Darley Australia has signed an agreement to purchase the Bloodstock operations of Inghams Enterprises. The purchase agreement is subject to approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board. "The sale of the bloodstock business was not something I was contemplating," Bob Ingham said. "Once approached by Darley, I decided it was an opportunity that I should accept. "The sale is on a ‘walk-in, walk-out’ basis. I will however be keeping our racing colours and will continue to race horses. "Not only is it in the long-term interest of the company, it also secures the continuation of the bloodstock business and the employment of the team. Further it takes the business under Darley, a global breeding and racing operation, into a new and exciting phase. It’s a win-win for all parties," Mr Ingham said. Announcing the purchase, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Darley's Principal said: "I have long admired the love Australians have for the horse and for racing. The Ingham family have made a significant contribution to Australian racing and to the thoroughbred and I am looking forward to building on their success. I am delighted to be making this commitment".

(Joint Media Release of Darley & Ingham Enterprises)

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 47 wins, 28 second placings, 17 third placings, 23 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from 283 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 34 winners, 28 second placings, 34 third placings, 36 fourth placings and 39 fifth placings from his 359 starters. David Hall is in tenth place with 24 winners, 33 second placings, 27 third placings, 23 fourth placings and 18 fifth placings from his 276 starters.

Douglas Whyte continues to lead in the Jockey’s rankings holding a 21 win advantage having recorded 70 wins, 49 second placings, 44 third placings, 38 fourth placings and 30 fifth placings from 368 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 49 winners, 48 second placings, 35 third placings, 33 fourth placings and 21 fifth placings from his 341 rides. Darren Beadman is in third position with 36 winners, 26 second placings, 31 third placings, 32 fourth placings and 33 fifth placings from his 270 rides. Glen Boss is in tenth position with 23 winners, 27 second placings, 25 third placings, 27 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from his 281 rides.

Current to 24 March 2008.

With the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up (April 15th – 17th) fast approaching 10,000 guineas purchase BOULE D’OR provided a timely reminder of the value for money to be found at Europe’s premier two year olds in training sale with an emphatic victory in the Grade 2 San Luis Rey Handicap at Santa Anita over the weekend. The son of CROCO ROUGE was purchased for 10,000 guineas at the 2003 Tattersalls Breeze Up Sale by Arthur Pitt and raced for trainers Roger Ingram, Conrad Allen and John Akehurst before shipping to America in 2007. Consigned by Malcolm Bastard, the durable seven year old has amassed £262,966 in prize money to date having won or been placed in Group races in five different countries. The Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up has carved its reputation as Europe’s premier Breeze Up Sale by producing top class performers and value for money year after year and the 2007 sale was an outstanding renewal with 16,000 guineas Group 3 winner and 1,000 Guineas contender RAYMI COYA just one of five individual Group winning two year olds to come out of the sale. Other Group performers purchased at last year’s Craven Breeze Up for 100,000 guineas or less include Group 2 winners SIR GERRY and FLEETING SPIRIT, Breeders’ Cup Fillies’ Turf Juvenile runner up ANNIE SKATES and the Group 2 placed ALEXANDER CASTLE while 170,000 guineas Godolphin Group 1 winner RIO DE LA PLATA is currently as low as 10 – 1 for the 2,000 Guineas and 140,000 guineas Group 2 winner STRIKE THE DEAL is a live contender for the $2,000,000 UAE Derby this weekend. The Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up also gives buyers seven more opportunities to buy the winner of either the Tattersalls Timeform Million, Tattersalls Timeform Fillies’ 800 or £400,000 Tattersalls Timeform 3YO Trophy with lots 15, 18, 58, 97, 105, 187 and 189 all entered for Britain’s most valuable sales race series having come from Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Amongst those entered are three two year olds by GALILEO including the half sister to Group 1 winning Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up graduate AMADEUS WOLF and one apiece for DANSILI, JOHANNESBURG, MR GREELEY and REFUSE TO BEND. All lots will breeze at the NatWest Rowley Mile Racecourse at 9.00am on Tuesday 15th April with the two day sale starting at 5.45pm Wednesday 16th April. Catalogues are available from Tattersalls and all Tattersalls overseas agents and can be viewed online at www.tattersalls.com.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

Keeneland has cataloged 191 horses for its 2008 April Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale, which this year will span two evening sessions, Tuesday and Wednesday, April 8-9. Sessions begin at 7 p.m. ET each day. Prospective buyers have an opportunity to see the two-year-olds perform under tack during a one-day Preview Show, to be held Monday, April 7, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Keeneland will stream live coverage of the Preview Day works, as well as both sessions of the April Sale, on its website at www.keeneland.com. Replays of the works will be available for viewing on the website beginning Monday evening, April 7, and in the sale pavilion beginning Tuesday morning, April 8. Prominent stallions represented by 2008 April Sale juveniles include Arch, Cozzene, Distorted Humor, Dixie Union, Dynaformer, Elusive Quality, Empire Maker, Forestry, Fusaichi Pegasus, Giant's Causeway, Gone West, Harlan's Holiday, Hennessy, Malibu Moon, Maria's Mon, Mineshaft, More Than Ready, Mr. Greeley, Posse, Proud Citizen, Pulpit, Seeking the Gold, Silver Deputy, Sky Mesa, Storm Cat, Stormy Atlantic, Street Cry (Ire), Tale of the Cat, Unbridled's Song, and Vindication, among others. Among those freshman sires with two-year-olds cataloged are Birdstone, Canadian Frontier, Cuvee, Domestic Dispute, Johar, Lion Heart, Medaglia d'Oro, Pleasantly Perfect, Read the Footnotes, Saarland, Smarty Jones, Speightstown, Strong Hope, and Tapit, among others. Recent stakes-winning graduates include multiple Grade 1 winner Panty Raid; La Habra (G3) winner Passion; Crown Royal American Turf (G3) winner Duveen; Summer Stakes (G3) winner Prussian; Taylor Made Matchmaker (G3) winner Roshani, Japanese Grade 3 winner Eishin Lombard, and Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Big Brown.

(Keeneland Media Release)

  Waikato Stud Announce 2008 Service Fees

Waikato Stud’s outstanding proven sires O’Reilly (AUS) (Last Tycoon) and Pins (AUS) (Snippets) will be restricted to 100 outside mares each in the forthcoming 2008 breeding season. In announcing the stud’s stallion service fees for 2008, manager Mark Chittick said it was in everyone’s interests to put a cap on the numbers. "They are two of the elite sires in Australasia and demand for their services has been phenomenal," Mark Chittick said. "But we will look after them as they’ve looked after us." Mark Chittick added that preference will be given to mares carrying early service dates so the stallions will not come under pressure late in the season. In setting this year’s fees, Mark Chittick said Waikato Stud was acutely aware of breeders’ needs going forward to obtain value and be competitive at the sales. "Whether measured by racetrack performance or sale results, we believe breeders will continue to have remarkable opportunities with our sires," Mark Chittick said. O’Reilly (Last Tycoon-Courtza), the big mover in stallion ranks in the last two years, will stand for NZ$60,000. Last season he sired 15 individual stakeswinners and has followed up this term with Master O’Reilly (Caulfield Cup), Swick (Salinger Stakes) and Alamosa (triple G1 winning champion NZ three-year-old) amongst his black-type brigade. Currently, O’Reilly is leading the General Sires’ List in both New Zealand and Hong Kong and is third on the Australian list with only a fraction of the numbers of the two ahead of him, Encosta de Lago and Zabeel. Pins (Snippets-No Finer) will continue to stand for NZ$50,000. His season has been highlighted by the 2007 G1 W.S. Cox Plate victory of El Segundo and the emergence of young stakes performers Gallopin and Stickpin in Melbourne. He is currently 6th on the Australian General Sires’ List with only one sire in the top 20, Hussonet, having fewer runners. Twenty Pins yearlings averaged NZ$180,500 at this year’s NZ Premier Sale. Savabeel’s first crop yearlings met with widespread approval; averaging NZ$146,346 for 26 sold at the New Zealand Premier, and will be trained from most of Australasia’s leading stables. With these compelling figures, the stud fee for the 2004 W.S. Cox Plate winning son of Zabeel has been set at NZ$30,000 for his fourth season. No Excuse Needed (Machiavellian-Nawaiet) is unchanged at NZ$12,000 even though he has been represented by the brilliant two-year-old Vincent Mangano, winner of NZ$634,940 this season. A clear leader on the New Zealand Two-Year-Olds Sires’ List, No Excuse Needed averaged NZ$147,500 with his Premier yearlings this year. Scaredee Cat (Tale Of The Cat-Last Lady) has had a modest fee increase to NZ$8,000 on the back of a notable first crop sale debut. His colt out of My Kinda Girl topped the New Zealand Select Session at NZ$300,000 while a Premier Session colt sold for NZ$140,000. Fast ‘n’ Famous, Redoute’s Choice’s Group winning sprinter, received tremendous support in his first season in 2007. With his ultra-fashionable bloodlines and brilliant speed, he is one of the most talked about newcomers in New Zealand where his fee remains NZ$15,000.

2008 Fees

(NZTM)

Helene Mascot's class and superior stamina proved decisive as he ground out a narrow victory from Jackpot Delight in a thrilling Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin on 16 March 2008. Thirty-five minutes prior on an excellent card, Good Ba Ba defeated a luckless Sacred Kingdom in the HKGr.1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup. First, though, to the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby in which trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Felix Coetzee teamed up to replicate their victory in 2004 with Lucky Owners. Winning owners the Woo family also savoured a repeat victory having won the race fifteen years ago with Helene Star. Helene Mascot was widely tipped as the horse to beat in this season's renewal and was heavily supported into 11/8 favourite. Felix Coetzee bided his time in sixth place behind a solid tempo on the Peintre Celebre colt and unleashed his winning run as the field wheeled for home. Jackpot Delight, cajoled by Christophe Soumillon, gave chase, however, and eyeballed the eventual winner with 150m to race. But the staying prowess of Helene Mascot, sixth in last year's Epsom Derby when he raced as Salford Mill, came through as Coetzee uncorked another burst while Jackpot Delight's momentum peaked. A neck separated the pair at the wire with a sizeable three and three-quarter lengths back to Green Birdie, trained like the runner-up by Caspar Fownes. "He's a terrific horse," Cruz said of the new champion. "He fights and fights and doesn't know when he's beaten. I said after he won the Classic Mile that he is going to be an international star and you've just seen the proof of that. The second horse must be pretty special as well because they have come right away from the rest of the field. "We were lucky to buy him last year. David Elsworth [former trainer] didn't want to sell but we stepped in with a bid at the right time and he settled in here quickly. Three runs now for two wins - both in Gr.1 races - it's hard to top that. "Last time in the Derby Trial the pace was too slow and he was too keen and he had a foot problem leading up to the race. But everything went well leading up to today and we were confident." Helene Mascot will next appear in the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup over the same 2000m distance in six weeks. "He's international class all right. I'd look forward to taking on a horse like Viva Pataca with him," Cruz added. Sharing joint billing with the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup on 27 April will be the Champions Mile when Good Ba Ba strives to record a fourth straight Gr.1 having inflicted a rare defeat on Sacred Kingdom in the final leg of the Champion Sprint Series. To give credit where it's due, Good Ba Ba was dropping back in distance to 1400m from his preferred mile, but the odds-on favourite Sacred Kingdom would surely have won with a clearer passage in the homestretch. Instead, jockey Gerald Mosse found himself all dressed up and with nowhere to go on the world's top ranked sprinter. Once a gap finally appeared inside the final 100m, Good Ba Ba had the race in safe keeping and clung on for a half-length victory under a jubilant Olivier Doleuze. Joyful Winner ran third another half-length further back. "I wouldn't want to meet Sacred Kingdom again so I hope he stays in the sprints! Good Ba Ba is better over a mile so to win today against such a great rival is tremendous," winning trainer Andreas Schutz said.

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club)

  Major Race Results – Hong Kong

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

2. Jackpot Delight (NZ) (Danasinga-Principation)

3. Green Birdie (NZ) (Catbird-Mrs Quillionaire)

The Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup 1400 metres

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

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

3. Joyful Winner (AUS) (El Moxie-Northern Tycoon) bred in NSW

John Size maintains his lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 45 wins, 27 second placings, 16 third placings, 22 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from 274 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 34 winners, 27 second placings, 34 third placings, 35 fourth placings and 39 fifth placings from his 355 starters. David Hall is in tenth place with 24 winners, 33 second placings, 26 third placings, 23 fourth placings and 18 fifth placings from his 273 starters.

Douglas Whyte continues to lead in the Jockey’s rankings holding a 22 win advantage having recorded 68 wins, 47 second placings, 43 third placings, 38 fourth placings and 28 fifth placings from 358 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 46 winners, 48 second placings, 35 third placings, 32 fourth placings and 21 fifth placings from his 333 rides. Darren Beadman is in third position with 36 winners, 25 second placings, 31 third placings, 30 fourth placings and 33 fifth placings from his 262 rides. Glen Boss is in ninth position with 23 winners, 26 second placings, 25 third placings, 24 fourth placings and 18 fifth placings from his 272 rides.

Current to 19 March 2008.

The second instalment of the season's Hong Kong International Sale passed off successfully at Sha Tin on 15 March 2008, the eve of the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby. Strong demand from Hong Kong owners saw sons of Encosta De Lago and Redoute's Choice fetch joint-top prices of HK$6.5m at an auction where the average lot reached HK$4.415m, similar to the first part of the Sale last December. The 13 lots - a dozen two-year-olds from Australia and one from New Zealand - grossed HK$57.4m. "We are pleased with how everything has gone. There was some good value among the early lots and then sale gained momentum," said Mr William A Nader, the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Executive Director of Racing. "Tomorrow we have two Sale horses taking part in the Derby, but we are confident this season's crop is the best bunch of horses to have passed through an auction in Hong Kong. "This year we invested more money in stronger pedigrees and their preparation for racing careers here has gone very well. They all breezed well last week and presented beautifully in the ring. It was clear that each of these horses have the right temperament for Hong Kong and that's very important." Twenty permit holders were randomly allocated a new two-year-old at a cost of HK$1.2m in the Subscription Griffin Ballot immediately after the Sale. "The response from owners to the reintroduction of the subscription griffins has been very positive. In view of this, the Club will increase the number of Subscription Griffin permits to 25 next year with the price at HK$1.3 million to allow for the relative strength of the Australian and New Zealand dollar," Mr Nader added. A total of 305 import permits will be issued at the forthcoming ballot including 200 PPGs, 80 PPs and 25 SGs. Applications open on Monday, 17 March and close on Tuesday, 8 April 2008. As was the case last year, SG applicants can also apply for a PPG permit if their application for a SG is not successful.

(The Hong Kong Jockey Club.)

Tattersalls purchase HELENE MASCOT justified his status as the well – backed favourite for the 2008 Hong Kong Derby with a determined victory in the 131st running of the Group 1 event at Sha Tin. The Tony Cruz inmate is yet another fine advertisement for Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale alongside Hong Kong multiple Group 1 winning superstar VIVA PATACA, another graduate of Europe’s premier yearling sale. Formerly known as SALFORD MILL when trained by David Elsworth in England, HELENE MASCOT was a 45,000 guineas purchase by his former trainer at Book 1 of the 2005 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale where he was consigned from his breeder Gilly McCalmont’s Yeomanstown Lodge Stud. The striking son of PEINTRE CELEBRE, out of the KAHYASI mare RAZANA, boasted an official BHA rating of 111 before leaving Elsworth to join trainer Tony Cruz in Hong Kong. Sixth behind another Tattersalls October 1 yearling, AUTHORIZED, in the 2007 Derby, HELENE MASCOT won two races in England including the Listed Newmarket Stakes over 10 furlongs, before establishing himself as the top four year old in Hong Kong. 

To date HELENE MASCOT has won two of his three starts for owner Wilson Woo Ka Wah and partners including the Group 1 Hong Kong Classic Mile and has career earnings of £982,481. He is the fifth winner from the first five foals of racing age out of the Listed placed RAZANA who is herself currently in foal to NOVERRE.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

Keeper’s outstanding daughter Insouciant (NZ) (ex Loudenne by Palace Music) sealed her supremacy as New Zealand Bloodstock’s 2007/08 ‘Filly of the Year’ on Saturday, after the running of the Group One New Zealand Oaks (2400m). Of the ten race series, Insouciant (NZ) claimed victory in both the Gr.1 NZ Bloodstock 1000 Guineas (1600m) and the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m). The additional four points gained when second to Kaatoon (NZ) (Kaapstad) in the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Fillies Classic proved critical for the Mark Walker trained galloper, with title victory over the aforementioned coming by just one point. Following on from the deeds of Shikoba (NZ) (Chief Bearhart) and Princess Coup (Encosta de Lago), this is the third time in a row that Te Akau, and New Zealand’s Champion, trainer Mark Walker have prepared the winner of the series – a feat that has never been accomplished previously. Bred and owned by New Zealand Bloodstock and Pencarrow Stud principals Peter and Philip Vela, Insouciant (NZ) is the fourth NZB ‘Filly of the Year’ to stem from Pencarrow Stud. Earlier winners from the stud comprise Noble Heights (NZ) (Sir Tristram) (1981/82), Sarwatch (NZ) (Jetball) (1999/2000) and Vapour Trail (NZ) (Jetball) (2001/02). Whilst future racing options are currently under review for Insouciant (NZ), plans are afoot for stablemate Princess Coup, who will chase a group one double in the $A400,000 Ranvet Stakes (1900m) at Canterbury on April 5 and the $A2.25 million The BMW (2400m) at Rosehill on April 19. The final standings in the 2007/08 NZB Filly of the Year Series are:

 

Horse/Breeding	Points
Insouciant (Keeper x Loudenne)	22
Kaatoon (Kaapstad x Toonsie)	21
Keepa Cruisin (Keeper x Just Cruising)	17
Satinka (Stravinsky x Miss Saigon)	16
Boundless (Van Nistelrooy x Nothing Less)	13
Pretty Vegas (Viking Ruler x Straight Show)	10.5
Lovetrista (Rock of Gibraltar x Tristalove)	7.5
Referred (Postponed x Strike Me Pink)	7
Diamond Deck (Octagonal x Miss Trump)	6
Pentura (Pentire x Lucky Partner)	3.5
Somethymesoon (Postponed x Cardamom)	3
Special Mission (Towkay x Te Akau Trek)	3
Keffiya (Cape Cross x Howkudai)	2
Bella Valentina (Pins x Roaring Meg)	1.5
Princess Annaliese (Van Nistelrooy x My Funny Face)	1.5
Royal Taat (Faltaat x Royal Wink)	1.5

(NZTM)

1. Boundless (NZ) (Van Nistelrooy (USA)-Nothing Less (NZ))

2. Referred (NZ) (Postponed (USA)-Strike Me Pink (NZ))

3. Pentura (NZ) (Pentire (GB)-Lucky Partner (NZ))

1. Fully Fledged (NZ) (Align (AUS)-Fledged (AUS))

2. Raid (NZ) (Pins (AUS)-Vanilla Sky (NZ))

3. Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (Captain Rio (GB)-Nishaani (NZ))

The Group 1 Second Century Stakes 2000 metres

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

2. Ombre Rose (NZ) (O'Reilly (NZ)-Lady Chanele (NZ))

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

Cambridge Stud is pleased to announce its stallion service fees for the 2008 breeding season. The current champion sire of Australia for 2007/08, Zabeel, will again stand at a fee of $100,000 plus gst. Zabeel’s progeny have been flying this season with his list of Group 1 winners including the 2007 Melbourne Cup winner Efficient. He was the leading sire at the 2008 Karaka Yearling Sales where his 36 premier yearlings averaged NZ$366,914. One Cool Cat, the champion European 2yo and multiple Gr. 1 winner, stands again at $15,000 plus gst. He was the leading New Zealand-based first season sire at the 2008 Karaka Yearling Sales where his 24 horses sold for an average price of NZ$192,708. Keeper will be standing at a fee of $15,000 plus gst. He has sired two Group 1 winners in 2007/08 namely Insouciant (NZ 1000 Guineas) and Keepa Cruisin (Levin Classic). His Karaka Premier Yearlings averaged $169,285 (7 sold). Stravinsky, the sire of 45 individual stakes winners including six individual Gr. 1 winners, will again stand at a fee of $40,000. Cambridge Stud is pleased to welcome him back on the stallion roster this year after the equine influenza virus prevented him from coming to New Zealand last year. His Karaka Yearling Sales horses this year averaged $169,986 (22 sold). Viking Ruler, sire of this year’s brilliant Gr. 2 Lexus Championship Stakes winner Red Ruler, will stand at a fee of $10,000

(Cambridge Stud Media Release)

  Hong Kong Jockey Club names new Deputy Chairman

The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced with regret the resignation of David Eldon as a Steward and Deputy Chairman of the Club. It was also announced that the Board of Stewards had elected T Brian Stevenson as the Club's new Deputy Chairman and co-opted Voting Member Iain Ferguson Bruce (see profile below) to fill the vacancy on the Board. In appreciation of his outstanding service and contributions to the Club, the Board has elected David Eldon as an Honorary Steward. Mr Eldon joined the Board of Stewards in 1996 and became Deputy Chairman in August 2006. He cited an increasingly busy international travel schedule, in relation to a number of roles he has undertaken since retiring from HSBC, as being the principal reason behind his decision to step down. Club Chairman John C C Chan said that Mr Eldon had expressed his concerns some time ago about his continuing ability to perform his duties as a Steward. After further review, Mr Eldon had come to the reluctant conclusion that it would be unfair to his fellow Stewards and to the Club in general if he were to continue. "We are very sad to be losing David Eldon's services as Deputy Chairman and Club Steward, but I am pleased to say that we have been able to make excellent replacements in both roles. Brian Stevenson has been a very active member of the Board since 1999, and both he and Iain Bruce have a wealth of valuable business experience in Hong Kong to share with us, as well as being dedicated horsemen," Mr Chan said. Mr Bruce is 67 and has spent most of his working life in Hong Kong. A chartered accountant by profession, he worked for KPMG Hong Kong from 1964 until his retirement in 1996, becoming a Partner in 1971 and Senior Partner in 1991. He also served as Chairman of KPMG Asia Pacific from 1993 to 1997. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland and The Hong Kong Securities Institute, and a fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and The Hong Kong Institute of Directors. Mr Bruce is Chairman of KCS Limited, one of Asia's leading independent providers of integrated corporate services, and an independent non-executive director of Citibank (Hong Kong) Ltd. He also serves as an independent non-executive director of four publicly-listed companies in Hong Kong –Paul Y Engineering Group Ltd, Tencent Holdings Ltd, Vitasoy International Holdings Ltd and Wing On Company International Ltd - and three overseas - China Medical Technologies Inc (listed on Nasdaq), Yingli Green Energy Holding Co Ltd (listed on NYSE) and Noble Group Ltd (listed in Singapore). A keen racing man, Mr Bruce has been a Full Member of the Club for more than 37 years and was elected a Voting Member in 1981. He has been a horse owner since 1978 and is co-owner of two currently racing horses, Super Surprise and Real Surprise. He is married with two daughters. He is also an active member of the Hong Kong Club and was its Chairman in 2006/07.
(The Hong Kong Jockey Club)

John Size continues to lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 45 wins, 26 second placings, 16 third placings, 19 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from 261 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 32 winners, 27 second placings, 32 third placings, 35 fourth placings and 38 fifth placings from his 343 starters. David Hall is in tenth place with 22 winners, 32 second placings, 26 third placings, 22 fourth placings and 18 fifth placings from his 268 starters.

Douglas Whyte has increased his lead yet again in the Jockey’s rankings holding 22 win advantage having recorded 66 wins, 46 second placings, 42 third placings, 36 fourth placings and 26 fifth placings from 341 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 44 winners, 47 second placings, 34 third placings, 30 fourth placings and 20 fifth placings from his 318 rides. Darren Beadman is in fourth position with 33 winners, 25 second placings, 30 third placings, 30 fourth placings and 32 fifth placings from his 250 rides. Glen Boss is in tenth position with 22 winners, 24 second placings, 25 third placings, 24 fourth placings and 17 fifth placings from his 260 rides.

Current to 12 March 2008.

  HKIS Part 2 a unique addition to Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby weekend

The eve of this season's Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby will be marked in style with Part 2 of the Hong Kong International Sale open to the potential owners and the public alike. This second installment of the HKIS offers a dozen two-year-old horses from Australia and one from New Zealand. Encosta De Lago and Redoute's Choice, the two foremost stallions in Australia, are represented by four lots apiece. Each lot has been specially selected for Hong Kong racing at the elite Southern Hemisphere auctions and all have cleared rigorous veterinary examinations. Hopes are high that some of the 13 youngster can emulate Win Practitioner and Danesis, both taking part in the Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby a day later and purchased from this very sale two seasons ago. The Duke and Good Ba Ba, successful in the last two editions of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile, have also graduated from this unique sale to commence at 10.30am on Saturday, 15 March at the Sha Tin parade ring. Immediately afterwards, the ballot of 21 subscription griffins will be randomly allocated to permit holders at a fixed cost of HK$1.2m. These horses, also two-year-olds, were originally selected from the Karaka Premier Sale, Magic Millions and the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale.
(The Hong Kong Jockey Club.)

  John Moore - 1,000 wins not out
"From a trainer's point of view, to win a thousand races and be the first to do it is a very big deal and I'll feel very proud when it happens." So says John Moore as the occasion of his 1000th winner as a Hong Kong trainer lies so tantalizingly close - he needs just three more wins ahead of Sunday's meeting. How do you reflect on a thousand wins, including 172 Cup races, 39 local Group races with 19 at Gr.1 level - not to mention that fantasy international Gr.1 double in consecutive races late last April? One of Moore's secrets is that he refuses to trade on past glories. "I never look back. I'm always looking forward. I mean, it's nice when someone tells you that you're on the verge of a thousand winners, but I try not to reflect too much on that sort of thing because racing is about looking ahead. When you don't do that you retire and I'm not near retiring yet." Those Panama hats, safari suits and sunglasses are staying around for the long haul. Moore's millenary will arrive just over halfway through his 23rd season as a trainer at Sha Tin. He took over from his legendary father, George, in 1985 and won the trainers' premiership at the first attempt. "Taking over from your father with a stable of 80 horses from day one was obviously a major plus. But I had to improve from that first day in the face of the Club's licensing of great trainers from around the world as competition," he recalls. "I was 35 when I was licensed and I think I should have another seven years of training here [before compulsory retirement at 65]. Add it all up and it amounts to 30 years as a Hong Kong trainer - that will be longer than any trainer has ever served here. All of that has been a major advantage to me." So perhaps a forward-looking trainer like Moore can offer a prediction as to how far he can go? "If things keep going the way they are, I believe I will end up training around 1300 winners and that would set a nice target for someone like Tony Cruz to chase," he says. "It's harder for the newer licensed trainers such as John Size as they will have to retire at 60 and it limits their chances of catching the kind of figure I hope to set. Since I am of the older school of licensees and I can train until I'm 65. So can Tony - and that's a big difference." Five times champion trainer, Moore has made no secret of his desire in recent years to top the earnings list at the end of every campaign. He leads his rivals in that realm at present and he points out that certain jurisdictions in Europe would have crowned him champion for the last two seasons in terms of stakes won. "I've had good owners that are very easy to train for and who trust my judgment when it comes to getting their horses to the winning post, as well as finding them the right horses to race here. I think that's shown in the last few seasons with the amount of prize-money the stable has brought in. "And I only think it can get better because I am not going to let up now. Last year I made four trips to the UK and Ireland looking for the higher-rated horses to import because prize-money is what it's all about for me." Moore has no hesitation in naming Viva Pataca as "easily the best" he has trained but, true to form, isn't going to reminisce about his five Gr.1 victories. Why? Because he's thinking about even greater prizes and more than doubling Viva Pataca's current bankroll to a record HK$80m. "It's once in a lifetime you get a horse that can mix it with the very best in the world. We've had some very good horses, but Viva Pataca is outstanding. Hopefully, you'll see that in Dubai if I can get him relaxed there and, with some luck, go and win the Sheema Classic. "I'll also be talking to Dr Ho about taking him to the Breeders' Cup to try and prove the worth of Asian horses to America. Hong Kong horses have won everywhere else in the world so I think it's time we showed the strength of our hand in the States as well." This year's Breeders' Cup will be held at Santa Anita where in 1983/84 Moore honed his craft from American training greats such as Charlie Whittingham. Moore would love nothing more to return to California with the horse that is the apple of his eye and win for Hong Kong. You wouldn't bet against him doing it either. To commemorate Moore's 1000th success, Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, the Club's Chief Executive Officer, and Mr William A Nader, Executive Director of Racing, will present John with ten specially commissioned, framed gold coins, each one representing a century of Hong Kong victories.
(The Hong Kong Jockey Club.)

1. Ariege (Doneraile Court-Kostroma)

2. Golden Doc (Unusual Heat-Penpont)

3. Final Fling (Bertrando-Lily La Belle)

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing has announced the launch of its online Breeders Service Centre. This follows the launch of NZTR's Trainers Service Centre last year for online processing of racing transactions including race nominations, withdrawals, scratchings, etc. The first phase of the extensive Breeders Service Centre project allows broodmare owners to click on http://www.nzracing.co.nz/ and, via a Members login, process all their returns. Previously these could be completed through paper forms only. Approximately 200 breeders have registered to use this new online function since advance notification, together with their unique customer codes, was mailed out in January 2008. The service was extensively tested through January and February 2008 and went live on 14 February 2008. The online process comprises just four easy steps. Breeders can declare their results and mare status and complete payment by credit card. The entered returns automatically update NZTR's database and website. This provides timely and accurate breeding records for the industry. NZTR has introduced an incentive for breeders who move to this paperless process: There is a 5% discount off all mare return fees. Feedback from breeders using the service in the first few days of it going live has been very positive. Margaret Fife, who manages all mare returns for Cambridge Stud, and who was involved in testing the system on behalf of NZTR before it went live, has been delighted with the service: "For this type of transaction Cambridge Stud will now operate almost exclusively online. It just makes the whole process a lot quicker and easier, not to mention the absence of all those forms and filing cabinets. I'm really pleased that we now have this option." To register for this service, breeders should simply email studbook@nzracing.co.nz with their unique customer code (posted to them in January). Upon receipt NZTR will provide logon and password details for immediate access to this new function. Alternatively contact the Operations team at NZTR on 04 576 6240.

(New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Inc)

1. C'Est La Guerre (NZ) (Shinko King (IRE)-La Magnifique (NZ))

2. Prince Kaapstad (NZ) (Kaapstad (NZ)-Brilliant Princess (NZ))

3. Fritzy Boy (NZ) (Brilliance (USA)-Fritzy Girl (NZ))

The Group 1 Auckland Cup 3200 metres

1. Prize Lady (NZ) (Prized (USA)-Pen Bal Lady (GB))

2. Gallions Reach (NZ) (Victory Dance (IRE)-Dorinka (NZ))

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

  Sir Tristram Inducted into NZ Racing Hall of Fame

It was a proud moment for Cambridge Stud on 4 March 2008 night when Sir Tristram was inducted into the New Zealand Bloodstock New Zealand Racing Hall Of Fame at an induction ceremony held at Ellerslie racecourse in Auckland before 450 people on Tuesday night. The following is the induction profile provided by the New Zealand Racing Hall Of Fame to commemorate Sir Tristram being included among the second group of 13 inductees. Irish born stallion Sir Tristram has left an indelible mark on the Australasian breeding and racing scene. The champion stallion, born in 1971, sired more than 130 stakes winners during his amazing stud career, 45 of those Group 1 winners. By Sir Ivor out of the Round Table mare, Isolt, Sir Tristram's arrival in New Zealand in 1975 wasn't greeted with the enthusiasm Sir Patrick Hogan had hoped for. Although Sir Tristram's pedigree carried impeccable bloodlines his conformation was far from perfect. Shareholders in the horse were quick to let Hogan know exactly what they thought and had he listened we may never have seen the phenomenal successes that the horse achieved. Luckily for the ill-tempered stallion he had found an allay in Sir Patrick and the partnership that was to span 22 years, and put Hogan and his Cambridge Stud firmly on the map, had begun. The success of his early runners saw a number of Sir Tristram's sons, such as Sovereign Red, Dalmacia and Grosvenor take up stud duties in Australia and New Zealand in the 1980s. The victory of Grosvenor's first crop son,Omnicorp, in the 1987 Victoria Derby saw even more demand for sons of Sir Tristram. However, it was as a broodmare sire that Sir Tristram's potential as a long term breeding influence was realised most of all. His daughters have left Golden Slipper winners, Classic and Cup winners, super weight for age performers and even a Group winner at Royal Ascot in Kingfisher Mill. Commencing his stud career in 1976 at Fencourt Stud, Hogan's forerunner to Cambridge Stud, Sir Tristram stood for the princely sum of $1500. That fee in years to come would rise into the six figures. Named Australia's Champion Broodmare Sire for the fourth time in the 1997-98 season with 132 winners, Sir Tristram is the brood mare sire of the winners of more than $50 million. His influence in almost every major race in New Zealand and Australia saw him named winner of the Dewar Trophy for combined Australia-New Zealand progeny earnings on nine occasions. Six time winner of the Champion Australian Sire title, he has the notable distinction of having sired three Melbourne Cup winners, a record recently emulated by his super sire son, Zabeel. Not surprisingly, Sir Tristram provided the top-priced yearling at 12 New Zealand National Yearling Sales, from the early 1980's to the mid-1990's. His sale-toppers include the first seven-figure yearling ever sold in New Zealand; the colt from Surround sold for $NZ1.2 million to Mr Kobayashi of Japan in 1989. With the assistance of his sons and daughters, Sir Tristram appeared in the pedigrees of one in four of the 67 Group One winners in Australia in the 1996-97 season. This bold statistic from the world's second largest racing arena more than most demonstrates the might and power of Sir Tristram's dynasty. In 1996 a wide cross-section of the racing and breeding fraternity celebrated Sir Tristram's 25 ^th birthday at Cambridge Stud. Less than a year later Sir Tristram was gone. Breaking his shoulder in a paddock accident, Sir Tristram was unable to be saved. He was euthanised on May 21, 1997.

(Cambridge Stud Media Release)

John Size maintains his lead in the Trainer’s rankings having recorded 43 wins, 23 second placings, 16 third placings, 18 fourth placings and 17 fifth placings from 250 starters. John Moore is in fourth place with 31 winners, 27 second placings, 31 third placings, 34 fourth placings and 38 fifth placings from his 331 starters. David Hall is in ninth place with 22 winners, 31 second placings, 26 third placings, 22 fourth placings and 16 fifth placings from his 258 starters.

Douglas Whyte continues to dominate in the Jockey’s rankings holding 20 win advantage having recorded 63 wins, 39 second placings, 41 third placings, 31 fourth placings and 24 fifth placings from 323 rides. Brett Prebble is in second position with 43 winners, 45 second placings, 32 third placings, 30 fourth placings and 17 fifth placings from his 302 rides. Darren Beadman is in fourth position with 33 winners, 23 second placings, 29 third placings, 29 fourth placings and 32 fifth placings from his 242 rides. Glen Boss is in seventh position with 22 winners, 24 second placings, 23 third placings, 24 fourth placings and 16 fifth placings from his 252 rides.

Current to 5 March 2008.

The second and final day of the revamped Emirates Racing Authority Horses in Training Sale attracted solid interest from buyers around the Middle East. A total of AED 2,031,000 was spent on the 55 horses sold tonight, which meant there was an average of AED 36,927 per horse sold. The sale attracted purchasers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with the top lot being Red Duster, who was bought by Suliman Bhana for AED 225,000. The five-year-old gelding has won three of his nine starts in the UAE, and was last seen coming fifth in the Jebel Ali Stakes for trainer Satish Seemar. The Dubai Racing Club’s Martin Talty was happy with how the two-day sale went, saying: "The idea of moving the sale to the week of the Super Thursday meeting certainly worked and this sale is certainly something we can build on for future years. "I think next year, the Dubai International Racing Carnival Sale in particular, will be pretty strong and we could have around 70 horses go under the hammer." The sale was run by the ERA and Europe’s leading auction house Tattersalls, and began yesterday with the inaugural Dubai International Racing Carnival sale, which was headlined by the purchase of New Freedom for AED 2.3 million.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

1. Heatseeker (Giant’s Causeway-Rusty Back)

2. Go Between (Point Given-Mediation)

3. Champs Elysees (Danehill-Hasili)

VIVA PATACA is the Tattersalls Horses of the Month for February following his sublime victory in the Group 1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday. The win took his record to thirteen wins, five of which have been at Group 1 level, from 25 starts for prizemoney of more than £2.7 million. The six-year-old, who has won the Tattersalls Horse of the Month award three times during the last three years, looks set to face the world’s best in the Group 1 Sheema Classic in Dubai on World Cup night and judging by the ease of his win here, should be hard to beat. The win of VIVA PATACA continued the excellent run of graduates of Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale who have dominated the 2008 Group 1 calendar with victories from HELENE MASCOT in the Hong Kong Classic Mile and two from the South African wonder filly DANCER’S DAUGHTER. The trio stand as a continuing reminder of the great value to be found at Europe’s premier yearling sale with VIVA PATACA purchased for a mere 26,000 guineas, whilst HELENE MASCOT and DANCER’S DAUGHTER were snapped up for 45,000 guineas and 52,000 guineas respectively. VIVA PATACA, a son of MARJU out of the BE MY CHIEF mare COMIC, raced initially as COMIC STRIP when under the tutelage of Sir Mark Prescott, before being sold privately to Stanley Ho in Hong Kong in a deal organised by Kern Lillingston’s Alistair Donald.

(Tattersalls Media Release)

Four Keeneland sale graduates - Jalil, Elusive Warning, Diabolical and Lord Admiral - scored stakes wins on Super Thursday at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse, part of the 2008 Dubai International Racing Carnival. Highlighting the evening race program was Godolphin's Jalil, winner of his stakes debut, the $300,000 Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 (G2). The four-year-old son of Storm Cat is slated to use the al Maktoum victory as a stepping stone to the $6 million Dubai World Cup (G1), where he will meet Horse of the Year Curlin. John Ferguson, on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rasid al Maktoum, paid $9.7 million for Jalil at Keeneland's 2005 September Yearling Sale. He was consigned by Mill Ridge Sales, agent for Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Wygod. Godolphin also was represented by Elusive Warning, winner of the $200,000 Burj Nahaar (G3), and Diabolical, who captured the $200,000 Mahab al Shimaal (G3). Claiborne Farm, agent, sold Elusive Warning as a weanling for $450,000 at Keeneland's 2004 November Breeding Stock Sale. Diabolical was purchased for $62,000 from the consignment of Blackburn Farm, agent for Longleaf Pine Farm, at the 2004 September Sale. Dr. Vincent O'Brien's Lord Admiral won the $250,000 Jebel Hatta (G2) on Thursday. BBA Ireland bought the seven-year-old son of El Prado (IRE) for $135,000 from Eaton Sales, agent, at the 2002 September Sale.

(Keeneland Media Release)

2007 - 2008 Overseas News Archives