A big feature of the draft of 23 mares that the noted Trelawney Stud, Cambridge, NZ has in the catalogue covering New Zealand Bloodstock's National Broodmare & Mixed sale scheduled to be held at Karaka on August 6 and 7 is the contribution to their breeding from Australia. The Trelawney mares include offspring of Zabeel, Rory's Jester, Palace Music (two), Danehill, Red Ransom, Peintre Celebre, Jetball and Gilded Time. The Danehill is the SAJC Cinderella Stakes winnerTurtle Bay, a 1991 foaled sister to stakes placed Miss Denmark. Turtle Bay has had seven winners and has two of her daughters, Pacific Pearl (by Bigstone) and Island Pearl (by Zabeel), in the same draft. The Rory's Jester mare is the WATC Gimcrack Stakes winner Enchanted Angel and she is a sister to Holbrook Lass, the dam of the Beautiful Crown Caulfield Guineas winner In Top Swing. Trelawney also have available a well connected daughter of Jetball, the Marscay sire now at George Fraser's Ilala Stud, Scone. It is the1995 foaled Randwick 2yo winner and STC Sweet Embrace Stakes third Street Star, a half-sister to the Danasinga dual Group 2 winner Conquistar. Dam of two winners from her only named foals including stakes placed Audacious Amber (by Flying Spur), Street Star is one of eight daughters of Jetball in the 365 lot catalogue. Besides the contribution fromTrelawney, there are nine other mares by Zabeel listed, while among the other sires represented are Bluebird, Canny Lad, Catbird, Danasinga, Encosta de Lago, Flying Spur, Fusaichi Pegasus, Grand Lodge, Grosvenor, Luskin Star, Octagonal, Royal Academy, Sir Tristram, Scenic, Spinning World, Star Way, Stravinsky and Volksraad. The catalogue also includes a selection of new yearlings and two-year-olds, other untried stock, tried performers and sire shares.

(This article courtesy of Brian’s Russell’s Racing & Breeding News)

1. Schiaparelli (GER) (Monsun (GER)-Sacarina (GB))

2. Dickens (GER) (Kallisto (GER)-Desidera (IRE))

3. Oriental Tiger (GER) (Tiger Hill (IRE)-Oriental Flower (GER))

  Plantation Stud Buys Araafa

It has been announced that Plantation Stud has purchased ARAAFA. Kevin Buckley, Chief Executive of Plantation, confirmed to the Racing Post that the brilliant winner of the Irish 2000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot had been bought in a deal concluded last night, and that the colt will be Plantation’s first Classic Group 1 sire under its new ownership. ARAAFA’s racing career will continue as planned, with the Sussex Stakes next on the card for the 3 year old. Buckley explained "we are leasing the horse back to the outgoing owners Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar for the rest of the season, culminating in the Breeders Cup in early November" Peter Doyle Bloodstock acted for the purchaser, whilst Tony Nerses acted for the vendors. Jeremy Noseda will continue to train the colt for the rest of his career. It is thought likely that Noseda will be added to Plantation’s UK trainers for 2007, joining Richard Hannon, Henry Cecil and William Jarvis. ARAAFA is 6/4 favourite for next week’s Goodwood highlight, where he will be ridden by his regular pilot Alan Munro. Plantation Stud confirmed that very few shares will be available in the horse, as they intend keeping a majority of shares for themselves. Buckley said "a limited number of shares may be available for major owner/breeders and a decision will be made at a later date".

(Plantation Stud Media Release)

1. Aragon (Giant’s Causeway-Onaga)

2. Sweet Return (Elmaamul-Sweet Revival)

3. Silent Name (Sunday Silence-Danzigaway)

1. Alexandrova (IRE) (Sadler's Wells (USA)-Shouk (GB))

2. Scottish Stage (IRE) (Selkirk (USA)-Drama Class (IRE))

3. Rising Cross (GB) (Cape Cross (IRE)-Woodrising (GB))

The Patrick Shaw-trained OUR FALSTAFF ran out an easy winner of the S$1,000,000 Singapore Derby at Kranji on Sunday, providing the third Group 1 winner in three days for Tattersalls graduates following on from the wins of LES ARCS in the Group 1 Darley July Cup on Friday and that of ALEXANDROVA in the Group 1 Darley Irish Oaks on Sunday. OUR FALSTAFF was purchased at the 2002 Tattersalls December Foal Sale for 130,000 guineas by Timmy Hyde from Jockey Hall Stud. The son of MONTJEU was resubmitted to the Tattersalls Houghton Yearling Sale the following year by Ashtown House Stud where he was purchased for 230,000 guineas by BBA Ireland. OUR FALSTAFF, who raced as FALSTAFF before reaching Singapore, was trained by Aidan O'Brien as a two and three-year-old when he finished third in the Group 2 Dante Stakes before joining Mike de Kock in Dubai where he finished a gallant third to HEART'S CRY in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba in March before unplaced efforts in Hong Kong and Singapore. The four-year-old was subsequently transferred to local trainer Patrick Shaw and gelded with immediate results. OUR FALSTAFF's victory continues the fine form of Tattersalls graduates in Asia this year following on from the Group 1 wins of VIVA PATACA in the Champion & Chater Cup and Hong Kong Derby, SUNNY SING in the Hong Kong Classic Mile and BULLISH LUCK in The Champions Mile and the Yasuda Kinen in Japan.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Les Arcs (USA) (Arch (USA)-La Sarto (USA))

2. Iffraaj (GB) (Zafonic (USA)-Pastorale (GB))

3. Ashdown Express (IRE) (Ashkalani (IRE)-Indian Express (GB))

The Tattersalls July Sale concluded with records across the board. The final day of trade saw 70 lots sold for 739,500 guineas at an average of 10,564 guineas and a median of 6,250 guineas. Over the four days of the sale, 623 lots were sold for 12,188,100 guineas, a rise of 93% on the 2005 sale turnover, whilst the average rose 34% to 19,564 guineas and the median rose 19% to 10,750 guineas. The top priced lot for the day was LOVELY HIDENKA, consigned from Clive Brittain's Carlburg Stables, who was knocked down to Newmarket-based agent Richard Frisby for 100,000 guineas. The three-year-old daughter of FUSAICHI PEGASUS is out of the MT LIVERMORE mare ELIZA who was Champion two-year-old filly in the United States in 1992 and is a half-sister to the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby winner DINARD. Frisby secured the filly after seeing off the efforts of agents Dick O'Gorman and Dermot Farrington and indicated that she was purchased for Ptarmigan Bloodstock, the enterprise investment scheme company set up with David Loder. It has been a busy week for Frisby who purchased six lots in all for 578,000 guineas. At the conclusion of the 2006 Tattersalls July Sale, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented; "The progress made by the July Sale in recent years has been little short of phenomenal and the trade this week has again exceeded all expectations. "The turnover at this sale has rocketed in the last few years and it is amazing to consider that only five years ago the sale aggregate was just over 2,500,000 guineas and this year it has exceeded 12,000,000 guineas, almost double last year's record of 6,300,000 guineas. "The key to the July Sale's progress has been the support of the vendors and their confidence in the sale has again been richly rewarded. This was the largest July catalogue ever and more than matched by the quality which has been reflected not only in huge rises in average and median, but also 20 six figure lots as opposed to three at the 2005 July Sale. The consignments from the major owner/breeders have again attracted buyers from throughout the world who have been active at all levels of the market, and the depth to the demand has been demonstrated by an impressive clearance rate of over 90%. "The 2006 July, Breeze Up and February sales have all been resounding successes and we can now look forward to the forthcoming Tattersalls October Yearling Sales with a degree of optimism."

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Rail Link (GB) (Dansili (GB)-Docklands (USA))

2. Red Rocks (IRE) (Galileo (IRE)-Pharmacist (IRE))

3. Sudan (IRE) (Peintre Celebre (USA)-Sarabande (USA))

The Tattersalls July Sale continued in robust fashion on the third day with five lots selling for 100,000 guineas or more with 190 lots selling for 3,354,300 guineas, at an average of 17,654 guineas and a median of 10,500 guineas. The top priced lot on the second day and the second highest ever price for a horse in training at the Tattersalls July Sale was the three-year-old colt RHYTHM'N ROOTS who sold for 210,000 guineas to locally-based bloodstock agent Richard Frisby. Consigned from Jim Bolger's Glebe House Stables, the colt by DAGGERS DRAWN out of the ERINS ISLE mare SAANA is a three-time winner, most recently in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown. Frisby fought off the efforts of Dubai-based owner Malih Al Basti, standing alongside bloodstock agent John Corbett, to secure the colt on behalf of Sheikh Salman Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, nephew of the King of Bahrain. RHYTHM'N ROOTS will go into training with Allan Smith in Bahrain with a view to racing there and in Dubai. The second highest price for the day was 160,000 guineas for the three-year-old filly SET THE PACE who was consigned from Walter Haefner's Moyglare Stud. The daughter of SADLER'S WELLS out of the Listed winning GREEN DESERT mare DESERT EASE is an own-sister to the Group-placed pair UNIQUE POSE and EASY SUNSHINE. SET THE PACE was knocked down to Newmarket International's Richard Galpin who withstood the efforts of Irish agent John O'Byrne and indicated that the filly was purchased on behalf of Irish breeders. O'Byrne had been successful earlier in the day when he purchased the winning three-year-old colt AUTUMN PROMISE for 125,000 guineas. The son of MONTJEU, out of the GRAUSTARK mare SEASONAL PLEASURE was a winner over 11 furlongs at Lyon in France this year and the Gainsborough Stud Management owned and Ecurie Andre Fabre consigned colt looks destined for a jumping future.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Friendship (French Deputy-Friendly Beauty)

2. Bamboo Eve (Afleet-Rainbow Wood)

3. Oshu Crow (Jade Robbery-Favoured)

1. Our Falstaff (Montjeu-Dance of Love)

2. Big Easy (Spinning World-Nicole’s Niner)

3. Setembro Chove (Fast Gold-Setting Trends)

1. Rajeem (GB) (Diktat (GB)-Magic Sister (GB))

2. Nannina (GB) (Medicean (GB)-Hill Hopper (IRE))

3. Musicanna (GB) (Cape Cross (Ire)-Upend (IRE))

The Group 1 Eclipse Stakes 10 Furlongs

1. David Junior (USA) (Pleasant Tap (USA)-Paradise River (USA))

2. Notnowcato (GB) (Inchinor (GB)-Rambling Rose (GB))

3. Blue Monday (GB) (Darshaan (GB)-Lunda (IRE))

  Records Continue at Breathtaking Tattersalls July Sale

Demand at the Tattersalls July Sale continued unabated on the second day of four as the sale continued in record-breaking fashion, surpassing last year's turnover with two days of the sale remaining. In total 184 lots found new owners for 3,216,900 guineas, taking the two day aggregate to a record 8,094,300 guineas whilst the average and median on the second day were 17,483 guineas and 11,000 guineas respectively. The top price on the second day was the 170,000 guineas paid for ASAAWIR, the Listed-placed ROYAL APPLAUSE filly rated 97 by 'Timeform'. The three-year-old filly, consigned from Mick Channon's West Ilsley Stables, is a half-sister to Listed-winning and Group-placed TRINITY JOY, out of the multiple Listed-placed TRIPLE JOY. Interest in ASAAWIR came from bloodstock agents Larry Stratton, Hugo Merry and Luke Lillingston as well as from Ennistown Stud's Rory Collins, but none were able to match locally-based bloodstock agent Richard Frisby who landed the filly on behalf of Ptarmigan Bloodstock with a bid of 170,000 guineas. Earlier in the day, lot 264, a two-year-old filly by MONSUN out of the IN THE WINGS mare WENDYLINA was the first horse to break the six figure barrier for the day when German International Bloodstock's Rudiger Alles bought her for 100,000 guineas. Out of a half-sister to the Group 1 Prix de Diane winner CAERLINA, the unnamed two-year-old is by stallion-of-the-moment MONSUN who has been represented by the Group 1 Coronation Cup winner SHIROCCO and Group 1 Italian Derby winner GENTLEWAVE this season. Alles secured the filly after seeing off the efforts of Kern/Lillingston's Rachel Boffey, locally-based trainer Marco Botti and Italian bloodstock agent Arturo Brambilla and indicated that the filly was purchased for Gestut Hony-Hof. The third six-figure horse for the day was the Darley consigned three-year-old HALLING colt YELLOW FLAG who was knocked down to Tattersalls Ireland's Adrian Maxwell on behalf of Tipperary-based breeder and pinhooker Timmy Hyde. Maxwell secured the own-brother to the multiple Listed winner PARASOL and half-brother to the Listed winning and Group 1 Irish Oaks placed MOT JUSTE after outlasting locally-based bloodstock agent Margaret O'Toole. YELLOW FLAG, who was third on his debut at Clairefontaine less than a week ago, looks destined for a National Hunt career.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Stormy River (FR) (Verglas (IRE)-Miss Bio (FR))

2. Kentucky Dynamite (USA) (Kingmambo (USA)-Chelsey Flower (USA))

3. Dilek (FR) (Sendawar (IRE)-Diyawara (IRE))

  Tattersalls July Sale Starts in Sensational Fashion

The Tattersalls July Sale started in sensational fashion with the opening day grossing 4,877,400 guineas, at an average of 27,248 guineas and a median of 15,000 guineas for the 179 lots sold. A larger catalogue which has resulted in the sale being extended to four days means that direct comparisons with last year's sessions are difficult, but it is worth noting that after only 1 day, and with less than a third of the catalogue offered, turnover already stands at 77% of last year's full sale total. The fireworks started early at Park Paddocks with the four-year-old mare PARK ROMANCE setting a record price for a mare at the July Sale when she realised 200,000 guineas. The Group-placed daughter of DR FONG was consigned by Elms Stud in foal to last year's Derby winner MOTIVATOR and interest in the half-sister to Group 3 winner RUM CHARGER was understandably high. Locally-based bloodstock agent Grant Pritchard-Gordon made much of the early running along with Paul McCartan of Croom House Stud, but neither were able to match Ronan Burns, son of Lodge Park Stud principal Seamus Burns. PARK ROMANCE is certainly no stranger to the Burns family who bred her and consigned her to the 2003 Tattersalls Houghton Yearling Sale where she sold for 200,000 guineas. The record price for a mare at the July Sale was equalled shortly after when McCartan went one better to secure the four-year-old mare LUCINA for 200,000 guineas after seeing off the efforts of Kern/Lillingston's Rachel Boffey. The Darley consigned MACHIAVELLIAN mare is a half-sister to Group 3 winner BLUE MONDAY, who was placed in the Group 1 Coral-Eclipse last weekend, as well as to the Group 1 Italian Derby third LUNDY'S LANE and was offered in foal to BERTOLINI. The joint record shared by PARK ROMANCE and LUCINA lasted only a few hours before being eclipsed by the four-year-old MERMAID ISLAND who realised 290,000 guineas to the bid of Hugo Merry after he outlasted bloodstock agents Charlie Gordon-Watson and Richard Brown. The Listed-placed daughter of MUJADIL is a half-sister to recent Irish 1,000 Guineas winner NIGHTIME and was offered carrying a three-parts brother or sister to the Dermot Weld trained filly by dual Derby winner GALILEO. MERMAID ISLAND was consigned to the sale by Bill and Tara Dwan's Castlebridge Consignment and the daughter of the INDIAN RIDGE mare CAUMSHINAUN was purchased by Merry on behalf of the Fleming family's Tyreel Stud in New South Wales, Australia.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Dylan Thomas (IRE) (Danehill-Lagrion)

2. Gentlewave (IRE) (Monsun-Saumereine)

3. Best Alibi (IRE) (King’s Best-Chauncy Lane)

The Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes 10 Furlongs

1. Alexander Goodrum (IRE) (Gold Away-Renashaan)

2. Chelsea Rose (IRE) (Desert King-Cinnamon Rose)

3. Red Bloom (GB) (Selkirk-Red Camellia)

  Excellent season for Hong Kong racing concludes

At the close of the final race meeting of the 2005/06 season, Mr Lawrence T Wong, the Club's Chief Executive, reflected on a very successful campaign when Hong Kong horses scored a record five Group One successes against international opposition.

Horse of the Year Bullish Luck established himself as undoubtedly the best miler within the Asian Racing Federation with comprehensive successes in both the Champions Mile and the Yasuda Kinen in Tokyo. Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, Executive Director of Racing, meanwhile noted Silent Witness’** confirmation as officially the world's leading sprinter (and Hong Kong's Champion Sprinter) for a third year thanks to a victory of the highest quality in the Sprinters' Stakes in Japan. Vengeance Of Rain became the first Asian winner of the World Racing Championship by adding our most valuable race, the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup, to victory in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup in April 2005. And Natural Blitz led home an amazing home-trained first five in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint to emphasise the strength of our sprinting ranks.

John Size was crowned Champion Trainer for the fourth time in his five years based at Sha Tin, while Champion Jockey for the sixth consecutive season, Douglas Whyte received his trophy after racing. Whyte rode 114 winners during the campaign, a Hong Kong record. Alex Lai Hoi-wing earned a second Champion Apprentice title, partnering the winners of 23 races.

The Champion Awards were also settled as Armada, after a rise of 58 points in official ratings, collected the title for the Most Improved Horse in the final race of the season.

The Club's betting turnover for the season amounted to HK60,050 million, a 4.2 per cent fall against the previous season's tally, while total attendance was 1,888,000, a 2.3 per cent decrease on last year. Mr Wong pointed out that the continuing slide in turnover would reduce the government's betting duty from racing to HK$7,943 million, down by HK$409 million, or 4.9 per cent. He added: "We hope the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2006 will be approved by the Legislative Council at the forthcoming resumption of second and third reading. It would present a great opportunity to arrest this declining trend and enable the Club to compete more effectively with illegal and offshore bookmakers. The 2006/07 season will commence on September 10.

(Hong Kong Jockey Club Media Release)

** Footnote: Silent Witness was bred by TBNSW member Mr I K Smith of Edinburgh Park Stud

  Hong Kong End of 2005/2006 season update

The Australian contingent finished the season just as they started it at the top in the Trainer’s ranking. John Size took the title of Champion Trainer having recorded 77 winners, 52 second placings, 47 third placings, 59 fourth placings and 38 fifth placings from 552 runners. John Moore finished in second position with 63 winners, 59 second placings, 51 third placings, 37 fourth placings and 51 fifth placings from 501 runners. David Hall finished in ninth position with 32 winners. 35 second placings, 38 third placings, 24 fourth placings and 31 fifth placings from 321 runners.

Douglas Whyte completely dominated in the Jockey’s ranking winning the premiership by a mammoth 51 wins. Whyte has recorded 114 winners, 86 second placings, 75 third placings, 66 fourth placings and 41 fifth placings from his 645 rides. Brett Prebble finished in second position with 63 winners, 46 second placings, 49 third placings, 37 fourth placings and 42 fifth placings from 479 rides. Chris Munce finished in third position with 51 winners, 31 second placings, 39 third placings, 34 fourth placings and 40 fifth placings from 456 rides. Shane Dye finished in fifth position with 43 winners, 43 second placings, 55 third placings, 34 fourth placings and 36 fifth placings from 471 rides.

  Major Race Result – South Africa

The Group 1 Durban July Handicap

1. Eyeofthetiger (Royal Academy-Indian Chris)

2. Sushisan (AUS) (Fuji Kiseki-Meine Tochter) bred in NSW

3. Equal Image (Equalize-Important Girl)

The Group 1 2YO Golden Slipper 1400 metres

1. Asylum Seeker (Count Dubois-Running North)

2. Ghost Writer (London News-Princess Ampato)

3. Bridget’s Academy (AUS) (Royal Academy-Pokey Hill)

The Group 1 2YO Golden Horseshoe 1400 metres

1. Fearless (Western Winter-Festive Forever)

2. Sovereign Circle (National Assembly-Imperial Guest)

3. Infinite Spirit (Muhrafal-Miss Rosewood)

The Group 1 Garden Province Stakes

1. Soft Landing (Jet Master-Safety Net)

2. Bold Ellinore (Kahal-Ellinore)

3. Roxanne (Western Winter-Roxy Cafe)

  Hussonet Leaves Third G1 2YO Winner in Final South American Crop

Arrowfield Stud’s outstanding son of Mr Prospector HUSSONET sired his 22nd individual Group 1 winner on the weekend when his 2YO daughter SHAPIRA scored an impressive 2¾ length win in the Arturo Lyon Peña G1 over 1600m on the turf. Shapira became Hussonet’s third Group 1 winner from his current and last Chilean bred crop following Husson’s devastating Group 1 wins in Argentina and Desert Fight’s effortless Group 1 win only a fortnight ago. Shapira is Hussonet’s third winner of the Group 1 Arturo Lyon Peña following his champion daughters Mar de Kara in 1999 and Domaine in 2004. He has also sired the second placegetter on two occasions with Lhiz in 2000 and Anick 2002. In this year’s edition, Hussonet was represented by four runners in the field of 15 and he provided the quinella with Lagrezette finishing 2¾ lengths astern of Shapira in the good time of 1:35.07 for the 1600m on turf. HUSSONET capped off a great day when one race earlier his 3yo daughter ARROWFIELD beat the older mares in the Francisco Baeza Stakes G2. The 2000m event on turf attracted a fi eld of 13 runners and Hussonet was represented by four runners – they ran first, third, fourth and fifth! From a pedigree perspective, this most recent Group 1 result is encouraging for Hussonet’s success in Australia. Both Shapira and Lagrezette are out of Northern Dancer line mares whose sires have very close genetic ties to Danehill. Shapira is out of a Royal Danzig mare and who like his name suggests, is son of Danzig. Lagrezette is out of a daughter of Worldwatch, a son of Nijinsky. Like Danehill, Worldwatch is by a son of Northern Dancer, carries Ribot close up in his pedigree and hails from the same family. Hussonet’s recent successes have again given him unassailable lead on both the General and 2YO sires lists in Chile. "These continuing results support our contention that Hussonet is Mr Prospector’s best active son in the world today," said Arrowfield Managing Director John Messara. Hussonet will cover a full book in 2006 at Arrowfield at a fee of $38,500 incl GST. His first Australian bred progeny are rising 2YOs.

(Arrowfield media release)

  Tattersalls – Derby Sale Day 2

The Tattersalls Ireland Derby sale started on a high yesterday and ended with new world-records being set. The first day’s price of €350,000 for Lot 270, a 4yo filly by OSCAR out of MARY KATE FINN, a world record price for a store was not matched, however more world records were set with the average of €44,029, median of €32,000 and gross of just over €15m all being the highest ever for a National Hunt Store horse sale. The record of Irish horses in top level National Hunt racing in recent years has been second to none, and the Derby Sale’s reputation as the outstanding source for Grade 1 horses led to the huge demand for horses across the board from the large number of purchasers in attendance. Commenting on the international presence, Tattersalls Ireland Chairman, Edmond Mahony, said, "I don’t think we have ever seen so many English trainers and agents here, not to mention those from Ireland and France." The Chairman was also understandably delighted with the outcome of the sale, "We knew that the vendors had supplied us with a superb catalogue, and this was matched by the demand at all levels of the market for the high calibre Derby Sale horses, leading to the truly exceptional results we have seen here during the last two days." 23 horses of the 343 sold fetched €100,000 or more with a 19% increase in average, 14% increase in the median and a phenomenal clearance rate of 81%. The next Tattersalls Ireland store horse sale is the August Sale, which due to the amount of quality horses entered has been increased to four days, now running from the 15^th to 18^th August 2006. The full statistics for the Derby Sale are as follows:-

(Tattersalls Media Release)

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