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The incomparable and individual Billy Pyers

William Bert “Billy” Pyers (1933-2004). Billy Pyers is perhaps, and certainly unfairly, best known for going to jail. Twice. His release, on the second occasion, came after a pardon from French President Georges Pompidou. Quite a tale.  However those stories – other than demonstrating just how popular he was with the French – don’t do... Read More

Hall reflects on Makybe Diva as legend recognised at Flemington

The three-time Melbourne Cup winner’s first trainer speaks to ANZ Bloodstock News from Hong Kong  Seventeen years ago this week, trainer David Hall departed Flemington with the favourite for the Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m); earlier that afternoon, Hall’s Pentastic (Pentire) had arrived in the last stride to take out the Craiglee Stakes (Gr 2,... Read More

Drama in Deauville as emerging forces land €2.5 million sibling to Sottsass

A trio of seven-figure lots changed hands at the Select Sale on Thursday Seven-figure lots came like London buses at Arqana on Thursday as, after a somewhat sticky opening session, an anxious wait for the Select Sale’s first millionaire yearling was ended when three arrived within quick succession.  Leading the way was the Dubawi (Dubai... Read More

Treve’s sister sold for €520,000 to Qatari owner and will stay in France

Gerard Larrieu of Chantilly Bloodstock struck the winning bid The brilliant Treve (Motivator) famously failed to sell at Arqana’s October Yearling Sale nearly nine years ago but her sister had no such problem, attracting the attention of Qatari owner Sheail bin Khalifa Al Kuwari in a drawn out bidding match.  One of the star lots... Read More

$1.25m American Pharoah colt underpins second half of Fasig-Tipton yearling sale

Officials happy with trade against the backdrop of the global Covid-19 pandemic Topped by an American Pharoah (Pioneerof The Nile) colt sold for $1.25 million (approx AUD$1.71 million), the second session of the Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearlings Showcase closed on Thursday as the two-day sale produced solid numbers that should provide a level of confidence going... Read More

Stallion Watch

New winners Bobby’s Kitten – Former Twin Hills Stud shuttler Bobby’s Kitten (Kitten’s Joy) sired his seventh individual winner when Mirage Mac (2 f ex Megachurch by Pulpit) made a successful debut to take out a seven furlong fillies’ novice contest on the Wolverhampton all-weather on Wednesday’s evening card. Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (Gr 1,... Read More