‘The Incomparables’: The remarkable story of Frank Wootton
Francis Leonard Wootton (1893 – 1940), from Australia and known as Frank, was champion jockey of England in 1909-10-11-12 – all before his 19th birthday. He should have been champion five years straight … but we’ll get to that. He arguably paved the way for the group which might be happily and appropriately dubbed The... Read More
TBA: Lock in transport plans early for movement of mares
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) yesterday encouraged breeders sending mares interstate to consider their transport plans carefully and well ahead of schedule with the Covid-19 pandemic creating havoc with interstate travel as the breeding season fast approaches. While TBA chief executive Tom Reilly confirmed that breeding has been deemed an “essential agricultural activity” by the federal... Read More
Spitting image Lonhro colt sells for $180,000 in Book 2 of Magic Millions National Sale
Gold Coast auction comes to a close as Bowditch expresses satisfaction with results If there was ever a need for further proof that well-credentialled horses will be found by buyers no matter what marketplace they are offered through, there was another example yesterday when a striking colt by champion sire Lonhro (Octagonal) made $180,000. The... Read More
Well-bred Gooree colt by Shalaa comes up trumps at National Yearling Sale
Agents combine to land son of Shalaa for $360,000 at competitive Gold Coast auction The half-brother to Group 1-winning sire Hallowed Crown (Street Sense) by Arrowfield Stud’s shuttler Shalaa (Invincible Spirit), the last lot to be offered in Book 1 of the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, last night sold for $360,000 to put an... Read More
Remarkable five-timer and another milestone for Walker
The first four races taken out in quick succession by the same owner and trainer combination would be unheard of at Kranji, but to have the first two ringing up the trainer’s 600-win milestone makes the feat even more remarkable. Pun fully intended, Mark Walker, the trainer in question, was helped towards that new landmark... Read More
Bargain buy a real ‘Pearl’
Bargain buy Pearl Green (Fastnet Rock) made it win number 13 in Macau with a convincing victory under apprentice Eric Cheung in Sunday’s Class 1 & 2 Handicap over 1500 metres, taking his prize-money to over HKD$5.8 million (approx A$1.05 million). Given a perfect ride in the very testing heavy conditions by the five-pound claimer... Read More