Horse Imports from Australia To Resume

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) has issued an Import Health Standard (HIS) for horses from Australia, lifting the suspension on imports that has been in place since August last year. Horse imports from Australia were halted after MAFBNZ received confirmation from the Australian Government of equine influenza outbreaks in New South Wales and Queensland. The IHS sets out following requirements:

1. Horses must be vaccinated against equine influenza between 42 and 120 days prior to export.

2. Horses must be held for at least 21 days immediately prior to export to New Zealand in approved Pre-Export Isolation (PEI) premises, where they will undergo two PCR tests, at least five days apart, for equine influenza.

3. Upon arrival in New Zealand, horses must remain in a transitional facility for at least 14 days, where they will undergo a PCR test for equine influenza.

4. Horses must have resided on properties free of equine influenza for three months prior to export.

The draft Import Health Standard for Horses from Australia is available at http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/imports/animals/standards/horaniic.aus.htm

(New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Inc)

Reigning Horse of the Year Curlin and Belmont (G1) winner Rags to Riches are among the Keeneland sale graduates named 2007 Kentucky-bred champions by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders and the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. Curlin, winner of last year's Preakness (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) and most recently the $6 million Dubai World Cup (UAE-1), earned honors as Kentucky-bred Horse of the Year and champion three-year-old colt. Rags to Riches was named Kentucky-bred champion three-year-old filly. Other Keeneland alumni to be named Kentucky-bred champions are War Pass (two-year-old colt), English Channel (male turf horse), Midnight Lute (sprinter), Hystericalady (handicap mare) and McDynamo (steeplechase horse). Keeneland sale graduate Better Than Honour, dam of back-to-back Belmont winners Jazil and Rags to Riches, was named 2008 Broodmare of the Year. Better Than Honour, a 1997 Keeneland July Selected Sale graduate, was sold in foal to Mineshaft for $2 million to BBA (Ireland) at the 2004 November Breeding Stock Sale. She was consigned by Lane's End, agent, and bred by Southern Equine Stables and Hill 'n' Dale Farms. "Central Kentucky is unquestionably the 'Horse Capital of the World' and Keeneland is where the champions are sold," said Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland's director of sales. "We are honored to once again be represented by such top-quality individuals." 2007 Kentucky-bred champions sold at Keeneland are:

• Curlin, purchased for $57,000 by Ken McPeek, agent for Midnight Cry Stables LLC, at the 2005 September Yearling Sale. The Smart Strike colt was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent. He was bred by Fares Farm.

• Rags to Riches, sold by Lane's End to Demi O'Byrne for $1.9 million at the 2005 September Sale. She was bred by Skara Glen Stables.

• English Channel, winner of the John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), sold as a yearling for $50,000 to owner James T. Scatuorchio at the 2003 September Sale. He was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, and bred by Keene Ridge Farm.

• Midnight Lute, winner of the TVG Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), is a 2004 September Sale graduate, selling for $70,000 to Caldera Racing. He was consigned by Trackside Farm (Tom Evans), agent, and bred by Tom Evans, Macon Wilmil Equines and Marjac Farm.

• Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) winner War Pass was purchased for $180,000 by Whitehorse Stable from Claiborne Farm, agent, at the 2006 September Sale. He was bred by Cherry Valley Farm.

• Hystericalady, winner of the Grade 1 Humana Distaff, twice went through the Keeneland sale ring, selling as a weanling for $100,000 to Wark Bloodstock at the 2003 November Breeding Stock Sale, where she was consigned by Four Star Sales. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer purchased the filly as a yearling for $125,000 from Warrendale Sales, agent, at the 2004 September Sale. She was bred by Abbott Properties.

• McDynamo, who captured last year's Breeders' Cup Grand National, was purchased by Michael Moran for $82,000 from the consignment of Mr. and Mrs. William Wofford, agent, at the 1998 September Sale. He was bred by Nathan Fox, Richard Fox and Richard Kaster.

Curlin, Rags to Riches, English Channel, Midnight Lute and War Pass were Eclipse Award winners in 2007.

(Keeneland Media Release)

Windsor Park Stud has farewelled the grand old man of the Cambridge farm, Star Way (GB) (Star Appeal) who passed away late last week at the ripe old age of 31. "He died peacefully in his paddock on Friday afternoon," said Steve Till, Windsor Park's general manager. "He was a life-changing horse and he was just like one of the family." Star Way (GB) had been resident at Windsor Park for 27 years and Till was with him from day one. "He made a huge contribution and meant so much to Nelson and Sue Schick, Rodney and everyone associated with him." Till said Star Way's (GB) passing was an emotional time for all concerned but they were thankful he had gone without suffering. "He was as bright as a button in the morning and good as gold at lunchtime, "he then laid down under the willow tree in his paddock and passed away very peacefully." Star Way GB) was a high-class racehorse and though he only won once at Listed level, he competed against the best during his career. "He was a stakes-winning two-year-old at Royal Ascot and he only raced in top company in the best mile races in Europe," said Till. "He ran fifth to Nureyev in the Group One 2000 Guineas and was promoted fourth after Nureyev's disqualification for interference to him." By Star Appeal, Star Way (GB) shared the same fourth dam as the champion sire Sir Tristram (IRE) in the great matron Selene, dam of the legendary Hyperion. Star Way (GB) made an instant impact with five Gr I winners – Waverley Star, Field Dancer, Starjo, Star Board and Shankhill Lass – from his first crop. Star Way (GB) was the champion first-season sire in 1984-85, second on the Australian general sires' list in 1989-90 and 1990-91 and in 1991 he defeated Sir Tristram for the Dewar Award (combined Australia and New Zealand progeny earnings). Among his list of outstanding performers are Sky Chase, Filante, Nimue, Smiling Like, Bonanova, Telesto, Ark Regal, Interstellar, Just A Dancer, Stargazer, Eurostar, Ray's Hope, Elevenses, Solar Circle and Star Affair. Star Way (GB) also proved himself to be an outstanding dam-sire with his daughters responsible for Encosta De Lago, Carnegie Express, Coco Cabanna, La Bella Dama, Kilmore Quay, Kindacross, Tusker and Black Bean. He served 27 consecutive seasons at Windsor Park. "Four mares will be foaling to him this spring," said Till.

(Story courtesy of NZ Racing News & New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing Ltd)

The fireworks continued on the second and final day of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale with records across the board and a top price of 540,000 guineas for a daughter of MR GREELEY. The second day saw 52 lots sold for 5,407,000 guineas, a rise of 48% on 2007 with the average rising 45% to 103,981 guineas and the median rising 21% to 67,500 guineas. Over the two days of the sale 116 lots were sold for 11,884,000 guineas, at an average of 102,448 guineas and a median of 70,000 guineas, all records for a European breeze up sale and rises of 35%, 40% and 27% respectively on 2007. A total of 16 lots sold for 200,000 guineas or more, compared to only 5 last year whilst no fewer than ten lots sold for 300,000 guineas or more. It was late in the evening when lot 189, the bay filly by MR GREELEY out of the SILVER HAWK mare SILVER KESTREL entered the ring. There was no shortage of admirers for the filly by the sire of Group 1 winning fillies FINSCEAL BEO and SAOIRSE ABU with agents David Metcalfe, Marc-Antoine Bergracht, Anthony Stroud and James Delahooke all making play’s for the filly, along with Jamie McCalmont, but the group was usurped by Newmarket based agent Kerri Radcliffe who had the filly knocked down to her for 540,000 guineas on behalf of a UK based client. The sale provided a huge pinhooking success for Willie Browne’s Mocklershill Stables who had purchased the filly for a mere 62,000 guineas at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Mocklershill Stables ended the sale as the leading consignor, with 18 lots sold for 3,197,000 guineas. It was to prove a night to remember for Norman Williamson’s Oak Tree Farm who consigned the second and third highest priced lots for the day and sale. Lot 158, the DANSILI colt out of the RED RANSOM mare RED BRAVO had impressed in his breeze and attracted the interest of Marc-Antoine Bergracht and Jamie McCalmont, but as the price passed 400,000 guineas the pair were upstaged by Sir Robert Ogden who finally secured him for 490,000 guineas. The colt is set to join Newmarket trainer Jeremy Noseda, who trained the top class filly SANDER CAMILLO for Ogden, at his Shalfleet Stables base. The sale represented a huge pinhooking result for his owners who purchased him as a yearling for €140,000. Williamson’s Oak Tree Farm also consigned lot 135, the colt by INVINCIBLE SPIRIT out of the ROBELLINO mare NEED YOU BADLY who was knocked down to Newmarket trainer John Gosden for 440,000 guineas at the expense of London based agent Jamie McCalmont who has endured a frustrating two days. Once again the result proved a windfall for his owners, having purchased him as a yearling for 50,000 guineas. Oak Tree Farm sold 5 lots over the two days of the sale for a total of 1,255,000 guineas. At the conclusion of the 2008 Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented; "There has been understandable apprehension in the lead up to the Breeze Up season but even without the prevailing economic uncertainties we would have to be pleased with the way the Craven Breeze Up has gone this week. The sale has broken records across the board and an average over 100,000 guineas would have been unthinkable a few years ago. As ever the sale’s success is a massive tribute to the vendors and it is their support and professionalism which continues to attract top owners from throughout the world in ever increasing numbers. The number of lots which have sold for 200,000 guineas or more has leapt from five last year to 16 this year and demand for quality two year olds has been unprecedented. "The combination of a strong catalogue, a huge number of eye-catching ‘breezes’ at the Racecourse and outstanding racecourse results from last year’s sale has been the key to the record breaking demand. Last year’s Craven Breeze Up produced more Group winners than any other two year olds in training sale in the world and the consistent success of graduates from this sale at Group 1 level has driven the sale to new heights. It has been wonderful to see so many vendors rewarded for their confidence in the sale and many of them will also be well represented in our Guineas Breeze Up which follows in just over two weeks time." The Tattersalls Guineas Breeze Up Sale takes placed on May 1-2 with the ‘breeze’ taking place at 9am on Thursday, May 1 and being broadcast on Racing UK whilst the sale takes place from midday on Friday, May 2 proceeding the Guineas weekend.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 57 wins, 31 second placings, 19 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 21 fifth placings from 318 starters. John Moore is in fifth place with 35 winners, 33 second placings, 38 third placings, 37 fourth placings and 45 fifth placings from his 391 starters. David Hall is in tenth place with 25 winners, 34 second placings, 29 third placings, 26 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from his 295 starters.

Douglas Whyte maintains his lead in the Jockey’s rankings holding a 25 win advantage having recorded 79 wins, 53 second placings, 49 third placings, 41 fourth placings and 33 fifth placings from 404 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 54 winners, 52 second placings, 40 third placings, 37 fourth placings and 23 fifth placings from his 384 rides. Darren Beadman is in fourth position with 36 winners, 31 second placings, 35 third placings, 33 fourth placings and 36 fifth placings from his 291 rides. Glen Boss is in tenth position with 23 winners, 28 second placings, 27 third placings, 29 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from his 308 rides.

Current to 23 April 2008.

Congratulations to TBNSW member Mr D Fleming the breeder of Our Giant the recent winner of the Group 1 Horse Chestnut Stakes in South Africa. Our Giant (Giant’s Causeway(USA)-Macrosa(NZ)) was too strong for Emperor Napoleon (Kahal-Ellinore) with Braggadacio (Western Winter-Fair Bianca) third. Our Giant was a $480,000 buy for Charles Laird from the Tyreel Stud draft at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast.

Magic Millions graduates have started in what has been described as the most significant weekend of success for Australasian bloodstock in South African thoroughbred history. Gold Coast yearling graduate Our Giant led the way with a thrilling win in the R1 million Group One Horse Chestnut Stakes (1600m) at Turffontein. One of the stars of the powerful Charles Laird stable, Our Giant was sent out the favourite and got home in the weight-for-age contest to beat Emperor Napoleon and Braggadacio. Already a Group Two winner and Group One placegetter earlier in his outstanding career, Our Giant is one of the top young stallion prospects of South Africa. Laird purchased Our Giant on behalf of major stable client Markus Jooste for $480,000 from the Tyreel Stud draft at the 2005 Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast. He is the best runner to date from the top producing McGinty mare Macrosa - a winner of five races - two at stakes level. Our Giant is the second Australian purchased Group One winner for Laird following the win last year of outstanding juvenile Seventh Rock (Rock of Gibraltar-Ruby Clipper by Rubiton). Seventh Rock, like Our Giant, was plucked out of the famous Gold Coast sale ring. On the same afternoon another Laird purchase from the Gold Coast - the highly regarded filly Merlene De Lago - made it two wins from two starts with a thumping of her rivals in the Group Three Pretty Polly Stakes (1100m). By Encosta de Lago and from Danehill's Golden Slipper winner Merlene, the outstanding juvenile prospect coasted home to beat Resounding Success by over three lengths. A $775,000 yearling from the 2007 MM Sale, Merlene De Lago had won the listed Ruffian Stakes (1000m) by four lengths at her only other raceday outing. Laird, who described the filly as "something very special," is planning to run the filly in the upcoming Group One features for two-year-old fillies. Leading Sydney based bloodstock agent James Bester continued the run of success for Magic Millions when two exciting youngsters he purchased from the Gold Coast were winners at Kenilworth over the weekend. Juvenile Manenberg led the way with an emphatic two plus length win in a 1000 metre event. Trained by Justin Snaith, Manenberg is by Danzero and from the Royal Academy mare Roussel and Bester went to $95,000 for the member of the Reavill Farm draft. Snaith and Bester combined for a double when the exciting Galileo three-year-old Alvaro won a seven furlong contest. An $80,000 purchase from the draft of Coolmore Stud, Alvaro is from the Thatching mare Gun Lady. Alvaro's record now reads out at four wins from just eight starts. Meanwhile, an astute broodmare sale purchase by international agent Grant Pritchard-Gordon at the 2006 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale has led to a record at the South African National Yearling Sale at Gosforth Park. Pritchard-Gordon, buying under his Badgers Bloodstock banner, purchased the well related Danehill mare Egerszegi for $280,000 from the draft of Kitchwin Hills. The mare, a sister to Holy Roman Emperor, was in foal to Royal Academy and it was that resultant foal - a filly - who would set a South African record when sold for R3 million. The price is the highest ever paid for a filly in the sale's long and proud history.

(Magic Millions Media Release)

The Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale got off to a sensational start at Park Paddocks with a busy sales ring witnessing six lots that made 300,000 guineas or more and ten that realised 200,000 guineas or more, a figure made all the more remarkable by the fact that only five lots made that figure over the two days of last year’s sale. A total of 64 lots were sold for 6,477,000 guineas, a rise of 26% on 2007, with the average up 36% to 101,203 guineas and the median up 30% to 67,500 guineas. The clearance rate also improved significantly from last year to a healthy 77%. GONE WEST stallion MR GREELEY was the flavour of the opening day with three of his seven lots offered realising 300,000 guineas or more. The son of GONE WEST was represented by the Group 1 winning fillies FINSCEAL BEO and SAOIRSE ABU last year and leading the way on the opening day was lot 78, the colt out of DEHERE OF THE DOG consigned from Eddie O’Leary’s Lynn Lodge Stud. He was knocked down to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum for 375,000 guineas after he saw off the efforts of Saleh Al Homaizi, who co-owned Derby winner AUTHORIZED, stood alongside his bloodstock advisor Tony Nerses and Fiona Shaw, bloodstock advisor to Earle Mack. Three lots earlier a filly out of the Grade 3 winning ROYAL ACADEMY mare MISS GAZON was knocked down to Kern Lillingston’s Luke Lillingston for 300,000 guineas. Interest in the filly consigned from Willie Browne’s Mocklershill Stables came initially from traininer Mark Johnston, and agents Jamie McCalmont and Marc-Antoine Bergracht, but none could better Lillingston’s bid of 300,000 guineas. The two sales both proved great pinhooking results for their vendors, having been purchased for $260,000 and $90,000 respectively. Late in the evening lot 83, a filly by MR GREELEY out of the SADLER’S WELLS mare DANSE DU DIABLE provided another pinhooking triumph, this time for Con Marnane’s Bansha House Stables, when knocked down to Blandford Bloodstock’s Tom Goff for 340,000 guineas after he saw off the efforts of agent Amanda Skiffington. Marnane had purchased the filly for 75,000 Euros as a yearling. Whilst progeny of MR GREELEY dominated the day, top price honours went to lot 46, a daughter from the first crop of Shadwell Estates’ HAAFHD who was knocked down to Luke Lillingston for 380,000 guineas. The daughter of the Listed winning TREMPOLINO mare ALLESPAGNE and half-sister to the Listed winning and Group placed CRUZSPIEL was consigned to the sale by John Hassett’s ‘The Bloodstock Connection’ and was secured by Lillingston after he saw off the efforts of agent Jamie McCalmont, stood alongside Paul Shanahan and Michael Tabor. The other two lots which realised 300,000 guineas on the opening evening were lot 52, a son of ARCH consigned from Con Marnane’s Bansha House Stables which was knocked down to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and lot 81, a son of DANSILI consigned from Gay O’Callaghan’s Yeomanstown Stud, who was knocked down to Irish agent John McCormack.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

Impeccably-bred two-year-old colt Sufficient made a one horse race of the Listed $55,000 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on 12 April 2008 and in doing so provided his champion sire, Zabeel, with his 114th individual stakes winner. Sufficient, trained by Bruce Wallace at Takanini, was a $120,000 yearling purchase at the New Zealand Bloodstock Sales at Karaka. He is out of the Group 2 winning mare, Fleur De Chine, who has also left the Group 1 SAJC Australasian Oaks winner Tully Thunder. Sufficient was bred by Hong Kong-based New Zealander Gary Plowman. Allan Peard, stable foreman for Bruce Wallace, said Sufficient is a true staying type. "That is why we targeted this 1600m two-year-old race," said Peard. "He is a long big striding young horse and we put this race on the planning board a long time ago. He's been in work since last June and we have not been in any rush with him. He is a beautifully natured horse." Peard also announced plans for Sufficient to be aimed at the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) at Flemington in November. "He is Derby material," said Peard. Sufficient's owner, Mark Wyborn, is very keen to win a Derby race. "The New Zealand Derby, the VRC Derby, any Derby will do," said Wyborn. Peard said Sufficient will now have an eight week spell during which time a three-year-old campaign will be mapped out. The Champagne Stakes has proved in previous runnings to be a happy hunting ground for the stock of Zabeel, who is the sire of 38 individual Group 1 winners and will stand again in the 2008 season at Cambridge Stud. In 1995 the daughter of Zabeel, Jezabeel, won the Champagne Stakes and three years later she took out the Group 1 Melbourne Cup.

(Cambridge Stud Media Release)

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 56 wins, 30 second placings, 19 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 21 fifth placings from 313 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 35 winners, 33 second placings, 36 third placings, 37 fourth placings and 45 fifth placings from his 389 starters. David Hall is in tenth place with 25 winners, 34 second placings, 29 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from his 293 starters.

Douglas Whyte maintains his lead in the Jockey’s rankings holding a 25 win advantage having recorded 79 wins, 53 second placings, 49 third placings, 41 fourth placings and 33 fifth placings from 404 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 54 winners, 51 second placings, 39 third placings, 36 fourth placings and 22 fifth placings from his 378 rides. Darren Beadman is in fourth position with 36 winners, 31 second placings, 34 third placings, 33 fourth placings and 35 fifth placings from his 289 rides. Glen Boss is in tenth position with 23 winners, 27 second placings, 27 third placings, 29 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from his 304 rides.

Current to 12 April 2008.

a second placing for TBNSW members

1. Capablanca (AUS) (Scenic(IRE)-Ahava) bred in WA

2. Lim’s Fighter (AUS) (Flying Spur-Sky Watch) bred by South Terrace Securities Pty Limited

3. World Delight (Mellifont-Lady Anne)

  Major Race Results – New Zealand

1. Pasta Post (NZ) (Postponed (USA)-Blue Heaven (NZ))

2. Sterling Prince (NZ) (Colombia (NZ)-Sterling Princess (NZ))

3. Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim (USA)-Solstice (NZ))

New Zealand Bloodstock's catalogue for the 2008 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale has gone in the post to prospective buyers and is also now online. Set to be conducted at Karaka on 11, 12 & 13 May, this year's bumper offering will see over 400 weanlings and 300 broodmares catalogued together in a single Sale, in place of the stand-alone Weanling and Broodmare Sales held last year. The selection will feature weanlings by a host of New Zealand and internationally bred sire talent that includes Align (AUS), Captain Rio (GB), Elusive City (USA), Golan (IRE), Keeper (AUS), O'Reilly, Pentire (GB), Pins (AUS), Stravinsky (USA), Van Nistelrooy (USA) and Zabeel, plus the very first southern hemisphere progeny to auction in New Zealand from such freshman sires as Castledale (IRE), Duelled (AUS), Falkirk, Gold Centre (AUS), Keeninsky, Mr Nancho (ARG), St Reims and Zenno Rob Roy (JPN). The catalogue also includes broodmares by such outstanding broodmare sires as Capote (USA), Centaine (AUS), Danehill (USA), Danzig (USA), Diesis (GB), Grosvenor, Last Tycoon (IRE), Marscay (AUS), Nureyev (USA), Sadler's Wells (USA), Sir Tristram (IRE), Star Way (GB), Woodman (USA) and Zabeel. Included in the three-day Sale is a selection of yearlings (18), two-year-olds (11), racehorses (17) and unraced stock (18). To request a catalogue for New Zealand Bloodstock's 2008 National Weanling, Broodmare & Mixed Bloodstock Sale, email reception@nzb.co.nz.

(NZTM)

a winner for TBNSW members

1. Our Giant (AUS) (Giant’s Causeway(USA)-Macrosa) bred by Mr D Fleming

2. Emperor Napoleon (Kahal-Ellinore)

3. Braggadacio (Western Winter-Fair Bianca)

The Group 1 SA Classic 1800 metres

1. King’s Gambit (Silvano-Lady Brompton)

2. Lion’s Blood (Dominion Royale-Corn Lily)

3. Eddington (Model Man-Sit Alkui)

The Group 1 SA Fillies Classic 1800 metres

1. Urabamba (Fort Wood-Princess Ampato)

2. Glenrossal (Anytime-Sparkling Twist)

3. Rat Burana (Dodge-Camina Burana)

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 54 wins, 28 second placings, 17 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 21 fifth placings from 306 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 34 winners, 32 second placings, 36 third placings, 36 fourth placings and 43 fifth placings from his 380 starters. David Hall is in ninth place with 25 winners, 34 second placings, 29 third placings, 24 fourth placings and 19 fifth placings from his 289 starters.

Douglas Whyte has extended his lead yet again in the Jockey’s rankings and now holds a 27 win advantage having recorded 79 wins, 53 second placings, 49 third placings, 41 fourth placings and 33 fifth placings from 404 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 52 winners, 49 second placings, 39 third placings, 36 fourth placings and 21 fifth placings from his 369 rides. Darren Beadman is in fourth position with 36 winners, 31 second placings, 34 third placings, 33 fourth placings and 35 fifth placings from his 287 rides. Glen Boss is in tenth position with 23 winners, 27 second placings, 27 third placings, 28 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from his 295 rides.

Current to 9 April 2008.

Several of world's best milers and middle-distance thoroughbreds are among the selections for the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup and Champions Mile. Top class horses, featuring 11 individual Gr.1 winners from Japan, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa and Hong Kong, will converge at Sha Tin in a terrific Gr.1 double-bill on Sunday, 27 April. "We are looking forward to hosting one of the most important fixtures on the international racing calendar and the quality and diversity of both line-ups hold two fascinating races in store,"said Mr William A Nader, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director of Racing. "Viva Pataca will be strongly fancied to defend his title in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup, now sponsored for the tenth year by our partners Audemars Piguet, the master Swiss watchmakers. Leading the challenge from overseas is Matsurida Gogh who defeated Japan's finest middle distance and staying performers in the country's biggest race, the Arima Kinen, last December. But we should also pay close attention to Archipenko, perhaps a little unfortunate not to win the Dubai Duty Free in which he was a fast finishing third. "Home-based Good Ba Ba shoots for a remarkable fourth consecutive Gr.1 victory in the Champions Mile but will have to be at his very best to beat a resurgent Armada. The local defence is particularly strong and supports the growing belief that Hong Kong is home to some of the very best milers in the world."

Selections in ratings order for the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup (Gr.1 - 2000m - HK$14m (approx US$1.8m))

The last ten editions of this race place Hong Kong level with their counterparts from overseas with five wins apiece. The foreign raiders have hailed from South Africa, France, Germany and Japan (twice).

• Viva Pataca - Five-time Gr.1 winner, including a comfortable success in this race last year. Runner-up in both Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup and the Dubai Sheema Classic this season.

• Matsurida Gogh - Surprise winner from an all-star line-up in the Arima Kinen in Tokyo last Christmas. Subsequently successful at Gr.2 level.

• Archipenko- Fast finishing third in the Dubai Duty Free last start and was unlucky not to have finished closer. Should relish the extra distance at Sha Tin.

• Quijano -Germany's highest-rated horse; runner-up in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase and fourth in the Dubai Sheema Classic.

• Hello Pretty - Back after a long layoff to hint at his potential to reproduce the form that won the Cathay Pacific International Cup Trial in 2006.

• Jackpot Delight - Runner-up to Helene Mascot in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby last month and then ran Armada to just a neck at his last start.

• Helene Mascot - Confirmed his billing as a star of the future by winning the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby last month, his second major in just three local starts.

• Sir Slick - Five-time Gr.1 winner voted the 'People's Champion' in New Zealand last season where he is also the Champion Middle Distance Horse.

• Balius - Consistent Group performer in France with five Listed successes to his credit.

• Bullish Cash - Very easy winner of the Premier Plate last month and fast improving through the ranks.

• Viva Macau - Gr.1 placed in France and Hong Kong.

• Musical Way - Third in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup on her most recent visit to Sha Tin and she's a multiple Pattern winner, including the Gr.2 Prix Dollar.

Selections in ratings order for the Champions Mile (Gr.1 - 1600m - HK$8m (approx US$1.029m))

Despite being opened to international runners in 2005, this race has developed into a private battle between Hong Kong's best milers with the home-based team filling the first four positions in its three editions to date.

• Armada - Showed he was returning to his best after a year on the sidelines in the Chairman's Trophy and capable of posting further improvement in the Champions Mile.

• Good Ba Ba - Clearly Hong Kong's best miler this season so far and now bidding for a fourth straight victory at the highest level.

• Bullish Luck - Elder statesman of international racing in Hong Kong and successful in this race in 2005 and 2006; he also added a Gr.3 in February.

• Floral Pegasus - Gr.1 winner locally over the mile distance and always figures thereabouts in these major international events.

• Joyful Winner - Third in this race in 2006 and second last year - can this dual Gr.1 winner go one better in 2008?

• Wise Dennis - Dual Listed winner who won twice at this year's Dubai International Carnival.

• Able One - Defending titleholder who benefited from the ride of the season to make all in this event last year.

• Joy And Fun - Last season's Champion Griffin in Hong Kong.

• Green Birdie - Successful in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby Trial before a creditable third in the Derby itself last month.

• Meiner Segal - Gr.3 winner of the Fuji Stakes over 1600m in Tokyo.

• Dao Dao - Impressive last start winner who has yet to finish out of the quinella in nine runs in Australia and HK up to a mile.

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club)

1. Special Mission (NZ) (Towkay (AUS)-Te Akau Trek (NZ))

2. Culminate (NZ) (Elnadim (USA)-Solstice (NZ))

3. Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Keeper (AUS)-Just Cruising (AUS))

1. Curlin (Smart Strike-Sherriff’s Daughter)

2. Asiatic Boy (Not For Sale-SS Asiatic)

3. Well Armed (Tiznow-Well Dressed)

The Group 1 Sheema Classic 2400 metres

1. Sun Classique (AUS) (Fuji Kiseki-Elfenjar) bred in NSW

2. Viva Pataca (Marju-Comic)

3. Doctor Dino (Muhtahir-Logica)

The Group 1 Dubai Duty Free 1777 metres

1. Jay Peg (Camden Park-Laptop Lady)

2. Darjina (Zamindar-Darinska)

3. Archipenko (Kingmambo-Bound)

The Group 1 Golden Shaheen 1200 metres

1. Benny The Zbull (Lucky Lionel-Comet Cat)

2. Idiot Proof (Benchmark-Perfectly Pretty)

3. Star Crowned (Kingmambo-Fashion Star)

The Group 2 UAE Derby 1800 metres

1. Honour Devil (Honour and Glory-Diamond Fritz)

2. Royal Vintage (Rich Man’s Gold-Derry Wood)

3. Cocoa Beach (Donareile Coourt-Visionera)

The Group 2 Goldolphin Mile 1600 metres

1. Diamond Stripes (Notebook-Romantic Summer)

2. Elusive Warning (Elusive Quality-Valid Warning)

3. Don Renato (Edgy Diplomat-Tabla Redonda)

  Keeneland Sale Alumni Curlin, Benny the Bull and Diamond Stripes Score Wins on Dubai World Cup Day

Keeneland sale graduates Curlin, Benny the Bull and Diamond Stripes captured three stakes on the Dubai World Cup card on 29 March 2008. Curlin, owned by Stonestreet Stables and Midnight Cry, won the world's richest race, the $6 million Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup (G1), by a record 7 ¾ lengths. The Smart Strike colt, winner of last year's Preakness (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), is trained by Steve Asmussen. He is scheduled to join Asmussen's barn at Keeneland in early April. Curlin was purchased for $57,000 by Ken McPeek, agent at Keeneland's 2005 September Yearling Sale. He was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent, on behalf of his breeder, Fares Farm Inc. IEAH Stables et al's Benny the Bull, winner of the $2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1), is a graduate of the 2004 September Sale. Greg James paid $38,000 for the son of Lucky Lionel, who was consigned by Bluewater Sales LLC, as agent for his breeder, Tomoka Farm Inc. Four Roses Thoroughbreds' Diamond Stripes, winner of the $1 million Godolphin Mile (G2), was purchased by Buckram Oak Farm for $340,000 at the 2004 September Sale. He was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent for Classic Oaks Farm. The son of Notebook was previously sold by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent for White Oaks, as a weanling for $95,000 to Southern Cypress Stable, agent, at Keeneland's 2003 November Breeding Stock Sale.

(Keeneland Media Release)

  Hong Kong Jockey Club purchases 20 yearlings at Magic Millions 2008

The Hong Kong Jockey Club last week signed for 20 yearlings at the Magic Millions 2008 Yearling Sale on Australia's Gold Coast. Seven of the latest acquisitions will be resold at the Hong Kong International Sale in December 2008 with the remaining 13 going towards a Subscription Griffin ballot that will next season increase to 25 horses as a result of the demand amongst Club members. "It was a very strong sale where we faced fierce competition for the type of equine athletes that fit Hong Kong parameters," said Mr Mark Player, Head of International Races, Sale and Development "We now have 35 horses secured for the Hong Kong International Sale 2008 with a few more to secure at the last auction, the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney, in three weeks time." The lots purchased were:

(* denotes for resale at the Hong Kong International Sale, December 2008)

Lot 19, the most expensive of the bunch, is a son of Redoute's Choice by Marshow, dam of five winners and a full sister to Jetball (Gr.1 winner and sire) and Marwina; Lot 824 is closely related to Rock Of Gibraltar, emerging sire and winner of seven successive Gr.1s on the track; Lot 839 is a half brother to two individual Gr.1 winners in Australia and South Africa.

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club)

Hong Kong Update

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 51 wins, 28 second placings, 17 third placings, 24 fourth placings and 21 fifth placings from 297 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 34 winners, 30 second placings, 34 third placings, 36 fourth placings and 41 fifth placings from his 368 starters. David Hall is in ninth place with 25 winners, 34 second placings, 28 third placings, 23 fourth placings and 18 fifth placings from his 283 starters.

Douglas Whyte has extended his lead in the Jockey’s rankings and now holds a 23 win advantage having recorded 74 wins, 51 second placings, 48 third placings, 40 fourth placings and 30 fifth placings from 387 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 51 winners, 48 second placings, 36 third placings, 34 fourth placings and 21 fifth placings from his 353 rides. Darren Beadman is in fourth position with 36 winners, 28 second placings, 31 third placings, 32 fourth placings and 33 fifth placings from his 274 rides. Glen Boss is in tenth position with 23 winners, 27 second placings, 26 third placings, 28 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from his 291 rides.

Current to 2 April 2008.