The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) announcement on Monday that Luke Ferraris will be licensed to ride in Hong Kong next season is a welcome tonic for a stale jockey roster, but the fact that the bright young star of South African racing is the only new name speaks volumes. According to sources, a recent... Read More

In keeping with the spirit of mischief which was surely behind Peter Moody’s declaration that Australian trainers are better than their English and European counterparts, let’s have a crack at an ever holier grail.  The Derby. The one run at Epsom Downs which apparently, like its golfing equivalent, needs no designation other than “The”. The... Read More

New first season sire winners Astern Astern (Medaglia D’Oro) landed individual winners seven and eight on Saturday as Somewatt Fabulous’ (2 f ex Megawatt by Shocking) success in the opening Benchmark 64 Handicap (1250m) at Morphettville preceded Danger Strykes’ (2 f ex She Is Stryking by Stryker) Castletown Stakes (Listed, 1200m) win in New Zealand,... Read More

Verne (AUS) 2 c Snitzel – Helena’s Secret by Five Star Day O: Mr S J Lines, Mr S F Penberthy, Mr B K Cook, Phoenix Thoroughbred (II) Ltd, Noorilim Park Thoroughbreds B: Highgrove Stud T: Annabel Neasham S: 2020 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale Round 2 V: Highgrove Stud P: Aquis Farm, $300,000 W:... Read More

That song about the old grey mare doesn’t speak too fondly of her, reminding the listener – again and again – that “she ain’t what she used to be”.  But in the case of the unbeaten Riot And Rose, old grey mares have served the pedigree particularly well.  The gelding, himself a flashy grey, has... Read More