Wednesday, 20th May 2026
All enquiries - Gary Knowles 0406 599 773
  • Waterhouse-Bott Youngster Sizzles at Farm

    Thursday, 21st May 2026
    With the promise of spring already beginning to surface in Sydney’s juvenile ranks, a striking Warwick Farm debut on Wednesday suggested Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott may have another serious contender waiting in the wings for the upcoming carnival. Carrying the colours of Emirates Park and arriving with a quiet reputation built through strong trial work, Our Emperor delivered on that early anticipation with an authoritative front-running display in the TAB 2YO Handicap (1100m), stamping himself as a colt with both professionalism and natural pace. The son of Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside had first caught the eye publicly during the official Sydney 2YO trials back in September last year, but it took patience before the A$280,000 Magic Millions purchase finally made it to race day. Any frustration over the delayed debut quickly evaporated once the gates opened, with Tim Clark immediately allowing the youngster to stride forward and take control. From there, the $3.40 favourite travelled with the confidence of a seasoned performer, dictating terms before kicking strongly in the straight to score by three lengths over Chris Waller-trained Idomi, while the Jason Coyle-prepared Exit Clause filled third. The manner of the victory clearly impressed Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, particularly given the colt’s composure under race conditions and his ability to respond when asked for an effort approaching the home turn. “A very talented colt and that didn't come as a surprise to see him win today,” Bott said afterwards, adding that the youngster had shown encouraging signs from the outset. “I think the best part of him is the attitude the horse has got, he's so professional. For Tim to ask him and give him the message (to go forward) early and then he was just as quick to come back underneath him. He was able to relax beautifully through the run, he rated himself perfectly and then Tim knew what was underneath him, asked him for an effort coming to the turn and he quickened up really well. A professional attitude from a horse having his first start, you can't ask for much more.” Although still early in his development, the dominant performance has already prompted discussions about where the colt might fit during the spring, with Bott acknowledging there are now several appealing pathways to consider. Distances, targets and long-term ambitions remain open for debate, but the stable appears in no rush to lock in a specific direction just yet. “We now need to weigh up a host of things,” Bott said. “What's the exact path, what's his target, what's the best way to get there, do we look to stretch over a bit further or keep him at the short explosive trips?” Whatever route is chosen, Wednesday’s victory suggested Our Emperor possesses the raw ability and temperament to ensure those future decisions become the sort of valuable problem every stable hopes to have.

    Stay Inside

    Our Emperor is by Stay Inside (pic: Steve Hart)
  • UK Biosecurity Implements Biosecurity Measures

    Thursday, 21st May 2026
    Concern is mounting across Britain's racing industry as equine influenza cases continue to rise, prompting renewed calls for heightened biosecurity measures and the cancellation of several hunter chase meetings in an effort to contain the outbreak. British Horseracing Authority chief executive James Given has urged trainers and participants to remain "hypervigilant'' after warning the current situation could deteriorate further without strict precautions. Britain's last major equine influenza crisis brought the sport to a standstill for six days in 2019, and officials are determined to avoid a repeat scenario as the latest spike begins to spread through different regions of the country, reports racing.com. The BHA this week announced additional protective measures around race meetings and training environments, including the cancellation of hunter chases from Wednesday onward to reduce the risk of horses from licensed and unlicensed yards mixing. The governing body's director of equine regulation, safety and welfare, David Sykes, said the reported cases likely represented only a fraction of the true number circulating nationally. "While no equine flu cases have been reported in a racing yard during the spring spike in the illness, 37 outbreaks have reported no thoroughbreds testing positive, compared to 17 countries in 2019," Sykes explained. "He said: "We're seeing unprecedented levels of equine influenza in the national herd. The reports are only going to be the tip of an iceberg." Since April 1, 66 confirmed cases have already been recorded, with authorities fearing additional outbreaks may emerge in coming weeks. "In the whole of 2025, there were four reported cases in the country. Since April 1, we've had 66 reported cases and there could well be two more," Sykes said. "I'm asking everyone to play their part here. If we play our part, we've got a chance of getting through this without having to stop racing." The economic implications of another widespread shutdown would be severe. The 2019 outbreak was estimated to have cost the sport approximately £4 million, leading the BHA to tighten racecourse protocols and stable management procedures in the years since. Those safeguards have again been strengthened this week, with racing officials particularly focused on limiting unnecessary horse movement and contact between differing populations. One of the most immediate casualties has been the cancellation of hunter chase fixtures at Stratford, beginning with Tuesday's meeting, which had been scheduled as the venue's final raceday before the end of the current season. Paul Gunter, chief executive of the Point-to-Point Authority, acknowledged the timing was especially disappointing for participants and local communities. "We're extremely disappointed to lose the remaining hunter chase dates for this season," Gunter said. "The Stratford hunter chase evening has a number of historic point-to-point races attached to it and we know how much it means to participants and supporters alike."
  • Warrior Primed to Share Elite Hong Kong Record

    Thursday, 21st May 2026
    A place in Hong Kong racing history beckons for Romantic Warrior this Sunday at Sha Tin, where the champion galloper will attempt to become only the third horse to complete the coveted Triple Crown in the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup over 2400m. Already successful in both the Stewards' Cup and Hong Kong Gold Cup earlier this season, Danny Shum's superstar now stands on the verge of joining River Verdon and Voyage Bubble as the only horses to complete the demanding treble, a feat that has long eluded many of the jurisdiction's greatest performers. In preparation for the staying test, Romantic Warrior pleased connections during a searching turf workout at Sha Tin on Monday morning, stretching out alongside fellow Champions & Chater Cup aspirant Romantic Thor under the watchful eye of leading rider Zac Purton. Working on rain-affected ground over 1200m, the Hong Kong International Sale graduate travelled strongly before edging clear of his stablemate late in a time of 1m17.3s, with sectional splits of 27.7, 26.2 and 23.4. Shum was satisfied with the hit-out and stressed the importance of keeping the seven-year-old relaxed ahead of his first attempt at the distance. "I think both horses worked good. They galloped on the turf, and it was just a normal gallop at a normal speed – not too fast, not too slow. It's just so they can enjoy themselves. Both riders were happy afterwards," Shum said. While Romantic Warrior has already proven himself one of the modern greats through a series of elite-level victories from 1400m to 2200m, Sunday's assignment presents a fresh challenge given he has raced beyond 2400m only once previously. Shum, however, believes the gelding's more settled racing style this preparation could help him conserve energy more effectively over the longer journey. "It'll be a challenge. Romantic Warrior has only raced over 2400 metres once before when he ran second, but that time he was quite keen. He's getting older now, so he's easier to control and, hopefully, he can handle the distance. He's amazing – he's such a talented animal." Romantic Warrior heads a field of nine acceptors for the feature staying contest, with Romantic Thor also among the entries after his strong workout. Several other key contenders completed important turf gallops on Monday, including Cap Ferrat and Winning Wing, while Numbers worked over 1200m under Derek Leung after his recent Group One assignment behind Romantic Warrior in the QEII Cup. Ka Ying Generation, Gentlemen Legacy and overseas challengers Deep Monster and Rousham Park also remain among the nominations for what shapes as one of the most intriguing editions of the Champions & Chater Cup in recent years.

    Romantic Warrior

    History beckons for Romantic Warrior (pic: hkjc.com)
  • Royal Ascot Needs to Reclaim Pulling Power

    Thursday, 21st May 2026
    Global prizemoney growth and the expansion of elite international carnivals have dramatically reshaped the appeal of overseas campaigns, according to bloodstock figure Nick Smith, who says Royal Ascot no longer holds the same singular pull it once did for owners and connections. Horses linked to Smith such as Ka Ying Rising, Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi all remain potential Royal Ascot candidates in an ideal world, but the increasingly lucrative opportunities available in jurisdictions like Saudi Arabia, Dubai and Hong Kong have complicated the decision-making process around travel. "Things have changed quite a lot – 25 years ago, the options for travel were much, much less," Smith said. "The spring programme internationally has developed exponentially, there are so many opportunities. As indeed at this time of year, with the opportunities there for connections in Saudi, as well as Dubai." Smith noted that while European racing still carries immense prestige, the globalisation of the sport and the rapid escalation of prizemoney elsewhere have altered the economic realities facing owners. "We've always managed to get horses from most major racing continents. The issue now is our prizemoney, while really competitive on a European scale, isn't really competitive on a global scale. "The King George at £2 million is pretty close, but it's getting tougher and tougher, and we're looking at ways to invest more and more into prize money to try and alleviate that." Among the horses associated with Smith, Ka Ying Rising appears the most obvious future Royal Ascot prospect, though he stressed any international campaign would likely depend on longer-term planning rather than immediate ambition. The world's leading sprinter could strengthen that possibility considerably should he claim another Everest later this year, further enhancing both his reputation and earnings profile. "We were well aware of the stated aim, from the very start, to win two Everests with Ka Ying Rising," Smith explained. "It was never a conversation with this year in mind, but absolutely next year, if you've won the best part of $40 million Australian dollars, on top of what he's already won in Hong Kong, they might be tempted to travel." Even so, Smith cautioned against assuming any plans were locked in, noting the abundance of attractive racing options now available around the globe. "But you can't be arrogant or presumptuous about these things, there are plenty of options for him." While Royal Ascot continues to hold enormous prestige within world racing, Smith believes modern campaigning decisions are increasingly influenced by economics, logistics and global opportunity rather than tradition alone.
  • Nothing Accidental About Qld Derby Bid

    Thursday, 21st May 2026
    A searching Queensland debut has done little to dent confidence around Accidental Bid, with connections remaining adamant the northern hemisphere-bred colt deserves his chance in next month's Gr1 Queensland Derby despite finishing sixth in last Saturday's Gr3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben. The Australian Bloodstock-owned galloper had previously created a strong impression in Victoria with consecutive victories at Pakenham before tackling the South Australian Derby earlier this month, where his hopes were effectively extinguished by interference in the straight. Connections elected to press on toward Brisbane rather than retreat, and while the result at Doomben was below market expectations after bookmakers installed him among the leading fancies, the performance itself was viewed more favourably inside the stable than the finishing position suggested. Drawn wide, Accidental Bid was forced to work early before racing exposed throughout, chasing the eventual winner on the speed before peaking on his run late under Jamie Lovett. Australian Bloodstock's director believes the effort contained enough merit to maintain confidence heading toward the 2400m feature. "I needed to see him do that in a better grade, so I'm probably a bit more bullish about him in the derby than I was going into that race," Lovett said on Tuesday. "We were a bit guarded going into that race a month between runs. He drew out and was facing the breeze the whole way and chasing the horse that ended up winning on the fence and I just thought he peaked on his run the last bit. "But through the line Johnny (Allen) had trouble pulling him up and he thinks he will love the 2400 metres of the derby. "Most horses don't stay the derby trip, but I am adamant on that, he will. He definitely deserves his chance. "We had to ride him like that (forward) because of the draw (14) but I'd love to see him draw soft in the derby and he can get some cover and then finish off." Lovett's confidence reflects a growing belief that Accidental Bid may be better suited under Derby conditions where tempo, stamina and race shape become increasingly important. The son of Sea The Stars has already shown an ability to sustain a long run and connections appear convinced a more economical passage could reveal another level. Australian Bloodstock will also be represented at Doomben this Saturday in the Gr1 Doomben Cup, where Vauban lines up against a quality field featuring Cups hero Half Yours and multiple Group 1 mare Pride Of Jenni.
  • Queensland Derby Single Choice May Be Best

    Thursday, 21st May 2026
    A strong staying profile and an unlucky run in Adelaide have convinced Matt Cumani to press ahead with a Queensland Derby campaign for Single Choice, with the progressive gelding heading north this week for Saturday's Group 1 feature at Eagle Farm. The son of Anders enters the 2400m classic off a credible fourth placing in the South Australian Derby, a performance Cumani believes could easily have finished much closer had circumstances unfolded differently in the home straight. Ridden quietly throughout by Sywnessee, Single Choice travelled strongly behind the speed before electing to shift wider in search of superior ground on the Soft 7 surface, only for the decisive runs to emerge closer to the rail. Cumani admitted afterwards the stable may have overthought conditions on the day. "We were unlucky, I think, on the day in Adelaide," Cumani said. "It was part of the plan to try and find better ground but, in hindsight, we probably didn't need to. "We had the perfect spot. Had we just held it, he probably would have gone very close to winning, I would say." Despite the defeat, the effort reinforced the stable's confidence that Single Choice possesses the stamina and racing pattern required to be highly competitive again stepping out to 2400m. Earlier in the preparation, the gelding had already advertised his staying credentials with an impressive victory in the Listed Galilee Series Final at Caulfield, a race that has often proven a reliable guide to the Queensland Derby pathway. Cumani has been particularly pleased with the way the lightly raced stayer has handled a lengthy campaign, especially considering the gelding has now raced consistently through the autumn and winter against increasingly stronger opposition. Purchased through the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale, Single Choice has already won four of his 11 starts and continues to develop physically with racing. "He's been up a while but he seems to handle it very well," Cumani said. "He's looking a little bit wintery, which puts a bit of a dampener on my view of them, but he's feeling really well." Cumani's stable has developed a strong reputation for producing progressive middle-distance and staying horses capable of thriving once distances increase, and Single Choice appears to fit that mould perfectly. His ability to settle comfortably, travel strongly within his races and sustain a long finishing effort shapes as an important asset heading into Eagle Farm's testing Derby conditions. While the South Australian Derby ultimately ended in frustration rather than victory, the performance appears to have strengthened rather than diminished confidence within the stable that Single Choice can make his presence felt at Group 1 level over the coming weeks.

  • Kiwi Track Managers Combine for Conference

    Thursday, 21st May 2026
    Behind every successful raceday in New Zealand sits a network of dedicated professionals tasked with maintaining the country’s racing surfaces to the highest possible standard, and that contribution came into sharp focus during this week’s 2026 New Zealand Racecourse Managers Association National Conference in Tauranga. Drawing racecourse specialists from throughout the country, the multi-day gathering centred on the ongoing pursuit of safe, consistent and high-performing racing and training surfaces across both the thoroughbred and harness codes. According to loveracing.nz, the conference programme combined technical education with practical demonstrations, covering areas such as turf research, race-day incident response, irrigation systems, machinery displays and track management techniques, while also incorporating visits to Tauranga and Cambridge racecourses. NZRMA chair Jason Fulford said the event highlighted not only the expertise within the industry but also the importance of the people responsible for maintaining the nation’s racing infrastructure behind the scenes. “Racecourse managers play a critical role in the success and safety of racing in New Zealand,” Fulford said. “Their work often happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to ensuring safe and consistent racing surfaces for horses and participants right around the country. “This conference is an important opportunity for industry professionals to share knowledge, discuss innovation and research, and continue lifting standards across our venues.” Alongside the educational component, the conference also recognised outstanding contributions to racecourse management through several annual industry awards. Ryan Thistoll of Riccarton Park received the PGG Wrightson Turf Emerging Racecourse Manager Award, while Ben Ropiha of New Plymouth Raceway claimed the NZRMA Rising Star Award. Long-serving Otaki Māori Racing Club figure Brent Wall was acknowledged with the NZRMA Contribution to Racing Award in recognition of his enduring service to the industry. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing head of tracks and infrastructure Tim Lambert said the honours reflected the depth of commitment across the sector and the often underappreciated work carried out by racecourse teams nationwide. “These awards recognise the people who consistently go above and beyond to support racing in New Zealand, whether through emerging talent, leadership, innovation or long-standing contribution to the industry,” Lambert said. The conference again reinforced the collaborative nature of racecourse management in New Zealand, with participants sharing ideas and experiences aimed at continually improving track performance and safety standards as the industry prepares for another busy racing season.
  • Magics Adds More Group Class to National Sale

    Thursday, 21st May 2026
    A pair of brilliant Group Two winners headline the latest supplementary lots for next week's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale at the Gold Coast. Marble Arch, an outstanding breeding prospect and winner of the Group 2 Blamey Stakes, will be joined by former Group 2 winning juvenile Kristilli, who heads to the auction after a spring date with Golden Slipper winner Stay Inside. The nine time winner and $827,000 earner Marble Arch has raced with incredible distinction with the Lindsay Park operation and she will be presented as an elite breeding prospect on their behalf by Coolmore Stud. In the Blamey Stakes Marble Arch (Lot 557) defeated a crack field led by Group 1 winners Attrition and Zardozi.Under Michael Dee the good-looking mare cleared away from her rivals in what was a truly dominant two length winning performance. As well as being a star galloper in her own right Marble Arch hails from the same family as multiple Group One winners including Atishu and Daffodil. Kristilli, a daughter of Hellbent, won the $1 million Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick as a two-year-old for the Archibald stable. In her impressive Sykes Stakes success she defeated subsequent Group 1 winners Kimochi and Lazzago. At three she was third in a Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes, ahead of topliner Stefi Magnetica. Kristilli was served for the first time last spring by the hot Newgate Farm sire Stay Inside and she is due to produce her first foal in August. Joining Marble Arch and Kristilli in what is shaping as a particularly strong supplementary catalogue are several additional black-type performers and impeccably bred prospects. These include Doerobnottoe (Lot 561), winner of the Group 3Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington and a stakes placegetter on five further occasions. Talisay (Lot 559), a stakes-winning daughter of champion sire Zoustar, is a half-sister to Blue Diamond heroine and outstanding producer Miracles Of Life, whose progeny include champion filly Maybe Diva. Another notable entry is the Zoustar–Yau Chin yearling filly (Lot 563), a half-sister to Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Written By and fellow stakes winners Chest Magic and Royal Insignia. Saturday’s stakes-winning race runner-up Debergerac is represented through his dam Group Three placegetter Written Swoosh (Lot 821), herself a daughter of Blue Diamond Prelude winner and proven producer I Am A Star. Also catalogued is another highly credentialled mare in Away Game, who was served last spring by Golden Slipper winner Farnan. Lot 822, meanwhile, is a half-sister to elite-level performers Group 1 winners Berkeley Square, Angel Capital and Senor Toba. She is in foal to Toronado carrying a late-quarter cover, while Australian and Hong Kong Group winner Senor Toba also appears deeper in the pedigree. Another supplementary highlight is a half-sister to multiple Group 1-winning mare Atishu (Lot 823), offered in foal to Too Darn Hot after being covered last spring. The supplementary catalogue released so far already boasts two stakes winners straight off the racetrack, with further additions expected in coming days.

  • All in the Family Triumph for Julian and Rawiller

    Thursday, 21st May 2026
    Patience, persistence and a deep understanding of horses combined to deliver an emotional breakthrough victory at Horsham on Tuesday, where Spike Almighty gave young trainer Sharni Julian an important career milestone and jockey Campbell Rawiller one of the toughest rides of his career. While the race itself may have been a modest Maiden Plate over 1400m, the significance of the result extended far beyond prizemoney or class level, with the $2,500 Inglis Online Sale purchase digging deep under a relentless Rawiller ride to score by three-quarters of a length. The victory marked the fourth success of Julian’s emerging training career and her first with Rawiller aboard, while also vindicating the patience shown with a horse who had spent more than 15 months away from racing before returning to the track earlier this year. Rawiller admitted after the race that he had left nothing in reserve in an effort to get the son of Nostradamus home in front. “I try hard every race, but that's the hardest I've ever tried,” Rawiller said. “I threw everything at him – just for Sharn – she's incredible with the horses, she's an incredible horsewoman.” Spike Almighty had attracted Julian’s attention during an Inglis Online Sale in April last year, when the gelding was still lightly raced and carrying plenty of uncertainty after only three starts. Rather than rush him back into work, Julian opted to give the horse time to mature physically and mentally, a decision that ultimately paid dividends. “He came to us quite a long time ago, I put him in the paddock because he wasn't quite right,” Julian explained. “He's had a long time off and we brought him back. We didn't think he would handle the wet track – but today he's gone really well. “He's had a few complications, but he's here today and he's won – so we're very happy.” The result represented more than simply another provincial maiden victory. It was a reward for the quieter side of racing that often goes unnoticed — the months of rehabilitation, management and faith required to bring an injury-interrupted horse back to competitive form. Spike Almighty’s performance suggested there may still be further improvement to come now that he has regained confidence and continuity, while Julian’s handling of the gelding underlined the growing reputation she is building as a careful and patient horsewoman. For Rawiller, meanwhile, the victory carried its own satisfaction, proving once again that some of racing’s most meaningful moments can arrive well away from the bright lights of the major metropolitan tracks.

2025 BTR Stud Stallions

BTP STUD STALLIONS

Sire
A Lot Established
Acrobat Established
Al Maher Established
Alabama Express Established
All American Established
All Too Hard Established
Alpine Eagle Established
Alpine Edge 3rd Season
Anamoe 1st crop 2YOs
Anders Established
Artie Schiller Established
Awesome Rock Established
Barbados Established
Barbaric Established
Best Of Bordeaux Established
Better Than Ready Established
Bivouac Established
Brave Smash Established
Brazen Beau Established
Bruckner 1st crop 2YOs
Bull Point Established
Bullbars Established
Cape Of Good Hope 1st crop 2YOs
Capitalist Established
Captivant Established
Castelvecchio Established
City Of Troy Established
Cliff's Edge Established
Cogburn 2nd Season
Cool Aza Beel Established
D'argento Established
Danerich Established
Dash For Cash Established
De Gaulle Established
Delaware Established
Denman Established
Dirty Work Established
Dissident Established
Don Corleone 3rd Season
Doubtland Established
Dubious Established
Dundeel Established
Ellsberg 1st crop 2YOs
Encryption Established
Exceedance Established
Exosphere Established
Extreme Choice Established
Farnan Established
Flying Artie Established
Foxwedge Established
Frankel My Dear Established
Gingerbread Man Established
Gold Standard Established
Graff Established
Grunt Established
Hallowed Crown Established
Harry Angel Established
Hawaii Five Oh 3rd Season
Headwater Established
Hellbent Established
Hitotsu 1st crop 2YOs
Home Affairs Established
I Am Immortal Established
I Am Invincible Established
Ilovethiscity Established
Invader Established
Jacquinot 1st crop 2YOs
Ka Ying Master 1st crop 2YOs
Kermadec Established
King Colorado 3rd Season
King's Legacy Established
Lead Artist 1st Season
Lofty Strike 3rd Season
Lord Of The Sky Established
Love Conquers All Established
Manhattan Rain Established
Maschino Established
Master Of Design Established
Maurice Established
Merchant Navy Established
Mo'unga 3rd Season
Murtajill Established
My Admiration Established
Needs Further Established
Nicconi Established
Nostradamus Established
Officiating 3rd Season
Ole Kirk Established
Pariah Established
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo Established
Playing God Established
Portland Sky Established
Power Established
Pride Of Dubai Established
Private Life Established
Puissance De Lune Established
Rebel Dane Established
Rich Enuff Established
Rommel Established
Rubick Established
Russian Camelot Established
Russian Revolution Established
Safeguard Established
Sandbar Established
Sessions Established
Shaft Established
Shalaa Established
Shamoline Warrior Established
Shamus Award Established
Shinzo Established
Shooting To Win Established
Sidestep Established
Sizzling Established
Skilled Established
Smart Missile Established
Snitzel Established
So Secret Established
So You Think Established
Soul Patch Established
Southport Tycoon 2nd Season
Spirit Of Boom Established
Squamosa Established
St Mark's Basilica Established
Star Turn Established
Star Witness Established
Street Boss Established
Super One Established
Supido Established
Swear Established
Sweet Ride 3rd Season
Switzerland Established
The Autumn Sun Established
The Brothers War Established
Time To Reign Established
Too Darn Hot Established
Toorak Toff Established
Top Echelon Established
Topicus 1st Season
Toronado Established
Trapeze Artist Established
Turffontein Established
Unite And Conquer Established
Universal Ruler Established
Vancouver Established
Vandeek Established
Victor Ludorum Established
Von Costa De Hero Established
Wandjina Established
Winning Rupert Established
Wooded Established
Wootton Bassett Established
Worthy Cause Established
Written By Established
Written Tycoon Established
Xtravagant Established
Your Song Established
Zousain Established
Zoustar Established