Horse Racing News
Trainer Ciaron Maher Dreaming of Magic Millions redemption
Icarian Dream did not have the run of the race in last year’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic, but Ciaron Maher is ready to give her another opportunity on the Gold Coast stage. The filly by Blue Point will line up in Saturday’s $3 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, chasing a turnaround...
Grafterburners blasts through in the 2026 Magic Millions Sunlight
An unexpected phone call changed the course of Grafterburners’ preparation and delivered a major result for Kelly Schweida with victory in the second running of the Magic Millions Sunlight 3yo Plate. For the $3 million, 1100-metre slot owned by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, bloodstock agent Bruce Slade targeted Grafterburners ($2.25F),...
2026 Autumn Racing Carnival targets revealed for Moody & Coleman fillies
Katherine Coleman says momentum is building within the Moody-Coleman stable as Ole Dancer and Sheza Alibi continue their preparations for high-profile Autumn campaigns. Ole Dancer removed any springtime uncertainty around the stable’s elite prospects by delivering Coleman her first Group 1 win in Melbourne, taking out the Thousand Guineas (1600m) ahead...
Munce team is zipped and set for 2026 Magic Millions Day
As some leading chances in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic paraded at the Gold Coast on Saturday, others opted for a quieter build-up, with Zip Lock ticking over earlier in the day. The Hellbent colt surged into calculations for the $3 million Classic with his victory in the Group 3 B.J....
Chris Waller wins The Lakes again
Chris Waller has again dominated Wyong’s January showpiece, with Chica Mojito taking out the $500,000 Lakes Mile. Waller claimed the inaugural running of the 1600-metre event in 2025 with Waterford and continued that trend as Chica Mojito ($17) secured only the second win of her career from 24 starts. With 12 placings...
Disneck too slick in Standish Handicap
Outside draws proved decisive in the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington, with Disneck scoring his first black-type victory. Barriers 11 and 12 dominated the finish in the 12-runner sprint, delivering a surprise result for many. Ridden by Daniel Stackhouse and sent out at $11, Disneck settled well back before unleashing...
Shiki, Itchintogo in 2026 Magic Millions Classic lead-up wins
The final preparatory races ahead of next Saturday’s Magic Millions 2yo Classic highlighted the importance of race seasoning, with Itchintogo and Shiki both rising to the occasion. Itchintogo ($1.60F), trained by Tony Gollan, produced a commanding display to win the Aquis Gold Nugget (1100m) by 4½ lengths, while the Gai Waterhouse...
Jenni The Ninja executes Flemington races plan
Black-type racing looks well within reach for Jenni The Ninja, whether it comes during the current preparation or later, according to trainer Gavin Bedggood. The lightly raced daughter of Shalaa took a significant leap forward at Flemington on Saturday, winning the Jockey Celebration Sprint Handicap (1100m) at just her second career...
Missapprehend makes her mark at Sandown
Patience paid off for the Ciaron Maher stable as Missapprehend finally got on the winners’ list with a polished maiden success at Sandown on Thursday. The daughter of Wootton Bassett put aside two earlier unplaced efforts when well-supported in provincial company to score comfortably in the $55,000 Sportsbet Race Previews Plate...
Vahala’s Ruler up for a 2026 Standish Handicap fight
Stefan Vahala accepts Aztec Ruler faces a stiffer challenge in this year’s Standish Handicap, but believes his seasoned campaigner is ready to rise to the occasion. The Perth gelding returns to Flemington hoping to improve on last year’s narrow defeat, when he was beaten a head by It’Sourtime in the $200,000...