Tuesday, 18th February 2025
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  • NEW Penman Gets the Nod for $3.5m The Kiwi

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    According to racingnews.co.nz, the Barneswood Brady Nakhle Slot Holder partnership has locked in Stephen Marsh-trained Penman (NZ) (Contributer) as their contender for next month’s $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). Confident they’ve landed a potential winner, they are eager to see if their selection can rise to the occasion. Slot Holder representative Daniel Nakhle described the opportunity as a golden one. “It sort of feels like Willy Wonka’s golden ticket. Everyone is looking for that chocolate bar with the golden ticket in it, and we are hoping we have got the chocolates.” The partnership, built on long-standing racing friendships, is excited to watch the drama unfold at Ellerslie on Barfoot & Thompson Champions Day, 8 March. Among those involved are Sarah, Chris (Green), and Ger (Beemsterboer) from Barneswood Farm. “They are fantastic friends,” Nakhle said. “We met them through Peter and Dawn Williams (trainers), and we have been fast friends ever since.” Darren Brady, another close friend, also shares ownership. “We met through a horse as well, so it’s funny how this game brings people together. He and his brother Brian have got a share.” Nakhle pointed out the camaraderie within the group, describing them as a collection of passionate racing enthusiasts who appreciate both the triumphs and setbacks of the sport. “It is a great bunch of really cool people that understand the ups and downs of the racing and breeding game, and because of their understanding, we tend to celebrate a reasonable amount when things go our way.” Penman’s impressive last-start win at Tauranga solidified their decision. “He is a horse that is on the up,” Nakhle said. “The whole team put our heads together, and we haven’t really gotten serious about many, certainly hadn’t pushed the panic button at all, even with the race three weeks away.” Penman’s ability to finish strongly is a big plus. “He really impressed us in the last 100m of his races, the way he stretches out. I had a talk with [trainer] Stephen Marsh at Te Aroha last Wednesday, and he is a guy whose judgment I really rate, and he certainly rates the horse very highly.”

    Penman

    Penman possesses a powerful finish (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
  • NEW Harley a Beneficiary of Laming Stable Raids

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Irish jockey Martin Harley is set for a major test in the coming weeks as trainers Bevan and Richard Laming prepare their rising colts for Group 1 challenges in the southern states. According to racenet.com.au, the Lamings have high hopes for Savour The Dream (Super Seth) and Our Benefactor (Contributer), believing the talented pair can make an impact at the top level. Savour The Dream had a reverse-way gallop in a barrier trial on the Gold Coast on Tuesday before heading to Flemington for the $1 million Gr1 Australian Guineas (1600m) on March 1. His stablemate, Our Benefactor, is expected to take on the $1 million Gr1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) a week later. Trainer Richard Laming is also targeting the $750,000 Gr1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on March 22 in Sydney for both colts, provided they continue their strong form. Their recent performances suggest they are up for the challenge. Our Benefactor stamped himself as a genuine contender with a dominant win in a 1400m 3YO Handicap at Eagle Farm, while Savour The Dream secured a last-start victory over 1600m at Doomben. "Their first-up wins this prep have been impressive because they're certainly not screwed down," Laming said. "They both went into their first couple of runs with one soft trial. They've got a lot of improvement to come, which they'll need to take on that better class of horses. It's probably time to up the bar with them. I spoke to Martin Harley on Saturday, and he can't split them." For Harley, 35, the opportunity to claim his first Australian Group 1 is a tantalising prospect. Having already notched five feature wins in the UK, he is eager to break through at the elite level Down Under. "It's been a while between drinks," he admitted. "It's certainly on my map to get one in Australia, and hopefully, it's not far away now…”
  • NEW Quality Noms for Morphettville’s Lord Reims

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    South Australia’s leading stayer, The Map (Alpine Eagle-This Moment, by Savoire Vivre), headlines nominations for Saturday’s $150,000 Gr3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m) at Morphettville, reports racingsa.com.au. The Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray-trained mare, who won both the Gr3 QE II Cup at Morphettville and the Listed Ramsden Stakes at Flemington (see below), is second-up from her Melbourne Cup campaign and will use Saturday’s race as a stepping stone toward next month’s Adelaide Cup, where she aims to go one better than her runner-up finish to Excelleration in 2024. The Map finished less than a length second in last year’s Lord Reims behind quality Yellowbrick Road. Trainer Jason Warren returns to Adelaide with Grand Pierro, who claimed the Listed Bagot Handicap at Flemington before going down narrowly to Garachico at Caulfield. Both horses are among the nominations. Ciaron Maher, one of Australia’s leading trainers, has a strong hand in the race with three contenders: Goldenstatewarrior, La Don De Vie, and United Nations. La Don De Vie, runner-up in the 2022 Group 1 Metropolitan in Sydney, is the highest-rated of the trio, with Luke Currie booked to ride Goldenstatewarrior. Leading Victorian apprentice Jaylah Kennedy will make the trip to partner Beltoro, who finished third behind Wild Imagination in the Premier’s Plate. Aurora’s Symphony is also among the nominations as he chases another Adelaide Cup berth. The Symon Wilde-trained veteran, who finished seventh in the 2022 Adelaide Cup, was beaten narrowly by Rebel Racer in 2023 before missing last year’s race. Sunday’s Naracoorte Cup winner, Mystery Island, takes his place for Warrnambool trainer Shane Jackson after a Sandown placing behind First Immortal. Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman have Fame among the nominations, while Lachlan Neindorf, fresh off a runner-up finish in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes aboard Stretan Angel, takes the ride on Taramansour for the Stokes stable.

  • NEW Bentley Relishing his Hong Kong Momentum

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Hong Kong-based British jockey Harry Bentley, who gets a rare opportunity to ride with several fellow riders from ‘home’ at Happy Valley, may have a couple of big feature race rides coming up this weekend, but before that, his focus is firmly on a promising Class Three sprinter at Wednesday night’s meeting at The Valley. According to scmp.com, Young Arrow has caught his attention, particularly after drawing a much-improved barrier for the Class Three Ma Wan Handicap (1200m). After a series of strong performances from wide gates, the Douglas Whyte-trained 4YO has finally drawn barrier two, which Bentley believes could be the key to a breakthrough. “I really like Young Arrow. He’s drawn well for the first time in a very long time, so that’s going to help him,” he said. “He’s been running massive races lately. He’s knocking on the door, and with a good draw, he should be thereabouts. He’s the one I’m really looking forward to.” Bentley has a busy night ahead with six rides at Happy Valley, including Quantum Patch in the Class Three Kap Shui Mun Handicap (1,650m). “Quantum Patch is carrying a light weight and has run some good races, so he’s definitely one to be considered,” he noted. From there, his attention shifts to the weekend’s feature racing, where he teams up with Patch Of Theta in Sunday’s Gr1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m). “It’s a tough race, especially with Ka Ying Rising in the field,” he admitted. “But Patch Of Theta is a really nice horse and seems to be improving. I sat on him the other day in a trial, and he gave me a lovely feel, so I’m chuffed to pick up the ride.” Bentley has already collected 15 wins this season, including eight in 2025, and will also ride Winning Dragon for Tony Cruz in Sunday’s Gr1 Gold Cup (2,000m). “The past few weeks have been great. I feel like I’ve built some momentum and am riding for good stables,” he said. “Picking up a couple of Group 1 rides is fantastic, and I’m looking forward to being competitive.”
  • NEW Parnham Says Karrakatta Plate in the Mix

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Do I Feel Lucky’s thrilling last-stride victory at Pinjarra has strengthened his claims for Perth’s premier juvenile event, the Gr2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot, according to racingwa.com.au. The Sean and Jake Casey-trained youngster showed plenty of grit, surging to the lead under in-form jockey Chris Parnham and clinging on to win the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) by a short half-head. Breaking clear in the straight, Do I Feel Lucky looked home before a late charge from Perfectly Proper made it a desperate finish. Holding on by the barest margin, the colt boosted his record to two wins and two placings from four starts. The victory also extended Parnham’s dominance in the race, securing his third consecutive win in the feature event. He previously piloted Big Shots to victory last year and Super Smink the year before, adding to his growing list of top-class juvenile winners. Parnham believes Do I Feel Lucky has the potential to make an impact in upcoming 2YO feature races. “He can definitely contend in the autumn features,” he told Tabradio. “I’d imagine he would have a little let-up and target the Karrakatta. He’s a top-class 2YO and wouldn’t look out of place in those features later on.” Given the colt’s fighting qualities, it’s no surprise connections are eyeing Perth’s biggest juvenile prize. The star jockey continued his strong weekend by following up a Pinjarra treble with another three winners at Bunbury on Sunday. His season tally now sits at 103, leaving him just one win behind Blake Shinn in the Australian Jockey Premiership. In Perth’s title race, however, he remains well ahead with 76 wins, holding a commanding lead over William Pike (48.5), who has been sidelined for much of the season due to a fractured wrist.

  • NEW Country Championship Final Slot for Sumo

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Apprentice jockey Shae Wilkes is confident Sumo Fish will thrive over 1400m after steering him to victory at Port Macquarie, but whether she retains the ride in the $1 million Evergreen Turf Country Championships Final remains to be seen. According to racingnsw.com.au, the 5YO’s win marked a special moment for Wilkes, giving her father, trainer Wayne Wilkes, his second Mid North Coast Country Championships winner after Lucciola Belle in 2019, who also ran second in the Final. The race didn’t unfold at ‘Port’ as Wilkes had hoped, with Sumo Fish settling further back than expected, but the gelding capitalised on the strong tempo to charge home and notch his fourth consecutive win. “They went quick, I was back further than what I expected,” she said. “I got on the back of Dad’s other horse Laizabout – he sort of didn’t take me into the run, but once Sumo Fish saw them in front, he absolutely let down. He’s just crying out for the 1400m now, so look out Randwick!” The 25-year-old apprentice has now won four of her five rides on Sumo Fish, making her victory in the $150,000 Evergreen Turf Mid North Coast Country Championships even more significant. “I had a lot to do with Lucciola Belle in trackwork, and when she won, I absolutely bawled my eyes out,” she said. “This horse has been absolutely phenomenal for me. I can’t thank the owner enough, and Dad for letting me stick on him. He just keeps stepping up; every time you ask for more, he delivers. It’s just a thrill.” Sumo Fish has firmed to a $15 chance with TAB for the April 5 Final, where he will take his place in the field. Meanwhile, Tuncurry trainer Joe Burges secured his first Final runner after $81 outsider Mckeon finished second, making her run with the winner in just her second start back from a spell.
  • Gollan Sprinter to go Boom in Oakleigh Plate

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Golden Boom has already earned over $1 million in prizemoney from just 18 starts, and trainer Tony Gollan believes he is primed for Saturday's Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield. The five-year-old follows in the footsteps of his sire, Spirit of Boom, a horse Gollan credits with shaping his career. "You're always confident with a horse like this," Gollan said. "He's just so honest and never runs a bad race. His distance range is very select—he's 1000m, 1100m—and his rating now is such that it's uncomfortable, so you've got to find the right races for him." Gollan understands the challenge of winning an Oakleigh Plate but felt Golden Boom and his owners deserved their shot. The gelding arrives in Melbourne after a Listed Goldmarket victory on January 24 and has settled in well at Cranbourne. He faces a tough field, including Estriella, Rey Magnerio, and I Am Me, who was scratched from last week's Black Caviar Lightning Stakes due to a track downgrade. A forecasted 36C day with strong winds will add to the challenge. But Gollan has enjoyed success in Melbourne, notably with Antino's dominant Group 1 Toorak Handicap win last October. Spirit of Boom, a dual Group 1 winner who earned $2.3 million, remains pivotal to Gollan's career. "He was the gift that kept on giving," Gollan said. "What we've done with his progeny has been remarkable. Golden Boom is just like his father—tough, durable—and I don't think his best racing is behind him." Golden Boom could have been unbeaten this summer with a little more luck. "He had tie-back surgery a few preps ago, but he's in a great groove now," Gollan explained. "He struck a heavy track at the Sunshine Coast, which he doesn't like, then won at Eagle Farm. Had the Gold Coast meeting not been moved, he probably wins The Syndicate." Encouraged by his Melbourne preparation, Gollan is optimistic. "I've got a good, honest speedster," he said. "This handicap-style racing suits him. He's handled the travel well, he's in great shape, and he deserves this opportunity."

  • Legarto Shows that Class is Permanent

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    After almost a year away from the track, New Zealand's highest-rated racehorse, Legarto, proved why she is in a class of her own with a dominant win in the Listed Lisa Chittick Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Matamata on Saturday. The triple Group 1 winner had been sidelined since March last year after finishing sixth in the Gr1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington. According to loveracing.nz, a minor tendon injury during an August trial kept her away from competition, making this return even more remarkable. Despite only an exhibition gallop in preparation, she faced a formidable lineup, including fellow Group 1 winners Provence and Skew Wiff, defending champion Karman Line, and other stakes performers such as Imprevu, Acquarello, and My Lips Are Sealed. Ryan Elliot settled the five-year-old well off the pace before making a sweeping move around the field. By the home turn, she was looming dangerously alongside Fall For Cindy, Acquarello, and Moving Melody. Elliot urged her forward, and while Acquarello put up a fight, Legarto's class carried her to the finish line half a length ahead, despite signs of fatigue in the closing stages. "That was stunning, I've got no words to describe it," said trainer Ken Kelso, who conditions Legarto with his wife Bev. "She's been away for 12 months and had only one exhibition gallop. When she loomed on the outside, I thought, 'We've got a chance here. Hopefully, she doesn't come to the end of it.' But what a horse she is." Elliot, who has partnered Legarto to eight of her ten career victories, was equally impressed. "I didn't even know she was in work until Ken called me last week. That lack of raceday fitness was going to catch up with her, but luckily, she's got that class." Bred by Warwick Jeffries and purchased for $90,000 at Karaka 2021, Legarto has now won ten of her 16 starts, accumulating over $2 million in earnings. The TAB has installed her as the $1.40 favorite for the Gr1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes (1600m) on March 8 at Ellerslie, which Kelso identified as the likely next target, provided she pulls up well from her weekend performance.
  • Cummings More Than Tempted by Diamond

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    The past three Saturdays all had something in common: each one of them included stakes performances in Australia by Anamoe's sire Street Boss, and although the consistent son of Street Cry boasts Gr1 C.F. Orr Stakes winner Another Wil amongst the trio, the electrifying finish of Godolphin's 2YO filly Tempted in the Widden Stakes has cemented her spot in Saturday's Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield, according to racing.com who spoke to trainer James Cummings. The Street Boss filly, who owns a super pedigree, impressed with a maiden win at Warwick Farm in December but truly made her mark at Rosehill two weeks ago, producing a jaw-dropping finish over 1100 metres in Group company where the finish line arrived a split second too soon. "She's an adaptable filly," Cummings reflected. "She's got pace and a good turn of foot. I think she's earned her way into the Blue Diamond." Drawn widest of nine in the Gr3 Widden Stakes, jockey Tim Clark dropped her back early, but she overreacted and was tailed off by a considerable margin after just 100 metres. Clark then angled her inside, and she stormed home to miss by the tiniest margin behind gutsy filly The Playwright (Written By), trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. Cummings has come close to Blue Diamond glory before, with Ingratiating and Anamoe finishing second and third behind Artorius in 2021. Tempted's pedigree suggests she has every right to be in the mix. She is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Kallos, while her dam, Calliope, claimed the Gr2 Magic Night Stakes herelf as a juvenile. Her granddam, Bulla Borghese, won the VRC Oaks, highlighting a bloodline rich in both speed and staying power. With her raw ability and rapid progression, Tempted is shaping as a genuine contender in Saturday's elite juvenile feature at Caulfield where she is rated a $10 chance.

  • Collaborative Agreement between USA and Dubai

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    The Dubai World Cup meeting on April 5 at Meydan Racecourse will now play an influential role in shaping the field for the 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar in California. According to a Breeders' Cup press release, it has been confirmed that the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1) and three other Group 1 races will serve as automatic qualifiers through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In. This strengthens ties between two of the world's premier racing events, offering a direct path for top-class competitors to one of the sport's most prestigious stages. The 1 1/4-mile Dubai World Cup joins a select group of international races that provide a complimentary berth into the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), the headline race of the Championships. Also added to the Challenge Series are the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), which offers entry into the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1); the $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1T), a qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T); and the $5 million Dubai Turf (G1T), which secures a spot in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T). These races will give contenders from around the world a chance to qualify for the Breeders' Cup, which will take place at Del Mar on October 31 and November 1. The partnership extends beyond 2025. Winners of select Breeders' Cup races will earn automatic entry into corresponding Dubai World Cup night events the following year. The 2025 Breeders' Cup Classic victor will receive a guaranteed start in the 2026 Dubai World Cup, while the Breeders' Cup Sprint, Turf, and Mile winners will gain free entry into the Dubai Golden Shaheen, Sheema Classic, and Dubai Turf, respectively. "Breeders' Cup Limited is very pleased to expand our international Breeders' Cup Challenge Series," said Breeders' Cup CEO Drew Fleming. "This partnership with our friends at Dubai Racing Club speaks to the global unification of our sport and rewards international contenders for competing at the highest level." Sheikh Rashed Bin Dalmook Bin Juma Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Racing Club, echoed this sentiment. "The Breeders' Cup is one of the biggest and most important international meetings on the calendar. We are delighted to enter into this partnership, allowing four winners from the Breeders' Cup an automatic place at the Dubai World Cup meeting."
  • Johannes Charges into Classic Contention

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Irish import Johannes Brahms, a son of Siyouni, has announced himself as a serious contender for the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) with a determined victory in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 Heung Yee Kuk Cup Handicap (1600m) at Sha Tin on Sunday The 4YO, formerly trained by Aidan O’Brien in Ireland, outlasted Darci Brahma gelding Speed Dragon (121lb) by a short head in 1m 33.59s under Andrea Atzeni, collecting a HK$1.5 million Top-Up Bonus in the process. His success also bolstered the Classic Series credentials of Sky Heart (Ardrossan) and Steps Ahead (Written By). According to racingnews.hkjc.com, Trainer Pierre Ng was pleased with the performance and hinted at tactical adjustments for the Classic Cup’s extra 200m. “This time we really wanted to test him, get him higher in rating and prove he’s a capable Class 2 horse,” he said. “The next test is the (Hong Kong) Classic Cup – 200m further, so we probably have to ride him more quietly.” Ng believes the 4YO is progressing well despite his 14th-place finish in the Hong Kong Classic Mile. “The 4YO races always have a slow pace. It didn’t suit him last time, but hopefully we’ll get a better draw next time and a better pattern of race.” Atzeni is confident Johannes Brahms, rated 84, can step up in trip for the Classic Cup on 2 March and even contend in the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 23 March if ridden patiently. “He’s obviously got very good European form and if you could ignore his last run when he had excuses in the Hong Kong Classic Mile, he was entitled to be one of the top horses in the race today,” Atzeni said. A wide draw (10) forced a conservative approach, but the Italian jockey sees promise over further. “There are a lot of horses with question marks at the distance. I think this horse, if you ride him quiet, there’s a good chance he could get [the trip]."

    Johannes Brahms

    Johannes Brahms (centre) was impressive in victory (pic: hkjc.com)
  • Breeders' Cup Gets Ahead of Ticket Curve

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Although the start of November signifies Victoria Derby Day and subsequent Melbourne Cup Day on the following Tuesday for Australian racing fans, in the northern hemisphere, the exceptional two-day Breeders' Cup meeting also boasts a robust following in the USA. With these events typically booked out months in advance, tickets for the 42nd Breeders' Cup World Championships will go on sale to the general public on Wednesday, April 23. The prestigious two-day event returns to Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in California from October 31 to November 1, offering a thrilling showcase of many of the world's finest horses, jockeys, trainers, and breeders. For 2025, purchasing tickets will require a SeatGeek account, part of a new multi-year partnership aimed at modernising the ticketing experience. Fans can create a free account now at SeatGeek.com/#register to ensure a smooth purchasing process once tickets become available. Early access to pre-sale tickets is available by signing up at BreedersCup.com/2025. By leveraging SeatGeek's technology, the Breeders' Cup aims to streamline ticket sales, making it easier than ever for fans to secure their seats at one of the sport's most anticipated events. This year's Breeders' Cup will feature 14 Grade 1 races, along with a competitive undercard, as part of a festival boasting more than US$34 million in purses and awards. Returning to Del Mar for the fourth time, the event will once again take place at the nation's only seaside racetrack, famously known as "Where the Turf Meets the Surf." Spectators can also enjoy the region's picturesque coastline, award-winning restaurants, and luxurious accommodation. For those seeking an elevated experience, Breeders' Cup Experiences remains the official ticket, hospitality, and travel provider, offering exclusive packages that ensure an unforgettable visit. More details can be found at BreedersCupExperiences.com.
  • Admire Mars Sires His First Group Winner

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Triple Group 1-winning miler Admire Mars (Daiwa Major–Via Medici, by Medician) is making an early statement as a sire. After securing his first stakes winner, Namura Clara, over 1400 metres at Chukyo last month, the Arrowfield Stud shuttler has now produced his first Group winner. On Saturday, his daughter Embroidery delivered a dominant performance in the Tokyo Daily Hai Queen Cup (1600m G3), stopping the clock in a blistering 1:32.2. A Northern Farm homebred, Embroidery settled into second place with ease before taking command 400 metres from the post, surging clear to win by 2.5-lengths. The time set a new race record and positioned her as a strong contender for the Gr1 Hanshin Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) on April 13. Jockey Christophe Lemaire praised her sustained speed, saying, “I was able to run at a good pace, and I’m glad I was able to get that position. She can maintain a good pace for a long time, and after accelerating, she can keep that speed all the way to the finish line. That’s what’s good about this horse. I think she can compete at a higher level.” Embroidery hails from the family of Horse of the Year Buena Vista and Champion 2YO Filly Joie de Vivre. She is the standout performer from her dam Rottenmeier (by Kurofune), who has produced two winners. Along with Namura Clara, winner of the Chukyo Kobai S. (1400m LR) on January 18, Embroidery is part of an impressive first crop that has placed Admire Mars among Japan’s top Second Season Sires. With the Spring Classics approaching, his early success suggests he will be well represented.

    Admire Mars

    Arrowfield shuttler Admire Mars (pic: Joan Farras)
  • Ponting on the Front Foot at Morphettville

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Former Aussie cricket captain Ricky Ponting and his wife Rianna are bringing their passion for wine and racing to Morphettville Racecourse on Saturday, February 22, 2025, with an exclusive Ponting Wines Lunch in The Lounge. According to racingsa.com.au, as part of the day's celebrations, the couple is also sponsoring the Ponting Wines Handicap, further cementing their connection to the sport. Coinciding with a top-tier Saturday racing program, the lunch aligns with the Gr3 Lord Reims Stakes (2600m), a key lead-up to the Adelaide Cup. Two Listed races – the City of Marion Stakes (1200m) and the Cinderella Stakes (1050m) – are also on the schedule, ensuring a cracking day's racing. The Pontings have long been involved in the racing industry, having owned numerous horses trained by some of Australia's finest. Their ties to South Australia run deep, with Ricky's formative years spent at the Australian Cricket Academy under Rod Marsh in the 1990s. His love for the region now extends into winemaking, with Ponting Wines producing acclaimed releases from the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, and McLaren Vale. "We love the racing industry and its ability to bring so many people together," Ricky says. "South Australia is special to us, not only for the many highlights throughout my cricket career but also as a critical part of Ponting Wines. Sponsoring the Ponting Wines Handicap allows Rianna and I to merge our passions for wine and racing, and we're excited to share this experience with racegoers at Morphettville." Guests at the Ponting Wines Lunch will enjoy a specially curated menu by renowned chef Stephen Clarke, featuring pairings from the exclusive Milestone Collection, with some releases available only at this event. Adding to the experience, Ricky, Rianna, and their winemaker Ben Riggs will participate in a Q&A session, offering insights into their winemaking journey. For more details or to purchase tickets: https://morphettville.com.au/package/trackside-with-the-pontings
  • Linebacker Spruiked Ahead of Gr2 Hobartville Tilt

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    Sydney trainer John O’Shea is eager to see 2YO Gr1 Champagne Stakes runner-up Linebacker (see below) return to his preferred hunting ground as he targets Saturday’s Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens. After a solid first-up effort over 1200m at Randwick, punters.com.au reports the gelding steps back to a trip where he’s more comfortable, and his trainer expects improvement. A son of rapidly emerging Group 1-winning Waikato Stud stallion Super Seth (Dundeel), Linebacker set the pace in the Gr3 Eskimo Prince Stakes before finishing 1.25-lengths behind Public Attention (Written Tycoon). “He has never won at six furlongs, so we were always a bit dubious on him last week,” admitted O’Shea who trains in partnership with Tom Charlton. “But he probably just executed a little poorly. He will go a lot better.” O’Shea conceded that Linebacker was ridden a bit upside down and that his front-running role was unexpected. “I was surprised he found himself in front, it wouldn’t have been our favoured thing for him,” he said. Despite carrying 2.5kg more than his rivals, Linebacker was beaten by just over a length, and a return to 1400m at Rosehill, where he won the Gr3 Baillieu Quality as a 2YO, should suit him better. He also ran sixth in the Group 1 Golden Rose at the course and distance, despite getting worked up pre-race. The Hobartville Stakes promises stiff competition, with three-time Group 1 winner Broadsiding joining the field first-up. Zac Lloyd is set to ride the massively talented son of Darley’s Too Darn Hot in the absence of James McDonald, who is in Saudi Arabia for Romantic Warrior’s campaign.

  • New Strategy to Tackle UK Racing Staff Crisis

    Tuesday, 18th February 2025
    British racing is facing a workforce crisis, and a new three-year strategy has been launched to tackle the issue head-on, according to racingpost.com. The Horseracing Industry People Board (HIPB) has introduced Our People, Racing's Future, a plan aimed at improving recruitment, retention, and staff welfare. The initiative is seen as vital to safeguarding the sport's reputation and long-term viability. A recent survey revealed troubling trends. Nearly 20% of racehorse trainers and stud employers are struggling with skills shortages, and stable staff satisfaction with pay and benefits has fallen to 52% from 60% in 2018. More than 30% of stable staff and 22% of stud workers are considering leaving within two years. HIPB chair Julia Tyson acknowledged that while the industry is "full of amazing people," too many are not being treated as they should. With over 500 critical vacancies and existing recruitment pathways failing to meet demand, the need for change is urgent. Retention is a key concern. Tyson warned that the current approach is unsustainable and that some workplace conditions fall short of modern expectations. "We are in danger of taking our people for granted because of their passion for working with horses," she said, highlighting that many feel undervalued or disrespected. She added, "We would be guilty of Einstein's definition of madness if we keep on repeating the same things and expecting different outcomes." The strategy aims to cut the industry's vacancy rate in breeding and training yards from 24% to 10%, boost work rider retention by 10%, and reduce the current 19% skills shortage by half. Another major goal is lowering the proportion of workers planning to leave within two years from 27% to 20%. Tyson emphasised that addressing these issues is not just about workforce sustainability but about protecting the sport's reputation. Inclusion is a major focus, particularly following criticism from the Professional Jockeys Association (PJA) over delays in modernising Britain's weighing rooms, which it claims are prolonging discrimination against female jockeys. Acting British Horseracing Authority (BHA) chief executive Brant Dunshea responded, reaffirming the commitment to ensuring all jockeys have access to high-standard, equitable facilities. The strategy has received support from the PJA and the National Trainers Federation (NTF), with NTF chief executive Paul Johnson stressing that for racing to thrive, the needs of its workforce must be a priority.

2023 BTR Stud Stallions

BTP STUD STALLIONS

Sire
A Lot Established
Adelaide Established
Admire Mars Established
Akeed Mofeed Established
Al Maher Established
Alabama Express Established
All American Established
All Too Hard Established
Alpine Eagle Established
Alpine Edge 2nd Season
Anamoe 3rd Season
Anders Established
Artie Schiller Established
Astern Established
Awesome Rock Established
Barbados Established
Barbaric 1st crop 2YOs
Better Than Ready Established
Bivouac Established
Blue Point Established
Brave Smash Established
Brazen Beau Established
Bruckner 3rd Season
Bull Point Established
Bullbars Established
Cape Of Good Hope 3rd Season
Capitalist Established
Captivant 1st crop 2YOs
Casino Prince Established
Castelvecchio Established
Churchill Established
Cliff's Edge Established
Cool Aza Beel Established
Cylinder 2nd Season
D'argento Established
Dandino Established
Danerich Established
Dash For Cash Established
De Gaulle Established
Delaware 1st crop 2YOs
Denman Established
Dirty Work Established
Dissident Established
Don Corleone 2nd 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
Ghaiyyath Established
Gingerbread Man Established
Gold Standard Established
Golden Mile 2nd Season
Graff Established
Grunt Established
Hallowed Crown Established
Harry Angel Established
Hawaii Five Oh 2nd Season
Headwater Established
Hellbent Established
Hitotsu 3rd Season
I Am Immortal Established
I Am Invincible Established
Ilovethiscity Established
Invader Established
Jacquinot 3rd Season
Ka Ying Master 3rd Season
Kermadec Established
King Colorado 2nd Season
Lofty Strike 2nd Season
Lord Of The Sky Established
Love Conquers All Established
Manhattan Rain Established
Maschino Established
Master Of Design Established
Maurice Established
Merchant Navy Established
Microphone Established
Mo'unga 2nd Season
Murtajill Established
My Admiration Established
Native Trail 2nd Season
Needs Further Established
Nicconi Established
Nostradamus Established
Officiating 2nd Season
Ole Kirk Established
Overshare Established
Pariah Established
Paulele 3rd Season
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo 1st crop 2YOs
Playing God Established
Portland Sky 1st crop 2YOs
Power Established
Prague Established
Pride Of Dubai 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
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
Spirit Of Boom Established
Squamosa Established
Star Turn Established
Star Witness Established
Starspangledbanner Established
Street Boss Established
Super One Established
Supido Established
Swear 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
Triple Time 2nd Season
Turffontein Established
Unite And Conquer Established
Universal Ruler Established
Vancouver Established
Victor Ludorum 1st crop 2YOs
Von Costa De Hero Established
Wandjina Established
Winning Rupert Established
Wooded 1st crop 2YOs
Worthy Cause Established
Written By Established
Written Tycoon Established
Xtravagant Established
Your Song Established
Zousain Established
Zoustar Established