BREEDING AND RACING FEBRUARY 2005 ARCHIVE PAGE

NEWS UPDATES

Last 3 Storm Cat Foals In US Sale Rings

4,857 Yearlings At Keeneland September Sale

Coolmore Melb Cup Hope Breaks Down In UK

Purple Moon 3rd In UK Gr2 Goodwood Cup

Melb Cup “Considered” For Goodwood Cup Winner

1st Foal For Emirates Park Sire Mutawaajid

1st Winner For Freshman Sire Floral Dynamite

Makybe Diva To Visit Lonhro This Season

3 On Victorian Wagering Licence Shortlist

Strangles Case Confirmed In South Australia
(more>>)

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INDUSTRY NEWS — FEBRUARY 2005
Silent Witness Wins HK Gr1 Centenary Sprint Cup
Undefeated Australian-bred 5YO gelding Silent Witness (El Moxie-Jade Tiara, by Bureaucracy) yesterday made it 15-in-a-row with a 2-length victory in the HK$4.5 million (A$750,000) Gr1 HK Centenary Sprint Cup (1000m) on a rain-affected track at Sha Tin. Silent Witness (ridden by Felix Coetzee for trainer Tony Cruz) defeated Australian-bred 4YO gelded stable-mate Country Music (Danzero-Paris Nights, by Le Grand Seigneur) & 6YO Multidandy (Danehill-New Acquaintance, by Kings Island). The Centenary Sprint is the 2nd leg of the Champion Sprint Series (Silent Witness won the 1st leg Gr1 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy over 1000m at Sha Tin on January 23) & will now target the 3rd leg Gr1 Chairman's Sprint Prize on April 3. Silent Witness (a $55,000 buy at the 2001 Inglis Classic Sale) also won the HK$10 million (A$1.7m) Gr1 HK International Sprint (1000m) at Sha Tin in December & has now notched 7 Gr1 victories & amassed HK$42.5 million (A$7.1m) prize-money. His sire El Moxie (Conquistador Cielo-Raise The Standard, by Hoist The Flag) stands at Victoria’s Emirates Park Stud. (Feb 28)

Witness Chases Citation-Cigar Record
After the race, the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s official report declared: “No horse has ever impacted on Hong Kong racing like this powerful 5YO bay Australian-bred gelding; in December last, Time Magazine listed him alongside world leaders in politics, sport & business as one of the People Of The Year; this week a tribute website www.silentwitness.com.hk was launched by the HKJC & his trainer Tony Cruz has reportedly called for the HKJC to erect a statue in his honour at Sha Tin”. The HKJC report summed up: “Every time he steps on the racecourse, his name becomes engraved that bit deeper into HK racing folklore. . . . The world's top ranked turf sprinter maintained his perfect career record in his customary eased-down manner & is now set fair to equal Citation & Cigar's North American record of 16 consecutive victories when he next starts in the Chairman's Sprint Prize (final leg of the Champion Sprint Series) on April 3.” (Feb 28)

Witness Targets Japan Not Ascot
Meanwhile, Silent Witness’s owner Archie da Silva confirmed his champion would step up in distance for his initial attempt at 1400m in HK’s Gr2 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup on April 24, before venturing internationally for the 1st time: "If Tony (Cruz) & Felix (Coetzee) think he can stay a mile, then we will aim for Japan’s Yasuda Kinen in June. If not we will go for the Sprinters' Stakes at Nakayama later in the year. We won't be going to Royal Ascot with him, though." (Feb 28)

Undoubtedly Wins Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes
In Australia, Arrowfield Stud's boom stallion Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) became the 1st Blue Diamond winner to sire a subsequent winner when his juvenile colt Undoubtedly (Redoute's Choice-Kiss A Halo, by Don't Say Halo) took the $1 million Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) for 2YOs at Caulfield in Melbourne. Undoubtedly (ridden by Dwayne Dunn for trainer Mark Kavanagh) defeated fellow colts Seidnazar (Rory's Jester-Dangerous Seam, by Straight Strike) & Perfectly Ready (More Than Ready-Elle Duccio, by Danehill). Undoubtedly (a $190,000 yearling at the 2004 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale) now has 2 wins in 3 starts (also including the Listed Queen Adelaide Stakes over 1000m at Victoria Park) for $692,200 prize-money. His dam Kiss A Halo has also produced Group winners Toorak Thunder & Regal Kiss (herself served last spring by Redoute's Choice), while Undoubtedly is the 2nd Gr1 winner for Redoute’s Choice (following in the footsteps of unbeaten filly Lotteria). (Feb 28)

Jymcarew Wins Gr1 Canterbury Guineas
Fellow Arrowfield Stud stallion Danzero (Danehill-Confidentially, by Kaoru Star) added another Gr1 winner when his gelded son Jymcarew (Danzero-Aperto, by Grosvenor) was slow to begin & tailed the field to the home turn, before unleashing a powerful finish to score a half-neck victory in the $400,000 Gr1 Canterbury Guineas (1900m) for 3YOs at Canterbury Park in Sydney. Jymcarew (ridden by Glen Boss for trainer Bob Thomsen) defeated fellow gelding Eremein (Timber Country-Marrego, by Marscay) & visiting Kiwi colt Cheval De Troy (Zabeel-Better Succeed, by Success Express). Jymcarew (a $50,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Classic Sale) won the Listed Gosford Guineas (1600m) at his last start on February 10; overall he now has 5 wins & 4 placings in 13 starts for $409,500 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Fastnet Rock Wins Gr1 Oakleigh Plate
Top 3YO sprinter Fastnet Rock (Danehill-Piccadilly Circus, by Royal Academy) maintained his winning streak in a thrilling 3-way photo-finish to the $350,000 Gr1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield. Fastnet Rock (ridden by Glen Boss for trainer Paul Perry) prevailed by a long-neck over 3YO filly Segments (Mossman-Madam Curie, by Bletchingly) with a further neck to 4YO mare Legally Bay (Snippets-Decidity, by Last Tycoon). At his previouis start on February 5, Fastnet Rock won the $500,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington (1st leg of the inaugural 6-race Global Sprint Challenge being conducted by Racing Victoria, England’s Ascot Racecourse & the Japan Racing Association). Overall Fastnet Rock (passed-in for $290,000 as a yearling at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 6 wins & 7 placings in 17 starts for $1,383,700 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Elvstroem Wins St George Stakes
Multiple Gr1-winning 4YO entire Elvstroem (Danehill-Circles Of Gold, by Marscay) added to his impressive record when he prevailed by a short-head in a photo-finish to the $200,000 weight-for-age Gr2 St George Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield. Elvstroem (ridden by Nash Rawiller for trainer Tony Vasil) just pipped dual Gr1 Melbourne Cup-winning 6YO mare Makybe Diva (Desert King-Tugela, by Riverman) & 4YO gelding Casual Pass (Snippets-Raami’s Magic, by Raami). Elvstroem (a $330,000 yearling at the 2002 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 9 wins (including the Gr1 Caulfield Cup last October & Gr1 Orr Stakes last start on February 12) & 7 placings in 25 starts for $3,875,600 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Al Samer Wins Black Opal Stakes
Arrowfield Stud stallion Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) added another major juvenile victory when his colt Al Samer (Redoute’s Choice-My Lady’s Key, by Key To The Mint) recorded a decisive 3-length win in the $200,000 Gr3 Black Opal Stakes (1200m) for 2YOs at Canberra. Al Samer (ridden by Hugh Bowman for trainer Tim Martin) defeated the filly Another Time (Gilded Time-Centaine’s Gift) & fellow colt Jet Spur (Flying Spur-Verocative). Last start Al Samer (a $290,000 yearling at the 2004 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale) finished 3rd in the $1 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast on January 8; overall he now has 1 win & 3 placings in 4 starts for $213,250 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Carry On Cutie Wins Sweet Embrace Stakes
Vinery shuttler More Than Ready (Southern Halo-Woodman’s Girl, by Woodman) recorded a juvenile group winner when his daughter Carry On Cutie (More Than Ready-Rose Of Latakia, by Conquistarose) made it 2 wins from 2 starts with a long-head victory in the $140,000 Gr3 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) for 2YO fillies at Canterbury. Carry On Cutie (ridden by Jim Cassidy for trainer Graeme Rogerson) defeated Media (Gilded Time-Valourina, by Snippets) & Flion Fenena (Lion Hunter-Fenena, by Crested Wave). Carry On Cutie (passed-in as a yearling for $40,000 at the 2004 Inglis Classic Sale) now has $105,300 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Snitzel Wins Skyline Stakes
Arrowfield Stud stallion Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) claimed his 3rd major juvenile victory of the day when brilliant colt Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice-Snippets’ Lass, by Snippets) won the $140,000 Gr3 Skyline Stakes (1200m) for 2YO colts & geldings at Canterbury. Snitzel (ridden by Glen Boss for trainer Gerald Ryan) defeated fellow colts Stratum (Redoute’s Choice-Bourgeois, by Luskin Star) & Paratroopers (Commands-Crew, by Sanction). Snitzel (a $260,000 yearling at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale) now has 4 wins & a placing in 5 starts for $357,450 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Lyrical Bid Wins Mannerism Stakes
Coolmore shuttler Spinning World (Nureyev-Imperfect Circle, by Riverman) added a group winner when 4YO mare Lyrical Bid (Spinning World-Oh Pretty Woman, by Jevington) made it 4-in-a-row this campaign with victory in the $125,000 Gr3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m) for mares 4YO & up at Caulfield. Lyrical Bid (ridden by Nicholas Ryan for trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith) defeated fellow 4YO mare Uprize (Prized-Impossible Dream, by Imposing) & 5YO mare Infinite Grace (Prince Of Birds-Infinite Charm, by Tristino). Lyrical Bid now has 5 wins & 1 runner-up in 9 starts for $128,625 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Shinzig Wins Schweppervescence Cup
The colt Shinzig (Danehill-Shindig, by Straight Strike) won the $100,000 Gr3 Schweppervescence Cup (1400m) for 3YOs at Caulfield. Shinzig (ridden by Steven King for trainer Chris Waller) defeated fellow colts Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice-Singles Bar, by Rory’s Jester) & Danehill Express (Danehill-Savana City, by New Regent). Shinzig (a $400,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 3 wins & 1 runner-up in 7 starts for $129,750 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Winning Belle Wins Canterbury Cup
The 4YO mare Winning Belle (Zabeel-Kirin Belle, by McGinty) won the $100,000 Gr3 Canterbury Cup (1900m) at Canterbury Park. Winning Belle (ridden by Chris Munce for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated 5YO gelding Mahtoum (Suave Dancer-Egyptian Secret, by Sir Tristram) & 6YO gelding Saturday Fever (Groom Dancer-Not On Friday, by At Talaq). Winning Belle (a NZ$280,000 yearling at the 2002 NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale) now has 5 wins & 4 placings in 15 starts for $428,950 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Snippetson Wins Eskimo Prince Stakes
The colt Snippetson (Snippets-Snowdrift, by Polish Precedent) scored a short-neck victory in the $80,000 Listed Eskimo Prince Stakes (1100m) for 3YOs at Canterbury. Snippetson (ridden by Glen Boss for trainer Guy Walter) defeated the gelding Conrod Straight (Danzero-Artheena, by Marscay) & fellow colt Picket Fence (Commands-Mopani, by Jon George). Snippetson (a $550,000 yearling at the 2003 Magic Millions Gold Coast Premier Sale) now has 2 wins & 2 runner-ups in 4 starts for $72,300 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Serkelt Wins Holiday Inn Quality
The 5YO gelding Serkelt (Keltrice-Sergbi) made it 3 wins from his last 4 starts with a neck victory in the $80,000 Listed Holiday Inn National Quality (1400m) at Canberra. Serkelt (ridden by Kevin Sweeney for trainer Keith Dryden) defeated 6YO gelding Fire At Will (Bite The Bullet-Nile Gardenia) & 3YO gelding Kiss My Fuji (Fuji Kiseki- Tranquil Life). Serkelt (a $19,000 yearling at the 2001 Inglis Sires Produce Sale) now has 11 wins & 8 placings in 31 starts for $166,650 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Master Minx Wins Aquanita Stakes
The gelding Master Minx (Surtee-Miss Firecracker) won the $45,000 Listed Aquanita Stakes (1650m) for 3YOs at Belmont Park in Perth. Master minx (ridden by Pat Carbery for trainer Bob McPherson) defeated fellow geldings King’s Carnival (Don’t Say Halo-Partner Me) & Stringmaster (Stravinsky-Queen Mab). Master Minx now has 3 wins & 4 placings in 12 starts for $57,690 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Cayambe Wins Balcrest Stakes
Juvenile filly Cayambe (Danehill-Laurel Grove) won the $40,000 Listed Testa Rossa-Balcrest Stakes (1050m) for 2YOs at Morphettville in Adelaide. Cayambe (ridden by Michael Hoppo for trainer Tony McEvoy) defeated debutant colt Gallant Guru (Montjeu-Proud Halo) & gelding Tarzi (Desert Prince-Majestic). Cayambe now has 1 win & 1 placing in 3 starts for $35,800 prize-money. (Feb 28)

Inglis Summer: $3,932 Average
Meanwhile at the Inglis Summer Thoroughbred Sale in Sydney, 128 lots sold for $503,350 at an average $3,932 & a median $2,375. (Feb 28)

Inglis Summer: Top Lots

$28,000 gelding Sunrise Song (G.Taylor)
$20,000 mare Volkaspray (G.Fraser)
$19,000 gelding Live In Fear (T.Rosolini)
$18,000gelding Billy Whiz (S.Hong)
$17,500 gelding Subreilly (K.Hewitt)
$17,000 filly Regal Arena (Inglis as agent)
$16,000 mare Miss Emmyo (B.Sutton)
$16,000 mare Especially (B.Benson)
$16,000 filly Peppercorns (Palmaday Stud)
$13,000 gelding Interjo (T.Rosolini)
$12,000 gelding Dane Legacy (B.Benson)
$10,500 gelding Catch Me Mate (D.Flack)
$10,000 gelding Random Encounter (Inglis as agent)

(Feb 28)

Defier Dam Lilande Euthanased
Prominent broodmare Lilande (Marscay-Ladyeri, by Salieri) has been euthanased “as a result of injuries sustained in a paddock accident at Arrowfield Stud,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Arrowfield chairman John Messara confirmed Lilande (dam of triple Gr1 winner Defier) “was in foal to Redoute’s Choice when she fractured a leg in her paddock”. Defier was the 1st of her 5 named foals. (Feb 28)

Supervisor Raised Bookie Price-Fixing
At the Queensland Racing Inquiry, “a betting supervisor who called for questioning of bookies suspected of price-fixing, said he was told by a senior steward not to bother because it was the bookmakers’ business & they could set whatever prices they liked,” reported The Australian newspaper. Reg O’Toole (a former Victorian policeman) told the Inquiry “he was given this advice by Allan Reardon, one of several senior stewards sacked by Queensland Racing over the past 2 years”. (Reardon “declined to comment” to the newspaper.) O’Toole said he had “received many complaints over the past few years from bookies & punters at the Gold Coast racecourse that some bookmakers in Brisbane were deliberately inflating prices”. (Feb 28)

Zvezda Wins NZ Gr1 Family Hotel WFA
In New Zealand, 6YO gelding Zvezda (His Royal Highness-Carnival Girl, by Roughcast) finished powerfully on a rain-affected track for a long-neck victory in the NZ$100,000 Gr1 Family Hotel Weight-For-Age (1400m) at Otaki. Zvezda (ridden by Bruce Herd for trainer Kay Lane) defeated 3YO gelding Shastri (Stravinsky-Vedodara, by Kreisler) & evergreen 8YO gelding Travellin' Man (Blues Traveller-Peat, by Beaufort Sea). Zvezda now has 12 wins (also including NZ’s 2003 Gr1 Thorndon Mile) from 39 starts. (Feb 28)

Barcelona Wins Tauranga Classic
The 5YO mare Barcelona (Desert Sun- Opulent Lady) won the NZ$40,000 weight-for-age Listed Racing Tauranga Classic (1400m) for fillies & mares at Tauranga. Barcelona (ridden by Cameron Lammas for trainer Harvey Wilson) defeated 6YO mare The Island Storm (Hennessy-India’s Dream) & 4YO mare Sarajay (Danasinga-Sriwijaya). Barcelona (a NZ$11,000 yearling at the 2001 NZ Bloodstock Select Fillies Sale) now has 4 wins (plus a placing in last year’s Gr2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders' Stakes). (Feb 28)

Our Shiraz Wins Invercargill Gold Cup
The 7YO mare Our Shiraz (Nediym-Kotobuki) scored a long-neck victory in the NZ$30,000 Listed Invercargill Gold Cup (2200m) at Ascot Park. Our Shiraz (ridden by Tracey Newton for trainer Michael Pitman) defeated 5YO gelding Hapuka Hero (Oregon-Miss MacGonagle) & 8YO gelding Cut ‘N’ Dry (Sir Godfrey-Bright Rosana). (Feb 28)

Fiscal Madness Wins Southland Guineas
Classy gelding Fiscal Madness (Volksraad-Belle Nuite) blitzed his rivals by 4.75-lengths in the NZ$30,000 Listed Southland Guineas (1600m) for 3YOs at Ascot Park. Fiscal Madness (ridden by Jamie Bullard for trainers Peter & Dawn Williams) defeated fellow gelding Bus Us (Justice Prevails-Broke N’ Us) & filly Vital Satin (Yamanin Vital-Pure Satin). Fiscal Madness was passed-in for NZ$12,000 as a yearling at the 2003 NZ Bloodstock Select Colts Sale. (Feb 28)

Irish Gr1 Star To NZ Stud
Meanwhile NZ’s The Oaks Stud in Cambridge has secured the southern hemisphere breeding rights to Irish Gr1 2000 Guineas winner Bachelor Duke (Miswaki-Gossamer, by Seattle Slew). General manager Rick Williams told NZ Thoroughbred Marketing: "In keeping with The Oaks Stud's policy of having an equity in the stallions which we stand, we have purchased a significant interest in Bachelor Duke which has insured we have the southern hemisphere breeding rights to the horse. This will ensure Bachelor Duke will continue to be available to breeders in NZ for as long as the demand is there." Williams added: "He was a top class 2YO & classic-winning 3YO. The way he swept past his rivals to win the Irish 2000 Guineas over a mile on a lightning fast track was a performance of exceptional quality & the form to come out of this race was testimony to the class of the field he beat." Bachelor Duke (bred by Airlie Stud & trained by James Toller) won the 2004 Gr1 Irish 2000 Guineas ahead of subsequent Gr1 winners Grey Swallow & Azamour; at his next start Grey Swallow won the Gr1 Irish Derby at The Curragh, while Azamour immediately went on to win England’s Gr1 St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Injury forced his retirement to stud as a 4YO, where he is currently covering his 1st book of well-credentialled mares at Ireland’s Ballylinch Stud. Bachelor Duke will stand for NZ$15,000+gst at The Oaks Stud alongside Traditionally & Spartacus. (Feb 28)

Moon Dazzle Wins Dubai Balanchine Stakes
In Dubai, South African trainer Mike de Kock continued his winning run when 4YO mare Moon Dazzle (Kingmambo-June Moon, by Sadler’s Wells) prevailed by a short-head in the final stride to win the feature US$150,000 Balanchine Stakes (1777m) for fillies & mares at Nad Al Sheba, during the 8th meeting of the 2005 Dubai International Racing Carnival. Moon Dazzle (ridden by Johnny Geroudis) defeated Turkey’s 6YO mare Ribella (Revoque-Tajarib, by Last Tycoon) & UK-bred fellow 4YO mare Majestic Desert (Fraam-Calcutta Queen, by Night Shift). Pondering Moon Dazzle’s future, de Kock noted: “I will have to talk to the owner, but my gut instinct is she will retire to stud.” (Feb 28)

Fallon Stable Rider At Ballydoyle
In Ireland, 6-time English champion jockey Kieren Fallon has accepted the job as Number 1 rider (replacing Jamie Spencer) for Aidan O’Brien’s powerful Coolmore-backed Ballydoyle stable. An official announcement noted: “Owners John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith are delighted to announce that Kieren Fallon will be the retained jockey for their horses at Ballydoyle & elsewhere for the 2005 season.” (Feb 28)

UK Court Orders Marchise To Pay Agent
In England, veteran Italian breeder Marchise Giacinto Guglielmi was ordered to pay bloodstock agent Paolo Benedetti a £38,000 disputed commission fee, reported racingpost.co.uk. Benedetti (who trades as Derby Bloodstock across Europe) took the landmark case to Cambridge County Court after the 82-year-old Marchise “refused to acknowledge Benedetti’s role in the purchase of a broodmare at Tattersalls in Newmarket in 2003”. Benedetti told the court “he believed he was acting for the Marchise when Second Burst (a sister to Gr1 Racing Post Trophy winner Commander Collins) was knocked down to his company, & that he was entitled to 5% of the purchase price for giving his expert advice”; Benedetti noted he had “spent the whole day with the Marchise, sourced an insurance quote & arranged for the mare to be shipped to the Marchise’s San Agostino E Vulci stud in Italy”. The Marchise “claimed he had not employed Benedetti at the sale”. After taking evidence from both sides (which included a video taken by the auction house that showed the Marchise doing the bidding, but Benedetti signing the purchase form), Judge John Sennitt found in favour of Benedetti’s version of events. (Feb 28)

Fusaichi Pegasus Adds US Stakes
In the US, Coolmore shuttler Fusaichi Pegasus (Mr Prospector-Angel Fever, by Danzig) added a stakes-winner when 3YO colt Andromeda’s Hero (Fusaichi Pegasus-Marozia, by Storm Bird) “was bumped soundly after breaking from the outside post” & forced to “race near the back of the 12-horse pack in the backstretch, then made an athletic move to reach contention turning for home & surged past his rivals in the stretch” to win the US$100,000 Sam Davis Stakes (8.5 furlongs) for 3YOs by 2.5-lengths at Tampa Bay Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Andromeda’s Hero (ridden by Rafael Bejarano for trainer Nick Zito) defeated Summer Legacy & Captain Lindsay. Andromeda’s Hero now has 2 wins in 4 starts. (Feb 28)

Kingmambo Removed From Duty
Star US sire Kingmambo (2nd to Elusive Quality on the 2004 US General Sire List & standing at Kentucky’s Lane’s End Farm for an advertised fee of US$300,000) “is expected to miss a few days of stud duty while he recovers from a minor leg injury,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Lane’s End owner William Farish confirmed 15-year-old Kingmambo (Mr Prospector-Miesque, by Nureyev) sustained a cut on the back of a knee while in the breeding shed, which “makes it difficult for them to breed. The swelling has gone down 40% in 2 days, so he’ll be fine shortly. It’s not a major thing. He’s serviced 8 mares already (in 2005) & we’re just taking precautions." Kingmambo won France’s 1993 Gr1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas); his progeny earned US$10,701,986 in 2004. (Feb 28)

US Horse-Of-Year All Along Dies
French-bred All Along (the 1st foreign-based horse to win the US Eclipse Award for Horse-Of-The-Year) was euthanased “due to the infirmities of old age” at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky aged 26, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. All Along (Targowice-Angujita, by Vieux Manoir) had been pensioned prior to the 2004 season. All Along won 4 major races in 3 countries in just 41 days in 1983 (for trainer Patrick Biancone & owner-breeder Daniel Wildenstein), defeating males in the: France’s Gr1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp; Canada’s Gr1 Rothmans International Stakes at Woodbine; the US Gr1 Turf Classic at Aqueduct; & Gr1 Washington International at Laurel Park. She was subsequently honored as champion older horse in France & both Horse-Of-The-Year & champion grass mare in the US. The following year (as a 5YO in 1984) All Along finished 3rd to stable-mate Sagace in the Gr1 Arc & was the runner-up to Lashkari in the inaugural Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Hollywood Park. She retired as all-time leading female earner with US$2,125,828 (9 wins in 21 starts) & was inducted into the US Racing-Hall-Of-Fame in 1990. From 13 foals, All Along produced 11 starters (4 winners, including Gr2 winner & sire Along All). (Feb 28)

Champion Estrapade Dies
Meanwhile US 1986 champion turf female Estrapade (Vaguely Noble-Klepto, by No Robbery died aged 25 “after suffering an apparent heart attack” at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bred by Nelson Bunker Hunt, Estrapade won 12 of 30 starts in France & the US (including being the only female to win the US Gr1 Arlington Million) & earned US$1,937,142. Allen Paulson purchased Estrapade as a 5YO at the 1985 Keeneland November breeding stock sale for US$4.5 million immediately after she won the Gr1 Yellow Ribbon Invitational Handicap at Santa Anita Park. Estrapade returned to the track as a 6YO & defeated the males in the Gr1 Arlington Million & Gr1 Oak Tree Invitational Stakes; she also won the Gr2 Beverly Hills Handicap that year & finished 3rd in the Gr Breeders’ Cup Turf. Her Gr2-winning dam Klepto also produced 1990 Horse-Of-The-Year Criminal Type & Italian high-weight Isopach. (Feb 28)

Arrowfield Buys All Vinery Weanlings
In an industry-stunning deal overnight, Arrowfield Stud & a silent partner have agreed to purchase all Vinery's 50 Australian weanlings for approximately $4.5 million. The package represents the biggest & most expensive independent weanling sale ever conducted in Australia & Vinery general manager Peter Orton confirmed: "From our perspective, we are more than happy with the arrangement & the price." Listed among the pedigrees are foals by Red Ransom, More Than Ready, Fusaichi Pegasus, Mossman, Way Of Light & Brahms. Arrowfield supremo John Messara added: "We will be moving all 50 weanlings to Arrowfield this week. We paid market price for them & at this stage will just let them all grow out, before deciding what we do with them. Some we will keep, many we will sell as yearlings." Messara noted the 50 additions will bring to well over 200 the number of weanlings at Arrowfield’s Scone-based farm, observing: "Obviously we will need to have a reduction of some stock in the not too distant future." (Feb 25)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-3: $150,000 Encosta De Lago Colt
Global Thoroughbred Syndicate paid the Day-3 equal top price of $150,000 for a colt by Coolmore stallion Encosta de Lago at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale. The colt (consigned by Fulmen Park as agent) is the 1st foal of winning Zabeel mare Trapeze, whose dam is a half-sister to dual Gr1 winner Lycra (dam of Gr3 winner The Man). (Feb 25)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-3: $150,000 Belong To Me Filly
And Darrell Ible Bloodstock also paid $150,000 for a filly by Widden Stud stallion Belong To Me at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale. The filly (consigned by Attunga Stud as agent) is the 3rd foal of city-placed At Talaq mare At The Bay (a half-sister to Listed winner Fluoro). (Feb 25)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-3: Top Lots

$150,000 Encosta de Lago-Trapeze colt (GTS)
$150,000 Belong To Me-At The Bay filly (D.Ible)
$145,000 Royal Academy-Truffle Pig filly (A.Russell-Price)
$130,000 More Than Ready-Away With Fairies colt (M.Kavangh)
$115,000 Commands-True Blue Spirit colt (R.Worthington)
$115,000 Grand Lodge-Vestry colt (D.Roberts)
$107,500 Catbird-Whitta Brinna filly (P.Jolly)

(Feb 25)

Magic Millions Adelaide Summary: Gross Up 9%
Overall after 3 sessions at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, 384 lots have sold for $15,365,500 (up 9% on last year’s 355 sold for $14,096,000) at an average $40,014 (up 0.08% on last year’s $39,707) & a 78.53% clearance rate. (Feb 25)

Magic Millions Adelaide Summary: Fusaichi Pegasus Top Sire
Among the sires with 3 or more sold at the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale, Coolmore’s Fusaichi Pegasus had 4 yearlings sell for an average $137,250. His Coolmore stable-mate Encosta de Lago had 9 yearlings sell for an average $121,667. (Feb 25)

Grand Armee & Elvstroem HK Clash
Multiple Australian Gr1-winners Grand Armee & Elvstroem “could have a surprise Hong Kong showdown” in the $3 million Gr1 QEII Cup (2000m) on April 24, reported The Daily Telegraph. Trainer Gai Waterhouse “revealed Grand Armee had been inoculated for HK & was likely to have 2 more runs in Australia before heading” to Asia; however Waterhouse also noted “the 6YO’s international campaign would be limited to just the 1 race”. (Feb 25)

Steward Sacked For Exposing Scam
In the latest headlines generated at the Queensland Racing Inquiry, “the former betting steward who blew the whistle on alleged price-fixing in Queensland races yesterday accused his immediate boss of hounding him out of his job after he raised the allegations,” reported The Australian newspaper. Luke Bailey (who was sacked 4 months after he raised his concerns in a memo) said Queensland Racing’s integrity services manager Bob Mason “had an agenda to oust him”. Bailey said: “I was getting 3 warning letters in 1 day.” The Inquiry has been told Bailey sent a memo to Mason in September 2003 “saying he believed some bookmakers were artificially inflating prices”. Bailey revealed he “requested a meeting with Mason to discuss his concerns, but no such meeting took place & the allegations were not investigated”. Bailey declared yesterday: “His (Mason’s) agenda was that I was to go. My belief is that because of the issue with those prices I was going to be ousted. It just seems strange to me that all of a sudden I was starting to get warning letters. . . . There was no effort to sit down & talk about the prices issue.” (Feb 25)

Griffith $10,000 Drug Fine
Racing NSW stewards yesterday fined Scone trainer Luke Griffith $10,000 following a positive swab returned by Passion Palace at Canterbury Park in Sydney last month. The pre-race blood test revealed traces of phenylbutazone. Stewards told Griffith he must improve the record keeping in his stables & exercise greater control over the security & administration of substances to his horses, noting therapeutic drugs can be administered to horses out of competition but they must be presented drug-free on raceday. (Feb 25)

Colt To Go The Distance At Easter
Despite Australia’s infatuation with juvenile speed, the lure of owning a Derby winner still has significant clout at yearling sales, & connoisseurs of Sir Tristram’s impeccable sire-son Zabeel will find it hard to go past Lot 113 at the Inglis Easter Sale. The colt is a half-brother to Gr1 VRC Derby winner Amalfi, yet it is their lower profile half-sister Bruges who may convince buyers to dig deep. The 7-time winner possesses a paralysing finish such that she has been tipped as a potential Melbourne Cup winner. Out of a mare by celebrated broodmare sire Centaine, & from the immediate family of Gr1 winners Steely Dan & Popsy, New Zealand’s Trelawney Stud will offer the colt on Day-1 of the Inglis Sale. (Feb 25)

TBA Exhib At Asian Conference
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia will be exhibiting at the 30th Asian Racing Conference in Seoul in South Korea from May 20-27. The ARC is attended by over 1,000 delegates from Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Middle East, UK & US. (Feb 25)

Wolf Whistle Wins Dubai Rashidiya
In Dubai overnight, South Africa’s Mike de Kock trained his 2nd successive winner of the US$200,000 Gr3 Al Rashidiya when 6YO gelding Wolf Whistle (Badger Land-Certainly, by Foveros) triumphed by a short-head over 1777m on the turf at Nad Al Sheba, during the 7th meeting of the 2005 Dubai International Racing Carnival. Wolf Whistle (ridden by Weichong Marwing) defeated 5YO entires Shakis (Machiavellian-Tawaaded, by Nashwan) & Membership (Belong To Me-Shamisen, by Diesis). Wolf Whistle (who is being aimed at the Gr1 Dubai Duty Free on next month’s World Cup program) had already notched an International Carnival win on January 27. (Feb 25)

Aust-Bred Wins In Dubai
Meanwhile Blue Gum Farm stallion Umatilla (Miswaki-Dancing Show, by Nijinsky) recorded an international winner when his Australian-bred 6YO Macau-based gelding Change The Grange (Umatilla-Je Reviens, by The Challenge) led most of the way to win Dubai’s US$90,000 Maisons-Laffitte International Stakes (1770m) by 2.75-lengths at Nad Al Sheba. Change The Grange (also ridden by Weichong Marwing for trainer M.C.Tam) defeated 7YO entire Dubai Vision (Machiavellian-Colorado Dancer, by Shareef Dancer) & 4YO horse Gold History (Seeking The Gold-Battle Hymm, by Danzing). Change The Grange was a $25,000 yearling at the 2000 Inglis Autumn Sale in Melbourne. (Feb 25)

UK Insurance Covers Early Foals
In the UK, for the first time “breeders can buy an insurance policy protecting them against a foal being born before January 1,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The policy comes in the wake of last year’s Endless Summer case. Hamilton & Partners (a broker with branches in London, Newmarket, Cirencester & County Kildare) & Amlin Plus (a Lloyds underwriter) “are offering a policy that will pay the value of the nomination fee for a viable foal that is born before January 1”; the policy notes the mare “must not have been covered before February 10” & any foal for which a claim is made “must be registered with Weatherbys”. (Feb 25)

Kentucky Adopts Model Drug Rules
In the US, “after contentious debate from 50-60 horsemen representing the Kentucky chapter of the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority unanimously approved the Kentucky Equine Drug Council’s recommendation that the state adopt the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium’s model rules drug policy,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The policy “allows Salix & 1 adjunct bleeder medication on race day, plus 1 of 3 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 24-hours before a race”. (Feb 25)

Fantastic Light Full Sister Born At Gainsborough
The 16-year-old Virginia-bred broodmare Jood (Nijinsky II-Kamar, by Key To The Mint) has produced a full sister to 2000 champion turf male Fantastic Light at Gainsborough Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The filly (a daughter of Rahy) is Jood’s 10th foal. Darley shuttler Fantastic Light (the 9YO stallion who stands at England’s Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket) won the 2000 Gr1 Hong Kong Cup & US Gr1 Man o’ War Stakes, plus England’s 2001 Gr1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, Gr1 Irish Champion Stakes, Irish Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup & US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf. (Feb 25)

US Sire Distinctive Pro Euthanased
Pensioned US sire Distinctive Pro (annually among the leading stallions in New York & sire of 44 stakes-winners) has been euthanased “after suffering the effects of laminitis” at Sugar Maple Farm in New York, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 26-year-old son of Mr Prospector was pensioned after the 2004 season “due to an arthritic condition in his ankles that prevented him from covering mares”. Distinctive Pro stood from 1991-2004 at Sugar Maple after starting his stud career in Florida. His leading progeny include: 1990 Gr1 Ruffian Handicap & Gr1 John Morris Handicap winner Quick Mischief; 1989 Gr2 Molly Pitcher Handicap winner Bodacious Tatas; & 1993 Belgian Horse-Of-The-Year Yakousa. Overall Distinctive Pro off-spring have earned US$35,807,831. On the track himself, Distinctive Pro won 8 of 13 career starts (including the 1982 Gr3 Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park) & earned US$179,187. (Feb 25)

Sugar Maple Buys Freshman Performing Magic
Meanwhile New York’s Sugar Maple Farm has purchased freshman sire Performing Magic (a Gr2 winner who had stood at the farm as the property of The Thoroughbred Corp since entering stud in 2002), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 8YO son of Gone West (out of Irish classic-placed winner Performing Arts, by The Minstrel) won 5 of 18 career starts (including the 2000 Gr2 Illinois Derby, Gr3 Remington Park Derby & Gr3 Derby Trial Stakes) & earned US$723,170. He is a half-brother to Gr3 winner Woodborough & stakes-winner Dance Trick. (Feb 25)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-2: $330,000 Fusaichi Pegasus Colt
The new record price for a yearling sold at the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale, set only 24 hours earlier on Day-1, was broken again yesterday when Melbourne-based bloodstock agent Tony Cavanagh (bidding for client Rod Menzies, who raced Gr1-winning sire Half Hennessy) out-bid Adelaide trainer Mark Kavanagh & paid the Day-2 top price of $330,000 for a Fusaichi Pegasus colt. Cavanagh said the colt (offered by Erinvale Thoroughbreds as agent for the South Australian-based breeders) was on the "must buy" list, after he became the under-bidder on the colt by Encosta de Lago who sold on Day-1 for $300,000. The colt (a 2nd crop member from Mr Prospector's Gr1 Kentucky Derby-winning son Fusaichi Pegasus) is the 1st live foal from former outstanding filly So Gorgeous (winner of 6 races, including the Gr2 Ascot Vale Stakes, Gr2 Edward Manifold Stakes & Gr3 Tranquil Star Stakes). Cavanagh summed up: "I had to go a little higher than I expected. I thought originally he would sell around the quarter of a million mark." (Feb 24)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-2: $240,000 Scenic Colt
Local agent David Goldfinch out-bid Victorian-based Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm & paid $240,000 for a Scenic colt (the 1st foal of an unraced Rubiton sister to Melbourne Group winner Great Condor) on Day-2 at the the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale. Goldfinch commented: "He's a magnificent colt. He's very powerful & although he may not have the best pedigree in the catalogue, he's a great looker." The SuperVobis-qualified youngster comes from the family of former champion juvenile Rancher. (Feb 24)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-2: Top Lots

$330,000 Fusaichi Pegasus-So Gorgeous colt (Tony Cavanagh)
$240,000 Scenic-Scarlet Bird colt (David Goldfinch)
$190,000 Danehill-Star Of Juniper colt (Wadham Park)
$180,000 Zabeel-Rising Eagle filly (Strawberry Hill Stud)
$160,000 Xaar-Shavano Miss colt (Mark Minervini)
$130,000 Twining-Prime Ville colt (Rick Hore-Lacy)
$125,000 Stravinsky-Princess Michelle colt (Slade Bloodstock)
$110,000 Danzero-Silver Court filly (Aquanita Racing)
$100,000 Fusaichi Pegasus-Soul Queen colt (Colm Santry)

(Feb 24)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-2: Average $43,184
Overall during yesterday’s Day-2 at the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale, 247 lots sold for $10,666,500 at an average $43,184 & a 76.23% clearance rate. (Feb 24)

Alinghi Wins Gr1 Sangster Stakes
On the track, multiple Gr1-winning 3YO filly Alinghi (Encosta De Lago-Oceanfast, by Monde Bleu) added another win at the highest level with an effortless victory in yesterday’s $300,000 Gr1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) for fillies & mares at Morphettville in Adelaide. Alinghi (ridden by Damien Oliver for trainer Lee Freedman) defeated 4YO mares Glamour Puss (Tale of The Cat-Centenaire, by Centaine) & Solar Antiquity (Desert Sun-Pompeii Glory, by Pompeii Court). Alinghi (an $80,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Premier Sale) now has 9 wins & 5 placings in 14 starts for $2,789,825 prize-money. (Feb 24)

Ferocity Wins Magic Millions Adelaide Classic
Ill-fated Oaklands Stud stallion Lion Hunter (Danehill-Pure Of Heart, by Godswalk) added a major juvenile winner when his grey colt Ferocity (Lion Hunter-Chiara, by Last Tycoon) won yesterday’s $400,000 Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic (1200m) at Morphettville. Ferocity (ridden by Steven Arnold for trainer Danny O’Brien) defeated fast-finishing Hillfa (Danehill-Fayfa, by Slip Anchor) & Acceleration (Encosta de Lago-Tre Faccia, by Lure). Ferocity (passed-in for $75,000 at the 2004 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale) now has 2 wins & a placing in 4 starts for $277,500 prize-money. (Feb 24)

Dakasha Wins Launceston Cup
Arrowfield Stud stallion Flying Spur (Danehill-Rolls, by Mr Prospector) notched another group winner when 4YO mare Dakasha (Flying Spur-Going Raja, by Well Decorated) won yesterday’s $190,000 Gr3 Launceston Cup (2400m) at Mowbray in Tasmania. Dakasha (ridden by Clare Lindop for trainer Leon Macdonald) defeated top-weighted Tony Vasil-trained stable-mates 5YO gelding Bondy (Entrepreneur-Inquisit, by Imposing) & 4YO gelding Under The Bridge (Blevic-Wine Cask). Dakasha (passed-in for $45,000 as a yearling at the 2002 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale) now has 5 wins (also including the Listed Tasmanian St Leger over 2100m at Mowbray on February 6) & 9 placings in 25 starts for $230,035 prize-money. (Feb 24)

Kounthekash Wins Mornington Cup
The 4YO gelding Kounthekash (Kashani-Whanadance, by Palace Music) made it 3 successive victories in winning yesterday’s $170,000 Listed Mornington Cup (2000m) in race record time (2min 3.07sec) at Mornington. Kounthekash (ridden by Nicholas Ryan for trainer Lee Freedman) defeated 6YO gelding Fonome (Archway-Dialled) & 5YO gelding Cool Trent (Nediym-Canny Queen). Kounthekash (passed-in at NZ$40,000 as a yearling at the 2002 NZ Bloodstock Horses-In-Training Sale) now has 6 wins & 4 placings in 15 starts for $198,564 prize-money. (Feb 24)

Romantic Lover Wins Hareeba Stakes
The 6YO gelding Romantic Lover (Picnicker-Love And Run) prevailed in a 3-way photo-finish to yesterday’s $100,000 Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) at Mornington. Romantic Lover (ridden by Mark Pegus for trainer John Ledger) defeated 4YO gelding General Bayton (General Nediym-Imperial Chariot) by a long-head, with a further long-neck to 7YO gelding Marwin Gold (Marwina-Princess Marigold). Romantic Lover now has 9 wins & 14 placings in 45 starts for $203,250 prize-money. (Feb 24)

Petite Oiseau Wins Tasmanian Oaks
Petite Oiseau (Ladoni-Very Private, by Relay Race) made it 4 wins from her last 5 starts with victory in yesterday’s $97,000 Listed Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) for 3YO fillies at Mowbray. Petite Oiseau (ridden by Hugh Bowman for trainer Mark Ganderton) defeated Oceano (Portland Pirate-Kidada) & Cunamulla Lass (Danske-Icy Slice). Petite Oiseau now has 4 wins (also including the Wrest Point 1000 Guineas over 1600m at Elwick in Hobart on January 30) & 3 placings in 10 starts for $116,745 prize-money. (Feb 24)

Darcenell Wins Gold Sovereign Stakes
Emerald Park-based stallion Tailings (Forty Niner-Broom Dance, by Dance Spell) recorded his 1st stakes-winner when juvenile filly Darcenell (Tailings-Repatriation) scored by a head in yesterday’s $97,000 Listed Gold Sovereign Stakes (1200m) for 2YOs at Mowbray. Darcenell (ridden by Marc Ball for trainer David Miller) defeated fellow fillies Santorini Sky (Weasel Clause-Over The Sea) & Grinful (Happy Giggle-Robelee). Darcenell (a $5,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Autumn Sale) now has 2 wins & 2 placings in 5 starts for $80,065 prize-money. Tailings is “a full brother to the world record breaking 2YO sire End Sweep,” noted racenet.com.au. (Feb 24)

Ilala Stud Stands 3 Sires In 2005
George & Felicity Fraser have opened Ilala Stud as a dual-purpose breeding & agistment/pre-training farm on the southern fringe of Scone in the NSW Hunter Valley, reported racenet.com.au. The site was previously George’s great uncle Norman Smith’s 900-acre St Aubin’s Without (originally part of St Aubins Stud, home to noted pre-World War II sires Beau Pere & Ajax). Ilala Stud will offer 3 sires for the 2005 season: Techrico (Zabeel-Vaindarra, by Vain); Eagle Rise (Danehill-Born Western, by Western Symphony); & Arrowfield Stud star Dehere’s younger brother Vice Admiral (Deputy Minister-Sister Dot, by Secretariat). (Feb 24)

Brisbane Bookies Synchronised Prices
Observing Brisbane bookmakers “working together to artificially inflate prices was like watching synchronised swimming, the steward who blew the whistle on the alleged scam told the Queensland Racing Inquiry yesterday,” reported The Australian newspaper. Luke Bailey (former licensing & wagering manager with Queensland Racing) “also told the Inquiry he suspected the scam involved criminal activity akin to money laundering & should have been investigated by police”. Bailey said he “raised his concerns in a memo to Queensland Racing’s integrity services manager Bob Mason in September 2003, but no action was taken to investigate the alleged price-fixing scheme”. Bailey was sacked from Queensland Racing 4 months after he sent the memo. Bailey said “as many as 4 times at a single meeting, prominent Brisbane bookmaker Lindsay Gallagher (the alleged ring-leader of the scam) & his colleague Hadyn Flynn were leading the charge by raising prices to inflated heights & then bringing them back to their correct levels just before a race started”. Bailey added he “regularly saw punters in the betting ring he suspected were agents in the scam”. He explained; “I observed people going up to Gallagher’s stand, talking to him & then going away & talking on their phones. They looked like they were putting bets on.” Several witnesses have told the Inquiry Galllagher “had an elabortae network of punters & commissions agents who placed bets for him with interstate bookmakers & Darwin-based betting company Sportingbet, but kept no records of their transactions”. (Feb 24)

Didham Refused Macau Riding Extension
In southeast Asia, Australian jockey John Didham has been refused an extension of his stable jockey contract beyond February by the Macau Jockey Club. (Feb 24)

French Deputy Adds Japan Stakes
In Japan, Arrowfield Stud stallion French Deputy (Deputy Minister-Mitterand, by Hold Your Peace) sired his 28th stakes-winner when his Japanese-bred 3YO daughter Lailaps (Frennch Deputy-Fusaichi Airedale, by Saunday Silence) won the Gr3 Queen Cup (1600m). Lailaps (from French Deputy’s 1st Japanese-bred crop) now has 2 wins in 6 starts (plus a 2YO runner-up in last season’s Gr2 Daily Hai Nisai Stakes). From his initial 6 crops bred in America, French Deputy boasts 186 winners from 247 runners (75.3% winners-to-runners) & 10.5% stakeswinners-to-runners; he has 2 champions among 6 individual Gr1 winners (World Champion Miler Kurofune & US Eclipse Award winner & triple Gr1 winner Left Bank). As a result of his North American success, French Deputy was purchased by Japan’s Shadai Stallion Station & became an immediate success, capturing the title of Champion 1st Season Sire in 2004 (& 2nd only to perennial champion Sunday Silence as Leading 2YO Sire). French Deputy’s 1st Australian-bred foals hit the sales ring as yearlings in 2006. (Feb 24)

South Africa Allows Jockey Ads
In South Africa, owners’ body the Racing Association announced “owners will be allowed to sell advertising on their runners silks,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Three sites have been approved for branding: the collar, back & chest areas. However the agreement notes: “If for any reason the National Horseracing Authority are of the view the sponsorship material impinges on their ability to identify the silks, then the owner would be instructed to remove the advertising. If this is not possible by the time of the race, then the owner would need to substitute the silks with a clean set or Club Colours will be used.” (Feb 24)

Top Mare Elle Seule Dies In Kentucky
In the US, top-producing 22-year-old broodmare Elle Seule (daughter of 1994 US Broodmare-Of-The-Year Fall Aspen & dam of 1994 Gr1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Mehthaaf) has died “from a ruptured aneurysm” at Shadwell Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Elle Seule (by Exclusive Native) won the French 1986 Gr2 Prix d’Astarte & is 1 of 8 stakes-winners out of Gr1-winning Pretense mare Fall Aspen; her half-siblings include 1994 US champion 2YO male & 1995 Gr1 Preakness Stakes winner Timber Country, Irish high-weight Bianconi, Gr1 winner Northern Aspen, Gr1 winner Hamas & Gr2 winner Colorado Dancer (dam of 2000 Gr1 Dubai World Cup winner Dubai Millennium). Elle Seule’s 3rd foal Mehthaaf won both Ireland’s 1994 Gr1 1000 Guineas & England’s Gr2 Celebration Mile Stakes; & her 6th foal Elnadim won England’s 1998 Gr1 Darley July Cup (by Danzig, he now stands at Ireland’s Derrinstown Stud in County Kildare). Elle Soule also produced Gr3 winner Khulood & stakes-winner Ashraakat from her 12 foals (8 winners). (Feb 24)

1st Mare In Foal To Smarty Jones
Last season’s US champion 3YO male Smarty Jones “experienced his 1st success as a new stallion when Robert & Blythe Clay’s Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky reported the 1st mare in foal to the 4YO son of Elusive Quality,” noted thoroughbredtimes.com. Smarty Jones entered stud this year at Three Chimneys for US$100,000 after winning the 2004 Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Preakness Stakes. Stonerside Stable reported its Forest Heiress (a dual Gr3 winner who delivered a Mineshaft colt on January 28) as in-foal to Smarty Jones (who began breeding on February 9, with Forest Heiress visiting the new stallion the next day); his initial book includes 111 mares. Smarty Jones won 8 of 9 starts & earned US$7,613,155. (Feb 24)

US Sire Smokester Dies In California
California stallion Smokester (sire of multiple Gr1 winner Free House & 2 other graded stakes-winners) died “while breeding” at Cardiff Stud Farms, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Smokester (a 17-year-old son of Never Tabled) sired 9 stakes-winners from 360 foals in his initial 9 crops; in addition to Free House (winner of the 1997 Gr1 Santa Anita Derby, 1998 Gr1 Pacific Classic Stakes & 1999 Gr1 Santa Anita Handicap, plus runner-up in the 1997 Gr1 Preakness Stakes & 3rd in both the Gr1 Kentucky Derby & Gr1 Belmont Stakes), Smokester’s progeny include Gr2 winner Ninebanks, Gr3 winner Areyoutalkintome & multiple stakes-winners Bagshot, Channing Way & Only the Best for US$13,609,283 earnings. Smokester won 2 of 4 career starts & stood his entire career at Cardiff Stud Farms. (Feb 24)

Valid Trefaire Moves From Canada To Nebraska
US stakes-winner Valid Trefaire (a 9YO son of Valid Appeal, out of stakes-winning Sham mare Contrefaire) will stand the 2005 season at Two Weeks Away in Nebraska “after standing the past 3 seasons in Canada”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Valid Trefaire won 6 of 26 starts (including the 1999 Gallant Bob Handicap at Philadelphia Park) & earned US$199,710. (Feb 24)

Rubiyat Moves To Blue Moon
US 3rd-crop sire Rubiyat (a 10-year-old son of Rubiano, out of unraced Blushing Groom mare Blushing Madame) will stand this season at Blue Moon Equestrian in Pennsylvania, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Rubiyat stood his initial 4 seasons in Maryland & the 2004 season in Virginia. Kentucky-bred Rubiyat won 2 of 6 starts (plus runner-ups in both the 1998 Gr2 Withers Stakes at Aqueduct & Gr2 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park). (Feb 24)

American Patriot To Stand At Hurstland Farm
Kentucky’s Hurstland Farm has acquired American Patriot (a 5YO from the last crop sired by Mr Prospector, out of Gr2-winning Red Ransom mare Wandering Star) to stand in 2005, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. American Patriot raced in France, finishing 2nd in his career debut before sustaining a career-ending injury in his next start. (Feb 24)

Jockey’s 1st Win For 25 Years
Thursday Odd Spot: US jockey Jose Amy notched his 1st win in nearly 25 years when he rode 3YO gelding Mon Over Miami (by Maria’s Mon) to victory over 8.5 furlongs at Aqueduct, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Amy was suspended from 1980-2004 “for holding back horses in the 1970s” & Mon Over Miami was Amy’s 10th mount since being reinstated by the New York State Racing & Wagering Board in September; he had not won since March 1980. Amy declared after the race: "The main thing is, I’m back. Anyone in my shoes recognises my feeling right now. I am a hard-working guy & I’m going to keep working hard to ride more winners." (Feb 24)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-1: $300,000 Encosta Colt
Coolmore Stud's Michael Kirwan (bidding on behalf of leading Newcastle trainer Paul Perry) paid the Day-1 top price (& new sale record) $300,000 for an Encosta de Lago colt at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville yesterday. The colt (out of Melbourne metropolitan-winning Old Crony mare Lady Voilet) was offered by Trevenson Park Stud & is a half-brother to former Gr1 galloper Notoire. Kirwan summed up: "He's a beautiful colt. He's big & strong & has an impressive pedigree to back up his good looks. You have to expect to pay big money for these sorts of horses. After all, he is a half-brother to a Gr1 winner." Perry prepared Notoire during a career that netted 8 wins (including the Gr1 Salinger Stakes at Flemington) & over $800,000 prize-money. The colt’s dam Lady Voilet is responsible for another 5 winners (including multiple Sydney stakes-winner Well Known). (The previous MM Adelaide Yearling Sale record was $255,000 for a Zabeel half-brother to Happy Giggle last year.) (Feb 23)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-1: Top 10

$300,000 Encosta de Lago-Lady Voilet colt (P.Perry)
$230,000 Gilded Time-My Madonna colt (L.Macdonald)
$210,000 Encosta de Lago-Fair Contessa colt (C.Santry)
$140,000 High Rolling-Dance The Limbo colt (Heinrich Constructions)
$140,000 Flying Spur-Lady Capel colt (A.Cummings)
$115,000 Testa Rossa-No Flirting colt (P.Morgan)
$110,000 Perugino-Lin o'Dee filly (Aquanita Racing)
$105,000 General Nediym-Our Mistique colt (B.Elkington)
$100,000 Encosta de Lago-Jozani filly (MM as agent)
$100,000 Dehere-My Amapola filly (G.Rogerson)

(Feb 23)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-1: Average Up 8.8%
Overall at yesterday’s Day-1 of the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, 164 lots sold for $6,800,000 (up 23.9% on last year’s $5,486,500). The $41,463 average was up 8.8% (last year $38,101) & the clearance rate was 75%. (Feb 23)

Magic Millions Adelaide Day-1: Top Buyers

$555,000: Slade Bloodstock (9 lots)
$303,000: Leon Macdonald (3 lots)
$300,000: Paul Perry (1 lot)
$225,000: Colm Santry Bloodstock (2 lots)
$202,000: McLachlan Place Racing (5 lots)
$200,000: Anthony Cummings (2 lots)
$172,000: Lauriston Thoroughbred Farm (3 lots)
$168,500: Lee Curtis (3 lots)
$160,000: Aquanita Racing (2 lots)
$140,000: Heinrich Constructions (1 lot)
$134,000: John Chalmers Bloodstock (4 lots)
$131,000: Commercial Bloodstock (3 lots)
$118,000: Magic Millions as agent (2 lots)
$115,000: Peter Morgan (1 lot)
$105,000: Bruce Elkington (1 lot)
$104,000: Kennewell Racing (2 lots)
$101,000: Bede Murray Livestock (3 lots)
$100,000: Graeme Rogerson (1 lot)

(Feb 23)

Inglis Easter Catalogue Launch
In Sydney yesterday, managing director Reg Inglis officially launched the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale catalogue, with 598 yearlings (101 more than last year) including youngsters by Encosta de Lago (39), Redoute’s Choice (39), Fusaichi Pegasus (43) & Zabeel (22). The Inglis Easter Sale runs from March 29-31, followed by the Inglis Australian Select Broodmare Sale (April 3-5), highlighted this year by the Vinery & Inverness dispersals. (Feb 23)

Ingls Melb March Sale Catalogue
Meanwhile catalogues are now available for the Inglis March Thoroughbred Sale (March 4 at Oaklands in Melbourne) featuring 285 mixed lots: 135 broodmares, 1 weanling, 19 yearlings, 7 unbroken stock, 2 stallions & 121 tried racehorses.

The broodmare section includes mares covered or with foals at foot by Arazi, Beckett, Bel Esprit, Bianconi, Canny Lad, Century City, Clangalang, Dangerous, Dash For Cash, Delago Brom, Distant Music, Hold That Tiger, King Charlemagne, Over, Planchet, Statue Of Liberty, Strategic, Success Express, Testa Rossa & Untouchable.
A highlight is top producer Couldn’t Miss, dam of champion 3YO filly Northwood Plume (winner of 9 races including the Gr1 VRC Oaks & $904,615 prize-money); Couldn’t Miss will be offered with a positive test to Encosta de Lago’s Gr1-winning son Delago Brom.
Other broodmares include: Divine Express (half-sister by Success Express to Gr2 winner Zariz & sister to Gr3 winner Electrifying) served by Bel Esprit; Hurimar (half-sister by Marscay to stakes-winners Ebony Night & Hurry Upel) served by Bel Esprit; & stakes-winning mare My Judy, served by Bianconi.
The 2 stallions Genereux & Lord Jim are both superbly bred Gr1 winners from Argentina: Genereux is by international sire French Deputy (who has shuttled to Arrowfield Stud in the Hunter Valley for the last 2 seasons) & is a half-brother to 3 other Group winners from a family steeped in Black Type performers; Lord Jim (by Mr Prospector horse Lode) was Argentina’s 1999 Champion 2YO Colt & is a half-brother to a Gr1 winner from a Gr1-winning mare.
Tried racehorses include stakes-placed Generalissimo, I Wrote To A King & Tarcoola Midnight, plus metropolitan winners Andiamo, Costalette, Craigmoor, Fairweather, Heist, Honour The Lady, Power And Faith, Shady Brady, That’s A Rap & Future Perfect (who won at Moonee Valley last Saturday).

(Feb 23)

TVN Starts Sydney Broadcasts
The ThoroughVisioN thoroughbred-only TV channel begins broadcasting into 2,200 venues (pubs, clubs, TAB agencies & racecourses in Victoria, Tasmania & ACT, plus pubs & clubs in NSW) from 12 noon today with live coverage of the Sydney Turf Club’s meeting at Rosehill Gardens. TVN coverage for private viewers will be available via the Foxtel digital platform from Saturday. Bigpond broadband customers can also access TVN at horseracing.bigpond.com. TVN chairman Harold Mitchell noted “the full TVN service of Sydney metropolitan & all Victorian thoroughbred racing will be available from May 4”. (Feb 23)

Gr1 Golden Slipper: Latest Market
As the 2YOs enter the final few weeks leading up to the climax of the juveniule season, the Gr1 Golden Slipper (1200m) at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney, Mark Morissey at Colin Tidy’s horsebet.com.au commented: "The early Slipper betting has been the best I've seen in the 13 years I've been working on the pre-post. The biggest bet takeout-wise is the $660,000-$20,000 we laid about Come Undone a few weeks ago. You'd have to say we're looking pretty safe with that one after Saturday’s performance by that horse. The biggest bet from a stake point of view is the $50,000 bet owner Damian Flower had on Snitzel this week. It's unfortunate that most of the bigger bets we write we can't reveal, because the clients don't want us to disclose them. But Damian is obviously very proud of his horse & doesn't mind putting his money where his mouth is. The next best backed horse would probably be NZ-visitor Dr Green. We laid $400,000-$8,000 & $165,000-$5,000 before its 1st Australian start. It didn't look like a Slipper type to me judging from that run; it's a little too speedy, but it's still very popular with the punters". Tidy’s latest Golden Slipper market is: Snitzel $4; Mnemosyne $4.50; Flying Pegasus $8; Fashions Afield $11; Domesday $13; Perfectly Ready $13; Opportunity $15; The Rhine $15; Written Tycoon $15; Al Samer $21; Bradbury's Luck $21; Carry On Cutie $21; Langness $26; Queen Of The Hill $26; Assertive Choice $34; Blizzardly $34; Dr Green $34; Doubting $41; Jet Spur $41; Manton $41; Media $41; Power Of Destiny $41. (Feb 23)

Gr1 Doncaster Handicap; Latest Market
Meanwhile with this week’s confirmation of 1st acceptors for Easter’s Gr1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney, Mark Morissey at Colin Tidy’s horsebet.com.au commented: "I don't think we lost a horse under 50-1 when the Doncaster acceptors came through. It seems that, in recent years, there are less & less shock scratchings at acceptance time. I ended up putting Lotteria at the top of the betting after Saturday's win. I believe connections are still contemplating an Oaks start with her, but she's been the best backed horse in the Doncaster so far; so I was left with no option other than to make her favourite. The market is actually in a fairly precarious position at the moment, considering both Alinghi's & Grand Armee's preparations are also still up in the air. I'm tipping Toulouse Lautrec will be the best backed runner in the next few weeks & might even challenge for favouritism; his run in the Liverpool City Cup had Doncaster written all over it." Tidy’s latest Doncaster market is: Lotteria $6; Alinghi $8; Grand Armee $8; Desert War $9; Toulouse Lautrec $9; Binding $11; Ike's Dream $11; Savabeel $13; Winning Belle $13; Court's In Session $15; Dance Hero $15; Lad Of The Manor $15; Mr Celebrity $21; Utzon $21; Falkirk $26; Sam Sung A Song $26; Al Maher $34; Danehill Express $34; King's Chapel $34; Our Egyptian Raine $34; Outback Prince $34; Delzao $41; Econsul $41; Foreplay $41; Great Is Great $41; Modem $41; Regal Roller $41. (Feb 23)

Danehill Leads Zabeel On Aust Sires Table
Meanwhile Danehill continues to shade Zabeel at the top of Australia’s Leading Sires list (to February 21), according to inglis.com.au:
1: Danehill (Danzig-Razyana, by His Majesty) $6,348,390
2: Zabeel (Sir Tristram-Lady Giselle, by Nureyev) $6,259,455
3: Desert King (Danehill-Sabaah, by Nureyev) $4,369,590
4: Encosta de Lago (Fairy King-Shoal Creek, by Star Way) $3,448,296
5: Flying Spur (Danehill-Rolls, by Mr Prospector) $2,969,970
6: Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) $2,810,338
7: Hennessy (Storm Cat-Island Kitty, by Hawaii) $2,400,939
8: Snippets (Lunchtime-Easy Date, by Grand Chaudiere) $1,964,979
9: Rubiton (Century-Ruby, by Seventh Hussar) $1,851,618
10: Red Ransom (Roberto-Arabia, by Damascus) $1,807,803
(Feb 23)

NZ Trainer Andrew Scott Disqualified
In New Zealand yesterday, Matamata trainer Andrew Scott was disqualified from racing until the end of the current 2004-05 racing season “following a Judicial Control Authority inquiry in Hamilton”, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Scott pleaded guilty to 3 charges: 2 were “laid under the serious racing offences section of the NZ Rules Of Racing” & “related to the creation of a false document to cover-up incorrect information about a horse's gear in the NZ Bloodstock Classique at Te Rapa on February 5”. The disqualification takes effect from today & will be completed on July 31. Scott (who trained in partnership with Mike Moroney) had already handed in his trainer’s licence. (Feb 23)

1st 6-Figure Prize At Cambridge
Meanwhile NZ’s Cambridge Jockey Club “will stage its 1st-ever NZ$100,000 race at its April 30 premier race-meeting,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The NZ$100,000 weight-for-age Gr2 Travis Stakes (1600m) for fillies & mares “has increased by NZ$20,000 on its purse last year” when won by Bridie Belle; other previous winners include Bound To Honour, Pride Of Rosewood, Cariere, Silver Row, Tidal Light, Horlicks, Fun On The Run, Waikiki, Kiss, Aimee Jay (twice), Integrate, Cinder Bella & Conquistar. (Feb 23)

New Export Wins Brazil Gr1 Estado
In South America, New Export (a son of deceased Exclusive Native stallion Exile King) scored a decisive 3.25-lengths victory in Brazil’s Gr1 Grande Premio Estado do Rio de Janeiro (1st leg of Rio de Janeiro’s 3YO Triple Crown) over 1600m at Hipodromo La Gavea in Rio de Janeiro, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. New Export (ridden by Rodrigo Salgado for trainer Marcos Ferreira) defeated Murtinho (a Gr2-winning son of Argentine stallion Punk) & long-shot Pototo. New Export now has 2 wins in 7 starts (plus 3rd in the Gr3 Frederico Lundgren at Gavea on December 5). (Feb 23)

Hard Buck Shuttles to Brazil
Meanwhile Brazilian-bred multiple Gr1 winner Hard Buck (currently standing his 1st Northern Hemisphere season at Clover Leaf Farms II in Florida) “will return to Brazil in August when he shuttles to Haras Old Friends in Rio de Janeiro for the 2005 Southern Hemisphere season,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Hard Buck (a 6YO son of Spend A Buck) won 3 stakes in Brazil (including a Gr1 event) before being shipped to the US where (trained by part-owner Ken McPeek) he won last year’s Gr1 Gulfstream Park Breeders’ Cup Handicap; & in an “international campaign last year, he finished 2nd to Polish Summer in the Gr1 Dubai Sheema Classic & 2nd to Doyen in England’s Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes”. Overall Hard Buck won 9 of 19 career starts & earned US$1,073,674. Hard Buck’s sire Spend A Buck also stood in Brazil, “where he sired Brazilian champion sprinter Pico Central (an US Eclipse Award finalist for 2004 champion sprinter) & 2001 Brazilian champion juvenile Investor’s Dream”. (Feb 23)

Kentucky Passes Breed Incentives
In the US, proposals to “create breed development programs & modify a tax on the sale of yearlings & 2YOs remained intact when the Kentucky House Of Representatives approved Governor Ernie Fletcher's tax modernisation plan,” reported bloodhorse.com. Senator Damon Thayer (an executive with both the National Thoroughbred Racing Association & Breeders' Cup, who pushed to have the horse-specific incentives included in the tax package) declared the vote was “a major victory”. (Feb 23)

1st Foal To US Champ Golden Apples
The 1st foal from 7YO former Champion Golden Apples (Pivotal-Loon, by Kaldoun) is a Storm Cat filly born at Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Farm in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. Golden Apples (who is booked back to Storm Cat) was 2002 US champion grass female after winning the Gr1 Beverly D Stakes, Gr1 Yellow Ribbon Stakes & Gr2 Santa Ana Handicap. A Gr1 turf winner in 2001 as well, she retired with US$1.6 million earnings. (Feb 23)

1st Foal To Dual Gr1 Winner Starrer
US dual Gr1 winner Starrer delivered her 1st foal (a Danzig filly) at Hill ‘n’ Dale Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Starrer (a 7YO daughter of Dynaformer out of To The Hunt, by Relaunch) won 6 of 20 career starts (with 5 graded stakes victories, including the 2003 Gr1 Santa Margarita Invitational Handicap & Gr1 Santa Maria Handicap) & earned US$1,043,033. Starrer is a half-sister to dual Gr1 winner Stellar Jayne & “will be bred back to A.P.Indy this season”. (Feb 23)

1st Foal By Ommadon
And the 1st foal sired by US graded stakes-winner Ommadon (Grindstone-Missymooiloveyou, by Turkoman) is a filly (out of Known Fact mare Frenetic) born at Dutchess Views Farm in New York, reported bloodhorse.com. Ommadon won the Gr3 Nashua Stakes & was runner-up in the Gr2 Remsen Stakes. He stands at Metropolitan Stud in New York. (Feb 23)

1,000 Wins To US Trainer Wolfendale
Maryland-based trainer Howard Wolfendale, 48, recorded his 1,000th career win when Warison won by 6.25-lengths over 6 furlongs at Laurel Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Feb 23)

Irish Jockey Drug Tests All-Clear
In Europe, the Irish Turf Club has revealed its jockeys “were drug-tested on 75 occasions last year & all tests were negative,” reported racingpost.co.uk. ITC chief executive Denis Egan also noted: "I am delighted that all samples taken from the 140 riders sampled since testing commenced in May 2003 were negative. This is a great achievement, bearing in mind the ITC has adapted the full World Anti-Doping Agency list of prohibited substances & methods.” The ITC also revealed 3,120 samples were taken from racehorses for analysis last year & 12 tests were positive. (Feb 23)

More UK Race-Fix Arrests
More arrests will be made “in a matter of days rather than weeks" in the headline-hogging UK police investigation into race-fixing, reported racingpost.co.uk. City Of London Police media liaison officer Sergeant Julian Goodchild confirmed the imminent arrests "may include more jockeys". So far 5 jockeys (Kieren Fallon, Fergal Lynch, Darren Williams, Paul Bradley & Robert Winston) are among the 26 racing identities (also including trainers Karl Burke & Alan Berry, farrier Steve O'Sullivan & owner Miles Rodgers) to have been arrested in the on-going investigation. Goodchild noted: "We have received feedback from Australia, where an expert (NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy) has been analysing the video tapes we sent him of possibly suspicious races in Britain, & we are working with him on these. . . . . After this next wave of arrests are made, we will re-evaluate where we are with the investigation." (Feb 22)

Qld Inquiry Extended Until June
In Australia yesterday, the Queensland Government extended its current headline-generating inquiry into alleged corruption in the racing industry. Premier Peter Beattie declared: "This inquiry will go until the first days of June. I am sick of all the whingers out there who complain about what is happening in the racing industry. Now they have got to put up or shut up." (Feb 22)

Elvstroem Fee $30,000 At Blue Gum
Multiple Gr1-winning 4YO stallion Elvstroem (Danehill-Circles Of Gold, by Marscay) will stand for a $30,000 service fee “when he covers his 1st book of mares at Blue Gum Farm in Euroa,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. “This will make the 4-time Gr1 winner the most expensive stallion in Victoria.” Elvstroem (a $330,000 yearling at the 2002 Inglis Easter Sale) resumed from a spell on February 12 with victory in the $300,000 weight-for-age Gr1 C.F.Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield; overall he has 8 wins (also including last October’s Gr1 Caulfield Cup) & 7 placings in 24 starts for $3,743,600 prize-money. (Feb 22)

Larneuk Stud Reduction Sale
Larneuk Stud at Euroa, home to Lacryma Cristi (Green Desert-L'Anno D'Oro, by Habitat) & Saithor (Storm Bird-Weekend Surprise, by Secretariat), is having a reduction sale with 10 fillies & mares on offer. A highlight is a 2YO unbroken filly by Danetrice out of Palace Music’s triple-winning mare Dance With The Royalty (who died in late 2003). This filly is her last born daughter & a half-sister to 7-time winning racemare Sound Action (including both the Gr1 Australasian Oaks & Gr1 Ranvet Stakes for almost $750,000 earnings). In addition, breeding prospects include:

Starring Role (Prince True-Pop Artist, by Top Role): in foal to Lacryma Cristi.
Medium's Joy (Scenic-Medium, by Seattle Dancer): in foal to Saithor.
Misremember (Don't Forget Me-Miss Jubilee, by Sovereign Prince): is in foal to Lacryma Cristi.
La Cadeau (Seventh Hussar-Vainlee, by Vain): in foal to Saithor.
Mercurial (Twig Moss-Golden Deed, by Jevington).
Soltrice (Keltrice-Tot's Pride, by True Statement): with a filly at foot by Archway.
Roman Rhythm (Voodoo Rhythm-Ermelo, by Century): with an Archway filly at foot & in foal to Saithor.
Coral Key (Dolphin Street-Singalong Soo, by Hunka Papa): with an Archway filly at foot & in foal to Saithor.
Taryn (Paris Prince-Showood, by Greenwood): with an Archway colt at foot.

(Feb 22)

Magic Millions Adelaide Starts Today
The 3-day Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling sale begins at the Morphettville sales complex today. Sires featured include Danehill (1 lot), Redoute’s Choice (1), Zabeel (1), Encosta de Lago (11), General Nediym (11), Danzero (7), Secret Savings (14), Rubiton (13), Carnegie (8), Jeune (7), Octagonal (6), Danehill Dancer (5), Blevic (6), Perugino (17), Canny Lad (4), Bellotto (15), Strategic (12), Umatilla (5), Success Express (5), Belong To Me (8), Archway(7), Keltrice (12), Brief Truce (9), Catbird (9), Bianconi (7), Commands (9), More Than Ready (6), Happy Giggle (11), Testa Rossa (6) & Fasliyev (6); 1st crop sires include Giant’s Causeway (3), Aristotle (5), Black Hawk (9), Brahms (5), Distant Music (4), Fantastic Light (5), Galileo (5), Hemingway (3), Honours List (7), Indian Danehill (29), King Charlemagne (8), King Cugat (6), Magic Albert (5), Mull Of Kintyre (3), Ne Coupez Pas (4), Primo Valentino (5), Show A Heart (8), Special Bond (3), Tabkir (3), Twining (5), Val Royal (10), Viscount (4) & Zariz (5). (Feb 22)

Strong Supplementary For Inglis Summer Sale
Meanwhile Friday’s Inglis Summer Thoroughbred Sale at Newmarket in Sydney now includes a supplementary catalogue of around 40 entries. Of particular interest is the smart 2YO filly Genuinely (a winner at Scone & Muswellbrook at her only 2 starts last spring). With $11,350 in prize-money the filly is 2nd on the order-of-entry for the $200,000 Inglis Scone Challenge (a restricted race for graduates of the Scone & Sires’ Produce Yearling Sales to be run at Scone on Friday 20 May). (Feb 22)

Danzero’s 4 City Winners
Arrowfield Stud stallion Danzero (Danehill-Confidentially, by Kaoru Star) is certainly on a winning streak:

The win by 4YO mare Danni Martine (Danzero-Best Percentage, by Gold And Ivory) in the $75,000 Listed Wiggle Quality (1400m) at Warwick Farm was his 4th stakes-winner in 3 weeks: following last season’s multiple Gr1-winning gelding & Australian champion juvenile Dance Hero (Danzero-Gypsy Dancer, by Dance Floor) returning from a 23-week spell to win the $150,000 Gr2 Royal Sovereign Stakes (1200m) for 3YO colts & geldings at Randwick; 3YO gelding Jymcarew (Danzero-Aperto, by Grosvenor) winning the $100,000 Listed Gosford Guineas (1600m); & fellow 3YO gelding Niconero (Danzero-Nicola Lass, by Scenic) winning the $75,000 Listed Wellington RC Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
And Danni Martine’s Warwick Farm victory was also 1 of 4 Danzero winners in NSW & Victoria last Saturday: along with 3YO gelding Vionneto (Danzero-Vionnet) in the Fairfield Advance Handicap (1300m) at Warwick Farm; 3YO filly Paris Zero (Danzero-Spirit Of Paris, by Bellotto) in the Swift Signs Handicap (1200m) at Moonee Valley; & 4YO mare Dan’s Princess (Danzero-Princess Matilda) in the Jayco Handicap (1200m) at Cranbourne.

(Feb 22)

Danasinga NZ Treble & Singapore Win
In New Zealand, Waikato Stud-based sire Danasinga (Danehill-Princess Tracy, by Ahonoora) recorded 3 winners at the Matamata meeting: That's Tops, Brave Mariner & Puccini's Opera. In addition, Danasinga’s son Sekitobe won at Kranji in Singapore, noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. (Feb 22)

Singapore Double To Pentire
Meanwhile NZ’s Rich Hill Stud stallion Pentire (Be My Guest-Gull Nook, by Mill Reef) recorded a winning double at Singapore's Kranji track with gelded sons Imperial Lad (over 1800m) & Pandora (over 1400m); both were trained by Charles Leck & ridden by stable apprentice Sheryl Cheam, noted NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. (Feb 22)

HK Success For Inglis Graduates
In Hong Kong, Inglis Sale graduates continued their success at Sha Tin with 2 beautifully-bred 1st time winners, plus both place-getters in an Australian-bred trifecta in the Gr1 HK Gold Cup:

Impressive 1st starter Lucky Unicorn (a $300,000 yearling at the 2004 Inglis Easter Sale) took out the 1st griffin race of the season; the 2YO colt by boom Arrowfield Stud stallion Redoute’s Choice (from Last Tycoon mare La Bamba) is a full brother to stakes-winner Provence; & at this year’s Easter Sale, Arrowfield will offer a colt by Flying Spur from La Bamba.
3YO Zabeel colt Victory Treasure (a $210,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale) won over 1800m; his stakes-placed dam Attempting has produced 8 winners (including NZ stakes-winners Zaza & Able Attempt).
And Woodlands Stud home-bred 5YO gelding Perfect Partner (Quest For Fame-Stockings, by Whiskey Road) scored a front-running victory in the HK$8 million (A$1.33m) Gr1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), defeating 5YO Floral Dynamite (Danehill-Caraniya, by Darshaan) & top 6YO mare Elegant Fashion (Danewin-Wily Trick, by Clever Trick). Perfect Partner raced in Australia as Masked (trained by John Hawkes) & won 6 of 8 starts (including the Listed Winter Stakes over 1400m at Rosehill Gardens); Floral Dynamite was a $650,000 yearling at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale & Elegant Fashion was a $95,000 yearling at the 2000 Inglis Easter Sale.

(Feb 22)

Meisho Bowler Wins Japan Gr1 February Stakes
In Japan, front-running 4YO favourite Meisho Bowler (Taiki Shuttle-Nice Raise, by Storm Cat) set a track record 1min 34.7sec in winning the Gr1 February Stakes (1600m) at Tokyo racecourse, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Meisho Bowler (ridden by Yuichi Fukunaga for trainer Toshiaki Shirai) defeated fellow 4YO entire Seeking The Dia (by Storm Cat) & 5YO Hishi Atlas (by Timber Country). Meisho Bowler now has 7 wins & 5 placings in 15 starts. Meisho Bowler is 1 of 3 winners out of winning mare Nice Raise (a half-sister to American stakes-winners Nice Serve & Raise A Tradition). (Feb 22)

Agent Sues Marchise Over Disputed Fee
In the UK, well-known bloodstock agent Paolo Benedetti (who trades as Derby Bloodstock) is taking action in Cambridge County Court this week “alleging he is owed £38,888 in unpaid commission by veteran Italian breeder the Marchise Giacino Guglielmi & his San Agostino E Vulci stud,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The dispute, “set to be closely monitored in the bloodstock world”, centres on the broodmare Second Burst (a sister to Gr1 Racing Post Trophy winner Commander Collins & 3/4 sister to US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup winner Lit de Justice) who was in foal to Machiavellian when bought for 725,000 guineas (A$1.885m) by the Marchise at the UK Tattersalls December Sales in Newmarket in 2003. While the Marchise (sitting opposite the rostrum) did the bidding, “waving his black-rimmed glasses with a flourish each time”, seated next to him was Benedetti (who had acted on his behalf in each of the 2 previous years & claims to have flown in for the sale from Pisa “having been asked to represent him again”). After Second Burst was knocked down to Derby Bloodstock, Benedetti (who both signed for her & made the shipping arrangements to Italy) told the Racing Post: “I buy 1 or 2 every year for the Marchise, but as he is here we have spent a bit more money this time.” However, when Benedetti submitted his invoice for 5% of the sale price, the Marchise “refused to pay, maintaining Benedetti had not been acting as his agent”. Last week Benedetti obtained a court order for the disclosure of the Marchise’s telephone records, aiming “to use them to prove his claim he received a call from the Marchise asking him to attend the sale”. (Feb 22)

Betfair Hits Back At UK Bookies
Meanwhile Association Of British Bookmakers chief executive Tom Kelly has been accused of "wanting things both ways" after he chided Betfair for its contributions to the UK Treasury & racing at the ABB annual meeting, reported racingpost.co.uk. Kelly said Betfair (which paid a levy of almost £4 million from commission income of nearly £68m in 2004) was "paying less than a quarter of the duty & levy that would be due if the playing field were level" with other bookmakers. However Betfair development director Mark Davies countered: "Tom is muddying the waters, though I suppose that's what we've come to expect." Davies pointed to the example of the biggest UK bookmaker Ladbrokes, “saying on post-tax profits of around £300m last year, he estimated its direct contribution to racing to be about £30m”. Davies said: "That equates to 10% of Ladbrokes' overall operating profit going to racing. Betfair's post-tax profit was £12m, of which we paid nearly £4m to racing, which works out at one-third. So, on that basis we're paying 3 times as much to racing from our profits as Ladbrokes: a very different story. Betfair is actually one of the most significant payers of horseracing levy, because we maximise business on the sport as best we can. Tom Kelly is talking about our overall business. If Ladbrokes want to hand over 10% of all their business, including FOBTs & virtual racing, that would be fine. But he can't have it both ways." (Feb 22)

Scribano Moves To Coolagown Stud
In Ireland, stallion Scribano (a former high-class middle-distance horse in Italy) has relocated to stand at Coolagown Stud in County Cork, reported racingpost.co.uk. The French-bred 15-year-old son of Pharly (from Riverman mare Biograph) was purchased from Garryrichard Stud; on the track he won 3 Listed races in Italy, plus finishing 3rd on the Gr1 Premio Roma (2000m) as a 4YO. (Feb 22)

New Push On US Jockey Weights
In the US, the California Horse Racing Board (for the 2nd time in less than 9 months) “approved a 45-day public comment period for a series of rule changes that would replace the scale of weights assigned to horses starting at the state's racetracks,” reported bloodhorse.com. The change would establish the minimum weight assigned in most thoroughbred races at 116 pounds; with 10 pounds of riding equipment, the new standard would be 126 pounds. The matter “could be considered for approval at the earliest at the CHRB meeting at Hollywood Park on April 28”. Commissioner Richard Shapiro summed up: "I want a healthy guy on top of my horse & I don't give a damn about a couple of pounds." In addition to the relaxed weight standard, the rule changes also require that “jockeys maintain a minimum body weight of 5% to ensure their health”, as well as "bring some honesty to the weights that are reported to the public by stating exactly what the jockey weighs without equipment”. (Feb 22)

1st Winner For US Sire Light Years Ahead
Florida-based sire Light Years Ahead recorded his 1st winner when his 2YO son Lightning Power won over 1 mile at Tampa Bay Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Light Years Ahead (a 9YO son of Majestic Light) stands at Andros Farms in Florida. (Feb 22)

Saint Marden To Stud At Colonial Farms
US Gr3 winner Saint Marden will enter stud this season at Colonial Farms in New Jersey, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The Florida-bred 5YO son of Saint Ballado (out of The Administrator, by Afleet) won 4 of 8 career starts (including the 2002 Gr3 Discovery Handicap over 9 furlongs at Aqueduct) & is a half-brother to Sunshine Millions Distaff Stakes winner Sweet Lips. (Feb 22)

Narvick Buys Chile Gr1 Star Sam Forli
In South America, California-based Narvick International (operated by Emmanuel de Seroux) has purchased 3YO Chilean Gr1 winner Sam Forli (Sam M-Eastern Forli, by Forlitano) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sam Forli was Chile’s champion 2YO colt on the turf for 2004 & overall has won 6 of 11 starts (including last year’s Gr1 Clasico Alberto Vial Infante at Club Hipico de Santiago). Sam Forli “is expected to resume his racing career in Southern California under the care of trainer Laura de Seroux”. (Feb 22)

Gold Dollar To Stand In Venezuela
And in the Caribbean, dual US stakes-winner Gold Dollar (by Seattle Slew) “has been retired from training & will begin stud duty at Haras Vista Hermosa in Venezuela,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Overbrook Farm-bred Gold Dollar won 6 of 45 starts (including the 2004 Fappie's Notebook Stakes & Groomstick Handicap at Calder, plus runner-up in the 2002 Gr2 Jim Dandy Stakes) & earned US$425,380. (Feb 22)

Prairie Meadows Seeks More Table Games
We-Have-Seen-The-Future Update: Prairie Meadows table games “have been so popular that the track wants to add more,” reported bloodhorse.com. The Racing Association Of Central Iowa (which operates Prairie Meadows) has therefore “voted to add 11 table games to the 33 put in operation in December”. RACI member Terry Davis summed up: "It's because of demand. People are standing in line, waiting for a table. We're trying to capitalise on what's coming in." New revenue is estimated at US$1,337,000 in 2005 & US$2,183,000 in 2006: 2 poker tables will be added to the clubhouse card room & the grandstand table game area will be enlarged to include 6 tables for blackjack & 1 each for roulette, pai gow poker & mini-baccarat. In addition, a 2-year, US$60 million expansion at Prairie Meadows “will add 65 games, 500 slot machines, a buffet, a steak house & a concert center”. In January 2005 (the first full month its table games were in operation) US$7.4 million was wagered on table games at Prairie Meadows, with net income for the month at US$13.8 million (up US$2 million from January 2004). (Feb 22)

Cape Of Good Hope Wins Gr1 Australia Stakes
Hong Kong 7YO gelding Cape Of Good Hope (Inchinor-Cape Merino, by Clantime) took the lead in the inaugural Global Sprint Challenge (2 races each in Australia, the UK & Japan) when he followed-up his 3rd-placing in the 1st leg (the Gr1 Lightning Stakes over 1000m at Flemington on February 5) with victory in the 2nd leg $350,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in Melbourne. Cape Of Good Hope (ridden by Brett Prebble for trainer David Oughton) defeated fellow 7YO gelding Super Elegant (Mister C-Ever Elegant, by Steel Pulse) & 4YO gelding Spark Of Life (Nine Carat-Sparkling Bounty, by Celestial Bounty). Cape Of Good Hope now has 6 wins & 13 placings in 35 starts for $3,216,497 prize-money. He is the 3rd Gr1 winner (”after last year’s French Gr1 Prix du Diane winner Latice & UK Gr1 QE II winner Summoner” noted thoroughbredinternet.com) for the late Inchinor (Ahonoora- Inchmurrin), who stood at Stanley House Stud in Newmarket until his death in September 2003. (Feb 21)

Grand Armee Wins Gr1 Chipping Norton Stakes
Multiple Gr1-winning 6YO gelding Grand Armee (Hennessy-Tambour, by Marauding) added another top-level success with a grinding long-neck victory in the $250,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm in Sydney. Grand Armee (ridden by Danny Beasley for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated 5YO gelding Court’s In Session (Bureaucracy-Markatie Court, by Seventh Hussar) & 4YO mare Winning Belle (Zabeel-Kirin Belle, by McGinty). Grand Armee (a $150,000 yearling at the 2000 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 11 wins (5 Gr1 triumphs) & 12 placings in 27 starts for $4,170,890 prize-money; a week earlier he ran a course record in winning the Gr2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick. (Feb 21)

Dizelle Wins Woodstock Mile
Cambridge Stud’s champion sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram-Lady Giselle, by Nureyev) added a group winner when Dizelle (Zabeel-Danelagh, by Danehill) came from last to snatch victory in the $250,000 Gr2 Woodstock Mile (1600m) for 3YO fillies at Moonee Valley. Dizelle (ridden by Darren Gauci for trainer John Hawkes) defeated Gr1 VRC Oaks winner Hollow Bullet (Tayasu Tsuyoshi-Beat The Bullet, by Bite The Bullet) & Truly Wicked (Rubiton-Dizzy Lass, by At Talaq). Dizelle now has 3 wins & a placing in 4 starts for $186,580 prize-money; her dam Danelagh won the Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes in 1998. (Feb 21)

Lieutenant Wins Alister Clark Stakes
Coolmore shuttler Danehill Dancer (Danehill-Mira Adonde, by Sharpen Up) added a group winner when his gelded son Lieutenant (Danehill Dancer-Sovereign Countess, by Sovereign Red) won the $150,000 Gr2 Alister Clark Stakes (1600m) for 3YO colts & geldings at Moonee Valley. Lieutenant (ridden by Darren Gauci for trainer John Hawkes) defeated the colt Volitant (Flying Spur-Sibon, by Bletchingly) & gelding Renewable (Zabeel-Carmel Valley, by Last Tycoon). Lieutenant (a $62,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Classic Sale) now has 3 wins (also including the Gr3 The Debonair over 1400m at Flemington on February 5) & 4 placings in 8 starts for $374,250 prize-money. (Feb 21)

Lotteria Wins Surround Stakes
Arrowfield Stud stallion Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) recorded another group triumph when his unbeaten daughter Lotteria (Redoute’s Choice-Rose Reward, by Sir Tristram) returned from a 20-week spell to win the $150,000 Gr2 Surround Stakes (1600m) for 3YO fillies at Warwick Farm. Lotteria (ridden by Chris Munce for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated Shania Dane (Danehill-Subterfuge, by Machiavellian) & Johan’s Toy (Johan Cruyff-Extra Bubbly, by Bellotto). Lotteria (a $260,000 yearling at the 2003 Magic Millions Gold Coast Premier Sale) now has 5 successive wins (also including the Gr1 Flight Stakes over 1600m at Randwick) for $431,750 prize-money. (Feb 21)

Beautiful Gem Wins Sunline Stakes
Coolmoree shuttler Peintre Celebre (Nureyev-Peinture Bleue, by Alydar) added a group victory when 4YO mare Beautiful Gem (Peintre Celebre-Just Blooming, by Yeats) scored by a head in the $150,000 weight-for-age Gr2 Sunline Stakes (1500m) for fillies & mares at Moonee Valley. Beautiful Gem (ridden by Damien Oliver for trainer Lee Freedman) defeated 5YO mares Umber (Umatilla-Estupenda, by Balmerino) & Charmed Lady (Jugah-El Qahira Magic, by El Qahira). Beautiful Gem now has 6 wins (also including the Listed Let’s Elope Stakes) & 11 placings in 21 starts for $394,650 prize-money. (Feb 21)

Sam Sung A Song Wins Liverpool City Cup
The 4YO gelding Sam Sung A Song (Timber Country-Centollua, by Century) won the $100,000 Gr3 Liverpool City Cup (1200m) at Warwick Farm. Sam Sung A Song (ridden by Scott Seamer for trainer Gerald Ryan) defeated 4YO entire Falkirk (Tale Of The Cat-Madam Valeta, by Palace Music) & 6YO gelding Patezza (Rubiton-Stars Above, by Star Shower). Sam Sung A Song now has 7 wins & 5 placings in 21 starts for $277,100 prize-money. (Feb 21)

Flying Pegasus Wins Kindergarten Stakes
Coolmore stallion Fusaichi Pegasus (Mr Prospector-Angel Fever, by Danzig) added another black type juvenile victory when his colt Flying Pegasus (Fusaichi Pegasus-Cashier, by Danehill) won the $100,000 Gr3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) for 2YOs at Warwick Farm. Flying Pegasus (ridden by Corey Brown for trainer David Payne) defeated previously unbeaten filly Mnemosyne (Encosta de Lago-My Juliet) & last year’s sale-topping $1.3 million Inglis Easter Yearling colt Assertive Choice (Redoute’s Choice-Assertive Lass). Flying Pegasus (a $250,000 yearling at the same Inglis Easter Sale) now has 2 wins & a runner-up (by a short-neck, after starting awkwardly, in the Gr2 Silver Slipper Stakes over 1100m at Rosehill Gardens on February 5) from 3 starts for $140,750 prize-money. (Feb 21)

Sure Bet Wins Tokyo City Cup
Blue Gum Farm stallion Umatilla (Miswaki-Dancing Show, by Nijinsky) recorded a group winner when 6YO gelding Sure Bet (Umatilla-Main Artery) scored a decisive 2.75-lengths victory in the $75,000 Gr3 Tokyo City Cup (1600m) at Morphettville in Adelaide. Sure Bet (ridden by Paul Gatt for trainer Mark Minervini) defeated fellow 6YO gelding Pure Velocity (Jeune-Swift Falcon) & 4YO mare Rather Grand (Grand Lodge-Rather droll). Sure Bet (passed-in for $37,500 as a yearling at the 2000 Magic Millions Perth Premier Sale) now has 10 wins & 10 placings in 43 starts for $221,200 prize-money. (Feb 21)

Tszyu Wins Kilmore Cup
Coolmore stallion Encosta de Lago (Fairy King-Shoal Creek, by Star Way) also added another black type victory when 4YO gelding Tszyu (Encosta de Lago-Valentine’s Gift) won yesterday’s $123,000 Listed Kilmore Cup (1600m) in Victoria. Tszyu (ridden by Stephen Baster for trainer Leon Corstens) defeated 6YO gelding Air Cooled (Volksraad-Winter White) & fellow 4YO gelding Noble Red (Red Ransom-Nobellotto). Tszyu (a $30,000 yearling at the 2002 Adelaide Magic Millions Sale) now has 7 wins & 3 placings in 19 starts for $133,275 prize-money. (Feb 21)

Opportunity Wins Schweppervescence Plate
Arrowfield Stud stallion Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) continued his current hot streak when his undefeated juvenile daughter Opportunity (Redoute’s Choice-Te Akau Bird, by Bluebird) scored a decisive 3.5-lengths victory in the $100,000 Listed Schweppervescence Plate (1200m) for 2YOs at Moonee Valley. Opportunity (ridden by Nicholas Ryan for trainer Tony Vasil) defeated the colts Under The Floor (Secret Savings-Courteous, by Affirmed) & Conestoga (Stravinsky-Centuria, by Centaine). Opportunity (a $175,000 yearling at the 2004 Magic Millions Gold Coast Premier Sale) now has 2 wins from 2 starts for $72,150 prize-money. (Feb 21)

Danni Martine Wins Wiggle Quality
Fellow Arrowfield Stud stallion Danzero (Danehill-Confidentially, by Kaoru Star) also added a black type success when 4YO mare Danni Martine (Danzero-Best Percentage, by Gold And Ivory) won the $75,000 Listed Wiggle Quality (1400m) for mares 4YO & up at Warwick Farm. Danni Martine (ridden by Glen Boss for trainer Guy Walter) defeated fellow 4YO mare Golden Weekend (Nine Carat-Opera Weekend, by Paris Opera) & 6YO mare Hec Of A Party (Hector Protector-Party Dancer, by Party Leader). Danni Martine now has 3 wins & a runner-up in 7 starts for $86,750 prize-money. (Feb 21)

Stuyvesant Wins Adams Plate
The 3YO gelding Stuyvesant (Blazing Reality-Soft Lady) prevailed by a head in a photo-finish (& then survived a double protest from the 2nd & 5th place-getters) to win yesterday's $68,000 weight-for-age Listed Tattersalls George Adams Plate (1600m) at Mowbray in Launceston. Stuyvesant (ridden by Corey Kingston for trainer Gary White) defeated 4YO gelding A Dreamer (El Moxie-Dream River) & 5YO gelding Speechmaker (Imposing Bull-Darling Dominique). Stuyvesant (a $27,000 yearling at the 2003 Thoroughbred Breeders Tasmania Sale ) now has 4 wins & 7 placings in 15 starts for $148,660 prize-money; yesterday’s victory followed his runner-up effort in last week’s $144,000 Gr3 Tasmanian Derby (2100m) at Elwick in Hobart. (Feb 21)

Salisbury Street Wins Gwynne Stakes
Kambula Stud stallion Blevic (Scenic-Blooms, by Biscay) recorded a black type victory when his daughter Salisbury Street (Blevic-Degrade) prevailed by a neck in a thrilling 3-way photo-finish to the $45,000 Listed Sheila Gwynne Stakes (1650m) for 3YO fillies at Belmont Park in Perth. Salisbury Street (ridden by D.O’Heara for trainer D.Harrison) defeated Lust For Dust (Made Of Gold-Australia Wealth), with a further short-neck to Alee’s Taxi (Ron Bon-Recall Leanne). Salisbury Street now has 3 wins & 2 placings in 9 starts for $58,432 prize-money. (Feb 21)

1st Winner For Sire Ghataas
Meanwhile T.J.Stud-based stallion Ghataas (Sadler’s Wells-Harmless Albatross, by Pas de Seul) recorded his 1st winner when 3YO gelding The Motley Lot (trained by Darren Smith) led all-the-way in his track debut over 1100m at Port Macquarie, reported racenet.com.au. After a career which began in France, followed by races in the UK & Dubai, Ghataas (a home-bred for Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum’s Shadwell Estates) finished his racing in Australia (including victories at Randwick & Gosford) & now stands at T.J.Stud at Dunkenfield in NSW; he is a half-brother to 3 stakes-winners (including Gr2 winner & Gr1 placed Volochine). (Feb 21)

Mi Jubilee Wins NZ Matamata Breeders’ Stakes
In New Zealand, Fairdale Stud’s 1st season sire Howbaddouwantit (Rahy-Fair To The Wind, by Nijinsky) added to his growing reputation when juvenile daughter Mi Jubilee (Howbaddouwantit-Mi Steel, by Mi Preferido) blitzed her rivals by 4.75-lengths in the NZ$100,000 Gr2 Robin, Duke Of Bedford Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) for 2YO fillies at Matamata. Mi Jubilee (ridden by David Walker for trainer Stephen Crutchley) defeated Pulcinella (Stravinsky-Shall We Dance) & Missy Elliott (Magic Of Sydney-Fiorino). (Feb 21)

Jack Be Nimble Wins White Robe Lodge Handicap
The 6YO gelding Jack Be Nimble (Exploding Prospect-Picea) scored an exciting victory in a 5-way photo-finish to the NZ$35,000 Gr3 White Robe Lodge Handicap (1600m) at Wingatui. Jack Be Nimble (ridden by Jamie Bullard for trainer Joanne Hills) won by a neck from 9YO gelding Regal Night (Star Way-Grove Dale), with a long-neck to 3rd-placed 4YO mare Personal Column (Personal Escort-Noble Light); there was only another head to 4th-placed Mr Toff & a further head to 5th-placed Lord Asterix. (Feb 21)

Darci Brahma Wins Matamata Slipper
Last year’s NZ$1.1 million top-priced NZ Bloodstock Karaka Sales yearling colt Darci Brahma (Danehill-Grand Echezeaux, by Zabeel) followed his emphatic debut victory over 1200m at Avondale on January 31, with an equally impressive 3.5-lengths follow-up win in the NZ$35,000 Listed Fairview Ford Slipper (1200m) for 2YO colts & geldings at Matamata. Darci Brahma (ridden by Hayden Tinsley for trainer Mark Walker) defeated the gelding Skyward (Volksraad-Wildn’sensuous) & fellow colt Master Regent (Deputy Governor-La Marmalade). Darci Brahma was bought at last year's Karaka Sale by David Ellis of Te Akau Stud (from the draft of Pencarrow Stud); his dam Grand Echezeaux won the Gr1 Australasian Oaks in 2000. (Feb 21)

Heureka Wins NZ Dunedin Gold Cup
The 5YO mare Heureka (Yamanin Vital-Dalgety Bay) won the NZ$30,000 Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2200m) at Wingatui. Heureka (ridden by Kylie Williams for trainers Hec & Steve Anderton) defeated 6YO gelding Artax (Zabeel-Aulyn) & 4YO mare Happyaboutthat (Forensic Evidence-Dreams Of Change). (Feb 21)

Bearable Wins NZ Ford Champagne Stakes
Juvenile colt Bearable (Chief Bearhart-Bold Vision) scored by a head in the NZ$30,000 Listed Ford Champagne Stakes (1000m) for 2YOs at Wingatui. Bearable (ridden by Jamie Bullard for trainer Paul Harris) defeated fellow colt The Hurricane (My Halo-Celluloid) & gelding Final Reality (Howbaddouwantit-Virtual Reality). Bearable was a NZ$32,000 yearling at the 2004 NZ Bloodstock Select Sale. (Feb 21)

Rogerson Opens Extra NZ Stable
Meanwhile trans-Tasman trainer Graeme Rogerson & his Hamilton-based partner Stephen Autridge (who currently lead this season’s NZ trainers' premiership) “will open a satellite stable” in NZ’s Central Districts this week, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. The new base will be located at Awapuni racecourse, where successful trainer Roydon Bergerson will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the operation. Rogerson confirmed: "We have always raced a lot of horses in the lower North Island, so it makes sense to have a base there." Bergerson, 42, has more than 20 years experience as a trainer, originally starting off in partnership with his father Herb before branching out on his own. (Feb 21)

Last Start For Gr1-Winning Mare Lashed
Multiple Gr1-winning 5YO mare Lashed (Encosta De Lago-Traffic Watch, by Salieri) will have 1 more race before being retired to stud, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. The Cambridge Stud-owned mare finished 3rd in the NZ$100,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Whakanui Stud International Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on February 12 & “has subsequently been confirmed in foal to champion Cambridge Stud sire Zabeel (Sir Tristram-Lady Giselle, by Nureyev)”. Co-trainer Stephen Autridge confirmed Lashed (a $40,000 yearling at the 2001 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale) will have a final start in the NZ$100,000 Gr1 Darley Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on March 5, noting: "Sir Patrick Hogan has done all of the check-ups with dates & the history of other in-foal mares racing & he's happy to give her 1 more start. She will come back to the stable to be prepared for the Darley but, if I'm not happy about anything, then she goes straight back to Cambridge Stud." Lashed won the Darley (formerly NZ) Stakes last year to complete a treble of Gr1 wins; overall she has 7 wins in 37 starts for more than NZ$1.1 million prize-money. (Feb 21)

Perfect Partner Wins Gr1 HK Gold Cup
In Hong Kong yesterday, Woodlands Stud stallion Quest For Fame (Rainbow Quest-Aryenne, by Green Dancer) notched an international Gr1 winner when Australian-bred 5YO gelding Perfect Partner (Quest For Fame-Stockings, by Whiskey Road) scored a front-running victory in the HK$8 million (A$1.33m) Gr1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin. Perfect Partner raced in Australia as Masked (trained by John Hawkes) & won 6 of his 8 starts (including the Listed Winter Stakes over 1400m at Rosehill Gardens). Yesterday’s race was also the 2nd leg of this season’s HK Triple Crown Series, with Perfect Partner (ridden by Christophe Soumillon for trainer Tony Cruz) defeating stable-mate Floral Dynamite (Danehill-Caraniya, by Darshaan) & Elegant Fashion (Danewin-Wily Trick, by Clever Trick). Perfect Partner had finished 2nd to Firebreak in the Gr1 Hong Kong Mile at the International meeting in December. His sire Quest For Fame won England’s 1990 Gr1 Epsom Derby & Perfect Partner “is his 6th Gr1 winner, following Viscount, Unworldly, Dracula & Tributes in Australia, & US Gr1 Del Mar Oaks winner Famous Digger in North America,” noted thoroughbredinternet.com. (Feb 21)

Narita Century Wins Japan Gr1 Kyoto Kinen
In Japan, 6YO Narita Century (Tony Bin-Princess Liebe, by Northern Taste) won the Gr1 Kyoto Kinen (2200m) on soft turf, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Narita Century defeated Tosho Knight (by Timber Country) & Hishi Miracle (by Soccer Boy). He now has 8 wins in 21 starts for ¥270,090,000 (A$3.5m) earnings. (Feb 21)

Desert Prince Adds Dubai Winner
In Dubai, Woodlands Stud stallion Desert Prince (Green Desert-Flying Fairy, by Bustino) added an international winner when 5YO gelding Dawn Piper (Desert Prince-June Moon, by Sadler’s Wells) won the Shadwell Handicap (1950m) at Jebel Ali. Dawn Piper (ridden by Patrick Dobbs for trainer Doug Watson) defeated stable-mate Potro Celoso (Potrillon-Don’t Be Jealous, by Green Dancer) & Ibtecar (Seeking The Gold-Balanchine, by Storm Bird). (Feb 21)

Hussonet’s 5th Chile Sires Title
In South America, Arrowfield Stud stallion Hussonet (Mr Prospector-Sacahuista, by Raja Baba) “finished atop of Chile’s general sire list by earnings for the 5th consecutive season,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. According to Chilean Stud Book statistics, “Hussonet’s progeny recorded 108 victories from 144 starters, accumulating approximately US$1,067,670, in purse earnings” for the 2004 season. Hussonet (who shuttled to Vinery Kentucky for the 2004 Northern Hemisphere season) was followed on the Chilean list by the deceased Mr Prospector stallion Sam M (whose runners recorded 69 victories from 102 starters & earned US$577,548) & Deputy Minister stallion Edgy Diplomat (sire of recently retired North American multiple graded stakes-winner Ema Bovary). Hussonet’s leading runner last season was Chilean 2004 Horse-Of-The-Year & champion 3YO colt Trotamondo (who “swept the Hipodromo del Chile Triple Crown & is now under the attention of Southern California-based trainer Laura de Seroux”). (Feb 21)

llinois Loosens Rules On Cocaine
In the US, the Illinois Racing Board has “relaxed rules governing trace amounts of cocaine found in horses after racing,” reported bloodhorse.com. The IRB “acted on testimony that testing has become so sophisticated it can pick up traces of cocaine even if a horse has come into casual contact with the substance”; under old rules, a positive test for any amount of the drug resulted in disqualification & forfeiture of purse-money. The new rules “provide for a fine for a trace amount cocaine positive & will require trainers to examine their barn areas to determine possible sources of contamination”; but they will “not require disqualification unless the amount detected is sufficient to affect the horse's performance”. (Feb 21)

Indian Lodge To Stand In Sweden
In Europe, multiple Gr1-winner & 2000 Champion miler Indian Lodge (Grand Lodge-Repetitious, by Northfields) has been leased to stand the 2005 season at Ljungstorps Stud in Sweden, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 9YO (who stood his initial 4 seasons at Ireland’s Rathbarry Stud in County Cork) won 8 of his 19 starts (including France’s the 2000 Gr1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp & Gr1 Prix de la Foret at Longchamp) & earned US$383,126. Indian Lodge has 7 winners from his 1st crop that raced in 2004 & has also shuttled to Chile (where his 1st runner was a winner). (Feb 21)

Dutch Court Upholds On-Line Gambling Ban
In Holland, the Dutch Supreme Court “confirmed a ruling that UK on-line bookmaker Ladbrokes must stop taking bets from Dutch citizens,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. According to the International Federation Of Horseracing Authorities, “the decision will most likely be interpreted as a ban against gambling websites in the Dutch market”. The ruling ended a 2-year legal battle between Ladbrokes & the Dutch lotto. (Feb 21)

Nysaean Heads To South African Stud
In South Africa, triple European Gr3 winner Nysaean (Sadler's Wells-Irish Arms, by Irish River) has been sold & will stand at South Africa’s Arc-en-Ciel Stud in the Western Cape, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Nysaean won 6 races (including the Mooresbridge Stakes twice & the Gallinule Stakes) as well as placed in the UK Gr1 Tattersalls Gold Cup & 4th (behind High Chaparral) in the Gr1 Epsom Derby. (Feb 21)

Goffs Day-3: $238,000 Sadler’s Wells Mare
Italian marquis Giancinto Guglielmi (owner of Azienda Agricola San Agostini) paid the Day-3 top price of €140,000 (A$238,000) for 4YO mare Russian Roubles (by Sadler’s Wells) as the 3-session Goffs February Mixed Sale concluded in Ireland overnight. The price was “the highest at this sale for 3 years” noted racingpost.co.uk. The mare (sold under the banner of The Castlebridge Consignment) is a half-sister to Dr Johnson (1997 Irish Derby place-getter) & Guglielmi commented: “I bought her because she is a beautiful mare & her grandmother produced El Gran Senor & Try My Best. She will go to Coolmore to be covered & then I will take her home to Italy.” (Feb 18)

Goffs Day-3: $139,000 Rahy Mare
Giancinto Guglielmi also paid €82,000 (A$139,000) for 4YO mare Pont Allaire (a daughter of Rahy) who won at Nottingham last season, reported racingpost.co.uk. She is out of a Group-placed full sister to French Prix de Diane winner Caerlina & was consigned by Rachel Bennett. Guglielmi said she will also go to a Coolmore stallion before being sent to Italy. (Feb 18)

Goffs Day-3: $122,000 Mr Prospector Mare
Spaniard Felipe Hinojosa (owner of Loughtown Stud) paid €72,000 (A$122,000) for 10-year-old mare Ikhteyaar (by Mr Prospector), reported racingpost.co.uk. The mare (also sold by Castlebridge) won a Listed race at Doncaster & and is closely related to dual US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Lure. Hinojosa commented:“She is by Mr Prospector, who I like a lot. She was a good runner & she will stay in Ireland after being covered by a proven stallion.” (Feb 18)

Goffs Day-3: Average Up 14%
Cumulatively over the 3-day Sale, the aggregate fell 8% to €4.5 million (A$7.65m) “but this was because there were 112 less horses in the catalogue,” noted racingpost.co.uk. Significantly, the overall average was up 14% to €10,142 (A$17,000), which was “the 2nd highest ever achieved at this sale; only the 2002 figure was better”. Goffs managing director Matt Mitchell summed up: “It was a very satisfactory sale. Trade was solid all the way through.” (Feb 18)

AHA & TVN Sign TV Agreement
An historic agreement (guaranteeing TV broadcast of Victorian & Sydney metropolitan thoroughbred racing into pubs & clubs Australia-wide) was completed yesterday by the Australian Hotels Association & ThoroughVisioN. TVN has appointed the AHA as its “exclusive sales agent for the provision of the TVN Channel into Australian pubs & clubs”. The TVN Channel (to be formally launched in May 2005) “will initially include broadcasts of all Australian Jockey Club (Royal Randwick & Warwick Farm), Sydney Turf Club (Rosehill Gardens & Canterbury Park) & Victorian thoroughbred races”; over time, TVN “intends to acquire the rights to, or provide broadcasts from, other Australian racing clubs”. The AHA will be responsible for “promoting & selling the Channel to Australian pubs & clubs, & will be recommending its members take up the service as soon as possible”. The pubs & clubs “will enjoy significant financial benefit from the deal, which will offer a substantial reduction on fees charged by current broadcaster SKY”. The agreement is for an initial term of 4 years, with an option of a further 4 years; & “in recognition of the partnership, the AHA & Club’s Associations will be offered 2 TVN board seats”. (Feb 18)

Clubs Boss Slams AHA-TVN Deal
However David Costello, chief executive of clubs Australia & New Zealand, slammed the announcement as “little short of ludicrous”. He told The Sydney Morning Herald the clubs had “made it clear they were not entering into any venture that had the possibility of splitting the racing market into 2.” (Feb 18)

$1.3m Colt Highlights Twin Palms Easter Draft
Tomorrow sees the racetrack debut by blue-blood colt Assertive Choice in the $100,000 Gr3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) at Warwick Farm in Sydney. Trainer Gai Waterhouse paid top price of $1.3 million at last year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale for the son of boom Arrowfield Stud stallion Redoute’s Choice from multiple Gr1-winner Assertive Lass. The colt was consigned by Twin Palms Stud (which posted its best ever statistics with 11 yearlings generating $3.9 million at an average $355,455). Twin Palms has another outstanding draft of 10 yearlings for next month’s 2005 Inglis Easter Sale, including a colt by 1st season sire King Cugat from Assertive Lass. He is the 4th consecutive colt produced by his dam, whose only foals to race are Gr3 winner So Assertive & dual Gr1 winner Reset (who retired undefeated to Darley Stud last spring). Phillip Esplin from Twin Palms Stud noted her latest offering is “a big, beautiful colt, a bit of a surprise really as Assertive Lass is quite small only 15.2 hands & this colt will end up being 16 hands plus.” (Feb 18)

Danehill Leads Zabeel On Aust Sires Table
Danehill continues to lead Zabeel at the top of Australia’s Leading Sires list (to February 15), according to inglis.com.au:
1: Danehill (Danzig-Razyana, by His Majesty) $6,277,320
2: Zabeel (Sir Tristram-Lady Giselle, by Nureyev) $5,979,255
3: Desert King (Danehill-Sabaah, by Nureyev) $4,346,430
4: Encosta de Lago (Fairy King-Shoal Creek, by Star Way) $3,383,246
5: Flying Spur (Danehill-Rolls, by Mr Prospector) $2,868,270
6: Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) $2,585,338
7: Hennessy (Storm Cat-Island Kitty, by Hawaii) $2,226,525
8: Snippets (Lunchtime-Easy Date, by Grand Chaudiere) $1,946,009
9: Rubiton (Century-Ruby, by Seventh Hussar) $1,794,464
10: Red Ransom (Roberto-Arabia, by Damascus) $1,788,603
(Feb 18)

Large Zabeel Draft At Easter
Meanwhile, with the very last four Danehill yearlings set to sell at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale next month, arch-rival Zabeel will be represented by an impressive draft of 25 yearlings. These include two from Trelawney Stud, a filly out of Quintilla, and a colt out of Clinique. At the 2003 Easter Sale, Trelawney sold Renewable (Zabeel–Carmel Valley, by Last Tycoon). The Lloyd Williams-owned, Grame Rogerson-trained 3YO is undefeated from his two 1st starts, and goes into tomorrow’s Gr2 Alister Clark Stakes at Moonee Valley with a boom reputation. (Feb 18)

Royal Miss Wins NZ Dunedin Guineas
In New Zealand yesterday, filly Royal Miss (Volksraad-Bashful Lady) won the NZ$30,000 Listed Dunedin Guineas (1600m) for 3YOs by a head at Riccarton Park. Royal Miss (ridden by Brian Hibberd for trainers Peter & Dawn Williams) defeated fellow filly Pins ‘N’ Needles (Pins-Raining) & gelding Samburu (O’Reilly-Our Twinkle). Royal Miss is the 34th stakes-winner for 3-time NZ champion sire Volksraad (Green Desert-Celtic Assembly, by Secretariat). (Feb 18)

Westbury Toasts HK Gr1 Win
NZ’s Westbury Stud had good reason to toast the all-the-way win by 4YO Australian-bred gelding Scintillation (Danehill-Subterfuge, by Machiavellian) in the HK$8 million (A$1.33m) Gr1 Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) in front of 76,000 fans at Sha Tin for the Lunar New Year meeting. Westbury owns Scintillation’s stakes-placed 6YO full sister Puzzle Book, who is currently in foal to Stravinsky & has a Mull Of Kintyre colt foal. And to cap a big weekend for the family, Puzzle Book's 3YO full sister Shania Dane (a $470,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale) won over 1250m at Canterbury Park in Sydney for trainer John Hawkes (& races again tomorrow in the $150,000 Gr2 Surround Stakes over 1400m at Warwick Farm in Sydney). (Feb 18)

Satin Kiss Wins UAE 1000 Guineas
In Dubai overnight, Godolphin’s Darley-homebred 3YO filly Satin Kiss (Seeking The Gold-Satin Flower, by Shadeed) scored an easy 4.5-lengths victory in the US$250,000 UAE 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Nad al Sheba during the 6th meeting of the 2005 Dubai International Racing Carnival. Front-running Satin Kiss (ridden by Frankie Dettori for trainer Saeed bin Suroor) defeated Argentinian-bred Queleden Candela (West By West-Celia La Rumbera, by Robin des Blois) & Bibury Flyer (Zafonic-Affair Of State, by Tate Gallery). (Feb 18)

Dermot Weld Notches 3,00th Winner
And in the final race of the Dubai evening card, high-profile Irish trainer Dermot Weld recorded his 3,000th career winner when Pat Smullen rode 4YO King Jock (Ghazi-Glen Kate, by Glenstal) to victory in the US$110,000 San Siro International Stakes (1500m). (Feb 18)

Friends Of New York Plan Revealed
In the US, Tim Smith (former National Thoroughbred Racing Association commissioner who is now heading Friends Of New York Racing) has “announced the board of directors of FNYR & released a time-table outlining some of the organisation's goals,” reported bloodhorse.com. FNYR “is examining a new business model for thoroughbred racing in the state”, with the current franchise held by the New York Racing Association (to operate racing at Aqueduct, Belmont Park & Saratoga) expiring in December 2007. Smith revealed FNYR “plans to: form a political action committee, along with an industry advisory committee & certain task forces; complete a preliminary report of its findings & recommendations; after a public comment period, finalise specific recommendations for state government, NYRA & the industry; & launch a website”. The initial board of directors is: Jared Abbruzzese (a New York owner); Dennis Brida (executive director of the NY Thoroughbred Breeders); Richard Bomze (president of the NY Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association); Charles Champion (chief executive of Youbet.com); Sherwood Chillingworth (executive vice president of the Oak Tree Racing Association); owner-breeder G. Watts Humphrey; Robert LaPenta (chief financial officer of L-3 Communications & a New York owner); Jim McAlpine (president of Magna Entertainment); Alan Marzelli (president of the The Jockey Club); Tom Meeker (president of Churchill Downs); Nick Nicholson (president of the Keeneland Association); Suzie O'Cain (stallion manager of Highcliff Farms); Tim Smith; D.G. Van Clief (NTRA commissioner & president of Breeders' Cup Ltd); Lorne Weil (chief executive of Scientific Games Corp); & David Willmot (chief executive of Woodbine Entertainment Group). Smith summed up: "These Board members share a fundamental belief that racing is at a critical crossroads in the state. They are concerned about the industry's future, about the risks to jobs, farms & small businesses if New York racing declines, & about flaws in its antiquated structure." There are currently: 401 thoroughbred breeding farms in New York; sustaining more than 40,000 jobs; with 44,000 acres dedicated to horses & breeding “preserving working landscapes & green space.” (Feb 18)

California Drug Committee Threat
Meanwhile on the west coast, the California Horse Racing Board’s Medication Committee “plans to not only discipline violators of the state’s drug rules, but also to be so thorough that horsemen are deterred from even violating rules in the first place,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. CHRB executive director Ingrid Fermin (who accepted her position with the goal of leveling the playing field among competitors) warned: "We are trying to do some things differently. The thought is to be more of a deterrent: to provide more reasons for people to follow the rules & regulations of the CHRB. We’ve already done some random searches of vans entering the stable area & soon we’ll begin random searches of veterinary trucks. We’ll also be confiscating some syringes to verify the veterinarians administered the therapeutic medication they said they did. We’ve made some changes in our investigative methods. We’ve collected equine samples at uncustomary times: both much earlier & after the race. We are & will continue to be more visible. We want people to know that we intend to be more pro-active within the restricted area." (Feb 18)

Iroquois Park Moves To Three Boys
US stakes-winner Iroquois Park (a 17-year-old son of Chief's Crown, out of graded stakes-winning Icecapade mare Am Capable) has been relocated to Three Boys Stable in Arkansas, reported bloodhorse.com. Iroquois Park has sired stakes-winners Ultimate Warrior (US$547,221 earnings) & Prince Iroquois. (Feb 18)

Celtic Memories Sets Gulfstream Record
The 5YO gelding Celtic Memories (Tabasco Cat-Belle Of Killarney, by Little Current) set a new Gulfstream Park 9-furlong record at 1min 45.6sec, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Celtic Memories (ridden by Javier Castellano) bettered the previous mark of 1min 46.49sec set by Auntie Mame in the Herecomesthebride Stakes in March 1997. Celtic Memories is 1 of 7 winners produced by unraced mare Belle Of Killarney & is a half-brother to multiple Gr3 winner Belle Of Cozzene & multiple stakes-winners Zee Oh Six & Quackerbell. (Feb 18)

Borel Rides 4,000th US Winner
Meanwhile US jockey Calvin Borel, 38, landed his 4,000th winner aboard 3YO filly Jet Angel at Oaklawn Park, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Borel (a 2-time Oaklawn champion who rides mostly in Kentucky, Arkansas & Louisiana) won the 1991 Gr1 Super Derby on Free Spirit’s Joy, 1993 Gr2 Arkansas Derby on Rockamundo (at 108-1), 1997 Gr1 Apple Blossom Handicap on Halo America, 1999 Gr2 Clark Handicap on Littlebitlively, 1999 Gr2 Kentucky Cup Classic Handicap on Da Devil, 2000 Gr1 Oaklawn Handicap on K One King & 2001 Gr1 Apple Blossom on Gourmet Girl. Cumulatively his 26,689 career mounts have earned US$72,330,113. (Feb 18)

Court Awards16 horses To Pay Debt
Friday Odd Spot: Kentucky’s Margaux Farm roster has grown by 16 after “a group of horses formerly owned by David Lange failed to sell at a sheriff’s sale & the farm was awarded the horses to help satisfy a debt,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Margaux sued Lange “to recover a debt for services related to the care of his horses (which included 8 in-foal mares & 8 yearlings)”. (Feb 18)

Youbet.com Launches China Website
With the “hope of familiarising the world’s fastest growing internet population with US racing, Youbet.com has announced plans to launch a horse racing entertainment website in mainland China,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The preliminary schedule for the Chinese site “includes racing from Sam Houston Race Park, Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs & Meadowlands”. Gambling is illegal in China, “but several movements are afoot to legalise pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing”, while a new US$50 million track has been built in Beijing & another track has been planned for Hubei Province. Youbet.com chairman Chuck Champion confirmed: "We’re launching the China site to be in a position to capitalise on opportunities that could arise if the mainland Chinese government acts to legalise aspects of on-line gaming. Clearly, if gaming laws are liberalised, it will create a large potential market for horse racing & Youbet. A Chinese language entertainment site focused on horse racing is a logical, cost-efficient marketing vehicle for introducing our brand & the sport to government officials, gaming industry leaders, track owners & consumers. We will carefully monitor regulatory events in China to determine if future expansion of the site is warranted." (Feb 17)

Goffs Day-2: $122,000 Montjeu Filly & Noverre Colt
Overnight on Day-2 of Ireland’s 3-session Goffs February Mixed Sale, 2 yearlings attracted the joint top price of €72,000 (A$122,000): a Montjeu-Sierva filly (sold to P.Flynn) & a Noverre-Ela's Gold colt (sold to Tally Ho Stud) reported thoroughbredinternet.com. (Feb 17)

Goffs Day-2: Top Lots

€72,000 (A$122,000) Montjeu-Sierva filly (P.Flynn)
€72,000 (A$122,000) Noverre-Ela's Gold colt (Tally Ho Stud)
€28,000 (A$47,000) Oscar-Polar Cash colt (Illiadio)
€23,000 (A$39,000) King's Theatre-Park's Pet colt (Ballyheashill Stud)
€23,000 (A$39,000) King's Theatre-Winter Break colt (G.Ennis)
€21,000 (A$35,000) Mull Of Kintyre-Eliade colt (T.Hyde)
€19,500 (A$33,000) Xaar-Mouette colt (F.Manservigi)
€18,000 (A$30,000) Danetime-Harir colt (Ballyduane)
€18,000 (A$30,000) Bishop Of Cashel-Dilwara colt (Oak Farm Stables)

(Feb 17)

Inglis Premier II: $60,000 Testa Rossa Colt
In Australia yesterday, Victorian trainer Robbie Griffiths paid top price of $60,000 for a Testa Rossa-Brave Scene colt (consigned by Carbine Vale Thoroughbreds) at the Inglis Premier II Sale at Oaklands in Melbourne. (Feb 17)

Inglis Premier II: Top Lots

$60,000 Testa Rossa-Brave Scene colt (R.Griffiths)
$40,000 Testa Rossa-Brandy colt (Aquanita Racing)
$35,000 Brief Truce-Duquesa colt (J.McArdle)
$30,000 Saratoga Springs-National Star colt (M.Minervini)
$28,000 Orpen-Office filly (N.Phillips)
$26,000 Brief Truce-Ribbons Rouge filly (P.Cross)
$25,000 Bianconi-Eulissa filly (R.Griffiths)

(Feb 17)

Inglis Premier II: $16,073 Average
Overall at yesterday’s Inglis Premier II Sale in Melbourne, 71 lots sold for $1,117,000 at an average $16,073 & a clearance rate of 80.5%. (Feb 17)

McEvoy To Apply For HK Licence
Trainer David Hayes (due to return to Lindsay Park in July, after a 10-year stint in Hong Kong) revealed to the South China Morning Post that Tony McEvoy (currently head trainer at Lindsay Park) will apply for a trainer’s licence in HK next season. Hayes said: “I would love to see Tony get the opportunity to train in HK, but it’s a decision that’s out of my hands. But if he does not get invited to HK, then he has already committed to me that he will stay at Lindsay Park & become my assistant.” (Feb 17)

Sydney TV Dispute Update
Racing NSW last night asked ThoroughVision “to provide further information on its broadcast model after closing a day-long meeting to determine the viability of a 2nd TV racing channel,” reported The Daily Telegraph. TVN & Tabcorp (owner of Sky Channel) will meet today to try to resolve racing’s protracted TV rights issue. Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’Landys commented: “We have had a long & detailed discussion with TVN. TVN has advised us that they are meeting with the Tabcorp chief executive & chairman tomorrow (Thursday). They gave us an undertaking that they will let us know the outcome of those discussions as soon as possible. We have asked for further information from Sky Channel & TVN & we are awaiting that information. We have another Board meeting on Monday, where we will consider the matter further.” (Feb 17)

AJC Says Warwick Farm Not For Sale
The Australian Jockey Club yesterday moved “to douse rumours of the possible sale” of Sydney’s Warwick Farm racecourse. An AJC committee meeting confirmed the club “supports the continuation of racing & training at the Warwick Farm site” & noted the AJC “does not intend to sell any land at Warwick Farm that is directly associated with racing or training”. AJC chief executive Tony King commented: “Warwick Farm is presently home to 46 trainers & 550 horses & that is its maximum capacity. It offers a wide variety of training facilities, including a vast amount of free space where horses can be exercised in natural surrounds.” King added the racing industry should, in fact, consider investing in Warwick farm as a training facility: “The strategic plan released by Racing NSW last year suggested the creation of a state-of-the-art training facility for the industry & we support that concept in principle. Warwick Farm would seem an obvious candidate to house an academy that services the entire racing industry, as it is already an established training centre & has proven its worth over many years in that regard.” The AJC owns 124 hectares at Warwick Farm (including stables & surrounding residential properties with street frontage); the site boasts 13 tracks (including 3 grass tracks, a variety of sand & clay tracks & a 3-kilometre trotting track along the outskirts of the facility). (Feb 17)

Former Jockey Browell Dies In Vic
Former jockey Colin Browell died in his home town of Bendigo yesterday “after losing a long battle against leukaemia,” reported The Daily Telegraph. Browell was a leading apprentice during the 1980s; he won both the 1989 Bagot Handicap & Duke Of Norfolk Stakes on Cates Mill (& also rode Pacific Mirage in that year’s Melbourne Cup). (Feb 17)

Aust Course Managers Form Association
Australian racecourse managers have formed the Australian Racecourse Managers Association, with major aims to “convene regular conferences & forums, initiate research & development, & compile performance data on all matters relevant to best practice in racecourse management”. ARMA Committee members from each State are: Warren Williams, Brisbane Turf Club (chairman); Bart Cowan, South Australian Jockey Club (deputy chairman); David Lowe, Tote Tasmania; Geoff Murphy, Western Australian Turf Club; Lindsay Murphy, Sydney Turf Club; & Martin Synan, Moonee Valley Racing Club. (Feb 17)

Stravinsky Adds South African Winner
NZ Cambridge Stud’s Coolmore shuttler Stravinsky (Nureyev-Fire The Groom, by Blushing Groom) has followed the addition of another international group winner via 3YO colt Kongo Rikishio’s weekend victory in Japan’s Gr3 Kisaragi Sho (1800m) at Kyoto (reported yesterday), with a 2.25-length win in South Africa by 3YO gelding Soldier’s Tale (Stravinsky-Philadelphia Fox, by Dahar) over 1200m at Kenilworth in Cape Town, noted racenet.com.au. (Feb 17)

Tokyo To Install World’s Largest Screen
In Japan, Tokyo racecourse plans to install a video screen “that track officials claim would be the largest in the world,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The in-field screen will be 36 feet high & 197 feet wide (for a surface area of 7,092 square feet), with construction to be completed by September 2006; it will surpass the display board at Hong Kong’s Sha Tin racecourse (26 feet by 231 feet for a surface area of 6,006 feet). (Feb 17)

Italians Plan Major New Track
In Europe “ambitious plans” have been unveiled for a new racecourse in northern Italy at Praolo (a small town near Vercelli, half-way between Milan & Turin, close to the motorway running south towards Genoa & the sea) reported racingpost.co.uk. The project (on a 185-acre site) includes “a shopping centre, multiplex cinema, hotel & motel, swimming pool & tennis courts, all of which are calculated to cover the cost of the racetrack”. L’Anibale Brivio Sforza (who leads the group promoting the project) “is a descendant of the family which once ruled in Milan & Lombardy”. (Feb 17)

1st UK Foal To Bollin Eric
In the UK, 2002 Gr1 St Leger winner Bollin Eric “has his 1st foal on the ground at the Royal Stud in Sandringham,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Bred by The Queen, the colt is out of Lunabelle (Idiots Delight-Barbella, by Barolo), a multiple winner bred & campaigned by The Queen Mother; the 17-year-old mare is already the dam of 4 winners from 5 foals of racing age. Bollin Eric covered his 1st book of mares last year at the National Stud & “currently stands at Wood Farm Stud in Shropshire, where he is booked to around 60 mares”. (Feb 17)

Forest Danger Sets Gulfstream Track Record
In the US, Forest Danger (Forestry-Starry Ice, by Ice Age), having his 1st start for over 9 months, set a Gulfstream Park track record in his comeback race “by leading all-the-way & completing 6.5 furlongs in 1min 14.44sec” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Kentucky-bred Forest Danger (ridden by John Velazquez for trainer Todd Pletcher) “laid down fractions of 22.48sec, 44.84sec & 1min 8.11sec before scoring the victory by 9.5-lengths”. The previous record of 1min 15sec was set by multiple stakes-winner Federal Hill in 1957 & equaled by Canadian classic winner Alydeed in 1993. Unraced as a 2YO, Forest Danger “opened his career with 3 consecutive victories last year, including a 7.5-length win in the Gr3 Bay Shore Stakes on April 10 at Aqueduct”; he finished 2nd to Medallist in the Gr3 Withers Stakes on May 1 at Aqueduct in his final race of 2004. Overall he now has 4 wins from 5 starts & US$183,000 earnings. (Feb 17)

Champ Speightstown Starts Stud On Time
US 2004 champion sprinter Speightstown (who underwent colic surgery in mid-December) “is not expected to miss any of the 2005 stud season at WinStar Farm in Kentucky,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 7YO son of Gone West (who has already successfully covered a mare at WinStar) “will be bred to only 1 mare per day early during the season”. Speightstown retired to WinStar after he won the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint on October 29 at Lone Star Park. He has “attracted a full book of 120 mares at a stud fee of US$40,000”. Speightstown (out of Storm Cat mare Silken Cat) was a US$2 million yearling at the 1999 Keeneland July Selected Sale; he won 10 of 16 starts (5 stakes victories) & earned US$1,258,256. (Feb 17)

Baptize To Stud In Spain & Argentina
Rodolfo Lamperti has purchased multiple US Gr2 winner Baptize “for stud duty in Spain for the 2005 Northern Hemisphere season & Argentina for the Southern Hemisphere season,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 7YO son of Dynaformer (out of Screening Room, by Storm Cat) was unraced since April 2003 “due to a suspensory injury”. Kentucky-bred Baptize won 5 stakes races (including the 2001 Gr2 Arlington Classic Stakes at Arlington Park & Gr2 National Museum Of Racing Hall Of Fame Stakes at Saratoga Race Course); overall he notched 7 wins in 17 starts & earned US$534,196. (Feb 17)

Sum Trick Retired To Stud
US stakes-winner Sum Trick has been retired to stand his 1st stud season at St Hilaire Thoroughbreds in Washington, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 5YO son of Favorite Trick (out of Missuma, by Procida) was a US$190,000 buy at the 2002 Fasig-Tipton Calder Selected 2YOs-In-Training Sale & subsequently recorded 1 win & 5 placings (including runner-up in the Gr2 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita Park) in 11 starts for US$145,291 earnings. Sum Trick is 1 of 5 winners produced by Missuma (a half-sister to 1981 Gr1 Belmont Stakes winner Summing & graded stakes-winners One Sum & Twosome). (Feb 17)

Improper Again To Stand In Louisiana
Unraced Kentucky-bred 4YO Improper Again (an son of Awesome Again, out of stakes-placed winning Wild Again mare Improper Princess) will enter stud this year at Churchill Farms in Louisiana, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Improper Again is a half-brother to 3 winners (including 15-time winner Limestone, who has earned US$262,615). (Feb 17)

Champ Bird Town Produces Empire Maker Colt
US 2003 Champion 3YO filly Bird Town produced her 1st foal (a colt by Empire Maker) at Gainesway in Kentucky yesterday morning, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Bird Town is a daughter of Dear Birdie, “a candidate for Broodmare-Of-The-Year honors after also producing 2004 Gr1 Belmont Stakes & Gr1 Travers Stakes winner Birdstone & So Long Birdie (2nd in the 2005 San Miguel Stakes)”. Kentucky-bred Bird Town recorded 4 wins (including the Gr1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs & Gr1 Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park) & 7 placings (2 in Gr1 races) in 12 starts for US$871,251 earnings. (Feb 17)

Champ Chilukki Produces A.P.Indy Colt
US 1999 champion 2YO filly Chilukki (Cherokee Run-Song Of Syria, by Damascus) has produced a colt by A.P.Indy at Stonerside Stables in Kentucky, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 8YO mare will now return to Elusive Quality. (Feb 17)

1st Foal By Easyfromthegitgo
The 1st reported foal by US multiple stakes-winner Easyfromthegitgo (Dehere-Montera, by Easy Goer) has been born at La Mesa Stallions in Louisiana, reported bloodhorse.com. The filly (out of Proper Reality mare Icy Reality) is a half-sister to stakes-winner War's Prospect. (Feb 17)

Hello Soso Produces Dynaformer Colt
French Listed winner Hello Soso (Alzao-Silver Echo, by Caerleon) has produced a Dynaformer colt at Mill Ridge Farm, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 9YO mare was placed in 4 Group/Graded races in France & the US. (Feb 17)

Gainsborough Mares Produce Foals
Meanwhile several accomplished or well-bred mares have foaled in the last week at Gainsborough Farm in Kentucky, reported racingpost.co.uk:

Unbeaten Gr1 winner Queen’s Logic (Grand Lodge-Lagrion, by Diesis) produced her 2nd foal, a colt by Kingmambo; Queen’s Logic (who won the Gr1 Cheveley Park Stakes, Gr2 Lowther Stakes, Gr3 Queen Mary Stakes & Gr3 Dubai Duty Free Stakes) has a yearling colt by Machiavellian.
Shy Lady (Kaldoun-Shy Danceuse, by Groom Dancer) produced a half-brother to Gr1 St James’s Palace Stakes winner Zafeen; the colt by Machiavellian is also a half-brother to Gr3 winner Ya Hajar.
Rawabi (Sadler’s Wells-Flying Melody, by Auction Ring) produced a colt by Unbridled’s Song; Rawabi is an unraced full or half-sister to 3 Gr1 winners (Dewhurst winner In Command, Middle Park & Haydock Park Sprint victor Royal Applause, & Nunthorpe heroine Lyric Fantasy) & also has a yearling filly by Gulch.
French Gr2 Prix Robert Papin winner Ozone Friendly (Green Forest-Kristana, by Kris) produced a Galileo filly (a 3/4 sister to Gr-placed pair Musalsal & Amusing Time).
French Gr3 Prix d’Aumale winner Loving Pride (Quiet American-Yafill, by Nureyev) produced her 1st foal, a colt by Hennessy.

(Feb 17)

Sam Houston Offers 10¢ Superfecta
Thursday Odd Spot: Sam Houston Race Park announced it will offer “superfecta wagering in increments of as little as a dime (10¢)” beginning with its evening program tonight (Thursday), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sam Houston president Bob Bork explained: "We are still a relatively new racetrack & feel that by offering this highly affordable wager, we will create excitement & attract some new fans. Playing a 4-horse superfecta box will cost just $2.40 & the pay-outs can be hundreds of dollars. We feel the 10¢ superfecta will be a great addition to the Sam Houston Race Park wagering menu." (Feb 17)

Shock Call To Shoot Broodmares
European bloodstock economist John Lynam has shocked the breeding industry by “calling for a large number of mares to be shot or retired to solve the over-production problem,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Lynam (brother of Ireland’s County Meath-based trainer Eddie) “delivered his controversial message 3 times at Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association seminars in Cahir, Navan & Newbridge”. Lynam declared: “Overproduction has been with us for the last 4 or 5 years & market forces in the bloodstock industry are not working, because a number of producers are not seeking to maximise profits. To many of them, breeding is a hobby. Mares must be culled & 60% of the mares that bred the foals in the catalogue for last year’s Goffs November Foal Sale need to be taken out of production. Getting more specific, I would estimate 80% of the mares that bred the foals on the 1st 2 days should be shot or retired.” Lynam maintained a similar proportion of mares that bred yearlings catalogued on Day-5 of the Goffs Yearling Sale & on Day-3 of the Tattersalls Ireland Yearling Sale should also be taken out of production, adding: “That means either retiring them or shooting them. What the industry does not need is people putting these mares into a sale. If that happened, their ownership would simply be transferred from a realist to an optimist.” (Feb 16)

Irish Mares Up 20% In 5 Years
Economist John Lynam also told Irish breeders he was “totally opposed to financial incentives being offered to stop breeding from bad mares,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Lynam explained: “This is like paying people on a sinking ship to get into the lifeboats!” There are just under 13,000 mares in Britain & nearly 19,000 in Ireland; while “the British number has shown a slight decrease in each of the last 5 years, the Irish total has risen by almost 20% during that period”. (Feb 16)

Breeders Told To Pause After 4th Foal
John Lynam also advocated breeders “pause to evaluate their mares when their 4th foals are 2YOs” reported racingpost.co.uk. He noted: “If none of a mare’s progeny has done anything by this stage, you will have to seriously consider selling her. This is because, even if her subsequent yearlings are nice, buyers will be reluctant to pay much for them when the mare has bred nothing but winners of egg & spoon races.” (Feb 16)

Athletic Horses In Short Supply
And John Lynam advised Irish breeders to concentrate on producing correct, athletic horses as “this type of horse is in short supply & always sells at a profit,” reported racingpost.co.uk. “Even if the stallion is on the floor, they will still cover their production costs”. (Feb 16)

Warning Against Over-Covering
John Lynam also “cautioned against over-covering,” noted racingpost.co.uk. He summed up: “Mares who deserve no more than €10,000 (A$17,000) stallions are being sent to stallions standing at €20,000 ($34,000) & €30,000 ($51,000). A mare should not be covered by a stallion whose fee is any higher than a 3rd of the mare’s purchase price.” (Feb 16)

Goffs Day-1: $119,000 Royal Applause Colt
Meanwhile overnight on Day-1 of Ireland’s 3-session Goffs February Mixed Sale, Dennis Sheehy paid top price of €70,000 (A$19,000) for a Royal Applause yearling from Ballyphilip Stud, reported racingpost.co.uk. The colt is out of a full sister to Molecomb 3rd Speedy James. Sheehy said: "He's a smashing horse & I thought he was the best in the sale." (Feb 16)

Goffs Day-1: $68,000 Tarkar
Bobby O’Ryan (buying for Country Durham trainer Howard Johnson) paid €40,000 (A$68,00) for the Aga Khan's unraced 3YO colt Tarkar (Priolo-Tarakana) reported racingpost.co.uk. The colt is a half-brother to Galtres Stakes winner Tarakala & O’Ryan quipped: "This is a lovely horse & I would have paid more for him.” (Feb 16)

Goffs Day-1: $68,000 Montjeu Filly
And Curragh-based trainer Frances Crowley also paid €40,000 (A$68,00) for a 2YO Montjeu filly from Hamford Stud, reported racingpost.co.uk. The filly is out of 7-time French winner Chatelsong (a half-sister to Gimcrack scorer Full Extent). Crowley commented: "She is a lovely filly with a lovely pedigree. She looks a 2YO type & she is already broken, so we should be able to get going with her straight-away." (Feb 16)

Goffs Day-1: Top Lots

€70,000 (A$119,000) Royal Applause yearling (D.Sheehy)
€40,000 (A$68,000) 2YO colt Tarkar (Priolo-Tarakana) (B.O'Ryan)
€40,000 (A$68,000) 2YO filly Montjeu-Chatelsong (F.Crowley)
€29,000 (A$49,000) 4YO gelding Dictator (Machiavellian-Obessed) (B.Pain)
€28,000 (A$47,000) 3YO filly Selkirk-Lajna (G.Troeller)
€26,000 (A$44,000) 2YO filly Broken Hearted-Madam Madcap (O.Bourke)
€23,000 (A$39,000) 3YO filly Miss Panama (Desert Prince-Frippet) (P.Doyle)
€22,000 (A$37,000) 2YO colt Rossini-Persian Myth (P.Doyle)
€20,000 (A$34,000) 2YO colt Cape Cross-Doitmyway (C.Behan)

(Feb 16)

Kentucky Day-2: US$370,000 Sweet Win
Meanwhile in the US, North Hills Management paid top price of US$370,000 for 4YO mare Sweet Win (who won last year’s Gr2 San Clemente Handicap & finished 3rd in the Gr1 Del Mar Oaks) on Day-2 of the 2-session Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale at Newtown Paddocks in Lexington, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The price was a new record for a broodmare sold at this sale. Sweet Win (King Of Kings-Win For Juno, by St Jovite) was consigned by Craig Bandoroff’s Denali Stud as agent for Gayle Fogelson (whose father Buddy Fogelson raced 1971 US Horse-Of-The-Year Ack Ack). (Feb 16)

Kentucky Day-2: US$300,000 Venturi
Anthony Stroud paid US$300,000 for Irish Gr3 winner Venturi (a 4YO daughter of Coolmore shuttler Danehill Dancer out of Zagreb Flyer, by Old Vic) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. She was consigned by Mill Ridge Sales as agent for prominent owner Edmund Gann. (Feb 16)

Kentucky Day-2: US$180,000 Betty’s Wish
Mill Ridge also sold both:

Betty’s Wish (winner of the 2003 Gr3 Pebbles Handicap) for US$180,000 to Lockridge-Casner.
Miss Vegas (winner of the 2004 Gr3 Senorita Stakes) for US$160,000 to Hunter Valley Farm.

(Feb 16)

Kentucky Day-2: US$105,000 Overcharge
And agent Larry O’Brien paid $105,000 for Overcharge (an unraced 3YO son of Pulpit) “as a stallion prospect”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Overcharge (consigned by Four Star Sales as agent) is a half-brother to stakes-winners Intern, Love Medicine & Hot Lear. (Feb 16)

Kentucky Day-2: Average Up 149%
Overall on Day-2 at the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Sale, 183 horses sold (from 230 offered) for US$4,640,700 (up a massive 93.9% from last year) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. And the US$25,329 average was up 149% (from US$10,183 a year ago). (Feb 16)

Kentucky Cumulative Average Up 54.5%
Cumulatively over the 2-day Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale, 377 horses sold (from 473 offered) for US$6,966,700 (up 47.8% from last year’s US$4,713,100). The US$18,479 average was up 54.5% (last year US$11,962) with 13 horses selling for 6-figure prices. And the US$6,200 median was up 24% (last year US$5,000). Fasig-Tipton president Walt Robertson told bloodhorse.com: “Overall it was just a good, solid sale. The buyers love the big mares & the young mares.” (Feb 16)

Qld Sensation 1: Wood Didn’t Pass On Race-Fix Info
In Australia, dramatic headlines accompanied Queensland Racing chief investigator Wayne Wood telling the Queensland Racing Inquiry “he did not pass on information about a jockey being paid to throw a race in Western Australia because he did not think it significant,” reported The Australian newspaper. Wood denied allegations “he was involved in a conspiracy to cover-up controversial West Australian entrepreneur Laurie Connell’s role in a race-fixing scandal more than 20 years ago”. But he admitted “failing to pass on to his superiors vital information that a jockey (Danny Hobby) had confessed he had been paid to jump off the horse”. Asked if he had made an error of judgement in this regard, Wood replied: “Yes, I agree. I was young & inexperienced.” The Inquiry heard a memo from Ron Goddard (chief investigator of West Australian racing) to federal parliamentarian Wilson Tuckey (then chairman of the WA Turf Club) in 1994 “warned Tuckey that Wood (then working in NSW) should not be employed by the WATC” & emphasised: “I strongly recommend that W.J.J.Wood not be employed by the WATC in the future as his conduct in this major racing investigation was disgraceful in his association with criminals & not disclosing information that was vital to the investigation.” (Feb 16)

Qld Sensation 2: Jockey Told What Not To Say
Appearing after Wayne Wood, race-fix jockey Danny Hobby yesterday told the Queensland Racing Inquiry that Wood “gave him a videotape of the incident & coached him on what not to say to a stewards’ inquiry,” reported The Australian. Hobby (who was “paid more than $5,000 by Laurie Connell to jump off Strike Softly at Bunbury in 1983”) told the Inquiry “he & trainer Robert Meyers met Wood in the carpark of Ascot racecourse in Perth”. Hobby noted Wood told him: “Don’t tell them the horse buckled & don’t try & tell them you got a bump from the gate, because the film doesn’t show that.” Hobby revealed the videotape Wood gave him was an enhanced head-on close-up” which “gave a clearer picture of his leap from the horse than was seen in a film shown at a preliminary stewards’ hearing on the day of the race”. Hobby said he & Meyers then returned to Meyers’ home & watched the video & “that was when we came up with the idea of saying (to the stewards) that my foot got hooked in the gate.” (Feb 16)

Hayes Letter To Staff & Clients
Trainer David Hayes yesterday formally wrote to staff & clients confirming his return to Australia (after 10 years) when the Hong Kong season ends in July. He will “assume the role of head trainer at Lindsay Park” from September 1, while also “dedicating more time to my roles as a proprietor of Lindsay Park Stud & director of Collingrove Stud”. Tony McEvoy “will be staying on at Lindsay Park as assistant trainer”, while Gary Fennessy (Victorian assistant trainer) & John Cornell (South Australian assistant trainer) “will also be continuing in their current state-based roles”. And Hayes noted: “As has always been the case, the job of head trainer at Lindsay Park necessitates that one’s time is divided evenly between Melbourne & Angaston. With my family based in Melbourne, this will continue to be the case.” (Feb 16)

Tasmanian Sale Starts On Monday
The Inglis-Roberts Tasmanian Yearling Sale at Armidale next Monday (February 21) offers 48 lots featuring sires including Encosta de Lago, Forest Glow, Snaadee, Honours List, Ladoni, Weasel Clause, Hemingway, Grand Royale, Savoire Vivre, West Quest & Golden Snake. The Encosta de Lago colt (which is SuperVOBIS-qualified) is from city-winning stakes-placed mare Count The Kisses (from the family of Ashkaleta, Natural Beauty, Natural Tycoon & Sentimental Lady). (Feb 16)

MM Adelaide Yearling Videos On-Line
Meanwhile Sirecam videos of yearlings on offer at next week’s 4-session Magic Millions Adelaide Sale at Morphettville (Tuesday 22-Friday 28 February) can now be viewed on-line via the website magicmillions.com.au. Also on-line are catalogues for the up-coming Magic Millions Yearling Sales in Tasmania, Perth & the Gold Coast. (Feb 16)

285 Lots In Inglis March Melb Catalogue
And the catalogue for the Inglis March Thoroughbred Sale (March 4 in Melbourne) offers 285 mixed lots. (Feb 16)

Aust-Wide Success For Capricorn Graduates
Meanwhile graduates from Queensland’s Capricorn Yearling Sale (at Rockhampton Showgrounds on Sunday April 3 this year) have enjoyed another stellar year, winning on 37 metropolitan, provincial & country racetracks across the country & also in NZ: from Eagle Farm to Emerald, Warwick to Waikato, Cairns to Carnarvon, Doomben to Dingo, Murwillumbah to Moranbah, & Kilcoy to Kalgoorlie. Ken McCaffrey at McCaffrey’s Australian Livestock Marketing in Rockhampton commented: “It’s a sale which certainly punches above its weight (the average in 22 years has never exceeded $10,000), with metropolitan success for graduates in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth & Darwin over the years.” Recent city winners include Kid Charlemagne at Doomben & Kai Chow at Sandown. Hence McCaffrey noted: “We are attracting a growing number of astute buyers every year, who recognise exceptional value in yearlings.” This year’s 72 lots (from breeders in central & southern Queensland) include yearlings by Iglesia, Easy Rocking, Dodge, Anglia, Telesto, Switch In Time, Celestial Dancer, Western Red, Dane Supreme, Chariot, Nediym, Legal Opinion, Speeding Fine, Forever Regal, Oarsman, Mapperley’s Star, Forgotten Hero, Al Jaasi, Kaaptive Edition, Immovable Option, Knowledge, Armidale, Great Dane, Mr Innocent & Irish Royal. (Feb 16)

Air Transport Aid For Owners
Racing Victoria has moved to assist owners & trainers in securing flights for their racehorses to & from Australia’s major racing carnivals by setting up a horse movement information service on its website racingvictoria.net.au. The service will provide future airline schedules, details of freight-forwarding companies & the protocol involved when a horse is transported by air across Australia. Racing Victoria chief executive Robert Nason commented: “This means trainers & freight-forwarders have a schedule they can work with to better plan the movement of horses around Australia. The safe & efficient transportation of horses to interstate carnivals is critical to the thoroughbred racing industry.” (Feb 16)

40 Centaine Daughters Win Stakes
NZ’s Waikato Stud-bred & owned 4YO mare Glamour Puss (Tale Of The Cat-Centenaire, by Centaine) became the 40th individual stakes-winner from a daughter of Centaine with her weekend victory in the Listed Moduline Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in Melbourne. Glamour Puss (who now has 5 wins & 5 placings in 13 starts) also became the 9th stakes-winner this season (including 6 Group-winning 3YOs: Gr1 winner Econsul, Prisoner Of Love, Cedar Manor, Dane Shadow, Ballet Society & Eloa). Other stakes-winners this season who have Centaine as their maternal sire include Australian Gr3 winner Demerger & unbeaten 2YO filly Crepe De Chine. Centaine (who died in April last year) is currently 4th leading Broodmare Sire in Australia (with progeny earnings for the season over $3 million) & 6th on the NZ list. (Feb 16)

NZ Canterbury 150th Anniversary Celebrations
In New Zealand, Canterbury Jockey Club is holding a 150th Celebrations Reunion Function on Friday 29 April at Riccarton Park Racecourse. Other 150th events include: a 150th Celebration Dinner on Thursday 28 April; 150th Celebration Golf Match at Christchurch Golf Club (also on Friday 29 April during the day); & 150th Celebration Raceday at Riccarton Park on Saturday 30 April (Day-4 of the Autumn Racing Carnival). (Feb 16)

Stravinsky Adds Japan Group Winner
In Japan, NZ Cambridge Stud’s Coolmore shuttler Stravinsky (Nureyev-Fire The Groom, by Blushing Groom) added another international group winner when Kongo Rikishio won the Gr3 Kisaragi Sho at Kyoto, reported Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. Kongo Rikishio (sold for €50,000 to John O'Byrne at Ireland’s 2003 Goffs Orby Sale) is by Stravinsky out of a half-sister to French Gr1 Prix de Saint-Alary winner Nadia. (Feb 16)

Inglis Graduates HK Double
In Hong Kong, Inglis Sale graduates notched a winning double at Sha Tin:

Expatriates David Hayes & Shane Dye combined to win with Tchaikovsky (a $150,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale) who now has 2 victories from 5 starts; the lightly-raced Snippets 3YO (out of Canny Lad mare Ultima Vita) is a half-brother to former smart HK galloper Stylish (a winner of 5 races).
And 5YO gelding Pretty Trio (a $160,000 yearling at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale) won his 5th race to take his prize-money over A$450,000; he is by Woodman (from Queensland Oaks winner Crystal Palace) & Baramul Stud will offer his half-brother (by champion racehorse Fantastic Light) at next month’s 2005 Australian Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney.

(Feb 16)

Silver Wizard Dies At Stud In Italy
In Europe, Silver Wizard (winner of the US 1995 Gr2 American Handicap at Hollywood Park) has died in Italy “where he was standing under a lease arrangement with England’s Elsenham Stud in Hertfordshire,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The 15-year-old son of Silver Hawk (out of Cherie’s Hope, by Flying Paster) ranked 19th among Europe’s 1st-year sires of 1999 “even though he had only 15 foals in his 1st crop”. His top progeny include Silverboat (who has won 12 of 38 starts in Italy). Silver Wizard won 2 stakes in England in 1992 & finished 5th in the 1993 Gr1 2000 Guineas (won by Zafonic); he transferred to Southern California & subsequently won the 1994 Political Ambition Handicap & 1995 American Handicap (plus placings in 6 other California stakes, including runner-up in the 1995 Gr2 San Marcos Handicap at Santa Anita); overall he recorded 8 wins & 10 placings in 33 career starts & earned US$493,563. (Feb 16)

Starcraft Begins Training In Newmarket
In the UK overnight, 4YO Gr1 AJC Derby winner Starcraft (Soviet Star-Flying Floozie, by Pompeii Court) “had his 1st look at the Newmarket gallops when cantering on the Warren Hill Polytrack,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Starcraft recorded 9 wins (3 Gr1 victories) & 6 placings from 17 starts in Australia & New Zealand for $2,417,300 prize-money. Starcraft is now in the care of Luca Cumani & the Bedford House handler is “delighted with what he has seen so far”, although he confirmed he will not make any plans until he knows Starcraft better: “He arrived here 10 days ago & has settled in well. He is a lovely big horse & seems a real gentleman. I want to see how he settles in & acclimatises; we will take our time with him & then make some plans.” (Feb 16)

Movie Star Wins Brazil Gr1 Possolo
In South America, Coolmore’s evergreen shuttler Royal Academy (Nijinsky-Crimson Saint, by Crimson Satan) added another major international winner when Stud TNT’s home-bred Movie Star (Royal Academy-Femme Fatale, by Clackson) “scored an impressive 3-length victory” in Brazil’s Gr1 Grande Premio Henrique Possollo (1st leg of the Triple Crown for fillies) over 1600m at Hipodromo La Gavea in Rio de Janeiro, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Movie Star (ridden by Rodrigo Dias Lepre dos Santos for trainer Eduardo Garcia) defeated Princesa Desejada (by Irish Fighter) & Occhiata (by Bright Again). Movie Star now has 2 wins in 6 starts (plus a last start runner-up in the Gr3 Grande Premio Roger Guedon on January 15). (Feb 16)

Don Incauto Wins Argentine Gr1
And in Argentina, 4YO Don Incauto (Roy-Inspiration, by Equalize) “defeated several of Argentina’s top turf stayers” in the Gr1 Gran Premio Miguel Alfredo Martinez de Hoz (2000m) at Hipodromo San Isidro in Buenos Aires, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Don Incauto (ridden by Jorge Valdivieso for trainer Carlos Daniel Etchechoury) defeated classic winner Latency & Argentina’s top turf mare & multiple Gr1 winner Halo Ola; Basko Pinton (in his 1st start since winning the Gr1 Gran Premio Nacional-Argentine Derby on November 13) finished a close 4th. Don Incauto now has 3 wins (also including the Gr2 Clasico Ensayo) plus 3 Gr1 placings in 8 starts for owner-breeder Stud San Benito. He is 1 of 4 winners out of Inspiration & is a half-brother to Argentine Gr1 winner Don Inca. (Feb 16)

Mares Won’t Foal In Kentucky When Top Sires Die
In the US, prominent Kentucky breeder Catherine Parke (a member of the Kentucky Equine Education Program & owner of Valkyre Stud) “testified before members of the state House Appropriations & Revenue Committee that when several of Kentucky’s current top stallions (who are aging) die, there will no longer be a reason for a mare to foal in Kentucky because there is no incentive for breeders,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Parke was among 3 KEEP representatives who appealed to Kentucky law-makers “to pass Governor Ernie Fletcher’s tax modernisation bill, which includes breeder incentives & tax restructuring specific to the state’s horse industry”. Parke argued “a breed fund would help promote an economic bonus for horse owners to keep mares in the state after being bred to Kentucky stallions” & summed up: "The only reason the mares are here right now is because we still have some very, very good stallions. But the reality of it is they’re old. When those stallions die, there is no reason to foal a mare in Kentucky. There’s no breeder’s incentive." Parke noted she lost 4 mares as boarders to New York, which has a US$6.5 million breeders’ program for NY-bred horses. (Feb 16)

Fortunate Prospect Pensioned In Florida
Veteran Florida stallion Fortunate Prospect (sire of 27 stakes-winners from 15 crops of racing age) has been pensioned from stud duty “due to infirmities of old age” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 24-year-old son of Northern Prospect (out of stakes-placed Lucky Debonair mare Fortunate Bid) stood his entire 18-year stud career at Farnsworth Farm in Florida. His leading runners include: Suave Prospect who won 2 Gr3 stakes (plus runner-ups in both the 1995 Gr1 Florida Derby & Gr2 Blue Grass Stakes) & earned US$730,532; & Lightning Al who placed in a pair of Florida stakes as a 2YO “before being shipped to Puerto Rico, where he was Horse-Of-The-Year in 1997 & 1998, & 4-time older male champion” in a career which saw 36 wins from 63 starts for US$680,146 earnings. Fortunate Prospect himself arrived at Farnsworth for the 1987 stud season after winning 13 of 39 starts (including 12 stakes) & earning US$439,875. (Feb 16)

US Track Slots 1: Fair Grounds In 2006
Meanwhile in the US-wide more-slots-at-racetracks-debate, Fair Grounds general manager Randall Soth said the track “could be operating slot machines in early 2006,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Fair Grounds “still needs approval from New Orleans city planning officials & from the City Council”, but “has already received approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board on an administrative measure allowing a private agreement between Fair Grounds & Harrah’s New Orleans Casino that permits the track to pursue slots without violating Harrah’s rights to monopolise land-based gambling in Orleans Parish”. (Feb 16)

US Track Slots 2: Maryland Vote Next Week
A budget committee of the Maryland Senate has “moved Governor Robert Ehrlich’s slot machine bill to the Senate floor for a vote expected early next week,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Under Ehrlich’s plan 15,500 slot machines “would be allowed at 6 locations, including Laurel Park & Pimlico Race Course & 2 other racetracks”. (Feb 16)

US Track Slots 3: Indianapolis Support Rally
The Indianapolis Convention & Visitors’ Association “has organised a rally at the state capitol to show law-makers support for expanded gaming in the state,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Two bills currently in the Indiana Legislature “would authorise expanded gaming at Indiana Downs in Shelbyville & Hoosier Park in Anderson”. (Feb 16)

US Track Slots 4: Texas Bill Introduced
A bill in the Texas House of Representatives “would allow video gambling at horse & dog tracks”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Representative Sylvester Turner estimated expanded gambling “could generate over US $1 billion annually for the state” & declared: "You have to ask yourself whether or not we can legitimately ignore US$1.2 billion or $1.5 billion a year that you can get from VLTs." (Feb 16)

US Track Slots 5: Kentucky Bill Introduced
In the Kentucky General Assembly, Representative Tom Burch has introduced legislation to allow “gambling machines only at the state’s licensed horse tracks,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Feb 16)

Inglis Premier Day-2: $320,000 Redoute’s Choice Colt
Trans-Tasman trainer Graeme Rogerson paid top price of $320,000 for a colt by boom Arrowfield Stud stallion Redoute’s Choice (out of unraced Arazi mare Opulence) during yesterday’s 2nd session of the 2-day Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne. The colt (who initially left the ring unsold, after failing to meet his reserve, before Rogerson stepped in & negotiated the $320,000 price) proved another winning pin-hook for Riverslea Farm’s Steve Irwin, who purchased him as a weanling (from the Coolmore consignment) at the Inglis Australian Select Weanling Sale for $75,000. His dam Opulence is a half-sister to Godolphin’s Gr1 winner Lend A Hand (by Great Commotion), which stands at Overbury Stud. (Feb 15)

Inglis Premier Day-2: $260,000 Redoute’s Choice Filly
Trainer Graeme Rogerson also paid $260,000 for Day-2’s top filly at yesterday’s Inglis Premier Sale: a daughter of Redoute’s Choice out of Bold Revenue mare Miss Behave (a winning half-sister to Canada’s 1996 Champion 3YO filly Silent Fleet). The filly was consigned by Bellerive Stud. (Feb 15)

Inglis Premier Day-2: Top Lots

$320,000 Redoute’s Choice-Opulence colt (G.Rogerson)
$260,000 Redoute’s Choice-Miss Behave filly (G.Rogerson)
$220,000 Encosta de Lago-Rory’s Glory filly (G.Waterhouse)
$150,000 Postponed-Tough Call colt (D.Bourne)
$150,000 Encosta de Lago-Vain Hostess colt (Star T’breds)

(Feb 15)

Inglis Premier Day-2: Average Up 10%
Overall on Day-2 at the Inglis Premier Sale, 184 yearlings sold for $9,812,500 (up 13.7% on last year’s 178 sold for $8,628,000). The $53,329 average was up 10% (last year $48,471) while the median remained constant at $40,000. (Feb 15)

Inglis Premier Cumulative Average Up 21%
Cumulatively over the 2-sessions of the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, the $22,247,500 gross was up 22% on last year & the $59,011 average was up 21%. Managing director Reg Inglis commented: “The results prove that Victoria has now come of age & there is no glass ceiling as far as prices achieved is concerned.” And Inglis Melbourne manager Peter Heagney summed up: “I was inundated with compliments from buyers from throughout Australia on the quality of horses at this sale & the results certainly indicate this. With the support of Racing Victoria & TROA, the Victorian thoroughbred industry is in very good shape & the unveiling of the new ownership strategy has been a timely boost for this sale.” (Feb 15)

Inglis Premier: Redoute’s & Encosta Top Sires
Among the sires, Arrowfield's Redoute’s Choice & Coolmore’s Encosta de Lago accounted for all 12 yearlings to bring $200,000 or more over the 2 sessions of the Inglis Premier Sale.

Redoute’s Choice sold 3 (of 5 offered) for $920,000 at an average $306,667.
Encosta de Lago sold 24 (of 26 offered) for $3,775,000 (including the top-priced $480,000 colt) at an average $157,292.

(Feb 15)

Inglis Premier: 1st Crop Sires
Among the 1st season sires at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale:

Distant Music (among those with 3 or more sold) averaged $71,250 for 6 sold (from 11 offered).
The lone Fusaichi Pegasus colt sold for $180,000.
NZ-based Postponed’s lone sale entry sold for $150,000.
Collingrove-based Bianconi’s lone entry sold for $130,000.
And Diatribe’s lone sale entry sold for $100,000.
Show A Heart’s 2 lots both made over $100,000.

(Feb 15)

Inglis Premier: Rogerson Leading Buyer
Among the major buyers at the Inglis Premier Sale:

Graeme Rogerson purchased 10 lots for $1,430,000 (at an average $143,000).
And fellow Randwick-based trainer Gai Waterhouse purchased 5 lots (at an average $190,000).

(Feb 15)

Inglis Premier: Collingrove Leading Vendor
And among the leading consignors at the Inglis Premier Sale:

Collingrove Stud sold 18 yearlings for $1,173,500 (at an average $65,194).
Bellerive Stud sold 10 yearlings for $1,142,000 (at an average $114,200.)

(Feb 15)

Kentucky Day-1: US$160,000 Dancal
Meanwhile in the US, Robert Lail paid top price of US$160,000 for Irish-bred 7YO broodmare Dancal (Mujadil-Majesty’s Nurse, by Indian King) on Day-1 of the 2-session Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Winter Mixed Sale at the Newtown Paddocks in Lexington, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Dancal (consigned by Four Star Sales as agent) is in foal to Coolmore shuttler & 2001 champion 2YO male Johannesburg (whose 1st foals are yearlings in 2005). Dancal (a Gr3 winner in both South Africa & the US) is from the family of multiple Gr1 winner Mr Dinos; she won 11 of her 22 starts & earned US$263,551. (Feb 15)

Kentucky Day-1: US$87,000 Colt
Matty Murtagh Bloodstock paid US$87,000 for the highest-priced yearling on Day-1 in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com: a Florida-bred son of Officer (consigned by Mill Ridge Sales as agent) out of winning Latin American mare Prim Flower (a full sister to stakes-placed winner Jekyll And Hyde, & a half-sister to Gr2 winner Yearly Tour & multiple graded stakes-winner Victor Avenue). Officer (whose 1st foals are also yearlings in 2005) stands at Gainesway Farm in Kentucky. (Feb 15)

Kentucky Day-1: Average Down 17.8%
Overall on Day-1 in Kentucky, 194 lots sold (79.8% of 243 offered) for US$2,326,000 (last year 159 sold for US$2,320,100). The US$11,990 average was down 17.8% (last year US$14,592) & the US$5,000 median was down 9.1% (last year US$5,500). (Feb 15)

Our Dashing Dane Wins Hobart Cup
In Tasmania yesterday, 5YO gelding Our Dashing Dane (Ladoni-Royal Theme) won the $192,400 Gr 3 Hobart Cup (2100m) at Elwick in Hobart. Our Dashing Dane (ridden by Christine Puls for trainer Jason Clifford) defeated top-weighted 4YO gelding Under The Bridge (Blevic-Wine Cask) & 6YO gelding Surge Of Power (Aliocha-Calbrosa). Our Dashing Dane (a $2,500 yearling at the 2001 Tasmanian Breeders’ Sale) now has 4 wins & 10 placings in 21 starts for $170,585 prize-money; last start he finished 2nd in the weight-for-age Listed Tasmanian St Leger (2100m) at Mowbray in Launceston on February 6. (Feb 15)

Cunamulla Lass Wins Strutt Stakes
Cunamulla Lass (Danske-Icy Slice) prevailed by a long-neck in a photo-finish to yesterday’s $80,000 Listed Strutt Stakes (2100m) for 3YO fillies at Elwick. Danske (ridden by Greg Childs for trainer Mike Moroney) defeated Fun Ally (Festival Hall-Shooter) & Oceano (Portland Pirate-Kidada). Cunamulla Lass now has 2 wins & 3 placings in 5 starts for $76,758 prize-money; last start she finished 2nd in the Listed Wrest Point 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Elwick on January 30. (Feb 15)

Lonely Shore Wins Thomas Lyons Stakes
And 5YO gelding Lonely Shore (Greig-Snip Of Luck) scored in a thrilling 3-way photo-finish to yesterday’s $60,000 weight-for-age Listed Thomas Lyons Stakes (1400m) at Elwick. Lonely Shore (ridden by Simon Snell for trainer John Blacker) won by a half-neck from fellow 5YO gelding Jay Kay Bee (West Quest-Tricky Tambo), with a further half-head to 4YO gelding A Dreamer (El Moxie-Dream River). Lonely Shore (an $8,500 yearling pass-in at the 2001 Inglis Melbourne Autumn Sale) now has 9 wins & 3 placings in 22 starts for $100,060 prize-money. (Feb 15)

High Yield Shuttles To Argentina
Coolmore shuttler & 8YO Kentucky-based 2nd-crop sire High Yield (Storm Cat-Scoop The Gold, by Forty Niner) “will shuttle to Argentina in August to stand the 2005 Southern Hemisphere breeding season at Hernan Ceriani Cernadas’s Haras La Quebrada (that nation’s top-ranked owner & breeder last season)” rather than return to Australia, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. In the US, High Yield has sired 16 winners (1 stakes-winner Amazing Buy) from 42 starters among 267 foals of racing age in 2 crops (183 current 2YOs); in Australia, he recently recorded his 1st winner via Lee Freedman-trained Canary Islands. On the track, High Yield won 4 of 14 starts (including the 2000 Gr1 Blue Grass Stakes & Gr1 Fountain Of Youth Stakes) & earned US$1,170,196. His stakes-winning dam Scoop The Gold is a half-sister to English champion & Irish classic winner Forest Flower. (Feb 15)

Racing NSW Key To TV Decision
All eyes “will be on NSW Racing tomorrow when the regulatory body for thoroughbred racing decides whether to kybosh plans for its city clubs to sack race broadcaster Tabcorp’s Sky Channel,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. The Australian Jockey Club & Sydney Turf Club “have been agitating to set up their own broadcaster” through their ThoroughVision joint venture with the Victorian clubs. Racing NSW “stepped into the brawl last week, expressing concerns over a decision which could have huge implications for the industry”. Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’Landys said his body “could veto a decision by the clubs if it was viewed as detrimental to the industry”. He declared: “We have no doubt whatsoever that we have the power to do what’s in the best interests of racing.” (Feb 15)

Track Sale Slanging Match Hots Up
The slanging match surrounding potential sale of Sydney’s Warwick Farm & Canterbury Park tracks keeps escalating daily. Among yesterday’s contributions:

Columnist Craig Young in The Sydney Morning Herald: “Anyone considering selling Warwick Farm should be tied to a pole & flogged with a jockey’s whip. It is that simple.”
And fellow columnist Ken Callander in The Daily Telegraph: “Money, money, money. Let’s get on the money trail. Forget that racetracks bring joy to thousands & are recreation areas for the citizens of Sydney. These corporate high-flyers don’t worry one little bit about the average punter. Their only path is the one paved with dollar signs. Why don’t we move to knock down the Opera House & build a 50-storey block of units. It would produce more dollars from such a valuable site. Sell the Royal National Park while we are at it & a couple of golf courses too. . . . It is incorrect to say Canterbury racetrack is losing $5 million or $10 million a year & it is total baloney to say it is cheaper to run a race meeting at Kembla than Canterbury.”

(Feb 15)

Trainers Fined & Suspended After Fight
Ballina-based NSW north coast trainer Stephen Lee has been fined $10,000 after stewards found him guilty of “improper conduct” following a physical altercation with fellow Ballina trainer Steve Phelps. Phelps was also found guilty of improper conduct & suspended for 3 months & 3 weeks. (Feb 15)

Faltaat Continues Winning Streak
In New Zealand, the weekend win by 6YO gelding Sedecrem (Faltaat-Real Trier, by Turf Ruler) for the 2nd successive year in the weight-for-age Gr1 Waikato Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa, continued the current Hot Streak for his Westbury Stud-based sire Faltaat (Mr Prospector-Epitome, by Summing).

Sedecrem (a NZ$22,000 yearling at the NZ Bloodstock Summer Sale) now has 12 wins (also including the 2003 NZ Gr1 Easter Handicap) & 12 placings in 37 starts for NZ$570,000 prize-money.
Meanwhile Sam Kelt (who sponsor’s NZ’s richest race, the NZ$1 million Gr1 Kelt Capital Stakes) paid a new record for a Faltaat yearling when he purchased a Faltaat-Clear Advantage filly (from the Westbury Stud draft) for NZ$225,000 at the NZ Bloodstock Karaka sales.
In southeast Asia, Westbury-bred 5YO gelding Jeram New Village (Faltaat-Encarta, by Westminster) won his 5th start from 8 appearances in Malaysia with victory in the Klang Valley Special Stakes (1200m) at the Selangor Turf Club's Tunku Gold Cup meeting.
And in Hong Kong, Faltaat’s 3YO gelded son Gold Striker (trained by Australian John Size) emphasised his potential as a HK Derby prospect by winning a Class 3 event over 1400m before 76,000 fans who packed Sha Tin for the Chinese New Year meeting.

(Feb 15)

NZ Track Rating To Follow Aust
The NZ Thoroughbred Racing Board “has agreed to have all tracks recalibrated & to have in place appropriate protocols for the use of penetrometers”. The “need for consistency in terminology for track descriptions between NZ & Australia has also been discussed & the Board has recommended the Australian track descriptions of Fast, Good, Dead, Slow & Heavy be introduced from August 1”. (Feb 15)

NZ Report On Sand-Based Tracks
Meanwhile the NZ Sports Turf Institute has presented a report to the NZ Thoroughbred Racing Board “on the efficacy of sand-slitting & the feasibility of sand-based tracks under NZ conditions”. The information presented (particularly on the maintenance of sand-slit tracks) “will be made available to clubs” & “further work will be done on the business case for a sand-based turf track in NZ”. (Feb 15)

NZ Cluster Push Continues
NZ Thoroughbred Racing is “working closely with Interim Cluster Boards in putting together proposals for the establishment of Regional Racing Clusters throughout NZ, effective from August 1”. These will join those Clusters already in operation. Reports “are to be distributed no later than March 18 containing background information & an invitation to join the Cluster”; clubs will be asked “to indicate their support for joining a Cluster by April 26”. (Feb 15)

Recast Wins Singapore Feature
In Singapore, Australian trainer John Meagher prepared 4 winners at Kranji, including victory by Australia-bred 4YO entire Recast (ridden by Melbourne jockey Matthew Pumpa) in the feature S$250,000 (A$200,000) E.W.Barker Trophy. Recast (Thunder Gulch-Abonnement) won last season's Singapore Guineas & has now notched 5 victories since he left Australia; he was originally an $80,000 yearling (consigned by Collingrove Stud) at the 2002 Magic Millions Gold Coast Premier Sale. (Feb 15)

Aust Trainers Win 4 In HK
In Hong Kong, Australian trainers also won 4 races at Sha Tin (John Size 2, David Hayes 1 & David Hall 1), while jockey Brett Prebble landed a winning double. (Feb 15)

Duric To Ride In Macau
In Macau, Melbourne jockey Vlad Duric has been granted a 3-month visiting jockey licence at Taipa (from March-May). (Feb 15)

Miss Loren Wins US Gr1 Santa Maria Hcp
In the US, Argentina’s 2004 champion older mare Miss Loren (Numerous-Luminaire, by Forlitano) prevailed by a nose in a thrilling photo-finish (& then survived a protest) to win the US$250,000 Gr1 Santa Maria Handicap (8.5 furlongs) for mares 4YO & up at Santa Anita, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Miss Loren (ridden by Jose Valdivia for trainer Luis Seglin) defeated fellow Argentine-bred Good Student (by Louis Quatorze) & 4YO Hollywood Story (by Wild Rush). Miss Loren (a 7YO full sister to Mr Light, who won the Gr3 Appleton Handicap the day before) came to the US when last year’s Southern Hemisphere season ended & duly won the Gr2 Clement Hirsch Handicap on August 8 at Del Mar & Paseana Handicap on January 14 at Santa Anita (plus 3rd in the Gr1 Ruffian Handicap on September 19). Overall Miss Loren now has 13 wins (12 stakes victories, also including Argentina’s Gr1 Copa de Plata) in 45 starts for US$616,260 earnings; in the US, she has 3 wins & 3 placings (plus 3 4ths) in 9 starts. (Feb 15)

Numerous Impossible To Ignore
Impressive US weekend winners Miss Loren & Mr Light are both by Mr Prospector’s “fast-emerging son Numerous, who continues to gain momentum with results that are simply impossible to ignore,” commented thoroughbredinternet.com. Numerous (who stands at France’s Haras du Quesnay) sired 5 Gr1 winners in 2004 & “shows no sign of abating in 2005, with his 2004 tally exceeding that of glamour North American sire Kingmambo”. At his previous start Mr Light clocked a world record 1min 31.41sec for a mile on turf at Gulfstream on January 3 (breaking the record held since 1998 by Darley sire Elusive Quality). Mr Light & Miss Loren “are just 2 of 37 individual stakes-winners from 622 foals of racing age for Numerous” (who has just turned 14). In total, Numerous is the sire of 14 Gr1 winners world-wide. Numerous (a full brother to proven Shadai stallion Jade Robbery) is from Number, herself a half-sister to Fairy Bridge (dam of Sadler’s Wells). (Feb 15)

Argentine Champ Taba Dies In Kentucky
The 32-year-old retired mare Taba (who “excelled on the racetrack in Argentina & as a broodmare in North America”) died of natural causes at Our Mims Retirement Haven in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Taba (by Table Play) was Argentina’s champion juvenile filly of 1975 & continued unbeaten as a 3YO with 3 successive victories including the Gr1 Polla De Potrancas (1000 Guineas). She then went to the US in 1977. As a broodmare, Taba “was a stand-out, producing 13 starters from 16 foals, including 11 winners”. She was the dam of 1986 champion older male Turkoman (who is the broodmare sire of 2001 Horse-Of-The-Year Point Given). Taba also produced stakes-winner Slow Fuse & stakes-placed Red Star. (Feb 15)

Ema Bovary Retired To Stud
Meanwhile 6YO Chilean-bred multiple graded stakes-winning mare Ema Bovary (Edgy Diplomat-Coqueta, by Domineau) “who was the pride of Northern California, strained ligaments in her left front ankle while working at Golden Gate Fields toward her seasonal debut,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. “She is expected to recover quickly from the injury, but will be retired to stud.” Ema Bovary recorded 13 wins & 3 placings in 19 starts, including the 2004 Gr3 Princess Rooney Handicap at Calder last July (the US’s richest sprint for fillies & mares) in her most recent start & the 2003 Gr3 Las Flores Handicap at Santa Anita; she amassed US$721,642 earnings & at one point won 9 races in succession. Trainer Larry Ross summed up: "She’s the best horse I ever trained. With a regular horse, you could bring them back in 4 months or so; but why try to bring her back? She’s worth too much as a broodmare." (Feb 15)

Congaree Half-Brother Born At Stonerside
A half-brother to 5-time Gr1 winner Congaree has been born at Stonerside Stable in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt (by 1998 Gr1 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Awesome Again) is the 5th foal out of Gr1-placed winner Mari's Sheba. Congaree (a 7YO son of Arazi) was the 1st foal produced by Mari's Sheba (who won 3 of 14 starts & placed 3rd in the 1995 Gr1 Santa Anita Oaks). (Feb 15)

1st US Foal To Soul Of The Matter
US Gr1-winner & millionaire Soul Of The Matter (who started his stud career in Japan) has sired his 1st US foal, reported bloodhorse.com. The colt is out of winning Paster's Caper mare Paster's Dutchess. Soul Of The Matter (Private Terms-Soul Light, by TV Commercial) won the Gr1 Super Derby & ran 2nd to Cigar in the inaugural Dubai World Cup. He stands at E.A.Ranches in California. (Feb 15)

Primordial Moves To Hickman Stables
US 19-time winner Primordial (Risen Star-Mazatleca, by Ramahorn) has been moved to Hickman Stables in Indiana, reported bloodhorse.com. The 15-year-old stallion is a half-brother to Gr1 winner Wild Escapade & Gr2 winner Mazel Trick. (Feb 15)

Saudi Prince Buys Argentine Star Fire Wall
In South America, Argentina’s star 3YO Fire Wall (winner of the 2004 Gr1 Gran Premio Internacional Carlos Pellegrini) has been purchased from Juan Garat’s Stud El Gusy by Prince Abdalaziz Bin Fahad bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia “where he is expected to resume his racing career soon,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Fire Wall, by Incurable Optimist, was “a top contender for Argentine 2004 Horse-Of-The-Year & champion 3YO honors”; he has won 4 of his 9 starts, also including Argentina’s Gr1 Gran Premio Provincia de Buenos Aires on October 10 at La Plata, “before taking the Pellegrini (South America’s championship race for 3YOs & older) on December 11 at San Isidro”. (Feb 15)

Elsworth Threatens To Quit Racing
In the UK, prominent trainer David Elsworth (known to Australians as the man who brought Persian Punch to Victoria for several attempts to win the Gr1 Melbourne Cup) is “considering his long-term future in racing” after losing his appeal against a £1,500 fine for not giving apprentice jockey Richard Young "adequate riding instructions" when Wavertree Boy finished a controversial 4th in a hurdle at Taunton on February 1, reported racingpost.co.uk. (Young was subsequently suspended for 10 days & the horse “banned from racing for 40 days”.) Elsworth declared: “I’ve had a few run-ins over the years & it is frustrating, so long-term I’ll have to consider my future & ask myself if I want to keep doing it. I do understand the difficulties involved in the policing & integrity of racing, & I also accept that the tape of the race looks very damaging; but it’s so annoying, as I haven’t done anything wrong. I’m not sure what I’ll do now as the rules kill you. I’ll talk to my solicitor & I could take it through a civil court, but that would be very expensive.” (Feb 15)

Snow Princess Foals Sister To Snow Ridge
Meanwhile Snow Princess produced a sister to Godolphin’s ill-fated colt Snow Ridge (2000 Guineas runner-up) at Newsells Park Stud, reported racingpost.co.uk. Snow Princess (a daughter of Ela-Mana-Mou) won: 4 middle-distance races as a 3YO (culminating in the 1995 November Handicap); a Listed contest over 15-furlongs in Italy as a 4YO; finished 2nd in the Gr3 Princess Royal Stakes as a 5YO; & rounded off her career as runner-up in France’s Gr1 Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp. Her best foal to date Snow Ridge won the 2003 Royal Lodge Stakes but was “put down in September following a severe bout of laminitis”. Snow Princess will be bred back to Indian Ridge (sire of both Snow Ridge & her newborn foal). (Feb 15)

Inglis Premier Day-1: $480,000 Encosta De Lago Colt
Adelaide trainer Mark Minervini (representing Wayne Ormond from Global Thoroughbred Syndicates) paid a new record price for a yearling sold at the Inglis Premier Sale when he bid $480,000 for a colt by Coolmore’s Encosta de Lago (out of Classic Plume, by Military Plume) at the Oaklands complex in Melbourne yesterday. The colt (whose dam Classic Plume is a half-sister to stakes-winners Isca, Star Alight & Slapstick) was consigned by Collingrove Stud as agent & Collingrove marketing manager Jenny McAlpine commented: “The colt was a great sort & made well above all expectations. Breeder Rick Jamieson from Gilgai Farm was over the moon.” (Feb 14)

Inglis Premier Day-1: $340,000 Redoute’s Choice Colt
Trainer Rick Hore Lacy paid the Inglis Premier Day-2 2nd top price of $340,000 for a colt by Arrowfield Stud stallion Redoute’s Choice (out of Luskin Jazz). The colt was consigned by Bellerive Stud. (Feb 14)

Inglis Premier Day-1: $300,000 Encosta De Lago Colt
Encosta de Lago yearlings dominated Day-1 of the Inglis Premier Sale, providing 8 of the top 9 lots. Trainer Gai Waterhouse paid $300,000 for an Encosta de Lago-Garter Lane colt (consigned by Eliza Park as agent) & fellow trainer Bart Cummings paid $260,000 for an Encosta de Lago-Hermitrage Lane filly (consigned by Kornong Stud Farm). (Feb 14)

Inglis Premier Day-1: Average Up 33%
Overall 187 yearlings sold during Day-1 at the Inglis Premier Sale for $12,271,000 (up 29% from last year’s $9,481,500). The $65,620 average was up a massive 33% & the clearance rate was a strong 84%. Inglis associate director Peter Heagney summed up: “Coming into the sale I felt confident that we had the horses with pedigrees & conformation to achieve a good result & I am delighted that this has been reflected in the figures.” (Feb 14)

Inglis Premier Day-1: Top Lots

$480,000 Encosta de Lago-Classic Plume colt (GTS)
$340,000 Redoute’s Choice-Luskin Jazz colt (R.Hore-Lacy)
$300,000 Encosta de Lago-Garter Lane colt (G.Waterhouse)
$260,000 Encosta de Lago-Hermitage Lane filly (B.Cummings)
$220,000 Encosta de Lago-Kashya colt (G.Waterhouse)
$220,000 Encosta de Lago-La Vena colt (S.Richards)
$210,000 Encosta de Lago-La Baronne colt (P.Perry)
$200,000 Encosta de Lago-Aboutski filly (K.O’Brien)
$200,000 Encosta de Lago-Courtroom Sweetie colt (R.Yin)

(Feb 14)

Elvstroem Wins Gr1 Orr Stakes
On the track, Gr1 Caulfield Cup winning 4YO entire Elvstroem (Danehill-Circles Of Gold, by Marscay) added to his impressive record when he prevailed by a head in a photo-finish to the $300,000 weight-for-age Gr1 C.F.Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in Melbourne. Elvstroem (ridden by Nash Rawiller for trainer Tony Vasil) just pipped Gr1 Cox Plate-winning 3YO colt Savabeel (Zabeel-Savannah Success, by Success Express) & 5YO gelding Lad Of The Manor (Zabeel-Matrona, by Woodman). Elvstroem (a $330,000 yearling at the 2002 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 8 wins & 7 placings in 24 starts for $3,743,600 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Grand Armee Wins Apollo Stakes
Multiple Gr1-winning 6YO gelding Grand Armee (Hennessy-Tambour, by Marauding) ran a course record 1min 21.06sec in winning the $150,000 weight-for-age Gr2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney. Grand Armee (ridden by Danny Beasley for trainer Gai Waterhouse) defeated 5YO gelding Court’s In Session (Bureaucracy-Markatie Court, by Seventh Hussar) & 4YO gelding Desert War (Desert King-High Heels, by Canny Lad). Grand Armee (a $150,000 yearling at the 2000 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 10 wins & 12 placings in 26 starts for $4,006,990 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Outback Prince Wins Hobartville Stakes
Woodlands Stud stallion Desert Prince (Green Desert-Flying Fairy, by Bustino) added a major group winner when his colt Outback Prince (Desert Prince-Terrestial, by Star Watch) scored by a neck in the $150,000 Gr2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) for 3YOs at Randwick. Outback Prince (ridden by Hugh Bowman for trainer Anthony Cummings) defeated the geldings Eremein (Timber Country-Merrego, by Marscay) & last season’s multiple Gr1-winning champion juvenile Dance Hero (Danzero-Gypsy Dancer, by Dance Floor). Outback Prince now has 4 wins & 6 placings in 16 starts for $640,450 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Phantom Thief Wins Tasmanian Derby
The colt Phantom Thief (Jade Robbery-Not On Friday) won the $144,000 Gr3 Tasmanian Derby (2100m) for 3YOs at Elwick in Hobart. Phantom Thief (ridden by S.Maskiell for trainer Lee Freedman) defeated gelding Stuyvesant (Blazing Reality-Soft Lady) & fellow colt Expunge (Gilded Time-Prime Again). Phantom Thief now has 5 wins & 3 placings in 9 starts for $148,175 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Doubting Wins Fillies Blue Diamond Prelude
Arrowfield Stud's boom stallion Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) continued his current hot streak when unbeaten juvenile filly Doubting (Redoute’s Choice-Sovereign Ruby) made it 2-from-2 with a long-neck victory in the $175,000 Gr3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) for 2YO fillies at Caulfield. Doubting (ridden by Danny Nikolic for trainer Mick Price) defeated Amarazetti (Commands-Zetti’s Dream) & Street Smart (Lion Hunter-Impediment). Doubting now has $127,000 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Perfectly Ready Wins C&G Blue Diamond Prelude
Vinery Stud shuttler More Than Ready (Southern Halo-Woodman’s Girl, by Woodman) also added a juvenile group victory when his unbeaten colt Perfectly Ready (More Than Ready-Elle Duccio) made it 2-from-2 by winning the $125,000 Gr3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) for 2YO colts & geldings at Caulfield. Perfectly Ready (ridden by Steven King for trainer Mick Price) defeated fellow colts The Rhine (Quest For Fame-Lorelei) & Bradbury’s Luck (Redoute’s Choice-Skating). Perfectly Ready (a $90,000 weanling at the 2003 Inglis Australian Select Sale) now has $115,250 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Niconero Wins Wellington RC Stakes
Arrowfield Stud stallion Danzero (Danehill-Confidentially, by Kaoru Star) added another black type success when his gelded son Niconero (Danzero-Nicola Lass, by Scenic) won a 3-way photo-finish to the $75,000 Listed Wellington RC Stakes (1400m) for 3YOs at Caulfield. Niconero (ridden by Nash Rawiller for trainer Tony McEvoy) won by a half-neck from the filly Astrodame (Flying Spur-Tirumani, by Last Tycoon), with a short-neck to fellow gelding Wildly (Hurricane Sky-Bourbazam Lass, by Kendor). Niconero now has 5 wins from 6 starts for $129,680 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Glamour Puss Wins Moduline Stakes
Coolmore shuttler Tale Of The Cat (Storm Cat-Yarn, by Mr Prospector) also added a black type victory when 4YO mare Glamour Puss (Tale Of The Cat-Centenaire, by Centaine) won the $75,000 Listed Moduline HRC Stakes (1200m) for mares 4YO & up at Caulfield. Glamour Puss (ridden by Steven King for trainer D.O’Brien) defeated 5YO mare Umber (Umatilla-Estupenda, by Balmerino) & fellow 4YO mare Kalamata (Desert Prince-Kirtlington, by Scenic). Glamour Puss now has 5 wins & 5 placings in 13 starts for $115,621 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Foreplay Wins JRA Stakes
The 3YO colt Foreplay (Danehill-Procrastinate, by Jade Hunter) grabbed victory by a long-neck in the $75,000 Listed JRA Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield. Foreplay (ridden by Nicholas Ryan for trainer Matthew Ellerton) defeated 4YO mare Strikeline (Desert Sun-Strike High, by Pre Emptive Strike) & 6YO gelding Feel The Noise (Dehere-Slade, by Chimes Square). Foreplay (a $625,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 2 wins & 3 placings in 5 starts for $125,750 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Local Legend Wins Challenge Stakes
Consistent gelding Local Legend (Rory’s Jester-Spectrum) made it 3-wins-in-a-row with victory in the $45,000 Listed Challenge Stakes (1400m) for 3YOs at Belmont Park in Perth. Local Legend (ridden by J.Brown for trainer J.Taylor) defeated fellow geldings King’s Carnival (Don’t Say Halo-Partner Me) & Danny Blue (Danzero-Evian). Local Legend now has 6 wins & 3 placings in 13 starts for $157,790 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Who Did It Wins Detonator Stakes
And equally consistent 5YO gelding Who Did It (Mukaddamah-Miss Clementine) also made it 3-wins-in-a-row with victory in the $42,500 Listed Detonator Stakes (1650m) at Belmont Park. Who Did It (ridden by P.Carbery for trainer V.Ferrier) defeated 6YO gelding Blinded (Marwina-Floodlights) & 4YO mare Pennywest (Dexter-Miss Tripoli). Who Did It (an $8,500 buy at the Inglis 2004 Autumn Thoroughbred Sale) now has 10 wins & 3 placings in 20 starts for $230,925 prize-money. (Feb 14)

On Target Wins Flower Stakes
The 4YO gelding On Target (Don’t Say Halo-Accuracy) won the $42,500 Listed Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) at Belmont Park. On Target (ridden by A.Sansom for trainer C.Stelmach) defeated 7YO gelding Stockie’s Yarn (Metal Storm-Semento) & 5YO gelding Mercury Halo (Don’t Say Halo-Oh Mercy). On Target now has 7 wins & 7 placings in 18 starts for $161,050 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Brakim Lass Wins Saab Stakes
Grenville Stud stallion West Quest (Gone West-Veridian, by Green Dancer) recorded a juvenile black type victory when his undefeated daughter Brakim Lass (West Quest-Cat Be Numble) won the $40,000 Listed Saab Stakes (1100m) for 2YOs at Elwick. Brakim Lass (ridden by B.McCoull for trainer C.Goggin) defeated gelding Kosta Diamond (Bianconi-Liberty Belle) & fellow filly (Santorini Sky (Weasel Clause-Over The Sea). Brakim Lass now has 4 wins in 4 starts for $45,575 prize-money. (Feb 14)

Refuse To Bend Shuttles To Aust
Meanwhile 5YO stallion Refuse To Bend (Sadler's Wells-Market Slide, by Gulch) will shuttle to Darley Australia “after completing his 1st season at Kildangan Stud,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Refuse To Bend (a Gr1-winner as a 2YO, 3YO & 4YO) is a half-brother to Gr1 Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle; & his dam Market Slide is a half-sister to US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic runner-up Twilight Agenda. (Feb 14)

Cape Cross Also Shuttling To Aust
Darley Australia stood 15 stallions in 2004 at its Aberdeen base in the NSW Hunter Valley, with Cape Cross (sire of Cartier European Horse-Of-The-Year Ouija Board) a late cancellation. But the stud “hopes to add Cape Cross to its 2005 line-up”, noted thoroughbredinternet.com. Cape Cross previously stood 4 southern seasons at Cambridge Stud in New Zealand. (Feb 14)

21 Trainers’ Angry Letter To Pemberton
An angry letter signed by 21 trainers based at Sydney’s Warwick Farm track has been sent to Racing NSW chairman Gary Pemberton (with copies to Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’Landys & Australian Jockey Club chief executive Tony King) attacking Pemberton’s comments last week that the sale of Sydney’s minor tracks (Warwick Farm & Canterbury Park) was “inevitable”. The letter (which includes the signatures of prominent trainers Guy Walter, Clarry Conners, Tony Wildman, Paul Cave, Rod Craig, Gary Portelli, Steve Englebrecht, Ron Leemon, Marc Conners, Greg Hickman, Oliver Koolman & Joseph Pride) slams Pemberton for “your lack of disseminating information to stakeholders” & “the lack of professionalism shown by a person in your position to comment on such a sensitive issue in this way”. And it declares: “One must assume you have some hidden agenda to choose the racing media to reveal your personal opinion on this matter. . . . Surely you must realise your crass comments to a journalist would only inflame a structure under review. How can industry participants have confidence in you as an administrator when you choose to go outside the 'chain of command' to offer opinions?” The letter also demands: “Your brief as a public servant of racing, is to administer racing, not destroy it. Your board is charged with the onerous task of breathing some life back into the NSW racing industry. Your brief does not include making 'off the cuff' comments demonstrating a personal bias. Surely the decision to sell either racecourse would only be made after long & careful consideration & as an absolute last resort. To the best of our knowledge we are not yet at this point. For you to reveal your personal opinion may influence other key stakeholders & prevent due process from occurring.” The letter concludes with the warning: “Your comments are simplistic & again unprofessional. The industry expects more from a person in your position. In conclusion Mr Pemberton, your position as Chairman requires the confidence of the industry to function. Once that confidence is lost, the position becomes untenable. You may find you have done considerable damage to your cause.” (Feb 14)

Pemberton To Meet ATA
In response to the emotion-charged letter from Warwick Farm trainers, Racing NSW chairman Gary Pemberton “has called a meeting with the Australian Trainers Association” for tomorrow afternoon at the Racing NSW offices, reported Virtual Form Guide. (Feb 14)

Melbourne Starter Retiring
In Victoria, Melbourne starter Bob McKerral will retire after the Caulfield meeting on Saturday 26 February. McKerral officiated at his first Melbourne metropolitan meeting at Flemington (as an assistant starter) in 1978; since then McKerral has been a starter or assistant starter at over 2,000 race meetings & more than 16,000 individual races. (Feb 14)

The Jewel Wins NZ Gr1 International Stakes
In New Zealand, 5YO mare The Jewel (O'Reilly-The Grin, by Grosvenor) won the NZ$100,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Whakanui Stud International Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa. The Jewel (ridden by Leith Innes for trainers Hec & Steve Anderton) defeated 6YO gelding Distinctly Secret (Distinctly North-Te Akau Secret, by Lord Ballina) & last year’s winning fellow 5YO mare Lashed (Encosta De Lago-Traffic Watch, by Salieri). The Jewel previously won the Gr1 NZ 1000 Guineas as a 3YO & has subsequently notched a series of Gr1 placings. (Feb 14)

Sedecrem Wins NZ Gr1 Waikato Sprint
Consistent 6YO gelding Sedecrem (Faltaat-Real Trier, by Turf Ruler) made it 2-years-in succession with a withering finish to grab victory by a long neck in the NZ$100,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Waikato Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa. Sedecrem (ridden by Andrew Calder for trainers Colin Jillings & Richard Yuill) defeated 5YO gelding Lamond (Celestial Dancer-Come Hither Look, by Rock Roi) & 8YO gelding Travellin’ Man (Blues Traveller-Peat, by Beaufort Sea). Sedecrem (a NZ$22,000 yearling at the NZ Bloodstock Summer Sale) now has 12 wins (also including the 2003 NZ Gr1 Easter Handicap) in 37 starts. (Feb 14)

Tusker Wins NZ Sir Tristram Fillies Classic
In the penultimate event in the 2005 NZ Bloodstock Filly-Of-The-Year Series (already wrapped-up by star 3YO Justa Tad), Tusker (Volksraad-Stella Artois) prevailed by a neck in a photo-finish to the NZ$100,000 Gr2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic (2000m) for 3YO fillies at Te Rapa. Tusker (ridden by Noel Harris for trainer Murray Baker) defeated Authoress (Fuji Kiseki-Weaver Of Words) & Danex (Danasinga-Balm). (Feb 14)

Jonathan Josh Sold To England
Meanwhile Te Rapa-trained 3YO Jonathan Josh (by Prized) “has been sold to England in a deal completed by NZ Central Districts bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo,” reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Formerly owned & trained by John Morell, Jonathan Josh “will race on the flat in England with a view to eventually becoming a jumper”. (Feb 14)

Improvements To Ellerslie Track
Work on up-grading Auckland Racing Club’s Ellerslie track “will commence immediately after the Easter racing carnival next month,” reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Arrangements are being made to hold the ARC's 2 April meetings at other tracks in the northern region while Ellerslie is closed. The major refurbishment (undertaken over the next 15 months) “will ensure the best possible racing surface is available at the country's racing headquarters”; it will be carried out in 2 stages: Phase 1 “will see the laying of lateral drains” & Phase 2 “will involve the application of sand silt drainage”. The project “is similar to the successful rejuvenation of the Te Rapa racetrack which was undertaken by the Waikato Racing Club”. (Feb 14)

Stratford Declines Arbitration
Meanwhile the Stratford Racing Club “has declined to take part in the arbitration procedures instituted by the NZ Racing Board & headed by Sir Geoffrey Palmer,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. As a result, NZ Thoroughbred Racing's legal counsel “has made application to the Judicial Control Authority & the hearing into serious racing offence charges against 7 members of the Stratford Racing Club's committee of 2002 will now be heard April 26-29”. (Feb 14)

Scintillation Wins HK Gr1 Classic Mile
In Hong Kong, 76,000 fans packed Sha Tin for the Lunar New Year meeting & watched Australian-bred gelding Scintillation (Danehill-Subterfuge, by Machiavellian) lead all-the-way & prevail in a thrilling 3-way photo-finish to the HK$8 million (A$1.33m) Gr1 Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) for 4YOs. Scintillation (ridden by Gerald Mosse for trainer Danny Shum Chap-shing) led all-the-way & hung on to defeat South African-bred gelding Sambucca (by London News) by a short-head, with just a nose to another Australian-bred gelding High Intelligent (by Anabaa); favourite Grand Zulu finished 6th (beaten 1.5-lengths). Scintillation was sold at the 2002 HK International Sale for HK$2.6 million (A$430,000). Last season Scintillation recorded 5 successive victories (including the Gr3 Sha Tin Sprint Trophy over 1000m in October) before finishing the year with a 1-length 4th in the Gr1 Hong Kong International Mile in December; overall he now has 8 wins in 19 starts for HK$12 million (A$2m) prize-money. (Feb 14)

David Hayes Returning To Aust
Meanwhile expatriate Australian trainer David Hayes will leave Hong Kong (after 10 years) & return home when the current season finishes in June, reported The South China Morning Post. Hayes, 42, has won 2 HK trainer premierships & overall has prepared 445 winners (8 Gr1 victories) & totalled HK$419 million (A$70m) prize-money. His major HK winners include Elegant Fashion in the HK Derby & All Thrills Too in the HK International. (Feb 14)

Sharp Lisa Wins US Gr1 Las Virgenes Stakes
In the US, Sharp Lisa (Dixieland Band-Winter's Gone, by Dynaformer) won the US$250,000 Gr1 Las Virgenes Stakes (8 furlongs) for 3YO fillies at Santa Anita, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sharp Lisa (ridden by Corey Nakatani for trainer Doug O’Neill) defeated Memorette (Memo-Forever Fondre, by Shahrastani) & Charming Colleen (Charismatic-Restless Appeal. by Restless Con). Bred by WinStar Farm, Sharp Lisa has now won both her starts this season (following her victory in the Gr2 Santa Ynez Stakes on January 17) as she heads towards the G1 Ashland Stakes & Gr1 Kentucky Oaks; overall she has 3 wins (plus 2 runner-ups, including the Gr1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes on December 19 at Hollywood Park) in 6 starts for US$411,600 earnings. (Feb 14)

US Industry Pioneer John Gaines Dies
Meanwhile US thoroughbred industry pioneer John R. Gaines (who founded the Breeders’ Cup & established Kentucky’s Gainesway Farm as a leading stallion operation) died from “complications of diabetes” at St Joseph Hospital in Lexington, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Gaines, 76, established Gainesway in 1962 & later sold his farm to Graham Beck in 1989; but he “quickly re-emerged as an industry force with the founding of John R. Gaines Thoroughbreds, which specialised in selling quality pedigrees at the fall weanling sales”. Gaines sold his interest in John R. Gaines Thoroughbreds in 2001, but remained active in the industry as a breeder advocate & owner. At the time of his death, Gaines was a director of Breeders’ Cup Ltd & the Kentucky Horse Park. (Feb 14)

Star Brazil Sire Ghadeer Dies At 27
In South America, the Brazilian turf community “is mourning the death of Ghadeer (Lyphard-Swanilda, by Habitat), its most important & influential stallion of the last 2 decades, who succumbed to heart failure at age 27 at Haras Fazenda Mondesir in Rio de Janeiro,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Ghadeer was leading Brazilian sire “on more than 10 occasions & leading Brazilian broodmare sire for many years”. Among the Brazilian champions he sired was deceased leading sire Falcon Jet (1991 Horse-Of-The-Year & 1988 champion 2YO); & notable horses produced by his daughters include Riboletta (US champion older female of 2000). French-bred Ghadeer entered stud in Brazil in 1983, after a European racing career with 3 wins & 5 placings in 17 starts. “Notable members of the immediate family include Gr1 winner Common Grounds, 2003 Gr1 Epsom Derby winner Kris Kin, Italian classic winner Luso & multiple Gr1 winner Warrsan. The death of Ghadeer represents an irreplaceable loss to the Brazilian breeding industry.” (Feb 14)

Deauville Feb: $78,000 Kicking Bird
In Europe, bloodstock agent Margaret O’Toole paid top price of €46,000 (A$78,000) for 9YO broodmare Kicking Bird (a winning daughter of Darshaan) at the Agence Francaise February Mixed Sale at Deauville in France, reported racingpost.co.uk. Kicking Bird (out of Gr3-winning Arctic Tern mare Antarctica) has foaled 1 winner & is in foal to Polish Precedent. She was consigned by Haras du Cadran & is a half-sister to stakes-placed winners Kutbeya & Pierre Auguste. (Feb 14)

Deauville Feb: $46,000 Bareliere
And Gorgone Gilles paid €27,000 (A$46,000) for 9YO mare Bareliere (a daughter of Roi de Rome) at Deauville, reported racingpost.co.uk. Bareliere (1 of 4 winners out of Tourangeau mare Balioka) is in foal to Verglas & was also consigned by Haras du Cadran. She is a half-sister to stakes-winners Bilboquet, Baie & Baldwina. (Feb 14)

UK Juddmonte Manager Warned-Off
In the UK, Juddmonte Farms general manager Philip Mitchell “has been warned-off Britain's racecourses & training yards for 3 months following the inquiry into making up the foaling date of the 2000 Richmond Stakes winner Endless Summer,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Mitchell was charged at the UK Jockey Club on Friday for “committing a fraudulent practice”; however he received the minimum punishment (the maximum was a suspension of 10 years). The Jockey Club said the leniency was due to Mitchell’s “open & honest co-operation with the inquiry” & his “sincere regret”. (Feb 14)

Yard-Arm Wins Al Fahidi Fort
In Dubai, South African 5YO gelding & 2004 Horse-Of-The-Year Yard-Arm (Western Winter-Fashing, by Dancing Champ) led most of the way to win the US$200,000 Gr3 Al Fahidi Fort (1600m) as the International Carnival continued at Nad al Sheba. Lammerskraal Stud-bred Yard-Arm (ridden by Weichong Marwing for trainer Mike de Kock) defeated European-bred 5YOs Checkit (Mukaddamah-Collected, by Taufan) & Latino Magic (Lion Cavern-Tansy, by Shareef Dancer). Yard-Arm (a 5-time Gr1-winner in South Africa, including 2004’s Gr1 J&B Met, Gr1 Champion Stakes, Gr1 Queen’s Plate & Gr1 Gold Challenge) was making his Dubai debut & is aiming toward next month’s Gr1 Dubai World Cup; overall he now has 11 wins in 17 starts. (Feb 14)

Danewin Adds Dubai Carnival Winner
And Emirates Park Stud stallion Danewin (Danehill-Cotehele House, by My Swanee) added a Dubai International Carnival winner when his Australian-bred 7YO gelding Early Assault (Danewin-Rangiora, by Greenwood) won the US$90,000 Italian International Stakes (1800m) at Nad al Sheba. Early Assault (ridden by Eddie Ahern for trainer Doug Watson) defeated 5YO gelding & stable-mate Chinkara (Desert Prince-You Make Me Real, by Give Me Strength) & Argentine-bred 5YO entire Sapucai (Lode-Saint Donatila, by Saint Sever). (Feb 14)

Jockey Agent Charged With Trainer Murder
Monday Odd Spot: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police “have arrested jockey agent Michael Joseph Wilson & charged him with 2 counts of 1st-degree murder in the 2002 deaths of trainer Glen Martin & Martin’s friend Julie Smith,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Police allege Wilson murdered Martin & Smith & “then left them on the side of the road in the trunk of Smith’s car in a suburb of Vancouver”. (Feb 14)

State City To Stand At Alwyn Park
In his 2nd major breeding coup of the year, WA Turf Club chairman Ted van Heemst has purchased State City (among the best international sprinters of his era) from Sheik Mohammed bin Rasheed Al Maktoum to stand at John Andrew’s Alwyn Park Stud at Serpentine in Western Australia. This follows Van Heemst’s recent purchase of Dubai Excellence (a half-brother to ill-fated champion racehorse & sire Dubai Millennium) from Sheik Mohammed to stand at WA’s Evergreen Lodge at Myalup. State City (who won $2 million prize-money) beat crack US sprinters Avanzado & Captain Squire in the 2003 Gr1 Golden Shaheen (1200m) on Dubai World Cup night; Australia’s Gr1 Golden Slipper Stakes & Gr1 Newmarket Handicap winner Belle Du Jour was 4th in that race. Former WATC chief steward Fin Powrie (now in charge of racing in Dubai) rated State City (Carson City-Wajna, by Nureyev) in the class of former WA & Australian champion sprinter Placid Ark & noted: "I was quite stunned on hearing he was going to WA. This is a horse of the highest international order. He’s over 16 hands & built like a brick out-house with the ability to match. He’s a wonderful addition to your stallion ranks. You need horses like him to lift the standard of the industry." Overall State City had 12 starts in the UAE for 6 wins & 3 placings; the other victories came in the Jebel Ali Sprint (setting a 1000m track record of 57.3sec), Sheik Saeed Trophy (1200m), UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (1400m), Khaleej Trophy (1200m) & Al Futtain Trophy (1600m). He was Champion Sprinter & High-weighted Older Horse on the UAE Free Handicap from 10001400m. Taken to the US, State City finished 3rd to Gr1 stars Aldebaran & Peeping Tom in the Tom Fool Handicap at Belmont Park. State City is rated the best son of Carson City (leading speed son of champion sire of sires Mr Prospector); Carson City (who sired 72 stakes-winners & had progeny earnings over US$65 million before his sudden death last month) stood for US$45,000 at Kentucky’s Overbrook Farm & was booked to 125 mares for the current northern hemisphere season. His death has sparked considerable international interest in State City, who is likely to shuttle back to the US after the coming WA season. Meanwhile State City’s stakes-winning dam Wajna is a half-sister to US Gr1 winner Navarone & Gr2 winner Moon Spirit. (Feb 11)

Jymcarew Wins Gosford Guineas
In NSW yesterday, Arrowfield Stud stallion Danzero (Danehill-Confidentially, by Kaoru Star) added another black type success when top-weighted gelding Jymcarew (Danzero-Aperto, by Grosvenor) prevailed by a short-neck in a photo-finish to the $100,000 Listed Gosford Guineas (1600m) for 3YOs. Jymcarew (ridden by Rod Quinn for trainer Bob Thomsen) defeated fellow geldings Russian Charm (Stravinsky-Riverina Charm) & Master Strategy (Strategic-Mistreat). Jymcarew (a $50,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Classic Sale) now has 4 wins & 4 placings in 12 starts for $148,500 prize-money. (Feb 11)

Barrett Astounded By Betting Fluctuations
Big-betting Sydney bookmaker Harry Barrett yesterday told the headline-generating Queensland Racing Inquiry “he was astounded at how quickly the odds blew out” on a horse whose controversial victory in a Brisbane race cost him $250,000 reported The Australian newspaper. Barrett said “in more than 40 years in the job, he had never seen prices shoot up as quickly as they did on Bold Flush” (which won the midweek race at Doomben on 4 September 2002). Barrett revealed “about 2 hours before the race a Sydney businessman (whose name has been suppressed by the Inquiry) bet $10,000 by phone on Bold Flush at top fluctuations” (the highest price reached during betting). The Inquiry was told Bold Flush’s price opened at 10-1, “shot up to a peak of 25-1 & then declined to 15-1 before the race started”. Barrett summed up: “All of a sudden it just started to blow & blow & blow. I’ve never seen a horse blow out so quick.” (Feb 11)

NSW & Vic Pools To Merge In March
The “historic merger of NSW & Victorian TAB betting pools could be in place by early March,” reported The Daily Telegraph. NSW TAB supremo Michael Piggott “revealed yesterday that providing all outstanding issues with respective state Governments & racing authorities are ironed out, the amalgamation of betting pools should be in place for the majority of the Sydney autumn race carnival”. Piggott summed up: “We are hoping to be ready by the 1st week of March, but there are no guarantrees. The plan is to phase-in certain bet types one-by-one during that week to make sure there are no problems with the system.” (Feb 11)

Pemberton Doesn’t Care Who Wins TV Brawl
Amid the on-going brawl between Sky Channel (owned by Tabcorp) & the Sydney race clubs (AJC & STC) over TV broadcast rights to Sydney metropolitan races, Racing NSW chairman Gary Pemberton colourfully told The Australian newspaper: “There’s a commercial arm-wrestle here & we, Racing NSW, are the poor schmucks in the middle who are going to be paying the bills on any commercial fall-out. We can’t stand by & watch these 2 big gorillas trying to thump it out with one another, with us bearing the commercial down-side. . . . My prime concern is the effect on the income stream to NSW racing. I don’t care who beats up on whom. I don’t care who wins.” (Feb 11)

Meggs Elkington Dies Aged 77
Former Melbourne jockey & trainer Meggs Elkington has died aged 77. Elkington was originally apprenticed to Fred Hoysted in 1941 & became a licensed trainer at Mentone in 1958. He subsequently won the 1964 Newmarket Handicap with Rashlore & a string of major races with Begonia Belle (including the 1967 Thousand Guineas & Sandown Guineas, 1968 Lightning Stakes, & 1969 Newmarket Handicap & Alister Clark Stakes). From 1976 until his retirement in 1999 he trained with his son Bruce at Buckley. (Feb 11)

Andrew Scott Stood Down From NZ Ballymore
In shock New Zealand news yesterday, trans-Tasman trainer Michael Moroney announced “he has stood down his junior training partner Andrew Scott from Ballymore Stables’ NZ branch,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. In addition Scott “has relinquished his trainer’s licence pending the outcome of an investigation by NZ Thoroughbred Racing into Scott’s actions subsequent to an inquiry launched at Te Rapa last weekend over the running of stable representative Realign in blinkers without permission in the NZ Bloodstock Classique”. Moroney “will fly home from his Melbourne base to supervise Ballymore’s 3 Gr1, 2 Gr2 & other runners at Te Rapa” tomorrow. Michael Moroney said it will be “business as usual at the Matamata stable” with Paul Moroney (the stable’s racing manager) taking over the daily training duties under instruction from his brother (just as Scott has done). Paul Moroney “is likely to apply for a trainer’s licence & join his brother in a partnership”; the stable “has also recruited a previous stable foreman Chris Stewart (who has held that position with Te Akau Stables for the last 3 seasons) & former leading jockey Jim Collett has accepted a position assisting the Ballymore team as another measure to fill the void brought about by Scott’s suspension from duties”. Michael Moroney stressed “this does not mean an end to the highly successful Moroney-Scott training partnership in the long term” & noted: “I have been informed by senior racecourse inspector John McKenzie that it is probable Andrew will face charges over his actions & I must take steps to protect the integrity of the stable & to put systems in place to keep the stable fully functional. Andrew is a talented young man & he will bounce back from this, hopefully within the Ballymore set-up once this problem is sorted.” The Moroney-Scott partnership leads the NZ prize-money table for the current season & their 40 wins puts them 3rd on the trainers’ premiership; they have also trained 2 of the 4 NZ Classic winners for the current season: Clean Sweep (2000 Guineas) & Xcellent (NZ Derby). (Feb 11)

1st La Bella Dama Foal At Inglis Easter
Meanwhile with 1st foals of Gr1-winning mares always in high demand at yearling sales, NZ’s Trelawney Stud is in the box seat in the lead-up to Sydney’s showpiece Inglis Easter Sale. Not only is Trelawney offering a colt out of Gr1 Mackinnon Stakes winner La Bella Dama, but he is by boom freshman sire Giant’s Causeway (whose 1st crop averaged NZ$407,000 at Auckland’s just completed NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale at Karaka). “He is a magnificent looking colt,” declared Brent Taylor of Trelawney, who bred & sold current Kiwi boom juvenile Wahid. Trelawney will offer 8 yearlings at Inglis Easter. (Feb 11)

Jack Sullivan Wins 2nd Round Of Al Maktoum Challenge
In Dubai overnight, Widden Stud shuttler Belong To Me (Danzig-Belonging, by Exclusive Nature) added a major international success when English-based 4YO gelding Jack Sullivan (Belong to Me-Provisions, by Devil’s Bag) won the 2nd round of the US$200,000 Gr3 Al Maktoum Challenge (1800m) as the International Racing Carnival continued at Nad Al Sheba. Jack Sullivan (ridden by Darryll Holland for trainer Gerard Butler) defeated 5YO Chiquitin (Fitzcarraldo-Murias, by Big Play) & Turkish-trained 4YO Kaneko (Pivotal-Kalimat, by Be My Guest); 1st round winner Grand Emporium (trained by South Africa’s Mike de Kock) finished 4th. (Feb 11)

Stagelight Wins UAE 2000 Guineas
Also in Dubai overnight, 3YO colt Stagelight (Montjeu-Zivania, by Shernazar) won the US$250,000 Gr3 UAE 2000 Guineas (1600m) by 3-lengths at Nad Al Sheba. Stagelight (ridden by Eddie Ahern for trainer Jeremy Noseda) defeated Gypsy Johnny (Bachir-Gentle Gypsy, by Junius) & Saudi Arabian-trained Mr Pensky (Numerous-Suspensky, by Ahmad). Stagelight had won the Guineas prep race at Nad Al Sheba a fortnight ago. (Feb 11)

McEvoy Rides Dubai Winner
And Australian jockey Kerrin McEvoy (riding at his 1st meeting since returning to Dubai) laded an overnight winner at the Dubai International Carnival when his 5YO Godolphin mount Qais (Seeking The Gold-Snow Bride, by Blushing Groom) scored an easy 5-length victory in the US$90,000 International Rated Stakes (1400m). (Feb 11)

Declan’s Moon Heads Kentucky Derby Future Wager
In the US, Churchill Downs odds-maker Mike Battaglia has installed Declan's Moon (champion 2YO male of 2004) as the top individual horse on the morning line of the 1st Gr1 Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. While the mutuel field (which includes all other 3YOs not included in the individual 23 betting interests in the 1st pool) is early favourite at 3-1, Declan’s Moon (a son of Malibu Moon who went undefeated in 4 starts in 2004, with victories in the Gr1 Hollywood Futurity, Gr3 Hollywood Prevue Stakes & Gr2 Del Mar Futurity) is the top individual choice at 6-1. Betting on the 1st of 3 Kentucky Derby future wager pools opened in the US overnight & continues until Sunday evening. Also undefeated in 4 starts, Rockport Harbor (a son of Unbridled's Song who won last year’s Gr3 Nashua Stakes & Gr2 Remsen Stakes) is listed as the next choice at 8-to-1. Largely overlooked on the morning line is Wilko (shipped from England to win the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile in his 1st North American start) who is listed at 30-1. Sweet Catomine (a daughter of Storm Cat who won the Gr1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies & has already kicked off her 2005 campaign with victory in the Gr3 Santa Ysabel Stakes on January 16 at Santa Anita) is the only filly listed among the top contenders at 20-1; she is also 4-1 morning-line favorite in the 1st pool for the Gr1 Kentucky Oaks (see next item). The field is: Afleet Alex (12-1), Bandini (30-1), Closing Argument (20-1), Consolidator (20-1), Declan's Moon (6-1), Galloping Grocer (30-1), Giacomo (50-1), Going Wild (30-1), Greater Good (30-1), Harlington (20-1), High Fly (20-1), High Limit (30-1), Lost In The Fog (30-1), Proud Accolade (12-1), Rockport Harbor (8-1), Roman Ruler (12-1), Rush Bay (50-1), Spanish Chestnut (20-1), Storm Surge (30-1), Sun King (30-1), Sweet Catomine (20-1), Texcess (20-1), Wilko (20-1) & mutuel field (3-1). (Feb 11)

Sweet Catomine Heads Kentucky Oaks Future Wager
Meanwhile in the 1st Gr1 Kentucky Oaks Future Wager pool, 2004 champion 2YO filly Sweet Catomine has been installed as 4-1 early favourite, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The field is the 2nd choice at 5-1, with the other 22 individual interests listed at 10-1 or higher. "Sweet Catomine was a dominant champion as a 2YO & ran faster than her male counterparts on Breeders' Cup day at Lone Star Park, so she is a very deserving favorite,” noted odds-maker Mike Battaglia. Next choices at 10-1 are Gr1 Frizette Stakes winner Balletto (2nd to Sweet Catomine in the Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies), 3-time stakes winner Sis City (winner of the Gr2 Davona Dale Stakes by 16 lengths in her 3YO debut February 5 at Gulfstream Park), & Gr1 Hollywood Starlet Stakes winner Splendid Blended (whose lone loss in 4 starts came to Sweet Catomine in the Gr2 Oak Leaf Stakes on October 2 at Santa Anita). The field is: Balletto (10-1), Cream Donut Keith (30-1), Culinary (30-1), Hot Attraction (30-1), Hot Storm (50-1), In The Gold (20-1), Inspiring (15-1), Kota (50-1), Maddalena (15-1), More Moonlight (30-1), Play With Fire (50-1), Pussycat Doll (12-1), Quiet Honor (50-1), Right Daddy (50-1), Runway Model (12-1), Salute (20-1), Sense Of Style (30-1), Sharp Lisa (12-1), Sis City (10-1), Splendid Blended (10-1), Summerly (30-1), Sweet Catomine (4-1), The Beter Man Can (50-1) & all other 3YO fillies (5-1). (Feb 11)

NY Breeders To Start August Yearling Sale
The New York Breeders Sales Co “will conduct a yearling sale for the 1st time on August 11-12 in Saratoga Springs,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The sale will fall between the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Selected Yearling Sale on August 9-10 & the Fasig-Tipton Preferred Yearling Sale on August 14-15. New York breeders & farms formed the New York Breeders Sales Co last year (with shareholders including Adena Springs, Joseph & Anne McMahon, Stephen DiMauro, Metropolitan Stud, Questroyal Stud, Donald & Mary Zuckerman, Ken & Sarah Ramsey, & Frank Stronach). The company conducted a mixed sale last September in Saratoga Springs (scheduled this year for October 17-18). (Feb 11)

Retired Super High Heads To Victory Gallop
Harris Farms has retired 6-time stakes-winner Super High (a 6YO daughter of High Brite, out of 2002 California Broodmare-Of-The-Year Image Of Super, by Zanthe) & she “will be bred to Kentucky-based sire Victory Gallop before returning to California to produce her 1st foal,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Super High won 8 of 24 starts & earned US$669,668 (including multiple stakes on both dirt & turf). (Feb 11)

Perfect Score To Fast Track In Canada
In Canada, New York Gr3 winner Perfect Score will stand at Fast Track Farms in British Columbia, reported bloodhorse.com. Perfect Score (a 9YO son of Personal Hope, out of Ten For Ten, by Proper Reality) scored his major win in the 1999 Gr3 Bay Shore Stakes at Aqueduct; overall he won 11 of 69 starts & earned US$327,632. His dam Ten For Ten is a half-sister to Gr1 winner Bachelor Beau & stakes-winner Fulbright Scholar. (Feb 11)

UK Inquiry Moves To Prevent Betting Corruption
In the UK, “tighter controls on betting to reduce the risk of fraud in horse racing should now become law in Great Britain following final recommendations of the Parliamentary Group On Betting & Gaming (which held an inquiry into domestic gambling last year)”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The all-party group has “devised 15 ways in which betting fraud could be limited” & has “acted to address fears that advancements in technology (such as internet wagering, internet betting exchanges & betting using mobile phones) has increased the scope for cheating”. (Feb 11)

Inaugural UK Stable Staff Awards
And in Britain it’s not just owners, jockeys & trainers who can now aim at big cash prizes: the inaugural Stable-Staff-Of-The-Year Awards (sponsored by Godolphin for the next 3 years) will be presented in London on April 5, where “£50,000 in prizes & prize-money will be scooped by Britain's most-deserving stable & stud staff”, reported racingpost.co.uk. The 5 categories (each winner awarded £10,000) are: Newcomer (less than 2 years in racing); Senior staff (includes yard & travelling staff & office administrators); Rider/groom; Stud staff; & Special merit/hero. (Feb 11)

Florida OBSC: US$600,000 Dance Master Colt
The 2005 US “juvenile auction season got off to a strong start” at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co Selected 2YOs-In-Training Sale at Calder Race Course in Miami, led by New York trainer Steve Klesaris (bidding on behalf of Jeffrey Puglisi’s Puglisi Stables) paying top price of US$600,000 for a Dance Master colt (the 1st foal produced from 10-year-old stakes-placed Tour d'Or mare More d'Amour) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt (consigned by Mike Mulligan’s Leprechaun Racing as agent) was a US$63,000 purchase at the 2004 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July Selected Yearling Sale; he had “breezed the co-fastest quarter-mile at 21.4sec during the sale’s 1st under-tack show on January 31.” (Feb 10)

Florida OBSC: US$550,000 Phone Trick Colt
Steve Klesaris (again bidding on behalf of Puglisi Stables) also paid US$550,000 for a Phone Trick colt (from stakes-placed Meadowlake mare Lark Creek) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. This colt (consigned by Ricky Leppala as agent for agent for Jimmy & Martha Gladwell) “also breezed a quarter in 21.4sec during the 1st under-tack show” & Klesaris summed up: "To us, he was 1 of the most impressive colts in the sale. We’re real excited & glad to have him. He did everything right: his mechanics, the way he moves out there, is just flawless." The colt “was listed as previously sold to Triple J for US$50,000 at the 2004 Keeneland January Horses-Of-All-Ages Sale”. (Feb 10)

Florida OBSC: US$300,000 Artax Colt
Steve Klesaris (on behalf of Puglisi Stables) also paid US$300,000 for a colt by champion sprinter Artax (out of Dayjur mare Bonnie Byerly) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt was consigned by Florida pin-hooker W.D.North (who purchased him for US$62,000 at last year’s Keeneland September yearling sale) (Feb 10)

Florida OBSC: US$300,000 Old Trieste Colt
And John Oxley (owner of 2001 Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos) purchased 2 expensive colts at Calder, reported thoroughbredtimes.com:

He paid US$300,000 for a Florida-bred colt by the late stallion Old Trieste (out of Montbrook mare Rose Bay) consigned & bred by Ocala Stud Farms.
Oxley also paid US$220,000 for a filly from the 1st crop of Freud (a full brother to Giant’s Causeway); the New York-bred filly (consigned by Wingate Sales Agency as agent) is out of Saralil (by Saratoga Six).

(Feb 10)

Florida OBSC: US$270,000 More Than Ready Filly
Trainer Todd Pletcher paid US$270,000 for a filly by More Than Ready (from Pine Bluff mare Guilty Pleasure) reported bloodhorse.com. Bred in Kentucky by Nordic Thoroughbreds, the filly (consigned by Niall Brennan Stables as agent) was originally purchased for US$75,000 by Haras Luisiana at the 2003 Keeneland November Mixed Sale. She is “from the family of stakes-winner Exquisite Mistress & Go Scotty”. (Feb 10)

Florida OBSC: Top Lots

US$600,000 Dance Master-More d'Amour colt (S.Klesaris)
US$550,000 Phone Trick-Lark Creek colt (S.Klesaris)
US$425,000 Exchange Rate-Miss Virginia colt (J.Connelly)
US$300,000 Old Trieste-Rose Bay colt (J.Oxley)
US$300,000 Artax-Bonnie Byerly colt (S.Klesaris)
US$275,000 Halo's Image-Skip's Stiletto colt (B.Chace)
US$270,000 More Than Ready-Guilty Pleasure filly (T.Pletcher)
US$260,000 Maria's Mon-Flirtatious filly (Ocala Horses)

(Feb 10)

Florida OBSC: Median Up 37.1%
Overall at the OBSC Calder Selected 2YOs-In-Training Sale, 109 juveniles sold (from 158 offered) for US$14,921,000 (down 2.3% on last year) at a new record average US$136,890 (up 0.4%). And the median jumped a massive 37.1% to a new record US$120,000 (from US$87,500 last year). OBSC general manager Tom Ventura told thoroughbredtimes.com: "It’s an excellent start to the season. We felt going in, it was the strongest catalogue of horses we’ve had top-to-bottom. Coming off a record year & to still be able to set another record (median) means a lot." Ventura noted 22 2YOs sold for US$200,000 or more (2 more than last year’s record sale). (Feb 10)

Inquiry Hears Phone Tape On $250,000 Sting
In Australia yesterday, the Queensland Racing Inquiry revealed prominent Brisbane bookmaker Lindsay Gallagher “received a grateful telephone call from a Sydney businessman 3 minutes after the man won $250,000 on a race now under investigation by the Inquiry”, reported The Australian newspaper. But Gallagher denied suggestions by Ralph Devlin (counsel assisting the Inquiry) “that he was involved in a sting against Harry Barrett, the Sydney bookmaker who took a bet of $10,000 from the businessman” (whose name has been suppressed). In a day of sensational evidence, a tape recording was played to the Inquiry “of the phone call, made from the businessman’s mobile to Gallagher’s official on-course phone after Bold Flush won at Doomben on 4 September 2004”. Gallagher “admitted he had a close association with the businessman & owned more than $2 million worth of shares in 1 of his companies”. The Inquiry was told “phone records showed 10 calls were made between Gallagher & the businessman on the day of the race, but the bookie said he could not recall them”. Devlin put to Gallagher: “You were involved up to your eyeballs in the sting of Harry Barrett.” Gallagher replied: “No.” (Feb 10)

Ascot Man Says Aust Sprinters ‘Best In World’
Meanwhile Nick Smith, head of public relations at Ascot in England, yesterday told Virtual Form Guide “the trips to the UK by Choisir (2003) & Exceed And Excel (2004) have really ignited the interest of the northern hemisphere in Australian race horses” & that Australian sprinters “are easily the best in the world”. Smith (currently in Australia encouraging leading trainers to send their top horses to Britain for the 5-day Royal Ascot meeting in June) said: “We've had people coming over for the last 2 or 3 years, but this is a really big year, your sprinters are world class & we are very keen to get them over to Ascot, as well as a couple of your stayers. Australia's profile is probably the highest it has ever been & your sprinters are easily the best in the world.” Smith confirmed: “I've spoken to John O'Shea, who has 2 highly talented horses in Charge Forward & Falkirk, & we are very hopeful he will make the trip. I've also spoken to Gai Waterhouse about Grand Armee, but whether that is a viable option or not for them I couldn't say. We would love to get Makybe Diva over, as she really is a world class stayer; but Lee Freedman did indicate they have an overall European plan for her, so she would possibly not be there just for Ascot. The races we think would suit her would be the Gr2 Hardwicke Stakes (12 furlongs) or the Gr2 King Edward VII Stakes (also 12 furlongs). Paul Perry of course made a fantastic impression when he was there with Choisir & now he has as good a horse, if not better, in Fastnet Rock & it would be great if we could get him over. Elvstroem would have to really perform up to his best, but who knows what the opposition would be like this year? We thought the Gr1 The Prince Of Wales's Stakes (10 furlongs) would be suitable for him. This is a very exciting year. We have always attracted the best of the Europeans & we now want to make sure we have the best from the rest of the world. Australia is set to play a very big part in Royal Ascot 2005 & at future meetings.” (Feb 10)

Slipper Trifecta Siblings At Inglis Easter
All 3 place-getters in last weekend’s $200,000 Gr2 STC Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) for 2YOs at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney have siblings catalogued for the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale:

A full brother to unbeaten winning colt Domesday (Red Ransom-In The Past, by Zafonic).
A half-sister (by English Derby winner Galileo) to runner-up colt Flying Pegasus (Fusaichi Pegasus-Cashier, by Danehill).
And a half-sister (by champion sire Zabeel) to 3rd-placed NZ visitor Dr Green (Fusaichi Pegasus-Palia, by Last Tycoon).

(Feb 10)

Top Trainers Target Edinglassie Yearlings
Meanwhile boutique Hunter Valley vendor Edinglassie Stud is approaching next month’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sale with some confidence. This follows the Magic Millions Premier Sale & Inglis Classic Sale, where leading trainers Tim Martin, Gai Waterhouse, John O’Shea, Bart Cummings, Lee Freedman & Aquanita Racing were among stables to take home yearlings offered by Edinglassie. Run by Mick & Michelle Talty, Edinglassie will have 14 yearlings for sale at Easter (including half a dozen as agent for Davilora Lodge). (Feb 10)

Tabcorp Finds Sydney Track Hard
Amid the current stoush between Sky Channel (owned by Tabcorp & inherited as part of last year’s take-over of the NSW TAB) & the Sydney race clubs (AJC & STC) over TV broadcast rights, The Australian Financial Review reports “harsh observers have come up with a new nickname for Tabcorp boss Matthew Slatter: George Bush. Like Bush, Slatter conducted his own successful invasion (by buying NSW TAB), but the post-invasion strategy isn’t proceeding quite as smoothly.” (Feb 10)

New Conditions For Vic Apprentices
An amendment to the Rules Of Racing will mean Victorian apprentice jockeys now have to ride in twice as many trials before being considered for a permit to ride in races. Apprentices “will now need to have been observed by Racing Victoria stewards to have ridden satisfactorily in at least 20 trials (including 5 or more organised trials) before obtaining a permit to ride in Victoria”; previously apprentice jockeys were only required to ride in 10 trials (including 1 organised trial). (Feb 10)

2,000 Owners At Moonee Valley Launch
Meanwhile more than 2,000 Victorian racehorse owners will be part of tomorrow’s Owners Night Out at the Moonee Valley meeting in Melbourne. Racing Victoria chief executive Robert Nason enthused: “The response from Victorian owners to the invitation has simply been overwhelming (forcing the function to be moved from the Octagonal Lounge to the bigger Celebrity Room).” The Racing For Owners Night will launch the initial phase of Victoria’s new $3.6 million Owners Strategy, which includes the major survey recently sent to the 30,000 Victorian owners who have raced a thoroughbred in the past 12 months. (Feb 10)

1st Winner For Westbury Sire Cullen
In New Zealand, Westbury Stud’s young Danehill stallion Cullen recorded his 1st winner yesterday when the Graeme Rogerson-trained debutant Cullemour won over 1100m at Te Aroha, reported racenet.com.au. Bred & part-owned by Rogerson, Cullemour is a half-brother to Australian Gr3 Yallambee Stud Stakes winner To Be Fair (by Kaaptive Edition). Cullen (Danehill-Princess Tracy, by Ahonoora) won both the Gr3 Rubiton Stakes & Gr3 Blue Diamond Preview in Melbourne, plus finished 2nd in NZ’s Gr1 Railway Stakes in Auckland. He is a full-brother to Gr1 Stradbroke Handicap winner & successful stallion Danasinga & to Tariqa Park's Danehill Star. And he is a half-brother to: Gr3 Hayes Stakes winner Towkay; South African Champion Tracy's Element; South African Gr2 winner Topasannah; as well as the dams of South African Gr1 winner Suntagonal, Gr2 Tulloch Stakes winner Prince Of War & Gr2 SAJC Breeders Stakes winner Happy Morning. (Feb 10)

EC Pursues Tax Threat To Irish Stallions
In Ireland, the national government “is considering what steps to take” in response to the European Commission’s explosive ruling that Ireland’s stallion tax exemption is "incompatible" with EC rules, reported racingpost.co.uk. The exemption (which relates to fees from stallions based in Ireland & also covers many shuttle stallions) was introduced in 1969 & “transformed the Irish bloodstock industry & played a major part in the stallion capital of the world switching from Kentucky to Ireland”. But it has “long been opposed by the British Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, and more recently it has become a political football on the domestic scene”. The European Commission Directorate “has advised the Irish authorities the exemption would seem to constitute an aid scheme that is not compatible with the common market" & has “invited the government to comment & make proposals on how the scheme could be brought into line with the EC Treaty”. A government spokesman confirmed: "We are now examining this letter & we will respond to the Commission in due course." (Feb 10)

Go-Ahead To 4 UK All-Weather Tracks
In Britain, 4 planned all-weather tracks “have been given the go-ahead to apply for fixtures in 2006, meaning dirt racing will become more wide-spread,” reported bloodhorse.com. Great Leighs (a new racecourse in Essex) plus existing tracks in Kempton, Newbury & Newmarket “can now gain all-weather fixtures from the British Horseracing Board”. Two other UK all-weather projects are also being considered: at Musselburgh (near Edinburgh in Scotland) & Sedgefield. Currently 3 of Britain's 59 racecourses have all-weather racing: Lingfield & Wolverhampton (using the Polytrack surface) & Southwell (racing on Fibresand). (Feb 10)

For-Profit Franchise Urged For New York
In the US, the franchise for the New York Racing Association “should be put out to bid & awarded to an entity that will turn the troubled racing group into a for-profit enterprise”, declared the New York state Legislature's top Republican, Senate majority leader Joseph Bruno. The non-profit NYRA “has the franchise to run Aqueduct, Belmont & Saratoga racetracks through the end of 2007,” noted bloodhorse.com. But Governor George Pataki recently estimated the state “could charge a future franchise holder an advance payment of US$250 million, an amount that would cut out the cash-poor NYRA from holding on to the franchise in its current corporate form”. (Feb 10)

NYRA Begins Pre & Post-Race Tests
Meanwhile the New York Racing Association “will institute pre & post-race tests to detect the use of alkalizing agents to racehorses, a practice known as ‘milk-shaking’, beginning on February 16 (next Wednesday)” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. NYRA will conduct pre-race testing on a random basis, while post-race tests will occur on all races “to determine if blood gas levels exceed legal thresholds”. Milk-shakes “typically consist of a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, glucose & other additives & are administered to possibly delay the onset of fatigue or mask other illegal drugs in the equine system”. NYRA co-chairman Steven Duncker summed up: “As the owners & caretakers of 3 of the most important racetracks in the sport of thoroughbred racing (Aqueduct, Belmont & Saratoga), it is imperative that NYRA pursues all avenues to prevent illegal practices." (Feb 10)

Shuttle Diplomacy To Stand In Argentina
In South America, Haras Vacacion has purchased European Gr3 winner Shuttle Diplomacy (a half-brother to deceased English classic winner & stallion Zafonic) from Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms & “he will stand for the 1st time at the Argentine facility during the 2005 Southern Hemisphere season,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Kentucky-bred Shuttle Diplomacy (a 5YO son of Seeking The Gold, out of Gr3-winning The Minstrel mare Zaizafon) won 2 of 5 starts in France (plus runner-up in the 2003 Gr3 Prix de Fontainebleau, a neck behind eventual French classic winner Clodovil). His dam Zaizafon is a half sister Modena (dam of 1997 Gr1 English Oaks winner Reams Of Verse & Gr1 winner & English classic-placed Elmaamul). (Feb 10)

Redoute’s Choice Sets Aust Service Record
Arrowfield Stud stallion Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) “has set a new Australian record by serving 212 mares during the 2004 covering season (a leap of an additional 98 mares in his 5th season at stud),” reported the Australian Stud Book. Redoute’s Choice headed Encosta De Lago (Fairy King-Shoal Creek, by Star Way) who served 208 mares in 2004. The Stud Book “statistics show an increase of approximately 32% in the number of stallions covering 100 or more mares: 75 stallions in 2004, up from 57 stallions in 2003”. (Feb 9)

Aust Stallion Total Down 9.6%
Meanwhile the number of stallions standing in Australia in 2004 totalled 888 (a decrease of 95 stallions or 9.6%), noted the Australian Stud Book. Decreases in stallion numbers were felt across NSW (10.3%), Victoria (6.7%), Queensland (6.7%) & Western Australia, ACT & Northern Territory (1%). South Australia & Tasmania gained a slight increase of 1%. (Feb 9)

NSW Mares Covered Up 6.3%
And the Australian Stud Book noted: “As the state racing & breeding bodies vie to improve the breeding performance of each state, NSW-based breeders continue to have a stronghold over the rest of Australia”: including notable increases in foal production (2.7%) & the number of mares covered (6.3%). (Feb 9)

Victorian Breeders Support Niello
Victoria's Chatswood Stud reports the announcement it is standing Australian Horse-Of-The-Year & 11-time Gr1-winner Lonhro’s full brother Niello (Octagonal-Shadea, by Straight Strike) has resulted in many early bookings for the triple Gr1 winner. Chatswood marketing manager Jeremy Morris confirmed Woodlands Stud bred 4YO Niello (whose sire Octagonal is a multiple Gr1-winner & former Australian Horse-Of-The-Year, & dam Shadea is a Gr3-winner & Broodmare-Of-The-Year) will cover 120 mares in his 1st season this year at $16,500. (Feb 9)

Danehill Overtakes Zabeel On Aust Sires Table
Meanwhile Danehill has overtaken Zabeel at the top of Australia’s Leading Sires list (to February 7), according to inglis.com.au:
1: Danehill (Danzig-Razyana, by His Majesty) $5,928,230
2: Zabeel (Sir Tristram-Lady Giselle, by Nureyev) $5,860,025
3: Desert King (Danehill-Sabaah, by Nureyev) $4,261,450
4: Encosta de Lago (Fairy King-Shoal Creek, by Star Way) $3,341,571
5: Flying Spur (Danehill-Rolls, by Mr Prospector) $2,784,225
6: Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) $2,391,838
7: Hennessy (Storm Cat-Island Kitty, by Hawaii) $2,096,295
8: Snippets (Lunchtime-Easy Date, by Grand Chaudiere) $1,915,159
9: Red Ransom (Roberto-Arabia, by Damascus) $1,778,403
10: Rubiton (Century-Ruby, by Seventh Hussar) $1,767,254
(Feb 9)

Bookie Admits Breaking Bet Rules
A leading Brisbane bookmaker accused of leading a price-fixing scheme “has admitted he breached racing regulations by failing to record personal bets in his ledger,” reported The Australian. At yesterday’s Day-2 of the Inquiry Into Queensland Racing, the bookie (whose name has been suppressed) “also admitted encouraging a fellow bookie to inflate the odds on a horse. But he said he did it only to help the other bookie because he owned the horse & knew it was too unfit to win”. The inquiry “was shown a list of 8 southeast Queensland races over the past 3 years that investigators regard as suspicious”. And the bookmaker told the inquiry that “while working as a bookie on a racetrack, he was not allowed to place bets on interstate races. But he was allowed to ask other people to place bets for him, & had called on the services of 11 punters to act as betting agents.” He admitted he had “never written any of these interstate bets in his ledger, even though the Queensland Rules Of Racing required him to do so”. (Feb 9)

Maund 9-Month Drug Ban
Toowoomba-based trainer Ron Maund was disqualified for 9 months yesterday by Queensland Racing stewards, following a positive swab for the drug ventolin salbutamol (used by asthmatics to clear airways) from his horse Street Smart after winning the Picaninny Handicap at Eagle Farm last October. Maund denied administering the drug. (Feb 9)

Pemberton Tips Sydney Track Sales
In NSW, the sale of Canterbury Park & Warwick Farm racecourses “is firmly on the agenda, with racing’s latest supremo Gary Pemberton emphatic course closures are on the way,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Pemberton (chairman of Racing NSW) said he believed racing “is not delivering enough money to its participants” & has “lost control of income streams”. He declared: “How many dogs can you have on the bone? Are you going to have a litter of mutts or do some rationalising?” Asked if that meant tracks would be closed, he replied: “I think it is inevitable they will.” Racing NSW chief executive Peter V’Landys noted Canterbury (owned by the Sydney Turf Club) is valued at $400 million “which invested wisely could return more than an extra $30 million annually to the industry”. And Pemberton “admitted selling Canterbury would leave the Australian Jockey Club with little choice but to sell Warwick Farm to keep pace with the STC”. (Feb 9)

Ian Baxter Dies In Brisbane
Prominent Queensland industry figure Ian Baxter (whose company Queensland Bloodstock Breeders Sales ran annual yearlings sales at the Brisbane showgrounds & also held mixed sales at Toowoomba & weanling sales on Emirates Park Stud at Murrurundi) has died in Brisbane, reported racenet.com.au. (Feb 9)

6 HK Wins To Inglis Graduates
In Hong Kong, Inglis Sale graduates have continued their winning run with 4 victories at Sha Tin & 2 at Happy Valley:

Danehill’s son Wealthy (a $230,000 buy at the 2002 Inglis Breeze-Up Sale) notched his 4th win from 7 starts for the Dennis Yip stable; Wealthy (bred by Swettenham Stud) is the 1st foal of Kenmare mare Alpine Spirit, a half-sister to former high-class galloper Schubert & Abonnement (dam of boom Sydney juvenile Gonski).
Danehill’s 3YO son Pionero (a $350,000 purchase at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale) added a win to his 2 recent runner-ups for Caspar Fownes; he is from former smart mare Techniques (winner of 5 races including the Gr3 Newcastle Newmarket Handicap).
The other Sha Tin winners were Anabaa’s Great Idea (a $110,000 buy at the 2002 Inglis Easter Sale) & Flying Spur’s Lucky Champion (passed-in for $37,500 at the 2002 Inglis Easter Sale).
At Happy Valley, Encounter-Old Colony 5YO Lucky Encounter (a $100,000 buy at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale) won for Australian-born trainer John Moore.
And Danehill 5YO Speed Winner (passed-in for $175,00 at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale) also won at Happy Valley.

(Feb 9)

Cefalu Wins Chile Gr1 El Derby
In South America, 3YO gelding Cefalu (Dushyantor-Cristal, by Semenenko) won Chile’s most important race, the Gr1 El Derby (3rd & final leg of the national Triple Crown) over 2400m by 4.25-lengths as “more than 100,000 fans filled the grandstands for the marathon 25-race card at Valparaiso Sporting Club” (on the shores of the Pacific Ocean) in Vina del Mar, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Cefalu (ridden by Manuel Martinez for trainer Alfredo Bagu) defeated favorite & Chilean classic winner We Can Seek (by Seeker’s Gold) & Gr3 winner Shimby (by Sadler’s Congress). Cefalu (runner-up in both the Gr1 Clasico Nacional Ricardo Lyon & Gr2 Gran Clasico Coronacion) now has 2 wins in 14 starts; in his other victory he defeated eventual Chilean Horse-Of-The-Year Trotamondo. Cefalu (a half-brother to champion 2YO colt & multiple Gr1 winner Crisantemo) is the 1st Gr1 winner for UK 1996 Gr1 Epsom Derby runner-up Dushyantor (a 12-year-old son of Sadler’s Wells). (Feb 9)

Florida OBSC: US$300,000 Artax Colt
In the US early this morning, trainer Steve Klesaris (bidding on behalf of his main client Puglisi Stables) paid US$300,000 for a colt by champion sprinter Artax (out of Dayjur mare Bonnie Byerly) during initial action at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Co Selected 2YOs-In-Training Sale at Calder Race Course in Miami, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt was consigned by Florida pin-hooker W.D.North (who purchased him for US$238,000 at last year’s Keeneland September yearling sale) (Feb 9)

Florida OBSC: US$300,000 Old Trieste Colt
And John Oxley (owner of 2001 Gr1 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos) “purchased 2 expensive colts within the 1st hour” at Calder, reported thoroughbredtimes.com:

He paid US$300,000 for a Florida-bred colt by Old Trieste (out of Montbrook mare Rose Bay) consigned & bred by Ocala Stud Farms.
Oxley also paid US$220,000 for a filly from the 1st crop of Freud (a full brother to Giant’s Causeway); the New York-bred filly (consigned by Wingate Sales Agency as agent) is out of Saralil (by Saratoga Six).

(Feb 9)

Fasig-Tipton Midlantic: US$80,000 Slew City Slew Mare
Erdenheim Farm paid top price of US$80,000 for 8YO Slew City Slew mare Tanta Bertie (out of dual stakes-winner Wondrous Me) at the single-session Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Winter Mixed Sale, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The mare (a half-sister to Wonderwhyme, Sundance Doll & Take The Wonder, who have all produced stakes-winners) is in foal to Lion Hearted. (Feb 9)

Fasig-Tipton Midlantic: US$38,000 E Dubai Colt
And Reece Bloodstock paid US$38,000 for the top-priced yearling at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale: a colt by dual Gr2 winner E Dubai (whose 1st foals are yearlings of 2005) out of Rare Performer mare Make Merry. The colt (consigned by Green Willow Farms as agent) is a half-brother to stakes-winner Merry Princess. (Feb 9)

Fasig-Tipton Midlantic: Average Down 26.9%
Overall at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale, 112 horses sold for US$807,900 (down 38% on 132 sold for US 1,303,000 last year) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The average dropped 26.9% to US$7,213 & the median declined 20% to US$4,000. (Feb 9)

NZ Mare Wins In California
Former leading NZ juvenile filly Katana (Volksraad-Tristean, by Sir Tristram) won a US$56,000 race over 6.5 furlongs by 2 lengths at Santa Anita in California, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Bred in Auckland by Paul Kenny, Katana (whose wins included the Matamata Breeders' Stakes, plus runner-up in the Gr1 Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes at Awapuni) was the highest-rated 2YO filly in New Zealand in the 2002-03 season; she was sold for NZ$52,500 at the 2002 NZ Bloodstock Select Fillies Sale. (Feb 9)

1st Foal For Gr1 Winner Hold That Tiger
The 1st foal for French Gr1 winner Hold That Tiger (Storm Cat-Beware Of The Cat, by Caveat) has been born at Glennwood Farm in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. The filly was produced by Dehere mare Senorita Dehere. Hold That Tiger stands at Kentucky’s Ashford in 2005 for US$15,000. (Feb 9)

1st Foal For Hook And Ladder
The 1st foal by US multiple stakes-winner Hook And Ladder (an 8YO son of Dixieland Band, out of stakes-placed winning Cox’s Ridge mare Taianna) has been born at Lakland North in New York, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt was produced by Cox’s Ridge mare Devon Ridge. Hook And Ladder won 6 of his 19 starts (including the 2001 Gr2 Gulfstream Park Breeders’ Cup Sprint Handicap & 2002 Gr3 Mr Prospector Handicap, plus placings in both the 2001 Gr2 Forest Hills Handicap & Gr1 Carter Handicap) & earned US$388,120. (Feb 9)

Prominent Florida Farms Change Hands
In Florida, 2 farm properties “with historical significance to the thoroughbred industry” have been sold, reported bloodhorse.com:

Jack Dreyfus' 1,830-acre Hobeau Farm was sold for US$12.75 million to Roy Lerman (who owns Lambholm Farm locations in Florida & Virginia); Lerman “intends utilising it primarily as a broodmare/yearling facility”.
And 158-acres of Nelson Jones Farms & Training Center (formerly triple Eclipse Award-winning owner Fred Hooper's Hooper Farm) was acquired by Amy Tarrant for US$3.4 million; Jones (who acquired 600-acres of Hooper Farm for US$6.3 million in 2002) “will retain the training center he developed”.

(Feb 9)

Exetera To Stand In Canada
In Canada, Berkshire Stables has purchased US Gr2-placed Exetera from Illinois Stud to stand the 12-year-old son of Forty Niner at Ascot Stud in Ontario, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Exetera’s initial 3 crops of racing age include 21 starters for 7 winners; he stood 3 seasons at Wafare Farm in Kentucky, before moving to Illinois Stud from 2002-04. On the track, Exetera won 3 of 14 starts (plus juvenile placings in both the Gr2 Norfolk Stakes at Santa Anita & Gr3 Hollywood Prevue Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Hollywood Park). (Feb 9)

Jockey Ban After Winning Post Mistake
Wednesday Odd Spot: UK amateur rider David England received a 28-day ban “after mistaking the winning post at Hereford on Scratch The Dove, who eventually finished a neck runner-up behind Mrs Pickles,” reported racingpost.co.uk. England “momentarily dropped his hands & stopped riding around 100 yards from the finish”, allowing Mrs Pickles to land the mares-only handicap hurdle for amateur riders. England explained: “I stood up in the saddle at the path on the run-in, as that is where I thought the winning post was. I know I've made a mistake & I should have won the race.” Stewards’ secretary William Nunneley said: “The statutory penalty for dropping hands & losing a race is 28 days. England has come into the stewards' room & admitted his mistake.” (Feb 9)

Karaka Summary: Average Up 24.2%
NZ Bloodstock's 7-day National Yearling Sales series (3-day Premier Sale, 2-day Select Sale & 2-day Festival Sale) concluded at Karaka in Auckland yesterday, with a total 1,029 lots sold (from 1,477 catalogued) for NZ$69,628,350 (up 14.8% on last year’s 1,113 sold for NZ$60,631,650). The overall clearance rate was 78% & the NZ$67,666 cumulative average was up 24.2% (last year NZ$54,476). NZ Bloodstock marketing manager Petrea Vela summed up: “This week has been an overwhelming success for the industry. We had a strong buying bench of both international & local buyers, & a great product to offer them.” (Feb 8)

Karaka Summary: Danehill Top Sire
Cumulatively across NZ Bloodstock's 7-day Yearling Sale series, the leading sires by average (3 or more sold) were:

Danehill: 16 sold for average NZ$528,438
Giant’s Causeway: 6 sold for average NZ$407,500
Fusaichi Pegasus: 4 sold for average NZ$293,750
Zabeel: 28 sold for average NZ$254,286
Galileo: 3 sold for average NZ$169,167

(Feb 8)

Karaka Summary: Giant’s Causeway Top 1st-Crop Sire
Cumulatively across NZ Bloodstock's 7-day Yearling Sale series, the leading 1st-crop sires by average (3 or more sold) were:

Giant’s Causeway: 6 sold for average NZ$407,500
Galileo: 3 sold for average NZ$169,167
Viscount: 7 sold for average NZ$140,357
Fantastic Light: 10 sold for average NZ$101,000
Traditionally: 20 sold for average NZ$80,125

(Feb 8)

Karaka Summary: Rogerson Top Buyer

Graeme Rogerson: 44 lots for NZ$6,261,000
BBA Ireland: 8 lots for NZ$3,375,000
David Ellis: 29 lots for NZ$2,842,500
Paul Moroney: 35 lots for NZ$2,396,000
Kieran Moore: 10 lots for NZ$1,570,000

(Feb 8)

Karaka Summary: Cambridge Top Vendor

Cambridge Stud: 51 lots for NZ$8,871,000
Windsor Park Stud: 72 lots for NZ$6,869,000
Pencarrow Stud: 17 lots for NZ$6,345,000
Curraghmore Stud: 38 lots for NZ$4,766,100
Trelawney Stud: 41 lots for NZ$3,672,500

(Feb 8)

Karaka Day-7: Festival Average Up 9%
And NZ Bloodstock's 2-session Festival Sale finished yesterday with the average, median & aggregate all recording increases from last year: the NZ$11,415 average was up 9% (NZ$10,484 last year); the NZ$9,000 median was up 12.5% (last year NZ$8,000); & the NZ$3,401,750 aggregate was up 10% (last year NZ$3,082,150). (Feb 8)

Karaka Day-7: Festival Top Lots
The 4 top lots of NZ Bloodstock's Festival Sale were all sold yesterday:

NZ$45,000 Spectatorial-Lady Carlotta colt (J&M.Morell)
NZ$40,000 Spectatorial-Blue Reality filly (C.Eagle)
NZ$38,000 Shinko King-Bombay Court filly (L.O’Sullivan)
NZ$38,000 Bertolini-Insistant filly (P.Moroney)

(Feb 8)

NZ$1.05m Colt Fully Syndicated
Meanwhile last week’s NZ$1.05 million Danehill-Beyond The Sunset colt, purchased during NZ Bloodstock's Premier Yearling Sale by Te Akau Stud’s David Ellis, has already been fully syndicated. Ellis confirmed to thoroughbrednews.co.nz: “The interest in the colt was huge & we could have sold him twice over.” The 10 new owners are John Bromley, Ray Coupland, Kerry Hoggard, Mr Wong, Paul Norling, Kim Lee, Jack Dekker, Steve Marriner, Val Twiname & Tim Bodle. Ellis added: “Although breeders Peter & Philip Vela were keen to retain a share in the colt, my aim was to get as many new people involved in the industry & racing horses from Te Akau Racing Stables. On the basis of the colt's overwhelming popularity, there simply wasn't a share available.” The colt will be trained by Mark Walker at Matamata. (Feb 8)

Bookie Collusion Cost Sportingbet $1m
In Australia yesterday, Sportingbet Australia chief executive Michael Sullivan told the opening day of the Queensland Racing Inquiry that 3 prominent rails bookmakers (whose names were suppressed at this stage) had colluded to inflate prices transmitted interstate from Brisbane to allow agents acting covertly for them to place bets with his agency. Sullivan revealed the scam had cost Sportingbet about $1 million, reported The Australian newspaper. (Feb 8)

Fastnet & Cape Eye Royal Ascot Clash
Top Australian 3YO sprinter Fastnet Rock (Danehill-Piccadilly Circus, by Royal Academy) & 7YO Hong Kong gelding Cape Of Good Hope (Inchinor-Cape Merino, by Clantime), who finished 1st & 3rd in the weekend’s opening leg of the Global Sprint Challenge in Melbourne (the $500,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Lightning Stakes down the Flemington straight-1000m track) “could renew rivalry at Royal Ascot” in the UK legs of the series in June (the Gr2 King’s Stand Stakes over 5 furlongs & Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes over 6 furlongs) , reported racingpost.co.uk. Paul Perry (who trained Australian galloper Choisir to win the King's Stand & Golden Jubilee Stakes in 2003) said he will give "serious consideration" to aiming Fastnet Rock at the same races, while trainer David Oughton said "Royal Ascot is very much the plan for Cape Of Good Hope”. Perry summed up: “Let's say Royal Ascot is under serious consideration. I think he'd travel well." And Oughton (who saddled Cape Of Good Hope to finish runner-up in the King's Stand & 3rd in the Golden Jubilee at Ascot last year) said: "I'm a keen supporter of the challenge & Royal Ascot is very much the plan. We'd be looking at both the King's Stand & Golden Jubilee.” Ascot head of public relations Nick Smith noted: "There's little doubt Fastnet Rock would be at or near to the top of the betting for the Golden Jubilee Stakes on this showing.” (Feb 8)

Falkirk Also Eyes Royal Ascot Sprints
And Ascot head of public relations Nick Smith revealed to racingpost.co.uk: "We've also been speaking to Sydney-based trainer John O'Shea about his top sprinter Falkirk, who is initially being aimed at the Moonee Valley leg of the challenge (Gr1 Australia Stakes over 1200m on February 19) & is on track for a possible crack at the Golden Jubilee." (Feb 8)

Recurring Injury May Start Stud Duty
Gr1-winning 5YO mare Recurring (Pentire-Donna’s Habit, by Ashabit) “may be sent to the broodmare paddock after sustaining an injury to her off-hind leg,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Recurring flew back to Sydney after an unplaced run in NZ’s Gr1 Telegraph Handicap (1200m) at Trentham on January 22 & “it is assumed she damaged the leg in transit”. Recurring’s Rosehill-based trainer Gerald Ryan confirmed “surgery has removed a chipped bone from the hind leg”, but the mare “will be out recovering for at least 3 months”. She is owned by Eliza Park Stud principal Lee Fleming & Tyreel Stud marketing manager Paul Fleming. To date, Recurring has 5 wins (including NZ’s Gr1 Railway Handicap over 1200m at Ellerslie on January 1) & 10 placings (including Australia’s Gr1 Salinger Stakes, Gr1 Goodwood Handicap & Gr2 Lexus Classic) from 22 starts for $721,499 prize-money. (Feb 8)

Forum Floozie Returns To Track
The 6YO mare Forum Floozie (Danasinga-Flying Floozie) “has returned to the track after an unsuccessful 1st season at stud,” reported Virtual Form Guide. Forum Floozie (trained by John Hawkes & part-owned by Ron Dufficy) was “served by Lonhro but after 45 days absorbed the foal”. Dufficy (who decided to put her back into work while waiting for the new breeding season) confirmed: ”Ideally we would love to win a stakes race with her, as so far she is only stakes-placed. If everything goes well & she shows us she has come back well, then something like the Gr1 Coolmore Classic would be an ideal race for her.” To date, Forum Floozie (an NZ$160,000 yearling at the NZ Bloodstock 2000 Premier Sale) has 5 wins & 10 placings from 26 starts for $355,330 prize-money. (Feb 8)

Sydney TV Talks Continue
Sky Channel-Sydney Racing Black-Out Update: At a meeting in Sydney yesterday between the chairmen & chief executives of TVN & Racing NSW, TVN agreed to provide Sydney metropolitan racing coverage to Sky until Saturday February 19. TVN chairman Harold Mitchell commented: “The discussion was constructive & we have agreed to continue talking to Racing NSW to better acquaint them with TVN’s plans for the launch of TVN’s Sydney & Victorian thoroughbred coverage from May 4. In TVN’s view, a 3-month arrangement with SKY would have been more appropriate, but Racing NSW is confident that 14 days satisfies their desire to ensure the best outcome for racing in NSW.” (Feb 8)

National Jockey Day March 5
The Australian Racing Board & Australian Jockeys’ Association have announced the 2nd National Jockey Celebration Day will be held on Saturday 5 March at 23 race meetings nation-wide. The joint initiative “celebrates the achievements of all Australian jockeys & honours those who have died in riding accidents” (298 men & women over the 200 years of Australian racing). National Jockey Celebration Day is 1 of the key fundraising events for the National Jockeys’ Trust (which provides financial relief for jockeys & their families in the event of illness or death). This year’s activities include the unveiling of a memorial honouring fallen jockeys at Caulfield Racecourse at 11.30am & a nation-wide minute of silence to remember Australia’s fallen hoops. (Feb 8)

Cavanough Moves To Albury
Prominent NSW southern districts trainer Brett Cavanough is moving his stables from Tocumwal to Albury, where he will operate 40 boxes at the rear of the racecourse. (Feb 8)

Robinson Moves To Taree
Meanwhile former Sydney jockey Adrian Robinson, 35, has moved from Newcastle to Taree to concentrate on riding along the NSW north coast. (Feb 8)

South Korea Racing Revenue Down 13.7%
In South Korea, revenues from racing declined 13.7% in 2004 “in the midst of a national economy slump & increased lottery competition,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The Korea Racing Association reported US$5.19 billion (5.33 trillion South Korean won) in revenue for the year (down from 6.17 trillion in 2003. The number of bettors on horse racing dropped 8% to 16.4 million. Korean Racing Association public relations head Joh Jeong-kee confirmed to the Asian Times: "Both sales & the number of bettors dropped for the 3rd consecutive year." Jeong-kee said the Lotto lottery (which was launched in late 2002) had “a big impact” on racing handle. (Feb 8)

South Africa Leading Sires
In South Africa, the leading sires listed by thoroughbredinternet.com (earnings in Rand from 1 August 2004-29 January 2005) are:
1: Jallad (by Blushing Groom) R4,588,328
2: Western Winter (by Gone West) R3,966,600
3: Fort Wood (by Sadler’s Wells) R3,708,028
4: National Assembly (by Danzig) R3,063,725
5: Al Mufti (by Roberto) R2,922,507
6: National Emblem (by National Assembly) R2,866,105
7: Badger Land (by Codex) R2,860,676
8: Goldkeeper (by Mr Prospector) R2,778,662
9: Rambo Dancer (by Northern Dancer) R2,381,068
10: Rakeen (by Northern Dancer) R1,941,817
(Feb 8)

Pentire's 1st European Foals Born In Germany
In Europe, dual Gr1-winner Pentire’s 1st European-conceived foals have been born in Germany, reported racingpost.co.uk. They include a filly (out of winning Local Suitor mare Anna Suitor) born at Gestüt Simmenach & a colt (out of multiple stakes-placed Alyeska, by Northjet) born at Gestüt Hachtsee. Pentire (Be My Guest-Gull Nook, by Mill Reef) won the UK 1996 Gr1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes & 1995 Gr1 Champion Stakes. He is standing his 2nd season at Gestüt Isarland in Germany, where he shuttles from Rich Hill Stud in New Zealand. (Feb 8)

Spencer Resigns As Ballydoyle Jockey
In Ireland, champion rider Jamie Spencer “has resigned after a 1-year stint as stable jockey for trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Ballydoyle stable,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. O'Brien oversees runners for Coolmore principals John & Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor. Spencer (who is Magnier's godson) won Ireland’s jockey title at age 24 last year, “but came under some criticism when several of his mounts did not perform as expected in major races”. Coolmore representative Richard Henry confirmed Spencer’s resignation in a statement: "All the team at Ballydoyle wish him the very best." (Feb 8)

1st Foal For Gr1 Winner Rouvres
Gr1 winner Rouvres has been “posthumously represented by his 1st foal (a filly out of Lahib mare Shaylina) at Greentree Stud in Ireland’s County Tipperary, reported racingpost.co.uk. The filly’s 3rd dam is French Gr1 Prix Vermeille winner Sharaya. Rouvres (who won France’s 2002 Gr1 Prix Jean Prat) died following a paddock accident last June, after covering his 1st book of mares at Greentree Stud. (Feb 8)

UK Trainer Secretly Sold 14 Missing Horses
In the UK, former trainer Julian Czerpak “is at the centre of fresh controversy over his bloodstock dealings” following allegations he “secretly sold 14 horses who had been due to go under the hammer at Tattersalls in Newmarket (to dissolve a partnership in which he was a member),” reported racingpost.co.uk. His partners in 6 mares, 3 2YOs & 5 yearlings (Sekoya Investments & retired businessman Tristan Lismonde) “say they only discovered there were no horses to sell on the eve of the auction”. Lismonde made a complaint to police “after claiming Czerpak’s partner Lorraine admitted to him that neither the horses nor their passports were at Glebe Farm Stud in Warwickshire, where both he & Sekoya Investments believed them to be in the couple’s care”; faced with the apparent disappearance of the horses, “detectives launched a criminal investigation, although this was closed when Lorraine reportedly informed officers Czerpak had sold all 14 to an unknown buyer for an unknown amount, & she had no idea where they were”. Meanwhile bloodstock agent Rick Dale (assisting Lismonde & Sekoya Investments) “has traced 3 of the mares & also located 2 of the yearlings in India”. (Feb 8)

UK Speed-Sensing Chips May Be Compulsory
British Horseracing Board directors “will decide next month whether to make the fitting of speed-sensing chips to a horse's saddlecloth mandatory in certain races,” reported racingpost.co.uk. Plans by Turftrax (which developed a process for tracking a horse's speed & position in a race) to advance a joint venture with Channel 4 “have been regularly thwarted by the refusal of individual owners & trainers to apply the equipment”. (Feb 8)

Jackson Completes Buckram Oak Purchase
In the US, Jess Jackson (founder of California-based Kendall-Jackson wineries & a major buyer at US thoroughbred auctions in recent years) has “completed a deal to purchase the Fustok family’s Buckram Oak Farm in Kentucky for approximately US$17.4 million,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Buckram Oak (465 acres on historic Old Frankfort Pike in Lexington) was 1st developed in the 1970s by brothers Mahmoud & Mustafa Fustok; it is “located on a portion of the late Colonel Edward Bradley’s former Idle Hour Farm & contains 5 identical barns with 20 stalls each, plus 2 main residences & 6 employee houses”. Mahmoud Fustok recently purchased “a 130-acre parcel of land (including a 1-mile dirt track & 7-furlong turf course) in the former Quail Roost Farm in Florida to use as a training center & for breaking & lay-ups”. Meanwhile Buckram Oak (which has 55 horses in training) “will relocate its broodmare band of approximately 35 to Highclere in Lexington”. At last year’s Keeneland November breeding stock sale, Jackson purchased 95 horses for US$21,724,000 through Emmanuel de Seroux’s Narvick International; he was named 310th on Forbes magazine’s list of wealthiest US billionaires in 2004, with a net worth of US$1.8 billion. (Feb 8)

Silverbulletday Produces Vindication Filly
Dual US champion filly Silverbulletday (by Silver Deputy) has produced her 3rd foal, a filly by undefeated champion Vindication (by Seattle Slew), at Hill 'n' Dale Farm in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. Silverbulletday (Champion 2YO filly in 1998 & Champion 3YO filly in 1999) recorded 15 wins & 4 placings in 23 starts for US$3,093,207 earnings; she has a 3YO A.P.Indy colt named Tice & a 2YO Storm Cat filly. Vindication (Champion 2YO colt in 2002) retired with 4 wins from 4 starts (including the Gr1 Bessemer Trust Breeders' Cup Juvenile) & earned US$680,950; his 1st foals arrive this year & his 2005 stud fee is US$60,000. (Feb 8)

1st Dream Run Foal At Lakland North
The 1st foal sired by US Gr2 winner Dream Run (Cherokee Run-Miss Dreamland, by Naevus) has been born at Lakland North in New York, reported bloodhorse.com. The colt is out of Hansel mare Hanyah. Dream Run won the Gr2 Gulfstream Park Breeders' Cup Sprint Championship Handicap. (Feb 8)

1st Equality Foal At Holiday Farm
The 1st foal by 2003 Gr3 Tampa Bay Derby winner Equality (a 6YO son of Mt Livermore) has been born at Holiday Farm in Michigan, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The filly is out of winning Local Talent mare To Be Talented. Equality recorded 4 wins (also including the 2002 Gleaming Stakes in 10 career starts for US$252,150 earnings. Equality (who stands at Dickinson Farms in Michigan) is the only stakes-winner out of Gone West mare Equilibrate (a half-sister to Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year & multiple Gr1 winner Peaks And Valleys). (Feb 8)

Retired Belleski Heads To Empire Maker
US multiple graded-winning 6YO mare Belleski (Polish Numbers-Rangoon Belle, by Alysheba) “has been retired & plans call for her to be mated with Empire Maker,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Belleski won 8 races (including consecutive Gr3 Ken Maddy Handicaps) & earned US$374,585. (Feb 8)

Scrubs Sets Tampa Bay Track Record
The 5YO sprinter Scrubs (Dr Caton-Record Stands, by American Standard) “zipped 5 furlongs in 55.89sec when winning at Tampa Bay Downs to establish a course record at Florida track,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Scrubs (who last year won the Sprint Stakes at Tampa & placed in 2 other stakes in Florida) now has 7 wins in 29 starts. (Feb 8)

Kerrygold To Stud In Jamaica
In the Caribbean, French-bred 9YO stallion Kerrygold (Tel Quel-Star System, by Northern Treat) “has been retired & will stand at Andrew Azar's Sun Valley Farm in St Catharine,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Kerrygold won France’s Gr3 Grand Prix de Vichy, before transferring to the US “where his wins included the 2001 San Marino Handicap”. (Feb 8)

La Misilera Wins Peru Gr1 Leguia
In South America, Gr1 winner La Misilera (Mago Nativo-Mambera, by Mogambo) “poured it on entering the stretch to win by 10.5-lengths in Peru’s Gr1 Gran Premio Nacional Augusto B. Leguia (final leg of the Peruvian Quadruple Crown) over 2600m on firm turf at Hipodromo de Monterrico in Lima,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. La Misilera (ridden by Alberto Pusac for trainer Cesar Pianezzi) defeated Baleriana & Sinjon. Bred by Haras El Embrujo, La Misilera now has 5 wins (2 Gr1s) in 8 starts. Winning dam Mambera is a half-sister to 2000-01 Peruvian champion 2YO filly Campbell. (Feb 8)

Fastnet Rock Wins Gr1 Lightning Stakes
Exciting 3YO sprinter Fastnet Rock (Danehill-Piccadilly Circus, by Royal Academy) stormed down the outside rail of the wet Flemington straight-1000m track to win the $500,000 weight-for-age Gr1 Lightning Stakes by a neck in Melbourne. Fastnet Rock (ridden by Glen Boss for trainer Paul Perry) just pipped multiple Gr1-winning 3YO filly Alinghi (Encosta De Lago-Oceanfast, by Monde Bleu) racing along the rail, with visiting 7YO HK gelding Cape Of Good Hope (Inchinor-Cape Merino, by Clantime) a length further back in 3rd place. The race was the 1st leg of the inaugural 6-race Global Sprint Challenge (conducted by Racing Victoria, England’s Ascot Racecourse & the Japan Racing Association, with 2 events in each of Australia, the UK & Japan). Fastnet Rock (passed-in for $290,000 as a yearling at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 5 wins & 7 placings in 16 starts for $1,154,200 prize-money. (Feb 7)

The Jonker Wins Inglis 2YO Championship
Woodlands Stud stallion Over (Dr Grace-Tromper, by Lunchtime) added a major juvenile winner when gelding The Jonker (Over-Rosita’s Gem, by Zephyr Zip) prevailed by a short-head in a tight finish to the $1 million Inglis Championship (1200m) for 2YOs at Flemington. The Jonker (ridden by Paul Goode for trainer Myffy Rae) defeated the colt Zeduce Me (Zeditave-Gysenic, by Scenic) & filly Paulini (Singspiel-Timeless Appeal, by Luskin Star). The Jonker (a $25,000 yearling at the 2004 Inglis Classic Sale) now has 2 wins & a runner-up in 3 starts for $695,500 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Freestyle Wins Woodlands Breeders’ Strakes
Unbeaten Arrowfield Stud home-bred filly Freestyle (Snippets-Stella Artois, by Geiger Counter) added to her record with victory in the $100,000 Gr2 Woodlands Stud Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) for 2YOs at Morphettville in Adelaide. Freestyle (ridden by Luke Nolen for trainer Phillip Stokes) defeated the colts Yellowstone (Flying Spur-Queen Of The Park) & Strikes Back (Ashkalani-Empire Dawn). Freestyle (passed-in for $140,000 at the 2004 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast) now has 3 successive wins (also including the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes over 1000m at Caulfield on debut in November) for $129,150 prize-money. She is the 1st foal of stakes-winning sprinter Stella Artois (winner of the 1999 Quezette Stakes & William Crockett Stakes). (Feb 7)

Domesday Wins Silver Slipper
Vinery shuttler Red Ransom (Roberto-Arabia, by Damascus) also added an impressive juvenile black type winner when unbeaten Woodlands colt Domesday (Red Ransom-In The Past, by Zafonic) won the $200,000 Gr2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m) for 2YOs by a short-neck in a photo-finish at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney. Domesday (ridden by Darren Beadman for trainer John Hawkes) defeated fellow colts Flying Pegasus (Fusaichi Pegasus-Cashier, by Danehill) & NZ visitor Dr Green (Fusaichi Pegasus-Palia, by Last Tycoon). Domesday (a $420,000 yearling at the 2004 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 2 wins from 2 starts for $162,500 prize-money. Domesday is the 1st foal of Juddmonte-bred mare In The Past (a 3/4 sister to 1997 Champion European Juvenile & now Darley shuttle sire Xaar). (Feb 7)

Lieutenant Wins The Debonair
Coolmore shuttler Danehill Dancer (Danehill-Mira Adonde, by Sharpen Up) added another group winner when his gelded son Lieutenant (Danehill Dancer-Sovereign Countess, by Sovereign Red) won the $200,000 Gr3 The Debonair (1400m) for 3YO colts & geldings at Flemington. Lieutenant (ridden by Darren Gauci for trainer John Hawkes) defeated the colts Mr Martini (Bianconi-Posy, by Marauding) & Barely A Moment (Gilded Time-Lady dianna, by Danehill). Lieutenant (a $62,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Classic Sale) now has 2 wins & 4 placings in 7 starts for $276,750 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Ballet Society Wins The Vanity
Fellow Coolmore shuttler Stravinsky (Nureyev-Fire The Groom) also added another group winner when Ballet Society (Stravinsky-Centuria, by Centaine) just lasted to win the $200,000 Gr3 The Vanity (1400m) for 3YO fillies by a short half-head at Flemington. Ballet Society (ridden by Blake Shinn for trainer Pat Hyland) defeated fast-finishing Gr1 VRC Oaks winner Hollow Bullet (Tayasu Tsuyoshi-Beat The Bullet, by Bite The Bullet) & Twisted Heart (Distorted Humor-Surprise Affair, by Blushing Groom). Ballet Society (a $95,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale) now has 3 wins & 3 placings in 10 starts for $287,850. Ballet Society's dam Centuria is a sister to dual NZ Gr1 winner Cent Home & a half-sister to Australian Gr2 Turnbull Stakes winner Studebaker. (Feb 7)

Cool Front Wins Clissold Stakes
Arrowfield Stud stallion Hurricane Sky (Star Watch-Dancing Show, by Nijinsky) added a group winner when 4YO gelding Cool Front (Hurricane Sky-Oh So Sirius, by Cosmic Planet) won a 3-way photo-finish (& then survived a protest) to the $100,000 Gr3 Frederick Clissold Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill. Cool Front (ridden by Darren Beadman for trainer John O’Shea) won by a long-head from fellow 4YO gelding Utzon (Nothin’ Leica Dane-Ivory Rose, by Gain Control) with a short half-head to 6YO gelding Patezza (Rubiton-Stars Above, by Star Shower). Cool Front (a $90,000 yearling at the 2002 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast) now has 4 wins & 2 placings from 7 starts for $148,700 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Super Elegant Wins Irwin Stakes
Dual Gr1-winning 7YO gelding Super Elegant (Mister C-Ever Elegant, by Steel Pulse) added his 15th stakes win (& 3rd in succession) with victory in the $75,000 weight-for-age Gr3 Irwin Stakes (1100m) at Morphettville. Super Elegant (ridden by Kelvin Sanderson for trainer Tony Vasil) defeated 9YO gelding Bomber Bill (Air De France-Lady Special) & 5YO mare Chatelaine (Flying Spur-Midnight Renegade). Super Elegant last start won the $150,000 weight-for-age Gr2 Carlyon Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley in Melbourne on January 21; overall he now has 17 wins (including the 2004 Gr1 Goodwood Handicap over 1200m in Adelaide & Gr1 Doomben 10,000 over 1350m in Brisbane) & 11 placings in 52 starts for $1,678,600 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Tivoli Dancer Wins Millie Fox Stakes
The 3YO filly Tivoli Dancer (Pins-Dance For Joy, by Danzatore) won a 3-way photo-finish to the $100,000 Listed Millie Fox Stakes (1200m) for fillies & mares at Rosehill. Tivoli Dancer (ridden by Darren Beadman for trainer Kevin Moses) won by a head from 4YO mare Lil Elsa (Lion Hunter-Fenena, by Crested Wave) with a short half-head to 3rd-placed fellow 3YO filly Johan’s Toy (Johan Cruyff-Extra Bubbly, by Bellotto). Tivoli Dancer (a NZ$65,000 yearling at the 2003 NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale) now has 4 wins & a placing from 6 starts for $106,200 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Mooring’s Melody Wins Parramatta Cup
The 6YO gelding Mooring’s Melody (Song Of Tara-Set A Symphony, by Western Symphony) won an exciting $80,000 Listed Parramatta Cup (2000m) by a short-head at Rosehill. Mooring’s Melody (ridden by Zac Purton for trainer Bob Thomsen) defeated 5YO geldings Vanquished (Hector Protector-Exuberance, by Last Tycoon) & Lord Of Lords (King Of Kings-Mean Eyes, by Al Ameen). Mooring’s Melody (a $5,000 yearling at the 2000 Inglis Classic Sale) now has 7 wins & 14 placings in 34 starts for $166,570 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Sutton Review Wins Gainsborough Stakes
Erin Park Stud stallion Youthful Legs (Explodent-You’re My Lady, by Roberto) recorded a black type success when his daughter Sutton Review (Youthful Legs-Miss Regal Mine) won the $80,000 Listed Gainsborough Stakes (1400m) for 3YOs at Tamworth in northern NSW. Sutton Review (ridden by Nathan Cumberland for trainer Mack Griffith) defeated the geldings Spurson (Flying Spur-Tamari) & Mystery City (Langfuhr-Trouble In Mind). Sutton Review now has 4 wins & 4 placings in 15 starts for $132,000 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Rather Grand Wins Hayes Memorial Cup
Ill-fated Woodlands Stud shuttler Grand Lodge (Chief’s Crown-La Papagena, by Habitat) recorded a black type winner when 4YO mare Rather Grand (Grand Lodge-Rather Droll) gained the verdict in a 3-way photo-finish to the $50,000 Listed C.S.Hayes Memorial Cup (1600m) at Morphettville. Rather Grand (ridden by Joe Bowditch for trainer Mick Price) defeated 7YO gelding Rally (Desert Style-Blue Willow) by a short half-head, with a long-neck to 4YO gelding Almost Never (Akhadan-Can’t Say Never). Rather Grand now has 5 wins & 4 placings in 16 starts for $128,775 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Dakasha Wins Tasmanian St Leger
Arrowfield Stud stallion Flying Spur (Danehill-Rolls, by Mr Prospector) added another black type success when 4YO mare Dakasha (Flying Spur-Going Raja) won yesterday’s $35,000 weight-for-age Listed Tasmanian St Leger (2100m) by 3-lengths at Mowbray in Launceston. Dakasha (ridden by Clare Lindop for trainer Leon Macdonald) defeated 5YO gelding Our Dashing Dane (Ladoni-Royal Theme) & 6YO gelding Surge Of Power (Aliocha-Calbrosa). Dakasha (passed-in for $45,000 as a yearling at the 2002 Magic Millions Adelaide Sale) now has 4 wins & 9 placings in 23 starts for $98,735 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Vinery Dispersal At Inglis April-May Sales
Meanwhile the Australian arm of Dr Tom Simon’s international Vinery Stud will sell all its mares & weanlings at the Inglis Broodmare Sale in Sydney on April 3 & Inglis Select Weanling Sale in May. Early estimates have the livestock valued around $22 million. Vinery Australia managing director Peter Orton noted: “We are opening the farm to outside clients & making it more commercial. Obviously if offers came along (to buy the farm), Tom would look at them as any businessman would; but at present Vinery Stud will continue to operate independently, standing its current exciting line up of stallions headed by Red Ransom, More Than Ready & Mossman. The farm will continue to agist & care for client bloodstock, thus running as a more public stud rather than the semi-private farm it has been with Dr Simon’s bloodstock. This creates the opportunity for many more breeders to base their mares in the heart of the Hunter Valley, on 1 of the most respected thoroughbred studs in Australasia.” (Feb 7)

20 Black Type Winners Among Vinery Mares
The Vinery mares include Mannington, Euphoria, Rose Of Danehill, Rose O’War, Lady Jakeo, French Bid, Zacheline, Damaschino & Sorrento. The broodmare band boasts 20 individual Group or Listed winners & 13 producers of stakes-winners. There are 17 half or full relations to Gr1 victors, including Golden Slipper winners Belle Du Jour & Merlene, as well as Shogun Lodge, Bollinger (now in the US in foal to Gone West), Zeditave, Assertive Lad & Assertive Lass. (Feb 7)

Magic Millions National Broodmare Entry Forms
Meanwhile entry forms for the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale (Sunday 12 June-Friday 17 June) have gone out & entries close on Friday March 11. The same incentives as last year apply again in 2005: no commission on sales over $100,000; no pass-in commission on any lot; & no stabling or feed costs for vendors. (Feb 7)

Vic Govt Breeding Inquiry
The Victorian Government has launched a Parliamentary Inquiry into the thoroughbred & standard-bred breeding industries. Racing Minister John Pandazopoulos said the all-party Economic Development Committee Of Parliament would examine the state’s breeding industries & “make recommendations on how they can be further developed. It is anticipated Victoria’s thoroughbred breeding industry alone contributes $100 million annually to the Victorian economy, particularly in regional areas. While Victoria is leading the way in many areas of breeding, there are some areas that need improvement & this inquiry will provide a vision for the future. Breeding has even greater potential for growth & further generating employment, & finding a long-term strategic plan for its future is an important step in backing this lucrative sector.” Pandazopoulos noted the number or horses bred in Victoria had declined in recent years, with 6,702 broodmares in Victoria last financial year (23.5% of the national total) compared with 6,949 in 1998-99; & in 2003-04 there were 4,044 foals in Victoria (23.9% of the national total), down from 4,257 in 1998-99. The Inquiry must report to Parliament by September 30. (Feb 7)

Last-Minute Move Stalls TV Black-Out
Meanwhile in NSW, the “high-stakes battle for control of the television rights of thoroughbred racing in Australia reached fever-pitch on Friday night, with a black-out of Sydney racing on Sky Channel narrowly avoided after talks between Sky & Racing NSW”, reported The Australian newspaper. Sky “agreed to keep broadcasting Sydney racing to more than 5,100 pubs & clubs around the country & thousands of pay-TV viewers for another 2 weeks, after the intervention of Racing NSW to allow discussions to allow discussions on a new long-term deal”. Sky’s rights to broadcast Australian Jockey Club (Royal Randwick & Warwick Farm) & Sydney Turf Club (Rosehill Gardens & Canterbury Park) races were due to expire yesterday & Sky chief executive Peter Caillard confirmed: “We now have 14 days to sort out the details. We were ready to turn off the vision, but we are going to keep it on while those discussions take place.” (Feb 7)

Laxon In Hospital After 2nd Track Fall
Melbourne Cup-winning trainer Sheila Laxon “is in Seymour Hospital after suffering serious injuries in her 2nd trackwork fall in 2 years,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Laxon (who trained 2001 Gr1 Melbourne Cup winner Ethereal) “suffered a cracked pelvis & a broken collarbone & is expected to be in hospital up to 10 days”. (Feb 7)

Vic Allows Trainer Partnerships
The introduction of training partnerships in Victoria was formally approved by Racing Victoria at its board meeting on Friday. RV director of integrity services Des Gleeson confirmed Victorian training partnerships (an Australian 1st, but which have existed in NZ for more than a decade) would become effective from August 1 & commented: “Many trainers are relying more & more heavily on assistant trainers & forepersons to take responsibility for the management of their stables. Our licensing arrangements & rules should reflect this reality.” (Feb 7)

Death Of Sir Rupert Clarke
Sir Rupert Clarke, chairman of the Victoria Amateur Turf Club (now Melbourne Racing Club) for 16 years & a committee member for 40 years (from 1951-1991), has died in Melbourne. (Feb 7)

Karaka Day-5: NZ$90,000 Diatribe & Pentire Colts
In New Zealand, a Diatribe-Guardian Miss colt (bought by R.Priscott & consigned by The Oaks Stud) & a Pentire-Belle Nuite colt (bought by Graeme Rogerson & consigned by Te Mania Thoroughbreds) sold for equal top price of NZ$90,000 on Day-2 of the 2-session Select Sale (February 3-4) as NZ Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales series continued at Karaka in Auckland. (Feb 7)

Karaka Day-5: Cumulative Select Average Up 11%
Overall at NZ Bloodstock's 2-day Select Sale (preceded by last week’s 3-day Premier Sale & followed by the 2-day Festival Sale), the cumulative aggregate, average & median were all up on last year: the NZ$11,539,000 aggregate (on 512 lots sold) was up 5% at the same stage of the 2004 Sale; the NZ$33,740 average was up 11% (NZ$30,331 last year); & the NZ$30,000 median was up 15% (NZ$26,000 last year). (Feb 7)

Karaka Select: Top Sires
Cumulatively across NZ Bloodstock's 2-day Select Yearling Sale, the leading sires by average (3 or more sold) were:

Volksraad: 11 sold for average NZ$53,318
Lord Ballina: 6 sold for average NZ$53,000
Montjeu: 5 sold for average NZ$49,600
Towkay: 4 sold for average NZ$43,750
Kaapstad: 8 sold for average NZ$39,500

(Feb 7)

Karaka Select: Top 1st-Crop Sires
Cumulatively across NZ Bloodstock's 2-day Select Yearling Sale, the leading 1st-crop sires by average (3 or more sold) were:

San Luis: 3 sold for average NZ$37,167
Keeper: 21 sold for average NZ$36,952
Black Minnaloushe: 15 sold for average NZ$36,800
Postponed: 12 sold for average NZ$36,083
Minardi: 4 sold for average NZ$28,375

(Feb 7)

Karaka Select: Leading Buyers

Graeme Rogerson: 15 purchased for NZ$682,500
Paul Moroney: 14 purchased for NZ$589,000
Lance O’Sullivan: 7 purchased for NZ$363,500
Bruce Perry: 5 purchased for NZ$327,000
Aquanita Racing: 9 purchased for NZ$307,000

(Feb 7)

Karaka Select: Leading Vendors

Windsor Park: 24 sold for NZ$1,001,500
Rich Hill: 20 sold for NZ$629,000
Haunui Farm: 12 sold for NZ$538,000
Waikato Stud: 20 sold for NZ$480,500
Highview Stud: 11 sold for NZ$423,000

(Feb 7)

Karaka Day-6: NZ$36,000 Skalato Colt
And yesterday bloodstock agent Stuart Hale paid top price of NZ$36,000 for a Skalato colt from Zeditave mare Rouge Chaperon (consigned by Poplar Lodge) on Day-1 of the 2-session Festival Sale to complete NZ Bloodstock's 7-day National Yearling Sales series (Premier, Select & Festival Sales) at Karaka in Auckland. (Feb 7)

Karaka Day-6: Top Lots

NZ$36,000 Skalato-Rouge Chaperon colt (Stuart Hale)
NZ$35,000 Howbaddouwantit-Party Belle filly (Paul Moroney
NZ$35,000 His Royal Highness-Teeny Weeny Bikini colt (J&I B’stock)
NZ$35,000 Postponed-Academia Francaise colt (Halo B’stock)
NZ$34,000 Shinko King-Regal Times filly (Lisa Latta)

(Feb 7)

Karaka Day-6: Average Up 19%
Overall at yesterday’s Day-1 of NZ Bloodstock's 2-session Festival Yearling Sale, the average rose 19% to NZ$12,455 (last year NZ$10,484) & the median rose 25% to NZ$10,000 (last year NZ$8,000). The NZ$1,781,100 aggregate was up 11.6% (last year NZ$1,595,400) after the same number of lots offered. (Feb 7)

Karaka Day-6: Leading Sires
The leading sires by average (3 or more sold) on Day-1 of NZ Bloodstock's 2-day Festival Yearling Sale were:

Victory Dance: 4 sold for average NZ$25,250
Spectatorial: 3 sold for average NZ$18,667
Ebony Grosve: 3 sold for average NZ$18,250
Daggers Drawn: 4 sold for average NZ$17,375
Colombia: 3 sold for average NZ$17,000

(Feb 7)

Karaka Day-6: Leading 1st-Crop Sires
The leading 1st-crop sires by average (3 or more sold) on Day-1 of NZ Bloodstock's 2-day Festival Yearling Sale were:

Spectatorial: 3 sold for average NZ$18,667
Keeper: 3 sold for average NZ$15,417
Rossini: 3 sold for average NZ$14,167
St Petersburg: 8 sold for average NZ$10,219

(Feb 7)

Karaka Day-6: Leading Buyers

Stuart Hale: 2 purchased for NZ$66,000
Trevor McKee: 3 purchased for NZ$65,000
Robt Dawe: 3 purchased for NZ$53,000
Paul Moroney: 2 purchased for NZ$45,000
Vance Racing: 2 purchased for NZ$45,000

(Feb 7)

Karaka Day-6: Leading Vendors

Java Lodge: 12 sold for NZ$144,500
Hallmark Stud: 4 sold for NZ$91,000
Haunui Farm: 4 sold for NZ$91,000
Grande Vue Lodge: 7 sold for NZ$80,750
Newmarket Lodge: 5 sold for NZ$80,500

(Feb 7)

Wahid Wins NZ Bloodstock Classique
Meanwhile on the track, 1999 Gr1 Dubai World Cup winner Almutawakel (Machiavellian-Elfaslah) added another southern hemisphere black type success when his gelded juvenile son Wahid (Almutawakel-Rory’s Helen, by Rory’s Jester) won the NZ$500,000 Listed NZ Bloodstock Classique (1200m) for 2YOs at Te Rapa. Wahid (ridden by Leith Innes for trainer Allan Sharrock) defeated visiting Sydney filly Dower (Pins-Burwood Road) & fellow gelding Kindacross (Cape Cross-Kindness). Wahid (a NZ$50,000 yearling at the 2004 NZ Bloodstock Karaka Select Sale) now has 3 wins from 4 starts (also including last month’s NZ$100,000 Gr2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes over 1200m at Trentham). His sire Almutawakel (who spent a season at NZ’s Haunui Stud when shuttling from Ireland’s Derrinstown Stud) won the French Gr1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly & Gr1 Dubai World Cup in track record time (plus 4 other Gr1 placings); his 1st northern hemisphere crop raced in 2004, with 12 winners from 28 runners. (Feb 7)

Lookatmelads Wins NZ Wairarapa Stakes
The 5YO mare Lookatmelads (College Chapel-Spending Spree) won yesterday’s NZ$30,000 Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) for fillies & mares at Tauherenikau. Lookatmelads (ridden by Darryl Bradley for trainers Howie & Lorraine Mathews) defeated fellow 5YO mares Abit Rusty (Straight Strike-Ipana) & Santoya (College Chapel-Cake). (Feb 7)

Singing Star Retired To Stud
Smart Kiwi 6YO racemare Singing Star (by Danasinga) has been retired “just a month after her career highlight win in the Gr2 Waikato Times Gold Cup (2400m)”, reported NZ Thoroughbred Marketing. Overall she notched 8 wins & 16 placings from 57 starts for just short of NZ$200,000 prize-money. (Feb 7)

Saint Liam Wins US Gr1 Donn Handicap
In the US, 5YO entire Saint Liam (Saint Ballado-Quiet Dance, by Quiet American) recorded an authoritative 3.75-lengths victory in the US$500,000 Gr1 Donn Handicap (9 furlongs) at Gulfstream Park, reported bloodhorse.com. Saint Liam (ridden by Edgar Prado for trainer Richard Dutrow) defeated fellow 5YO horse Roses In May (Devil His Due-Tell A Secret, by Speak John) & 4YO horse Eddington (Unbridled-Fashion Star, by Chief's Crown). Saint Liam (who gave 2004 US Horse-Of-The-Year Ghostzapper his toughest race, when runner-up by just a neck in last year’s Gr1 Woodward Handicap, & last start won the Gr2 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs in November) now has 6 wins in 14 starts for US$1,060,035 earnings; he was a US$130,000 yearling at the 2001 Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Sale. (Feb 7)

Champion Devil’s Bag Euthanased
Devil’s Bag (US champion 2YO colt of 1983 & sire of 43 stakes-winners) has been euthanased “after suffering an injury in his stall at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The 24-year-old son of Halo (whose US$36 million stallion syndication in 1983 “was a world record & still ranks as the 4th largest in North American history”) stood at Claiborne since 1985. From 18 crops to race, Devil’s Bag sired 455 winners from 662 starters & earners of US$47,096,333. His leading earner with US$4,997,744 is 1998 Japanese Horse-Of-The-Year & 3-time champion Taiki Shuttle (who also won French high-weight honors with victory in the 1998 Gr1 Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois at Deauville). Devil’s Bag is also the sire of: Devil His Due (who won 5 Gr1 races & earned US$3,920,405); German classic winner & multiple high-weight Quebrada; & Gr1 winners Twilight Agenda, Devil’s Orchid & Buy The Sport. On the track, he “electrified race fans with an undefeated 2YO campaign that included a 7.5-length debut victory at Saratoga & wins in the Gr1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park & Gr1 Laurel Futurity at Laurel Park by a combined 11.25-lengths”. Devil’s Bag (a US$325,000 yearling at the 1982 Keeneland July Selected Sale) was bred in Maryland by E.P.Taylor out of winning Herbager mare Ballade & was a full brother to Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year & champion Glorious Song (dam of 3 stakes-winning sires, plus grandam of English high-weight Mezzo Soprano & multiple graded stakes-winner & sire Saint Ballado). Daughters of Devil’s Bag include Miss Livi (dam of Gr1 winner Balto Star) & Bonita Francita (dam of Gr1 winner & sire Orpen, plus Gr3 winner & sire Jules). (Feb 7)

Fusaichi Samurai Out Of Kentucky Derby Chase
Boom US 3YO Fusaichi Samurai (by Fusaichi Pegasus) “has injured a hind-leg muscle & is out of contention for the Gr1 Kentucky Derby,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Fusao Sekiguchi's world-record US$4.5 million 2YO-In-Training purchase has raced only once “for an impressive Hollywood Park win on December 11”. (Feb 7)

4,000 Wins For US Jockey Migliore
US jockey Richard Migliore, 40, recorded his 4,000th career win aboard Benjamin Baby at Aqueduct, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Migliore (who rode his 1st winner in 1980 at the Meadowlands) declared: “I think 5,000 is a realistic goal & something I would like to shoot for next." (Feb 7)

Bala Convicted On Illegal Gambling
Racing Services Inc founder Susan Bala has been convicted in the US District Court in North Dakota “on 12 counts that include conspiracy to conduct an illegal gambling business, illegal wire transfer & money laundering”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Investigators said Racing Services’s “unlicensed site in Fargo took in US$99 million in bets between October 2002 & April 2003”. (Feb 7)

1st Kris Kin Foal Born In Ireland
In Ireland, the 1st foal by UK 2003 Gr1 Epsom Derby winner Kris Kin has been born at Coolagown Stud reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt is out of winning Perugino mare Brockton Saga. Kris Kin will stand the 2005 season at Derrinstown Stud in Ireland’s County Kildare. (Feb 7)

Karaka Day-4: NZ$140,000 Black Minnaloushe Colt
Richard O'Gorman Bloodstock (buying on behalf of Singapore owner Jerry Sung) yesterday paid top price of NZ$140,000 for a colt by 1st season sire Black Minnaloushe (out of Straight Strike mare Riposte) on Day-1 of the 2-session Select Sale (immediately following the 3-day Premier Sale) at NZ Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales series at Karaka in Auckland (& still to be followed by the Festival Sale on February 6-7). The colt (sold from the draft of Haunui Farm) achieved “more than 3 times the reserve price,” reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. (Feb 4)

Karaka Day-4: Top 10 Lots

NZ$140,000 Black Minnaloushe colt (R.O'Gorman)
NZ$135,000 Volksraad-Symphony colt (M.Hoggard)
NZ$110,000 Don Tristram-Velinda filly (S.Hale)
NZ$100,000 Lord Ballina-Sea Huntress colt (Lincoln Farm)
NZ$100,000 Keeper-Startling Lady colt (G.Rogerson)
NZ$100,000 O’Reilly-Volkschine filly (B.Perry)
NZ$95,000 O’Reilly-Trisha’s Belle filly (K.Neylon)
NZ$92,500 O’Reilly-Vaguely Sneeky filly (B.Perry)
NZ$85,000 Rory’s Jester-Ventured filly (L.O’Sullivan)
NZ$80,000 Keeper-Sinjani colt (P.Moroney)

(Feb 4)

Karaka Day-4: Select Average Up 17.5%
Overall after Day-1 of NZ Bloodstock's 2-session Select Sale, the NZ$30,000 median is running 15% above last year’s final Select Sale median of NZ26,000. Similarly the Day-1 average of NZ$35,640 is 17.5% up on last year's final average of NZ$30,331. And the NZ$6,237,000 aggregate is 14.5% above last year's NZ$5,447,000 after the same number of lots offered (256). (Feb 4)

Karaka Day-4: Leading Sires
On Day-1 of NZ Bloodstock's 2-day Select Yearling Sale, the leading sires by average (3 or more sold) were:

Volksraad: 6 sold for average NZ$64,750
Lord Ballina: 5 sold for average NZ$53,600
Montjeu: 3 sold for average NZ$53,333
O’Reilly: 10 sold for average NZ$45,050
Towkay: 4 sold for average NZ$43,750

(Feb 4)

Karaka Day-4: Leading 1st-Crop Sires
On Day-1 of NZ Bloodstock's 2-day Select Yearling Sale, the leading 1st-crop sires by average (3 or more sold) were:

Keeper: 11 sold for average NZ$41,364
Postponed: 6 sold for average NZ$37,667
Black Minnaloushe: 10 sold for average NZ$36,400
Bertolini: 8 sold for average NZ$30,750
St Petersburg: 4 sold for average NZ$24,375

(Feb 4)

Karaka Day-4: Leading Buyers

Paul Moroney: 8 lots for NZ$330,000
NZB as agent: 12 lots for NZ$328,500
Graeme Rogerson: 7 lots for NZ$305,000
Richard O’Gorman: 4 lots for NZ$302,000
Stuart Hale: 4 lots for NZ$242,500

(Feb 4)

Karaka Day-4: Leading Vendors

Windsor Park: 14 sold for NZ$598,500
Rich Hill: 8 sold for NZ$305,000
Ardsley Stud: 5 sold for NZ$274,000
Highview Stud: 8 sold for NZ$272,500
Haunui Farm: 4 sold for NZ$265,000

(Feb 4)

Tattersalls UK: $299,000 Johannesburg Colt
In the UK overnight, a yearling colt from the 1st crop of Coolmore shuttler & 4-time Gr1-winner Johannesburg (Hennessy-Myth) topped the UK Tattersalls February Sale at Newmarket. Yeomanstown Stud's Gay O'Callaghan paid 115,000 guineas (A$299,000) for the colt (the 1st foal of the German Listed-placed mare Rozel, by Wolfhound) who is closely related to last year's Gr2 Champagne Stakes winner Etlaala; he was consigned by St Simon Stud in Newmarket. O'Callaghan indicated the colt would be re-offered at Part 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. (Feb 4)

Tattersalls UK: $247,000 Silver Bandana
And bloodstock agent Larry Stratton (bidding on behalf of an Irish stud) paid 95,000 guineas (A$247,000) for the highest-priced mare at the UK Tattersalls February Sale: 9YO Silver Bandana (Silver Buck-Datum Line, by High Line), a dual Listed winner in North America (& from the same family as Gr1 Irish Oaks heroine Pure Grain & dual Gr1 Lockinge Stakes winner Soviet Line) who sold in foal to Juddmonte’s triple Gr1-winning sprinter Oasis Dream. Silver Bandana was consigned from Kingwood Stud on behalf of Mountgrange Stud. (Feb 4)

Tattersalls UK: Top Lots

115,000 guineas (A$299,000) Johannesburg-Rozel yearling colt (G.O’Callaghan)
95,000 guineas (A$247,000) 9YO mare Silver Bandana (Silver Buck-Datum Line) (L.Stratton)
53,000 guineas (A$138,000) 3YO filly Soft (Lear Fan-Souplesse) (J.Rowley)
46,000 guineas (A$120,000) 3YO filly Bolivia (Distant View-Balabina) (J.Lamb)
42,000 guineas (A$109,000) 3YO colt Kirkstall (Selkirk-Stiletta) (MCR B’stock)
42,000 guineas (A$109,000) 3YO filly Indian Torrent (Gulch-Cheyenne Dream) (J.O'Byrne)
30,000 guineas (A$78,000) 8YO mare Tara's Girl (Faryuz-Florissa) (P.Sylvester)
30,000 guineas (A$78,000) 3YO filly Key Secret (Whittingham-Foxkey) (R.Charles)

(Feb 4)

Tattersalls UK: Average Up 34%
Overall at the UK Tattersalls February Sale, records were set across the board: turnover rose 79% to 1,599,200 guineas (A$4,157,920); the average was up 34% to 10,185 guineas (A$26,000); & the median was up 25% to 5,000 guineas (A$13,000). Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony summed up: “This is a sale very much on the upgrade & today’s trade has provided a wonderful start to 2005. We have seen wide margin records across the board with average, median & turnover all breaking new ground, as well as individual sale records for both a yearling & a broodmare. The February Sale is only in its 6th year, but has already carved a niche in the European sales calendar. This year’s catalogue was the largest since the sale began & it has attracted interest from throughout Europe & further afield.” (Feb 4)

Melbourne Launches Global Sprint Challenge
In Australia, the inaugural Global Sprint Challenge (6 races conducted by Racing Victoria, UK’s Ascot Racecourse & the Japan Racing Association) was launched yesterday at Melbourne's Federation Square. Beginning in Melbourne tomorrow, the Global Sprint Challenge (with points allocated 10-5-4-3-2 for 1st-5th & all other starters awarded 1 point, plus horses racing outside their home jurisdiction awarded double points) involves:

February 5: Gr1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington in Melbourne
February 19: Gr1 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in Melbourne
June 14: Gr2 King’s Stand Stakes (1000m) at Royal Ascot in the UK
June 18: Gr1 Golden Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot in the UK
September 11: Gr3 Centaur Stakes (1200m) at Hanshin in Japan
October 2: Gr1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama in Japan

(Feb 4)

Starcraft Flys To UK Tonight
Gr1 AJC Australian Derby winner Starcraft “is due to fly out of Melbourne tonight to embark on his international career with top trainer Luca Cumani,” reported The Sydney Morning Herald. Starcraft will arrive at Cumani’s Newmarket stables in England following a 26-hour flight & “is to be aimed at the Queen Anne Stakes & the July Cup”. (Feb 4)

2 Dispersals At Inglis Broodmare Sale
Inglis will include 2 major stud dispersals in this year’s Australian Select Broodmare Sale (April 4-5):

Jack & Sue Woolridge’s Inverness Stud will offer over 40 mares, including: Great Anna (daughter of Gr2 winner Great Vintage, winner of Listed Epona Stakes & 3rd in the Gr1 SAJC Australian Oaks) in foal to Reset & 1st season at stud; Donna Dior (3/4 sister-in-blood to Catbird & Danbird’s dam Fitting, winner of Listed Salinger Trophy & 2nd in Gr3 Canberra Black Opal Stakes) in foal to Danzero; Songline (stakes-placed dam of Champion racemare Sunline, who recorded 32 wins & $11,080,602 prize-money) in foal to Reset; Song Of Songs (Danehill half-sister to Sunline) in foal to Giant’s Causeway; Soprana (full sister to Gr2 winner Regent Street & 2nd in the Gr1 AJC Spring Champion Stakes) in foal to Reset; Wellka (half-sister to Gr1 winner Atticus from Gr2 winner Athyka) in foal to Choisir.
Richard Turnley’s Boscobel Stud is dispering all breeding stock, including: Masterkova (daughter of Gr2 place-getter Victory Command & winner of Listed Tasmanian Oaks); Complin (winning half-sister to champion 2YO & Gr1 Golden Slipper winner Tierce & 6-time winner Winged Prayer); plus mares in foal to Johannesburg, Royal Academy, Quest For Fame & Canny Lad.

(Feb 4)

STC Ponders Twilight Future
The “failure of twilight racing in Sydney has forced the Sydney Turf Club back to the drawing board, with chief executive Michael Kenny admitting the club may look at reverting to staging more mid-week racing fixtures, “ reported The Sydney Morning Herald. A fortnight ago “fewer than 1,000 patrons attended the twilight meeting at Canterbury” & “the poor turnout was also reflected in betting turnover which was substantially down on figures generated by traditional mid-week meetings at the inner-city circuit”. The last twilight meeting of the current season will be held at Canterbury next Friday. (Feb 4)

Senorita Dane Wins NZ Gore Guineas
In New Zealand yesterday, filly Senorita Dane (Senor Pete-Snadame) scored a narrow victory by a head in yesterday’s NZ$30,000 Listed Gore Guineas (1360m) for 3YOs at Ascot Park. Senorita Dane (ridden by Lance Robinson for trainer Paul Harris) defeated the geldings Bus Us (Justice Prevails-Broke ‘N Us) & Thistle (Pins-La Pomme). (Feb 4)

Kilimanjaro Son Stars In Singapore
In Singapore, current champion Kiwi trainer Laurie Laxon predicts a big future for last weekend’s impressive winner Pandarus, a son of NZ’s Westbury Stud-based sire Kilimanjaro (Shirley Heights-Darara, Top Ville). Laxon declared: "He's got the potential to be 1 of my next stable stars. He came to my barn 6 weeks ago from John Meagher's yard & he impressed me straight away. I was confident he would win on Sunday & he romped home." Ridden by NZ apprentice Jason Waddell, Pandarus won the 1600m event effortlessly by 3.8-lengths, easing down in a smart time just 0.02sec outside the Kranji track record. Laxon noted: "Horses don't often win maiden races in such a quick time unless they are exceptional. He's going to be a real handy stayer." Pandarus was bred by Westbury Stud at Karaka & sold privately following a trial win in NZ. Kilimanjaro provided the quinella in the Kranji race, with Kapjaro (another Westbury-bred son of Kilimanjaro) finishing 2nd. And Laxon gave a thumbs-up to the 1st Singapore outing of former NZ star galloper Mount Street (also by Kilimanjaro) who finished 5th in a 1200m race at Kranji: "He will improve a ton with the race & the 1200m was far too short for him. He is heading towards a start in the SIA Cup." (Feb 4)

1st Grandera Foal Born In Japan
In Japan, the 1st reported foal by 7YO Grandera (European champion older horse of 2002 & a Gr1 winner in 3 countries) has been born at Darley Japan Farm, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The filly is the 4th foal out of 11-year-old Sadler's Wells mare Sharpwitted & is a half-sister to stakes-winner Fun And Games; Sharpwitted (out of 1985 English Filly Triple Crown winner Oh So Sharp) is a half-sister to Gr1 winner Rosefinch & Gr2 winner Shaima. Grandera (Grand Lodge-Bordighera, by Alysheba) stands at Yushun Stallion Station following a career boasting 6 wins in 22 starts & US$2,873,271 earnings; his highlights included wins in England’s 2002 Gr1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes, Ireland’s Gr1 Champion Stakes & Singapore’s Gr1 International Cup, plus Dubai’s 2003 Gr2 Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum Challenge Round III, as well as placings in France’s 2001 Prix du Jockey-Club (French Derby) & Australia’s 2002 Gr1 Cox Plate. (Feb 4)

1st Turkish Win At Dubai International Carnival
In Dubai overnight, Turkish-trained 6YO mare Ribella (Revoque-Tajarib, by Last Tycoon) won the feature US$150,000 Cape Verdi Stakes (1600m on turf for fillies & mares) in a track record 1min 37.03sec as the Dubai International Carnival gathered momentum. Ribella (ridden by Halis Karatas for trainer Selman Tasbek) got up in the final strides to prevail in a 3-way photo-finish from Moon Dazzle (Kingmambo-June Moon, by Sadler’s Wells) & Emerald Beauty (Equalize-Emerald Girl, by Candy Stripes). An excited Tasbek declared: “Turkish horses have been adding some real international flavour to the Carnival & this is the 1st time a Turkish horse has won in Dubai, so it is a great night for Turkish racing. We will aim Ribella at the Gr1 Dubai Duty Free.” (Feb 4)

John Meagher Wins In Dubai
And Australia’s Singapore-based trainer John Meagher recorded his 1st win of the 2005 Dubai Carnival when 5YO Lim’s Classic (Dehere-Augustine, by Black Zephyr) won the US$120,000 Turffontein International Rated Stakes (1300m on turf). Lim’s Classic (ridden by Johnny Geroudis) defeated South African-bred duo Al Nitak (Al Mufti-Jessamine, by Del Sarto) & T-Bird (Special Preview-Lady Greystoke, by Lords). Lim’s Classic (a $45,000 buy at the 2001 Inglis Breeze-Up Sale) added another international success for Arrowfield Stud stallion Dehere (Deputy Minister-Sister Dot, by Secretariat). (Feb 4)

Refuse To Bend Brother Born At Moyglare
In Ireland, Market Slide (a 14-year-old group stakes-placed winning daughter of Gulch) has produced a full brother to English classic winner Refuse To Bend at Moyglare Stud Farm, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt (by Sadler's Wells) is also a half-brother to 2002 Gr1 Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle. Refuse To Bend won England’s 2003 Gr1 2000 Guineas, Ireland’s 2002 Gr1 Aga Khan Studs National Stakes, & both England’s 2004 Gr1 Eclipse Stakes & Gr1 Queen Anne Stakes. Market Slide (out of multiple Gr2 winner Grenzen) is a half-sister to both Gr1 winner Twilight Agenda & Irish Edition (dam of US 1990 Gr1 Belmont Stakes winner Go And Go). (Feb 4)

Maryland Plan To Revive Racing
In the US, Maryland racing leaders released a 15-page plan “designed to revive the state’s racing industry, if state lawmakers legalise expanding gambling at racetracks,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Among those signing the document were: Jim Gagliano (executive vice president of racing in Maryland for Magna Entertainment, majority owner of Pimlico Race Course & Laurel Park); William Rickman (from the Allegany Racing Association, which has proposed a new track in Little Orleans in Western Maryland); & Howard Mosner (from the Maryland State Fair & Agricultural Society, which operates racing at Timonium). (Feb 4)

Colonial Downs Series Offers US$2m Bonus
Meanwhile Colonial Downs “has reached an agreement with Virginia horsemen on a new schedule that would divide the track’s live racing meet into 2 sessions & incorporate a US$2 million bonus offer for any horse who can sweep a series of 4 turf stakes, 2 of which would be run in Virginia” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Under the plan a Grand Slam Of Grass for 3YOs would include: the US$500,000 Gr3 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs; either the Gr1 Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park or Gr2 National Museum Of Racing Hall Of Fame Stakes at Saratoga; a new US$250,000 race called the Colonial Turf Cup at Colonial Downs; & the US Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Belmont Park as the final leg. The US$2 million bonus offer “comes after Kitten’s Joy scored consecutive wins in the 2004 Virginia Derby, Secretariat Stakes & Gr1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes at Belmont, before finishing 2nd in the Breeders’ Cup Turf” (& was subsequently voted champion turf male). (Feb 4)

1st Foal To Gr1 Winner Whywhywhy
US Gr1 winner Whywhywhy's 1st foal is a filly born at Corner Woods in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. She is out of Badger Land mare La Breque (a half-sister to Gr1 Futurity Stakes winner Agincourt). A Futurity winner himself, Whywhywhy (Mr Greeley-Thorough Fair, by Quiet American) stands at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky. (Feb 4)

1st Century City Foal At Wintergreen Farm
Zinned (a 7YO daughter of Silver Deputy) has delivered the 1st reported foal (a filly) by multiple Gr2 winner Century City (who shuttles to Victoria's Newlands Stud) at Wintergreen Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Century City (a 6YO son of Danzig, out of 1994 Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year Alywow, by Alysheba) won 6 of 19 starts & earned US$678,892; his highlights included victories in Ireland’s 2002 Gr2 Goffs International Stakes & Gr3 Mozart E.B.F. Tetrarch Stakes, plus 2003 US Gr2 Arcadia Handicap, as well as runner-up in Ireland’s 2002 Gr1 2000 Guineas (behind Rock Of Gibraltar) & 3rd in the US 2003 Gr1 Breeders' Cup Mile. (Feb 4)

1st Saranac Lake Foal At Three Chimneys
Saranac Lake (winner of Ireland’s 2001 Gr3 Irish National Stud Debutante Stakes) has produced her 1st foal (a colt by Giant's Causeway) at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Saranac Lake (a 6YO daughter of Smart Strike, & 1 of 6 winners out of Kings Lake mare Lake Champlain) won 4 of 13 starts (including 2 of 8 in the US). (Feb 4)

American Patriot To Stand At Hurstland
American Patriot (a 5YO son of Mr Prospector from the female family of major turf sire Silver Hawk) will stand at Hurstland Farm in Kentucky, reported bloodhorse.com. American Patriot is out of Wandering Star (a Gr2 turf stakes-winner by Roberto's son Red Ransom); his second dam is a half-sister to Silver Hawk (who is by Roberto). Campaigned in France, American Patriot ran 2nd in his 1st start, “then suffered a career-ending injury in his next outing”. (Feb 4)

Frisk Me Now Moves To Minnesota
Kentucky’s Old Frankfort Stud has sold 8-time US graded stakes-winner Frisk Me Now (an 11-year-old son of Mister Frisky, out of Tsunami Slew mare Slew Me Now) & the 3rd-crop sire will stand in 2005 at Oak Tree Farms in Minnesota, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Florida-bred Frisk Me Now (who stood the last 5 seasons at Old Frankfort) has 58 foals in 2 crops of racing age (including multiple stakes-winner Frisky Spider among 12 winners from 25 starters). Frisk Me Now won 12 of 36 career starts (his 9 stakes wins included the 1997 Gr2 Ohio Derby, 1997 Gr3 Flamingo Stakes, 1998 Gr2 Suburban Handicap, 1998 Gr2 Gulfstream Park Breeders’ Cup Sprint Handicap & 1999 Gr2 Philip Iselin Handicap) & earned US$1,727,707. (Feb 4)

Yearly Report Retired & Booked To Gone West
US owner-breeder Betty Mabee’s Golden Eagle Farm has retired multiple Gr2 winner Yearly Report “due to a suspensory injury”, discovered following her 6th-place finish in last weekend’s Sunshine Millions Barretts/CTBA Distaff Stakes at Santa Anita, reported thoroughgbredtimes.com. The California-bred 4YO daughter of General Meeting (out of stakes-winner Fiscal Year, by Half A Year) has been booked to Gone West. Yearly Report won 6 of 10 starts & earned US$835,900; her highlights included victories in the 2004 Gr2 Delaware Oaks, Gr2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes & Gr2 Santa Ynez Stakes, plus a 9.5-lengths triumph in a track record 1min 20.67sec over 7 furlongs at Lone Star Park in the Stonerside Stakes on October 29. (Feb 4)

Anti-Slaughter Bill Reintroduced In US
Friday Odd Spot: A redrafted version of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act has been introduced into the US House Of Representatives this week, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Although the earlier version of the bill had 228 co-sponsors in the previous congressional session, it was not voted on. The new version “amends the Horse Protection Act & aims to prevent horses in the US from being slaughtered for human consumption”. (Feb 4)

Karaka Day-3: NZ$1.3m Danehill Filly
Bloodstock agent Adrian Nicoll from BBA Ireland paid top price of NZ$1.3 million for a Danehill filly (out of Encens, by Common Grounds) on Day-3 of the 3-session Premier Sale (January 31-February 2) at NZ Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales series at Karaka in Auckland (followed by the Select Sale on February 3-4 & Festival Sale on February 6-7). Nicoll (who out-bid Coolmore’s Irish agent Demi O’Byrne & a host of other international buyers) told thoroughbrednews.co.nz the filly was "good value on the internaional market: her pedigree page would stack up anywhere in the world & being 1 of the last Danehill yearlings she was very appealing. If she becomes a good racehorse she will be priceless." Nicoll plans to send the filly (sold by Pencarrow Stud) to successful Hong Kong trainer David Hayes & said he already has several owners in both the northern & southern hemisphere to join a syndicate to race her. (Feb 3)

Karaka Day-3: NZ$700,000 Danehill Colt
Kiwi bloodstock agent Rob McAnulty paid NZ$700,000 for a colt by Danehill (out of Fern, by Shirley Heights) from the draft of Ascot Farm at NZ Bloodstock's final Premier session. Fern (a stakes-winner in England) has had 9 foals to race for 7 winners; it is the family of the Gr1 Ascot Fillies Mile winner Shamshir & Gr2 winner Royal Ballerina. McAnulty told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: “I am very happy & that was real value. It was way under my budget (which was over NZ$1 million). With horses like this, you eventually have to race in Australia, as even with a horse like Danske (who won a Gr1) the breeding industry is still slow to pick up on them. We have our syndicate of owners, who race with us in horses like St Reims, & this horse will be an 8-share partnership. He will be over-subscribed.I thought he was the best Danehill on the grounds & I think I am qualified to say that. (McAnulty has bought & raced successful Danehill-line horses as Danske, Danbird, Danroad & exciting colt Shinzig.) He is my style of horse, the style that I have had success with.” (Feb 3)

Karaka Day-3: NZ$575,000 Danehill Filly
BBA Ireland’s Adrian Nicoll also paid NZ$575,000 for a Danehill-Dance My Dance filly (sold by Pencarrow Stud). (Feb 3)

Karaka Day-3: NZ$550,000 Viscount Colt
And Rob McAnulty paid NZ$550,000 for a colt by Woodlands Stud based stallion Viscount (out of Diamond Habit, by Green Desert) at NZ Bloodstock's Premier Yearling Sale at Karaka. McAnulty told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: “My budget was NZ$400,000 but he is a lovely horse & we know the family well.” McAnulty confirmed Chris McNab (trainer of multiple Gr1-winner St Reims) would train the Viscount colt (purchased from the Cambridge Stud draft). (Feb 3)

Karaka Premier Average Up 23%
Overall NZ Bloodstock's 3-day Premier Sale achieved a record aggregate, average & median with 84 of the 389 lots sold reaching NZ$200,000 or more (45 last year). The NZ$90,000 median was 24% above last year (NZ$72,500), indicating major growth in the all-important middle market. The NZ$53,446,500 aggregate was up 20% (NZ$44,685,000 last year) & the new record average of NZ$137,395 was up 23% (last year NZ$111,955). NZ Bloodstock marketing manager Petrea Vela summed up: “While market indicators pointed to promising results leading in to the sale, this has well & truly exceeded all our expectations. There was high demand for top quality yearlings plus the record median of NZ$90,000 (meaning more than half the yearlings in the sale fetched that amount) shows growth right throughout the middle of the market. Most importantly, with the huge increase in aggregate it means there is more money going back to the vendors.” (Feb 3)

Karaka Premier Leading Sires
Cumulatively across NZ Bloodstock's 3-day Premier Yearling Sale, the leading sires by average (3 or more sold) were:

Danehill: 16 sold for average NZ$528,438
Giant’s Causeway: 6 sold for average NZ$407,500
Fusaichi Pegasus: 4 sold for average NZ$293,750
Zabeel: 29 sold for average NZ$248,966
Catbird: 4 sold for average NZ$186,667

(Feb 3)

Karaka Premier Leading 1st-Crop Sires
Cumulatively across NZ Bloodstock's 3-day Premier Yearling Sale, the leading 1st-crop sires by average (3 or more sold) were:

Giant’s Causeway: 6 sold for average NZ$407,500
Galileo: 3 sold for average NZ$169,167
Viscount: 7 sold for average NZ$140,357
Keeper: 16 sold for average NZ$120,469
Fantastic Light: 10 sold for average NZ$101,000

(Feb 3)

Karaka Premier Leading Buyers

Rogerson Bloodstock: 27 lots for NZ$5,565,000
BBA Ireland: 8 lots for NZ$3,375,000
David Ellis: 28 lots for NZ$2,818,500
Kieran Moore: 10 lots for NZ$1,570,000
Paul Moroney: 13 lots for NZ$1,557,500

(Feb 3)

Karaka Premier Leading Vendors

Cambridge Stud: 45 lots sold for NZ$8,697,500
Pencarrow Stud: 17 lots sold for NZ$6,345,000
Windsor Park Stud: 45 lots sold for NZ$5,707,500
Curraghmore Stud: 21 lots sold for NZ$4,290,000
Trelawney Stud: 29 lots sold for NZ$3,410,000

(Feb 3)

Show A Heart Continues Hot Run
Among the highlights during NZ Bloodstock's Premier Yearling Sale, Queensland freshman sire Show A Heart (Brave Warrior-Miss Sandman) continued the boom that surrounded him at January’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale. The Glenlogan Park Stud stallion had just 2 lots catalogued at Karaka & they realised NZ$200,000 & NZ$87,500. At Magic Millions (where his yearlings sold to $250,000) he had 20 sell at an average $103,750 (making him leading freshman sire by average). At the time Show A Heart’s service fee was $13,200. (Feb 3)

Hollow Bullet Owners Reject Overseas Offer
In Australia, the owners of Gr1 VRC Oaks-winning 3YO filly Hollow Bullet (Tayasu Tsuyoshi-Beat The Bullet) “have turned down a massive 7-figure offer from an undisclosed overseas buyer,” reported Virtual Form Guide. Hollow Bullet (whose sire & Sunday Silence son Tayasu Tsuyoshi won the Gr1 Japanese Derby) returned to the track for an emphatic 1st-up victory in the $100,000 Listed Kevin Hayes Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on January 26. To date Hollow Bullet (a $10,000 bargain at the 2003 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale) has 5 wins & 5 placings in 12 starts for $1,010,000 prize-money. The John McArdle trained filly is due to race at Flemington in Melbourne this weekend & “is being aimed toward the fillies autumn Gr1 double in Sydney: the Arrowfield Stud Stakes & then the AJC Oaks”. (Feb 3)

New 2YO Form Analysis On Vic Website
A new service has been established on Racing Victoria’s website (racingvictoria.net.au) to provide “enhanced information on horses nominated for 2YO races”. The service (including sale price, pedigree analysis, trial form & race form) has commenced with an analysis of nominations for Saturday’s $1 million Inglis 2YO Championship. Racing Victoria chief executive Robert Nason said: “The aim is to provide more information to the public on 2YOs, especially those that haven’t raced. Figures show wagering on 2YO races is not as popular as other types of races. This initiative will give punters more tools to make an informed decision on finding the winner.” In the initial weeks, only major Victorian 2YO races will be covered; however “this will be extended to all Victorian 2YO races for the remainder of 2004-05”. (Feb 3)

Boosts For Perth Magic Millions Trio
Three lots in next month's Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale (March 8-9 & 11) received pedigree boosts over the weekend:

2YO filly Shan Dian (Rory’s Jester-Paradise Park) led all-the-way to win by 4-lengths over 1050m at Morphettville in Adelaide & her full sister is being offered from Neville Duncan's Oakland Park Stud; Bletchley Park mare Paradise Park (who won 4 races as a 2YO, including the Gr3 WA Sires' Produce Stakes & Listed Perth Stakes) is a sister to stakes-winner Hartleys Dream (9 wins including the Listed Raconteur Stakes) & half-sister to both Gr3 Carlyon Cup winner La Sirenuse & stakes-performed Propel; Paradise Park, her dam Prohurst & 3rd dam Elmhurst have had 15 runners & all are winners; other members of the family include Group winners Rogan Josh, Hot Shot Brother, Corporate James & Machine Gun Tom.
4YO mare Zedeisha (Zedrich-Miss Geisha) won over 1600m at Belmont Park in Perth & John Yovich's Evergreen Lodge is offering a colt full-brother by Zeditave's under-rated sire son Zedrich (also in recent headlines as sire of star Perth 2YO & multiple stakes-winner West Love); the colt's family also includes stakes-winners Midnight Madam, Midnight Lady, Perlin, Midnight Babe & Sky Frontier; & his dam Miss Geisha is also the dam of recent Singapore place-getter Big Valley.
5YO gelding Vanquised (Hector Protector-Exuberance, by Last Tycoon) won over 1800m at Royal Randwick in Sydney & Paul Corbett's Castle Downs Thoroughbreds is offering a half-sister (by champion broodmare sire Marooned); Vanquished (previously winner of the Gr2 Prime Minister's Cup on the Gold Coast) has now won 8 races; her dam Exuberance is a daughter of Group-winning Kaoru Star mare Sister Shirley; other members of the family include stakes-winners Party Mood, Battle Law, Falcon Walk, Potential Star, Runyon & Mirth; & Marooned is the sire of star fillies including stakes-winner Marooned Lady (dam of Special Harmony, King Canute & Redwoldt).

(Feb 3)

NZ Gallop South Combines Otago & Southland
In New Zealand, Racing Otago & Racing Southland are to be “jointly managed under the title Gallop South”. Racing Otago chief executive Andre Klein has been appointed by the Gallop South board (headed by NZ Thoroughbred Racing regional representative Keith Neylon) to manage the new body. Neylon commented: “This really does represent an exciting & progressive change in the structure of the administration of racing in the regions. There is still a lot of work to be done internally, in order for everyone to realise the advantages of having Otago & Southland working much closer together; but once the initiatives we are planning start coming to fruition, it is hard to imagine anything but progress being made. One of our biggest strengths will be that we now manage an area with around 36 race dates a year, & consequently will be in a position to negotiate much more effectively at the highest level.” Gallop South’s principal objectives are “to improve the financial position of racing by more efficient management & co-ordination of the region’s assets”. (Feb 3)

Genuine Adds Japan Winner
In Japan, Chatswood Stud shuttler Genuine (Sunday Silence-Croupier lady, by What Luck) added to his recent winning streak when 2YO colt Don Cool made it 2-wins-from-2-starts with victory in the Listed Violet Stakes (1400m). Similarly impressive has been fellow Genuine colt Aino Quest (who won by 8-lengths on debut & followed-up with another victory to also remain undefeated with 2-wins-from-2-stars). These colts have prompted high interest in their sire & Genuine returns to Shadai later this month for the Northern Hemisphere stud season. (Feb 3)

5th Jockey Arrest In UK
In the UK overnight, Yorkshire-based Robert Winston became the 5th jockey arrested “as part of the on-going investigation by City Of London Police into alleged race-fixing,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Winston’s arrest “takes the number of people questioned in connection with the inquiry to 26 (including former champion jockey Kieren Fallon)”. (Feb 3)

Beat Hollow Sister Born At Banstead Manor
Meanwhile Gr1 winner Wemyss Bight delivered a full sister (by Sadler’s Wells) to triple Gr1-winning 8YO Beat Hollow at Banstead Manor Farm at Cheveley, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Beat Hollow won the 2002 US Gr1 Arlington Million Stakes, Gr1 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes & Gr1 Manhattan Handicap; prior to his US success, he won France’s 2000 Gr1 Grand Prix de Paris & finished 3rd in England’s Gr1 Epsom Derby. (Feb 3)

1st Carnival Dancer Foal At Cheveley Park
Meanwhile Darshaan mare Testament produced a filly 1st foal for multiple Gr3-winning 7YO sire Carnival Dancer (a Gr1-placed son of Sadler’s Wells, out of Gr3-winning Mr Prospector mare Red Carnival) at Cheveley Park Stud, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Carnival Dancer (a half-brother to Gr3-placed stakes-winner Funfair) won 5 of 16 starts (including the 2001 UK Gr3 Scottish Classic & French 2003 Gr3 La Coupe). (Feb 3)

Kentucky Tax Plan To Fund Breeder Awards
In the US, Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher “has devised a plan to use tax receipts from stud fees to help establish a breeders’ award program,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Kentucky Breeders pay a 6% tax on stud fees (amounting to $13-15-million annually); under Fletcher’s tax modernisation plan, “instead of that money going to a general fund, it would go toward a breeders’ reward program”. (Feb 3)

Runspastum Joins Star Meadow Roster
Meanwhile US 8YO Gr3-winner Runspastum (Woodman-Erandel, by Danzig) has joined the stallion roster at Star Meadow Farm in Texas, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Kentucky-bred Runspastum won 7 of 40 career starts (including the 2003 Gr3 Oceanport Handicap at Monmouth Park & 2 other stakes events, plus 9 stakes placings) earned US$562,725. (Feb 3)

San Nicolas Also Joins Star Meadow
And Star Meadow Farm will also stand dual stakes-winning 7YO San Nicolas (Go For Gin-Riffle, by Mr Prospector) “following his retirement” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. San Nicholas won 5 of 35 career starts & earned US$335,540. (Feb 3)

1st Foal For Changeintheweather
The 1st reported foal by Canadian Gr1 winner & Kentucky stallion Changeintheweather has been born at Tahoma Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The filly is out of 8YO Known Fact mare Hey Hey Sunny (who won 7 of 43 career starts). Changeintheweather (a 6YO son of Gone West out of Meteor Colony, by Pleasant Colony) stands at Pin Oak Stud in Kentucky; he won 5 of 15 career starts (including the 2001 Gr1 Grey Breeders’ Cup Stakes at Woodbine & 2003 Gate Dancer Stakes at Delaware Park) & earned US$441,247. (Feb 3)

Patrol Retired To T.C.Westmeath
In Canada, 6YO multiple US stakes-winner Patrol (a half-brother to Gr1 winner Stroll) has been retired & will enter stud at T.C.Westmeath Stud Farm in Ontario, reported bloodhorse.com. Patrol (by Lear Fan out of English group-placed Maid For Walking, by Prince Sabo) recorded 6 wins (including 3 turf stakes in the Dallas Turf Cup Handicap, Rushing Man Stakes & Nick Shuk Memorial Stakes, plus placings in the Gr2 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes & Gr2 National Museum Of Racing Hall Of Fame Handicap) in 14 starts & earned US$401,320. (Feb 3)

Karaka Day-2: NZ$1.05m Danehill Colt
Te Akau principal David Ellis paid top price of NZ$1.05m for a Danehill colt (from Beyond The Sunset, by Gone West) on Day-2 of the 3-session Premier Sale (January 31-February 2) at NZ Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales series at Karaka in Auckland (followed by the Select Sale on February 3-4 & Festival Sale on February 6-7). The colt was consigned by Pencarrow Stud & Ellis commented: “I am truly thrilled to have a colt by Danehill out of Mr Prospector’s most successful sire in Gone West available to race in NZ & Australia; but more importantly, to have him available to stand at stud to enable future profits from the colt’s breeding to be re-invested back into our industry. I 1st saw this colt when I inspected it as a foal at Pencarrow. Mark Walker (trainer) & I are delighted to come to Karaka & secure what we consider to be the pick of the sale.” (Feb 2)

Karaka Day-2: NZ$875,000 Giant’s Causeway Colt
Trans-Tasman trainer Graeme Rogerson paid Day-2’s 2nd top price of NZ$875,000 for a colt by Giant’s Causeway from multiple Gr1-winning Zabeel mare Champagne (consigned by Cambridge Stud on behalf of Champagne’s owner Bob Emery) at NZ Bloodstock's Premier Yearling Sale. Rogerson told thoroughbrednews.co.nz: “I will split him into 10 shares. I have sold 3 shares just standing here. I thought he was the top colt in the sale. He is very athletic & I rated him at 9.5 which is as high as any colt I have rated.” (Feb 2)

Karaka Day-2: Top Lots

NZ$1.05m Danehill-Beyond The Sunset colt (D.Ellis)
NZ$875,000 Giant’s Causeway-Champagne colt (Rogerson B’stock)
NZ$540,000 Fusaichi Pegasus-Cannsea filly (Coolmore Aust)
NZ$500,000 Giant’s Causeway-Bespoken filly (R.Roulston)
NZ$475,000 Danehill-Tamarino colt (NZB as agent)
NZ$425,000 Danehill-Twafeaj colt (NZB as agent)
NZ$420,000 Danehill-Annie Daly filly (K.Dixon)
NZ$410,000 Redoute's Choice-Za Tiara filly (R.James)
NZ$400,000 Danehill-Affirmed Dream filly (B.Lindsay)
NZ$380,000 Zabeel-Anakela Bay colt (K.Moore)
NZ$370,000 Zabeel-Cobanna colt (J.Chalmers)

(Feb 2)

Karaka Day-2: Average Up 23%
Overall after 2 sessions at NZ Bloodstock's 3-day Premier Yearling Sale, the NZ34,763,500 gross for 348 lots offered is 21.7% above last year’s NZ$28,559,000 at the same point. The Day-2 record session average of NZ$137,410 was 23% above last year’s final Premier Sale average & brings the cumulative 2-day average to NZ$134,222 (20% above the 2004 final Premier Sale average of NZ$111,955). The cumulative 2-day clearance rate is 83% & the NZ$90,000 cumulative median is 20% above last year’s final median (& 24.1% above the NZ$72,500 median at the same point last year). NZ Bloodstock marketing manager Petrea Vela summed up: “We are extremely happy with how the sale has gone so far. Not only has it held up to the great results we saw on Day-1, but has posted a record-breaking average, with the all-important median remaining at a very strong NZ$90,000. Particularly pleasing is just how active our local buyers have been today, securing some fantastic yearlings to keep & race here in New Zealand & Australia.” (Feb 2)

Karaka Cumulative: Leading Buyers

Graeme Rogerson: 17 lots for NZ$3,685,000
David Ellis: 21 lots for NZ$2,373,500
Kieran Moore: 8 lots for NZ$1,420,000
BBA Ireland: 5 lots for NZ$1,280,000
Roger James: 6 lots for NZ$1,102,500

(Feb 2)

Karaka Cumulative: Leading Sires
Cumulatively across Day’s 1 & 2 at NZ Bloodstock's Premier Yearling Sale, the leading sires by average (3 or more sold) are:

Danehill: 10 sold for average NZ$473,000
Giant’s Causeway: 5 sold for average NZ$425,000
Zabeel: 19 sold for average NZ$244,211
Catbird: 4 sold for average NZ$186,667
Encosta De Lago: 4 sold for average NZ$161,250

(Feb 2)

Karaka Cumulative: Leading 1st-Crop Sires
And cumulatively across Day’s 1 & 2 at NZ Bloodstock's Premier Yearling Sale, the leading 1st crop sires by average (3 or more sold) are:

Giant’s Causeway: 5 sold for average NZ$425,000
Keeper: 8 sold for average NZ$135,000
Fantastic Light: 6 sold for average NZ$106,667
Black Minnaloushe: 20 sold for average NZ$86,300
Traditionally: 12 sold for average NZ$82,292

(Feb 2)

Karaka Cumulative: Leading Vendors

Cambridge Stud: 28 sold for NZ$5,440,000
Pencarrow Stud: 12 sold for NZ$3,790,000
Windsor Park Stud: 24 sold for NZ$3,035,000
Curraghmore Stud: 13 sold for NZ$3,015,000
Trelawney Stud: 23 sold for NZ$2,740,000

(Feb 2)

Hussonet To Miss Northern Season
In Australia, Arrowfield Stud boss John Messara “has decided to keep Hussonet (Mr Prospector-Sacahuista, by Raja Baba) in the Southern Hemisphere for the duration of 2005, meaning the 14-year-old will not stand the Northern Hemisphere season at Vinery Kentucky as he did last year,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Messara purchased Hussonet in 2003 from Chilean-based Haras de Pirque; among Hussonet’s South American progeny are 2003 Chilean Horse-Of-The-Year & US Gr1 winner Wild Spirit, dual Chilean champion filly & US Gr2 winner Printemps, & 2003 Chilean champion juvenile colt & multiple US graded stakes-winner Host. Hussonet stood at Vinery Kentucky in 2004 for US $20,000 but general manager Bates Newton said he was “not sure if Hussonet would return to the Northern Hemisphere for the 2006 season”. (Feb 2)

Arrowfield Buys Charge Forward
Meanwhile star Sydney 3YO Charge Forward (Red Ransom-Sydney’s Dream, by Bletchingly) “has been purchased in a multi-million dollar deal by John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud,” reported The Daily Telegraph. “the purchase was completed last night, but the brilliant colt will continue to race through the autumn, commencing with his new year comeback in Saturday’s Gr1 Lightning Stakes” in Melbourne. Messara confirmed: We’ve bought a controlling interest in Charge Forward. He is a colt we have had on the radar for some time. From last season’s 2YOs, I consider the 4 best from a breeding perspective were Fastnet Rock, Charge Forward, Alinghi & Not A Single Doubt. Arrowfield has now secured 2 from that group, Charge Forward & Not A Single Doubt (who we purchased last year) to eventually stand at stud. They are both outstanding prospects.” Charge Forward (who has 3 wins & 3 placings from 9 starts for $973,275 prize-money) was the highest rated 2YO colt in 7 years when given 110 in the Australian Classifications for the 2003-04 season (just behind champion 2YO gelding Dance Hero on 111). (Feb 2)

Media Puzzle Entered For Gr1 BMW
Irish trainer Dermot Weld’s 2002 Gr1 Melbourne Cup winner Media Puzzle “was yesterday among 57 nominations for the $2 million The BMW” (2400m) to be run at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney on March 19, reported The Sydney Morning Herald. (Feb 2)

Kensington Trio Relations At Inglis Easter
Last weekend’s $100,000 Listed Kensington Stakes (1100m) at Flemington in Melbourne provided a significant update to next month’s Inglis Easter Sale catalogue with all 3 place-getters having siblings entered in the premier Sydney sale:

Winning 4YO mare Our Quivira (Spinning World-Wichita, by Umatilla): her owner-breeder Stuart Ramsey will offer a half-brother (under his Turangga Farm banner) by proven NZ-based sire O’Reilly.
Runner-up 3YO colt Foreplay (Danehill-Procrastinate, by Jade Hunter): Kia Ora Stud (as agent) will present a filly from Procrastinate by Gr1 English Derby winner Galileo.
3rd-placed 3YO gelding Classiconi (Bianconi-Classic Lines, by Exit Five B): a half-brother by General Nediym will be prepared by Eliza Park (as agent) for his Victorian-based breeders Wingrove Park Stud.

(Feb 2)

Inglis Premier Sale Updates
Meanwhile 2 notable updates to the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale (February 13, 14 & 16) in Melbourne are also worth noting:

4YO mare Honest Politician (Distorted Humor-Yarra Dreaming, by Nassipour) won over 2000m at Flemington (her 2nd metropolitan win since catalogues went to print) & now has 7 wins & 8 placings in 22 starts; Little Plains Stud is offering a colt half-brother by Bianconi.
And Blue Gum Farm (as agent) is offering a colt half-brother (by Fuji Kiseki) to impressive debut 2YO winner Fashions Afield & her 3YO sister Modellista (a recent metropolitan winner at Canterbury).

(Feb 2)

Trezevant Wins Light Fingers Stakes
The win by 3YO filly Trezevant (Flying Spur-Tennessee Magic, by Bletchingly) in the $150,000 Gr2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick in Sydney highlighted the deeds of her dam Tennessee Magic (Bletchingly-Tennessee Vain), a Listed juvenile winner who has produced 5 winners. In the past week alone, the Gr2 triumph by Trezevant (a $160,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Easter Sale who now has 3 wins & 3 placings from 6 starts for $202,550 prize-money) followed metropolitan wins in Brisbane by 2 of Tennessee Magic’s earlier foals: Potter (a $45,000 Torrential yearling at the 2002 Inglis Premier Sale) & Step Ahead (a $150,000 Entrepreneur yearling at the 2001 Inglis Easter Sale). (Feb 2)

Zabeel Leads Danehill On Aust Sires Table
Zabeel continues to head Danehill on Australia’s Leading Sires list (to January 31), according to inglis.com.au:
1: Zabeel (Sir Tristram-Lady Giselle, by Nureyev) $5,810,055
2: Danehill (Danzig-Razyana, by His Majesty) $5,460,635
3: Desert King (Danehill-Sabaah, by Nureyev) $4,247,295
4: Encosta de Lago (Fairy King-Shoal Creek, by Star Way) $3,180,871
5: Flying Spur (Danehill-Rolls, by Mr Prospector) $2,702,655
6: Redoute’s Choice (Danehill-Shantha’s Choice, by Canny Lad) $2,350,118
7: Hennessy (Storm Cat-Island Kitty, by Hawaii) $2,084,135
8: Snippets (Lunchtime-Easy Date, by Grand Chaudiere) $1,793,579
9: Rubiton (Century-Ruby, by Seventh Hussar) $1,740,654
10: Red Ransom (Roberto-Arabia, by Damascus) $1,615,488
(Feb 2)

Vic Owner Survey Starts $3.6m Strategy
A major survey of racehorse owners is part of the 1st stage of Victoria’s new $3.6 million Owners Strategy (being jointly delivered by Racing Victoria & the Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association). The survey has been sent to all Victorian owners who have raced a thoroughbred in the past 12 months. Racing Victoria chief executive Robert Nason explained: “The survey of 30,000 owners commences the roll-out of our $3.6 million Owners Strategy. This is a major initiative, as it is the 1st time such a comprehensive survey has been conducted, canvassing the views of all Victorian owners. We are committed to fostering the ownership experience & see the survey as a way of giving Victoria’s racehorse owners the opportunity to shape the outcomes of the Owners Strategy.” (Feb 2)

Sue Markwell Wins RIRDC Award
Meanwhile Victorian Minister For Agriculture Bob Cameron announced Sue Markwell, stud manager at Diggers Rest-based Tremon Thoroughbreds “is the winner of the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation Victorian Rural Women's Award 2005". This is the 1st time a member of the Victorian equine industry has been the recipient of this prestigious award. (Feb 2)

Walker 6-month Singapore Permit
New Zealand jockey Michael Walker returns to the riding ranks at Kranji this week after being granted a 6-month visiting jockey permit (from February 2-August 2) by the Singapore Turf Club. Walker, 20, holds the NZ record for most wins in a season (& won the NZ jockeys’ premiership while still an apprentice in both 1999-2000 & 2000-01 with 131 & then 182 victories). Walker (whose triumphs include 8 Gr1 winners) will be sponsored in Singapore by Kiwi trainer Patrick Busuttin. (Feb 2)

Inglis Graduates Continue HK Success
In Hong Kong, Inglis Sale graduates continued their winning run at Sha Tin:

Australian jockey Brett Prebble rode former Australian Gr1-winning 5YO gelding Helene Pillaging (by Marauding) to victory in the Hong Kong-Macau Trophy (1400m); Helene Pillaging (a $45,000 yearling at the 2001 Inglis Classic Sale) won the Gr1 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes in Melbourne when he raced as Pillaging. Now trained by Tony Cruz, Helene Pillaging has won 3 races & placed twice since the start of the season, lifting his overall earnings to A$1.4 million.
Danehill stayer Dr Well (a $320,000 yearling at the 2002 Inglis Easter Sale) landed his 3rd win for Australian trainer John Size with victory over 2200m.
Edinburgh Park Stud-bred sprinter Picture Perfect (an $8,000 bargain at the 2002 Inglis Scone Yearling Sale) won for the 2nd time in a fortnight.
Fellow Edinburgh Park Stud-bred Very Fit (a half-brother to Edinburgh-bred champion sprinter Silent Witness) also won for the 2nd time in a fortnight; Very Fit (a $55,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Classic Sale) handled the jump up to Class 3 company & now boasts 2 wins & 2 placings from 4 starts for over A$150,000 prize-money.
4YO Cotton Ball (Peintre Celebre-Emporium) won over 1800m for John Size; the $220,000 yearling at the 2002 Inglis Easter Sale is a a half-brother to another good HK winner Halo King Prawn.
And 3YO gelding Royal Victory (a $65,000 yearling at the 2003 Inglis Premier Sale) won from a wide barrier carrying the equal top weight of 129 pounds; he is by Bianconi from Argentine-bred Gr2 winner Guajira (producer of 7 winners, highlighted by Gr3 winner Happy Cracker). Royal Victory’s success provided Australian-born trainer John Moore with the new HK record of 845 winners as a trainer.

(Feb 2)

Osborne To Chair World Racing Championships
Irish veterinary surgeon Michael Osborne (from the Curragh in County Kildare) has taken over as chairman of World Racing Championships (succeeding Keeneland’s James Bassett III, who retired on December 31). Vice-chairman The Duke of Devonshire (from Ascot in England) also retired on December 31 & a new vice-chairman & executive committee will be elected at the March meeting. Osborne, 70, was chairman of the Dubai World Cup Organising Committee from 1995-99, having previously managed the Irish National Stud & North Ridge Farm in Kentucky, as well as a director of Darley Stud Management & chief executive of Kildangan Stud, plus chairman of Goffs Bloodstock Sales Company in Ireland & chairman of Goffs France from 2001-04, & serving on the board of Horse Racing Ireland from 2001-03. The World Racing Series 2005 involves:

QE II Cup (April 25) Hong Kong
International Cup (May 15) Singapore
King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (July 23) UK
Arlington Million (Aug 13) US
Preis von Baden (Sep 4) Germany
Irish Champion Stakes (Sep 10) Ireland
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Oct 2) France
Cox Plate (Oct 22) Australia
Canadian International (Oct 23) Canada
Breeders' Cup Classic (Oct 29) US
Breeders's Cup Turf (Oct 29) US
Japan Cup (Nov 27) Japan
Hong Kong Cup (Dec 11) Hong Kong

(Feb 2)

NYRA To Freeze Samples For Future Tests
In the US, Cornell University equine testing laboratory “will now freeze urine samples for use as new tests for performance enhancing substances are developed,” reported bloodhorse.com. New York Racing Association co-chairman Steven Duncker commented: "The freezing of urine samples will further strengthen our ability to detect the use of illegal substances in horses racing at our tracks. A strong alliance has been formed by NYRA, the State Racing & Wagering Board, Cornell University & NYTHA to decisively deal with the issue of illegal medication & the integrity of racing in New York State." Cornell’s Dr George Maylin added: "Storing frozen urine samples for future testing can be an effective means to keep pace with the experimental new drugs that are reported to be used in racing & other sports. Samples can be preserved & stored for up to 1 year." (Feb 2)

Sir Cherokee Retired To Crestwood Farm
Meanwhile Domino Stud “has retired 2003 Gr2 Arkansas Derby winner Sir Cherokee to Crestwood Farm in Kentucky”, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Sir Cherokee (a 5YO son of Cherokee Run, out of unraced Last Tycoon mare La Cucina) also won the 2004 Maxxam Gold Cup Handicap at Sam Houston Race Park in his 4YO debut & in October added the Gr3 Ack Ack Handicap at Churchill Downs; overall he won 6 of 19 starts & earned US$628,296. (Feb 2)

1st Foal For Wiseman’s Ferry
The 1st reported foal by dual US Gr3 winner Wiseman’s Ferry (who stands at Empire Stud in New York) has been born at Black Forest South Farm in Florida, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The filly is the 1st foal produced by 4YO mare Emboss (by Claramount); she is a full sister to stakes-winner Broomesse & a full or half-sister to 7 other winners. Wiseman’s Ferry retired with 4 wins (including the 2003 US Gr3 Lone Star Derby & Gr3 West Virginia Derby, plus a victory over subsequent Gr1 Belmont Stakes winner Sarava over 8.5 furlongs at Keeneland) & 5 placings (including runner-ups in the Gr2 Ohio Derby & Irish Gr3 Anglesey Stakes as a juvenile) from 16 starts for US$825,266 earnings. (Feb 2)

Blooming Hills Sold To Parella
Northern California's 145-acre Blooming Hills (a full service breeding farm operated by Fran & Ron Stolich since 1979) has been sold to Pete Parella (who formerly owned Legacy Ranch in California), reported bloodhorse.com. Ron Stolich confirmed: "I'm in my 60s now. I've had the farm for 26 years. I've been working hard all of my life. I feel great. It's just that I think it's time for us to do some things I've always wanted to do, like travel. It's hard to do that when you have a ranch to take care of." And he said “the climate for the horse business has become increasingly difficult”, pointing out: "The governor (Arnold Schwarzenegger) has not been kind to racing (noting Schwarzenegger's opposition to tracks acquiring slot machines while strongly supporting rival tribal casino interests). It's very difficult to make money in the business of selling horses in California right now. The profit margins are thinning to almost nothing." Blooming Hills stands the successful sires You And I (purchased from Kentucky for the 2004 season) & Candi's Gold, as well as young stallions Crowning Storm, D's Bertrando & Golden Gear. (Shanekite, the farm's foundation sire, died in 2002.) (Feb 2)

US Jockey Boulanger In Critical Condition
South Florida-based jockey Gary Boulanger (who sustained multiple head & internal injuries when thrown from his mount In Hand during last weekend’s Gr3 MacDiarmida Handicap at Gulfstream Park) “remains in critical condition at Memorial Regional Hospital after under-going surgery to remove his spleen & stop internal bleeding & another operation to remove a blood clot on his brain,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Canadian-born Boulanger, 37, began riding in 1987 & he has won 3,104 races (including 178 stakes) for US$55,951,451 prize-money. (Feb 2)

Karaka Day-1: NZ$950,000 Zabeel Colt
New Zealand Bloodstock agent John Cameron (bidding for breeder Matthew Oram) paid top price of NZ$950,000 for a regally bred Zabeel colt (out of Marquise, by Gold And Ivory) during yesterday’s Day-1 of the 3-session Premier Sale (January 31-February 2) at NZ Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales series at Karaka in Auckland (followed by the Select Sale on February 3-4 & Festival Sale on February 6-7). The colt was consigned by Cambridge Stud. (Feb 1)

Karaka Day-1: NZ$600,000 Danehill Filly
BBA Ireland’s Adrian Nicol paid NZ$600,000 for a Danehill filly (consigned by Ascot Farm) on Day-1 at the NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale. Nicol indicated the filly (the 1st foal out of Sadler’s Wells mare Magical Moment) was purchased for an international group of owners (a Canadian, Englishman & 2 Australians) who will have her trained by Victorian-based Lee Freedman. (Feb 1)

Karaka Day-1: Top Lots

NZ$950,000 Zabeel-Marquise colt (NZB as agent)
NZ$600,000 Danehill-Magical Moment filly (BBA Ireland)
NZ$400,000 Danehill-Paint Me A Dream colt (De Burgh/Farrington)
NZ$375,000 Montjeu-Star colt (Shadwell Aust)
NZ$360,000 Montjeu-Steluta colt (L.Samba)
NZ$350,000 Stravinsky-Solano filly (Stuart Hale)
NZ$310,000 Galileo-Sequenza filly (Colm Santry)
NZ$300,000 Danehill-Sierra Finch filly (Rogerson B’stock)
NZ$300,000 Giant’s Causeway-Nice Dancing filly (Roger James)
NZ$300,000 O’Reilly-Proteaceae colt (NZB as agent)
NZ$300,000 Zabeel-Rebecca Sharp filly (Shadwell Aust)

(Feb 1)

Karaka Day-1: Average Up 24.1%
Overall on Day-1 at the NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale, 120 lots sold for NZ$15,753,000 (up 5.7% on last year’s 164 sold for NZ$14,905,000). The new record average of NZ$131,275 was up 21.5% (last year NZ$108,007) & the NZ$90,000 median was up 24.1% (last year NZ$72,500). NZ Bloodstock marketing manager Petrea Vela summed up: “Right from the 1st lot of the morning there was tough competition for top quality yearlings, making for the strongest opening session we have ever seen at Karaka. There was an extensive buying bench, comprising some of the world’s leading bloodstock buyers from England, Ireland, Australia & Hong Kong, with New Zealand buyers also very active. There is certainly high demand at the top of the market, & if this momentum can continue for the next couple of days it promises to be a very successful Premier Sale.” (Feb 1)

Karaka Day-1: Danehill Tops Sire Averages
Among the sires, 4 yearlings from the much anticipated last southern crop of super-sire Danehill were offered on Day-1 at the NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale, with 3 selling for an average NZ$433,333. Among the leading sires by average (3 or more sold) were:

Danehill: 3 sold for average NZ$433,333
Zabeel: 6 sold for average NZ$334,167
Montjeu: 11 sold for average NZ$202,727
Catbird: 4 sold for average NZ$186,667
Carnegie: 3 sold for average NZ$176,667

(Feb 1)

Karaka Day-1: Keeper Tops 1st-Crop Averages
Among the leading 1st crop sires by average (3 or more sold) on Day-1 at the NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale were:

Keeper: 4 sold for average NZ$113,750
Fantastic Light: 5 sold for average NZ$108,000
Traditionally: 7 sold for average NZ$91,071
Black Minnaloushe: 12 sold for average NZ$73,125
Viscount: 3 sold for average NZ$71,667

(Feb 1)

Karaka Day-1: Shadwell Leading Buyer
The leading buyers (by aggregate) on Day-1 at the NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale were:

Shadwell Australia: 4 lots for NZ$1,005,000
BBA Ireland: 3 lots for NZ$935,000
Rogerson Bloodstock: 6 lots for NZ$830,000
D.C.Ellis: 11 lots for NZ$732,500
R.A.James: 4 lots for NZ$592,000

(Feb 1)

Karaka Day-1: Leading Vendors By Aggregate

Cambridge Stud: 16 sold for NZ$2,705,000
Trelawney Stud: 12 sold for NZ$1,825,000
Windsor Park Stud: 11 sold for NZ$1,525,000
Ascot Farm: 4 sold for NZ$1,230,000
Pencarrow Stud: 4 sold for NZ$970,000

(Feb 1)

Karaka Day-1: Leading Vendors By Average
The leading vendors by average (3 or more sold) on Day-1 at the NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale were:

Ascot Farm: 4 sold for average NZ$307,500
Pencarrow Stud: 4 sold for average NZ$242,500
Curraghmore Stud: 5 sold for average NZ$187,500
Little Avondale Stud: 3 sold for average NZ$169,167
Cambridge Stud: 16 sold for average NZ$169,063

(Feb 1)

NZ$1.1m Colt Wins Debut
Meanwhile on the track in New Zealand yesterday, last year’s NZ$1.1 million top-priced Karaka Sales yearling Darci Brahma (Danehill-Grand Echezeaux) “emphatically won his race-day debut” over 1200m at Avondale, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The 2YO colt (ridden by Michael Walker for trainer Mark Walker) was bought at last year's NZ Bloodstock Sale by David Ellis of Te Akau Stud (from the draft of Pencarrow Stud). (Feb 1)

1st Aust City Winner For Monashee Mountain
In Australia, Willowbend Stud stallion Monashee Mountain (Danzig-Prospectors Deliote, by Mr Prospector) recorded his 1st metropolitan winner when 2YO gelding Sir Monashee (Monashee Mountain-Tres Rapide) won on debut over 1000m at Eagle Farm in Brisbane. (Feb 1)

Noble Park Dispersal At June Magic Millions
Noble Park Stud will offer 29 horses during its dispersal at June's Magic Millions National Yearling, Weanling & Broodmare Sale (June 12-17) on the Gold Cost. Among 20 quality broodmares are:

Boulevard: Gr2-placed winning mare (served by Lonhro).
Cinerama: dual winning dam of multiple Gr2-winner Staging, stakes-winner Dashing Image & stakes-placed Special Effects (served by Mossman).
Divine Dash: dual winning dam of Gr2-winner & young sire Zariz & Group winner Electrifying (served by Flying Spur).
Light Snack: unraced half-sister to Lady Jakeo, dam of 7-time winner & Group-placed Snack Pak, as well as stakes-placed Overshadow (served by Brahms).
Little Rory: dual winning daughter of outstanding broodmare sire Rory's Jester & dam of promising youngster Mosso.
Mrs Dee: lightly raced half-sister to Group winner Zariz & Electrifying (served by Mossman).
Orsay: Gr2 Kewney Stakes winner & Gr1 Ansett Australia Stakes place-getter.
Patterns: Gr3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes & Listed Brian Crowley Stakes winner.
Silver Robe: multiple winning dam of 4 winners (from 4 runners) including Group winner Patterns & recent stakes place-getter Annbari (served by Mossman).
Skytripper: Group performed winner (served by Mossman).
Snapshots: stakes-winning daughter of Gr1 victor Hold That Smile & dam of 2 city winners (served by Red Ransom).
Staging: multiple Gr2-winning & Gr1-placed Success Express mare (served by Red Ransom).

(Feb 1)

Salt Champ Wins US Gr1 Santa Monica
In the US, Argentina’s triple Gr1-winning 5YO mare Salt Champ (Salt Lake-Wandel, by Fitzcarraldo) “made it a Gr1 winning debut state-side” with a strong-finishing half-length victory in the US$250,000 Gr1 Santa Monica Handicap (7 furlongs) for mares 4YO & Up at Santa Anita, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Salt Champ (ridden by Gary Stevens for trainer Richard Mandella) defeated 5YO odds-on favourite & last year’s winner Island Fashion (by Petionville) & Resplendency (by Tale Of The Cat). Salt Champ (making her 1st appearance since winning Argentina’s Gr1 Gilberto Lerena last April) now has 5 wins from 8 starts; she also won Argentina’s Gr1 Polla de Potrancas (Argentine 1000 Guineas) & Gr1 Mil Guineas & was Argentina’s champion 3YO filly. (Feb 1)

1st Volponi Foal Born In New York
Meanwhile the 1st foal by US 2002 Gr1 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Volponi was born at Lakland Farm North in New York, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The filly is out of winning Proud Truth mare So Social. Volponi (a 7YO son of Cryptoclearance out of Prom Knight, by Sir Harry Lewis) won 7 of 31 career starts & earned US$3,187,232. Volponi stands for US$10,000 at Hopewell Farm in Kentucky. (Feb 1)

1st Foal For Millionaire Say Florida Sandy
The 1st reported foal by millionaire Say Florida Sandy is a filly born at Buckridge Farm in New York, reported bloodhorse.com. The filly is out of stakes-winning Great Prospector mare Lookin For Romance. Say Florida Sandy (Personal Flag-Lolli Lucka Lolli, by Sweet Candy) won 19 stakes & placed in 22 others on his way to earning US$2 million. (Feb 1)

1st Najran Foal Born At Hopewell Farm
The 1st reported foal by dual US Gr3 winner Najran was born at Hopewell Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The filly was out of 11-year-old Spend A Buck mare Changing Fortunes (who has produced 6 foals, including 3 winners). Najran (a 6YO son of Runaway Groom, out of Capote mare Line Command) won 7 of 15 starts (including the 2003 Gr3 Phoenix Breeders' Cup Stakes & Gr3 Westchester Handicap) & earned US$483,448. (Feb 1)

1st D'wildcat Foals Born In Canada
In Canada, the 1st foals by US 2002 Gr1 Frank De Francis Memorial Dash Stakes winner D'wildcat have been born, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A filly out of winning 7YO Numerous mare Crown's Shadow was born at Gardiner Farm in Ontario & a filly out of 9YO Beau Genius mare Well Taught (who has produced 2 winners) was born at Windfields Farm in Ontario. D'wildcat (a 7YO son of Forest Wildcat, out of stakes-placed winning D'Accord mare D'Enough) ended his racing career with 5 wins in 18 starts (also including the 2002 Gr2 Churchill Downs Handicap & 2001 Gr3 Swale Stakes). (Feb 1)

Haras La Quebrada Top Argentine Breeder
In South America, Hernan Ceriani Cernadas’s Haras La Quebrada “ranked 1st among Argentina’s top breeders with 272 victories & approximately US$1,290,923 (3,808,225 pesos) in purse earnings last year,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Haras Firmamento (the nation’s leading breeder for the past 4 seasons) ranked 2nd, followed by La Biznaga, Vacacion & Abolengo. La Quebrada also ranked 1st as Argentina's leading owner in 2004 (with 60 victories and US$360,283 earnings) followed by of La Biznaga, Firmamento, La Providencia & La Pomme. (Feb 1)

Former US Jockey Trains 1st Uruguay Winner
In Uruguay, former Southern California-based jockey Yolanda Davila “recorded her 1st win as a trainer at Maronas National Racetrack in Montevideo just 2 weeks after obtaining her licence,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Davila (a native of Argentina) rode 98 winners from 1,138 mounts between 1994-2001. (Feb 1)

Uruguay’s Top Trainer Moves To Argentina
Meanwhile Uruguay’s leading trainer Juan Javier Etchechoury (who won his 1st trainer’s title while training horses for Haras La Pomme) has returned to his native Argentina to train 35 horses for Stud Rubio B, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Feb 1)

Maronas Begins Night Racing
Uruguay’s Maronas track in Montevideo (2 years after its reopening) has unveiled a new lighting system & begun hosting night racing every Saturday (beginning with a 12-race card last weekend), reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Feb 1)

Pel To Stand At Chilean Stud
In Chile, Pel (2003 champion 3YO colt on the turf) will stand at Haras Casablanca during the 2005 Southern Hemisphere season, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Feb 1)

Undefeated Brazil Sprinter Moves To US
Undefeated Brazilian sprinter Nergy Seller (a Gr1-winning son of Nergy Boy) “will resume his racing career in the US with Southern California-based trainer Paulo Lobo,” reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Feb 1)

Amarette Heads To Tiger Hill
In Europe, Germany’s Gestut Schlenderhan announced its star 4YO mare & Gr1 Preis der Diana winner Amarette (Monsun-Avocette, by Kings Lake) “will visit Tiger Hill in her 1st season at stud this year,” reported thoroughbredinternet.com. (Feb 1)

1st Foal For Irresistible Jewel
In the UK, 6YO Danehill mare Irresistible Jewel (who won England’s 2002 Gr2 Ribblesdale Stakes & Ireland’s 2002 Gr3 Aga Khan Studs Blandford Stakes) gave birth to her 1st foal, a filly by multiple group stakes-winner Indian Ridge, at Moyglare Stud reported thoroughbredtimes.com. (Feb 1)

All-Weather Racing Coming To Scotland
Meanwhile all-weather racing “could arrive in Scotland as soon as next spring if Musselburgh’s ambitious £12 million development is given the green light,” reported racingpost.co.uk. The blueprint for the project “was submitted to East Lothian District Council last week & work is likely to begin shortly after the 4-month processing period, should it be passed by the planning department”. Racecourse general manager Bill Farnsworth said: "Our twilight programme of meetings won't be in place until the autumn of 2006, but I'm pushing for our established Flat meetings next year being staged on the all-weather course.” (Feb 1)

Gold Circle Announces New SAf Board
In South Africa, Gold Circle (the R1.6 billion a year company which operates horseracing in KwaZulu-Natal & the Western Cape) has announced its new Board of Directors, reported SAHorseracing.com. Durban businessman Richard McElligot has been appointed chairperson of Gold Circle Horseracing & Betting (replacing Chris Saunders who retired at the end of last year). The 2 new deputy chairpersons are KwaZulu-Natal businesswoman Manana Nhlanhla & Western Cape entrepreneur Vidrik Thurling. Also appointed to the Board were Gold Circle executive Phumla Mnganga & Prince Sifiso Zulu; remaining Board members serving a further term are Rodney Dunn, Pius Mbuyisa, Michael Holmes & Moga Pillay. (Feb 1)

Elite Zone Wins India Gr1 Golconda Derby
In India, Poonawalla-bred Elite Zone (Placerville-First One Home) recorded his 2nd Gr1 victory by winning the Gr1 Golconda Derby, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. A week earlier Placerville’s daughter Forever Elegance had won the Bangalore Derby. (Feb 1)

If you have an item of Industry News which the racing community should know about, contact Gary Knowles on:
Email: gary@gadfly.net.au
Phone: (02) 9281 7523
Fax: (02) 9281 7529

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