Amarina Farm assembles high-quality draft for National Weanling Sale
While not among the largest players in terms of scale, it will come as little surprise that Amarina Farm has a formidable presence at this year’s Magic Millions National Weanling Sale, with a quality draft set to be offered at the Gold Coast on Sunday. A respected and commercially savvy operation, the Hunter Valley nursery... Read More
Imperialist
The blend of burgeoning Australian breed-shaper Fastnet Rock (Danehill) and American legend Storm Cat (Storm Bird) has produced another Group winner with Imperialist’s (Churchill) victory in Saturday’s Rough Habit Plate (Gr 3, 2000m) at Doomben. Bred by Gordon Cunningham of New Zealand’s Curraghmore Stud and Arkle Bloodstock’s Demi O’Byrne, the gelding was bought for $170,000... Read More
Mum’s the word as Esha eyes spring riches
The unflappable nature she inherited from her suitably stellar mum I Am A Star (I Am Invincible) should set dominant debut winner Esha (Extreme Choice) in good stead as she prepares to add some precious black type to her pedigree page this spring. That is the considered view of her trainer Shane Nichols, who prepared... Read More
‘It will be difficult to say goodbye but I’m very proud of the legacy I leave behind’ – Orton announces he will leave Vinery
After 25 years at the helm of Vinery Stud, which he effectively helped build from scratch, general manager Peter Orton has called time on his tenure at the famed Hunter Valley operation. Since being head-hunted by its previous owner Dr Tom Simon a quarter of a century ago, Orton has successfully established Vinery as a... Read More
Thompson hoping Benagil can rise to the Group 1 occasion once again
Glen Thompson is confident the rise and rise of his three-year-old filly Benagil (Manhattan Rain) will continue as she begins her Brisbane swing this weekend with eyes on a second Oaks triumph. Benagil, who broke through at the top tier last start with a dominant victory in the Australasian Oaks (Gr 1, 2000m) at Morphettville... Read More
Hayes edges closer to John Size in trainers’ championship with treble
A David Hayes treble at Sha Tin on Sunday has breathed fresh life into the 2024/25 Hong Kong trainers’ championship, as the Australian moved to within six wins of compatriot and 12-time champion John Size with 16 meetings left in the season. Hayes dominated with the performances of Oriental Smoke (Artie Schiller), Solid Shalaa (Shalaa)... Read More