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NEW Winnas May Have the Bletchingly Edge
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
Victorian winter form meets proven interstate quality in an evenly assembled Gr3 Bletchingly Stakes at Caulfield, with Winnasedge given the opportunity to extend his winning sequence against fresh Perth visitor Cosmic Crusader. Winnasedge has flourished during his current preparation, progressing from a third to successive Caulfield victories, including his latest success in the Gr3 Sir John Monash Stakes over 1100m. The rise to 1200m should not inconvenience Nick Ryan’s gelding, who again has Luke Currie aboard and appears favourably placed in barrier five to follow the anticipated speed without being drawn into an early contest. Cosmic Crusader brings the strongest fresh credentials after closing his previous campaign with form figures of 3-1-1-2 and will begin from the inside gate for Andrea Leek and Daniel Stackhouse. The Western Australian galloper has the class to win at this level, although his first appearance at Caulfield and return from a break introduce questions that Winnasedge does not face. Miraval Rose appeals as the principal threat among the mares. She resumed with a fourth after ending her previous campaign with two wins from three starts and receives a 2kg allowance under the weight-for-age conditions. Barrier two should enable Jordan Childs to give her a soft run close to the leaders, and further improvement second-up would place her firmly in contention. Watchme Win was fifth at his return after a previous campaign containing two seconds and an eighth, and the Andrew Gluyas-trained sprinter could advance significantly with Lachlan Neindorf retaining the ride. Zou Sensation has drawn barrier eight after finishing fifth and tenth in two runs back, but his best form makes him dangerous if Jamie Mott can secure an uncomplicated passage. Recommendation remains difficult to dismiss despite a sequence of placings and midfield finishes, as the Ciaron Maher stable is capable of producing improvement when a runner appears to have reached its mark. However, barrier nine may force Thomas Stockdale either to work forward or concede ground. Aztec Ruler resumes from gate three and could obtain every chance, while Samangu and Title Fighter require sizeable form reversals. The likely tactical advantage rests with Cosmic Crusader and Miraval Rose from their low draws, but Winnasedge has become accomplished around Caulfield and arrives with the most compelling recent performance. His established fitness and capacity to absorb pressure make him the selection in a race offering several legitimate alternatives.
NEW Grima on The Cusp of Claiming Title
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A remarkable rise through Sydney’s riding ranks could be crowned at Randwick on Saturday when Siena Grima attempts to place the finishing touch on a season that has transformed her from an emerging country apprentice into the likely metropolitan premiership winner. Twelve months ago, the 23-year-old had yet to ride a city winner, but with two meetings remaining in the 2025/26 season she has accumulated 34 metropolitan victories and holds a four-win advantage over reigning champion apprentice Braith Nock. Grima said the position represented the reward for the hours invested at trackwork, race meetings and throughout the less visible parts of her profession. “It’s a show of what hard work can do and what happens when you really give it a crack,” she said. Her progress accelerated after she moved from Mel O’Gorman’s Tamworth stable to join the Chris Waller operation last December, where champion jockey Darren Beadman has played a major role in refining her technique, tactical awareness and decision-making. Grima believes the improvement is clear when comparing her recent rides with those from her arrival in Sydney, and Beadman’s guidance has become increasingly important as her claim reduces and the competition becomes more exacting. Although the premiership has remained in her thoughts, she has tried to avoid allowing the title race to distract from each individual meeting. Six rides await her at Randwick, including dual acceptor Benevac, aboard whom she will seek consecutive victories after the gelding contributed to her treble at the previous meeting. Benevac worked harder than intended through the opening 200m last time before relaxing and producing a decisive kick, and Grima believes the key will again be encouraging him to conserve energy through the middle stages. “If I can get him to relax midrace and have those few sectionals when he can have a little breather he’ll be hard to beat again,” she said. Perfect Justice also returns after Grima drove him to a deserved last-start success, with the John Sargent-trained gelding stepping to 1800m in the ATC Thank You Stable Staff Handicap. His relaxed racing style and ability to build gradually should be better suited by the additional distance than the sharper mile assignment he recently conquered. Grima will also reunite with Lugh in the ATC Thank You Trainers Handicap over 1600m after the five-year-old finished strongly when resuming from a five-week break on testing ground. She felt he was outsprinted over 1400m but took considerable benefit from the outing, and his wider alley may allow the big-framed gelding to find rhythm without being crowded or hurried. A year that began without a Sydney winner now stands on the verge of delivering the apprentice premiership, yet Grima’s rapid development suggests the title may represent a beginning rather than the summit of her career.
NEW SA Lightning Clouded by 2YO Featherweights
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A generous weight advantage for the two-year-olds adds considerable intrigue to the Listed Lightning Stakes at Morphettville, although three-year-old filly Cavalry Girl sets a demanding standard after finishing first or second at each of her past three appearances. Tom Dabernig’s runner followed a second with a victory and another runner-up finish, and while barrier nine is wider than ideal, her tactical speed should allow Jacob Opperman to cross without becoming trapped too far from the rail. She carries 57kg under the set-weight conditions but has the race fitness and sustained consistency to overcome that burden. Bardigrub is another three-year-old in outstanding form, having resumed with a second before recording consecutive wins for Richard and Chantelle Jolly. Barrier five gives Rochelle Milnes every opportunity to place the filly within striking distance, and her capacity to hold form deep into a preparation makes her the most serious challenge to the favourite. The juveniles receive 5kg from that pair, bringing Jacaranda strongly into calculations. The Ben, Will and JD Hayes-trained youngster has won once from three starts and returns from a break with 52kg, barrier four and Kayla Crowther engaged. That combination should permit a sheltered run behind the leading division, and the colt appears capable of making the necessary improvement against older opposition. Never Ordinary also carries 52kg after winning twice and finishing second during a productive sequence before ending the preparation with a fifth. Barrier six is manageable, although apprentice Brooke King will need to ensure the youngster settles amid the likely pressure generated by runners drawn on both sides. Resolutely has raced only twice for two seconds and may possess more untapped ability than most of the field, but the Hayes runner must bridge a significant experience gap. Sir Myka resumes from barrier two with 59kg and has claims through his previous win and placing, while the lightly raced Amical enters after a last-start victory but faces a steep rise in grade. Yuuki has won two of her past four and cannot be ignored despite barrier 11, whereas Miss Orth and Stylish Sparkle have difficult outside draws. Mr Kimble resumes following an unplaced run, and Zouwin must improve on his first-up fourth. The 1050m start should produce immediate pressure, placing a premium on clean beginnings and efficient positioning. Cavalry Girl has demonstrated the most reliable current level and can prevail if Opperman finds cover, but Bardigrub’s draw and winning sequence ensure there is little between the leading pair.

Cavalry Girl is in rude form (pic: justhorseracing.com.au)
NEW Weight Advantage Favours Bolton Mares
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A changing of the guard may be evident in Saturday’s Listed H G Bolton Sprint at Belmont, where several established performers face a group of improving mares carrying substantial weight advantages. Twisted Steel presents as the horse to beat after winning consecutive races before returning with a second at her latest appearance, and the Simon Miller-trained filly is particularly well treated with 54kg from barrier two. Clint Johnston-Porter should be able to secure an economical position behind the speed, leaving her with every opportunity to reproduce the acceleration that has taken her rapidly through the grades. Immortal Bliss supplies the strongest opposition following a first-up victory that advanced her record to three wins from her past four starts. She rises to Listed company with 56kg but has drawn suitably in six for Lucy Fiore and appears to have returned in excellent order for Daniel Morton. Madhi Girl was unable to make an impression when resuming, yet she drops to 54kg, draws the inside and regains William Pike, a combination that demands considerably more respect than her latest finishing position might suggest. A soft passage could allow her to settle closer and preserve her finishing effort for the final 300m. Luana Miss also deserves inclusion after finishing fourth at her return, with barrier five and 54kg providing Steven Parnham with tactical freedom. The older and more accomplished runners must concede meaningful weight to that trio. Spacewalk carries top weight of 59.5kg from gate seven after finishing sixth at his only recent start, while Snowdome has 59kg and must negotiate barrier 11 after running seventh first-up. Twain’s Angel receives little relief with 58.5kg but is capable of improving sharply from her resuming ninth if Brad Parnham can obtain cover from gate four. Fluro Neuro has the advantage of barrier three, although his two runs this campaign have produced a second followed by an unplaced performance, while Yonga Lass, Man Crush and Final Siren must reverse recent form. Jaz Session returned with a fifth and has only 54kg, but barrier 12 threatens to leave her covering ground unless Shaun O’Donnell can find early restraint. The race appears likely to hinge on whether the lightly weighted mares can establish themselves before the senior sprinters bring their class into play. Twisted Steel has the draw, profile and weight to make that transition successfully, while Immortal Bliss may be the runner best equipped to expose any vulnerability late.
NEW Racing Industry Mourn Diatribe’s Passing
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
The Australian thoroughbred landcape has lost one of its most durable and memorable staying performers following the death of Diatribe at Coronet Farm in Wybong, NSW, on Tuesday, July 21. The celebrated Caulfield Cup winner remained in excellent physical condition until his passing, a little hard of hearing in his later years but still unfailingly punctual whenever the feed bin beckoned. Foaled on September 14, 1996, he was just weeks short of his 30th birthday. Bred and raced by the Thompson family, Diatribe was secured for $95,000 at the 1998 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale after being identified by the late pedigree consultant Bruno Schifferli, who advised the family on matings and yearling selections for more than two decades. The son of Brief Truce and Desert Wine mare Gabbing Gloria was entrusted to master trainer George Hanlon and developed into an elite and versatile performer whose five victories from 33 starts earned more than $2.3 million – a significant sum given his biggest win was more than a quarter of a century ago. His defining achievement came in the 2000 Gr1 Caulfield Cup, where Jim Cassidy guided him from the rear before finding a path along the inside and driving him to victory in 2 minutes 25.32 seconds. The time established a Caulfield 2400m record that remains intact, while the success carried particular significance for the 83-year-old Hanlon, who had previously endured three desperately close defeats in the race. Diatribe demonstrated remarkable resilience by returning only seven days later in the Gr1 Cox Plate, where he produced another outstanding performance to finish second behind champion mare Sunline. Earlier that year he had confirmed his quality as a three-year-old by winning the Gr1 Rosehill Guineas over 2000m, prevailing by a neck in one of Sydney’s foremost autumn classics. His rise had gathered pace during the previous spring through victories in the Gr2 Bill Stutt Stakes and Gr2 AAMI Vase, followed by a third placing behind Blackfriars in the Gr1 Victoria Derby. Those performances illustrated a range extending from 1440m to 2400m and a capacity to compete at the highest level against both his own age and seasoned older horses. Retired from racing in late 2001, Diatribe stood at stud for eight seasons and sired 69 individual winners, headed by multiple stakes-winning mare Fibrillation. He subsequently enjoyed a long and comfortable retirement at Coronet Farm, where he remained a cherished part of the property for almost a quarter of a century. Tough, courageous and blessed with a potent finishing sprint, Diatribe leaves an enduring place in Australian racing history through a Caulfield Cup performance whose record has survived every challenge for more than 25 years.
NEW Yarradale Stud Purchases Kimberley Rose
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
Strong demand for racehorse interests and breeding prospects underpinned Wednesday’s Magic Millions Digital Sale, where a five per cent share in multiple Group 1-placed three-year-old filly Within the Law topped proceedings at $70,000. Catalogued as Lot 53 and offered by Darby Racing for a client, the share attracted 23 bids from buyers across several Australian states and overseas before being secured by Yulong Investments. Darby Racing manager Loren Wadsworth described the outcome as particularly pleasing given the filly is currently spelling ahead of her spring preparation. “We have always found the process of offering shares through Magic Millions Digital very straightforward and it was great that they achieved this result for our clients,” she said. Further interest in the shares division came through Lot 21, a 2.5 per cent holding in Cristal Clear, which was purchased by Graham Young for $10,000. Recently retired mare Kimberley Rose also proved popular, with Yarradale Stud paying $50,000 after 39 bids were lodged for Lot 41. Offered as a broodmare prospect, the four-year-old was a metropolitan winner and earned black type when placed in the Listed Belmont Oaks. Her pedigree added to her appeal, with dam Ambers Waltz having finished second in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and being a half-sister to Gr2 winner War Saint, who was bred and raced by Yarradale. Davy Hanratty said the stud knew the family well and regarded Kimberley Rose as an attractive black type mare, confirming she would visit Playing God during the upcoming breeding season. Other notable results included Just So, who sold for $40,000, Gagumaru at $30,000 and three-year-old gelding Corpulent at $22,500. Attention now turns to the next Magic Millions Digital auction, scheduled from July 31 to August 5, with entries closing at midnight on Wednesday, July 29. Confirmed lots include Gr3-winning mare Niance and the opening draft from the Forest View Farm Unreserved Dispersal, which will be conducted across the next two digital sales. The dispersal is set to offer buyers access to a broad selection encompassing broodmares in foal to stallions including Anamoe, Toronado, Pinatubo and Playing God, together with racehorses, fillies, mares, weanlings, yearlings and racehorse shares.

Kimberley Rose will visit Playing God in 2026 (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
NEW Maples Earns Extra Run in Highway Test
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
An unbeaten opening preparation has persuaded Paul Messara to relax one of his usual training principles and give Maples a fourth start when she steps up to the TAB Highway Plate over 1800m at Randwick on Saturday, reveals racingnsw.com.au. Messara generally limits inexperienced horses to three appearances during their first campaign, but the progressive daughter of The Autumn Sun has earned another opportunity after winning each of her starts and continuing to exceed the expectations of the stable. Maples only made her public debut in a barrier trial at the beginning of June before winning at Muswellbrook nine days later, then added consecutive 1700m victories on her home track at Scone. Her most recent success, achieved under 60.5kg two weeks ago, convinced Messara that she had the determination to cope with the stronger assignment. “I never had a high opinion of her kicking off but she’s a horse that tries really hard,” Messara said. The filly had been a narrow and backward youngster who required time, and she has never been one to advertise her ability through spectacular trackwork. Her competitiveness on race day, however, has distinguished her from more accomplished workers. Messara acknowledged that the races Maples has contested may not have produced particularly strong ratings, but he was impressed by the manner in which she maintained her effort at Scone after appearing to have reached her limit. The additional 100m at Randwick is expected to assist, while a favourable draw should allow apprentice William Stanley to place her within striking distance without spending unnecessary energy. Stanley’s 3kg claim could reduce Maples’ weight to 54kg, giving her a meaningful advantage over Moon Sweeper, who is rated 16 points higher but is set to carry 59kg. Maples was a $5.50 chance with TAB during the week and now faces the clearest examination of her unbeaten record, with Messara viewing the Highway as a suitable opportunity rather than simply extending her campaign for its own sake. The trainer and co-trainer Leah Gavranich also have a major spring target in mind for Chains Of Love, who is being freshened for the $2 million The Kosciuszko on Everest Day. The rising four-year-old won a Randwick Highway little more than a month ago before finishing third in the Listed Creswick Stakes at Flemington, a performance that strengthened the stable’s belief that she has the appropriate profile for the country feature. Messara and Gavranich won last year’s edition with Clear Thinking, and Chains Of Love is currently rated a $15 chance in pre-nomination betting as the stable seeks successive victories in the race.
NEW Gringotts Getting into His Dance Rhythm
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A lucrative spring campaign is taking shape for proven top-level performer Gringotts after the Ciaron Maher-trained gelding pleased his trainer with an encouraging barrier trial at Gosford on Wednesday. According to loveracing.nz, the New Zealand-bred son of Per Incanto travelled strongly before charging through the line for second in the 800m hitout under Louise Day, taking the first public step towards a preparation built around the Gr1 Winx Stakes, Gr1 King Charles III Stakes and another assault on the $3 million Listed Big Dance. “He’s a pretty genuine horse and I liked the way he bridled up under Louise,” Maher said. Gringotts has accumulated $6.4 million in earnings and will be chasing a third victory in the Big Dance over 1600m at Randwick on the first Tuesday in November, although his path there will place him against some of Australia’s strongest mares. Maher intends to give him another trial before resuming in the Gr1 Winx Stakes over 1400m, after which the stable will determine whether the $5 million Gr1King Charles III Stakes remains the appropriate lead-up to his principal November objective. “There’s nowhere for him to hide with the races we’ve got programmed for him,” Maher said. “He’s going to have to race those pretty good mares throughout but he looks to have come back well and that’s first and foremost.” Bred by Totara Park Stud, Gringotts is out of the unraced Savabeel mare Miss Bluebell, whose dam Operavega is a half-sister to Vegas Showgirl, the dam of champion Winx. Miss Bluebell has produced two stakes performers from three foals to race, with Gringotts joined by seven-time winner and Listed Great Easter Stakes placegetter Millefiori. Another full relation, Dan Vegas, was exported to Hong Kong and races there as Wave Garden. Gringotts was initially sold by Archer Park to Kasa Bloodstock for $100,000 at Karaka in 2021 before failing to reach his $450,000 reserve at the Ready to Run Sale later that year. He was subsequently purchased privately after winning a Waipa trial for Simon and Katrina Alexander. Maher’s early-season team will also include fellow Per Incanto gelding Jimmysstar, who is being prepared for the Gr1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield on August 29 after earning more than $10.4 million. The six-year-old is currently completing beach work and is expected to trial early next month. Four-time Gr1 winner Pride Of Jenni is also set to return as a nine-year-old, with Maher considering the Gr2 Feehan Stakes at Caulfield as her starting point before possible assignments in the King Charles and Gr1 Empire Rose Stakes.

Talented gelding Gingotts (pic: Grant Peters Photography)
Hawaii Five Oh Progeny Make Early Mark
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
Strong commercial returns and enthusiastic breeder feedback have given Vinery Stud encouragement that Hawaii Five Oh is positioned to make an immediate impact when his first yearlings enter the sale ring in 2027. The Group 3-winning and Gr1-placed sprinter, a son of three-time Champion Sire I Am Invincible, has already attracted broad support from breeders seeking the speed and physical quality that have helped establish several young sons of his sire at stud. Offered from a relatively small representation at the 2026 weanling sales, Hawaii Five Oh's progeny sold for more than six times his service fee, providing an early indication of their appeal to commercial buyers. Among those to make an impression was the Hawaii Five Oh colt from Foxiest, bred by Rob Dunnett and sold through Emma McNamara of Noorilim Park for $80,000 at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale. McNamara said the mare had returned to Hawaii Five Oh last spring in an effort to reproduce the result. "When you get something that is close to perfect, of course you want to recreate the product," she said. The colt's appearance and athleticism reminded her strongly of his sire, with McNamara describing him as a beautifully balanced individual possessing strength, class and an attractive overstep. Hall of Fame Bloodstock's Leo To was similarly impressed after paying $90,000 for the Hawaii Five Oh filly from Toomi, offered by Carramar Park. Having inspected all of the stallion's weanlings, To regarded the filly as the best representative of the sire and revealed he had supported Hawaii Five Oh during each of his first two seasons before committing mares to him again this year. Confidence has also come from breeders who have raised several members of the first crop. Middlebrook Valley Lodge's Bernie Kane said the five Hawaii Five Oh youngsters on the farm had displayed consistent quality from birth, combining correct conformation with good temperaments and a noticeably similar appearance. "We sent four mares back in his second season and we'll probably send another five or six this year," Kane said. That repeat patronage has helped Hawaii Five Oh cover 340 mares across his opening two seasons at Vinery, giving him a sizeable platform from which to establish his credentials. A prolific source of precocious speed, I Am Invincible has already produced successful young stallion prospects including Brazen Beau, Hellbent and Home Affairs, and Hawaii Five Oh enters the next phase of his career with a comparable profile as a fast, well-performed and strikingly bred son of the champion sire. His first weanlings have supplied encouraging evidence of physical quality and buyer demand, leaving the 2027 yearling sales as the next important test of whether those early impressions can develop into sustained commercial and racetrack success.
Victoria Unveils Major Racing Economic Impact
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A powerful measure of racing's reach beyond the racecourse has emerged from a new independent study showing Victoria's thoroughbred industry generated more than A$4 billion in economic value during the 2024-25 season while supporting almost 25,000 full-time-equivalent jobs. Released in Bendigo on Wednesday by Racing Minister Anthony Carbines, the Size and Scope of the Victorian Racing Industry report examined the combined contribution of the thoroughbred, harness and greyhound codes across economic activity, employment and community involvement. Together, the three sectors delivered A$5.54 billion in value-added contribution, an 18 per cent rise from 2018-19, and sustained 33,456 full-time-equivalent positions statewide. Thoroughbred racing was responsible for A$4.067 billion, or 73.4 per cent of the overall total, while producing A$2.862 billion in direct expenditure, more than A$2.1 billion in household income and 24,618 full-time-equivalent jobs. Racing Victoria chief executive Aaron Morrison said the findings illustrated how deeply racing was woven into the state's economy and regional communities. "The report findings reinforce that racing is much more than a sport – it is a major contributor to Victoria's economy, a significant employer and an important part of communities right across the state," Morrison said. He added that the industry's economic impact had continued to grow, particularly outside metropolitan Melbourne, where race clubs, trainers, breeders and supporting businesses remained important sources of work, investment and regular activity. Almost 100,000 participant, employee and volunteer roles were filled across Victorian racing during the season, with close to 80 per cent of those positions located in regional areas. Thoroughbred racing alone involved 12,865 horses in training, 785 trainers, 286 jockeys and apprentices, 1102 breeders and 3532 stable employees. The code also drew together 64,170 owners and syndicate members, 4383 volunteers and 73,149 racing club members, while 540 meetings staged 4333 races and attracted total attendances of 1,163,611. Those numbers demonstrated the breadth of the industry's workforce and the scale of the communities connected to racing through ownership, employment, administration, breeding and voluntary service. The Spring Racing Carnival remained one of the industry's strongest tourism and commercial assets, with the 2024 edition drawing almost 597,000 attendances and prompting more than 83,000 visitors to travel specifically to Victoria. Those visitors contributed to A$409.8 million in direct spending and almost 321,000 visitor nights, providing business for accommodation, hospitality, transport and related sectors. Morrison said the figures reflected the combined work of participants, clubs, employees, volunteers and the many businesses linked to racing, while underlining the importance of maintaining a sustainable industry capable of continuing to deliver employment, investment and social activity throughout Victoria.
Campbell Sticks to Tried and True Strategy
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A proven black type route will be revisited at Otaki on Saturday when lightly raced three-year-old Singletary begins his new campaign in the Listed Phils Electrical & Gipsy Caravans Ryder Stakes over 1200m. Trainer Andrew Campbell hopes the son of Satono Aladdin can follow the same path taken by Waldorf in 2017, when that galloper won both the Ryder Stakes and Listed Wanganui Guineas before being sold to Hong Kong and adding another six victories for Tony Cruz. Singletary will be given the opportunity to earn a similar progression, with next month's Wanganui Guineas over 1200m the immediate target if he performs to expectations on his home track. A longer-term possibility is the Gr1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas over 1600m, although Campbell stressed that the youngster must first establish his credentials against what appears to be an even Ryder Stakes field. "Providing he goes as well as hope, we'll do what we did with Waldorf and go to the Wanganui Guineas," Campbell said. Singletary showed ability in two starts during his first preparation, finishing second on debut at Ellerslie before returning there to run sixth in the Gr3 Colin Jillings 2YO Classic over 1200m. Campbell felt the firm ground worked against him on that occasion and believes the gelding is better suited when there is some give in the track. Since his most recent appearance at the end of January, Singletary has been gelded and given a lengthy break, returning to work stronger and more physically mature. "He wasn't really colty but he had his moments and he's come back a lot stronger this time in," Campbell said. A recent Foxton trial pleased the stable, with Toni Davies aboard, and she retains the ride on Saturday. Davies will also partner Campbell's stablemates Cocobill and Perfect Pete on the Otaki card. Cocobill, a three-time Victorian winner for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young before transferring to Campbell, added another success at Woodville last preparation and resumes in the Uzabus Handicap over 1100m. With suitable Rating 75 opportunities over 1200m scarce, Campbell is prepared to test him in demanding conditions, expecting the race to be run on heavy ground. Cocobill has returned from a good spell and trialled strongly in readiness for the assignment. Perfect Pete contests the DG Farriers Handicap over 1200m after a freshen-up and enters the race as a dependable wet-track performer whose record of one win from 15 starts does not fully reflect his consistency. Campbell said the gelding had worked well on Tuesday and regarded the winter months as his best opportunity to add to his tally.

Singletary swoops down the outside (pic: Kenton Wright Race Images)
BHA Successor Appears to Be a Done Deal
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A senior figure with extensive commercial experience and established connections across several areas of British racing is expected to become the next chair of the British Horseracing Authority, with owner-breeder Simon Cox understood to have been selected for the position. Cox, 58, is believed to have secured the role ahead of former British Horseracing Board chair Peter Savill and Minette Batters, the former National Farmers Union president who now leads British Racing's Horse Welfare Board and serves as a director of Salisbury. The vacancy arose when Lord Allen resigned in March after only six months, following the failure of the BHA's members to agree on proposed changes designed to create a more independent board and give the governing body a stronger commercial focus. Cox brings considerable executive experience from a 32-year career in the brewing industry, including senior roles with Carlsberg and Molson Coors. After joining Molson Coors in 2005, he progressed to become president and chief executive of the company's operations covering all markets outside the Americas. His involvement in racing stretches back almost 15 years as an owner, with horses trained in Britain by Ian Williams, while his interests have more recently expanded into thoroughbred breeding. Cox has broodmares based at Shade Oak Stud and is a shareholder in resident stallion Logician. In Between Days, bred by Cox from Logician's first crop and raced in his colours, won both starts at Auteuil during the spring, including a Listed hurdle on her latest appearance. Cox has also held positions with several of the sport's stakeholder organisations. He joined the Professional Jockeys Association as a non-executive director in 2021 during a restructuring of its board, but resigned two years later alongside former chair Jon Holmes and Mick Fitzgerald after members submitted a petition proposing an emergency general meeting primarily aimed at removing then chief executive Ian McMahon. In the same year, Cox became a trustee of the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, where he chairs the National Hunt Committee. He also leads the BHA's Jumps Pattern Committee and sits on the High Quality Horse Group, giving him direct experience of racing's administrative and regulatory structures. Cox has previously spoken of combining his enthusiasm for National Hunt racing with the lessons gathered during a long corporate career, and his range of administrative positions has since broadened that grounding across breeding, regulation and stakeholder representation. Formal confirmation of the appointment is still pending, with the BHA maintaining that its recruitment process has not yet concluded. Further consultation with senior officials and industry participants will take place before the governing body publicly identifies Lord Allen's successor.
Slow and Steady for Topliner Ceolwulf
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A flexible spring campaign is being mapped out for Ceolwulf, with trainer Joe Pride unwilling to commit his stable star to a third successive King Charles III Stakes despite preparing him to be ready for the $5 million Group 1 feature at Royal Randwick on October 17. The dual King Charles winner is being aimed towards the Everest Day mile, but, according to racingnews.co.nz, Pride is mindful that Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi could alter the landscape if they dominate the lead-up races. “The plan is to have him ready to go for the King Charles,” Pride told Racing And Sports. “But there are a lot of different scenarios.” Should the two high-class mares prove clearly superior in the preceding weeks, Pride would consider bypassing the King Charles and sending Ceolwulf directly to the 6 million Gr1 Cox Plate seven days later, although the possibility of tackling both races remains open. Autumn Glow appears unlikely to be among the Cox Plate opposition, with her connections indicating she will not be asked to race over 2000m again after suffering the first defeat of her career when third in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April. The three-time Group 1 winner could instead be directed towards the $20 million Gr1 The TAB Everest, staged on the same program as the King Charles. Sheza Alibi also seems set to follow a different path after completing an outstanding autumn with victories in the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile, her preparation now being geared around the $10 million Gr1 Golden Eagle over 1500m at Randwick on October 31. Early TAB Fixed Odds markets have Autumn Glow at $1.80 for the King Charles, ahead of Sheza Alibi at $3.50, while Ceolwulf shares the third line of betting with Pride Of Jenni at $8. A winner of four Group One races and almost $11 million in prizemoney, Ceolwulf began his return when finishing unplaced in a 740m Polytrack barrier trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday, an exercise Pride described as an opportunity for the rising six-year-old to stretch his legs. His autumn campaign was curtailed after consecutive unplaced runs and the discovery of minor hoof problems, but Pride remains confident the gelding can regain his elite form. The trainer deliberately avoided a course-proper trial containing Group and Listed performers because Ceolwulf’s competitive nature might have encouraged him to chase the sharper sprinters too strongly. More searching trials are planned at Warwick Farm on August 4 and at Randwick eight days before the Winx Stakes on August 22, with Pride intent on allowing the horse ample time to build towards his principal targets. “He still is a long way off his goals this spring, it will be a slow and steady build-up for him,” Pride said, reinforcing that the opening trial was merely a preliminary step rather than any meaningful guide to Ceolwulf’s readiness for top-level competition.
Banned Currie Challenges QRIC Decision
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A renewed attempt to return to racing employment has taken former trainer Ben Currie before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, where he is challenging the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission’s refusal to grant him a stablehand licence. In its report, punters.com.au revealed that Currie’s counsel, Jim Murdoch KC, told senior QCAT member Richard Oliver on Tuesday that his client had effectively been left outside the industry since February 2024, describing him as having been “held in the wilderness for two and a half years”. Murdoch argued that Currie had been caught by circumstances surrounding the positive swab returned by End Assembly after the Mark Currie-trained galloper won at Eagle Farm, saying, “He was in the chair when the music stopped.” The former trainer had previously served a lengthy disqualification arising from the administration of a “boost paste” to a horse under his care and the use of shockwave therapy within seven clear days of racing. An agreement with QRIC allowed him to resume work as a stablehand in 2022, but he was later disqualified for 18 months, reduced to nine months on appeal, after End Assembly tested positive to cocaine. Murdoch submitted that the result may have stemmed from a trackwork rider who later returned a positive cocaine test, while maintaining that Currie should now be permitted to regain a foothold in racing. Opposing the application, QRIC counsel Rob Anderson KC contended that Currie failed the “proper” element of the industry’s fit and proper person test. Anderson emphasised that Currie was no newcomer to racing, having worked in the family operation from the age of 14, and argued that character and reputation carried particular weight in determining whether a licence should be issued. Currie, now 35, had sought a stablehand licence after completing his latest ban but was refused. His father, Mark Currie, retired from training earlier this year, with several horses initially transferred to Sunshine Coast trainer Billy Healey. Ben Currie subsequently joined Healey’s operation as racing operations manager, although that association has since ended, leaving the tribunal appeal as the latest step in his bid to resume a formal role within Queensland racing.
Tough Task for Tassie Thoroughbred Judges
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
With less than two months remaining until Tasmania’s leading thoroughbred performers are recognised, voting is under way for the 2025/26 Tasmanian Horse of the Year awards and accompanying Hall of Fame inductions at Wrest Point Casino in Hobart on Friday, September 18. Ballots have been distributed to the judging panel, which faces a difficult assignment after a season containing strength across each age division and several significant mainland achievements. In the two-year-old category, Aristopolos, Buzzoffski, Momentslikethese, Sovereign Dash and Valley Star are among the principal contenders, although the contest appears to have narrowed as the season progressed. Leanne Gaffney’s Buzzoffski and Valley Star produced prominent performances during the later months, but Aristopolos is expected to command strong support after completing an unbeaten six-start campaign that included the Listed Elwick Stakes and Gold Sovereign. His success has also underlined the opportunities available through the Tasmanian Magic Millions Yearling Sale. The three-year-old division contains exceptional depth, with Crack the Shutters, Daytona Diva, Mazzini, Sanniya, Swift Force, Taroona and Zany Girl prominent among the eligible horses. Crack the Shutters defeated Sanniya and Mazzini in the 3YO Cup early in the summer, before Barry Campbell’s pair responded with multiple feature victories as the carnival developed. Sanniya completed her campaign in particularly distinguished fashion, following the example set by Geegees Mistruth a season earlier by defeating older rivals in the Gr3 Mystic Journey Stakes and Gr3 Vamos Stakes. Swift Force emerged later than several of her contemporaries but strengthened her claims by adding a Victorian metropolitan victory at Caulfield in May, reinforcing the belief that this crop could remain influential for seasons to come. The Ladbrokes Horse of the Year field is equally compelling, with Aristopolos, Asva, Blonde Star, Cartoon Graveyard, Durazzo, Geegees Mistruth, Mazzini, Sanniya, Swift Force and Zulu Angel among the headline candidates. Tasmanian-trained horses dominated the state’s major summer events and also secured important mainland victories, while all three principal thoroughbred cups remained at home. Asva claimed both the Devonport and Launceston Cups, with Blonde Star prevailing in the Hobart Cup. The leading three-year-olds add further depth, while reigning Horse of the Year Geegees Mistruth remains eligible despite not racing in Tasmania during the season after achieving a landmark Gr1 Robert Sangster Stakes victory in April. This year’s presentation will return to a sit-down three-course dinner format, with the ceremony beginning at 7pm and bringing together the season’s strongest local performers, industry participants and the newest members of Tasmanian racing’s Hall of Fame.

Aristopolos is amongst the HOTY contenders (pic: tasracing.com.au)
They’reallsisters Delivers Another Splintex Boost
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
A determined first-up victory at Belmont has capped an encouraging debut season for Darling View Thoroughbreds stallion Splintex, with talented filly They’reallsisters overcoming a difficult draw and inexperience to underline both her own promise and the growing influence of her sire. Resuming in Saturday’s Quayclean Plate (1200m), the David Harrison-trained two-year-old faced an immediate challenge after jumping from the outside barrier in a capacity field of 14, forcing Paul Harvey to settle her near the tail rather than risk covering extra ground early. Although still learning her craft and racing greenly when placed under pressure in the straight, the filly responded when it mattered most, finishing over the top of favourite Godspeed during the final 100 metres to score an impressive victory. The daughter of Splintex had already displayed above-average ability during her juvenile campaign, breaking through at Ascot over the Australia Day weekend before producing another bold effort when beaten just three-quarters of a length by Maria Lucia in the RL Magic Millions 2YO Classic at Pinjarra in February. Harrison said the result reflected the progress the filly had made since her spell and admitted the awkward barrier had tempered expectations beforehand. “She’s strengthened while spelling and has been working a treat but it was hard to get too confident from that gate,” Harrison said. “We added blinkers today and she travelled into the race beautifully.” He believes there is still significant improvement to come, noting the youngster had resumed without the benefit of a public trial. “She didn’t trial so will keep improving. She’s a carnival horse for sure and we will give her another couple of starts before a break.” Bred by Ridgeport Farm manager Marge Ojapold, They’reallsisters was offered through the 2025 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, where she realised $90,000 to a partnership comprising Harrison, Ryan Fuller, Brad Willison and Grant Burns, while Ojapold retained an ownership interest. The filly is a younger half-sister to multiple metropolitan winner Bold Hero and is the latest successful produce of River Hussy, who delivered another Splintex colt for Ojapold at Ridgeport Farm in Waroona last October. Harvey was equally encouraged after partnering the youngster for the first time, explaining that patience proved decisive. “I didn’t want to go forward and then get posted wide. They can take time to recover from a gut-buster on a soft track. We took our chances and she chased and kicked but it nearly went pear-shaped when she laid in halfway down the straight. She can do things wrong but, to her credit, she got the job done.” The success further strengthens Splintex’s impressive first crop, with the son of Snitzel on track to finish third on Western Australia’s 2YO Sires’ Premiership behind Rommel and Gingerbread Man while also sitting comfortably among Australia’s top 10 first-season sires with progeny earnings exceeding $470,000.
Hot Sprinter Adonius Targets Breeders' Cup
Thursday, 23rd July 2026
An unbeaten juvenile bought for only £32,000 could carry Rebecca Menzies to the Breeders' Cup after the Howe Hills trainer revealed she is working backwards from the Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland with Adonius. The chestnut son of Soldier's Call has won each of his three starts, beginning with a five-furlong Musselburgh debut victory on April 4 before returning under a penalty only eight days later to win again at the same track. He then produced his most impressive performance in the Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes at Chester's May Festival, using his natural pace to dominate from the front and establish himself among Britain's more exciting early-season two-year-olds. Menzies deliberately resisted the temptation to run him at Royal Ascot, believing that a demanding appearance at the meeting could compromise his development and reduce the likelihood of maintaining form into the autumn. Subsequent juvenile results have strengthened her conviction that Ascot may have left a mark on several young horses, while Adonius has been given time to strengthen and recover. Retaining the colt has also been unusual for a stable accustomed to selling promising juveniles after maiden or novice victories. Existing owners agreed not to cash in completely, although half of Adonius has been sold to American interests Riverdee and West Paces. Their involvement fits naturally with the proposed Breeders' Cup campaign and gives the colt connections familiar with racing in the United States. Menzies hopes he can provide a significant international advertisement for her dual-purpose operation, which is based near Sedgefield and has developed its reputation through both Flat and National Hunt racing. The Juvenile Turf Sprint is scheduled for October 30, giving Adonius sufficient time to return through an appropriate European preparation. He currently holds the only early-closing entry for the Listed Two Year Old Trophy at Redcar on October 3, a race that could serve as his final domestic test before travelling. The trainer remains conscious that several months separate promise from execution and will proceed only if the colt continues to develop physically and maintain his unbeaten profile. Soldier's Call has supplied Adonius with abundant speed, but his professionalism has been equally important, allowing him to race prominently without expending unnecessary energy. Menzies believes patient ownership has also improved the depth of her young team, with several unraced juveniles being given time rather than pushed into unsuitable early contests. For now, Adonius is the standard-bearer: inexpensive, undefeated and potentially capable of placing a relatively small northern stable on one of racing's largest international stages.

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