Geisel Park to sell historic Myalup Farm

Geisel Park Stud has announced plans to sell its historic Myalup Farm property, marking a significant shift for the Western Australian breeding operation. Located near Bunbury, the 100-hectare property dates back to 1846 and is one of the State’s longest continuously farmed holdings. Stud principal Eddie Rigg said the decision reflects a broader strategic focus across his expanding business interests. “As a result of that growth, the time has come to focus my energy elsewhere,” Rigg said. The sale will see stallions Aysar (Deep Field), Manhattan Rain (Encosta De Lago) and Winning Rupert (Written Tycoon) relocated ahead of the upcoming breeding season, with new arrangements to be confirmed. Geisel Park will also offer a draft of breeding stock in Western Australia as part of the transition, although Rigg indicated he intends to maintain a presence in racing and breeding on both the east and west coasts. Rigg acknowledged the contribution of long-serving stud manager Conor Dunlop, who has been with Geisel Park for nearly 14 years and will assist in overseeing both the property and stock sales. “Conor’s dedication and knowledge have been integral to everything we have built at Myalup. He will play a central role in managing both the property sale and the sale of our breeding stock, and I’m grateful for his continued commitment through this transition,” Rigg said. The Myalup Farm sale process is expected to formally commence next week, with agents appointed to handle the campaign.

HTBA graduate Portland Miss scores on debut

Portland Miss (2 f Portland Sky - Shimmering Light), a $20,000 graduate of last year’s Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale has provided a timely boost to the sale ahead of this Sunday’s edition at Riverside Stables, with Portland Miss producing a stylish winning debut at Hawkesbury. Trained by Richard Freedman and Will Freedman, the daughter of Portland Sky overcame race favourite Barracks (Home Affairs) to score over 1000 metres, finishing strongly under Chad Schofield to win by half a length. Bred and consigned by Mullaglass Stud, Portland Miss was purchased by Tricolours Racing and is the second winner from three foals to race out of the Smart Missile (Fastnet Rock) mare Shimmering Light, a granddaughter of champion filly Miss Finland. Her success also marks another result for Portland Sky (Deep Field), the Group 1-winning Oakleigh Plate victor, who has three yearlings catalogued for this weekend’s HTBA sale.

Champagne winner Nepotism retired to stud

Nepotism (Brutal) has been retired from racing, with connections now turning their focus to securing a stallion career for the Group 1 winning colt. Trained by John Hawkes in partnership with Michael and Wayne Hawkes, Nepotism showed high-class ability as a juvenile, highlighted by victory in the Champagne Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at just his third start. He also won The Baillieu (Gr 3, 1400m) and was placed on debut in the Todman Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m). His three-year-old campaign was curtailed by injury, with bone chips discovered following his run in the Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m). While the colt underwent surgery, he was unable to return to his previous form, prompting the decision to retire him. Nepotism retires as the first Group 1 winner for his sire Brutal (O’Reilly) and will now look to continue his influence at stud. Bred by Gilgai Farm, Nepotism hails from one of Australia’s most prolific families. He is out of Brigite (Casino Prince), a full sister to champion colt All Too Hard (Casino Prince) and closely related to unbeaten champion Black Caviar (Bel Esprit). The family has also produced leading young sire Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon). Purchased for $160,000 from the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, Nepotism raced in the colours of Neil Werrett, who has enjoyed success with multiple members of the same family. Connections are now exploring stallion opportunities, with the colt expected to attract strong interest given his elite juvenile form and blue-blood pedigree.

Vale Falvelon

One of Australia’s most beloved racehorses of the modern era, Falvelon (Alannon), has died at the age of 29, having been humanely euthanised at Glenlogan Park in Queensland late last week.

“He has been a big part of life here for almost 23 years and his loss is being very sorely felt,” said General Manager Steve Morley.

“He was fantastic for both the farm and the Queensland breeding industry during his time at stud, and a complete gentleman throughout his years with us.

“He is now resting beside his old rival and friend, Show A Heart (Brave Warrior) - a fitting place considering their many battles on the track and at stud.”

Trained by Dan Bougoure, Falvelon made an unforgettable debut, winning the Meynink Stakes (Listed, 1000m) at Eagle Farm despite a slow start and drawing barrier 16 of 16. He followed with six consecutive victories before finishing second to Testa Rossa (Perugino) in the Lightning Stakes (Gr 1, 1000m).

A sprinter of the highest calibre, Falvelon helped elevate Australia’s presence internationally. In 2001, he travelled to Hong Kong three times for the International Sprint (Gr 2, 1000m), winning twice and placing third.

Domestically, his record was outstanding, headlined by two Doomben 10,000 (Gr 1, 1350m) victories, along with wins in the BTC Cup (Gr 2, 1200m) and Schillaci Stakes (Gr 2, 1000m). He also placed in elite races including the Newmarket Handicap (Gr 1, 1200m), Oakleigh Plate (Gr 1, 1100m), Manikato Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) and TJ Smith Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m).

In total, he secured nine Group-level victories, confirming his status among the elite sprinters of his era.

At stud, Falvelon sired 418 winners at a 70% winners-to-runners strike rate, including 35 stakes performers.

A two-time Australian Champion Sprinter and three-time Queensland Horse of the Year, Falvelon leaves a lasting legacy.

Plaintiff to test unbeaten record in JHB Carr

Unbeaten filly Plaintiff (Zoustar) will look to extend her perfect record when she lines up in the JHB Carr Stakes (Gr 3, 1400m) at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday. Trained by Peter Snowden, the daughter of Zoustar (Northern Meteor) and Group 1 winner Prompt Response (Beneteau) made a strong return with victory in the P J Bell Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) on Day 1 of The Championships, charging home from the tail of the field. “It wasn’t a surprise to us,” Snowden said. “She won all three starts last prep and we’ve always had a good opinion of her.” Plaintiff is expected to relish the rise to 1400 metres, with Snowden confident her racing pattern and temperament will hold her in good stead. “She relaxes well, has a turn of foot and should get the trip,” he said. Versatile in her racing style, Plaintiff has previously settled on speed and is expected to adapt again under set weights and penalties conditions. A win on Saturday could open the door to further targets, with connections considering stepping her out to higher-level races later in the preparation.

Barrengarry to tackle Group company at Randwick

Progressive three-year-old Barrengarry (Ghaiyyath) will take the next step in his development when he lines up in the Frank Packer Plate (Gr 3, 2000m) at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday. Trained by Joe Ible, the son of Ghaiyyath (Dubawi) was originally set to contest the Carbine Club Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) earlier this month but was withdrawn due to a minor setback. He has since trialled well and is set to resume his upward trajectory. “He just wasn’t 100 per cent, so we scratched him, but he’s bounced back nicely,” Ible said. Barrengarry has quickly risen through the grades this preparation, progressing from maiden company to consecutive wins at Newcastle (1600m) and in Midway grade at Rosehill (1500m), and will now chase a hat-trick against stronger opposition. “He’s always shown us something, but he’s come through quicker than we expected,” Ible said. Saturday’s assignment shapes as a key test, with the gelding to face established form lines including Eureka Rebel (Fierce Impact) and Providence (Wootton Bassett). A strong performance could see Barrengarry press on to Brisbane, with the Queensland Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) under consideration later this campaign.

Zakouma eyes Mornington Cup and Caulfield Cup pathway

A start in the Mornington Cup (L, 2400m) could open the door to the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) for Zakouma (Crowded House), with the winner earning ballot exemption into October’s feature. Trained by Grahame Begg, Zakouma has been in strong form this preparation, winning all three starts from 1600m through to 2000m, but faces uncertainty even making the field. “He’s a nice horse, but the challenge is getting a run,” Begg said. Currently low in the order of entry, the lightly rated gelding may struggle to secure a spot in the capacity field, while the tight Mornington circuit also presents a query for a horse that prefers to settle early. “He looks like he’ll run the trip, but getting around Mornington is another question,” Begg said. Should he gain a start, Daniel Stackhouse is booked to ride, with a win likely to prompt a spell ahead of a spring campaign targeting the Caulfield Cup. If he misses the field, Zakouma is expected to head to a Benchmark 100 contest over 2000m at Flemington on ANZAC Day as an alternative.

Bangkok Hottie targets maiden success after Group debut

David Payne is confident Bangkok Hottie (Too Darn Hot) can take significant improvement into Wednesday’s Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1200m) at Warwick Farm Racecourse following an encouraging debut at stakes level. The filly made her first appearance in the Kindergarten Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) during The Championships, finishing fifth behind Blue Door (Stay Inside) after being deliberately ridden quietly to gain experience. “It was a very good run, I said to the owner she wouldn’t disgrace herself and I was very pleased with her,” Payne told Racing NSW. Originally intended to debut at Gosford, Bangkok Hottie was instead thrown into deeper waters after drawing wide, a move Payne believes will benefit her long term.“I wanted to run at Gosford but she drew badly there so we said we’d give her the experience on the bigger track.” With a kinder draw on Wednesday, the filly is expected to take up a more forward position under Zac Lloyd. “She’s got speed but I wanted to get cover to teach her to settle because she’s going to get a mile later on for sure,” Payne said. Elsewhere, stablemate Hereward (Saxon Warrior) resumes in the Headwater @ Vinery Handicap (1600m), with Payne downplaying a quiet trial performance. “It wasn’t a bad trial, we just didn’t want him knocked about,” he said. Meanwhile, Persian Wonder (Hello Youmzain) is set to tackle the Champagne Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m), where Payne is keen to see the colt ridden with cover to utilise his finishing burst.

Illawarra Grange set to debut at Kembla

A new era for racing on the South Coast will begin next month with the unveiling of the Illawarra Grange, the upgraded inner track at Kembla Grange Racecourse. The surface, also known as the B Grass, will host its first race day on May 5 following an $8 million redevelopment, with the project backed by Racing NSW. Illawarra Turf Club CEO Steve Keene believes the new track will significantly enhance racing reliability in the region. “It’s an amazing investment in not only Kembla Grange but the Illawarra from Racing NSW,” Keene told Racing NSW. “The plan is that washouts will be a thing of the past.” The 1980m circuit features a 410m straight, 22-metre width and a 4 per cent camber, alongside improved drainage designed to better cope with wet weather. Extensively trialled over the past 12 months, the surface has already drawn strong feedback from participants. “The track has been performing exceptional during trials and jump-outs,” Keene said. “All horses get their chance and jockeys have been raving about how smooth the bend is.” Trainer Luke Price echoed that view, noting the track’s ability to handle rain and provide consistency. “"It's got a fantastic camber, it corners so well and I know Tommy (Berry) has said the same when he's ridden on it for me,” he said. The opening seven-race program will feature distances from 1150m to 1450m, with scope to host staying races in future.

NZB Online Yearling Sale postponed after cyber disruption

The National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus has been postponed following a cyber attack that disrupted bidding shortly after the sale commenced on Tuesday evening. Ongoing interference with the platform impacted multiple lots and resulted in significant issues for participants, prompting organisers to halt proceedings. The sale will now restart on Wednesday, April 15 from 6pm (NZT), with bidding for Lots 1 through to 104 to recommence from the beginning. New Zealand Bloodstock apologised for the inconvenience and confirmed efforts are underway to ensure a smoother and more secure experience when the sale resumes. Participants requiring further information have been directed to contact NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones.

Kingsclere team eye Australian raids with She’s A Dealer

Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are set for a busy trans-Tasman period, headlined by She’s A Dealer (Ace High) in Saturday’s Japan Racing Association Plate (Gr 3, 2000m) at Randwick Racecourse. The Group 1-winning mare, successful in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) last start, has travelled well to Sydney ahead of her Australian assignment. “She travelled well and settled in freakishly well,” James said. “It’s a hit-and-run mission to target some Australian black-type.” Stablemate Confesara (Toronado) is also being readied for an Australian trip, with the Australasian Oaks (Gr 1, 2000m) a potential target following a recent trial. “She had a little hiccup but that gallop should bring her right back on track,” James said. Back home, the stable will be represented by Solid Gold (Savabeel) and Waimea Bay (Savabeel) in the Championship Stakes (Gr 3, 2100m), with both runners pleasing in their lead-up work. “I thought Solid Gold’s work was exceptional,” James said. James also praised the increasing use of synthetic tracks in New Zealand, describing them as a valuable asset for maintaining racing activity and supporting industry participants.

Voyage Bubble chases seventh Group 1 in Champions Mile

Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) will bid for a seventh elite-level victory when he lines up in the Champions Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) at Sha Tin Racecourse later this month. Trained by Ricky Yiu, the former Hong Kong Triple Crown winner has built a reputation as one of the region’s most versatile performers, having progressed from sprint distances to success over 2400 metres. “He’s proven he’s a very intelligent horse,” Yiu said. “He can relax wherever you want him and that’s why he’s been able to handle different distances.” The seven-year-old has been placed in 25 of his 32 starts, including 12 wins and earnings exceeding HK$130 million, with multiple victories in both the Hong Kong Mile (1600m) and Stewards’ Cup (1600m). The Champions Mile remains one of the few major races missing from his record, having finished second in last year’s edition, and he heads into the race off a third placing in the Chairman’s Trophy (Gr 2, 1600m). “He pulled up well and that was a good run under the weight,” Yiu said. Stablemate Sunlight Power will also contest the race, with Australian rider Ethan Brown booked for the Group 1 assignment. “I quite like this jockey, he’s done well in Australia,” Yiu said. “Hopefully he can run into the money.”

Romantic Warrior on track for QEII Cup bid

Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) has pleased in a key lead-up trial as he builds towards a historic fourth victory in the FWD QEII Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) at Sha Tin Racecourse. The Danny Shum-trained star finished second in a 1600m turf trial under Hugh Bowman, who reported the multiple Group 1 winner had pleased in his work. “He was great, nice and relaxed and went through his paces well,” Bowman said. “He finished off strongly and had a good blow, which is what we wanted from a fitness perspective.” A 13-time Group 1 winner across four jurisdictions, Romantic Warrior is aiming to extend his record in the QEII Cup, having won the race in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Stablemate My Wish (Flying Artie) will contest the FWD Champions Mile (Gr 1, 1600m), with Bowman confident the galloper is nearing peak fitness. “I thought his last run was excellent and he’s set to peak at the right time,” he said. Bowman will also partner Helios Express (Toronado) in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (Gr 1, 1200m), describing the consistent sprinter as “a pleasure to ride” ahead of another strong international contest.

Ground concerns cloud Constitution Hill’s Newbury run

Constitution Hill’s (Blue Bresil) planned return in Saturday’s Finest Surprise Stakes (Gr 3, 1m 4f) at Newbury remains in doubt, with quick ground conditions the key concern. The Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old is reported to be in top order following two dominant all-weather victories at Southwell and Kempton, but the track is currently rated good to firm with little rain forecast, leaving a decision to be made later in the week. “We’ve just got to see how the ground is, that’s the important thing,” Henderson said. “I’ll probably head over there on Wednesday and see what it’s like. It’s obviously a big concern, but I’ll probably have a pop round with George Hill.” The Champion Hurdle (Gr 1, 2m) winner has yet to race on ground quicker than good and could face a strong field if he lines up. With entries that include Group performers Convergent (Fascinating Rock), Pride Of Arras (New Bay) and Bellum Justum (Sea The Stars) among the entries, while William Haggas may also be represented by Al Aasy (Sea The Stars) and Tenability (Frankel). Henderson, however, remains pleased with the gelding’s condition, adding: “He couldn’t be better… he worked yesterday and that was great, and he’s doing well.” The star hurdler has captured the public’s imagination and would add significant intrigue to the contest should he take his place in the field.

Blueblood Star Of Hope headlines strong Newmarket Maiden

Well-bred filly Star Of Hope (Dark Angel) will have plenty of admirers when she lines up in the Molson Coors British EBF Maiden Fillies’ Stakes (1m) at Newmarket. Godolphin’s 2,900,000gns Tattersalls Book 1 purchase is set to be a focal point. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the daughter of Dark Angel (Acclamation) is out of the stakes-placed Kodiac (Danehill) mare Futoon and is a sister to champion miler Charyn, a three-time Group 1 winner, as well as Group 2-winning juvenile Wings Of War. She faces a well-bred line-up that includes the John and Thady Gosden-trained So Regal (Kingman), a sister to Listed winner Chancellor and out of Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (Gr 1, 1 1/4m) winner Queen’s Trust (Dansili), while William Haggas saddles the Dubawi filly Darzah, a 375,000gns yearling from the family of Eagle Mountain (Rock Of Gibraltar) and Dank (Dansili). The maiden forms part of a strong Newmarket card that also features the Earl Of Sefton Stakes (Gr 3, 1m 1f), Nell Gwyn Stakes (Gr 3, 7f) and Feilden Stakes (Listed, 1m 1f), offering key early-season pointers.