31st August, 2020

Bak Da Man (Reliable Man x Bak da Princess) showed his true ability when stepping out on the turf at Sale on Sunday with a huge near last-to-first win in the Growmaster Sale Maiden Plate (1600m).

The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr trained gelding was unwanted in the market after a lacklustre debut on the synthetic track at Pakenham back on the 4th August, but his true colours shone through today in what was clearly a different horse back on turf.

Jockey Jye McNeil commented to the syndicate post race "I thought it was quite an impressive turnaround from the first up run, obviously on the grass on a good surface, he travelled really comfortably in the back of the field."

"We were just looking to finish off really nicely but he quickened up very sharp for me today and was a real little racehorse as well in amongst other horses. He's quite encouraging moving forward and the experience will do him fantastic"

Bak Da Man was a $100,000 purchase from the NZB Ready To Run Sale from the draft of Leanach Lodge. He is the 184th winner for Westbury Stud's top stallion Reliable Man, and he is the 8th winner from 8 runners for his super producing dam Bak da Princess, who has already produced G1 winner Pondarosa Miss and the Group 1 placed Ecuador. He is also related to the close resembling Te Akau Shark.

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Congratulations to all involved, the 3yo son of Reliable Man looks to have a bright future ahead of him with plenty of maturity and improvement still to come!

14th February, 2020

Love was in the air at Canterbury last night on Valentine's Day, but it was a different kind of love for the connections of Pinvincible who kept his unbeaten record in tact with his 3rd win from as many starts.

The 4yo son of Pins was first up after 32 weeks but that proved no problem for him, comfortaby accounting for his fitter rivals.

Jockey Adam Hyeronimus produced a peach of a ride opting to stick to the inside rail upon straightening. The gap opened up and Pinvincible quickly pounced on the heavily backed Sir Elton dashing away from the field.

"He cruised up and was going to sh*t in really, but just that last 150m on the heavy found him out a little bit, but his ability got him home." Adam commented after the race.

"He'll improve a lot of that, very exciting. There's still a lot of improvement to come, hopefully he pulls up well and we'll go to a 7 furlong race and he'll win again." said Adam.

Trainer Tim Martin had Pinvincible cherry ripe for the first up assignment and even made a rare appearance on track.

"He's not a very sound horse and he appreciates the sting out of the ground. He's better over seven furlongs so we will just see how he pulls up and place him where the tracks are softer. He will definetly improve (off the run)" Tim commented.

Congratulations to all involved, he looks to have a very bright future ahead!

Owners: Import Racing (Mgr Mr D Mourad), Mr D Madden, Mr T V Rider, Mr D Wilden-Constantin, Mr J A McLauchlan, Mr B Scrimizzi, Mr J T Seaman, Mr M J Buffier, Mr P T Wadden, Mr W V Tracey, Mr M Tracey, Mr G J Hatten, Mr M Ward-Smith, Mr S J Goodridge, Mr W J Miller, Dr J Dinova, Mr V Wilden-Constantin, Ms L Mcgrath, Mrs J T Corkin

3rd January, 2020

Bet Red started the year right for Import Racing with an outstanding win at Geelong yesterday.

It was his first start for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, but only start number three for the lightly raced 4yo son of Redwood after succumbing to a pelvis injury almost 12 months ago.

“It’s been a long road to recovery and thankfully we are reaping the rewards of our patience.” commented David Mourad.

“Everyone involved in this horse, right from the paddock through to the racecourse have done a fantastic job nursing him back to full soundness and full race fitness, so a big credit to the entire team.”

Jockey Zac Spain gave Bet Red a peach of a ride from the widest gate. He eased him back to last, allowed him to settle nicely in the run before angling his way out into the clear in the straight, allowing him to display his lethal turn of foot and finished over the top of them for a comfortable two length win.

“He’s a really smart horse, that’s the first time I’ve actually sat on him.” Jockey Zac Spain stated in the post-race interview.

“Gee I liked the way he let down, he let down super. He still does things wrong, wants to sort of lay in a little bit and just have a good look around, but he was super impressive today” said Zac.

It was the first win for the Import Racing/Mick Price Racing partnership but is sure to be the first of many with some promising young horses coming through the ranks.

Congratulations to all involved:

Owners: Import Racing (Mgr Mr D Mourad), Mr D Madden, Mr P Adamis, Mr D Wilden-Constantin, Mr D J Stonestreet, Mr C Harb, Mr G J Hatten, Mr B Scrimizzi, Mr J A Binney, Mr D C Hayman, Mr J R Lundberg, Ms L Mcgrath, Mr J Noto

7th June, 2019

Three-year-old Pins gelding Pinvincible comfortably handled the rise in grade from maiden to Class 2 company with another dominant win at Wyong on the 6th June.

Senior jockey Corey Brown’s post-race comments alluded that there was plenty of improvement to come still.

“Mentally he’s still very, very weak. It will come, but the sooner the blinkers go on, the better he will be”.

“He was sooking like a real big baby, like he was having his first ever barrier trial cantering around there [to the gates], but he’s got the ability and it’s just a matter of focusing him right up”.

It was win number 2 from as many starts for the Tim Martin trained gelding who looks to be going through the grades nicely.

Congratulations To All Involved -

Owners: Import Racing (Mgr Mr D.Mourad), Mr D.Madden, Mr T.Rider, Mr D.Wilden-Constantin, Mr J.McLachlan, Mr B.Scrimizzi, Mr J.Seaman, Mr M.Buffier, Mr P.Wadden, Mr W.Tracey, Mr M.Tracey, Mr G.Hatten, Mr M.Ward-Smith, Mr S.Goodridge, Mr W.Miller, Dr J.Dinova, Mr V.Wilden-Constantin, Ms L.McGrath & Mrs J.Corkin

Watch the race replay below.

https://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/VideoResult.aspx?MeetDate=2019Jun06&VenueCode=NDg3NzQ2&RaceNumber=8&MeetingCategory=Professional&VideoFileType=FullReplay

10th April, 2018

Pinvincible (3yo g. by Pins x Queen of Lions) kicked off his racing career in the best possible manner, with a classy win over 1300m at Hawkesbury yesterday.

Adam Hyeronimus utilised the gelding’s good gate speed to press forward from the widest barrier and lead them up for an all the way win.

“I wasn’t that keen to lead, but when they handed it to us pretty easily, I was happy to dictate the race,” Adam commented.

“He’ll improve a lot off today and he’ll be a nice horse going forward.”

Pinvincible’s trainer Tim Martin was most impressed with the win mentioning in his post-race comments,

“That was a very good win, he raced really well.”

“I liked the way he fought off the challenge in the straight and was running away from them on the line.”

“I think he could be city class, but we might work his way through the grades first.”

Pinvincible was purchased from the draft of Milan Park at the NZB Karaka sale in 2017 for just $45,000NZD. Milan Park bred and raised the horse and owner Tony Rider liked him so much, he retained 10%.

Pinvincible is the 4th foal out of the mare Queen of Lions, who has produced 4 to race, all winners, including Pride of Darci whom Import Racing also syndicated.

Import Racing’s Director was obviously very pleased with the win.

“A fantastic win. Obviously on debut we don’t have too many expectations, but he’s come here, and he’s got the job done against some experienced horses and we couldn’t have asked for a better start”

“I love the family; the mare just produces winners. Pride of Darci has won a couple for us already and he was part of the reason I had to secure Pinvicible as well.”

Congratulations to all the connections in Pinvicible on a great win. He looks to have a bright future ahead of him.

Watch the race replay below.

https://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/VideoResult.aspx?MeetDate=2019Apr09&VenueCode=MTg2MDAw&RaceNumber=1&MeetingCategory=Professional&VideoFileType=FullReplay 

27th July, 2018

Import Racing celebrated another winner for the 2017-18 season as their European Import CARIBBEAN GOLD ran out a strong mile to break his maiden status at Kembla Grange on Thursday.

It was a dominant all the way win for the Tim Martin trained gelding who was well rated in front by Rory Hutchings.

“He’s still learning what it is all about, he’s still waiting for the other horses, but Timmy will get him right and he will go on from that.” commented Rory post-race.

Caribbean Gold is out of the first crop by Havana Gold and provided his young sire with his first Australian winner.

The team sourced him from the Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale in England in 2017 and Goffs UK’s Managing Director Tony Williams assisted David Mourad with the purchase after his breeze-up showcased a beautiful action to compliment his well credentialled pedigree report.

Trainer Tim Martin has a good opinion of this progressive type and the imported gelding is thriving in his first racing preparation. Patience is the key to these European staying prospects and after getting the miles in the legs, he looks set to get over further ground as he progresses through his career.

Since arriving in Australia he has now had 3 starts at provincial level and will look to progress through the grades. The future looks bright as this European bred gelding looks to commence his 4YO year with more success. Congratulations to all the winning connections!

Caribbean Gold became the 4th winner from 5 runners for Import Racing for the 2017/18 season, and his win added to what has been a very impressive winning strike rate for the Import Racing/Tim Martin combination.

The combination has produced 28 starters for 7 wins (25% winning strike rate) and a further 7 placings (50% first 3). That’s 1 winner in every 4 starts and 1 placegetter in every 2 starts! The statistics speak for themselves in showing Import Racing’s selection process is a proven formula for success.

15th June, 2018

Congratulations to the connections of Pride of Darci who won the BM65 (1200m) at Gosford on Thursday.

Adam Hyeronimus got the Tim Martin trained Darci Brahma gelding to settle beautifully and was stalking the speed upon straightening.

Once clear, his class really shone through as he let down with a powerful finish to grab Alliterate when he needed to. 10/10 ride to go with a 10/10 performance.

The win was greatly rewarding for the Import Racing team who sadly had to retire their flagship horse King Darci due to an injury which spelled an end to his racing career.

"It's been a tough couple of weeks having to accept the retirement of King Darci, but this win has re-sparked the flame". commented David Mourad.

"Tim has always had a big opinion of Pride of Darci and it was good to see him get the job done over a distance short of his best. He had a good healthy blow after the race so there's plenty of improvement to come. Hopefully it's his time to shine and take over where King Darci left off".

Pride of Darci has now notched up win number 2 from 6 starts with a further 3 placings. He was purchased from the NZB Select Sale in Karaka for just $20,000 NZD and has already more than doubled that pricetag for his connections with over $45,000 in prizemoney earnings.

6th June, 2018

King Darci is a horse that will always be associated heavily with Import Racing and his connections.

Purchased at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready 2 Race Sales for $85,000NZ he bacame the very first horse to fly the flag and showcase the “White, Black IR, Black & Red Hooped sleeves, Black Cap of Import Racing. 

David & Tony Williams chose the son of Darci Brahma because had a real presence and looked comfortable in his breeze up taking it all in his stride. 

Tim Martin Racing Stables took on the task of educating and getting him to the races and once the penny dropped he dominated the field in his maiden at Goulburn beating the smart O’ Lordy and Latin Boy by over 3.5 lengths.

Placement is key is the racing game and King Darci is a testament to patience and finding the right races. He was able to steadily improve the grade and the horse responded beautifully each time showing off that trade mark toughness to get the job done. 

The BM95 (1500m) at Roshill was the King’s last run as injury has spelled an end to his career as a race horse. It was a run that really emphasised his will to win and when the swoopers came Import Racing’s pride and joy found that little bit extra to score by 0.1L.

His owners really got involved in celebrating the career of this NZ bred star and we can’t thank you all enough for supporting Import Racing’s first investment.

King Darci is currently recovering at Cavallo Park where he will spend a month relaxing before a nice home is found for his retirement.

A big thank you to all the staff at Tim Martin Racing for ensuring that the horse was well looked after and it was great to share in his success as he reeled off 6 wins from 27 starts amassing over $360k in prizemoney.

21st May, 2018

An extremely tight finish had connections of King Darci on a roller coaster ride of emotions while waiting for the judge to decide on the photo finish. Did he win it, did he lose it, was it a dead Heat?!

Finally King Darci's name was posted up as the winner and a rush of joy filled the Import Racing camp.

Part Owner Ross Walker emailed, "At least I know I don't have a bad heart anymore David. Well done. I thought on TV he has lasted but then they all started saying the other one had won so it was like winning twice!"

It was the 6th win for the tough Darci Brahma gelding, his 4th at Saturday metropolitan level. The win was of course aided by a perfect front running ride by King Darci's most succesful jockey Adam Hyeronimus.

"Adam really got him over the line", commented David Mourad.

"It was a good decision to press forward, and he had him rolling along at the perfect tempo in front, not going overly fast but not too slow either where there wasn't too much pressure put on him"

"His strong riding in the finishing stages also really helped to get him over the line".

Plenty of credit also goes to trainer Tim Martin who had the horse looking and working as good as ever.

Tim's pre-race comments were, "He worked really well on Tuesday. He worked with Hunter Jack and his work was much better. It's a tough race but he is a capable type and I will be happy to see him finish in the first 3 or 4."

King Darci has now won 6 races and placed 9 times from 27 starts, and has earned his connections over $366,000 in prizemoney. Congratulations to all of the owners in King Darci on another great win!

4th January, 2018

Ocean Express gave Import Racing the perfect start to the new year when breaking his maiden in style at Taree for trainer Tim Martin.

They say good things come in three's and the win came at just start number three for the 3yo Ocean Park gelding who was aided by a great front running ride by James Innes Jnr.

It was also winner number three from three runners for Import Racing, giving the Import Racing/Tim Martin partnership a 100% runners to winners strike rate, having already won with prominent metropolitan winner King Darci and the highly promising Pride of Darci.

"What a terrific win today and a well rated ride by James," Import Racing's Director David Mourad commented.

"Tim Martin always has his horses in pristine condition on raceday and Ocean Express raced as well as he looked so all credit to Tim and his team."

"It may have only been a country maiden but he did it in style and both King Darci and Pride of Darci broke their maidens in the country and it just helps boost a horse's confidence so much to go onto bigger and better things."

Ocean Express was the third horse purchased by Import Racing and he was selected straight off the farm at Waikato Stud in New Zealand where he was bred and raised. Waikato Stud's Director Mark Chittick liked the horse so much he retained 10% ownership in him. 

Ocean Express becomes the 15th winner for Waikato Stud's young gun sire on fire, Ocean Park whose oldest progeny are only three.

Well done to Tim Martin and all his team for doing a such great job with him and congratulations to all of the owners in the horse including Mark Chittick of Waikato Stud!

Watch his win by clicking the link below.

http://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/VideoResult.aspx?MeetDate=2018Jan04&VenueCode=OTQ1MA==&RaceNumber=1&MeetingCategory=Professional&VideoFileType=FullReplay 

11th December, 2017

Tim Martin’s decision to let King Darci make amends for a poor run at the earliest opportunity has paid off as the gelding completed a home track double for the Rosehill trainer.

Martin says the five-year-old produced probably the worst run of his 21-race career last week on his home track, where he finished second last and five lengths off the winner.

“I was going to trial him but we gave him a race instead. It’s a big turnaround,” the trainer said.

So King Darci ($7.50) faced a seven-day back-up for the first time and responded superbly to beat $3.30 favourite Bastia by a half-neck and claim the Tab.com.au Handicap (1500m) on Saturday.

Cellarman ($5) was a half-head further back.

Apprentice Lee Magorrian rated King Darci perfectly in front and was able to get away with some easy sectionals, allowing King Darci to sprint for home proving too tough to run down.

King Darci has now won 5 races and placed 7 times from 21 starts, and has earned his connections just shy of $270,000 in prizemoney.

Congratulations to all of the owners in King Darci on another great win!

Watch his win by click the link below.

http://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/Results.aspx?Key=2017Dec09,NSW,Rosehill%20Gardens#Race9 

27th September, 2017

Import Racing is proud to be saddling up their first stakes runner from just their second starter. Pride of Darci is set to tackle stakes company at just his 4th start this Saturday at Randwick for Import Racing’s exclusive trainer Tim Martin.

The 3-year-old New Zealand import lines up in race 3, the Listed Schweppes Dulcify Quality (1600m) for 3-year-olds, with top hoop Corey Brown booked to ride. He jumps from barrier 10 in a field of 12 runners.

The son of Darci Brahma was purchased by Import Racing at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Select Sale in 2016 from the draft of Milan Park for just NZ$20,000.

He has raced 3 times for a win and two placings, including a third at Warwick Farm over 1600m behind the Flight Stakes hopeful, Pandemonium.

“He faces his toughest task to date but he has been racing consistently and deserves a shot at this level now,” commented Import Racing’s Director David Mourad.

“Tim Martin has had a big opinion of him the whole way through and I’m sure he will run a great race.”

Import Racing are currently syndicating the half-brother to Pride of Darci, a cracking 2-year-old colt by Champion New Zealand sire Pins.

“The Pins colt reminds me a great deal of Pride of Darci.”

“He is very much in the same mould and has been showing us all the right signs of a horse with loads of potential, just as Pride of Darci did.”

Limited shares remaining at only $2,499 per 2.5%

Contact David for more information david@importracing.com.au

10th August, 2017

Just 5 days after King Darci's solid win at Randwick, it was Pride of Darci's turn to carry Import Racing's colours to victory with a super win on debut for Rosehill trainer Tim Martin.

Pride of Darci took on the older horses in race 2 at Taree in the 3yo+ maiden plate over 1319m and proved to be too classy for them, going on to win by nearly 2.5 lengths eased down.

Yusuke Ichikawa brilliantly piloted Pride of Darci to success after boldly expressing his confidence in the horse prior to mounting up.

"His work has been very good since his trial and I think he will be hard to beat today," commented Yusuke

"I plan to lead on him and I will just hold on and enjoy the ride."

The race didn't quite map out as planned but Pride of Darci travelled nicely in behind the bunched leaders before Yusuke managed to thread the needle through a small opening, where Pride of Darci responded quickly and dashed to the lead, racing away with the victory.

"That was an impressive win and he gave me a great feel," said Yusuke after the race.

"I had a lot of horse underneath me still and he will continue to improve over further."

Pride of Darci, a 3yo gelding by Darci Brahma, was the second purchase for David Mourad from Import Racing and was bought from the NZB Select Sale in 2016 for only NZ$20,000.

"I fell in love with this horse in NZ," commented David

"He moved so well and I just thought he was quite an imposing young, well put together colt. Not to mention his pedigree!"

"It was awesome to see him win so well today. Tim has a high opinion of him and just wanted to give him an easy assignment first up where he could win and get some prize money flowing for the owners."

"It's onward and upward from here." 

Pride of Darci is the 3rd winner from as many runners for his Dam Queen of Lions, a half-sister to Group 1 Victoria Derby winner Lion Tamer.

Shares are currently available in his half-brother 2yo colt by Pins and start at just $2,499 per 2.5%.

Visit www.importracing.com.au for more information or contact david@importracing.com.au

6th August, 2017

King Darci capitalised on the suitable conditions at Randwick to win the Cindy Sullivan Memorial Handicap over 1400m.

The connections of King Darci celebrated a much deserved win after two solid first up runs over the shorter trips this preparation. The gelding was third up today and he really appreciated the step up to the more suitable trip of 1400m. He also relished the softer going which he is proving to build a nice record on.

Adam Hyeronimus re-partnered with the horse today for the first time this preparation and he was confident he would be hard to beat.

"He was always going to ping out like that. It was good the leader rolled along at a good tempo and I was able to relax. I was pretty confident. He worked really well Tuesday morning so it was hard not to be confident." said Adam after the race.

King Darci was Import Racing's very first purchase and was bought at the 2014 NZB Ready To Run Sale from the draft of Mana Park for NZ$85,000.

"It's such a thrill to see King Darci doing so well for his owners. He has been a model of consistency and he is proving to be a good money spinner for them," commented Import Racing's Director David Mourad

"It was a solid win today and I am very pleased he was able to capitalise on the suitable conditions."

"The 1400m was ideal for him and the soft conditions were also a massive positive as he really loves the wet."

"Adam Hyeronimus back on board was also a big plus. He just knows the horse so well. He has previously won on him and he rides him regularly in track work. Adam gave him a 10 out of 10 ride and really drove him home for the win, so plenty of credit goes to him."

"And plenty of credit goes to our trainer Tim Martin also. He always has his horses in pristine condition on race day and he was confident King Darci would be a good winning chance."

It was win number 4 for the recently turned 5yo son of Darci Brahma who is starting to build a handy record of 16-4:4:2. He has now earned his connections just under $200,000 in stakes money with plenty of racing left ahead of him.

Watch King Darci's win by clicking here

Earlier in the week, Import Racing's second purchase Pride of Darci was given an easy trial at Rosehill.

"He is a horse with plenty of natural ability and is definitely one to follow as he steps up in trip," said David Mourad

"He will be set to debut in the coming weeks with a race yet to be confirmed."

"We have a high regard for him and Tim Martin is hoping he can measure up to some of the better 3yo's in time."

Limited shares are still available in Pride of Darci's half-brother 2yo colt by Champion sire Pins. Like Pride of Darci, he is also showing us all the early signs of another serious horse in the making.

For more information email david@importracing.com.au

11th March, 2017

Almost nine years since his last Group I win, trainer Tim Martin had another taste of feature race success when Heavens Above prevailed in a thrilling finish to the Group I Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Martin battled some personal issues in the years following Typhoon Zed's victory in the 2008 Galaxy and said he considered walking away from racing a few years ago.

"She's probably the reason I didn't give training away," Martin said.

"We're rebuilding the stable at the moment so this win means a lot.

"It's been a good journey recently."

Heavens Above was a bit slow to start before Angland was forced "to give her a bit of a squeeze" to secure the spot in running the jockey wanted.

"I used a bit more of her than I wanted to early but we found a lovely spot and she travelled sweetly for me," he said.

"She kept dragging me into runs and when I was able to push French Emotion out of the way to get off the back off Dixie Blossoms early in the straight, she quickened up sharply which told me I'd be in the finish."

Heavens Above ($26) mowed down the Andrew Noblet's Silent Sedition ($9) to win by a short-half-head with a short-head back to the Kris Lees-trained Danish Twist ($19) in third.

"Over the moon for Timmy and Reg. They've been massive supporters of mine since I've come home from Hong Kong so to get them a Group I with this wonderful little mare is very satisfying," Angland said.

"If they all tried as hard as she does it would make a jockey's job so much easier."

Brenton Avdulla, the rider of the $4.40 favourite Omei Sword said post-race his mount was "beaten by the barrier (19)" but after the three-year-old filly made up plenty of ground in the straight to finish seventh, she was found to have bled from both nostrils and incurred the mandatory three month ban from racing.

Martin said it was likely Heavens Above would have her next start in the Group I Doncaster Mile and her quote was halved by bookmakers following the win, firming from $51 into $26.

The victory was Heavens Above's fifth from 21 starts and took the daughter of Street Cry's earnings to more than $940,000.

7th January, 2017

Form analyst Ron Dufficy summed it up perfectly calling King Darci “Mr Consistency” after his solid win in the TAB HANDICAP (1400M) at Warwick Farm today.

The 4yo Darci Brahma gelding has proven to be a model of consistency throughout his career and his connections were today rewarded with his third and most significant win, picking up a handy pay day of $54,000.

“He is just such a genuine horse”, commented David Mourad.

“He puts in 100 percent every single time and you just wish you had a stable full of horses like him”, Import Racing’s Director said.

Ridden very nicely by Adam Hyeronimus, the win gave the in form hoop a double for the day.

“He’s been racing very consistently”, commented Adam

“We’ve gone back in distance and that was my only worry, but credit goes to Tim (Martin). He’s a very good trainer and he knows his horses inside out” said Hyeronimus.

Tim Martin initially planned to send King Darci to the paddock more than a month ago but he just couldn’t bring himself to end the preparation as the horse just kept thriving.

He and his team at Rosehill have done an enormous job with King Darci and all credit goes to them for a very successful preparation.

King Darci has had 13 starts for 3 wins, 4 seconds and 2 thirds and has earned $137,370.

Congratulations to all of the connections in King Darci for another great win!

6th December, 2016

On Sunday (4th December) Tim Martin's strike rate dropped to 1 winner in every 4.3 starters when NZ Derby nominated Victime de L'amour produced what the stable knew he was always capable of doing and won easily over 1550m at Hawkesbury.

Victime de L’amour (Blake Spriggs) also jumped from an outside barrier to take the lead and then pulled away from the field, putting 4 lengths on his rivals, to complete the running double for Martin (The Hipster winning the race prior).

Spriggs was delighted with the way the horse went and said the further we would have gone the further he would have won by.

This was a step up in distance for the Al Maher gelding and he handled it, and the weight of 59kg, with ease.

“He is a big, strong, good looking animal with plenty of scope and I have no doubt he will compete over longer distances”, I am very pleased for the ownersMr J Webb, Mr M D Keating, Mrs S J Keating, Mr M S Haidar, Mr C E Grah and Mr B Hogden, who also have a great relationship with Blake Spriggs" said Martin

Over the past 6 months Tim Martin Racing has become one of the most in-form stables in the country, elevating Martin’s win strike rate to a very impressive 1 in every 4.3 runners.

Martin went on to put this down to the team around him. “The guys in the stables have really taken ownership of the horses and treat them like their own. My track work riders Yusuke Ichikawa, Claire Nutman and Matt Vella have done a great job and we have a good management structure that allows me to really focus on getting the best out of the individual horses, train them accordingly and produce winners.” said Martin

Victime de L'amour is by Al Maher out of She's Lovely and he has had 4 starts for 1 win and 2 seconds and has earned $34,135 in prize money.

6th December, 2016

"The minute he got to the front I was pretty confident he would win the race" said Tim after very promising Rothesay gelding, The Hipster, won his maiden start by 2.8L yesterday at Hawkesbury over 1100m.

The Hipster jumped from an outside barrier and with a perfect ride from Adam Hyeronimus he got the lead and controlled the race to sprint home the winner by 2.8 lengths on his rivals.

"He felt good and has plenty of ability. I think he will be a very good city class horse. It was his first start and to win like that was impressive" said Hyeronimus.

Martin, who was unable to attend due to the breaking in and pre-training duties at his farm, Heritage Park, watched the race and was not surprised by the result at all.

"It was mentioned on TV that this might have got under my guard but it didn't. I have a serious opinion of this animal and he proved my thoughts right. He is an athletic fella with plenty of raw ability and my only concern was that he might get caught out wide or in traffic. The second he got to the front I thought we might have this sewn up as it would have taken a serious horse to take the lead off him"

The Hipster is by Rothesay out of an O'Reilly mare and we all know how their progeny perform. It has taken him a bit of time to get to the track because of a paddock accident that has left him with a bit of a superficial battle scar on his off side knee and apart from that he is a quality looking individual.

"I was delighted for Mr and Mrs Clift who have had to deal with the healing process and recover of the paddock accident and I am sure this will make up for the frustration. There is plenty more left in this bloke and I look forward to a few more days like today".

The Hipster is a 3 year gelding by Rosthesay out of Laravissante and he has had 1 start for 1 win and has earned $16,800 in prize money.

24th November, 2016

King Darci notched up his second and most significant win to date when impressively taking out race 5 #THERACES HANDICAP (1400 METRES) at Warwick Farm yesterday.

The 4yo son of Darci Brahma ridden by Tye Angland travelled nicely in 3rd place behind the breakaway leader Rock Of Mahal and Godolphin’s Relaxed in second place.

He showed plenty of will and determination to chase home strongly and reel in Rock Of Mahal, hitting the lead at the 75m mark going on to win by nearly 2 lengths.

Import Racing’s Director David Mourad was thrilled with the win stating "It was a very good ride from Tye Angland, and King Darci did a super job in chasing down the tear-away leader”.

“The downpour before the race probably helped in taking the sting out of the track which certainly suited our horse", said David.

Jockey Tye Angland commented after the race, “He jumped a little bit awkward but fell into stride straight away”.

“The race panned out perfect, I was probably a little bit concerned cornering because Timmy (Tim Clark) really turned up the ante and our horse dropped the bridle for a few strides but the further he got the better he got and it was a good strong win”, said Angland.

The win helped take King Darci’s trainer Tim Martin's strike rate to 1 winner in 4.9 starters.

Tim was very pleased with the effort of King Darci stating, "That was his best win to date".

"I was pleased to see him put in the hard yards and chase down Bjorn Baker's horse, Rock Of Mahal, and draw clear on the line and judging by the run today I think he will perform at the mile", said Tim.

Martin also cheekily went on to say "Tye rode him extremely well and may have had some aerodynamic assistance from his porn star Movember moustache... I hope the stewards don't call him in for that".

King Darci has been a model of consistency showing improvement in almost every one of his starts. Throughout his 10 career races, he has always put in 100% and never gives up.

He has only missed out on a placing on a few occasions and has never been beaten by more than 2.6 lengths.

Kind Darci is a 4yo gelding by Darci Brahma out of La Serenade and he has had 10 starts for 2 wins, 3 seconds and 1 third taking his career earnings to $55,370.

Congratulations to a big syndicate of happy owners in King Darci

Import Racing, Mr D Wilden-Constantin, Mr P Adamis, Mr J Scrimizzi, Mr B Scrimizzi, Mr D J Stonestreet, Mr M A Napolitano, Mr H J Smith, Mr R W Walker, Mr P Verga, Mr R D Peterson, Mr S Belvedere, Mr C Camilleri, Mr M Tognolini, Mr F Currao

Watch the replay here - http://racing.racingnsw.com.au/FreeFields/VideoResult.aspx?MeetDate=2016Nov23&VenueCode=MzMxNjMyMA==&RaceNumber=5&MeetingCategory=Professional&VideoFileType=FullReplay

Photo Courtesy: Bradley Photographers

24th September, 2016

A word of advice from retired jockey Darren Beadman helped give Jason Collett the confidence to win the Group II Shannon Stakes (1500m) aboard Tim Martin's Moral Victory at Rosehill on Saturday.

"Ride the horse as you know it, don't try to ride the race," Beadman said to Collett in a conversation earlier in the day.

Such a simple message could easily have been misconstrued, but the words resonated with the New Zealander.

Soon after the gates opened, many of the riders seemed intent on making Gai Waterhouse's Caped Crusader ($4.80) work overtime to take up his customary position in the lead, but Collett elected to let the frantic pace unfold in front of him.

As a result, Moral Victory ($5) was allowed to conserve energy along the rails in fifth position before bursting through an opening in the straight and overtaking the tiring Caped Crusader.

The winning margin was 1-1/4 lengths while the Chris Waller-trained Cosmic Cube ($9) finished another two lengths back in third. The time of 1:28.06 set a new race record, an honour previously held by the 2003 winner Sportsman.

It was a second consecutive win for Moral Victory, after the seven-year-old gelding stunned punters in a benchmark race at the same track a fortnight ago, saluting at $31.

"He has never gone better, he is well and truly on song," Martin said.

"That's why we got him back and at the races."

In winning the $175,000 event, Moral Victory gained ballot exemption for next Saturday's Group I Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick however Martin indicated that Heavens Above, which finished a solid sixth in the Group II Golden Pendant (1400m) 40 minutes earlier, would be the sole runner for the stable in the mile feature.

Caulfield's Group I Toorak Handicap (1600m) on October 8 is the race Martin has pegged for Moral Victory.

19th September, 2016

King Darci proved a class above the rest at Goulburn on Sunday with a comfortable win, breaking his maiden in the OH BEHAVE 4YO+ MAIDEN PLATE (1300 METRES) by nearly 4 lengths.

The promising son of Darci Brahma has never been far off the mark, placing in 3 of his 6 previous races whilst only finishing out of the top 4 placings on one occasion.

Trainer Tim Martin was very confident going into the race stating in his pre-race comments,

“I think he can win the race. He comes in very well under the set weights conditions and I don’t think they will beat him”

It was jockey Christian Reith’s first ride on King Darci and he rode him extremely well considering drawing awkwardly in barrier 13 of 14. King Darci jumped away cleanly but was forced to race wide.

Christian kept his cool throughout the race and King Darci showed a good turn of foot to kick clear at the 300m mark, never looking in doubt.

King Darci is the first runner and now first winner for the Import Racing/Tim Martin combination and he looks set for bigger and better things.

Congratulations to all of the patient owners in King Darci. It was a well overdue and a most deserving win.

Watch the replay here

Be a part of the action! Shares available in a ripping Ocean Park colt to be trained by Tim Martin.

Click below to view

 http://www.importracing.com.au/syndication

11th September, 2016

A blanket finish to Saturday’s Group III Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill with five horses spread across the track with the Tim Martin-trained Heavens Above earning the judges verdict.

Far from the best to begin, Tye Angland had Heavens above on the fence worse than midfield.

Angled out to the centre of the track on straightening, the daughter of Street Cry finished the best to defeat favourite Ravi (Redoute’s Choice) by a head with Magic Alibi (Star Witness) another neck away in third.

Martin indicated the 5yo mare would make her next start in the Group II Golden Pendant (1400m) at Rosehill in a fortnight before a possible shot at the Group 1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick seven days later.

"The plan is to back her up into the Epsom after the Golden Pendant,” Martin said.

"I thought the trip might be too short for her today but she was well placed under the set weights.

"Because she’s a backmarker she’s been unlucky at times but it was a great ride, a very brave ride."

Winner of the Group III Aspiration Stakes (1600m) and runner-up to Azkadellia in the Group I Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) last autumn, Heavens Above advances her overall record to 4 wins, 5 seconds and 4 thirds from 16 starts with earnings of $583,770.

A homebred for Reg Kemister, Heavens Above failed to make her $180,000 reserve at the 2013 Inglis Easter Yearling sale.

A half-sister to $213,000 earner Pindan Pearl, Heavens Above is the second foal and second winner for the hard-knocking Germano (GB) mare Reggie who won 12 and placed in 14 of her 55 starts for Peter Moody.

She won the Group III BTC Premier's Cup over 2200m and a pair of Listed races over 2400m.

Purchased out of the 2009 Magic Millions National Broodmare sale for $240,000, Reggie is a granddaughter of Crackapon (Le Fripon) a Group III winner in New Zealand and second in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks.

After three years of not having a live foal, Reggie produced a Sebring filly last spring and was bred back to I Am Invincible.

10th September, 2016

The hype around promising talents Sir Bacchus and Bullrush was lessened after the Tim Martin-trained Moral Victory caused a boil over in the #theraces Handicap (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Sir Bacchus, trained by Chris Waller, was striving for his sixth career win from 10 starts while the Hawkes Racing-trained Bullrush was aiming to keep an undefeated record in tact at his sixth outing.

Not surprisingly the pair dominated betting, with Sir Bacchus starting the $2.45 favourite ahead of Bullrush at $3.30.

But neither were able to place in the nine horse contest as Moral Victory ($31) emerged from the pack to defeat Gai Waterhouse’s Caped Crusader ($10) by a length.

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Suspense ($9) was another half-length away in third.

"He’s just missing the start and you can’t afford to do it with this weight, you can’t afford to do it with any weight and it’s costing him,” Sir Bacchus’ rider Hugh Bowman said after the pair crossed the line in fourth.

Bullrush was just behind the favourite in fifth.

"He went too keen early then the winner took off before the turn and it was all too much for him today.

He got tired late,” Bullrush’s jockey Tommy Berry said.

Martin revealed he had considered trialling Moral Victory instead of running on Saturday but was swayed in his decision by the horse’s trackwork on Monday.

"He worked so well on Monday, I decided to send him to the races instead,” Martin said.

Martin indicated that Moral Victory may head to Melbourne this campaign in search of stakes win.

"His benchmark rating here is getting up so we’ll look at a couple of stakes races in Melbourne,” he said.

6th September, 2016

Racing NSW chairman John Messara announced a raft of prizemoney increases across metropolitan, provincial and country racing sectors in New South Wales on Tuesday.

Messara described the news of the prizemoney boost as a "watershed day or red letter day” for New South Wales racing participants.

In Financial Year 2012, total prizemoney in NSW was $118.9 million. From October 1, 2016 total prizemoney in the state will have rocketed to more than $202 million per annum.

Messara said the additional funding came from "the confluence of a number of outcomes” including "race fields (legislation), digital rights and of course (tax) parity”.

"After today’s announcement, New South Wales will be one of the great racing jurisdictions in the racing world,” Messara said. "And I’m talking worldwide.

"Other than the closed if you like jurisdictions such as Japan and Hong Kong, the return to owners will be superior to any other jurisdiction.”

He described the new prizemoney model as "sustainable”.

"This is not a once-a, this is something that will go forward into the future for metropolitan, provincial and country racing,” he said.

"The increases we are announcing today are targeted to invigorate every section of the racing economy and the benefits should trickle down to all participants.”

The prizemoney increases and other initiatives come into effect from October 1 while TAB country prizemoney levels were increased to $20,000 on July 1.

• Metropolitan Saturday minimum prizemoney increasing to $100,000 per race or almost 18 percent from $85,000.

• Provincial minimum prizemoney increasing to $30,000 per race or 36 percent from $22,000.

• Country TAB minimum prizemoney increased to $20,000 per race or 33 percent (from July 1, 2016) from $15,000.

• Country Sky 2 meetings minimum prizemoney increasing to $10,000 per race or 25 percent from $8000.

• Addition of an eighth race to 20 selected midweek and night ATC race meetings, injecting a further $800,000 in prizemoney.

• Inclusion of an $80,000 feature race on Australian Turf Club night meetings, injecting a further additional $320,000 in prizemoney.

• Group II minimum prizemoney level increasing to $200,000 per race or 14 percent from $175,000.

• Group III minimum prizemoney level increasing to $150,000 per race or 20 percent from $125,000.

• Listed Race minimum prizemoney level increasing to $125,000 per race or 25 percent from $100,000.

• Inclusion of a $150,000 feature race on selected metropolitan meetings.

• BOBS bonuses of $20,000 to be added to two and three-year-old Listed races.

• Country and Provincial Championships qualifying heats to be run for $150,000.

• A fortnightly $40,000 provincial maiden race on selected meetings.

• Thirty $40,000 country restricted maiden races on selected Showcase meetings.

Messara also said there will be more prizemoney increases in the coming years as the NSW industry gain full benefit of the tax parity agreement package announced by the government in June last year.

"As we know parity is being ceded to us over a five-year period,” Messara said. "As additional levels of parity come into play there are a few other areas that we seek to also achieve.

"These include midweek and public holiday meetings. We have a $45,000 target for midweeks and a $55,000 target for public holiday meetings.

"Also there’s been some increases in Group II, Group III and Listed races but we have higher aspirations and they will be met as parity comes into full play over the coming years.

"There’s one other aspect that bites at our craw. That’s cost to owners but we will continue to work on that and hopefully have some more good announcements in the coming years.”

25th August, 2016

The first Group 1 race in Australia for the new season has attracted a phenomenal field, with seven Group 1 winners among the 14-horse line-up for the Group 1 A$500,000 New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday.

Five of those seven Group 1 winners are New Zealand-bred, and four of them are graduates of New Zealand Bloodstock sales.

Prince of Penzance (NZ) (Pentire) rose to stardom last November with his stunning victory in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup. He was purchased by John Foote Bloodstock for $50,000 at the 2011 Premier Sale.

A $45,000 Select Sale purchase by Rick Connolly Bloodstock, Tarzino (NZ) (Tavistock) won twice at Group 1 level last season, claiming the Victoria Derby in Melbourne in the spring and the Rosehill Guineas in Sydney in the autumn.

Another son of Tavistock, Tavago (NZ), was a runaway winner of the Group 1 Australian Derby at Randwick. He was a $60,000 purchase by Craig Oldfield at the 2014 Premier Sale.

Rising Romance (NZ) (Ekraar) has proven her class at Group 1 level in the past, finishing second in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup in 2014.

Reigning NZB Filly of the Year Sofia Rosa (NZ) (Makfi) won two stakes races in her homeland, was second in the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks and then ended her three-year-old campaign with victory in the Group 1 Australian Oaks in Sydney. She was a $65,000 purchase by Bruce Perry Bloodstock at the 2014 Select Sale.

The other Group 1 winners in this year’s NZB Memsie Stakes field are the Darren Weir-trained pair of Palentino (Teofilo), who won the Australian Guineas at Flemington, and the Goodwood Handicap victor Black Heart Bart (Blackfriars).

The chances aren’t limited to those seven stars, with the likes of Lord Of The Sky (Danerich), Alpine Eagle (High Chaparral), Mahuta (Flying Spur) andTally (Street Cry) also boasting impressive credentials.

The Group 1 NZB Memsie Stakes is the second leg of the New Zealand Bloodstock Caulfield Spring Weight-for-Age Championship, which is comprised of the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m), the Group 1 NZB Memsie Stakes (1400m), the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) and the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m).

With A$1.8 million in stakes up for grabs over the four-race series, the ultimate winner of the Championship will receive trophies to the value of $15,000.

The winner of Saturday’s race will be awarded 10 points, with points given back to eighth place.

At the top of the current leaderboard for the NZB Caulfield Spring WFA Championship is Miss Rose De Lago (Encosta De Lago), sitting on 10 points after her victory in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes.

The New Zealand Bloodstock Memsie Stakes will be held as Race 7 and is scheduled to run at 4.10pm AEST.

News from New Zealand Bloodstock

2nd August, 2016

Waikato Stud have made another clean sweep of the stallion titles.

The Matamata farm has dominated the awards in recent times and it was more of the same in a highly satisfying 2015-2016.

Savabeel was the star of the show by claiming the Grosvenor Award for the New Zealand sires’ premiership and the Dewar Award (champion NZ-based sire by Australasian progeny earnings) and the Centaine Award (champion NZ-based sire by global progeny earnings).

"Savabeel has done a wonderful job world-wide,” stud principal Mark Chittick said.

"At home, he’s been outstanding with the likes of Group One winners Kawi and Sound Proposition and in Australia his daughter Lucia Valentina has always been at the top level.

"The way she won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes was fantastic and, interestingly, Savabeel has also produced six two-year-old stakes winners.

"He’s extremely versatile and, once again, the way his yearlings sold at Karaka showed that the Australians love him.”

Associate sire Pins also enjoyed another strong season with his chief flagbearer the international Group One winner Aerovelocity.

"Pins just keeps leaving stakes winners and he always seem to have a top class horse or two around, he’s been terrific,” Chittick said.

Meanwhile, the farm is looking forward to spring appearances of the first racing crop of young sires Ocean Park and Rock ‘N’ Pop.

"They will be hitting the tracks and that’s going to be really exciting for us – the chat around them has been good from those with them,” Chittick said.

Meanwhile, Sacred Falls made an excellent start to his stud career in 2015 with 130 mares in foal. O’Reilly’s son returned home after an illustrious racing career that netted him four Group One titles and he became the first colt in 50 years to claim consecutive Doncaster Handicaps. – NZ Racing Desk.

5th March, 2016

The Tim Martin-trained Heavens Above scored a deserved black type win in the Group III Aspiration Quality (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Heavens Above ($3.20 fav) raced in less than ideal circumstances, travelling back and wide in a slowly run affair, but had an electrifying sprint at the end of the mile to deny initial leader All Cerise a fifth consecutive win.

Martin admitted he was concerned with the way the race was run before commending the initiative shown by Heavens Above's jockey Christian Reith.

"I was worried, they weren't going very hard in front and Hughie (Bowman – rider of All Cerise) stacked them up but I was pleased Christian (Reith) got on his bike early

"I thought – has he gone too soon? But it was the right move.

"I'm a bit disappointed she hasn't won more races but she's going great, I'm very happy."

The Aspiration victory took the mare's record to three wins and seven placings from 12 starts while for Martin, it was the Rosehill-based trainer's first stakes success since 2012.

The Waller-trained All Cerise ($9) held for second, beaten half a length while Godolphin mare Alegria ($5) another 1-1/2 lengths back in third.

Martin nominated the Group III Epona Stakes (1900m) for fillies and mares at Rosehill on Golden Slipper day as a likely target for Heavens Above.

20th January, 2016

One of the biggest attractions of New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales Series is the great value buyers find each year.

With a combined Sale average of $75,000, the National Yearling Sales Series delivers results that pack plenty of punch with 21 Group 1 winners last season alone.

Last season's 21 individual Group 1 winners won 25 Group 1 races in five different countries. The total cost of the 21 was just over $3m at an average of $146,056. In total, they have earned over $23m, an average of over $1m each, with purchase prices ranging from just $8,000 through to $700,000.

AerovelocityAerovelocityOne of the Group 1 winners was Hong Kong's Champion Sprinter  Aerovelocity (NZ) (Pins) who landed three Group 1 wins last season in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint, Japan's Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen and Singapore's Group 1 KrisFlyer Sprint. Purchased for NZ$120,000, he has earned NZ$4,853,279 in prizemoney - a phenomenal 40 times his purchase price for trainer Paul O'Sullivan.

"Karaka is the value sale of the world where you can find a horse of the highest class," commented O'Sullivan.

Three Group 1 winners during this season's spring came from the Premier Sale, costing a total of NZ$500,000 at an average of NZ$166,000 yet have combined earnings of over A$7.5m – an average of A$2.5m won by each horse.

History making Group 1 Melbourne Cup winner Prince of Penzance (NZ) (Pentire) cost just NZ$50,000 at the Premier Sale and has earned a staggering A$4.4m – 88 times his purchase price.

The Chris Waller trained Preferment (NZ) (Zabeel), winner of the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes this season, cost NZ$190,000 and has earned over A$1.5m - nearly eight times what his ex-pat kiwi trainer bought him for. Stablemate Kermadec (NZ) (Teofilo), winner of the Group 1 George Main Stakes this season, cost NZ$260,000 and has amassed A$2.5m in stakes - eight times more than his purchase price.

The Select Sale continues to produce Group 1 winners from modest outlays. With a Sale average of around $45,000 each year, there have been 27 Group 1 races won by graduates of the Sale over the past three seasons.

Tarzino Tarzino The current season has seen a flying start by Select Sale graduates with Mongolian Khan (Holy Roman Emperor) and Tarzino (NZ) (Tavistock) both purchased from the Sale. Together they cost a total of $185,000 and have earned over 35 times that amount.

Multiple Group 1 winner Mongolian Khan had a brilliant return on investment, after being purchased for NZ$140,000 he has now earned over A$4m, while Group 1 Victoria Derby winner Tarzino cost only NZ$45,000 and has earned over A$1m.

Other examples of brilliant return on investments include Sacred Falls (NZ) (O'Reilly), winner of $4.7m in prizemoney - over 29 times his purchase price of NZ$160,000, and Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel), a NZ$60,000 purchase that has earned over A$1.6m - 27 times her purchase price.

Dual hemisphere star So You Think (NZ) (High Chaparral) was purchased for just $110,000 at Karaka before winning 10 Group 1 races and earning A$8.9m in prizemoney – over 80 times his purchase price.

New Zealand bred horses are proven Group 1 performers in Australasia but also in Asia.

Along with Aerovelocity, last year's Singapore Horse of the Year War Affair (NZ) (O'Reilly) was purchased for $90,000 and has earned over $2.5m – 27 times his purchase price.

New Zealand Bloodstock's National Yearling Sales Series continues to be the place to find Group 1 winning racehorses at great prices.

25th November, 2015

Import Racing couldn’t have asked for a better start when 3yo Darci Brahma colt King Darci won his first trial at Rosehill on Tuesday morning.

Ridden by Ms Winona Costin, King Darci flew the gates and led from start to finish, beating the Hawkes galloper Maya Maya by 1 ¼ lengths.

Ms Costin commented after the trial, “He jumped well and showed plenty of speed. I really liked the way he pinned his ears back and just kept finding”.

Trained at Rosehill by Tim Martin, King Darci is Import Racing’s first syndicated horse and it was a great start to a promising young business.

“What better way to kick things off with a nice trial performance from our first horse.” Import Racing’s Director David Mourad commented.

“You don’t win prizemoney for trials but it was great to see him perform so well at his first outing.”

“Tim has done a great job with him so far and he will no doubt benefit from the experience.”

King Darci was purchased from the draft of Mana Park at the highly successful NZB Ready To Run Sale in 2014 for $85,000 NZD.

8th May, 2015

New Zealand-bred Gust Of Wind (Darci Brahma) gave her more fancied rivals a lesson in staying to win last Saturday’s ATC Australian Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) on a soft track at Randwick.

Trainer John Sargent, something of an Oaks specialist having prepared Kirramosa (Alamosa) to win the 2013 VRC Oaks (Gr 1, 2500m) and Quintessential (Fast ‘N’ Famous) to capture the 2012 Queensland Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m), has taken Gust Of Wind from a 1400 metre Scone Maiden victory on 23 February to Classic success on 11 April at only her fifth race start.

While some doubted Gust Of Wind’s form credentials to win an Oaks, there is no doubt she has the right type of pedigree and now looks a rare bargain at the NZ$90,000 she cost at the 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Yearling Sale.

Gust Of Wind’s Classic win completed a very satisfying week for her yearling vendor Wentwood Grange which at the same sale also offered Monday’s impressive Doncaster Mile (Gr 1, 1600m) winner Kermadec (Teofilo) while at an earlier Karaka auction the farm sold Tremec (Zabeel), winner of the Chairman’s Handicap (Gr 2, 2600m) on the first day of The Championships.

The 21st stakes winner and fifth Group One winner for her sire Darci Brahma (Danehill), Gust Of Wind joins 2012 New Zealand Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Artistic, Irish Fling, Nashville and Recite as winners at the highest level for her sire who stands at The Oaks Stud, Cambridge, where he retired in 2007.

Darci Brahma (2002) represents thoroughbred royalty being by the fabulous Danehill (Danzig) from SAJC Australasian Oaks (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Grand Echezeaux (Zabeel), a three-parts sister to high class performer Romanee Conti (Sir Tristram), more famous as the dam of Ethereal (Rhythm), winner in 2001 of the Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) / Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) double and also of the 2001 QTC Queensland Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) and the 2002 The BMW (registered as the HE Tancred Stakes) (Gr 1, 2400m).

As a racehorse Darci Brahma was ranked as New Zealand’s champion two-year-old of 2004/05, champion three-year-old of 2005/06 and champion sprinter at four years in 2006/07.

His best win as a two-year-old was actually in Australia, the TJ Smith Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) at the Brisbane winter carnival, but he was then returned to New Zealand to race as a three-year-old, winning the Two Thousand Guineas (Gr 1,1600m) and the Otaki Maori Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m).

He trained on at four years to win two more big races, the Telegraph Handicap (Gr 1, 1200m) and the Waikato Draught Sprint (Gr 1, 1400m) and also twice finished second in Group One races.

Gust Of Wind is a half-sister to the maiden winner Little Geisha (Danehill Dancer) from imported Starrystarrynight (Sadler’s Wells), winner of two middle distance races in Ireland and second in a Listed race at Curragh.

By an Irish 2000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1m) winner out of a mare by an English Derby (Gr 1, 1m4f) winner, Starrystarrynight is a sister to Starbourne (Sadler’s Wells), a Listed winner in Ireland, third in the Irish One Thousand Guineas (Gr 1, 1m) and fourth in The Oaks (Gr 1, 1m4f) at Epsom.

With The Fairies (Fairy King), a three-quarter sister to Starrystarrynight, was imported to Australia and while she left no winners of note several of her daughters have made a greater contribution.

Gust Of Wind’s third dam Odeon (Royal And Regal) was a stakes winner and placegetter and one of her daughters bred Lady Carla (Caerleon), winner of The Oaks at Epsom and later a useful producer.

Odeon was one of four winners left by the placegetter Cammina (Hornbeam), another being the stakes winner Princess Bonita (Native Prince).

Cammina’s winning daughter Habina (Habitat) was imported to Australia, winning races in Perth before producing eight winners, most notably Western Ace (Sanhedrin), a stakes winner in Melbourne and Sydney. Cammina is also third dam of the high class Australian stayer Grooming (Nassipour), winner of 11 races, among them the 1992 Brisbane Cup (Gr 1, 3200m).

We then come to Gust Of Wind’s remarkable fifth dam, Zanzara (Fairey Fulmar), dam of no fewer than 14 winners, five of them black type winners, from 16 foals to race.

Outstanding sprinter Matatina (Grey Sovereign), born in 1960, was the first of Zanzara’s foals to hit the headlines but her next foal, Showdown (Infatuation), a Group One-winning two-year-old and later a top miler, was her best although her later foals included Enrico (Sica Boy), Farfalla (Crocket) and Duke Ellington (Prince Tenderfoot), all feature race winners. Duke Ellington later had limited success as a sire in NSW.

Showdown, on the other hand, proved to be one of the most important stallions of his era when purchased at a then record price to stand at Stockwell Stud in Victoria. He was twice champion sire in Australia in 1975/76 and 1977/78 and is still a factor in Australian pedigrees after leaving 41 stakes winners, among them such stars as Dual Choice, Impede, Kapalaran, Kiss Me Cait, Leica Show, Love a Show, Love Bandit, Palaban, Royal Show, Show Ego, Silver Sharpe, The Judge (sire of Zeditave), Tontonan and Toy Show.

Gust of Wind is bred on the same broad cross (Danehill on Sadler’s Wells) as Frankel (Galileo) but in reverse and apart from an almost obligatory double of Northern Dancer (Nearctic) she has, like many top flight female performers, linebreeding to important mares, in her case Special (Forli) and Natalma (Native Dancer).

By Les Young, ANZ Bloodstock News, 15 April 2015.

9th February, 2015

Another Coup pressed her claims for a trip north when she produced a powerhouse performance to come up trumps in the Listed Dunedin Guineas.

Darci BrahmaDarci BrahmaThe filly came from the tail of the field at Wingatui to claim major honours in the ABC Business Sales-sponsored event and provide connections with further encouragement for a crack at next month’s Gr.1 Wellfield New Zealand Oaks.

Another Coup was at a three figure quote for the classic, but has now been cut from $101 to $41 for the March 14 feature at Trentham.

Raced and bred by prominent southern thoroughbred identity Ray Coupland and his wife Jill, she is trained at Riccarton by Michael Pitman and his son Matthew and her victory continued rider Lisa Allpress’ successful association with the stable.

"Trentham has been the aim for her all the way through,” Matthew Pittman said.

"We’ll get her home and work out where to go next, but she’s always been the right type to get over a bit more ground.”

Another Coup had only one runner behind her in the early running and was still off the radar turning for home before Allpress set her alight and they stormed home in the straight to collar Querer by a neck.

"She was impressive and it was a good ride as well,” Pitman said.

Another Coup is a daughter of The Oaks Stud’s Darci Brahma and she capped a good day for the Cambridge farm’s general manager Rick Williams.

He shares in the ownership of the Tauherenikau maiden winner Eyesonyou and the minor juvenile placegetter Honor That.

The rugged qualities of the Barrie and Nicki Blatch-owned and trained Sureasyouwereborn were to the fore in the Listed Fire & Mechanical Dunedin Gold Cup.

Under Robert Hannam, she dragged the field up to the runaway pacemaker Puddle Alley and rallied doggedly in the run home to deny My Chino and the late-finishing Eva Keeneva. – NZ Racing Desk.

24th November 2014

The money was hot for 2yo Filly, WINDBORNE, at Avondale today, closing at $2.20 on the Tote, but her effort justified punters’ optimism. Drawing 6 at the barrier, she jumped well, but then was crossed by two horses from outside barriers, causing the daughter of DARCI BRAHMA to over-race for about 100 metres. However rider Matt Cameron eased out of the speed duel and let his mount come back under him and relax.

Turning for home WINDBORNE, as she did at Ellerslie with her debut win, took a few strides to balance up and then, with an electrifying turn of foot, sprinted away from her rivals, clear at the line by one and a half lengths. 

A full sister to the 3yo Filly, DARCI’S DREAM, who just one week ago ran 2nd in the Group One NZ Bloodstock 1000 Guineas, WINDBORNE is nominated for the Karaka Million event to be run at Ellerslie 25th January and will probably head to Ellerslie to tackle the Group Three Eclipse Stakes over 1200 metres on New Year’s Day as a final lead up race to the Karaka Million.

19th November, 2014

AVAILABLE SOON!!

IR has bought very well picking up an exceptional colt by top NZ Stallion DARCI BRAHMA out of the stakes placed mare LA SERENADE. Rated an A++ by Tubba, Lot 24 breezed up effortlessly in the slick time of 10.39s and has passed all our vigorous criteria requirements, including a low risk rating from Dr Murray Brightwell.

He is a half-brother to 2 winners, including the multiple stakes performer SHOW UP. This colt has not only proven he has above average ability, he has the pedigree to make him a winner.

Our colt is by son of DANEHILL, DARCI BRAHMA who was a 5 time Group 1 winner. He was voted New Zealand’s CHAMPION TWO-YEAR-OLD, CHAMPION THREE-YEAR-OLD, and MERCEDES CHAMPION SPRINTER at four.

From just his first three crops to race, Darci Brahma has sired 16 individual stakes winners, with 16 others stakes placed.  His stakes winners included FIVE GROUP 1 winners – Artistic, Irish Fling, Nashville, Recite and Super Easy; and among the GROUP 1 placed – Awesome Bro (AUS), Darci Be Good (AUS), Westsouthwest (AUS), Our Miss Jones (AUS), Chateauneuf Dupape, Aurora Lights, Blanket Bay and Waterford.

The dam LA SERENADE was an 8 time winner herself amassing over $170,000 in prize money earnings. Her career consisted of 25 starts for 8 wins and 4 placings including finishing a close second in the Listed QTC Lightning HCP. She has produced two multiple winners from just 3 runners, including 5 time winner SHOW UP who ran third in the Group 3 Breeders Stakes beaten only by a nose.

Trained by IR’s exclusive Group 1 winning trainer and top horseman Tim Martin, this colt will be in very good hands.

Our colt has the Action, Ability and the Attitude to be a winner and we are thrilled to bring you this opportunity to race a proven Imported Thoroughbred.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR INTEREST IN THIS COLT AND YOU CAN EXPECT TO RECIEVE MORE INFORMATION SOON.

19th November, 2014

From Wednesday at 11am, the first of almost 400 two-year-olds will go under the hammer at New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale of 2YOs.

With 34 years of experience, NZB's Ready to Run Sale has forged a reputation for producing genuine racehorses that perform at the highest level right around the world, and has garnered a strong international following.

Australian Hall of Fame trainer Gai Waterhouse is amongst those to recognise the opportunity this Sale presents buyers.

"New Zealand is the place I look to source the 'classic 3yo', the horse to win Guineas', Oaks' and Derbies' with," commented Waterhouse.

"The Ready to Run Sale is becoming more and more important. The specialised vendors take horses through to the next stage of education and development, and we have more information to base our buying decision on and less risk. Our owners win, we win."

The NZB Ready to Run Sale is celebrating a string of stellar results including:

·10 Group 1 winners in the past three seasons – the only Sale of its kind in Australasia to produce a Group 1 winner in that period.

·Back-to-back winners of the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas ( Atlante & Turn Me Loose).

·115 stakes wins in the past six seasons – the most of any comparable Sale.

·Double the number of stakes winners in the past three seasons of any two-year-old auction in Australasia.

·Stakes winners in New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong last season.

·Four Group 1 winners last season in Albany Reunion , Atlante , Glorious Days , Nashvilleand Singapore Group 1 winner Super Ninetyseven .

This year's Ready to Run Sale has attracted a catalogue of 396 two-year-olds, featuring:

·115 of the best sires from New Zealand and Australia.

·13 first season sires.

·Siblings to Group 1 winners Alinghi , Serenade Rose , Bel Sprinter , Titch , Guiseppina &Tully Tunder .

·49 siblings to stakes winners including Scapolo, Hinchinbrook, Folding Gear, Fears Nothing, Zacroona, Tinseltown and more.

·Offspring of Group 1 winners Aqua d'Amore , Dane Ripper , Foxwood , Miss Raggedy Ann & The Party Stand .

·40 two-year-olds from stakes winning racemares.

Every horse had the opportunity to Breeze Up at Te Rapa racecourse, with the final 200m of their work filmed and timed. Breeze Up clips can be viewed here, along with highlights fromDay 1 and Day 2 of the Breeze Ups.

The Ready to Run Sale Handbook, NZB's go-to guide for everything you need to know about the Sale, can beviewed here.

New Zealand Bloodstock's Ready to Run Sale commences at 11am on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 November and will be streamed live online at www.nzb.co.nz.

12/11/2014

Import Racing will be purchasing our first "Imported Thoroughbred" from the extremely successful NZB 2YO Ready To Run Sale held on the 19th and 20th of November.Import Racing will be heading over to New Zealand to specifically target thoroughbreds who have breezed up effortlessly in good time and are of course physically sound, correct and athletic. Each horse on our targeted list will have proven (through its breeze up) that is has a higher than average level of ability and will have passed all of our strict bloodstock agent and vet's examinations.We are not restricting ourselves to just colts and filly's. Our main aim is to purchase good race horses, so geldings will also be an option. We are in the game of racing horses; a breeding opportunity after racing will be an added bonus.We invite you to register your interest in becoming one of our very first owners before we advertise to the public. This is a great opportunity to race a proven 2YO thoroughbred that is not going to take an eternity to hit the track.Register your interest to receive an information pack once we have purchased our first thoroughbred.

10th October, 2014

New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready To Run Sale is the most successful sale of its kind, both in the ring and on the track. The Ready To Run sale has produced 115 Stakes Winners in the past six seasons, including 4 Group 1 winners in the 2013/2014 season alone.

Graduates of the sale have won nine Group 1 races in the last three years with no other Australasian 2YO sale producing any over that time. New Zealand has a reputation for producing quality, well-educated young horses.

Combine this with their rigorous safeguards to ensure the integrity of the sale for the protection of buyers, and it has proved to be the superior formula for success.

5th November, 2014

International galloper Protectionist has given Germany its first win in the 2014 Group I Melbourne Cup at Flemington on Tuesday.

The five-year-old entire, under the urgings of Cox Plate-winning jockey Ryan Moore, proved a class above his rivals defeating the Ed Dunlop-trained Red Cadeaux four lengths with the Chris Waller-trained Who Shot Thebarman in t The Germans have the football World Cup and now they have a Melbourne Cup after Protectionist eclipsed his rivals at Flemington.

Protectionist ran home well for fourth in the Group II Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at his Australian debut but trainer Andreas Wohler decided to bypass to Caulfield Cup to focus on the Melbourne Cup.

Wohler booked Cox Plate-winning jockey Ryan Moore to partner Protectionist. The English jockey weaved a passage through the field from the 1000m before the stallion drove clear beat the grand UK galloper Red Cadeaux by four lengths.

The Chris Waller-trained Who Shot Thebarman was third.

"He's won very easy like a very good horse,” Moore said. "They went a strong pace. There was a lot of speed early on, and I was struggling for position, so I dropped back on the rail.

"I followed Mutual Regard before he gave in and I was just searching for splits and I had so much horse underneath me."

Wohler lauded to Moore's ride on Protectionist, who became the second son of Monsun to win the Melbourne Cup in successive years after Fiorente claimed the event last year.

Wohler said winning the Melbourne Cup was his greatest success in a training career includes big-race wins in the US, France and England to accompany his German triumphs.

"We've had great successes all over the world, but this is overwhelming. This is the biggest of all,” Wohler said.

"This is unbelievable, it won't be until later until you think about it. It's a moment you don't forget in your life. It's a big achievement from the whole team. It was a long range plan.

"He stays. And he has a nice turn of foot which he has shown before. He just needed a smooth run and the jockey is great, because he has so patient with him. He just found the right gap and that's it."

Red Cadeaux's terrific performance left him in the runner-up's stall for the third time in a Melbourne Cup after going down narrowly to Dunaden in 2011 and chasing Fiorente last year.

Trainer Ed Dunlop marvelled at the chestnut's bravery but would not rule out bringing the gelding back for a fifth Melbourne Cup next year.

"I'd be disappointed if we didn't (come back), to be honest,” Dunlop said. "We've all seen champions and there have been better horses around the world but for him to do what he's done has been mind-boggling.

"What do you do? He loves racing and he doesn't want to sit in a field.

27th October, 2014

Irish galloper Adelaide has ensured another triumph for international horses during the Melbourne spring carnival with a stirring win in the $3 million WS Cox Plate.

A week after Admire Rakti's Caulfield Cup triumph for Japan, Adelaide came from last to beat Australia's weight-for-age stars in the Group One over 2,040m at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Trained by the Irish maestro Aidan O'Brien and ridden by English hoop Ryan Moore, Adelaide had to produce a 1000-metre run to chase down Fawkner to become the first international to take out the Cox Plate.

"He is a very good horse because he has done it the hard way," Moore said.

"From what I have seen of the Plate it's tricky, but usually the best horse wins, and the best horse sometimes has to do it a bit tougher.

"Things were against him but he got the job done.

"This horse has shown what a good colt he is, he's been around the world all year and has come down to Australia to round it off.

Adelaide started at $8 and came into the race quickly from the 600m. He was the deepest horse into the straight before getting the better of the favourite Fawkner ($5). New Zealand mare Silent Achiever ($23) returned to form to grab the minor placing.

The race was run at a ferocious tempo after it took expected leader The Cleaner 800m to find his favoured front-running role. The Cleaner tried to extend his margin at the 800m but he was swamped before the home turn as Adelaide went with two-tenths of a second of the race record.

Fawkner, last year's Caulfield Cup winner, was a gallant second for Nick Hall and owner Lloyd Williams, overcoming a slip at the start, when nearly going down on its nose. Nick Williams felt his horse, aimed at the race all preparation, showed his best but was simply beaten by a better galloper.

"He (jockey Nick Hall) said the horse stumbled coming out of the barriers and gave him a bit of a scare for a second," Williams said.

"That's no excuse for the horse. He ran to his absolute best and was beaten by a better one on the day.

Williams said he would wait and see whether Fawkner would back up for another tilt at the Melbourne Cup after finishing sixth in the race last year.

"We will see how he pulls up and take it from there. Don't worry about us all credit with the winners."

English galloper Side Glance was fourth. Adelaide had a short neck in hand over Fawkner with Silent Achiever a half-head away third. Foreteller was the first of Chris Waller's three horses to finish, winding up sixth, just ahead of last year's runner-up Happy Trails. Godolphin's Sweynesse was the first home of the three southern hemisphere-bred three-year-olds, finishing eighth. The Marco Botti-trained Guest Of Honour failed to complete the course.

18th October, 2014

Yet another telling statement of the strength of Japanese racing, or perhaps the paucity of Australia’s stayers, when Admire Rakti (JPN) carried top weight of 58 kgs to victory in Saturday’s $3 million Crown Golden Ale Caulfield Cup (2400m).

Trainer Tomoyuki Umeda said he was bemused by the weight allocated to the son of 7yo son of Heart’s Cry because he had not won a major race in Japan.

A Group III winner in his homeland and Group II placed, Admire Rakti earned his high rating with a fourth behind star mare Gentildonna in the Group 1 Japan Cup (2400m).

Ridden by Zac Purton, Admire Rakti travelled three wide with cover but had plenty to do to reel in Rising Romance who received a dream rails run to take what looked like a winning advantage.

But Admire Rakti was not to be denied with Purton easing him to a long-neck win with the favourite Lucia Valentina running on gamely for third. (photo Darryl Sherer)

Speaking through an interpreter Umeda said it was all systems go for the Melbourne Cup.

"We were very happy to be here and knew the horse was ready,” Umeda said.

"We’ll keep going now to the Melbourne Cup. His last win in Japan was over a similar distance so we’re expecting him to improve,” he said.

In winning his first Caulfield Cup, Zac Purton said it was a compliment to the strength of racing in Japan

"To win an Australian grand-slam is a huge thrill and this is something I’ll never forget,” he said.

"When I pulled him out at the top of the straight he just let down and was too good for them.

"We were three wide with a bit of cover, the Japanese horses love that.

"It’s the way they’re trained, and the way the races are run over there, that’s what they’re used to.”

"Their (Japan’s) industry is very strong, they breed really good quality, world class horses, these aren't the best they bring out, and when they bring out their ‘B’ and ‘C’ graders and still win it makes you appreciate how good they are back home.”

A first crop son of Sunday Silence stallion Heart’s Cry, Admire Rakti was purchased by the big spending Riichi Kondo for ¥33,600,000 (about $AUD350,000) at the JHRA Foal Sale.

Currently the second best son Sunday Silence at stud in Japan after Deep Impact, Heart’s Cry took some time to break through at the elite level, placing in the Tokyo Yushun, Takarazuka Kinen and Japan Cup before recording a huge upset when becoming the first horse to defeat Japanese Horse of the Year Deep Impact in the Arima Kinen.

After that Heart's Cry became a world traveller winning the Dubai Sheema Classic in the United Arab Emirates and finishing third behind Hurricane Run and Electrocutionist in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot.

He is who is enjoying a wonderful season taking the colts classic Tokyo Yushun (Derby) with One And Only and Yushun Himba (Oaks) with Nuovo Record.

In addition his son Just A Way defeated Deep Impact’s Champion daughter Gentildonna in the Group 1 Tenno Sho before travelling to Dubai to win the Group 1Dubai Duty Free. Back to Japan to win the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen, Just A Way was back on the plane to Paris for the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Hopelessly out of his ground early, Just a Way finished fast to run eighth behind Treve.

10th October, 2014

Imported galloper He’s Your Man worked home strongly to score a narrow win over Royal Descent in the 2014 Epsom Handicap at Royal Randwick.

He’s Your Man was caught wide in the early stages of the Epsom Handicap, while Royal Descent was settled just behind the leader, but jockey Joao Moreira was eventually able to settle He’s Your Man one off the fence.

Royal Descent responded well when asked for an extra effort by jockey Hugh Bowman and looked as though she had the race won at the 150 metre mark, but He’s Your Man threw himself at the line late to score his maiden Group 1 win by the narrowest of margins.

The owners of He’s Your Man and the Chris Waller stable were responsible for bringing Moreira to Australia to ride in the Super Saturday meeting at Royal Randwick this afternoon and the leading hoop was thrilled to record his maiden win at Group 1 level in Australia in the Epsom Handicap.

“He is a lovely horse and it was such great people to invite me to get here especially for this horse and we have done, the feeling couldn’t be any better,” Moreira said after the race.

“It is really, really special, I have chased a Group 1 win in Australia for probably four or five years and finally we have got there so that means a lot to me.”

Trainer Chris Waller was forced to make a difficult decision after He’s Your Man won the Group 3 Kingston Town Stakes (2000m) in impressive fashion at Rosehill Gardens on September 13 and was clearly delighted that his decision to run the Cape Cross gelding in the Epsom Handicap and not the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) had paid dividends.

The leading Sydney trainer was quick to pay credit to the ride of Moreira and was also delighted with the typically brave performance of Royal Descent in the Epsom Handicap.

“We got it right today and both horses ran very well,” Waller said.

“I have always maintained that you have to use the jockeys that are in form and there were some great jockeys to choose from, but for whatever reason we chose Joao.

“I like the fact that he had been in Australia before and ridden a few times, not with a lot of luck, but he had that experience and the Sydney racing scene is tough.

“The Randwick mile has been very good to me.

“She (Royal Descent) deserves to win one and hopefully it is the Cox Plate.”

He’s Your Man has shown plenty of versatility during his racing career in Australia, winning over 1500 metres, 1600 metres and 2000 metres, and Waller said that he has plenty of options with the five-year-old during the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival, but said that the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) looms as the most likely option for the imported galloper.

“The Mackinnon springs to mind,” Waller said.

“It is four weeks between runs and we have spaced his runs successfully in the past.

“Sure it is a weight-for-age and last year we went to the Moonga with Boban and then won the Emirates, so there are plenty of options.”

10th October, 2014

Chris Waller landed a two-state Group 1 double in the space of 15 minutes when his grand warrior Foreteller scored in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield.  Earlier that day Waller won the Group 1 George Main Stakes at Randwick with Sacred Falls.

The eight-year-old Foreteller has been a spring carnival constant since 2011 and has now won three group 1 races and earned $1.8 million in prizemoney. Waller's Melbourne stable boss Justine Hales confirmed a second tilt at the Cox Plate was now on Foreteller's agenda where he will most likely clash with Sacred Falls.

"It was lovely to see him win again. He always tries, he's very honest, " she said.

The gelding ran fourth in the Cox Plate last year and will be out to emulate Super Impose who won the weight-for-age championship as an eight-year-old in 1992. Ocean Park in 2012 is the last horse to complete the Underwood Stakes-Cox Plate double. Foreteller is $15 and Sacred Falls $12 in Cox Plate markets with TAB fixed odds.

Jockey Glen Boss paid tribute to Foreteller's longevity. "He's been competing at this level for five years; he's an amazing horse. He's just got a good vibe about him," he said. Boss said he waited as long as possible before asking Foreteller ($6.50) for the ultimate effort as he prevailed by a half head over Happy Trails ($10) in the $400,000 Underwood (1800 metres). "You've got to sneak up on him. He can be a trick to ride, but he's a pleasure to ride," he said.

10th October, 2014

Reliable Man made his debut at Saint-Cloud on 12 April, 2011 and within two months his record saw him unbeaten in three starts including victory in the Group 1 Chantilly Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby) over 2100m - replicating his sire Dalakhani and grandsire Darshaan as French Derby winners.

Trained by one of France’s best trainers, Alain Royer-Dupre (trainer of Melbourne Cup winner Americain), Reliable Man exhibited his class from day one with Royer-Dupre stating after his Prix du Jockey Club victory, "He's a horse of great quality. We decided on coming here after he won his first race at Saint-Cloud. He's got a lot of class, but it's all still very new to him".

As a four-year-old, Reliable Man returned in the Group 2 Prix Ganay at Longchamp where he finished third, just two lengths behind Cirrus des Aigles, subsequent victor of So You Think in the Champion Stakes at Ascot and rated the second best horse in the world in 2012, behind Frankel.

After two runs in France, Reliable Man headed across the channel to Great Britain taking on the best weight-for-age performers in Europe when contesting the Group 1 Prince of Wales Stakes at Royal Ascot. Reliable Man ran home strongly over the 10 furlongs (2000m) to finish close up in fourth behind So You Think, Carlton House, and Farhh.

A month later, Reliable Man returned to Ascot and stepped up in distance to the 1½ miles (2400m) of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Once again the grey stallion was ridden off the speed and finished strongly to be a close fourth for the second time in succession, beaten less than two lengths behind Danedream (Prix de l’Arc Triomphe winner), Nathaniel (dual G1 winner of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes), and St Nicholas Abbey (the winner of six Group 1 races).

Reliable Man transferred to Australia in late 2012 to be trained by leading conditioner, and expat Kiwi, Chris Waller.

Reliable Man made his Australian debut in the Group 1 ATC George Ryder Stakes over 1500m against a star-studded field which included the likes of Pierro, (King) Mufhasa, Shoot Out, Manighar, Danleigh, Veyron, Happy Trails, Solzhenitsyn, Fontelina and Rebel Dane.

Not having raced for six months, they grey stallion ran home impressively to finish close up in sixth place - just 1.5 lengths from the eventual winner Pierro, while (King) Mufhasa and Shoot Out, filled the minor placings.

Three weeks later Reliable Man headed to Randwick to run in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 2000m.

Reliable Man gave his opposition no opportunity for excuses as he sat on the speed and drew away in impressive fashion to win in the fastest time for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes since 1997 – stopping the clock at 2:01.8 for the 2000m. Budding superstar, and Derby winner, It’s A Dundeel headed the remainder of the field some 2.5 lengths in arrears of the European bred stallion.

Trainer, Chris Waller, was obviously delighted with the dominating victory of Reliable Man in the Queen Elizabeth, but this soon turned to tragedy when it was realised the horse had suffered an injury to his foreleg and had pulled up very lame past the winning post.

"I believe he would have taken all before him in Australian racing. He was clearly the next big thing on the scene." Waller stated.

Another to be very impressed by the performance of Reliable Man in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes was top jockey, Hugh Bowman, who from just one raceday ride on the horse said, “He gave me an unbelievable feel and he is just all quality, possibly the best I have ridden."

A dual Group 1 winner of A$1,900,000 with five wins and three placings from 14 starts, ten at Group 1 level, Reliable Man had little to improve upon on the track, and will now have the opportunity to continue the success of the sire line as stallions.

Reliable Man was a Group 1 winner at 2000m and 2100m and has a wonderful blend of speed and stamina within his family which explains the breath-taking turn of foot he possessed. The class of the grey stallion is undisputed and he will be a welcome addition to the New Zealand stallion ranks.  The acquisition of Reliable Man will see five Group 1 winners among Westbury Stud’s stallion roster in 2013.

10th Octobver, 2014

Imported favourite Fiorente rode to Melbourne Cup victory (2013) under jockey Damien Oliver in front of a full house at a sunny Flemington racecourse.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained five-year-old import, who took full advantage of a good barrier draw, stormed down the home straight to pip Red Cadeaux by three-quarters of a length in front of over 100,000 spectators.

In one of the most open races in recent Cup history, Fiorente held off the tough field to become the first favourite, at 6-1, to win since Makybe Diva triumphed in 2005.

The Irish stallion went one better than his second place in the previous year's race, proving too strong for his rivals in the final 200m of the 3,200m course. It was Oliver’s third Melbourne Cup victory, while Waterhouse – one of the most prominent figures in Australian racing - picked up her first win in the "race that stops a nation".

Red Cadeaux, who started at 60-1, mirrored his performance in 2011 by coming in second, with Mount Athos third. Simenon finished fourth and a third British-trained horse Dandino fifth. With the top five all hailing from foreign climes, it was left to Australian Fawkner to break up the international domination with sixth.

Brown Panther, owned and bred by former England footballer Michael Owen and the subject of much interest before the race, claimed eighth behind Ethiopia. But following Fiorente’s heroics, focus was firmly on the winner.