Larneuk offers proven value and emerging talent for 2026

Larneuk Stud will stand a four-strong roster for the 2026 breeding season, combining an exciting new Group 1 sire with proven performers and an emerging international prospect.

New to the roster is Caulfield Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) winner Griff (Trapeze Artist), who will stand his first season at Larneuk for $7,700.

As far as stallion making races go, the Caulfield Guineas continually produces, from Vain (Wilkes), Grosvenor (Sir Tristram) to more recent winners Redoute’s Choice (Danehill), Lonhro (Zabeel), Starspangledbanner (Choisir), All Too Hard (Casino Prince), The Autumn Sun (Redoute’s Choice), Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon) and Super Seth (Dundeel).

Out of Chateau Griffo (Sebring), a mare with plenty of natural talent and early speed having placed in the Blue Diamond Preview (Gr 3, 1000m) as a two-year-old, Griff joins Neville Murdoch’s Larneuk stud following a breakthrough season by his sire, who has produced eight individual stakes winners, including Australasian Oaks (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Panova (Trapeze Artist).

Japanese Group 1 winner Lauda Sion (Real Impact) will continue his stud career in Victoria at a fee of $11,000. A winner of the NHK Mile Cup (Gr 1, 1600m), the sprinter miler’s first foals have been well received by breeders, so much so that his second book increased by 60% last season. His much anticipated first yearlings will hit the market in 2027.

Proven Group 1 sire Wandjina (Snitzel) remains one of the roster’s best value options at $6,600. The Australian Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) winner has produced seven stakes winners, headed by Hong Kong star Galaxy Patch, winner of the HKJC Jockey Club Mile (Gr 2, 1600m) and Australian mare Infancy, winner of the ATC Sapphire Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m). A stunning type costing over $1m to the bid of James Harron at Inglis Easter, Wandjina has maintained a phenomenal winners-to-runners strike rate of almost 70%, the closest to his sire Snitzel’s (Redoute’s Choice), of any of his established sons.

Rounding out the roster is dual Group 1 winner Impending (Lonhro), who will also stand for $6,600. A three-year-old winner of the Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1350m), Impending (Lonhro) repeated the performance as a four-year-old claiming the Kingford-Smith Cup (Gr 1, 1350m) and will be standing his fourth season at Larneuk. Impending’s progeny enjoyed another productive season with 70 winners across Australia and overseas, including stakes winners Options and Cool Memory.

Perth Winter Sales offer opportunities for buyers

The final live Magic Millions auction of the season will take place in Western Australia later this month, with the Perth Winter Yearling and Weanling Sales set to be held at the Swan Valley Sales Complex on June 21. A total of 59 yearlings will headline the Perth Winter Yearling Sale, with all youngsters eligible for the $20 million-plus Magic Millions Race Series, including two Pinjarra-based races worth $600,000 in prizemoney and bonuses. The catalogue features progeny by a range of proven and emerging stallions, including Playing God (Blackfriars), Ole Kirk (Written Tycoon), Tiger Of Malay (Extreme Choice), Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor), Awesome Rock (Fastnet Rock) and Universal Ruler (Scenic). Among the highlights are seven yearlings by champion Western Australian sire Playing God, including a full sister to multiple stakes winner Platoon and a colt out of Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic winner Western Fever (Flying Pegasus). First-season sires Aysar (Deep Field), Lightsaber (Zoustar) and Marine One (Capitalist) are also represented. The Perth Winter Weanling Sale will follow, featuring youngsters by 13 stallions, including Playing God, Pride Of Dubai (Street Cry), Sessions (Lonhro) and Splintex (Snitzel). Particular interest is expected around the first crop of locally based stallion Ingratiating (Frosted), who has both a colt and filly catalogued. Magic Millions has a strong history of producing racetrack performers and successful pinhooking prospects through its Perth Winter Sales, making the auction an attractive opportunity for breeders, traders and owners alike. The sale will commence at 12pm (AWST), with the yearlings offered first, followed by the weanlings.

Sale details:

• Date: Sunday, June 21
• Venue: Swan Valley Sales Complex
• Time: 12pm (AWST)
• Perth Winter Yearling Sale: Lots 1-59 plus supplementaries
• Perth Winter Weanling Sale: Lots 71-103 plus supplementaries

Heathcote chases elusive Stradbroke with Rothfire and Abounding

Trainer Rob Heathcote will have two chances to capture Queensland’s premier handicap when Rothfire (Rothesay) and Abounding (Rich Enuff) line up in Saturday’s Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m) at Eagle Farm. A winner of the Doomben 10,000 (Gr 1, 1200m) last month, Rothfire heads into the feature in strong form and Heathcote is hoping the veteran sprinter can go one better than his runner-up finish behind Think About It (So You Think) in the race three years ago. The rising nine-year-old worked impressively at Eagle Farm on Tuesday and will again be partnered by Brad Rawiller after drawing barrier 13. “He’s an old marvel,” Heathcote said. “To have won a Group 1 as a two-year-old and again as an eight-year-old is an incredible achievement. “He worked super and loved the Soft 7 surface. A nice Soft 6 would be ideal, but if the track dries out that won’t worry him either.” Heathcote knows how difficult the Stradbroke can be to win, having finished second three times previously, twice with Buffering and once with Rothfire. “It’s one of the toughest handicap races in Australia,” he said. “I’ve run second in it three times and would love to finally win it.” The stable will also be represented by last-start BRC Sprint (Gr 3, 1350m) winner Abounding, who earned her place in the field with a determined victory at Doomben. Tyler Schiller has been booked to ride the mare, who drew barrier 15. Headley Grange (Exosphere) remains the $5 favourite for the Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m), ahead of Fangirl (Sebring) and Regal Award (Ole Kirk) at $6.50.

Martist primed for Atkins test

Trainer Tony Gollan will chase a maiden victory in the J J Atkins (Gr 1, 1600m) with promising, two-year-old colt Martist (Trapeze Artist) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. By Trapeze Artist, Martist has been aimed towards the Queensland Winter Carnival from the outset, with Gollan carefully managing the colt’s preparation to peak for the state’s premier two-year-old contest. A debut winner at Doomben in February, Martist returned from a short break to finish second in the Spirit Of Boom Classic (Gr 2, 1200m) before producing a strong effort when third in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) after encountering traffic issues. “From his very first start I targeted the Carnival,” Gollan said. “That’s why I gave him the extra run and then a short let-up to get him ready for these races. “His Spirit Of Boom run was fantastic and we learned a bit about him that day, to ride him quieter and let him finish off. “His Sires’ run was excellent as well. He had to weave through runners and didn’t have the best of luck.” Gollan believes the step up to 1600 metres will suit the colt, who has continued to furnish throughout the campaign. “He’s still physically immature but he’s really blossomed this preparation,” he said. “I couldn’t be happier with how he’s going and the wet weather won’t worry him.” Martist, who will be ridden by Mark Zahra after drawing barrier 12, is rated a $10 chance, while Chris Waller-trained favourite Tron Bolt (Toronado) heads betting at $2.15.

Schiller confident Bestower can make her presence felt

Jockey Tyler Schiller believes honest mare Bestower (Contibuter) is capable of returning to winning form if she can put herself into the race early enough when she steps out in Wednesday’s Asahi Super Dry Handicap (2400m) at Kensington. The Kris Lees-trained five-year-old has won just three of her 29 starts, but Schiller says her record doesn’t reflect a lack of determination. “She’s a genuine horse,” Schiller told Racing NSW. “I don’t think she’s not winning through lack of trying, it’s more that she gives herself too much to do.” Bestower resumes over her preferred staying trip at her fourth run this preparation, having produced a series of closing efforts over shorter distances. Schiller, who partnered her to victory over a similar trip at Warwick Farm in December, believes the rise to 2400 metres is ideal. “She runs that trip all day,” he said. “Hopefully over the longer distance she can stay in touch a bit better and give herself a chance.” The mare has been running on strongly in recent starts, including a sixth placing over 2000 metres at Randwick last time out. Schiller will also partner Ready Forcocktails (Snitzel) in the Find Your Aurum Belle @ The Chase Handicap (1100m). The filly, a granddaughter of Black Caviar (Bel Esprit), resumes after showing promise in two summer starts. “I’ve always thought she went really well,” Schiller said. “She put in a good run at Canterbury last time and from a good barrier she should be hard to beat.” Later in the day, Schiller expects Frontex (Territories) to improve sharply after failing to handle a testing track first-up. “He didn’t love the heavy conditions,” Schiller said. “Back on a softer surface, I’d expect a much better performance.”

Snowden unveils trio of late-season juveniles

Trainer Peter Snowden will unveil three promising youngsters at Kensington on Wednesday, with Zourrific (Zoustar), Short Sea (Ole Kirk) and Baltusrol (Tiger of Malay) all set to make their racecourse debuts in the TAB Handicap (1150m). Snowden believes time will be the making of all three juveniles, particularly Zourrific, a son of Zoustar who has impressed in two recent trial victories. “I really like the Zoustar [Zourrific] horse ,” Snowden told Racing NSW. “He can make a good level, but it’s still early days and we’ll know more after Wednesday.” Zourrific’s progress was delayed by immaturity and minor setbacks, but the gelding has shown marked improvement since returning from a break. “He’s come back ready to go,” Snowden said. “His trials have been very good and while he’s still light and immature, I expect him to run well.” Stablemate Short Sea has followed a similar path and Snowden expects the colt to be competitive despite still to furnish physically. “Every time we’ve tipped him out and brought him back, he’s got bigger and stronger,” Snowden said. The third member of the team, Baltusrol, is viewed as the longer-term prospect. The gelding has taken more time to learn his craft but has shown enough ability to encourage the stable. “He’s a giant of a horse and the greenest of the three,” Snowden said. “He needs racing experience, but his work has improved significantly and it’s all starting to come together.” Kerrin McEvoy partners Zourrific, Sam Clipperton rides Short Sea and Tom Sherry takes the mount on Baltusrol.

Popular NSW bookmaker Shane Horan to retire after 56 years

Highly respected Coonamble bookmaker Shane Horan will field for the final time at Saturday’s Walgett Cup meeting, bringing to a close a remarkable 56-year career in racing. Horan was granted his bookmaker’s licence at just 21 and has since become one of the best-known and most respected figures on the western New South Wales racing circuit. Travelling up to 15,000 kilometres annually, he operated at meetings across the region, from Tamworth and Lightning Ridge to Tullibigeal, Louth and Walgett. His first meeting as a bookmaker was at Mendooran, where a dozen bookmakers fielded on local races and metropolitan events. In an era when country race meetings attracted huge crowds, Horan built a reputation for fairness and professionalism that endured throughout his career. Away from racing, Horan enjoyed a successful 42-year career with Coonamble Shire Council and excelled as both a cricketer and rugby league player. A talented batsman, spin bowler and halfback, he represented far west and north west teams and won multiple premierships. Reflecting on more than five decades in the betting ring, Horan recalled many of the region’s great horses, jockeys and punters, while maintaining strong relationships across the racing community. His retirement has prompted widespread recognition from industry participants, with many noting his reputation as one of racing’s true gentlemen. Fittingly, Horan’s final day in the ring will come at Walgett, once regarded as the headquarters of north-west racing and a town that produced generations of leading trainers and jockeys. Saturday will mark the end of an era for country racing in western New South Wales.

Nominations open for Sydney Strapper of the Year Award

Nominations are now open for the 2025/26 Sydney Strapper of the Year Award, recognising the dedication and commitment of the stable staff who play a vital role behind the scenes of the racing industry. Now in its 17th year, the award celebrates stablehands who consistently go above and beyond in the care of racehorses and support of their stables. Sponsored by Racing NSW and coordinated by the Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy (ARCC), the award is peer-nominated, with stablehands attending metropolitan race meetings encouraged to nominate a colleague they believe deserves recognition. A panel of racing officials will review nominations and select a shortlist of finalists before determining the overall winner. The successful recipient will be honoured at the NSW Racehorse Owners Association’s annual Racing’s Night of Champions, to be held on Thursday, August 27. Last season’s award was presented to Leonard Todd in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the industry. Eligible nominees can come from any stable across New South Wales and the ACT, provided they have strapped horses at metropolitan race meetings during the 2025/26 season. Nominations can be lodged online via the Australian Racing Christian Chaplaincy website, while nomination forms are also available for download. For further information, contact Colin Watts at ARCC via contact@arcc.org.au.

Hailstones delivers first winner for Noverre

Waikato Stud stallion Noverre (Savabeel) celebrated his first winner on Tuesday when promising two-year-old Hailstones broke his maiden at Scone for trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald. Ridden by Braith Nock, the gelding settled outside the leader before taking control soon after straightening and holding off race favourite Leovanni (Proisir) to score over 1300 metres on debut. “He has always shown something from day one, but it was nice to see him put it together on debut,” Rob Archibald said. “He’s a lovely athletic type with plenty of scope, so you’d like to think there is a lot more improvement to come. Whatever we are seeing now is a bonus.” Archibald believes Hailstones will continue to improve with maturity and is likely to have one more run before heading for a spell ahead of his three-year-old season. “I suspect we will give him one more run as a two-year-old and then put him away. He should come back a very nice three-year-old and get over a bit more ground.” Hailstones is by Noverre, the son of Savabeel who won the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m), and is out of stakes-winning mare Cool Storm (One Cool Cat), making him a half-brother to Auckland Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) winner Ocean Billy (Ocean Park). The gelding was purchased for NZ$150,000 by the Archibalds and Will Johnson Bloodstock from Waikato Stud’s draft at the 2025 Karaka Book 1 Sale. Noverre has made an encouraging start with his first crop, which also includes Champagne Stakes (Listed, 1600m) placegetter Bella Bonita. Archibald said another stablemate by the young sire, Chatoyer, had also shown plenty of promise.

Savile Row relocates to Brighthill Farm

Emerging sire Savile Row (Makfi) will stand at Brighthill Farm this season after receiving the backing of Henrietta, Duchess of Bedford, who has purchased the Group 1 performer. Now a 12-year-old, Savile Row was bred by the late Kevin Hickman and initially stood at Valachi Downs before relocating to Mapperley Stud following Hickman’s passing and the sale of the Matamata property. A high-class racehorse trained by the late Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard, Savile Row was a three-time Group 1 placegetter, finishing runner-up in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m), New Zealand 2000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) and Levin Classic (Gr 1, 1600m). Despite limited opportunities at stud, he has made an encouraging start to his stallion career, siring 14 winners from just 25 runners, including stakes placegetters She Suits Herself and Perfectly Suited, while Suit Yourself was fourth in Group Two company. “Many will think I have gone a bit mad, however he is a stallion I really believe in, as did his breeder Kevin Hickman,” Bedford said. “He was never given the opportunity to be promoted as Kevin would have liked, and his statistics really surprised me. Fourteen winners and two black-type performers from 25 runners is a remarkable return.” Savile Row is out of the mare Fleece (Savile Row) and is a full-brother to Group Two winner Needle And Thread, the dam of promising juvenile Warwoven (Sword Of State). The stallion will stand at Brighthill Farm for a fee of NZ$2,500 plus GST, with Bedford committing several of her own mares to support him during the upcoming breeding season.

Tycoon Resources chases hat-trick at Happy Valley

Exciting three-year-old Tycoon Resources (Written Tycoon) will put his unbeaten record on the line when he steps up in class and distance at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Tony Cruz-trained son of Written Tycoon has made a dazzling start to his Hong Kong career, winning both starts, including a determined victory last month despite racing in a difficult position throughout. Jockey Angus Chung believes the gelding has the talent to handle the rise to Class 3 company in the West Kowloon Handicap (Class 3, 1200m). “He has a lot of potential and a lot of ability,” Chung said. “I think the step up to 1200 metres will help him and he should be competitive in this grade.” Tycoon Resources will jump from barrier four carrying just 122lb. Australian jockey Ethan Brown will partner the consistent Superb King (Written Tycoon) in the Stanley Handicap (Class 4, 1200m). The Francis Lui-trained gelding has finished in the top three at his past four starts and has drawn favourably in barrier two. “He’ll get a good run on the speed and give himself every chance,” Brown said. Brown, riding in Hong Kong on a short-term contract, secured his first Sha Tin winner last weekend and is hoping to build momentum through the closing weeks of the season. Meanwhile, four-time Hong Kong champion jockey Joao Moreira continues his hot streak after riding 12 winners across the past six meetings. Moreira has seven rides on Wednesday’s nine-race program, including progressive galloper Target Audience (Derryn) in the West Kowloon Handicap (Class 3, 1200m). Champion trainer Caspar Fownes heads the trainers’ premiership with 61 wins, four clear of his nearest challengers, and will rely on several runners from his powerful stable as the title race enters its final stages. Wednesday’s meeting at Happy Valley begins at 6.40pm (HKT) with the Chek Lap Kok Handicap (Class 5, 1800m).

UK: Royal Ascot-bound filly River In Paradise to go under the hammer

Exciting juvenile filly River In Paradise (Lope Y Fernandez) will be offered through the Tattersalls Online June Pop-Up Sale on June 12, just days after announcing herself as a potential Royal Ascot contender with an impressive debut victory at Lingfield. Consigned by Robert Edwards’ Uplands Stables in Lambourn, the filly made a winning start to her career over six furlongs last week, earning a Timeform rating of 73. Despite showing signs of inexperience early, she improved throughout the contest before quickening clear to score by a length and a half. Whilst she was on debut, the form appears solid with the runner-up having been placed at both previous starts, and eight of River In Paradise’s nine rivals brought race experience into the maiden. Connections are now targeting the Windsor Castle Stakes (Listed, 1200m) at Royal Ascot later this month. A graduate of the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale, River In Paradise is the first foal from winning mare River Eden (Invincible Spirit), whose family includes Listed winner Lady Heidi (High Chaparral), dual Group 3 winner and Group 1 placegetter Thewayiam (Thewayyouare), Group 1 winner Tenby (Ten Sovereigns) and multiple Group 1 performer Exospheric (Beat Hollow). The Tattersalls Online Pop-Up Sale has previously unearthed high-quality performers, including Listed winner Hot Darling (Too Darn Hot) and Dubai Carnival winner Miss Yechance (Cotai Glory). Bidding opens at 10am and closes at midday on June 12 via the Tattersalls Online platform.

UK: Not This Time filly to miss Royal Ascot

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Gr 1, 1000m) winner Cy Fair (Not This Time) will not travel to Royal Ascot after connections elected to bypass next week’s King Charles III Stakes (Gr 1, 1000m). Trainer George Weaver had originally targeted the Royal Ascot feature with the talented daughter of Not This Time, but a recent setback prompted a change of plans. “We have made the decision to skip Royal Ascot with Cy Fair,” co-owner Medallion Racing posted on social media. “George felt like she wasn't acting her usual self the past few days.” Connections stressed the three-year-old is sound and are hopeful she will return to the work track within the coming weeks. Cy Fair has never finished outside the placings in six career starts and enjoyed a standout two-year-old season highlighted by her victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Gr 1T) at Del Mar. She returned this year with a narrow third in the Limestone Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) at Keeneland before turning the tables on Slay The Day (Into Mischief) when winning the Mamzelle Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) at Churchill Downs. The form received a significant boost when Slay The Day subsequently captured the Soaring Softly Stakes (Gr 3T, 1100m) at Saratoga. The King Charles III Stakes offers the winner an automatic berth into this year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (Gr 1, 1000m)) at Keeneland, a race Cy Fair may now target via an alternative path later in the season.

UK: International stars target £2 million King George showdown

The £2 million King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Gr 1, 2400m) on Saturday 25th July is shaping as one of the most anticipated contests of the European season, with an international cast headed by Calandagan (Gleneagles) and Japanese star Masquerade Ball (Duramente) among 37 early entries. Masquerade Ball has long been aimed at Ascot after his outstanding 2025 campaign, which included victory in the Tenno Sho Autumn (Gr 1, 2000m) and a narrow defeat to Calandagan in the Japan Cup (Gr 1, 2400m). He resumed this year with a runner-up finish to Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) in Hong Kong’s QEII Cup (Gr 1, 2000m). Trainer Takahisa Tezuka said the prestigious Ascot feature had always been the preferred international target for the Shadai Race Horse-owned entire. "Though we considered the Goodwood Cup, which is only a few days after the King George, two miles at a European track could be too tough for a Japanese horse and so we have selected the King George as the race to run in.” Calandagan, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic (Gr 1, 2410m), is expected to spearhead the French challenge for Francis-Henri Graffard, who has claimed the past two editions of the race. Graffard has also entered Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Daryz (Sea The Stars) and 2024 King George hero Goliath (Adlerflug). Japan could also be represented by Wurrtemberg (Kitasan Black), who was narrowly beaten in this year’s Tenno Sho Spring (Gr 1, 3200m), while the British and Irish contingent includes Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Christmas Day (Camelot), Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) heroine Thundering On (Frankel) and a powerful team from Aidan O’Brien, who has won the race four times, including Benvenuto Cellini (Frankel), Constitution River (Wootton Bassett), Jan Brueghel (Galileo), Lambourn (Australia) and Minnie Hauk (Frankel) among 11 possible runners. Joseph O’Brien’s Oaks winner Thundering On may be challenged by second placed Legacy Link (Dubawi) for John & Thady Gosden who have also nominated their unbeaten colt Water To Wine (Kingman). Last year’s second Kalpana (Study of Man), the Coronation Cup winner Bay City Roller (New Bay) and Tattersalls Gold Cup winner Almaqam (Lope De Vega) are other prominent entries.

FR: Boudot cleared to resume riding in France

French jockey Pierre-Charles Boudot is set to return to race riding in his homeland next week after being granted a licence by France Galop following his recent legal exoneration. The 33-year-old had been unable to ride in France since being indicted in May 2021 over rape allegations, which he consistently denied. After a lengthy legal process, a French court last week cleared Boudot of the charges, paving the way for his return to the saddle. His licence was officially reinstated by France Galop on Tuesday, with agent Herve Naggar confirming the news. “Pierre-Charles Boudot will finally get back in the saddle next week in France,” Naggar posted on social media. “Bravo to you for having endured these five years of nightmare. Proud to have accompanied you through this ordeal. The best is yet to come.” Boudot was initially suspended by France Galop in 2021 before restrictions were repeatedly extended. His licence was ultimately revoked indefinitely in November 2022 at the request of the French Ministry of the Interior. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s leading riders, Boudot has enjoyed success at the highest level both in France and internationally. His most notable victory came aboard Waldgeist (Galileo) in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (Gr 1, 2400m) in 2019, denying Enable (Nathaniel) a historic third triumph in the race. During his suspension, Boudot briefly returned to competitive action in Qatar earlier this year under a temporary licence, partnering Giavellotto (Mastercraftsman) to finish third in the Amir Trophy (Gr 3, 2400m). His return to France next week will mark the end of a four-year absence from race riding in his home country.