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Tornado Valley top of Maher’s juvenile team
Ciaron Maher’s juvenile team continues to gather steam ahead of the major summer and autumn targets, with stable representative Jack Turnbull identifying Maribyrnong Plate (Gr 3, 1000m) winner Tornado Valley (Too Darn Hot) as the clear benchmark among the yard’s two-year-olds. Maher posted his third Melbourne juvenile win from only seven starters when Milsons Point (Blue Point) took out the VOBIS Silver (1000m) at Pakenham on Saturday, adding to Calamari Ring’s (Street Boss) success in the Inglis Stakes (Listed, 1000m) at Flemington. “We’re very fortunate to have a nice group of two-year-olds,” Turnbull told Racing.com. “We’re not running them unless we’re confident enough they can gallop.” Turnbull credited a more refined approach to the stable’s yearling intake. “It’s still the same system but we’ve tightened the screws in different areas. The whole operation is running very smoothly and we’re seeing that in the way they’re running.” One unraced youngster attracting attention is Unit Five (Supido), nominated for Saturday’s Magic Millions VIC Classic (1000m) at Caulfield but expected instead to trial on Monday before debuting at Cranbourne on December 27. Meanwhile, Tornado Valley is already in New South Wales as Maher plots a path toward the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (RL, 1200m) on January 17. “Tornado Valley is a really nice horse and he’s our flagbearer for the age group,” Turnbull said, with the colt expected to resume in Saturday’s BJ McLachlan Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) at Eagle Farm. Maher is shaping Blue Diamond campaigns for Calamari Ring and Milsons Point.
Extreme Choice Colt wins $100,000 Inglis Xtra Bonus
The Inglis Xtra Bonus Series reached a major milestone on Sunday, with Firerated’s (Extreme Choice) victory at Moe pushing total bonuses paid past $4.5 million since the scheme’s launch in August. The Alex Rae-trained colt, a $275,000 Inglis Classic purchase by Matt Vella Bloodstock from Kingstar Farm, scored in a strong 1100-metre maiden to secure a $100,000 Xtra Bonus for connections. He defeated Inglis Easter graduate In’kantosstar (Per Incanto) by 0.8 lengths. Part-owner Paul Lofitis said the bonus was a major factor in targeting the race. “Alex has a good opinion of the colt and we targeted this race because of the bonus,” Lofitis said. “It was a very strong race and the $100,000 bonus was a huge incentive. My partners and I are delighted.” The Xtra Bonus Series has quickly developed into one of the most lucrative ownership incentive programs in Australian racing, with 50 races offering $100,000 bonuses across the season for eligible Inglis graduates aged three and above. More than 401 individual owners have already benefitted from the bonuses, with over 240 eligible horses, 100 trainers and 2,500 owners represented in the series to date. Inglis CEO Sebastian Hutch said Sunday’s milestone reflects the company’s commitment to reinvesting in its participants. “Surpassing $4.5 million in Inglis Xtra Bonus wins is a significant milestone,” Hutch said. “The objective was to see more owners and trainers winning more Inglis prize-money, more often, and the results speak for themselves.”
Memorial service for Bill Gibbins to take place
The memorial service for Bill Gibbins, founder of the modern Jericho Cup (4600m) and one of Victorian racing’s most generous benefactors, will be held on Monday at 11am on level two of the Atrium at Flemington racecourse. Gibbins, who died aged 78 after a long illness, passed away just days after the eighth running of the Jericho Cup – the race he revived, funded and championed. His personal contribution of more than $1 million underwrote prize-money for the first four editions, helping cement the event as Australia’s longest flat race and a fixture of the Warrnambool racing calendar. His philanthropic footprint extended far beyond racing, supporting organisations including Riding for the Disabled and Wheelchairs for Kids. In 2021 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for services to racing, people with disability and philanthropy. Racing Victoria CEO Aaron Morrison said Gibbins’ contribution “cannot be understated”. “Thanks to Bill’s vision and passion, we now run the Jericho Cup, a recognised and much-anticipated event on the annual racing calendar,” Morrison said. “He was passionate about Australia and its heritage and recognised the importance of remembering our servicemen and women.” In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to The Wellington, Collingwood, or Wheelchairs For Kids.
Geraldton meeting rescheduled after power loss
Sunday’s meeting scheduled to take place at Geraldton will now take place on Monday after severe storms caused a power outage in the area. The seven-race card will commence at 4:15pm, with the final contest scheduled for 7:52pm.