Horse Racing News
Maher pair to do battle again in the Launceston Cup
After a dominant showing in the Hobart Cup, trainer Ciaron Maher is eager to complete Tasmania’s summer Cup double when he saddles up two top contenders in the Launceston Cup on Wednesday. Maher’s talented stayers Strawberry Rock and Promises Kept finished first and second in the Hobart Cup, with just a...
Autumn Glow impresses but G1 Surround Stakes start not certain
Unbeaten filly Autumn Glow continues to impress ahead of her return to racing, but trainer Chris Waller remains undecided on whether she will take her place in Saturday’s Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. The daughter of The Autumn Sun produced a strong trial effort on Monday, cruising into third...
Abell Stakes or Australian Guineas 2025 for WA galloper London’s Image
Most trainers would spell a horse after a six-month campaign, but London’s Image isn’t most horses. Trainer Ryan Hill had planned to give his filly a break following her narrow second in the Magic Millions 3YO Trophy, but her condition forced a change of heart. “She was meant to go for...
UK keen to expand recruitment of Australian horses
Nick Smith travelling to Australia to try and recruit horses to compete in England is nothing new, but Ascot’s Director of Racing and Public Affairs has tweaked his travel schedule for 2025. Smith will visit both Melbourne and Sydney late next month to spread the word on new incentives being offered...
Golden Slipper still an option for Space Rider
Mick Price remains uncertain about the Autumn plans for Zoustar colt Space Rider, who was first emergency and early favourite but missed out on a run in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic. Space Rider impressed with a 3.3 length win on debut at Eagle Farm but was then defeated at $1.14...
G1 Australian Guineas remains target for Insignia
Trainer Grahame Begg hopes for clear skies at Flemington after heavy rain affected racing just over a week ago. Although Cilacap secured a late victory, Royal Insignia struggled in the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) on February 15 due to the wet conditions. Royal Insignia is set to race in...
G1 winning NZ mare retired
Sunday was an emotional day at Te Akau Racing’s Matamata stables as co-trainer Sam Bergerson bid farewell to Skew Wiff, marking the end of her racing career. The Waikato Stud-bred and raced mare provided Bergerson with his first Group 1 triumph as a trainer when she secured victory in the 2023...
South Australian staying star retired
South Australian staying star The Map has been retired following a disappointing performance in the Lord Reims Stakes (G3, 2600m) at Morphettville on Saturday. Trainers Dan Clarken and Oopy MacGillivray made the tough call after the mare failed to produce her usual finishing burst and didn’t pull up at her best...
Firestorm wins tight G2 Millie Fox Stakes finish
Jason Collett made the most of a wide run at Rosehill, guiding Firestorm to an impressive victory in the Millie Fox Stakes. The four-year-old daughter of Satono Aladdin notched her first black-type win, strengthening her credentials as a future broodmare with a breakthrough performance in the Group 2, 1300m fillies and...
Beiwacht stamps himself on the 2025 Golden Slipper
The Silver Slipper Stakes was meant to shed light on the Golden Slipper picture, but James Cummings and Adam Hyeronimus took the opportunity to introduce Beiwacht as a serious contender with a dominant win at Rosehill. Race favorite Wodeton had a testing run, forced to cover extra ground from barrier nine...