A flawless three-year-old campaign has earned Well Written New Zealand racing's highest accolade, with the unbeaten now 4YO mare crowned 2025/26 New Zealand Horse of the Year barely 24 hours after beginning her new season with another Group 1 triumph. The daughter of Written Tycoon went through her entire three-year-old preparation without defeat, winning all six starts and transforming herself from an unraced $80,000 yearling into a mare with more than $2.6 million in prizemoney. Her outstanding season also secured Champion Three-Year-Old honours at Sunday night's New Zealand Thoroughbred Horse of the Year Awards, with Well Written becoming the only winner of that category this century to remain unbeaten throughout her three-year-old season. None of the other champions during that period escaped defeat fewer than twice, while no winner of the division during the past decade had recorded more than five victories at three, according to racingnews.co.nz. Trainer Stephen Marsh and bloodstock agent Dylan Johnson personally selected Well Written for $80,000 from Brighthill Farm's draft at the 2024 NZB National Online Yearling Sale – she was originally sold for $32,500 at the 2023 Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale – and her rise has been spectacular. Among her defining performances was a six-length demolition of her opposition in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO over 1600 metres, while her exceptional season ultimately carried her to the country's premier equine award. In an appropriately dramatic prelude to the ceremony, Well Written returned as a four-year-old at Ellerslie on Saturday and defeated older rivals in the $400,000 Gr1 Proisir Plate over 1400 metres, extending her winning sequence and immediately adding another elite-level success to her record.The awards evening recognised a formidable collection of New Zealand performers, with unbeaten dual Group winner Lara Antipova crowned Champion Two-Year-Old following a four-start juvenile campaign highlighted by the Gr1 Sistema Stakes. First Five, whose rapid rise from rating 83 company culminated in two Gr1 weight-for-age victories, was named Champion Sprinter-Miler, while five-time Gr1 winner Legarto collected her second Champion Middle Distance Horse title after completing a career in which she earned more than $3 million. Trans-Tasman Oaks winner Ohope Wins was Champion Stayer and Jesko took Champion Jumper honours. Craig Grylls secured Jockey of the Year after winning his second successive national premiership and leading the country in both black-type wins and stakes earnings, while Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson retained Trainer of the Year after Te Akau Racing produced 20 domestic black-type victories. Yulong Investments, whose New Zealand bloodstock interests included Well Written and Ohope Wins, was named Owner of the Year. Two special awards provided further historical resonance: the Williams family of Little Avondale Stud received the NZTR Award for Outstanding Contribution to Racing, while the late champion stallion Savabeel was posthumously honoured for Outstanding Global Achievement after a stud career yielding 36 individual Group 1 winners, 159 stakes winners and 10 New Zealand champion sire titles. Yet the evening belonged above all to Well Written, whose perfect season ensured that a mare who began the campaign without a racecourse appearance ended it officially recognised as New Zealand's best.
The Gr1 NZ 1000 Guineas was the 2025/26 pinnacle for Well Written (pic: nzb.co.nz)
NEWGr1 Goodwood Renamed for Elite Broadcaster
Weekend, 7th September 2026
One of South Australia's most prestigious races will permanently carry the name of Bruce McAvaney after the legendary broadcaster was honoured on a memorable night for the state's racing industry, with the $1 million Gr1 Goodwood at Morphettville renamed The McAvaney Goodwood. The announcement accompanied McAvaney's induction into the South Australian Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in the Associate category during the Sportsbet SA Racing Awards at Morphettville's Wolf Blass Event Centre, creating an enduring link between the celebrated Adelaide-born commentator and the sport in which his extraordinary broadcasting career began. South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas participated in the induction and paid tribute to McAvaney's contribution to racing and Australian sport, while the renaming recognises a relationship with South Australian racing extending almost five decades, reports racingsa.com.au. McAvaney called his first race meeting at Mindarie-Halidon in 1977 and subsequently made his first on-air call at Oakbank for radio station 5DN before developing into one of the country's most recognisable sporting voices. Although his career has encompassed Olympic Games, AFL, athletics, tennis, motor racing and numerous other major events, thoroughbred racing has remained a central passion, and he continues to play a prominent role in Seven's coverage of the Adelaide Racing Carnival. The awards ceremony also celebrated the outstanding performers of the 2025/26 South Australian season, headed by jockey Jason Holder, who collected a record-equalling fourth John Letts Medal after previously winning in 2013/14, 2015/16 and 2022/23. The 51-year-old completed a clean sweep of the statewide and metropolitan jockey premierships with 84 South Australian winners, including 47 in metropolitan company, drawing level with Jamie Melham as the most successful rider in the award's history. Trainer Garret Lynch dominated the broader premiership categories, securing the statewide, provincial and country titles, while Phillip Stokes was crowned South Australian Metropolitan Trainer of the Year. Mating Call was named the Festival Hire South Australian Champion Racehorse of the Year and Thunder Shoc received the award for South Australian Best Performed Racehorse. Another emotional highlight came when Lauren Stojakovic won the inaugural SA Racing Most Memorable Moment Award after making a fairytale return to riding following an absence of more than eight years, winning with her first mount back before later partnering Brave Hustler to victory in the Gr3 David Coles AM Stakes. Yet the defining announcement of the evening was reserved for McAvaney, whose name will now be associated permanently with a race first run in 1881 and previously won by champions including Takeover Target and Black Caviar.
NEWKa Ying Rising Smashes Record Again
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Any lingering doubts about Ka Ying Rising's readiness to defend his Everest crown was emphatically removed at Sha Tin when the world's premier sprinter demolished his own 1200-metre course record for the fifth time while stretching his extraordinary winning sequence to 21 races. Carrying 61kg in the Gr3 HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup Handicap, the David Hayes-trained six-year-old stopped the clock at a scarcely believable 1:06.11, lowering his previous mark by almost a full second as he swept home almost 8-lengths lengths clear of Copartner Prance, with Magic Control another 1.25-lengths away in third. The victory advanced Ka Ying Rising's overall record to 22 wins and two seconds from 24 starts and lifted his earnings beyond HK$160.9 million, while Hayes declared his champion "bigger, stronger and better" as preparations intensified for next month's $20 million Gr1 The Everest at Randwick, reveals racingnews.hkjc.com. His performance was arguably even more striking given that he had spent several hours undergoing veterinary examinations earlier in the week after bruising was detected in a hind leg, with CT and Doppler scans conducted under sedation before the issue was cleared. None of that disruption was evident on raceday. Zac Purton allowed Ka Ying Rising to stride immediately to the front, covering the opening 400 metres in 23.27 seconds before unleashing a devastating 21.15-second sectional between the 800 and 400-metre marks and completing his final 400 metres in 21.69 seconds. Hayes noted that Purton had eased the gelding over the closing stages when winning the corresponding race 12 months earlier but this time allowed him to continue through the line, producing another spectacular revision of the record books. Remarkably, Ka Ying Rising weighed around 532kg, approximately 13kg heavier than when establishing one of his previous course records, further reinforcing Hayes' belief that the son of Shamexpress has physically strengthened with maturity. The sprinter had already ended last season with three successive record-breaking performances, posting 1:19.36 in the Gr1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup over 1400 metres, 1:07.12 in the Gr2 Sprint Cup and 1:07.10 in the Gr1 Chairman's Sprint Prize. His assault on Sha Tin's 1200-metre standard began when he eclipsed Sacred Kingdom's long-standing 1:07.50 mark with 1:07.43 in 2024 before lowering it repeatedly. Less than two hours after Sunday's latest exhibition he entered quarantine for his Australian campaign, with Hayes determined to have him arrive in Sydney slightly fitter and mentally less fresh than when he nevertheless captured The Everest in 2025. The ominous message for his prospective Randwick rivals is that both trainer and jockey believe there is still improvement to come.
NEWIn A Pickle Earns Coveted Jericho Berth
Weekend, 7th September 2026
A gelding bought for just NZ$4,000 at Karaka has earned a guaranteed place in one of Australia's most distinctive staying contests after In A Pickle produced a determined victory in the NZB Airfreight Road to Jericho at New Plymouth. The eight-year-old son of Preferment prevailed in the 3210-metre NZ$40,000 qualifier to secure an automatic berth in the A$300,000 Jericho Cup over 4600 metres at Warrnambool on November 29, although trainer Ralph Manning says a decision on whether the gelding will make the journey across the Tasman remains with his owners. In A Pickle was offered by Wentwood Grange in Book 2 of the 2020 Karaka Yearling Sale and sold for only NZ$4,000 before later changing hands through Gavelhouse.com for NZ$6,250, yet he has now accumulated earnings of NZ$127,315 from 37 starts comprising six wins, three seconds and four thirds, reports nzb.co.nz. Saturday's victory represented a career high. Settled in the second half of the field by Rihaan Goyaram, In A Pickle swept around his rivals approaching the 500-metre mark and quickly established a break of more than three lengths entering the home straight. Slick Chick then emerged as the principal danger with a powerful late run wider out, but In A Pickle refused to surrender and clung on by a short half-head, with another 6½ lengths back to Early Times in third. Manning admitted that the winner can be a difficult horse to manage and is not always an enthusiastic traveller, factors that may influence whether connections pursue the Jericho Cup opportunity, although he praised Goyaram's rapport with the gelding and described the winning ride with characteristic humour after initially fearing the jockey had committed too early. Victory also carries a NZ$5,000 NZB Airfreight credit should the horse travel to Australia. A second New Zealand qualifier will be staged at Riccarton on October 24. Established in its modern form in 2018, the Jericho Cup commemorates the Australian Light Horse and the original 1918 Jericho Cup, which was conducted over three miles through desert sands during the First World War. New Zealand-bred horses have developed a particularly strong record in the Warrnambool event, supplying six of its first eight winners, including High Mode, Ablaze, Count Zero, Nassak Diamond and dual winner Farag in 2024 and 2025. In A Pickle, bred by Peachester Lodge and raced by the Win Or Booze #2 Syndicate, now has the opportunity to add another Kiwi-bred name to that increasingly impressive honour roll.
NEWTimely Gr1 Boost for Darley’s Pinatubo
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Pinatubo’s growing influence as a young stallion received a significant international endorsement when Saddadd landed the Gr1 Grosser Preis von Baden at Iffezheim in Germany, giving the former unbeaten European Champion 2YO an important top-level breakthrough at an especially opportune time for the Australian market. Trained by Roger Varian and ridden by Jack Mitchell, Saddadd defeated a strong international field after producing a sustained finish over 2400 metres, holding the late challenge of Parachutiste while highly regarded Giavellotto finished further back, with the victory confirming the four-year-old as one of the best middle-distance performers from Pinatubo’s early crops. While Mitchell understandably described himself as “speechless” after securing the first elite success of his riding career, reports racingpost.com, the broader breeding significance lies with Pinatubo, whose profile continues to expand as his progeny demonstrate both class and versatility. A son of Shamardal, Pinatubo was Europe’s outstanding juvenile of 2019, winning all six starts at two, including emphatic victories in the Gr1 National Stakes and Gr1 Dewhurst Stakes, performances that earned him Champion Two-Year-Old honours and a Timeform rating of 134. Darley now stands the shuttler at Kelvinside in New South Wales, and his Australian progeny are beginning to establish their own credentials, with stakes performers already including Voynichese, Zambales, Tales Of Time and Hardanger. Saddadd had previously enhanced his sire’s record when winning the Gr3 Gordon Richards Stakes and had also performed creditably at Group 1 level before his Baden breakthrough, making his latest success an important progression rather than an isolated result. For Australian breeders and buyers, the timing is particularly relevant. Pinatubo’s progeny have already attracted strong commercial support in this hemisphere, with yearlings selling to $700,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale in 2025 and to $600,000 at the same auction in 2026. With another sizeable contingent of his yearlings expected to enter the major Australian sales in the New Year, Saddadd’s victory supplies fresh evidence that the stallion is capable of transmitting elite performance well beyond the precocious juvenile speed for which he himself was renowned. That combination of racecourse credibility, commercial acceptance and an increasingly persuasive international record is precisely the sort of momentum young stallions require, and Saddadd’s Gr1 success in Germany could hardly have arrived at a better time for Pinatubo’s southern hemisphere representatives.
NEWBlueblood Saxifraga Stars at Baden-Baden
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Meanwhile, still in Germany, Classic ambitions rather than immediate commercial return drove Newsells Park Stud's determination to secure one of the standout yearlings at the BBAG Yearling Sale late last week in Baden-Baden, where Jeremy Brummitt went to €600,000 for a beautifully bred daughter of Sea The Stars whose pedigree offered precisely the blend of class and stamina sought for the operation's racing syndicate. Already named Saxifraga by breeder and vendor Gestüt Ebbesloh, the filly is out of the Gr3-winning Soldier Hollow mare Sconset and is only the mare's second foal, with her first, Santa Catarina, having already advertised the family by winning this season's Gr3 Schwarzgold-Rennen. Brummitt, acting for Newsells Park Racing Syndicate 27, outlasted Suzanne Roberts to secure the bay and made clear afterwards that the acquisition was based on a long-term plan to race fillies capable of Classic success before retiring them to Newsells Park to strengthen future generations of its broodmare band. The agent, who has previously bought high-class performers Tamfana and Lazy Griff at Germany's premier yearling auction, regarded Saxifraga as the catalogue's outstanding fit for that strategy, combining the influence of Sea The Stars with a German Classic family possessing proven middle-distance depth. According to racingpost.com, her dam Sconset was effective at Group level over 1600m and has immediately produced a Group winner by Zarak, encouraging Brummitt to believe the mating with Sea The Stars could supply the additional scope required for an Oaks prospect. The result also carried special significance for Gestüt Ebbesloh during the farm's centenary year. Founded by Richard Kaselowsky in 1926 and now overseen by his granddaughter Ingeborg von Schubert and her son Paul, the operation recorded its highest price for an unraced horse when Saxifraga reached €600,000. Ebbesloh had previously sold another Sea The Stars filly for €500,000 in 2016, with that yearling becoming Listed-placed Enchanting Skies and later producing Gr2 Challenge Stakes winner Beauvatier. Saxifraga descends from Sine Tempore, a Monsun mare acquired from Gestüt Schlenderhan and tracing to an Aga Khan family, while Sconset is currently in foal to German Derby and Prix Niel winner Fantastic Moon, who stands at Ebbesloh. For Newsells Park, however, the attraction extends beyond Saxifraga's own potential racing career: Brummitt's comments made clear that producing future Classic winners through her descendants is every bit as important as what she might accomplish on the racecourse herself, with the €600,000 purchase representing an investment in generations rather than merely one season.
My Gladiola Earns Deserved Gr1 Breakthrough
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Persistence at the highest level was finally rewarded for My Gladiola when the grey mare secured a richly deserved maiden Gr1 success in the Moir Stakes (1000m) at Sandown, defeating Cavalry Girl and highly regarded three-year-old Natural Fling in a strongly contested sprint. Twice runner-up in elite company behind Tentyris last season, the John McArdle-trained daughter of Yarraman Park’s I Am Invincible had long demonstrated the ability required to win at the highest level and was ideally placed by Jamie Mott behind the speed as Cavalry Girl rolled forward. Rather than conceding the field the start that has occasionally complicated her races, My Gladiola obtained a much handier position from a favourable barrier and travelled comfortably before Mott moved her alongside Cavalry Girl approaching the 300m. The pair fought out the finish, but My Gladiola proved strongest late to score by half a length, with Natural Fling a further half-length away in third after acquitting herself admirably at her first open-age Gr1 assignment, according to racing.com. McArdle admitted he had seriously considered scratching My Gladiola when the Sandown surface threatened to deteriorate into the heavy range, but improving weather and a Soft 7 rating convinced connections to proceed, a decision vindicated emhatically. Mott has now partnered My Gladiola in 12 of her 13 starts and has been aboard for each of her victories, making the breakthrough particularly significant for the rider. Bred and sold by Kia Ora Stud, My Gladiola was purchased by Redgum Racing for $550,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, with Kia Ora retaining an ownership interest. She is out of the high-class Not A Single Doubt mare Villa Verde and has now earned more than $1.3 million from three wins and six placings in 13 starts. Cavalry Girl lost nothing in defeat after setting the standard throughout, while Natural Fling showed that her rapid progression from age-group racing is genuine. For My Gladiola, though, the Moir represented confirmation rather than transformation: she had been operating at Gr1 level for some time, and Sandown finally supplied the result her performances had promised.
My Gladiola (rails) has seen her value soar (pic: Mark Gatt)
Ombudsman Fame Elevates American Belle
Weekend, 7th September 2026
The extraordinary rise of Ombudsman into the highest echelon of international racing has transformed the commercial profile of his family, and his six-year-old half-sister American Belle will offer buyers access to that rapidly strengthening bloodline when she is presented at the Tattersalls Online September Sale on September 15 and 16. A dual winner over 1400m by Starspangledbanner, American Belle is out of the winning Dansili mare Syndicate, but it is the exploits of her younger half-brother that have propelled the pedigree onto the global stage. Trained by John and Thady Gosden for Godolphin, Ombudsman has developed from an unbeaten three-year-old prospect into one of the defining middle-distance horses of his generation, recording nine career victories and currently sharing top position in the international rankings. The son of Night Of Thunder announced himself at the elite level with a commanding victory in the Gr1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot in 2025 before confirming his superiority later that summer in the Gr1 Juddmonte International at York. His subsequent campaign has only enhanced that reputation. A victory in the Gr1 Dubai Turf at Meydan added an important international dimension to his record before he returned to Royal Ascot in June and successfully defended his Prince of Wales's Stakes crown, becoming a rare dual winner of one of Europe's premier 2000m contests. His performances have established him not simply as a multiple Gr1 winner but as an elite benchmark horse whose combination of acceleration, durability and sustained excellence has dramatically increased the appeal of his immediate relations. American Belle consequently enters the sale as far more than a useful racemare turned broodmare prospect. Her dam Syndicate is herself a full-sister to Gr3 Premio Carlo Vittadini winner Runnymede and dual Listed winner and Gr2 placegetter Stipulate, while the next generation is already adding further substance. Three-year-old Synchronicity, a full-sister to Ombudsman, made a winning debut over 1400m at Newbury in April for Ed Walker and TBT Racing, while two-year-old Ten Sovereigns filly Syndicale won on debut in July, subsequently finished second at Haydock and holds an entry in the Gr1 Moyglare Stud Stakes. American Belle is offered by Mount Farm Stud on behalf of BBP Racing in foal to Juddmonte's Gr1-winning Dubawi stallion Lead Artist, while she also has a foal by five-time Gr1 winner Modern Games and a yearling by Massaat. With Ombudsman continuing to enhance a pedigree already rich in black type, the mare represents an increasingly valuable route into one of European racing's most dynamic families.
Well Written Remains Perfect in Proisir
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Undefeated 4YO mare Well Written took the most significant step of her unbeaten career when extending her record to seven wins from seven starts with an emphatic success in the Gr1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie, defeating Alabama Lass by two lengths and confirming herself as New Zealand’s outstanding emerging weight-for-age performer. Sent out the $1.50 favourite, the Stephen Marsh-trained daughter of Written Tycoon enjoyed an ideal passage under regular rider Matt Cartwright, settling one-out and one-back while stablemate Media World ensured a genuine tempo at the head of proceedings. Alabama Lass loomed as the principal danger turning for home and momentarily appeared capable of upsetting the favourite when she swept past Media World, but Cartwright brought Well Written into clear air earlier than originally intended and the mare produced another decisive change of gear inside the final 150m, powering clear to win with considerable authority. Marsh completed a remarkable result by also preparing third-placed Media World and fourth-placed Tardelli, reports racingnews.co.nz. The victory earned Well Written the $230,000 winner’s cheque as well as a $500,000 bonus available to eligible NZB Kiwi horses winning a domestic Gr1 this season, taking her career earnings to approximately $2.845 million. Purchased by Marsh for $80,000 from Brighthill Farm’s draft at the 2024 NZB National Online Yearling Sale, Well Written is out of the Sebring mare Mozzie Monster and now carries Yulong Investments silks among an ownership group that bought into the filly after her seven-length Gr2 Soliloquy Stakes victory last year. Her subsequent Gr1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas triumph established her as an exceptional three-year-old, but the Proisir was more revealing again because it demonstrated that she could return at four and defeat seasoned older weight-for-age horses immediately. Marsh confirmed that Australia is now the target, with the Gr1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on October 3 followed by the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) on October 31. Alabama Lass was gallant in circumstances carrying considerable emotion following the recent death of co-trainer Bev Kelso, but Well Written ultimately had her measure, and the manner of the victory suggests her unbeaten record will receive a formidable examination rather than merely hopeful preservation when she crosses the Tasman.
Karaka Catalogue Bristles With Pedigree
Weekend, 7th September 2026
An imposing collection of proven bloodlines has given buyers plenty to examine ahead of New Zealand Bloodstock's 2026 Ready to Run Sale, with the newly released catalogue featuring 460 two-year-olds including 66 siblings to Group performers and 72 progeny of stakes-performing mares. The sale will be conducted at Karaka on November 18 and 19, following breeze-ups on the Te Rapa turf on October 12 and 13, and the depth of pedigree is evident throughout a catalogue containing close relations to numerous elite performers. Among the obvious attractions, according to nzb.co.nz, is Lot 45, an Ohukia Lodge-offered Savabeel gelding who is a full-brother to Gr1 Tarzino Trophy winner Skew Wiff, while St Kilda Lodge presents Lot 90, an Anamoe colt out of Gr1-winning Travelling Light. Kilgravin Lodge has several pedigree highlights, including Lot 302, a Tarzino gelding out of New Zealand 1000 Guineas heroine Insouciant, and Lot 374, a Proisir colt who is a half-brother to 14-time Gr1 winner and dual New Zealand Horse of the Year Melody Belle. Another eye-catching entry is Lot 432, a Hello Youmzain colt out of Gr1 winner Pondarosa Miss from the family of outstanding Ready to Run graduate Te Akau Shark. The catalogue also brings together offspring of a wide range of established and emerging stallions, with Starspangledbanner, Ghaiyyath, Alabama Express, Written Tycoon, Toronado, Too Darn Hot, Exceed And Excel, Dundeel and Home Affairs all represented. Lot 2, by Starspangledbanner, is out of Gr3 Caulfield Classic winner Sacred Eye, while a Ghaiyyath colt from a family featuring Gr1 Emirates Stakes winner All American and high-class mare More Strawberries appears as Lot 139. Riverrock Farm offers an Alabama Express colt out of Gr2 Doomben Roses winner Bohemian Lily, whose close relations include Australian Derby and Australian Guineas winner Shamrocker and Auckland Cup heroine Rock Diva, while Lot 223 is a Written Tycoon colt and the first foal from multiple Group winner Daisies. Other notable offerings include a Too Darn Hot gelding out of stakes winner and VRC Oaks placegetter Miss Scarlatti and a Home Affairs colt from Gr2 Autumn Classic winner Parure. Physical inspections and breeze-up performances will inevitably reshape buyers' assessments closer to November, but the initial catalogue provides an unusually strong foundation on pedigree alone and underlines the international appeal that has become central to Karaka's two-year-old sale.
Tempted Makes Everest Statement
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Godolphin darling Tempted returned to racing with precisely the performance expected of a leading Everest contender when she swept past her rivals to claim the $1 million Gr2 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick, strengthening Godolphin’s hopes of going one place better in the world’s richest turf sprint after her second to Ka Ying Rising last year. Sent out a short-priced favourite, the Ciaron Maher-trained daughter of Street Boss settled further back than usual under Chad Schofield as Steady Ready and Roselyn’s Star established the speed, with Marhoona positioned immediately behind them. Schofield allowed Tempted to travel comfortably before asking her to improve approaching the 300m, and the response was immediate as the four-year-old accelerated through the field, gathered in the leaders and took control inside the final 100m. She scored by a long neck from Headwall, who endured traffic problems at a crucial stage before finishing strongly, while Beadman produced an encouraging first-up effort from near the rear to claim third, reports racenet.com.au. Maher believes Tempted has returned physically stronger and more mature, a particularly ominous assessment given she entered the preparation having already won the Gr1 Surround Stakes, Gr2 Arrowfield Sprint and Gr3 Eskimo Prince Stakes following her Everest placing. The Concorde was her eighth victory from 13 starts and seventh at black-type level, lifting her earnings beyond $6.4 million. Bred by Godolphin, Tempted is out of the Gr2-winning Exceed And Excel mare Calliope and is a sibling to dual Gr2 winner Kallos, while her sire Street Boss continues to establish a potent record with elite Australian sprinters. Headwall’s performance may ultimately prove just as relevant to the spring sprint picture, with the defending Concorde winner finding clear running too late yet still getting within half a length of the winner after his lengthy injury-enforced absence. Tempted nevertheless possessed the decisive acceleration when required, and with the Concorde serving primarily as a launching point rather than a grand final, the performance strengthened her position among Australia’s most serious challengers to Ka Ying Rising in October.
Bellatrix Star Headlines Inglis Digital Sale
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Group 1-performed sprinting mare Bellatrix Star shapes as the headline attraction of a powerful 275-lot Inglis Digital September (Early) catalogue assembled at an opportune stage of the Southern Hemisphere breeding season, with a broad selection of racehorses, broodmares, breeding prospects and bloodstock shares providing buyers with opportunities across several sectors of the market. A four-time stakes winner by Star Witness, Bellatrix Star established herself among the better sprinting fillies of her generation, winning at Gr2 level as a juvenile before producing an outstanding three-year-old spring in Melbourne in 2024. She won three consecutive black-type races during that campaign before finishing runner-up to Switzerland in the Gr1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington, having defeated an impressive collection of horses including Lady Of Camelot, Growing Empire, Traffic Warden, Coleman, Oscar's Fortune and Recommendation during the preparation. With only 13 career starts behind her, Bellatrix Star offers considerable residual value as a broodmare, reports inglis.com.au, and occupies rare territory as one of only 12 fillies to have placed in the Coolmore since 2015. Inglis Bloodstock Sales Manager and New Zealand representative Brett Gilding believes her physique enhances an already strong commercial pedigree and expects considerable competition for a mare whose future foals could command premium prices. Supporting the sale-topper is an extensive group of racing and breeding prospects headed by Aeolian, a dual Northern Hemisphere-winning Fastnet Rock mare whose immediate pedigree contains Dubawi and Galileo, and Chatterley, a stakes-placed Snitzel mare and three-quarter sister to Gr1-performed juvenile Mamaragan who remains in training with Chris Waller. Fly Lightly, a half-sister to Gr1 winner Fenway, is offered in foal to Home Affairs, while stakes-placed Fastnet Rock mare Smokin' Princess also brings substantial broodmare appeal. Among the additional catalogue highlights are Thorsborne, dam of Gr1 winner Invincible Sage; Autumn Secret, a daughter of Gr1 winner Secret Admirer; Infusion, an $850,000 I Am Invincible purchase already successful at metropolitan level; and Silverado, an unraced Too Darn Hot colt who is a half-brother to a Gr1 placegetter. The catalogue comprises 141 racehorses, including 64 fillies, along with 60 racehorse shares, 51 broodmares, 13 yearlings, eight unraced horses and two stallion shares, while mares are carrying pregnancies to stallions including Hitotsu, Pierata and Southport Tycoon. With Ciaron Maher heading the vendors with 12 entries and numerous major stables and breeders represented, bidding is set to intensify ahead of the final countdown from 10am on Wednesday.
Bangkok Hottie Turns Tables in Furious
Weekend, 7th September 2026
A tactical change and natural improvement between runs enabled Bangkok Hottie to reverse Silver Shadow Stakes form and claim the Gr2 Furious Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, with the David Payne-trained filly defeating Chilly Girl and Striking Alibi while previous winner Pembrey weakened to sixth. After settling too far from the speed when runner-up to Pembrey at her previous appearance, Bangkok Hottie was ridden far more positively by Kerrin McEvoy, crossing to race outside the leader and putting herself in a position to challenge as soon as the field straightened. Pembrey attempted to reproduce the front-running formula that had carried her to victory in the Silver Shadow, but Bangkok Hottie moved alongside passing the 200m and proved the stronger filly late, holding Chilly Girl by half a length as Striking Alibi closed strongly into third. The victory improved Bangkok Hottie’s record to three wins and two placings from six starts and confirmed the daughter of Too Darn Hot as a major contender for the remaining legs of the Princess Series. Payne indicated that the Gr2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) and Gr1 Flight Stakes (1600m) are now firmly on the agenda, with the trainer believing the filly’s increasing race fitness and greater tactical versatility will allow her to be ridden differently as distances increase. Homebred Bangkok Hottie is the first winner from the Group-placed Medaglia D’Oro mare Bangkok, making the Furious victory significant from both a racing and breeding perspective. The result also represented another stakes success for Too Darn Hot, whose Australian progeny continue to demonstrate considerable depth among the younger divisions. Pembrey’s defeat should not necessarily be interpreted as a major regression, with the filly forced to absorb pressure throughout after again leading, while Chilly Girl lost no admirers in maintaining her unbeaten-start promise at her first genuine stakes examination.
Major Overhaul for Arc Eligibility Gets Green Light
Weekend, 7th September 2026
One of European racing's most enduring eligibility restrictions will disappear from 2027 after the European Pattern Committee approved France Galop's proposal to open the Gr1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe to geldings, ensuring that Europe's premier 2400m weight-for-age contest can in future bring together the best horses regardless of sex or reproductive status. According to TDN, the change was endorsed at an EPC working meeting in Berlin on August 10 attended by representatives of England, France, Ireland and Germany, along with associated countries Italy, Scandinavia and Turkey, and follows France Galop's overwhelming board approval of the concept in June. As a result, the Arc scheduled for ParisLongchamp on October 3, 2027 will become the first running in the history of the celebrated race to admit geldings. France Galop president Guillaume de Saint-Seine has framed the move as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the international attraction of the organisation's major races, with the governing body intent on positioning the Arc as a genuine contest between the world's best middle-distance horses rather than allowing traditional restrictions to exclude elite performers. The debate has gathered force in recent seasons because several outstanding geldings have been barred from competing, most notably Calandagan, who finished 2025 as the world's highest-rated racehorse after a campaign that included victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Champion Stakes and Japan Cup. Goliath has been another conspicuous example, underlining the possibility that the Arc has sometimes lacked horses fully qualified on ability to play a major role. Unlike Europe's Classics, where restrictions are closely connected to breeding and the identification of future stallions and broodmares, the Arc is an all-aged championship and France Galop believes widening eligibility is consistent with its role as the continent's defining middle-distance examination. The governing body said its objective was straightforward: to assemble the strongest possible field of colts, fillies, mares and geldings and thereby enhance both the sporting quality and international media appeal of the event. The decision represents a significant philosophical shift for a race first staged in 1920 and one that has long operated within traditions closely tied to the European breeding industry, but it also reflects the modern reality that some of the world's best racehorses remain in training precisely because they have been gelded. With formal EPC approval now secured, that longstanding barrier will finally fall following next year's renewal.
Lindermann Goes Back-To-Back in Chelmsford
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Ultra consistent senior statesman Lindermann returned to his most effective front-running role to secure consecutive victories in the Gr2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, producing a dominant display that erased concerns created by his disappointing first-up performance in the Winx Stakes. The Chris Waller-trained gelding was allowed to establish his preferred rhythm by Nash Rawiller and never relinquished control, dictating from the front before increasing the pressure entering the straight and drawing clear to defeat Ceolwulf by almost two lengths, with stablemate Fangirl finishing third. The race was delayed after severe winds damaged part of the running rail and forced runners back to the tie-up stalls following their initial mounting-yard parade, but Lindermann remained composed throughout the interruption and raced with the authority of a horse completely comfortable once allowed to control proceedings, reports punters.com.au. Waller described the performance as Lindermann at his best and credited Rawiller with allowing the seven-year-old to roll without unnecessarily forcing the issue, while the trainer also noted that his first-up run had been conducted at a frantic tempo and had proved too poor to be representative. Rawiller similarly pointed to Lindermann’s capacity to become extremely difficult to pass once established in rhythm, and the gelding again underlined that quality by sustaining rather than sprinting through the final 400m. The son of Lonhro has now compiled a significant record at the highest level, highlighted by his Gr1 Rosehill Guineas success and a succession of major weight-for-age placings, including seconds in this year’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Ranvet Stakes. His second consecutive Chelmsford also reinforced his particular effectiveness at Randwick when able to race prominently over a mile or further. Ceolwulf turned in a strong second-up performance and remains firmly on track for major spring targets, while Fangirl’s third represented a highly creditable return to 1600m in what may prove one of the closing chapters of an outstanding career. Lindermann, however, was clearly superior on the day and returned to the winner’s enclosure looking every bit the durable, high-class performer who has become one of Waller’s most dependable older horses.
Lindermann just keeps turning up (pic: Steve Hart)
Resumption First Class for Headley Grange
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Headley Grange again demonstrated the competitive instincts that have become his trademark when prevailing narrowly in a driving finish to the Gr2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, giving trainer Joe Pride another important early-spring success. Resuming after securing his first Gr1 victory in Queensland during the winter, the Exosphere gelding settled behind the speed under Adam Hyeronimus as Transatlantic controlled proceedings ahead of El Castello, while favourite Idle Flyer enjoyed an economical run along the inside. Soothsayer was the first of the principal challengers to make a serious move in the straight and briefly appeared to have established a winning break, but Headley Grange emerged between runners and gradually wore him down, getting his head in front in the final stride to score by a short half-head. Attica produced arguably the most eye-catching performance behind the winner, charging home from second-last on the bend to finish third, 2.7 lengths away, while Idle Flyer could manage only fourth after failing to quicken sufficiently when the pressure intensified. Pride described Headley Grange as a horse who continually finds a way to win when close enough, and that assessment was again vindicated as the six-year-old refused to concede despite Soothsayer’s sustained challenge. The victory lifted Headley Grange’s record to 13 wins and seven placings from 30 starts and his earnings beyond $2.67 million, making him the highest prizemoney earner by Gr1 Golden Rose winner Exosphere. Originally purchased for $120,000 through an Inglis Digital sale in November 2023, Headley Grange is out of the Hard Spun mare Hard Go Jo and has developed into one of racing’s notable value purchases. Pride has not committed to his immediate programme but identified the Alan Brown Stakes as one possible target among several options. While the winning margin was minimal, the significance of the performance lay in Headley Grange’s ability to resume at 1400m, absorb pressure and win through determination rather than circumstances, reinforcing the impression that his elite breakthrough during the winter represented progression rather than a career peak.
My Gladiola Wins G1 Moir Stakes
Weekend, 7th September 2026
Track: Sandown-Hillside
Race: G1 Moir Stakes (1000m)
Winner: My Gladiola (I Am Invincible-Villa Verde, by Not A Single Doubt)
Placings: 2nd: Cavalry Girl, 3rd: Natural Fling
Stallion: I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit-Cannarelle, by Canny Lad)
Track: Randwick Race: LR Drinkwise Cup (2400m) Winner: So You Are (So You Think-Tornado Gal, by Hard Spun) Placings: 2nd: Fernao, 3rd: Amplify Stallion: So You Think (High Chaparral-Triassic, by Tights) Stud Farm: Coolmore Australia, NSW Winner's Race Record: 25 starts: 5 wins, 7 placings Sales Details: Passed in by Lime Country Thoroughbreds, Magic Millions National Yearling Sale
