Daily News Wrap

Osipenko headlines Inglis Digital Sept (late) Sale

A share in Group 1 performer Osipenko (NZ) (Pierro), a draft of 18 racehorses from Godolphin and a number of quality breeding prospects are among several highlights in the Inglis Digital September (Late) Online Sale.

The catalogue – which is now open for bidding at inglisdigital.com – consists of 305 lots including 176 racehorses (82 race fillies), 50 broodmares, 40 racehorse shares, 30 yearlings and 9 unraced stock.

Keeneland breaks gross record with two days to go

With two days of selling in Book 6 yet to come, the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale became the highest-grossing sale in the history of the auction house.

When the gavel fell on Hip 3634 not long after 6 pm (local). Thursday evening, gross receipts totalled US$405,519,500 (AU$595 million) (not including post-sale transactions) for the first 10 days of trade, breaking the previous high-water mark of US$405,495,700 (AU$595 million) set in 2022. The cumulative average of US$174,342 (AU$255,000) represented a healthy 7.3 per cent bump over the corresponding figure from 2023, while the median price of US$95,000 (AU$139,000) was up 11.8 per cent over last year's figures.

“An achievement of this magnitude is only accomplished by a community of people who share a passion for their horses and the sport of racing,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We thank our breeders and sellers for the tremendous quality of horses they brought to market and the many buyers from around the world participating in this sale. We are grateful for their strong support of Keeneland.”

During Thursday's 10th session, Keeneland reported sales on 278 horses for US$9,306,000 (AU$13.6million). The average of US$33,475 (AU$48,000) was ahead by 4.3 per cent over 2023, while the median price of US$26,000 (AU$38,000) represented a 4 per cent gain.

Zougotcha’s improvement excites Berry

Jockey Tommy Berry has been excited with the amount of improvement Zougotcha (Zoustar) has since her Group 1 close call first-up he can only hope stablemate Fangirl (Sebring) hasn’t improved as much, as they clash again at Randwick on Saturday.

“She felt like she was ready to be shot out of a cannon I just had to keep her wrapped up,” Berry told racingnsw.com.au of her recent trial.

“I’m very pleased with her, I saw her at trackwork on Thursday and she looks a million dollars.” She runs in Saturday’s 7 S.

Racing NSW invites expressions of interest

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are invited from persons wishing to be considered for appointment as a member of Racing NSW. Racing NSW is established by section 4 the Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 (Act).

It has the statutory functions of controlling, supervising and regulating the State’s thoroughbred racing industry as well as initiating, developing and implementing policies conducive to the promotion, strategic development and welfare of the industry and the protection of the public interest as it relates to the horse racing industry.

The Minister for Gaming and Racing, the Hon David Harris MP, has established a selection panel process to identify suitable candidates. Applications close October 8, and a candidate information pack is available on iworkfor.nsw.gov.au.

Moreira wants a Cup

Jockey Joao Moreira has declared the G1 Melbourne Cup is the race he most wants to win. The winner of 43 Group 1 races is riding at Caulfield on Saturday. “It's such a big race and probably because I've run second twice,” Moreira told racenet.com.au.

“It's like, kind of pushing me inside, to wanting it more and more. 100 per cent every race you can think of, it's different. The foundation of the race, history, and the how the riders ride in it, everywhere you go you have some sort of different experience.”

Moreira will ride Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup-nominated pair Buckaroo (GB) (Fastnet Rock) in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes and Francesco Guardi (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) in the MRC Foundation Cup on Saturday.

Mumbai Muse to back up into The Shorts

Trainer Michael Freedman will back up Mumbai Muse (Zoustar) into this Saturday’s The Shorts in an attempt to gain a slot for The Everest. “I just figured when she pulled up so well, I was keen to have a look,” Freedman told racenet.com.au.

“I wanted to see where she drew and what the field looked like and it looks like a fairly high-speed race, which will suit her. If she was to put in a good performance, there are still quite a few Everest slots that haven't been spoken for. Maybe there is that possibility she could get there and I think when you get these mares that hit a purple patch, why not have a look?”

Mumbai Muse ran second last Saturday in the G2 Sheraco S. and has two wins from 12 starts and earnings over $500,000.

Orchestral to resume at Ellerslie on Saturday

Trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood have been pleased with the way dual Group 1 winning mare Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) has returned and have given her a trial at Taupo and jump-out at Ellerslie in the lead-up to her resuming run. “It is good to be finally getting her out there and it’s nice to see a horse above her (in the weights). We thought we would be top weight,” Wellwood told Trackside.

“We have been pretty soft on her this spring, she has grown a lot between three and four. She looks a completely different mare now, she has got a big wither, she has probably lengthened out a little bit. She is probably only a frame of what she is going to be in six to 12 months.

“She had a good jump-out at Ellerslie. We were thinking perhaps heading to the Arrowfield (Group 1, 1600 metres), but after that jump-out we thought if we tried to get her there, we would probably flatten her first-up. That’s the reason she is going to Ellerslie, 1400 metres and you know you are going to get a good track there. It will bring her forward for her next run.”

Pink Ribbon Cup supports cancer charity

Gold Coast trainer Adam Campton support the Gold Coast Turf Club’s annual breast cancer fund raising race day on Saturday with a two-pronged attack in the Pink Ribbon Cup. “The club does a super job fund raising for breast cancer,” Campton told racingqueensland.com.au.

“My mum never had breast cancer but she’s had bowel cancer so I know what it’s like to have a family member suffering from the disease. I’ve got a mother, a sister and fiancé so I know how important it is to raise money for breast cancer. I’m fortunate as mum is in her 15th year of remission so it will be a special day if we can get a winner in the Pink Ribbon Cup.”

He will run Caderas (Brazen Beau) and Catwalk Criminal (Press Statement).

Aidan O’Brien annoyed at Melbourne Cup vet criteria

Aidan O’Brien, who trained ill-fated Anthony Van Dyck (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Cliffs Of Moher (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), has spoken out against the Melbourne Cup vetting criteria. “The Australian people are coming over to check them in the next few days,” O'Brien told Racingpost.com about his 3-year-old colts English St Leger winner Jan Brueghel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and runner-up Illinois (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

“They are all getting scanned over the next while and then they check them, but very few horses pass the criteria, especially young horses. It's very difficult for 3-year-olds to get through because they are still growing, and their bones are still maturing so I wouldn't be sure about any of them getting in and being allowed to run. It's ridiculous really.”

Wanaruah set for Guineas

Caulfield Guineas aspirations for Wanaruah (Snitzel) will be put to the test when he makes his Melbourne debut in the Prelude on Saturday. “He's a good horse in his own right,” Adrian Bott, who trains in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, told racing.com of Wanaruah.

“We thought he would appreciate getting out in trip further throughout the prep and we thought being a colt of his profile, the Guineas is a race we want to try to aim up at. It made sense to go down there early for the Prelude, get a look around Caulfield, which I think is pretty important for them.”

He is coming off a last start second in the G3 Up And Coming S.

Sherry heads south for Depth Of Character

Sydney-based Irish jockey Tom Sherry is set to compete in Melbourne for the first time in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude on Depth Of Character (Deep Field). “I've obviously ridden in Ireland going both ways, but I've never ridden in Melbourne,” Sherry told racing.com.

“It's been a bit tricky to find a horse, and the right horse, to go down for but I think this is the one. Hopefully he can prove me right and we can run well.” Deep Of Character will be resuming in the Prelude having won the Listed Tattersalls S. at two at his last start back in June.

Around the Nation: 3-year-old winners

Newcastle’s meeting on Friday saw wins by 3-year-old colt Kosuke (The Autumn Sun), and filly Jupiter Hills (Exceedance) who became the 15th winner for her sire’s first crop. Ballarat enjoyed wins by Flash ‘n’ Dash (Overshare), Big Swinger (Trapeze Artist), Superluminal (I Am Invincible) and Reserve Bank (Capitalist).

Eagle Farm’s meeting saw Rapid Cheval (NZ) (Super Seth) add to her sire’s good record becoming his tenth winner. In Canberra, 3-year-old gelding Hou Long Gwai (Hellbent) won on debut, while the filly Satin Shimmer (I Am Invincible) took her record to two wins from four starts.

Treble for Nathan Day at Ewan

In Queensland, Ewan’s meeting on Friday saw Nathan Day win three of the seven races on the card. He won on So Outrageous (So You Think {NZ}), Calm Is Power (Power {GB}), and Winning Saga (Real Saga).

Auckland Racing Club announce prizemoney increase

Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR) has today announced a significant NZ$4.07 million contribution to stake money for the current season, including a notable $100,000 increase to the G1 Sistema Railway (1200 metres), taking the total stake to $700,000. This increase highlights ATR’s continued commitment to bolstering New Zealand’s racing industry and supporting its participants.

We’re delighted to further invest in our racing programme with the additional funding for the Sistema Railway, one of the jewels in our racing calendar,” ATR chief executive Paul Wilcox told Loveracing.nz.

“The changes to nomination dates are part of a broader strategy to ease the burden on owners and trainers, ensuring that they have more time to make decisions about their entries. These initiatives are designed to make racing more accessible and sustainable for all participants.”

Tristar wins inaugural NZB Mega Maiden race

Promising filly Tristar (NZ) (Exceedance) earned herself a slice of history with a stylish victory in the $18,500 New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) Mega Maiden Series (1200 metres) at Taupo on Friday.

It was the first of 40 maiden races this season in the Mega Maiden Series, which is an exciting new initiative created by NZB in partnership with Entain and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. The bonus was struck at the first time of asking by Tristar, whose owners earned a $20,000 bonus while $5,000 went to trainers Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott.

“To win that first bonus is a fantastic result,” Scott said. “We didn’t necessarily target it when we were mapping out a programme for this filly, but to collect that in her first start is a great return and very gratefully received. An initiative like this is a big and very welcome boost for the industry.”

NZB announce Hong Kong achievement award

NZB has established the “NZ-bred Star Performer Award” sponsored by New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) to recognise the support of Hong Kong horse owners for New Zealand-bred horses and the outstanding performances of New Zealand-bred horses in Hong Kong. The aim of this award is to encourage award-winning horse owners and trainers to continue purchasing excellent horses from New Zealand.

On Friday, NZB announced the latest winner of the "NZ-bred Star Performer Award" (May to June 2024) as David Hayes-trained Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}).

Free seminar about bone injury reduction in Ireland

A free seminar on reducing the risk of fractures and other bone injuries in racehorses will be hosted by the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) in The Club at Goffs on October 2. The seminar, which will be delivered by internationally renowned Professor Chris Whitton, is aimed at trainers, owners, veterinarians and anyone involved in the care of racing Thoroughbreds.

Whitton, who previously spoke on developing preventative training and management protocols for racehorses at Leopardstown in 2018, leads the Equine Limb Injury Prevention Programme, funded by Racing Victoria, the Victorian State Government and the University of Melbourne. The seminar will offer knowledge and valuable insight into how bone injury happens in the Thoroughbred and will outline best practice practical measures to reduce the risk of fracture.

Listed winner added to Arqana sale

Sacred Spirit (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), a winner of the Listed Grand Prix de Lyon, anchors a quintet of wildcards that were added to Arqana's Arc Sale on Thursday. Joining the Andre Fabre-trained son of Listed winner and Group 1 producer Sahrawi (Ger) (Pivotal {GB}) is Lot 29, Listed scorer Rosa Salvaje (Ire) (Maximum Security {USA}); multiple Group-placed and 109-rated Supercooled (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) (Lot 42); Listed Prix des Jouvenceaux et Jouvencelles heroine La Guapisima (Fr) (City Light {Fr}) (Lot 43); and G3 Prix de Lutece runner-up Chartwell (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}) (Lot 49). The sale will take place at Saint-Cloud on Saturday, October 5.

Group 1 winner Feed The Flame retired

Jean-Louis Bouchard's Group 1 winner Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}) has been retired for stallion duty trainer Pascal Bary confirmed to Paris Turf on Thursday. Stud plans are pending for the 4-year-old. Feed The Flame is a half-brother to multiple group/graded winner Sacred Life (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), third in both the GI Arlington Million Stakes and GI Maker's Mark Mile Stakes, as well as the multiple group placed Khagan (Ire) (Le Havre {Ire}). G1 St Leger hero and sire Rule Of Law (USA) (Kingmambo {USA}) is a member of this clan.

Sottsass colt tops Tattersalls Digital sale

Juvenile colt Defence Missile (Ire) (Sottsass {Fr}) (Lot 33), a half-brother to group winners Speak Of The Devil (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Morando (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}), topped the Tattersalls Online September Sale for 41,000gns (AU$84,000) on Thursday.

Consigned by Dullingham Park and purchased by Paul Corrigan, the bay placed in three starts this season and is out of the winner Moranda (Fr) (Indian Rocket {GB}). A total of 70 horses were marked as sold for a gross of 386,700gns (AU$791,000). The average was 5524gns (AU$11,100) and the median was 2700gns (AU$5400).