Siyouni to cover on Southern Hemisphere time
Leading European sire Siyouni (Fr) will again be available to cover a limited number of mares to Southern Hemisphere time in 2024 from his base at Haras de Bonneval in France.
Siyouni (Fr) | Standing at Haras de Bonneval
“We are pleased to offer Siyouni once again this year to breeders wishing to cover their mares to Southern Hemisphere time,” said Georges Rimaud, Manager of the Aga Khan Studs in France. “From just a handful of runners to date in Australia, he has an impressive strike-rate. Many people have remarked how physically well suited Siyouni is to the Australian market, and he stamps his progeny to match. We invite breeders to contact us to discuss terms.”
Benedetta thinking about Royal Ascot
Mornington trainer Jason Warren is considering taking his Group 1 winner Benedetta (Hellbent) to Royal Ascot next year. “She’s ticked off the Group 1 box. We will attack big money races in the spring and hopefully get enough money banked away to chase the prestige of winning at Royal Ascot,” Warren told Racing.com.
She is currently spelling and will head to the G1 Manikato S. at The Valley on September 27 for her first spring assignment. “Now she’s a Group 1 winner, it opens up the door to take more risks. We wanted her to win a Group 1 to complete her resume as a broodmare and we’ve ticked that box. England’s not about the money it’s more about the prestige. If we can put a couple of million in the bank, you’d head there for kicks and giggles. If she was going to go it would be next year. My assistant trainer Joe Herbert is English. I’d love to take a horse over there.”
Wollombi heads to Glasshouse
Last start Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic winner 4-year-old mare Wollombi (Extreme Choice) will chase back-to-back Listed wins in the Listed Glasshouse on Saturday at the Sunshine Coast. “To get a mare like her, who Yulong paid a bit of money for, and to get the job done straight away was good and they have indicated they want to go another season with her, which is good for us,” trainer Tony Gollan told Racingqueensland.com.au.
“We'll get through the Glasshouse first and then we'll have a chat about what others plans there are. I've got a bit of an idea on what I would like to do, but with Yulong it's a big team effort, so we'll have a chat about it post-Glasshouse.” Yulong purchased Wollombi at the recent Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $500,000. She was a Group 3 winner for Team Snowden prior to her sale.
O’Shea/Charlton partnership begins with a winner
The new training partnership of John O’Shea and Tom Charlton won with their first starter at Scone on Tuesday with 2-year-old colt Bartolf (So You Think {NZ}) who was on debut.
Photograph adds new juvenile winner for Blue Point
Godolphin won the first at Scone with 2-year-old filly Photograph (Blue Point {Ire}) who was having her third start. She becomes the fifth 2-year-old winner from Blue Point’s first Australian crop. Photograph is a half-sister to Listed winner Commemorative (I Am Invincible).
Underrated wins on debut
Trainer Clinton Taylor unveiled debutant 2-year-old gelding Underrated (Under The Louvre) for a strong win at Townsville on Tuesday, while at the same meeting 2-year-old filly Better Show (Better Than Ready) took her record to two wins from seven starts.
Ardrossan juvenile wins on debut
At Seymour on Tuesday, trainer Ciaron Maher debuted 2-year-old gelding Jazzclub (NZ) (Ardrossan) to win on debut, while at the same meeting 2-year-old filly Ania (Impending) won for trainers David Brideoake and Matt Jenkins.
Jazzclub (NZ) | Image courtesy of Inglis
Two exciting runners for Stokes on Wednesday
Phillip Stokes’ stable is blazing at the moment, and he has two exciting runners for Wednesday’s Sandown meeting, led by 2-year-old filly Magna Mak (Magna Grecia {Ire}). “She's been thereabouts (in both starts), we've put blinkers on her for Wednesday,” Stokes told Racenet.com.au.
“We've gone a little bit further in trip which should put her thereabouts. She's very professional.” His other runner is Street Delight (Street Boss {USA}).
Victorian small breeders braced for economic impact
Riverbank Farm’s Russell Osborne told Racing.com that several of his clients have already flagged their intention to downscale their interests. “I think it will be a really quiet season,” Osborne said. “You've only got to have a look at the horses getting sold in the online sales to get a bit of an idea where things are at. The top end (of the market) is still going good but there's not much in the middle and the bottom has fallen right out.
“It's a lot harder for the smaller bloke to do it these days. A lot of our previous clients were in the older demographic, elderly people looking to breed a horse and race a horse as affordably as they can.”
Larneuk Stud's Neville Murdoch agreed. “We've got a reasonably good line-up of stallions so we should have a solid season. I suspect Impending and Wandjina will go very well, and I think Lauda Sion will get plenty of interest from people with that Japanese factor.
“But it's tough everywhere, whether it be at the sales or online via Inglis Digital or Bloodstock Auction. Mum and dad can't afford to buy milk, let alone breed a horse. Right now, it's still too early for us (to tell) but I'm definitely expecting it to be a bit quiet.”
Equimillion adds free classes for 2024
Racing New South Wales announced on Tuesday the opening of nominations for Equimillion 2024 which will see a minimum of $1 million in prizemoney on offer exclusively for retired thoroughbred racehorses competing across Eventing, Showhorse, Show Jumping and Dressage.
To be conducted at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre on October 4th to 7th, Equimillion 2024 will feature at least 36 individual classes carrying prizemoney of $30,000 each.
‘New Star Thoroughbred Classes’ have been designed to cater for horses that have retired from racing in the 12 months prior to Equimillion 2024 and will attract Free Entry for eligible horses.
Vale Ron Bundy
Racing New South Wales reported on Tuesday the passing last Friday morning of popular former south coast jockey Ron Bundy. “We expend our deepest condolences to Ron’s family and friends. Ron rode 330 Australian winners and was also the leading rider in New Caledonia for a number of years.”
“A devoted and much-loved part of racing in Moruya, not only as a jockey but as track supervisor for many years, Ron loved poking his head in the Moruya jockeys’ room, enjoying the camaraderie of the racecourse.”
South Australian economic report released
A report done by IER commissioned by the South Australian racing industry highlights the substantial economic, social and community benefits that the Racing Industry in South Australia contributed to the state economy across 2022/23.
Across all three racing codes, the economic impacts generated by the racing industry include a total direct expenditure of $573.1 million. This expenditure resulted in a direct value-added impact of $211.8 million (wages, salaries and profits), which increased to over $669.7 million when flow-on effects were taken into account. The racing industry was responsible for sustaining 4971 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across the state with significant number of individuals engaged within the racing industry.
Racing SA Chair Rob Rorrison told Racingsa.com.au, “The South Australian racing industry has a strong presence in regional communities, with over 55 per cent of the roles in racing located outside metropolitan areas. This demonstrates the industry's contribution to regional employment and community engagement.
“This report also highlights the importance of the racing industry to the South Australian economy and its role in fostering social and community connections. The industry's economic value, employment opportunities, and community engagement make it a significant contributor to the overall well-being of the state.”
Perth jockey announces retirement
Group 1-winning Perth jockey Peter Knuckey has announced his retirement from the saddle. “It’s time to move on,” Knuckey said to The Races WA. “It’s been pretty good for 30 plus years. It never felt like a real job. That’s the part I’m going to miss most, the banter at the track. But you can’t do it forever and I’ve still got my health to consider.”
Peter Knuckey
“I have my family to think about, who have supported me all the way. Mum, my brother, Will and my two beautiful girls, Lizzie and Helena. I couldn’t have done it without their love and support.” Knuckey won 1,923 races including the G1 WATC Fruit ‘n’ Veg S. on Old Nick (Old Spice) and was Perth Champion Rider in 1993 and Leading Apprentice in 1992 and 1993.
Mahrajaan on track for Melbourne Cup
Trainer Shaune Ritchie has G2 Auckland Cup winner Mahrajaan (USA) (Kitten’s Joy {USA}) on track for this spring’s G1 Melbourne Cup. “He is definitely going to be set for the Melbourne Cup and I’ve spoken to the Victorian handicapper, he said based on nine of the last 10 Cups he would get a run off his rating,” Ritchie told Loveracing.nz.
“That’s unless there is a massive influx of English horses, which there hasn’t been lately due to the sensitive veterinary exams etc. and no free rides, they have to pay their own way. That’s probably good for the race as it gives Australian and New Zealand horses eligibility into it so he would be unlucky not to get a run.”
Treble for Hewitson at Sha Tin
Jockey Lyle Hewitson rode a treble on Monday night’s Sha Tin meeting, while champion Zac Purton’s double gave him his seventh Jockey’s Championship. “To go and get the treble was pretty special after what’s been a pretty slow time,” Hewitson told scmp.com. “I think it’s overdue. I had a lot of horses just getting beaten and a lot of seconds.”
Hewitson won on Flying High (Office Bearer), Parterre (Saf) (Flower Alley {USA}) and Ching (NZ) (Frosted {USA}), while Purton won on Amazing Fun (NZ) (Tivaci) and Bottomuptogether (Shamus Award).
Record wagering at Churchill Downs
The 150th Spring Meet at Churchill Downs concluded Sunday with a record US$708.3 million wagered over the 43-day meet. That broke the 2022 Spring Meet record of US$614.8 million by US$93.5 million. “From record prize money to large fields, high-quality participants, robust wagering and large payouts, this year's record-breaking Spring Meet delivered all-around positive results,” said President of Churchill Downs Racetrack Mike Anderson.
Churchill Downs
“The horse owners, jockeys and trainers provided exceptional competition on the racetrack, and our team and partners delivered an outstanding guest experience. We extend our sincerest appreciation to the horseplayers and the greater Louisville community who made this year's Spring Meet so special and enjoyable.”
Belmont’s new Tapeta track to be New York’s winter surface
The one-mile Tapeta track currently under construction at Belmont Park will become the exclusive winter racing surface on the New York Racing Association (NYRA) circuit when the Long Island facility reopens in 2026, NYRA announced Monday.
“At its core, our vision for the new Belmont Park is centred around modernizing racing and training facilities in ways that will ensure the sport's continued success and future growth,” said Dave O'Rourke, NYRA President and CEO. “NYRA has closely tracked the evolution and application of synthetic surfaces, and the relevant data unequivocally supports a shift to the all-weather surface during the winter months.
“Together with the renovated main track and two new turf courses, Belmont Park will provide a multitude of quality options for both training and racing throughout the year,” added O'Rourke. “We will continue to work closely with New York's horsemen and breeders to ensure a smooth transition as the new facility takes shape.”
Major UK racecourse owner group’s CEO resigns
Racecourse Media Group (RMG) announced on Monday that its chief executive, Martin Stevenson, has asked the Board to start the process of finding his successor. RMG is the holding company responsible for a range of media rights management businesses. It is owned entirely by its 37 racecourse shareholders, giving the racecourses complete control over the commercialisation of their media and data rights.
“I have a significant birthday approaching and I think now is the right time for me to relinquish the role and enable the business to put in place its leadership in plenty of time ahead of the next rights renewal cycle,” said Stevenson.
“It has been a huge honour and privilege to have been involved in the RMG project. Having joined as finance director when it was still a start-up, to helping it grow to become the largest funding organisation in British horseracing, it has been an exciting and engaging journey. The business has achieved a great deal in reclaiming control of our racecourses' media and data rights and has created real substantial commercial success for the industry, having now delivered more than £1.2bn to the industry.”
