Waller Ready to Embrace Cox Plate Change
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
With three runners in Saturday's Gr1 WS Cox Plate, trainer Chris Waller is philosophical about the upcoming refurbishment of Moonee Valley and the changes it might bring to the way the race is run in the future, reports racing.com. "I see the good things in it. Obviously, it has created so much history. Every Cox Plate winner is remembered as being part of history, but it will be at a new venue next time," Waller said. "What I see with that is Moonee Valley evolving with modern-day sport. Racegoers want to go to new facilities. They want something new. Yes, there is plenty of history there, but it needs to be funded and needs to be done right, so I commend the board for the decision they have made." He has won the Cox Plate five times, including four with Champion mare Winx (Street Cry-Vegas Showgirl, by Al Akbar). "We've got to get people to the racetrack and we've got to engage with people and they will engage once the place is built. There will always be a small percentage of people saying, 'What are you doing, there's so much history'? But if they (club) try and replicate as much of it as they can - like keep the crowd close to the track and get the right camber. Barrier draws here are less relevant I think to a lot of other tracks because they come around that bend and horses love it. We have less trouble getting around Moonee Valley than any other Victorian track with horses coming from Sydney. You want fair tracks. Obviously a slightly longer straight would be good but it's rare that you talk about a Cox Plate where you had a hard-luck story." His runners are led by last year's winner Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock-Nigh, by Galileo), as well as Aeliana (Castelvecchio-Temolie, by Star Witness) and Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock-Roheryn, by Galileo). "It's just an amazing event. It's a different type of crowd to later in the Flemington Cup Week - that's a different scenario again and we've just come from Caulfield and it just adds to the sport," continued Waller. "There are plenty of great (Cox Plate) memories for me. Probably the first one for me was Our Waverley Star and Bonecrusher as a kid (in 1986) watching it, not here, but from afar (New Zealand). That's what captures the next generation and that was probably one of the things that captured me. Sunline's great victory - I think that was the first Cox Plate I saw live, one of them - and since then we've been able to grab a little bit of our own history as well."
Via Sistina is favoured to give Waller another Cox Plate (pic: Mark Gatt)
HKJC Unveils Significant New Racing Resources
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
On Tuesday, the Hong Kong Jockey Club today hosted a media tour of the newly renovated stables and upgraded training facilities for jockeys at Sha Tin Racecourse (STRC), showcasing its ongoing investment in world-class infrastructure that supports the development of elite horses and riders. Speaking at the event, Mr Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, emphasised the strategic importance of these enhancements in maintaining Hong Kong's global standing in thoroughbred racing. "Hong Kong racing is defined by its pursuit of excellence, and that begins with the facilities we provide for our horses and jockeys," Mr Harding reflected. "The Club remains firmly committed to continual investment in horse training facilities and enhancing the value proposition for horse owners. This underpins the success of Hong Kong racing and enables us to deliver a world-class racing product." Harding highlighted the complementary role of Conghua Racecourse in enabling the Sha Tin upgrades. "Conghua has proven its strategic importance, not only offering an exceptional training environment for Hong Kong racehorses, but also allowing us to address critical asset health issues at Sha Tin. The completed Phase I of the multiphase redevelopment incorporates features that enhance horse safety and welfare, labour productivity, and employee well-being." He also introduced new training facilities now available at STRC. "The installation of equine treadmills provides trainers with additional options for training and rehabilitation. Treadmills are a key element in other major jurisdictions and their introduction here is important for attracting world-class training talent. Data on treadmill usage is being captured and made available to the public through our Racing Information System." Mr Harding further noted the Club's commitment to jockey development. "Over the past five years, we've established a Centre of Excellence at Sha Tin that operates seven days a week. It includes a gym for jockeys' exclusive use and facilities for sessions with health professionals such as physiotherapists, nutritionists, chiropractors, masseuses, fitness trainers, and psychologists. This off-season, we have completed a major upgrade, including a new gymnasium, cold plunge pools, and a kitchen offering made-to-order meals tailored to jockeys' dietary needs. The female jockeys' room has also been significantly enhanced." Mr Stephen Higgins, Head of Raceday Operations, Tracks and Racing Facilities, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, introduced the upgraded jockeys' training facilities, which now feature enhanced gym and physiotherapy areas, including cold plunge pools that aid rider recovery and performance. Full-time personal trainers and physiotherapists are on-site to provide comprehensive support for physical conditioning, injury prevention and mental well-being – reinforcing the Club's commitment to athlete welfare. Meanwhile, Mr K L Cheng, Head of Dual Site Stables Operations, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, outlined the improvements to the stables, which include redesigned layouts to enhance horse comfort and movement, sheltered walking zones for weather protection and a newly installed treadmill for controlled exercise and rehabilitation.
Pier To Take on Challenge of Champions Day
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
Darryn and Briar Weatherley-trained Pier (Proisir-La Vitesse, by Darci Brahma) has pulled up well after his third in the Gr1 King Charles II Stakes and will head to Melbourne for Champions Day, according to racingnews.co.nz. "With the two-week back-up into the King Charles, it just worked perfectly, he was a different horse altogether," Darryn Weatherley said. "He was in a better frame of mind and he paraded like a Group 1 horse, whereas in the Epsom he was a little hot under the tail and he dislodged Ethan Brown when he got on him. He kind of had a run before the race, whereas the other day at Randwick, even though there was a 50,000-strong crowd and there was a lot of atmosphere, he was right in the zone and raced accordingly. I was stoked, I couldn't have been happier. It was the best of the best with Pride of Jenni, Fangirl, Mr Brightside and Ceolwulf, who won it last year and this year. He was up against it, but we are very proud to see that he wasn't out of his league at all and he is well and truly up to it, so that was cool." Pier won the Gr1 NZ 2000 Guineas at three and will go to either the Champions Mile or Champions Stakes over 2000 metres next. "He appears to have pulled up very well from the race on Saturday and he is booked to go on a float to Melbourne next Tuesday," Weatherley said. "We will probably nominate for both races and see what one looks more suitable. At this stage, I am leaning toward the 2000m race. The other day he was headed halfway up the straight by Pericles and we thought he was going to run fifth and then he fought back to run third. Ethan Brown got off and said he is screaming out for 2000m, and he can't wait until he gets that far."
Pier winning the Hawke's Bay Guineas (pic: Trish Dunell)
Amazing Eagle Snapped up By Darby Racing
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
Darby Racing once again struck potential gold in the online ring through the acquisition of sale-topper Amazing Eagle (Capitalist) in the Inglis Digital October (Late) Sale produced a strong session headlined by Darby's $310,000 purchase, which will be trained by Bjorn Baker and joins a long list of successful Inglis Digital graduates to emerge as proven stakes performers on the track. Few operations have mastered the art of sourcing racetrack talent from Inglis Digital quite like Scott Darby's. Over the past three years, Darby Racing has turned online investments into feature winners such as Robusto ($160,000 buy, winner of The Ingham and a Stakes race), Caballus ($315,000 buy, Stakes winner since purchase), and Imperial Force ($285,000 buy, now a dual winner and Group 2 placed). The success of these ventures has established Darby as one of the most consistent exponents of the platform's expanding influence. "It's been absolute gold," Darby said. "I'm actually sitting here doing the video promotion now and we call it 'Inglis Digital gold!' Even Bjorn has grabbed 10 percent of Amazing Eagle – that shows how much he likes him. We'll look to race him next week or the week after in Sydney and hopefully get an immediate return for owners." Darby believes the colt has plenty of upside after an encouraging first-up effort and intends to let him develop through the grades with a long-range aim toward an autumn Group 1. "He'll keep improving with racing and while he's still an entire, we'll see how far he takes us," he said. The stable also picked up the unbeaten four-year-old Gatekeeper (Justify) for $105,000, part of Coolmore's unreserved racehorse reduction which included Sarapo ($255,000), Congressman ($95,000) and Constellation ($65,000). Coolmore's John Kennedy described the day as a success for both vendor and buyers, noting the breadth of interest Inglis Digital now generates across different ownership groups. "Coolmore has utilised Inglis Digital for many years and it continues to deliver outstanding results," he said. "It's great that the four horses have ended up with four different owners – a real sign of how wide the market has become." Across the catalogue, strong competition saw Emirate ($265,000 to ARPL Racing) and Pacific Cross ($120,000 to Walnut Farm) among the notable purchases, bringing to 37 the number of lots to sell for $200,000 or more on Inglis Digital this year and 116 that have cleared the $100,000 mark in 2025 so far. The session grossed $3.75 million, capping a landmark week for the world's leading online sales platform, which also celebrated Saturday's Group 1 Caulfield Cup victory of star Inglis Digital graduate Half Yours – a $305,000 buy for Tony and Calvin McEvoy and Damon Gabbedy's Belmont Bloodstock – now equal favourite for the Melbourne Cup on November 4.
Aussie Sprinters May Give Sha Tin a Miss
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
Speculation is already swirling around whether Australia will send one of its headline sprinters to Hong Kong in December – or whether Ka Ying Rising’s breathtaking Everest performance has scared them off for another year. After the world’s top-ranked speedster lit up Randwick before a record 50,000-strong crowd, scmp.com reports the Hong Kong Jockey Club officials will be hoping for reciprocity when their flagship international races return on December 14. Few horses have captured the imagination of both hemispheres quite like Ka Ying Rising, whose electrifying victory in The Everest underlined Hong Kong’s growing influence on global sprinting. More than HK$83 million was wagered on the World Pool during the race, setting another benchmark that benefitted both the Jockey Club and the Australian Turf Club. Their partnership is proving mutually rewarding: the Jockey Club holds the ATC’s Everest slot for two years – with a potential third – and the arrangement has already opened new doors for cross-border cooperation. Executive Director of Racing Andrew Harding confirmed at the time of the agreement that future years may see the slot used to either facilitate a Hong Kong representative or attract elite Australian or New Zealand sprinters to compete at the Hong Kong International Races following The Everest. It is not inconceivable that Ka Ying Rising could occupy the same slot in all three years, though the Jockey Club is eager to see top Australian talent return the favour. Chief Executive Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges has repeatedly expressed frustration at the lack of Australian interest in HKIR since the pandemic. The presence of Melbourne Cup winner Without A Fight and the Queensland gelding Antino last December helped ease those concerns, but sprinters remain conspicuously absent. It has been over a decade since Sea Siren, trained by John O’Shea, started at single-figure odds in the Hong Kong Sprint, and the void has not gone unnoticed. “It’s extremely important to show that Hong Kong is a global city and that we have one of the best horses in the world,” Engelbrecht-Bresges reflected after The Everest. “The atmosphere today was absolutely astonishing and this is how we want to lift global racing.” The calendar poses obvious hurdles, with HKIR falling directly after Australia’s cash-laden spring carnival, yet momentum now feels impossible to ignore. The Jockey Club’s collaboration with the ATC, combined with Ka Ying Rising’s magnetic appeal, has reignited the conversation about deeper engagement between the two racing powerhouses. Jockey Club officials, including head of racing product Greg Carpenter, were active at Randwick over Everest week, sounding out connections of leading sprinters. Among the most interesting could be Ciaron Maher’s emerging star Jimmysstar, who finished only a length and a half behind Ka Ying Rising at Randwick. Whether Australian trainers take the plunge or choose to wait another year remains to be seen. For now, bookmakers are banking on Ka Ying Rising doing it all again, quoting just $2.25 for back-to-back Everest victories. Meanwhile, The Ratings Bureau's metric for the Shamexpress gelding's facile Everest triumph was 'only' 106.5. Given the New Zealand-bred gelding is capable of 110 – he's already done it twice – it's difficult to imagine which sprinters down under are up to the challenge in December.
Ka Ying Rising will be even harder to beat at Sha Tin (pic: hkjc.com)
NZB 2YO Ready to Run Breeze Ups Conclude
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
Fine conditions and a steady surface marked the conclusion of New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale Breeze Ups at Te Rapa Racecourse, where a further 202 two-year-olds galloped down the home straight to complete the annual showcase. Conducted over two consecutive days, the sessions were run on the same turf track with a Soft 5 rating and an overall average time of 10.91 seconds. An early shower on the second morning gave way to gusting winds that reached 7.4 metres per second, adding a layer of challenge but leaving the surface in consistent condition across both days of action. Among the buyers on course was seasoned bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo, a familiar figure at Te Rapa and an active judge of past Group 1 graduates from the Ready to Run Sale. He said his focus was as much about how a young horse moves as how it looks. “I’m trying to buy an athlete. Movement is everything in a racehorse in my opinion. If they’ve got a bit of size and scope and they’re well conformed, a good temperament does help, but it’s all about movement for me.” Cataldo’s comments captured the sentiment of many onlookers who watched horses from leading preparers handle the variable breeze with composure and efficiency. The consistency of the track surface across both sessions was a stand-out, particularly given the contrasting weather conditions that saw Day One stay mostly fine before strengthening winds developed into the evening, while Day Two produced stronger gusts through the morning. NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook described the two-day program as an important step forward for the sale, noting that shifting the Breeze Ups back by a week had helped secure ideal footing for all lots. “I’m pleased we moved the Breeze Ups back a week, that has enabled us to gallop these youngsters on a consistent turf surface across the two days, which is in fantastic order thanks to the Waikato Thoroughbred Racing team.” He acknowledged the stiff winds as the principal obstacle but praised the decision to publish speed and direction data for every lot, giving buyers confidence to account for weather influence when viewing footage. “The strong wind proved the most challenging factor this year, particularly on the second day. However, we do display the wind speed and direction for each lot, so buyers can take the blustery conditions into account when viewing the breeze-up videos.” Lot 110, a Bivouac gelding prepared by Riversley Park, produced the fastest overall gallop at 10.27 seconds, while Day One honours were shared between a Written Tycoon colt and a Home Affairs gelding from Prima Park, each clocking 10.36. In total, 184 two-year-olds breezed on the opening day and 202 on the second, underscoring the strength of this year’s catalogue. Seabrook expressed satisfaction with the depth of quality and the professionalism of consignors whose presentation standards continue to lift the profile of the sale internationally. “We are delighted with the calibre of horse that’s been on display over the past two days,” he said. “The quality we have seen is a credit to the expert preparers who present these two-year-olds to such a high standard.” Footage of all 200-metre breezes, along with conditions and times, will be available on NZB’s website by Friday 24 October, ahead of the 2025 Ready to Run Sale at Karaka on 12 and 13 November.
Ellerslie Preferred for Sharp 'n' Fast on Cup Day
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
A familiar Cup week fixture will be staying closer to home this year, with one of New Zealand's most accomplished gallopers, Sharp 'n' Smart, set to bypass the Melbourne Cup in favour of a local assignment at Ellerslie. According to racingnews.co.nz, the decision follows a brave third in last Saturday's Gr1 Livamol Classic (2040m), which confirmed the multiple Group 1 winner is edging back to his best after a testing winter campaign. Connections of the former Horse of the Year met on Monday before opting against a Melbourne raid, instead confirming a start in the Gr3 Elsdon Park Balmerino Stakes (2000m) on Melbourne Cup Day at Ellerslie. Trainer Graeme Rogerson said the timing of the 3200m test in Australia had come 'just a touch too soon'. Rogerson revealed, "After talking with all the owners today, he's running at Ellerslie on Melbourne Cup Day and then we'll make up our minds on what we do with him after that. Hopefully he has a good summer campaign, and we'll be looking at Sydney at some stage." The performance at Ellerslie gave Rogerson renewed confidence that his star galloper is on an upward trajectory. "He's on the way back," he said. "He's a little bit like his old self. He got a bit out of his ground when that horse (El Vencedor) took off, but he certainly made up a lot of ground. The track was beautiful. He's not hopeless in the wet, but he's a better dry-track horse." Rogerson is now plotting a summer and autumn program that could include Champions Day at Ellerslie on March 7, with the Gr1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) and Gr2 Auckland Cup (3200m) both under consideration. "He doesn't have to improve a lot for the Bonecrusher," he said. "I don't know what weight he'd get in the Auckland Cup, but we'll just wait and see." With Sharp 'n' Smart's withdrawal, only two New Zealand-trained horses remain in contention for a Melbourne Cup berth – Mark Twain, prepared by Roger James and Robert Wellwood, and Trav, from the Raymond Connors stable. Rogerson, meanwhile, also took encouragement from the run of stablemate Solidify, who finished seventh in the Livamol Classic.
Sharp 'n' Fast won't run in the Melbourne Cup (pic: Trish Dunell)
Half Siblings Prepping for Powerful QLD Stable
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
Few Queensland trainers have enjoyed a sharper rise with juveniles in recent seasons than Kelly Schweida, and the Brisbane horseman appears set to continue that momentum as another batch of promising youngsters return. After an outstanding campaign highlighted by QTIS Two-Year-Old Jewel winner Grafterburners and emerging sprinter Sunrays, Schweida now turns his attention to a colt with untapped potential – Guac On, reports racingqueensland.com.au. By Zousain out of Avacado, the bay is a half-brother to stable star El Morzillo and older sibling Steps Ahead, a $1.3 million earner in Hong Kong. Purchased for $110,000 at the 2024 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Guac On carried immediate expectations given the family's success. "I bought him at the yearling sale mainly because of El Morzillo," Schweida said. "She'd run second in a black-type race, so we had to pay a little more than we intended to, but he's just a nice horse out of a good family." El Morzillo herself had been a bargain buy at $50,000 the previous year and went on to win the $1 million Inglis Sprint at Flemington following a Listed placing on debut in the Calaway Gal Stakes at Eagle Farm. Guac On quickly showed similar promise, dominating his first official trial at Deagon by four lengths in the fastest 1050-metre time of the morning. Sent out an odds-on favourite on debut at Doomben, he slipped at the start and worked wide before finishing down the track. Schweida admitted the disappointment was short-lived. "I thought he would win his first start," he said. "But he's such a good-natured colt, and after that run he bounced straight back." Next time out he led all the way at Doomben before backing up with another front-running victory at Ipswich, absorbing early pressure to score decisively. A subsequent tilt at the $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic yielded a midfield finish, but the trainer took heart from the effort. "He got back and struck a little bit of interference and got a bit unbalanced, but he hit the line," Schweida said. Now gelded and back in work, Guac On has returned stronger and more composed. "He's a nice, big, lovely horse," Schweida said. "He was a bit of a bull at a gate in everything he did, but he is settling down." The son of Zousain resumed this month in a Benchmark 70 Handicap at Doomben and will be aimed toward feature summer races as the carnival unfolds. "He's now a much nicer horse – a lot bigger than El Morzillo," Schweida said. "She wasn't very big, but she could really run. He just wanted to do everything at a hundred miles an hour, but he's learning to unwind. If they're good enough, there's a race every week." Meanwhile El Morzillo, fresh from a winter campaign that included a win over 1350 metres and a Gr2 fourth in the Dane Ripper Stakes, is nearing her return after a well-earned spell, giving Schweida a powerful sibling double for the Queensland summer.
Beau Looks Elite Class for China Horse Club
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
A commanding first-up performance at Ascot’s midweek meeting has set the stage for a compelling three-year-old showdown next month, with the Yarradale-bred colt Elite Beau tightening to $7 second favourite for the Listed Placid Ark Stakes (1200m). According to tbwa.net.au, the son of Brazen Beau looks poised to carry the China Horse Club colours into Perth’s premier sprint for young horses, where a clash with top filly Talkanco (I’m All The Talk) – the $6 favourite – could headline the November 15 program. Backed with confidence on return in the Patten Handicap (1000m), Elite Beau travelled like a horse a class above. Box-seated behind Yarradale-bred pacemaker Spicy Thang before being angled into clear running by William Pike, he sprinted home untouched by two lengths, stopping the clock at 33.33 seconds for his final 600 metres. “He broke their hearts and couldn’t have made it look any easier for favourite backers,” Williams Racing posted post-race. “He coasted to the line under hands and heels and looks a colt with a serious future.” The result confirmed the faith of the China Horse Club team, which secured him for $375,000 at the 2024 Magic Millions Perth Sale through Suman Hedge acting with Grant and Alana Williams. Stud principal Lyn Sayers retained a share after Yarradale stud manager Davy Hanratty described Elite Beau as “a standout in the Swan Valley, the kind of colt who wouldn’t be out of place in any sale ring in Australia.” The colt’s profile supports that assessment: he is a half-brother to Listed Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic (1400m) winner Cashel Palace (Street Boss), while their dam Burgoyne (War Chant) produced a Playing God colt in August. Burgoyne herself is a daughter of Yarradale’s late foundation sire War Chant (Danzig), source of dual Placid Ark winners Dance Music (2018) and Chantorque (2020). Elite Beau’s rise continues a fruitful month for the Gidgegannup nursery. Resident sire Shooting To Win has produced six individual winners in a fortnight, led by Group 3 mare She’s Bulletproof’s Caulfield Guineas-day success. Yarradale graduate Dont Wait For Luck (Nicconi) sparked the sequence with victory in the Spud Shed Handicap (1600m) on Kalgoorlie Cup Day, complementing the $1 million Golden Saddle (1200m) and Yarradale Stud Ron Sayers Sprint (1100m). Sold on behalf of breeder Ellie Giles for $60,000 at the 2022 Perth Winter Yearling Sale, Dont Wait For Luck is another reminder of the partnership’s enduring success. Giles, who bred Group 1 winner Silent Sedition (War Chant) and Group 2 winner Quilista (Scandal Keeper), continues to strengthen Yarradale’s reputation for producing quality performers across Australia’s racing landscape.
Elite Beau is a big challenge for Talkandco (pic: Western Racepix)
Racing SA Takes Significant Worforce Strides
Thursday, 23rd October 2025
A new industry-wide initiative is set to shape the next generation of racing professionals, with Racing SA launching STRIDES – a comprehensive Workforce Development Strategy designed to secure the future of South Australian racing through a skilled, inclusive and sustainable workforce. Employing more than 3,500 South Australians, the industry is a vital contributor to both the State's economy and community fabric, and Racing SA believes its people are central to that success. Industry Development and Training Officer Clare Lindop said the STRIDES survey was an essential step in understanding workforce trends and future needs. "As part of our STRIDES strategy we are eager to collect workforce data which will help in identifying specific skills shortages and better practices for retention and recruitment of staff," she said. "Like many industries, racing is facing a critical skills shortage. Key roles such as trackwork riders, stable and stud staff, jockeys, barrier attendants, ground staff, and veterinarians remain difficult to fill – posing a significant challenge to growth and sustainability." She added that the survey would also help Racing SA advocate for regional development and subsidised training opportunities through the Industry Skills Council. At the heart of STRIDES is a future-focused plan built around seven core pillars: Skills & Structured Education, Talent & Training Pathways, Recognition, Information, Diversity & Inclusion, Engagement, and Safety. Each element provides practical direction to attract new entrants, retain experienced staff and support career development at every level of the sport. "The future of South Australian racing depends on its people, and STRIDES is all about helping to provide immediate workforce needs while building long-term sustainability," Lindop said. Key initiatives include expanding structured apprenticeships and equine training; developing new pathways for school students and equestrian riders moving into trackwork; promoting diversity and inclusion through regional and community outreach; strengthening recognition via awards and public campaigns; and prioritising safety for both horses and humans. The program will also collaborate with equestrian and pony clubs to encourage grassroots participation and nurture young horsemen and women into the racing workforce – laying the groundwork for a vibrant, well-supported industry ready to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Click Here for comprehensive STRIDES information.
