It is getting "close and tight" on the leader board in the Trainer’s Ranking in Hong Kong with John Size now sharing the lead on 18 wins with K W Lui. To date, Size has recorded 18 winners, 21 seconds, 18 thirds, 16 fourths and 14 fifths from 136 runners. David Hayes has moved to fourth position with 15 winners, 16 seconds, 6 thirds, 15 fourths and 8 fifths from 162 runners.

D Whyte continues to lead the Jockeys’ Ranking with 23 wins, 29 seconds, 14 thirds, 10 fourths and 18 fifths from 142 rides but Shane Dye has narrowed the gap considerably. Dye, who holds second position has 22 winners, 20 seconds, 19 thirds, 15 fourths and 18 fifths from 181 rides. Other Australians in the rankings are D Dunn (10^th position with 11 winners), R Quinn (12^th position with 7 winners), C Williams (13^th position with 7 winners) and M Cahill (16^th position with 5 winners). All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 4/12/02.

The Group 1 winner, Daliapour has been retired and will stand his first season at stud next year at Haras des Chartreux – La Station d’Etalons for a fee of €4,500. Daliapour (Sadler’s Wells-Dalara) was bred by His Highness The Aga Khan and is the winner of the Group 1 Coronation Cup, the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase, the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes and the Group 3 Curragh Cup.

Spend a Buck, the Kentucky Derby winner and former American Horse of the Year has died in Brazil. Spend a Buck was formerly of Lane’s End Farm but was sold to Brazil last year.

Popular International Jockey, Frankie Dettori collected a Japan Cup double when he was successful in both the Group 1 Japan Cup and the Group 1 Japan Cup Dirt. The Group 1 Japan Cup was taken out by Falbrav (Fairy King-Gift of Night) from Sarafan (Lear Fan-Saraa Ree) with Symboli Kris S (Kris S-Tee Kay) in third place. Falbrav gave Italy its biggest international win for many years when he saluted.

The Group 1 Japan Cup Dirt was taken out by Eagle Café (Gulch-Net Dancer) from Regent Bluff (Park Regent-Sally Belle) with Admire Don (Timber Country-Vega) in third position. The win gave Eagle Café his second Group 1 success having previously been successful in the Group 1 NHK Mile Cup.

Peintre Celebre, the former Champion European Three-Year-Old and now a resident at Coolmore has sired his first stakes winner. Vallee Enchantee was successful in the Listed Prix Isonomy at Saint-Cloud in France by three lengths. Vallee Enchantee is out of Verveine a dual Group 2 winner who was also Classic placed.

John Size has moved to the lead in the Trainer’s Ranking in Hong Kong with 16 winners, 14 seconds, 13 thirds, 14 fourths and 10 fifths from 111 runners. David Hayes is currently in fifth position with 11 winners, 13 seconds, 4 thirds, 15 fourths and 6 fifths from 136 runners.

D Whyte continues to lead the Jockeys’ Ranking with 23 wins, 29 seconds, 14 thirds, 10 fourths and 18 fifths from 142 rides. Shane Dye holds second position with 19 winners, 15 seconds, 15 thirds, 13 fourths and 16 fifths from 153 rides. Other Australians in the rankings are D Dunn (11^th position with 7 winners), C Williams (12^th position with 7 winners), R Quinn (13^th position with 6 winners) and M Cahill (16^th position with 5 winners). All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 20/11/02.

New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale was conducted recently and NZB reported that number of key Australian bloodstock agents and trainers attended the sale for the first time this year. The introduction of the X-ray Repository was achieved in a relatively smooth and efficient fashion with vendor participation as high as 85% of Select horses. 200 viewings of the x-rays were recorded throughout the sale.

The overall summary (for the Select and General Sessions combined) is:

Overall Sale Average = $38,039 ($44,450 last year).

Overall Colts Average = $44,848

Overall Fillies Average = $21,597

Overall Sale Aggregate = $6,885,000 for 181 Lots sold ($12,044,200 for 265 lots sold last year).

Overall Clearance Rate = 67% (last year 53%).

The top five lots of the sale were:

Vale – Wolf Power

Wolf Power, the former South African Horse of the Year has died from a ruptured aorta while in his stall at Gainesway Stud in Lexington Kentucky. Wolf Power was twenty four years of age. Wolf Power retired as the all time highest money earner in South African racing history – he was Champion 2YO Colt and Horse of the Year on two occasions (at four and five years of age). He is the sire of 38 stakes winners including the Group 1 Santa Monica Handicap winner, Freedom Cry from his 16 crops.

Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale concluded with increases in gross sales, average and median prices and a decrease in the number of horses that failed to each their reserve. During the 10 day auction, 2,377 horses were sold for US$187.23 million an increase of 4.3% from last year. Top price of the sale was US$4 million for Lot 487 Bless, a 3YO unraced sister to Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus. Overall statistics for the sale were:

The 12^th Cartier Racing Awards were held at the Four Seasons Hotel in London this week with Rock of Gibraltar named the Horse of the Year and Cartier 3YO colt. Rock of Gibraltar (Danehill-Offshore Boom), who won two Classics, became the first horse to win seven consecutive Group 1 races. The award winners for all categories were:

Cartier Two-year-old Colt - Hold That Tiger(USA)

(Storm Cat-Beware of the Cat)

(Celtic Swing-Yogya)

(Lake Coniston-Krisia

(Danehill-Offshore Boom)

(Zinaad-Khooruna)

(Grand Lodge-Bordighera)

(Definite Article-Kayu)

The Daily Telegraph Award of Merit was awarded to Prince Khalid Abdulla, a leading owner breeder, who is the only current owner to have owned and bred the winners of all five British Classics.

Coolmore have announced that Cartier Horse of the Year, Rock of Gibraltar will be retired for the 2003 stud season. Rock of Gibraltar (Danehill-Offshore Boom) will stand at Coolmore’s Irish base in Fethard, Co Tipperary alongside his sire Danehill. Rock of Gibraltar broke the long-standing record held by Mill Reef when he won seven consecutive Group 1 races. He retires the winner of 10 of his 13 starts with more that £1.2 million.

Coolmore have announced the following Stallion fees for the 2003 Northern Hemisphere season:

Orientate (Mt Livermore-Dream Team by Cox’s Ridge), the winner of the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint has been retired to stud at Gainesway Kentucky as the property of a partnership between Gainesway and Arrowfield Australia. Orientate started 19 times for 10 wins and three seconds including victories in the Forego H. (G1), Commonwealth Breeders' Cup S. (G2), A.G. Vanderbilt H. (G2), Aristides H. (G3) and Smile Sprint H. He retires with earnings of $1,716,950.

The new season in Hong Kong is well underway with John Size and K W Lui sharing the lead in the Trainer’s Ranking with 14 wins each. From 87 runners, John Size has had 14 winners, 11 seconds, 9 thirds, 10 fourths and 6 fifths. David Hayes is currently in fourth position with 10 winners, 12 seconds, 2 thirds, 12 fourths and 5 fifths from 110 runners.

The Jockey’s Ranking has D Whyte on top with 21 wins. Shane Dye is in second position with 16 winners, 11 seconds, 12 thirds, 10 fourths and 15 fifths from 128 rides. Other Australians in the rankings are D Dunn (10^th position with 6 winners), C Williams (11^th position with 6 winners), M Cahill (13^th position with 4 winners) and R Quinn (14^th position with 4 winners). All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 5/11/02.

The NSW bred Smart Bet (Cossack Warrior-Quieter Still) confirmed his status as current champion galloper in Singapore after taking out the Group 1 Singapore Gold Cup recently. Smart Bet is the winner of the Group 1 Emirates Singapore Derby and the Group 1 Raffles Cup this year and his career record stands at 11 wins from 26 starts.

Ashford Stud have announced their fees for the 2003 Northern Hemisphere which are:

Figures quoted are in US dollars.

Mr Dinos became the first Group One winner for his sire Desert King when he won the Prix-Royal-Oak (French St Leger) at Longchamp recently. Mr Dinos was never headed and recorded a 2½ length success. Desert King (IRE)(Danehill(USA)-Sabaah) was Champion European 3YO having been successful in the Group 1 Irish Derby, the Group 1 Irish 2000 Guineas and the Group 1 National Stakes.

The Irish National Stud have announced the following Stallion fees for the 2003 Northern Hemisphere season:

The Breeders’ Cup Race Day was held recently at Arlington Park, Chicago and hereunder are the results:

The Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff was won by Azeri (USA)(Jade Hunter-Zodiac Miss(AUS)) from Farda Amiga(USA) with Imperial Gesture (USA) third. Zodiac Miss (AUS) (Ahonoora(GB)-Capriconia(IRE)) was bred in New South Wales and was the winner of the Group 3 NJC Coca Cola Classic in 1992.

The Group 1 Long John Silver’s Breeders’ Cup was won by Storm Flay Flying (USA)(Storm Cat-My Flag) from Composure(USA) with Santa Catarina(USA) third.

The Group 1 Netjets Breeders’ Cup Mile was won by Domedriver(IRE)(Indian Ridge-Napoli) from Rock of Gibraltar(IRE) with Good Journey(USA) in third place.

The Group 1 NAPA Breeders’ Cup Sprint was won by Orientate(USA)(Mt Livermore-Dream Team) from Thunderello(USA) with Crafty C T (USA) in third position.

The Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf was taken out by Starine(FR)(Mendocino-Grisonnante) from Banks Hill(GB) with Islington(IRE) third.

The Group 1 Bessemer Trust Breeders’ Cup Juvenile saw Vindication(USA)(Seattle Slew-Strawberry Reason) successful from Kafwain(USA) with Hold That Tiger collecting the minor prizemoney.

The Group 1 John Deere Breeders’ Cup Turf was won by High Chaparral(IRE)(Sadler’s Wells-Kasora) for Coolmore from With Anticipation(USA) and Falcon Flight(FR) who filled the minor placings.

The Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic was taken out most impressively by Volponi(USA) (Cryptoclearance-Prom Knight) who scored by 6½ lengths from Medaglia D’Oro(USA) with Milwaukee Brew(USA) in third position.

Darley have announced the following Stallion fees for the 2003 Northern Hemisphere season:

Marienbard, the five year son of Caerleon and the winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, has been retired and will commence his stud career at the East Stud in Japan in 2003. Marienbard has had a fabulous year with wins in the Arc, the Group 1 Grosser Presis von Baden and the Group 1 Deutschland-Precis.

Prominent Japanese breeder Naoya Yoshida has recently purchased Winchester Farm a stud farm in Paris, Kentucky. Winchester Farm will be managed by former Newgate Stud manager, Mr Paul Blankenship.

The Japan Racing Association has purchased the 1999 American Horse of the Year Charismatic for the 2003 breeding season. Charismatic was the winner of the first two legs of the Triple Crown. Charismatic was standing at Lane’s End Farm since he retired from the track following an injury.

The following Australian horses have been entered for the international races in Hong Kong on 15 December 2002:

Shadwell Farm have announced that their stud fees for the 2003 season are:

Miesque’s Son, the winner of the Group 3 Prix de Ris-Orangis and runner-up in the Group 1 Prix Maurice de Gheest and Group 1 Prix de la Foret, will stand at Lakeview Thoroughbred Farm in California for the 2003 stud season under a lease arrangement. Miesque’s Son is by Mr Prospector out of the legendary Miesque and is a full brother to leading sire and Classic winner Kingmambo. To date, Miesque’s Son has sired 4 stakes winners from his first three crops.

Marienbard finished powerfully to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe for Godolphin last week. Marienbard defeated Sulamani by three-quarters of a length with High Chaparral in third place. This year Marienbard has won the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Baden, the Group 1 WGZ Bank-Deutschland Preis and the Group 2 Jockey Club Stakes.

Claiborne Stud in Kentucky has announced that their 2003 Stallion Fees are:

(Note: All figures quoted are in US dollars)

Three Chimneys Stud has announced that their 2003 Stallion Fees are:

* Albert the Great $10,000

* Atticus $10,000

* Capote $30,000

* Dynaformer $50,000

* Fly So Free $ 7,500

* Point Given $75,000

* Rahy $80,000

* Silver Charm $25,000

* War Chant $60,000

* Wild Again Private

(Note: All figures quoted are in US dollars)

Tattersalls (Ireland) September Yearling Sale which was conducted recently saw a record turnover of €6,306,200 from the 424 lots sold. This figure is up 8% on last year’s results. The average price was €14,873 (up 27% from last year) with the median €11,000.

Last week Vinery Kentucky announced that 4 of its stallions would be relocated. This week it has been announced that Indian Charlie, who was to shuttle to Ellinthorpe Stud in Australia this year but did not because of illness, will stand at Airdrie Stud in Kentucky at a fee of US$10,000.00. Indian Charlie is the winner of the Group 1 Santa Anita Derby.

The 12 day Keeneland September Yearling Sale was held recently with 2,933 horses sold for a gross of US$210,802,500. The result was the fourth highest total in the history of the auction although the gross figure was down on last year’s total of US$254,190,600 for 2,895 horses. The average price this year was US$71,873 and the median was US$30,000 compared to $US$87,803 and US$25,000 respectively a year ago. 15 horses sold for US$1 million or more with the sale topped by a chestnut colt by Storm Cat out of Clear Mandate which was purchased by Demi O’Byrne on behalf of Coolmore for US$2.5 million.

The new season in Hong Kong has commenced and trainers T W Leung and K W Lui are off to a flying start with 6 winners each. John Size is in third position on the ladder with 3 winners, 3 seconds, 2 thirds, 1 fourth and 1 fifth from 15 runners.

The Jockey’s Ranking has E Saint-Martin with a narrow lead over D Whyte with Shane Dye in third position. E Saint-Martin’s record is 8 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds, 1 fourth and 5 fifths from 35 rides. D Whyte’s statistics are 7 wins, 6 seconds, 7 thirds, 3 fourths and 8 fifths from 41 rides while Shane Dye has 4 winners, 2 seconds, 2 thirds, 1 fourth and 4 fifths from 28 rides. All statistics are current up to race meeting of 18/9/02.

Vinery Kentucky have announced that Real Quiet, Lord Carson, Sandpit and Indian Charles are to be relocated for the 2003 Northern Hemisphere breeding season. Real Quiet and Sandpit currently shuttle to Vinery in the Hunter Valley during the Southern Hemisphere season. The new Northern Hemisphere home for Real Quiet is Taylor Made Farm. The destinations of all other stallions will be announced shortly.

The Dermot Weld trained Vinnie Roe scored his second success in the Group 1 Irish St Leger recently. Vinnie Roe now heads to Australia for the Melbourne Cup where he has been given top weight.

Red Bullet (Unbridled-Cargo), the winner of the Group 1 Preakness Stakes will stand at Adena Springs, Kentucky in 2003. To date Red Bullet has won over US$1 million in prize money.

War Emblem the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakeness Stakes has been sold to Shadai Farm for a reported US$17-18 million. War Emblem is expected to make his final US appearance in the Breeders’ Cup Classic on 26 October 2002. Shadai Farm who have had a run of bad luck this year losing Sunday Silence, End Sweep and El Condor Pasa have set War Emblem’s stud fee at approximately US $65,000.

Danehill’s outstanding son, Rock of Gibraltar has recorded his seventh straight Group 1 victory when successful in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp recently. His Group 1 wins to date are the Grand Criterium – Longchamp; the Dewhurst Stakes – Newmarket; the 2,000 Guineas – Newmarket; the Irish 2,000 Guineas – Curragh; the St James’ Palace Stakes – Ascot; the Sussex Stakes – Goodwood and the Prix du Moulin – Longchamp.

The winner of the Dubai World Cup, Street Cry has been retired to stud after suffering an inflamed ankle. Street Cry will stand at Sheikh Mohammed’s Jonabell Farm in Kentucky for the 2003 season.

Genuine (Sunday Silence-Croupier Lady) recorded his first Group winner when Maple Road was successful in the Group 3 Kokura Nisai Stakes in Japan recently. Genuine who retired to stud at Shadai Stallion Station in 1998 oldest progeny are currently three-year-olds.

Richard Dunwoody’s long standing record of 1699 jumps jockey wins has been broken by Tony McCoy who now holds the record on 1700. McCoy has achieved this from 6500 rides whilst Dunwoody achieved his 1699 wins from 9300 rides.

The number of foals in France has sharply increased in recent years. In 2001 the number of births set a record when 4500 thoroughbreds were born from 7376 mares. In 1975 the figures were 4397 births registered from 7722 mares. There were sharp declines in the late 70s and early 80s before the birthrate starting rising again from 1985 to 1990. The figures decreased again in the 90s with 1994 being the lowest figure recorded (3679 births from 6343 mares). It is predicted that the 2001 upward trend will probably continue in 2002.

The annual South African Equus Awards were held recently in Johannesburg with Free My Heart (by Jallad) awarded Horse of the Year Honours. The NSW bred Laisserfaire, who has recently been retired, was named Champion Older Female Sprinter. Lammerskraal Stud was named Outstanding Breeder. Champion Jockey went to Mark Khan (with 301 winning rides and stakes earnings of R11.6 million) and Champion Trainer to Michael De Kock (with 21% winner to runners for total stake earnings of R10.5 million).

King of Kings, the 1998 English 2000 Guineas winner has recorded his first stakes winner from his first northern hemisphere crop when Geminiani scored in the Group 3 Prestige Stakes at Goodwood by 1 ¼ lengths recently. Geminiani is out of Tadkiyra, a winner in France and a half sister to the 5 stakes winners Tassmoun, Tashiya, Tashkourgan, Tarikhana and Talaja.

Slew O’Gold has been retired from stud duty at the age of 22 after failing to get any mares in foal this year. Slew O’Gold was the Champion Three-Year-Old Colt of this year. He was retired to stud in 1985 and his first crop included the Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Golden Opinion, the Group 1 Hollywood Oaks winner Gorgeous, the Group 1 Gazelle Handicap and Beldame Stakes winner Tactile and the Group 1 American Derby winner and sire Awe Inspiring.

The first victim of West Nile virus this year is an elderly man in Kentucky. The disease which has been found in 19 horses in Kentucky in 2002 has claimed the 85 year-old’s life. The disease is carried by mosquitoes and affects birds, horses and humans. Of the 19 horses diagnosed with West Nile virus, 9 have survived, 8 were put down and two died.

Singspiel records 2YO Stakes Winner

Singspiel, the former great international champion is proving to be a most promising stallion in Europe. Singspiel, whose first southern hemisphere foals are due this spring, has recorded a stakes win with Bourbonnais, a 2YO colt from his second crop. Bourbonnais scored in the Acomb Stakes a listed race at York over seven furlongs. Moon Ballad, from Singspiel’s first crop, is the sire’s current flag-bearer being a Group 2 winner and also placing in the English Derby.

English Jockey disqualified by Singapore Turf Club

The Singapore Turf Club stewards have disqualified English jockey Gary Carter for one year after having been found guilty of not allowing his horse to run on its merits. An appeal has been lodged by Carter.

Champion Sire and former American Horse of the Year Sunday Silence has died from heart failure. There had been increased concern by Shadai Stallion Station about the deteriorating health of Sunday Silence after he developed laminitis following repeated surgery for a leg infection.

Sunday Silence has sired the winners of 143 Group races which includes 28 at Group 1 level. His first crop included the Champion Two-year-old and successful young sire Fuji Kiseki.

Launch of Offical Website for Aga Khan Studs

www.AgaKhanStuds.com is the new website lauched recently for the Aga Khan Studs. The aim of the website is to advise the latest developments of horses owned and bred by His Highness The Aga Khan. Featured sections on the site include stallion progeny details, pedigree information, race records and on-line nomination requests.

Visit the Aga Khan Studs Website  http://www.agakhanstuds.com/home/home.asp

New Zealand Stallion Expo

New Zealand Bloodstock will hold their 12^th Annual Stallion Expo at the Karaka Sales Complex on Sunday 25 August 2002. There are currently 25 stallions entered for the Expo including Generous, Rossini, Daggers Drawn and City On A Hill.

Permit Extended for Cassidy

The Singapore Turf Club has extended Larry Cassidy’s permit to ride in Singapore until February 2003. In the last 3 months, Cassidy has recorded 18 winners and 23 placings from 142 rides in Singapore. His major win to date has been the Emirates Singapore Derby on Smart Bet.

Champion Sire Sunday Silence is showing signs of laminitis following a third operation carried out in mid July. Sunday Silence was removed from stud duty in May after suffering inflammation in his right foreleg and has subsequently undergone three operations.

Vale – Among Me

Young sire, Among Men, has died in South Africa following complications arising from leg surgery. Among Men was the winner of the Group 1 Sussex Stakes, the Group 3 Jersey Mile and the Group 3 Celebration Stakes. His oldest European crop are two-year-olds and he has 6 winners to date. His first South African crop are yearlings and will be offered at next year’s National Yearling Sale.

Ashford Stud new home for Johannesburg

Johannesburg, the 2001 World Champion Two-Year-Old has been retired and will stand at Ashford Stud in Kentucky next season alongside his sire and regular Australian Shuttle Stallion, Hennessy.

Johannesburg was the winner of Group 1 events in Ireland, France, England and the United States where he finished the season with a win in the Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Rich Hill Stud in Matamatta, New Zealand have announced that Bertolini(USA) will be shuttling to the stud for the 2002 season. Bertolini(USA)(Danzig-Aquilegia) was a US$750,000 yearling who had a timeform rating of 125 as a three-year-old. Bertolini was the second highest rated sprinter of his generation behind Stravinsky. From a total of 23 starts, Bertolini contested 14 races at Group One and Two level recording five Group One placings. Bertolini is currently in his first season at stud at Overbury Farm in England and is reported to be fully booked. Bertolini will stand at a fee of NZ$10,000 plus GST with a live foal guarantee.

Desert King, Danehill’s triple Group One winning son, has sired his first winner in Australia. Kiawah (ex New Smyrna) saluted in the 60 BC Classic Handicap at Canterbury Park on 14 March scoring by ¾ length from Gourmet Paradise with Italian Adventure 1½ lengths back in third. Desert King (Danehill-Sabaah) who had 12 career starts for 5 wins (inc. G1 Irish Derby; G1 Irish 2000 Guineas; G1 National Stakes & G3 Tetarach Stakes) and 5 second placings, entered stud in Ireland and Australia in 1998.

Empire Rose, the 1988 Melbourne Cup winner, was been humanely put down recently after suffering a chronic foot condition. Empire Rose (Sir Tristram(IRE)-Summer Fleur(NZ)) had 48 race starts for 9 wins, 4 seconds and 4 thirds for just under $2 million in earnings. She was the winner of four Group 1 races including the Melbourne Cup, the Mackinnon Stakes, the New Zealand Cup and the WRTC Trentham Stakes.

Seattle Slew the Triple Crown winner has returned to Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky to recuperate following recent surgery. Reports indicate that the stud are pleased