In a Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) that resulted in a final time almost five seconds outside the race record, one has to wonder what has happened to Australia’s great race where the first 12 horses to cross the line were bred in Europe. The ambition to make our famous race an international event has... Read More

The Irish were celebrating, the English were left lamenting (yet again) and most Australians – bar prominent owner Lloyd Williams – were left wondering what the hell is going on after yesterday’s Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m). You all know the bare facts by now. Joseph O’Brien-trained the winner Rekindling (High Chaparral), upstaging his father... Read More

The Coolmore Stud Stakes (registered as Ascot Vale Stakes) (Gr 1, 1200m) is now recognised as one of Australia’s stallion making races. Originally for two-year-olds and named the Ascot Vale Stakes, it became a major sprint contest for three-year-olds in 1969 with that year’s winner, champion sire Vain (Wilkes), establishing a high standard at stud... Read More

The Caulfield Cup winner and genuine Melbourne Cup contender and – good heavens – locally bred stayer Boom Time (Flying Spur) may yet contest the 26 November Japan Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) but there is a proviso according to the master trainer. “He’d have to finish in the first three in the Melbourne Cup. If... Read More

3 c Sebring – Viking Turf Belle by Elusive Quality O: Pipeliner Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Mr J Kennedy, Wheninrome5, Mrs A Mcdonnell, Team Mcdonnell, Mrs C A Corcoran, Mr K F Corcoran, Mr S J Hunt, Mrs A Hunt, Miss A S Mitchell T: Tony McEvoy B: Pepac Atf Ept S: Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling... Read More

A very strongly run Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) resulted in Winx (Street Cry) breaking the track record in a day of achievements for the champion mare at Moonee Valley on Saturday. The pace was set by the Darren Weir-trained Gailo Chop (Deportivo), a stablemate of the runner-up Humidor (Teofilo), the French-bred import running along... Read More