The most expensive yearling sold at auction in the world in 2001, Van Nistelrooy has been retired from racing due to injury. Van Nistelrooy (USA) (Storm Cat(USA)-Halory(CAN)) will shuttle to Trelawney Stud in New Zealand for the upcoming season. Van Nistelrooy was sold for US$6,400,000 at the 2001 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. A service fee for Van Nistelrooy is yet to be announced.

Keeneland have announced that 4,294 horses have been catalogued for their September Yearling Sale. 2,272 colts, 2,018 fillies and 4 geldings are listed to be sold during the 12 day sale. The September Sale is the largest yearling auction in the world. Last year 2,934 horses were sold at the sale for gross proceeds of US$210,809,000 at an average price of US$71,850.

Entrepreneur, the winner of the 1997 English 2000 Guineas Gr. 1 and former 600,000 guinea sale-topper, has recorded his first Group 1 winner with the success of Vintage Tipple in the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks. Vintage Tipple finished powerfully to win by 1½ lengths from L’Ancresse with Casual Look third. Entrepreneur currently stands at Suwa Farm in Japan.

Peintre Celebre, the winner of the Prix du Jockey Club and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, has recorded his first Group 1 winner with the success of Dai Jin in the Group 1 Deutsches Derby. Dai Jin finished powerfully from the rear of the field to win by 1¼ lengths from Ransom O’War and Storm Trooper. Peintre Celebre (Nureyev-Peinture Bleue) returns to Coolmore Stud at Jerry Plains this year and will stand at a fee of $24,750 including GST.

Japan Racing Association’s Select Foal Sale concludes

The Japan Racing Association’s Select Foal Sale has concluded with record figures being achieved. A record total of Y7,073,200,000 (A$89,405,248) was grossed for the sale of 211 of the 276 foals offered for sale at an average of Y33,522,275 (A$423,721) and a median of Y21,000,000 (A$265,440). The sale topper was a colt by Sunday Silence out of the Australian bred mare, Seto Flowerian, which sold for Y330 million (A$4,095,300) at the opening session of the sale. Seto Flowerian (Bellotto(USA)-Yeatsina) was successful at black type in Australia recording a win in the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes in 1994.

The Hong Kong season has finished with John Size recording two from two in winning the Trainer’s Premiership for the second year in a row and creating two records in the process; most wins in a season (67) and a prizemoney record of HK$81,745,270. John finished the season with 67 winners, 57 seconds, 53 thirds, 46 fourths and 46 fifths from 468 runners. David Hayes finished in third position with 53 winners, 44 seconds, 39 thirds, 42 fourths and 38 fifths from 521 runners.

Douglas Whyte took out the Jockey’s Premiership with 88 winners, 102 seconds, 60 thirds, 54 fourths and 54 fifths from 581 rides. Shane Dye finished second place with 75 winners, 61 seconds, 56 thirds, 48 fourths and 47 fifths from 540 rides. Other Australians to finish in the top 10 were Dwyanne Dunn (7^th position with 41 wins) and Craig Williams (10^th position with 28 wins).

The 2002/3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Champion Awards proudly supported by the Association of Hong Kong Racing Journalists with the Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association as honorary adviser were presented at a glittering function recently. The Australian contingent recorded wins in the Champion Trainer category (John Size), the Champion Sprinter and Horse of the Year (Grand Delight), the Most Improved Horse & Champion Griffin (Silent Witness) as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award to Fairy King Prawn. The complete list of winners is as follows:

Horse of the Year and Champion Sprinter: Grand Delight (AUS)

Champion Middle Distance & Champion Stayer: Precision (FR)

Most Popular Horse & Champion Miler: Electronic Unicorn (USA)

Most Improved Horse & Champion Griffin: Silent Witness (AUS)

Lifetime Achievement Awards: Indigenous (IRE) and Fairy King Prawn (AUS)

As the Hong Kong season draws to a close, John Size continues to dominate the premiership 9 wins clear of his nearest rival, Tony Cruz in the Trainer’s Ranking. Size has recorded 65 winners, 57 seconds, 50 thirds, 46 fourths and 46 fifths from 460 runners. David Hayes is in third position with 52 winners, 43 seconds, 39 thirds, 42 fourths and 38 fifths from 514 runners.

Douglas Whyte has a lead of fourteen wins in the Jockey’s Ranking. Whyte has 87 winners, 100 seconds, 60 thirds, 53 fourths and 54 fifths from 571 rides. Shane Dye is in second place with 73 winners, 61 seconds, 54 thirds, 48 fourths and 47 fifths from 533 rides.

All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 18/6/03.

Multiple Group 1 winner, Silvano will shuttle to Maine Chance Farm in South Africa for the breeding season this year. Silvano (GER)(Lomitas(GB)-Spirit of Eagles(USA)) is the winner of the Group 1 Arlington Million, the Group 1 Audemars Piquet Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Group 1 Singapore Cup. A fee for Silvano has yet to be announced.

Champion Australian jockey Damien Oliver has been suspended in Japan for three weeks on a careless riding charge. Oliver who will now return home, has ridden 8 winners during his stay in Japan.

Australian bred Smart Bet, the top galloper in Singapore this past year, has been euthanased following a severe attack of collic. Smart Bet (Cossack Warrior-Quieter Still) won 13 of his 29 starts in Singapore for prizemoney of $2,946,744.

John Size has a lead of 10 wins to his nearest rival, Tony Cruz in the Trainer’s Ranking. Size has recorded 64 winners, 55 seconds, 50 thirds, 42 fourths and 44 fifths from 446 runners. David Hayes is in third position with 51 winners, 42 seconds, 39 thirds, 42 fourths and 37 fifths from 506 runners.

Douglas Whyte has extended his lead to fifteen wins in the Jockey’s Ranking. Whyte has 86 winners, 99 seconds, 55 thirds, 51 fourths and 51 fifths from 553 rides. Shane Dye is in second place and has recorded 71 winners, 58 seconds, 51 thirds, 47 fourths and 45 fifths from 518 rides.

All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 11/6/03.

Danny Beasley has recorded his first winner in Hong Kong after 48 rides. Beasley was successful on Round The World in the HK$700,000 Jardine’s Lookout Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday night.

The rising star of Hong Kong sprinting, Silent Witness scored most impressively in the Group 2 Sha Tin Vase and in doing so toppled the acknowledged champion sprinter of Hong Kong, Grand Delight. Silent Witness takes his record to five for five with career prizemoney of HK$760,000.

Silent Witness (El Moxie(USA)-Jade Tiara) was bred by TBNSW member Mr Ian Smith of Edinburgh Park Stud at Taree and was sold to bloodstock agent John Foote for $55,000 at the 2001 William Inglis Classic Yearling Sale. John Foote also purchased the half-brother to Silent Witness (by Woodman (USA)) at this year’s Inglis Classic Sale also for $55,000.

Former US Champion 2YO, Champion 3YO and Champion Older Horse, Spectacular Bid has died of a heart attack. He was 27 years of age. Spectacular Bid was the winner of 26 of his 30 starts and only missed a placed once when 4^th. He was the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. He was syndicated to stud for $22 million, then a world record, and met with consistent success. Spectacular Bid was the sire of 44 stakes winners.

The lightly raced Kris Kin has taken out the Group 1 Vodafone Derby at Epsom. Kris Kin (Kris S-Angel in My Heart) scored by a length from The Great Gatsby (Sadler’s Wells-Ionian Sea) with Alamshar (Key of Luck-Alaiyda) in third place. Kris Kin was a $275,000 Keeneland September yearling.

Empire Maker has spoiled the party for Funny Cide by taking out the Group 1 Belmont Stakes. Empire Maker (Unbridled-Troussaud) scored by three-quarters of a length from Ten Most Wanted (Deputy Commander-Wanted Again) with Funny Cide (Distorted Humor-Belle’s Good Cide) third. Funny Cide was attempting to win the Triple Crown having previously saluted in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.

Te Runga Stud in Auckland have announced that Wellbeing, a group winning son of Sadler’s Wells will stand at their stud in 2003 on a permanent basis. Te Runga Stud has purchased a 50% interest in Wellbeing from his owner-breeder Plantation Stud. Wellbeing (Sadler’s Wells-Charming Life(NZ)) was the winner of 6 races, two at Group 3 level. His first-season fee will be $NZ4,000 plus GST.

John Size has extended his lead in the Trainer’s Ranking to 11 wins clear of his nearest rival, Tony Cruz. Size has recorded 64 winners, 54 seconds, 47 thirds, 41 fourths and 43 fifths from 435 runners. David Hayes is in third position with 50 winners, 39 seconds, 38 thirds, 42 fourths and 35 fifths from 494 runners.

Douglas Whyte still maintains his lead of twelve wins in the Jockey’s Ranking. Whyte has 82 winners, 98 seconds, 52 thirds, 49 fourths and 51 fifths from 537 rides. Shane Dye is in second place and has recorded 70 winners, 56 seconds, 47 thirds, 46 fourths and 44 fifths from 505 rides.

All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 4/6/03.

The Group 1 Kentucky Derby winner Sunny’s Halo has died at the age of 23 years at Double S Thoroughbreds in Texas. The son of Halo was also successful in the Group 1 Arkansas Derby and the Group 1 Super Derby Invitational Handicap and was Champion Canadian Juvenile. Sunny’s Halo retired to Domino Stud at the end of his racing career then moved to Walmac International before settling finally in Texas. He was also a shuttle sire to Brazil in 1995, 1996 and 1997. He is the sire of Group 1 winners Irgun, Race the Wild Wind and Dispersal.

Hong Kong galloper My Joy (Danehill(USA)-Suggestive) the winner of HK$2 million will stand his first season at Vatana Farm in the Darling Downs, Queensland this season. My Joy’s race record includes two wins and seven placings. A service fee for My Joy is yet to be announced.

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s Ranking 9 wins clear of his nearest rival, Tony Cruz. Size has recorded 61 winners, 52 seconds, 45 thirds, 41 fourths and 42 fifths from 418 runners. David Hayes is in third position with 50 winners, 37 seconds, 35 thirds, 41 fourths and 35 fifths from 475 runners.

Douglas Whyte maintains his lead of twelve wins in the Jockey’s Ranking. Whyte has 79 winners, 93 seconds, 50 thirds, 48 fourths and 51 fifths from 518 rides. Shane Dye is in second place and has recorded 67 winners, 54 seconds, 47 thirds, 45 fourths and 43 fifths from 488 rides.

All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 28/5/03.

The four day New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling and Broodmare Sale concluded with a pleasing clearance rate of almost 80%. This year there was a slightly larger catalogue of broodmares, an increase in the aggregate of mares but the average was down. Top price mare of the sale was Lot 783 Quintilla (Danehill(USA)-Quinsigimond(GB)) in foal to Zabeel knocked down to Brent and Cherry Taylor or Trelawney Stud for NZ$150,000.

Statistics for the Broodmare sale (NZ$) are:

Damien Oliver recorded his first stakes winner in Japan with the win of Hishi Fair Lady in the Listed Wakaayo Shu run over 1400 metres on 11 May 2003. Damien also recorded a winner on the Saturday meeting with Try One’s Luck.

Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand has announced the following stallion service fees for 2003:

* Book limited to 60 mares

All service fees carry a Live Foal Guarantee and are GST exclusive.

The regally bred Ustinov will stand at Brighthill Farm in New Zealand this season. Ustinov (Seeking the Gold-Let’s Elope) was the winner of the Group 2 AAMI Vase and was runner-up in both the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas and the Group 2 Champagne Stakes. Ustinov’s fee for 2003 is NZ$8,000 (exclusive of GST).

Coolmore Stud in Ireland have confirmed that multiple Champion Sire Danehill suffered a fatal accident at the stud yesterday morning. Danehill was being hand grazed in his paddock when the accident occurred. The racing and breeding industry is in complete shock with the loss of the great horse.

Coolmore manager Christy Grassick commented: "Danehill was a phenomenal stallion and will be a big loss to the breeding industry worldwide". Alternative mating plans are being arranged for the shareholders and clients whose mares are not yet in foal.   Danehill (Danzig-Razyana) shuttled to Australia for twelve seasons until 2002, when he remained in Ireland and covered mares to Southern Hemisphere time. In 1996 he stood in Japan. He is the

sire of numerous big race winners in the Northern Hemisphere including - Rock of Gibraltar, Danish, Desert King, Fine Motion, Johann Cruyff, Landseer, Regal Rose, Wannabe Grand, Banks Hill, Danehill Dancer, Dress to Thrill, Indian Danehill, Kissing Cousin, Mozart, Tiger Hill and Spartacus. In the Southern Hemisphere his stars include Dane Ripper, Ha Ha, Redoute’s Choice, Flying Spur, Merlene, Nothin’ Leica Dance, Catbird, Danewin, Arena, Danzero, Danendri, Laisserfaire, Danasinga, Fairy King Prawn, Mr Murphy, Blackfriars, Magical Miss, Viking Ruler, Camarena, Dashing Eagle etc.

John Size’s lead in the Trainer’s Ranking has been reduced slightly to 9 wins clear of his nearest rival, Tony Cruz. Size has recorded 55 winners, 48 seconds, 42 thirds, 37 fourths and 37 fifths from 375 runners. David Hayes is in third position with 45 winners, 33 seconds, 30 thirds, 38 fourths and 34 fifths from 429 runners.

Douglas Whyte has extended his lead to twelve wins clear of Shane Dye in the Jockey’s Ranking. Whyte has 72 winners, 77 seconds, 48 thirds, 40 fourths and 49 fifths from 470 rides. Shane Dye in second place has recorded 60 winners, 51 seconds, 45 thirds, 39 fourths and 39 fifths from 445 rides. All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 7/5/03.

The John Size trained Grand Delight has collected a HK$2M bonus for winning all three races in the Champion Sprint Series. Grand Delight won the final race in the series the Chairman’s Sprint Prize by a short head from Cape of Good Hope with Firebolt third.

Grand Delight was the first of two Group 1 winners for trainer John Size on Queen Elizabeth Cup Day. Electronic Unicorn was Size’s other Group 1 winner who scored an effortless win in the Champions Mile.

John Size continues to hold the lead in the Trainer’s Ranking, 11 wins clear of his nearest rival. Size has recorded 55 winners, 47 seconds, 40 thirds, 35 fourths and 36 fifths from 363 runners. David Hayes is in third position with 43 winners, 33 seconds, 30 thirds, 37 fourths and 32 fifths from 415 runners.

Douglas Whyte has a good lead in the Jockey’s Ranking ten wins clear of Shane Dye. Whyte has 70 winners, 74 seconds, 48 thirds, 40 fourths and 47 fifths from 453 rides. Shane Dye who is in second place has recorded 60 winners, 50 seconds, 44 thirds, 37 fourths and 38 fifths from 431 rides. All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 1/5/03.

The outstanding son of Sprectrum, Golan will being shuttle duties in the Southern Hemisphere this season at Windsor Park Stud in New Zealand. Golan (Spectrum-Highland Gift) will join Montjeu and Black Minnaloushe for the 2003 season. Golan was the winner of the Group 1 2,000 Guineas Stakes and the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes. The service fee for Golan is yet to be announced.

Danzatore, the Irish Champion 2YO for 1982 was put down recently in New Mexico. Danzatore was a US$1 million yearling and was successful in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes and the Group 3 Ashford Castle Stakes. Danzatore was initially retired to Cambridge Stud in New Zealand and also spent time in Kentucky and Texas before moving to New Mexico. Danzatore is the sire of 25 stakeswinners including the 1998 Group 1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Reraise.

The Singapore Turf Club has announced that the Singapore International Races scheduled to be run at Kranji on 17 May have been cancelled due to the severity of the SARS outbreak. Among those races cancelled was the Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup, the second leg of the World Series Racing Championship.

Keeneland have recorded US$21,440,00 for the 128 horses sold at their April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale. This figure, a record, topped the previous high set in 1999 of US$18,560,000 for 123 horses sold. The average price this year at the sale was US$167,500 with a pass-in rate of 35.3%. Top price honours for the sale went to a colt by first season sire Menifee out of Pacific City which was knocked down to M and M Racing in Florida for US$950,000.

It has been announced that Don Eduardo will stand at Fayette Park In New Zealand for the coming season. Don Eduardo (NZ)(Zabeel(NZ)-Diamond Lover), the highest priced yearling sold in the Southern Hemisphere, will stand at a fee of NZ$12,500. Don Eduardo was the winner of the Group 1 AJC Australian Derby.

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s Ranking, 11 wins clear of his nearest rival. Size has recorded 53 winners, 44 seconds, 38 thirds, 29 fourths and 32 fifths from 331 runners. David Hayes is in second position with 42 winners, 28 seconds, 27 thirds, 33 fourths and 28 fifths from 376 runners.

Douglas Whyte has surged to the lead in the Jockey’s Ranking five wins clear of Shane Dye. Whyte has 63 winners, 67 seconds, 42 thirds, 38 fourths and 44 fifths from 411 rides. Shane Dye who is in second placed has recorded 58 winners, 47 seconds, 39 thirds, 33 fourths and 34 fifths from 391 rides. All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 9/4/03.

Moon Ballad gave his owners Godolphin the richest horse race in the world, the US$6 million ($10m AUS) Dubai World Cup, when he scored a run away win from Harlan’s Holiday and Nayef. Moon Ballad emulated his sire Singspiel by taking out the event.

John Size continues to maintain his impressive lead in the Trainer’s Ranking, 14 wins clear of his nearest rival. Size has recorded 52 winners, 43 seconds, 35 thirds, 29 fourths and 29 fifths from 311 runners. David Hayes is in second position with 38 winners, 27 seconds, 24 thirds, 29 fourths and 27 fifths from 351 runners.

The great battle in the Jockey’s Ranking continues with Shane Dye and Douglas Whyte tied in the lead on 57 wins. From 385 rides, Dye has recorded 57 winners, 46 seconds, 38 thirds, 32 fourths and 34 fifths while Whyte has 57 winners, 60 seconds, 40 thirds, 37 fourths and 35 fifths from 376 rides. All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 26/3/03.

The Australian bred Elegant Fashion, the only mare in Hong Kong, has won the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby. Elegant Fashion (Danewin-Wily Trick(USA)) was bred by TBNSW member Emirates Park Pty Limited and has won almost AUS$3 million in prizemoney. Elegant Fashion is also the winner of the Group 2 MRC Angus Armanasco Stakes, the Group 2 MVRC Moonee Valley Oaks and the Group 2 VRC A.V. Kewney Stakes. Elegant Fashion was purchased at the 2000 William Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale for $95,000.00.

Sir Patrick Hogan has announced that the first season fee for Cambridge Stud’s new sire, Viking Ruler will be NZ$22,000 (including GST) and his book will be limited to 110 mares. The impeccably bred Viking Ruler (Danehill(USA)-Tristalove(NZ)) started only 9 times for career prizemoney for $353,300 and was the winner of the 2001 Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes.

Bloodstock South Africa’s Sporting Post National Yearling Sale was held in Johannesburg recently with the record price for a yearling being smashed, a new record aggregate set and a new record average price obtained. The aggregate for the sale was R63,836,000, a 31% increase on last year’s figure at an average of R149,147, a 25% increase of last year’s figure. There were 543 lots catalogued for sale, 428 of which were sold, 51 withdrawn and 64 passed-in. Top price of the sale was R1,700,000 for Scarlet Pimpernel, a colt by Fort Wood consigned by Wilgerbosdrift Stud.

Shane Dye has been suspended for three Hong Kong race days after being found guilty of a charge of careless riding at Happy Valley on 12 March 2003. As a result of the suspension, Dye will not be able to ride in the Hong Kong Derby to be run at Sha Tin on 23 March 2003. Dye will resume riding on 27 March 2003.

The Hong Kong Update

John Size maintains his impressive lead in the Trainer’s Ranking, 16 wins clear of his nearest rival. Size has recorded 49 winners, 42 seconds, 31 thirds, 28 fourths and 26 fifths from 288 runners. David Hayes has moved to equal second position with 33 winners, 23 seconds, 21 thirds, 28 fourths and 25 fifths from 320 runners.

There is a great battle in the Jockey’s Ranking with Shane Dye and Douglas Whyte tied in the lead on 53 wins From 359 rides, Dye has recorded 53 winners, 45 seconds, 33 thirds, 31 fourths and 32 fifths while Whyte has 53 winners, 57 seconds, 37 thirds, 32 fourths and 32 fifths from 341 rides. All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 12/3/03.

John Size has increased his lead in the Trainer’s Ranking, 16 wins clear of his nearest rival. Size has recorded 48 winners, 40 seconds, 30 thirds, 28 fourths and 26 fifths from 275 runners. David Hayes is in third position with 29 winners, 22 seconds, 20 thirds, 28 fourths and 25 fifths from 310 runners.

Shane Dye is now in the lead in the Jockeys’ Ranking with 52 wins, 2 wins clear of D Whyte. From 342 rides, Dye has recorded 52 winners, 41 seconds, 31 thirds, 30 fourths and 32 fifths. Other Australians in the rankings are Dwynne Dunn (8^th position with 20 winners) and Craig Williams (13^th position with 14 winners). All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 1/3/03.

The globetrotting Jim And Tonic(FR) has been retired from racing at the age of nine years. Jim And Tonic(FR) (Double Bed(FR)-Jimka(FR)) was the winner of the Group 1 Hong Kong International Cup; the Group 2 Hong Kong International Bowl; the Group 2 Queen Elizabeth II Cup and the Dubai Duty Free. He won 13 of his 39 races, including eight Group races, for over $6.5M in prize-money. Jim and Tonic retires to his trainer Francois Doumen’s Normandy farm.

Mr Lawrence Wong, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, has been elected Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) at the 29th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Auckland, New Zealand. Mr Wong heads an organisation which has three seats on the Executive Council of International Federation of Horseracing Authorities. Mr Bob Charley, Chairman of the Australian Racing Board, was elected Vice-Chairman of the ARF, along with Mr Naoki Koike, who will become the head of the Japan Racing Association later this month. The ARF comprises 20 controlling bodies of horse-racing stretching from Hong Kong to Turkey, and Australia to South Africa.

John Size maintains his lead in the Trainer’s Ranking, 12 wins clear of his nearest rival. Size has recorded 43 winners, 37 seconds, 29 thirds, 27 fourths and 24 fifths from 255 runners. David Hayes is in third position with 26 winners, 21 seconds, 16 thirds, 25 fourths and 23 fifths from 283 runners.

Since our last report, Shane Dye has been on target and he is now sharing the lead in the Jockeys’ Ranking with D Whyte on 47 wins. From 323 rides, Dye has recorded 47 winners, 38 seconds, 30 thirds, 29 fourths and 31 fifths. Other Australians in the rankings are Dwynne Dunn (8^th position with 17 winners) and Craig Williams (12^th position with 13 winners). All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 19/2/03.

Racing Post recently announced their 100 Racing Greats and the Master of Ballydoyle, Vincent O’Brien has topped the poll with 28% of the votes. O’Brien trained the winners of the English Triple Crown, all British and Irish Classics, Prix du Jockey-Club, Breeders’ Cup Mile, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, Grand National, Cheltenham Gold Cup and Champion Hurdle. Lester Piggot secured second place while Sheikh Mohammed was in third place.

Hong Kong Champions, Fairy King Prawn and Jeune King Prawn have been retired. Fairy King Prawn (AUS) (Danehill(USA)-Twiglet) bred by TBNSW member Mrs C Remond, started 23 times for 11 wins and 9 second placings for prizemoney in excess of $4.6 million. Fairy King Prawn was rated the International Champion Miler in 2001, named Hong Kong Champion in 2000 and 2001 and won numerous Group 1 races in Hong Kong as well as the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen in Japan. Jeune King Prawn (AUS) (Danehill(USA)-Western Chorus(NZ)) was the winner of 8 of his 12 starts including the Group 1 Hong Kong Champions Mile. Negotiations are currently being finalized for Jeune King Prawn to begin stud duties in Australia this season.

The Cape Summer Yearling Sale, the first of Bloodstock South Africa’s yearling sales for 2003, concluded recently with a 9.4% rise in the average price from R35,618 to R38,981 but the aggregate dropped 5% from R6,240,000 to R6,003,000. Top price yearling was Lot 132 Medici a chestnut colt by Restructure out of Empresario who sold for R260,000.

Since our last Hong Kong update, John Size has forged further ahead in the Trainer’s Ranking, 14 wins clear of his nearest rival. Size has recorded 41 winners, 34 seconds, 27 thirds, 25 fourths and 20 fifths from 232 runners. David Hayes is in third position with 26 winners, 20 seconds, 14 thirds, 23 fourths and 20 fifths from 260 runners.

D Whyte continues to have a slender lead in the Jockeys’ Ranking with 45 wins, 43 seconds, 32 thirds, 21 fourths and 25 fifths from 264 rides. Shane Dye is in second position with 42 winners, 34 seconds, 27 thirds, 28 fourths and 26 fifths from 296 rides. Other Australians in the rankings are Dwynne Dunn (8^th position with 17 winners) and Craig Williams (11^th position with 13 winners). All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 3/2/03.

The Bloodhorse have reported an increase in the number of late abortions occurring in Central Kentucky. Figures received from the University of Kentucky show 35% more reported abortions in the first four weeks of the year than the corresponding figures in 2002.

Azeri, the winner of five Group 1’s last year, has been named the Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Awards held recently polling 84% of the votes cast. The full list of winners are:

80 contenders from around the world have been sent invitations for the Dubai World Cup program following the closure of second nominations on January 15. The program to be conducted at Nad Al Sheda on 29 March 2003 with US$15,250,000 on offer, is the world’s richest race meeting.

The Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline, attracted a total of 198 nominations from 13 different countries, the USA having the most representation with 82 followed by the UAE with 61.

The Australian horses invited to Dubai were Northerly and Defier.

The 2003 New Zealand Premier Sale conducted over three days concluded on 29 January 2003 with New Zealand Bloodstock pleased with the overall results of the sale. Statistics for the sale are as follows:

The top five sires by average were:

1. Danehill (7 sold - avg. $271,429)

2. Zabeel (43 sold – avg. $203,977)

3. Marju (12 sold – avg. $124,792)

4. Redoute’s Choice (3 sold – avg. $118,333); and

5. Carnegie (19 sold – avg. $118,316).

Paolini, the highest German-trainer earner last year, has been named Horse of the Year in Germany with 54.4% of the votes. Paolini joins his sire Lando (who won twice) and his brother Platini as winners of the prestigious award. Paolini did not win a race in 2002 but he was second on two occasions at Group 1 level in the Hong Kong Cup (beaten a short-head) and the Singapore International Cup. Lando the sire of Paolini won seven Group 1 races including the Japan Cup and the Deutsches Derby.

Coomore Stud Ireland have announced that Be My Guest will be retired from stud duties. The stallion is 29 years old. Be My Guest sold as a yearling for 125,000 guineas – a European record in 1975. Be My Guest is the sire of 60 stakes winners including Pentire (King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes Group 1), Go and Go (Belmont Stakes Group 1) and Luth Enchantee (Champion French Miler).

Keeneland officials have announced that the July Selected Yearling Sale will take a one-year break. The devasting effects of Mare Reproductive Loss Syndrome (MRLS) on Kentucky’s 2002 foal crop has been cited as the reason for the decision. Keeneland will resume the July Sale in 2004 with a revised format. During the break the Keeneland officials plan to spend a great deal of time with consignors and buyers to discuss what they would like to see in a restructed July sale.

The five day Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale was held recently with 1,185 horses sold for $US$31,186,000. The average for the sale was US$26,317 and the median US$10,000 for a combination of broodmares, broodmare prospects, yearlings and horses of various other ages and types. Top price of the sale was US$475,000 for Belle Nuit a 13-year-old broodmare in foal to Unbridled’s Song.

The 2002 International Classifications have been released with Marienbard, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, being named the Top Older Horse with a rating of 127. Australian Champion, Northerly was rated 124. Rock of Gibraltar with five back-to-back Group 1 victories, including two Classic triumphs, was named Top Three-Year-Old. The Top Older Horse listing is as follows:

The Top Three-Year-Old Listing is as follows:

Since our last Hong Kong update, John Size has forged ahead in the Trainer’s Ranking, 10 wins clear of his nearest rivals. Size has recorded 30 winners, 28 seconds, 23 thirds, 24 fourths and 16 fifths from 193 runners. David Hayes is in fourth position with 19 winners, 17 seconds, 11 thirds, 20 fourths and 17 fifths from 219 runners.

D Whyte continues to hold a slender lead in the Jockeys’ Ranking with 35 wins, 37 seconds, 26 thirds, 17 fourths and 23 fifths from 211 rides. Shane Dye is in second position with 33 winners, 27 seconds, 23 thirds, 25 fourths and 21 fifths from 247 rides. Other Australians in the rankings are D Dunn (10^th position with 13 winners), C Williams (12^th position with 12 winners), R Quinn (13^th position with 7 winners – Rod has now returned to Australia) and M Cahill (14^th position with 5 winners). All statistics are current up to the race meeting on 8/1/03.

The Japanese Racing Association has announced that the Japanese Horse of the Year is Symboli Kris S, a winner of 5 races in 2002 including the Group 1 Arima Kinen and Group 1 Tenno Sho as well as a third placing in the Group 1 Japan Cup. The complete list of winners are:

Japanese Champion Jungle Pocket (Tony Bin/Dance Charmer), the winner of the Japanese Derby and the Japan Cup, has been retired following chronic muscle pains and inflammation in his left front hoof. Jungle Pocket was the 2001 Horse of the Year and Champion 3YO. No announcement has been made regarding stud plans as yet.

Pleasant Colony (His Majesty-Sun Colony) the 1981 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, has died of natural causes at the age of 24. Pleasant Colony was the winner of 6 starts (4 at Group 1 Level including the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes, the Wood Memorial Stakes and the Woodward Stakes) for $965,383 in prizemoney. To date he has sired 71 stakes winners (31 at Group or Graded Level) from 640 foals and 18 crops of racing age. Standout progeny include St Jovite (the winner of the Irish Derby, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes), Pleasant Tap, Behrens and Pleasant Stage.

The 1982 Horse of the Year and Champion Three-year-old Conquistador Cielo has been put down after suffering problems with his near foreleg. He was 23 years of age. Conquistador Cielo (Mr Prospector/K D Princess) was the winner of the Group 1 Belmont Stakes and the Group 1 Metropolitan Mile and was the sire of Group 1 winners Marquetry, Wagon Limit, Norquestor and Conquistarose.

Falbrav, the winner of last month’s Group 1 Japan Cup and this season’s Group 1 Premio Presidente della Repubblica and Group 1 Gran Premio di Milano, has been named Italian Horse of the Year at the Italian Racehorse Owners’ Association awards. Other winners included Altieri (leading older miler), Le Vie dei Colori (leading 2YO colt), Pleasure Place (juvenile filly), Fisich (top 3YO colt) and Torrigiana (top 3YO filly).

The Hong Kong Jockey Club conducted their International Races recently. The richest sprint race in the world, the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint (HK$5,700,000 first prize) was a great result for Australian Breeders who bred the winner and the third placegetter. Hereunder are full results:

As stated earlier, the Hong Kong Sprint was a great result for Australia. It was victory to the NSW bred All Thrills Too (St Covet-Red Slippers(NZ)), who represented Hong Kong in the race but was trained by David Hayes, by a margin of 1½ lengths from the Irish bred (but by an Australian sire in an overseas covering) Firebolt (IRE) (Flying Spur-Musianica) with the QLD bred Falvelon (Alannon-Devil’s Zephyr), who represented Australia, a further ½ length back in third position.

A trifecta for French bred horses in the Hong Kong Vase. Ange Cabriel (FR) (Kaldounevees-Mount Gable) scored by ¾ length from Aquarelliste (FR) (Danehill-Agathe) with Falcon Flight (FR) (Persian Bold-Flying Circus), ¾ length away in third place.

Victory to Great Britain breeders in the Hong Kong Mile. Olympic Express (GB) (Bishop of Cashel-Rachael Tennessee) won by a neck from Electronic Unicorn(USA) (Housebuster-Lilac Garden) who was trained by John Size with Tokai Point (JPN) (Tokai Teio-Match Point) third.

The Irish bred Precision (IRE) (Anabaa-Stop Fiddling) scored a narrow but decisive win in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup from Paolini (GER) (Lando-Prairie Darling) with Dano-Mast (GB) (Unfuwain-Camera Girl in third position.

At the conclusion of the World Series Championship, Grandera was the runaway winner with 32 points. His closest rival was Marienbard on 24 points. Grandera, who was most unlucky in the recent Hong Kong Cup, this season has won the Group 1 Singapore Airlines International Cup, the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes and the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes. He was also in third position in the Group 1 W S Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

The Keeneland Association of Lexington, Kentucky recently conducted the Hong Kong International Sale, for the fourth consecutive year, with gross receipts of HK $49.9 million for 35 lots, the second highest result in the sale’s history. The average price for the Sale was HK $1,425,714. Top price for the sale went to Lot 23 a colt by Desert King-Very Droll (a half brother to Golden Slipper winner Ha Ha) knocked down to trainer John Moore for HK $4,800,000. The top 5 lots for the sale were: