Absolute Champion, brilliantly ridden by Brett Prebble, gatecrashed the supposed coronation of Sacred Kingdom, the world's leading sprinter, in the Centenary Sprint Cup at a chilly Sha Tin on 27 January 2008. A short head separated the world champion sprinters at the climax of the HK$4.5m first leg of the Champion Sprint Series. In betting terms alone, the result will go down as the shock of the season. Sacred Kingdom, making a first start since his imperious success from Absolute Champion in last month's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint, started at minimum odds of 1/10. Absolute Champion, winless from seven previous starts at the 1000-metre distance, was rated next best in the market at 8/1. Prebble patiently handled Absolute Champion at the tail of the field, racing in the slipstream of Sacred Kingdom who had exited the stalls a little untidily. Facing the breeze down the centre of the five-furlong chute, Sacred Kingdom assumed the lead with over a furlong to race, but could never fully escape the attentions of a rival who drew level and led inside the final few strides. Able Prince finished third of the eight runners. "It's a bit of a surprise, I suppose, but you can never underestimate these top horses. Absolute Champion is a former world champion, after all, and he never runs a bad race. We didn't come here today thinking that we would beat the current world champion in Sacred Kingdom but we had planned to do our best," winning trainer David Hall reflected. "I think he has been running as well this year as he last season - it's just that Sacred Kingdom had been too good for him on a couple of occasions. We had a small hiccup last week when he missed some work with bruising to his near fore foot but maybe being that bit fresher today has been in his favour. "We decided on quieter tactics with him today, to save him up for a big kick at the finish. It was terrific ride by Brett, too. He's one of the best in the world." Hall said Absolute Champion would stay in Hong Kong for the remaining two legs of the legs of the Champion Sprint Series: the Chairman's Sprint Prize (1200m) on February 17 and the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) on March 16. The latter race is shaping up as the race of the season given the likely rematch of Absolute Champion and Sacred Kingdom with Good Ba Ba, the best miler locally after victories in both the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile and the Stewards' Cup, also in the reckoning.

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club Media Release)

(Footnote: Absolute Champion was bred by TBNSW member J W Kelly Suffolk Vale & Co)

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 34 wins, 18 second placings, 13 third placings, 14 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from 203 starters. John Moore is in second place with 28 winners, 22 second placings, 27 third placings, 26 fourth placings and 31 fifth placings from his 274 starters. David Hall is in eighth place with 19 winners, 25 second placings, 21 third placings, 19 fourth placings and 11 fifth placings from his 210 starters.

Douglas Whyte maintains his lead in the Jockey’s rankings and now has a 19 win advantage having recorded 54 wins, 34 second placings, 35 third placings, 26 fourth placings and 18 fifth placings from 271 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 33 winners, 31 second placings, 23 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 13 fifth placings from his 232 rides. Darren Beadman is in third position with 29 winners, 19 second placings, 25 third placings, 20 fourth placings and 26 fifth placings from his 193 rides. Glen Boss is in eighth position with 17 winners, 18 second placings, 19 third placings, 20 fourth placings and 15 fifth placings from his 204 rides.

Current to 30 January 2008.

a winner for TBNSW members

1. Absolute Champion (AUS) (Marauding-Beauty Belle) bred in NSW by J W Kelly Suffolk

     Vale & Co

2. Sacred Kingdom (AUS) (Encosta de Lago-Courtroom Sweetie) bred in VIC

3. Able Prince (AUS) (Hurricane Sky-Queen’s Choir) bred in NSW

a second placing for TBNSW members

1. Helene Mascot (IRE) (Peintre Celebre-Razana)

2. Horace’s Choice (AUS) (Strategic-Booked) bred by TBNSW member Woodlands Stud

3. Fearless (SAF) (Western Winter-Festive Forever)

1. Good Ba Ba (USA) (Lear Fan-Elle Meme)

2. Floral Pegasus (AUS) (Fusaichi Pegasus-Crown Crest) bred in NSW

3. Viva Pataca (GB) (Marju-Comic)

Tattersalls Ireland has announced that the September Yearling Sale has been moved back to its original slot later in the sales calendar and will now take place on 23rd and 24th September 2008. Managing Director of Tattersalls Ireland, George Mernagh, pointed out that, "The September Sale used to be held later in the month and was moved a couple of years ago to avoid a clash with the Ryder Cup; fortunately for us the week of the 23rd and 24th was still free and doesn’t clash with any other sale, either in Europe or Keeneland. We have also tightened up the sale to two days, partly because we feel it would suit overseas buyers better and also we have a very good alternative in the Yearling Section of the December Flat Sale [15-16 December] for yearlings that would benefit from the extra couple of months." The December Flat Sale will again have the vendor incentive of no vendor commission or entry fee for any horse selling for €10,000 plus. Last year’s December Flat Sale had a wealth of overseas buyers, with over 30% of yearlings sold being bought to go abroad, including Greece, Czeck Republic and Slovakia. The 2007 September Yearling Sale enjoyed its second best set of figures to date, following record sessions the previous year including a top price of €225,000, enjoying a premier session average of €27,000 and an 80% clearance rate. For further information, please contact Sophie Hayley, Marketing Manager, Tattersalls Ireland. Email: shayley@tattersalls.ie or visit the website www.tattersalls.ie

(Tattersalls Media Release)

Tattersalls Ltd, Europe’s leading bloodstock auctioneers, has announced that it has taken a significant minority stake in William Inglis and Son Ltd, Australia’s premier firm of bloodstock auctioneers. The two companies will continue to operate autonomously but will work closely in areas of potential mutual development. Commenting on the move, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said; "Tattersalls is delighted to announce the acquisition of an equity stake in William Inglis and Son Ltd. We view the acquisition as an investment not only in a company which is a leader in its field but also a company which shares the same global vision for the bloodstock industry that has always been the cornerstone of the Tattersalls ethos. In particular we view the Inglis exposure to the growing markets throughout Asia as being of huge importance in future years. "The alliance of Tattersalls and William Inglis and Son also reflects our confidence in the Australian racing and breeding industry which is respected and admired throughout the world. The bedrock of any bloodstock industry is a strong and robust racing product and Australian racing is widely regarded as the model to which so many other countries aspire." Tattersalls enjoyed its third consecutive record year in 2007 with annual sales turnover of £257,077,695 while William Inglis and Son Ltd returned equally impressive figures. 2006/07 Sales turnover totalled a record Aus$271,123,000 and the flagship Easter Yearling Sale exceeded all expectations with an aggregate of Aus$148,375,000 at an average price of Aus$331,935. Mark Webster, Managing Director of William Inglis and Son Ltd, commented; "We regard the Tattersalls investment in William Inglis and Son as a wonderful endorsement of the company and the Australian bloodstock industry. Tattersalls is a company respected throughout the global thoroughbred community and their financial commitment to William Inglis and Son reflects a genuine synergy between two companies which share very similar values and goals. "Integrity, loyalty, customer service and innovation are core to the success of William Inglis and Son and Tattersalls. The two companies conduct bloodstock sales that engage the attention of the global thoroughbred industry. We see an opportunity for our two companies to cross promote each others services and share new ideas, innovations and resources. This new association is a perfect fit for our two organisations and we are confident that it will deliver benefits for our clients, both vendors and purchasers alike."

(Inglis Media Release)

1. Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross (IRE)-Just Cruising (AUS))

2. Kay's Awake (NZ) (Towkay (AUS)-Wake Up Suzie (NZ))

3. Maximum Star (NZ) (Howbadouwantit (USA)-Yallah Star (NZ))

The Group 1 Wellington Cup 3200 metres

1. Young Centaur (AUS) (Jeune (GB)-Centafit (NZ)) bred in SA

2. Resolution (NZ) (Pentire (GB)-Amritsar Jet (NZ))

3. Mirkola Lass (NZ) (Prized (USA)-Gun Lady (NZ))

The Group 1 Thorndon Mile Handicap 1600 metres

1. Alamosa (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ)-Lodore Mystic (NZ))

2. Dezigna (NZ) (Volksraad (GB)-Label Basher (NZ))

3. Final Reality (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit (USA)-Virtual Reality (NZ))

  Major Race Results – South Africa

a second placing for TBNSW members

1. Pocket Power (Jet Master-Stormsvlei)

2. Our Giant (AUS) (Giant’s Causeway-Macrosa(NZ)) bred in NSW by Mr D R Fleming

3. Hunting Tower (Fort Wood-Stirrup Cip)

MANDURO (GER)(131) has been accorded the highest rating since the inaugural publication of the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings (WTRR) back in 2004 with a mark of 131. This follows a flawless year for the German-bred, French-trained horse who was unbeaten in 2007 at all distances between 1600 and 2400 metres. Manduro was rated 120 in the 2006 WTRR but improved his overall rating by 11 pounds. The World Rankings are compiled by the World Rankings Supervisory Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). Nigel Gray, Co-Chairman of the IFHA World Rankings Committee, explains: "His impressive performances in the Prix D’Ispahan and the Prix du Haras de Fresnay Le Buffard Jacques Le Marois merited him the title of Champion miler in 2007 but his best performance was in defeating DYLAN THOMAS (IRE)(129) in the Prince of Wales Stakes over 2000m at Royal Ascot. Having established his versatility in winning the Prix Foy over 2400m, it was a great shame that injury prevented him from showing us whether he was as good over that distance as he was over shorter distances." Following are the 10 highest-rated racehorses of 2007, according to the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings. The full list and further information is available at www.IFHAonline.org

World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings

Top 10 Horses of 2007

Garry O'Gorman, co-chairman World Rankings Supervisory Committee, applauds DYLAN THOMAS (IRE)(129), "He is the first horse since LAAMTARRA in 1995 to achieve the King George / Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Lucien Barriere double and he added the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes to his tally over the shorter distance of 2000m." DYLAN THOMAS’ WTRR rating of 129 exceeds his 2006 rating by three pounds and he shares second place in the World Rankings with AUTHORIZED (IRE), CURLIN (USA) and INVASOR (ARG). AUTHORIZED (IRE)(129) won the Vodafone Epsom Derby in impressive fashion and later came down in distance to 2000m and defeated DYLAN THOMAS (129) in the Juddmonte International at York. Tom Robbins, chairman of the North American Ratings Committee, highlights the two top-rated racehorses in 2007 on a dirt surface: "INVASOR (ARG)(129) achieved the same rating for winning the Dubai World Cup (Sponsored by Emirates) as he had achieved in winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic (Powered by Dodge) in 2006 but subsequent injury deprived him of the opportunity to improve on that performance figure. He shares the billing of top dirt horse in the world with CURLIN (USA)(129), who won the Preakness and was placed in the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes before winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic in the autumn, the first three year old to do so since TIZNOW back in 2000." Robbins continues: RAGS TO RICHES (USA)(123) has become the first filly to win the Belmont Stakes in 102 years, and only the third in history, by defeating CURLIN (USA)(129). She was equally impressive in winning the Kentucky Oaks before injury curtailed her season. These victories enabled her to be ranked top filly/mare in the world on any surface." The best turf fillies in the world in 2007 were DARJINA (FR)(122) and PEEPING FAWN (IRE)(122). DARJINA (FR) won three Group 1 races but her most impressive performance was in defeating RAMONTI (FR)(123) in the Emirates Prix de Moulin – only her compatriot DIVINE PROPORTIONS (FR) can match her rating among female turf milers in the last ten years. PEEPING FAWN (IRE)(122) won four Group 1 races for fillies and only EGYPTBAND (126)(2000) and BANKS HILL (123)(2001) have surpassed her turf rating over 2000-2400m as three year olds in the last 10 years. These three exceptional three-year-old fillies are expected to campaign again in 2008.

(IFHA Media Release)

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 32 wins, 16 second placings, 13 third placings, 14 fourth placings and 12 fifth placings from 187 starters. John Moore is in second place with 27 winners, 21 second placings, 24 third placings, 24 fourth placings and 27 fifth placings from his 249 starters. David Hall is in ninth place with 17 winners, 23 second placings, 19 third placings, 16 fourth placings and 9 fifth placings from his 191 starters.

Douglas Whyte has extended his lead in the Jockey’s rankings and now has a 26 win advantage having recorded 54 wins, 33 second placings, 33 third placings, 25 fourth placings and 17 fifth placings from 262 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 28 winners, 23 second placings, 19 third placings, 21 fourth placings and 12 fifth placings from his 202 rides. Darren Beadman is in third position with 27 winners, 18 second placings, 18 third placings, 18 fourth placings and 21 fifth placings from his 163 rides. Glen Boss is in eighth position with 15 winners, 14 second placings, 15 third placings, 18 fourth placings and 12 fifth placings from his 175 rides.

Current to 16 January 2008.

The sale of three million-dollar horses on Tuesday punctuated a second strong day of selling at Keeneland’s January Horses of All Ages Sale. Keeneland realized across-the-board increases during Tuesday’s session, selling 239 horses for $27,088,200, an increase of 17.2 percent from 2007 when 267 horses brought $23,112,200. The average of $113,340 increased 30.9 percent from last year’s $86,563, while the median rose 27.7 percent to $60,000 compared to $47,000 in 2007. Through the first two days of the sale, Keeneland has sold 434 horses for $48,414,100, up 15 percent from last year’s $42,082,200 when 478 horses went through the ring. The average of $111,553 rose 26.7 percent from the $88,038 recorded in 2007. The median of $58,500 was up 17 percent over last year’s median of $50,000. "Today was a continuation of yesterday; the top was very, very strong but it was a little weak below. However, we were more even throughout today, and the million-dollar horses added some sparkle," said Geoffrey Russell, Keeneland Director of Sales. "We also were very privileged to offer the dispersal of Cynthia Phipps’ horses," Russell added. "They represent some of the best families in racing, and as such, they sold very well." Twelve horses were sold in today’s portion of the dispersal for $2,670,000. Russell cautioned, however, that despite the strong results buyers are being very conservative in their purchases. "Quality horses shine bright, but it’s a tough market out there," he noted. "The million-dollar horses offer the whole package. Buyers want a perfect horse, and anything less requires a lot of work to sell." Three horses – two broodmares and a broodmare/racing prospect – topped the million-dollar mark on Tuesday. Miss Lodi, a nine-year-old mare by Mr. Greeley, sold in foal to Storm Cat, brought the day’s top price of $1.9 million from Charles Albright, who signed the ticket in the name of Sha-Li Leasing, a commercial breeding partnership he operates with George Prussin. Out of the Big Spruce mare Firtide, Miss Lodi won Pimlico’s Safely Kept Stakes (G3) and set a track record for 7 ½ furlongs at Churchill Downs during her racing career. She was consigned by Lane’s End, agent. "She's a lovely mare and she's got a good history," said Albright. "We've been watching her. We expected her to go for more, so we're happy with the price." Aaron and Marie Jones’ bid the day’s second-highest price of $1.5 million to acquire Gwen’s Song, a five-year-old mare by Unbridled’s Song out of the Seattle Dancer mare Gwenjinsky, and a half-sister to stakes winners Lead Story and Capejinsky. She was consigned by Greenfield Farm (B.D. Gibbs Farm LLC), agent. "We had to pay top dollar to get her," said Frank Taylor of Taylor Made Sales, who bid from his seat in the sale pavilion while on the phone with Marie Jones. "But it’s a really good family, with (stakes winners) like Political Force, Unbridled Elaine, and Etched. There are a lot of good things happening in that family." The Joneses bought five horses on Tuesday for a total of $3,305,000, which included not only Gwen’s Song but also the $525,000 paid for Stolen Prayer, a five-year-old stakes-winning Songandaprayer mare sold as a broodmare prospect. The couple purchased four horses on Monday for $1,805,000. Taylor explained that the Joneses were acquiring mares to support their stallions, in particular Forestry, who stands at Taylor Made Farm. "Mr. and Mrs. Jones had a really good year last year and they wanted to beef up their broodmare program a little bit; keep replenishing it to support their stallions," Taylor explained. Emmanuel de Seroux, in the name of his Narvick International, went to $1.35 million, the session’s third-highest price, to acquire Moon Catcher for client Marsha Naify. Sold as a racing or broodmare prospect, Moon Catcher is a stakes-winning four-year-old filly by Malibu Moon. De Seroux said she will remain in training and be sent to Christophe Clement in Florida. She was consigned by Gainesway, agent. A colt by Malibu Moon out of the unraced Victory Gallop are Inclination brought the day’s highest price for a yearling, going to Southern Equine Stables for $375,000. The colt was consigned by Warrendale Sales, agent. The sale continues through Sunday, January 13. Sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. daily.

(Keeneland Media Release)

  Irish Cherry Brings $2.7 Million to Open Keeneland January Sale

Irish Cherry, dam of graded stakes winners Spun Sugar and Daaher, brought a final bid of $2.7 million from Eric Guillot, representing Southern Equine Stables, to top Monday’s opening session of the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale. A 14-year-old stakes-winning mare by Irish Open out of Eston, by Ancestral (Ire), Irish Cherry was sold in foal to Horse of the Year Ghostzapper. She was consigned by John Sikura’s Hill ‘n’ Dale Sales Agency, agent. "She’s in foal to Ghostzapper and he’s worth a mint. He’s an awesome individual," said Guillot, who acts as trainer and bloodstock advisor for Michael Moreno’s Southern Equine Stables. "She’s the type of mare that Southern Equine has been buying. She’s a producer and the nicest mare in the sale. I was happy to get her." On Monday, Keeneland sold 195 horses for $21,325,900, an increase of 12.4 percent from 2007 when 211 horses brought $18,970,000. The average of $109,364 rose 21.6 percent from last year’s figure of $89,905, while the median price of $55,000 remained unchanged from 2007. "The market was very discerning," said Keeneland Director of Sales Geoffrey Russell. "Perceived quality sold very well. But there was a polarization; the top end was strong, but the weakness in other parts of the market is a real concern. It goes back to our comments from last fall; there is a serious oversupply of horses that needs to be reviewed." Frank McGovern, on behalf of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, paid the day’s second-highest price of $700,000 for Premium Red, dam of multiple Grade 1 winner Premium Tap. King Abdullah and his sons purchased Premium Tap, who now races in Saudi Arabia, following his win in the 2006 Clark Handicap (G1). McGovern reported that Premium Red, a 14-year-old mare by Thirty Six Red sold in foal to First Samurai, will be sent to Saudi Arabia. She was consigned by Legacy Bloodstock, agent. A filly from the first crop of Saint Liam brought the day’s top price for a yearling, going to Tom Van Meter for $475,000. Consigned by Robert E. Courtney/Crestfield Farm LLC, agent, the filly is out of the unraced Deputy Minister mare Ministrada, and is a half-sister to Bashford Manor Stakes (G3) winner Lone Star Sky. The sale continues through Sunday, January 13. Sessions begin at 10:00 a.m. daily.

(Keeneland Media Release)

1. Imananabaa (AUS) (Anabaa (USA)-Iman (AUS))

2. Needuask (NZ) (Howbaddouwantit (USA)-Sky Mist (NZ))

3. Brianna (NZ) (Sudurka (AUS)-Lightning Tree (NZ))

The Group 1 Galaxy Stakes 2000 metres

1. Sir Slick (NZ)(Volksraad (GB)-Miss Opera (NZ))

2. Xcellent (NZ) (Pentire (GB)-Excelo (NZ))

3. Dezigna (NZ (Volksraad (GB)-Label Basher (NZ))

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