Tony Gollan is prepared to resist the temptation of chasing another immediate Melbourne prize with Boomtown Boss, preferring instead to freshen the emerging sprinter with next year's Gr1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington now firmly on the long-range radar, reveals racenet.com.au. The Queensland trainer learnt plenty from the five-year-old's victory in the Gr3 Aurie's Star Handicap, particularly his effectiveness on the straight course, and believes that experience could ultimately justify returning for one of Australia's premier sprint handicaps in March. Boomtown Boss had to survive a stewards' room challenge after connections of runner-up Royal Insignia lodged a whip protest following the Aurie's Star, although the result stood. Rather than continue toward next month's Gr2 Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington, Gollan has decided the son of Spirit Of Boom has done enough for the preparation and will head for a spell before returning for the Queensland summer carnival. "With it being so long to the next race down there in Victoria for him – the Bobbie Lewis – we decided to bring him home with a focus to the summer carnival in the first place," Gollan said. "We would love to run him in the Lough Neagh Stakes and then into the Magic Millions Cup which he was narrowly beaten in earlier this year." Should that programme unfold smoothly, another Victorian campaign could follow. "If that preparation is going as we would hope, we would give serious consideration to popping back down to Victoria and having a crack at the Newmarket," Gollan said. "We know that's going to be a big step up from where we were the other day in the Aurie's Star. But we have seen him up the straight, we know he is effective up the straight. I actually think he goes better up the straight. There is no reason we couldn't dare to dream and go back there for a big Group 1." Boomtown Boss' rating climbed from 96 to 102 following his Flemington success, a rise that could also bring the Stradbroke Handicap into calculations next winter. His Melbourne victory followed a Queensland campaign in which luck frequently deserted him, prompting Gollan to head south, although the champion trainer said the result did not catch him by surprise. "I wouldn't have taken him down there if I didn't think he would be competitive," he said. "I had a gut feeling that sort of race would really suit him." Boomtown Boss may have surprised some owners and punters, but Gollan's confidence had been building well before Flemington. The next phase will be deliberately less ambitious: a rest, a summer return and, if all falls into place, another straight-course test on a much bigger stage.
Remaining Tattersalls Catalogues Full of Promise
Wednesday, 12th August 2026
Tattersalls has completed the picture for this year's October Yearling Sale with the release of its Book 2, 3 and 4 catalogues, and the depth of recent graduates has given the second week of the Newmarket auction considerable additional lustre, reports racingpost.com. Book 2 will offer 806 yearlings from October 12 to 14 before another 507 go through the ring in Book 3 and 61 in Book 4 across the following two days. The most compelling advertisement for the middle section is Ombudsman, the Godolphin-owned five-year-old who was purchased for 340,000gns from Ballyhimikin Stud at Book 2 in 2022 and has since established himself among the world's elite racehorses. He is not alone in giving the sale an increasingly formidable honour roll, with Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior, Hotazhell and Title Role also emerging from Book 2 in recent years. The catalogue contains brothers, sisters or half-siblings to 486 Group and Listed performers, while 247 yearlings are out of black-type mares. Among the headline lots is a Sea The Stars brother to champion two-year-old The Lion In Winter, together with another by the same sire out of German Oaks winner Miss Yoda. A St Mark's Basilica colt out of Maria Lee, the dam of 2000 Guineas winner Poetic Flare, also features prominently, while the catalogue includes a Nathaniel brother to Nassau Stakes heroine Lady Bowthorpe and a Pinatubo half-sister to Group 1-winning sprinter Kind Of Blue. Other notable pedigrees include a Lope De Vega half-brother to Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Victoria Road and a Gleneagles brother to Prix de Royallieu winner Loving Dream. Eighteen of the 20 leading sires in Britain and Ireland are represented, headed numerically by Mehmas with 45 yearlings, while Havana Grey, New Bay and Too Darn Hot have 27 apiece. Tally-Ho Stud, last year's leading consignor, again has the largest draft with 32 lots, narrowly ahead of Baroda Stud and Newsells Park Stud on 28 each. Tattersalls managing director Matthew Prior said Ombudsman and Romantic Warrior had become ideal standard-bearers for the sale, pointing to Book 2's record of 13 Group 1 winners and 98 Group or Listed winners since 2024. "Alongside Queen Elizabeth II Stakes winner Cicero's Gift, who was purchased for just 32,000gns at October Book 3, they demonstrate the quality, depth and value to be found throughout the second week of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale," Prior said. With that calibre of graduate emerging beyond the headline-grabbing Book 1 session, buyers approaching the later catalogues will again have ample evidence that elite performers can be found well outside the sale's opening act.
Shinn Comeback Displays Gargantuan Mettle
Wednesday, 12th August 2026
Nine months after leaving Flemington in an ambulance with his left leg shattered, Blake Shinn returned to the same racecourse and produced the kind of result even racing’s most imaginative scriptwriter might have considered excessive. His first ride back was a winner. The champion jockey completed an extraordinary 270-day journey when he partnered Nearco Frod to victory over 2500m at Flemington on August 1, closing a painful chapter that began with a horrific fall from She’s Got Pizzazz in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day last November. Shinn suffered a severe compound fracture when his leg was broken in four places, requiring surgery and the insertion of a metal rod to stabilise the damage. What followed was a prolonged physical and psychological reconstruction, taking him from rehabilitation and gym sessions through trackwork and eventually jumpouts as he painstakingly worked towards riding competitively again. Racing.com’s documentary Blake Shinn: The Ride Back (see below) provides remarkable behind-the-scenes access to that process, including the contribution of partner and trainer Lucy Yeomans and the medical and support team surrounding him. The significance of the comeback is magnified by the career that appeared suddenly under threat. Shinn had been riding for more than two decades at the highest level, famously partnering Viewed to victory for Bart Cummings in the 2008 Melbourne Cup while still only 21, and the ensuing years brought major success throughout Australia and during an accomplished period in Hong Kong. Among his defining victories of the past decade was the 2016 Golden Slipper aboard Capitalist, while his international chapter included the Hong Kong Sprint on Sky Field and two elite victories aboard Russian Emperor. More recently, Shinn produced one of the memorable rides of the 2024 Melbourne spring when Antino demolished his Toorak Handicap rivals after a daring mid-race move, before combining with the Tony Gollan-trained galloper again to capture the 2025 Doomben Cup. His other recent Group 1 successes have included Return To Conquer in New Zealand’s Sistema Stakes, while his sustained excellence in Victoria was recognised when he completed a clean sweep of the 2024-25 Victorian and Melbourne jockeys’ premierships and collected a fourth Scobie Breasley Medal, his third consecutively. None of those achievements, however, could guarantee that a badly damaged leg would withstand the demands of race riding again. Shinn therefore approached his return methodically, resuming trackwork in June before progressing through jumpouts during July and eventually accepting six Flemington rides. Nearco Frod ensured there would be no prolonged wait for a fairytale ending, surging clear by 1¾ lengths in the opening race. “It has been a bit of a journey, but it is nice to be coming home a winner and not in the back of an ambulance,” an emotional Shinn said. There was no easing quietly back into competition either. Within his first week Shinn had ridden five winners and returned immediately to the top of both the Melbourne and Victorian standings. For a jockey whose career has been decorated by Cups, Slippers, international Group 1s and premierships, however, simply getting back into the Flemington mounting yard may ultimately rank alongside any of them.
Cross Code Pivot Can Bring Big Rewards
Wednesday, 12th August 2026
A familiar name from New Zealand harness racing is assembling an increasingly serious thoroughbred challenge for Christchurch's New Zealand Cup Week, with champion standardbred trainer Barry Purdon adding former high-class Australian juvenile North England to his growing galloping interests. According to loveracing.nz, Purdon and wife Katrina already have Iron Hawk in work with Riccarton trainer Lance Robinson after securing the Written Tycoon gelding for A$70,000 through Inglis Digital last December, and that investment quickly produced results when he won twice and was runner-up on two occasions from four autumn starts, including a second in the Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m) at Riccarton. Encouraged by that success, Purdon returned to the online sale platform in May and paid A$45,000 for North England, whose early career suggested considerably greater value. Originally a A$280,000 yearling, the son of Farnan had been bought through Inglis Digital for A$200,000 only three months earlier before later being cleared at a substantial discount. Prepared initially by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, North England was among the sharper juveniles of his generation, winning the Gr3 Golden Gift (1100m) at Rosehill at just his second appearance after placing on debut in the Gr3 Breeders' Plate (1000m). He subsequently finished sixth in the Gr1 Golden Slipper (1200m) before claiming the Gr3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m), although his three-year-old campaign produced only two starts, both resulting in 10th placings in the Gr2 Run To The Rose (1200m) and the A$3 million Magic Millions Sunlight 3YO Plate (1100m). North England has now joined Robinson at Riccarton and, despite being only a fortnight into his new surroundings, has already made a favourable impression. "He arrived a fortnight ago and he has settled in well, he is a lovely horse," Robinson said. "We don't know a lot about him, we are getting to know him a wee bit now. He is a cracking looking horse and we have been really happy with him so far." No detailed spring programme has yet been established, but the target is clear, with the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) and Listed Stewards' Stakes (1200m) during Cup Week firmly on the radar. Iron Hawk, meanwhile, is being prepared for the Gr3 TAB Mile (1600m) on the middle day of the carnival after returning to work in encouraging order. Robinson may have a second runner in that feature through Group Two performer Alottago, although a potential Hong Kong move remains under consideration. For Purdon, the arrangement creates the intriguing prospect of competing across both racing codes during one of Christchurch's biggest weeks, with his harness team expected to be active throughout the carnival while Robinson attempts to deliver success on the thoroughbred side. "We hope they are in for a big week," Robinson said. "They will have their team of trotters down and I think they are looking forward to the week. Hopefully we can win a few races."
Chris Waller Wins 25-26 Black Type Trainer Premiership
Wednesday, 12th August 2026
NSW's Night of Champions Finalists Confirmed
Wednesday, 12th August 2026
A formidable cohort of New South Wales racing’s leading performers will be recognised later this month after the finalists were announced for the 2026 Racing’s Night of Champions, which will be staged at Royal Randwick on Thursday, August 27. Organised by the NSW Racehorse Owners Association, the annual awards will bring together many of the state’s leading owners, trainers, jockeys and industry participants, with honours spanning juvenile, three-year-old, sprinting, mile, middle-distance and staying categories. Finalists were determined through a points-based system, with horses predominantly trained in NSW collecting points for finishing in the first three in Group and Listed races throughout Australia, while horses prepared interstate are eligible to earn points only when competing in NSW. Performances in The Everest receive double points. A judging panel comprising representatives of Racing NSW, the Australian Turf Club, racing media and the NSWROA board will combine its votes with the point standings to determine most category winners, while Racing NSW selects the Champion Country Horse and Champion Provincial Horse and the Australian Turf Club decides the Queen of the Autumn award. The NSW Two-Year-Old Horse of the Year field comprises Campione D'Italia, Fireball, Guest House, Streisand and Tron Bolt, while Apocalyptic, Autumn Boy, Beiwacht, Sheza Alibi and Tempted are finalists for Three-Year-Old Horse of the Year. Caballus, Joliestar, Ka Ying Rising, Lazzura and Manaal form a strong Sprinter of the Year shortlist, with Autumn Glow, Ceolwulf, Idle Flyer and Sheza Alibi contesting the Miler division. Middle-distance honours will be decided between Birdman, Buckaroo, Lindermann, Sir Delius and Via Sistina, while Aeliana, Alalcance, Changingoftheguard, Royal Supremacy and Soul Of Spain have been shortlisted for NSW Stayer of the Year. After Summer, Arctic Glamour, Idle Flyer, Lazzura and Savvy Hallie are in contention for the Queen of the Autumn title. Bianco Vilano, Chidiac and Music represent the Country Horse of the Year finalists, with Changingoftheguard, Churchill's Choice and Savvy Hallie shortlisted in the Provincial category. The black-tie Racing’s Night of Champions will be held in the Winx Stand at Royal Randwick from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, with the awards providing an opportunity to recognise the horses and participants responsible for some of the outstanding performances of the NSW racing season.
JMac Wins 25-26 Black Type Jockey Premiership
Wednesday, 12th August 2026
Monte Vebee Has Lofty Targets Locked In
Wednesday, 12th August 2026
A return to the familiar surroundings of the Robert and Luke Price stable could open the door to some lucrative targets for Snitzel's Monte Veebee, with the consistent five-year-old set to resume in the Chase The Dream Handicap (1250m) at Canterbury on Wednesday, reports racingnsw.com.au. The gelding began his career with the Kembla Grange-based partnership before transferring to Bjorn Baker for his most recent preparation, during which he won first-up at provincial level and subsequently produced four placings in metropolitan company. Now back with the Prices, Monte Veebee could be aimed at next autumn’s Provincial-Midway Championships, a series carrying a $1 million Final, while the $500,000 Four Pillars Midway (1500m) on Golden Eagle day also sits among his potential options. “He could be a good Four Pillars horse too but I hope his benchmark goes beyond that,” Luke Price said. “I think we’ve got a city class horse back. It’s a good starting point and let’s hope he can start off like he did last prep.” Monte Veebee has already demonstrated considerable ability when fresh, winning a maiden by 6¼ lengths before following with a 4.25-length Class 1 victory at his first appearance for Baker. His eligibility for the Provincial-Midway Championships has also been preserved by his timely return to the Price stable ahead of the relevant cut-off, while three starts back with the yard would make him eligible for the Four Pillars. Price described the gelding’s recent trial form as only fair, although he believes that is not an accurate reflection of his race-day capabilities and was encouraged by a track gallop ahead of his latest Hawkesbury trial success. “I know the horse is going well, he’ll take his best form to the races. It’s just how the set up helps him,” he said. “Once the winkers go on race day it’s game on, he knows trials are trials and races are races.” Grant Buckley takes the ride at Canterbury, with Price keen to avoid locking the jockey into an overly rigid tactical plan. Monte Veebee has shown natural speed and previously raced prominently, although his trainer believes leading in stronger metropolitan company may have left him vulnerable late. “He raced on speed and was dominant first-up in what looked the right race,” Price said. “I’d have to say he probably couldn’t lead them in town in those Saturday races, he’s done too much work and was left a sitting shot.” With 60kg first-up, Price expects Monte Veebee to race among the leading group without necessarily needing to control proceedings, and a strong return would quickly sharpen plans for the richer opportunities ahead.
Kingsclere Spring Spearheaded by She's a Dealer
Wednesday, 12th August 2026
A strong spring team is beginning to take shape for Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood, headed by Gr1-winning mare She's A Dealer and supported by an exciting collection of emerging three-year-olds. The five-year-old daughter of Ace High is scheduled to trial at Taupo next Sunday before being aimed at the Gr1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie next month, where she will have an early opportunity to add another elite-level success to a record of five wins from 12 appearances. She's A Dealer reached her career high when carrying breeder Rich Hill Stud's colours to victory in the Gr1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m), and has not raced since finishing fifth in the Gr3 JRA Plate (2000m) at Randwick during the autumn. "She will trial next Sunday at Taupo and from there we'll probably look at heading to the Proisir Plate," Wellwood said. "After that, there's the mile (Gr1 Howden Insurance, 1600m) and then there's multiple options for her. We'll see how she's going and make a plan from there." Stablemates Arabian Songbird and Grinzinger Moon are progressing toward later spring assignments, with the former likely to resume in the Gr3 Spring Sprint (1400m) on the final day of the Hawke's Bay carnival. The Pierro mare, a winner of two of her latest three starts, was spelled after finishing fourth in the Gr2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1400m). Grinzinger Moon, meanwhile, has made an immediate impression since transferring from Australia, where she won four races, by remaining unbeaten through two Ellerslie appearances over 1100m. Wellwood indicated the Puissance De Lune mare could ultimately head south for the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) and Listed Stewards' Stakes (1200m) at Christchurch following a lead-up at graded level. New Zealand Derby hero Road To Paris is also back in work, although no attempt will be made to rush the four-year-old after a demanding autumn that ended with a midfield effort on rain-affected ground in the Gr1 Australian Derby (2400m). "He's back in but probably won't start until later in the year, he had a reasonably big autumn so we're certainly in no rush with him for the spring," Wellwood said. Greater immediacy surrounds Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1400m) winner Excite, who had a quiet Cambridge trial last week and is likely to gallop at Ellerslie on August 27 before returning there for a 1400m three-year-old event on Proisir Plate day. That race will provide a stepping stone toward the Gr2 Hawke's Bay Guineas (1400m) three weeks later. Champagne Stakes winner Incandescent, Spellbound and St Monica are expected to emerge slightly later, with the trio presently two to three weeks behind Excite in their preparations. Spellbound remains a maiden but has already earned black type with a placing in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m), while debut winner St Monica subsequently tested herself at the highest juvenile level when sixth in the Gr1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m).
Group 1 bound She's A Dealer (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)
