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KELTRICE
ON THE CHEAP FOR SA BREEDERS Victorian based members Max and Judi Clarke have announced a special offer for members of the South Australian Thoroughbred Breeders. They are offering nominations to former Group One winning sprinter Keltrice at a "super special price" for 2008 - but to fellow SATB members only. "Agistment is also available for your mares at our Strath Creek property. Vet work is done on the property. We can offer personal walk ins etc," Max Clarke said. "Anyone interested should call me now on (03) 5784 9336 or 0407 327 400 anytime," he summed up. SA
BREEDERS WELCOME SABIS BOOST The South Australian Thoroughbred Breeders have welcomed an announcement today of SABIS bonus increases. The bonuses, which will apply to foals born from 2007, will be increased at all levels. SATB President Graham Ingerson said the boost was just what the local breeding industry was looking for. "These latest SABIS increases are very much welcomed by all thoroughbred breeders in South Australia," Ingerson said. "Our committee has worked hard with TRSA officials to enhance the local breeders and owners bonus scheme and today's news is very positive." "The news is a double boost after stakes boosts for SA racing over the next five years was announced by TRSA." The increases bonuses will apply to all four levels of racing as follows:
In a statement issued today TRSA Chief Executive Ian Hart said the increases would apply to 2007-born eligible foals. "These foals will compete for the new level bonuses from commencement of 2009/10 racing season when they turn two years old," Mr Hart said. "Bonus levels are currently running at around $1.5 million, but these increases will see that rise by an estimated $300,000 to $1.8 million per year." These increases come off the back of this week's announcement by the TRSA Board of the first instalment in its five-year prizemoney strategy, with an extra $2.3 million to be injected across the industry from 1st November 2008. SA
BREDS STAR IN DARWIN Club Liquid led the way for the South Australian bred gallopers on a big Darwin Cup Day at Fannie Bay this afternoon. A son of one time Coolmore Stud shuttler Fasliyev, Club Liquid had racegoers searching for the record books when he raced away for a stunning 13 length win in the NT's biggest race - the Carlton Draught Darwin Cup (2000m). Trained and owned by popular local horseman Dick Leech, Club Liquid controlled the race from the front and never gave his rivals a look in - bolting away before the turn and increasing his margin as the race went on. Club Liquid is one of nine winners from the good producing Sir Ivor mare Dame Ivor. As well as Club Liquid she is the dam of the American stakes winners Saratoga Dandy and Saratoga Dame. The latter went on to throw three US stakes performers including Group Two winner and five time Group One placegetter Dollar Bill. The Darwin Cup provided a trifecta result for SA breds with Lanson (Gallo di Ferro-Bucks Fizz) and Nozi (Blevic-Gala Jazz) running second and third. Earlier in the day Faslination, bred by the late Ian Barton, gave the locals a win in the QANTAS Invitation Plate (1300m). Also by Fasliyev, Faslination and David Bates cruised home to beat the favourite and early leader Yuki by two and three quarter lengths. Meanwhile, former Adelaide mare Blackstone Rose made it two wins from two runs in the Top End with an impressive win in the Wolf Blass Lightning Plate (1000m). Now trained by winning rider David Bates, Blackstone Rose is a five-year-old mare by Black Hawk bred by Mandy and Stephen Powell. Described as a "temperamental customer" by her new trainer, Blackstone Rose looks a sprinting star of the future and will be set for next year's Palmerston Sprint. ADELAIDE
TREBLE FOR BLEVIC Kambula's Stud resident sire star Blevic had a day out to remember at Morphettville on Saturday with a winning treble. Miss Blake, a newly turned three-year-old filly from former smart Eyre Peninsula mare Emerald Lake, kicked away the big day out when she won the first flat race - the third event of the day. A member of the Jon O'Connor stable, Miss Blake beat the favourite Cerberus Gal by a half length and then had to survive a protest befor being confirmed the winner. Three races later is was the turn of Holy Guacamoley to return a winner - a comprehensive victor of the Schweppes Handicap (1600m). With Jason Lyon up the four-year-old mare got home by a half length, delighting trainer John Macmillan. The treble was registered about 35 minutes later when talented five-year-old gelding Exalted Thomas won the Irish Race Day August 16th Handicap (1200m). Bred and raced by Ken and Helen Smith, the Jim Smith trained performed got home under Donna Carrigg to beat proven stakes performer Bold Line by a half length. For good measure Blevic was also represented by a winner on Saturday at the non-TAB New South Wales meeting at Gilgandra. Blevic is standing this spring at Kambula Stud on the outskirts of Kadina at a service fee of $5,500 (inc GST). ADELAIDE
MIXED SALE ON SUNDAY A quality catalogue of almost 190 horses will go under the hammer at Sunday's Magic Millions Adelaide Mixed Thoroughbred Sale at Morphettville. Horses of all ages - from weanlings to broodmares - are up for sale at the biggest mixed thoroughbred sale held in Adelaide for at least five years. "No matter what you're on the look out for there's something in the sale for you," Magic Millions South Australian manager Tim Brown said today. "In regards to racing prospect there's unbroken stock to proven stakes winners and everything in between," he added. "There's a fine line up of weanlings, yearlings and broodmares - a number covered by top class stallions." Brown said the catalogue was available online at the Magic Millions website and would be available on the day at the sales complex. Selling kicks away at 11am (SA time). "Local industry members just can't afford to miss it," Brown summed up. QUALITY
ENTRIES ROLL IN FOR ADELAIDE SALE Sunday week's Magic Millions Adelaide Mixed Thoroughbred Sale is shaping up nicely with almost 200 entries already received. To be conducted at the Morphettville selling auditorium, the sale will provide great opportunities for buyers looking to expand their thoroughbred interests. The 179 entries already received for the auction comprise of horses of all ages from precocious weanlings to proven stakes producing broodmares. Magic Millions' South Australian manager Tim Brown said he was thrilled with the interest from breeders and vendors around the state. "There will be a great line up of horses going under the hammer," Brown said. "The response has been overwhelming." Brown said if demand continued from locals there could be as many four mixed thoroughbreds held in Adelaide each year aside from the annual famous Yearling Sales. More details on the sale will be released within the next week and the list of entries will be soon available on the Magic Millions website. For more information on the sale contact the Adelaide office of Magic Millions on (08) 8297 8055. RECORDS
SMASHED AS MADONNA MAKES $2.7M Champion race mare Divine Madonna has made a Magic Millions record price of $2.7 million at the National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast. The four time Group One winner brought the sales complex to a standstill when she entered the ring at approximately 12.40pm. A few minutes later she left the ring with the state and all time Magic Millions record having been knocked down to Bill Mitchell, bidding on behalf of Darley Australia. John Sunderland, the stud manager of Darley, said the mare would be one the jewels of their outstanding broodmare band. "It's obviously a lot of money, but we're delighted to be able to buy her." "It's very hard to be able to get mares of her quality and accordingly you have to spend a lot to buy them." Sunderland said no decision had yet been made as to which stallion Divine Madonna would visit in her initial season at stud this spring. "We'll just get her home and then sit down and work things out from there," Sunderland added. Mark Kavanagh, the man who purchased Divine Madonna as a yearling from the Adelaide Yearling Sale and trained her throughout her illustrious career, had some mixed emotions. "I am a bit (sad), but it opens another chapter to her life and now we can look forward to her producing quality offspring." "We're delighted with the price - not often you can turn $80,000 into $2.7 million - and grab another two (million) along the way." "And with my wife being a part owner it makes me feel a lot better!" "It's been a memorable ride - and as they say, while one door closes another will open." Divine Madonna, by Hurricane Sky and from the top producing Prego mare My Madonna, won eight races and earned over $2 million during a glittering racetrack career. She is best remembered for her group one wins in an Emirates Stakes, Toorak Handicap, Myer Classic and Queen of the Turf Stakes. GOOD
TIMES AHEAD FOR LINDSAY PARK Lindsay Park Stud and Magali Farms have entered a partnership that will see proven young sire Good Journey (Nureyev – Chimes of Freedom) shuttle between South Australia and the USA. The Group One winning son of Nureyev will re-commence his Southern Hemisphere duties at Lindsay Park Stud in the upcoming 2008 stud season after having stood privately for four seasons at Ealing Park before being purchased by Magali Farms in California. With his oldest progeny now 3YO’s Good Journey’s has produced 10 winners from only 13 runners in his first crop of 23 live foals. Included in his first crop are Group One winner Grand Journey (ex Grand Prospect) and Group Two winner Sound Journey (ex Written By Sound). Sound Journey won the G2 Alistair Clark Stakes (1600m) after having won his first three starts and running fourth in the G3 VRC CS Hayes Stakes. He subsequently ran fourth in the Group One VRC Guineas. Grand Journey is currently third favorite for the AJC Oaks after having collected the G2 WA Oaks and G1 WA Derby double. Bred along the same lines as Champion Sire Redoute’s Choice (they share Best In Show as their fourth dam) Good Journey hails from one of the most celebrated families in the international stud book. He is by champion sire of sires Nureyev out of multiple Gr. One winner Chimes of Freedom (by Private Account). His second dam Aviance is also a Gr. One winner and dam of four time Gr. One winner Denon as well as the dam of Spinning World. Good Journey’s half brother is Champion USA Sprinter, triple Gr. One winner and sire Aldebaran (by Mr Prospector). As a racehorse Good Journey was as classy as he was consistent being placed 15 times in 16 starts (7 wins, 5 seconds, 3 thirds). His wins included the Gr. One Woodbine Mile along with three other wins at Group Two level. He ran third behind Domedriver and Rock of Gibraltar in the Group One Breeders Cup Mile and was placed at Group level over a mile on another two occasions. He competed exclusively on turf. After having been purchased by Magali Farms in 2006 Good Journey covered 80 mares in California in 2007 and is in the process of covering another 75 mares this season. In the deal brokered by Adelaide Bloodstock Agent Adrian Hancock, Lindsay Park Stud has purchased 50% of Good Journey with Magali Farms and partners retaining 50%. “Our partnership will see Good Journey shuttle between our farms for as long as he is fit and fertile and we look forward to providing him with every opportunity to build upon this most impressive start to his stud career,” explained Magali Farms Proprietor Richard Sulpizio. Lindsay Park Stud boss Sam Hayes was delighted to have secured Good Journey in partnership with the team at Magali Farms. “In developing a roster of commercial stallions we could not have hoped for a better credentialed addition than Good Journey and to be doing so in partnership with Magali Farms is an added bonus. “I would encourage breeders to take a look at his pedigree and race record and seriously consider the potential of a stallion that has produced a Group One winner and a Group Two winner from only 13 runners in his first crop,” Sam Hayes explained. Good Journey will stand for $18,000 inc. GST at Lindsay Park Stud in 2008. LINDSAY PARK STUD ROSTER – 2008 Good
Journey
$18,000 inc. GST Fraar is standing privately in season 2008. Lindsay Park Stud release NATIONAL
SALE COUP: MADONNA FOR MILLIONS One of the world's great racemares - the mighty Divine Madonna - will go under the hammer at June's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on the Gold Coast. The daughter of Hurricane Sky, a four time Group One winner, was retired last week after suffering a muscle injury that cut shut her last racetrack preparation. Purchased as a yearling from the Adelaide Yearling Sale by Mark Kavanagh, Divine Madonna established herself as one of the great Australian mares of the modern era - earning over $2 million from just 26 starts. "She was an absolute delight to train," Kavanagh said today. "Not only a sensational racehorse, she was a real stable favourite." "She's got the most wonderful temperament and she'll make the perfect broodmare," he added. The mare will be offered at the auction by one of Australia's most historic and successful thoroughbred outfits Widden Stud. Widden's Antony Thompson said he was delighted to be entrusted with the valuable broodmare prospect. "We're honoured to be able to present the mare on behalf of her owners at the sale," he said. "She joins a quality draft of fillies and mares who will be heading north for the National Sale." "She will be without doubt the best race filly or mare to be offered in Australia this year," Thompson added. "An outstanding mare who captured the imagination of racegoers." "Her strong finishes were incredible to watch," he summed up. Magic Millions managing director David Chester was delighted to learn the star mare would be gracing the Gold Coast sale ring in June. "She's the mare of the year," Chester said. "We're honoured to be able to get her back to sell to the public as a broodmare after originally selling her as a yearling in Adelaide." "There would be no better mare being offered at auction anywhere in the world this year than Divine Madonna." "She's a four time Group One winner and she possessed the most paralysing finishing burst I've probably ever seen in a racehorse." "Her sale will be one of the most anticipated thoroughbred auction events ever." Divine Madonna is one of two Group winners from the top producing Pergo mare My Madonna. A three time winner in her own right, My Madonna is also the dam of the Group Three Standish Handicap winner Blessum - a seven time winner of over $450,000. Maduro, another of Divine Madonna's half brothers, notched up yet another city win in Adelaide on Saturday. He's now won eleven races and earned a tick under a quarter of a million dollars. Divine Madonna is just one of the many stand out entries for the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale. Many dozens of stakes mares have been entered for the auction which will be held from June 2-6. "This sale is now firmly established as the number one breeding stock sale of the Southern Hemisphere," Chester commented. "The weanling and yearlings sale components to the National Sale have assembled some truly outstanding entries as well." Magic Millions release ADELAIDE
YEARLING SALE COMES TO A CLOSE The 2008 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale drew to a close on Wednesday night when the traditional third value session of the sale was held at Morphettville. Astute buyers, from local areas and interstate, were in big numbers - picking their favourites from a lovely assortment of likely racehorses. All up tonight some $706,000 changed hands on 83 yearlings at an impressive average price of over $8,500 and healthy clearance rate of over 76 per cent. The top price of the night came early on when the Northern Territorian outfit Larrem Lodge went to $28,000 for a colt by Desert King. Aquanita went to $26,000 to secure a well sought after colt by Face Value who will be heading to their new WA trainer Simon Miller. Magic Millions managing director David Chester said tonight's session gave trainers, particularly those from country areas, the chance to pick up a yearling for their stable. "We had buyers from around South Australia - from Ceduna in the west to Mount Gambier in the south east - it really was a happy hunting ground for trainers seeking value." "I was particularly pleased to see so many interstate buyers at the sale and bidding for the yearlings that caught their eye." One of busiest buyers of the night was Washpool Lodge's Kevin Thomas. He signed for six yearlings which are set to be prepared for the Gold Coast Horses in Training Sale in October. Other interstate trainers buying tonight included Shane Clarke, David Noonan, Lawrie Mayfield-Smith, Quinton Scott, Jason Petch, Michael Templeton and William Cerchi. One familiar name in the results was Morphettville trainer Leon Macdonald. The man who took all before all him at the track with the big MM double earlier in the day picked up a colt by Real Jester for just $2,000. The Magic Millions focus now turns straight to the Gold Coast where from Easter Monday (March 22) the world's eyes will be on the famous Bundall sales complex. Over 1,800 yearlings have been catalogued for the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale - at the only sale in Australia that has something for everyone - something for everyone's budget. "It's the thoroughbred sale that can't be missed," Chester said. "It's the sale place of proven champions and this year's catalogue is without doubt our best ever." "Whether you have $1,000 to spend or $2,000,000 - we can make the promise there is something for you!" Magic Millions release MACDONALD'S
PAIR HEADING TO GOLD COAST AFTER ROMPS The Gold Coast beckons for the two Leon Macdonald trained stars Augusta Proud and Tosstestaroan who swept away with both Magic Millions feature races at Morphettville today. Macdonald, a long time buyer from Magic Millions, experienced one of his biggest days when by winning the races which carried a combined purse of $600,000. "What a great day," the Morphettville horseman beamed after Tosstestaroan completed the double in the $200,000 R.M.Williams Magic Millions 3YO Trophy (1600m). The win of Tosstestaroan followed Augusta Proud's sensational all the win in the $400,000 Schweppes Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) just over an hour earlier. No sooner after booking Augusta Proud on a trip to the Gold Coast for the $4 million plus raceday, Macdonald was arranging for stablemate Tosstestaroan to go on the same adventure. "They'll both head up to Queensland," Macdonald confirmed. "They are in great form and deserve their chance in the big Magic Millions races." Augusta Proud, raced by a group of Port Augusta mates headed by former Olympian Kerry O'Brien, made if five wins from five starts with her dashing win in today's juvenile classic. "She's just been a great improver," Macdonald said of the unbeaten filly. "In her first trial she went okay, without looking a real star." "But she's really come on since. Each start she has improved and she keeps stepping up - it's very exciting." At the post in today's 2YO Classic, Augusta Proud ($1.70 fav) held a length and three quarter margin over Melbourne visitor Complete Control ($17), while local Lonhro colt Shadrach ($14) flashed home for third, another two and three quarter lengths back. Pizzicato ($41) was the best of the finishes of David Hayes' four runners - the son of Piccolo running fourth ahead of Tasmanian MM Classic winner Super Confident ($5.50). Meanwhile, Tosstestaroan followed up his last start Adelaide Guineas victory with a brilliant all the way win in the $200,000 3YO Trophy (1600m). The son of Testa Rossa, a $41,000 buy from the 2006 Adelaide Sale, was sent to the front early by Clare Lindop and from there he was never headed. When Lindop asked the gelding to quicken on straightening the likely type dashed clear of his rivals for an emphatic win. At the post Tosstestaroan ($1.90 fav) was two and a quarter lengths in front of last year's MM Adelaide 2YO Classic winner Truly Beautiful ($6). David Hayes' La Viscomtessa ($8) was third, another length and three quarter lengths from the runner-up. "It was a great ride from Clare and he is a very honest galloper," Macdonald said of Tosstestaroan. "He deserves his chance on the Gold Coast as well," he added. As well as being a triumph for Macdonald and Lindop the results of the MM races was a perfect two for two for Vinery Stud. Augusta Proud is a daughter of leading sire More Than Ready, while Tosstestaroan, as his name suggests, is a son of Testa Rossa. Magic Millions release
SELLING ACTION ROLLS ON
IN ADELAIDE The value thoroughbred shoppers were back in force at Morphettville on Tuesday when the second session of the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale was conducted. The clearance rate picked up overall as buyers competed for a great range of likely racetrack performers. Today yearlings sold for prices from $2,000 to over $100,000 and almost everywhere in between. The figures from today's session helped pushed the two day sale aggregate to over $5.25 million. Magic Millions managing director David Chester said while figures were down from last year's auction it was unfair to compare the figures. "This year's catalogue is obviously much weaker than usual," Chester said. "EI created big problems with most interstate vendors not entering yearlings because of travel restrictions which continued to well after the entries closed." "A number of the top local yearlings were also interstate at the time of entry and were picked up by sales in other states including this month's Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast," he added. "For the overall clearance rate to jump to 72 per cent was pleasing and that's the barometer in this case." The top price today came when leading Melbourne based bloodstock agent Mark Pilkington went to $120,000 to secure a well bred and conformed filly from the first crop of yearling by Face Value. Just a handful of minutes later that price was almost eclipsed when the Mugharreb half brother to Monday's debuting stakes winner Elysees was purchased by Kennewell Racing for $110,000. The bargain shoppers will be back at the famous Morphettville sales ring on Wednesday night to compete for an impressive line up of yearlings during the third summer session. A number of high class gallopers are graduates from this sale over the years and organisers are confident they are plenty more in this year's line up. In between now and then the action will swing to the neighbouring Morphettville racetrack which will host the two feature Magic Millions races. SALE
STATISTICS Lots
Sold: 200 Magic Millions release
ELYSEES' TIMELY
DEBUTING STAKES WIN Exciting youngster Elysees made the best possible start to her racetrack career with a timely win in the listed Pewsey Vale Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville yesterday. A daughter of Statue of Liberty and a $50,000 graduate of last year's Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale, Elysees showed she was a youngster with a future with her dominant victory. Prepared at the track by Jon O'Connor, Elysees tracked the leaders throughout before bursting to the front in the straight and racing home for a two and a quarter length win. Arrival, a four length winner at her only prior run in Victoria, was second, while the favourite and stakes proven Viennese was third, a further three parts of a length. "It was a really impressive win," O'Connor, a former top jockey, said. "She really finished off the race strongly." O'Connor hadn't originally planned to run the filly in the listed event. "We were wanting to get her ready for the Magic Millions (2YO Classic, run Wednesday)," O'Connor pointed out. "But she had just a little set back and we had to hold off until today to give her her first start." "It's an excellent effort to win a listed race at her first start and we hope it will be followed by plenty more." A half sister to O'Connor's former Adelaide Guineas winner Blahnik, Elysees is another smart performer for the stakes winning King's High mare Gift Bouquet. Her latest yearling, an attractive chestnut colt by Mugharreb, will go under the hammer later today as lot number 183 at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale. He is being offered at the auction by Alistair and Pat McFarlane's Tori Park Stud - the Balhannah based nursery responsible for recent stakes winners including Hollow Bullet, Red Hot Mama and Blahnik. The second session of the Adelaide Sale kicks away at 11am (SA time) today. Magic Millions release VALUE
SHOPPERS OUT IN FORCE AT MORPHETTVILLE Quality yearlings were the subject of strong interest at tonight's first session of the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville. A large buying bench was on hand to compete for youngsters during the opening session and they would have been thrilled with the value for money buying. During the session $2.166 million changed hands on 66 yearlings at an average price of $32,818. "While disappointed with the clearance rate of 65.4 per cent, I thought the session was pleasing," Magic Millions managing director David Chester said. "Considering the yearlings we've got to sell, I think the session had some good positives." Chester said buyers knew they could come to the Morphettville sale and find a potential racetrack star. "Each year new stakes stars graduate from the Adelaide ring," he commented. "Three of the stakes winners at Morphettville today were local buys - including the Adelaide Cup winner Lacey Underall." "Divine Madonna, Mummify, Devil Moon, Augusta Proud, Young Centaur, Spin Around, Casino Prince - we could keep going - but they're all Adelaide Sale graduates." "The quality, well bred, conformed and presented yearlings were the subject of strong interest and those yearlings all easily exceeded their reserve prices." Topping the session at $160,000 was a filly by Coolmore's leading shuttle sire Galileo. Offered at the sale by perennial Adelaide Sale vendor leaders Mill Park Stud, the filly was purchased by leading Morphettville horseman Leon Macdonald. Macdonald on Wednesday will saddle up Augusta Proud and Tosstestaroan in the respective Magic Millions feature races - two more impressive Adelaide Sale graduates. Another big winner from buying at the Adelaide Sale - Flemington's Mark Kavanagh was back hunting for quality buys from the Morphettville ring. Tonight he snapped up two likely types - a colt by Danzero (ex Violet Tints) for $120,000 and a filly by Blevic (ex Sunday Shoes) for $105,000. "Both were lovely types and I'm hoping they can race on with great success in the coming couple of seasons," Kavanagh noted. The second session of the sale will kick away at 11am (SA time) tomorrow. "I'm looking forward to tomorrow's second session," Chester said. "I feel a number of the better yearlings in the sale will go under the hammer tomorrow." "This sale is the value sale of the country - where else can you buy such bright prospects so cheaply." "The SA breds are renowned for their toughness and durability - I'm sure buyers from this year's sale will be thrilled with their purchases." Magic Millions release SA
BRED FILLY SELLS WELL IN PERTH The incredible run by the progeny of Darley's young Danehill sire Exceed and Excel rolled on to the sale ring in Perth today when one of his daughters sold for a new top price of $310,000. The star offering of a quality draft from South Australia's Kambula Stud attracted an opening bid of $50,000. Her price quickly skipped to six figures and after passing $200,000 she was the subject of a spirited bidding duel between Newmarc's Troy Corstens and Belmont Bloodstock's Damon Gabbedy. When David Chester dropped the gavel it was Corstens' bid that was the top offering. "She's a cracking filly," Corstens said. "Very correct, and by the sire who everyone's talking about." "She looks a real runner." "We knew we'd have to pay a decent price for her - but she's worth it. The Exceed and Excels will sell for big money this year," Corstens added. "Peter (Carrick), who is establishing Grange Thoroughbreds in Victoria, is looking at building up an impressive broodmare band." The filly, catalogued as lot number 267, is from the former top class Perth juvenile Magic Heaven, a daughter of Magic Ring. Today's offering was the second yearling by Exceed and Excel sold at the Perth Yearling Sale. During the opening session on Friday a filly from the stakes winning mare Vintage Dance was purchased by Slade Bloodstock for $190,000. The third session of the sale continues. MADONNA
IS HORSE OF THE YEAR AGAIN Outstanding mare Divine Madonna was tonight for the second straight year been crowned the Malaysia Airlines South Australian Horse of the Year. The annual SATB awards were presented at a glittering awards night at Morphettville Junction. A full list of award recipients follows: Malaysia
Airlines Horse of the Year Magic Millions
Leading Stallion Robert Sangster
Memorial Leading 2YO Sire Newmarket
Insurance Brokers Leading First Season Sire Claude Haigh
Memorial Broodmare of the Year Nexus Print
Solutions Breeder of Leading 2YO Mitavite
Breeder of Leading 3YO Yalumba
Breeders of Group One Winners Collier
International Award SA Leading Breeder JG Goldner
Matrice Award WAS
YOUR MARE NOT SERVED IN 2007? A reminder to lodge Not Served mare returns as soon as possible. This information is important as it will assist us to collate essential industry statistics on the impact of Equine Influenza. The fee is $44.00 but a 5% discount is applicable to all mare returns completed Online. Payment options include credit card or cheque. If your mare has died or you have retired her from breeding, please advise us to enable her records to be closed. This can be completed Online by logging onto the home page and selecting the 'Online Services' / 'Lodge Mare Return' header. User Guides are available in the 'General Information' / 'Rules and Services' header. Please contact the ASB team if you require any assistance on 02-9663 8411. GOLDEN GELDING
A BUNDLE OF JOY Adelaide gelding Bundle O' Gold notched his first stakes success and landed one of the plunges of the day at Caulfield when he scored a tough win in the $100,500 listed Zeditave Stakes (1200m). The gelding, born, bred and trained at Murray Bridge, made it back to back wins in Melbourne with a stylish all the way victory in the feature stakes event for three-year-olds. He made an immediate impact on the Victorian racing scene when he crossed the SA/Vic border for the first time a fortnight ago. On that occasion he led for much of the journey and was strong to the line, beating home the (then) last start Sydney winner Moonboat. Back to Caulfield again today he was back at it again. He again jumped straight on the bunny and would not be headed again. This time around at Caulfield Bundle O' Gold ($4.60-$6-$4 fav) got home to beat Lord Monty ($12-$15) by a half neck. Third placegetter El Mandon ($5-$6.50) was another short head back in third place. "He always seems to be travelling so well in his races," winning trainer Paul Seater said after the win. "But he was going along at pretty quick sectionals - so it was a good win." "He was probably entitled to weaken a bit (near the finish), but he's got plenty of guts and he toughed it out." Seater said he was not behind the plunge which saw the flashy gelding jump the favourite in a strong and competitive event. "I part own the horse and we bred him, so it means a lot," Seater said after the race. "We've got a yearling gelding by Niello and a little Keep the Faith colt on the ground." "We also own the mare (Bundle O' Gold's dam Thanks a Bundle), so it's all good," he added. Winning rider Dwayne Dunn said he was impressed with the performance of the gelding by Oakside Park Stud stallion Devaraja. "I have had a lot of luck at this track and it's nice to win another stakes race, particularly with a South Australian connection," Dunn said. "I think he's still got a lot to learn - there's plenty of improvement in him and I'm sure he'll be winning plenty more races." "He's not a one dimensional horse either," Dunn continued. "He can settle in behind horses if that's what's needed." Seater said Bundle O' Gold could now return to Adelaide for a pair of feature races as that city's carnival kicks away. "The plan before today's race was to go back and run in the Redelva (Stakes) and Yallambee Classic," Seater noted. "I guess we'll just sit back and see how he pulls up and work it out from there," he added. "His dam was able to win to about 1450 metres, so he might be able to get a little further." "But we won't be rushing him at this stage." Sue Seater bred Bundle O' Gold from her Danewin mare, Thanks A Bundle, a three quarter sister to handy galloper, stakes placed Diamond Jake. Thanks A Bundle is out of the County mare Bundle Of Thanks, winner of the AJC Widden Stakes at Listed level. The family also boasts Group 3 stakes winner Darbaas. YOUNG
CENTAUR SMASHES RIVALS IN GROUP ONE The golden run of Magic Millions graduates in New Zealand rolled on today with tough stayer Young Centaur winning the NZ$350,000 Group One Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham in New Zealand today. With a stunning burst, the son of Jeune raced clear of his rivals in the straight and cruised home for the easiest of wins. At the post Young Centaur had two and three quarter lengths to spare over runner-up Resolution, while Mirkola Lass was another half length back in third place. The favourite
Pasta Post - chasing eight wins from nine starts - wound up in tenth place
for the Sanders stable. Young Centaur was purchased by trainer John Sargent for a mere $11,000 from the 2004 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale. Since then the gelding has raced on just 22 occasions for seven wins and four second placings and stakes earnings of over $350,000. Winning rider Michael Walker, who also won the Cup in 2001 aboard Smiling Like, said his horse was bolting during the race and the only problem was when he would release the brakes. "I had a handful of horse throughout," Walker said. "It was just a matter of when I wanted to go." "I had (favourite) Pasta Post on the inside of me, so I pocketed him, shutting him out of the race, as I thought he was the one to beat, then I kicked away." "A huge thrill," he continued. "John Sargent was the one who made me so confident, because he was." "It was huge mate, huge!" Young Centaur, bred and sold by South Australia's famed Lindsay Park Stud, is one of two winners from the beautifully bred Centaine mare Centafit. Unraced, Centafit is a full sister to Hong Kong Derby winner Super Fit (was Centalong in Australia) and a three quarter sister to both the stakes performer Cent Dancing as well as the dam of dual Avondale Gold Cup winner Regal Krona. A former resident at Lindsay Park Stud before transferring to Collingrove in Victoria where he died prematurely, Jeune made his name as a top sire after retiring from the track. All three of his Group One winners - Mummify, True Steel and Young Centaur - were all purchased as yearlings at the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale. COZZY'S GRAND
PLAN OF GROUP ONE DUELS Classy Adelaide gelding Grand Duels will be set for the Group One Lightning Stakes after giving his rivals a "licking" in today's listed $101,000 RDA Victoria Stakes (1100m) at Flemington. Prepared by veteran Morphettville horseman Byron Cozamanis, Grand Duels sat just off the speed toward the outside fence before coming home brilliantly for an emphatic victory. They say winning form is good form. And Cozamanis is going to put the saying to test by setting his sprinting charge to reach racing's elite level. Will he be heading to the Group One Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington in February? "Yes," Cozamanis answered matter-of-factly. "That's the plan at this stage anyway." "It was a very good win," he added. "I was a bit worried there for a little while with his tongue hanging out, but he went really good." Cozamanis said the gelding has always shown ability and early on he knew he was very much above average. He's missed a cheque just once in his 10 starts. "It was Moonee Valley (when he failed)," Cozamanis pointed out. "He just didn't handle it." He said Grand Duels relishes being able to run down a straight track and with the Lightning also run at Flemington he said that Group One race would be a logical step. "He used to hit his legs pretty bad," Cozamanis pointed out. "The straight (track) is much better for him." Cozamanis said the gelding's breeder and owners, Millicent couple Peter and Heather Burdon, had allowed him to be patient with the son of Marechal. They are certainly all now reaping the rewards. "The owners have been pretty patient. We've spaced his races and he's done pretty well." At the post in today's listed event it was Grand Duels ($5-$6-$5.50) who was a length and three quarters ahead of his nearest rival, Danny O'Brien's La Chasseuse ($8-$10). Third home was Seafarer ($9-$11), for Craig Williams and David Hayes, another three parts of a length back. The favourite Bel Mer ($2.60-$3-$2.70 fav) faded over the concluding stages to run fourth, a further long neck back. Grand Duels, who is by Danzero's stakes winning son Marechal, is a half brother to the Kilmore Cup winner Tszyu, a classy performer over a number of seasons for the Corstens stable at Kilmore. AUSTRALIAN
HORSE INDUSTRIES BACK ON TRACK The equine influenza (horse flu) outbreak in Australia is currently contained and is on track for early eradication. Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Andy Carroll said that due to successful control programs undertaken by New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD) veterinary authorities, the actions of Australian horse industries and individual horse owners, the disease is contained and large populations of horses have fully recovered. "Since reaching a high of some ten thousand infected premises in October/November last year, we now have less than one thousand infected premises indicating that our strategy in combating the disease has been highly successful," Dr Carroll said. The number of infected premises is continuing to rapidly decrease with no new detections of the disease reported since December 22. "This success, and the use of vaccination, has allowed non-risk horses to move more freely to participate in events around Australia. This is a great development in getting our horse industry and horse sports back on track," Dr Carroll said. The Australian racing industry has worked closely with health authorities and welcomes this announcement. "The current trends are exactly what we have all been working to achieve – EI in Australia has been contained and we are now moving very quickly towards total eradication. One of the results of this is that we can be confident that the transport protocols that have already been successful to date are likely to be further eased within the next four weeks." Importantly, the Australian racing industry has announced that yearling sales will go ahead, offering a large selection of quality horses, as per previous years. "2008 starts on an excellent note for the Australian racing industry with all of the major sales and racing events traditionally scheduled for the first half of the year now allocated new dates and set to proceed under full steam. Obviously there will be biosecurity precautions, but these will be sensible and manageable, causing the minimum possible amount of inconvenience to both vendors and purchasers. They are certainly not of a nature that should deter anybody from participating. I am also extremely pleased to be able to say that the quality of the lots will compare very favourably with other years" Bob Pearson, Chairman, Australian Racing Board. Arrangements for the re-opening of Australia’s export market are progressing with Biosecurity Australia and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service negotiating conditions with Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Iran, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Macau has provided amended conditions for the importation of horses and the Philippines have agreed to conditions for horses purchased at the Magic Millions and William Inglis sales. Negotiations with the Philippines on arrangements that will allow for wider sourcing of horses within Australia are continuing. The United States, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland and the Republic of Korea continue to import horses from Australia in accordance with conditions in place prior to the outbreak. Dr Carroll said that while the control of the outbreak is good news for all horse enthusiasts, adherence to biosecurity and movement restriction arrangements are still the keys to successfully eradicating the disease. "We are winning the battle against the disease and we are increasingly optimistic that horse flu will be eradicated much earlier than previously expected. Dr Carroll said. MERLOT'S EGO
BOOSTED WITH ANOTHER STAKES WIN Adelaide foes Merlot Now and Exalted Ego were at it again at Morphettville today when they fought out the finish of the feature race at Morphettville, the listed $50,000 Classic Mile (1600m). The two evergreen middle distance performers have raced against each other on a number of occasions and three times in the past four months they have quinellaed a stakes event in South Australia. First it was Merlot Now who made it back to back stakes wins with a victory over Exalted Ego in the listed Murray Bridge Gold Cup in mid-October. Exalted Ego gained his revenge at their next meeting about three weeks later in the listed Elder Stakes at Morphettville. And this afternoon it was the turn of Merlot Now to exact revenge with a strong finishing half length victory in the Classic Mile. In doing so he sent his earnings past the $350,000 barrier. "They've been going at it for a fair while now," Merlot Now trainer Daryl Hewitt said moments after shaking hands with Exalted Ego's trainer Jim Smith. At the post in today's race Merlot Now ($4.40) finished a half length in front of Exalted Ego ($4.40-$3.80), while Vintrack ($11-$13) was a similar margin back in third place after hitting the front in the straight. "He'll probably have his next run in a similar sort of race here in a fortnight," Hewitt said when asked about what lay ahead for his current stable star. Michael Hoppo, best known in recent times as the former regular work rider of Fields of Omagh, was aboard Merlot Now again as the pair teamed up for their third stakes victory. Merlot Now, a son of popular Oakside Park Stud stallion Akhadan, notched up his eleventh career win today. "He's been a great old horse for us," Hewitt commented. But when asked whether his Karoonda property should be named Merlot Now Lodge, he was quick to remember his talented half brother who over a number of seasons helped Hewitt establish his training career. "Moet Now was really the horse who set me up," Hewitt, uncle of champion Australian tennis player Lleyton, said. Indeed Moet Now (Shuttlecock Corner) was a heck of a racehorse. He won 17 races from 1000 metres to 1650 metres during a career that netted the Hewitts a cool $238,330. Moet Now and Merlot Now are just two of eight winners from Hewitt's grand Francis Bacon mare Babelle. Despite not showing much on the track (she was unplaced), Babelle has proven her worth as a top producing mare. As well as Merlot Now and Moet Now, she is the dam of three other city winners including the stakes performed winner of nine Sparkling Now. Her only non winner to date Now Go, is the dam of the recent city winner Cascade Now. "She's been a marvellous old mare," Hewitt said of Babelle. "She is getting on now and she's had a bit of bad luck recently, but right now she's in foal to Bel Esprit." RECORD 1,811
YEARLINGS CATALOGUED FOR MAGIC MILLIONS A record catalogue of 1811 yearlings will make up the catalogue for Magic Millions' pin up sale - the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale - to be held this year from Easter Monday. All of Australia's and many or the world's leading and most exciting stallions will be represented by the yearling sale - regarded by many good judges as Australia's best sale. Renowned for throwing up outstanding ready made racehorses at great value prices, the sale is traditionally held in January, but this year was shifted back to the March and April dates because of the equine influenza outbreak. "The sale has attracted an outstanding selection of yearlings - and unlike others in Australia and the world - this sale is not elitist," Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said today. "The will be yearlings to suit every buyer and with any sized budget - with youngsters to sell from a thousand or two dollars up to over a million," he added. "It's one of the few sales that can make the promise of having something for everyone." Chester said because of the record interest in the feature sale and the vast quantity of quality entries the first four sessions of the sale has been boosted to 900 yearlings for the first time. "Breeders and vendors strive to have yearlings in this section of the sale - and with so many outstanding entries it was only sensible to increase the size." "Traditionally we've had up to 700 yearlings in this section of the sale." Sires represented in this sale include proven stars Redoute's Choice, Encosta de Lago, Flying Spur, Rock of Gibraltar, Danehill Dancer, Fusaichi Pegasus, Anabaa, Red Ransom, Exceed and Excel and Elusive Quality. First season sires to debut on the Gold Coast will include Al Maher, Charge Forward, Not a Single Doubt, Elvstroem, Fastnet Rock and Shamardal. At the most recent Conrad Jupiters Yearling Sale last January yearlings sold up to $2 million and during the first four sessions averaged a record $182,191. All up last year's auction grossed a staggering $124.4 million. A comprehensive preview of the sale and carnival will be available on the Magic Millions website next week. Flying
Fillies RaceS for 2008
The South Australian Thoroughbred Breeders in partnership with sponsors Malayasia Airlines are pleased to announce the 2008 dates for their Malaysia Airlines Flying Fillies Series. Three-year-old fillies which were catalogued in the 2006 Adelaide Magic Millions sales will be eligible to receive $5,000 in air travel plus a $500 cash bonus should they win any (or all) of the following races · 19/01/08 at Morphettville over 1050m (non Metro win), · 02/02/08 at Morphettville over 1100m (1 metro win), · 16/02/08 at Cheltenham over 1250m (2 Metro wins) and · 08/03/08 at Morphettville over 1200m (open)
EQUINE
INFLUENZA BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT $5000
will be available for businesses that derive the majority of their income
from the commercial horse industry, and have experienced: Detailed information about the Business Assistance Grant Equine Influenza Business Assistance Grant - Claim Form
STAKES
QUINELLA FOR AKHADAN
Oakside Stud stallion Akhadan enjoyed one of his most successful days at the racetrack when his gelded sons Jim's Party and Merlot Now provided the quinella in the Listed $50,000 SAJC OJ Smith Challenge Stakes (1800m) at Morphettville yesterday. A talented and consistent galloper Jim's Party had accumulated seven wins and nine placings prior to his victory in the $50,000 feature. He gave the impression a stakes win was within his reach when runner up to his senior counterpart Merlot Now in the John D Lee Stakes in September and it was that horse that played the supporting role yesterday. Partnered by jockey Dominic Tourneur Jim's Party led the chase up to tear away leader Saturn who at one stage led by a dozen lengths. He claimed that horse soon after straightening and kicked strongly to the line, holding out the usual strong finishing effort of Merlot Now by three quarters of a length and a gallant Exalted Ego - weighed down with 60kg - a nose away in third. Jim's Party's win brought up a daily double for Akhadan who was successful earlier in the day with the rejuvenated galloper Redadan. Now an eight-year-old Redadan made his second consecutive trip to the winners stall for new trainer Mark Minervini, after an absence of over two years. Redadan scored a breathtaking last stride win in the NHP Electrical Handicap (1100m) flying home from eighth to defeat highly rated galloper The Chunkster by a nose with Altivo one and a quarter lengths away in third. BROADER
VACCINATION APPROACH FOR EI Addressing the socio-economic impacts of equine influenza will require broader application of vaccination, the National Management Group (NMG) overseeing the disease containment and eradication response has agreed. Meeting in Melbourne to review the disease response and to consider future plans, NMG acknowledged that both the containment and eradication of the disease and mitigation of socio-economic impacts needs to be pursued in parallel. While there are differences between horse industry groups on the merits of long-term vaccination, all agreed a significantly broader approach to vaccine use is now required. This approach will be adopted where is it consistent with the current containment and eradication strategy and is to be implemented with other measures including a relaxation of some movement restrictions. The agreed strategy will involve:
Additional vaccines outside the industry/government cost-sharing deed will be obtained on the basis that costs will be recovered from industry beneficiaries. Proposals will now be sought from national industry bodies and jurisdictions for the allocation of vaccines in line with this new strategy. NMG is comprised of the Chief Executive Officers of the Commonwealth and State/Territory departments of agriculture/primary industries across Australia and also the heads of the peak bodies representing the horse industry. It is chaired by the Secretary of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Dr Conall O'Connell. TOORAK
TRIO STRIKE GOLD AGAIN WITH SERIOUS SPEED The impact of South Aussies on the Melbourne Spring Carnival rolled on at Caulfield today when Serious Speed's rise reached a Group One peak in the Thousand Guineas (1600m). With dual state trainer Mark Kavanagh sweeping up a number of Group One races in recent week, most Victorian trainers have been sniffing around the track for their chance. Today it was the turn of long time Morphettville trainer Leon Macdonald to add a Group One win to his tally (now nine). The win continued a great run for three South Australian mates who breed under the banner of Toorak Park Stud - Harry Perks, Trevor Robertson and Rod Fairclough. Perks, Robertson and Fairclough have bred and raced a number of outstanding stakes horses over recent years. The Toorak Park operation have bred (and in many cases raced) the likes of St Clemens Belle, Devil Moon, Proprietor, Undoubtedly, Will Fly, Sanziro, Flying Object, Toorak Thunder and of course Serious Speed. Perks, currently overseas - somewhere around Prague, also bred and raced the team of gurus - Gold Guru, Gallant Guru and Glitzy Guru. With Perks overseas and Fairclough not on track, the cheering was left to Trevor Robertson. "We've got about 25 mares at the moment," Robertson confirmed. "We breed to sell and we keep a few - thankfully we kept this one." "Her dam (Twitter) is getting on now and we were looking at keeping a daughter and Royal Academy (her sire) has been pretty good to us." "That win was just fantastic - she's still lightly raced and she looks very promising." Connections had to pay a $27,500 late entry to get Serious Speed into today's race after she was originally not entered for any of Melbourne's spring features. "She's always shown ability but five weeks ago she was only winning her maiden at Murray Bridge," Leon Macdonald said. "She's come a long way in a short time." Provided she pulls up well, the promising three-year-old filly will head to the Victoria Oaks, where another $55,000 late entry fee will be required. "Why wouldn't we?" Macdonald said when asked about the prospects of Serious Speed heading to the VRC Oaks. In between time she would most probably run in the Group Two Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Derby Day. Serious Speed is another success story for Meningie (SA) thoroughbred nursery, Mill Park. Operated by Peter and Serena Watson, Mill Park's other spring graduates include the likes of Devil Moon, Divine Madonna and Princess Coup. All of the Toorak Park horses are raised and prepared at Mill Park as was Princess Coup, the recent winner of New Zealand's richest ever race - the $2 million Kelt Capital Stakes. Serious Speed is one of five winners from the stakes winning Kendor mare Twitter. During a short career, Twitter proved her class by winning the listed HC Nitschke Stakes at Morphettville. As well as Serious Speed, she has thrown the city winners Classic Status (dam of group performed Victory Chant) and Chickadee. Twitter is in turn a daughter of the stakes winner - the Sir Tristram mare Palace News. Palace News is a half sister to Te Akau Toy - the dam of triple Group One winner March Hare - a winner of over $1.1 million. Story courtesy of www.virtualformguide.com MADONNA
CONTINUES MARK'S DIVINE RUN Divine Madonna brought up Mark Kavanagh's third individual Group 1 winner in a week when she took out today's Toorak Handicap at Caulfield. Perfectly ridden by Michael Rodd, Divine Madonna got onto the back of Bon Hoffa, which made its run at the 600m mark. Unlike her run in the Rupert Clarke Stakes at her last start, when Rodd gave Bon Hoffa too much start and was unable to run him down in spite of a faster final sectional, Divine Madonna was much closer this time. "I probably let her get back a bit too far but she still finished the race off just perfect", Rodd said upon returning to scale. "I was very confident coming to the turn that I'd run them down". Divine Madonna ($4.20-$5.00-$4.80) hit the front at the 200m mark and withstood a late challenge by three quarters of a length from Niconero ($6.00-$7.00), after heading off Wonderful World ($4.00-$4.40-$4.20EF), which led into the straight. Bon Hoffa ($4.00-$4.40-$4.20EF) weakened to run fourth, suggesting that 1400m is about as far as he wants to go. Kavanagh now has an embarrassment of riches as he considers which of the rich Spring plums he can pluck with his three Group 1 horses, Maldivian, Devil Moon and Divine Madonna. "This is my best day on a racetrack but let's not go there just yet", said Kavanagh when asked if Divine Madonna would join stable mate Devil Moon in the Cox Plate. Although Maldivian is highly favoured to start in the $2.5 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup next week, there is still a possibility that Kavanagh could run him in the $3 million Group 1 WS Cox Plate a week later. Kavanagh considers all options on the table at present, pointing out to the press that this year is highly unusual in that interstate and international contenders for the Spring Carnival races are absent. With a more or less fixed pool of horses now in Melbourne for the Spring, in recent weeks the Kavanagh trio loom head and shoulders above the rest in terms of consistency and dominance. He has the luxury of picking and choosing which races he runs in knowing that he can win against most of the opposition out there, having beaten them already. Kavanagh's biggest problem is deciding whether to double up in some races such as the Cox Plate to ensure a greater chance of victory, or be very daring and spread his team around the top races, trying to win as many of them as he can. Divine Madonna has been an incredible money spinner for connections after being picked up for just $82,500 at the 2004 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville. Her record now reads out at seven wins and seven placings from just 23 starts with her prizemoney now soaring past $1.6 million. Magic Millions release DEVIL
MOON SHINES IN TURNBULL Devil Moon roared into contention for the $2.5 million Group 1 Caulfield Cup with her win in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington this afternoon. Bookmaker Eskander's Betstar slashed her price for the Cup, in which she is now guaranteed a start, to $7.00 from $17 but also made her top chance for the $3 million Group 1 WS Cox Plate at odds of $9.00. In the process, she confused her trainer, Mark Kavanagh, who had not even entered the mare for the Cox Plate. If he decides to go that way, connections will need to pay a $110,000 late entry fee. "I don't know what to do", said Kavanagh after the race, "but I reckon after the fourth bottle of Moet tonight I'll have it all plotted out." Substitute jockey Corey Brown is in no doubt about which way Kavanagh should go, quipping "go for the Cox Plate, I've already got a Caulfield Cup ride." Brown scored a lucky ride on Devil Moon after Hugh Bowman had to relinquish the mount due to food poisoning. "I'll bet he's sicker than what he was", said Brown upon returning to scale. Most of the winners on the day were coming from well back in the field, which gave Brown some concerns in the race. "I was a little bit worried early because I know she's an | |
