Ban on South African horses lifted
The 13-year ban on direct equine exports to the European Union (EU) from South Africa has been lifted. An outbreak of African Horse Sickness in 2011 led to the ban and horses had to do a long quarantine in Mauritius after leaving South Africa before travelling to the European Union. The South African Equine Health and Protocols (SAEHP) was formed in 2018 with an aim of getting this ban lifted. An audit had been scheduled for 2020 but was postponed until 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
South Africa’s Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has now received official notification that the reinstatement of direct EU equine exports has been approved, following a meeting of the EU Commission Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed – Controls and Import Conditions Section.
“I am very pleased with the outcome; this shows that when we work together, we can achieve what is thought to be impossible. I send my gratitude to the equine industry and provincial veterinary services for the support provided in ensuring compliance to the requirements. I look forward to our horses flying the flag internationally and making us all proud,” Dr Mpho Maja, director of animal health at DALRRD told TDN Europe.
Savannah Cloud to continue Dalziel’s strong March
Syndicator Wylie Dalziel hopes 5-year-old gelding Savannah Cloud (NZ) (Savabeel) can continue his run of good form with a win in Friday’s $500,000 Country Discovery at Yarra Valley for trainer Phillip Stokes. “We've been on an upward curve with seven winners in 17 days and some great opportunities in the next week or two,” Dalziel told Racing.com.
Savannah Cloud (NZ) | Image courtesy of Bruno Cannatelli
“Phillip Stokes' racing manager found the Discovery and he discussed it with us. He said it was perfect to freshen him up and bring him back to 1200 metres. We think he's a Group 3, Listed-class of horse who would be suited to a race like this. He races well off a break.”
Savannah Cloud has won eight of his 31 starts with another 16 placings for earnings over $645,000. He was a NZ$140,000 purchase by Wylie Dalziel and Peter Moody from Haunui Farm at the NZB National Yearling Sale.
Extra week useful for Cascadian
Last year Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) ran second in The All-Star Mile, then won the G1 Australian Cup and will attempt to do the same this year, although race scheduling means an extra week between the two races compared to last year. “Just that little bit more time to get over the All-Star Mile is ideal,” Godolphin trainer James Cummings told Racingandsports.com.au.
“Last year he was just booming that week and with clear running we just couldn't see him being held back and he flooded home. This time, given he only had the one run (in spring), we've just taken our time with him.”
The 9-year-old gelding has won 11 of his 52 starts with earnings over $8.8million.
Legarto arrives on Wednesday for Cup
Star Kiwi 4-year-old mare Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) will arrive in Australia on Wednesday before Saturday’s G1 Australian Cup. “I just hope she performs to what she did in the Australian Guineas and we'll see where that takes us,” trainer Ken Kelso told Racing.com.
Legarto (NZ) | Image courtesy of Race Images
“I couldn't take a line through her in that last race at Ellerslie. She's better left-handed and better on a big, roomy track. Ellerslie is very on-pace since the new track went down. She'll appreciate the big, roomy track and we're back at Flemington. As long as she travels good, we'll go in thinking she can go very well.”
Legarto has won nine of her 14 starts and over $1.7million. She has had two starts in Australia, winning the G1 Australian Guineas last year and running tenth in the Golden Eagle this season.
Flying trip to Sydney for Purton
Hong Kong champion jockey Zac Purton will make a flying trip to Sydney to ride Chris Waller-trainer Militarize (NZ) (Dundeel {NZ}) in the G1 Doncaster Mile on April 6. “I'll be down for the ‘Donny’,” Purton told Racenet.com.au.
“A fourth win in the race would be nice.” His other wins in the race are in 2022 on Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), 2017 on It's Somewhat (USA) (Dynaformer {USA}) and for Waller in 2014 on Sacred Falls (NZ) (O’Reilly {NZ}).
Manawatu Sires’ for Proisir juvenile
Sergeant Major (NZ) (Proisir) has been sold to Australia and trainer Gavin Sharrock is confident the 2-year-old gelding can leave New Zealand with a win in the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes at Trentham on April 6. “He has been sold, but the new owner Ozzie Kheir wants me to carry on with him until after the Sires’ and then he’ll go to either Chris Waller or Ciaron Maher,” Sharrock told Loveracing.nz.
Bred and raced by Gavin O’Dea the deal was brokered by Melissa Robinson in conjunction with Mathew Becker, of Group One Bloodstock, and Bruce Perry. Sergeant Major was second on debut then won his second start. He is a full brother to Soldier Boy who runs in the G2 Awapuni Gold Cup on the same day as the Sires.
Their dam, Forty Love (NZ) (Ekraar {USA}), has had four foals, all by Proisir, for Listed winner Soldier Boy, Group 1 placed winner Vancooga, Sergeant Major and a yearling filly.
Molly Bloom change of plans
G1 NZ 1000 Guineas winner Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) will skip this Saturday’s G1 NZEA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ S and head directly to Brisbane instead. “She had a busy time over the spring and summer, so we thought this was a good opportunity to take a deep breath with her,” co-trainer Andrew Scott told Loveracing.nz.
Molly Bloom (NZ) | Image courtesy of Race Images
“We are hoping to trial her on the ninth of April and hopefully she puts in a nice trial, and it can give us the confidence to go. We may even look to trial her again through May with the idea of running her on the 11th of May in the Bracelet (Listed, 1800m) on the Gold Coast. There is G2 The Roses (2100 metres) and the Oaks (G1 2200 metres) as well, providing her form continues to improve.”
Purchased by co-trainer Lance O’Sullivan’s Wexford Stables from Seaton Park’s 2022 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft by Wexford for NZ$150,000, Molly Bloom was bought privately in a deal brokered by well-known Australian owner Ozzie Kheir after the Karaka Millions 3YO Classic.
Morton’s Super Smink on track for The Quokka
Trainer Dan Morton’s star 3-year-old filly Super Smink (Super One) will next week’s Roma Cup before her Quokka bid a fortnight later. She trialled at Lark Hill on Monday. “Chris (Parnham) gave a good report,” Morton said.
“It was another fitness hit out for her and it’s all systems go. I liked what I saw and she’s come through it good. I’ve got a massive opinion of her and that hasn’t waned at all.”
Super Smink has won four of her nine starts and placed in the other five with earnings over $735,000. She won the G2 Karrakatta Plate at two as well as the RL Magic Millions Perth 2YO Classic, and at three in the spring she won the Listed Belgravia S. Morton purchased her for $45,000 at the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale from Forest View Farm, and she is by a son of I Am Invincible out of a Snitzel mare.
McDonald lands key ride on I Wish I Win
The ride on The Everest winner I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) for next Saturday's G1 TJ Smith S. at Randwick has been given to Champion Jockey James McDonald as confirmed by co-trainer Peter Moody who trains in partnership with Katherine Coleman.
James McDonald | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“That is the plan (Brisbane). It is the Doomben 10,000 and the Kingsford Smith Cup at this stage, we will spell him up there as well and then come down the same path as last year,” Waikato Stud’s Mark Chittick told Racenet.com.au about I Wish I Win’s plans for after the G1 TJ Smith S.
Star still rising for Chevalier
Trainer Marc Chevalier thinks his 4-year-old mare Everyone’s A Star (Star Turn) can make it two wins in succession at Wednesday’s Randwick-Kensington meeting. “She’s been great for us and she looks like she’s got a bit of improvement in her which is very exciting,” Chevalier told Racingnsw.com.au.
“She’s learning not to burn too much petrol early on and that’s why we’re not worried any more about going up in trip, I used to think she was a 1000 metre horse. We’re going for a very similar race (to her last win) and we think she will run a good race again.”
Chevalier has 16 horses in work at Hawkesbury including Torrens (Adelaide {Ire}) who will skip Saturday’s G1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill in favour of the Chairman’s Quality (2600 metres) a week later. “I was hoping Post Impressionist wouldn’t go (to the Tancred) and the field was a bit smaller. Hopefully he runs well enough next week to guarantee a spot in the Sydney Cup which is his main target for the autumn.”
Young trainer has two good chances for second city winner
Trainer James Healy has only been training for three years and had his first city winner in 2022 with Critical Thinker (The Factor {USA}). He has two good chances at Wednesday’s Eagle Farm meeting with Deferential (Defcon) and Fearless Thinking (NZ) (So You Think {NZ}).
“I think both are very good chances and should finish in the top three. Fearless Thinker’s win at Gatton was super,” Healy told Racingqueensland.com.au.
Healy has only 11 horses in work and has won 12 races from 119 starters in the last three years. “I spent four years learning off Ciaron Maher and David Eustace at Caulfield and I was with Rob Heathcote for a few years,” he said. “I’m starting to get some good horses now with the backing of First Light Racing so things are coming along well.”
Long campaign for Rey Magnerio continues
4-year-old gelding Rey Magnerio (Magnus) will contest Friday’s $500,000 Country Discovery at Yarra Valley. He hasn’t had a spell since he won his second start back in September 2023. “We didn't plan to get this far and we've worked it out as we've gone with him in terms of what races he contests. He's as good as gold and he'll tell us when he wants a spell,” co-trainer Robbie Griffiths told Racing.com.
He has won six of his 11 starts and was third in the Listed Bel Esprit S. at his last start. He has earnings over $310,000.
Kah to appear with other sports stars at major South Australian event
The Gather Round Footy Spectacular at Adelaide’s The Entertainment Centre will be held on Tuesday April 2, featuring jockey Jamie Kah. Hosted by Eddie McGuire, the show will feature The Sunday Footy Show team including Kane Cornes, Nathan Brown, Billy Brownless and Tony Jones. Delta Goodrem will perform and South Australian sports stars will be showcased.
Jamie Kah | Image courtesy of Racing Photos
Jamie Kah joins Port Adelaide players Connor Rozee, and Charlie Dixon, and Crows stars Josh Rachele, Rory Sloane and Izak Rankine.
Morton keen for a second Derby winner
Plans to set 3-year-old gelding In Good Order (American Pharoah {USA}) for the G2 WA Derby are paying off for trainer Dan Morton. He will run in the traditional lead-up to the WA Derby in Friday’s Listed Melvista S. “I like what I’ve seen,” Morton told rwwa.com.au.
Morton set In Good Order for the Derby from the moment he purchased him at the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale for $140,000 from Amelia Park, who had pinhooked him as a weanling from Segenhoe Stud for $105,000 at the Magic Millions National Weanling Sale.
“Track work is indicating he is coping with that (rise in distance). He has to get it right, his first go at it, but looks like he is going to. He’s very ready to rock and roll now and I feel like he’s doing everything right towards it.” In Good Order has two wins from nine starts and was fifth in the Listed JC Roberts S at his most recent start.
Jumps jockey Small ready to return after brain tumour
A fall in 2019 led to the discovery of a tumour in jockey Braidon Small’s brain. “I had a race fall in 2019 at Pakenham and suffered bleeding on the brain … as they were doing their check-up scans, they discovered that on the other side of my head, there was a brain tumour,” Small told Racing.com.
The tumour was removed at the time and Small didn’t require any further treatment such as chemo, however, doctors made sure he had an MRI every six months to keep an eye on the location. “It wasn't until the last scan I had in January or February (2023) where the doctor had realised that it started growing again and we needed to jump on it and do something about it.
“I've got to thank the team, the doctors and the nurses at The Alfred, my wife Amy and my mother came down and they took turns taking me to Melbourne to do the six weeks of radiation, so that was very nice of them.
“Thank you everyone in the racing industry who's got behind me and helped supporting me, a huge thank you to everybody, I just can't wait to throw the leg over and get going again.”
Small plans to make his comeback at Hamilton in a fortnight.
Racing Victoria to raise funds for charity over Easter
Two race meetings in Victoria this weekend will raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital's famous Good Friday Appeal. On Friday, meetings at Yarra Valley and Cranbourne will take part, while on Saturday the Flemington meeting is joined by the Warracknabeal Cup and Kerang Cup. The Stawell Cup will be run in its traditional Easter Sunday slot, complementing the traditional Stawell Gift athletics carnival.
“There's something for everyone this Easter and perhaps the most important aspect is the charity component, with several race clubs raising vital funds for the Good Friday Appeal,” RV's racing manager Matt Welsh told Racenet.com.au.
Matt Welsh | Image courtesy of Racing Victoria
“Over the past five years the Victorian racing industry has contributed more than $350,000 to the Good Friday Appeal, and we look forward to growing that figure this weekend.”
Three from three for trainer Hall
Former jockey Terry Hall has recently gained his trainer’s licence and has only three horses in work at Cloncurry in Queensland. He took his entire stable to the local non-TAB meeting on Saturday afternoon and all three horses won; The Carpenter (Rothesay), Ashmolean (Better Than Ready) and Sista Elenore (Real Impact).
“I like it, it is a good place,” Hall told Racingqueensland.com.au about Cloncurry. “There is a lot of interest out here for people wanting to purchase horses for me to train so we will need to get a few more stables built.
“The facilities are good and I am the only one training out here, which is great, I like that. It looks pretty good looking forward for the year.”
Hall hopes to double his numbers by the end of 2024 to have six in work, and he’s certainly shown that he’s on the right track! Sista Elenore is nominated for Saturday’s $15,000 Boulia Cup while The Carpenter will head to Mt Isa next.
Shane Rose determined to make Olympics
Equestrian rider Shane Rose is determined to ride at the Paris Olympics in a few months despite breaking several bones in a horror fall. “Apparently I rode four of my more experienced horses and I have no recollection of jumping any of them or how it happened,” Rose told skynews.com.au.
“The ambulance trip, getting to the hospital, talking to doctors, nothing.” It is believed that the horse he was riding over a jump hit the top of the jump and landed on top of Rose. “One of the girls looked in that direction and saw the horse coming back and the horse was fine,” Rose’s wife Nikki Rose said. Rose sustained a broken femur, fractures to his pelvis, broken ribs, a broken elbow and a severe concussion in the March 14 fall but believes he will be well enough to ride in the Paris Olympics. The Paris Olympics will be held from Friday, July 26 to Sunday August 11.
Rose made headlines earlier in the year when he wore a mankini to a dress-up day and a complaint was made against him. Equestrian Australia accepted his apology and will update their dress standards guidelines. Rose has previously won a Silver medal in 2008, Bronze in 2016 and Silver in 2020.
Darwin Cup trainer banned for a year
Dick Leech has been given a 12-month ban after he was found to have injected Envenomate (Anacheeva) with an unknown substance within 24-hours of a race. The incident occurred on February 3, 2024, when stewards reported that Envenomate had a “swollen haematoma on the near side jugular vein.”
Dick Leech | Image courtesy of Dick Leech Racing
Stewards at the Darwin Racing Club scratched the horse and took blood samples to determine what had been given to the horse. Nothing was found in the samples, however, CCTV vision from the stables was reviewed, and Leech was found guilty of breaching AR254(1)(a)(i). Leech also pleaded guilty to not recording in the stable treatment diary “that animal remedy products were administered by way of injection to Envenomate on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.”
Leech won the 2023 Darwin Cup with Write Your Name (Written Tycoon) and has the right to appeal.
USA Jockey Club releases latest Fact Book
The Jockey Club has released the 2024 Fact Book on their website, outlining the latest industry statistics for the USA.
The online Fact Book is a statistical and informational guide to Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and auction sales in North America and is available on the Resources page of the Jockey Club’s website.
Lord North chases fourth Dubai Turf
Only legends of the turf win the same Group 1 race four years in succession and Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) is seeking to join them when he runs in the G1 Dubai Turf on March 30. He has won the race in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Horses with four or more successive wins in a Group 1 race
| Kelso | Jockey Club Gold Cup | 5 | 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 |
| Goldikova | Prix Rothschild | 4 | 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 |
| Lord | Memsie Stakes | 4 | 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961 |
| Manikato | Futurity Stakes (Australia) | 4 | 1979, 1980, 1981, 1983 |
| Marsyas | Prix du Cadran | 4 | 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947 |
| River Verdon | Hong Kong Champions & Chater Cup | 4 | 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 |
| Rocket Man | Singapore Lion City Cup | 4 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
| Sleepy Fox | Easter Handicap | 4 | 1944, 1945, 1946, 1947 |
| Stradivarius | Goodwood Cup | 4 | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Tie the Knot | Chipping Norton Stakes | 4 | 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 |
| Vinnie Roe | Irish St. Leger | 4 | 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 |
| Winx | Cox Plate | 4 | 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 |
| Winx | Chipping Norton Stakes | 4 | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Winx | George Ryder Stakes | 4 | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Yeats | Ascot Gold Cup | 4 | 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 |
Table: Horses with four or more successive wins in a Group 1 race.
*Manikato won five William Reid S in succession from 1979-1983 but it was Group 2 at the time and was upgraded to Group 1 in 1987.
Juddmonte nominate Gosden runners for group targets
Owner Juddmonte Stud and trainers John and Thady Gosden will set 4-year-old entire Arrest (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) for the G3 John Porter S. at Newbury on April 20, and then for the major Group 1 races across the season at a 2400 metres. “He was consistent all year apart from the Derby, which I think was our own fault,” said Barry Mahon, European racing manager for owners Juddmonte.
“I think we will start off at middle-distances and see how we go. If he shows us in the middle of the summer he wants a bit further, then we will try it. But I think he has shown enough class at a mile and a half to suggest he can be competitive in those top mile-and-a-half races throughout the year.” Arrest is a dual Group 3 winner who was second twice at Group 1 level as a 3-year-old last year.
Arrest (Ire) | Image courtesy of Juddmonte
Stablemate 5-year-old mare Laurel (GB) (Kingman {GB}) has not run since the G1 Lockinge S last year will be set for Royal Ascot. “She's just having a slow preparation with a view to getting her to Royal Ascot later in the year, so we will probably just give her a prep run at the end of May or the beginning of June and then it will be straight to Royal Ascot if all is well with her. She is in good shape and seems to have got over her little injury, so with a bit of luck, if she stays injury free she could be an exciting prospect for the year.” A Listed winner, Laurel has won three races and £95,939 (AU$185,000). She is a daughter of G1 Pretty Polly S winner Promising Lead (GB) (Danehill {USA}).
Rispoli brings up 2000 wins
It took a few days to confirm but when jockey Umberto Rispoli won the G3 Jeff Ruby Steaks S on Endlessly (USA) (Oscar Performance {USA}) it was his 2001st win globally. His 2000th win had come just four races earlier on Graham Motion-trained 3-year-old colt Trikari (USA) (Oscar Performance {USA}) in the Rushway S. “I'm glad I accomplished (2,000 wins) on such an important day,” Rispoli told Bloodhorse.com.
“I found out my family was preparing something for me at home. I had a chat with my wife after the race and my kids were very happy. They showed what they prepared for me. That's huge to be a dad and be a hero for them, it's fantastic. The road to 3,000 has just started.”
Champion jockey in Italy in 2009 and 2010, Rispoli moved to Hong Kong in 2016 but a string of injuries made it tough to be competitive there. In 2020, he moved to the USA where he has won 466 races.
Florida Derby record to be broken before the winning post
The trainer of Le Dom Bro (USA) (Mucho Macho Man {USA}) is set to become the youngest trainer to saddle up a G1 Florida Derby runner on Saturday. Eniel Cordero is twenty years old and has been training since he turned 18, first in Puerto Rico (a territory of the USA) and for the last nine months at Gulfstream, USA.
“A lot of trainers have been training for years, and they haven’t had an opportunity to go to the Kentucky Derby. If this horse breaks well in the Florida Derby, we may accomplish that. I’d be in shock,” Cordero told horseracingnation.com.
“I wasn’t receiving too much trust from the owners in Puerto Rico because I was only 18 when I got my license,” Cordero said. He won seven races in Puerto Rico from 38 runners in his first two years of training then he moved to the USA and claimed horses with his own resources to give himself a start. Family friend Vicente Stella sent him Le Dom Bro after the 3-year-old colt broke his maiden for his previous trainer, and he has had a ninth and two second placings for Cordero, including a last start second in the G2 Fountain of Youth Stakes.
