Retired pub owner O’Connell makes rare Sydney visit count
Vince O’Connell is a retired pub owner from northern New South Wales who does horse ownership a bit unconventionally. The 76-year-old, who grew up in southern Sydney, moved to Gundagai and has more lately run a 150-acre farm near Kyogle, made a return to the Easter yearling sales this week. “Last time I came to... Read More
Tait’s American dream pays dividends
A canny investment in an American speed mare with a formline familiar to Australians returned a handsome dividend for Twin Hills Stud and partners at Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale yesterday when her Capitalist (Written Tycoon) colt sold for $700,000. Madame Cactus (Cactus Ridge) was a dual stakes winner in the US who won the... Read More
McNulty ready to party after terrific Inglis triumph
Expat Irishman Eamon McNulty of Victorian farm Erin Park Lodge is gearing up for a party. His youngest daughter Mary-Claire will be married this weekend. And yesterday, with impeccable timing, he completed a stunning bit of business at the Inglis Easter sale. Having bought the New Zealand mare Royal Raine (Thorn Park) with a Shamus... Read More
Another One
A handful of trainers can hit it with the big guys at the major yearling sales. Others have to operate in the margins, sniffing out a bargain at smaller auctions. And others, like the boys and girls from the bush, often have to try a third way. Riverina trainer Gary Colvin likes to take a... Read More
All Too Hard’s sprint king Wellington cements crown as Vinery stallion goes from strength to strength in Hong Kong
Victory for Wellington in Sunday’s Sprint Cup (Gr 2, 1200m) at Sha Tin further cemented the five-year-old’s position as Hong Kong’s top sprinter, an accolade that sees him continue to fly the flag for Vinery Stud’s All Too Hard (Casino Prince), whose burgeoning reputation among Hong Kong buyers gathers apace. All Too Hard sits seventh... Read More
The Champagne party not yet over for Laurel Oak and Fireburn
Brilliant Golden Slipper and Inglis Sires’ winner Fireburn will join elite company; confirm the likelihood that she is exceptional and offer portent of even better to come if she can annex Saturday week’s G1 Champagne Stakes to complete Sydney’s two-year-old triple crown. Victory would see her join Baguette, Luskin Star, Pierro, Tierce, Burst and Dance... Read More