Aussies excel after Smirke and Richards retire Ron Hutchinson says his success and that of fellow Australians, especially in England, was inspired by Scobie Breasley’s deeds but also, in part, due to timing. “Charlie Smirke and the great (Sir) Gordon Richards had just finished when I arrived,” he said. Richards, 26 times champion jockey, retired... Read More

New first season sire winners Divine Prophet (pictured above) Aquis Farm’s first season sire Divine Prophet (Choisir) sired his first two-year-old winner at Morphettville on Boxing Day when the Will Clarken-trained Bleriot (2 f ex Jetting To London by Jet Spur) won the two-year-old plate (1050m). After twice finishing runner-up, Bleriot won the $52,250 race... Read More

Racing and breeding love their rags-to-riches stories, like the black Bletchingly colt passed-in at auction who became a king, or the $20,000 yearling filly who reigned supreme on Slipper day in 2017.  But occasionally we’re in thrall when the big guns come out, the giants of the game looking to make their powerhouse empires more... Read More

Ranch Hand (AUS) 2 c Fastnet Rock – Mezulla by Shamardal O: Coolmore (Mgr: T Magnier), Wynaus (Mgr: D Smith), Westerberg (Mgr: M Kuessner), J Poulin, Sir P Vela, Chris Waller Racing (Mgr: C Waller), Lynque (Mgr: Ms L Ingham), Woppitt Bloodstock (Mgr: Mrs D Kepitis), Peachester Lodge Pty Ltd (Mgr: Mrs L Huddy), K... Read More

Ron Gilbert turned away from the pitiful sight before him, and stared into the Darling Downs hills to gather his thoughts.  It was a scorching Queensland February day. Half an hour earlier Gilbert was sitting down to watch the 1999 edition of a breeders’ “must-see” – the Blue Diamond Stakes. A phone call from a... Read More