Via Sistina to skip the Cup but remain in training next season
Yulong announced on Wednesday that their G1 Cox Plate winner Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) will miss the G1 Melbourne Cup and head to Champions Day instead.
“The big carrot that the boss (Mr Zhang) ultimately wants to win one day is the Melbourne Cup,” Sam Fairgray told racenet.com.au. “He would love to win it. But at the end of the day the horse comes first. Everything was considered and the decision was made that the best thing for her was not to run (in the Cup). It was never in our early calculations, so hopefully she can now go to the Champions (Stakes).
“Hong Kong is definitely off (this year). We have a property at Bayles, so she will go there (after the Champions) and get a rest and we will get set for the autumn, and hopefully another Cox Plate next year.”
Racing Victoria will not compromise on horse welfare
Racing Victoria announced on Wednesday that they will not compromise on the welfare of horses for the G1 Melbourne Cup after there was plenty of chatter about the scratching of Jan Brueghel (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). “I don't think the reaction's necessarily surprising,” EGM - Integrity Jamie Stier told racing.com.
“When the protocols were implemented, it was understood that not everyone was in agreement and was made known that they were not in agreement. And that is as it is, but the protocols were put in place to mitigate any risks that we were able to identify with horses that were going to run in the Melbourne Cup.
“So we put in place a process, we're following that process through. The last 24 hours, I'd say, it's unfortunate. It's always unfortunate to see such a high-quality horse not be able to take their part in the race. And that's disappointing not only for the connections and everyone associated with the horse, but also all the fans out there, all the punters, but also for us here at Racing Victoria.
“We go to great lengths to try and get these horses here to Victoria to take part in these races, but we won't sacrifice safety for the sake of having a runner.”
Sea King earns Cup spot with G3 Bendigo Cup win
Wednesday’s G3 Bendigo Cup was one of the last chances for horses to nab a rehandicap for Tuesday’s G1 Melbourne Cup, and trainer Harry Eustace managed it with 6-year-old gelding Sea King (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). He won in a romp for jockey Declan Bates by 3.75l over Berkeley Square (Territories {Ire}) and Star Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}).
“It's incredibly exciting. A lot was riding on it, it's the last win-and-you're-in for the Cup, so it's an absolute dream result today,” Eustace told racenet.com.au. “I'd just like to thank (syndicator) Terry (Henderson) … he managed to buy this horse just before Docklands travelled down as well and it's proving a pretty inspired purchase.
“Curiously, coming down, we never even thought we'd get close and, of course, since we've been here the Cup, as everyone is well aware, has really started cutting up. So the closer we got to getting in the more pressure there was I suppose.”
The handicappers will make an announcement on Thursday re his weight for the Cup.
Widden purchase April Vintage at Inglis Digital USA
Carrying a foal by hot sire Justify (USA) on Southern Hemisphere time, stakes-placed April Vintage (Vino Rosso) topped the Inglis Digital USA October Sale Tuesday when selling to Widden Stud of Australia for US$180,000 (AU$274,000).
“We bred a nice mare to Justify so they’ll come down together. It’s too early to decide on a stallion for next season,” said Widden’s Antony Thompson. “She’s an attractive fast turf filly with good 2-year-old form, in foal to Justify, so she represents a good opportunity. She is an outcross to our traditional Australian sirelines and we’ve bought her with existing farm clients.
April Vintage (USA) | Image courtesy of Inglis Digital USA
“When you see value, you have to look at it, and digital platforms are something we are very comfortable with, had good success with it in the past. It was a nice easy time zone for us this morning and there was plenty of competition on her, so we had to keep refreshing the browser!”
Inglis Digital USA offered 67 horses in Tuesday's online auction, grossing US$417,250 (AU$624,000) with an average of US$16,990 (AU$25,800).
Waller to split up boom 3-year-old colts
Chris Waller will send Private Life (Written Tycoon) to the G1 Champions Sprint on November 9, instead of Saturday’s G1 Coolmore Stud S. “Private Life and Switzerland are owned in the same ownership and it's obviously a very important race, a stallion-making race,” Waller told racing.com.
“Private Life has already won the Caulfield Guineas and has certainly stamped himself as stallion of the future, so to try and protect his value and even increase it further, he will get the opportunity to race against the older horses. It also gives us an extra week because he will be coming from a mile back to 1200 metres.”
Win one, win another, says Rogey
Trainer Graham Rogerson has recovered from open heart surgery and will run NZ Derby winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) in Tuesday’s G1 Melbourne Cup. “When you win one, you want to win another, then another. Lloyd's won seven,” Rogerson told Loveracing.nz.
Sharp 'N' Smart (NZ) | Image courtesy of Trish Dunell
“You never know for two miles until they go up (in distance) but this horse shows every attribute needed to get it. He's got to the stage now where he wants to relax. He reminds me of Arwon and What And Nuisance. He's going to have to be at his top of his game, but I think he's not far from it. The only thing he doesn't want is a wet track.” Rogerson trained Efficient (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) to win the 2007 Cup.
Unbeaten Lazzat could keep improving
French trainer Jerome Reynier says his unbeaten gelding Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) could keep improving. “We’re happy to challenge the international field with the Japanese and the locals, it’s a strong field and looks to be a very interesting race,” Reynier told racingnsw.com.au.
“Obviously there’s 19 to beat so it’s a big challenge, it’s a lot of long travel and a lot of changes so you never know what can happen but on what we’ve seen so far he’s one of the best in Europe. He has a 1kg allowance being a Northern Hemisphere three-year-old so that’s a little help. We’ve been talking for many months about this race, he needed to be in good health and good shape and since his last run we’re happy with him.” Lazzat has won all his six starts including the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at his most recent start.
Veight to emulate Sunlight in Golden Eagle
Trainer Tony McEvoy trained Sunlight (Zoustar) to run second in the Golden Eagle after failing at her previous start and he heads to Saturday’s edition with Veight (Grunt {NZ}) in a similar situation. “This horse has got a big job ahead of him from that barrier,” McEvoy told racingnsw.com.au.
Veight | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“He will have to go forward from out there, he needs a bit of clean air so Harry (Coffey) will send him forward and work it out. They’re not all Sunlight are they, she was a bit of a superstar. She did a lot of work going forward, got a rest midrace and was home for all money before Waller’s horse got her on the line. Sometimes it can work out for you, it all depends on how he jumps and that first five metres is critical.”
Another Wil’s emotional run on Saturday
Another Wil (Street Boss {USA}), part-owned by Col McKenna who died this week, will be an emotional runner for trainer Ciaron Maher on Saturday. “I'm a bit flat. I've known him since I was a young lad. A lot of his values, either knowingly or unknowingly, I've put into my life,” Maher told racing.com.
“He would always be saying to me 'Go on, get on with it'. He was always very much of that attitude of 'hard work, make it happen'. I'll be thinking of Colin, but I've been thinking of him every day.”
On Another Wil, Maher said, “Things didn't go to plan last start. We will ride him (Another Wil) more patiently. He's a Group 1 horse and he will prove that. He has gone forward before in lesser-class races, but he might be better suited coming from off the speed.”
Vale Dot Robinson
Muswellbrook Race Club is saddened to announce the passing of valued and well-respected employee Dorothy (Dot) Robinson. “Dot was the heart and soul of Muswellbrook Race Club over many years and took great care of the grounds and gardens which will be her long lasting legacy,” MRC's Chairman, John Sunderland, told racingnsw.com.au.
“You were never in any doubt about what Dot was thinking. She was loved and will be fondly remembered by everyone. Our thoughts are with her family.”
Racing Queensland trainers insurance payouts coming
Racing Queensland announced on Wednesday that Thoroughbred trainers in Queensland will soon receive their first payments as part of Racing Queensland’s insurance levy. Last year, RQ announced that a 1 per cent insurance levy would be placed on thoroughbred prizemoney for all TAB thoroughbred races in Queensland from January 1, 2024.
“With the first payments set to take place this week, this levy is subsidising 21 per cent of annual WorkCover premium costs for trainers and also supporting the funding of Professional Indemnity and Public Liability,” Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott told racingqueensland.com.au.
“It is also designed to encourage the uptake of WorkCover policies. With 20 per cent of the levy supporting the funding of WHS enhancements, insurance and training, we are confident this can greatly reduce the likelihood of incidents and create a safer Queensland racing industry.”
Harden double for Williams
Jockey Tony Williams showed an amazing level of perseverance as a 63-year-old to make a return to race riding and last weekend he had crowning glory when he landed a winning double including the Cup aboard Titled Tycoon (Written Tycoon) on Saturday at Harden picnics.
Tony 'Tubba' Williams
“I am extremely grateful to Rod Northam and Bill Hayes for entrusting me with the rides and feel very humbled by the many congratulatory calls and messages received since the wins,” Williams told racingnsw.com.au on Wednesday.
“I also feel very fortunate to have this happen 46 years after my last winning ride and when I am now almost 64 years of age.”
Zipaway on song for G1 Railway later this season
Last season’s good 3-year-old Zipaway (Playing God) will resume in Saturday’s Group 3 Asian Beau S. “He’s coming along well through his preparation,” jockey Steve Parnham told TABradio.
“He’s had two trials leading up to his first run on Saturday. His main piece of work was last Saturday on the grass behind Snowdome, and he did another easier gallop this morning. He’s got a lot stronger and mature than he was back in his 3-year-old campaign. I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do on the racetrack.”
Winner of three of his five starts in the spring and summer, Zipaway won the G2 WA Guineas and was third in the G1 Northerly S. He had three starts over east in the autumn.
Youngsters dominate rescheduled Sarten meeting
Racing at Te Aroha on Wednesday saw 3-year-olds win six of the ten races on the card, led by 3-year-old colt Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) in the G2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial. Wexford Stables debuted filly Hankee Alpha (NZ) (Proisir) who won easily. “We have been on a wee journey of educating her and the team has done a really good job at home of keeping her settled in,” co-trainer Andrew Scott told Loveracing.nz.
“We said to Lynsey (Satherley) today to let her get into a rhythm and get her breathing because we know she has got really quick feet. When she goes, she can really let down. She has got a good future in front of her and in any ground she quickens well. We have got high hopes for her.”
The four other 3-year-old winners were Tuxedo (NZ) (Tivaci), Honey Badger (NZ) (El Roca), Romilly (So You Think {NZ}), and Transaction (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}).
Trio of prominent Breeders’ Cup scratchings
G2 Oak Leaf Stakes winner Non Compliant (USA) (Tiz the Law {USA}) and Skidmore Stakes winner Out On Bail (USA) (Tiz the Law {USA}) were both declared out of from their respective Breeders' Cup engagements on Tuesday afternoon. Non Compliant, unbeaten in two starts and 9-2 on the morning line, was slated for the GI Juvenile Fillies, while Out On Bail, winner of two of six and never off the board, was scheduled to run in the GI Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Part owner Antley Hunt took to Facebook to announce the scratch, saying, “Well, the highs are like mountains in this game, and the lows are pretty low. We're going to scratch Non Compliant from the Juvenile Fillies. Something came up on a pet scan that wasn't right, and her safety is the most important thing! She'll get 60 days of vacay, and then we'll embark on the KY Oaks trail. Thank you to everyone for the well wishes and loving support.”
Last year's G1 Fillies Mile winner Ylang Ylang (USA) (Frankel {GB}) had been vet scratched from Saturday's GI Filly & Mare Turf. The Aidan O'Brien trainee races for Mrs. John Magnier, Michael B. Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, and Peter Brant.
Havana Grey listed as private for 2025
Havana Grey (GB), one of the most exciting young stallions in Europe, has had his fee made private as he prepares to stand his seventh season at Whitsbury Manor Stud in 2025. The sire of the dual Group 1-winning juvenile Vandeek (GB) and this year's G2 Duchess Of Cambridge S. winner Arabian Dusk (GB) will also have his book restricted.
Joe Callan, head of bloodstock and sales at Whitsbury Manor, said, “Although Havana Grey is still very much open for business for a restricted number of outside mares, we have decided to make his fee private. This is due to the importance of managing his mares to be of suitable height for him in the covering shed and for his own welfare and continued good fertility. After another fantastic year including 11 individual stakes winners and phenomenal yearling sale results, we know that demand for him will once again be high.”
Havana Grey (GB) | Standing at Whitsbury Manor Stud
Showcasing (GB) has been dropped to £35,000 (AU$69,000). The Karl Burke-trained Swingalong (Ire) has been his flagbearer on the racecourse in 2024, filling the runner-up spot in a trio of Group 1 sprints in Britain, while Showcasing is also the broodmare sire of leading 2-year-old filly Lake Victoria (Ire) (Frankel {GB}).
Sergei Prokofiev (USA) has had his fee increased to £8000 (AU$15,800) following a strong start at stud, with his first crop of 2-year-olds yielding 18 winners in Europe so far, including the G3 Marble Hill S. scorer and G1 Phoenix S. third Arizona Blaze (GB).
Gainesway announce Tapit Trice for 2025
Blue Grass S. winner Tapit Trice (USA) (Tapit {USA}) will return to his birthplace, Gainesway Farm, to enter stud upon his retirement from racing, the Central Kentucky nursery and stud farm announced Tuesday afternoon. Tapit Trice's next scheduled engagement is Saturday afternoon in the US$7 million GI Breeders' Cup Classic, where he will break from post 10. He races for the partnership of Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm, LLC and Gainesway Stable.
“Winning the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes in partnership with Gainesway has been a real highlight for our racing stable,” said Pope. “We are extremely excited about Tapit Trice's potential at stud and will be supporting him with some of our best mares.”
Irish Champion Apprentice Jockey title on the line
The title of champion apprentice is still up for grabs ahead of the final day of the Irish Flat season at the Curragh on Sunday, with Wayne Hassett and James Ryan currently sharing the lead on 31 winners apiece, just two ahead of last year's championship runner-up, Adam Caffrey, in third.
Colin Keane will be crowned champion jockey for the sixth time in his career on Sunday, while Aidan O'Brien is Ireland's champion trainer for the 27th time. The champion owner for 2024 is Mrs Sue Magnier, who narrowly gets the better of fellow Coolmore partners Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith to retain the title.
Suzanne Eade, CEO of Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), said, “The race to be crowned champion apprentice is certainly going the distance and I wish Wayne, James and Adam all the best in the coming days as we count down to Sunday's finale at the Curragh. My congratulations to our champions Colin Keane, Aidan O'Brien and Sue Magnier and I'm hoping that they enjoy great success at this weekend's Breeders' Cup in California.”
