Before an excellent crowd of 18,435 on a rain impacted day, the Joe Pride trained mare was very well ridden by Tim Clark who was not fazed by the difficult barrier 14. As the field left in a perfect line he relaxed the mare, settled on the outside of the field, and then waited for the main straight.

With silky precision Sacred Choice was leading with 200m to run and Clark then sent her for the line and they were untroubled to win with a decisive margin of 2L.

Love Conquers All and Chris Munce were second with Bold Glance and Scott Seamer third, the margin 1/2L. Syreon was fourth and the three-year-old Ilovethiscity fifth. The favourite More Joyous (NZ) did not handle the heavy track and finished 11th. Sacred Choice paid $10.10 on NSW TAB.

This year the winner of the Emirates Doncaster Mile automatically qualified for the TVG Breeders Cup Mile, raced at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky later this year. Breeders Cup Ltd. and the Australian Turf Club (ATC) will assist with travel expenses, should the winner of the Emirates Doncaster Mile wish to contest the Breeders Cup event.

On a day of upsets the $550,000, Group 1, Patinack Farm 100th AJC Oaks (2400m) was won by the Victorian trained filly Absolutely, with Brad Rawiller riding in another dominant win.

Rawiller used the rails to race away from the field on Absolutely, trained by Michael Kent at Cranbourne, to win with 3 1/2L in hand over the $3.40 favourite Shamrocker (NZ), with another Victorian, Pinker Pinker, third. Absolutely paid $26.40 on NSW TAB.

Tim Clark completed an outstanding day when taking out the third Group 1 of the programme, the $350,000, The James Boag Galaxy (1100m), on the Darren Smith trained Atomic Force. Clark sent Atomic Force clear with 200m to run and they went to the line wit 2 3/4L to spare.

Thankgodyourhere and Rod Quinn were second with Cardinal Virtue and apprentice Josh Adams third. In keeping with the day Atomic Force paid $12.50 on NSW TAB.

"I'm extremely proud of today's result. Over 18,000 people braved the horrid weather to experience another great day of Group One Sydney Carnival racing at Royal Randwick," said Darren Pearce, Chief Executive of the ATC.

The grand finale of the 2011 Sydney Carnival is next week, Easter Saturday April 23 – Schweppes Sydney Cup Day.

A deafening roar erupted from the huge crowd at David Jones Australian Derby Day at Royal Randwick today when racing's latest hero Black Caviar, the current highest rated horse in the world, flew past the leader Hay List in the Australian Turf Club's highly anticipated $1m, Group 1, Darley WFA TJ Smith Stakes (1200m).

Black Caviar has become the people's horse of the modern day. This was the four-year-old mare's 12^th successive win from 12 races, her fourth successive Group 1, her first race outside Melbourne, and her first right-handed run. The explosive racehorse, trained by Caulfield's Peter Moody and ridden by Luke Nolan, reeled in Hay List with contemptuous ease and had the emotionally charged crowd riding her home.

Randwick was packed with a crowd of 25,368 who went for vantage points to watch the race well before the horses entered the parade ring. They took photos and waved flags in the colours of Black Caviar, salmon and black spots, and then applauded the mare when jockey Luke Nolan took onto the track before she had even raced.

“At the moment she is the deserving people's champion,” said Nolan.

“Hay List is a super horse but I think you saw a pretty special one running him down,” said trainer Moody.

“It is always a relief. You do not fear the opposition, and I do not want to sound arrogant, but you just want to see her come through it well. I am glad it is over and I can enjoy it now,” he said.

The winner of today's Group 1 Darley T J Smith Stakes automatically qualifies for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (1000m) at the Breeders' Cup World Championships to be held on November 4th-5th at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

Warwick Farm trainer Peter Snowden and Kerrin McEvoy won the $500,000, Group 1, Inglis Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) with the Exceed And Excel colt Helmet to add to their two-year-old success last week when Snowden trained Sepoy won the Group 1 AAMI Golden Slipper at Rosehill Gardens.

Flemington trainer Danny O'Brien combined with ‘Group 1' Glen Boss to win the historic 150th running of the Group 1 AJC Australian Derby (2500m) with Shamrocker (NZ). The brilliant filly became the first of the fairer sex to win since Research won the Australian Derby in 1989. Boss sent Shamrocker forward to reach the lead with 250m to run and she held off a determined challenge by Retrieve and Kerrin McEvoy to win.

Jimmy Choux, trained by John Bary at Hastings and ridden by Jonathan Riddell, was well-positioned throughout the race in fifth one off the rails as Retrieve and Kerrin McEvoy took the field down the back straight.

Entering the main straight McEvoy stole a march on the field and they went to a 2L lead at the 300m. Most of the field were flat except for Riddell bringing Jimmy Choux wider down the track.

Riddell waited until he passed the 300m and then he put the foot down and Jimmy Choux displayed a brilliant turn of foot to chase down Retrieve who was 5L away. Jimmy Choux was in another gear to the rest of the field in this remarkable burst of speed and he caught Retrieve with 100m to run, and then went away for a half-length win.

Retrieve (Rahy) was second over Shamrocker (O'Reilly) and Damien Oliver third, the margin 1L, Light Brigade was fourth and Masquerader fifth.

Jimmy Choux paid $4.20 on NSW TAB as favourite. The colt immediately firmed as favourite in TAB Sportsbet's market for the David Jones 150th AJC Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick on April 9.

The fittingly named Ilovethiscity won the $500,000, Group 1, Turnpoint Guineas (1600m) at the Australian Turf Club's second day of the Liverpool City Festival of Racing at Warwick Farm on a warm Saturday before a crowd of just under 4,500.

The Magic Albert colt trained by Grahame Begg at Randwick, and ridden by rising superstar 20 year-old jockey Brenton Avdulla, went to the lead at the top of the straight after a fast run race and held out a determined challenge by Darley's Commands colt Skilled ridden by Kerrin McEvoy. Shootoff (NZ) and Jim Byrne were third.

The winning margin was a half neck and Ilovethiscity paid $2.00 on NSW TAB as favourite after firming from $2.70 on TAB Sportsbet when markets opened on Wednesday.

"He probably got to the lead a bit early and he left himself a bit exposed but he did a great job, he dug deep when it counted and it is just great to get him over the line in a Group 1," said Begg.

"It is great for the stable and it is great for everyone in the ownership of the horse," he said.

"I just had to push the button a bit earlier than I wanted to, and he was there to be beaten, but he ran very well. I am thrilled with the Group 1 win." said Avdulla.

Ilovethiscity will now race in the $400,000, Group 1, WFA George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Golden Slipper Day, Saturday, April 2nd, before taking on the rich $2m, Group 1, Emirates Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick, Saturday, April 16th.

The path to the $3.5m, Group 1, AAMI Golden Slipper (1200m) took another step with the Gai Waterhouse trained filly Shared Reflections winning the $125,000, Group 3, Hyland Sportswear Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m). Uate won the $125,000, Group 3, Jim Beam Skyline Stakes (1200m) in a very close photo finish taking the race by a nose over favourite Hot Snitzel. However Uate is not entered in the Golden Slipper and connections would have to pay a late entry fee of $150,000 to obtain a start in the rich juvenile race.

Next week will see the opening weekend of the 2011 Sydney Carnival. The Sydney Carnival runs for six consecutive weekends, starting at Rosehill Gardens with Myer Ladies Day, Flinders Lane Guineas Day and AAMI Golden Slipper Day, before moving onto Royal

Randwick for David Jones Australian Derby Day, Emirates Doncaster Day, and the grand finale on Easter Saturday – Schweppes Sydney Cup Day.

Champion mare More Joyous held off a determined finish from Whobegotyou to win the Group I $500,000 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained four-year-old hit the lead at the top of the straight, and momentarily looked in trouble as Whobegotyou made a withering run out wide, but class eventually prevailed and the mare pulled away for a comfortable victory.

She has now won three Group I races and has taken her record to 12 wins from 16 starts.

Outsider Dao Dao battled on fgamely for third in front of King Musafa.

Racing NSW wins case against Corporates.
By Talkin Sport Wednesday, 17 November 2010
The financial future of racing in NSW is secure following a decisive legal victory for Racing NSW over corporate betting agencies in the Federal Court today.

Peter V'Landys Photo by Racing and Sports

Racing NSW executives were elated when three Federal Court handed down a unanimous ruling upholding the right of the NSW racing authority to impose a 1.5 per cent tax on turnover from all wagering operators covering NSW racing.

Sportsbet and Betfair had challenged the right of Racing NSW to charge a fee based on turnover, arguing that fees should be based on a percentage of gross profit.

In dismissing the appeals, the court upheld an earlier finding that the legislation under which the tax is imposed is valid.

The Federal Court also found that Racing NSW had not engaged in a conspiracy to allow Tabcorp and NSW bookmakers to avoid paying turnover tax.

Racing NSW chief executive Peter V'Landys was elated by the Federal Court decision as it frees up $120 million in payments received from corporate bookmakers that has been held back from the industry pending the result of the court appeals.

"This is the biggest pay day for the 50,000 participants in the NSW racing industry,” V'Landys said.

V'Landys said the money would go to increased prize money, infrastructure and improving the wages of industry workers.

Racing NSW chairman Alan Brown said he hoped the judgement would end the long runbning legal battle with the corprorate bookmakers.

"We wanted certainty and this was the only way to get it," he said.

Sportsbet and Betfair have 28 days to seek leave to appeal to the High Court against today's Federal Court findings.

Betfair's Australian chief executive Andrew Twaits said the an appeal to the High Court was an option to be considered as wella s taking the case to Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

"It's another disappointing result for us," Twaits said.

"We do think we have a strong claim and the fee is manifestly unfair.

"We have a couple of options. One is to run a fresh case on appeal, another option is to go to the ACCC with some compelling evidence of anti-competitive conduct."

The race fields legislation enabling Racing NSW to charge a product fee based on turnover was introduced in September of 2008.

Interstate racing authoritieis may now move to alter the tax arrangements that have in place with corporate bookmakers based on gross profits as they will be receiving less than the amounts the corprorates have to pay to Racing NSW.



Bender needs to bounce back
By Talkin Sport Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Trainer Chris Waller says he will not accept anything less than a first three finish from his Group One star Metal Bender at Flemington on Saturday if he is to back up in the Melbourne Cup next Tuesday.

Metal Bender Photo by Racing and Sports

Caulfield Cup disappointment Metal Bender will have his final trial for the Melbourne Cup in Saturday's star-studded $1 million Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) with Waller clear about his expectations.

“He won't be running in the Melbourne Cup to make up the numbers,” Waller said after Metal Bender produced an impressive track gallop at Flemington on Tuesday morning.

“If he's not in the finish on Saturday I don't think he will be running in the Cup.”

Today's gallop gave Waller confidence that Metal Bender was ready to improve on his struggling eighth on a wet track in the Caulfield Cup.

“He has freshened up nicely and is in good form,” Waller said.

Metal Bender is a multiple Group One winner up to 2020m but stamina doubts exist as he has been unplaced in both his 2400m starts in last season's AJC Derby and the Caulfield Cup.

The Caulfield Cup was his fifth run of the spring, coming after he won the G2 Warwick Stakes first-up in August followed by placings in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes at Randwick and G1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield and a fourth in the G1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.

Many borderline Melbourne Cup rivals will be anxious to know Metal Bender's fate after the Mackinnon Stakes as he will open the door for one of the fringe candidates to make the field if he does not accept on Saturday night.

Waller will have a strong line-up of runners at Flemington on Saturday with Shellscrape, Pressday and Stryker also set to start after taking part in jump outs at Flemington this morning.


Shocking but no surprise
By Talkin Sport Saturday, 4 September 2010
Trainer Mark Kavanagh said it was a big task for Shocking to make it back-to-back Melbourne Cups but the entire showed he was in great form for the famous race with his impressive win in the Makybe Diva Stakes.

"It's a hard ask but he is unbeaten at Flemington," Kavanagh said after the five-year-old powered home to win Saturday's 1600m feature.

"Maybe you'll see him at Flemington right the way through as much as we can."

"The Turnbull looks a good option, but I don't want to set anything in concrete today. I want to see how he pulls up.

"The Cox Plate is on the radar. He's not a Moonee Valley horse, but he's going good."

Shocking has raced at the home of the Melbourne Cup four times for as many wins including his Lexus Stakes (2500m) and Cup (3200m) victories three days apart last spring.

He raced only twice last autumn and missed the Australian Cup with a hoof abscess.

But Kavanagh says he's more mature and switched on now than he was at the same stage last year for his assault on the 150th running of the Cup in which he is weighted to carry 57kg - 6kg more than he was successful with last year.

The son of Street Cry became the first Cup winner to go on and win the Makybe Diva, then named the Craiglee Stakes, since Jeune in 1995.

Kavanagh admitted he was pleasantly surprised with the weight-for-age 1600m Group Two victory.

"Amazing, I guess you just had to be there," he said.

"He is going better than he was last year, but I thought it was a bit of a hard ask second-up over a mile.

"He's lightly raced, 12 months older and he certainly showed us that he's a lot better."

Ridden by Michael Rodd, Shocking, specked at $21 and starting at $18, came with a withering run to score by a half-length from Heart Of Dreams ($7.50) with last year's winner Vigor ($5.50) 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Rodd confirmed Kavanagh's opinion that Shocking was "a lot sharper and switched right on".

"He travelled up nicely. I was really happy with him through the going and once I pulled him out he's got that good turn of foot and he keeps going," he said.

"This time he does it for you, you don't have to make him do it. He's going through his gears and let's hope we can get him there (to the Melbourne Cup).

Danleigh, who eased from his opening quote of $3.80 but still started favourite at $5, settled ninth of the 16 runners and ran on to finish fourth without ever looking a threat.

C'Est La Guerre ($26) was the best of the Lloyd Williams-owned runners finishing fifth with imports Mourayan ($61) and Alandi ($31) running 14th and last respectively.

Waller quinella's Wyong Cup
By Talkin Sport Saturday, 4 September 2010
Chris Waller finally claimed Wyong Gold Cup success when Hawk Island led home a one-two finish for the in-form Sydney trainer.

Waller saddled up the two favourites in the $120,000 Listed feature and it was Hawk Island ($4) who raced clear of his more fancied stablemate and race favourite Snow Alert ($2.80) to win the 2100m event by 1-3/4 lengths.

Music Review ($7) was another 1-1/4 lengths away third.

The victory was Hawk Island's fifth in his past six starts and his fourth in a row.

Waller believes he may have underrated the imported galloper, who is now likely to continue to the Group Three Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) along with Snow Alert.

"Snow Alert is a very good horse and Hawk Island was going to have to do a lot to get past him, and he did it," Waller said.

"We've probably underestimated him a little bit and he's gone to another level."

The Rosehill-based trainer had finished third in the past two Wyong Cups with Enzedex Eagle and said it was a thrill to train the quinella in front of a packed crowd at the provincial track on the NSW central coast.

"It's a race we've been around the mark in previous years and it's a race we've always targeted," Waller said.

"I can clearly remember the race being called off a couple of times or transferred and we had the favourite heading into the race and then never quite got there.

"Today to run first and second, it's something to be proud of."

Jockey Glyn Schofield has built up an impressive partnership with Hawk Island throughout the winter and gave the six-year-old a dream run.

"Without doubt there's better races in him," Schofield said.

"Chris has just transformed this horse from a horse who wasn't going all that well to a horse that's going extremely well and with further room for improvement.

"It's a pleasure to ride a horse like this who starts from nowhere and keeps progressing like he has."

The other feature race at the meeting saw the return of Group One winner Once Were Wild in the Listed Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m).

The AJC Australian Oaks winner was beaten a nose by Brasileira in a thrilling finish to the fillies and mares feature.

Dunn given freedom from Lee
By Talkin Sport Saturday, 4 September 2010
Lee Freedman's arrangement with stable rider Dwayne Dunn has been varied to provide more flexibility for both parties.

Freedman said Dunn was still the number one stable jockey but he had the opportunity to take outside rides from time to time.

Notably, Dunn will ride the Pat Hyland first starter Kya instead of either of Freedman's two runners in the Voodoo Plate (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday.

He will also ride star Gold Coast filly Military Rose instead of Smokin' Joey (Damien Oliver) in the Group Two Danehill Stakes.

Freedman has engaged Mark Zahra (Doctor Fremantle) and Luke Nolen (Speed Gifted) in the Makybe Diva while Dunn has the mount on Danny O'Brien-trained Master O'Reilly and is on standby for emergency Fanjura, who is also Dunn's mount in the Spring In The Season (1700m).

Dunn's other Freedman rides for the day are The Ruffian in the Henry Bucks Best Dressed Stakes and Mont Fleuri in Group Two Let's Elope Stakes.

"Certainly we are very firm together but we are just a bit loosely arranged so he (Dunn) can take outside rides and ride a little bit of work elsewhere," Freedman said.

"It also affords me the opportunity to engage another jockey where owners want a particular rider."

Dunn said he would still be riding the Freedman horses that he thinks can win and rates Mont Fleuri a genuine chance in the Let's Elope.

"She probably lacks a bit of class but she has been racing good and race fitness should help her come right into the race," Dunn said.

"She also gets a bit of weight relief without any of the penalties some of the others have got."

Dunn said Mont Fleuri promised a lot and was still maturing.

"Being a Rubiton she wanted a bit of time," Dunn said.

"There is still some improvement in her and she will be a lot better in the autumn again."

Last spring Mont Fleuri was a close third to Irish Lights and Set For Fame in the Tranquil Star Stakes before losing form.

This campaign she has won twice including a last narrow win over Salinas at Caulfield.

"Irish Lights probably isn't running as good while she (Mont Fleuri) is running a bit better," Dunn said.

Irish Lights is $11 with TAB Sportsbet on Saturday while Mont Fleuri is $14.

Consistent mare Response heads the betting at $4.60 on her home track from Lady Lynette ($5.00) and last start Cockram Stakes winner Rhythm In Paris.

Massive increase in prizemoney for Racing
By Talkin Sport Wednesday, 28 July 2010
A  prizemoney hike for racing across NSW has been announced in the wake of the NSW Government's promise of a $174 million funding package for Sydney racing.

Peter V'Landys Photo by Racing and Sports

Racing NSW today announced an across the board increase in country prizemoney and an injection of an extra $4 million prizemoney for the Sydney autumn and spring racing carnivals.

RNSW chief executive Peter V'Landys said the increases firmly dispel recent forecasts that race clubs were facing prizemoney cuts due to a tight racing economy.

“It is important at this time that certainty is provided to participants and I'm confirming that existing prizemoney levels and the number of race dates for 2010/11 are being maintained and in some areas increased,” V'Landys said.

After having to make some severe prizemoney cuts in the last 18 months the Australian Jockey Club will increase feature race prizemoney by $3.6 million during its autumn and spring carnivals.

The Sydney Turf Club will also increase prizemoney for various Group 2 events while minimum prizemoney for all country TAB races will rise by $1000 to $10,000 from September 1.

Gordon Lindley, the chairman of Racing NSW Country, said he was delighted with the increase in country prizemoney.

“This increase in TAB prizemoney further underpins the strength of country racing as the grass roots of racing in NSW,” Lindley said.

The AJC board will meet on Friday to finalise its carnival prizemoney during the 2010/11 season.

“The AJC is delighted with today's news from Racing NSW,” said chief executive Darren Pearce.

“The Board will meet on Friday to consider prizemoney upgrades exceeding $3.6 million to further strengthen Sydney's spring and autumn carnivals.”

The increases have been guaranteed despite the millions of dollars in funds currently tied up in race fields litigation.

V'Landys said the increases met goals set by RNSW in its Strategic Plan released in 2004.

“The returns to participants on provincial and country racing have grown from $44.1 million prior to the implementation of that Strategic Plan to an estimated $73 million in 2010/11,” V'Landys said.

“Metropolitan racing returns to participants have also increased from $66 million to $77.2 million in that same period.

“Increased returns to owners are vital to ensuring the attractiveness of investing in thoroughbred racing and the overall health of the sport.

“We have established a strong and consistent track record of increasing both prizemoney and other returns to owners.”


Magic Millions sign new deal..
By Talkin Sport Monday, 26 July 2010
The Magic Millions racing carnival will remain on the Gold Coast until at least 2017 after the signing of an agreement with the Gold Coast Turf Club.

The extension of the existing five-year agreement has ended conjecture that the Magic Millions company was considering an offer from the Victorian Government to relocate to the annual sales and racing carnival to Melbourne.

The new deal was signed last Thursday when Gold Coast Turf Club executives flew to Sydney for a meeting with Magic Millions principals that include John Singleton and Gerry Harvey.

The GCTC still has to come to an agreement with Racing Queensland over plans for a multi-million dollar redevelopment of the Bundall racecourse but the new agreement with Magic Millions should hasten a resolution over which organisation will be the majority stakeholder in the new complex.


Nikolic case closed.
By Talkin Sport Tuesday, 6 July 2010
Racing Victoria has closed the book on the Danny Nikolic case and will not appeal the Racing Appeals And Disciplinary Board (RADB) findings handed down last month.

RVL integrity general manager Dayle Brown on Monday issued a one paragraph statement ruling out any appeal.

"We have reviewed the findings of the RADB and their reasons for decision in the case involving Danny Nikolic and have decided not to lodge an appeal," Brown said.

RVL stewards conducted an exhaustive 137-day inquiry into 21 of Nikolic's rides this season and while identifying 11 of them as having questionable components, failed to convince the RADB that Nikolic had engaged in improper practice (two charges) and conduct prejudicial (two charges) to the image of racing.

It was alleged Nikolic had formed associations with certain persons and had communications with them.

Bets well outside the associates' normal betting patterns were placed on Betfair against a number of Nikolic's rides between October 1 last year and February 13 this year.

Eight of those horses were laid to lose on Betfair by Nikolic's friend, professional punter and commission agent Neville Clements for substantial amounts.

Queensland punters Alessandro Alaimo and Kevin McFarlane both laid two of Nikolic's mounts, with both laying the same horse on one occasion, on Betfair.

Nikolic said he had used Clements as a form analyst which has raised the possibility of licensing form analysts which RVL chief executive Rob Hines said was now being considered by RVL's integrity sub-committee.

Hines said the definition of form analysts was "problematic" as any punter who studies form could be included.

"The integrity sub-committee is looking at whether a relationship should or should not exist between form analysts and jockeys and how that could work and the ramifications for Rules of Racing," Hines said.

He said a decision was likely to take months.

"The integrity sub-committee will make the decision based on recommendations and reports from stewards.

Nikolic has indicated that he may seek out racing's government-appointed watchdog Sal Perna to investigate the running of the case against him which he claims has adversely affected his reputation and cost him $100,000.

The relationship between RVL chief steward Terry Bailey and Nikolic remains frosty as a result of the inquiry.

The RADB ruled that harbouring suspicions about Nikolic's conduct was not sufficient to prove the four charges against him.

After the RADB handed down its findings Brown said that RVL had to consider all aspects of the case.

"It's complex, the evidence is complex and it's really a case which is breaking new boundaries and frontiers and we need to consider all that evidence."

Brown said the stewards had acted in an impartial and appropriate manner throughout the case.

Nikolic was fined $3000 after pleading guilty to five lesser charges relating to the inquiry including one of verbally abusing Bailey at Moonee Valley on February 13.

AAP

Bookies may strike
By Racing and Sports Thursday, 1 July 2010
New South Wales Bookmakers will meet in Sydney on Friday morning to discuss whether action needs to be taken regarding the recent decision for all bookmakers to pay 1.5% tax on turnover.

The rule commenced today with the meeting at Wyong but a groundswell among New South Wales bookmakers has emerged with talks of boycotting Saturday race meetings among the possibilities.

The rule previously stated that all bookmakers who sat under the 5 million dollar turnover threshold were exempt from paying the tax but the recent decision puts many smaller time bookmakers in a tough spot and could force a lot out of business.

Many bookmakers believe they are providing an on course service and should be exempt from the tax whereas the corporate bookmakers are able to function off course and provide their business.

The tax is paid by all bookmakers win, loose or draw and Friday's meeting will give many the chance to vent their frustrations at the new rule and attempt to find a solution.


New body for Qld racing
By Talkin Sport Thursday, 1 July 2010
Queensland enters a new era in racing administration today with the three racing codes coming under one control body, Racing Queensland Limited.

RQL chairman Bob Bentley said the coming together of an amalgamated control body to administer all codes of racing in the state will have far reaching positive consequences for all stakeholders.

“The efficiencies and synergies available to a single organisation controlling and directing the future of racing are a huge step forward over the previous silo type approach,” said Mr Bentley.

“Prizemoney is close to the hearts of all racing participants and it has always been my position that prizemoney should be funded through recurring revenue streams to ensure its regularity and sustainability.

“These efficiencies and synergies will allow Racing Queensland far more flexibility in the allocation of prizemoney and moreover the ability to greatly influence wagering revenue through a coordinated approach to the state's racing calendar across all codes of racing.

“The financial contribution from the Queensland State Government, effective July 1, of $80m recognising the racing industry's contribution to the Queensland state economy, will provide upgrades of sustainable infrastructure for racing in Queensland.”

Employees, assets, liabilities and responsibilities of the previous existing racing control bodies, Queensland Racing Limited, Harness Racing Queensland and Greyhounds Queensland Limited, have been transferred to Racing Queensland Limited.

The new RQL board consists of Bob Bentley (chairman), Tony Hanmer (deputy chairman), Bob Lette, Bill Ludwig, Wayne Milner, Bradley Ryan and Kerry Watson.

To lead the new organisation we have a very experienced skills-based board which provides appropriate representation from all codes and will ensure continued success and prosperity for all racing participants and stakeholders into the future through strong control and strategic vision.

The executive management team comprises chief executive officer Malcolm Tuttle with the other executive positions being: Jamie Orchard (director of integrity operations); Paul Brennan (director of product development); and Adam Carter (chief financial officer).

Other notable appointments are Darren Beavis (greyhound racing manager), Damian Raedler (harness racing manager), Brent Leisemann (TAB thoroughbred racing manager), Col Truscott (non-TAB thoroughbred racing manager), Warren Williams (facilities maintenance and development manager), Zac Bryson (chief steward greyhounds), Martin Knibbs (chief steward harness), Wade Birch (chief steward thoroughbreds), Wayne King (manager investigations and operations), Tracey Harris (finance and business manager), David Rowan (information technology and communications manager), Peter Smith (licensing and training manager), and Shara Murray (senior corporate counsel/company secretary).

“With the merger now complete we can now look forward to building a strong and cohesive racing industry in Queensland and we're confident of a bright future ahead for all those involved in the three unique types of racing in our great state,” Mr Bentley said.



Nikolic case opens a can of worms.
By Talkin Sport Wednesday, 30 June 2010
The Australian Jockeys' Association intends to discuss with racing authorities what jockeys can and can't say about the prospects of their mounts before a race and who they can say them to as a result of the Danny Nikolic case.

Serious charges of improper practices in connection with racing and of conduct prejudicial to the interests of racing against Nikolic were dismissed by the Racing Appeals And Disciplinary Board on Tuesday.

Ross Inglis, director of the AJA, said after the decision that jockeys and trainers were regularly interviewed regarding the chances of their rides/runners.

"We don't want that to be curtailed and I'm sure no one does," he said.

"But there's an element of concern here of where do you draw the line?

"It can't be with the media, but obviously form analysts exist so perhaps they should be licensed.

"Maybe form analysts shouldn't be allowed to bet, they wouldn't be happy about that but I'm not sure (what should be done).

"But what's come out of this case is a number of questions to consider going forward."

Inglis said it was a "possibility" that jockeys' mobile phones could have to be registered with racing authorities in the same manner as bookmakers mobile phones used for taking bets on course.

Inglis said the AJA were already well down the track with coming up with some protocols regarding jockeys' mobile phones and laptops.

He said once these protocols were completed in three to four weeks' time, they would be taken to the Australian Racing Board for endorsement.



Blue Sky for QLD Racing.
By Talkin Sport Monday, 28 June 2010
Victoria Racing Club chief executive Dale Monteith said the Queensland decision to enter into a 10-year contract with Sky over the industry-owned telecaster TVN would lead to another drawn out fight for media rights when current agreements in NSW and Victoria expire in 2012.

'Mark my words, when the current memorandum of understanding between TVN and Sky expires in 2012, TVN shareholder clubs will not accept anything less than full value for their rights and this will be considerably more than is received at present,” Monteith told the The Age newspaper.

Monteith said the Queensland Racing decision had denied Australian racing the opportunity to take control of its own destiny by aligning with Tabcorp-owned Sky Channel.

'If Queensland Racing had joined with TVN it would have furthered the commercialisation of our media assets,' Monteith said.

'TVN was created for this very purpose when Sky made it very clear that clubs would no longer receive rights fees for their pictures.

'Yet, obscenely, Sky then, and now, continues to make tens of millions of dollars profit each year from racing pictures.'

Queensland Racing has confirmed that will it begin negotiations with Sky Racing for a 10-year exclusivity agreement on behalf of all Queensland race clubs.

In a departure from past media rights negotiations, the race clubs engaged Queensland Racing to collectively negotiate on their behalf with Sky Racing and TVN. QR elected to accept the Sky offer over TVN.

TVN was hoping to secure the Queensland rights to support its coverage of Victorian and Sydney racing.


Starspangledbanner wins Golden Jubilee stakes at Ascot
By Talkin Sport Sunday, 20 June 2010

The 13-2 joint favourite Starspangledbanner won the Golden Jubilee Stakes on the final day of Royal Ascot in impressive style.

The son of famed Australian sprinter Choisir enjoyed success in Australia before moving to Aidan O'Brien's Ballydoyle yard earlier this year.

He made all of the running on the stands rail under Johnny Murtagh to win by a length and three quarters.

Society Rock (50-1) was second ahead of American challenger Kinsale King (8-1).

The winner had finished fifth in the Duke Of York Stakes on his Ballydoyle debut but showed considerable improvement over the six furlongs at Ascot for Murtagh, who was celebrating his third win of the week.

Starspangledbanner targets Golden Jubilee win at Ascot
By Talkin Sport Saturday, 19 June 2010

Trainer Aidan O'Brien is confident Starspangledbanner can show his true colours in Saturday's Golden Jubilee Stakes on the final day of Royal Ascot.

The race forms part of the Global Sprint Challenge.

The Australian recruit impressed down under and was fifth on his Ballydoyle debut in the Duke of York Stakes at York over six furlongs.

He again faces the York winner Prime Defender, as well as the second and third Showcasing and Main Aim.

But O'Brien believes the Choisir colt, who will be ridden by Johnny Murtagh, has got plenty of improvement in him.

Beadman under scrutiny.
By Talkin Sport Monday, 14 June 2010
Champion Australian jockey Darren Beadman has been warned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club that his riding will be under close scrutiny by officials during the 2010/11 racing season.

Darren Beadman Pho

Beadman has been placed on notice that his Hong Kong riding licence may not be renewed beyond next season after confirming the renewal of his position as retained rider for the John Moore stable for the 2010/11 season.

The HKJC licencing committee informed Beadman that a review had been conducted of his disciplinary record during the current season and it had been noted that some of his race rides had attracted the attention of the stewards.

In a statement announcing the list of riding and training licences for next season, the HKJC advised Beadman that “his riding performance throughout the 2010/2011 racing season would again be closely monitored and should the number of occasions his rides are questioned be found to be at an unacceptable level he may not be issued a further licence.”

Beadman, Brett Prebble and Zac Purton remain the only three Australian jockeys granted full season licences for 2010/11 by the HKJC with no new names on the full international list.

They will be joined again by Jeff Lloyd, the former South African star who now has his home in Sydney.

The other internationals riding in Hong Kong next season will be Olivier Doleuze, Brett Doyle, Weichong Marwing and Douglas Whyte.

South African Greg Cheyne has been granted a club jockey licence from July 15 until February 1 and Andreas Suborics will return for a stint from October 24 until May 1.

Gerald Mosse, who returned to France last year, is set to return on a club licence from October 7 until March 27 with the 43-year-old eyeing a start to a training career in Hong Kong in future seasons.

Hong Kong residents granted freelance licences for next season are Matthew Chadwick, Howard Cheng, Alex Lai, Eddy Lai, Way Leung, Jacky Tong and Terry Wong.

Leung, Eddy Lai and Wong were placed on notice that their riding performances would be monitored during 2010/11.

Leung was told his race riding performance during the current racing season had remained at an unsatisfactory level and should there be no improvement he can expect to be called to "show cause" why any further application for a licence should be granted.

Lai was told that there was concern over the number of occasions on which they had been spoken to regarding their handling of horses in races during the current season and that his disciplinary record would be closely monitored.

Wong's race riding performance during the current season was also of concern and his overall riding would be closely monitored.

Marco Chui's application for a freelance licence has been delayed until he appears to "show cause" why such a licence should be granted.

No new trainers have been added to the current quote of 24.

The Hong Kong trainers list consists of Michael Changl Andy Leung; Andreas Schutz; Tony Cruz; Francis Lui; Danny Shum; Derek Cruz; Manfred Man; John Size; David Ferraris; Tony Millard; Me Tsui; Caspar Fownes; John Moore; Alex Wong; David Hall; Peter Ng; Sean Woods; Peter Ho; Gary Ng; Dennis Yip; Almond Lee; Paul O'Sullivan and Ricky Yiu.

Andreas Schutz is on notice that should he fail to meet the Trainer's Performance Criteria he will be asked to provide a written explanation as to the decline in his stable's performance while Peter Ng may not have his licence renewed if his results fail to meet the criteria.


Workforce storms to victory in the Derby at Epsom
By Talkin Sport Sunday, 6 June 2010

Workforce broke the track record with a blistering turn of foot as he won the 231st running of the Derby by seven lengths at Epsom.

The breathtaking victory in baking sunshine sealed a Classic double for champion jockey Ryan Moore after his Oaks win on Snow Fairy.

It was the fifth victory in the race for Newmarket trainer Sir Michael Stoute as Workforce finished ahead of 100-1 shot At First Sight with Frankie Dettori third on 9-2 chance Rewilding.

Lookin at Lucky wins Preakness Stakes
By Talkin Sport Sunday, 16 May 2010

Lookin at Lucky made up for a disappointing run in the Kentucky Derby by winning the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Racecourse.

It was the first win in the race for jockey Martin Garcia, who replaced Garrett Gomez after the horse only finished sixth at Churchill Downs.

The win ended Derby winner Super Saver's Triple Crown hopes.

Lookin at Lucky made a move around the top bend and had enough to finish ahead of long-time leader First Dude.

Jackson Bend was third and Yawanna Twist was fourth.

It was the fifth Preakness win for trainer Bob Baffert in the 135th running of the race.

Super Saver was bidding to become the first winner in 32 years of the Triple Crown winner in 32 years.Triple Crown of the Derby, the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes.

Darwin Turf Club and Sky Racing join forces
By Tabcorp Friday, 7 May 2010

All Darwin thoroughbred racing will now be on Sky Racing's new channel, Sky Racing2, with the racing broadcaster securing the media rights of the Darwin Turf.

Racing2, with the racing broadcaster securing the media rights of the Darwin Turf Club.

Commencing with today's meeting from Fannie Bay, Sky Racing2 (channel 520 on FOXTEL and AUSTAR) will be home to 40-plus Darwin race meetings per year.

Darwin's feature race days, such as the Darwin Cup and Palmerston Sprint meetings, will be showcased on Sky Racing's thoroughbred racing channel, Sky  Racing World (channel 521 on FOXTEL and AUSTAR).

Racing World (channel 521 on FOXTEL and AUSTAR).

As part of the long-term alliance, Sky Racing has become a major sponsor of the Darwin Cup Carnival. Another important element of the partnership involves Sky Racing becoming responsible for the exporting of Darwin racing to the world, presenting important opportunities for the Darwin Turf Club and Sky Racing.

Sky Racing markets and exports Australian racing on behalf of Australian race clubs to 30 countries, ensuring Australian racing is seen and wagered on around the world.

The Australian racing industry received more than $6 million from these export arrangements last year alone.

“Sky Racing is pleased to be entering into this commercial partnership with the Darwin Turf Club. We are committed to lifting the exposure and financial returns for top end racing and working with the Darwin Turf Club to make that happen,” said Sky Racing Chief Operating Officer Brendan Parnell.

Darwin Turf Club Chairman Brett Dixon said: “The launch of the new Sky Racing channels has created new opportunities for clubs such as the Darwin Turf Club.

“We are excited to be part of Sky Racing's expanded racing coverage and look forward to working with Sky Racing in the interests of promoting thoroughbred racing.”

 

 

Jumping season with a casualty
By Talkin Sport Friday, 7 May 2010
Racing Victoria chief executive Rob Hines has praised the effectiveness of the new jumps obstacles following the completion of the three-day Warrnambool racing carnival.

Some Are Bent on his way to winning the Brierly Steeple Photo by Racing and Sports

“We are confident that the new obstacles are working and believe they have been a positive measure in improving the safety of jumps racing for riders and horses this season,” Hines said despite the fall of champion jumper Some Are Bent in the Grand Annual Steeplechase.

Some Are Bent, winner of Tuesday's Brierly Steeplechase, escaped serious injury when he crashed through an obstacle midway through the Grand Annual.

There was one horse fatality in the six races jumps races conducted across the carnival, down fromn the three deaths at last year's carnival that resulted in a temprtoray suspension of jumps racing.

Riders were dislodged from three horses - Some Are Bent, Tainui Teina and Mephistopheles - in today's Grand Annual Steeplechase, the longest jumps races in Australia.

Some Are Bent and Tainui Teina were cleared by vets with no abnormalities. Mephistopheleso did not suffer an injury when falling but suffered a laceration to his shoulder in an incident that occurred after regaining his footing.

Brad McLean, the rider of Some Are Bent, was taken to the Warrnambool Hospital for precautionary x-rays which showed no fractures.

He was later discharged from hospital while jockeys Gavin Bedggood (Tainui Teina) and Tommy Logan (Mephistopheles) were not injured when they were dislodged from their horses.

“The incident involving Some Are Bent best showcases the worth of the new obstacles," Hines said.

"The extra padding on the obstacle took most of the impact and assisted in preventing a more serious incident.”

The obstacles, built according to a new design in consultation with the Australian Jumps Racing Association, feature thicker padding, new brown brush imported from France and a new collapsible frame for hurdle racing.

The 2010 jumps racing season is being conducted under strict new conditions which involve a targeted reduction in the number of falls and fatalities as a percentage of starters.

“The season will continue under the agreed parameters and will be reviewed at its completion,” Hines said.

Hines praised the Warrnambool Racing Club for their conduct of the carnival and thanked the fans of racing for supporting the three days.

“The Club is to be congratulated for the conduct of the carnival, likewise the participants for the manner in which the races were run," Hines said.



Trainer wins a Merc for his efforts.
By Racing and Sports Thursday, 6 May 2010
Caulfield trainer Robert Smerdon will drive home from Warrnambool in a new Mercedes after winning the trainers bonus on day two.

The bonus, a new Mercedes, has never been won in 13 years and requires trainers to win either the Galleywood, Wangoom, Grand Annual or Cup, plus three other races.

A few have gone close, but Smerdon has dominated Warrnambool over the first two days and claimed the car today in race seven with King Kalakaua.

Yesterday, Smerdon won the Brierly Steeplechase with Some Are Bent and earlier today won his second race with Shewan.

He took his feature race when Black And Bent won the Galleywood in race five and two races later claimed the elusive prize when King Kalakaua proved too strong despite a slow getaway.

“It seems easy but plenty of people have had a crack at it and gone close,” Smerdon said.

“We sat back some time ago to plan for the carnival and everything came here with good chances. The weather tipped that upside down, though. We weren't sure about this bloke in the ground but it's all worked out.”

Ironically, the Aquanita trainer is sponsored by Meneres BMW.

It has been a clinical performance by the Smerdon stable and tomorrow look set to enjoy more success, lining up a host of winning chances including Some Are Bent in the Grand Annual Steeplechase.

Smerdon has three runners engaged in the Cup but whether any will take their place will depend on the condition of the track, with Come On Cugat likely to run at the Wagga Cup instead while Light Vision and Persian Star might also be saved for another day.



Boss has a busy schedule.
By Talkin Sport Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Big race specialist Glen Boss will ride at his first Warrnambool carnival this week to start a busy schedule of border hopping to feature meetings in NSW and Queensland.

Glen Boss Photo by Racing and Sports

Boss will follow his Warrnambool visit with rides at Friday's Wagga Gold Cup meeting and next week heads further north to ride at the Scone Cup meeting, the richest country racing program in Australia.

Boss, who has won 68 Group One races and has ridden in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Macau, America and New Zealand, has never been to Warrnambool before.

His feature race bookings for this week's include the Rod Douglas-trained Bocuse in the $100,000 Wangoom Handicap (1200m) on Wednesday and Persian Star in Thursday's $130,000 Warrnambool Cup (2350m).

Boss, who moved from Sydney to Melbourne 18 months ago, was to ride at the Warrnambool carnival last year but was ruled out by an untimely suspension, costing him the winning mount on Arch Symbol in the Wangoom Handicap.

“I've heard a lot about Warrnambool and have watched it on TV over the years,” Boss said.

“I'm looking forward to getting there and riding some winners in front of the big crowd.”

On Friday Boss will make a hit and run visit to Wagga to ride Sainthood for Sydney trainer Rick Worthington in the $130,000 Wagga Gold Cup.

He's riding at Flemington on Saturday before heading back to NSW on Friday week for the ride on exciting three-year-old prospect Star Of Octagonal in the $770,000 Scone Guineas on May 14.

Boss, a former Queenslander, will then be looking further north to Brisbane for mounts in the Doomben Cup on May 15 and Doomben Ten Thousand on May 29

Super Saver wins Kentucky Derby in muddy conditions
By Talkin Sport Sunday, 2 May 2010

Super Saver, ridden by Calvin Borel, won the 136th Kentucky Derby at a muddy Churchill Downs on Saturday.

It was the first time Todd Pletcher, a four-time winner of the Eclipse Award as America's top trainer, had won the race after 24 consecutive setbacks.

A mud-spattered Borel also became the first jockey to win the U.S. showpiece race three times in a four-year span.

Ice Box, ridden by Jose Lescano, came second, with Paddy O'Prado, mounted by Kent Desormeaux, finishing third.

Last year Borel won aboard Mine That Bird and was in the saddle in 2007 when Street Sense took the Run for the Roses.

Winning double for Martin trained horses.
By Talkin Sport Thursday, 29 April 2010
A winning double by the Tim Martin stable at Canterbury on Wednesday ripped close to $200,000 from TAB Sportsbet.

Queensland Derby-bound Blueys Way scored a dominant win in the Grand Pavilion Handicap (1900m), while Klatch was a dramatic firmer and took out the last race over 1250m.

TAB Sportsbet's Glenn Munsie said it was ruing the fact Martin's two runners showed up at Canterbury.

Blueys Way was backed from $2.60 to $1.70 favouritism, while Klatch firmed from $51 in to $10 with the wagering operator.

"They were backed to win $187,000 between them, with punters all over Australia celebrating," Munsie said.

The biggest bet taken at TAB Sportsbet on Blueys Way was $30,600 at $2.10, while bets on Klatch included $200 at $35 and $1000 at $21.

Jockey Christian Reith, who rode Klatch to victory, dead-heated in the jockeys' challenge.

He was listed under 'any other jockey' with as much as $71 on offer during the day with one bet of $250 at $71, and $200 and $100 twice at $51.

Blueys Way led all the way and will head north with the Rough Habit Plate, Grand Prix Stakes and Queensland Derby on the agenda.

Jockey Tye Angland took him to the front with the topweight of 57.5kg and he was strong to the line, winning by 1-3/4 lengths from The Verminator with Ambitious Princess third.

"I think he's the right horse for it (the Queensland Derby)," Martin said.

"On his pedigree and his action I think he'll revel in the going if he gets a wet track, too."

The Group Three Rough Habit Plate (2020m) is on May 15, with the Group Three Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) on May 29 and the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) on June 12.

Wednesday's victory was Blueys Way's second in two starts this preparation after an impressive win over 1550m first-up at Canterbury on April 14.

Klatch won the Benchmark 75 event by a short neck over Fusakeo and Javasea.

Earlier in the day, No Hesitation's victory in the Return To Racing Handicap prompted trainer Clarry Conners to immediately enter the two-year-old as a late nomination for the Group One TJ Smith Stakes (1600m) in Queensland in June.

No Hesitation was a pick-up ride for Peter Robl who claimed his first city winner since returning to the saddle from injury last Sunday week.

Robl broke his collarbone in a fall at Canterbury in late January.



Jessicabeel wins Sydney Cup
By Talkin Sport Sunday, 25 April 2010

Basking in the glory of Jessicabeel's Sydney Cup win at Randwick on Saturday, trainer John O'Shea was already looking forward to the first Tuesday in November.

The mare stamped herself a genuine Melbourne Cup prospect with her sustained finish at the end of the gruelling 3200 metres to the cheers of punters who sent her out the $5 favourite.

There were some hard luck stories and controversy with Zavite ($5.50) and Precedence ($6.50) engaging in a cut-throat speed battle up front in the final half of the race, both compounding to finish second last and last respectively.

But all honours were with the mare who gave champion sire of stayers Zabeel his 41st individual Group One winner, just four short of his own sire Sir Tristram.

"I was very confident coming here today," O'Shea said.

"This is very gratifying. We went to New Zealand and bought stayers and now (Rosehill Guineas winner) Zabrasive and this mare have qualified for the Melbourne Cup.

"They have to get there yet but to think we could have two runners in the Melbourne Cup is a dream."

While the speed battle was on up front, Craig Newitt camped Jessicabeel at the tail of the field biding his time.

Coming up the Randwick rise, the pair pounced and wore down last year's runner-up Divine Rebel to score by three-quarters of a length with New Zealander Harris Tweed ($7.50) another length away third.

Jessicabeel won the traditional lead-up, the Chairman's Handicap (2600m) two weeks ago with Craig Williams aboard.

Williams opted to stick with BMW winner Littorio ($10) who didn't seem to run out the distance and finished ninth.

"I chose the wrong horse," a rueful Williams said.

His decision was Melbourne-based Newitt's gain with few top jockeys able to ride at 52kg.

"I bided my time and got on the back of Capecover," Newitt said.

"I was confident a long way out.

"She has a great temperament and a great attitude.

"I'm very happy I was able to pick up the ride with the light weight, it's just great."

Newitt had a bit of extra help with his wife Karli and eight-month son Noah on hand.

"They are my lucky charms, I don't go anywhere without them," he said.

New Zealand trainer Murray Baker will take Harris Tweed home to prepare him for another tilt at the Melbourne Cup.

Harris Tweed finished fifth at Flemington last year but Baker believes he is still immature.

"He is six months off, he needs to fill out," he said.

"He is a big leggy horse and we'll take him home and get him ready for Melbourne again."

Topweight Zavite will also be given a spell with Melbourne in mind.

Trainer Anthony Cummings was disappointed but philosophical having already taken out the Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Road To Rock.

"I don't blame Damien (Oliver), Luke Nolen went too hard on Precedence," he said.

"I though it was extraordinary."

Stewards questioned Nolen over his decision to move forward on Precedence with the jockey saying he was trying to do the best by his horse.

"He pulled so hard and I thought he can't run two miles pulling that hard," Nolen said.

"I was told to try to keep him on the outside of horses because when he feels horses around him he gets on his bike.

"He just pulled too hard."

Nikolic to front the stewards.
By Talkin Sport Thursday, 22 April 2010
Danny Nikolic has been asked to front Racing Victoria stewards on Friday week for the continued inquiry into 10 of his rides after he refused a request to meet them before Wednesday's Sandown meeting.

Nikolic was incensed that chief steward Terry Bailey contacted his father and manager John Nikolic on Tuesday while they were attending the funeral of the jockey's maternal grandfather Geoff Light.

Nikolic is frustrated that the inquiry has been hanging over his head for three-and-a-half months and said he didn't want to be at the stewards' beck and call before the first race and after the last at race meetings.

"They've had three-and-a-half months now to put a decent charge on me and it's just gone on and on and on," Nikolic said.

"It's stopped me from going to the Sydney carnival, it's stopped me from picking up a decent ride.

"I've lost a lot of the support of leading stables I was riding for - Danny O'Brien, Greg Eurell, David Hayes - and I understand they have a duty to protect their owners."

The investigation began when Nikolic was beaten into second place aboard $1.60 favourite Finishing Card in a maiden at Mornington on January 8.

On Tuesday the inquiry continued when stewards interviewed two of Nikolic's associates, owner John O'Neill and form analyst Mark Hunter, regarding their betting activities having earlier acquired their phone and betting records.

Nikolic said at Sandown on Wednesday that he had sought a meeting through the Australian Jockeys' Association with new Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna to air his grievances regarding the drawn out investigation.

"He (Perna) doesn't wish to see me until after the inquiry is finished," Nikolic said.

"But that's no good because I want his advice on something that is playing on my mind.

"I also asked to see (RVL chairman) Michael Duffy but there has been no response from him as yet."

Nikolic was fined $5000 for refusing to hand over his mobile phone to stewards so that they could check his contacts.

He still faces a charge of using his mobile phone without stewards' permission in the public area at Flemington on New Year's Day before winning the Bagot Handicap on Atlantic Air.

Nikolic maintains his innocence over the 10 rides in question but says he is being held to ransom by stewards.

Family friend Neville Clements, a professional punter and commission agent, has been warned off for failing to produce his phone records to stewards.


Cups King in hospital.
By Talkin Sport Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Champion trainer Bart Cummings has been admitted to a Sydney hospital suffering from a virus.

Bart Cummings Photo by Racing and Sports

Cummings was admitted to St Vincent's Hospital on Monday for observation after suffering from mild influenza for two weeks.

The hospital said he was in a stable condition but would not provide any further details.

There has been media speculation that the 82-year-old trainer, who has battled hay fever all his life, had suffered an asthma attack.

Cummings was absent from trackwork last week and has not attended the AJC Derby and Doncaster race meetings at Randwick on the last two Saturdays.

He has watched his stable runners perform on television from his home while keeping in constant contact with his stable staff at the course by phone with his grandson James Cummings in charge of the stable runners.

It was a sad weekend for Cummings following the death on Saturday of his 2008 Melbourne Cup winner Viewed after suffering complications from a twisted bowel.


Rangirangdoo wins Doncaster Mile
By Talkin Sport Sunday, 18 April 2010

A week of unprecedented drama had a fitting climax when Rangirangdoo claimed the Doncaster Mile at Randwick, with glamour mare Typhoon Tracy out of the picture.

Gai Waterhouse challenged a stewards' ruling that Nash Rawiller was committed to Rangirangdoo in an attempt to get him on Theseo.

The NSW Supreme Court stuck with the stewards' decision and Rawiller showed why he is in such demand when he lifted Rangirangdoo ($6) over the line half a neck in front of Road To Rock ($26) with Brilliant Light ($15) another 1-1/2 lengths away third.

More drama followed the race when Damien Oliver weighed in overweight on the runner-up citing the horse's sweating as a cause, with the gear soaking wet.

For winning trainer Chris Waller the victory was sweet after Rangirangdoo's two recent second Group One placings behind Theseo.

"I wasn't on the best angle to see the race and I thought it was going to happen again that he was going to run second," he said.

"I thought `here we go again'.

"When you have three runners in a race like this you try to look at all of them but when you win it, it's so emotional."

One of the first people to congratulate Waller was Waterhouse who watched Darren Beadman ride Theseo into eighth place.

"People like Gai Waterhouse make me a better trainer," Waller said.

"And Racing NSW has been very professional throughout this week and it's a privilege to be training here."

Dominant favourite Typhoon Tracy ($3.30) was travelling up on the pace rounding the turn but was one of the first horses beaten, eventually finishing 14th, 5-1/2 lengths from the winner.

A veterinary examination showed she had been galloped on and trainer Peter Moody also told stewards there had been a virus in his stable.

He had checked the mare's blood on Friday and it was fine but he said he planned further tests.

Waller's other runners Danleigh ($8.50) and Triple Honour ($31), winner of the 2008 Doncaster, finished fifth and seventh respectively.

Rawiller, who was called on to replace the injured Corey Brown on Rangirangdoo, said he respected Waller's decision to press to keep him on.

"All credit to Chris, he could have gone the other way and not pushed on," Rawiller said.

"As much as I wanted to be on Theseo, I've won a Doncaster.

"I was very confident I was on the right horse for the race.

"I got to the front a little bit before I would have liked but he attacked the line."

Road To Rock's trainer Anthony Cummings was as happy as he could be without winning the race as was Brilliant Light's handler Kerry Parker.

Brilliant Light has been the improver of the autumn and ran the race of his life with some of his owners getting 400-1 about him some weeks ago.

"He was posted four wide and it was a great run," Parker said.

"He's run super, he's a serious horse and has a big future."

Big race card at Randwick.
By Talkin Sport Thursday, 15 April 2010
Acceptances for the Australian Jockey Club's Emirates Doncaster Mile Day at Randwick on Saturday were completed on Wednesday with 122 starters for the eight race programme.

Champion mare Typhoon Tracy Photo by Racing and Sports

That includes the $1.5 million, Group One, Emirates Doncaster Mile (1600m); $350,000, Group One, Patinack Farm AJC Oaks (2400m); $300,000, Group One, The James Boag Galaxy (1100m) with four other black type races, and total stakes on offer of $2.65 million.

The field for the Emirates Doncaster Mile was drawn on Tuesday, but changed on Wednesday with the withdrawal of Walking or Dancing (NZ) and inclusion of the emergency Recoup De Fortune, trained by Anthony Cummings, and to be ridden by apprentice Brenton Avdulla from barrier 13.

Typhoon Tracy remains the firm TAB Sportsbet favourite for the Emirates Doncaster Mile at $2.90, with Danleigh at $6.00 and Rangirangdoo (NZ) at $7.00 next in the market.

The Patinack Farm AJC Oaks has a field of 12 fillies with the remarkable battle between the Bart Cummings trained Faint Perfume and Tony Vasil trained Valdemoro over two races resumed in the fillies classic.

Faint Perfume won both the Group One Crown Oaks over 2500m at Flemington in the spring, and the Group One Vinery Stud Stakes over 2000m at Rosehill in April, over Valdemoro by a combined margin of just a half-length.

Nearly four and a half months after the two fillies first met at Flemington they line up against each other once again for Randwick's ultimate test. Faint Perfume, to be ridden by Michael Rodd, starts from barrier 11, with Valdemoro, to be ridden by Blake Shinn, starts from one barrier outside in 12.

TAB Sportsbet has Faint Perfume as the $2.30 favourite over Valdemoro at $3.20.

There is a full field of 14 sprinters for The James Boag Galaxy with Sydney chances drawing outside barriers.

The Gary Portelli trained Gold Trail, third in this race last year, has drawn barrier 13 and carries equal top-weight of 58kg under Michael Rodd. The Tim Martin trained Typhoon Zed, third in the Group Three Sebring Stakes over 1100m at Rosehill last start, also carries 58kg, with Hugh Bowman riding from barrier 15.

Between them they have the Chris Waller trained Shellscrape, with 53.5kg under Dwayne Dunn, while the Gai Waterhouse trained Swift Alliance, the winner of The Sebring and carrying 57kg, has a better draw at nine for Nash Rawiller.

Victorian visitors Ortensia, trained by Tony Noonan, and Rostova, trained by Steve Richards, have barriers eight and six respectively. Ortensia last started when winning the Group Two Winterbottom Stakes over 1200m at Ascot in November, while Rostova returned to winning form when taking out the Group One Robert Sangster Stakes over 1200m at Morphettville on March 20th.

The rail for the meeting will be out 3m from the 1600m mark to the winning post.

Sydney's weather for Saturday's meeting is forecast to have the chance of a shower with a maximum temperature of 23c.

The Australian Jockey Club's flower for Emirates Doncaster Mile Day is the red rose.


Beadman could saddle up on Theseo.
By Talkin Sport Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Darren Beadman is on standby to fly from Hong Kong to ride the topweight Theseo in Saturday's $1.5 million Doncaster Mile at Randwick.

Darren Beadman Photo by Racing and Sports

Beadman will make the rush trip to Sydney if trainer Gai Waterhouse fails to overturn Monday's stewards ruling that her stable jockey Nash Rawiller must honour his Doncaster booking for Rangirangdoo.

Waterhouse, who claims Rawiller was committed to ride Theseo in all his autumn races, took the unprecedented step on Tuesday of lodging an appeal with Racing NSW against Monday's ruling.

The appeal against a stewards ruling of the nature is a first and is now in the hands of the principal member of the Racing Appeals Panel John Hiatt.

He must decide if an appeal is acceptable under section 42 of the Thoroughbred Racing Act.

The controversy over Rawiller's Doncaster ride arose after Waterhouse decided to start Theseo in the Doncaster, contrary to reports that he would not be running again until the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on Saturday week.

However Waterhouse refutes that she ever declared Theseo a non-runner in the Doncaster, maintaining that the race had always remained an option and that Rawiller had agreed to ride him in all engagements.

However Rawiller believed he was free to seek out another Doncaster ride last week while bookmakers across the country had eased Theseo to extended odds in their Doncaster markets under the impression he would not be starting.

Theseo, who was at odds of 160/1 on Betfair before Waterhouse announced he would be a Doncaster acceptor, is now a $13 chance to win the Doncaster.


Wanted retired
By Talkin Sport Monday, 12 April 2010
Talented colt Wanted has been retired to stand at stud.

Wanted wins the Newmarket Photo by Racing and Sports

The three-year-old, prepared by Peter Moody, has done his job according to connections claiming a Group 1 win in the autumn and is now on the lookout for a new home.

“With a meeting with connections last night the decision was made to retire him,” Moody told Sport 927.

“He'll go to stud and he's 100 per cent sound. Hopefully a stud deal can be finalized in the next two or three days. There's a few leading studs in the mix.”

Wanted , by Group 1 winning sprinter Fastnet Rock, was an $800,000 yearling and won almost $1.2 million on the track.

He won three races from 15 career starts but was close-up at the top level through most of his career, placing in three Group 1's before finally breaking through for his first Group 1 win in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington last month.



Shoot Out wins AJC Australian Derby
By Talkin Sport Saturday, 10 April 2010

Jockey Stathi Katsidis labelled Shoot Out a potential champion after he claimed his second Group One victory in the AJC Australian Derby at Randwick.

His win was also a triumph for trainer John Wallace who elected to push on to the Derby (2400m) and not bring Shoot Out back in distance to the Doncaster Mile (1600m) despite his shock defeat as favourite in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) last start.

The Queensland-based Katsidis came to Sydney primarily to partner Military Rose and was a dejected figure just seven days ago when she was unplaced as favourite in the Golden Slipper.

Katsidis, who has had a turbulent career, readily admitted Shoot Out was his second-string carnival ride but the three-year-old turned out to be his meal ticket, winning the Group One Randwick Guineas and Saturday's Derby.

"He could be a champion," Katsidis said.

"I know it's a word that's thrown around a bit but he's got the breeding, he's won over 2400 metres now and he could even run two miles (3200m) down the track.

"(Military Rose) was a bit of a let-down, she just raced like a tired horse.

"I always thought this horse was the back-up but it turns out he is the main one."

An emotional Wallace trained his first winner 46 years ago and before this season his last Group One victory was with Mother Of Pearl in the 1982 Queensland Oaks.

He rated Shoot Out's Classic win as the highlight of his career and hoped the three-year-old could develop into a Cups horse next spring.

"Maybe the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups, who knows?" Wallace said.

"It's a big thrill, some great champions have won this race and some good trainers. I feel pretty humbled.

"Stathi kept telling me to take the pacifiers off him and I was bit stubborn but I finally listened."

Katsidis allowed Shoot Out ($4.80) to find his feet early but said "he pulled too hard to be confident" in the run.

However, the $15,000 yearling purchase conserved enough energy to run down the Gai Waterhouse-trained Descarado ($7.50) and score by 1-1/4 lengths with Victoria Derby winner Monaco Consul ($12) showing a return to form for third another neck away.

"We are as delighted as if we had won it, it's just as good," Waterhouse said.

"We bought him as a Melbourne Cup horse and that's what he's being set for."

Monaco Consul's trainer Mike Moroney said he would be set for the Queensland Derby.

"He wanted to lay out coming down the straight but he's a lot better back in Australia than he was in New Zealand," Moroney said.

"The Queensland Derby is the aim. He's only had four runs and we've been purposefully spacing them out."

Shoot Out's win was also a boon for Coolmore Stud which recently secured his sire High Chaparral to stand at its NSW Hunter Valley base from next spring.

They have yet to set a service fee for the shuttle stallion who had served two seasons in New Zealand.

High Chaparral captured the Derby trifecta, also being the sire of Descarado and Monaco Consul.

Big dollars at the sales.
By Talkin Sport Friday, 9 April 2010
Strong demand at the final select session of the 2010 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale at Newmarket on Thursday pushed the aggregate for the three days to more than $80 million.

Mark Webster Photo by Press Photo

The final day top lot, the Zabeel-Gin Player filly, brought to four the number of seven figure yearlings sold over the three days, with Segenhoe Stud's Redoute's Choice-Regrowth colt the $1.875 million sale topper on day one.

The sale gross for Session I cracked the $80 million mark with the clearance rate also reaching 80%.

The Day One clearance now sits at 83 per cent, up from 72 percent at the session close.

Today's final session Of Easter 1 averaged $241,000 with a healthy median of $200,000.

“Overall we are down 8% on last year and while it's not what we might have hoped for, it's not too bad given we still had an average topping $220,000,” Inglis Managing Director Mark Webster said.

“It's a sale where you could say buyers won on some lots and vendors won on others, so I think it's been a fair sale in that regard.

“It's a totally different mix in terms of the buyer line up for this sale than we had two years ago. Our leading buyer this year spent $4 million, but in 2008 we had two buyers spend $40 million between them.

“I think it is a challenge for not just Inglis as a sales company, but for the industry as a whole to find new buyers who are prepared to buy at the top end of the market.”

Thanks to fillies like VRC Oaks winner Faint Perfume, Easter Session II has quickly garnered a reputation for being a wonderful opportunity to secure high class racehorses at value for money prices.

Buyers once again embraced the concept today, with both the sale gross of $5.924 million up 15% on last year and the $77,947 average climbing 18.5% on 2009 figures.

“One positive is the diversity of the buyers and strength of the middle market, which is highlighted by strong sales in the $150,000 to $300,000 bracket and the strength of Session II,” Webster said.

“For Easter II to be up almost 20% on last year is an excellent result and it's pleasing to see how quickly this new part of the sale has established itself in the marketplace.”

Horses passed in during the sale are still available for sale via the Inglis Make an Offer service.

Attention now turns to next week's Australian Easter Broodmare Sale which runs through Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.



Stathi apologises for drug comment.
By Talkin Sport Thursday, 8 April 2010
Jockey Stathi Katsidis has made an official apology to Queensland stewards for comments he made about illicit drug use recently attributed to him in the press.

Stathi Katsidis Photo by Racing and Sports

Queensland Racing stewards were concerned about the nature of the allegations raised and questioned the jockey about them immediately upon his return to Queensland after riding in Sydney last weekend.

Katsidis was questioned about his comments in the newspaper story published last week by SYdney stewards but the matter was not taken further.

However Brisbane chief steward Wade Birch sought an official explanation from Stathi as he rides under a Queensland licence and his comments reflected on local racing.

"He is apologetic for making the comments which he believes were taken well and truly out of context,” said Birch.

“Stathi acknowledged that such a poorly worded response could have a damaging effect on the sport and has said that he would take the comments back if he had the opportunity.”

Birch reiterated that Queensland Racing has a rigorous drug testing program for all riders which ensures that every jockey and trackwork rider is tested regularly, with those testing positive the subject of immediate disciplinary action.

During the current financial year the program has been extended to ensure that every rider, regardless of region, has provided a sample for testing.

Stewards also took the opportunity to raise the comments with the Queensland Jockeys' Association.

QJA vice president Jason Taylor, said “There is simply no basis for Stathi's comments. We are tested so often these days that there is no way that you could use drugs and expect not to get caught.

“Stathi didn't choose his words well in the heat of the interview and I am sure if he could have his time over he would.”

QJA president Mary Collier added “Queensland jockeys take great pride in presenting a positive image of this marvellous sport to the public.

"This incident is a timely reminder that our members have a duty to conduct themselves in a professional manner to ensure that the integrity of their profession and the thoroughbred industry is not damaged in any way”.


El Segundo retires ..
By Talkin Sport Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Popular galloper El Segundo has been retired after being injured in last weekend's George Ryder Stakes.

Photo by Bronwen Healy

In what was his first trip to Sydney in his long career, the rising nine-year-old sustained a tendon injury after finishing fifth behind Danleigh.

Trainer Colin Little described El Segundo as the best horse he has trained and said the gelding had given him and connections six seasons of thrills, most of which were at the top level.

El Segundo , consistently ranked one of the highest Timeform rated horses in the country, won 12 races including four at Group 1 level, including the 2007 Cox Plate. He was narrowly beaten the previous year and finished fourth in the race again last year.

His other Group 1 wins were the 2007 C.F. Orr Stakes, the 2006 Underwood Stakes and the 2005 Yalumba Stakes.

He won from 1200m to 2040m and collected almost $4 million in prizemoney despite being plagued by injuries.


Barrier draws for The Golden Slipper and BMW..
By Talkin Sport Tuesday, 30 March 2010
The favourite Military Rose has drawn barrier eight in a field of 15 for Saturday's $3.5 million Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill.

The pace is drawn inside her with unbeaten filly Chance Bye in gate three and Brightexpectations in gate four being two of the obvioius early speed horses.

Melbourne filly Crystal Lily has the coveted rails gate while the David Hayes-trained Shaaheq is on the outside in gate 15.

Wide draws for Solar Charged (13) and More Strawberries (14) have not helped their chances.

Only 15 two-year-olds - one short of the maximum field limit - accepted.

The field fell below the maximum 16 when the late entry Masquerader was ruled out with a back injury this morning.

Three-time winners Gai Waterhouse and Clarrie Conners and Rosehill's Tim Martin each have two final acceptors.

Waterhouse will start Brightexpectations and More Strawberries and Conners will line up Decision TIme and Georgette Silk.

Martin paid up for the lightly-raced Carved In Stone, placed in the Todman Stakes at his only start, with stablemate Lohan when he became aware that the numbers were short of the maximum.

The field contains the biggest representation of fillies in its history with 10 females opposing only five colts and geldings.

$3.5millionAAMI GOLDEN SLIPPER (1200m, 2YO's)           TAB No. Horse Barrier Likely Jockey Weight 1. BRIGHTEXPECTATIONS 4 Nash Rawiller 56.5kg 2. HINCHINBROOK 5 Darren Beadman 56.5kg 3. DECISION TIME 2 Craig Williams 56.5kg 4. BENETEAU 6 Michael Rodd 56.5kg 5. CARVED IN STONE 10 Tye Angland 56.5kg 6. MILITARY ROSE 8 Stathi Katsidis 54.5kg 7. CHANCE BYE 3 Kathy O'Hara 54.5kg 8. CRYSTAL LILY 1 Brett Prebble 54.5kg 9. SHAAHEQ 15 Steven Arnold 54.5kg 10. SOLAR CHARGED 13 Hugh Bowman 54.5kg 11. LOHAN 7 Jay Ford 54.5kg 12. GEORGETTE SILK 9 Glen Boss 54.5kg 13. OBSEQUIOUS 12 Kerrin McEvoy 54.5kg 14. ELIMBARI 11 Glyn Schofield 54.5kg 15. MORE STRAWBERRIES 14 Corey Brown 54.5kg     $2.25million Group 1-THE BMW (2400m, WFA)     TAB No. Horse Barrier Likely Jockey Weight 1. THESEO 8 Nash Rawiller 59kg 2. SPEED GIFTED (GB) 11 Glen Boss 59kg 3. ZAVITE (NZ) 10 Damien Oliver 59kg 4. NO WINE NO SONG 2 Corey Brown 59kg 5. LITTORIO 7 Craig Williams 59kg 6. MOATIZE 4 Glyn Schofield 59kg 7. GROWL (NZ) 3 Brad Rawiller 59kg 8. ROMAN EMPEROR (NZ) 12 Michael Rodd 58.5kg 9. HARRIS TWEED (NZ) 1 Darren Beadman 58.5kg 10. DIVINE REBEL (NZ) 6 Nicholas Hall 57kg 11. DAFFODIL (NZ) 5 Hugh Bowman 56.5kg 12. PURPLE 9 Kerrin McEvoy 56.5kg

Golden Slipper field taking shape.
By Talkin Sport Monday, 29 March 2010
The jostling for positions in the Golden Slipper is all but over with the final field of 16 for the world's richest race for two-year-olds to be declared on Tuesday.

The deadline for late entries is Monday morning with the Sydney Turf Club expected to collect $600,000 from four $150,000 payments.

The late entry is for those horses not originally nominated as yearlings for Saturday's $3.5 million race at Rosehill.

The Hong Kong owner of Masquerader has already paid up while the Darley-owned Blackball, the Black Opal Stakes winner Decision Time and Melbourne filly Crystal Lily are the others who have earned their way to the Slipper.

Crystal Lily's owner David Moodie said he would resist paying up for Saturday's Magic Night Stakes winner Willow Creek.

"I want to run in the race, not buy the place," Moodie said.

Unbeaten Queensland filly Military Rose remains the Golden Slipper favourite with Brightexpectations the big mover following his dominant qualifying win in the Pago Pago Stakes.

He will be three time Slipper winning trainer Gai Waterhouse's only runner this year, but it may be all she needs.

"He is by More Than Ready, the sire of the past two Golden Slipper winners," Waterhouse said.

"This horse has muscled up, every day he has become more masculine and is coming right at the right time."

Phelan Ready won last year's Slipper while the Waterhouse-trained Sebring took the honours in 2008.

Both Slipper were run on heavy tracks which suits the progeny of More Than Ready and there with rain predicted for much of the week, the conditions may well be repeated.

Hinchinbrook, who ran third to Brightexpectations, is likely to race in blinkers after seeming to lose concentration in Saturday's race.

Two former Slipper favourites, Solar Charged and Beneteau, are reported to be back to their best after being beaten at their past starts.

"I'm very happy with Solar Charged," trainer John O'Shea said.

"She's done everything right."

Trainer Paul Messara was equally happy with Beneteau who was given a solid hitout in an unofficial trial at the family property in the Hunter Valley last week.

Another former favourite, Chance Bye, has not raced since she cemented a start with victory in the Silver Slipper on February 27.

She has had two public gallops since, her most recent at Kembla Grange last Sunday where she pleased her trained Michael Tubman and jockey Kathy O'Hara.

Military Rose was at $3.40 with TAB Sportsbet on Sunday ahead of Crystal Lily ($6.50), Bright Expectations ($7.50), Chance Bye and Solar Charged ($10) and Masquerader and Beneteau at $13.

The all important barrier draw will take place in Sydney's Martin Place at midday on Tuesday.


Aussie sprinters doing well in Dubai.
By Talkin Sport Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Australian sprinters All Silent and Eagle Falls have settled in without problems at Dubai's international stables at the new Meydan course ahead their assault on the two feature sprint races on Saturday night's World Cup program.

All Silent Photo by HKJC

The David Hayes-trained Eagle Falls will start in the $US2 million Dubai Golden Shaheen over 1200m on the synthetic Tapeta surface while All Silent will tackle the new turf race, the $US1 million Al Quoz Sprint (1200m).

Eagle Falls was a last second to Wanted in the Group One Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 6 in which All Silent finished well down the track.

It was the first defeat for All Silent on the straight course at Flemington and his connections could not offer any excuses for his disappointing effort.

All Silent was having his first run since he failed in the Hong Kong Sprint at Sha Tin in December which followed a brilliant win in the G1 bPatinack Classic at Flemington the previous month.

If All Silent can reproduce his best form on Saturday he is likely to head to England for the Royal Ascot meeting in June.

Graeme Begg is due to arrive in Dubai today and will oversee All Silent's first serious gallop on Wednesday. All Silent arrived in Dubai last week under the care of the trainer's brotjher Neil.

Hayes is not expected in Dubai until later in the week. Eagle Falls is in the care of Lizzy Jelfs an experienced traveller of horses for his stable.

Corey Brown, who had his first experience of Dubai in the recent Meydan Masters' Challenge will ride both All Silent And Eagle Falls on Saturday.



Williams thinking about a move to Sydney.
By Talkin Sport Thursday, 18 March 2010
Top Melbourne jockey Craig Williams has confirmed he is considering a move to Sydney to become a stable rider for leading trainer Gai Waterhouse.

Craig Williams Photo by Racing and Sports

Williams, a four-time Scobe Breasley Medal winner who has won the Melbourne riding premiership for the last four seasons including a deadheat with Damien Oliver last season, was stable number one for leading Melbourne trainer David Hayes until a breakdown in the relationship last year.

Waterhouse has former top Melbourne jockey Nash Rawiller as her number one senior rider but there is a vacancy with the stable following the decision of Blake Shinn, another former Victorian, to go freelance in Sydney.

Rawiller's rides are restricted by his weight while natural lightweight Williams would be availbale for many of the lighter weighted Waterhouse runners.

"Of course I'm considering it. It is a privilege to be asked by one of Australia's leading stables to ride for it," Williams said of the Waterhouse offer.

Williams has eight rides for an assortment of stables at Rosehill on Saturday including Littorio in the Ranvet Stakes for Flemington trainer Nigel Blackiston, Hurtle Myrtle in the Coolmore Classic for Matthew Smith and the unbeaten Decision Time in the Todman Stakes for Clarry Conners.

Williams is currently equal third on the Melbourne premiership with 33 winners after landiung a double on the Mike Moroney-trained Beatboy and the Mat Ellerton-Simon Zahra-prepared Off The Planet at Sandown on Wednesday.



Boss suspended
By Talkin Sport Thursday, 18 March 2010
Glen Boss paid a high price for his front-running ride to win the $140,000 Newcastle Newmarket at Broadmeadow on Wednesday, incurring a suspension that will rule him out of one of Sydney's major autumn carnival meetings.

Glen Boss and Walking Or Dancing after the Newmarket Photo by Racing and Sports

Boss copped a seven day suspension after a dashing ride to win the Group 3 event on Doncaster Mile contender Walking Or Dancing that added to his remarkable record in feature races on the Broadmeadow track.

Boss sent the entire straight to the lead and he defied all challengers to run him down, winning by three-quarters of a length from Brilliant Light with Emperor Bonaparte a further three-quarters of a length away third.

However stewards later found Boss guilty of allowing Walking or Dancing to shift in 100m after the start when insufficiently clear of Strat's Flyer, resulting in that horse having to be restrained, shift in and cause Tagus to lose its rightful running and be checked.

Boss was suspended from Sunday until Sunmday week (March 28) which will cost him rides at the second day of the Golden SLipper Festival at Rosehill on March 27 featuring the G1 Rosehill Guineas.

Boss and trainer Brett Partelle had planned to ride Walking Or Dancing from behind but that wenjt out the window soon after the start.

"The plan was to ride him with cover but he jumped in front and no-one wanted to take us on so I was happy to go to the front," Boss said.

Walking Or Dancing was having his first start since he won the Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast in early January when he was ridden by Boss.

Partelle, who prepares his team at Wyong on the NSW Central Coast, said Walking Or Dancing was only 85 per cent fit for today's assignment.

"He has a big preparation ahead of him and I wanted to leave something in the tank," Partelle said.

"The horse is likely to have his next start in the George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.

"However the Doncaster is his mission. He's qualified and he has only has 51kg.

"Glen has first offer to ride him in all his races."

Partelle said Walking Or Dancing was given two weeks in the paddock after winning the Magic Millions Cup.

"Then I was able to mix up his trackwork with swimming," he said.

"We have a great set up at Wyong right beside the river where I can mix up their work.

"They are happy horses."

Partelle said that after the Doncaster, Walking or Dancing would go to Brisbane for the Doomben 10,000 and the Stradbroke.

He bought the horse for $85,000 as a yearling at the Gold Coast.

"I trained a horse called Xaar Xaar and had an opinion of it and Walking Or Dancing is related," he said.

"I sought out this horse at the sales and liked him.

"He was a nice type and a good walker and although he looked like a horse that would take time he raced as a two-year-old.

"This is the best horse I have trained."




Nikolic fined..
By Talkin Sport Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Jockey Danny Nikolic has been fined $5,000 for failing to hand over his mobile phone to Victorian stewards.

The Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board (RAD) issued the fine after a hearing on Tuesday at which Nikolic handed the phone over after being told he would lose his licence if he did not do so.

Stewards asked for a six-month suspension for failing to comply with their directive in February.

The stewards wanted to view his contact list but Nikolic had argued it was enough to give them his phone records.

Nikolic was charged in February with using his mobile phone at Flemington races on January 1 without stewards' permission to contact professional punter and commission agent Neville Clements.

Nikolic claims that Clements does form for him and the call to him was related only to the tempo of the Bagot Hcp (2800m) which he won aboard Atlantic Air.



Tracy may have to carry the weight .
By Talkin Sport Tuesday, 16 March 2010
John O'Shea is adamant brilliant mare Typhoon Tracy deserves to be given the maximum topweight for Saturday's Group One Coolmore Classic at Rosehill.

O'Shea, who will saddle up Strawberry Field in the Coolmore, says there is no question the Peter Moody-trained Typhoon Tracy should get 61kg, the maximum handicap allowed under the conditions of the race.

"She should get the maximum, no question," O'Shea said.

"Private Steer got 58 when the maximum was 60 and she'd won one Group One race, this horse has won three or four.

"Of course she should carry the top weight allowed."

The O'Shea-trained Private Steer finished second to Shamekha in 2004.

Sunline carried the maximum 60kg to win in 2000 and again in 2002.

Typhoon Tracy has a rating of 118, nine more than Toorak Handicap winner Allez Wonder with Neroli on 107, Miss Marielle on 106 and More Joyous, Ekstreme and Dane Julia all on 103.

Moody has indicated he will wait for the release of weights on Tuesday to decide whether the star mare returns to defend her Coolmore Classic title.

Stablemate Set For Fame is also a chance to back up in the feature following her second to Rock Classic in the Australian Guineas.

Several of the 23 entries for the Coolmore are yet to be confirmed for starts, including high-class filly Hurtle Myrtle.

Her trainer Matthew Smith has nominated her for three races over the weekend but whittled down his options to two after deciding against heading to Kembla Grange for Sunday's Keith Nolan Classic.

"Either the Coolmore or the Phar Lap, I've ruled out the other one," Smith said.

"Her work has been good, I'd just like to see the weights for the Coolmore and see where she sits and if she gets a run.

"It will be interesting to see what Typhoon Tracy gets and if she comes up for it."

Glyn Schofield has partnered Hurtle Myrtle in both starts this campaign, including the Surround Stakes when she came within a half-neck of beating glamour filly More Joyous.

Schofield has been booked for Saturday's Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill but given Hurtle Myrtle's expected light weight for the Coolmore Classic (1500m), top Melbourne jockey Craig Williams has been secured.

More Joyous, one of three entries for Gai Waterhouse, is another not certain to take her place in the Coolmore.

She was found to be lame after her Surround Stakes victory and despite being cleared of any major problems, Waterhouse will wait until More Joyous works on Tuesday morning to decide if she runs.

Glen Boss will take the mount and has also been booked to ride her in the Doncaster Mile on April 17.

Stablemate Gold Water will take her place in the Coolmore but Oaks-bound filly Once Were Wild won't line up.


Cummings looking for more Group One's
By Talkin Sport Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Fresh from celebrating his latest Group One win with Zavite in the Auckland Cup, trainer Anthony Cummings turns his attention to the elite races in Sydney and Adelaide this weekend.

Messenger and Prima Nova run in the Coolmore Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill with Road To Rock representing the stable in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m).

Sister Madly will try to exact revenge on Majestic Music in the Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville while My Mojo's Back to contest the Australasian Oaks (2000m).

"It was great to get the Group One with Zavite and we've got runners in four Group One races on Saturday so I'm looking forward to a good day," Cummings said.

Majestic Music from the Leon Macdonald-Andrew Gluyas stable, rocketed home to pip Sister Madly by a long head in last week's Group Two Yallambee (1200m) at Morphettville.

My Mojo's Back will be stepping up from a Class One win over 1600 metres at Gosford last Tuesday but Cummings thinks highly of the Choisir filly who is out of AJC Australian Oaks winner Coco Cobanna and is also being aimed at that race.

"She's won two from five and we'll give her a go at this race," he said.

"Road To Rock runs in the Ranvet and the Messenger and Prima Nova are in the Coolmore."

George Main Stakes winner Road To Rock suffered some tightening during his seventh, beaten 3-1/4 lengths, in the Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) on March won by Theseo.

Prima Nova ran a creditable fourth in that race while Messenger finished a half length third to Dane Julia in the Wiggle Quality (1400m) on the same day.

Dual Group One winner Turffontein took no harm from his fifth in the Newmarket Handicap run just before a massive storm hit Flemington on March 6 and runs in the Group Two Canterbury Stakes (1300m).

"He arrived back in Sydney this morning and will have a gallop on the course proper in the morning," Cummings said.

"He took no harm from the Newmarket.

"Zavite arrives back later this week and will be set for the BMW and then maybe have another leadup to the Sydney Cup."

Zavite will be accompanied by New Zealand mare Daffodil on the flight with the latter entered for the Ranvet Stakes.


Shocking could be back in..
By Talkin Sport Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Melbourne Cup winner Shocking is almost certain to run in the rescheduled Australian Cup after responding to antibiotics for what was originally thought to be a foot abscess.

Torrential rain and hail flooded Flemington on Saturday causing the Group One Australian Cup, Group One Australian Guineas and the Group Three Food And Wine Plate (1400m) to be postponed by a week.

Shocking was scratched from the Australian Cup on Saturday morning but was reinstated into the field for the rescheduled Group One race.

Mark Kavanagh's racing manager Merv Harvey said Shocking was "jumping out of skin" on Monday and would have a testing gallop on Wednesday to prove his fitness.

"I would say he is probably a 95 per cent chance to run at this stage," Harvey said.

Harvey said what appeared to be a foot abscess was discovered on Friday morning but the fact it had responded so quickly to antibiotics suggested it could have been just a minor infection.

"We are not totally convinced it was an abscess as he has got a bit separation in the wall of his foot and some bug or something might have got up there," Harvey said.

"We put him on antibiotics and on Sunday morning he was as good as gold and would have been right to run.

"It was just that Saturday it was still building up and it was just a day too soon."

Harvey said it was of no consequence that Shocking had missed a day on the track because of the ailment.

"He trotted and cantered twice around the sand this morning and he was jumping out of his skin," Harvey said.

"Wednesday morning we are going to gallop him and we will know by Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning if he will definitely run on Saturday.

"If it doesn't flare up again then he's right."

All three features have been reinstated complete with barriers while the riders will be re-declared on Thursday.

Trainer Peter Moody will pursue Australian Guineas plans with Hanks and Set For Fame although he has nominated both three-year-olds for Saturday's Group One Randwick Guineas as a precautionary measure.

"Both horses will run here unless something untoward happens," Moody's racing manager Jeff O'Connor said.

He said that while Hanks' autumn program was unchanged with him heading to the Rosehill Guineas and the AJC Australian Derby after the Australian Guineas, the Guineas postponement had jammed up Set For Fame's options.

"We are a bit disappointed as it looks like she will have to miss a choice of races a week later now when the Coolmore and the Australasian Oaks are on," O'Connor said.

"We would have raced her against the boys last Saturday knowing we had two options but now we are stranded.

"She will run on Saturday and then we will assess it."

Nominations for the other races on the Flemington program including the Blamey Stakes will be taken on Tuesday due to the Monday public holiday in Melbourne.



Redoutes Top the sales.
By Talkin Sport Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Led by an improved clearance rate, the 2010 Melbourne Premier Sale continued to evolve at a rapid rate on day two with two yearlings by Redoute's Choice making $400,000 during another strong session of trading.

Redoute's Choice Photo by Studs

Gross receipts topped $10 million as another 132 yearlings sold at an average of $78,924.

It brought the sale total to just short of $20 million at an average of $74,019.

The progressive average is now 35% higher than the figure achieved 12 months ago.

The clearance rate reached 79%, helped by a number of horses passed on day one finding buyers.

“While the results are a positive reflection on the state of the market, they are also a glowing endorsement for the growth and internationalisation of the Melbourne Premier Sale,” Inglis managing director Mark Webster said.

Eight yearlings topped the $200,000 mark with lots by Encosta De Lago, Fastnet Rock, Choisir and Flying Spur contributing to that tally.

Bellerive Stud's Redoute's Choice filly from the New Zealand Group 2 winner Maze was the early pacesetter today, knocked down to Bill Mitchell for $400,000.

That figure was matched when Dean Hawthorne secured Arrowfield's Redoute's Choice colt from the US-bred mare Oceanette.

Late in the session, Torryburn Stud's Choisir three-quarter-sister to last Saturday's SIlver Slipper Stakes winner Chance Bye fetched $200,000 to the bid of McDonald Racing.

All lots passed in are available via the Inglis Make an Offer service.

INGLIS PREMIER SALE - Statistics Day 2

Sold: 132 (78%)

Gross: $10,418,000

Average: $78,924

Highest Lot: (Lots 254 & 300) $400,000

Overall Sale Statistics

Sold: 267 (79%)

Passed In: 73 (21%)

Gross: $19,763,000

Average: $74,019

Median: $60,000