Recognition at the highest level has come the way of the Aga Khan Studs after one of their homebreds, rated 130, was crowned Longines World's Best Racehorse for 2025. In a season defined by global competition and extraordinary depth, Calandagan emerged at the top, eclipsing a group of five international rivals who all finished tied for second with a rating of 128. The accolade was announced during the Longines Racing Awards at the Savoy Hotel in London, where the panel confirmed that Calandagan's victory in October's Group 1 Champion Stakes at Ascot stood out as the single most impressive performance by any horse worldwide last year. The son of Gleneagles did not confine his exploits to one country – he captured the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, and the Japan Cup during a campaign that will long be remembered. Not since Waldgeist shared top honours with Crystal Ocean and Enable in 2019 has a French-trained runner claimed the sport's most prestigious individual award. Princess Zahra Aga Khan accepted the trophy in London and spoke to the sense of accomplishment felt by all involved. "From the breeding shed to the racecourse, we've had an amazing year. This is the result of amazing training, amazing riding, amazing care of the horse. It's four years, five years of work, in fact going back even further to sitting in those meetings deciding on the matings." Trainer Francis Graffard, reflecting on the memorable Japan Cup win, described the thrill of international success: "It was a very special day for me because when we were in Japan we realised how much of an honour it was to be invited for this race and how important this race is for racing globally. During the finish in the straight we went up and down – at the top of the straight I thought we would win, in the middle of the straight we were beaten and then thankfully he fought back to the line, and that is what racing is all about." The Champion Stakes and the Japan Cup, both conquered by Calandagan, were judged the world's highest-rated races of 2025, sharing top billing with identical race ratings of 126.25, calculated on the average of the first four home. Such strength was evident in the company Calandagan kept; Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder) and Masquerade Ball (Duramente) tied for second on 128, each having chased him home in Europe and Japan, respectively. Ombudsman added Group 1 victories in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and Juddmonte International, while Masquerade Ball soared to the top level in the Tenno Sho (Autumn). Other international luminaries to reach the 128 mark included Japan's Saudi Cup and Breeders' Cup Classic hero Forever Young (Real Steel), America's Triple Crown star Sovereignty (Into Mischief), and Hong Kong's sprinting sensation Ka Ying Rising, who extended his sequence to 16 straight and annexed a second Hong Kong Sprint after conquering Australia's Everest.
WA’s Most Powerful Stable Stood Down
Thursday, 22nd January 2026
A cloud of controversy has settled over one of Western Australia’s leading training partnerships, with Grant and Alana Williams vowing to clear their names following their sudden suspension by Racing WA stewards. According to racenet.com.au, the pair, who have dominated the state’s training ranks in recent years, found themselves stood down on Tuesday after a post-mortem blood sample from Kalgoorlie Cup contender Starry Heights returned a positive for Ritalinic Acid – a metabolite of the human medication methylphenidate (Ritalin), classified as a controlled drug under racing’s prohibited substance rules. The circumstances surrounding the positive test have only intensified scrutiny. Starry Heights was humanely euthanised after being eased out of the Kalgoorlie Cup last October, when jockey Willie Pike pulled the gelding up at the 400m mark, a subsequent veterinary inspection revealing a ruptured off-fore suspensory ligament. In the aftermath, the matter was referred to the RWWA Veterinary Department, and the post-mortem swab ultimately led to the positive finding. Grant Williams, speaking in the wake of their suspension, expressed both shock and concern. “At no stage have we knowingly administered, or authorised the administration of, any prohibited substance to Starry Heights,” he stated. “We have no explanation at this time as to how this substance could have entered the horse’s system.” He further emphasised the team’s intention to fully cooperate: “The stewards have opened a formal inquiry into this matter. Alana and I, and the Williams Racing team, will cooperate fully and proactively with the stewards to assist in identifying how this contamination may have occurred. We are committed to transparency throughout this process.” A reputation for integrity underpins Williams Racing, and Grant Williams was quick to underline the stable’s internal protocols. “Williams Racing has a long-standing and well-established record of integrity within the Western Australian racing industry. We take our obligations to racing integrity, animal welfare and owner confidence extremely seriously. Our stable operates under strict internal protocols and systems, which we believe are of a very high standard.” The multiple Group 1-winning partnership is due to front the stewards’ inquiry on January 27, determined to resolve the issue and return to training. Williams assured owners and supporters that the care and welfare of their horses remains paramount. “Training operations will continue to be conducted with the same professionalism, diligence and attention to detail that our owners expect and deserve. We understand the concern matters of this nature can cause and are committed to keeping our owners appropriately informed as the inquiry progresses. We will provide further updates when we are in a position to do so.”
Dart Could Tranquilise More Fancied Rivals
Thursday, 22nd January 2026
Few sights capture the spirit of the Karaka Millions like a bargain buy representing a syndicate packed with youthful enthusiasm. That’s the story behind Midnight Dart, who will carry the hopes of next-generation owners when he lines up in Saturday’s $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO at Ellerslie. The colt by Derryn, secured for just $20,000 from Grangewilliam Stud by Josh Herd, was among the first to book his place in the field after winning on debut at Trentham. A subsequent fourth-place finish behind race favourite Kinnaird has Midnight Dart rated a $35 chance for his third start, but the story stretches well beyond the form guide. Trainer Lisa Latta is no stranger to Karaka Millions success, having won with Fort Lincoln in 2011 and finishing runner-up in 2016. This year’s journey has a special twist, with her son Josh at the centre of a syndicate numbering around 75 owners, nearly two-thirds of whom are under thirty. “I went to university down in Otago, and there are quite a few mates of mine from Uni that are in him,” Josh Herd shared. “Some of them are from as far north as Kerikeri and as far south as Invercargill, not to mention mates abroad in America and another friend at college in Amsterdam.” Returning home after completing the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship and gaining experience across breeding, racing, and sales in Ireland, Herd has settled into a senior role at Latta’s Awapuni stable. His involvement extends beyond the stable gate – he’s hands-on with the horses, race planning, and jockey bookings, and relishes the opportunity to work closely with his mother. “Mum allows me to put in my ten cents worth, which is good, and we have a great bunch of staff as well,” he noted. “I definitely want to end up training, but I don’t think it’s any time in the near future and I’m keen to get some more international exposure.” Herd is passionate about opening ownership pathways for younger people, believing syndicates are key. “Through syndication, it has certainly become a lot easier for people of all ages to get involved,” he said. With plans to buy again at Karaka in the coming days and rally another youthful crew, the sense of excitement and belonging is palpable – whatever the outcome might be on race night.
Midnight Dart (purple) is a rough hope at Ellerslie (Race Images: Peter Rubery)
Top Karaka Millions 2YO Picks Favoured by Draws
Thursday, 22nd January 2026
Anticipation is running high ahead of this Saturday's $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO at Ellerslie, with the final barrier draw providing a significant shakeup to market prospects for the 19th renewal of New Zealand's iconic juvenile contest. A capacity field of 14, plus two emergencies, will line up for a trans-Tasman clash where local stars are set to face off against several notable Australian-trained challengers. Dominance by Te Akau Racing has become a hallmark of this event, the powerhouse operation having claimed eight of the last nine runnings, each with a juvenile sourced by David Ellis. That streak faces a stiff test, but there's little doubt the stable holds a powerful hand again this year. Their three-pronged attack is led by Kinnaird, whose form and favourable draw have seen him installed as the clear favourite. Unbeaten in two starts, including a Group 2 Eclipse Stakes victory at this venue on New Year's Day, the colt's odds firmed from $4.60 to $4.20 after drawing barrier two. Co-trainer Sam Bergerson remains upbeat: "He just keeps improving. He only just won on debut down there at Otaki in November, but the trip away grew him and toughened him up. His work has been really good leading into this weekend. He just has a fantastic attitude and is coping beautifully with everything we throw at him." The stable's other contenders, Out Of The Blue and Zaharias, fared less kindly with the draw and will start from the wider gates 16 and 14, potentially making their tasks more difficult. Even so, both fillies bring strong credentials and will be aiming to overcome their barriers on the big stage. The leading threats come not only from within New Zealand but across the Tasman, with Torture – already a stakes winner and sired by Sword Of State – set to jump from gate five for the Hayes training partnership. She holds favouritism among the visitors and sits second overall in betting at $4.60. Queensland's Liam Birchley, whose past Karaka Millions successes are well remembered, returns with two chances. Dream Roca, a last-start winner, landed the prized inside gate and is quoted at $5.50, while stablemate Vanzadee will jump from 12. "They're two really nice, precocious fillies and have handled everything really well," Birchley noted. "You need the right type of horse to even get into the race – an early-running, sound two-year-old. Then you need a bit of luck leading in and a bit more luck on the day. That's basically the formula. Dream Roca's drawn one, she's in good form and should get all favours from that gate. She'd have to be one of the leading chances." De Armas, an unbeaten Listed winner, remains well fancied despite barrier 10, sitting on the third line of betting at $5. The $1 million feature is scheduled as race four on Ellerslie's blockbuster card, that boasts total prizemoney for the day exceeding $4 million.
War Machine Hard to Beat First Up at Pakenham
Thursday, 22nd January 2026
Never out of a place in five first up runs, highlighted by success in the Gr2 Gilgai Stakes first up last campaign, Ben Will and JD Hayes' Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap winner War Machine (Harry Angel-Caserta, by Hussonet) is surely going to be hard to beat on Friday night at Pakenham when he resumes in the $350,000 Gr2 Australia Stakes (1200m). With two 800m jumpouts under his belt, including winning his most one at Werribee, the Jamie Melham ridden 5YO gelding will jump from gate 2 in the field of 8. If successful, it will be a nice update to his In The Congo half-sister who is set to sell as Lot 336 on Monday, January 26 at the New Zealand Bloodstock yearling sale as part of the Ardsley Stud Ltd draft. A winner of the Australia Stakes in 2024, the Gr1 George Ryder Stakes winner Veight (Grunt-Neena Rock, by Fastnet Rock) has not made any impact in his last two campaigns but has produced two handy jumpout efforts at Flemington leading into Friday night's race. With three first up wins in the past from five attempts, the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained gelding is very capable on his day, and connections would not be persisting with him if they were worried that he'd not come up. Ciaron Maher's 3YO colt Jimmy Recard (I Am Invincible-Aquamosa, by Alamosa) is an interesting one to watch here. Successful in the Gr3 Vain Stakes last campaign, it would be a valuable victory if he could step up to weight for age and join Veight as a recent 3yo winner of the Group 2 sprint race. With owner Bennett Racing also purchasing his Hellbent three-quarter-sister at the recent Magic Millions from the draft of Yarraman for $225,000, one would suggest they have a nice opinion of Jimmy Recard.
Syndicate Form to Show Up in Goldmarket
Thursday, 22nd January 2026
After the running of the lucrative Magic Millions meeting last Saturday, we return to the Gold Coast track this Friday night for the running of the Listed Goldmarket (1100m). With the second placed King Kapa (Capitalist-Emmalene, by Jet Spur) and fourth placed Golden Boom (Spirit Of Boom-Golden Falls, by Encosta de Lago) from the recent running of the Magic Millions The Syndicate set to line up here, the form through the race has been somewhat franked with the first, third and fifth placed Spywire (Trapeze Artist), Payline (Shooting To Win) and Scampi (Blue Point) backing up a week later in the $1m Magic Millions Sprint last Saturday where they finished fifth, second and third respectively. Having not won since this race last year, the Tony Gollan-trained Golden Boom has been contesting races of a higher calibre, including his length fourth in the G1 Moir Stakes in the spring. Set to carry just a kilo more than last year, the gelding has drawn wide in gate 10 and should be able to go forward and hopefully secure a spot, while King Kapa has drawn 14, but he does get back, so it should not pose concern. Matthew Smith's Way To The Stars (Reward for Effort-Writteninthestars, by Written Tycoon) has not raced since his half-length second in the Listed Bribie Handicap on December 13, but has been readied with a solid barrier trial performance. Drawn the outside gate here, so if he does start, he has a level of class above many of these and should produce a solid run.
Split Campaigns for Moody-Coleman 3YO Fillies
Thursday, 22nd January 2026
An autumn campaign is rapidly taking shape for the star fillies at the Moody and Coleman yard, with Tuesday’s Pakenham jumpouts confirming all three are progressing on schedule toward key assignments in February. After a quiet but promising return to action, Peter Moody told racing.com that his trio of high-class three-year-olds will be split up for their respective first-up runs, a move designed to maximize their chances across both Melbourne and Sydney. A measured approach saw Sheza Alibi, the current Australian Guineas favourite, complete her work alongside stablemates Ole Dancer and Alpha Sofie. Each filly emerged from the session in good order, prompting Moody’s understated but telling verdict: “I was happy with all three of them. They popped out nicely and blew out a few cobwebs so it was good.” Sheza Alibi, who made her mark with a Group 2 Sandown Guineas victory last spring (see below), is on track for a return in the Listed Desirable Stakes over 1400m at Flemington on February 14. “Will more than likely run first-up in the Desirable, a three-year-old fillies listed race… to get her going,” Moody said. The plan is to then back up in the $1 million Australian Guineas (1600m) two weeks later, where she is currently the $3 market elect. A further option exists to press on into the $2 million All-Star Mile just seven days after the Guineas, should she come through her races well. Ole Dancer, last seen claiming the Group 1 Thousand Guineas, is poised to resume in the Frances Tressady Stakes over 1400m on the same day as her stablemate, before likely heading north to chase further riches in Sydney. “She’s down to run on the same day as Sheza Alibi… From there, she will probably go to Sydney for a few races such as the Surround,” Moody outlined. The $750,000 Surround Stakes at Randwick on February 28 looms as a logical target for the versatile filly. Emerging talent Alpha Sofie, who has yet to be tested in group company, made a big impression winning the Listed Atlantic Jewel Stakes in September and continues to intrigue her trainers. “We don’t know where the bottom is with her,” Moody reflected. “She won a very good form race at Moonee Valley at her only start… beating Ole Dancer and a few others there, so we’ll just let her form guide us along.”
Top Owner Planning Lawsuit Against US Industry
Thursday, 22nd January 2026
A new wave of legal action is poised to shake the thoroughbred racing industry in the United States, as prominent owner Mike Repole has begun the process of launching a lawsuit against several of the sport’s major organizations. According to bloodhorse.com, the decision, announced on January 19, comes after what Repole describes as mounting frustration with the state of the industry and the leadership guiding it beyond the borders of Kentucky. Through a series of posts on the social media platform X, Repole made his intentions clear, expressing that “there is only one path left to force real change and save this industry outside of Kentucky and a few surviving states.” Drawing comparisons to high-profile legal battles like the recent Michael Jordan–NASCAR case, he wrote that the national lawsuit he is preparing “will bring forward facts that have long remained hidden and are critical to the future of the sport.” The effort, he maintains, is rooted in a desire to protect all facets of the industry. “It’s about saving the tracks, the people, the small owners and breeders, the fans, and most importantly, protecting the Thoroughbred. … My goal and mission is to make the changes needed so this sport not only survives, but thrives for the next 100 years.” In conversation with Thoroughbred Daily News, Repole expanded on the list of organizations notified of his legal intentions, including The Jockey Club, the Breeders’ Cup, the NTRA, TOBA, and all their stewards. “They’ve been notified. They’ve been notified to prepare. They’ve been notified to prepare for litigation. They’ve been notified to save all documents, emails, texts, everything. They, in turn, have notified me to do the same,” he explained. Industry stakeholders responded with varying degrees of reserve; BloodHorse, for example, is owned by The Jockey Club and TOBA, while the Breeders’ Cup issued a statement declining to comment on “threatened or pending litigation.” The Jockey Club also offered no comment. Repole’s critique of industry leadership has been no secret, and he has long accused those at the helm of prioritizing personal interests over the broader good of the sport. The timeline for the official filing remains uncertain, though he noted work on the case began in June 2025. “There’s a lawsuit, and it gets very, very nasty,” he said. “There’s tremendous discovery that comes on both sides, and then there’s some mediation. Then there’s some alliance, and then there’s some compromise. Even if the lawsuit doesn’t go through the entire court system, all of a sudden it forces people to get to a table and engage and say, ‘Either you’re going to go through the court system, or you’re going to sit down and make a decision.’” Watch this space.
Veight Nowhere Near Ready to Redline Yet
Thursday, 22nd January 2026
A sense of relief rather than expectation has settled over the McEvoy stable as a notable runner returns for the Gr2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham this Friday night. The moment was one the Cups-winning team feared might never arrive, so for now, satisfaction outweighs any triumphal ambition ahead of the racetrack return of former heavyweight Veight. There is, as Tony McEvoy put it to racing.com, genuine excitement just to see the horse back on course after a protracted injury-enforced absence. “He’s been a great horse for us and while that’s a long time ago, it’s first and foremost so pleasing to get him back,” he reflected on Tuesday, noting the partnership with son Calvin has only heightened the significance. The lengthy 22 months since the last Gr2 Australia Stakes win at The Valley – en route to a maiden Group 1 success in the George Ryder at Rosehill – have brought challenges enough for several careers. Between pneumonia and a fractured neck, the journey back to the races for the dual Group 1 Guineas runner-up has rarely been straightforward. “He gave us a real fright through his spell (when he fractured his neck) but thankfully, he’s back and he’s trialled up okay and his signs have been really nice,” McEvoy said, recalling the turbulent period. Fitness is still coming, not entirely where it needs to be, but there’s an air of cautious optimism. “He’s a bit behind in fitness and not really screwed right down but he’ll be stimulated by going back to the races a bit,” McEvoy admitted. Immediate form might prove elusive. Even so, McEvoy revealed he looks like he’s interesting and his demenour surrounding stable routibe is on par. At a 108 rating, there’s nowhere to hide; success at this level comes with little margin for error. “It would be lovely for the stable to get him back,” McEvoy mused, happy to extend the benefit of the doubt for this run, while targeting improvement second and third up. Nine horses have been nominated for Friday’s $350,000 sprint, including Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap winner War Machine who carries a high rating of 113. Meanwhile, the Cups-winning team’s Half Yours is progressing well for a late autumn return. “He’s good and he’ll probably get up to a bit of evens probably next week,” McEvoy offered, already keeping one eye on the future.
The return of Veight has taken 22 months (pic: Mark Gatt)
New MMGC March Sale Format Creating a Buzz
Thursday, 22nd January 2026
Excitement is building around the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, which once again promises to be Australasia’s most rewarding incentive auction for buyers seeking quality and value. Set for March 12 and 13 at the renowned Magic Millions Sales Complex, this year’s event boasts a diverse catalogue of 490 yearlings, ensuring depth and variety for all corners of the market. A proud tradition underpins the March sale’s reputation for producing elite performers, and the 2026 edition brings further innovation. For the first time, a select group of non-QTIS yearlings has been included, broadening appeal for buyers from Queensland, interstate, and overseas. The incentive to target QTIS-eligible lots remains powerful, as nomination savings for the Magic Millions Race Series continue, underpinning the sale’s status as a must-attend for buyers in search of added value. Incentives abound for the 2026 catalogue: 268 QTIS fully paid or first payment yearlings, 216 BOBS-eligible, 43 VOBIS Sires, and 12 VOBIS Silver yearlings all qualify for the Magic Millions Race Series. Leading local sires Better Than Ready and Spirit of Boom are again at the forefront, represented by 56 and 26 lots respectively, with their progeny sure to attract keen interest. The catalogue also showcases progeny from an impressive array of stallions, including Alabama Express, All Too Hard, Capitalist, Home Affairs, Pierata, So You Think, and Zousain, among many others. Reflecting on the strength of the offering, Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch remarked, “With recent graduates including the likes of millionaire performers Hidden Wealth and Encoder as well as this season’s crack juvenile Itchintogo, the sale keeps delivering for buyers.” He pointed to the “usual quality line up of QTIS youngsters,” as well as interstate yearlings that will appeal to a wider buying bench. Bowditch added, “We are really excited with the quality line up heading to the sale. Many of the leading farms will be represented with the new format and this will help to market the sale to a broader audience.” All yearlings are eligible for the $20 million-plus Magic Millions Race Series. This year’s printed catalogue will be combined with that for the 2026 Adelaide Yearling Sale, with Adelaide’s online catalogue to follow soon. Key dates for the March sale comprise:
Sat 7 March - Queensland Jewel Raceday, Gold Coast Turf Club
Mon 9-Wed 11 March - Magic Millions Yearling Inspections from 8am
Thur 12 March - Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, Day One - 10am
Fri 13 March - Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, Day Two - 10am
