‘This wasn’t a decision I made lightly’ – James Cummings confirms move to Hong Kong
After months of speculation, James Cummings, one of Australia’s best trainers, confirmed yesterday that he will join the Hong Kong training ranks next year. Cummings, the grandson of legendary trainer Bart, had been at the helm of Godolphin’s Australian training operation for eight years before the global giant’s recent announcement to move to a public... Read More
Maison Louis
One of the richest families in New Zealand racing and breeding has done it again, with Maison Louis (Super Seth) joining its many elite winners in taking out Saturday’s Queensland Derby (Gr 1, 2400m). The gelding, trained by John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, forms the latest chapter in a story deeply woven into the fabric... Read More
Baker hopes Robusto can add to brilliant season in Stradbroke
Trainer Bjorn Baker has second-hand star Robusto (Churchill) primed to cap a huge season for the stable and syndicators Darby Racing in a bold first-up bid to land the Stradbroke Handicap (Gr 1, 1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. And the five-year-old will also have the backing of a sort of Murphy’s Law of stallions,... Read More
Aerodrome to put Group 1 potential to test in JJ Atkins
Master two-year-old conditioner Michael Freedman is confident Aerodrome (Ole Kirk) is ready to put his best foot forward on firmer ground as he seeks to shore up the first season stallions’ title for his sire in Saturday’s JJ Atkins Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m). Bred by Rick Jamieson’s Gilgai Farm and bought by relatively new Singleton-based... Read More
‘I’m hopeful, but I wouldn’t be declaring it just yet’ – Widden’s Zoustar on the verge of claiming maiden sires’ title
Widden Stud can start celebrating their first Australian champion sire in 32 years after Zoustar (Northern Meteor) all but secured the title with seven weeks of the season remaining on Saturday. Zoustar had looked set for the premiership in early March, when he snatched the lead from the bolter Pride Of Dubai (Street Cry) –... Read More
Western Empire breaks $3 million barrier
Western Empire (7 g Iffraaj – Western Jewel by Jeune) took his career earnings past the $3 million mark on Saturday when flying home late to land the Hyperion Stakes (Gr 3, 1600m) at Pinjarra Scarpside. The Grant and Alana Williams-trained seven-year-old was ridden by William Pike and came home down the centre of the... Read More