We go all the way back to December 1939 for the club to decide that a hedge on the inside of the track, on the flat side, was making the track much quicker there.   No, I wasn’t there then but I doubt it could have been much quicker on the inside than it was... Read More

The point is what in the heck is an A licensed racehorse trainer? This is the first category listed under licensed trainers. It’s still relatively exclusive with around 70 names listed but, once upon a time, it carried a certain gravitas as well as exclusivity. And certain benefits which are now virtually irrelevant according to... Read More

New Zealand-bred three-year-old Honorable Mention put up a really promising performance in winning on debut at Ballarat on Wednesday.   A son of Group One-winning mare Honor Bound (Honor Grades), he settled in third place on the rails in the early stages of the race before he was switched out deep on turning for home... Read More

The winner Grunt (O’Reilly), a New Zealand-bred colt from the Mick Price stable, was patiently ridden by Damien Oliver and remained back in sixth place before coming with a well-timed bid to score by half a length in the quick time of 1:34.99. Another lightly raced and promising colt Peaceful State (Animal Kingdom) ran on... Read More

I was reminded of this tried and true recipe when the superbly bred filly Shoals (Fastnet Rock) became the first winner of the ATC Surround Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) since its elevation to Group One status as a set weights event for three-year-old fillies. Settling second, Shoals reached the lead at the 100 metre mark,... Read More

Moonee Valley Racing Club chief executive Michael Browell yesterday told ANZ Bloodstock News there will be a prize money hike. “It’s just a question of how much as we continue consultation with Racing Victoria. We’d look to make an announcement in the next few weeks,” he said. An announcement is also expected, in the same... Read More