A week of near-perfect weather, pulsating finishes and record crowds reaffirmed Flemington’s place as the beating heart of Australian racing, with more than 286,000 fans flocking through the gates for the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival. Across four days, Cup Week delivered not only world-class competition but also a surge in engagement that underscored racing’s enduring appeal to both traditional fans and a new generation of followers. Figures released by the Victoria Racing Club confirmed the Carnival’s strongest overall attendance since 2018, with 286,746 spectators at Flemington and broadcast audiences reaching new highs. Nine Network coverage of the Lexus Melbourne Cup attracted more than 5.5 million viewers across the Carnival, including a total TV reach above 2 million for the first time in seven years – up 9 percent year-on-year. Digital consumption mirrored that momentum, with 36 million video views across VRC platforms, a 63 percent jump on 2024. Wagering turnover hit fresh benchmarks across both the Cup meeting and the Lexus Melbourne Cup itself, while corporate hospitality revenue rose 10 percent on the previous year. Perhaps most encouraging was the demographic shift: 53 percent of general-admission tickets were purchased by racegoers under 35, a 17 percent increase year-on-year that reflects racing’s resurgence among younger audiences. VRC chief executive Kylie Rogers described the results as a defining statement for the sport’s post-pandemic revival. “The success of the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival has emphatically demonstrated that racing is back and thriving,” she said. “With our largest crowd since 2018, record-breaking wagering turnover on Lexus Melbourne Cup Day, and significant uplift in broadcast figures, the momentum and energy throughout the week was infectious. What’s particularly exciting is the growth in younger audiences. This Carnival proved racing continues to captivate a diverse range of people, and the momentum we’re seeing gives us tremendous confidence for the future.” VRC chairman Neil Wilson said the week’s success was testament to years of investment in both innovation and infrastructure at Flemington. “The 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival has been an outstanding success on any measure,” he said. “This achievement is a clear endorsement of the club’s ongoing commitment to investment and innovation post the COVID-19 period. The entire VRC team, led superbly by Kylie Rogers, has delivered an exceptional outcome and created a well-funded platform for continued growth and enhanced experiences for all.” The Carnival’s financial strength will enable further debt reduction and sustained investment in racing, community facilities and the Flemington 2024 precinct Master Plan – ensuring Cup Week’s legacy extends far beyond the roar of the crowd on that first Tuesday in November.
A confident start to the 2025 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale set the tone for a buoyant two-day auction, with an aggregate of $19,232,000 achieved from 119 lots sold and the median soaring 33 percent to $120,000. Strong domestic and international competition ensured spirited bidding from the opening lot, signalling renewed depth in both the local and offshore buying benches. Leading the charge were two high-priced colts purchased by Lindsay Park on behalf of China's Mr Sanxiong Gao. Lot 214, a son of Per Incanto offered by Kiltannon Stables, fetched the session-topping $750,000, while Lot 105, a colt by Satono Aladdin from the Riversley Park draft, realised $675,000. "We're pleased to see these horses going to quality stables," said Kiltannon's Mark Forbes, clearly satisfied with the result. Having once worked for David Hayes and lived with James Cummings during a Cambridge Stud stint, Forbes said it was gratifying to see those early links come full circle. "It's the best draft we've ever brought up here and we have horses for every buyer. We know there is diversity in this market and we deliberately selected our draft with that in mind." Hong Kong trainer David Hayes secured both top lots for Mr Gao, a new client with an appetite for quality. "He asked if I could come down and pick a few horses out that would be suitable for Hong Kong. He's got deep pockets, and said just try and find the ones you want, don't worry about the budget. That's music to a trainer's ears," Hayes said. With assistance from Dean Hawthorne, Josh Rix and JD Hayes, about 30 prospects were shortlisted before the two standouts were chosen. "These horses will go back to Lindsay Park, as Ka Ying Rising did from New Zealand, and be assessed with the most suitable one going to Hong Kong. The other one will race in Australia with the boys." NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook described the day as a strong endorsement of the sale's middle market. "The key statistic from today is the median being up from $90,000 to $120,000, which suggests the middle market is as strong as ever," he said. "It is fantastic to see all of the major markets off to a strong start, particularly the Australian spend, which is ahead of last year at this stage, and mainland China, which is a great result for the wider industry." He added that the prominence of New Zealand-bred stallions at the top end should inspire pinhookers heading into the January yearling sales. "There's plenty more money to come tomorrow, and we're looking forward to another blockbuster session. Credit to our vendors – they're the best in the world."
Dairy Farmers Milk Value Out of Bargain Mare
Thursday, 13th November 2025
Meeanwhile, few stories from Karaka's Ready to Run Sale captured the imagination quite like the one that unfolded for a pair of Manawatu dairy farmers whose homebred colt fetched $425,000 on opening day. For Mark and Tania Stratford, the sale of their Harry Angel–Ocean Spray youngster to Hong Kong trainer Mark Newnham and Sweetbriar Equine represented not just a commercial triumph but the fulfilment of a long-held dream. Offered through Gordon Cunningham's respected Curraghmore draft, the attractive bay had breezed impressively in 10.75 seconds and drew strong attention from buyers. What made the result even more remarkable was the colt's modest beginnings. The Stratfords had purchased his dam, the Fastnet Rock mare Ocean Spray, for just $4,250 after consulting family friend and former New Zealand Bloodstock executive Regan Donnison, now general manager of the Matamata Racing Club. "I'm a bit emotional," Stratford admitted. "We milk 220 cows on 80 hectares near Palmerston North. My grandfather used to talk about Ian Bradbury and the Bradburys who trained at Woodville, but we were brought up quite poor, so we never had the money to get involved in breeding thoroughbreds. Once we had a little to spare, I thought, 'you know, we can do it' — and I've been wanting to do it for years." The first step was Ocean Spray, purchased online after Donnison gave the nod of approval. "I pick out what I like and he'll say okay or no," Stratford said. "With her, he said, 'you could be on to something here because she'd won twice in Sydney – give her a go.' We got her cheap. Regan suggested Harry Angel." The foal that followed would eventually develop into a well-balanced, athletic colt with a polished temperament and fluid action, the kind agents covet in a sale ring. Cunningham later advised the couple to prepare him for the Ready to Run Sale rather than a yearling sale, recognising both potential and timing. "The colt had to mature – his birthday's actually tomorrow – and Gordon looked at him and said, 'let's Ready to Run him.' I just respect how honest he is. He's not in it for glory; he just wants to help," Stratford said. "I'm so proud he's going to Hong Kong to a great trainer in Mark Newnham, and we'll watch him with a lot of eagerness."
The Harry Angel-Ocean Spray colt made $425,000 (pic: Angelique Bridson)
Elliptical Returns on Saturday after HKJC Stint
Thursday, 13th November 2025
Former Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained Elliptical (Dundeel-Marquise De Rossa, by Testa Rossa) has returned from Hong Kong and will run on Saturday at Newcastle for trainer Chris Waller, reports punters.com.au. Sold to clients of Caspar Fownes in 2023, he had eight starts in Hong Kong without troubling the judge. Elliptical was originally sold as a weanling by Phoenix Broodmare Farm at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale of 2020 for $200,000 and was purchased by James Carey. He went through Newgate Farm's Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where bloodstock agent Suman Hedge purchased him in partnership with Anthony Freedman and Blue Sky Bloodstock for $380,000. Elliptical won on debut as a June 2YO, then at three he placed in the Gr1 Caulfield Guineas and Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes before winning the Gr3 CS Hayes Stakes in the autumn. After running sixth in the Gr1 Australian Derby, he was sold to Hong Kong. At the time, Hedge told social media platform x, "We've had so much interest in Elliptical and he's such a gifted animal that we had to be very considered but, ultimately, the offer was compelling and the owners sell the horse after having a lot of fun and making a decent return. The Freedmans could not have managed this horse any better, he has been trained and placed to perfection and to win a Group 3 and place twice narrowly at Group 1 level is a great effort." Unfortunately, in eight starts in Hong Kong, Elliptical didn't show the same form with a fifth placing at his second last start in the region being his best effort. Apprentice Benjamin Osmond will ride him on Saturday. Having drawn 15 in a capacity field of 20, bookmakers are gambling that, even with the Waller polish, Elliptical may take some time to return to his earlier form – reflected by his price of $71.
Cool Archie to Gallop on Saturday at Doomben
Thursday, 13th November 2025
Last season's Gr1 JJ Atkins Plate winner Cool Archie (Cool Aza Beel-Aware, by Tale Of The Cat) will gallop between races at Doomben on Saturday, reports punters.com.au. "At this stage he will have an exhibition gallop on the course proper on Saturday at the races," co-trainer Chris Munce said. "He has gone from a boy to a man and he's a colt, he just needs to be stimulated a bit more and start to get his head back in the game of being a racehorse." He will be aimed at the Listed Gold Edition Plate over 1200 metres and the Gr3 Vo Rogue Plate over 1300 metres before his summer campaign peaks in the $3 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas over 1400 metres. "They are the three races that I have got pencilled in for him. As long as his form warrants it, then he will probably have a freshen up and go to Sydney in the autumn. But he has got to come back well, sometimes 2YOs don't come back, for whatever reason. I still haven't really worked out what might be his best distance. But good horses turn up on race day, so at this stage we will start him off at the shorter trips. If he gets beaten over the shorter trips and if he looks like he wants further, we will step him up in distance." Cool Archie won five in succession at two, culminating in the Gr1 JJ Atkins Plate, and before that he won the Gr2 Spirit Of Boom Classic and Gr2 BRC Sires' Produce Stakes. Sold by Newhaven Park, who stand his second season sire, at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $100,000 to Mick Malone Bloodstock, the now-3YO colt was crowned Queensland Champion 2YO Colt last season. He has earnings over $1.6 million for trainers Chris and Corey Munce. As a side note, Cool Archie was the 2024-25 Australian Black Type Premiership 2YO Champion.
Comeback Kid Apulia to Tackle Pinnacles
Thursday, 13th November 2025
Lindsay Park’s re-emerging force, Apulia, is set to spearhead the stable’s summer push toward Perth’s carnival riches in the coming weeks. After spending almost a year on the sidelines, Apulia has returned with authority through decisive victories at The Valley and Flemington, booking his passage west for The Pinnacles series. According to The Heard Sun, a determined finish in the Listed Chester Manifold Stakes on Oaks Day sealed the deal for the son of-fated Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente, echoing a path taken last year by Light Infantry Man, who launched from the same race to later claim the Group 1 Northerly Stakes. Trainer Ben Hayes said the upcoming challenge carried extra meaning for the family. “It would be great if he wins over there because he’s 50 per cent owned by the Hayes family,” he said, noting Apulia’s training partnership with brothers Will and JD. “People forgot about him because he’d been off the scene for so long and hadn’t won a race in ages. He did injure himself and needed a year off but that’s OK, he’ll be all right going forward.” Other stable stars including Mr Brightside and War Machine hold Perth entries but are expected to stay home, with Hayes conceding that CF Orr Stakes contender Evaporate is also unlikely to make the trip. “We’ll consider it but it would be highly unlikely,” he said. “I guess if he comes out and wins, pulls up great, we’d think about it, but it means missing the Futurity and all those autumn options with him.” Meanwhile, unbeaten Ascot local King Of Light firmed as the $3.50 favourite for the Northerly Stakes ahead of Western Empire at $6. Apulia currently sits on the third line of betting at $8, level with Cosmic Crusader and Watch Me Rock. Ascot Racecourse stages the Northerly Stakes on December 6 as part of a feature-laden summer of racing.
A Picture Paints a Thousand Words at Keeneland
Thursday, 13th November 2025
For those who love both horses and art, November at Keeneland brings a unique convergence of the two. The 13th annual Sporting Art Auction, presented by Keeneland Association and Cross Gate Gallery, returns to the Keeneland Sales Pavilion on Thursday, November 13, at 4 p.m. ET. The event has become a fixture on the equine and sporting calendar, a blend of cultural elegance and racing nostalgia that draws collectors from around the world. Each edition of the sale has produced memorable highlights, with last year’s standout being LeRoy Neiman’s “To The Wire,” which fetched $334,875. This year’s catalogue promises to be equally captivating, featuring five works by Neiman alongside pieces by Sir Alfred J. Munnings, Vaughn Flannery, and Kentucky folk artist Henry Lawrence Faulkner. Among the most striking new entries is Frank Ashley’s “They’re Off,” an exuberant depiction of a field of Thoroughbreds exploding from the gates. The view, showing the hindquarters of the horses as they surge forward across lush turf, bursts with movement and color – a perspective as rare as it is joyful. Quang Ho’s “Down the Stretch” offers another kinetic twist, portraying the race from the vantage point of the grandstand as the horses thunder toward the finish line. Its composition captures that fleeting instant when motion and anticipation fuse into one breathless moment. Portraiture, always a cornerstone of the Sporting Art Auction, is again richly represented. Historical stalwarts such as Harry Hall return through works like “Blue Gown – Winner of the Derby and Ascot Cup, 1868,” painted in the muscular, classical style of the Victorian age. The horse’s story adds poignancy to its power; retired to stud in Germany, later returning to England before perishing at sea en route to America. Nearby, William Smithson Broadhead’s “Brown Jack in the Paddock” immortalises the crowd-favourite hurdler who won the Queen Alexandra Stakes six consecutive years and became such a national treasure that both a bronze statue and a locomotive were named in his honour. From another era altogether, Alan Brassington’s magnificent frontal portrait of Motivator captures the Epsom Derby hero and sire of Treve with reverence. “It’s rare to be in the presence of such a magnificent Thoroughbred,” Brassington recalls. “It truly takes your breath away.” Modern American contributions are equally stirring. Kentucky artist Jaime Corum, known for her large-scale murals of Secretariat and Curlin, contributes the painting “Winter,” completing her Four Seasons series with a quiet, moonlit composition that radiates serenity. “It may just be my favourite,” she said. “Despite the chill, the horse seems cozy and snug in his magical blanket, perhaps dreaming a winter’s dream.” Another highlight comes from sculptor Jan Woods, whose bronze “Buck at the Sale” pays tribute to the late Keeneland horse handler Buck Evans, remembered for his ability to calm even the most fractious yearlings. The sale also features work by the late Peter Howell, whose mastery of light is evident in “Oklahoma Training Area, Saratoga Springs,” one of seven of his works catalogued this year. In total, more than 170 lots will go under the hammer, encompassing not only equine and racing subjects but also scenes of rural life — dogs, game birds, landscapes, and even a trio of donkeys. Together, they affirm the enduring partnership between art and the Thoroughbred, a celebration of both motion and memory that continues to enchant collectors season after season.
2024's winning painting by LeRoy Nieman – To The Wire (pic: bloodhorse.com)
Juvenile Colt Beatty Flags Potential at Ascot
Thursday, 13th November 2025
A mere week after his much-loved flag-bearer Red Can Man was retired, Yarradale Stud stallion Gingerbread Man unearthed a debut winner who can develop into another black-type galloper of the future. According to tbwa.net.au, his 2YO colt Beatty looked up to that level after being backed into an odds-on favourite to win the Magic Millions Plate (1100m) on Saturday. Unbeaten colt All On Red (Doubtland) was heading for a hat-trick when he levelled up to front-runner Kute As Kan Be (Acrobat) at the furlong but had no answer when Willie Pike lifted Beatty in the final 50 metres. Beatty is a homebred for Gingerbread Man fan Wally Daly and was one of his three starters saddled up by trainers Sean and Jake Casey at Ascot. And he was the one that attracted support once Pike was booked for the ride ahead of One Last Resort (Tassort) and Brave Ego (Brave Smash). "All three have been competitive working together at home but he was my pick," Sean admitted. "He's a nuggetty type with plenty of scope and is well-bred being a half-brother to Camera Action. He's a colt and still playful but showed stamina today and is definitely not a one-trick pony." Gingerbread Man sired him from Femmette (Murtajill) who won a Westspeed 2YO Plate at Ascot and she foaled another Gingerbread Man colt in August. Femmette's half-brother Charleton Eddie (Shooting To Win) was a black-type performer in Daly's Hot Pink and Royal Blue checked silks as was second-dam Refemme (Surtee) who won the LR Gimcrack Stakes (1100m) in 2004. Third-dam Guinevere (Agincourt) was a $16,000 buy for Daly at a 1997 Inglis Sydney Yearling Sale in partnership with his late brother George who was a Group 1 winning trainer with Little Imagele in 1981. Meanwhile, trainer Steve Wolfe announced Red Can Man had run his last race not long after an unplaced run in the $1 million Golden Saddle (1200m) in Kalgoorlie. "We would like to wish our stable star Red Can Man a very happy and well-deserved retirement. He's been one of our top horses for a number of years flying the flag from here in Western Australia all the way to Victoria." Red Can Man (9g Gingerbread Man–Brocky's Ace by Surtee) was bred by Ellie Giles and was a $50,000 graduate out of the Western Breeders Alliance draft (as agent) at the 2018 Perth Magic Millions. He went on to bank prizemoney of $1.6 million including Westspeed Bonuses of $277,000. He bows out with a Group 3 in the Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) in Melbourne and Listed victories in the Fairetha Stakes (1400m), H G Bolton Sprint (1200m) and R S Crawford Stakes (1000m) in Perth.
Champions Day Rubber Stamps Tattersalls December
Thursday, 13th November 2025
Flemington’s Champions Stakes Day delivered a powerful endorsement for the Tattersalls December Mares Sale, with each of the five Group races—three of them at the elite level – won by horses purchased from, or out of mares sourced through, Europe’s premier breeding stock sale. It was a remarkable clean sweep that underlined the sale’s global reach and enduring influence on Australasian racing. The standout of the day was Via Sistina, who extended her career earnings beyond $17 million with a dominant win in the Gr1 Champions Stakes. The mare, now a 12-time Group 1 winner, was bought by Yulong Investments for 2,700,000 guineas at last year’s Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Her dam, Night, by Fastnet Rock, was herself purchased for just 36,000 guineas at the 2019 renewal before being resold at the same sale as her daughter for 200,000 guineas – a striking example of Tattersalls’ ability to produce both blue-chip broodmares and racetrack royalty. One race earlier, Ceolwulf secured his fourth Group 1 victory in the Champions Mile for trainer Joseph Pride, lifting his prizemoney to almost $9 million. The Tavistock gelding was bred by Cambridge Stud, who had bought his dam Las Brisas for 50,000 guineas at the 2018 December Sale. The Gr1 Champions Sprint then went to Giga Kick, the 2022 Everest winner, who notched his third victory at the top level (see below) and took his earnings to more than $13.5 million. Raced by Jonathan Munz’s Pinecliff Racing and bred by GSA Bloodstock, Giga Kick is out of Rekindled Applause, purchased by Hugo Merry Bloodstock for just 57,000 guineas at the same Tattersalls fixture. Further success came when Sunset Park, a daughter of Sea The Stars, claimed the Gr2 Matriarch Stakes for Brad Widdup – her first Group win after being bought by Ross Doyle for only 60,000 guineas from Godolphin’s draft. The Tattersalls connection continued in the Gr3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Whisky On The Hill, whose dam Ninja Lady was purchased for 60,000 guineas by Federico Barberini from Meon Valley Stud in 2013. With such results fresh in memory, anticipation is already building for this year’s Tattersalls December Mares Sale, to be held from December 1 to 3, featuring 885 lots and the acclaimed Sceptre Sessions showcasing four Group 1-winning fillies.
Royal Champion Favoured for Major Bahrain Feature
Thursday, 13th November 2025
Europe’s challenge for the Bahrain International Trophy will again take centre stage on Friday, with Karl Burke’s in-form gelding Royal Champion leading the charge as favourite for the $1 million contest. The Group 2 feature over 2000m has become a focal point of the Gulf state’s racing calendar, attracting a strong international line-up and a growing sense of prestige among European trainers. Royal Champion, installed at 13-8 by Paddy Power, will be ridden by James Doyle, whose association with owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum adds further intrigue. Burke, who has enjoyed a stellar season with 129 domestic winners and close to £3.7 million in prizemoney, now turns his attention to a region he is yet to conquer. “James Doyle will ride Royal Champion on Friday,” Burke confirmed. “He rides a bit for the owner and finished second on him in the Canadian International a couple of years ago. I’m due to fly out there on Monday but watched a video of him cantering out this morning and he looks in super shape. The plan is to give him a pipe-opener on Tuesday which should set him up nicely.” A breakthrough victory in the York Stakes in July and a brave third in the Bahrain-sponsored Irish Champion Stakes ensured Royal Champion earned his invitation to Manama. The seven-year-old has been a model of consistency and typifies Burke’s ability to keep seasoned campaigners performing at their peak. His rivals this week include Lion’s Pride from the John and Thady Gosden yard, Richard Hannon’s Persica, and the Ralph Beckett-trained Pride Of Arras, who was supplemented for $20,000 following his wins in the Dante and Great Voltigeur Stakes. Beckett believes the timing is right for his first Bahraini runner. “I think the race is a good spot for him; a mile and a quarter on good ground will suit,” he said. “He’s a gelding and he’ll be staying in training, so the aim is to enjoy racing him and we’re really looking forward to it.” Since its inauguration in 2019, the Bahrain International Trophy has grown rapidly in stature, offering a $600,000 first prize and now carrying Group 2 status. French trainer Jerome Reynier won the inaugural edition with Royal Julius, while British trainers have dominated the subsequent four runnings through David O’Meara and Richard Fahey. This year’s renewal promises similar depth, with Irish representation from Joseph O’Brien’s Galen, Charlie Appleby’s Military Order, and André Fabre’s Bright Picture joining the field. With its combination of class, ambition and global intrigue, the race continues to cement Bahrain’s place on the international racing map.
