Gilded Venom An Emotional WA Horse Of Year
- Sunday, 11 October 2009 01:59
In emulating his half brother Scenic Blast who took the major Australian and Victorian gongs, Gilded Venom was an emotional winner of WA's racing premier racing award.
In winning the award, sponsored by the Burswood Entertainment Complex, Gilded Venom made sure the Horse of the Year Award from every group one racing state was won by a Magic Millions graduate.
Gilded Venom, by Golden Snake, won the Group One Railway Stakes and two other major group events to clinch the award which was judged by performances on WA tracks.
Tragically the budding star succumbed to a serious knee infection in January after a career of just 20 starts and earnings of over $1 million.
Prepared during his career by part owner Steve Wallace, Gilded Venom was being prepared for an Eastern States campaign when the infection struck.
Senior part owner Neil Wholagan purchased Gilded Venom for just $22,000 from the draft of Durham Lodge at the 2005 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.
His globetrotting half brother Scenic Blast made $85,000 to the bid of trainer Dan Morton twelve months later.
Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said he was thrilled to learn Gilded Venom was the latest graduate of his company to win a major racing award.
"Racing is about winning and we're proud of the efforts of our graduates, who are purchased for less, but win more," Chester said.
"For Magic Millions graduates to win the Horse of the Year award in every state which stages Group One events is a remarkable achievement."
"Gilded Venom joins the likes of Theseo, Phelan Ready, Rebel Raider and his half brother Scenic Blast to be honoured over the past couple of months."
The Perth Racing premiership winners Neville Parnham, William Pike and Jarrad Noske were presented with their awards at the same function last night.
Scenic Blast was honoured for his achievements of representing Western Australia with great distinction, both in Australia and overseas.
A vision package featuring Scenic Blast and his Group One winning stablemate Scenic Shot was featured during the function.
Elio Galante, a part owner of both gallopers, was presented with a memento of the pair's achievements. Both gallopers are owned and trained by West Aussies and both were bred and sold in WA.
A MAGICAL HORSE OF THE YEAR RUN
2008/09 racing season
Australian Racehorse of the Year - SCENIC BLAST
Victorian Racehorse of the Year - SCENIC BLAST
New South Wales Racehorse of the Year - THESEO
Queensland Horse of the Year - PHELAN READY
South Australian Horse of the Year - REBEL RAIDER
Western Australian Horse of the Year - GILDED VENOM
Picture - Greg Irvine
Media Release - Magic Millions
Time To Climb Sizzles On Debut
- Saturday, 10 October 2009 13:15
One of the most admired fillies at February's Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, Time to Climb was knocked down to leading Perth agent John Chalmers for $75,000.
She is the first runner for her sire, the well bred and performed Danehill stallion - Bearcat - a resident of Taunton Vale in Western Australia.
After being purchased from the Belmont sales from the Taunton Vale draft, Time to Climb joined the stables of Trevor Andrews and immediately showed she was a filly with immense ability.
Sent to the front early in the race, Time to Climb quickened brilliantly when asked by jockey Shaun O'Donnell and the pair cruised home for a two and a quarter length victory.
Fellow Magic Millions graduate Leamington (Oratorio by Stravinsky) ran boldly to finish second, but in the end he was no match for the Andrews trained Time to Climb.
"She did what she's shown us on the track during the week," a delighted Andrews told Perth Racing's Wes Cameron after the race.
"There was only nine in the field and she had brilliant gate speed as you saw. She came on nicely from her trial."
"She controlled the race - it was a good effort. They put a fair bit of pressure on her a long way out."
"She certainly didn't get it all her own way. I thought the effort was very good."
"She'd only had one trial. She's always been a very quick learner. She hasn't taken a lot of work - she's a very natural filly."
The filly is easy to handle around the stable and has never given her connections a worry at any stage.
"She's very light in her action and therefore her legs have been very good - no shin soreness issues.
Bearcat, the sire of Time to Climb, was a well performed horse in Hong Kong - winning four races there and earning over HK$2.3 million.
Being by Danehill and from the grand producing mare Fitting, Bearcat is a full brother to the group winning sires Catbird and Danbird.
Her dam, the grand producing Is It True mare True Roman, won three races, but is better known these days through her exploits at stud.
Among her three impressive city winners is the Karrakatta Plate winner Roman Time - a winner of four races and over $590,000 - and another Magic Millions bargain buy.
True Roman's latest yearling, a full brother to Time to Climb, is sure to attract plenty of admirers when he is presented at the 2010 Perth Sale by Taunton Vale.
"Time to Climb was a really attractive yearling this year and her full brother for next year is an impressive youngster as well," Magic Millions' Perth Manager Murray Tillett said.
Media Release - Magic Millions
Late Night Flight:The $800 Star
- Tuesday, 08 September 2009 00:59
Just over two years later and that same horse is getting plenty of news - and all for the right reason.
The $800 investment has now turned into over $185,000 and that figure is set to continue rising at a rapid rate with connections set to embark on a stakes campaign.
Late Night Flight is the horse. He's one of the most in form metropolitan gallopers in the country.
On Saturday at Belmont in Perth, Late Night Flight made it four city wins from his past six outings when he scored a strong on speed win in the Be a Perth Racing Corporate Member Handicap (1600m) at Belmont.
The four-year-old is trained by young Aquanita Racing horseman Simon Miller and was ridden to victory by Chloe Chatfield.
Miller was impressed with the efforts of Late Night Flight's senior part owner Suzanne Forrest to have purchased the rising star for just $800.
"Unbelievable. They don't come around that often - but she nailed it."
A crack at black type is next on the agenda - with the listed Boulder Cup at Kalgoorlie set to be his next run.
"If he pulls up well, which he generally does, we'll take him there and give him a crack."
"The distance will suit. It favours front runners and it's good prizemoney."
"I'm looking forward to taking him there. He deserves a crack at them."
Miller said he went into Saturday's race with great confidence with the Late Night Flight have a perfect lead in.
"He put in a winning gallop on Tuesday morning."
"One of his greatest attributes is that he is so tough."
Late Night Flight, is one of 28 smart winners by the former classy Marooned galloper Red Eye Special.
A winner of six races, including three at two, Red Eye Special won a Group Three Roma Cup as well as two other stakes events during his racetrack career.
He is the sire of the stakes performed duo Dead Eye Dick and Lady Cabernet. Late Night Flight looks destined to become his third at his next start.
Last Night Flight is one of two winners from his dam - the five time winner Polish Spirit.
A city winning daughter of Dauberval, Polish Spirit is from the two-year-old group winning and Group One Oaks placed Raise a Cup mare Kingston Spirit.
The family further back includes group one winners Shindig, Shinzig and Our Cache.
Media Release - Magic Millions
Racing Returns to Ascot
- Thursday, 08 October 2009 06:59
"Opening Day at Ascot is a celebration of thoroughbred racing." Kristi Ullrich PR Marketing Manager.
"Perth Racing celebrates with free entry; we celebrate the quality of thoroughbreds in this state, with the running of the Listed Northerly Stakes; we celebrate fashion with the National Myer Fashions on the Field Competition and we celebrate the excitement of racing with a 9 race programme."
"It is a not to be missed day on the Ascot racing calendar, and a fabulous way to welcome spring racing."
An unforgettable Ascot season lies ahead, with the Festival Of Perth Racing, which will run from Opening Day through to BMW Perth Cup day on January 1st.
There will be non stop action on and off the track, with a nine race programme beginning at 12:25pm, highlighted by the $75,000 Bundaberg Red Belgravia Stakes and $100,000 Northerly Stakes.
The Caulfield Cup will be televised live throughout the course, including on the new RWWA big screen which will be in a prime position.
Spring is undoubtedly upon us and that signals fashion stakes.
Ladies! Dress to impress and head to Ascot Racecourse for a chance to take away a cracking prize in the popular Western Australia leg of the MYER Fashions on the
Field competition.
The Western Australia State Winner will enjoy a five-day, party filled trip of a lifetime for two to the Melbourne Cup Carnival representing W.A., valued at $8,000.
There is something for everyone at the Ascot launch and the talk of the town at the moment is there is no better place to party than Burswood Garden Party and it will
be at capacity with the biggest revellers in town.
It's party time trackside with prime viewing of Myer Fashions on the Field, afternoon canapés, your first two drinks free, DJ playing all day and a private lounge area.
The Bundy girls will be on course playing the old favourite rock, paper, and scissors with the crowd for a chace to win Bundaberg merchandise.
Pr.Com Lounge, Perth's slick state of the art bar will once again be popular with its members when doors are opened for the new season.
This exclusive bar is open to Perth Racing Members and Pr.Com Members, there will be casual tickets available for $10 from Perth Racing.
Opening Day will introduce race-goers to the excitement of the Festival of Perth Racing, with all the regular Ascot features open for our guest's enjoyment including
the much renowned on course dining venues, Flying Colours Restaurant, Terrace Restaurant, Alfresco BBQ, and our many comfy bars and the fascinating Perth Racing Museum.
Media Release - Perth Racing
Perth's Newest 'Superstar' A Secret No Longer
- Sunday, 06 September 2009 13:15
Waratah's Secret is his name - and he's certainly a secret no more.
The son of Oratorio, who cost his trainer David Harrison $43,000 at last year's Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale, treated his rivals in the Westspeed 3YO Handicap (1300m) with contempt, winning by six and three quarter lengths.
Sent out the odds on favourite after a stunning six length debut win at the same track, Waratah's Secret emerged as WA racing's next star when he won with a "leg in the air".
Harrison, who's had numerous top class gallopers over his career, has no doubts his latest star performer is of the highest quality.
"I think he's a superstar this horse," Harrison stated. "How far in distance he will go, I don't know."
"We'll just weight up whether I give him a break now or head him to the Guineas."
"I will more than likely give him a break and come back for the (Summer) Carnival I would say."
"I don't want to drive him mad for his first prep."
"He's learning all the time and the world is his oyster. Hopefully he will keep improving."
"It's hard to weigh them up until they stop improving and let's hope he doesn't."
Paul Harvey, who partnered Waratah's Secret to victory on Saturday, paid the exciting performer a great compliment.
"I wish they were all like that," the champion Perth jockey said.
Oratorio, an Australian bred son of Stravinsky and the sire of Waratah's Secret, was a former top class juvenile who won feature races in numerous stakes including the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic.
Trained by Hall of Fame horseman Lee Freedman he trained on at three to win the Group Three CS Hayes Stakes at Moonee Valley.
His freshman crop, two last season and of which Waratah's Secret is a member, has done a remarkable job already and he looks destined for a bright future at stud.
A selecting of yearlings by the sire are set to go under the hammer at January's 2010 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.
Media Release - Magic Millions
Top Priced Dino Storms Home At Belmont
- Wednesday, 07 October 2009 09:45
Now gelded, Dino Mak showed he was going to have a future over longer distances when he reeled in the proven city winner Morant to win in a photo finish.
He was one of three winners on city tracks on the day for his in form sire, Danehill stallion Fastnet Rock.
Winning trainer Wally Mitchell was impressed with how the likely type responded to the urgings of Patrick Carbery over the concluding stages.
"He has always shown us plenty of ability," Mitchell said. "But it has taken a while to get one on the board."
"Hopefully he can continue to improve and win a few more (races)," the experienced horseman added.
Mitchell bid to $280,000 on behalf of major stable client Santoso Wirya to secure Dino Mak as a yearling at the Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale last year.
He was offered in Perth by Gervase Park Stud who'd successfully pin hooked him for $100,000 from the draft of Kitchwin Hills at the 2007 National Weanling Sale at the Gold Coast.
The win is another for red hot Coolmore Stud second season sire Fastnet Rock.
On Saturday his daughter Gybe, a $100,000 Magic Millions purchase, finished brilliantly to win the listed Gimcrack Stakes - the first juvenile race in Sydney for the season.
On Monday in Sydney the exciting three-year-old Therock scored an impressive win at Warwick Farm for leading trainer Gerald Ryan.
Ironically all three - Dino Mak, Gybe and Therock - were all purchased from Magic Millions National Weanling Sale.
"The National Weanling Sale is gaining a great reputation as one of the world's great auctions," Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester noted.
"Let's not forget horses like Swiss Ace, Murtajill, Dr Doute's, Isurava, Wolfe Dreams, Locus Standi, Pergram and Morgan Dollar are also recent graduates of the sale as well."
Dino Mak wasn't the only Magic Millions graduate to impress during the first half of the card at Belmont on Wednesday.
Also victorious were Collayshell (Strategic-Favelas), Kaiser Crown (Beautiful Crown-Costly Pleasure) and Esta Fiesta (Estambul-Charmawder).
Media Release - Magic Millions
Idyllic Double in Goodwood Sprint
- Thursday, 20 August 2009 00:00
The Scenic gelding warmed up for Saturday's assignment with a brilliant trial win at Belmont Park last Monday and has come up with the inside barrier for the weight for age contest on Saturday.
Idyllic Prince won last years renewal of the Goodwood Sprint when racing first up after two trials and prior to those hit-outs, had not raced since finishing toward the back of the field in the Railway Stakes won by El Presidente in 2007.
Taylor had aimed Idyllic Prince at a winter campaign this year which has resulted in fourths to Grand Nirvana in the Bolton Sprint and the G3 Roma Cup, an unplaced run behind Universal Ruler in the Belmont Sprint and a last start 3rd to McLurch at Belmont on June 24.
The 33rd running of the Goodwood Sprint also heralds the return of star galloper Megatic who has not been out since narrowly losing the Bolton Sprint with 60 kg, conceding the winner Grand Nirvana 7 kg.
Guyno, second in the race last year to Idyllic Prince, resumes after his last start sixth to Roman Time in the York Stakes (1600 metres) on June 27.
Last year Guyno worked home late to finish one length behind Idyllic Prince before he jetted off on his Eastern States campaign, which culminated with a gutsy 12th in the Melbourne Cup behind Viewed.
Frank Maynard will have Escadaire warming up nicely for the Hannan's Handicap on September 16, but the strongly built gelding will not be suited as well at WFA, as he was at his last start win in the Belmont Newmarket under handicap conditions.
However, Foxy Boy and Beat The Strom will still have to find plenty under the set weight conditions and Escadaire should at least have their measure.
Media Release - Perth Racing
Miller Case Continues
- Tuesday, 06 October 2009 12:45
Miller faced RWWA stewards yesterday afternoon where more evidence was taken before the inquiry was adjourned once again.
No charges have been laid at this stage.
The inquiry was adjourned for a date to be fixed but the Virtual Formguide believes that date will be sometime next week.
Miller remains stood down from riding in all races and trials until the next hearing which means replacement riders will be required for his rides at Belmont later today.
The drama unfolded at Belmont on Saturday following the running of Race 4, the Guinness 250 Anniversary 0 - 74 Handicap (1650m) where Miller rode runner-up from the Adam Durrant stable Le Plunge and stewards took possession of Miller's whip after inspecting all riders whips.
Stewards took possession of Miller's whip after foreign matter was located inside the padded section of his whip. That object is believed to be lead weights elaborately sown into the padding.
Following the last race, stewards took evidence from Miller, his mother (trainer Sharon Miller) and trainer Neville Parnham's stable foreman who had won the race in question with Bridgestone.
Harrison's Secret Is Out
- Wednesday, 19 August 2009 00:00
Debuting for the David Harrison stable and with star local rider Paul Harvey in the saddle, Waratah's Secret cruised to the line six lengths clear of his rivals in an outstanding performance.
His last 600 metre sectional of 33.73 seconds was first class and would have been significantly quicker if he was asked for a full effort over the final stages of the race.
Harrison, who bought the exciting Oratoio (Stravinsky) youngster for $43,000 at last year's Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale at Belmont, has a good opinion of the winner.
"He's a nice, big horse and is very smart," Harrison said after thumping his rivals in the 1000 metre dash.
Harrison said connections had to wait longer than expected to get Waratah's Secret to the track, but they were well and truly rewarded this afternoon.
"He has been hard work, continuing to buck, and has gone through four different breakers, costing us $8,000." Harrison told perthracing.com.au following the win.
"Thanks to Joe Byrne, who was able to fix him in the end."
Waratah's Secret is yet another bright prospect for his sire, the Mungrup Stud based Stravinsky sire Oratorio.
A winner of the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic as well as three stakes events in Melbourne and Brisbane, Oratorio was a former top class sprinting youngster trained by Lee Freedman.
At stud he has quickly established himself as one of the country's most promising. In his first crop he was represented by a number of smart performers including Karrakatta Plate winner Gold Rocks and the stakes placed Wizards Point.
His other good winners from his first crop have included the likes of Clueless Angel, Dawinner, Ginsberg and now Waratah's Secret.
Today's Belmont card has been a good one so far for graduates of Magic Millions sales with Cheque Mate (Helenus), Saxon Palace (Bletchley Park) and Goldy Junior (Key Business) all impressing with wins.
Media Release - Magic Millions
Whip Saga To Hit Miller Hard
- Monday, 05 October 2009 08:15
Following the running of the Guinness 250 Anniversary 0 - 74 Handicap (1650m) where Miller rode runner-up from the Adam Durrant stable Le Plunge, stewards took possession of Miller's whip after inspecting all riders whips.
The Virtual Formguide understands stewards took possession of Miller's whip after foreign matter was located inside the padded section of his whip. That object is believed to be lead weights elaborately sown into the padding.
Following the last race at Belmont on Saturday, stewards took evidence from Miller, his mother (trainer Sharon Miller) and trainer Neville Parnham's stable foreman who had won the race in question with Bridgestone.
Stewards have adjourned an inquiry into the matter until 11:30am tomorrow with Miller unable to ride until the end of the inquiry.
After news of Miller's inquiry filtered through to stewards around the country, stewards at Warwick Farm and Morphettville today used a metal detector to check the whips of all riders at the meeting. All whips passed riding regulations.
Belmont Ready For A Beaufine Blitz
- Friday, 24 July 2009 00:00
Last years victor Vizard resumes from an illness enforced rest and while no one single rival poses a greater threat then the other, the collective strength of the opposition would be a concern for his trainer George Daly.
Vizard will have to match the deeds of Great Nation (05,06) to win the race back to back and his impost of 59 kg is just .5 kg less then the weight carrying record in the past decade, set by the great Willoughby of 59.5 kg back in 1999.
The difference with Great Nation is that he first won the Beaufine as a three year old and carried the minimum weight of 53 kg, before rising to 54.5 kg the following year.
Vizard rises 2.5 kg off his lofty mark of 56.5 kg last year, which is the equal to what River Mist carried to victory as a three year old, when he was successful for George Daly in 2004.
The engagement of Paul Harvey is a positive for Vizard, having won the race twice previous, on Great Nation (05) and last year.
Even the wide barrier is not a daunting statistic with four of the past nine winners starting from a high numbered draw.
The question that has to be answered is, can Vizard win the race first up after an illness, with 59 kg against strong opposition from a wide barrier?
I suspect the bookmakers who have been wounded by this classy son of Magic Of Money, on the way to winning nine of his past ten starts, can smell the chance of retribution from his legion of loyal supporters.
Another factor in his favour is the movable rail is back in the true position, which should allow the horses drawn wider on the track a better chance of success.
His main opposition looks to be the up and coming Ma Ma Machine, who can reel of the sectionals as quick as most, the promising Vain Raider who recently trialed with Vizard and looked to be close to the mark.
Add in Centrum, back in career best form and the classy filly Danebeela, who resumes at the short course at her first appearance since her Group win at Ascot earlier this year.
Three Amigos is expected to set a frenetic pace and don't let Danes Mystery get under your guard, when he resumes from a spell starting from barrier 1, which has supplied three of the past ten winners of the Beaufine Stakes.
Whatever the result, with fine but cold weather conditions forecast for Saturday, racing purists should mark Belmont Park down for a fix of first class, short course sprinting.
Media Release - Perth Racing (Media Partner)