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While it may have been a long time between drinks for the extremely talented Better Land, fingers crossed that his victory at Ballarat on Thursday was the confidence booster the son of Shamardal needed to get him back to the level we know he is capable of!

A winner on debut before two narrow efforts behind Scissor Kick in the Listed Rosebud (second) and the Group 3 Up And Coming Stakes (fourth), everything hasn’t really not go to plan since.

Now four, trainer Peter Moody elected to give the Inglis Easter yearling purchase almost six months away from the track and after a pleasing length and a half third when resuming, Better Land managed to put it all together at Ballarat when contesting the Sportsbet Watch Live Benchmark 70 over 1400m.

Away well from the middle of the line for jockey Linda Meech, the four-year-old went forward and settled a few lengths off leader Ballinaclash in fourth, with race favourite Satya settled in second.

With the field staying in the same formation for most of the race, Better Land started to make his run once the field rounded the final bend.

Although Meech needed to give Better Land a reminder of why he was there, in the end it was somewhat a soft long neck win from Satya, and fingers crossed for his owners that all appears back on track with the well-bred stallion prospect.

Congratulations to fellow owners; R A Pegum, Laurel Oak Shamrock (Mgr: L J Mihalyka), Ramsey Pastoral Company Pty Ltd (Mgr: S B Ramsey), D J Tamblyn, R S Willis, Mrs J M Tamblyn, D J Tamblyn, R V 8 (Mgr: R V Dulhunty), M R Tudehope, B N E Hastie, M J Forsdick, A N Fitzgerald, Rdfit Pty Ltd (Mgr: S C Cook) and A W Reichard, as well as trainer Peter Moody and jockey Linda Meech.

To watch a reply of the victory, click the below image.

Despite the small field of just six runners, apprentice Jye McNeil struck peak hour traffic aboard Anaphora by running in dead ends throughout the Caulfield straight. But with the post looming, the flashy chestnut burst through the smallest of gaps to pinch a last stride victory for Mornington-based trainer Tony Noonan.

So disastrous did the situation appear, stable representative Jack Turnbull was forewarned he was being broadcast live on national television when asked for his thoughts on the final 100m.

“She just kept running into traffic that I didn’t think she was even going to run a place,” Turnbull said.

But when the photo finish flashed up on the big screen, the mounting yard erupted into cheers of jubilation for the large ownership group managed by stable client Laurel Oak Bloodstock.

“It’s great to have so many owners on course today.

“Most of them have been with us for a long time but there’s a few new faces. It’s just great to see so many people have a good day at the races.”

Settling towards the tail of the field, the 4-year-old Dylan Thomas mare traveled kindly for McNeil who had the benefit of galloping the mare earlier in the week.

As the small field bunched upon straightening, McNeil looked to shift to the outside before being boxed in by Yellen.

Switching back to the inside, McNeil’s inside gap closed as Defrost My Heart shifted in but with further persistence, Anaphora bullocked her way through the small gap.

Running out of tarmac with the post approaching, McNeil gave himself just 30m to run down the leader once in the clear with Anaphora ($2.80F) charging late with her head down and ears pricked to claim victory in the three-way go from Yellen ($3.10) and Prepee ($26) in third.

The third win of Anaphora’s career took her earnings beyond $150,000.

Congratulations to owners Grant Bloodstock Pty Ltd Synd, Laurel Oak Bloodstock Pty Ltd Synd, Four Up Synd, A Fitzgerald, Club Number One Synd, P & Mrs J Macbeth, M Mannix, R Spargo, P Atley, B Marotta, R Lloyd, D Russell, Miss E Morrissey and Mrs E Grant.

News courtesy of Tony Noonan Racing

From a Friday night win at Canterbury to a Saturday at Royal Randwick on Boxing Day – Sir Bacchus is really stepping up!

Away well from the gates for jockey Rory Hucthings in the McGrath Estate Agents Handicap (1200m), the Chris Waller-trained Sir Bacchus settled nicely in fifth position on the outside of the Peter and Paul Snowden trained Barood, a full brother to Group 1 winner Starspangledbanner.

With the Gai Waterhouse-trained race favourite River Wild taking up the running, the pace was true from the get go and Sir Bacchus continued to travel where he was comfortable in the run.

As the field cornered into the home straight and River Wild appeared under pressure Barood went up along the inside while Sir Bacchus came out wide to make their runs.

Hitting the lead together with about 150m to go, it was clear from the hands and heels urging of Hutchings that Sir Bacchus had more to offer than his challenger, pulling away for a comfortable, and in the end, impressive half-length victory.

Still only lightly raced with four runs under his belt, the Sebring gelding has improved at each and every start, recording two wins and a second and over $110,000 in earnings.

Purchased from the Magic Millions yearling sale from the draft of Widden Stud for $130,000, Sir Bacchus is eligible to head to the lucrative $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas next start with Waller weighing up his options.

Congratulations to the winning connections of Sir Bacchus; Laurel Oak Bacchus (Mgr: L J Mihalyka) F Cook, K Lowe, Mrs M Lowe, Club Bacchus (Mgr: L J Mihalyka), Dirty Grey (Mgr: M Mulligan), A Reichard, J O’Brien, Grant Bloodstock (Mgr: S Grant), M Powell, N Macdonald, Mrs R Richards, Mrs C Cook, Mrs E Grant and Boeara Holdings (Mgr: Mrs D Dunphy).

We were slightly unlucky not to make it a hat trick of wins on the day with both Anaphora and Ring Da Belle both finishing second at Caulfield in runs where luck was not on their side!

An honest second when making his seasonal debut last time out, also at Canterbury, three-year-old Sebring gelding Sir Bacchus produced a top class effort to break his maiden at just his third start.

Away well from the gates, Sir Bacchus drifted back in the field and although needing to be pulled off the heels of those in front of him a few times, and appearing to resist being restrained slightly, he still raced where he was comfortable over the 1100m.

With only two behind him in the run, it appeared as if the Chris Waller-trained runner was in trouble, but as the home turn was reached, jockey Rory Hutchings was able to find some room, and the Magic Millions graduate surged through the gap to take the lead and record a soft win in the end.

Scoring by a half-length margin from fellow Sebring gelding Supply And Demand, Sir Bacchus was purchased by Laurel Oak Bloodstock from the draft of Widden Stud for $130,000. Bred by David O’Keefe’s Lockyer Thoroughbreds, Sir Bacchus is the first foal of his stakes-winning Encosta de Lago mare Bacchanal Woman.

Congratulations to his owners; Laurel Oak Bacchus, Boeara Holdings, Mr F W Cook, Grant Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Dirty Grey, Mr K R Lowe, Mrs M P Lowe, Mr A W Reichard, Mr J T O’brien, Club Bacchus, Mr M W Powell, Mr N Macdonald, Mrs R H Richards, Mrs C M Cook and Mrs E K Grant – it looks like we have a very promising horse on our hands.

 

After 11 weeks away from the track, three-year-old Northern Meteor filly Meteora Miss started in the More Than Ready @ Vinery Maiden over 1200m at Canterbury on December 2.

After three prior starts, all against top class opposition, the Inglis Easter yearling sale purchased broke through for a much deserved win.

Trained by Anthony Cummings, the filly started well in the market and with Brenton Avdulla in the saddle, the filly was away slowly from a middle gate and settled in second last position.

With good pace set upfront by Chris Waller’s Navua Mist, Avdulla bided his time towards the tail of the field before pulling out to be the widest runner on the turn.

Although it took a few strides for the filly to realise what she was there to do, she pinned her ears back and started to accelerate impressively.

Swamping Ocean Spray and Involving on the line, Meteora Miss took her maiden victory by a short neck for owners Luskin Park Stud Racing (Mgr: P Whelan), M McGuinness, Bangaloe Stud (Mgr: Miss J Ritchie), Go U Sevens (Mgr: M Turner), Mrs S Staff, Laurel Oak Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Mgr: L Mihalyka), Grant Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Mgr: S Grant), M Codling, J Murphy, S Gregory, P Carter, M Graham, C Heraghty and S Bourke.

Bred on the same pedigree cross that has produced dual Group 1 winner Zoustar, Meteora Miss is out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Dual Diamond, and was secured at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Luskin Park Stud.

From a pedigree that includes stakes performing fillies Wager, Noesis, Fashion and Dual Star, if Meteora Miss can continue on her winnings ways, we will have a filly with good residual value.

After successes at the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast, five-year-old mare Court Martial Miss headed to Doomben on November 28 to add another win to her now impressive record.

Starting well in the market in The Blue Ribbon Group Benchmark 80 Handicap (1100m), jockey Michael Cahill jumped the mare away well from the gates before surging forward to settle in second on the rail with Mywayorthehighway taking the lead.

Under a stranglehold as they turned for home, Cahill asked the mare for her an effort and she railed like a greyhound, taking the lead and holding off all challengers.

Winning the race by three-quarters of a length, the daughter of War Pass has been a revelation since heading north, taking her record to 12 starts for five wins and one second placing for earnings of $99,500 of which $62,400 has been added since moving for Brisbane.

To view a replay of the race, click the below image and select Race 4.

Congratulations to the owners of Court Martial Miss; Grant Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Mgr: S P Grant), M A Couter, Mrs K Couter, Laurel Oak Bloodstock Pty Ltd (Mgr: L J Mihalyka), Pardon (Mgr: K G Sheppard) K Lowe, Mrs M Lowe, Mrs E Grant and G Pointon who have been rewarded for their patience.

Rebel Dane will be prepared for a full Melbourne Autumn Carnival tilt for the first time in the entire’s consistent career.

The six-year-old son of California Dane has raced 25 times for seven wins, with 15 of those starts – and one of those successes – in Group 1 company.

The 2013 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner has been a consistent galloper at the highest level, despite only having four top-three finishes in G1s to show for it – most recently running third behind Chautauqua in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.

Trainer Gary Portelli confirmed Rebel Dane had a month off after the run behind Team Hawkes’ star and Srikandi, and will now target the likes of the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, plus Caulfield features the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) early next year.

Rebel Dane’s run in the Group 1 Manikato StakesListen to Gary Portelli discuss Rebel Dane as well as some of the other horses he trains by clicking here.

News from Racing.com

Press Release from Racing NSW

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing, Hon. Troy Grant MP and Racing NSW Chairman, Mr John Messara AM, today announced $21 million of increases in Country and Provincial prizemoney to take effect from July 2016.

Increases in minimum Country TAB and Provincial prizemoney as well as the introduction of Showcase Country Race Meetings will account for more than 60% of the proceeds from the second and third years of wagering tax parity and provide an enormous boost for racing in these sectors.

The increases for Country participants will see prizemoney jump to approximately $69 million per annum, up from $31.2 million in the 2011 financial year, an increase of 120% during that period.

“On behalf of the Baird Government I am delighted to announce that from 2016/17, minimum prizemoney for Country TAB meetings in NSW will be increased by $5,000 or 33% to $20,000 per race.  In addition, minimum prizemoney for Provincial meetings will be increased by $5,000 to $27,000, a rise of 23% per race,” said Mr Grant.

“Further, Racing in Country NSW will benefit by the introduction of Country Showcase Meetings to be staged throughout the State.  Approximately 40 meetings each year will be upgraded to carry premium prizemoney of $30,000 per race.

“These increases will build upon the economic and social contribution made by thoroughbred racing, especially in Country NSW,” Mr Grant concluded.

Racing NSW Chairman, Mr John Messara AM, said:  “While our first year’s receipts from parity are earmarked to fund The Championships and Highway races, we are pleased to announce this significant rise in Country TAB and Provincial prizemoney from July, 2016.

“Country prizemoney of $20,000 per TAB race along with the new Showcase meetings make for the biggest ever injection of prizemoney into Country racing.

“On behalf of the Board of Racing NSW, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Premier Mike Baird and our Racing Minister and  Deputy Premier, Troy Grant for embracing parity and placing Australia’s largest racing jurisdiction on a level playing field with Victoria over the next few years.

“Wagering tax parity is vital for the sustainability of racing in this State.  The challenge is now to ensure NSW has a competitive, vibrant and innovative racing industry,” added Mr Messara.

These latest benefits for Country and Provincial racing, follow the introduction last season of the Country and Provincial Championships of $2.3 million in prizemoney and the recently commenced Highway Races for Country-trained horses which provide a further $1.6 million in prizemoney annually for Country participants.

Racing NSW has also committed approximately $50 million for capital works at Country and Provincial race clubs throughout NSW from accumulated race fields fees.

Racing NSW Chief Executive, Peter V’landys AM also announced that from 1 July 2016 Racing NSW will launch a new Traineeship and Apprenticeship Scheme for youth in Regional NSW by committing $1 million per annum to the Scheme.

“The first priority of the Scheme will be to employ apprentice track curators throughout NSW,” said Mr V’landys.

Mr V’landys also announced a payment of $2 million per annum to race clubs throughout NSW to enable clubs to meet their operating costs and operate at best practice levels, to commence from 1 July 2016.

“Finally, in addition to their 5% share of the increased prizemoney, jockeys will also receive a further $660,000 per annum in riding fees from 1 July 2016,” Mr V’landys said.

The five year phase-in of wagering tax parity in NSW that sees the NSW Government progressively reduce its share of TAB gross wagering revenue to that of its Victorian counterpart will provide $181.6 million of additional funding to NSW Thoroughbred Racing Industry, commencing in the present financial year.

The 2016 Magic Millions Yearling Sale catalogue went online today.

Laurel Oak Bloodstock are sure to be in attendance, and if you are interested in being invovled, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Magic Millions Press Release

On behalf of breeders across Australasia, Magic Millions is proud to unveil its catalogue for the 2016 edition of the Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Following a record year of real results in the sale ring and on the racetrack, Australia’s number one thoroughbred sales company acknowledges that its capacity to continually produce quality catalogues is dependent on the support of breeders.

“This catalogue is a product of the faith breeders have shown in Magic Millions,” Managing Director Vin Cox stated.
The unequivocal support from breeders has resulted in an exceptional offering of yearlings to be presented for sale on the Gold Coast to a global market.

“The breeders have raised the bar and elevated 2016 to the next level. Take a look at the sensational catalogue they are responsible for,” Cox added.

Real dreams begin on the Gold Coast in January with 1016 quality yearlings set to be offered over five days. Book 1 of the auction comprises 746 lots and another 270 lots have been catalogued in Book 2.

The 2016 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale will commence on Wednesday January 6 – to view the online catalogue click here or download it on your iPad via the Equineline Sales Catalog App. Printed copies of the catalogue will be available for distribution from November 23.