T: Ciaron Maher J: Declan Bates W: 57kg F: 74×26 Age: 5YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Shalaa (IRE) Dam: Rosarian +1800 +220 8. Coco Sun (2) T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy J: Blake Shinn W: 56kg F: 67×13 Age: 4YO Colour: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Miss Hufflepuff +1200 +130 Horse racing news View the full article

Punters’ attention turns to Melbourne on the weekend with all eyes on the James Cummings trained exciting colt Broadsiding as he heads south for a shot at the Caulfield Guineas 2024. The son of Too Darn Hot dominates betting on this year’s Group 1 $3 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) already a proven miler with two […] The post Broadsiding Heads Caulfield Guineas 2024 Field & Betting appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

TJ Smith Stakes winner Chain of Lightning has been retired. Photo: Racing NSW The Peter Moody and Catherine Coleman-trained Chain of Lightning, who stunned the racing world in this year’s Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes, has been officially retired from racing. The training duo informed Racing Victoria stewards on Tuesday that the striking grey mare would not race again following a poor start to the spring. The daughter of Fighting Sun has failed to fire in her last two starts, and will now be sent to the breeding barn at Yulong Stud. The six-year-old sprinter’s career highlight came earlier this year when she defied her $21 odds to secure an unforgettable win in the TJ Smith Stakes at Royal Randwick during The Championships. Previously raced by Stuart Ramsey, Chain Of Lightning fetched a hefty $2.5 million at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast in May. Her racing journey began in the country with trainer Stirling Osland before she transitioned to Victoria, finishing her career with a commendable record of eight wins and three placings from 25 starts. Chain of Lightning is from the same family of group 1 winners that includes Racing to Win and 2020 Everest winner Classique Legend, which means she has heavy value in the breeding barn and will fit many of the Yulong sires. Relive Chain of Lightning winning the TJ Smith View the full article

Lael Stables' grade 1 winner She Feels Pretty has been made the 5-2 morning-line favorite in a deep field of 10 3-year-old fillies assembled for the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (G1T) Oct. 12 at Keeneland.View the full article

The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's October Yearling Sale concluded with average and median in line with 2023 figures despite a frenzied rescheduling of the two-day auction as Hurricane Milton closed in on Central Florida Tuesday. Through two sessions, 289 yearlings sold for $5,779,100. The average of $19,997 was nearly identical to the 2023 figure of $19,928, while the median of $12,000 dipped slightly from last year's figure of $12,500. The buy-back rate was 38%. It was 34.2% a year ago. Two small Florida breeders, with some 13 mares between them, were represented by the top filly and colt at the October sale. A filly by Complexity, consigned by Thoroughstock on behalf of breeders Norman Dellheim and Katie Liebe, brought top price of $150,000 from Top Line Sales, while a son of Win Win Win, consigned by Kaizen Sales on behalf of Ashley Godwin's Rivermont Farm, was the second-highest priced offering when selling for $135,000 to No Money No Honey, agent. The pair were two of seven yearlings to bring six figures at the auction, matching the number from a year ago. Complexity Filly on Top for Dellheim, Liebe A filly by Complexity (hip 459) rewarded her Ocala-based breeders, Norman Dellheim and his wife Katie Liebe, when selling for a sale-topping $150,000 to the bid of Top Line Sales Tuesday in Ocala. The yearling is out of Silver Lantana (Badge of Silver), a half-sister to multiple graded winner Lantana Mob (Posse) and the dam of stakes-placed Six the Hard Way (Creative Cause). Dellheim and Liebe purchased the mare, in foal to Preservationist, from Airdrie Stud for $8,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. “She's the kind of mare we like, but we were really looking at the stallion she was in foal to,” Dellheim said of the purchase. “My wife just really loved Preservationist at the time. That's how it all got started.” While shopping at Airdrie, the couple found another stallion they liked in Complexity. “We bought the mare from Airdrie and when we went and looked at stallions there, we liked Complexity so much and we said, 'We are just going to take that mare we bought from them and breed back with them.' We love the stallion,” Dellheim. The move paid off when Complexity got off to a fast start with his first 2-year-olds on the track this year already including graded winners Mo Joy and Harlee Honey. The mare's Preservationist colt sold for $10,000 at last year's OBS October sale and, reoffered this year, sold for $75,000 at the OBS March sale. Of expectations for the mare's second foal Tuesday, Dellheim said, “We were expecting her to do good, but not as good as she did. We were hoping. Everybody liked her that came to see her. She's always been a little star for us.” Dellheim admitted he was worried by the changes to the sale's schedule due to the incoming storm. “We were a little worried going in because everything changed at the last minute, moving everything up a day,” he said. “And I was talking to some other people and some vets who were saying some of their clients did not come in. It was a little worrisome, but it worked out.” Silver Lantana, one of six mares in the couple's broodmare band, produced a filly by Independence Hall this year and was bred back to Verifying. Asked what it was like watching their yearling in the ring Tuesday, Dellheim said, “It was hard to tell because Katie was crying so hard.” He added with a laugh, “It's two hours later and she's still a little teary-eyed over there.” Liebe in the background explained, “She just left the barn, so I was crying now when she walked away.” A Win for Godwin Ashley Godwin checked a bucket-list item off her list Tuesday in Ocala when selling a son of Win Win Win (hip 385) for $135,000 to No Money No Honey, agent. “My lifetime goal was to sell a six-figure horse,” Godwin said. “I've never done it. Before this sale, my record was $55,000. So when it hit $100,000, I was about to cry.” Godwin moved her Rivermont Farm from Georgia to Central Florida in 2017. “My background was more horse showing,” Godwin explained. “I'd take Thoroughbreds off the track and did hunter/jumpers. We had a farm up in north Georgia. My dream was to come to Ocala. So we moved here in 2017. I didn't know much about the industry, as far as selling babies and stuff, but that's when we started.” Stakes-winning Prize Informant (Marciano) was among the mares she bought in her second year of operation, going to $9,500 to acquire the then 11-year-old mare in foal to Valiant Minister from the dispersal of longtime Florida breeders Jim and Sheila DiMare of JD Farms at the 2019 OBS January sale. “Mr. DiMare's wife Sheila had passed away and when we bought the mare, he told me over and over again she was his wife's favorite mare,” Godwin said. “So I have always promised I would take the best care of her.” Win Win Win is another stallion off to a fast start with his 2-year-olds on the track. So far, the Ocala Stud stallion has been represented by graded winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Nooni, who topped the OBS March sale at $1.8 million, and stakes winner Win N Your In. Of how she decided to breed her mare to Win Win Win, Godwin said, “We were going through a selection of stallions and we were talking one night about who would Sheila DiMare pick. I opened up my iPad–this is a true story–and I opened up my “Wire to Wire” and there was an ad for Win Win Win and it said 'Breed to Win.' So I said, 'Well she's sending us a message, let's breed to Win Win Win.' That's how we did. I know it sounds crazy, but you know how it is, you just roll the dice and hope for the best.” Of her seven years in the industry, Godwin admitted, “It's been a major learning process. But I have a great team of people. Richard Kent has been amazing. Dr. [Tanya] Thacker at Peterson Smith is my vet and she has just been fantastic getting these babies into the world and overseeing them as they grow. I think it takes a great team of people.” Rivermont Farm, based on 20 acres in Ocala, is home to a broodmare band of seven. “I try to breed five a year, because it's just me,” Godwin said. “I don't have a big staff–I don't have any staff–I had a helper this summer. We have seven mares and we have five weanlings who, God willing, will go to the sale next year.” Godwin sold all five yearlings she brought to the October sale, but she admitted to some anxious moments with the rescheduled auction. “It was nerve-wracking,” she said. “Yesterday, was a little scary because some horses were selling really cheap and we had a really nice filly that we thought would sell, but she RNA'd. We were able to sell her. The gross on all five of them was $247,000. And they are all Florida-breds with Florida dads, so I am just in shock. And I've got hay money for the winter.” The post Complexity Filly on Top as OBS October Sale Beats the Storm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Australian jockey Liam Riordan will cross the Tasman to ride at Ashburton on Saturday. Photo: Jay Town (Racing Photos) Liam Riordan will add to the growing list of Australian jockeys crossing the Tasman to ride in New Zealand when he heads to Ashburton on Saturday. The 27-year-old Victorian has formed an association with Te Akau Racing through their Cranbourne barn, and he has accepted the invitation of trainer Mark Walker to ride for the stable in New Zealand this weekend. “I have ridden for Te Akau a few times in Melbourne and I am good friends with Ben Gleeson (Cranbourne assistant trainer),” Riordan said. “I pondered with the idea that if the opportunity arose I would go over there (New Zealand) and ride a meeting. “I just happened to run into Mark at the beach and I was talking with him and he asked me to ride five for him this week (at Ashburton). “I have never ridden overseas and I am looking forward to it. I am flying in on Friday and I fly out on Sunday.” Riordan became good friends with Gleeson while he was assistant trainer to Danny O’Brien, who Riordan has enjoyed riding for over the last few seasons. “I am the stable rider for Danny O’Brien here in Melbourne and I have been doing that for the last couple of years, I rode 20 or so winners for him last season so it has been going well,” Riordan said. Riordan is set to partner Group Two performer Dream Of The Moon in the Group 3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) on Saturday, and the filly heads into the weekend in good form, having finished runner-up first-up in the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton last month. While Saturday’s meeting is currently a one-off for Riordan, he is hopeful of returning for New Zealand Cup Week next month. “I am hopeful of coming over a bit more often for Te Akau, maybe during the carnival,” he said. “I am able to ride light so that is probably a big asset as well. I will just see how Saturday goes, but hopefully it creates a few opportunities.” Former jockey Michael Coleman will be acting as Riordan’s riding agent while in New Zealand. “Reece (Trumper, Te Akau racing manager) put me onto Michael Coleman and he has been looking after my rides,” Riordan said. Horse racing news View the full article

Leading Australian jockey Luke Nolen and Kiwi-bred sprinting star I Wish I Win will return to Randwick for the A$20 million The Everest next week, looking to go one better than last year’s desperately unlucky 2nd placing in the world’s richest race on turf. Nolen has shared riding duties on the Waikato Stud-bred six-year-old through 2024 with James McDonald but has been on board for I Wish I Win’s two lead-up runs this spring for a 5th in the Moir Stakes and 3rd in the Manikato Stakes. I Wish I Win’s co-trainer and part-owner Peter Moody said Nolen has provided the son of Savabeel with the perfect preparation leading into next week’s flagship slot race. “Luke has ridden ‘Wish’ to absolute precision in his two starts in Melbourne,” Moody, who trains with Katherine Coleman, said. “After last year’s unlucky 2nd, Luke is as hungry as we are to get the job done in this year’s Everest.” After drawing the unsuitable barrier draw of one last year, I Wish I Win was held up for room until very late, sprinting hard into 2nd behind the winner, Think About It. I Wish I Win is running in the slot held by Trackside Media, the broadcasting arm of Entain Australia and New Zealand, who also operate the New Zealand TAB. For more information, contact: Matt Smith Senior Manager – Communications Entain Australia and New Zealand M: +64 27 228 5423 E: matt.smith@entaingroup.co.nz View the full article