A striking colt from the first Southern Hemisphere crop of former Champion European juvenile Pinatubo emerged as the star of the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, fetching $290,000. Consigned by KBL Thoroughbreds on behalf of breeder Peachester Lodge, the colt is the second living foal of Of the Day, a talented I Am Invincible mare who claimed six wins, including five at metropolitan level, and accumulated over $240,000 in earnings. Notably, Of the Day is a full sister to Most Important, a Gr3 George Moore Stakes winner and five-time stakes victor who earned over $1 million. The colt was snapped up by First Light Racing, in partnership with trainer Tony Gollan and bloodstock agent John Foote. “We thought he was the colt of the sale,” said Andrew Dunemann, General Manager of Gollan Racing. “Tony has had a fair bit to do with the mare. It’s a really good family, a good Queensland family. Linda Huddy has bred him and she's one of our great clients and we have great respect for what she does in terms of breeding them. The QTIS bonus structure is probably the best in Australia – for us, it's a no-brainer to buy at this sale.” Vendor Brad Lowe of KBL Thoroughbreds was thrilled with the result, expressing appreciation for Peachester Lodge’s ongoing support. “It's always good to get a sale topper here at Magic Millions - in your home state,” he said. “And to get a result like that for someone that has supported us for many years.” Breeder Linda Huddy shared her satisfaction with the outcome, noting the colt’s quality from the beginning. “Ever since he was foaled we've always liked him. He's always been a beautiful colt and been easy to do anything with.” She also praised the efforts of Brad and Kandice Pritchard, saying, “They always present the yearlings and any horses they have for us, always beautifully presented.” Huddy added, “I like the horse (Pinatubo) himself. He was really fast in the Northern Hemisphere. Darley always does a good job with the ones they shuttle down here.”
The $290,000 Pinatubo-Of The Day colt (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
Spirit of Boom Continues Strong March Results
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
The second top seller of the day and sale at the Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale was a Spirit of Boom colt from Lonhro's Spirit (Lot 293), sold for $210,000. Consigned by Kenmore Lodge, the colt is a half-brother to Fred Best Classic placegetter End Assembly. Leading Central Queensland trainer Clinton Taylor, in partnership with Bacon Racing, secured the colt. “We love the stallion,” Taylor said. “We've had terrific success with him. He’s probably more of a three-year-old, so we’ll give him time. We really like him and thought he was good buying.” Taylor also noted, “There’s a little trick to training them and hopefully we can keep going.” The colt was one of the stars of Kenmore Lodge’s draft. “He’s a nice horse,” Kenmore’s Kellie Bond said. “He had a lot of quality. Being a half to a horse with ability and by the right stallion, he always gave the impression he could make money. It was a pretty good result, and Clinton Taylor is a good up-and-coming trainer.” Over $8.3 million was traded across 240 lots, with an average price of $34,635 and a clearance rate exceeding 73 per cent. “It’s a really important sale for Queensland breeders,” said Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch. “The clearance rate is a bit lower than we would have liked, but it was a strong average, and there were plenty of six-figure horses.” Bowditch noted robust local participation, complemented by interstate and international buyers. “It was expected to be tough at the bottom end, but overall, we’re happy with the cross-section of buyers,” he said. He also praised the top-selling Pinatubo colt. “He was a standout from the beginning. It shows that if you bring the right horse to the Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, you can be well rewarded.”
Unbeaten Champion 2YO Joins Arrowfield Roster
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
In a major announcement, Arrowfield Stud has revealed that undefeated 2YO Champion Vandeek (Havana Grey–Mosa Mine by Exceed and Excel) will be shuttling from Cheveley Park Stud in the UK to stand at Arrowfield in 2025. With the Australian market’s enthusiasm for top-class European juvenile sprint form – thanks to stallions like Too Darn Hot and Wootton Bassett –Vandeek’s arrival promises to be an exciting opportunity. Arrowfield’s Chairman John Messara describes him as “a great-looking, unbeaten Champion 2YO by a brilliant young stallion,” adding that his appeal is undeniable. Vandeek made an immediate impression with his perfect record of four wins from four starts over 1200m as a 2YO. His debut at Nottingham saw him recover from missing the start by four lengths to win comfortably by a length. Just two weeks later, he delivered a stunning performance in the Richmond Stakes G2 at Glorious Goodwood, storming home in the final furlong to secure a convincing victory. This set him up for the prestigious Deauville Prix Morny G1, where he effortlessly took down the best juveniles from France, England, and Ireland. After briefly checking his run, he launched a spectacular finishing burst to reel in favourite, and subsequent Group 1 winner Ramatuelle. Capping off his juvenile season, Vandeek dazzled in the Newmarket Middle Park Stakes G1, taking command with a powerful late surge to win by more than two lengths. Named the Champion 2YO Colt in France, he returned as a 3YO to finish third in the Haydock Sandy Lane S. G2 and the Newmarket July Cup G1 – much like Danehill – before a minor injury prompted his early retirement. His co-trainer Simon Crisford praised him as having “a wonderful temperament” and described his Middle Park victory as “sensational.” Vandeek is the standout performer by European sprint sensation Havana Grey, who has produced 22 stakes winners, making him Europe’s Leading First, Second & Third Season Sire. Vandeek’s dam, Mosa Mine, is out of Baldemosa, whose half-sister, Group 1 winner Balbonella, produced Champion Sprinter and dual hemisphere sire Anabaa, and French 1000 Guineas Group 1 winner Always Loyal. Bred and raised by Maywood Stud in Wales, Vandeek topped the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale at 625,000 guineas, purchased by HH Sheikh Khalid Al-Khalifa’s KHK Racing. Arrowfield’s Bloodstock Manager Jon Freyer, who inspected Vandeek at Cheveley Park, described him as “a stunning individual, combining athletic strength and quality.” Cheveley Park Stud’s Managing Director Chris Richardson expressed excitement about Vandeek’s arrival at Arrowfield, noting his professionalism and the strong support he’s already receiving from British and European breeders, including 22 high class mares from Cheveley Park. With a flawless 2YO record, Vandeek’s talent and pedigree are sure to draw significant interest from Australian breeders. Vandeek’s 2025 fee at Arrowfield has been set at $22,000 inc. GST, and the Stud will be giving him strong support from its own broodmare band.
Vandeek's 2YO record was flawless (pic: Mark Cranham)
$3 million Filly Ernaux Set to Make Debut
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
The second highest priced yearling sold in 2024, knocked down for $3m from the draft of Coolmore to the final bid of Resolute Racing, 2YO filly Ernaux (I Am Invincible-Booker, by Written Tycoon) has placed in both of her trials leading into Wednesday’s race. The second foal of the Gr1-winnning Mill Park yearling graduate Booker, whose first foal Railway Man (I Am Invincible) was a winner two starts ago before selling on the Inglis Digital platform to HK clients, Ernaux is the favourite to make a winning debut, especially as she will be partnered by James McDonald. The Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Pleasure Queen (Trapeze Artist-Perfect Pleasure, by Pierro) was a debut winner over 1000m on this track, and come Wednesday, second, fourth and fifth from the same race will all be out to battle once again here. The fourth-placed Spice Prawn (Too Darn Hot-Cosmic Endeavour, by Northern Meteor) was well supported in the betting in that race, and she should be watched second up here. Beaten just under eight lengths on debut in the Gr2 Sweet Embrace Stakes behind Within The Law (Lucky Vega), punters must feel the John Sargent trained Wootton Lass (Wootton Bassett-The Natural, by Fastnet Rock) is worth a great chance here second time out. Currently the third favourite for Wednesday’s assignment, the Yarraman Park Stud yearling graduate should be kept very safe.
$3m Yearling Ernaux (pic: inglis.com.au)
Pedigrees Aplenty in Kenso Opener
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
The first race on Wednesday’s Kensington track meeting for colts and geldings sees a host of well-bred juveniles set to run with four of the nine runners having not yet faced the starter under race day conditions. With the Anthony and Sam Freedman yard looking to continue their solid start from their new local base at Randwick, the father-son duo will saddle up two of the nine runners. Sporting the silks worn to success in last Saturday’s Gr1 Golden Slipper, the Emirates Park-raced Mednyi (Capitalist-Maroon Bay, by Exceed And Excel) started his career in Melbourne before heading to Sydney where his two local starts has netted a third followed by a last win. With 3kg claiming apprentice Benjamin Osmond on board, connections will be hoping that the colt can record back-to-back victories. Success would also add a nice update to his I Am Invincible half-brother being offered at the upcoming Inglis Easter yearling sale as Lot 51 as part of the Emirates Park draft. The second of the Freedman runners, and currently the race favourite, the $650,000 Magic Millions yearling purchase Nielsen Park (Zoustar-She’s So High, by I Am Invincible) will be making his debut here. Third in a recent Randwick barrier trial, the well-bred colt has some high profile owners in him and success on debut would further justify their involvement. Set to have just his second start, the Yulong-bred and raced Grand Prairie (Written Tycoon-Viddora, by I Am Invincible) should be further improved from his second placed effort on debut. Trained by Peter Snowden, the Tyler Schiller-ridden colt will jump from barrier 6 and could trouble the favoured runners.
Renewed Kiwi Racetrack Infrastructure Concerns
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
New Zealand’s thoroughbred racing industry is grappling with mounting frustration over infrastructure issues that seem to be spiralling out of control, according to NZ Racing Desk. The most recent setback occurred when Taupo’s trials were abandoned on Tuesday, following the cancellation of a Tauherenikau race meeting just two days earlier due to a slip in the opening race. This disruption adds to the ongoing chaos in the Central Districts, where both Hastings and Awapuni remain out of commission due to track renovations. The resulting inconvenience and financial strain are increasingly intolerable for trainers and owners alike. New Zealand Trainers’ Association President Shaun Clotworthy has called the situation a genuine infrastructure crisis, particularly affecting the Central Districts. While northern trainers have enjoyed some relief from the reopening of Ellerslie and Te Aroha, Clotworthy insists the problems are far from resolved. He argues that a complete review of current processes is necessary, suggesting the need for fresh perspectives to address what he describes as a failing system. “The cost is huge to the industry and especially to the owners, who are getting really sick of it,” Clotworthy said. “Owners are frustrated. It is not cheap to race horses and they aren’t looking to have any extra costs added on.” Although Ellerslie’s plan to host two trial dates next week provides some immediate relief, Clotworthy remains adamant that such measures are mere band-aid solutions. New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s Chief Operating Officer, Darin Balcombe, echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the strain being placed on provincial tracks. “The tracks are struggling with the weight of racing on them at the moment and that is causing issues,” Balcombe noted. He highlighted that many provincial tracks, designed to handle only three or four racedays a year, are now being pushed to host seven or eight. The resulting damage is evident, with cancellations becoming increasingly frequent and disruptive. Balcombe confirmed that Awapuni Racecourse in Palmerston North is expected to resume racing on its turf track next month. However, it will be limited to two or three meetings before being closed for winter maintenance, which underlines the broader struggle to maintain viable racing venues. To counter this, Balcombe mentioned ongoing efforts to install irrigation systems at tracks like Waverley, Hawera, and potentially Woodville. “The tracks need to be in a fit state,” he stressed, acknowledging that while weather-related cancellations are inevitable, those caused by poor track conditions are simply unacceptable.
Too Darn Lizzie Secured for Chairman's Sale
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
Too Darn Lizzie, one of the most exciting 3YO fillies of her generation, is now set to join the impressive lineup for The Chairman’s Sale at Riverside on May 8. The daughter of Darley sire-sensation Too Darn Hot showcased her talent from the outset as a 2YO, claiming a $500,000 Maiden win in January with ease and placing a close third in the Gr2 Reisling Stakes at Randwick over 1200m. Her performance as a 3YO this season has been impressive, taking on top competition with remarkable consistency. She captured the Gr2 Thousand Guineas Prelude (see below) and followed it with a determined third in the Gr1 Thousand Guineas over a mile at Caulfield. This Autumn, she has placed in three major races: the Gr2 Angus Armanasco, the Gr2 Kewney, and most recently, the Gr3 Alexandra Stakes at Moonee Valley. The Gr1 Australasian Oaks on April 26 is her upcoming target. Co-trainer Adrian Bott described her as a "very obvious talent right from the outset," praising her physicality and the rare blend of speed, precocity, and Classic-season durability. "Her form has been remarkably consistent throughout her career at the elite level," he added. "She is still lightly raced and looks to have plenty of upside in her future racing career." Too Darn Lizzie, raced by Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber who raced Too Darn Hot, has been labeled an “extraordinary opportunity” by their Racing Manager, Simon Marsh. "We bought her with the goal of securing the best Too Darn Hot filly from his first crop, supporting and promoting the stallion," said Marsh. The decision to offer her for sale has been difficult, but commercially necessary. Marsh added, "Whoever secures her will have an extraordinary opportunity – she still has a big race in her, and long-term, she’s destined to be an outstanding broodmare, just like her dam." Yarraman Park Stud will consign Too Darn Lizzie as a racing and breeding prospect. As a daughter of Group 2-winning 2YO and Gr1 Blue Diamond runner-up Enbihaar, her pedigree is exceptional. Inglis Bloodstock Sales Manager Harry Bailey believes her presence will attract “broad international appeal.” Bailey noted, “She has raced exclusively in stakes company since her debut and has been competitive with the best fillies including Aeliana and Treasurethe Moment. The programme for her in Australia as a 4YO is incredibly appealing, with the $10m Golden Eagle an obvious target.”
Caulfield to Host Next William Reid Stakes
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
The Moonee Valley Racing Club (MVRC) is pressing ahead with plans to host the 2026 William Reid Stakes at Caulfield, as it prepares to redevelop its storied track later this year, reports racing.com. With just eight meetings remaining at the existing venue, the MVRC is working closely with Racing Victoria to relocate 39 race meetings over the next two seasons, aiming for a grand relaunch of The Valley's upgraded course in August 2027. According to MVRC CEO Michael Browell, scheduling for the 2025-26 season is being finalised, with the William Reid Stakes likely to be held at Caulfield next March. “We are finalising the dates at the moment for the 25-26 season, it looks like the William Reid Stakes next March will be at Caulfield.” Browell also noted plans for four meetings at Geelong and 11 others predominantly at Cranbourne to support the night racing program. While the William Reid Stakes appears settled, the MVRC continues its search for a temporary home for its flagship event, the 2026 Cox Plate. Browell confirmed the decision has been narrowed down to Caulfield or Flemington. “I think it’s an agenda item for the April Racing Victoria board meeting, we have a bit of work to do to finalise a recommendation to them over the coming weeks but it's narrowed down to two.” The new track, replacing the outdated StrathAyr track laid in 1995, will be constructed by Evergreen Turf. With racing expected to resume in August 2027, more than two months ahead of the first Cox Plate on the newly laid circuit, Browell emphasized the importance of giving the track ample time to consolidate. “We have a really long break after the track goes in to allow it to consolidate to be at its best condition when racing does return.” In the midst of these major changes, two additional apartment towers are being built on the course, offering 330 residences – all of which have already been sold.
Pearl of Alsace Retired for Breeding
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
Elite-performed Pencarrow racemare Pearl Of Alsace’s racing career drew to a dramatic close with a narrow defeat in the Gr3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) on Saturday, retiring as a respected Group 1 performer who fell just shy of a fairytale finish. Trained by Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray, loveracing.nz reports the daughter of Tavistock demonstrated her natural talent from the start, quickly climbing the ranks and securing victory in her first five races, culminating in her triumph in the 2023 edition of the Cuddle Stakes. Her elevation to elite-level racing was marked by a gallant but luckless fourth-place finish in the Gr1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). Owned and bred by Sir Peter Vela of Pencarrow Stud, Pearl Of Alsace claimed her Group 1 placing in the Livamol Classic (2050m) and impressed in her sole Australian run, finishing fourth behind Deny Knowledge in the Gr2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m). Her final season was highlighted by a strong performance in the Gr2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) and a near-miss at Trentham against Our Jumala, demonstrating her consistency at the highest levels. Pearl Of Alsace retires with seven wins, four minor placings, and earnings nearing $400,000 from just 21 starts. Vela’s racing manager, Garry Cossey, reflected, “She couldn’t have run any better on Saturday, she just came up short by a nose, but sectionally, she was outstanding. She’s going out on a good note.” Her achievements extend beyond her wins. “She’s certainly done Pencarrow proud, and she’s been a great mare – Group 1 placed and a Cuddle Stakes winner. She also ran fourth in a Group 2 in Melbourne, so she’s done a fantastic job in the time that she has been racing," Cossey said. He recalled, “Sir Peter got an offer on her before she even raced, but we asked Shaune if he thought she could get black-type, and he believed she most certainly could. That first season was great, culminating in the Cuddle and an unlucky fourth in the Breeders’ Stakes.” Out of Group 2-performer Irion, Pearl Of Alsace has a pedigree to match her talent, setting her up well for her broodmare career. Vela concluded, “We’re very proud of her, she’s done really well, and she’ll be a beautiful broodmare. We tried with Proisir last season, but she’ll go back into the bundle now, and we’ll evaluate the best mating options.” Pearl Of Alsace will join Irion in Pencarrow’s broodmare band, with Irion recently mated to Cambridge Stud’s shuttle stallion Chaldean.
Group 1 performer Pearl of Alsace (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
Waugh Hoping for Better Midway Luck
Wednesday, 26th March 2025
The $1 million Polytrack Provincial-Midway Championships Final is fast approaching, and the coming days will be crucial for Kim Waugh’s hopes. The Wyong trainer has endured a run of tantalising places in the lucrative event. According to racingnsw.com.au, Waugh has missed the major prize seven times, comprising Oxford Poet (3rd, 2015), His Majesty (3rd, 2016), Newsfan (2nd, 2018), Spring Charlie (2nd, 2019), Oxford Tycoon (3rd, 2020) and Shadows Of Love (3rd, 2024). To date, in 2025, she has already qualified two horses for the April 12 event, with her latest qualifier, Mogul Monarch, preparing for Wednesday’s TAB Handicap (1400m) at Kensington. Meanwhile, Bojangles will have his final hit-out at Rosehill on Saturday, and Northern Eyes will try to secure a spot in the Final via the Wild Card on his home track. Mogul Monarch, listed at $7 with TAB on Tuesday, secured his place through a brave second-place finish in the Gosford heat. Waugh praised the effort, noting his determination to switch back to the inside and change lanes multiple times. “They all got past him and to fight back and run second it was a really good effort. Once they get a length past you it’s hard to pull that back.” With Anna Roper’s 3kg claim reducing his 62.5kg handicap for Wednesday’s 1400m run, Waugh feels positive about his progress. “He’s just learning all the time, he’s getting better and better.” Bojangles has been making solid progress, finishing second to Les Vampires at Rosehill after a runner-up effort in the first heat at Hawkesbury on February 20. Wearing blinkers for the first time, he’ll contest a Benchmark 88 over 1400m at Rosehill this Saturday. Waugh hopes to overcome a streak of bad luck with wide barriers. “His first run with the blinkers the other day I thought was really good,” she said. “He always hits a flat spot around the 600m. He drew terribly so he’s back further than he needs to be and has to make these really long runs. It takes away his turn of foot.” Northern Eyes has had unfortunate attempts to qualify at Newcastle, but Waugh feels there were genuine excuses for his midfield finish behind Matcha Latte last time. “He’s going well, his first two runs back haven’t worked out,” she said. The Wild Card presents a final opportunity, and despite near-misses in previous finals, Waugh remains determined to make her mark this year.
