Williams to Retire After Derby Ride
- Tuesday, 07 April 2009 00:00
Fittingly Williams will ride I Am Lucky for her old boss David Harrison in the WATC Derby after her fast finishing fourth in the WA Oaks last Saturday.
Williams has been an inspiration to many female riders in WA and has maintained her professional approach to race riding to the very end.
"I wanted to go out when I was on top and to leave on my terms. I made the decision a few months ago and have been supported by Grant and David Harrison, who has stuck firm with me all through my career."
"It is time to enter the next phase of my career which includes training the gallopers and pacers out here at the property and we want to start a family in the next year."
"The lifestyle of a jockey is very hectic and I just need to slow down a little and prepare myself for what lies ahead."
Williams and her husband, leading trainer reinsmen Grant will handle a team of 20 race horses and pacers at their Karnup property.
"Looking back, my Group 2 wins on Old Money in the Cox Stakes and Fair Alert in the Winterbottom Stakes stand out as memorable wins."
"I also rate the win on Flying Ace in the Magic Millions two year old classic in Penang highly and my association with Lord Mason as a special one indeed."
Williams will ride Miss Confetti for Grant at Ascot on Wednesday as well as The Slam in race eight.
David Harrison described Williams as a true professional who was a freak from the first day she came to his stables.
"From the minute she walked in the place she was a natural horse person. She became fitter then any of the other jockeys by working hard on the mechanical horse."
"Alana has been tremendous for the image of racing. It has only ever been positive publicity with her."
Media Release - Perth Racing
Cassandara Shadow Wins WA Oaks
- Saturday, 04 April 2009 00:00
Cassandara Shadow ($11.20) was given a charmed ride by big race rider Jason Brown, just beyond midfield trailing one of the hardest to beat Admiring.
It was a bitter sweet feeling for Brown the lucky late engagement, replacing good friend Troy Turner as the rider, who was injured during the week at Pinjarra races.
The race was marred by a spectacular three horse fall inside the 200 metres, when William Pike aboard Jewelled and Jason Whiting on Delta Gee were tightened and took a heavy fall.
Lucas Camilleri was unable to avoid the trouble, and was catapulted off his mount Lady Jeumont.
Victorian visitor Full Moon as expected took up the role as pacemaker and was well rated, with the well fancied Delta Gee perched outside the lead.
The race favourite Brava Fortune settled in the box seat, and was just waiting for an ounce of luck at the business end.
Inside the 800 metres the race changed complexion with Paul Harvey allowing Admiring to stride into the race three wide and Cassandara Shadow with the cushy trail.
Turning for home Full Moon began to feel the pinch, while Delta Gee on her outside struggled, with Admiring and Cassandara Shadow joining in quickly.
Just as Admiring looked the winner, Brava Fortune had an opening, however staying prowess was going to win out, and Cassandara Shadow had a potent kick left.
Cassandara Shadow overpowered her rivals, and went on to score a marvellous Oaks win.
Admiring whacked away to hold second, with the unlucky Brava Fortune holding third.
A long term goal was achieved by Edwards, who declared after Cassandara Shadow finished second to Brava Fortune this time last year in the Sires Produce "She is my Oaks filly."
Cassandara Shadow was part of the John Roberts breeding/racing empire, and Edwards trained the Pentire dam Pentamerous, who was a restricted local staying filly.
A protest was fired in post-race by Brad Parnham, the rider of the third placed Brava Fortune, against runner-up Admiring for interference over the final stages.
The stewards deliberated, however dismissed the objection and placing's remained as they finished.
Delta Gee was the disappointment of the race, ridden positively from her wide gate and one of the first beaten, prior to falling.
The Michael Grant trained filly proved difficult to load, and was unsettled in the barriers before the field was released.
Media Release - Perth Racing
Wolfe Dreams Eyes Karrakatta Glory
- Wednesday, 25 March 2009 00:00
Wolfe Dreams the strapping son of Sequalo, has come through his final fast work gallop on the main grass at Albany in brilliant fashion and is right on the mark for Saturdays $500,000 Group 2 Go For 2 & 5 Karrakatta Plate (1200 metres).
Steve Wolfe has been enjoying a successful season training from his Great Southern base and will bring a strong team of five runners to Perth on Saturday.
"He worked home nicely over 800 metres for Stephen Sheehy and he reported to me he is just a little better then he was before the Perth Stakes." Wolfe told perthracing.com.au
"Most of the fancied runners have drawn where they would want to be and that includes us. From barrier four Shaun McGruddy will have the options of leading or holding a very forward position."
The first 400 metres of the Karrakatta Plate promises to be an intriguing battle of wills with Kid Choisir (2), Gold Rocks (3), The Corporation (5) and For Your Eyes Only barrier 6 all horses that like to lead or sit on the speed.
"Wolfe Dreams looks to have the pace in the first 100 metres to lead if he wants to and from there Shaun can make the decision to sit or continue to lead."
"I know that every time they have got close to him he has always found another gear and we haven't been to the bottom of him yet."
"We have had a wonderful run with him but it would be good to get the icing on the cake as well."
Wolfe will also bring Impact Rating and Goldtown to start in the ATA Handicap, as both runners prepare for the Albany Cup on Easter Sunday.
"Impact Rating is going working well for his title defence of his home town cup and I was going to start Goldtown in Albany on Sunday, but this race suits him and the prize money is much better."
"Becks will have to overcome a wide draw but he is racing extra well, as is Cicinho who looked very unlucky in Bunbury."
Becks will start in the 0-86 1200 metres and Cicinho is listed to race in the 0-79 2100 metres.
PICS - Greg Irvine.
Media Release - Perth Racing
Sweet Revenge to Marasco in Strickland
- Saturday, 04 April 2009 00:00
One of Western Australia's best gallopers Marasco has turned the table on arch rival Tarzi, with a brilliant victory in the 100th running of the $125,000 Group 3 WFA Strickland Stakes (1800m) at Ascot on Saturday. Marasco ($1.60 fav) was ridden cold by Daniel Staeck at the back of the small field, with very little tempo in the race through the middle stages.
Great Destiny as expected rolled to the front, with stable mate Star Encounter in his slip stream.
Inside the 800 metres is where the cat and mouse game began, with Staeck pulling into the three wide line and flushing Tarzi out in front of him.
From there the sprint was on, with Star Encounter taking over from Great Destiny and Tarzi and Marasco looming large.
In the straight the states two premier weight-for-age horses drew away to fight the race out.
Over the final stages Marasco's class kicked in and he finished too well for the gallant Tarzi.
‘The Mighty M' Marasco in the process of winning another feature race, was able to reel off the dazzling final 600 metre section of 32.96.
Once again Tarzi ran a brave race to hold second from the classy staying mare Star Encounter in third.
Champion horseman Fred Kersley now needs to decide whether a trip east beckons for his stable star, or he will be saved for another crack at the Melbourne Spring Carnival.
"When the going got tough, he did find a bit more."
"We are looking at maybe Sydney and maybe Brisbane, but the option is Melbourne in the spring."
"But if I had my preference I would probably stay home." Winning trained Fred Kersley quipped.
"I will monitor the horse and hopefully make the right decision." Kersley said.
Pic - Quentin Lang
Media Release - Perth Racing
Volonte Hot for Goodwood
- Sunday, 22 March 2009 00:00
Boom Perth apprentice Jarrad Noske likens WA's latest racetrack sensation to a luxury sportscar.
Dante's Volonte, the four legged subject, extended his winning streak to seven when he demoralised a smart field of sprinters in yesterday's Jungle Hero Sprint (1100m) at Ascot.
"It was like they were in minis and I was in a Ferrari," Noske said when asked about the sprint star.
"He's clearly the best and fastest horse I have ridden. He's quite scary."
While Noske is only 16 he is the most qualified to talk about the current form of Dante's Volonte - having ridden him at his past four starts for four emphatic wins.
"He didn't get out of second gear yesterday."
"He was twitching his ears in the straight like he was waiting for me to kick him in the guts to go - but I was like 'no boy we don't need that today."
"I reckon he had at least six lengths up his sleeve," Noske commented.
That's a scary thought considering Dante's Volonte's time on Saturday was 1 minute 3.49 seconds - just outside the track record.
"How good he is, who really knows. But he's a very exciting racehorse and I'm sure he will run well in the Goodwood."
Dante's Volonte trainer, Serpentine horseman Simon Barrass confirmed that his star will have one more run in Perth prior to crossing the Nullarbor for the first time.
He has booked Noske to ride the five-year-old in the $100,000 Miss Andretti Sprint (1200m) in a fortnight.
From there he will then head to Morphettville for the Group One The Goodwood (1200m) on May 2.
Damien Oliver has been booked for the ride in Adelaide's premier sprint.
Dante's Volonte showed ability early in his career, but a wind operation in late 2007 was the turning point of his career.
Since the operation the son of Dante's Fury has not been beaten.
Meanwhile, Noske, who tasted success in Melbourne during a recent leg of the National Apprentice Challenge, is planning a return to the country's premier racing city.
"The plan is to head over in mid-April and spend three months with Peter Moody," Noske said.
"I'm really looking forward to it."
PIC - Greg Irvine.
Dante's Volonte Beaten, Goodwood Plans Scrapped
- Saturday, 04 April 2009 00:00
Harvey again rode the Hurricane Sky gelding brilliantly, waiting just off the speed and then delivering the knock out blow in the stretch, to win from Calico Blue and Megatic in third place.
The odds-on favourite Dante's Volonte tracked the leaders and was immediately off the bridle on straightening for home and flattened out in the run home and fell into fifth place.
Immediately after the race Simon Barass reported that he felt Dante's Volonte was sore and would be spelled and his trip to Adelaide for the Goodwood Handicap would be aborted.
Hadabeclorka was set for greatness two summer carnivals ago until he injured a fetlock and it has been a long road back for both horse and trainer and today was a crowning glory for all concerned.
Megatic appeared pre race that he would improve with the run and all appears to be going smoothly en route to the Roma Cup.
Northwater Boy was the unlucky runner after getting chopped out when attempting a run in the straight and he should be followed at his next start.
The decision to start Calico Blue in the Miss Andretti Sprint instead of the Match Maker Classic proved to be a correct one by Rhona MacPhilomey and she is close to returning to the winners list.
Media Release - Perth Racing
MM Race Series Noms Closing for Perth Graduates
- Friday, 20 March 2009 00:00
Trainers and owners looking to quality their Magic Millions yearlings for the rich $5.975 million race series from February's BMW Perth Yearling Sale have until next Friday (27 March) to lodge the nomination.
Any yearling that was sold or passed in at the Belmont sale is eligible for the series and with the payment of a once off fee is qualified to run in Magic Millions graduate races for life.
The 2009/10 race series will take in at least 20 races around the country and prizemoney of at least $5.975 million MUST be won.
The races will be run at locations including the Gold Coast, Toowoomba, Adelaide, Perth, Tasmania, Wyong and Rockhampton.
A special nomination is available for graduates from the Perth Sale to make them eligible for the Perth 2YO Classic and 3YO Trophy only.
"The beauty of our race series - the first of its type in the world - is that you can win a $2 million race as a two-year-old and then come back each year after and keep winning closed graduate events," Magic Millions Managing Director David Chester said.
"If you pay up for a late maturing type - don't fear. Unlike many bonus schemes the Magic Millions series enables horses of any age to compete for big prizemoney events."
"Something for everyone - it's something I say a lot about Magic Millions. Whether its the range of yearlings in our sales or the races on offer for our graduates - our clients are given more chances of winning big."
Anyone seeking further information in qualifying their yearling for the rich race series should contact Ross McKeown at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 0404 490 726.
Full Moon's Perth Trip Delayed
- Wednesday, 01 April 2009 00:00
The travel plans of Burswood Entertainment Complex WA Oaks hopeful Full Moon were thrown into disarray last night, when the jet booked to fly across broke down and the flight was cancelled.
Chris Calthorpe from Australian Air Express reported that the Danny O’Brien team will have one more attempt tonight to get the daughter of Elusive City across for Saturday’s race.
“It was unfortunate but that highlights the difficulties we face trying transport horses around the country. Hopefully we can get her aboard tonight.”
Full Moon is trained at Flemington by Danny O’Brien and was a last start winner at Bendigo over 2200 metres defeating the David Hayes trained Berlioz, who raced well at Ascot last Saturday finishing third to Phenomenons in the Melvista Stakes.
Daniel Staeck is booked to ride Full Moon who will be stabled at the Fred Kersley complex and has raced nine times for a 2/2/1 record and $36,750 in prize money earnings.
PICS - Greg Irvine.
Media Release - Perth Racing
Millions Juveniles Are Best in West
- Monday, 16 March 2009 00:00
Magic Millions graduates Wolfe Dreams and For Your Eyes Only proved they were the two horses to beat in the upcoming $500,000 Karrakatta Plate with dominant on speed victories in feature juvenile races at Ascot on Saturday.
Wolfe Dreams, a last start winner of the $250,000 BMW Magic Millions 2YO Perth Classic, led the way with a highly impressive all the way win in the $75,000 listed Perth Stakes (1100m).
Swiftly out of the barriers, Wolfe Dreams was sent straight to the front by Shaun McGruddy and from there the gelded son of Sequalo was able to control the tempo.
Odds on favourite Kid Choisir ($1.60) raced just behind the leaders and tried to run down Wolfe Dreams ($6) in the straight but couldn't. There was a three quarter length margin between the pair at the line.
The Corporation ($6), a fellow Magic Millions graduate, was third, a short head behind Kid Choisir.
Connections of Wolfe Dreams are thrilled with what the outstanding young prospect is already achieving on the track - his record currently standing at three wins from three starts.
Trainer Steve Wolfe is adamant that his juvenile charge will be much better suited to longer distances into the future.
"I was a little bit scared it would be a bit too short for him today," Wolfe said after the win.
"He's a nice horse and I have no doubt he is a stayer in the making."
What a great money spinner Wolfe Dreams is turning into for his connections.
A $22,000 purchase by Noel Carter's Commercial Bloodstock from the draft of Mogumber Park, Wolfe Dream's prizemoney haul has already reached $227,450. Who knows what it might be after the Karrakatta!
Meanwhile, For Your Eyes Only staked her claims for the Karrakatta Plate with a dazzling on speed performance in the $75,000 listed Gimcrack Stakes (1100m).
The Paul Jordan trained daughter of Bletchley Park sprung out of the barriers quickly, easily holding out the favourite Gold Rocks.
For the rest of the race For Your Eyes Only ($4.40) would not be headed and she cruised home to beat Initial Outcome ($13) by three lengths.
Another length back in third place was Shamardal youngster Premardal ($10).
Transient ($9), who is looking for longer trips, ran well to finish fourth, while the favourite Gold Rocks ($2.40 fav) faded in the straight to run fifth.
Winning rider Troy Turner was suitable impressed with the performance from For Your Eyes Only.
"I was confident that she would win today," Turner told reporters are the race.
"She showed how tough she was to do it at both ends and win so well."
Raced by a group headed by Harvey Crossman's Lima Syndicate, For Your Eyes Only was purchased by her trainer Paul Jordan for just $23,000 from the draft of Rangeview Stud at last year's Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale.
For Your Eyes Only, a daughter of Bletchley Park, is one of two winners from the former city winning Key Business mare Communique.
Communique, three times a city winner, is a half sister to the five times stakes placed Dead Eye Dick.
WA Oaks Fancy in Dog Attack Scare
- Wednesday, 25 March 2009 00:00
Michael Grant was exercising Delta Gee and Admiring at the beach last Monday when the dog attack occurred.
"It was quiet scary actually. I was exercising Admiring and Caroline was riding Delta Gee. My filly headed off into the deeper water but the dog attacked Delta Gee catching her on the leg and tail and even bit Caroline on the leg." Grant told perthracing.com.au
"The owner of the dog was totally irresponsible and we are lucky because it could have been a lot worse."
"My vet Kim Rose stitched her up straight away and he is very confident that there will be no on-going problems with the filly."
Grant is still to decide if Delta Gee will start in the WA Oaks as well as the WATC Derby, but he is certain that Admiring will start in both races and that Paul Harvey will be the new rider for Admiring.
"William has decided to ride Jewelled in the WA Oaks. He rides a lot for her owner Bob Peters, but his decision did come as a surprise."
"Paul knows how to ride Admiring and I believe she is more effective when held up for one run at them in the straight."
Grant is in the pleasant situation of owning and training the two leading chances going into the WA Oaks and knows that only one of his fillies can win the race.
"I have always said that Delta Gee is on her first preparation and we were going to the paddock after the 1000 Guineas. But she continues to train on well and she may yet get to take her chance in both races."
"The other filly Admiring actually needs the racing and the she should be right at her peak for the Oaks and the Derby."
Media Release - Perth Racing
Laird's Magical Group Double in South Africa
- Monday, 02 March 2009 00:00
Charles Laird's success rate with gallopers purchased from the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale reached another peak on the weekend when Our Giant and Oracy provided the master horseman with a group race double.
Laird's pair of outstanding gallopers lit up the Turffontein track on Saturday with their respective popular victories.
Our Giant, already a proven Group One winner, lived up to his odds on quote when he rattled home to win the Group Two Hawaii Stakes (1400m).
With stable rider Anton Marcus in the saddle, Our Giant cruised to the line with plenty in hand to beat The Big Ask by a length, while Earl of Surrey was another length and three quarters back in third place.
A son of Giant's Causeway and the stakes winning mare Macrosa, Our Giant was purchased for $480,000 from the draft of Tyreel Stud at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast.
At present his record reads out at 11 wins and nine minor placings from just 25 starts and earnings of over RM2.5 million.
Our Giant isn't the only international star from Macrosa making headlines abroad.
Her gelded son by Viscount Rocket Man is a sensation in Singapore - having won five races from five starts.
At his most recent run Rocket Man demoralised his older rivals by about ten lengths. He is being aimed at the Group One Krisflyer International Sprint.
Meanwhile, boom Zabeel colt Oracy extended his unbeaten run to four with a highly impressive win in the RM1 million Group Two Gauteng Guineas (1600m).
A $400,000 purchase from the 2007 Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast, Oracy looks set to make a sweep through the South African classic races and confirm his status as one of the new stars of the country.
In a thrilling four way finish Oracy got up to beat Cerise Cherry by a nose with Royal Rez an inch away in third place.
Impressive in winning his three previous starts including the Group Two Dingaans Stakes in November, Oracy was expected to be hitting the line hard in the weekend's feature.
With the first leg of the Triple Crown under his belt, Oracy is expected the jump the favourite in the other two legs - the RM2 million SA Classic on March 28 and the RM1.5 million SA Derby on April 25.
Oracy, by champion Cambridge Stud sire Zabeel, is one of two stakes winners this season from two runners from the group winner Lady Dehere.
A group two winner in her own right, Lady Dehere is also the dam of this season's New Zealand stakes winning juvenile The Lady.
Lady Dehere is a half sister to Oratorio - a winner of the Magic Millions Adelaide 2YO Classic who is now standing at stud in Western Australia.