However, it may be premature to declare that it signals a return to continuing local celebrations in the years to come on the first Tuesday in November. Less than one length separated the first five to finish – from the winner Vow And Declare – the Australian bred son of Declaration Of War (War Front)... Read More

His victory did much to boost the spirits of Australia’s smaller and hobby breeders whose numbers have decreased dramatically in recent years due to economic factors, including rising stallion service fees, and the increasing dominance of large, commercial studs. Queensland resident Paul Lansky, breeder of Vow And Declare, has only two broodmares but uses the... Read More

I never thought I was going to win It was totally different to last year – I really felt at one stage 12 months ago we were going to win the race. But this year I never ever felt, despite how close we were, that it was ours. I always knew we were just held... Read More

Best initially had no intention of buying the Argentine-bred daughter of Pure Prize (Storm Cat), but he happened to be strolling the grounds at Fasig-Tipton’s Newtown Paddocks in Lexington on Sunday when the six-year-old chestnut arrived after a long journey from her landmark victory at Santa Anita Park. “I was walking on a beautiful sunny... Read More

The three-year-old was a dominant winner of last month’s stallion–making race and will continue to be trained by Anthony Freedman, aiming for more Group 1 success on the track while existing managing owner Jonathan Munz will retain a 20 per cent share. The remaining shareholders in the syndicate are some of New Zealand’s leading breeders... Read More

In a game where narrow margins can be career-defining and fortunes can be won and lost, every little advantage that can be obtained makes a difference. Danny O’Brien, who on Tuesday achieved the ultimate when his lightly–raced stayer Vow And Declare (Declaration Of War) fought off a horde of internationals to win the Melbourne Cup... Read More