Eight Group One performers were put through their paces in a star-studded 1100m trial before the eight-race twilight card at Matamata on Friday, and it was standout three-year-old Savaglee who came out on top. Making his first public appearance since romping to victory by almost three lengths in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton on November 9, the Savabeel colt settled in third through the early stages of Friday’s trial as speedy mare Babylon Berlin opened up a big lead over Luberon. Savaglee quickened stylishly through an…
Year: 2024
Arabian Summer blazes to victory ahead of Magic Millions Sunlight
Magic Millions Sunlight contender Arabian Summer. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Arabian Summer delivered an electrifying performance in the $125,000 GC1000 3YO Plate (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday, showcasing her class and reaffirming her credentials as a top threat for the Magic Millions Sunlight slot race. Trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, the filly stormed to a commanding three-length victory under jockey Harry Coffey, stopping the clock at 56.42 seconds—just shy of the track record set by Mitanni at 55.67 in 2004. Breaking cleanly from barrier two, the…
Vein Girl wins Magic Millions The Debut, targets 2YO classic
Trainer Chris Munce wins the Magic Millions The Debut with Vein Girl Vein Girl announced her arrival on the racing scene in emphatic fashion, securing victory in the $250,000 Magic Millions The Debut (1000m) at the Gold Coast on Friday. Trained by Chris and Corey Munce and ridden by Cejay Graham, the two-year-old filly lived up to her pre-race $3.60 favouritism with Neds, holding off a late charge from Torque to Be Sure to win by 0.2 lengths, with Forgotten Spirit rounding out the placings. Jumping from barrier two, Vein…
Top jockey Blake Shinn set for Zabeel Classic & Magic Millions
Blake Shinn guides Ostraka to victory in the Golden Eagle. Photo: bradleyphotos.com.au Blake Shinn, Victoria’s leading jockey for the season, is set for a busy return to the track this weekend after a short break following his recent suspension. Shinn, who has 65 wins this season, will take on nine rides at Pakenham on Saturday and another eight at Sale on Sunday before flying to New Zealand for the Zabeel Classic meeting on Boxing Day. In New Zealand, Shinn is booked to ride Te Akau Racing’s Campionessa in the Group…
Republican Party gives Carter Dalgety his second Invercargill Cup
The punters came for him late and Republican Party delivered with a powerhouse performance in today’s $100,000 Group 1 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup. Trained by Cran and Chrissie Dalgety and driven by son Carter, Republican Party, who was a fast finishing third in last month’s IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup, was backed in from $6 to $3.50. After starting off 10m, Republican Party was put into the race by Dalgety, heading to the front with two laps to go. From there he was just far too strong, giving Dalgety…
Melbourne Racing Club appoints Tom Reilly as CEO
Jimmysstar was an impressive winner of the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Tom Reilly is set to take the reins as the new chief executive officer of the Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) at the start of the new year. Reilly, who brings extensive experience from his roles at Thoroughbred Breeders Australia and Aushorse, expressed excitement about this significant opportunity. “The MRC is one of the great race clubs, not just in Australia, but globally,” Reilly told Racing.com. “For anyone passionate about the future…
Noah Brash receives decade-long ban by Victorian Racing Tribunal
Former professional punter Noah Brash has been banned for 10 years by the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) following his admission of breaching AR 236 regulations, which prohibit betting with or for a jockey. The charges related to bets placed on behalf of jockey Michael Poy during races in August 2022. Brash, 29, pleaded guilty earlier this month to five counts of the offence. The tribunal found that Brash, acting as an intermediary for Poy, placed bets totaling over $172,000 through two Betfair sub-accounts operated by associates known as “bowlers.” In…
Racing WA shifts Ascot to early meeting due to heatwave
Racing WA has implemented significant changes to upcoming race meetings, including Saturday’s Ascot meeting, in response to extreme heat conditions forecasted for Western Australia, prioritising the safety and welfare of animals and participants. The adjustments come as temperatures are expected to soar above 40°C in some regions, as advised by the Bureau of Meteorology. Racing WA Chief Racing Officer David Hunter emphasised the organization’s commitment to welfare, stating, “Our hot weather policies are based on the principle that animal and participant welfare always comes first.” “When the forecast is 38°C…
Lerner off to a winning start in New Zealand
Marc Lerner had to wait longer than expected to get his New Zealand riding career underway, but the well-travelled jockey made up for lost time with a winning debut at Otaki on Thursday. Based in Singapore until racing ended there in October, the 33-year-old has arrived in New Zealand for an open-ended stay. He had his first raceday rides on Thursday and hit the ground running, landing an upset win with $13 outsider Blue Rata Boldness in the Racing This Time TV on Facebook Handicap (1600m). Lerner got the very…
Teaz clinches double at Cambridge
By Brigette Solomon Ohaupo trainer Jason Teaz was rapt to train a winning double for owner and breeder Bill Hickey at Cambridge Raceway last night. “It was really nice to get a double and so great that they were for Bill,” said Teaz, “he’s in his 80’s now and his health hasn’t been the best lately but he’s still breeding horses and putting them in training, and he really deserves any success he gets, he just lives for his horses.” “Unfortunately, he couldn’t be there last night, and he was…