Horse Racing News
Nick Ryan sets sights on Caulfield Guineas
If things had gone to plan for Wolfy on debut at Caulfield, the colt would be enjoying a short break ahead of preparing for a big spring target. Instead, the Nick Ryan-trained three-year-old will be at Sandown on Wednesday looking for his maiden win in the Ladbroke It! Plate (1300m). Ryan has...
Uncle Bryn ready for PB Lawrence Stakes resumption
Not for the first time, Uncle Bryn trialled at Cranbourne on the first Monday in August, but the approach to this year’s P B Lawrence Stakes resumption has been different to last year. Instead of being the eye-catcher in a workout that included established stars such as I’m Thunderstruck, as he...
Vauban's Melbourne Cup credentials put to the test
Vauban’s Melbourne Cup credentials will be put to the test when he contests the Group 3 Ballyroan Stakes at Naas in Ireland in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Australian time. The William Haggas-trained gelding is an odds-on favourite for the 2398-metre Group 3 event, which is a crucial stepping stone...
Looking for those new season youngsters to bloom on The Rosebud Day
Some really interesting new season 3yos will feature in the Listed The Rosebud (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday. Cigar Flick ($3.50 unibet) has clearly been targeted to be up and running early chasing black type following her win a month back. Then there is Barber ($6) who contested both the Blue Diamond and...
Stern Idol cruises home in Crisp Steeplechase
Jockey Willie McCarthy questioned those who doubted the staying ability of Stern Idol after the imported jumper gave a dashing display to claim the Crisp Steeplechase at Sandown. As Stern Idol crossed the line in the 4200m contest 25 lengths clear of his rivals on Sunday, McCarthy put his hand up to his ear. “There...
San Remo becomes a Grand National hero
Trainer Dane Smith could not have asked for a better birthday present than the one San Remo presented at Sandown. As Smith contemplated birthday celebrations after turning 53 on Sunday, San Remo stormed home to claim the Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown to give the trainer his biggest success. Smith did win the Listed Ballarat...
Victoria to launch Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Scheme
In an exciting development for the Victorian racing community, a groundbreaking initiative known as the Ladbrokes Owners Incentive Scheme is set to reward maiden winners with an additional $2000 bonus payment. The innovative scheme, launching on September 1, 2023, is poised to inject up to $9 million in bonuses into Victorian...
Easy trial for Melbourne Cup hopeful Without A Fight
Precisely where Without A Fight’s spring path will lead is not yet known, but the highly-rated import took the first step on it at Cranbourne on Monday. The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained galloper made his first public appearance since his brilliant Brisbane winter campaign with a soft 1000-metre trial. The son of...
Jamie Kah back in the saddle at Cranbourne trials
Star jockey Jamie Kah took a significant stride in her racing comeback, participating in Cranbourne trials after recovering from head injuries. Linking up with premier trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, Kah steered Boldinho to a narrow win in the fifth heat and rode Group 2 winner Steinem to victory in...
Apprentice hospitalised after Sandown fall
Apprentice Luke Campbell has been transported to Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital following a race fall at Sandown. Campbell was aboard the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Naval Academy in the Ladbrokes Odds Surge Handicap (1200m) when the gelding appeared to get onto heels and dislodge the rider. The apprentice was thrown into the air and landed awkwardly with...