Latest news with #horse
The Australian
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Expensive yearling Cash makes comeback at Murray Bridge
Michael Hickmott has bided his time with expensive yearling Cash and the Murray Bridge trainer can't wait to see him return at his home track on Saturday. A stellar debut win at The Valley in November saw Hickmott declare Cash the best horse he's trained by a 'significant margin'. • 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! He's also Hickmott's most expensive purchase, teaming up with Douglas Whyte to fork out $1.1m for the Snitzel colt at the 2023 Magic Millions Sale on the Gold Coast. Hickmott and connections have had to be patient. Cash, now a four-year-old entire, hasn't been sighted at the races since his three-quarter-length win, but he will step out in a Benchmark 64 over 1200m on Saturday. 'He just had a little setback in January, so we gave him a bit of an extended spell,' Hickmott said. 'He'll be back Saturday, he won't be completely wound down, he's got a long preparation in front of him but he's certainly heading in the right direction.' Cash winning on debut at The Valley last November. Picture: Photos via Getty Images An immature Cash did it all on raw ability at The Valley, but time off has seen him furnish into a powerful individual, and develop some manners. 'Physically he's turned from a boy to a man, he's going to be a pretty imposing horse in the mounting yard when you see him,' he said. • Much-loved hoop retires to pursue training partnership 'Mentally, he's still got to learn his craft, he hasn't had much race exposure obviously. 'He's bomb proof now, he's lost all that boyish type of behaviour, (but) he's a strong colt don't get me wrong. 'Gemma (Stapleton) rides him all his slow work, Todd (Pannell) rides his fast work – he's a real gentleman now.' Hickmott has a long-term game plan with Cash and will approach the preparation one run at a time. The youngster is showing the potential of a very good horse, yet his ceiling is unknown. 'It's (potential) only going to be limited by himself, but on raw ability that we've seen, he's got stacks of it,' Hickmott said. 'Obviously there's plenty of slip between cup and lip, he's got to make a big few steps between now and then but he's heading in the right direction.' • Meeting abandoned, Gawler rescheduled following rainfall Hickmott will keep an eye on his eight Murray Bridge runners from Darwin, as he prepares Motorace for Monday's Darwin Cup, a race he won as an 18-year-old with General Market in 2007. It doesn't have him any less excited to see Cash return, who will be piloted by Pannell, and is a $3.20 favourite (Sportsbet). 'It's fantastic, obviously it's not great that I'm not going to be there for the day, but apart from that I'm really happy to see him back,' he said.
The Australian
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Australian
Trainer Denim Wynen saddles up Sunshine Law at Rosehill
Yulong has been a major player at the sales in recent years but trainer Denim Wynen hopes she can strike gold with a galloper the racing powerhouse let go at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday. Wynen is preparing to unleash new addition Sunshine Law for the first time in the Congratulations James McDonald Benchmark 78 Handicap (1400m). Sunshine Law was formerly trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald for whom she showed promise, winning her last two starts for the stable at Canberra and Hawkesbury. But the daughter of Alabama Express was put under the hammer at Inglis Digital in late May where Wynen's client Steve Morris snapped her up for $85,000. • 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! 'It's early days but she is going to be one of the better horses I've trained so far that's for sure,' Wynen said. 'I am not sure why Yulong sold her. She has turned up and she is sound. 'She works really good. My trackwork rider Jess Rae has quite high raps on her. 'She has to take that to the races what she is doing at home but she is doing everything right and just does it with ease to be honest. 'She trialled really well in Sydney but has to take it to the races.' Sunshine Law came to Rosehill Gardens for her only trial this preparation where she attacked the line to finish third in a 1030m heat. Early scratchings will see Sunshine Law, rated a $23 chance, only take on a small field in her stable debut which Wynen concedes will be short of her best and her toughest assignment yet. Sunshine Law was a winner in a Class 1 over a mile before winning at Benchmark 64 level over 1800m. Sunshine Law parades before a race at Warwick Farm in July last year. Picture: Bradley Photos • Group 1 winner headed to Yulong after $1.625 million online buy 'We are kind of throwing her in the deep end first-up in a 78 but the owners have thrown some good money at her,' Wynen said. 'She is going to be that class of course. 'We can see has already won over 1800m and she will definitely step up in trip but it is no use starting her over anything less than 1400m. 'She trialled well over 1000m and Ash Morgan, who rode on in that trial, the only reason he got off was that he was already booked to ride (Super Norwest) with his connection with Kurrinda Bloodstock but he couldn't have had higher raps on the horse.' Based out of Wyong, Wynen's training career is still in its early years and she is hoping to get her first metropolitan Saturday winner on the board this weekend. Wynen could have already got on the board at Rosehill with returning mare Monkhana ($21) poised to line-up in the Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m). Monkhana started her career in New Zealand before arriving in Australia late last year and showed improved performances in her second preparation at her new home with two wins in six starts last preparation. • NSW racing in the hands of the weather gods The daughter of Mongolian Khan was a winner over 1400m at Hawkesbury first-up last preparation and Wynen expects she will relish the conditions. 'She will go around and she likes the wet track as well,' Wynen said. 'She is drawn good enough to head there. 'I thought she trialled well in the same trial at Rosehill and deserves a crack at town now after her few wins at the provincials last prep. She has only had 13 starts now for a few wins. 'She has come back bigger and better this prep.' Apprentice Anna Roper will pilot both of Wynen's contenders on Saturday.
News.com.au
7 hours ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Trainer Mark Minervini hopes for grey day at Rosehill with new stable addition Hanau
Newcastle trainer Mark Minervini is looking for a quick return from his stable's newest edition at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Minervini and DF Bloodstock Pty Ltd purchased Hanau when the gelding was recently sold as part of the latest Godolphin dispersal on the Inglis Digital online sale platform last month. Godolphin, which officially moved to a public training model from Friday after James Cummings' decision to take up a training contract in Hong Kong, raised close to $2.2 million in the sale on July 16 where the stock were sold from prices ranging from $1250 to $380,000 for Group 1 SA Derby placegetter Lavalier. 'We paid $100,000 for Hanau and we thought he was quite cheap,' Minervini said. 'We patted ourselves on the back after the sale. 'We had a bit left, we thought he might bring $150,000 to $200,000. 'I suppose there was about 25 of them sold so there was a bit to choose from and that might have worked in our favour but we're not complaining.' Formerly trained by James Cummings, Hanau is one of the best-bred gallopers in training being by Snitzel out of Snow White, the sister to former champion juvenile and successful stallion Pierro. 'He arrived in mint condition,' Minervini said. 'He's a very nice horse that's been easy to handle. 'I've only given him one strong gallop, that was on Tuesday morning he worked well and he pulled up well. 'I've just had to keep him ticking over since he got off the float. 'He looked pretty good to my eye when he arrived. He was pretty forward.' Hanau heads into Saturday's Congratulations Chris Waller Benchmark 78 Handicap (1100m) off a last-start Canterbury win on a heavy (8) rated surface where he defeated Wednesday's Warwick Farm winner The Replicant. Hanau shifts into gear and powers home to win at Canterbury! ðŸ'¥ @godolphin — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) July 9, 2025 • Freedmans target fast start at Rosehill 'Saturday's a step up in grade but there's a bit of merit to the form,' Minervini said. 'He won on the heavy last time too and he is a grey by Snitzel, so he's got a few things in his favour if the rain keeps falling. 'If he can hold his form out of his last start, I'd expect him to be pretty competitive.' Former Godolphin apprentice Zac Lloyd takes the reins aboard Hanau on Saturday having previously won aboard the galloper on two occasions.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘He goes on any ground and arrives after a personal best' – Templegate's 5-1 NAP
TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday's racing from Glorious Goodwood confident of success after banging in a 28-1 treble on Thursday. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. FIFTH COLUMN (2.30 Goodwood, nap) John Gosden has a nice three-year-old on his hands in this son of Kingman. He showed promise last season and got off the mark in a Kempton maiden on comeback in April. That form was quickly left behind with a smooth handicap success at Sandown - before an excellent effort in the Britannia at Royal Ascot. He was only seventh in that hot contest but he was first home in his group getting the worst of the draw. He clocked a personal best when winning at Newmarket last time and relishes this mile trip. He goes on any ground so it won't matter what the weather does. Likes it here and can show his class in the King George Qatar Stakes. He is just about the only runner in the field who is proven in testing conditions - and looks set to get just that. 1.20 KYLE OF LOCHALSH is fancied to go three better than last year's fourth and land this marathon prize. He's on the same mark, handles any ground and shaped with promise on his reappearance. He's much more lightly raced than 12 months ago and looks primed to peak. Aggagio loves it round here and was impressive under Ashley Lewis last time but stamina beyond 2m remains a question mark. Align The Stars hasn't quite fired this year but ran well in a strong Royal Ascot handicap and is lurking on a handy mark. He has a good record here but came up short in this last year. Tashkhan is classy and thrives in deep ground should it rain, with similar comments applying to Zinc White. Sheradann has been knocking on the door and shapes as though this trip will suit. Irish raider Mordor is interesting as this stamina test could bring improvement. 1.55 DIEGO VENTURA is just about the only runner in the field who is proven in testing conditions. James Doyle's mount has been running well at Listed level in France and scored over seven furlongs at Longchamp in May. He then went well at Epsom before going down in a bunch finish at Chantilly last time. Conditions will be ideal and he has more to come. Cosmic Year has shown his best on good ground as he showed when second in the Irish 2,000 Guineas which is strong form. The ground may not be ideal but this is a fair drop in class which makes him a player. King Of Cities has been placed on tacky ground and sees out this trip well. He has yet to win this season but could go well under Ryan Moore. Seagulls Eleven was a solid second to non-runner Opera Ballo at Newmarket last time. He's unproven on this ground and needs a step forward. 2.30 FIFTH COLUMN can take another step up for the Gosdens. His only defeat this season came when a strong-finishing seventh in the Britannia at Royal Ascot, where he won his group and shaped like the best horse on the far side. He confirmed that when winning stylishly at Newmarket last time, and a 3lb penalty might not be enough to anchor this improving three-year-old who can beat his elders. Skukuza is the main threat. He's officially 8lb well in after two smooth wins at The Curragh, including a Listed last time, and is clearly thriving. Greek Order ran a screamer in the Royal Hunt Cup on his first start back from the US and again shaped well at Sandown behind Arisaig who is a contender here. He's a big player if things fall right. Ebt's Guard has run well here before and wasn't beaten far in the Royal Hunt Cup. BIG MOJO can follow up last year's Glorious Goodwood win in the King George Qatar Stakes. Mick Appleby's flyer ran a cracker at Newmarket last time and looks up to this level. Aussie Asfoora will show her true colours here after a poor Ascot run, while She's Quality lives up to her name. Here's my guide to the field, where I rate them one (worst) to five (best): ASFOORA 4 FOOR star. Aussie raider won the King Charles III at Royal Ascot last year was just denied in this. Had excuses this year and could bounce back. BIG MOJO 5 BIG chance. Won Molecomb here last year and has progressed at three. Unlucky in the Commonwealth Cup and ran a huge race in the July Cup. Strong claims back at 5f. CELANDINE 2 HARD Cel. Chased home Big Mojo in last year's Molecomb and beat Time For Sandals over 6f at York. Needs to prove she enjoys 5f as much. CLARENDON HOUSE 1 DON for. Has run well over this C&D before but was poor at Epsom last time and needs more at this level. FROST AT DAWN 3 HOT Frost. Won 6f Listed race earlier this season and showed real speed when second in the King Charles III at Royal Ascot. Can go close again. JM JUNGLE 2 JUNGLE fever. Won over C&D at this meeting in 2023 and landed the Epsom Dash in June. Ran well in Listed last time but not up to this. KERDOS 3 TAKE Ker. Fifth in this race last year and good run in the King Charles III. Likes tacky ground and cheekpieces may help. KHAADEM 3 KHA motors. Won this in 2022 and has landed two Group 1s. He's unbeaten in two runs here and looks a big place price. MANACCAN 1 DANGER Man. Solid Listed performer over this trip but has been struggling for a while. NIGHT RAIDER 3 NIGHT shifts. Unbeaten in four AW starts including a Listed 6f at Newcastle. Turf form not as hot but it's early days. SHE'S QUALITY 4 QUALITY pays. Ran a stormer when second in a hot Group 2 at Haydock in May. Sandown didn't suit last time and this test looks much more suitable. SPARTAN ARROW 2 BLUNT arrow. Has improved since sporting cheekpieces and took a French Listed prize latest. Goes well here and track/trip suits but this is much tougher opposition. TIME FOR SANDALS 3 TIME trial. Surprise winner of the Commonwealth Cup over 6f at Ascot. Could improve again but drop in trip an unknown. TOWN AND COUNTRY 1 TOWN and out. Few miles on the clock and is a Listed winner over this trip. Progressive but needs a lot more in this company. 3.45 SOCIALITE can get the party started. Charlie Hills' four-year-old can take this prize with a bold front-running show. He quickened smartly to win at Windsor on handicap debut, shaping as though this extra furlong would suit. Lightly raced, progressive and effective on any ground, he could prove tough to pass from a handy draw. Liberty Lane is the main danger, with a soft-ground Cambridgeshire win and a Listed success here this year marking him out as a serious player. Haunted Dream won this race last year and had excuses at Royal Ascot. He's a big threat back at this track. Godwinson is thriving after wins in the Lincoln and at Newcastle. He'll be right there if liking this longer trip. Fox Legacy is flying and isn't written off provided the rain stays away. Templegate's tips Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who:
The Standard
a day ago
- The Standard
London's Heathrow hit by more flight cancellations after air traffic failure
A passenger plane flies over a horse grazing as it makes its landing approach to Heathrow Airport in west London, Britain, January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
