All eyes on Magic Millions as industry seeks guide to market

Bumper catalogue of yearlings on the Gold Coast to set benchmark for year ahead Nobody can be certain what will play out on the Gold Coast this afternoon as the Magic Millions Yearling Sale gets underway, but what does eventuate today and for the following six days is set to be an important measure for... Read More

Emerging cohort of stallions provide much-needed choice for buyers at Magic Millions

‘Last time I checked, there were 15 first season sires who have had a winner and I think that is phenomenal’ Three metropolitan two-year-old winners by first season sires in the space of 21 hours at the weekend has added weight to the belief that the current freshman stallions could be the crop to provide... Read More

Not Usual Talent upstages glittering field of Four-Year-Old Classic Series hopefuls

Reprising a latent winning habit, Not Usual Talent’s (Zacinto) gate-crashing victory in yesterday’s Class 2 Choi Hung Handicap (1400m) ended an 11-race losing streak while delivering a reality check to the claims of a string of Four-Year-Old Classic Series aspirants. Winless since July 2019, the former New Zealander saluted under a perfect ride from Frenchman... Read More

Swift Witness and Finance Tycoon put siblings on radar with impressive victories

Two-year-olds surge into contention for $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast Timing can be everything and for Widden Stud and fellow Magic Millions consignor Eureka Stud yesterday’s Gold Coast two-year-old races, won by Swift Witness (Star Witness) and Finance Tycoon (Written Tycoon) respectively, provided an all-important pedigree update for the duo’s... Read More

‘We are at crisis point’ – Thoroughbred Industry Careers appeals for support in tackling staff shortages 

Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) has expressed grave concerns about the staffing shortage in Australia, with the not-for-profit organisation – responsible for promoting careers in racing and breeding – issuing an appeal for further funding from industry participants.  The thoroughbred staffing debate has come to the fore this week, with leading trainer Chris Waller among those... Read More

Leatherhead scores in record-breaking time amid sad news

Leatherhead (Helmet) sliced 0.19 seconds off the Polytrack mile record recently equalled by Super Dynasty (Fastnet Rock)  when landing yesterday’s Colonial Chief Stakes (1600m) at Kranji. Winning trainer Ricardo Le Grange was evidently pleased he has a new record holder under his barn roof but the celebrations were noticeably subdued despite the memorable feat of... Read More