Horse Racing News
Feature 2025 Spring Racing entries close, Aeliana warning remains
The Spring Racing Carnival will gain greater clarity on Tuesday with the closing of nominations for the Caulfield Cup and Cox Plate, but trainer Chris Waller has warned that Aeliana may not be heading to the former. Despite a dazzling five-length victory in the Australian Derby (2400m) earlier this year, Waller...
Mr Brightside set for return in the Memsie Stakes 2025
Ben Hayes is confident that stable star Mr Brightside can bounce back from his disappointing Hong Kong run and reassert himself as one of the top gallopers this spring. The eight-year-old gelding had his first public trial of the campaign on Monday, finishing fourth in an 800m jumpout at Flemington, a...
Group 1 winner Linebacker puts spring in trainers’ steps
After a stellar first full season together, trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton will step up their spring preparations with a number of high-profile runners set to trial at Randwick on Tuesday. The pair enjoyed Group 1 victories with Linebacker in the Randwick Guineas (1600m), Schwarz in the William Reid Stakes,...
Stern Idol brilliant in 2025 Crisp Steeplechase win
Stern Idol strengthened his credentials for another shot at the Grand National Steeplechase with an effortless display in Sunday’s Crisp Steeplechase (4200m) at Sandown. The Ciaron Maher-trained star made all the running to post his third straight win in the race, with jockey Steven Pateman hailing it as the gelding’s best...
Highland Blaze prevails in the 2025 Grand National Hurdle at Sandown
Shane Jackson says training his first Grand National Hurdle winner brought “ten times the excitement” compared to his previous victories as a jockey. Highland Blaze led throughout to win Sunday’s Grand National Hurdle (4200m) at Sandown, giving Jackson his second major hurdle success this season. Jackson, who won the race as a...
King Of Roseau too good in the 2025 Aurie’s Star Handicap
Returning to Melbourne racing in style, Michael Dee scored a dream double at Flemington, capped by success in Saturday’s feature race. Dee steered Peter Snowden’s talented galloper King Of Roseau to victory in the $200,000 Group 3 Aurie’s Star Handicap (1200m), the first Group race of Victoria’s season. The win came...
Headley Grange to bet set for 2025 The Big Dance
Joe Pride’s consistent galloper Headley Grange quickly put a disappointing run behind him by returning to winning ways at Rosehill. The gelding had been well-fancied in last month’s South Grafton Cup (1600m), a lead-up race to the Big Dance, but could finish only sixth after two impressive Sydney wins in June. Pride...
Zou Sensation could target the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2025
Zou Sensation is set to be tested in top-class company after posting his third consecutive win in Saturday’s $150,000 Victorian Jockeys’ Association Trophy at Flemington. The Zoustar gelding, now a six-year-old, delivered a strong front-running performance over 1410m to continue his rich vein of form. Having also claimed two wins at Caulfield,...
Goodwood winner earmarked for 2025 Golden Eagle bid
Seagulls Eleven has announced himself as a potential Golden Eagle contender after a tough Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes (1609m) win at the Glorious Goodwood carnival. Trainer Hugo Palmer confirmed Sydney was now a genuine option for the $10 million feature following the gelding’s fighting victory. The son of Havana Grey, already...
Dwyer maintains faith in unplaced Asfoora ahead of 2025 Nunthorpe Stakes
Henry Dwyer is confident Asfoora can rebound in Europe after an unplaced performance at Goodwood overnight. The multiple Group-winning sprinter, who won the King Charles III Stakes last year, finished seventh in the Group 2 King George Stakes (1005m) behind surprise winner Jm Jungle ($15). With champion jockey Oisin Murphy in...