Horse Racing News
Star US galloper joins Maher stable to target 2025 Queen Anne Stakes
A visit to the Kentucky Derby last year has resulted in Ciaron Maher securing elite US galloper Carl Spackler, who will line up in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot before targeting the Cox Plate in Australia. The Lope De Vega entire has been a standout on American...
ATC members vote no to Rosehill sale
Australian Turf Club members have voted against the proposed sale of Rosehill racecourse, bringing an end to a contentious plan that has stirred debate across the NSW racing industry. The proposal, originally introduced in December 2023 by ATC chairman Peter McGauran alongside the NSW government, was marketed as a major solution...
Flyer out to make her mark for Brisbane features in 2025 Bel Esprit Stakes
Trainer Jason Warren is mapping out a campaign that could take promising filly Flyer to the Group 2 Dane Ripper Stakes (1300m) at Eagle Farm on June 14, but only if she secures a win in Melbourne first. Flyer is entered for multiple races at Caulfield on Saturday—including the Listed Bel...
Niance set for 2025 Bel Esprit Stakes return
Niance may have missed the Autumn, but trainer Grahame Begg is looking forward to seeing her bounce back in Saturday’s Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield, a race that plays to her strengths at a track where she has already proven herself at Group level. The five-year-old mare has been...
Recommendation back for 2025 Bel Esprit Stakes
Recommendation is set to return to racing on Saturday at Caulfield, a track where he has previously made a name for himself with commanding sprint victories. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding has been nominated for the Listed Bel Esprit Stakes, which will be run over 1100 metres. During last winter, Recommendation flourished over...
King ready to reign over 2025 Queensland Derby rivals
King Of Thunder is set to line up for his third Derby start this season in the Queensland Derby, and trainer Tom Charlton is optimistic that a return to firmer footing will bring out the best in his colt. Following a third-place finish behind Imperialist in the Rough Habit Plate, Charlton...
Luke Cartwright rides treble at Sandown
Luke Cartwright delivered a breakout performance at Sandown Hillside, landing a metropolitan treble aboard runners trained by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman in a dream three-race stretch. The apprentice’s winning spree began in race five with Suances, a $15 chance who flashed home out wide to deny favourite Changing Colours. Next...
Jockey cops one-month penalty at Randwick
Jockey Rory Hutchings admitted to having a “brain snap” after Racing NSW stewards slapped him with a one-month ban over two separate but related charges at Randwick. Having only recently returned from a three-month injury enforced layoff, Hutchings told stewards he was struggling to get down to 56.5kg to ride the Chris...
Casual Connection could target the 2025 Brisbane Cup
Casual Connection gave trainer John Sargent a familiar winning feeling at Randwick, claiming the PF Civil Handicap (2400m) for the second straight year and prompting consideration of another trip north for the Brisbane Cup (3200m). The six-year-old gelding thrived on the heavy track, rolling forward and kicking clear under apprentice Molly...
Philia too good in 2025 The Roses at Doomben
David Vandyke’s tough filly Philia has emerged as the new favourite for the Queensland Oaks after leading all the way in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben. Philia ($3.70) overcame pressure up front to notch her fourth win from six starts, fighting off late challenger Jenni’s Meadow ($31) by...