Tuesday, 18th August 2026
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  • The Cost of a Missed Window: Why Early Immunity Matters in Racing Foals

    Wednesday, 19th August 2026
    Plasvacc

    Every breeder knows that timing matters. It shapes mating decisions, foaling preparation, sales planning, and eventually, a young horse’s path to the track.

    But some of the most important timing in a foal’s life happens before it is even a day old.

    During the first 24 hours after birth, a foal must stand, nurse, regulate its body temperature, and begin building immune protection. For most, this transition unfolds naturally. For others, a missed window can create a serious risk.

    Failure of Passive Transfer, or FPT, occurs when a foal does not receive or absorb enough antibodies from the mare’s colostrum. It may affect as many as 1 in 5 foals in Australia, making it a significant concern for breeders, owners, and stud managers.

    Why the First 24 Hours Matter

    Foals are born without maternal antibodies. Because of the equine placenta, mares cannot pass immunity to the foal before birth. Protection must instead come through colostrum, the antibody-rich first milk produced before foaling.

    Colostrum contains immunoglobulins, primarily IgG. Absorption is strongest during the first 6 to 8 hours after birth and declines rapidly. By 24 hours, the window has effectively closed.

    Early nursing is therefore more than a reassuring milestone. It is a critical immune event.

    When Things Do Not Go to Plan

    FPT can occur for several reasons:

    • Poor-quality or insufficient colostrum

    • Loss of colostrum before foaling

    • Delayed nursing or maternal rejection

    • Foal weakness, injury, or prematurity

    • Failure to absorb antibodies despite nursing

    FPT may not be immediately visible. A foal can appear bright and active while still lacking adequate antibodies.

    IgG levels below 400 mg/dl at 24 hours indicate FPT, while levels between 400 and 800 mg/dl indicate partial FPT. In either case, the foal’s ability to fight infection is compromised.

    The Consequences for Breeders

    Foals with inadequate passive immunity are more vulnerable to septicemia, pneumonia, diarrhea, and joint infections. These conditions can require intensive veterinary care and, in severe cases, result in the loss of the foal.

    Early illness may also disrupt growth and development long before a young horse reaches the training track.

    Testing Replaces Guesswork With Action

    Because FPT can be difficult to detect by observation alone, veterinary assessment is essential. An IgG test within the first 12 to 24 hours can confirm whether passive transfer was successful and allow treatment before infection develops.

    Breeders should also monitor nursing, energy, hydration, temperature regulation, and umbilical health.

    Equiplas® When Time Matters

    When passive transfer is incomplete, plasma therapy can provide the immune support that colostrum did not deliver.

    Plasvacc’s Equiplas® equine plasma is used by veterinarians across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally to support foals experiencing complete or partial Failure of Passive Transfer. Rich in gamma globulins, Equiplas® helps raise antibody levels quickly and safely by delivering concentrated immune support directly into the bloodstream.

    Equiplas® is:

    • APVMA and NZFSA registered

    • Typically administered in 2, 1,000ml doses, depending on veterinary assessment

    • Used to support foals with FPT, partial FPT, and immune challenges associated with illness or infection

    For breeders preparing for foaling season, access to timely veterinary care and appropriate plasma support can make a meaningful difference when early immunity is in question.

    Do Not Let the Window Close Unchecked

    FPT cannot always be predicted, but it can be identified and treated. Monitoring early nursing, assessing passive transfer, and acting quickly when antibody levels are low can reduce the risk of serious illness.

    In racing, timing matters. For newborn foals, it can matter from the very first day.

    Learn more about Equiplas® at Plasvacc.com.


    Plasvacc

  • September Born Takes First Steps Towards Return

    Wednesday, 19th August 2026
    A career once threatened by a succession of physical problems could be back on course after one of Western Australia's former boom gallopers produced an encouraging trial victory at Belmont. September Born edged home in his 1000-metre heat under Brad Parnham on Monday, providing trainer Neville Parnham with welcome evidence that the talented five-year-old may yet rediscover the ability that made him one of Perth racing's most exciting young horses. The West Australian reports the entire has endured a frustrating sequence of setbacks since winning the Fairetha Stakes as a three-year-old and subsequently starting strongly fancied in the WA Guineas. He returned lame from that assignment and struggled to reproduce his best form afterwards, before his career encountered another significant obstacle when he bled from both nostrils during a race in April. The episode resulted in the compulsory stand-down period and left Parnham perplexed because September Born had previously displayed no warning signs of being susceptible to bleeding. The veteran trainer initially feared the horse had suffered a serious physical breakdown when he weakened unexpectedly, later expressing hope the incident would prove an isolated occurrence rather than the beginning of a recurring problem. Longstanding issues with September Born's hooves have also complicated his preparation, but Parnham believes those problems are now under control. Monday's trial therefore represented an important step in determining whether the horse can successfully resume his racing career. September Born narrowly defeated Yougivemechills, with stablemates Country God and Multinational also involved in a heat intended primarily as a solid grass gallop rather than an searching examination. Brad Parnham asked his mount for only a modest effort, and the horse responded by finding the line without being placed under significant pressure. His trainer said September Born had nevertheless blown strongly afterwards, indicating another trial would be required before he returns first-up. Parnham explained that although the horse had reached the point where he had done enough approaching the final 100 metres, he continued to travel through the line satisfactorily. The stable is therefore proceeding cautiously with a galloper whose early career promised considerably more than circumstances have subsequently allowed him to deliver. September Born's Fairetha Stakes victory suggested he possessed genuine stakes quality, and while Monday's narrow trial success cannot erase the setbacks that followed, it offered the clearest indication for some time that his racing story may still have another productive chapter ahead.
  • Excitement Brewing Ahead of Hong Kong Opener

    Wednesday, 19th August 2026
    With Hong Kong's new racing season approaching rapidly, preparations are beginning to intensify around several of the jurisdiction's leading riders, headed by champion jockey Zac Purton and superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising. Fresh from an Indonesian holiday, Purton has returned to Sha Tin and commenced the race-riding conditioning required ahead of the September 6 season opener, when he is scheduled to reunite with David Hayes' exceptional sprinter in the Gr3 HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup over 1200 metres. According to the South China Morning Post, the appearance will begin a campaign designed to take Ka Ying Rising back to Australia for a defence of his Everest crown at Randwick in October. The nine-time Gr1 winner enters the new season with a remarkable 20-race winning sequence, and Purton is eagerly anticipating getting back aboard him, with the gelding scheduled to trial on Friday. While the nine-time Hong Kong champion gave himself a genuine break during the off-season, he remained active through riding, swimming, hiking and running and has already returned to trackwork at Sha Tin. Purton nevertheless acknowledges race fitness can only be properly rebuilt through time in the saddle, describing riding work and barrier trials as irreplaceable preparation. Other Hong Kong-based Australian jockeys have also been busy during the break. James Orman returned home to Queensland and celebrated a particularly meaningful Eagle Farm double, winning aboard Beat The Rap for his mother Caroline Allardyce before partnering Tony Gollan-trained Midnight Spirit to victory. Orman, who rode 32 winners during his first Hong Kong season, has since returned ahead of the new term. Hugh Bowman, meanwhile, will temporarily turn his attention back to Sydney's elite racing after securing the ride on Fangirl in Saturday's Gr1 Winx Stakes at Randwick. Bowman partnered Chris Waller's mare to her first Gr1 success in the 2022 Vinery Stud Stakes and renewed their association when riding her in a recent Randwick trial. He also possesses a remarkable history in the Winx Stakes, having won the race three consecutive times aboard Winx as well as partnering Royal Descent to victory before the event was renamed. Elsewhere, Hong Kong riders Lyle Hewitson and Karis Teetan spent time at Mauritius' Champ de Mars, where Hewitson watched his father Carl prepare Tamarisk Tree to a track-record victory in the Gr2 Golden Cup, adding another international thread to an unusually productive Hong Kong off-season.

    Ka Ying Rising

    Ka Ying Rising is hot favourite for the 2026 The Everest (pic: hkjc.com)
  • Rayevka Primed for Nunthorpe Redemption

    Wednesday, 19th August 2026
    A deliberately patient approach since Royal Ascot has connections hopeful that one of France's fastest mares can turn a narrow defeat into a coveted Gr1 success when the Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes is run at York on Friday. Rayevka has been kept fresh specifically for the five-furlong showpiece after going within a head of defeating Mission Central in the Gr1 King Charles III Stakes, and trainer Francis Graffard appears satisfied with her preparation for another encounter with Europe's elite sprinters. Sporting Life reports the Aga Khan Studs-owned mare returned from Ascot in excellent order, with the decision made to resist an opportunity at Goodwood and instead build her programme around York. Racing manager Nemone Routh explained that avoiding another journey during the intervening period had been part of Graffard's thinking, allowing Rayevka to remain at home and prepare specifically for her principal late-summer target. Ground conditions may prove important, with connections hoping predicted rain does not turn the Knavesmire too testing. Rayevka is capable of handling softer going but is regarded as substantially more effective on a faster surface. Her racing style introduces another variable because she is generally ridden patiently, meaning clear running and the correct positioning within the field can become particularly significant over a fast five furlongs. Routh nevertheless believes the mare is capable of producing another major performance provided those circumstances unfold favourably. "I hope it is her day," she said. "She loves five furlongs but she is a hold-up horse so she does always need a little bit of luck in running." Rayevka has reportedly pleased Graffard at home and recently worked with stablemate Drazinda, helping prepare the juvenile for her own assignment. Routh describes Rayevka as relaxed and highly professional in training but noticeably more animated once arriving at the races, while emphasising the mare's determination when competition begins. That attitude was evident at Royal Ascot, where she closed strongly but could not quite repel Mission Central. Graffard's stable may also be represented at Deauville this weekend, with Drazinda under consideration for the Gr1 Prix Morny following her Listed victory there. A small fetlock nick suffered during that run will determine whether she takes her place, with the Cheveley Park Stakes available as an alternative. Rayevka's programme is considerably clearer: rested, prepared and returning to her optimum trip, she heads to York with unfinished Gr1 business.
  • Constitution River Can Plug Bow Echo Hole

    Wednesday, 19th August 2026
    The premature retirement of Britain's outstanding three-year-old Bow Echo has created an unexpected opening at the summit of European racing, and York's International Stakes could immediately identify the colt best equipped to occupy it. Constitution River arrives on the Knavesmire unbeaten this season and with an opportunity to enhance his growing reputation dramatically when confronting the world's highest-rated middle-distance performer Ombudsman in Wednesday's showpiece. The Guardian reports Bow Echo's retirement following a training setback has removed the world's highest-rated three-year-old from the remainder of the campaign, leaving Constitution River ideally placed to demonstrate that his own progress is far from complete. Bow Echo departed with an international rating of 127 after a season highlighted by the 2,000 Guineas and Sussex Stakes, just 4lb below joint world leaders Ka Ying Rising and Ombudsman. Constitution River currently sits on 124 following three wins this year, among them a narrow Prix du Jockey Club success from a difficult draw and an emphatic three-length defeat of older opposition in the Gr1 Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. His earlier seven-length Dee Stakes victory at Chester had already hinted at substantial potential, and another authoritative display against older horses would thrust him directly towards the head of the international rankings. Ombudsman nevertheless sets a demanding standard and is seeking consecutive International Stakes victories after capturing an unusual renewal last year in which pacemaker Birr Castle established an enormous advantage before being caught late. The Godolphin star is expected to start odds-on, but Constitution River's progressive profile gives Wednesday's contest genuine depth beyond a conventional clash between generations. Nor is the race simply a match. Andrew Balding's Item, an impressive Dante Stakes winner over the York course and distance, is among nine runners and has lost only once, when finishing ninth on soft ground in the Derby at Epsom. York's four-day Ebor Festival has developed extraordinary top-level depth, with the International joined by the Yorkshire Oaks, Nunthorpe Stakes and Gr1 City of York Stakes, yet the historic Ebor Handicap remains the meeting's defining betting spectacle. Recent editions have produced subsequent international stars including Ethical Diamond, who followed last year's victory with Breeders' Cup Turf success. Before attention turns to Saturday's handicap, however, the International offers European racing something particularly enticing: a direct examination of whether Constitution River is ready to fill the considerable space Bow Echo has unexpectedly left behind.

  • Arqana Record for €4.6m Wootton Bassett Colt

    Wednesday, 19th August 2026
    Another extraordinary session at Deauville produced a piece of Arqana history when a superbly bred Wootton Bassett colt was knocked down for €4.6 million, eclipsing the previous record price for a yearling at the August Sale, according to TDN. Offered by Ecurie des Monceaux as Lot 306, the colt was secured by MV Magnier in partnership with White Birch Farm after competition drove his value well beyond the €3 million benchmark established 12 months earlier by the Night Of Thunder filly out of Prudenzia. Thoroughbred Daily News reports the sale capped an exceptional three days for Henri Bozo and the Monceaux team, while further reinforcing the extraordinary commercial power attached to elite Wootton Bassett stock and one of the most influential female families in the modern Stud Book. The colt is the first foal from the Justify mare Deadly Nightshade, whose pedigree provides the sort of depth familiar to Coolmore. Her full-brother Scandinavia became a champion stayer, while her half-sister Above The Curve won the Gr1 Prix Saint-Alary. Their unraced dam Fabulous, by Galileo, descends directly from the outstanding producer Mariah’s Storm and is therefore closely connected to two names that shaped Coolmore’s fortunes for decades – Giant’s Causeway and You’resothrilling. The latter became one of Galileo’s most productive broodmares, leaving seven individual black-type winners including Classic winners Gleneagles, Joan Of Arc and Marvellous, along with dual Gr1-winning juvenile Happily. Bozo had regarded the record-breaking colt as exceptional long before he entered the ring, describing him after the sale as “very special, very powerful, very good-minded” and praising his walk, conformation and temperament. While delighted by the price, he also acknowledged the responsibility that accompanies selling a youngster at such rarefied levels, particularly to buyers whose expectations are naturally shaped by generations of top-level success. For Coolmore and White Birch, the acquisition combines the influence of Wootton Bassett with Justify, Galileo and one of racing’s great American foundation families, while for Arqana it establishes a formidable new sales benchmark. The €4.6 million transaction also underlined Monceaux’s standing among Europe’s premier yearling consignors, transforming an already successful sale into a record-breaking edition and providing a spectacular finale to three days of sustained international demand.
  • Star Mare Revealed for Tattersalls Sceptre Session

    Wednesday, 19th August 2026
    One of Europe’s most accomplished racemares is set to become a major attraction at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale, with See The Fire confirmed for the Sceptre Sessions that form the elite centrepiece of the four-day auction from November 30 to December 3. The Littleton Stud homebred, trained throughout her career by Andrew Balding, will be offered in training from Park House Stables after compiling a record defined by durability, pedigree and repeated performances at the highest level. A daughter of Sea The Stars and the Dubawi mare Arabian Queen, See The Fire was crowned Joint Champion Older Female in Europe in the long-distance category in 2025, a season highlighted by a remarkable 12-length success in the Gr2 Middleton Stakes at York. She returned this year to successfully defend that title and has also accumulated placings in seven Group 1 contests, including a short-head defeat by Barnavara in last season’s Prix de l’Opéra. Her consistency across several seasons is reflected in the fact she is the only daughter of Sea The Stars to have been placed at Group 1 level at two, three, four and five, with those performances spanning the Fillies’ Mile, Sun Chariot Stakes, Prince of Wales’s Stakes and three editions of the Nassau Stakes. Her value as a future broodmare is strengthened considerably by an exceptional immediate family. Arabian Queen won the Gr1 Juddmonte International and is herself out of dual Gr2 Lancashire Oaks winner Barshiba, while See The Fire is a half-sister to this year’s Gr2 Italian Derby winner Venetian Prince, Gr2 Royal Lodge Stakes runner-up Royal Playright and Listed performer Arabian Storm. Another half-sister, Forbidden Fire, recently made a winning debut at Salisbury and is expected to progress towards the Gr1 Cheveley Park Stakes. The wider family has also enjoyed considerable international commercial success, with Arabian Queen’s sister Cosmopolitan Queen producing a Kingman colt who realised ¥330 million as a yearling in Japan, while Arabian Queen is currently in foal to Sea The Stars. Littleton Stud manager David Bowe said the decision to sell carried mixed emotions after See The Fire had provided Jeff Smith and the team with so many memorable days. “She is a gorgeous-looking filly, incredibly sound, and has competed at the highest level, running in Group 1 company on a remarkable 14 occasions,” Bowe said, adding that her combination of racing ability and a family cultivated by Littleton over four generations created a rare opportunity for buyers. Tattersalls managing director Matthew Prior described her inclusion as a privilege and said her race record and pedigree should attract leading domestic and international interests, ensuring the five-year-old enters the Sceptre Sessions as one of the sale’s most coveted offerings.

  • Wine Dark Sea Puts Cup Dream Within Reach

    Wednesday, 19th August 2026
    A rapidly improving European stayer carrying significant Australian interests has emerged as another potential Melbourne Cup traveller following a breakthrough at Group level at Newbury. Wine Dark Sea continued his striking rise through the ranks by landing the Gr3 Geoffrey Freer Stakes, securing both his third victory from four appearances this season and an important qualification requirement for a prospective trip to Flemington. According to racing.com, the Harry Charlton-trained four-year-old is now firmly being considered for the Lexus Melbourne Cup after Australian Bloodstock recently purchased an interest in the son of Ulysses. The Newbury performance justified an extraordinary weight of betting support, with Wine Dark Sea opening around 16-1 before eventually starting at 7-2 following sustained backing in the hours before the race. Sent forward by Hector Crouch, he travelled strongly at the head of proceedings and showed both resilience and stamina when required, galloping through the line in a performance that encouraged connections to contemplate significantly greater challenges. Assistant trainer Matt Fielding confirmed the Melbourne Cup represented the longer-term ambition, describing the prospect of competing in major international races as a dream for the stable. Wine Dark Sea had previously impressed at Carlisle and was climbing rapidly through the handicap before Australian Bloodstock’s involvement helped accelerate plans to test him in Pattern company. His Geoffrey Freer assignment therefore represented his first appearance at Group level and provided immediate evidence that his progressive profile could translate into stronger company. Crouch revealed that achieving at least a top-three finish at Newbury had been important to the Melbourne objective, with victory comfortably satisfying that requirement. “He was very tenacious,” Crouch said, adding that the gelding had been purchased with Melbourne specifically in mind and expressing hope that his progression could continue if he travels to Australia. The emergence of Wine Dark Sea is particularly timely for Australian Bloodstock after another prospective Flemington contender, Al Riffa, was ruled out of this year’s Cup. Joseph O’Brien’s galloper finished seventh in last season’s race, while the previous Geoffrey Freer winner Furthur subsequently travelled to Melbourne and finished 11th. Whether Wine Dark Sea follows that route remains to be determined, but his Newbury victory has transformed what had been an ambitious international plan into a credible Melbourne Cup campaign for a horse whose improvement has been both swift and substantial.

  • Bosun Strengthens Pateman Family Bond

    Wednesday, 19th August 2026
    A patient approach with lightly raced six-year-old Bosun is beginning to reward the Pateman family, with the gelding's sweeping Belmont victory on Saturday placing him firmly on course for the $100,000 Westspeed Platinum Spring Final over 1600m next month. Thoroughbred Breeders WA reports the son of Gingerbread Man supplied the middle leg of a treble for trainer Mitchell Pateman, who bookended the meeting with wins from The Persian God and Lord Shiva while Bosun captured Heat 1 of the Westspeed Platinum Spring Series over 1300m. The victory was achieved in striking fashion. Bosun was around ten lengths from the leaders approaching the home turn and still faced a sizeable deficit to God's Gate in the straight before unleashing strongly from the 200m to justify $3.40 favouritism. The performance carried additional significance for Pateman because Bosun is owned by his brother Josh, who is also the trainer's stable foreman and has played an important role in managing a horse whose delayed racing career points to the physical challenges he has encountered. "I was extremely confident today," Mitchell Pateman told Thoroughbred Breeders WA. "He has flashed that ability to finish off his races before and he's been flying at home. My brother Josh owns him and he's been doing a great job managing him through some issues." Winning jockey Pat Carbery knows Bosun particularly well through riding his trackwork and admitted he would have preferred to settle closer, but the solid tempo helped the gelding relax before producing his powerful finish. Carbery felt Bosun still had improvement to come from the outing, observing that he could not have been made much fitter at home without racing. Saturday was only the sixth start of Bosun's career and followed his breakthrough maiden victory at Northam in June, underlining how cautiously his development has been handled. Pateman plans to use a 1400m event as his final lead-up before the Westspeed Platinum Spring Final at Belmont on September 26, a pathway the stable understands well after Diamonds'n'rubies captured the corresponding Winter Final over 1400m in June. Bosun is by Yarradale Stud stallion Gingerbread Man, a son of Shamardal who stands alongside Shooting To Win at a 2026 service fee of $5,500, and his improving race record is giving both the stallion and the Pateman brothers another useful flagbearer.

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
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
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
Toronado Established
Trapeze Artist Established
Tropicus 1st Season
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