Horse Racing News
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...
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...
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...
2025 Queensland Oaks decision looms after filly Let’s Fly at Randwick
Connections of Let’s Fly will give serious consideration to paying the late nomination fee for the Queensland Oaks after the filly made a mess of her Randwick rivals to post a runaway win. Trained by Richard and Will Freedman, Let’s Fly ($31) raced handy to the speed throughout and was still under...
Shailer’s Star wins the 2025 Magic Millions National Classic
Trainer Paul Shailer landed a career milestone at the Gold Coast on Friday night as Isti Star claimed the $1 million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic (1000m) with a commanding performance. The daughter of Better Than Ready was expertly handled by jockey Michael Rodd and delivered on her promise with a...
Miss Ole stamps her 2025 Spring Racing Carnival credentials
Trainer Clinton McDonald was full of praise for two-year-old Miss Ole after she bounced back from a luckless debut to post a strong win at Sandown Hillside on Saturday. Miss Ole, backed into a $2.50 favourite with top betting apps, settled beautifully under Ben Melham before surging to the front late...
2025 JJ Atkins Stakes and Oxlade Stakes options for exciting Agarwood
Promising youngster Agarwood kept her unbeaten streak alive at Randwick on Saturday, cruising to an impressive front-running victory and putting herself in contention for a Queensland winter campaign—or a well-earned spell ahead of a spring tilt. Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, the filly followed up her debut win at...