Latest news with #Fangirl
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
McEvoy hoping Skyhook steals show and star duo hit the track
Kerrin McEvoy is excited about the spring prospects of his rides in and possibly between races at Rosehill on Saturday. McEvoy has the job on stakes winner Skyhook ($3.90 Sportsbet) in the listed Rosebud (1100m) and unbeaten Peter Snowden-trained mare Amreekiyah ($3.60) a race earlier. The 44-year-old is also down to pilot Chris Waller-trained stars Fangirl and Autumn Glow in 1000m exhibition gallops between races early in the day if track conditions are suitable. The surface was a heavy 10 on Friday. Aeliana (Jason Collett), Via Sistina (James McDonald) and Lady Shenandoah (McDonald) were also set to gallop ahead of potential returns next week at Randwick on Winx Stakes day. McEvoy won the Winx Stakes, the first group 1 of the season, last year with Via Sistina, and he was eyeing another shot at the race, this time with Fangirl. 'I've been lucky enough to pick up some nice ones next week,' McEvoy said. 'Memo is going to run, and I think at this stage, if Fangirl runs, I might be on her. Possibly Autumn Glow as well, if she runs in the Show County. That one is weight-related with James.' The 84-time group 1 winner is hoping Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Skyhook could highlight his spring credentials in the first feature for three-year-olds.
The Age
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
McEvoy hoping Skyhook steals show and star duo hit the track
Kerrin McEvoy is excited about the spring prospects of his rides in and possibly between races at Rosehill on Saturday. McEvoy has the job on stakes winner Skyhook ($3.90 Sportsbet) in the listed Rosebud (1100m) and unbeaten Peter Snowden-trained mare Amreekiyah ($3.60) a race earlier. The 44-year-old is also down to pilot Chris Waller-trained stars Fangirl and Autumn Glow in 1000m exhibition gallops between races early in the day if track conditions are suitable. The surface was a heavy 10 on Friday. Aeliana (Jason Collett), Via Sistina (James McDonald) and Lady Shenandoah (McDonald) were also set to gallop ahead of potential returns next week at Randwick on Winx Stakes day. McEvoy won the Winx Stakes, the first group 1 of the season, last year with Via Sistina, and he was eyeing another shot at the race, this time with Fangirl. 'I've been lucky enough to pick up some nice ones next week,' McEvoy said. 'Memo is going to run, and I think at this stage, if Fangirl runs, I might be on her. Possibly Autumn Glow as well, if she runs in the Show County. That one is weight-related with James.' The 84-time group 1 winner is hoping Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou-trained Skyhook could highlight his spring credentials in the first feature for three-year-olds.
The Australian
04-08-2025
- Sport
- The Australian
Via Sistina headlines star-studded Randwick trials as Horse of the Year finalists revealed
Via Sistina, the unbackable favourite to win Horse of the Year honours, headlines a galaxy of equine stars set to barrier trial at Royal Randwick on Thursday. Sydney's big wet forced the scheduled Tuesday trials session to be delayed 48 hours with trainer Chris Waller's champion mare Via Sistina and her outstanding stablemate Fangirl clashing in the opening heat over 1000m against the likes of Another Wil, Light Infantry Man and Vauban. • PUNT LIKE A PRO: Become a Racenet iQ member and get expert tips – with fully transparent return on investment statistics – from Racenet's team of professional punters at our Pro Tips section. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Waller is not concerned about the delay to the barrier trial session as it is more important the carnival horses compete on improving track conditions. 'We are well ahead of schedule,'' Waller explained. 'Most of our horses have had their first trial and they are not racing until August 23 so we have some time up our sleeves. 'We will sit tight and whenever the weather improves we will be ready to go.'' Waller said Via Sistina and Fangirl are experienced mares and 'just find their groove' when they return to training with both on target for a comeback in the Group 1 $1m Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on August 23. The Hall of Fame trainer is also using Thursday's trials to give his trio of top class four-year-old mares Lady Shenandoah, Aeliana and Autumn Glow a chance to stretch their legs. • Mitch Cohen's Blackbook: Five to follow from Rosehill Gardens Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah, Aeliana and Autumn Glow figure prominently among the finalists in various categories for the Australian Racehorse of the Year awards as revealed by Racing Queensland and Racing Australia on Monday. The Horse of the Year awards ceremony, which will be held at The Star Brisbane on August 31, acknowledges results on domestic racecourses as well international performances by locally-trained horses during the 2024-25 season. 'Racing Queensland is honoured to host this year's Australian Racehorse of the Year ceremony, celebrating the stars of our sport and their outstanding achievements over the last season,'' RQ acting chief executive Lachlan Murray said. 'Similarly, it's fitting that the gala luncheon will see both Black Caviar and Winx elevated to Legend status in the Hall of Fame, both of whom have strong ties to Queensland.'' James McDonald and Chris Waller claimed the most Group 1 victories by a jockey and trainer respectively last season. Picture: Getty Images Via Sistina equalled all-time great Winx's record of seven Group 1 wins in a season including the rare Cox Plate-Queen Elizabeth Stakes double and she is a lock for Horse of the Year and Champion Middle Distance awards. But the other Horse of the Year distance and age group categories are anything but clear-cut. For the Champion 2yo award, there is little separating Golden Slipper winner Marhoona, Group 1 winners Nepotism (Champagne Stakes), Vinrock (ATC Sires Produce Stakes), and Cool Archie (JJ Atkins), and Godolphin's top filly Tempted. Godolphin also has Broadsiding (Golden Rose, Rosehill Guineas) among the main chances for the Champion 3yo Colt and Gelding award which also includes unbeaten Private Harry (The Galaxy), Linebacker (Randwick Guineas), Switzerland (Coolmore Stud Stakes) and Goldrush Guru (VRC Derby). • English Premier League stars shooting for Golden Eagle bid One of the most contentious awards will be for Champion 3yo Filly which has Aeliana (ATC Australian Derby), unbeaten Autumn Glow, multiple Group 1 placegetter Lady Of Camelot, Lady Shenandoah (Flight Stakes, Surround Stakes, Coolmore Classic) and Treasurethe Moment (VRC Oaks, ATC Australian Oaks, Vinery Stud Stakes) as finalists. Similarly, Champion Sprinter is up for grabs with five elite Group 1 winners confirmed as finalists – Bella Nipotina (The Everest), Briasa (TJ Smith Stakes), Jimmysstar (Oakleigh Plate, All Aged Stakes), Joliestar (Newmarket Handicap, Kingsford Smith Cup), and Sunshine In Paris (Champions Sprint, Doomben 10,000). The Champion Stayer title isn't cut and dried either with Melbourne Cup winner Knight's Choice, Duke De Sessa (Caulfield Cup), Arapaho (Sydney Cup), English raider Dubai Honour (Tancred Stakes) and Godolphin's consistent mare Zardozi competing for the honour. Waller will be awarded the Champion Group 1 trainer for an extraordinary 13th successive season after he prepared an all-time record 19 big-race winners last season while jockey James McDonald has won his fifth consecutive title with 15 Australian major race wins. 2024/2025 AUSTRALIAN RACEHORSE OF THE YEAR AWARDS THE FINALISTS Champion 2yo: Cool Archie, Marhoona, Vinrock, Nepotism, Tempted Champion 3yo Filly: Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Lady Of Camelot, Lady Shenandoah, Treasurethe Moment Champion 3yo Colt/Gelding: Broadsiding, Switzerland, Linebacker, Private Harry, Goldrush Guru Champion Sprinter: Bella Nipotina, Briasa, Jimmysstar, Joliestar, Sunshine In Paris Champion Middle Distance: Antino, Ceolwulf, Fangirl, Mr Brightside, Via Sistina Champion Stayer: Arapaho, Dubai Honour, Duke De Sessa, Knight's Choice, Zardozi Champion Jumper: Affluential, Duke of Bedford, Loft, Stern Idol, The Cunning Fox Group 1 Trainer Award: Chris Waller Group 1 Jockey Award: James McDonald Champion Sire: Zoustar
News.com.au
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Via Sistina headlines star-studded Randwick trials as Horse of the Year finalists revealed
Via Sistina, the unbackable favourite to win Horse of the Year honours, headlines a galaxy of equine stars set to barrier trial at Royal Randwick on Thursday. Sydney's big wet forced the scheduled Tuesday trials session to be delayed 48 hours with trainer Chris Waller 's champion mare Via Sistina and her outstanding stablemate Fangirl clashing in the opening heat over 1000m against the likes of Another Wil, Light Infantry Man and Vauban. Waller is not concerned about the delay to the barrier trial session as it is more important the carnival horses compete on improving tack conditions. 'We are well ahead of schedule,'' Waller explained. 'Most of our horses have had their first trial and they are not racing until August 23 so we have some time up our sleeves. 'We will sit tight and whenever the weather improves we will be ready to go.'' Waller said Via Sistina and Fangirl are experienced mares and 'just find their groove' when they return to training with both on target for a comeback in the Group 1 $1m Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on August 23. The Hall of Fame trainer is also using Thursday's trials to give his trio of top class four-year-old mares Lady Shenandoah, Aeliana and Autumn Glow a chance to stretch their legs. Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah, Aeliana and Autumn Glow figure prominently among the finalists in various categories for the Australian Racehorse of the Year awards as revealed by Racing Queensland and Racing Australia on Monday. The Horse of the Year awards ceremony, which will be held at The Star Brisbane on August 31, acknowledges results on domestic racecourses as well international performances by locally-trained horses during the 2024-25 season. 'Racing Queensland is honoured to host this year's Australian Racehorse of the Year ceremony, celebrating the stars of our sport and their outstanding achievements over the last season,'' RQ acting chief executive Lachlan Murray said. 'Similarly, it's fitting that the gala luncheon will see both Black Caviar and Winx elevated to Legend status in the Hall of Fame, both of whom have strong ties to Queensland.'' Via Sistina equalled all-time great Winx's record of seven Group 1 wins in a season including the rare Cox Plate-Queen Elizabeth Stakes double and she is a lock for Horse of the Year and Champion Middle Distance awards. But the other Horse of the Year distance and age group categories are anything but clear-cut. For the Champion 2yo award, there is little separating Golden Slipper winner Marhoona, Group 1 winners Nepotism (Champagne Stakes), Vinrock (ATC Sires Produce Stakes), and Cool Archie (JJ Atkins), and Godolphin's top filly Tempted. Godolphin also has Broadsiding (Golden Rose, Rosehill Guineas) among the main chances for the Champion 3yo Colt and Gelding award which also includes unbeaten Private Harry (The Galaxy), Linebacker (Randwick Guineas), Switzerland (Coolmore Stud Stakes) and Goldrush Guru (VRC Derby). One of the most contentious awards will be for Champion 3yo Filly which has Aeliana (ATC Australian Derby), unbeaten Autumn Glow, multiple Group 1 placegetter Lady Of Camelot, Lady Shenandoah (Flight Stakes, Surround Stakes, Coolmore Classic) and Treasurethe Moment (VRC Oaks, ATC Australian Oaks, Vinery Stud Stakes) as finalists. Similarly, Champion Sprinter is up for grabs with five elite Group 1 winners confirmed as finalists – Bella Nipotina (The Everest), Briasa (TJ Smith Stakes), Jimmysstar (Oakleigh Plate, All Aged Stakes), Joliestar (Newmarket Handicap, Kingsford Smith Cup), and Sunshine In Paris (Champions Sprint, Doomben 10,000). The Champion Stayer title isn't cut and dried either with Melbourne Cup winner Knight's Choice, Duke De Sessa (Caulfield Cup), Arapaho (Sydney Cup), English raider Dubai Honour (Tancred Stakes) and Godolphin's consistent mare Zardozi competing for the honour. Waller will be awarded the Champion Group 1 trainer for an extraordinary 13th successive season after he prepared an all-time record 19 big-race winners last season while jockey James McDonald has won his fifth consecutive title with 15 Australian major race wins. 2024/2025 AUSTRALIAN RACEHORSE OF THE YEAR AWARDS THE FINALISTS Champion 2yo: Cool Archie, Marhoona, Vinrock, Nepotism, Tempted Champion 3yo Filly: Aeliana, Autumn Glow, Lady Of Camelot, Lady Shenandoah, Treasurethe Moment
News.com.au
20-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Champion mare Via Sistina to kick off latest Cox Plate pursuit in Randwick trial
Champion mare Via Sistina's build-up to her latest Cox Plate tilt will gather momentum when she headlines a star-studded barrier trial session at Royal Randwick on Tuesday. Trainer Chris Waller will get an early guide on how his spring carnival arsenal are going when Via Sistina steps up alongside star stablemates Fangirl, Aeliana, Autumn Glow and Wodeton. Via Sistina is making her first public appearance since her dominant Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in April as she prepares to chase consecutive Cox Plate wins this spring. She lines up in a 850m heat alongside Fangirl while Canadian Group 1 winner Full Count Felicia also steps out. Golden Slipper runner up Wodeton, brilliant Australian Derby winner Aeliana, unbeaten boom filly Autumn Glow and Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes victor Lazzura contest a second 850m heat. 'They will all have very quiet trials on Tuesday, they are a month away from racing,' Waller said. 'The 23rd of August they will be racing. If everything goes to plan (they will have two trials). 'We allow an extra week just in case for a temperature or sore foot and things like that. 'Nine times out of 10 you need it and sometimes you will see them have an exhibition gallop if they haven't had a problem. 'It's just about being careful. You are a month away so you can imagine how much fitness is going to be done in the next month.' Sydney's first Group 1 of the new season, the Group 1 $1 million Winx Stakes, will be staged on August 23. Waller is considering another heavy-handed assault of the race with past winners Via Sistina and Fangirl while Aeliana and Lady Shenandoah, which will trial on Friday at Warwick Farm, are also candidates. 'All four of them could clash in the Winx first-up – Lady Shenandoah, Aeliana, Via Sistina and Fangirl ,' Waller said. 'Autumn Glow will probably go down a handicap path towards an Epsom.' Waller conceded the Winx Stakes may be Via Sistina's only run in Sydney this spring as the stable gives serious consideration to the Group 1 $750,000 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 13 for her second-up assignment. She followed the same path last year after winning the Winx Stakes. “This is a demolition job!â€� Pride Of Jenni runs her rivals ragged with a fantastic front-running ride by @decbates to win the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes! Via Sistina ran on into second and Mr Brightside finished third. @cmaherracing @tabcomau — Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) April 13, 2024 'I think the Makybe Diva will create a bit of interest to us with there being such a gap between the Winx and the King Charles,' Waller said. 'Then you have the Chelmsford but I think the Makybe Diva might suit her and then maybe the Turnbull. 'The Winx could be here only run in Sydney but I won't rule out that she won't stay here either.' Waller will also get a glimpse of one of his soon to be new arrivals when Silver Slipper winner Beiwacht contests the same heat. Beiwacht is among a string of Godolphin heavyweights that will step out on the morning as they prepare to move to new homes next season. Tom Kitten Zardozi, which heads to Ciaron Maher at the beginning of next season.
