Latest news with #Godolphin
News.com.au
13 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Darren Beadman set to link with Chris Waller Racing next season
FORMER champion jockey Darren Beadman has been snapped up by Chris Waller Racing. The Hall of Fame Inductee makes the move to Sydney's premier stable following a decade of loyal service at Godolphin, most recently as the right hand man to head trainer James Cummings. Beadman's move to Chris Waller Racing coincides with the decision by international powerhouse Godolphin to downsize its Australian operation. In announcing the acquisition of Beadman to its ranks, leading trainer Chris Waller said the 'legendary figure' will play a key role in the stable moving forward. 'I'm thrilled to say that Darren Beadman will be joining our team from August 1,' Waller said. 'Darren is a legendary figure in the world of racing and represents the pinnacle of racing achievement. 'Having been a champion jockey and more recently a senior figure at Godolphin, I know he will bring excellence to our team. 'I had the pleasure of working with Darren earlier in my Sydney career and his professionalism, insight and passion for the sport remains as strong as ever. 'Darren's addition will allow us to further support our staff, riders and horses. 'He will assist with race day operations, trackwork and trials, and serve as a mentor for our emerging talent.'
News.com.au
19 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Via Sistina, Fangirl and more headline star-studded Randwick trials
The build up to Via Sistina's spring campaign is well and truly underway, with the nine-time Group 1 winner blowing out some cobwebs in a star-studded Randwick trial on Tuesday. It was Via Sistina 's first public appearance since claiming the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) on Day 2 of The Championships and she wasn't out there to break any records. Star stablemate Fangirl was also present in the 850m hit out and both were given quiet trials as Chris Waller aims them towards the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick next month. 'The 23rd of August they will be racing … if everything goes to plan,' Waller said. '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.' 1⃣ The Novelist 2⃣ More Territories 3⃣ Full Count Felicia The @GaiWaterhouse1 & Adrian Bott gelding too speedy in an 850m Kensington trial on Tuesday - behind them were Extractor, Zardozi, Tom Kitten, Fangirl and Via Sistina. @tabcomau — Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) July 21, 2025 The Novelist won the 850m hit out in a time of 51.48 seconds, covering the final 600m in 33.67s. Godolphin's Tom Kitten and Zardozi also featured in the trial – their final time heading to the races under the James Cummings banner. The second heat of the morning also featured a handful of Waller's spring brigade with Autumn Glow, Wodeton, Aeliana and Lazzura returning. The unbeaten Autumn Glow settled up on the pace and finished third in the 850m hit out, won by Palmetto in 51.20s. The last 600m was covered in 33.69s. 1⃣ Palmetto 2⃣ Beiwacht 3⃣ Autumn Glow Basically all the way for @jsargentracing 's Canberra Cup winner in the second 850m Kensington trial on Tuesday - also in this heat Manaal, Pericles, Wodeton, Lazzura and Aeliana. @tabcomau — Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) July 21, 2025 • Autumn Glow is headed towards the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, for which she's rated the $3.50 favourite in futures betting. 'She would resume in one of the sprint handicaps or set weight fillies and mares races to get to the Epsom third-up,' Waller said. Meanwhile, Waller has the Group 1 Golden Rose circled on the calendar for Wodeton, with that run to decide the rest of his spring campaign. 'He (Wodeton) looks like he has come back really well and we will go to the Golden Rose. 'Then it will be Coolmore or (Caulfield) Guineas but I think 1400m will suit him better. 'He will be ready to go before the Run To The Rose. 'We could run two or three weeks before, being up this early 'But because he went out after the Golden Slipper, they actually had a long break so he is up ready to go.' Nepotism at $4.
New Paper
a day ago
- Sport
- New Paper
Calandagan can do it again
French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard is aiming to double the score in the £1.5 million (S$2.58 million) Group 1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2,400m) at Ascot on July 26. The desire to cross the English Channel and plunder one of UK's better-known riches is the same, but not quite the stress levels. Last year, the Chantilly handler had walked into the Ascot paddock, happy to fly under the radar with his charge Goliath, but quietly confident the 25-1 roughie could - unlike his namesake - turn giant-killer. However, Graffard was not so sure when he stood in the parade ring and glanced up at the market. "I was on my own, and Lisa my wife didn't come. I think I was 30-1 and I was like 'oh my god, I will probably look like a fool'," he said. However, the German-bred fooled pundits by upstaging a star-studded field that included the eventual Arc winner Bluestocking, 2023 Epsom Derby winner Auguste Rodin and Godolphin star Rebel's Romance, among others. "When he entered the straight, he was cruising, that was a really good thrill," said Graffard. "The way he won was fantastic and I want to go back there and win that race again." With Calandagan this time, the odds will be a lot shorter for the recent Group 1 first-time scorer. Four consecutive times bridesmaid at elite level, the Aga Khan-owned four-year-old gelding finally broke his duck at his last start, in the Group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2,400m) on June 29. The five-time winner by Gleneagles is the 7-4 favourite in ante-post betting, a well-deserved status even if he will be up against a stronger band of performers than the ones he met in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Coolmore's Jan Brueghel was his nemesis in the last of that frustrating run of four Group 1 misses, the Coronation Cup (2,400m) at Epsom on June 6. Also entered are Epsom Derby-Irish Derby double winner Lambourn, Rebel's Romance who snapped a long run of outs for Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby at Royal Ascot in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes (2,400m) on June 21, and interestingly, defending champion Goliath himself. Graffard has, however, indicated that Goliath's new American owner, John Stewart of the world's latest big-spending player Resolute Racing, would rather aim for the Grade 1 Arlington Million (2,000m) at Colonial Downs, US, on Aug 9 instead. Putting all his eggs in the one Calandagan basket does not seem to faze Graffard. In his eyes, the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud win has put him up there with the big boys. "It was a real pleasure to see him winning the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. But it's really the way he did it that pleased me," he said. "The horse was very impressive that day. We got the job done and in a very good manner." The bullishness also stems from Calandagan already having a proven track record at Ascot, and over the same course and distance. In 2024, he won the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes (2,400m) at the Royal Ascot meeting, bolting up by six lengths. "He was so impressive that day. That was really nice to watch," recalled Graffard. The late Aga Khan's racing manager Nemone Routh shared the same enthusiasm. "He's a very consistent horse. Things probably do have to just fall a little bit right for him to get his head in front," she said. "But he's a very classy horse, consistent and genuine. So, we're looking forward to a good race at Ascot." A win would not only continue the legacy of the famous green and red epaulettes, but also its breeding arm. "We were really looking for that Group 1 win. So he's got that under his belt now," added Routh. "It is important to run internationally, for the Aga Khan studs, for the brand, for our stallions, for bloodstock." While such lofty expectations can weigh heavily on some trainers, they seem to strike a chord with Graffard. "When you do this sport, you want to be competitive and be seen on the bigger stage. There is no point winning small races," he said. "But when they asked me to train at Aiglemont (Aga Khan's stables), that's my way, I'm very competitive, I want to win big races. So, that was part of the deal." manyan@
News.com.au
a day ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Nacim Dilmi to succeed Sara Ryan as head trainer at Domeland
Former Godolphin assistant trainer Nacim Dilmi has been announced as the new head trainer for Domeland, taking the reins from Sara Ryan. French born Dilmi, 37, has spent the past eight years working for Godolphin Australia, most recently heading up the operation's Melbourne stable under James Cummings. Following Godolphin's decision to dissolve its private training model at the end of this season, Dilmi was offered numerous roles at prominent stables in Melbourne and Sydney but said the opportunity to lead Domeland into a new era of success was irresistible. 'I've always wanted to be a trainer and with James Cummings going to Hong Kong, it was the right time for me to step up,' Dilmi said. 'When Domeland rang me to offer me the job, it was really exciting. 'You always know when their horses are racing, and you can spot their red and yellow colours a mile away. I've been watching most of their runners and Domeland have some exciting horses that I'm looking forward to getting my hands on.' Domeland managing director King Cheng said he was thrilled to secure a trainer the calibre of Dilmi. 'We're incredibly excited to welcome Nacim to the Domeland team,' Cheng said. 'He brings world-class experience from Godolphin and will build on the strong foundation set by Sara over the last couple of years. We believe Nacim is the right person to guide our stable into its next chapter.' Dilmi will link up with Domeland on August 4, taking over from Ryan who will establish her own public training venture. During her time as Domeland's head trainer, Ryan trained more than 50 winners of almost $6.5 million in prizemoney. 'I'm incredibly grateful to Domeland for giving me the opportunity to launch my training career,' Ryan said. 'It has been a rewarding journey, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter and new challenges ahead.' Domeland's stable features in excess of 50 registered horses, with facilities including 35 boxes at Wyong racecourse and a 260-acre Kulnura property that features a 3000m grass track.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Mitch Cohen's Blackbook: Five to follow from Winter Challenge day
NSW racing expert Mitch Cohen has run the rule over all the action at Rosehill Gardens and found a few worth following. • 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! REFLECT (3rd, Race 1) She was only getting into her work late after making her run from the back but was good through the line. This is a quality filly in the making and will be worth keeping an eye on as we head into the new season. MR VERSE (3rd, Race 4) This lightly-raced galloper went enormous despite just coming up short of delivering a brilliant last to first win. He's only lightly-raced but looks a progressive type capable of bigger things. An Amusing finish! 🤩 Amusing wins in a thrilling photo finish in race 4 at Rosehill! @AlyshaCollett @godolphin @JamesCummings88 — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 19, 2025 TUILERIES (4th, Race 6) Back and wide off a slow tempo, the odds-on favourite was always going to find it hard to bridge the gap. She still ran with plenty of merit and is worth giving another chance next start. Useapin digs deep to take the win at Rosehill for @cwallerracing and @ZacLloydx! ðŸ'¥ @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 19, 2025 CORNICHE (3rd, Race 8) In just his second run in the past 12 months, he gave a glimpse of the talent he's always possessed when finishing off strongly behind Romeo's Choice. Disneck (sixth) was similarly good in his return. KING OF ROSEAU (1st, Race 10) It seems as if trainer Peter Snowden has finally unlocked this three-year-old's full potential following his second consecutive impressive win over the Rosehill 1300m. A return to stakes racing looks on the cards. King Of Roseau wins again! A treble for @tomo_sherry on a day to remember at Rosehill 🥇🥇🥇 @SnowdenRacing1 — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) July 19, 2025 STEWARDS SAY I Show Speed (Race 1): A late scratching on veterinary advice after he was found to be 2/5 lame in the off-foreleg. Highway Strip (Race 3): Jockey Josh Parr reported the gelding continued to race ungenerously and hang out, resulting in clipping the heels of Pony Soprano, which came down. Will have to trial twice before racing again. Pony Soprano (Race 3): After falling, was found to have swelling over the bridge of the nose, blood present in both nostrils and multiple lacerations to both forelegs. He will be spelled. Maori Chief (Race 4): Found to be slow to recover post-race. Hell To Pay (Race 4): Raced keenly in the lead. Was found to be 1/5 lame in the near foreleg. Gentileschi (Race 7): Was found to be displaying a poor recovery rate post-race. She will now be spelled. Our Kobison (Race 8): Failed to let down under pressure and finished a long last. Will undergo a full veterinary examination in the coming days. Without Peer and Harry's Bar the first two winners at Rosehill, Race 3 about to be run on 7! — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) July 19, 2025 CRUNCH TIME Without Peer (Race 1): The winner made his run with Spice Prawn from the back of the field and the pair fought the finish out, running the last 600m of 34.41 and 34.33 seconds respectively. Mr Verse (Race 4): Made up a stack of ground from the back in the field with a race-best last 600m of 33.66 seconds to finish a close third. It stacked up favourable against winner Amusing (34.04) and runner-up Sister Daae (33.89). Tulleries (Race 6): She had it all to do back and wide off a slow tempo before surging home one of the fastest last 600m of the meeting in 32.99 seconds. She had slick closing splits of 10.67 and 11.03. Disneck (Race 8 ): Rattled home first-up with the fastest last 600m of the meeting of 32.57 seconds, half a second quicker than the winner Romeo's Choice (33.07). His three final furlongs of 10.86, 10.66 and 11.05 were race best. Useapin digs deep to take the win at Rosehill for @cwallerracing and @ZacLloydx! ðŸ'¥ @aus_turf_club — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 19, 2025 TRACK TALK 'I had in the back of my mind all day, when Tim Clark won The Ingham on him, the fight he showed in the battle. I was relying on that but thank God we got him to win.' Josh Parr after Robusto's Winter Challenge win. 'He surprised us a bit. He has a lot of talent but is still very raw.' Johann Gerard-Dubord discusses debut winner Without Peer. 'I slightly put my neck on the line because he went online and I persuaded OTI (Racing) to try and buy him and quite a few of the owners retained ownership in him as well. He was always a bit of a quirky colt, but we knew he had good ability.' Trainer Annabel Archibald on Yoshinobu. 'I would never think I was going to end up here so it's amazing.' Swedish-born apprentice Rebecca Bronett Prag after her maiden Saturday city winner. 'He's not one of these million-dollar horses, he's just a home-bred in the back paddock with his owners and it's so wonderful for them and it shows these great racing stories can happen.' Trainer Richard Litt after Romeo's Choice scored. Romeo's Choice in a thriller! Three in a row for the Richard Litt trained galloper and a double for @tomo_sherry 🥇🥇🥇 — 7HorseRacing ðŸ�Ž (@7horseracing) July 19, 2025 THIS WEEK IN NSW RACING Monday: Bathurst, Moruya Tuesday: Moree, Taree Wednesday: Canterbury Park Thursday: Wyong, Corowa
