There was barely a moment of worry for connections of Smooth Chino as the unbeaten gelding cruised to his sixth straight win in Saturday's Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m) at Ascot, putting a black-type exclamation mark on a breakout season. Settled off a brisk tempo set by Cessation, tbwa.net.au reports the 4YO peeled through along the rails and asserted himself with ease to land the prize for trainer Indianna Weinert and rider Austin Galati. "I've never been as nervous going into a race," Weinert admitted after the win. "But Austin rode him perfectly. He's going to the paddock now and it's scary to think he will be even better next prep." There's already talk of a tilt at the 2026 Quokka, though slot negotiations remain open. "I haven't received any calls from slot-holders yet," she added. "Maybe I will after today." Smooth Chino's triumph also capped a remarkable 12 months for Alwyn Park stallion Maschino, who sired the gelding from the Gingerbread Man mare Amorei. Bred by Kevin and Matthew Reilly in partnership with Brendan Wilken, Smooth Chino has now earned over $327,000 after being sold for just $40,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions by Mogumber Park, agent for a Wilken–Weinert–Hall managed syndicate. Maschino's reach has been felt across all divisions. In the same season that Smooth Chino won the RL Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m), his stablemate Machine Gun Gracie collected a black-type treble with wins in the Natasha Stakes (1800m), WA Oaks (2400m), and WA Derby (2400m). Meanwhile, crowd favourite Jokers Grin landed the inaugural $5 million Kia Quokka in April, before returning to land both the Prince of Wales Stakes (1000m) and Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) this prep. Saturday's meeting also delivered a deeply emotional result for Alwyn Park and its late affiliate, De Grey Park. Magna's Choice, a 4YO by Magna Grecia out of Tipsy Moment, claimed the Morley Growers Market (1500m) under Willie Pike, carrying the legacy of Dick Vincent, who bred the gelding just six months before his passing in 2022. Sold as a $105,000 yearling on behalf of Vincent's son Peter, the gelding is a half-brother to Group 3 winners Miss Conteki and Dreams Aplenty. Trainer Trevor Andrews, who shares ownership of Magna's Choice with the late Ken Gregson and his wife Helen, was visibly moved. "The racing gods smiled upon us again today," he said. "Ken was a big part of our stable." Gregson's past success with co-owners like Isaac Cohen and Ross Drage include stakes winners such as Lucky Street, The River, and Private Dancer.
Grantham Towton Pair Holds Key to ATA Stks
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
With eight of the 11 runners in Wednesday's Listed A.T.A Stakes (2200m) coming through a last start run in the Listed GA Towton Stakes (2200m), the Michael Grantham trained pair of Forever Boy (NZ) (Charm Spirit-Neverland, by Big Brown) and Stormageddon (So You Think-Tornado Gal, by Hard Spun) appear the leading chances on paper as they head to a possible run in the Gr2 Perth Cup (2400m) on January 1. Both raced by Peter Investments, just a length and a quarter separated the pair last start in the Towton Stakes with Forever Boy taking second, while Stormageddon was fourth. Have drawn well in barrier 4, Forever Boy looks capable of going one better than his last start effort and although he does rise in weight, the 5YO gelding does look ready to peak fourth up from a break. Making up considerable ground late after getting shuffled back from barrier 12 last time out, Stormageddon has drawn nine on Wednesday and if jockey Holly Watson can settle him a little closer, he does have the pedigree that could see him topple his stablemate. An interesting runner who is only having his fourth local start is the former Godolphin raced Lavalier (Microphone-Accessories, by Singspiel). While having only managed one win from 16 starts, the 4yo gelding did finished third in the Gr1 South Australian Derby (2500m) and fourth in the Gr1 Queensland Derby (2400m). While he may be better suited in the Perth Cup, now that he is having his fourth run this time in, connections would be hoping for a forward showing.
Stakes Placed Fillies After Maiden Break
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
Wednesday's Brave Smash @ Yarraman Park Plate (1300m) appears an interesting contest with a mix of 3 and 4YOs all chasing their first race win. With six 3YO fillies amongst the 12 final acceptances, a pair that were stakes placed as juveniles look very interesting chances in the race. Set to jump from barrier 3, the C J Waller trained Snitzel Miss (Snitzel-Medaglia Valore, by Medaglia D'oro) had two starts at 2 and you couldn't fault her form, finishing third in both the Gr3 Widden Stakes (Street Boss filly Tempted was second) – see below – and also in the Gr2 Sweet Embrace Stakes behind the Group 1 performer Within The Law (Lucky Vega). Beaten a narrow margin on both occasions in her first two starts, the filly has come back at three and finished fourth behind the unbeaten Plantiff (Zoustar) before second behind Jaegars (Bivouac). Likely to start one of the favourites in the race, the $450,000 Magic Millions yearling sale graduate is from the family of Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Military Rose (General Nediym) and Gr3 Breeders' Plate winner Espionage (Zoustar). While set to start at a decent price, Annabel and Rob Archibald's Royal Chic (Graff-Seventhchic, by Seventh Reason) was a solid third at Listed level during the Brisbane winter carnival, and in her two runs since she has failed to fire. Resuming with a sixth placed effort at Hawkesbury, the half-sister to Group 1 winner Royal Merchant (Merchant Navy) should have benefitted from that first up run and be further improved here. A graduate of Amarina Farm's Magic Millions draft when sold for $350,000, she has been placed in three of her six starts, and a breakthrough win doesn't appear that far away.
ATC Chairman Strikes a Positive Note
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
On Tuesday afternoon, Tim Hale SC, chairman of the Australian Turf Club (ATC) disseminated an open letter to members following a short term suspension of Racing NSW’s attempts to install an administrator, and a return to court on Thursday. Here, in its entirety, is what the letter contained:
Dear Members, I write to provide an important update and context following yesterday’s announcement by Racing NSW that it has appointed an administrator to manage the affairs of the Australian Turf Club. The Supreme Court of NSW today suspended the appointment of the admininstrator until 18 December, 2025 when the matter is back before court. The ATC Board does not accept that Racing NSW possesses the legal authority to remove the duly elected directors of the Club or to appoint an administrator in their place. Accordingly, the Board has initiated urgent proceedings in the Supreme Court seeking an injunction while the Court decides if Racing NSW has the lawful authority to undertake this action, and whether the process leading to the decision was proper. The reasons we are taking this action are clear and compelling. The Australian Turf Club is financially strong and operationally stable. As of today, the Club holds approximately $29 million in cash and continues to meet all financial obligations as they fall due. Our balance sheet is supported by more than $400 million in land and property assets, including strategically significant holdings at Canterbury and Camellia, both of which have substantial long term value, particularly with appropriate rezoning approvals. It is also important for Members to be aware that Racing NSW currently owes the Australian Turf Club $1,208,218.20 in outstanding payments, of which $799,467.70 is more than 120 days overdue. This amount remains a receivable of the Club. Beyond these significant cash holdings and assets, the Club is actively pursuing several commercial contracts and partnership opportunities. These initiatives have been thwarted as a direct result of restrictions imposed by Racing NSW during the show cause process. Notwithstanding, the Board continues to progress commercial efficiencies, new revenue initiatives, and cost reduction measures to further strengthen the ATC’s financial performance. We are also engaged in constructive, positive refinancing discussions with the Commonwealth Bank regarding our existing debt facility. The Board sought Racing NSW’s approval to appoint an interim Member elected director to fill a current vacancy, ensuring strong Member representation during this period. That approval has not been granted. Throughout the show cause process, the ATC engaged openly, constructively, and in good faith. We provided detailed written submissions, extensive financial and strategic material, and independent expert advice addressing each issue raised by Racing NSW. The Board unequivocally rejects any suggestion that it has failed to develop or articulate a coherent and credible strategy for the Club’s future. The Board is firmly committed to defending the independence of the Australian Turf Club. The Australian Turf Club exists for its Members. Your Membership rights, voting entitlements, and voice in the future direction of the Club are fundamental. The Board is acutely conscious of the trust Members place in it and is acting to protect that trust, your rights, and the long term integrity of the Club. The Board is standing up for the Club on behalf of its Members. We also want to reassure Members that their day to day experience with the Club will not change. Membership access, race meetings, events, and hospitality across our venues will continue as normal. Our management and staff remain focused on delivering the racing, facilities, and experiences that members expect and deserve. The imposition of administration would strip Members of their democratic rights and place control of the Club in the hands of external parties. The Board does not believe this outcome is justified, necessary, or in the long term interests of Sydney racing or the broader New South Wales racing industry. As this matter is now before the Court, the Board is constrained from making further detailed comment at this time. Members will be kept informed as the legal process progresses. On behalf of the Board, I thank you for your continued support and confidence in your Club.
Helbent Filly Can Somersault Her Way to Victory
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
With second placed efforts at her past two runs, Grahame Begg's 3YO filly Somersault (Hellbent-Head Over Heels, by Fastnet Rock) goes into Wednesday's The Big Screen Company Maiden Plate (1200m) at Mornington as the race favourite. In the field of 12, the Michael Dee-ridden filly has come up with gate 5 which should allow her to go forward and sit handy in the run. Bred and raced by OTI Racing, Somersault is a full-sister to the Ciaron Maher trained $2.9m earner Vivy Air (see below) as well as a half to the Australian-bred, but South African raced Gr2-winning, Gr1 placed New Predator (New Approach). Trained by Mark Walker and coming off a last start second, Koko (Written Tycoon-Tawteen, by Stratum) looks to be a filly ready to improve once again at just her third start. Out of the stakes winning Tawteen, the half-sister to Group 3 placed Blue Stratum (Blue Point) was a $120,000 yearling purchase by David Ellis from the draft of Yulong at the Inglis Premier yearling sale. Set to be ridden by Jamie Mott, the combination have come up with barrier 11 so hopefully she can secure a position in the field and not get planted wide. Purchased for $500,000 as a yearling, the Leon and Troy Corstens and Will Larkin trained Supergrace (Capitalist-Nurse Kitchen, by Savabeel) resumes on Wednesday and with two pleasing jumpouts under her belt, she should be ready to go.
Magic Support for Qld ATA Rising Star Award
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
A major incentive has been launched to spotlight Queensland’s next wave of training talent, with the Queensland branch of the Australian Trainers Association teaming up with Magic Millions to establish the inaugural ATA Rising Star award. Open exclusively to trainers aged 35 and under, according to racingqueensland.com.au, the initiative will run throughout the Summer Carnival and culminate in a lucrative reward package. The top-performing trainer in this demographic will earn a $10,000 sales credit redeemable at the 2026 Magic Millions Gold Coast March Yearling Sale, along with a fully catered table for ten at the sale event. Designed to encourage and celebrate youth in the industry, the prize highlights the depth of emerging talent across the Sunshine State’s training ranks. Queensland ATA Executive Richard Andrews described the moment as timely recognition. “The training ranks in Queensland [have] never looked stronger,” he said. “This includes an exciting list of young up-and-coming trainers, who either train on their own or are in partnerships with family members – including some of the state’s leading mentors like recent Pat Duff Trophy winner Barry Lockwood.” The new award builds on a strong relationship between the ATA and Magic Millions, which already sponsors the prestigious Wayne Wilson Medal. That connection now deepens with support for this youth-focused award. “We thank Barry and the team for their ongoing support,” Andrews acknowledged. Further incentive will be offered for the runners-up, with second and third place getters receiving sales credits of $5,000 and $2,500 respectively. The contest will be staged across a series of races held from late December through January, including The Debut, Magic Millions Maiden, Rising Stars divisions, The Wave, and the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, 3YO Guineas, and Cup Day features. Magic Millions Managing Director Barry Bowditch welcomed the opportunity to invest in the next generation. “Supporting Queensland racing participants, including trainers, at all levels of the industry is incredibly important to Magic Millions,” he said. “The Queensland ATA do a wonderful job on behalf of their members, and we are absolutely delighted to support their new initiative of the Queensland ATA Rising Star. We look forward to hosting the winners at the Gold Coast March Yearling Sale.” Eligibility is limited to ATA members for the 2025/26 season who meet the age and partnership criteria, ensuring the award truly captures the future of Queensland’s training landscape.
Kiwi Christmas for Bedggood and Kingswood
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
A Boxing Day assignment at Ellerslie awaits Kingswood, whose trainer Gavin Bedggood is eyeing a potential Group 1 breakthrough that could help shape the stallion prospects of the British-bred entire. According to loveracing.nz, the Cranbourne-based horseman will spend Christmas in New Zealand, hoping a strong showing in the Gr1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic will lay the groundwork for a future beyond racing.m Foaled by multiple stakes winner All At Sea, and by the ill-fated producing sire Roaring Lion, Kingswood carries a pedigree Bedggood believes may yet hold commercial value on the other side of the Tasman. The six-year-old is also a half-brother to dual Group 1 winner Eldar Eldarov, a Champion European stayer in his three-year-old season. “He is a stallion and he’s got a great pedigree,” Bedggood said. “He’s probably not commercial in Australia, but if he can win a couple of good races over there [in New Zealand], he might find a future home when he’s finished.” Imported from Ireland after placing in the Gr3 Gallinule Stakes, Kingswood arrived in Australia last year and initially raced under Maddie Raymond before Bedggood took over. He struck immediate form last spring, winning his first two starts for the new stable, including the Gr3 Coongy Cup at Caulfield, before an enforced layoff following surgery. A promising autumn return was paused when early work revealed discomfort. “We sent him off for an MRI and they found the very beginning of a hairline fracture,” Bedggood explained. “They put a screw in and he hasn’t had an unsound day since.” Resuming with a runner-up finish to subsequent Gr1 performer Golden Path at Flemington, Kingswood returned on Melbourne Cup Day to claim the Listed Kirin Ichiban Plate, again at headquarters. His latest start saw him finish fourth in the Ballarat Cup on ground the trainer described as too rain-affected. “He’s a little bit of a Goldilocks,” Bedggood said. “He doesn’t want concrete, and Ballarat was too wet.” The journey to Ellerslie holds no fear. Although this will be his first time campaigning a horse in New Zealand, Bedggood has ridden at Ellerslie as a jumps jockey and believes Kingswood’s experience racing right-handed in Ireland and Sydney will serve him well. He’ll reunite with the gelding in Auckland on Sunday after flying out Saturday evening, and will base himself at Pukekohe for the week. Plans beyond Boxing Day remain fluid, but there’s a chance Kingswood could stay on should he perform to expectation. “We’ll reassess after this one,” Bedggood said, pointing to the Gr1 Herbie Dyke in February as a potential follow-up.
Kingswood will run on Boxing Day (pic: George Sal Racing Photos)
Atzeni as Busy as a Bee at Happy Valley
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
After falling narrowly short of Group 1 glory on international day at Sha Tinj on Sunday, Andrea Atzeni is hoping a return to Happy Valley can bring a change of fortune as he partners a strong book of runners on Wednesday night, headlined by the in-form Super Unicorn in the Class Three Sea Eagle Handicap (1650m). The Sardinian rider came agonisingly close aboard Giavellotto in the Hong Kong Vase last weekend, where a lack of tempo and a determined rival proved decisive, reports scmp.com. “We didn’t go much of a gallop, which we thought could be the case,” he said. “Turning for home I was travelling better than the winner, but he just kept finding a little bit more.” Atzeni now links again with Super Unicorn, a gelding whose recent form surge has come with back-to-back wins over Wednesday’s track and trip. After scoring in Class Four, the Savabeel 5YO lifted again at his next run, unleashing a sharp turn of foot to score from the rear despite the rise in grade. “He’s got a good gate and is a really consistent horse,” said Atzeni, referencing rivals like I Can and South Star from his previous assignment. “He’s a horse who’s up in the ratings and will need some luck in running, but he’s going the right way. He never wins by far but he always seems to get the job done, doesn’t he?” With a strong draw in barrier two and Flying Fortress franking the form since, Atzeni has reason to believe the hat-trick is within reach. “It’s a classic 1650m field and there are a lot of dangers, but he won well the last day.” Among his other rides is Noble Deluxe, who lines up in the Class Five Robin Handicap (1000m) for John Size in search of a long-awaited breakthrough. The gelding has placed in five of seven runs this term and arrives off a good third at the Valley. “He had a good couple of runs at Sha Tin and then flopped, but last week he showed much more,” Atzeni noted. “Hopefully if he can keep that form, it’s only going to be a matter of time before he gets his head in front.” Atzeni also throws a leg over Hayday, who contests the Nightjar Handicap (1000m) for Ricky Yiu. A three-time Happy Valley winner, the gelding has dropped to a competitive mark and drawn barrier two. “Obviously he hasn’t shown that of late, but he’s drawn a good gate and hopefully we’ll get a good trip around.” Francis Meynell, Iconical and Amazing Kid round out Atzeni’s busy midweek roster.
Close Voyage Bubble Relation at Magic Millions
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
With the team at Torryburn Stud cheering on their Inglis Classic yearling sale graduate Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) to his sixth Gr1 victory on Sunday night when going back-to-back in the Gr1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin with Zac Purton in the saddle, the farm isreally looking forward to offering his close relation at January’s Magic Millions yearling sale. Consigned as Lot 217, the chestnut filly is by Swettenham Stud’s Gr1 producing sire Toronado (IRE) out of Voyage Bubble’s Gr3 PJ Bell Stakes-winning half-sister Diddums (Snitzel). The dam of three winners from four to the races highlighted by the dual stakes-winning Zoustar filly Stardom, who was retained to race by the farm and is the care of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott yard, Diddums has foaled a full brother to Stardom this season. With both Voyage Bubble and Diddums being out of Raheights, the Rahy (USA) mare has now retired from broodmare duties, having produced her final foal last season, a lovely filly by Torryburn Stud’s homegrown Champion, and now exciting young Coolmore based sire Home Affairs (I Am Invincible) that the farm will retain to race. With Torryburn set to offer a small, but select draft of eight at next year's sale, the outstanding stud farm will offer yearlings by Zoustar, Farnan, Harry Angel, Home Affairs and Hellbent.
Voyage Bubble is one of an elite Hong Kong trio (pic: hkjc.com)
Well Credentialled Juveniles Win Sydney Trials
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
The first of two juvenile trials on Monday morning at Hawkesbury saw the Chris Waller-trained Steel Will (I Am Invincible-Pittsburgh Flyer, by Street Cry) charge late under Zac Llyod to take out the 800m heat. Having finished second in his debut trial behind last week’s Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic winner Paradoxium (Extreme Choice), the half-brother to the former Waller trained multiple Group 1 winner September Run (Exceed And Excel) and the Ciaron Maher trained Gr3 Magic Night Stakes winner Steel City (Merchant Navy), Steel Will was bred and is raced by Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock Australia. Stalking the Peter Snowden-trained Capitalist filly Bonvoy throughout, Lloyd came to the outside of the leader with less than 100m to run, accelerating quickly to take the prize. The second of the two trials was won in slower time by the Ciaron Maher-trained Tornado Valley (Too Darn Hot-Oklahoma Girl, by Fastnet Rock). A winner of the Gr3 Maribyrnong Plate last time out (see below), the Rosemont Stud-bred colt settled wide and back before coming home under his own steam to finish narrowly ahead of the Chris Waller-trained Nations League (Snitzel-Fashion Faux Pas, by Flatter), who had interestingly finished third in his only previous trial behind Paradoxium, the same trial Steel Will finished second in. On the third line of betting for January’s $3m Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast, Tornado Valley has more than enough prizemoney to secure a run in the race so it will be interesting to see if he has a prep race prior or goes straight in. If Tornado Valley can continue to step up it will surely add further gloss to his Pinatubo (IRE) half-brother selling as Lot 635 in Rosemont Stud’s Magic Millions draft.
Secretariat's 'Cove' Pastures Protected for Ever
Wednesday, 17th December 2025
Not far from the banks of the North Anna River, where rich grasses once nurtured a colt destined to change the face of American racing, a new chapter in conservation has taken root. According to bloodhorse.com, nearly 350 acres of Virginia farmland, long associated with Triple Crown legend Secretariat and the storied broodmares of Meadow Stable, are now under permanent protection thanks to a conservation easement placed by the Capital Region Land Conservancy. The property, affectionately known as "The Cove," was established in 1936 by Christopher Chenery as part of his Meadow Stable operation and played a foundational role in breeding champions such as Riva Ridge and Secretariat's dam, Somethingroyal. Often described as the cradle of a broodmare empire, The Cove helped lay the groundwork for what Penny Chenery later called "an empire built on broodmares." Kevin Engel of Engel Family Farms acquired The Cove in 2023, fulfilling a decades-long ambition to see the land restored and preserved. "Purchasing The Cove and restoring it to its heyday when Secretariat was running around on it has been a dream of mine for many years," Engel said. He noted that protecting agricultural land from industrial creep – data centres, warehouses, subdivisions – was as much about legacy as practicality. "It is so important for my grandchildren to be on land that is preserved without asphalt and concrete everywhere." Kate Tweedy, daughter of Penny Chenery, said her family had long championed land easements and praised Engel's commitment to stewardship. "My Mom and Granddad would be so pleased by this action," she said. That sentiment was echoed by Parker C. Agelasto, executive director of the Capital Region Land Conservancy, who underscored the lasting impact of land protection. "A landowner still owns their land, but they grant a restrictive deed to a third party… typically to eliminate development rights," he said. For Engel, the decision to place a conservation easement on The Cove carried deep personal significance. He began his farming career there more than four decades ago, and today his family business spans over 2,100 owned acres and leases another 30,000 across 21 counties in Virginia and North Carolina. While The Cove is a modest slice of that land, its historical weight is unmatched. Once home to Secretariat's earliest romps and the foaling grounds of champions, it will remain in agricultural use forever. Of its 346 acres, 156 are classified as agricultural cropland – 136 of them considered prime soils – and another 190 acres are protected forest, designated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation as an ecological core of statewide conservation value.
