Horse Racing News
Waterhouse and Bott out to break Group 1 Australasian Oaks drought
Gai Waterhouse’s last win in the Australasian Oaks came back in 2000 with Tempest Morn, but she and Adrian Bott will try to turn back the clock on Saturday with a dual-pronged attack on this year’s Group 1 edition. Too Darn Lizzie and Phenom will represent the stable at Morphettville, both...
Talkanco up for 2025 Karrakatta Plate battle
Juvenile stars Yes Queen and Talkanco are set to battle it out for a third time when they line up in Saturday’s Group 2 Karrakatta Plate (1200m) at Ascot, with their rivalry quickly becoming one of the season’s most compelling storylines. After splitting their previous two contests, Yes Queen and Talkanco...
The Everest 2025 for Ka Ying Rising but Champions Sprint unlikely
Trainer David Hayes has expressed frustration over Racing Victoria’s scanning regulations, which could derail plans to bring Ka Ying Rising to the Melbourne Cup Carnival later this year. Following a potential tilt at the Group 1 The Everest, Hayes had hoped to target the Champions Sprint at Flemington. But a mandatory...
American Wolf claws to 2025 VRC St Leger success
American Wolf gave trainers Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young their first win in the prestigious VRC St Leger, outstaying his rivals in a classic staying duel at Flemington. Sent out at $12, the son of Tivaci went stride for stride with Litzdeel ($8.50) down the straight before edging ahead to win...
Highvol makes stellar debut in 2025 Anzac Day Stakes
Highvol made a sensational debut at Flemington, becoming the first horse to win the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) on debut, justifying trainer Nick Ryan’s bold call to kick off the colt’s career in black-type company. Starting at $9, the son of Microphone sat on speed under Jamie Mott and fought...
Price hopes Champagne is Poppin’ at Randwick races
A stunning last-start win has altered the plans for Poppin’ Champagne, with the mare now set to continue racing rather than being offered at the Chairman’s Sale, co-trainer Mick Price confirmed. The four-year-old, a daughter of Written Tycoon, had shown enough at Warwick Farm to convince connections she deserved more time...
Thompson aims for maiden Group 1 in 2025 Australasian Oaks
Glen Thompson’s path to prominence in Australian racing has been a winding one, but 2024 could mark his breakthrough year. After gaining experience in Singapore with Michael Freedman and spending time with his brother John Thompson, Glen had a stint training in Queensland before partnering with Mike Moroney. Thompson took the reins...
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...