Million-dollar Black Opal raceday revamp for Canberra
Pearce playing long game in hope of revitalising racing industry in the Australian Capital Territory Canberra will host its first million-dollar Black Opal meeting next year in a reshuffle of its programming and scheduling as part of a longer-term plan to win over the Australian Capital Territory government and community support for thoroughbred racing in... Read More
Auguste Rodin cements his name in the history books with famous Derby double
The son of Deep Impact’s stallion appeal boosted further with Irish Derby success despite what can be fairly evaluated as a performance below his best, writes Daniel Harrold There will surely never be another Galileo. The son of Sadler’s Wells (Northern Dancer) currently stands above all in the stallion ranks with an astounding 366 stakes... Read More
Knight’s Choice
Norm Bazeley is a 74-year-old farmer, boutique breeder, former trackwork rider and hobby trainer, and an amateur philosopher. One night a few years ago he was home on his 115-acre farm at Walcha when he received a phone call. “Have you got a mare named Midnight Pearl?” a woman asked. Bazeley confirmed she was one... Read More
Fastnet Rock – The Group 1 machine
After notching up his 43rd Group 1 winner over the weekend, we look at the extraordinary record of Fastnet Rock when it comes to producing elite horses. Of the 52 sons of the great Danehill (Danzig) to have gone to stud and produce a Group 1 winner, none has had as many elite stars as... Read More
European sales in focus for Australian breeders
Buying mares suitable for elite stallions such as Frankel a ‘no-brainer’ The growing influence of European-based stallions on Australian racecourses and its bloodstock markets is set to fuel activity from southern hemisphere buyers at upcoming sales in England and France over the next week. The Tattersalls July Sale, which begins it’s four-day run on July... Read More
Whyte predicts bright future for Flaming Rabbit as Purton slots a treble
Douglas Whyte hopes Flaming Rabbit (Time Test) can ascend to Group company next season after the classy import eclipsed a talent-laden field to win the Class 2 Kau Sai Chau Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin yesterday evening. Earning a HK$2 million (approx. AU$382,253) PP Bonus by posting his first Hong Kong win after three minor... Read More