Horse Racing News
David Payne welcomes mellow State Of America
David Payne’s State Of America is proving a worthy flagbearer for the stable, though the five-year-old had to overcome a rocky beginning to get there. Originally a headstrong and difficult runner, State Of America has since matured into a reliable and lucrative competitor. “He used to be a really difficult horse,” Payne...
Maher chasing more Anzac Day Stakes honours
Promising youngster Amazake is shaping as a potential spring prospect for the Ciaron Maher stable, lining up this Friday in the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington. The gelding made an eye-catching debut over the same distance on March 29, finishing a strong second behind Prestige Ole, who he meets...
Three-time G1 winner Happy Clapper dies
Happy Clapper, one of the most admired racehorses of his generation, has passed away at 14 after suffering from colic, leaving behind a legacy of courage and consistency at the elite level. Trained throughout his career by Pat Webster, the gelding was a fan favourite known for his valiant efforts against...
Draws on the Brightside for 2025 Champions Mile Day fancies at Sha Tin
Sunday’s Hong Kong racing festival at Sha Tin is shaping up beautifully following a crucial barrier draw, with key contenders well placed across the Group 1 features, including the Champions Mile. Ben Hayes was all smiles after Mr Brightside came up with barrier two, a prime gate that could prove pivotal....
King Zephyr on path for four straight at Flemington on Anzac Day
King Zephyr returns to Flemington on Friday in search of his fourth win in a row as he tackles the William Newton VC Handicap (1400m) for trainer Grahame Begg. The progressive four-year-old has built a tidy record with four wins from five starts, including three victories this campaign. Among his connections...
Change of Format suits 2025 VRC St Leger hope
Format is set to contest Friday’s $200,000 VRC St Leger at Flemington after missing a planned run in the ATC Australian Derby (2400m) earlier this month. While the route wasn’t as expected, co-trainer Adrian Bott is upbeat about the colt’s prospects. The three-year-old was unplaced in the Tulloch Stakes on April...
McGruddy happy with Rope Them In’s 2025 The Quokka barrier draw
Barrier five was the magic number for Shaun McGruddy, who got his wish at Tuesday’s Quokka draw, giving Rope Them In a perfect springboard into Saturday’s $5 million sprint at Ascot. Representing Tabtouch, the Steve Wolfe-trained gelding will look to improve off a lacklustre Roma Cup performance and McGruddy believes the...
Time to turn on Charm in Robert Sangster Stakes 2025
After a lengthy break, Charm Stone will resume in Saturday’s Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville, with her trainers hopeful she can return to the winner’s circle in Group 1 company. Her last race was a second-place effort on the Gold Coast in January, and she now heads to Adelaide for...
Best friends on the road to 2025 Karrakatta Plate success
Craig Staples may get the chance to relive past glory in Saturday’s Karrakatta Plate (1200m) thanks to his bond with trainer Paul Jordan and a high-speed youngster named Castle Road. The two-time Karrakatta-winning jockey is back in action after Jordan encouraged him to stay on for a final fling with the...
Grand Eagle looking to swoop at Randwick
Talented two-year-old Grand Eagle will get another shot at city success this weekend, and Nash Rawiller is back aboard hoping to keep their partnership perfect at Randwick. The colt lines up in the ATC Bookmakers Recognition Day Handicap (1100m) after breaking through at Hawkesbury with Rawiller, who became taken by the...