Monday, 16th March 2026
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Global Breeding, Racing and Sales News

  • NEW Lazzura Ticks Plethora of Firsts for Connections

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    Topweight and tenacity carried the day in Saturday’s $1 million ATC Coolmore Classic (1500m), where Lazzura’s breakthrough Group 1 success delivered a raft of notable milestones for everyone connected with the mare. The victory added another elite chapter for Arrowfield, making Lazzura the stud’s 89th Group 1-winning graduate since John Messara established the operation in 1985. She also became the 26th individual Group 1 winner by multiple champion sire Snitzel, further strengthening the stallion’s extraordinary record at the highest level. For her owners at B2B Thoroughbreds, the result marked a first Group 1 triumph and continued what is already shaping as a memorable season for Ricky Surace Snr and Jnr, whose colours have also been carried to recent black-type success by Hidrix, Generosity and Panova. Chris Waller’s team also added another piece to its remarkable record in the race, with Lazzura becoming the stable’s fourth straight Coolmore Classic winner after Lady Shenandoah, Zougotcha and Espiona. The mare’s success also brought up Group 1 win number 189 for Waller, while James McDonald’s ride delivered his 128th victory at that level in Australia, leaving him just one short of Damien Oliver’s national record. The mare had long hinted she belonged in this company. Before Saturday, she had contested 14 black-type races and never finished worse than fifth, collecting wins at Group 2 level on two occasions, another in Group 3 company and the Listed Woodlands Stakes as a juvenile. That consistency was finally rewarded with a first Group 1, pushing her prizemoney beyond $1.5 million and opening the door to further autumn targets. Options during The Championships now include the Doncaster Mile on April 4 or the Queen Of The Turf a week later. There is depth to her pedigree as well as her race record. Lazzura is the ninth Group 1 winner bred by the Arrowfield-Northern Farm joint venture and one of three winners from Laguna Azzurra, a daughter of Heart’s Cry from a family that also produced Japan’s 2024 and 2025 champion sire Kizuna and 1994 Horse of the Year Narita Brian. Offered through Magic Millions, she was bought for $500,000 by B2B Thoroughbreds and has now become the fourth graduate Group 1 winner from Arrowfield’s yearling class of 2023, joining Lady Shenandoah, Private Life and Switzerland. Arrowfield’s 2026 Inglis Easter draft will add another link to the story, with Lazzura’s full sister set to go through the ring as Lot 383. Laguna Azzurra produced a colt by Farnan last spring and is now in foal to Switzerland.

  • NEW HTBA Buyers Have an Extreme Choice Ahead

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    Attention will quickly turn to Riverside next month with the release of the catalogue for the Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale, an event that continues to attract buyers seeking value among late-season yearlings with strong commercial pedigrees. Among the highlights of the 215-strong catalogue is a yearling by Extreme Choice from the Newgate Farm draft. The stallion has one of the most remarkable Group 1 winners-to-runners strike rates in the world, producing an elite-level winner from roughly every 25 runners, a figure that compares favourably with the likes of Galileo, Frankel and Dubawi. The presence of a youngster by such a sought-after sire is expected to draw considerable attention when the sale takes place on Sunday, April 19. Depth across the catalogue is another feature, with progeny by a broad cross-section of prominent stallions including Alabama Express, All Too Hard, Anamoe, Capitalist, Castelvecchio, Cosmic Force, Dundeel, Extreme Warrior, Harry Angel, Hellbent, Home Affairs, Justify, Ole Kirk, So You Think, Star Turn, Stay Inside, Super Seth, Sword Of State, Tassort, Toronado, Trapeze Artist, Written By and Zousain. Those yearlings will be offered by many of Australia’s leading breeders, with consignments from operations such as Widden, Vinery, Newgate, Riversdale, Segenhoe, Amarina, Fernrigg, Glenbeigh, Goodwood and Kingstar. The HTBA sale has long been regarded as an opportunity for buyers to secure quality yearlings at a more accessible price point than the major select sales, while still retaining the potential to produce high-class racehorses. Results on the track have reinforced that reputation. Graduates of the sale have collectively earned more than $80 million in prizemoney, a return that comfortably exceeds three times their combined purchase prices. Numerous examples illustrate the value available through the auction. Boston Rocks was secured for $100,000 and has gone on to become a stakes winner of more than $600,000, while Cleo Cat developed into a Group 3 winner after being purchased for $50,000. Shezanalister was another notable graduate, bought for $55,000 before progressing to become a Group 3-placed mare with earnings surpassing $526,000. Other success stories include Tintookie, a $30,000 purchase that later won $500,000, and Rocketing By, who cost just $22,000 before amassing more than $2.7 million in prizemoney. The Bopper, bought for $30,000, has returned over $555,000, while Bazooka rewarded connections with $557,726 after a modest $14,000 outlay. Almost the entire catalogue this year will also offer access to state-based incentive schemes. Of the yearlings entered, 190 are BOBS eligible, while others qualify for programs such as VOBIS and QTIS. Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch said the catalogue presents a wide spread of stallions and vendors, ensuring buyers across a variety of racing and trading models can find suitable prospects. He also pointed to the advantage of a discounted entry into the Inglis Race Series, where the qualifying fee is set at half the rate charged at select yearling sales, while still providing full eligibility for the series’ major bonus races.

  • NEW Major Annual VOBIS Day a Huge Success

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    Victorian-bred talent again took centre stage at Caulfield as another edition of the Victorian Owners and Breeders Race Day delivered a vibrant program highlighted by strong prizemoney and valuable VOBIS bonuses. With more than $3.7 million on offer across the meeting, Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV) reports the 10-race card provided a lucrative showcase for locally bred horses while racegoers were also able to visit an Equine Welfare Hub featuring retired racehorses from Living Legends. The centrepiece of the afternoon was the $1M TBV VOBIS Platinum Showdown for two-year-olds, where the Phillip Stokes-trained Big Wigs produced a powerful finish down the outside to defeat race favourite Miss Chanel. The son of Widden Stud stallion Gold Standard surged late to claim $550,000 in first prize along with $35,000 in VOBIS Silver and Gold bonuses and a further $30,000 in VOBIS Platinum incentives. The result carried additional emotional weight for the famous blue, white and red colours of owner Tony Santic following the recent passing of champion mare Makybe Diva, with a large group of partners gathering to celebrate the victory. Jockey Lachlan Neindorf admitted the moment meant plenty given the significance of the silks. "It's super," he said. "It almost makes me a little bit emotional, really. It's been such a big couple weeks for these colours, obviously, with the passing of the great mare. It's just a privilege whenever you put colours like these on and to go out there and get the job done in a nice 2-year-old makes it that extra special." Big Wigs is out of Nooks And Crannies, a daughter of Denman who has already produced Group 2-placed Cavity Bay and also has a yearling filly by Lucky Vega. Earlier on the program, a sentimental highlight unfolded when crowd favourite So Si Bon led out the runners in the 1400m Two Bays Farm VOBIS Gold So Si Bon. The race itself went the way of Harry's Yacht, with Jamie Melham guiding the Malua Racing-trained galloper to a comfortable three-quarter length success. In the Avenel Equine Hospital VOBIS Gold Distaff (1400m), Betwitchery produced a strong late charge under apprentice Luke Cartwright to give trainers Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin another metropolitan success, while collecting $65,000 in VOBIS Silver, Gold and Platinum bonuses. Ballarat-based trainer Karlene Tindale enjoyed a career milestone when Nostra Bella delivered her first metropolitan victory in the 1200m Cylinder VOBIS Gold Dash under Dean Yendall, earning $110,000 in prizemoney plus valuable VOBIS incentives. Starting at $151, the winner was responsible for a Big 6 dividend of $40,000. The second feature, the $500k IRT VOBIS Platinum Guineas (1600m), was taken out in commanding style by the Ciaron Maher-trained Salty Pearl, who arrived off two Group 2 placings and justified that form under John Allen. Stable representative Jack Turnbull said the mare always travelled like the winner. "She was always in control," he said. "The blinkers made her travel and she took John everywhere and when he asked her to poke into a hole at about the 450, she was there straight away. That's when you knew she was going to be there for a long way and in the straight they spanned wide and they were coming from everywhere, but her class shone through. She's very consistent and building a fantastic record."

    Big Wigs

    Big Wigs has Makybe Racing & Breeding very excited (pic: Racing Victoria)

  • NEW Horcrux Adds to Rommel’s Fruitfull Run

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    Success continued for the Ascot stable of Simon Miller on Saturday when a sharp front-running performance delivered victory in the Guinness Handicap (1200m), with Rommel gelding Horcrux proving too strong in a fast-run contest. After finishing behind Sonoftheboss over the same course and distance first-up in January, the four-year-old returned a fitter horse and produced a much sharper display. Tracking the speed set by King Adviso before the home turn, Horcrux quickly asserted control in the straight and powered clear, stopping the clock at a slick 1:08.84, only a fraction outside the Ascot track record. Trainer Simon Miller explained the improvement stemmed from addressing issues that surfaced during the gelding’s previous appearance. “He sweated up badly and melted behind the gates before that last start here,” Miller recalled. “His coat was off, too, so we sent him to the paddock for a couple weeks with Nigel Reid at Forge On Park. He’s been working well and this was the right race.” The win continued a productive run for Rommel, who has enjoyed a series of recent successes through progeny racing across Western Australia. Horcrux’s latest victory lifted his earnings to $295,000, with Westspeed bonuses contributing $115,000 to that tally. Bred and sold by Mogumber Park, he was purchased for $105,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions by Miller in partnership with Ray Meadowcroft, Rod Bavcevic and Peter Jones. Rommel has been well represented of late, having already delivered a February feature double when Maria Lucia captured the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the Miller-trained Twisted Steel claimed the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy. The stallion’s recent momentum has continued this week with further winners including Roaming America, Final Flush and Noble Connection. For Miller, the victory also capped another rewarding week following the success of Generosity in the Group 2 Challenge Stakes at Randwick the previous Saturday. The mare has proven a particularly astute purchase, having been secured by Miller for just $9,000 at the 2021 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale on the Gold Coast. She went on to earn more than $800,000 in Perth, highlighted by victory in the Listed Sheila Gwynne Classic, before being sold last year to Chris Waller and B2B Thoroughbreds. The Ascot horseman has also been active in the sales ring, attending last week’s Magic Millions March Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast where he secured a Yes Yes Yes filly for $50,000. Catalogued as Lot 46, the youngster is out of Sandown Lakeside winner Always In Moment and is a half-sister to seven winners, headed by the Miller-trained Miss Conteki, a multiple stakes winner who earned more than $500,000 and captured the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes at Ascot.

  • NEW Sydney/Melbourne a Toss Up for Treasure

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    Plans for the next appearance of star mare Treasurethe Moment remain fluid, though her second run of the autumn is expected to come next Saturday with connections weighing up whether she lines up in Melbourne or heads north to Sydney. A gallop between races at Caulfield on Saturday provided an encouraging sign of her condition, with Daniel Stackhouse aboard for the workout. According to racing.com, trainer Matt Laurie said the mare pleased him with the way she travelled and confirmed a decision between Melbourne and Sydney was still to be made. “She was lovely and relaxed out there and if she happens to stay here in Melbourne, Daniel will be offered the ride,” Laurie said. “If she goes to Sydney to the George Ryder, we’ll work that out.” Laurie indicated there is appeal in keeping the mare in Melbourne before potentially travelling later in the preparation. “I think it would be a good move to stay here and then just have a one-run trip to Sydney, but ultimately, it’s a discussion with Mr Zhang and the (Yulong) team.” Entries will be taken for both the Gr2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield and the $1 million Gr1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill as connections keep their options open. Laurie added that a return in a mares’ race could provide a suitable stepping stone if the Sydney option is delayed. “She’s not out of place going up there, but I think having a run back here in a fillies’ and mares’ race, albeit a Group 2, it would be a good lead into the big one third-up.” The multiple Group 1-winning four-year-old had originally been earmarked for last week’s Gr1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington but Laurie elected to bypass that race after her first-up run in the Gr1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, where she led before being run down late as the odds-on favourite. Laurie felt the performance still had merit despite the defeat. “I just thought the first-up run – although people might disagree with me – I thought it was a pretty solid run on speed,” he said. “It’s not her style. I’d prefer to be back.” Barrier concerns also played a role in skipping the All-Star Mile. “Then, we drew a little awkwardly in the All Star-Mile and I just wasn’t sure how it was going to play out for us. I didn’t want to be the horse leading the rest of them up, behind Pride Of Jenni and we just want to get out of that and get her back to positioning her in a way where she’s been able to win those races previously.” From next Saturday’s run, Laurie indicated the mare could progress to either the Gr1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Randwick or the Gr1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) a week later.

    Treasurethe Moment

    Treasurethe Moment has dual state options (pic: Mark Gatt)

  • NEW Considered Expands Her Growing Picket fence

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    Momentum towards the $1 million Country Championships Final continued to build on the Gold Coast on Saturday, where the tough and diminutive Considered stretched her winning sequence to six with victory in the Military Rose Plate (1200m). Already safely through to the Randwick feature, according to punters.com.au, the mare could hardly have advertised her claims more convincingly. Bought for just $30,000, she has not been beaten since June last year, when still in the care of Cody Morgan, and now heads towards the rich final in the sort of form few horses have taken into the race. Her latest success was enough to force a market move, with bookmakers trimming her from $6 to $5, while current $3 favourite Clear Thinking is still yet to qualify. There was some pre-race confidence against her in the betting ring, with Considered easing from $4.20 to $5.50, but that drift proved meaningless once the pressure came on. Dunn was quick to praise the mare’s attitude after another win that underlined the qualities that have taken her this far. “She's a proper racehorse,” he said. “What she lacks in stature, she makes up for with her willingness to win.” Her trainer admitted there had been some uncertainty about whether the return to 1200m would be ideal, but the run achieved everything the stable wanted ahead of a bigger target. “We came here today thinking dropping her back to 1200m might work against us. It was a nice pipe opener for the $1m Country Championships Final in a few weeks' time.” Dunn also smiled at the mare’s modest build, adding: “She's tiny, she'd have to be the smallest horse in our stable. But they come in all shapes and sizes.” That compact frame hides a serious engine, and if Randwick comes up rain-affected, her prospects would only strengthen given she handles wet ground so well. She is very much the stable’s headline act for now, although Dunn still has another card to play with Scripted set to take on Clear Thinking in Friday’s Wild Card at Scone for a place in the final. While Considered deservedly took top billing, there was also merit in the performance of Margot’s Deel, who resumed for the first time since November and made late ground into second. Cejay Graham feared the mare might finish well back before she charged home over a distance short of her best, and the effort suggested there could be an enjoyable campaign ahead. Trainer Jason Edwards now has every reason to look forward with optimism, with the Queensland winter carnival a possible target for the promising mare.

  • Lazzura Overcomes Adversity in Gr1 Coolmore

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    A breakthrough at the elite level finally arrived on Saturday at Rosehill when the admirable mare Lazzura delivered a performance worthy of her long-standing reputation, capturing the $1 million Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) with a determined finishing surge. Already a four-time stakes winner and a mare who had accumulated more than $1 million in prizemoney prior to the race, the daughter of Snitzel justified strong support in betting at $5. After settling well off the pace and travelling wide with cover for much of the journey, she unleashed a sustained run down the straight to overpower Arctic Glamour ($13) and Vivy Air ($26), sealing a deserved victory that had narrowly eluded her in earlier attempts at the highest level. Connections were delighted to see the consistent performer finally secure a Group One triumph, with trainer Chris Waller acknowledging the mare's persistence and resilience in top company. "Well deserved, that's for sure," Waller said. "She's been running around some very good horses without a lot of luck going her way." He added that the team had learned from her first-up effort this preparation. "I think we just had her a bit underdone first-up and we rode her perhaps a pair too close. Today we didn't panic from the draw, we just went back and got cover three-wide." Carrying a substantial weight against a quality field made the performance even more impressive. Waller noted that the mare had endured her share of tough assignments in major races. "She carried a big weight today, and she hasn't had a lot go her way in Group 1s bouncing against some pretty handy horses throughout her career." For a moment the closing stages appeared uncertain, but the mare refused to yield. "She got there so easily, I thought the last two hundred metres was going to be a long two hundred, to her determination she stuck it out really well." Pre-race tactics were carefully discussed between the stable and rider James McDonald, who executed the plan perfectly. "James (McDonald) said pre-race, and we all agreed, just ride her conservative today. She seems to let go a lot better when you hold her up and let her go." Looking ahead, Waller indicated further elite targets could await. "She will probably go to the Queen Of The Turf or the Doncaster. I'll speak to the Suraces (owners) and see what they say." He also expressed confidence the mare could add further Group 1 victories. "I've got a philosophy that horses don't just win one Group 1. If they're good enough to win one, they normally win two or three." McDonald was equally full of praise for the mare's fighting qualities after guiding her to victory. "She tries," the jockey said. "It wasn't me, it was her just really biting down on the mouthguard and having a really decent crack." He admitted the final stages were demanding but admired her will to prevail. "I thought she was all out with 100 metres to go, but just that will to find the line it's something you just can't teach them, you can't train in them." By the former Arrowfield Stud champion sire Snitzel, Lazzura was purchased for $500,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale by B2B Thoroughbreds from Arrowfield's draft. She is one of three winners from as many runners for the Japanese-bred Heart's Cry mare Laguna Azzurra, a winner at 1800m who is a half-sister to multiple Group 3 winner Seewind and stakes performer Seidig Meer. Their dam, Silky Lagoon by Brian's Time, was herself a triple stakes winner.

  • Vino Novello Throws Down Tassie Staying Gauntlet

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    A staying prospect with growing promise enhanced his reputation at Launceston on Friday night when Vino Novello captured the $50,000 Dynamic Finance Brokers Tasmania – Tasmanian St Leger (2400m), suggesting he could become a significant player among the state's emerging middle-distance and staying ranks. Still lightly raced, the four-year-old was making just his tenth career appearance but showed the composure and stamina expected of a progressive stayer. Ridden by Erica Byrne Burke, he enjoyed a smooth run throughout the contest, settling one-out and one-back before being angled into the race approaching the 600m. From there the son of Vino Rosso gradually built his momentum and moved to the front, but the contest was far from straightforward as he was immediately challenged by fellow $4.20 equal favourite Distrustful Award, last year's Launceston Cup winner. The pair engaged in a sustained duel in the closing stages, eventually drawing well clear of the remainder of the field. When the pressure came late, however, Vino Novello responded strongly to hold off his rival and score decisively, with the pair putting a sizeable margin on Miles 'N' Miles, who finished third at $12. Trainer John Blacker believes the victory confirmed the gelding's credentials as a genuine staying prospect. "We think he's a real stayer of the future down here in Tasmania, and when he went past the post with a lap to go, I thought gee, he's in a good position here," Blacker said. Purchased for a meagre $26,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, the gelding did not appear at the races until August this season, but his rise has been swift. The St Leger success was the fifth win of his career from a limited number of outings and demonstrated his versatility across a wide range of distances, having now won races from 1350m through to the 2400m classic trip. There is also a notable family link to the race. Vino Novello's dam, Royal Miswaki, claimed the same event in 2012, adding another layer of significance to Friday night's performance. Blacker believes there may be even more improvement to come as the horse continues to strengthen and develop, and he is keeping an open mind about future plans. "This horse is probably a bit sharper than those two that went away (Zulu Angel and Wineglass Bay), so a trip interstate may make him mature a lot more, so we'll go from there," he said, indicating that opportunities beyond Tasmania could be explored as the campaign unfolds. For Byrne Burke, the St Leger victory capped another rewarding moment in what had already been a highly successful summer for her. The rider partnered Hobart Cup winner Blonde Star earlier in the season and has also enjoyed notable success aboard Blacker's talented juvenile Aristopolos. The evening proved particularly fruitful for Byrne Burke, who earlier completed a race-to-race double when steering Cherokee Dancer to victory in the Open Handicap (1100m) for trainer Adam Trinder.

  • Warwoven Living by The Sword Ahead of Slipper

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    According to racingnews.co.nz, early evidence from the first crop of Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State has already delivered a serious contender for Australia's richest juvenile race after Warwoven stamped his credentials with victory in Saturday's Gr3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill to nail a Golden Slipper start. The performance secured the colt a place in next week's Slipper (1200m) and confirmed the promise he had hinted at earlier in the season. Prepared by expat New Zealand trainer Bjorn Baker, Warwoven had quickly marked himself as a horse of real ability when winning his first two starts in December and January. Those victories elevated him to favouritism for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast before a veterinary issue forced his withdrawal on the morning of the race. The interruption left Baker scrambling to secure enough prizemoney to guarantee a Slipper start, and when the colt resumed with a fourth placing in the Gr2 Skyline Stakes on February 28 his earnings still left him outside the field. That situation meant another run was unavoidable, with the Pago Pago offering a final opportunity to force his way into the race. A top-three finish would likely have been enough, but Warwoven left little doubt about his credentials. Rachel King positioned the colt comfortably in second behind the leader Star Of Jamaica before easing alongside that rival approaching the turn. When asked to quicken early in the straight he responded immediately, drawing clear of Star Of Jamaica before holding off the late challenges of Outspan and Central Europe to win by a length. The result lifted Warwoven's record to three wins from four starts and earnings of $297,750, while guaranteeing him a place in the rich 2YO Group 1 sprint. King felt the colt's performance confirmed he belonged among the elite juveniles of the season. "He's qualified now, and so he should be," she said. "We would have been devastated if he wasn't there, because as he's proven today he deserves his spot." King suggested the colt still has improvement to come after his interrupted preparation. She added that his relaxed nature could prove a major asset going forward. Baker now heads toward the Slipper with two strong contenders after Paradoxium claimed the Gr2 Todman Stakes at his previous start. "We're not counting our chickens, but it's exciting to have two in the Slipper," he said. "It was great to see him do that, he's a promising horse." Warwoven is the first foal of Makfi mare Needle And Thread, winner of the Gr2 Royal Stakes and a Group 2 placegetter in both the Sir Tristram Fillies' Classic and Eight Carat Classic. He was purchased by Baker's agent Jim Clarke for $380,000 at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale from breeder Kia Ora Stud.

  • Breach of Care Ruling a Blow for UK Jockey Club

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    A High Court ruling has placed the Jockey Club under pressure after the organisation was ordered to pay more than £990,000 in damages and lost earnings to former employee Matthew Foxton-Duffy, with the court finding it had breached its duty of care. The judgment followed six days of evidence and legal argument in the King's Bench division of the High Court last November and December. Foxton-Duffy argued that a substantial increase in workload following an internal restructure caused extreme psychological stress. At the time he was marketing manager for the Jockey Club's south-west region, which included Cheltenham, before the organisation merged the role with responsibilities for Aintree, Haydock and Carlisle as part of a newly formed Western region. Evidence presented to the court showed that staffing levels across marketing roles in the west were reduced from 21 to seven, while other functions were redirected to a centralised team. Foxton-Duffy's legal team argued the expanded workload created mounting pressure through 2021. Former regional head of racing Simon Claisse told the court the job had always carried considerable demands. "In terms of the scale of the job, it doesn't really get much more high-pressured," he said. Claisse added that earlier in the role Foxton-Duffy had coped well with those expectations. "My observations of the claimant in that environment, was that he handled the stress and the pressure of the role really well and he did a good job." However, witnesses described how the strain appeared to intensify after the restructure. Claisse said expectations placed on the reduced team were unrealistic given the available resources. "My observations were that the expectations on what the marketing team in particular were asked to achieve were entirely unrealistic given the lack of resources available to them." Operations manager Rebecca Elvin also recalled a noticeable change in Foxton-Duffy during 2021. "I recalled probably from mid-2021 onwards, that the claimant became much more withdrawn," she said, adding that he often appeared visibly stressed and emotionally affected by the demands of the role. The court heard that the pressure culminated in a disturbing incident in November 2021 when Foxton-Duffy deliberately drove his car toward a line of trees before regaining control of the vehicle at the last moment. Medical experts for both sides agreed he had developed complex PTSD along with a moderate depressive episode. In a 56-page judgment, Judge Elizabeth O'Neill rejected the Jockey Club's defence that it could not reasonably have known about the risk to his health. She concluded Foxton-Duffy had been "tipped over the edge" after repeated attempts to raise welfare concerns with his employer. The judge found the organisation's failure to conduct a risk or occupational health assessment during the latter half of 2021 had "materially contributed" to his injury. Foxton-Duffy was awarded £72,500 in general damages, £211,920.87 plus interest for past loss of earnings and £684,796 for future losses. Evidence before the court indicated he continues to suffer psychological harm, with medical experts placing the risk of relapse between 20 and 40 per cent. There will be no appeal.

  • Ronaldo Shoots and Scores at Wanganui

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    A rise through the juvenile ranks continued at Wanganui on Saturday when Ronaldo maintained his unbeaten record with a commanding win in the Palamountains Nutrition 2YO (1200m), further strengthening the view that Robbie Patterson has a colt of genuine quality on his hands. According to NZ Racing Desk, the son of Ribchester had impressed on debut at New Plymouth last month and, sent out a $1.60 favourite for his second appearance, did nothing to dent that opinion as he put his rivals away with authority. Attention now turns to the Gr1 Courtesy Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) at Trentham in a fortnight, where the promising youngster is expected to face his sternest test yet. The race itself was not without complication. Pinafore, trained by Lisa Latta and the second elect at $6.20, proved difficult to load and delayed the start by several minutes. Even so, Ronaldo handled the interruption with maturity, jumping cleanly before being sent forward by Craig Grylls to take control. He was never allowed to dictate terms entirely, with Truly Divine applying pressure on his outside throughout and at one stage edging half a length in front, but Ronaldo never lost his composure. Once balanced in the straight, he found strongly to draw clear and score by 2-1/4 lengths over Pinafore, with Truly Divine a half head away in third. Grylls, who skipped his home meeting at Matamata to ride the colt, was glowing in his post-race assessment. "I have got a lot of time for this horse," he said. "He was really good again today, he jumped well and put himself there. He just got pestered the whole race, we were going along quite nice and the one outside us was being really annoying, but it didn't worry him, he was composed, he balanced up and kicked really good. He is a proper horse I think." Patterson was equally taken by the effort, particularly the colt's professionalism under pressure. "He was pressured the whole way," he said. "He is just a cool horse, he even buttoned off with the horse outside him racing him and put half a length on him. I see he had the cheek to prick his ears over the line. They are good signs." The trainer believes there is plenty more to come as the gelding strengthens and stretches out in distance. "He will get a mile now I would say. He looks like a three-year-old now, he is exciting." Bred and raced by Ron and Shirley Miller, Ronaldo is out of the seven-win mare Miss Daisy, a half-sister to stakes performer Real Specialist. His profile has risen sharply with each run and that has been reflected in the market for the Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes, where he has tightened from $41 into a $4.50 second favourite behind Te Akau youngster Seize The Day.

    Ronaldo

    Exciting juvenile prospect Ronaldo (pic: Race Images Peter Rubery)

  • Racing NSW Set to Challenge Supreme Court Ruling

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    Fresh legal action is looming in the battle between Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club, with the regulator confirming it will appeal this week's NSW Supreme Court decision that invalidated its attempt to place the ATC into administration. The ruling, handed down by Justice Francois Kunc on Wednesday, found Racing NSW did not have the power to appoint Morgan Kelly as administrator. However, Racing NSW believes aspects of the judgment leave sufficient room to challenge the finding and, after a board meeting on Thursday, announced on Friday that it would proceed with an appeal. A Racing NSW spokesperson said the decision was driven by the wider implications the judgment could have for the sport across the state. "The Racing NSW Board has formed the view that it needs to appeal Wednesday's decision of the NSW Supreme Court," the spokesperson said. "This is due to the precarious position it places Racing NSW in funding race clubs across the State and supporting the 50,000 participants who rely on the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry for their livelihoods." Central to Racing NSW's concern is the court's interpretation of the scope of its authority. The regulator argues that if its powers were confined narrowly to matters solely involving the "racing of galloping horses", its ability to fund infrastructure, facilities and operational support at clubs across New South Wales could be materially weakened. "If that narrow interpretation were to stand, it could significantly restrict Racing NSW's ability to fund important club activities such as infrastructure, facilities and operational support that underpin racing across NSW," the spokesperson said. Racing NSW also maintained that broader certainty was needed for the health of the state's racing network, pointing to the financial condition of clubs outside the ATC and the level of support being distributed through the industry. "Without certainty on this issue, Racing NSW's ability to continue supporting the State's 120 race clubs and the communities they serve could be put at risk," the spokesperson said. "NSW race clubs, with the exception of the ATC, are in the best financial position that they have ever been, with their net current assets and cash doubling over the past decade." The appeal means the dispute will continue through the autumn carnival and beyond, extending a conflict that has already exposed a deep divide between regulator and club. Following Wednesday's judgment, ATC chairman Tim Hale described the ruling as vindication of the club's long-held position on its relationship with Racing NSW and the wider race club structure. Racing NSW, however, remains adamant that the substantive concerns which prompted its intervention have not gone away. "Racing NSW moved to appoint an administrator to the ATC due to serious concerns about financial management and corporate governance at the club," the spokesperson said. "Those concerns remain. Nothing in the judgment addressed or dismissed them. The case was about how the legislation was interpreted, not the merits of Racing NSW's decision."

  • New Record Established for Hong Kong Stars

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    A historic moment for Hong Kong racing has unfolded with two of the jurisdiction's modern stars occupying the top positions in the latest edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings. Leading the global standings is the David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising, while Romantic Warrior, prepared by Danny Shum Chap-shing, sits close behind, giving Hong Kong a rare one-two on the international list. Ka Ying Rising remains the highest-rated horse ever produced in Hong Kong, retaining a mark of 128 following a remarkable sequence of elite performances. Romantic Warrior follows on 124, while Japanese dirt star Forever Young, trained by Yoshito Yahagi, holds third place with a rating of 123. The rankings measure performances in top-level races over a defined qualifying window, in this case between January 1 and March 8, with ratings influenced by factors including strength of opposition and prize-money levels. Much of the spotlight has centred on Ka Ying Rising after his extraordinary recent achievements at Sha Tin. The son of Shamexpress continued his extraordinary run in February when he captured the Group One Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup, extending his winning streak to 19 and surpassing a long-standing Hong Kong benchmark previously held by the legendary Silent Witness. That record of 18 straight victories had stood for 21 years before the five-year-old pushed beyond it in front of a packed grandstand. The performance was memorable not only for the milestone but also for the manner of victory. Ka Ying Rising shattered the Sha Tin track record in the process, trimming six-tenths of a second off the previous mark to clock one minute and 19.36 seconds. The win represented his eighth Group One triumph and his sixth success of the current season, further cementing his status as one of the most dominant sprinters in the modern era. Hong Kong's strength in depth was also evident further down the rankings. Lucky Sweynesse, trained by Manfred Man Ka-leung, sits joint 11th on the list, while John Size's Helios Express shares 15th position alongside internationally recognised performers such as Rebel's Romance and Australia's Autumn Glow. Their respective ratings of 118 and 117 underline the depth of quality currently emerging from the jurisdiction. The current standings mark a shift from earlier in the year when the French-trained Calandagan held the top position with a rating of 130. Horses drop from the list if they fail to race during the designated qualifying period, allowing new performances to reshape the order.

    Ka Ying Rising

    Ka Ying Rising is the top ranked horse globally (pic: hkjc.com)

  • Zousain Enhances Growing Appeal at MM March Sale

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    A colt by Widden Stud's exciting Zoustar sire-son Zousain – he had obvious presence and plenty of admirers – emerged as the headline act of the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, topping the final session at $250,000 and closing the two-day auction on a strong note. Offered through the Robyn Wise draft, the colt was secured by Gold Coast trainer Adam Campton in partnership with Stable 23 after spirited bidding for the youngster, who is the third foal of an unraced Smart Missile half-sister to last season's multiple stakes-winning juvenile Shining Smile. Campton said the colt had stood out every time he was paraded. "I knew we had to be pretty strong," he said. "Thankfully a great client across in Hong Kong was able to support us and we got the job done." He admitted the buying stretch had been tested, adding: "I'm not sure how much was left in the juice - we had to squeeze a bit out." The trainer was drawn not only to the colt's page but also to his attitude and movement. "Every time we got him out he had swagger about him. He had a beautiful walk. I love the Zousains - I've got a number of them and a heap have gone to Hong Kong already." Campton also paid tribute to the vendor. "He just knows he's a good horse. A nice horse from a good farm with Robyn Wise. She knows her horses from top to bottom and you want to buy good horses off good people." For Campton, the result capped another productive sale. "I love buying from Magic Millions. Barry and his team do a terrific job. They've been very supportive of me since I came back from Hong Kong and started training," he said. "It's been a great sale and I've got some nice stock coming through. It's up to me now and the team to get them to win races or win trials, wherever they are going to go. The future is pretty bright." Across the two days, almost $11 million changed hands, with 296 yearlings sold for a gross of $10,935,500. The average climbed to $36,944 and the clearance rate settled at 67 per cent. Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch described the market as selective but healthy for the right horses. "Again today was a selective market," he said. "There were plenty of traders here to buy and when a good colt walked in and ticked the boxes there was great demand." Bowditch said the broader sale figures compared favourably with last year despite mixed trading conditions. "All in all, while being selective, we've sold significantly more horses than last year with a higher average and a larger gross." He noted external pressures had played a part in shaping the buying bench, particularly among regional Queenslanders dealing with flood impacts and rising fuel costs, but added there was still value to be found throughout the catalogue for those prepared to negotiate on passed-in lots. With the Gold Coast sale now complete, attention turns quickly to South Australia, where the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale will be held at Morphettville next Thursday and Friday.

    Zousain

    Widden Stud's boom stallion Zousain (pic: Steve Hart)

  • 41 Opportunities on Latest Magic Millions Digital

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    A diverse catalogue of racing and breeding prospects has gone live with bidding now open for the Magic Millions Digital Sale, which runs from March 13 to March 18 and closes next Wednesday. The latest online auction features 41 lots, with more than half to be offered unreserved, giving buyers a broad range of opportunities across proven racemares, young stock, shares and developing prospects. The vendor list reflects that variety, with consignors including Arrowfield Training Centre, Balcrest Stud, Beer Carpenter Racing, Feek Racing, Flying Start Syndications, Glen Gallic Stud, Hickmott Bloodstock, Munce Racing, Mystery Downs, Peters Investments, Twin Hills Stud and Yarraman Park Stud. As has become the norm with these digital sales, the catalogue blends commercial appeal with genuine residual upside. Among the more eye-catching entries is Riapinka, a half-sister to recent Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner Torque To Be Sure. Catalogued as Lot 28, she comes from a recognised female family and is offered in foal to former top-class performer Mo'unga, adding further appeal for breeders looking for an immediate return as well as longer-term pedigree value. Arrowfield Training Centre has assembled a trio of well-related young horses, including two unreserved fillies that have already been broken in or trialled. Symbolise, Lot 11, is a granddaughter of Miss Finland, while Wedding Vow, Lot 12, is a daughter of Group 3 winner I Am Serious. Both profiles suggest there is room for racetrack upside, while still retaining broodmare potential down the line. Yarraman Park's draft includes Decoy, a three-year-old daughter of I Am Invincible who has raced only twice, both times at provincial level in New South Wales. As Lot 15, she presents as a filly with scope to improve on the track while also carrying clear broodmare appeal thanks to her pedigree and sire strength. Another notable offering is Lasqueti Boom, a half-sister to Lasqueti Spirit. Offered unreserved as Lot 26, she won during her own career and was placed at metropolitan level in Sydney, giving her a useful combination of race performance and pedigree page. Sassari is also amongst the catalogue's standout breeding prospects. Listed as Lot 30, the New Zealand-bred mare is in foal to Toronado, a stallion with fewer than 70 pregnancies available in the market this year, and she also sells with a Pride Of Dubai colt foal at foot. There is also a five per cent share available in Michael Hickmott's highly rated Cash, who was placed in last Saturday's Magic Millions SA 3&4YO Classic and already boasts winning form in Melbourne. Bidding is underway and will begin closing from 12pm Queensland time on Wednesday, March 18.

  • Lazzura Wins Gr1 Coolmore Classic

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    Arrowfield stallion

    • Track: Rosehill
    • Race: Gr1 Coolmore Classic (1500m)
    • Winner: Lazzura (Snitzel-Laguna Azzurra, by Heart's Cry)
    • Placings: 2nd: Arctic Glamour, 3rd: Vivy Air
    • Stallion: Snitzel (Redoute's Choice-Snippets' Lass, by Snippets)
    • Stud Farm: Arrowfield Stud, NSW
    • Winner's Race Record: 16 starts: 6 wins, 4 placings
    • Sales Details: $500,000, 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Vendor: Arrowfield Stud

    Arrowfield Graduate

    Magic graduate

  • Big Wigs Wins Gr2 VOBIS The Showdown

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    Widden stallion

    • Track: Caulfield
    • Race: Gr2 VOBIS The Showdown (1200m)
    • Winner: Big Wigs (Gold Standard-Nooks And Crannies, by Denman)
    • Placings: 2nd: Miss Chanel, 3rd: Knurl
    • Stallion: Gold Standard (Sebring-Coniston Gem, by Greig)
    • Stud Farm: Widden Stud, VIC
    • Winner's Race Record: 3 starts: 1 win, 2 placings
    • Sales Details: N/A

  • Birdman Wins Gr2 Peter Young Stakes

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    • Track: Caulfield
    • Race: Gr2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m)
    • Winner: Birdman (Free Eagle-Carol, by Acclamation)
    • Placings: 2nd: Apulia, 3rd: Bankers Choice
    • Stallion: Free Eagle (High Chaparral-Polished Gem, by Danehill)
    • Stud Farm: Anngrove Stud, Ireland
    • Winner's Race Record: 19 starts: 5 wins, 4 placings
    • Sales Details: N/A

  • Omega Boy Wins Gr2 Japan Trophy

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    • Track: Tauranga
    • Race: Gr2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m)
    • Winner: Omega Boy (Time Test-Bit Of Crumpet, by Duke Of Marmalade)
    • Placings: 2nd: Sterling Express, 3rd: Khafre
    • Stallion: Time Test (Dubawi-Passage Of Time, by Dansili)
    • Stud Farm: Little Avondale Stud, NZ
    • Winner's Race Record: 22 starts: 6 wins, 6 placings
    • Sales Details: N/A

  • Vauban Wins Gr3 Sky High Stakes

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    • Track: Rosehill Gardens
    • Race: Gr3 Sky High Stakes (2000m)
    • Winner: Vauban (Galiway-Waldfest, by Hurricane Run)
    • Placings: 2nd: Soul of Spain, 3rd: Just Fine
    • Stallion: Galiway (Galileo-Danzigaway, by Danehill)
    • Stud Farm: Haras de Colleville, France
    • Winner's Race Record: 31 starts: 11 wins, 9 placings
    • Sales Details: N/A

  • Cristal Clear Wins Gr2 Ajax Stakes

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    Vinery stallion

    • Track: Rosehill
    • Race: Gr2 Ajax Stakes (1500m)
    • Winner: Cristal Clear (Exceedance-Cristal Eyes, by All Too Hard)
    • Placings: 2nd: Robusto, 3rd: Enxuto
    • Stallion: Exceedance (Exceed And Excel-Bonnie Mac, by Thorn Park)
    • Stud Farm: Vinery Stud, NSW
    • Winner's Race Record: 16 starts: 6 wins, 2 placings
    • Sales Details: $50,000, 2023 Inglis Ready2Race Sale

    WI graduate

  • Pembrey Wins Gr3 Magic Night Stakes

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    • Track: Rosehill Gardens
    • Race: Gr3 Magic Night Stakes (1200m)
    • Winner: Pembrey (Prague-Se Sauver, by Bel Esprit)
    • Placings: 2nd: Lumbini, 3rd: By Choice
    • Stallion: Prague (Redoute's Choice-Purely Spectacular, by Pins)
    • Stud Farm: Kia Ora Stud, Scone, NSW
    • Winner's Race Record: 3 starts: 2 wins, 0 placings
    • Sales Details: Passed In, 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Vendor: Vinery Stud

    Magic graduate

  • Warwoven Wins G3 Pago Pago Stakes

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    • Track: Rosehill
    • Race: G3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m)
    • Winner: Warwoven (Sword Of State-Needle And Thread, by Makfi)
    • Placings: 2nd: Outspan, 3rd: Central Europe
    • Stallion: Sword Of State (Snitzel-In The Vanguard, by Encosta De Lago)
    • Stud Farm: Cambridge Stud, NZ
    • Winner's Race Record: 4 starts: 3 wins, 0 placings
    • Sales Details: $380,000, 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Vendor: Kia Ora Stud

    Magic graduate

  • Flying For Fun Wins Gr3 Maurice McCarten

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    • Track: Rosehill Gardens
    • Race: Gr3 Maurice McCarten (1100m)
    • Winner: Flying For Fun (Spieth-Vol Prive, by Street Cry)
    • Placings: 2nd: Mal Coupe, 3rd: King of Secret
    • Stallion: Spieth (Thorn Park-Stella Livia, by Titus Livius)
    • Stud Farm: Aquis Farm, QLD
    • Winner's Race Record: 13 starts: 5 wins, 4 placings
    • Sales Details: N/A

  • Aberdeen Flyer Wins LR J.C. Roberts Stakes

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    • Track: Ascot
    • Race: LR J.C. Roberts Stakes (1800m)
    • Winner: Aberdeen Flyer (Astern-Templates, by Teofilo)
    • Placings: 2nd: Sentimental Legend, 3rd: The Crimson Pirate
    • Stallion: Astern (Medaglia D’Oro-Essaouira, by Exceed And Excel)
    • Stud Farm: Darley, NSW
    • Winner's Race Record: 7 starts: 1 win, 4 placings
    • Sales Details: N/A

     

  • Masmelo Wins LR Natasha Stakes

    Weekend, 16th March 2026
    BTP

    • Track: Ascot
    • Race: LR Natasha Stakes (2200m)
    • Winner: Masmelo (Maschino-Melteme, by Blackfriars)
    • Placings: 2nd: Admire Astra, 3rd: Wonderfully Made
    • Stallion: Maschino (Encosta De Lago-Tahni Girl, by Redoute's Choice)
    • Stud Farm: Alwyn Park Stud, WA
    • Winner's Race Record: 10 starts: 3 wins, 3 placings
    • Sales Details: $3,000, 2024 Magic Millions Perth Winter Yearling Sale, Vendor: Gervase Park Stud

    Magic graduate

Amarina Farm
Arrowfield Stud
Bell River Thoroughbreds
Berkeley Park Stud
Bhima Thoroughbreds
Blue Gum Farm
Bombora Downs
Clear Mountain Fairview
Coolmore Stud
Cressfield
Evergreen Stud
Kingstar Farm
Lime Country Thoroughbreds
Mill Park Stud
Murrulla Stud
Newhaven Park
Segenhoe Stud
Silverdale Farm
Sledmere Stud
Torryburn Stud
Tyreel Stud
Vinery Stud
Widden Stud
Willow Park Stud
Yarraman Park Stud

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 3rd Season
Anders Established
Artie Schiller Established
Awesome Rock Established
Barbados Established
Barbaric Established
Best Of Bordeaux Established
Better Than Ready Established
Bivouac Established
Brave Smash Established
Brazen Beau Established
Bruckner 1st crop 2YOs
Bull Point Established
Bullbars Established
Cape Of Good Hope 1st crop 2YOs
Capitalist Established
Captivant Established
Castelvecchio Established
City Of Troy Established
Cliff's Edge Established
Cogburn 2nd Season
Cool Aza Beel Established
D'argento Established
Danerich Established
Dash For Cash Established
De Gaulle Established
Delaware Established
Denman Established
Dirty Work Established
Dissident Established
Don Corleone 3rd Season
Doubtland Established
Dubious Established
Dundeel Established
Ellsberg 1st crop 2YOs
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 3rd Season
Headwater Established
Hellbent Established
Hitotsu 1st crop 2YOs
Home Affairs Established
I Am Immortal Established
I Am Invincible Established
Ilovethiscity Established
Invader Established
Jacquinot 1st crop 2YOs
Ka Ying Master 1st crop 2YOs
Kermadec Established
King Colorado 3rd Season
King's Legacy Established
Lofty Strike 3rd 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 3rd Season
Murtajill Established
My Admiration Established
Needs Further Established
Nicconi Established
Nostradamus Established
Officiating 3rd Season
Ole Kirk Established
Pariah Established
Pierata Established
Pierro Established
Pinatubo Established
Playing God Established
Portland Sky Established
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 2nd 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 3rd 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 Established
Von Costa De Hero Established
Wandjina Established
Winning Rupert Established
Wooded Established
Wootton Bassett Established
Worthy Cause Established
Written By Established
Written Tycoon Established
Xtravagant Established
Your Song Established
Zousain Established
Zoustar Established