18/11/08 World Champion Curlin off to stud
The world’s best racehorse, American superstar Curlin, has probably run his last race and will be retired to stud in 2009.

Owners of the record-breaking Dubai World Cup champion have announced the horse could possibly start once more if an appropriate race could be found, but that Curlin will definitely take up stud duties next year.

Curlin will retire as North America’s all-time leading prize money earner with more than $10.5 million in the bank. He had his most recent, and probably last run, in the Breeders Cup Classic at Santa Anita on 25 October, a race in which he ran fourth.

That was the only time in his 16-start career Curlin missed a place.

Among Curlin’s 11 career wins were this year’s Dubai World Cup by a staggering seven and three-quarter length margin. In the USA he won the 2007 Preakness Stakes, Breeders Cup Classic and the 2007 and ’08 Jockey Club Gold Cup.

A decision is still to be made as to where Curlin will stand his first season at stud.

17/11/08 Waikato (NZ) confirms trip to Gr.1 Cathay Pacific International

The Laurie Laxon-trained Waikato (NZ) (Pins) left onlookers in no doubt of his class at Kranji on Friday, streaking home in a never say die effort to claim the $125,000 Open Class Stakes (1200m).

The two-length win effort confirmed that the five-year-old son of Pins will head to Hong Kong in December to represent Singapore in the Gr.1 Cathay Pacific International Sprint

His best wins to date are counted in the Gr.3* Singapore 4YO sprint in January, and the Group 3* Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m) in September.

Waikato (NZ), who has now banked close to the S$1million dollar mark, has paid handsome dividends for Laxon, who purchased him from the Highview Stud draft at the Premier Yearling Sale in 2005 for NZ$50,000.

Bred by Amadi Park Ltd, Waikato (NZ) is by the proven Gr.1 sire Pins (AUS) and is out of the now deceased racemare, Skywalker Wilkes, the dam of six winners from seven to race.

Delving further into Waikato's pedigree, possible light is shed on his outstanding sprint ability with the presence of his grand dam Vivarchi - the 1976 winner of the Golden Slipper.

The Golden Slipper is the richest two-year-old race in the world and is run over 1200m at Rosehill in Sydney, Australia.

Thumbs Up (NZ) on Derby Trail

The former NZ-based galloper Thumbs Up (NZ) (Shinko King) has impressed locals at just his second Hong Kong start, pulling away easily to win at Class 1 level last night.

Angled into the clear by jockey Mark Du Plessis, Thumbs Up (NZ) simply swallowed up his opposition outwide, careering home to win the Panasonic Cup by 1.5 lengths.

Previously trained by Shaune Ritchie in New Zealand, Thumbs Up (NZ) is now likely to target Hong Kong’s prestigious Derby for trainer Danny Shum and owner Leung Chung Shan.

In all, the four-year-old gelding has won four of his ten starts, achieving a Gr.3 placing along the way behind (Our) Valpolicella and the AJC Derby winner Nom Du Jeu (NZ) in the Manawatu Classic (2000m) prior to his Hong Kong depart.

Bred by Miss S A Hale, N W Johnstone & R M Stent, Thumbs Up (NZ) is a son of Paxton Park’s proven Gr.1 sire Shinko King and is the second foal out of the Exploding Prospect mare, Regelle.

Since Thumbs Up, the mare has produced two unnamed colts by the Shinko King, a colt by Handsome Ransom and visited Golan last season.

Big Profit (NZ) Shows Early Value

The NZB Premier Yearling Sale graduate Big Profit (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit) rewarded the 2007 purchase conviction of the Hong Kong Jockey Club last night.

Resold to Yem Ming at the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s 2007 December Sale for HK4.3m mil, Big Profit emerged victorious over his fellow sale graduates in Sunday's Hong Kong International Sale November Challenge (1200m), winning the restricted Sha Tin feature by ¾’s of a length from Big Winner Again (NZ) (Danasinga).

With success also attained at his last start, the two-year-old has already returned HK$1,475,125 in stakes earnings.

Bred by Fairdale Stud, who stand his sire Howbaddouwantit, Big Profit (NZ) is a full brother to Howmuchyacharging – a Gr.3 winner of the 2005 Hawke’s Bay Highview Stakes (1200m)

11/11/08 1,200 racehorses down with fever in India

Nearly 1,200 horses at the Pune Racecourse are ailing and need a month’s rest to recover from suspected equine influenza, or horse flu. Virologists at the Animal Husbandry department have collected 155 samples from 15 stud farms and will send these to the National Centre for Equine Research in Haryana on Tuesday for confirmation of the equine influenza virus. Pune last faced an outbreak of the disease in 1987.

The horses have been ill for more than a week, said Dr Ravi Reddy, secretary of the Indian Association of Equine Practitioners and a senior veterinary surgeon at Nanoli stud farm. The horses have high fever and are suffering from nasal discharge; some of them even have lung abscess, he said. Currently being treated at the stables at the Pune racecourse, some of the thoroughbreds have not responded to the first line of treatment and are on antibiotics for second bacterial infection, Reddy said.

The present outbreak has had the horses suffering from respiratory tract infection symptoms like fever and wheezing. The horses are kept at the stables of the Pune Racecourse and the handlers are also being given tips on maintaining hygiene. “We are restricting the movement of these persons from one farm to another,” said Reddy.

Virologists with the Disease Investigation Section (DIS) of the state animal husbandry department pointed said such outbreaks also happened in Kashmir, Meerut and Rajasthan in June; last year the virus had even infected horses in Australia and Japan.

“We have surveyed 4,722 horses from 15 stud farms in Pune and surrounding areas. A total of 216 horses are ill and we have collected 155 samples out of which 27 are nasal swabs, 65 serum samples from healthy horses, 42 serum samples of horses who have recovered, 15 samples of presently ailing horses and six random samples,” said P T Ganvir, joint commissioner of animal husbandry, DIS.

The Haryana research centre will isolate the virus from the samples, following which it will confirm whether it is equine influenza or not.

Virologists at National Institute of Virology in Pune said equine influenza occurs globally. The impact of an outbreak among horses can be devastating, with the ramifications most telling on the racing fraternity. The influenza has a high rate of transmission among horses and a short incubation time of one to five days. Affected horses, however, recover in three weeks.

10/11/08 Chevron finally lands Group 1 win

CHEVRON finally claimed a Group 1 success when he easily captured the S$500,000 Raffles Cup over 1800m at Kranji here today.

Winner of the Group 3 Derby Trial last year, the Irish gelding came up short in the Singapore Derby. After a six-month let-up, CHEVRON (Medicean - Lishaway by Polish Precedent) picked up three wins this season, including the Group 3 Committee's Prize two months back when he defeated THE HORNET.

Last time out, CHEVRON raced too fiercely for his own good when he went down to TOP SPIN in the Group 1 Kranji Mile.

The tables were turned today when CHEVRON, ridden by Saimee Jumaat, settled nicely just off the pace early and swept to the front at the home turn to defeat THE HORNET with hot favourite TOP SPIN trailing them third.

10/11/08 Richest Gift reaps rewards at Kranji

It is not often for a Malaysian trained horse to move south to seek greener pastures unless the owner is confident that he will make the grade at Kranji.

For the original owners of RICHEST GIFT, their judgement has been proven right for the third time at Kranji today when the gelding scored a stylish win in the Benchmark 97 - 1200m sprint.

Ridden by replacement jockey Benny Woodworth, RICHEST GIFT (Magic Of Money - Comely Show by Land Speed Record) easily held off BEAU BRUMMELL for his third win in seven starts at Kranji.

RICH GIFT had started his career under Malcolm Thwaites, winning his debut in Maiden company and had another start for a fourth before he was sent to Singapore.

Meanwhile, KEEP AWAY (Air Jihad - Laurel Alice by Biwa Hayahide) is shaping up to be the best Japanese bred yet to be trained and race in Singapore.

The three-year-old chalked up his fifth win in 11 starts when he outclassed his rivals in the Kranji Stakes C - 1800m event. And trainer Hideyuki Takaoka immediately identify the Singapore Derby was the race he would like to win with his charge.

7/11/08 Stedman ready for Gr.1 Raffles Cup

Three NZ-bred gallopers will be out to stake their claim on the Gr.1* Raffles Cup (1800m) at Kranji on Sunday.
Third in the Singapore Derby in July, the Michael Freedman-trained Stedman (NZ) (Second Empire x Surfside Lady by Pago Pago) is rated as one of the more favoured runners to take out the Kranji feature.
In six Singapore outings to date (three at black-type level), the former Melbourne galloper has notched up a win and three placings.
Stedman (NZ) is on track to cement his place in the Gr.1 Singapore Gold Cup to be run over 2200m on November 30.
Stedman (NZ) was third in the Singapore Derby
The Brain Dean-trained Itmaybeyou (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit x Julie's Sailboat by Naevus), who finished third in last year’s event, is the second of the NZ-breds to head postward on Sunday.
The Fairdale Stud-bred six-year-old has been a model of consistency on the Singapore racing circuit and counts seven wins and 13 placings among his 28 career starts.
Itmaybeyou (NZ) represented Singapore in the International Gr.1 SIA Cup (2000m) earlier this year, finishing unplaced behind Dubai racing sensation Jay Peg.
Big Valour (NZ) (Faltaat x Lucky Partner by Take Your Partner), who was successful over 1800m at this last start, is facing his first test at stakes level.
Previously trained in New Zealand by Karl Allpress, Big Valour (NZ) has recorded five wins and five placings since his Singapore export in 2007.
*Singapore rated

3/11/08 NZB RTR Graduates Shine in Hong Kong
New Zealand Bloodstock graduates captured six of the 10 races at Sha Tin last night with the Ready to Run Sale providing three of these plus the winner of the only stakes race in New Zealand over the weekend.

With the upcoming Ready to Run Sale set for 18 & 19 November at Karaka, the Sale's graduates started their winning streak with Galaxy Dancer (Danasinga - Our Charmer by Jetball) taking out The Horseshoe Grill Handicap (Class 5, 1800m). Leading throughout, the Francis Lui-trained five-year-old kicked on the home turn to beat his nearest rival by a neck. Galaxy Dancer was bred by Marie and Richard Rutherford and sold by Lyndhurst Farm at the 2005 Ready to Run Sale, where he was purchased by Mr M Chang for NZ$80,000.

Fly Me To The Moon (Fly To The Stars - Village Dancer by Mistral Dancer) won the next race on the card for trainer John Size and jockey Douglas Whyte. He began superbly in the Fortune Room Handicap (Class 4, 1400m) to make the lead, set the tempo and looked to be cruising on the home turn. When Whyte asked for the effort, the bay gelding accelerated, putting a few lengths on the field to then hold on for a comfortable three-quarter length victory. Fly Me To The Moon was bred by Ray Knight and sold by Triassic Park at the 2004 Ready to Run Sale where he was purchased for NZ$70,000 by New Zealand Bloodstock as agent.

Capturing the third race, the Gallop Handicap (Class 4, 1800m), for the RTR graduates was Supreme Dragon (Quest For Fame - Beyond Me (Bakharoff) in the hands of Eric Saint-Martin. Beginning awkwardly from his 10 barrier Supreme Dragon was left three wide for most of the race. Approaching the home turn, the brown gelding looked as though he had his work cut out for him as Saint-Martin searched for gaps in the middle of the track, but once he had navigated through he got up in the last strides to win by a half-head. Trained by Me YS Tsui, he was a NZ$70,000 purchase, again by Mr M Chang, this time from the Twin Pines draft.

The following Karaka graduates won a further three races on Hong Kong's Sunday program:

Name Race Sale

Supreme Commander
No Excuse Needed - Beyond the Sunset
Moon Koon H'cap 1400m Class 5
2006 Premier Yearling Sale
V: Pencarrow Stud,
P: $500,000, Gary Hennessy

Kildare
O'Reilly - Jackie 'O
Beijing Clubhouse H'cap 1000m Class 3
2006 Select Yearling Sale
V: Waikato Stud
P/I $37,500

Luminous
Spinning World - Gold Cloud
Centurion Rest. And Bar H'Cap 1600m Class 3
2003 Premier Yearling Sale
V: Windsor Park Stud
P: $110,000, Aquanita Racing

Further emphasizing the merits of the Ready to Run Sale earlier in the weekend at Awapuni was Jonbalena (Lord Ballina - Desdemona by Truly Vain) who won the Listed First Sovereign Trust Fielding Gold Cup (2100m).

The Lisa Latta-trained five-year-old came from last to win by almost two lengths with The Veep (Deputy Governor) and Butch James (Volksraad) filling the minor placings.

Jonbalena was bred by EN Johanson and HR Jones and now boasts NZ$140,875 in prizemoney. He was purchased by owners Ray and Judy Stevens for NZ$60,000 from Mission Lodge at the 2005 Ready to Run Sale and adds to the Sale's great success which has seen six individual Group 1 winners emerge over the past two seasons. Mission Lodge will again produce a quality draft of six two-year-olds for this year's Sale.

29/10/08 Green Birdie (NZ) Flies Home for Slashing HK.3 Premier Bowl Win
The Whakanui Stud bred gelding Green Birdie (NZ) (Catbird x Mrs. Squillionaire by Last Tycoon) flew home for a slashing win in the HK.3 Premier Bowl (1200m) at Hong Kong on Sunday.

Resuming from a spell, Green Birdie (NZ) displayed the same brilliance that saw him take out the HK.2 Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby Trial (4YO, 1800m) in February, charging through the centre on this occasion to take the HK.3 feature by 1 ¼ lengths.

Green Birdie (NZ)
The talented New Zealand bred galloper arrived in Hong Kong two seasons ago with a big reputation, largely based on his outstanding second to Australia's champion sprinter, Miss Andretti in the Gr.2 Schillaci Stakes over 1000m at Caulfield.
Green Birdie (NZ) now boasts five wins and five placings from 20 career starts, with the Caspar Fownes trained galloper most likely to target the Gr.1 Hong Kong Mile from here.
Green Birdie (NZ) is out of Mrs Squillionaire, who was successful herself at 1400m.
The Last Tycoon mare is a sister to the Group winning racemare Palia (dam of fellow Catbird galloper, Dr Green) and to Lady Capel, dam of Casino Prince.

27/10/08 Viva Pronto does it again in Macau

Viva Pronto, the new Macau race sensation who could be that country's first runner at the Magic Millions Raceday at the Gold Coast in January, extended his unbeaten run with a thumping of his rivals there on Saturday.

Prepared by master horseman Gary Moore, Viva Pronto streaked clear of his rivals for an effortless victory - much like his recent racecourse debut - to win by over two lengths.

The win was timely considering Viva Pronto was the fastest breeze-upper from last year's Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale - where he was purchased by connections from that sale for $140,000.

This year's National Horses in Training Sale officially kicks away tomorrow (Tuesday) with the first of two days of breeze ups to be held at the Gold Coast Turf Club.

Viva Pronto, a son of Catcher in the Rye, is raced by Macau Jockey Club chairman Dr Stanley Ho. The gelding is quickly establishing himself as one of the new young stars on the Macau circuit.

Jockey Manuel Nunes was able to get Viva Pronto out of the barriers quickly and he held a forward position during the early and middle stages of the race.

When Nunes asked for more, the gelding responded brilliantly. He drew clear over the concluding stages

Viva Pronto's trainer Gary Moore has arrived on the Gold Coast and he will be busy watching hundreds of prospective gallopers go through their paces from tomorrow.

While on the Gold Coast Moore will be looking at the possibilities of getting Viva Pronto back to Australia with a view of contesting January's $1 million Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 3YO Trophy

23/10/08 Breeders Cup: Countdown to California
The travelling carnival that is the Breeders Cup, held on the US West Coast this weekend, promises to bring together the biggest international lineup in its 25-year history.
Heading the bill at Santa Anita is American super-horse Curlin but the Breeders Cup format, which provides races for all types of gallopers over distances from 1200m to 2400m,
ensures no single champion can scare off the opposition. If the connections of US, English, Irish, Japanese, Canadian, South African or South American gallopers contesting the world’s two biggest days in sport don’t fancy taking on the great Curlin in the US$5 million Breeders
Cup Classic, there are another 13 races to contest worth between US$500,000 and US$3m.
Many of the world’s best horses, trainers and jockeys have already converged on the Los Angeles, California racetrack for the US$25.5 million racing spectacular. Among them, there’s Duke of Marmalade, Soldier of Fortune and Henrythenavigator from the Aidan O’Brien yard in Ireland, South African Mike De Kock’s quality stayer Eagle Mountain, French star Goldikova, Japanese sensation Casino Drive and outstanding Americans Grand
Couturier, Go Between and Zenyatta.
While the meeting has been divided into two days, with two Group 1 races on Friday, the main attraction is Saturday’s (Sunday morning, October 26, Australian time) program of six Group 1 races.
The Breeders Cup Classic, run on dirt over 2000m, is supported by a remarkable program of dirt and turf racing. While all are major features, the US$2m double of the Sprint and Mile and the US$3m Breeders Cup Turf over 2400m are expected to attract the most international interest leading into the Classic.
Tabcorp and Sky Channel will cover all nine races on the second day of the Breeders Cup carnival. The LA time difference gives Australian punters their best chance ever to watch all the action and have a wager on the big races. The first will be run at 4.10am AEDT, with the Breeders Cup Sprint, Turf and Classic providing the perfect breakfast viewing at between 8.15am and 9.45am.

21/10/08 Carinya treble and Cheyenne Dancer highlight Singapore Weekend

The Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale and in particular the draft from Western Australia's Carinya Park received a tremendous boost on the eve of this year's sale with a remarkable treble in Singapore on Friday night.

Handsome Jazz, Howgoodisthat and Kid Marco, all Horses in Training graduates from Carinya Park, were winners on the same card at Kranji on Friday night.

And remarkably in one race Carinya graduates filled all three placings!

A son of Show a Heart, Handsome Jazz led the way with a brilliant win in the S$75,000 Kranji C Stakes (1100m).

A runner-up in the Magic Millions Juvenile Championship in his initial racing campaign, Handsome Jazz streaked clear of his rivals in the straight to win by over two lengths in quick time.

Howgoodisthat, a son of Sebring's sire More Than Ready, made a sparkling start to his career with a long priced win in the two and three-year-old maiden over 1000 metres.

Trainer Brian Dean has a big opinion of Howgoodisthat and the handsome gelding is being aimed in the immediate future at the Orchid Trophy.

The third of the Carinya winners on the Kranji card was the talented Keltrice gelding Marco Kid.

Sent out the favourite, Marco Kid cruised home to win by two lengths - helping make up for his unlucky last start when he was second.

The bright prospect has raced on three occasions and is yet to miss a place. His winning run looks set to continue.

At the upcoming horses in training sale at the Gold Coast, Carinya Park will present a quality draft with represented sires including Fastnet Rock, French Deputy, El Moxie, Tiger Hill and Lonhro.

There was yet another Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale graduate winning in Singapore on Friday night.

On that occasion it was the Encosta de Lago gelding New Leader who was an eye catching winner of the Class 5 Handicap over 1700 metres.

Meanwhile, on Sunday at Kranji the Magic Millions graduate Cheyenne Dancer (Indian Danehill) scored a historic win in the S$125,000 Panasonic Astrovision Stakes (1200m).

In beating the best sprinters that Singapore could gather, Cheyenne Dancer went close to breaking Takeover Target's course record despite the race being run on a weather affected track.

Those left in Cheyenne Dancer's shadows included the likes of Waikato, World Airlines and Why Be.

The Malaysian based gelding, originally purchased as a weanling by Michael Flannery from the Lakewood Stud Dispersal Sale and then re-sold at the Perth Yearling Sale, is turning out a marvellous money spinner for connections.

Trainer, former Perth based horseman Frank Maynard (Jnr) suggested the EW Barker Trophy could be a future target for the Malaysian performer in Singapore.

The latest win from Cheyenne Dancer is great news for his dam Daylight Hour who this week will be served by Redoute's Choice stallion Passenger after recently producing a lovely filly by Magic of Sydney.

17/10/08 Perak Derby Hero to Take on Singapore’s Best in Sg.1 Kranji Mile

The 2008 Perak Derby hero Kiko’s Return (NZ) (Minardi) will match motors against some of Singapore’s best this Sunday with the running of the Sg.1 Kranji Mile (1600m) at Kranji.

The Singapore Gr.1 feature is open to horses based in Selangor and Penang, with Kiko’s Return (NZ) naturally featuring foremost amongst these having netted seven wins and one placing from his last eight starts.

The 2007 Sg.3 Singapore Three Rings Trophy (1400m) winner World Delight (NZ) (Mellifont) will count among Kiko’s Return (NZ) 13 strong list of opposition. However, improvement will be needed on his recent starts for the proven seven time winner, if he is to be seen as a real threat here.

The former Australian based NZ bred galloper Stedman (NZ) (Second Empire), also brings ups New Zealand’s chances into the race. Successful at class three level upon arrival, Stedman (NZ) has only once placed outside of the money in his five Singapore starts to date

15/10/08 Big Brown retired

Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown has also been retired after a chunk of a foot was missing after a gallop in preparation for a Breeders Cup Classic start against superstar Curlin. Undefeated Arc de Triomphe winner Zakarva will also be retired to stud - the three-year-old filly will be mated with stallion Dalakhani.

14/10/08 Beadman injured in Hong Kong

Champion jockey Darren Beadman cracked a vertebrae when he was hurled from a thoroughbred in Hong Kong on Sunday. "I'm walking around but it is painful, a bit tender," Beadman said from Honkers yesterday. "It was even more tender when they stuck the finger up my bum to see if it was all right. What made it worse, word must have got around because two other doctors came in and wanted a feel as well."
Beadman was legged aboard a giant first-starter and had no hope of staying on.

"He half humped up, took about five strides and got straight into it. He bucked like a beauty. It pelted me like a rag doll. I landed up on that astroturf on my tail bone."

Beadman is unsure how long he'll be out of the saddle and had been sounded out about returning home to ride his AJC Australian Derby winner Fiumicino in Saturday's Caulfield Cup.

12/10/08 Viva Pronto impressive in Macau

Top trainer Gary Moore is looking at the possibility of running Viva Pronto in January's $1 million Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 3YO Trophy after a stunning debut win in Macau yesterday.

The fastest "breeze-upper" at last year's Magic Millions Horses in Training Sale at the Gold Coast, Viva Pronto thumped a field of promising performers to win the M$210,000 Magic Millions Plate (1000m).

Purchased by John Hutchinson's Scone Bloodstock Services for $140,000, Viva Pronto is a son of Catcher in the Rye.

Viva Pronto is raced by Macau Jockey Club chief and billionaire businessman Stanley Ho.

"It was a brilliant win," Magic Millions managing director David Chester said from Macau. "The horse won by almost three lengths and did it very easily."

"Gary Moore is now low looking at the quarantine possibilities - he has a huge opinion of Viva Pronto and would love to give him a chance of running in the million dollar 3YO Trophy at the Gold Coast in January."

The win was a timely reminder to prospective buyers about the quality lots of offer at the upcoming Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale at the Gold Coast.

"A group of us are currently in Macau to promote the sale and the outstanding catalogue and the win of Viva Pronto couldn't have come at a better time," Chester said.

"This horse, who had been originally purchased for $20,000 from one of our yearling sales, breezed up brilliantly and was subsequently purchased for $140,000."

"He (Viva Pronto) was the talk of the track after the race," Chester summed up.

Meanwhile, wrapping up a big day for Magic Millions graduates, the feature event - the Group Three M$650,000 Magic Millions Macau Futurity Trophy (1200m) - was won by Tasmanian Yearling Sale graduate Club House.

A member of the Allendorf stable and ridden by Brent Stanley, Club House got home in a driving finish to beat Showman (Show a Heart) and Si Foo (Fusaichi Pegasus).

The winner, a gelded son of Genuine, was purchased by David Chapman for just $51,000 from the Launceston based auction.

Club House had already proven himself a star prior to yesterday's race by winning the Macau Guineas as well as being the runner-up in the Macau Derby.

8/10/08 Triple magic in Manila

Last weekend racing in Manila came alive with the staging of three feature events for Magic Millions graduates.

Magic Millions managing director David Chester was on hand to witness the action and congratulate the winning connections.

Giant's Causeway youngster Lim Expensive Toy led the way with a popular win in the Magic Millions Sales 3YO Colts Cup.

Owner Roland Lim was delighted with the performance of the colt who was ridden to a ten length plus victory by John Alvin Guce.

Lim Expensive Toy, from the stakes winning Nediym mare Prophet's Kiss, was purchased by Lim for just $30,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

Next up was the Magic Millions Sales 3YO Fillies Cup and it was Hermie Esguarra's Blind Date who was a classy winner.

A daughter of Dexter, Blind Date was purchased by Manuel Viray from the draft of Emirates Park at the 2006 Magic Millions National Weanling Sale.

The third and final MM race on offer - the Magic Millions Sales 4YO & Older Horses Cup - was won in great stylie by Midnight King.

By King Cugat and from the winning Octagonal mare Midnight Nova, Midnight King is raced by Pierre Niles III and was ridden to victory by Val Dilema.

Midnight King is turning out a great money spinner after his purchase from the 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale for a mere $3,000.

Chester said Philippines owners and trainers are enjoying the success they are having with their Australian bred gallopers.

"We have a large contingent from the Philippines come to a number of our sales during the year and we're delighted to run these three races in Manila."

7/10/08 Magic Japanese win for Setono Antaeus

Setono Antaeus, an Australian bred son of leading international shuttle sire Rock of Gibraltar, was a brilliant winner at Nakayama on Saturday.

Sent out the favourite after his previous run when second at Hanshin, Setono Antaeus went head to head with fellow Aussie bred Botanical Art before holding out a field that included older horses to win by a half length in the 1200 metre contest.

The three-year-old colt is fast becoming one of the more promising young performers in Japan and he has missed a cheque just once in his nine career starts to date.

Setono Antaeus has already earned his owner Sumiko Namba over ¥25.5 million (A$350,000) - an impressive figure considering he cost just A$120,000 at the 2007 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast.

The connections were quickly impressed with the colt and after two seconds from two runs in Japan they snapped up his Fusaichi Pegasus half brother at the Gold Coast for $115,000.

The latest win from Setono Antaeus is a boost to his half sister by Princess Coup's sire Encosta de Lago set to go under the hammer at next January's Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Their dam, the Lomar Park Stud based Splendent mare Miss Chanel, is becoming a star producer.

Her five winners, from five runners, includes the Group Two Tristarc Stakes and listed Redelva Classic winner Miss Fantabulous.

Miss Chanel is a half sister to three group winners including the Goodwood Handicap and Doomben 10,000 winner Super Elegant - a winner of over $2 million.

Meanwhile, the quality draft Fred Peisah is preparing for the Magic Millions Yearling Sale includes a half sister to the promising youngster Suzy Rocks.

A three quarter sister to Coolmore Classic winner Regal Cheer, Suzy Rocks cruised to an almost three length win in a two-year-old trial at Rosehill on Friday.

She is the latest progeny from the Magic Night Stakes winning Archregent mare Regal Chamber to hit the track.

Her latest yearling, a filly by Encosta de Lago, will attract plenty of attention at January's pin-up yearling sale.

7/10/08 Powell and Stewart notch centuries

John Powell and Ronnie Stewart notched up a century of winners in Singapore when they scored on RICOCO and NATTIER respectively at Kranji today.

In the process, they helped Patrick Shaw record a hat-trick with the trainer saddling BIG VALOUR in between their milestone victories.

RICOCO (Put It Back - Giggi Fazi by Bright Again), whose only previous win was on the now-defunct fibresand track, scored a narrow win on the newly-laid polytrack.

Earlier in the afternoon, Powell scored on RIBEIRO (French Deputy - Ribe by Danehill).

NATTIER (Lode - Native Star by Rule Britannia), who found one to beat in his last two starts, also found the mark on the polytrack for his maiden win in Singapore.

BIG VALOUR (Faltaat - Lucky Partner by Take Your Partner) provided leading jockey Saimee Jumaat with his third winner of the afternoon

6/10/08 Enthused (NZ) Seals Top Sprint Ranking in Hong Kong

The John Size-trained Enthused (NZ) (Centaine) sealed his ranking as one of the best sprinters on the Hong Kong racing circuit with a brilliant win in the Gr.3* Sha Tin Sprint Trophy (1000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday.
"He's performing here and now and with that win, he's probably the best around” reported Size to the SCMP.

The super consistent Centaine gelding Enthused (NZ)

While his trainer is delighted to find himself in this position, it hasn't come as a complete surprise, either.
"He finished last season on a high and went for his summer spell off a very good win carrying plenty of weight," Size said.
Of his seventeen career outings to date, Enthused (NZ) has won on six occasions and has remarkably figured in the top three in all bar one start.
Bred by G J & Mrs H A McCarthy, Enthused (NZ) is out of Free As a Bird (Jugah), a sister to the Gr.1 Doncaster Hcp winner, Soho Square (Jugah).
Enthused (NZ) will now be set for the Gr.2* Hong Kong International Sprint in December, with two more starts - the Premier Bowl on October 26 and the International Sprint Trial on November 23 on his immediate agenda.
* Hong Kong domestic rated

3/10/08 Arc highlights Sky’s big international weekend

Sky Racing takes international racing coverage to another level this weekend.
Thoroughbred racing fans are in for a feast of Group 1 international racing,
complementing the local Group 1 meetings from Royal Randwick and Flemington.
Sky Racing and the NSW and Victorian TABs will this weekend cover Group 1 racing from France, Japan, New Zealand and England, as well as racing from Hong Kong, Singapore, South Africa and Ireland.
The blockbuster of the Group 1 feast is the world-famous Prix del’Arc de Triomphe two-day meeting from Longchamp, France, with the feature race on Sunday. It is the first time Sky Channel is broadcasting both days. Sky will have a presence on course, bringing viewers previews of the races direct from Longchamp.
SNAPSHOT OF SKY RACING’S BIG INTERNATIONAL WEEKEND
Saturday October 4
• First day of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe meeting live from Longchamp,
France, featuring two Group 1 events and two Group 2 events from 10.50pm EST
• New Zealand racing, featuring the Group 1 $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes from Hastings at 12.32 EST
• Final day of the Newmarket Festival, featuring the Group 1 Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, as well as the Redcar meeting from England
• Regular coverage of South African racing (Clairwood meeting)
• Betting coverage on Singapore (selected events broadcast on Sky)
Sunday October 5
• Second day of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe meeting live from Longchamp, France, featuring the Arc itself and four other Group 1 events from 10.45pm EST
• The Group 1 Sprinters Stakes – the 6th leg of the Global Sprint Challenge - from Nakayama, Japan
• Regular racing from Hong Kong (Sha Tin), with the first race at 4pm EST
• Additional meetings from Ireland (Tipperary) and South Africa (Turffontein)
• Betting coverage on Singapore

29/9/08 Laxon Extends Lead in Singapore Premiership

Expatriate New Zealand trainer Laurie Laxon has extended his lead of the Singapore trainers' premiership.

With a win by the New Zealand-bred gelding Big Honour (NZ) on Friday at Kranji, Laxon took his season tally to 60.

Laxon now sits eight wins clear of rival trainer John Meagher.

In 2007 Laxon achieved a career-high milestone by training a record breaking 104 winners in a season, effectively claiming his fourth consecutive Singapore Trainers' premiership.

29/9/08 Black Mamba Maintains Exceptional Race Record
The ultra consistent racemare Black Mamba (NZ) maintained her exceptional 'in the money’ race record on Saturday, racing home late to grab third in the Grade One Yellow Ribbon Stakes (2000m) at the Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita.

Despite competing at the highest level in America, Black Mamba (NZ) has not once failed to deliver a cheque for Double Down Stables’ John Templer, with earnings of approximately NZ$925,700 achieved so far.

Black Mamba (NZ)
Since her debut win over 1600m at Del Mar, all ten of Black Mamba’s subsequent starts have been at black-type level, with Grade one and two success coming at her previous two starts in the John C Mabee Hcp (1800m) and the Beverley Hills Hcp (2000m).

On Saturday the tough Black Minnaloushe mare once again earned the admiration of trainer, John Sadler, rallying strongly from ninth to finish third to the champion US mare Wait a While.

“I’m very pleased with her race,” Sadler told the Thoroughbred Times.com

“A good one for her. We had troubles. [Jockey Garrett Gomez] didn’t get to run with her the way he wanted, but that’s the way it came up. If she gets to run clean, I’ve no doubt she would have been second.”

Bred by Sam Kelt and Sue Foote of Keltern Stud, Black Mamba was initially sold to NZ trainer Murray Baker at the Karaka Premier Yearling Sale for NZ$120,000.

With a view to breeding, Black Mamba (NZ) is out of Sneetch, a Grosvenor mare who was distinguished as the joint third top filly on the 1994-95 NZ 3YO Free Hcp.

In the wake of a racing career which netted a Gr.1 placing in the NZ Oaks and a Gr.3 win in the ARC Ladies Mile, Sneetch (NZ) has produced eight named foals for seven winners.

Outside of Black Mamba, leading performers have included the smart 6 time winner in Hong Kong, Lazy Buddies and Gussy Godiva, the dam of the Gr.2 winner Rios (Hussonet).

On the paternal side of Black Mamba’s make up sits the former Windsor Park shuttle sire Black Minnaloushe (USA) (Storm Cat).

Outside of Black Mamba, Black Minnaloushe has been strongly represented in New Zealand courtesy of the now deceased dual Gr.1 winner Jokers Wild (NZ).

The final New Zealand yearling crop by Black Minnaloushe will be offered at New Zealand Bloodstock's 2009 National Yearling Sales Series (26 January - 3 February).

29/9/08 Dream night for Saimee Jumaat
SINGAPORE, 26 September 2008

Saimee Jumaat consolidated his position at the top of the jockey's stable with four winners at Kranji tonight, taking home two trophies in the process.

After scoring on FAST AS LIGHTING (Partners Choice - Cachet Amour by Family Ties) and EASY (Desert Prince - Sky Watch by Star Watch), Saimee captured the S$75,000 Royal Bangkok Sports Club Trophy (Kranji Stakes C) over 1800m on BIG HONOUR (Shinko King - Lost Chord by Mussorgsky) who has returned to form after being sidelined for 12 months till July this year.

Saimee then wound up the evening with an easy win on DREAM LAD (Bernstein - Dream Sas by Southern Halo) who broke through for his maiden win in Singapore in four starts in the S$75,000 Royal Turf Club Of Thailand Trophy (Class 3 - 1200m). The Argentinean bred comes to Singapore with a record of three wins in five starts in Argentina.

26/9/08 Stars to shine in Ascot Festival

Group 1 racing returns to England this weekend as some of the world's best gallopers do battle during the prestigious Ascot Festival.

Feature of the Festival is the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, a 1600m race that brings together French sensation Tamayuz and four-time Group 1 winning miler Henrythenavigator as well as the ultra-consistent Raven's Pass. It will be the first time for most Australians to get a look at Tamayuz, the Nayev colt that's won five of his six career starts including his last three at Deauville, Chantilly and Longchamp.

Winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes automatically qualifies for the Breeders Cup Mile, this year to be run at California's Santa Anita racecourse in October. The £250,000 QEII is renowned as one for the champions, as evidenced with wins in the past five years alone to outstanding miler Ramonti, the ill-fated George Washington, Australian champion Starcraft and the great Falbrav.

The Group 1 Fillies' Mile is also set to attract a wonderful field of two-year-old fillies being tested over the 1600m, although all indications are that potential superstar Rainbow View is likely to start a prohibitive favourite. Her main rivals appear to be Fantasia and Golden Stream. Also part of the Breeders Cup Challenge Series, the Mile winner gains automatically entry to the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, a million dollar (US) race over 1600m.

The Saturday program also features the running of the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes, the Challenge Cup and the Gordon Carter Cup over 3200m.

The Ascot Festival starts Friday with an even program of races highlighted by the running of the £250,000 Watership Down Stud Sales Race over 1300m and the Listed Princess Royal EBF Stakes over 2400m.

Tabcorp and Sky Channel will cover the first five races from Ascot on Friday night as well as the full card of seven races on Saturday.

22/9/08 Egyptian Ra Returns to Winners Fold

Last season's HK.3 Premier Cup winner Egyptian Ra (NZ) (Woodborough) returned to the winners fold in Hong Kong on Sunday.

At what was his first start for new trainer Tony Cruz, Egyptian Ra's (NZ) notoriously wayward manners were kept to a minimum by Felix Coetzee, who had the seven-year-old gelding nestled in on the rails in fourth before drawing out to take the Class 1 Skol Cup (1400m) by 1.5 lengths.
Bred by C A Ball & M L Barratt, Egyptian Ra (NZ) has now recorded five wins and 17 placings in his career, but is best remembered in New Zealand for his 2004 second placing to Iflooxcouldkill (NZ) (Daggers Drawn) in the Gr.1 Ellerslie Sires Produce Stakes (1200).

By the former Windsor Park sire Woodborough (USA), Egyptian Ra (NZ) is out of the six time winner Egyptian Queen (NZ) (Karioi Lad), a mare that has produced four winners from five to race, including the 2003 Gr.1 Railway Handicap (1200m) winner Egyptian Rain (NZ) (Desert Sun).

22/9/08 Chevron on course for Singapore Gold Cup

CHEVRON is on course for a crack at the Singapore Gold Cup after capturing his second Group race in the Group 3 Committee's Prize over 1600m at Kranji today.

CHEVRON (Medicean - Lishaway by Polish Precedent) set a brisk pace but compounded in the straight in the Singapore Airlines International Cup last May.

After a short let-up, he finished second over 1200m last time out and found the longer trip today much more to his liking, leading all the way to beat the favourite THE HORNET.

CHEVRON's seven previous wins included the Group 2 Singapore Derby Trial last year.

CHEVRON was the third leg of a splendid treble for jockey Saimee Jumaat and the third of four winners for trainer Charles Leck this afternoon.

19/9/08 HK dominators

Australian jockeys Darren Beadman and Brett Prebble have started the Hong Kong season in dominant style and sit on top of the premiership alongside South African Douglas Whyte with three wins apiece.

Beadman rode a double at Monday's season-opening Sha Tin meeting and then won the last at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

Prebble landed the first three winners at Happy Valley.

Australian trainer John Moore is the early leader in the trainers' premiership.

Hong Kong-based rider Mark Du Plessis will be in action at Caulfield on Saturday after being granted permission to ride J'adane in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes for trainer Russell Cameron. Du Plessis will be back in Hong Kong to ride at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Meanwhile, TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said the company would not be able to continue offering the jockeys' challenge bet type and Fixed Odds betting on feature Hong Kong meetings as "no approval has been given from the Hong Kong Jockey Club".

Tote betting with the NSW TAB, Supertab and Unitab will continue to be available to Australian punters on Hong Kong racing.

16/9/08 Professional Man unbeaten in four starts
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 September 2008

PROFESSIONAL MAN continued his relentless march to the top with a hard-fought but well deserved victory in the RM80,000 Selangor Trophy (Classes 2 & 3 - 160m) at Sungei Besi here today.

A runaway winner in the wet last time, PROFESSIONAL MAN (Royal Academy - Mi Signora by Mi Preferido) faced a stiffer test this time around but still proved a shade too good for three last-start winners to remain unbeaten in four starts.

Also keeping a clean slate were BRIGHT PRINCE and INSTANT RESULT.

BRIGHT PRINCE (Van Nistelrooy - Quiet Queen by King Hadrian) defied a promotion to make it a winning hat-trick in Race 2.

INSTANT RESULT (Theatre - Kim Grey by Kim Elly), winner of one race in nine starts in Australia, is now unbeaten in four starts in Malaysia after another easy victory in Race 3.

9/9/08 Ford makes winning start to Singapore stint


Jay Ford is off to a flyer with ACE AMADEUS - SNTC photo

Jay Ford, who partnered TAKEOVER TARGET to victory in the Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup last May, has made a winning start to his five-month Singapore stint.

Ford was down to ride ACE AMBASSADOR in the Class 4 - 1600m handicap but when the horse was scratched on course, he picked up the ride on emergency runner ACE AMADEUS (Danske - Du Marquis by Gaius). And the pair all the running and held on to win by a short head.

9/9/08 Waikato Wins Gr.3* with Never Say Die Effort

The talented Pins sprinter Waikato (NZ) left onlookers in no doubt of his class at Kranji on Friday, streaking home in a never say die effort to claim the $200,000 Group 3* Jumbo Jet Trophy (1400m) by half-a-length.

Plagued by a series of crowding incidents around the 800m mark, Waikato (NZ) was forced to pick himself up off the canvas before rounding the bend, but still found plenty for rider Saimee Jumaat, who successfully guided him home for the shadows post win over Fantastic Owners (AUS).


Waikato (NZ)

The effort, combined with the fact that the five-year-old gelding was having his first start in seven weeks and his first attempt beyond 1200m, assured the highest of praise from his pilot.

"He's a superstar with a great will to win", said Saimee.

"I don't like comparing horses with each other, but he would have to be right up there with the best horses I've ridden.

"They say good horses know where the line is and riding this horse I would say that is true."

Trained by Laurie Laxon, Waikato (NZ) has achieved 11 wins from 18 starts, with the best of these coming in the Gr.3* Singapore 4YO sprint in January and with Friday's win.

Netting Sg$786,015 (NZ$808,089) for these exploits, Waikato (NZ) has paid handsome dividends for Laxon, who purchased him from the Highview Stud draft at the Premier Yearling Sale in 2005 for NZ$50,000.

Bred by Amadi Park Ltd, Waikato (NZ) is by the proven Gr.1 sire Pins (AUS) and is out of the now deceased racemare, Skywalker Wilkes, the dam of six winners from seven to race.

Delving further into Waikato's pedigree, possible light is shed on his outstanding sprint ability with the presence of his grand dam Vivarchi - the 1976 winner of the Golden Slipper.

The Golden Slipper is the richest two-year-old race in the world and is run over 1200m at Rosehill in Sydney, Australia.

* Singapore domestic rated

5/9/08 Kiko's Return (NZ) Heads Kiwi Quartet in Penang Gr.1 Feature

Malaysian racing sensation Kiko's Return (NZ) (Minardi) will shoot for his eighth raceday success on Sunday when he heads postward in the RM$1,000,000 Gr.1* Sprint Trophy (1400m) at Penang.

The five-year-old son of Minardi heads a four-strong NZ-bred charge in the feature, and will be joined at the start by the Faltaat pair of New Kuala Dipang (NZ) and Jeram New Village (NZ), and the consistent Cape Cross gelding Kelantan (NZ).
Kiko's Return (NZ) has rightly earned his star status in Malaysia by stringing together a seven straight win sequence. His picket fence formline including a five-length win in the Gr.1* Perak Derby (2400m) in April.
*Malaysian domestic rated.

5/9/08 Laxon Holds Key to Singapore Sprint Feature
The super consistent Waikato (NZ) (Pins) will be one of three NZ-bred gallopers to fly the flag for Laurie Laxon's Silver Fern Racing Stables in the Gr.3* Jumbo Jet Trophy at Kranji on Friday.

Waikato (NZ), a NZ$50,000 purchase for Laxon at the 2005 NZB Premier Yearling Sale has cemented his estimations of class with ten wins and four placings coming from his 17 career starts. Counted among these is a Gr.3* win in the Singapore 4YO Sprint in January.
The Gr.1* winning My Royal Captain (NZ) (Zabeel) and the six-win gelding Ace and Aces (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit) provide Laxon with further representation in the feature event.
"I couldn't be happier with my runners," said Laxon.
Laxon is shooting for his fifth consecutive Singapore Champion Trainers title. Heading the table with 55 wins for the year, Laxon is four wins ahead of rival trainer John Meagher.
* Singapore domestic rated.

1/9/08 Amy Herrmann leaves on a winning note
SINGAPORE, 29 August 2008

Australian apprentice Amy Herrmann concluded her two-week stint in Singapore with a double tonight, after having scored in her second ride at Kranji last Saturday.

Indentured to David Balfour in Adelaide, her maiden trip overseas is part of a scholarship she won for being Dux of the Thoroughbred Racing South Australia’s Apprentice Academy.

Herrmann began the evening winning on CHILLI PADI (Bellotto - Manly Belle by Star Watch) who followed up on his debut third to register an easy win.

She had three placings before saluting the judge again, piloting home FORTUNE WARRIOR (Viking Ruler - Danzalota by Danzatore) before dashing to the airport to catch a flight home.

Noel Callow, however, took riding honours when he booted home three winners, something he did regularly when setting a new riding record last season.

25/8/08 Ace Armada Earns Admiration in Singapore

A one-eyed horse by the name of Ace Armada (NZ) (Lord Ballina) earned the admiration of plenty on Saturday with a gallant win in the S$125,000 Kranji Stakes C (1600m) in Singapore.

After winning his first five consecutive starts, including the Listed Singapore Guineas (1600m), Ace Armada's racing career looked in serious doubt when an eye infection necessitated a surgical removal procedure just over a year ago.

Showing true courage however, Ace Armada has since overcome this impediment with two wins and three placings upon racetrack return.

In what turned out to be the winning move on Saturday, Ace Armada was able to capitalise on his good eye with an inside rails ride from Din Azis, who guided the 5YO gelding home for a narrow head victory over the Faltaat galloper Big Valour (NZ).

"Ace Armada was able to see the horse on his outside and was able to fight him off," said trainer Laurie Laxon.

"If this horse didn't have the problems that he's got then I'm sure he would have won a feature race by now.

"He's a very good horse with plenty of heart."

Bred by David Lunt along with New Zealand trainer James Wallace and his partner Jessica, Ace Armada showed plenty early with a 5 length trial win at his second attempt, and has franked this trial form on the racetrack with seven wins and four placings from 18 career outings.

Ace Armada is a son of Lord Ballina from the Prince Salieri mare Royal Caress, who has since produced a Gold Centre yearling colt and is due to foal to No Excuse Needed.

18/8/08 2007-8 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings

The 2007-8 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings have been released by the International Federation of Horse Authorities. The rankings cover those horses which either raced in or were trained in countries whose racing season runs from 1 August to 31 July.
To merit inclusion, a horse must have been rated at 115 or above in the period under review by the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings
Conference.
The rankings are headed by Curlin (USA) at 130 for his win in the 2008 Dubai World Cup at Nad al Sheba racecourse in March. Leading the Australian horses was EL SEGUNDO on 123 for his win over Wonderful World and Haradasun in the 2007 W.S. Cox Plate at Moonee Valley. The Colin Little trained gelding shared that mark with international stars Ramonti and Sacred Kingdom who both achieved 123 for their respective wins on Hong Kong International race day in December 2007.
Champion Australian sprinter/miler WEEKEND HUSSLER was next in the ratings with 122, achieved in both his Newmarket Handicap win at Flemington and his victory over Racing to Win in the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.
Weekend Hussler was the highest rated 3yo in the Listings. Of the 80 horses making the listings 33 were Australian trained. This represented a record number of Australian trained horses in the listings and compared with 29 in 2006/7, 16 in 2005/6 and 9 in 2004/5.
A further 7 Australian bred horses trained in Hong Kong and Dubai were also listed including Sacred Kingdom (123) and the South African trained mare
Sun Classique (120) who won the Sheema Classic over 2400m on Dubai World Cup night in March.
Greg Carpenter, Chairman of the ANZ Classifications Committee and Australia’s representative on the WTRR Conference said “The 2007/8 listings
build on the progress made over the last three years in ensuring Australian trained and bred horses received due recognition on the world racing stage,
with a record number included in the listings this year.”
Carpenter added, “In the previous three years Makybe Diva (124 in 2005/6) had been the only Australian trained horse to achieve a rating higher than
120. Having three individual horses, El Segundo, Weekend Hussler and Apache Cat, rated above that mark this season underlines the growing
reputation of Australian horses which has been further enhanced by the Group 1 win of Haradasun at Royal Ascot.”

Note: 2007-08 ANZ Classifications
The 2007-08 ANZ Classifications will be released Tuesday, 19 August listing the top performers in black type races across Australia during the recently
concluded racing season.
For inclusion in the ANZ Classifications a horse must have finished in the first six placings in a Group or Listed race or had a significant performance in a
feature non-black type race. Horses three-years-old and over are included in the listings where they have achieved a rating of 100 or higher and for twoyear-
old horses an individual performance rating 95 or higher.

17/8/08 Pocket power is horse of the year again

The defending champion and one of the best horses ever to be bred and raced in South Africa, Pocket Power, trotted off with his second Equus Horse of the Year crown in two years.

The record breaking individual, a son of champion stallion Jet Master, was the toast of the glittering show held in Johannesburg at the Emperor's Palace. Mike Bass, the trainer of Pocket Power, was present to receive his award along with his owners in what was a unanimous vote for this ultimate racing prize. He also won the titles of Champion Older Miler and Champion Older Middle Distance horse.

The well produced racing showpiece had its fair share of surprise winners but in all the best horses won their respective categories. The eye catching 2 year old Consensual by the same sire as Jay Peg (Camden Park) was a worthy winner of her Champion 2 year old category. She had the top notch Australian bred, Merlene De Lago to beat, but with 5 wins from 7 starts and winning at the highest level, she was a worthy recipient.

J J The Jet Plane was the only nominee is his category of Champion Sprinter and deservedly so. He was the best sprinter in South African this season by a wide margin and his 120 international merit rating suggests just that. He won three of the best Group 1 sprints in South Africa including the handicap event known as the Golden Horse Sprint carrying top weight - a rare achievement indeed.

Captain's Lover, another star performer and astute purchase by Team Valor International, won the 3 year old Fillies Mile category. The R160 000 purchase proved that buying cheap can reap handsome rewards, as this Grade 1 winner had shown time and time again on the tracks of South Africa this past season. Other notably "cheap" South African yearling purchases included the Dubai Duty Free winner, Jay Peg, who cost R130 000 and was recipient of a special international award (equine), as well as the mighty Pocket Power, a R190 000 purchase.

Dancer's Daughter full deserved her award for Champion Filly Miler after her heroic run of group 1 successes. She was only denied the ultimate crown of Horse of the Year by the great Pocket Power, which is testament to her sublime abilities.

Ex-South African Trevor Denman, the legendary American commentator, who first called races in South Africa in the early 1970's was bestowed the honour of outstanding contribution to racing. Denman took the Equus crowd on an outstanding trip down memory lane in his broadcast from Del Mar. He could not attend the awards but his memorable speech included a recap of some legendary South African horses that rolled off his tongue as he spoke fondly of his association with South African racing.

Other notable achievements included the likes of Jet Master who, again, stole the breeding segment of the show with his unbelievable achievements. The home ground grandson of Northern Dancer, must rank as one of the world's best stallions on statistics alone. His number of group 1 horses is startling and he was a deserved recipient of Champion Sire.

The quote of the evening had to go Mike De Kock, who copped much abuse from the British press of late for his statements regarding the riding tactics of Johnny Murtagh in the Arlington Million. "I have to thank the jockeys that have ridden for me this season, Kevin Shea, Anthony Delpech, Warren Kennedy and of course Johnny Murtagh." The rapturous crowd saw the funny side of it.

15/8/08 Unsung Heroine to Shoot for Gr.1 Success for High Chaparral
The smart filly Unsung Heroine may well give champion racehorse High Chaparral another Gr.1 performer from his first-crop 3YO's in Europe.

Windsor Park sire High Chaparral
Unsung Heroine, who began racing less than a month ago when winning a competitive maiden race at Fairyhouse, took a quantum leap forward into group company last week to win the Gr.3 Give Thanks Stakes at Cork by two lengths.
Trained by Tommy Stack, two further group race options being considered for Unsung Heroine include England's oldest classic, the St Leger as well as the Park Hill Stakes for fillies, both races run at York in September.
High Chaparral has enjoyed an excellent start to his stud career and currently lies in the top five second-crop sires in Europe with 30 individual winners. His progeny also include Gr.1 performers Magadan and Beach Bunny as well as this seasons Italian 2000 Guineas winner Senlis.
High Chaparral, whose first-crop yearlings averaged $136,000 at the Karaka Premier sale this year, recently arrived back at Windsor Park Stud, his southern hemisphere base for the 2008 breeding season.

4/8/08 My Royal Captain (NZ) Returns to Winners Circle
Zabeel gelding My Royal Captain (NZ) (ex Kiwi Magic by Vice Regal) made a welcome return to the winners circle at Kranji on Saturday, sprinting home to take honours in the S$125,000 Open Class Stakes (1400m).

My Royal Captain (NZ)
It was the Laurie Laxon-trained gallopers first victory since his win in the Gr.1 Patrons Bowl (1400m) in June last year.

Laxon described My Royal Captain (NZ) as a “very good horse at his best” and is aiming the seven-win galloper towards the Gr.1 Singapore Gold Cup over 2200m in November.
“He’s a Zabeel and I think the trip of the Singapore Gold Cup will be ideal,” said Laxon.
My Royal Captain (NZ) was one of 11 NZ-bred horses to register success in Singapore this weekend, furnishing the NZ-suffix a 52% winning share of the two-day Kranji meeting.

4/8/08 Desert links too good in SA Canon gold cup

Desert Links (SAF) delivered on the promise of his Vodacom Durban July run when he ran out a comfortable winner of the Gr 1 Canon Gold Cup over 3200m at Greyville today, galloping on too strongly for the gallant Membrado (ARG) and Omaha Beach (SAF) with Magical Ballad (SAF) staying on for fourth.

Desert Links wins in fine style

Jockey Greg Cheyne rode a brilliant race on the eventual winner, settling him in about eighth place along the inside as Bayete went out to make the running from Prince Asad and Ser De Carrera. Kevin Shea did a fine job in getting Equal Image across from his outside draw and the pair settled comfortably in fourth place ahead of Meteor Shower and Magical Ballad. Membradoand River Jetez raced back in the second half of the pack with Floatyourboat and Pick Six also amongst the backmarkers and Omaha Beach and Bill Of Rights the last two, a good twenty lengths off the leader.

Bayete continued to bowl along in front at less than demanding pace and the first major tactical moves took place about 800m out as Meteor Shower moved into third place and Desert Links made a conspicuous move outwards, creeping much closer and ensuring that he would get a clear run in teh straight. Omaha Beach also started to make up some ground from the tail end of the field.

Prince Asad took over from Bayete upon turning for home but his effort was short-lived as Desert Links moved easily into the lead past the 400m mark. He led a pack of three along the outside as Membrado started to put in his run and Omaha Beach made a desperate bid to get on terms. On the opposite end of the track, Magical Ballad and Equal Image were in contention with Ser De Carrera running a big race.

It was the outside bunch who would dominate the final stages though as Desert Links had simply too much acceleration for the rest, holding off Membrado with Omaha Beach scrambling up to get third.

Jockey Greg Cheyne, coming off a great season which has seen him establish himself amongst the country's top riders, was understandably elated at landing the biggest win of his career.

"I had to play the cards that were dealt to me and he was loping along quite nicely as the race was unfolding. When I set him alight [he showed] an incredible turn of foot and it was a very good win. We were very confident - the horse has done exceptionally well. Very well done to Basil [Marcus] but also to Dennis Drier and team who've assisted us in preparing this horse. In the July, I gave a bit too much start and he was only a length and a half off them."

Basil Marcus' star continues to rise as a trainer and he is well on track to carve out as illustrious a career as a conditioner as he did when he was a jockey.

"He's a real decent horse and I was very confident," he beamed. "He has done exceptionally well in Durban. Last season in KwaZulu Natal, he raced four times, won three and was second in the Derby. He came out this time around, won his first start and ran a great fifth in the July. Obviously, our big concern as how would he stay the 3200. Of course, today the ground was nice and quick, which was fantastic and race wasn't run at a fast gallop, bur he finished the race off very well. A great ride from Greg; we got a little bit further back in the July than we'd have liked, due to circumstances but he certainly wasn't going to get caught back in the race today. He's a super horse."

Second-placed Membrado ran another fine race, showing that his second in the Gold Vase was no fluke. He had shown as far back as his 3-year-old days that he had the makings of a top class stayer but the middle stages of his career did not quite go as planned. He has come on very well in 2008, though and although he will no doubt be nailed by the handicapper, there are some nice prizes that he can eye back in Johannesburg.

Omaha Beach looked unlucky in third as he may have just been a tad slow out of the gates and was never able to get into the handy sort of position that he prefers, possibly due to the scrimmaging that took place in the early stages along the rails. His fate was sealed inside the first 200m as he simply ended up too far out of his ground. Piere Strydom refused to panic and made the best of a bad situation, but his connections will feel that they could have gotten a lot closer with a bit of luck in running. His reputation remains intact, however, as one of the most reliable stayers we've seen and despite turning seven, he showed he can still be a force in the big staying events of the Cape summer this season.

Magical Ballad looked the best outside bet and those who took a flutter on him got a fairr run for their money. He was always well placed and stayed on gamely in the straight, simply lacking the firepower of the three who beat him.

Behind him, Ser De Carrera ran very well in fifth, showing that his second in the Lonsdale Stirrup Cup was not quite the fluke that many had thought

Equal Image appeared to have every chance but simply could not summon up the finishing kick he showed when winning the Gold Vase. Those who doubted his ability to see out the extra furlong under top weight may feel vindicated but he was not disgraced in sixth and he may yet return to Durban next winter to put on a show for his followers.

Desert Links is a 5-year-old gelding by Kahal (GB) out of Selborne Park (SAF) by Home Guard (USA). He was bred by Gainsborough Stud Management Ltd and is owned by Messrs E A Braun, E G Bouwer, P S Loomes and S P Marcus.

1/8/08 Yeats Glorious at Goodwood

Evergreen stayer Yeats (7h Sadler's Wells x Lyndonville, by Top Ville) posted the 13th win of his illustrious career when taking out the Group Two Goodwood Cup on Thursday for the second time, waltzing away to score by a facile seven lengths.

Yet another superstar performer for Team Coolmore and Aidan O’Brien, the son of Sadler’s Wells earned millionaire status with this win, which sent his prizemoney haul over the million pound mark.

Racing Post - While nobody could describe this as the strongest of Goodwood Cups, there should be no underestimating yet another fabulous performance from the brilliant Yeats, who confirmed himself one of the modern era's great stayers by winning with overwhelming authority under the far from insignificant 5lb penalty he picked up for his third successive win in the Ascot Gold Cup six weeks previously.

According to Racing Post Ratings, Yeats’ best performance came when he gave Geordieland 5lb and a five-length beating in the corresponding race in 2006, when he broke the track record, and his joint-second best came in this year's Gold Cup.

This 13th career win, which took his earnings past the £1m mark, must rank somewhere close to that sort of level, and it arguably exceeds it. Still an entire, yet as good as ever at the age of seven, he really is a most remarkable horse. With Aidan O'Brien absent, no immediate programme was forthcoming, but the Melbourne Cup presumably remains a possibility, and so does the Irish St Leger.

Yeats is one of more than 70 Group One winners by champion sire Sadler’s Wells who was only retired from active duty this year.

A superbly related horse, Yeats is a half-brother to Group winners Solskjaer and Tsukuba Symphony being from the good producing Top Ville mare Lyndonville.

1/8/08 Big Brown returns

US racing's fallen idol Big Brown returns to racing in Sunday's $US1 million Haskell at Monmouth Park. A runaway winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, Big Brown's bid for Triple Crown glory came unstuck when taken off steroids prior to flopping in the Belmont Stakes.

"From what happened in his last start, it's hard for me to be as confident as I was in the Kentucky Derby and some of his other races," trainer Rick Dutrow said.

"I'm still kind of concerned about what is going to happen Sunday, because I know the horse went into the Belmont in good condition. I have no idea what happened in that race. But if it happens again, I'm going to know something is wrong with him, and he is not going to run any more."

29/7/08 The Hornet too strong in final challenge

THE HORNET denied odds-on favourite BIG MAVERICK a clean sweep of the Three-Year-Old Challenge series with a well deserved victory over the latter in the S$450,000 final leg over 1600m at Kranji here today.

The Singapore Group 2 event with elevated status and increased prizemoney this season looks to be at the mercy of BIG MAVERICK, who cruised to victory in the first two legs over 1200m and 1400m.

But THE HORNET (High Yield - Millennium Miss by Flying Spur), fourth in the first leg and a fast-finishing second in the second leg, had the last say over a distance he had won twice before.

THE HORNET defeated BIG MAVERICK by three quarters of a length with another Laurie Laxon runner ACE AMIGO third in the 12-horse field.

The Three-Year-Old Challenge success was the first group win for trainer Douglas Dragon in six years and the first for Gavin McKeon at Kranji in his penultimate week in Singapore.

29/7/08 Buy and sell the right price in champions cup

Buy And Sell (SAF) made amends for his Vodacom Durban July disappointment with a hard-fought win in the Gr 1 Champions Cup over 1800m at Clairwood on Saturday, keeping on well to deny Pocket Power (SAF), Surfin' USA (SAF) and Dancer's Daughter (GB).

Wonder Lawn had gone out to make the early running from Surfin' USA with Weichong Marwing getting Buy And Sell across from his wide draw and settling in third ahead of Our Giant and Silver Mist. Pocket Power, as expected, slotted into midfield about eight lengths behind but there were concerns aplenty at the rear for supporters of Dancer's Daughter who, having lost a couple of lengths at the start, could not get a position and raced wide, turning for home fourteen lengths off the leader.

Up front, Surfin' USA was quick to challenge for the lead with Buy And Sell a big runner and these two skipped clear as Pocket Power was asked to pick up but still had about four lengths to make up. Imbongi was tracking him and Dancer's Daughter was starting to run on widest of all.

Surfin' USA continued to run the race of his life and had his head in front 200m out with Buy And Sell, who had initially looked to be cantering alongside, now under a ride to get on top of him. Pocket Power starting to unwind his trademark late run as well as Imbongi tired and Dancer's Daughter tried desperately to get on terms.

Buy And Sell got his head in front inside the last 100m and although Pocket Power was flying up, he was half a length adrift in second with Surfin' USA holding off Dancer's Daughter for third.

Jockey Marwing paid tribute to trainer Sean Tarry who had given him the confidence to ride the race as he saw fit. "Surfin' USA was always in front of me but we got to him. I thought [Buy And Sell] started to labour when he went past him but he won a good race."

Tarry undoubtedly felt vindicated for having maintained his confidence in his runner. "Unfortunately, people don't forgive you a bad run. He ran a bad race in the July, six lengths behind, but if you watch closely, he overraced early on, he was doing too much. Felix [Coetzee] never had too many options from that draw, he had to bounce him out and get him over. I went back, analysed the race and said, 'Don't panic, the right race is the Champions Cup. The conditions will suit him, tailormade.' I've always thought him a proper horse, he's always done what he's had to do. As for Weichong, a peach of a ride, he rode a copybook race."

Buy And Sell certainly had a live chance going by his third in the Gold Challenge and fourth in the J & B Met earlier this year and Tarry's remarks about the July are well borne out by a perusal of the video of that race. Consistency has not been his strong suit this season, but if things go his way, he should continue to be a force in the big middle-distance events next term.

Pocket Power appeared to have every chance and just took that bit longer to get going today. He is still the best middle-distance male in the country until further notice, bearing in mind he was conceding 3,5kg to the winner and one has to believe that the July took something out of him. He probably did enough to secure Horse Of The Year with this effort and his fans may feel that they have set the record straight with Dancer's Daughter, but that assessment looks a bit harsh on the grey filly. Nothing went right for her and she had a mountain to climb turning for home, especially at the weights. A lesser horse would have thrown in the towel a long way out but she battled away and was less than a length behind her arch-rival at the finish. It was a cracking performance in the circumstances and the awards panel will do well to consider that she and Pocket Power are now deadlocked at 1-1 after three meetings.

Surfin' USA attracted some shrewd support on the day and it proved spot on as his supporters got a great run for their money. He was not beaten far in this race last year, but this was a stronger renewal and he emerged with plenty of credit.

25/7/08 Big Maverick (NZ) Shoots for Singapore 3YO Series Clean Sweep
Having dominated both of the first two legs, the O’Reilly gelding Big Maverick (NZ) (Ajfan by Woodman) will shoot for a clean sweep of the Singapore 3YO Challenge Series this Sunday.

If successful in all three legs of the series Big Maverick (NZ) will collect a bonus of S$150,000.

Although previously successful from 1200m - 1400m, a breeding predisposition suggests his second attempt at the 1600m trip should not be a problem.

Big Maverick (NZ) is by New Zealand’s 1997 Champion Sprinter/Miler O’Reilly (NZ) (Last Tycoon) a