It is often said that cream rises to the top, and that maxim feels particularly apt when examining the 2026 Inglis Easter Sale. A striking proportion of the catalogue has been assembled by elite Premium Black Type Vendors on the Australian Black Type Racing platform, reinforcing the weight of quality concentrated within a relatively small cohort of consignors. Across the sale, 46 vendors have brought forward 472 yearlings. Of those, just 16 Premium Black Type Vendors account for 34.7% of the consignor pool, yet their collective drafts total 277 yearlings, representing just under 59% of the catalogue. It is a compelling skew, and one that underlines the enduring truth that success tends to cluster. If ever there were a metaphorical rugby union side drawn from bloodstock's elite, this group would comfortably fill a starting XV with depth still to spare on the interchange bench. Alphabetically, the line-up reads like a roll call of influence and sustained performance within the Australian thoroughbred landscape: Amarina Farm, Arrowfield Stud, Bhima Thoroughbreds, Coolmore Stud, Cressfield,Lime Country Thoroughbreds, Newhaven Park, Segenhoe Stud, Silverdale Farm, Sledmere Stud, Torryburn Stud, Tyreel Stud, Vinery Stud, Widden Stud, Willow Park Stud and Yarraman Park Stud. Their collective track record is not merely historical but ongoing, shaping the commercial and racing outcomes that define the upper tier of the industry. That is not to diminish the broader vendor base whose ranks include exceptional producers of elite graduates. This is a sale where inclusion alone signals merit, and there will undoubtedly be high-class performers sourced from beyond this group. Yet the data continues to point in a consistent direction. The oft-quoted line attributed to Mark Twain – that history does not repeat itself but often rhymes – finds a fitting application here. When measured against the Black Type Premiership Vendor table across nearly six years, the pattern is less poetic licence and more empirical reality, with success echoing persistently from the same proven sources. The depth of the offering is further illustrated by the stallion roster represented within these 16 drafts, spanning 45 individual sires. Among them are established commercial heavyweights and emerging influences alike: Admire Mars (1), Anamoe (6), Bivouac (1), Blue Point (1), Capitalist (4), Castelvecchio (4), Cool Aza Beel (3), Dundeel (24), Exceed and Excel (1), Extreme Choice (1), Farnan (3), Frankel (3), Gun Runner (3), Harry Angel (4), Hellbent (3), Hitotsu (1), Home Affairs (11), I Am Invincible (27), Justify (16), Kingman (2), Maurice (18), Ole Kirk (8), Per Incanto (1), Pierro (1), Pinatubo (2), Proisir (2), Satono Aladdin (2), Siyouni (4), Snitzel (34), So You Think (7), Spirit of Boom (1), St Mark's Basilica (5), Staphanos (1), Starspangledbanner (1), State of Rest (1), Stay Inside (4), Street Boss (1), The Autumn Sun (10), Too Darn Hot (11), Toronado (6), Trapeze Artist (1), Wootton Bassett (14), Yes Yes Yes (1), Zousain (1) and Zoustar (23).
Vinnie's yearlings are a huge Easter drawcard (pic: inglis.com.au)
Conditions Irrelevant for Exciting Ribchester 2YO
Thursday, 26th March 2026
Confidence is high heading into Trentham's feature juvenile contest, where an unbeaten colt will be asked to extend his record in the Gr1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes over 1400m, regardless of what the weather delivers. Ronaldo has done little wrong to date, winning on debut on heavy ground before backing that up with a dominant display at Wanganui on a testing surface. The son of Ribchester has continued to please in the lead-up, with trainer Robbie Patterson opting for a light touch since that most recent effort. "He hasn't missed a beat since he last raced and I couldn't be happier with him. I haven't done a lot with him as he had a tough run at Wanganui," Patterson said. The colt will again be partnered by Craig Grylls and is rated among the leading chances in the market, sitting just behind Seize The Day. While rain is forecast later in the week, Patterson is unconcerned, noting the horse's versatility across varying conditions. "Craig believes that on top of the ground he would be way better, but he has done it already on a very testing track at New Plymouth and it was a tricky old track at Wanganui the other day," he said. Barrier draws have also added an intriguing tactical element, with Ronaldo to jump from gate 12 alongside his key rival. "Seize The Day looks the one to beat. He's drawn 11 and we're drawn 12, so it gives us options of following him and maybe if there is rain the draw might be a help." Beyond Saturday, the long-term outlook for the colt is equally encouraging. Patterson believes the physical scope and temperament he has shown at two will carry him into a strong three-year-old campaign, with races such as the New Zealand 2000 Guineas and the NZB Kiwi already under consideration. "I think he'll relish 1600m, because he's such a big, strong, relaxed horse. Horses in his age group, if they can relax and have the ability, they can go a fair way," he said. "I'm confident if everything goes to plan, going into his three-year-old career, he'll definitely get a mile." Owned and bred by Ron and Shirley Miller, the colt has also made an impression beyond his race performances. "He is the most gorgeous colt you would ever see. He doesn't get flustered about anything and he is a perfect gentleman both on and off the track. He's huge, he looks like a three-year-old now. I'm not worried about stepping up to 1400m this weekend as he gets stronger as the race goes," Patterson said. The Millers, long-time participants in the sport, have entrusted Patterson with their homebred after previous trainer Ian Adams retired, with another youngster from the family already set to join the stable in due course.
Ormsby Heads to 2YO Group 1 With his Tail Up
Thursday, 26th March 2026
Meanwhile, momentum from a near-flawless Pukekohe outing has provided Cambridge trainer Chad Ormsby with a timely springboard into Trentham's final Group 1 meeting of the domestic season, where he will rely on a progressive juvenile to carry the stable's hopes. According to loveracing.nz, three runners represented the yard last Friday and came within inches of delivering a perfect result. Castle Rock opened proceedings in dominant fashion, the Fastnet Rock gelding stepping up from a maiden win over 1600m to score with authority at 2100m. Master Fay followed, returning to form in the open 1400m, while Have A Crack produced a strong late effort in the Rating 75 sprint, falling just a head short after conceding ground early. "It was a good day which could have been great," Ormsby said. "But either way you look at it, you have to be happy with how the team's racing, so let's hope it can continue." Attention now turns to Trentham, where the stable's focus centres on State Of Valour in the Gr1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes over 1400m. Although still a maiden, the Sword Of State colt has shown consistent promise, finishing second in successive starts behind smart juveniles Justin Case and Summer Schemer before confirming that form with a strong third in the Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie. With the two horses that finished ahead of him not lining up this weekend, the race presents a genuine opportunity to break through at the highest level. "Everything's good with him, he's trained on well and he's in a really good space right now," Ormsby said. "I couldn't ask for more than that, so we're looking forward to the weekend. Stepping up to 1400m will be interesting. He's not really bred to go further than 1200, but the way he relaxes in his races I think he'll manage it." The Cambridge Stud home-bred will be ridden by Warren Kennedy, who takes over from Tayla Mitchell, while Have A Crack remains a possible runner in the Listed Flying Handicap, though a rating of 71 may leave him short of gaining a start. Ormsby acknowledged the gelding's quirks but remains patient. "He's still a bit tricky, and he didn't help himself with a slow start. He needed to win to get enough points, but he'll keep." A similarly measured approach is being taken with Castle Rock, who continues to develop physically and is likely to have one more run before a winter break. Master Fay could be aimed toward the Easter Handicap at Ellerslie, pending a suitable lead-up, as Ormsby looks to capitalise on a stable hitting form at the right time.
Schiller To Partner Jedibeel in The Quokka
Thursday, 26th March 2026
Another shot at Western Australia's richest race awaits Tyler Schiller, who will head to Ascot next month to reunite with Jedibeel in the $5 million The Quokka after coming away from the Galaxy convinced the sprinter is ready for a major payday. The Brad Widdup-trained gelding will contest the 1200m weight-for-age feature on April 18, with Schiller opting to make the trip west rather than remain in Sydney for All Aged Stakes day. According to racenet.com.au, that decision was shaped by Jedibeel's flashing second in last Saturday's Group 1 Galaxy, a run that only strengthened the jockey's belief that the horse is thriving. After covering ground in the Oakleigh Plate, Jedibeel again produced a powerful finish at Rosehill, and Schiller felt his latest effort carried echoes of another horse who used the same path to bigger things. "There was a bit of Briasa about his Galaxy run," Schiller said. "Briasa was unlucky in the Galaxy last year and then came out and won a Group 1. This time it was Jedibeel who should have won the race. It's a proven set-up, so hopefully he can repeat what Briasa did." There is also comfort in familiarity. Schiller knows the horse well, having partnered him 10 times for six wins, and he believes that established connection can be a genuine asset on the big stage. "We've got a really good record together, so I'm hoping we can make it seven from 11," he said. "There's no doubt the horse is going really well – he might even be going better than he ever has." The Quokka was not a happy hunting ground for Schiller last year, when he rode Front Page and finished well back, but this return journey carries a different level of confidence. Jedibeel's recent form suggests he is well placed to make his mark, and the market has taken notice since the Trackside NZ/Perth Racing slot was confirmed, with TAB installing him as a $10 chance. He becomes the seventh confirmed runner for the lucrative sprint as the field continues to build toward one of the west's headline racedays. Already holding places are Luana Miss for TABtouch, Rey Magnerio for Sportsbet, Caballus for RAM Racing Syndicate No.1, Talkanco for Woodbridge and JLS Thoroughbreds, Smooth Chino for Unibet and Chief Racing, and West Star for Magic Bloodstock, Magic Millions and Bangaloe Stud. With proven form, a trusted rider and a luckless Galaxy run still fresh in the mind, Jedibeel will head west as a live contender rather than merely an interstate traveller.
Jedibeel is heading west (pic: Bradley Photographers)
New Online Digital Sale During Dubai World Cup
Thursday, 26th March 2026
A digital marketplace timed to coincide with one of the sport’s great global gatherings will again take centre stage, with Tattersalls Online and the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) confirming a second horses-in-training auction from March 26 to April 1. Positioned as an alternative to the traditional end-of-season sale around Dubai World Cup night, according to a bloodhorse.com report, the catalogue comprises 195 lots, including 172 UAE-based thoroughbreds, and will be conducted entirely online under ERA conditions. Bidding will close in two phases, with the first 101 lots from 10am on March 31 and the balance from 10am on April 1, opening the door to international participation without the constraints of location. Among the most compelling entries is Imperial Emperor, a Dubai World Cup contender offered as part of Bhupat Seemar’s 20-lot draft. The son of Dubawi has built a progressive profile this season, landing the Al Maktoum Mile before stepping up to claim the Al Maktoum Challenge (see below), form that has earned him his place in Saturday’s feature. Racing for the Deva Racing Syndicate, he was sourced for $300,000 at last year’s Emirates Racing Authority Horses of Racing Age Sale and carries a pedigree of considerable depth, being out of Zhukova, the Fastnet Rock mare who won the Man o’War Stakes at Belmont Park and later sold for $5.2 million at Tattersalls. Depth across the catalogue is underpinned by several major consignments. Salem Bin Ghadayer leads numerically with 27 lots, including 21 offered on behalf of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. Godolphin will present 21 horses from the stables of Charlie Appleby and Saeed bin Suroor, while Michael Costa consigns 13 for Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ensuring a strong representation from some of the region’s most influential ownership and training operations. Tattersalls Online sales manager Katherine Sheridan said the renewed collaboration reflected both the success of the inaugural sale and the growing appetite for digital trading platforms within the industry. “We’re delighted to strengthen our partnership with the Emirates Racing Authority for this second online sale, building on the success of our landmark collaboration in November,” she said. “Last year’s inaugural event proved how effectively our platform connects buyers and sellers around the world. This collaboration underscores Tattersalls Online’s innovative role in modern bloodstock trading while making UAE racing talent accessible to the global market.”
Costa Calls Time on Rewarding Dubai Tenure
Thursday, 26th March 2026
Meanwhile, mounting instability in the Middle East has accelerated Michael Costa’s return to Queensland, bringing to a close a significant chapter in Dubai where the trainer rebuilt Jebel Ali Stables into a major force. After almost four years in charge, Costa is heading home following what he described as an “extraordinary” and “deeply rewarding” period in the UAE. His family has already returned to Australia, with Costa set to follow and resume training from the Gold Coast, where he had established strong momentum before departing in 2022. The decision comes against the backdrop of escalating regional tensions, which Costa recently acknowledged with candour, but his departure is also framed by gratitude for an opportunity he regards as transformative. “I have loved every minute of my time at Jebel Ali Stables,” he said. “To be entrusted with training for His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been the greatest honour of my career.” Costa said the work achieved during his tenure was a source of deep pride, particularly given the stable’s trajectory when he arrived. “What we have achieved together is something I’m incredibly proud of. To take a stable that was rebuilding and see it rise back to the top is a reflection of the people behind it.” In reflecting on the role, Costa reserved special praise for Sheikh Ahmed, who handed him what he called a dream opportunity midway through 2022. “Sheikh Ahmed is an extraordinary man,” Costa said. “He puts the good of the sport before himself – always. His passion for racing, his integrity, and the way he looks after his people set a standard that is truly exceptional.” He added that the experience had changed his life in ways he could scarcely have imagined as a child, describing the trust placed in him as something he would always value. Before his move abroad, Costa had built an enviable strike rate from his Gold Coast base, and the return carries obvious significance for the Queensland scene. There is no sense of retreat in the move, but rather a pivot toward a fresh ambition shaped by what he has learned overseas. “Now it’s time for the next chapter,” he said. “We return to Queensland with new goals and a clear vision – to source elite Australian speed, compete at the highest level in Australia and bring back that Australian speed to compete in Dubai and Royal Ascot. To build something special and to take everything we’ve learned here into the future.”
World #1 Ka Ying Rising in Trial Cruise Control
Thursday, 26th March 2026
A familiar script unfolded at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning, where Ka Ying Rising sharpened for his next assignment with a controlled barrier trial that reinforced his standing as the dominant sprinter in the region. The David Hayes-trained star, already an eight-time Group 1 winner, is building toward the HK$5.35 million Gr2 Sprint Cup over 1200m on April 6, where he will chase a record-extending 19th consecutive victory. In an eight-runner heat down the turf straight, he produced the fastest time of the morning, stopping the clock at 57.62s over 1000m while edging Beauty Waves by a neck under Zac Purton. Settling off the early pace, he travelled comfortably before lengthening through his gears to assert late, mirroring the pattern that has defined his unbeaten run across Hong Kong and Australia. Beauty Waves had set the tempo, but once balanced, the favourite swept past with minimal effort, a performance that suggested he remains in peak condition ahead of his return. Purton, who resumes his association with the gelding, was satisfied with the exercise. “He’s going really well. It’s good to be back on him. It was a nice little hit-out for him – he’ll run again in a few weeks, getting ready for (FWD) Champions Day.” Hayes also indicated the trial had served its purpose, particularly with a slight drop back in trip on race day. “He was nice and relaxed. There were a couple of horses who put a bit of pressure on, but he stretched and got to them very easily – he won as you’d expect. I wanted to trial him down the straight because you never know; he might go down the straight somewhere. It’s a good experience for him, and he’s going back from 1400 to 1200, so he didn’t need a hard trial, hence why I put him over 1000.” Now rated the world’s top horse following the latest Longines rankings, his sequence of 18 consecutive wins already stands as a record for a Hong Kong-trained galloper, eclipsing the previous benchmark set by Silent Witness. Last season, he also secured the HK$5 million Hong Kong Speed Series bonus, joining an elite group of past winners. The Sprint Cup will act as the penultimate step toward a return to FWD Champions Day on April 26, where he is set to defend his crown in the HK$24 million Gr1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize, the final leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series alongside the Centenary Sprint Cup and Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup.
Ka Ying trialled ahead of his 6 April assignment (pic: hkjc.com)
Chau Lands Prized Star Voyage Bubble Mount
Thursday, 26th March 2026
A change in the saddle signals a fresh approach for Voyage Bubble as the champion miler looks to rebound in the Group 2 Chairman's Trophy at Sha Tin, with Jerry Chau entrusted with the ride for the first time. According to scmp.com, the decision comes amid a rich vein of form for the 25-year-old, who has ridden 13 winners since the start of February and now sits fourth in the Hong Kong jockeys' championship with 29 victories. Chau replaces Zac Purton, who partnered Torryburn Stud's Inglic Classic Sale graduate Voyage Bubble in his previous four starts, and is relishing the opportunity to team up with the six-time Group 1 winner. "Ricky told me last week. I will gallop him some time before the race and I'm looking forward to riding him," Chau said. "It's a Group 2 race and hopefully he can get his form back and win again." The task, however, is not without its uncertainties. Voyage Bubble's last-start effort in the Group 1 Gold Cup over 2000m remains difficult to explain, with the seven-year-old finishing a distant fifth, more than seven lengths behind Romantic Warrior. Purton reported to stewards that the gelding travelled comfortably during the run but failed to respond when asked in the straight, a performance that contrasted sharply with his usual consistency. Subsequent veterinary checks revealed no issues, leaving trainer Ricky Yiu searching for answers. "It's kind of a mystery," he said. "But he's doing well at the moment. He'll have a jump out on the grass or a soft trial before the race. This race is over a mile and we'll see what happens." Prior to that setback, Voyage Bubble had been in strong form, producing a determined victory in December's Hong Kong Mile and running a credible third in the Group 1 Stewards' Cup, where he had excuses. His broader record includes a historic Triple Crown triumph last season, when he became only the second horse to complete the sequence, joining River Verdon after victories in the Stewards' Cup, Gold Cup and Champions & Chater Cup. Saturday's race will mark his first appearance in the Chairman's Trophy, where he will be joined by stablemate Sunlight Power. The latter has proven competitive at this level, finishing in the top four in five Group races over the past year. The Chairman's Trophy headlines Sha Tin's Easter Monday meeting alongside the Group 2 Sprint Cup, while attention is already turning to future editions of the Hong Kong Derby following a prizemoney increase to HK$28 million. The broader Classic Series has also received a lift, with both the Classic Mile and Classic Cup rising from HK$13 million to HK$14 million. Against that evolving backdrop, all eyes will be on whether Voyage Bubble can rediscover his best form over his preferred mile.
Strong Growth Trajectory for The Coast Day
Thursday, 26th March 2026
Encouraging support for Gosford's The Coast meeting is building strongly ahead of its May return, with rising demand for hospitality packages and an upswing in race sponsorship reflecting the event's growing standing on the racing calendar. That enthusiasm is backed by substance, reveals racingnsw.com.au. In only five years, the meeting has developed a striking reputation as a launchpad for horses that later reach the top level. Think About It, Overpass, Arapaho, Nimalee, Bois D'argent and You Wahng all appeared at The Coast meeting before going on to Group 1 success, while the program has also produced later winners of lucrative races such as The Big Dance, Five Diamonds, The Hunter and the Magic Millions Cup. For Gosford Race Club chief executive Daniel Lacey, the results are no accident. "We have had some very good horses compete at The Coast meeting," he said. "The meeting is well placed between the Hawkesbury and Scone stand-alone meetings, and our Gosford race program caters for all horses. There's The Coast for the milers, the Takeover Target Stakes for the sprinters and the Gosford Gold Cup is for the stayers." Few graduates illustrate the meeting's value better than Think About It, who won the Takeover Target Stakes in 2023 before embarking on a nine-race streak that delivered Group 1 wins in the Kingsford-Smith Cup and Stradbroke Handicap, along with victory in The Everest later that year. He retired with earnings beyond $12 million. Overpass, winner of Gosford's juvenile race at the 2022 meeting, has also developed into a major earner, becoming a dual Group 1 winner and two-time The Quokka hero. Others to enhance the meeting's record include Arapaho, later successful in the Tancred Stakes and Sydney Cup, Nimalee in the Queen of the Turf Stakes, Bois D'argent in the Doomben Cup and You Wahng in the Queensland Oaks. The form out of last year's meeting has been especially strong, with You Wahng claiming the Oaks at Eagle Farm, Vivy Air returning to land the Five Diamonds in spring and King Of Rouseau winning the Magic Millions Cup in January (see below). Introduced in 2021, the $500,000 The Coast is restricted to 3YOs and 4YOs over 1600m and was first won by Brandenburg for John Sargent, who remains the only trainer to have captured it twice after also scoring with Palmetto in 2023. Rustic Steel, Magnaspin and Know Thyself have been the other winners. Lacey believes the strength of the meeting is tied to both prizemoney and timing, with the program serving as a natural bridge toward the Brisbane winter carnival. He also pointed to track upgrades as another key factor. "There used to be a bit of a reverse camber on the (home) turn," he said. "But since we have had the track renovations, we have had three track records broken because the cambered turns enable jockeys to 'attack' the home turn and maintain a horse's [momentum] into the straight."
