Stewards have approved a late request from trainer Clarry Conners for Dear Demi to race in blinkers in Saturday’s Group One Queensland Oaks. Dear Demi’s name wasn’t among the gear changes when final acceptances were taken on Wednesday for the Oaks at Eagle Farm but Conners made a late application… Read More »
Racing NSW chairman John Messara has backed the Australian Turf Club’s plans to shed up to 10 percent of his workforce. In a shake-up of its operations which the Sydney racing club says has been forced because of dwindling wagering revenue, increased operating costs and poor autumn carnival figures, the… Read More »
Weight-for-age racing often produces tactical battles and jockey Damian Browne is looking forward to that scenario in the Group Two Eagle Farm Cup. With only six runners in Saturday’s race, Browne is relishing the prospect of a battle of wits with his fellow riders. “Weight-for-age racing lends itself to a… Read More »
Encouragement from an up-and-coming jockey and an unwavering belief in the talent of I’m Ready For This has trainer John Ledger setting his sights on city success at Sandown on Saturday. Ledger has two-year-old I’m Ready For This in the Samson Handicap (1200m) on the back of a five-length Wodonga… Read More »
Trainer Mike de Kock has grand designs of running Shea Shea in the King’s Stand Stakes and the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot. The star South African speedball claimed the Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan on Dubai World Cup night, a victory which elevated him to the forefront of… Read More »
Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician is set to sidestep Saturday’s English Derby at Epsom, according to owners Coolmore Stud. Trainer Aidan O’Brien raised the possibility of the Galileo colt bidding for a quickfire Classic double when leaving his Curragh hero in the Derby field at Monday’s five-day stage. However, with… Read More »
Godolphin’s Dawn Approach and Farhh are the star names among 49 entries in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on July 31. The Jim Bolger-trained Dawn Approach is a red-hot favourite for the Derby this weekend but connections are keen to keep his options open regarding his optimum trip. Farhh, who… Read More »
Animal Kingdom’s team was more than satisfied with the horse’s rehearsal at Ascot in a serious work-out on the track ahead of next month’s Queen Anne Stakes. Managing owner John Messara of Arrowfield Stud joined American trainer Graham Motion to watch the gallop on the grass. Animal Kingdom won the… Read More »
The British Horseracing Authority will seek legal advice before considering whether to take any further action against Mahmood Al Zarooni after the disgraced trainer withdrew his appeal against an eight-year disqualification. Al Zarooni, 37, was found guilty of administering anabolic steroids to 15 horses in his care at a BHA… Read More »
The racing and breeding empire of embattled businessman Nathan Tinkler is close to being dispersed following the sale of several of his top horses on Wednesday. Group One winner Nechita was among 16 racehorses, along with a host of weanlings and broodmares, put up for auction at the Magic Millions… Read More »
Peter Moody’s decision to accept with Macedonian for Saturday’s Australian Hurdle has set up the prospect of an exciting clash between the son of Zabeel and Grand National winner Brungle Cry. Macedonian made a good impression winning a maiden hurdle by 20 lengths last Wednesday, providing Melbourne’s premier trainer with… Read More »
Guy Walter had more reason than usual to celebrate a winning double at Warwick Farm after his stable apprentice posted her maiden city victory on Wednesday. Kayla Cross was rewarded for her determination to return to the saddle after injury when Party Dress won the More Than Ready Handicap (1100m)…. Read More »
Weather and weight will determine if last start Group winner Bello makes his Melbourne debut at Sandown on Saturday. The Peter Snowden-trained Group Three Newcastle Newmarket winner is down to run in the $100,000 Sportingbet Handicap (1200m) with Darley to decide on Thursday whether he takes his place. “We’ll have… Read More »
Trainer Kris Lees’ knack for keeping older horses in a winning frame of mind will be given its latest examination at Rosehill on Saturday. Lees will saddle up Motspur in the Mackinson D’Apice Lawyers Handicap (1350m), hopeful the 10-year-old can rebound from a first-up disappointment in the Ortensia Stakes at… Read More »
Mike Moroney has bolstered his Queensland Derby team with Ali Vital surging into calculations on the back of a strong midweek victory at Doomben. Having only his sixth start on Wednesday, Ali Vital ($3.20 fav) won the Ascend Sales Handicap (2200m) by three lengths, booking himself a Derby start on… Read More »
Job losses have been announced as part of a restructure of operations at the Australian Turf Club. ATC chief executive Darren Pearce said a downturn in revenue during the redevelopment of Randwick racecourse, high operating costs and the stagnation in the growth of wagering revenue, had forced the thoroughbred club… Read More »
The likelihood of a wet track for Saturday’s Group One Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm has enhanced the prospects of Proper Madam, according to trainer Jason Warren. When the filly’s connections decided to pay the late entry fee for the Oaks (2400m) Warren said they were hoping for rain-affected conditions…. Read More »
Sydney trainer Con Karakatsanis is considering one more avenue of appeal against a conviction for his involvement in the intended raceday treatment of top sprinter Howmuchdoyouloveme. Karakatsanis’s nine-month disqualification over the spring carnival controversy is due to start on Saturday but the trainer is clinging to 11th hour legal advice… Read More »
Another awkward barrier draw hasn’t helped the Queensland Guineas chances of Jimando but the roomier Eagle Farm track still might. The colt has come up with gate 13 for the Group Two 1400m feature and while he will come into 11 if the emergencies don’t run, it continues a recent… Read More »
Tommy Berry has all but ruled out extending his current stay in Hong Kong despite a successful start to his short-term riding contract. The young jockey rode a Group One winner at his first meeting in Hong Kong in April and last weekend scored another feature race triumph in the… Read More »
