Back Yourself!
Sign-up and start betting with Ladbrokes in 2 minutes!
Back A Winner with Neds!
Sign-up and start betting with Neds in 2 minutes!
Daily Racing Specials!
Sign-up and bet with Australia's best new bookmaker!
#1 Ranked New Bookie
Sign-up and bet with Australia's #1 ranked new bookmaker!
Best Of The Best Odds!
Bet With Palmerbet and get Paid Top Fluc or Top Tote!
Massive Odds on All Races!
Sign-up and start betting with PlayUp in 2 minutes!
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Search
 
Image: Darren Winningham
Michael Costa welcomed a baby son this week and he hopes the good news continues on Saturday

Gold Coast trainer Michael Costa welcomed a baby son this week and he hopes the good news continues on Saturday.

Costa is one of the up-and-coming trainers in Queensland having already got nearly 200 winners in his five-year career.

He has built a strong team on the back of some smart horses including Manaya who is favourite for the Ascot Plaza Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm.

Manaya was recently sold in an online auction to the Glenlogan Park Stud which is an indication of her ability.

Glenlogan, for decades one of Queensland’s biggest studs, has had a change in direction and now concentrates much of its business on quality mares.

“They target top-quality stock and obviously think she is up to that standard,” Costa said.

Costa was thrilled when Glenlogan elected to keep Manaya in training with him.

“There are a lot of trainers around and I am sure they would love a mare like Manaya,” Costa said.

“She will eventually go to stud but when is up in the air.

“It probably depends on how she goes this Saturday. If things go well I hope to get the green light for her to race on for another season.”

Costa has had a big opinion of Manaya since before she raced.

He took her to Scone for her first start where she won the 2016 Listed Woodlands Stakes.

Since then Manaya has generally raced in top company and was far from disgraced in three black -ype races in the winter.

However, she is best remembered for winning a race at the Gold Coast when her rein broke and she ran to the outside fence but was still far too good.

Manaya appreciated a drop back in class when she won her last start at Eagle Farm in open company and meets a similar field.

“She is up a bit in weight and has a tricky draw but she seems to like Eagle Farm,” Costa said.

Apprentice Jag Guthmann-Chester has been Manaya’s regular rider but he has moved to try his luck in Sydney.

Senior jockey Robbie Fradd has the Manaya ride on Saturday and will also be on Seetoomany in the One Fifty Ascot Bar Handicap for Costa.

A happy family man, including newborn Hugo, Costa is firmly entrenched on the Gold Coast.

 
*Existing customers only. 2nd Racing bet. Excl SA & WA. T’s & C’s apply. Gamble responsibly.
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
Set a deposit limit.
Featured News

FREE BETS – Claim $1000’s in Bonus Bets at the TOP Betting Sites

We take a look at the BIGGEST and BEST Free Daily Racing Offers and Betting Promotions from Australia’s leading online...

Golden Slipper Likely Field – 2024

The biggest two-year-old race of the year will jump this Saturday in arguably one of the best fields in recent...

Former trainer handed a five-year ban for pulling stewards pants down

Former trainer Todd Balfour has been handed a five-year disqualification by Racing SA stewards after a misconduct incident at the...

Melbourne Cup champion Verry Elleegant passes away

Verry Elleegant, one of the great mares in the history of Australian racing, has died while giving birth to her...

Watch 📺 Jockey banned from all racing premises over ride

Jockey Dylan Kitts has been penalised with a disciplinary officer exclusion directive due to non-compliance with an inquiry regarding his...

Group 1 winner returns positive swab

Racing Victoria stewards are investigating a positive swab from Group 1-winning mare Prowess, the racehorse trained by Roger James and...

Alligator Blood injured, career in doubt

Cult galloper Alligator Blood may have run his last race, with trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott confirming the star galloper had...

Nikita Beriman returns to the saddle

July 1, 2023 to January 26, 2024 … that period represents the just shy of seven months that Nikita Beriman...

Australia's Best Betting Sites

New Betting Sites Australia + Top List Bookmaker Apps $$$

Betting in Australia has never been more popular thanks to a large increase in new betting Agencies and Apps available...

Top 10 – Funniest Race Horse Names

Horse racing. Known as the ‘Sport Of Kings’, an industry worth billions, a very serious business…but to some, it’s a...

Best Horse Betting Sites in Australia

Best Horse Racing Betting Apps and Betting Sites – March 2024

We take a look at the best online betting apps to bet on horse racing in Australia for the month...

Golden Slipper

The Golden Slipper is one of the biggest and most prestigious horse races in Australia. Taking place each April at...

Australian Bookmaker Reviews – Online Bookie Ratings $$

Which bookmaker should you bet with? We Review each of the leading online Australian Bookmakers and rate them in order...

 
 
Imagine what you could be buying instead.
For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au