A possible swansong in the $2 million The Kosciuszko is looming for accomplished country mare Chidiac, with co-trainer Georgie Cavanough encouraged by the six-year-old's condition as connections contemplate one final major target before retirement. Chidiac has become the standout performer for the Brett and Georgie Cavanough stable through an outstanding past 12 months, highlighted by victory in the Country Championships Final and the Gr3 Hawkesbury Crown after she had finished third in last year's Kosciuszko. The mare's preparation for another crack at the 1200m country feature stepped up with a strong Friday morning jump-out, which left Cavanough buoyant about her prospects should she secure one of the 14 available slots. "The Kosciuszko is the target then it saddens me to say the breeding barn is looking very near," Cavanough told Racing NSW, adding that Chidiac remained sound, healthy and fit as she attempts to improve on last year's placing. Chidiac was a $31 chance when third behind Clear Thinking in the 2025 edition but has been posted around $8 in early markets this year, reflecting the improvement she has made since. Her Country Championships Final success earlier this season demonstrated both her toughness and versatility, and victory in October would see her emulate Art Cadeau, who in 2021 completed the Country Championships-Kosciuszko double in the same calendar year. Cavanough said the mare had not required an extended break following her previous campaign and had instead been given enough time to freshen and rebuild condition. She also indicated Chidiac would likely head directly to The Kosciuszko without another race if selected, such is the confidence in her current fitness level. Selection remains the crucial first hurdle, with the Kosciuszko sweepstakes winners determining the 14 runners after the draw on September 9. Tickets for the promotion remain on sale until September 7, with each successful ticket-holder receiving a share of the prizemoney earned by their chosen horse. A number of late qualifying opportunities remain for horses seeking to push their case for selection, including the Black Mountain Quality at Canberra on September 18. For Chidiac, however, the task is less about advertising her credentials than securing the slot that would allow her to return to a race in which she already boasts proven form. With retirement increasingly close, another Kosciuszko appearance would offer an appropriate final stage for a mare whose progression from country racing into stakes company has made her one of the most accomplished regional performers in New South Wales.
Crisford Builds Powerful Dubai Team
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A high-class European group headed by Dubai World Cup placegetter Meydaan will join Ed Crisford's new private training operation in Dubai this winter as Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum strengthens his international racing team. According to racingpost.com, Crisford is preparing to begin training from an 80-box base at Jebel Ali by the end of October after accepting the role earlier this year, with several proven European performers scheduled to relocate to the UAE for the International Carnival. Meydaan is the headline recruit after finishing third in the Gr1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March, a performance that followed his emphatic victory in the Gr2 Al Maktoum Classic over 2000m on dirt the previous month. The Frankel gelding has now won four of 19 starts and earned more than AED6.9 million, while demonstrating adaptability across turf and dirt. He will be joined by the Roger Varian-trained pair Sallaal and Raammee, with Sallaal having most recently won the Gr3 Rose of Lancaster Stakes and Raammee arriving off a valuable handicap success at York's Ebor meeting. Another notable addition is Morshdi, a former Derby prospect trained by William Haggas who won the Listed Feilden Stakes at Newmarket earlier this season. Crisford said Sheikh Ahmed was assembling a strong group of international horses specifically for campaigns at Meydan and Jebel Ali, while thanking the owner for the opportunity to head the operation. The venture represents a significant step for the 35-year-old, who has accumulated extensive UAE experience while operating a Dubai satellite stable in partnership with his father Simon. Their 2025-26 season produced 17 winners and more than AED21.4 million in prizemoney, providing Crisford with a strong platform as he branches out independently. Meydaan will follow a slightly different timetable to some of his new stablemates, with the gelding expected to have one preparatory run in Britain during October before returning to Dubai for a campaign aimed squarely at another attempt on the Dubai World Cup. Some of Sheikh Ahmed's other European horses are expected to be given a short break before being shipped at the end of September. The longer-term structure of the operation is also set to include a small satellite stable in Newmarket next summer, broadening its capacity to move horses between Europe and the Middle East. With proven Group performers already committed and Meydaan possessing established form at Meydan's highest level, Crisford begins his new role with considerably more firepower than most newly established stables. The combination of European recruits and Jebel Ali's extensive training facilities should provide him with immediate opportunities across the UAE season, while Meydaan's return to Dubai gives the operation an obvious flagbearer for the country's richest race.
NZB Unveils 460-Lot Ready To Run Catalogue
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A 460-strong catalogue has been assembled for New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2026 Ready to Run Sale, which will be conducted at Karaka on November 18 and 19 following the traditional breeze-up sessions at Te Rapa Racecourse on October 12 and 13. The two-year-old sale has built an imposing international record in recent seasons, with its graduates responsible for 33 Gr1 victories and 115 stakes wins across the past five seasons, including 26 black-type successes during the most recent campaign. Among the headline graduates are Hong Kong Derby winner Invincible Ibis (Hellbent), alongside Gr1 performers Ceolwulf (Tavistock), Mr Brightside (Bullbars), Gringotts (Per Incanto), Lucky Sweynesse (Sweynesse), Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro), Antino (Redwood), Feroce (Super Seth), War Machine (Harry Angel) and Warmonger (War Decree). This year’s catalogue has been prepared by 36 New Zealand consignors and features progeny by 119 individual sires, making it the most diverse stallion representation yet assembled for the Ready to Run Sale. Established New Zealand influences Proisir, Savabeel, Per Incanto, Shamexpress, Super Seth, Wrote, Satono Aladdin, Ocean Park, Sweynesse and Sword Of State are joined by leading Australian and international names including The Autumn Sun, Street Boss, Hellbent, Written Tycoon, Toronado, Capitalist, So You Think, Russian Revolution, Frankel, Too Darn Hot and Home Affairs, together with numerous emerging and first-season stallions. NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook said the sustained racetrack performance of graduates remained the sale’s strongest advertisement, pointing to both the number of Gr1 winners produced and the breadth of their success from sprinting races through to Classics. “The results year in and year out show the phenomenal quality of horse that is brought to this Sale and educated to an incredible standard by our preparers,” Seabrook said. The breeze-ups will be conducted over two consecutive days on the Te Rapa turf before selling commences from 11am NZT on both November 18 and 19 at the Karaka Sales Centre. Twenty-three youngsters catalogued for the sale are eligible for the Karaka Millions Series, while every horse purchased through the auction will be eligible to compete in the $4.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), New Zealand’s slot race for three-year-olds. Prospective buyers unable to attend Karaka will also have access to online bidding, with pedigrees, parade footage, photographs, breeze-up videos and subsequent updates available through NZB’s digital catalogue.
Promising Boy Crush Set for Placid Ark
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A successful return at Belmont has encouraged trainer Luke Fernie to aim promising three-year-old Boy Crush at the $500,000 Listed Placid Ark Stakes at Ascot on November 14 after the Manhattan Rain colt resumed with an authoritative performance over 1000m. Racing for Greenfields Lodge owner-breeder Tony Patrizi and Andrew Inglis, Boy Crush settled behind the in-form Dawn Dancer before eventually wearing down the leader in the Afgri Equipment Plate, despite still showing signs of immaturity through the straight. According to tbwa.net.au, Dawn Dancer had entered the race chasing a fourth consecutive victory, but once apprentice Holly Nottle shifted Boy Crush into clear running he produced enough late to secure the win and reinforce the opinion Fernie has held since the colt's juvenile season. "He's well-above average and looks a quality colt," Fernie said after the race, adding that defeating a horse of Dawn Dancer's consistency made the first-up result particularly encouraging. Boy Crush had announced himself by winning an $80,000 Magic Millions Plate over 1100m at Ascot on debut in January, defeating They'reallsisters, before that filly reversed the result when they met again a fortnight later. Both subsequently stepped into black-type company, where Boy Crush finished a creditable race in the Listed Perth Stakes before failing to reproduce that performance in the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate. Fernie believes physical development during the break has helped the colt progress beyond his two-year-old preparation and confirmed the Placid Ark Stakes over 1200m as his principal target. Nottle said the strong early speed at Belmont had allowed her to settle behind Dawn Dancer and conserve energy, while acknowledging Boy Crush remained green when asked for his effort. Once focused, however, he finished strongly enough to suggest further improvement remains. His pedigree also provides considerable encouragement. Boy Crush is by Manhattan Rain from the All Too Hard mare Crushed and is a full-brother to Man Crush, who has earned $944,000 and won both the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy and Listed Miss Andretti Stakes for a syndicate managed by Luke Fernie's father Peter. The family traces through NZ Gr1 winner Juice, purchased by Patrizi for $350,000 at the 2014 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale while carrying Crushed. That investment is now yielding another promising runner, and Boy Crush's first-up performance suggests he may yet add further black-type to the family record.
Spicy Martini Claims Queensland Crown
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
A remarkable rise from bargain-priced yearling to the highest echelon of Queensland racing has earned Stradbroke Handicap heroine Spicy Martini the title of Queensland Horse of the Year for the 2025-26 season, reports racenet.com.au. Trained on the Gold Coast by Toby Edmonds, the daughter of Justify defeated fellow finalists Rothfire, Transatlantic and Yellow Brick for the major honour at Sunday night’s Queensland Thoroughbred Awards, while also collecting the 4YO and Older Horse of the Year title. Bought for only $8000 through Inglis Digital as a yearling, Spicy Martini has transformed that modest investment into almost $2.7 million in earnings from just 12 starts, winning six races and establishing herself among the country’s leading sprinting mares. Her defining performance came in June’s $3 million Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap over 1400m at Eagle Farm, where Taylor Marshall secured his first victory at racing’s highest level when guiding the mare to a 1.1-length success over Sepals, with Von Hauke completing the placings. Carrying 51.5kg on a Heavy 9 surface, Spicy Martini enjoyed an economical run before producing her acceleration from the 300m, giving Edmonds his second Stradbroke success following Tyzone in 2020. The achievement was particularly significant for Marshall, whose late father John won the 1999 Melbourne Cup aboard Rogan Josh, and his Stradbroke ride was recognised with the Darby McCarthy Performance of the Year award. Spicy Martini had already advertised her winter credentials by finishing runner-up to Rothfire in the Gr1 Doomben 10,000, while her earlier record included the Gr3 Fred Best Classic and Listed victories in the Ascot Handicap, Mick Dittman Plate and Mode Stakes. Rothfire was also honoured on the night, receiving the QTIS Horse of the Year title after his extraordinary $61 Doomben 10,000 victory. Tony Gollan continued his domination of the Queensland training ranks by receiving the Jim Atkins Trainer of the Year award for a 13th successive season after preparing 213 statewide winners, including 147 metropolitan victories. His promising filly Pembrey was named 2YO Horse of the Year following her Gr3 Magic Night Stakes success and subsequent Gr2 Silver Shadow Stakes victory, while Kelly Schweida’s Grafterburners collected the 3YO award after stringing together four consecutive wins culminating in the $3 million Magic Millions Sunlight 3YO Plate. Ben Thompson was crowned George Moore Jockey of the Year and Jace McMurray received the Ken Russell Apprentice title, while Planet Ruler, Jim Byrne, Basil Nolan and Jack Booth were inducted into the Queensland Hall of Fame.
Cosmic Crusader Options for Peters and Leek
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
According to racing.com, a decision between two major September assignments will shape Cosmic Crusader’s next step towards the Cox Plate after the Gr1 winner produced an eye-catching performance from an uncompromising position in Saturday’s Gr1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield. Breeder-owner Bob Peters is considering either the Gr1 Makybe Diva Stakes over 1600m at Flemington on September 12 or the Gr1 Underwood Stakes over 1800m at Caulfield seven days later, with the six-year-old having emerged from his Memsie campaign opener in encouraging order. Now prepared by Andrea Leek, Cosmic Crusader finished third behind Beiwacht and Mr Brightside after conceding the winner a substantial start before making steady ground through the straight, eventually crossing the line 3.35 lengths from Beiwacht. Drawn barrier 11 of 12, William Pike elected to take the Maurice gelding back to last rather than become trapped wide, but his task became more difficult when he was inconvenienced by Angel Capital near the 600m. Beiwacht was already establishing a decisive break as the field straightened, leaving Cosmic Crusader with too much territory to recover, although the strength of his work to the line reinforced the view that longer distances will be increasingly suitable as his preparation develops. Peters indicated no immediate preference between the two upcoming targets, saying he would assess the horse before deciding which pathway to follow. The alternatives present distinctly different tests. A Makybe Diva Stakes appearance would likely place Cosmic Crusader against highly regarded mare Sheza Alibi, who is currently prominent in early markets, while the Underwood would immediately extend him to the 1800m distance over which he recorded his breakthrough Gr1 success in the Northerly Stakes at Ascot last December. Markets currently have Cosmic Crusader around $8 for the Makybe Diva, where Sheza Alibi is a dominant $1.70 favourite, while he occupies the second line of betting at approximately $4.50 for the Underwood behind Aeliana at $3.50. The latter distance has obvious appeal given Cosmic Crusader’s established credentials at 1800m and the broader aim of preparing him for the Gr1 Cox Plate, which this year will be run over 2040m at Flemington on October 24. He is currently rated around a $15 chance for that race. Cosmic Crusader transferred to Leek following his Western Australian campaign under Michael Grantham, for whom he won the Northerly Stakes, and Saturday’s performance suggested his interstate move has done nothing to diminish his capacity at weight-for-age level. Rather than the bare third placing, it was the circumstances of the Memsie that provided encouragement: a wide draw, a rearward settling position, interference before the turn and a winner who was already beyond reach entering the straight. With additional distance now looming, Peters has the luxury of choosing between two suitable Gr1 stepping stones as Cosmic Crusader continues towards his principal spring objective.
The are several options for Cosmic Crusader (pic: Mark Gatt)
Northern Qld Carnival Receives Major Boost
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Almost $3.5 million in prizemoney will be offered across the 2027 Northern Queensland Winter Racing Carnival following a significant funding increase designed to strengthen one of the state's major regional racing showcases. The four principal Cups staged at Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns will each rise to $200,000, representing an increase of $50,000 per race, while the corresponding Guineas events at the four centres will each climb from $75,000 to $100,000. The Mackay Newmarket will also increase to $100,000, bringing its purse into line with the other feature sprint races conducted during the northern circuit. Racing Queensland says the changes are intended to strengthen participation across the two-month carnival and provide greater incentives for metropolitan and regional connections to campaign horses through Central and North Queensland. Acting Racing Queensland chief executive Lachlan Murray says the additional investment reflects the growing stature of the carnival and represents a vote of confidence in the clubs, participants and communities responsible for sustaining it. Beyond the direct benefit to owners, trainers and jockeys, Racing Queensland regards the circuit as an important contributor to regional economic activity, with race meetings generating visitor expenditure and bringing participants and supporters into Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns. The increased feature-race purses should also encourage horses to remain on the northern circuit for longer campaigns rather than targeting isolated meetings, potentially improving both field quality and depth across the carnival. Another element set to return in 2027 is the Great Northern Crowns bonus, introduced in 2026 to provide an additional incentive for connections campaigning horses through multiple stages of the carnival. Racing Queensland will review the inaugural edition of the bonus series in conjunction with clubs and sponsors before determining its final structure for next year. The complete 2027 carnival programme will be confirmed at a later date, but the prizemoney announcement gives participants considerable advance notice when planning campaigns for the following winter. With each of the four Cups now carrying $200,000 and the Guineas races moving into six-figure territory, the northern circuit will offer substantially greater rewards while reinforcing the importance of regional racing within Queensland's broader thoroughbred programme.
Internationals Tighten Melbourne Cup Squeeze
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
Competition for places in the 2026 Melbourne Cup could become the fiercest for several seasons as an unusually deep international contingent, spearheaded by Joseph O’Brien, threatens to raise the qualification threshold for Flemington’s 24-horse field. Nominations for the November 3 feature close on Tuesday, with Melbourne Cup and Caulfield Cup weights to be released on September 17, and Racing Victoria officials are already contemplating a scenario in which horses carrying around 52kg may struggle to secure a start, reports punters.com.au. The strength of the overseas challenge was evident when 32 international horses representing Britain, Ireland, France and Japan appeared among Caulfield Cup nominations, but O’Brien’s potential representation is particularly striking. The two-time Melbourne Cup-winning Irish trainer has around a dozen spring candidates and could conceivably saddle six or more runners in the Cup, an extraordinary concentration even in an era increasingly accustomed to strong European participation. O’Brien, successful with Rekindling in 2017 and Twilight Payment in 2020, has already qualified a powerful group led by last year’s Melbourne Cup runner-up Goodie Two Shoes, together with Sons And Lovers, Trustyourinstinct and the rapidly progressive Defiantly. The latter secured automatic entry when producing a dominant front-running performance in the Gr2 Prix Kergorlay (see below) over 3000m at Deauville, defeating Santorini Star by 5.5 lengths and becoming the first horse to earn a Melbourne Cup Golden Ticket through the historic French staying race. Australian-owned Epsom Derby placegetter James J Braddock is also expected among O’Brien’s travelling contingent, while Small Fry and Royal Ascot winner Kizlyar are other prospective visitors. Four O’Brien runners are scheduled to arrive on the first shipment to pursue Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup lead-ups, with Goodie Two Shoes, Sons And Lovers, Trustyourinstinct and Defiantly among those earmarked for the second shipment in mid-October. Starford and Omni Man remain possible Caulfield Cup runners, although Omni Man may need to improve his ranking and has the Geelong Cup and Moonee Valley Gold Cup available as alternative qualification routes. The potential squeeze represents a significant change from last year’s Cup, when Half Yours won carrying 53kg and runner-up Goodie Two Shoes had only 51.5kg, while three of the first five finishers carried less than 52kg. Racing Victoria head of racing Paul Bloodworth believes the qualifying level could return towards the pre-Covid era, when approximately 52.5kg to 53kg was often required to make the final field. That prospect makes the coming weeks particularly important for local stayers sitting near the lower reaches of the order of entry. With O’Brien’s squad supplemented by further European, Japanese and French contenders and several horses already holding ballot exemptions, performances in traditional qualifying races may again determine whether locally trained runners secure their place or are pushed outside the final 24 by one of the strongest international assaults assembled in recent years.
Racing Mourns Leading Trainer Bev Kelso
Tuesday, 1st September 2026
New Zealand racing has lost one of its most respected horsewomen following the death of Group 1-winning trainer Bev Kelso at the age of 80 after a period of illness. Together with husband Ken, Kelso formed one of the country’s most enduring and successful training partnerships, their deliberately small Matamata stable producing a remarkable procession of elite performers over almost five decades. NZ Racing Desk reveals Bev’s involvement with horses began well before racing, having been an accomplished showjumper who competed in both New Zealand and Australia, and it was through equestrian sport that she met Ken. She later began pre-training thoroughbreds and secured her trainer’s licence in 1977 after being encouraged to take charge of a horse that had struggled elsewhere, promptly training it to win at only its second start for her. Ken joined her in partnership the following year and the couple established themselves at Matamata, where their emphasis on horsemanship, close observation and a hands-on approach became hallmarks of an operation that rarely carried large numbers. That philosophy yielded an exceptional roll of honour headed by Gr1 winners Xanadu, Bounding, Love Dance, Perfect Fit, Envoy, Levante and Legarto, with the latter pair elevating the Kelsos to still greater prominence. Levante won four Gr1 races for Philip and Catherine Brown’s Ancroft Stud interests, while Legarto developed into a five-time Gr1 winner, memorably becoming the first New Zealand-trained winner of the Australian Guineas at Flemington in 2023 before closing her racing career this year with victories in the Gr1 Herbie Dyke Stakes and Gr1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes. She was subsequently sold to Yulong Investments for $2.8 million at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. Brown, who had known the Kelsos since his teenage years, described Bev as an outstanding horsewoman and said the couple operated as a complete team, with meticulous attention to detail underpinning their success. Even as illness increasingly restricted Bev’s physical involvement, she continued to advise Ken, while he would telephone her immediately after important victories she had watched from home. One of the final acknowledgements of their partnership came after Legarto was named Horse of the Year at the Matamata Racing Awards, when Brown ensured the trophy was taken to Bev in hospital. Bev Kelso’s funeral will be held at Matamata racecourse on September 14, fittingly bringing the racing community together at a venue synonymous with a lifetime devoted to horses.
