Saturday, 19th July 2025
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  • NEW Foaling Season’s Hidden Threat: Why Passive Immunity Matters for Australia’s Racing Industry

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    Plasvacc

    Every new foal carries promise, and every breeder hopes for a strong start to a foal’s life and eventual racing career. In racing, the first few hours after birth mark more than the start of life—they lay the groundwork for everything to come.

    But for as many as 1 in 5 foals born in Australia each year, that start may be compromised by something that can’t be seen: a lack of immune protection known as Failure of Passive Transfer, or FPT. FPT can derail even the most promising start, putting young horses at higher risk of life-threatening infections and long-term setbacks – all because they didn’t get the immune protection needed in the first hours of life.  For owners, breeders, and anyone invested in a foal’s future on the track, understanding FPT isn’t just veterinary knowledge – it’s practical, season-saving insight. And it’s easier to address than many realise.

    What Is FPT? 

    Foals, unlike human infants, aren’t born with immunity. Because of the structure of the equine placenta, mares cannot pass antibodies to the foal before birth. Instead, immunity must be delivered via colostrum, the first milk produced in the days leading up to foaling. This colostrum contains high concentrations of immunoglobulins, or antibodies – primarily IgG – that the foal absorbs through the intestinal lining during the first 6 to 8 hours of life. By 24 hours, that absorption window closes. If a foal’s IgG levels are below 400 mg/dl at 24 hours old, the transfer is considered a failure. Between 400 and 800 mg/dl, it’s a partial failure. In either case, the foal’s ability to fight off infection is significantly compromised. It’s an invisible risk with very visible consequences.

    What Causes FPT?

    FPT can occur for a range of reasons—many of which aren’t immediately obvious:

    • Poor quality or insufficient colostrum
    • Premature lactation (and loss of colostrum before birth) 
    • Maternal rejection or delayed nursing
    • Foal weakness, injury, or prematurity
    • Inability to absorb antibodies despite ingestion 

    Even a healthy-looking foal can quietly miss this critical window. That’s why early testing of IgG levels, ideally between 12–24 hours after birth, is so important—particularly for high-risk foals.

    Why Passive Immunity Matters for Short and Long-Term Equine Health 

    Foals with FPT are significantly more vulnerable to conditions like septicemia, pneumonia, diarrhea, and joint infections. These aren't minor setbacks—they often lead to prolonged treatment, high veterinary costs, and in severe cases, loss of the foal entirely. 

    For breeders and owners focused on future racing performance, there’s also a long term goal to consider. Early infections and immune challenges can impact growth, development, and trainability—factors that shape a young horse’s racing trajectory well before they reach a track. 

    How Equiplas® Supports Foals at Risk 

    When passive immunity fails, Plasvacc’s Equiplas® equine plasma provides a proven alternative, is rich in gamma globulins, and helps raise antibody levels quickly and safely. Used by veterinarians across Australia, New Zealand, and the world, Equiplas® is: 

    • APVMA and NZFSA registered 
    • Typically administered in 1–2 litre doses
    • Used to support recovery from from colitis, diarrhea, and general infections
    • It's a proven, practical tool—especially valuable during foaling season when stakes are high and early intervention matters. 

    A Simple Solution with Big Impact 

    Not every foal will experience FPT—but for those that do, early detection and intervention are critical. A simple blood test can guide the decision to treat, and hyperimmunised plasma therapy can provide life-saving antibodies when nature cannot. 

    For owners, breeders, trainers, and stud managers focused on giving young horses the strongest possible start, having a plan in place that includes early testing, plasma on hand, and fast veterinary support when needed can make all the difference. Because while racing futures are shaped over time, they often begin with a single moment of care.

    We invite you to learn more about Equiplas® by visiting Plasvacc.com today. Because a strong finish starts with a healthy beginning.

  • Dazzling Finale Befitting Record Hong Kong Season

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    Hong Kong racing has roared back into growth territory, fuelled by resurgent global engagement, bold performances from equine stars, and a strong rebound in tourist attendance, reports scmp.com. Turnover for the 2024-25 season climbed to HK$138.85 billion, marking a 3 per cent increase and reversing last year's decline. The result ends a brief interruption to a prior three-year stretch of record wagering, with the Hong Kong Jockey Club crediting both on-track brilliance and off-track recovery for the turnaround. "It's been an amazing season, with outstanding performances by top horses that have truly captured the imagination of fans not just in Hong Kong but around the world," said Jockey Club chief executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. Romantic Warrior, Ka Ying Rising and Voyage Bubble spearheaded the charge, bringing fans to their feet and keeping the global spotlight firmly fixed on Hong Kong. Overseas and mainland tourist numbers surged, in part due to initiatives rolled out following HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee's policy address. Engelbrecht-Bresges said, "We have been able to attract even more mainland and overseas tourists, who have come to our racecourses in record numbers to experience our city's signature sport. Attendance figures tell the story: more than 1.7 million patrons flocked to the races across the season, including 195,786 tourists from mainland China – more than double the previous tally of 93,000. Commingling turnover also hit a record HK$31.76 billion, up 10.1 per cent on last season. The Chinese New Year Raceday alone brought in HK$510.4 million in commingling, up 23.7 per cent year-on-year and breaking the HK$500 million mark for the first time. Simulcast wagering, including World Pool activity, rose by 2.3 per cent to HK$13.11 billion, with the number of simulcast days to increase to 53 in 2025-26 and 70 in 2026-27. Abroad, Romantic Warrior added lustre with his Group One Jebel Hatta win in Dubai and near misses in the Saudi Cup and Dubai Turf. Ka Ying Rising swept four Group Ones and clinched the HK$5 million Speed Series bonus, while Voyage Bubble joined the elite ranks by becoming the first horse since River Verdon to win the Triple Crown. "The achievements of amazing horses… reflect the expertise, dedication and passion of our trainers and jockeys," said Engelbrecht-Bresges. He also hailed the growing influence of Conghua, which saw a 17.7 per cent rise in stabled horses and a 24.3 per cent lift in winners. The 2025-26 season kicks off at Sha Tin on September 7, with record HK$208 million prize money confirmed for Champions Day and December's HKIR.

    Happy Valley

    Happy Valley hosted the Hong Kong season finale (pic: hkjc.com)
  • Tony Cruz Award Runs to The Wire on Wednesday

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    Meanwhile, the final meeting of the Hong Kong season on Wednesday night at Happy Valley produced a thrilling end with the Tony Cruz Award, for local jockeys, being won by Matthew Poon in an exciting countback, reports racenet.com.au. Poon led heading into the meeting but a double from Derek Leung put him in equal first with both jockeys concluding the season on 36 wins. A countback revealed they both also had equal second placings, 38, with Poon taking out the title thanks to his 56 third placings compared to Leung's 35 thirds. "It's a really great competition. It's good motivation for all of us. We stay very focused and hungry throughout the season," Poon said. "All of the local jockeys improve as a result. I think it really encourages every local jockey to improve. I'm so glad I can get there and it means a lot to win my first one – hopefully I will win a second one as well." Leung won on Vulcanus (Lean Mean Machine-Fair Choice, by Redoute's Choice) and Regal Gem (Zoustar-Sassy Dresser, by Kingman) in the last race to set up the tie-breaking countback. "The competition is a positive for the local jockeys. It's a good result for me and I hope I can bring this form for next season and have a good start – tonight, I can't catch the (Poon) Train," Leung said. Trainer Benno Yung won with Speedy Smartie (Satono Aladdin-Lemonade, by Bertolini) to head into retirement with 361 wins in Hong Kong over his career. "Last meeting and (winning) the first race – it's quite meaningful for me," Yung said. "He's been struggling for a while. He's been down to Class 5 and drawn wide for a couple of times. Most of the time he's had a bad draw and a bad situation, so it was lucky today."
  • Time and Dwindling Opportunity the Enemy

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    As the 2024-25 Australian Black Type season draws to a close, there is a battle royale for the Stallion Premiership, one that has come down to a razor's edge. With just a fortnight remaining and stakes race points fast running out, the race for the points-based Black Type Stallion Premiership has become a gripping two-horse duel between Zoustar and the late, great Snitzel. While Zoustar has already sewn up the dollar-based General Sire Premiership, a clean sweep is anything but assured. Just four points separate the pair – 352 to 348 in Zoustar's favour – leaving the equivalent of a Listed victory between triumph and runner-up status. That might tilt the odds towards Widden Stud's flag-bearer, but Snitzel, as he always has, casts a long shadow. The Arrowfield icon remains odds-on to claim the 3YO Stallion Premiership and could yet spoil Zoustar's bid for a famous double. Both sires are hamstrung by circumstance. Their top progeny have largely been spelled for the winter, preparing for the spring riches ahead. That means only fringe runners are likely to be flying the flag in the handful of stakes races remaining before season's end. And that number is indeed slim; just eight black type contests lie ahead: six Listed races and two at Group 2 level. Collectively, on 26 July, Caulfield, Morphettville and Bunbury will offer the last throw of the dice at which point stumps will be drawn. There's no margin for error. With each stakes contest now carrying potential to tip the scales, the final fortnight promises to be fraught with calculation, anticipation and perhaps the odd surprise. "Every point counts" may sound like a cliché, but in this instance, it could be the most accurate summary of the Black Type season's dramatic finale. The clock is ticking.

    The Numbers Add Up

  • Snowden's Tuileries Resumes with Tricky Gate

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    Peter Snowden trained 3YO filly Tuileries (So You Think-Hediard, by Bernardini) has won two of her four starts and will resume at Rosehill on Saturday, but has drawn the widest gate making her task tricky, reported racingnsw.com.au. "She's not hard to ride but if they go slow she likes to roll along a bit. If the pace is genuine she'll be fine and relax well, it's just if they go too slow she'll want to get running a bit," Snowden said. "Tempo will mean a fair bit, we don't want her pulling, and if she gets the right run she can certainly win. I think she has that sort of ability, she's still a benchmark filly yet so we can feel our way as we go along but I do think she has black type in her for sure. The two wins were both solid performances but she did have good runs. She wants further than 1200m but I thought at 1200m speed they normally keep rolling a bit and she won't get that chance to over race. Her trials have been good. She was showing good work last time in and she's come back in good order." Snowden also has nicely bred gelding Hopper (Snitzel-Artistry, by Shamardal) running at the meeting, and the 3YO is coming off a last start as beaten favourite at Warwick Farm. "I shook my head for two days after that race because I was so confident," he said. "Going back in class I thought it set up perfect for him but he was the first horse off the bridle at the 600m. Maybe I was doing a bit too much with him at home, he's a good trackworker and going up to a mile I put a bit more work into him to make sure he was fit enough. But maybe he's not a horse you can do that with, his first and second runs are always the best part of his prep so it makes you think he's best kept fresh. Hopefully those subtle changes we made might help bring the best out of him."
  • Sires' Produce Stakes for Too Darn Hot Trio

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    With a little over $100,000 needed until Too Darn Hot's progeny earnings for the season smashes through the $10m mark, Saturday's Gr3 South Australian Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) could be the tipping fact where the Darley based stallion will be represented by three runners in the ten-horse field. A winner by four and a half lengths at his only start to date, Tony and Calvin McEvoy's Volkano (Too Darn Hot-Volks Lightning, by Volksraad) is likely to start favourite, and with natural improvement, one would think the MyRacehorse and partners owned gelding should prove hard to beat. Purchased for $425,000 from the draft of Bell River Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions yearling sale, Volkano is the first foal of his Group 3-winning, Group 1 placed dam. Also, a last start winner, the Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray-trained Bootlegger (Too Darn Hot-Princess Youmzain, by Dalakhani) had made his debut with a half-length second over 1100m before stepping up to 1200m and winning by a length. The rise to 1400m will surely aid the gelding with his dam being a half-sister to Gr1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) winner and South Australian based sire Akeed Mofeed (Dubawi). The third of the trio by Too Darn Hot, who will interestingly stand at a fee of $275,000 (inc GST) this season at Darley Kelvinside, is the Melbourne visitor Too Much Too Soon (Too Darn Hot-Champ Elect, by Choisir). Second at her most recent two starts, the filly was a half-length off the promising Savannah Chill last start and should appreciated the 1400m.

    Too Darn Hot

    Too Darn Hot has a trio in the Gr3 SA Sires' Produce (pic: darley.com.au)
  • Thunderlips Up to Winter Challenge

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    Set to saddle up a pair of runners in Saturday's $200,000 Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) at Rosehill, Bjorn Baker's duo appear to have undeniable chances, with both high up in the betting for the feature race. 4YO gelding Thunderlips (Zoustar-Shapita (Foxwedge), a last start fourth in the Listed Winter Stakes, the very same race stablemate Robusto (Churchill-She's Clean (Redoute's Choice) finished second in, appears to have a solid sense of timing about him and since he's unbeaten at the Rosehill 1500m, he looks the one, especially down on just 53.5kg. Drawn barrier 9 in the 12-horse field, jockey Ashley Morgan will be riding Thunderlips for the first time this Saturday in an attempt to give the gelding his first black type win. While Thunderlips is yet to really prove himself at black type level, his stablemate Robusto is a winner of the $2m Gr2 Ingham a few starts back, and is rarely seen outside of stakes races these days. Lumped with 60kg due to his form, jockey Josh Parr should be able to get a good run from barrier 4 and he could just blow them away, but with some up and coming runners on lighter weights in the race, it could prove an interest contest especially when the whips are cracking as the line is being reached.
  • Unique Record Set in Ramornie Handicap

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    On Wednesday, racing history was created at Grafton when husband-and-wife team of Jeff Dunn and Rikki Jamieson became the first such pair to win a stakes race in Australia when Sha Of Gomer (Shalaa-Pocket Power, by Giant's Causeway) won the Listed Rarmornie Handicap, reports punters.com.au. "It's absolutely huge," Dunn said. "What a thrill to win such a special race. I'm overwhelmed with the support that we've had with this horse. To win this race is really special for us. This would have been great for me but it will never be surpassed in my career. I can't believe it's happened and it's really special to share it with Rikki. As long as she remembers who's boss, we're all good." Sha Of Gomer has won eight of his 34 starts and has earnings over $400,000. He was initially trained by Chris Waller and moved to Dunn in April, where he's had six starts for three wins, and picked up over $100,000 for Wednesday's victory. "Doing it with Jeff is such a thrill," Jamieson said. "He's just beginning his career and needs a few more decent horses so to get a result like this is a big thing. He trains so well, we work really well as a team, we have great staff at the moment, everything's working really well." Sha Of Gomer was originally sold by Vinery Stud at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $320,000 to Chris Waller Racing and Guy Mulcaster Bloodstock. He is the first stakes winner for American mare Pocket Power, who has two other winners and who is a winning half-sister to Gr1 winner Delectation (Shamardal-Grace And Power, by More Than Ready).

  • Progressive Toropa Chasing Maiden Stakes Win

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    Saturday's $125,000 H.G. Bolton Sprint (1200m) at Bunbury sees a field of just ten runners set to line up, with last start Listed runner-up Toropa (Toronado-Europa Point, by Rock of Gibraltar) the current favourite. Beaten a half-length by exciting 3YO Reposession (Sessions), a winner of five from seven, $230,000 Magic Millions yearling sale purchase Toropa has had just 13 starts to date, finishing in the top two on 11 occasions. Unlike last start where the 4YO drew barrier 1, Saturday will see the Stephen Miller-trained mare jump from gate 8 with Brad Parnham in the saddle. Failing to run out the 1600m last start in the Listed Belmont Guineas when leading the field into the straight before being swamped late, the 3YO gelding Wind And The Lion (Written By-Mandalong Sera, by Sebring) will surely appreciate the drop back to 1200m, but the one concern is will he be fresh enough against the sprinters? Already a Listed winner over 1200m in the past, the gelding does have a win and second from two starts at Bunbury, so connections will surely be hoping for a forward showing. One of two runners in the field allocated 59kg, the Luke Fernie-trained Man Crush (Manhattan Rain-Crushed, by All Too Hard) is a classy commodity on his day as evident by his $830,000 plus in earnings. He will certainly strip fitter from his first up on effort come this Saturday, but off the back of a nice recent trial and with previous first up form, he is one to keep an eye on.
  • Expanded Charity Drive Ahead of Breeders’ Cup

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    The Breeders' Cup has unveiled an expanded charitable initiative designed to bolster its support of the Thoroughbred racing community through sustained, mission-driven giving. At the core of this renewed effort is a commitment to donate 100% of royalties from Breeders' Cup merchandise sales to Breeders’ Cup Charities, reports bloodhorse.com. The initiative introduces a broader scope of year-round fundraising, including new campaigns and donation channels that aim to deliver long-term impact. An Annual Day of Giving, set for July 23 – exactly 100 days before the World Championships – will serve as a rallying point for fans, industry stakeholders, and charitable partners. Breeders’ Cup Charities will now dedicate significantly increased annual funding to five key focus areas: Thoroughbred aftercare, jockey health and wellness, support for backstretch and industry workers, equine research, and additional community-driven programs. Among the 2025 beneficiaries are respected organizations such as the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America. Breeders’ Cup President and CEO Drew Fleming called the move “just the beginning of a renewed commitment to generate meaningful, sustainable funding for critical causes within our industry,” emphasizing that with the support of fans, partners, and the community, “we can create positive, lasting change that benefits our sport for generations to come.” Helping to kick off this year’s Day of Giving is philanthropist and racehorse owner Ken Freirich, who has pledged to match up to $100,000 in donations. Freirich, co-owner of Grade 1 winner Sandman, is a longtime supporter of racing charities. He previously donated $100,000 to four aftercare organizations during Kentucky Derby week and has partnered with Breeders’ Cup Charities before, most notably in 2023 with a $20,000 pledge that ultimately helped raise $120,000 through the “40 Days of Giving” initiative. “It is critical that we recognize and support the real ‘Rock Stars’ of the industry,” said Freirich, naming “the grooms, hot walkers, jockeys, trainers, and everyone who takes care of these amazing equine athletes.” He also underscored the importance of backing research organizations to help the sport evolve. Fans and supporters will have several ways to contribute throughout the year. Donations can be made at the time of Breeders’ Cup ticket purchase, through merchandise checkout round-ups, and via proceeds from official on-site cocktails. Text-to-donate platforms will be live during the World Championships, while a post-event online auction featuring racing memorabilia will further raise funds. Owners of participating horses can also choose to donate a percentage of their purse earnings. Collectively, these efforts represent a comprehensive strategy to ensure Breeders' Cup Charities continues making a tangible difference across all corners of the racing world. The Breeders' Cup will return to the newly refurbished Belmont Park in 2027.


    Breeders' Cup

  • Shining Smile to Resume at Flemington

    Friday, 18th July 2025
    Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Will and JD Hayes believe that 2YO colt Shining Smile (Spirit Of Boom-Nataya Rose, by Canny Lad) can resume with a win on Saturday at Flemingtonracing.com. Winner of four of his six starts including the Listed TAB 2YO Plate, a dead heat in the Listed Talindert Stakes and Listed Blue Diamond Preview (c&g), Shining Smile hasn't raced since winning the TAB 2YO Plate in March. "He's a good horse down the straight, so we're looking forward to seeing him," said Flemington-based assistant trainer Rahis Baig. "He's had a couple of nice jumpouts leading into the race. He's a horse who's run in good-quality races, so he's been penalised with a bit of weight, but Logan's claim would probably help him." Shining Smile was a $160,000 purchase by Boomer Bloodstock at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from Robyn Wise and has earnings over $400,000. The stable will also run 2YO filly Ethereum Girl (Maurice-Moonchild, by Charge Forward) in Saturday's Gr3 SA Sires' Produce Stakes, with her coming off a last start second in the Listed Oaklands Plate. "She's a progressive filly; she's taken that next step and competed at Stakes level last time there in Adelaide and she's come through it really well," Baig said. "We're looking forward to seeing her back at Stakes grade and I think she can measure up." A $275,000 purchase from Glenbeigh Farm's Magic MiIlions Gold Coast Yearling Sale draft, Ethereum Girl is a half-sister to Listed winning 3YO filly Dream Of The Moon (All Too Hard).

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 2nd Season
Anders Established
Artie Schiller Established
Awesome Rock Established
Barbados Established
Barbaric 1st crop 2YOs
Best Of Bordeaux Established
Better Than Ready Established
Bivouac 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
Castelvecchio Established
City Of Troy Established
Cliff's Edge Established
Cogburn 1st Season
Cool Aza Beel Established
D'argento 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
Ellsberg 3rd Season
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 2nd Season
Headwater Established
Hellbent Established
Hitotsu 3rd Season
Home Affairs Established
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
King's Legacy Established
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
Mo'unga 2nd Season
Murtajill Established
My Admiration Established
Needs Further Established
Nicconi Established
Nostradamus Established
Officiating 2nd Season
Ole Kirk Established
Pariah Established
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo 1st crop 2YOs
Playing God Established
Portland Sky 1st crop 2YOs
Power Established
Prague 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 1st 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 2nd 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
Turffontein Established
Unite And Conquer Established
Universal Ruler Established
Vancouver Established
Vandeek Established
Victor Ludorum 1st crop 2YOs
Von Costa De Hero Established
Wandjina Established
Winning Rupert Established
Wooded 1st crop 2YOs
Wootton Bassett Established
Worthy Cause Established
Written By Established
Written Tycoon Established
Xtravagant Established
Your Song Established
Zousain Established
Zoustar Established