Up and coming three year-old Robrick stamped himself as a young horse on the up with a fast finishing second in the $1m Inglis Sprint (1200m) at Flemington. Prepared by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, Robrick ($17) powered through the line to be in front shortly after the post under leading rider Ben Melham. The Ciaron Maher trained I Am Invincible filly Estriella ($3.20) collected the first prize cheque, with the Bjorn Baker trained colt Caballus ($3.50) in third place. Robrick is now set to head to Sydney where his likely to have his next start at Rosehill on 23 March in the $200,000 Listed Darby Munro (1200m). Congratulations to the Robrick ownership Group: Mr S G Mauger, Mr P C McClintock, Mr R J Lawlor, Dr D A Worthley, Mr M C Power, Mr V G Harink, Mr D J McHugh, Mr D J Bates, Mrs M D Bates, Mr D Moretti, Mr K J Gordon, Mr G F Townsend, Mr A Grigg, Mr C W McFarlane, Mr B Lawlor, DEANMEYER (M Ostermeyer & A Dean) & OnTrack Dorotea Synd: M W Dunn, S E Harris, G A Logan, D J Slater & J E Van Steenis. Well bred three year-old Rock Hard Love is a maiden no longer, winning at his second time out in nail biting fashion in a $60,000 Super Maiden at Gosford. Prepared by the very much in form Bjorn Baker, Rock Hard Love scored narrowly after racing very greenly approaching the finish post. “For some reason you see a lot of horses shy away from the post at Gosford,” said OnTrack CEO Grant Morgan. “But he got the job done and he looks very green and raw, but stacked with ability. He looks an exciting prospect going forward.” Rock Hard Love was a $200,000 Yearling Purchase by Grant Morgan for the current ownership group from the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Bred by Coolmore Stud by their top class resident stallion Pierro, Rock Hard Love is out of the brilliant racemare Aqua D’Amore. Carrying the Coolmore colours, Aqua D’Amore won 9 time from 1200m to 2400m and prizemoney of $1,936,850. Prepared by Gai Waterhouse, her keynote win came at Caulfield in the MRC Futurity S., Gr.1. She was also runner up in two of our best races in the AJC Queen Elizabeth S & Gr.1, MRC Caulfield Cup, Gr.1. Aqua D’Amore is the dam ten foals to race for nine winners, including Rock Hard Love’s full brother Parry Sound, a Group 3 winner. Congratulations to owners: Bayles Girls Racing (Syndicate), P Hannen, Raw Toast (Syndicate), J J Bristow, R Blohberger, Bushs Lane (Syndicate), Greenaz Racing (Syndicate), D Marks, R Walker, D R Gordon, G F Townsend, S Politi, M L Austin, K J Stocks, D Cicciarelli, M S Rose, A Grigg, V G Harink, OnTrack Aqua D'Amore (Syndicate): J K Astbury, T Dimanno, M R Dixon, M W Dunn, G J Egan, C J Fox, M A Fraser, P J Fraser, T D Griffin, H W Hodgson, A E Jackson, M A Langdon, Loose Muscle (Loose Muscle), J E Van Steenis & A J Wellington. Leading jockey Ryan Maloney was seen at his brilliant best winning aboard Great Aspirations on a tricky heavy surface at the Sunshine Coast. With hotpot favourite Remlap’s Angel a warmly supported $1.35 fav, Maloney balanced Great Aspirations ($5) just off the speed before powering to the post to score a dominant win. “Ryan is without question the best rider in Queensland, and that was a perfect example of why,” said OnTrack CEO Grant Morgan. “He took the time to get the horse balanced early and hold him together and get him comfortable in the ground. “From there he was able to build momentum and stalk the favourite who did too much and compounded,” said Morgan. The New Zealand bred Great Aspirations was a $220,000 yearling purchase by Grant Morgan from the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from Gerry Harvey’s Westbury Stud draft. Prepared by Tony Gollan, the lightly raced Great Aspirations has now had 6 starts for 2 wins and 1 placing, with the promise of plenty more to come. “We hoped he might be a 1400m-1600m horse when we purchased him. But Savabeel is a versatile sire and can get a sharper one. This bloke might be just that and we might just keep him to the shorter trips and fresh. “He’s been very good ridden off the speed over the short course before being strong late,” said Morgan Congratulations to winning owners: Mr D Lesjak, Ms K Cameron, The 2Amigos, Dr D A Worthley, In Our Dreams, Bushs Lane, Mr S C New, Mr M J Ostermeyer, Mr R A Modin, Mr B L Irwin, Mr S M Bardsley, Mr N W Evison, Mr M R Dixon, Mr J R Kennedy, Mr P W Lindstrom, Dr K J Stocks, Mr G J Pratt, Mr M J Byrne, OnTrack Eau De Parfum: S Blackadder, E Newsome, R Wheatley, J Brown, J Van Steenis, S Franklin, K Kelly, C Enders, A Wellington, A Jackson, P Crotty, D Robinson, R Lee, J Macmillan, T Mclurg, T Holland & B Tangitu. Promising three year-old Robrick resumed with an impressive win first up under a big weight for trainers Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr and jockey Ben Melham at Sandown. Robrick will now target the $750,000 Inglis 3yo Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on 2 March. “That was an impressive win with 62kg. Only good horses can win with that sort of weight in town,” said OnTrack CEO Grant Morgan. “I’m pleased we went with Ben Melham and not a claimer. I doubt an apprentice could have got him out the spot he found and still won. “Ben is among the best riders in Australia and he has an excellent strike rate for Ontrack,” said Morgan Robrick was purchased by OnTrack CEO Grant Morgan from the 2022 Inglis Classic Sale for $220,000 from the Valiant Stud draft. The Inglis Classic sale continues to be a happy hunting ground for Morgan. He secured champion colt Brazen Beau and top race filly Savanna Amour out of the same ring. Morgan is hoping to secure another top class performer at this year’s renewal of the sale which commences on Sunday. Robrick has now had 5 starts for 2 wins and 2 seconds and looks to have a bright future. Congratulations to winning owners: Mr S G Mauger, Mr P C McClintock, Mr R J Lawlor, Dr D A Worthley, Mr M C Power, Mr V G Harink, Mr D J McHugh, Mr D J Bates, Mrs M D Bates, Mr D Moretti, Mr K J Gordon, Mr G F Townsend, Mr A Grigg, Mr C W McFarlane, Mr B Lawlor, DEANMEYER (M Ostermeyer & A Dean) & OnTrack Dorotea Synd: M W Dunn, S E Harris, G A Logan, D J Slater & J E Van Steenis. Good looking New Zealand bred 4yo Per Capita broke through for his maiden win at his first time out for Ballina trainer Stephen Lee. Formerly prepared by Annabel Neasham at Warwick Farm, Per Capita was sent North to work on the exclusive South Ballina beach property operated by trainer Stephen Lee. Per Capita ($2.40 fav) was well ridden by apprentice Braith Nock to score over the 1410m journey at Grafton, winning by a comfortable 1.5 lengths. “Annable and I felt that given he is ‘knee horse’ working full time on the beach was going to give him his best chance of longevity,” said OnTrack CEO Grant Morgan. “It was also a good opportunity to try and work through his grade in an easier racing environment to start with in the Northern Rivers. “Hopefully he can progress through to Brisbane Metro grade with some further development,” said Morgan. Per Capita was purchased at the 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Horses in Training Sale for $110,000. “Most of the Per Incanto’s get better with time. They can be immature knee horses and this fellow has been no different although he has taken longer than we would of cared for. “He is bred to get 1600m and possibly 2000m which will give him the chance to be a metro horse, which is our minimum goal at full maturity,” said Morgan Congratulations to winning owners: Long Lunchers (Syndicate) , I R Armstrong, G D McIntosh, M M McIntosh, McGwill Racing (Syndicate), V G Harink, G W Hunter, N P D Green, D J Preston, J J Ferrarin, F Deguara, P Foyster. J Papadopoulos, B & L Racing (Syndicate) , G A Edwards, G F Townsend, OnTrack Skybird Synd: G J Batchelder, W Bow, S Franklin, A E Jackson, W G Marshall, G J Muir, E G Newsome, D Roberts, L J Saxton, D J Sutherland, P Ulrick, J E Van Steenis & G J Williamson Talented mare Burning Bell overcame a torrid run and a protest to claim her first Saturday metro win at Eagle Farm. Having just her 11th start under Toby Edmonds, Burning Bell drew the outside alley and was no better than three wide the trip. Asked to lengthen early in the straight by apprentice Cejay Graham, Burning Bell sustained the effort before drifting out in front of second placegetter Magnus Bellagio. Second placed rider Steph Thornton lodged a protest, but this was eventually dismissed with Burning Bell holding the race for a well deserved win. Burning Bell posted the good time of 1:10.04 (last 600m 34.51) for the Eagle Farm 1200m course. “She had a long time off in the paddock. A vet diagnosed her as requiring surgery on a splint bone. But we elected to take the natural approach and give her time in the paddock to rectify the issue and let her grow out naturally and mature,” said OnTrack CEO Grant Morgan. “Burning Bell has always been above average and given she is lightly raced we are probably yet to see the best of her. “She has a tendency to hang out near the line. She’s probably better ridden with stick in the left hand. But Cejay did a good job in the end to get the win,” said Morgan. Burning Bell will now be rewarded with a short spell before pointing toward the Queensland winter carnival. “I think she is the sort of mare who can earn some minor black type with further improvement. She is a lovely mare with a good pedigree and some black type would do wonders for her residual value,” said Morgan. Burning Bell has now had 11 starts for 4 wins and 2 placings. Burning Bell was an inexpensive yearling purchase for Ontrack and what is now a large ownership group. Purchased from the COVID impacted 2020 QTIS Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Burning Bell was secured for just $38,000. Burning Bell is the second foal from the 2yo stakeswinning Sequalo mare Flamenco. Like top sires Written Tycoon and Capitalist, Burning Bell was bred in Queensland by prodigious winner getting farm Daandine Stud at Warwick. Congratulations to winning owners: Malcolm Borger, Norm Fowles, Average Joe Racing Synd (Manager: Troy Rowe), Jason & Linda Lelay, Colin & Jenny Watts, Chris Scott, Anne Wade, Darren Turner, Chris Goddard, Damien Chown, Tony Wilson, Denis & Margaret Frew, Trent Purdon, Anthony Bailey, Jenny Ball, Joeline Barnes, Garry Batchelder, Tracey Bliss, Stephen Carroll, Darren Chiswick, Gary Egan, Tim Gaske, Paul Lewis, Bebe Mawer, Chris Newman, Jason Piddington, Kevan Richiardi, Vic Smythe & Peter Willis. Photos courtesy of Trackside: www.tracksidephotography.com A smart debut win at Doomben as earmarked a possible tilt at the Queensland Oaks for the untapped Ellibaby. Beautifully ridden by quality rider Kyle Wilson Taylor, Ellibaby ($14) defeated a solid field on debut for trainer David Vandyke. Filling the placings were the Tony Gollan duo To Wish ($2.40 fav) and Addition ($6). Ellibaby was purchased by Grant Morgan from the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $180,000, from the Middlebrook Valley Lodge draft. “She was a very imposing yearling at the sale. She walked with so much purpose. You didn’t want to stand in front of her for too long when she was walking. She just wanted to keep going over the top of you,” said Grant Morgan. Ellibaby is a half sister to last years Queensland Oaks runner up Reo. “I always felt she would be a filly who would get at least a mile and hopefully up to more of a classic distance. “She will have a short break now and we will head towards the Queensland winter carnival and hopefully the Oaks. “David knows how to win the Oaks having got Gypsy Goddess there two years ago,” said Morgan. Congratulations to owners: D Lesjak, Bayles Girls Racing (Syndicate), R Marsolino, A R Bayles, F J Vernon, P R Mcgavin, J McGavin, D McWilliams, Z Marks, A M Morrison-Galt, M Vogelsang, J Wilson, P D Smart, A M Smart, B La Master, Bliss Racing (Syndicate), G Kotoski, A M Szuster & OnTrack Elliptical Orbit Syndicate: Julee Van Steenis, Robert Hill, Adam Torrens, Cherylann Tomlinson, Brad Leaity, Ken Walker, Kevan Richiardi, Daniel Buchanan, Don Lawton, Spiros Christopoulus, Joy Williams, Belinda Sondhu & Gary Egan.
Talented three year-old filly Jukebox In Siberia continued her progress by winning again at Ballina. The Annabel Neasham prepared filly has now recorded 2 wins and 1 place from only 4 starts. A daughter of top young stallion Russian Revolution, Jukebox In Siberia was good first up when drawn poorly and ridden back at the Gold Coast. Drawing well at Ballina, she was able to take up a better position before showing her dominant turn of foot for regular partner Jag Guthman-Chester. Sent out a warmly supported $1.60 favourite, Jukebox In Siberia scored by a margin of 2.1 lengths whilst being eased near the post. Jukebox In Siberia is likely to step back up to Brisbane City grade at her next start. She has been earmarked to make her Eagle Farm debut on Saturday 20 January in a 3yo Hcp (1300m). Jukebox In Siberia was purchased by Ontrack’s Grant Morgan from the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $200,000 from the Newgate Farm draft. Congratulations to winning owners: Bayles Girls Racing (Manger P E Bayles), R Marsolino, D L Blumberg, M C P Hewitson, A R Wolsey, A M Morrison-Galt, M J Ostermeyer, Supasonic (Manger J K Baldwin), Thefifthhole Racing (Manager: D J Dwyer) , R E Morgan, G F Townsend, A Grigg, R A B Bailey, S Swanson, G M Brown, M Wolsey, D J McHugh & OnTrack Beatniks Synd: D Paterson, P A Bailey, M F Finnigan, S Franklin, A E Jackson, C Pfingst, J J Ryan, G F Stevenson, M Turner & J E Van Steenis. Photos by Trackside Photography It was a pleasure to welcome another great group of guests for our annual Hunter Valley Horse & Wine Tour. Guests joined us from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, the ACT and the Northern Territory. Staying at the very comfortable Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens Resort, the group sampled many lovely hunter wines during the tour, including a visit to the Denman cellar door of Two Rivers and Hollydene estate wines at Jerry's Plains. The group enjoyed private tours and stallion parades at the top Hunter Farms. Coolmore Stud, Newgate Farm, Arrowfield Stud, Darley Godolphin (Kelvinside), Kia Ora Stud and Yarraman Park Stud, all on the tour this year. Our group enjoyed lovely meals each day from our friends a The Thoroughbred (Scone), the Belmore (Scone) and Vines at Hollydene (Jerry's Plains) We were again driven safely and comfortably by the team at Rover Coaches from Cessnock. Our final night dinner was held at this historic and very exclusive Circa 1876. We look forward to shortly releasing details of our 2024 Hunter Valley Tour. TOUR GALLERYex OnTrack galloper combining with young rider Maddison Cunliffe Much loved ex OnTrack galloper Schillacking is heading to the new Equimillion series with new owner Maddison Cunliffe. OnTrack is pleased to be sponsoring Maddison and Schillacking in the Equimillion, together with Julianne Horsman. Equimillion is a new initiative by Racing NSW to provide a set of prizemoney events for Thoroughbreds now competing in off track equine disciplines. Schillacking was re-homed when he finished racing via Julianne Horsman, before making his way to his current owner Maddison Cunliffe. Working for Racing NSW at the time, Horseman has continued to support Maddison and Schillacking in his off track journey. “Julianne reached out to me recently to see if we would be interested in sponsoring Schillacking and Maddison. He was a real favourite of ours, so the answer was most certainly yes,” said OnTrack principal Grant Morgan. Schillacking won 3 races and placed in a further 7 starts, showing above average ability before injury cut short his promising racing career. He was also placed 4th and 5th at Listed level as a three year-old during the Winter Carnival. Now thirteen years of age, Schillacking is by Artie Schiller from the Royal Troubador mare Ode To Thee. He was purchased as a yearling from his breeder Michael Ryan before being syndicated to his ownership group. “We raced his older half brother Flying Minstrel who was a brilliant horse with Group 1 ability, before injury also cut short his career,” said Morgan. “It’s so wonderful to see horses like Schillacking having such an active life after racing and bringing joy to people off the racetrack.” As part of his off track pursuits post racing, Schillacking was also apart of the SPUR Equine Therapy Programme for veterans via RSL LifeCare and Racing NSW. Schillacking played an important role in the SPUR programme and provided great companionship for many veterans during treatment for PTSD and other conditions as a result of military service. Schillacking was prepared for the majority of his racing career at Eagle Farm by Rob Heathcote, before having his final two starts under Randwick conditioner John Thompson. We wish Maddison and Schillacking the very best of luck in Equimillion ! You can follow Maddison on Instagram - Click Here See below a selection of images of Schillacking, his owners, strappers, jockeys from his racing days Important milestone win for Annabel Neasham & OnTrack Highly promising three year-old filly Jukebox In Siberia franked an eye catching debut with a brilliant win at Doomben to break her maiden status in fine style. The Annabel Neasham trained filly rattled home for third at Doomben over 1200m on debut before returning to the same track and distance three weeks later. “She drew badly on debut and we decided to run and ride her back. Annabel wasn’t keen to run but I love racing young horses at Doomben. She really savaged the line and we all walked away impressed by the debut,” said Grant Morgan Jag Guthmann-Chester got down to his lightest weight in some time to partner Jukebox In Siberia who carried 55kg to defeat a strong field of three year-old maidens. “It was pleasing to see Jag get the result today. He really wanted to stick with her after her debut and he worked hard to get down to the weight. “She missed the start today from the good draw but mustered quickly to get in the right spot. “She shouldered her way out before the turn and looked the one to beat a fair way out. She was visually impressive today but equally as good on the clock. Jukebox In Siberia will now head to the spelling paddock before targeting some better races over the Summer. “She still looks a prep away physically. Both Annabel and myself have felt for a while she just isn’t there yet, so for her to race twice and win impressively is very good.” Jukebox In Siberia was purchased by Ontrack’s Grant Morgan from the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $200,000 from the Newgate Farm draft. By outstanding young sire Russian Revolution, Jukebox In Siberia is out of the talented Brisbane mare Beatniks (by Haradasun). “I think she looks a lot like her mum. They don’t have to be like dad to be good. This filly has got a temperament to die for. I think she has got an outstanding action.” Jukebox In Siberia is named after the Skyhooks hit from 1990, the band headed by the late Shirley Strachan and Hey Hey It’s Saturday’s Red Symonds. Morgan paid credit to Queensland assistant trainer Todd Pollard. “She is the first yearling we have placed with Annabel and she has been exclusively trained in the Queensland stable after being broken in at Canungra at Hinterland Thoroughbreds. “We have a number of European imports with the stable but it was very important to get the runs on the board with a locally bred yearling here in Queensland. “Todd is very talented young horseman with a good team around him here in Queensland and I am looking forward to rolling out plenty of winners for the stable going forward,” said Morgan Congratulations to winning owners: Bayles Girls Racing (Manger P E Bayles), R Marsolino, D L Blumberg, M C P Hewitson, A R Wolsey, A M Morrison-Galt, M J Ostermeyer, Supasonic (Manger J K Baldwin), Thefifthhole Racing (Manager: D J Dwyer) , R E Morgan, G F Townsend, A Grigg, R A B Bailey, S Swanson, G M Brown, M Wolsey, D J McHugh & OnTrack Beatniks Synd: D Paterson, P A Bailey, M F Finnigan, S Franklin, A E Jackson, C Pfingst, J J Ryan, G F Stevenson, M Turner & J E Van Steenis. Victorian stable joins a new Gold Coast hinterland base Annabel Neasham has in recent weeks expanded her training infrastructure to include a new stable in Victoria to compliment another new operation in the Gold Coast hinterland. Already operating primary stables at Warwick Farm (Sydney) and Eagle Farm (Brisbane), the growing Neasham team now has 20 boxes at the impressive Pakenham training complex in Victoria, also home to champion trainer Peter Moody. Part of Peter Hanan’s impressive Equinetrain complex, the new Pakenham stable will be headed by local horseman Bill Papazaharoudakis. The Neasham yard also recently added a full time barn in Canungra at Hinterland Thoroughbreds, the property formerly known as Aquis Farm. The Canungra base will compliment the stables main Queensland base at Eagle Farm which is headed by the talented young horseman Todd Pollard. Consistent mare Chickerartie brought up win number five scoring an impressive victory at Ipswich for apprentice Jai Williams and in form Ballina trainer Stephen Lee. Since moving to Stephen Lee as a 4 start maiden in August 2022, Chickerartie has raced on 9 occasions for 5 wins and 1 placing. “Chickerartie always showed ability but was a bit wayward and in need of a different training environment and approach,” said OnTrack CEO Grant Morgan. “The beach training facility and the ability to prepare her out of a day yard has done wonders for her and full credit must go to Stephen Lee and his team. “She has always been a lovely type and its important we build her CV ahead of her future career as a broodmare. I’m certain she will through lovely foals,” said Morgan Chickerartie was a first crop yearling by Flying Artie who now resides in Victory at Blue Gum Farm after starting his stallion career in the Hunter Valley under the Newgate Farm banner. First foal of the well related American bred mare West Coast Chick, Chickerartie was a $200,000 yearling purchase by Grant Morgan at the 2020 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale. Congratulations to the Chickerartie ownership group: Dr D A Worthley, Bayles Girls Racing (P E Bayles), J Edington, M A Snowden, Pinehurst Racing (G G Affleck), D J Bates, M D Bates, A M Wade, M J Ostermeyer, I G Mathieson, G K Andrews, Haimes Racing (J Haimes), Smeath Racing (D Smeath), G J Clark, G B Fuller, OnTrack W C Chick: L Harrison, J I Hellyer, R G Hill, R Hiscock, S Hitchener, J E Van Steenis, A J Wellington & L M Wilkes. Head turning chestnut gelding Padarra got his maiden done at just start two at Casino. Prepared by Stephen Lee at his dual property training setup at Ballina, Padarra looked to have plenty to do during the first part of the race. Apprentice Jai Williams put in a polished display to navigate a passage on Padarra in the straight to score a narrow but decisive victory over the 1400m course. Padarra gives the indication that he will be suited as his races get out to 1600m and beyond, adding merit to the Casino win. Padarra is a son of the former Arrowfield Stud stallion Pariah, from the stakes winning Stravinsky mare Indarra. Boasting plenty of ‘bling’ through his shiny chestnut coat, Padarra has distinctive white markings on both his blaze and his off side chest. After his racing career, no doubt Padarra will have plenty of admirers in the show ring. The Stephen Lee/OnTrack combo made it a race to race double with Nickelback scoring in the next race, also over 1400m. This continues a rich vein of form for the Lee stable, which is making full use of an exclusive South Ballina beach facility to complement it's well appointed on course stable in Ballina. Congratulations to winning owners: D J Bates, M D Bates, Dutch Cookie Fields (Syndicate), P Foyster, R A Modin, P M Pugsley, A L Camroux, D A Worthley, Bendar Racing (Syndicate), C E Harbrow, B H Wilson, S R Salvador, C Shearer, B J Sadler, P Harbrow, G A Logan, D G Wall, I P Newell & OnTrack Indarra Synd: G J Batchelder, M W Dunn, B J Ferris, M T Hetherton, J Hutchins, W G Marshall, D L Mclennan, C J Schatz, M J Secombe, D J Sutherland & J E Van Steenis Good looking three year-old gelding Robrick has broken his maiden in unique style by scoring a dominant victory at a Saturday Flemington meeting. Having just his third start, Robrick never looked like being beaten over the Flemington 1400m course when afforded a picture perfect ride by star Jockey Damien Lane. Robrick debuted at Sale last month when runner up behind the boom Peter Moody filly Mollyknickers, a subsequent Saturday Caulfield winner who looks destined for black type. Trainer Mick Price an Michael Kent Jnr then threw Robrick in the deep end searching for a maiden win in Saturday metro grade at Caulfield. Finishing 8th on that occasion, Robrick was all it sea in behind the pack before closing off well enough to be beaten 3.1 len. With the addition of blinkers, Robrick was again thrown into strong company at Flemington for his third start, his distance upped from 1200m to 1400m. Of the three 1410m races run on the day, Robrick ran the fastest time of 1:22.77 , ahead of the more experienced Starlight Scope 1:23.59 and Edison 1:22.86, both in much higher benchmark grade. Robrick was purchased by OnTrack CEO Grant Morgan from the 2022 Inglis Classic Sale for $220,000 from the Valiant Stud draft. The Inglis Classic sale continues to be a happy hunting ground for Morgan. He secured champion colt Brazen Beau and top race filly Savanna Amour out of the same ring. “Robrick really had the x-factor for me as a yearling. I kept going back and looking at him and watched other people inspect him,” said Grant Morgan. “I didn’t go to the sale expecting to pay so much for a second season Invader yearling, but that was the opinion I had of him on type.” “They tell me Robrick is the third most expensive Invader yearling sold. I loved his female pedigree and him as a type. They were the key selling points for me,” said Morgan. Congratulations to the Robrick Ownership group: Mr S G Mauger, Mr P C McClintock, Mr R J Lawlor, Dr D A Worthley, Mr M C Power, Mr V G Harink, Mr D J McHugh, Mr D J Bates, Mrs M D Bates, Mr D Moretti, Mr K J Gordon, Mr G F Townsend, Mr A Grigg, Mr C W McFarlane, Mr B Lawlor, DEANMEYER (M Ostermeyer & A Dean) & OnTrack Dorotea Synd: M W Dunn, S E Harris, G A Logan, D J Slater & J E Van Steenis. Our talented sprinter Tavisan has been retired. Tavisan has been rehomed on the Gold Coast with Dominique Ind, and he will live out his days with another ex OnTrack horse in Rock Academy. Tavisan was purchased as a yearling by Grant Morgan In New Zealand in 2017, and commenced his racing career in New Zealand with Jacob McKay, before moving to Mick Price at Caulfield. Tavisan ended his career under Kris Lees and his Gold Coast assistant trainer, Mel Eggleston The winner of 8 races, Tavisan was placed in another 13 races across Victoria and Queensland. Although he didn’t win at black type level, he recorded placings at Group or Listed level on six occasions at Cauflield, Flemington, Moonee Valley, Sandown and Doomben. One of the fastest horses to carry the All Gold colours, Tavisan is enjoying retirement in the Gold Coast hinterland. It’s likely he will appear in the Thoroughbred sections of local shows, including the upcoming Brisbane Ekka. Tavisan may also be a candidate for an appearance at the annual Magic Millions beach race, held in Surfers Paradise each January. His new stablemate Rock Academy has been a regular performer in the now iconic beach event. Thank you to the Tavisan ownership group who supported his retirement and rehoming with Dominique: Adrian Albrecht, Jim Lagos, Lewis Prince, Eric Newsome, Dr David Worthley, Vin Harink, Mark Snowden, Mark Ostermeyer, Neil Evison, Mark Horn & Haydn Stjernqvist, Lisa Saxton, Bebe Mawer, Executive Racing Club (Manager Jamie Haimes) & S M C Racing (Manager Michael Szkwarek). Happy retirement Tavi ! With our tour operation back in full swing post COVID, we returned to Royal Ascot for the first time since 2019. This year we had the pleasure of hosting a group of 18 clients to take into the very best of the racing and bloodstock in the UK. The tour started off in the horse heaven Newmarket where we again based ourselves at the beautiful Bedford Lodge. Newmarket trainers Sir Mark Prescott and Marco Botti provided personal stable tours of their yards, before both gentlemen joined us for dinner in the historic Jockey Club Rooms. Stud visits to Banstead Manor, Dalham Hall and Cheveley Park again proved a highlight, in particular being able to inspect top stallions like Frankel, Dubawi and Kingman. Rounding out the Newmarket leg was an inspection of the training and racing facilities with the Jockey Club, and a hosted tour of the Tattersall's sales complex. The second leg of the tour saw us move base to London, with attention turning to three days of racing at Royal Ascot. We stayed at the classy Sheraton Park Lane on Picadilly, right in the heart of swanky Mayfair. The group enjoyed a classic English 'high tea' at the wonderful Goring Hotel. The tour concluded with a private dinner at Searcy's in the iconic 'Gherkin' building in London. Thank you to everyone who assisted in making this a wonderful tour, including our UK based bloodstock agent Stuart Boman who again provided valuable input into making the tour a success. We look forward to our next Royal Ascot tour in 2025. Few horses can sit three deep for the trip and prove victorious on the line. Bois D’Argent did just that to record is first Australian win in the Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup (2000m) at Rosehill. A gorgeous grey gelding who formerly raced in France, Bois D’Argent continued to build on his highly consistent record which now stands at 5 wins 10 placings form 16 starts. Having just his third start for Annabel Neasham, Bois D’Argent headed to Rosehill with a sound third in the Gosford Gold Cup at his prior start where he was ridden by Regan Bayliss. Retaining the ride at Rosehill, Bayliss was met with few favours in the run when caught no better than 3 wide for the 2000m trip. Pratted wide on the turn, Bois D’Argent ($5.00) showed tremendous determination to find in the straight before prevailing narrowly on the line ahead of Navajo Peak ($4.40) and Wicklow ($7.50). Bois D’Argent’s Lord Mayors Cup win made it back to back wins for OnTrack, with stablemate Hopeful winning in 2022. Bois D’Argent was secured in a private sale by Stuart Boman of Blandford Bloodstock for OnTrack Thoroughbreds. Originally prepared by Francis-Henri Grafford at Chantilly, Bois D’Argent was previously owned by French soccer star Ecurie Lenglet. After being purchased by OnTrack, Bois D’Argent was switched to the care of Newmarket trainer Marco Botti who prepared him for his Third in the $750,000 Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) last November, before moving to Annabel Neasham. Bois D’Argent is by Toronado but gets his looks from his Daylami dam Madonna Lilly, who is also the dam of multiple Group 1 wining mare Grand Glory. The origins of his French name can be sourced by the popular fragrance by Christian Dior of the same name, Bois D’Argent. Congratulations to winning owners: G J Williamson, P E Kitching, D A Worthley, W E Muller, M J Ostermeyer, T A Allen, P T Hope, A M Morrison-Galt, Bayles Girls Racing Synd (P Bayles), Fourmour Racing (C Seymour), J J Bristow, A Grigg, G F Townsend, N G Lamond, M Sheppard, T M Cusick, G X Ryan, P A Bailey, C W Beattie, C W Beattie, N W Evison, R G Hill, C M Howitt, A E Jackson, C A Mathieson, B P Mawer, D S Paton, D Purkiss, L J Saxton, K J Stocks, C J Sutherland, Thefifthhole Racing (D Dwyer), J E Van Steenis, 5GM Racing, R J Bell, T A Bowman, N Forrest, S Franklin & Wishful Thinking. Former British galloper Imrahor broke his Australian duck with an emphatic first up win at Warwick Farm for Annabel Neasham and her apprentice Jett Stanley. First up off an 11 month break, Imrahor and his connections have had plenty go wrong since his arrival in Australia. His only previous start down under was a failure on a bottomless heavy track also at Warwick Farm last June. “He didn’t go yard on the Heavy 10 at Warwick Farm. He trialled up really well prior to that, then things went a bit pair shaped from there with injury and some enforced time on the sideline,” said Ontrack Thoroughbred’s Grant Morgan. “Annabel and her team had to do plenty of work on him in the gates and he now uses a barrier blanket and blindfold. “Touch wood he has had a smooth prep this time around at the trials and now this race. He has plenty of ability so hopefully we can have a bit of luck now that he is in winning mode,” said Morgan. Imrahor was secured at the 2021 Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale by Stuart Boman of Blandford Bloodstock, after initially being passed in. Imrahor won twice in the UK and placed three times from 8 starts when prepared by Newmarket trainer Hugo Palmer. Todays’ distance of 1300m is short of Imrahor’s UK best which was around the 1600m mark. A beautifully bred gelded son of brilliant UK sire Kingman, Imrahor is out of the Sea The Stars mare She’s Mine, herself an 800,000 Euro yearling. ‘Imrahor’ is a Turkish word which describes the man in charge of the Sultan’s horses in the Ottoman empire. Congratulations to winning owners: D Worthley, P & K Davis, J Bristow, J Gowing, M Borger, I Warchomij, S Howes, Dr A Morrison-Galt, J Hellyer, G Forbes, R Modin, C Grace, J Wilson, C Clark, L Britton, A Wade, D Preston & OnTrack Imrahor Syndicate: S Bartlett, K Edwards, C Enders, R Hill, B Irwin, A Jackson, B Mawer, T McClurg, J O’Neill, D Paulsen, G Radburn, G Smart, J Stevens, D Sutherland, R Wheatley, G Williamson & T Wyld Story by Gold Coast Bulletin | Images by Gold Coast Turf Club A new $370m Gold Coast Turf Club masterplan features three residential towers, a luxury hotel, infinity pools, retail spaces and Australia's largest rooftop bar overlooking the racetrack. The club – the home of the Magic Millions every January – lodged plans for its transformative mixed-use development, dubbed the Sunlight Lifestyle Precinct, with Gold Coast City Council on Friday night. It is named in the honour of 2018 Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Sunlight and contains 557 residential apartments and 63 dedicated short-stay serviced apartments. Retail spaces will boast shopping, food markets, wellness hubs, dining and entertainment precincts. The plans feature eight buildings, ranging from three to 19 storeys, to be developed in stages over the next seven years. The submission comes amid a separate $63m redevelopment of the racecourse. It features the construction of three new racing and training tracks, lights for night racing pencilled in for use by February or March and a new tunnel for racehorse access to the track well under way. Turf club CEO Steve Lines said he hoped the $370m precinct, to be developed in partnership with Aquis Australia, would become a world-class entertainment and tourism hub. "The tallest tower overlooking the racetrack will feature a stunning two-level, roof top Sky Garden, with infinity edge pools, restaurant, bars and dedicated events space all with spectacular views overlooking the racetrack and Gold Coast skyline," he said. "The Sky Garden will offer a new experience for racegoers for both day and night-time events." Turf Club chairman Brett Cook said the development would create 1315 new jobs during and after construction and was important to ensuring the club's long-term financial sustainability. "This project will also give the GCTC substantial ongoing revenue streams to secure the long-term commercial security of the club, a major goal for the entire board and staff to achieve." The proposed 1.8ha development is planned for the corner of Racecourse Dr and Crombie Ave, on the site of the existing horse tie-up stalls. The stalls will be relocated and replaced with improved facilities to the south of the existing turf club's Event Centre. Access between the racetrack and the club's $10m new training centre, under construction, will also be improved with new off-road pathways and tunnels to improve safety for humans and animals. The club said global architectural studio Woods Bagot had been engaged to transform the area into a "tropical neighbourhood with a focus on lifestyle and convenience". The buildings are arranged around a central, landscaped courtyard featuring numerous water gardens and public lounging pavilions, flanked by ground level retail and hospitality tenancies. Good looking three year-old Great Aspirations faced a strong maiden at the Sunshine Coast for his first up assignment, but the Savabeel gelding proved much too strong for his rivals scoring a dominant victory. The Tong Gollan prepared Great Aspirations ($4.60) was patiently ridden by Ryan Maloney who speared the gelding through a gap in the straight before a comfortable victory. Second to Great Aspirations was the well supported debutant Helikedempretty ($3.60), who was an impressive trial winner at Doomben earlier this month in slick time. “We felt Great Aspirations struck a fairly strong maiden. Whilst we were confident he was ready to win and moving well, I know Rob Heathcote has a big opinion of the second horse,” said OnTrack Principal Grant Morgan. “I like to see horses win their maiden dominantly and within their first 2 or 3 starts. It usually suggests the horse has a good future and I would like to think Great Aspirations falls into that category." Great Aspirations recorded a slick time of 58.08 (last 600 33.63). This was much faster than the other 3yo maiden heat on the day which was run in 58.40, whilst the class 5 horses went 57.71 earlier on the card for the 1000m trip. The New Zealand bred Great Aspirations was a $220,000 yearling purchase by Grant Morgan from the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale from Gerry Harvey’s Westbury Stud draft. Congratulations to shareholders: Mr D Lesjak, Ms K Cameron, The 2Amigos, Dr D A Worthley, In Our Dreams, Bushs Lane, Mr S C New, Mr M J Ostermeyer, Mr R A Modin, Mr B L Irwin, Mr S M Bardsley, Mr N W Evison, Mr M R Dixon, Mr J R Kennedy, Mr P W Lindstrom, Dr K J Stocks, Mr G J Pratt, Mr M J Byrne, OnTrack Eau De Parfum: S Blackadder, E Newsome, R Wheatley, J Brown, J Van Steenis, S Franklin, K Kelly, C Enders, A Wellington, A Jackson, P Crotty, D Robinson, R Lee, J Macmillan, T Mclurg, T Holland, W Stevenson & B Tangitu.
DUNDEEL is beginning to get a strong female foothold with three of his daughters suggesting they are all Group 1 class in recent weeks. This week John O’Shea produced the very promising 2yo CAPTAIN AMELIA (ex Courageous Kitty by Fastnet Rock) to score impressively on debut over 1000m at Kensington on 8 March. Captain Amelia looks likely to head to the $1m Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick 8 April. In New Zealand, the Cambridge Stud owned Dundeel 4yo mare AQUACADE (ex Forest of Seas by Sea The Stars) collected her first black type win in the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) at Pukekohe, 18 Feb. Aquacade contests the Gr 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Pukekohe, 11 March. Kembla Grange trainer Kerry Parker probably holds the biggest ace for the female Dundeel’s in his outstanding 4yo mare HOPE IN YOUR HEART (ex Hayaat by Montjeu). Already the winner of over $1.2m in prizemoney from 6 wins to Gr 2 level, Hope In Your heart was an impressive first up winner in the Gr 2 Guy Walter (1400m) at Randwick on 25 February. Hope In Your Heart is due to contest the Gr 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) at Rosehill, 11 March. Dundeel continues to appear as one of the most exciting young sires in the Australian stallion ranks, particularly for those looking away from just pure speed.
Dundeel stands at Arrowfield Stud, Scone. Last spring he stood off a fee of $66,000. This looks remarkable value given two of his Gr 1 guineas winning sons SUPER SETH and CASTELVECCHIO are already showing great promise at stud, both from just his first crop. by Grant Morgan Talented sprinter Tavisan recorded win number eight on his newly adopted home track at the Gold Coast, setting a track record on the newly laid Polytrack. Having been previously prepared on the old Caulfield Polytrack under Mick Price, the new Gold Coast Polytrack held few fears for Tavisan who also won a trial on the surface leading up to Saturdays race. Prepared by dual state trainer Kris Lees, Tavisan was particularly well ridden by emerging apprentice Jasper Franklin who is soon to depart for a stint in Sydney under Mark Newnham. Tavisan will now head towards more new horizons as he prepares to tackle the Eagle Farm circuit, a track he is yet to race on. Saturday’s win took Tavisan’s career earnings to $462, 327 with 8 wins and 11 placings. Tavisan was purchased as a yearling by Grant Morgan of Ontrack for $135,000 at the 2017 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale from the Hallmark Stud draft. A high class performer on his day, Tavisan has been stakes placed on multiple occasions, and is unlucky not to have a black type win on his CV. His black type placings include second placings in the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude at Caulfield, Listed Mitchell Mckenzie Stks at Moonee Valley, whilst he has placed third in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington, Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley, Listed Doveton Stks at Sandown Hillside and most recently in the Listed Keith Noud at Doomben. Tavisan has now won at a wide range of tracks, Cranbourne, Sandown (Hillside), Moonee Valley, Caulfield, Sunshine Coast and now Gold Coast Polytrack. Congratulations to our winning connections: Adrian Albrecht, Jim Lagos, Lewis Prince, Eric Newsome, Dr David Worthley, Vin Harink, Mark Snowden, Mark Ostermeyer, Neil Evison, Mark Horn & Haydn Stjernqvist, Lisa Saxton, Bebe Mawer, Executive Racing Club (Manager Jamie Haimes) & S M C Racing (Manager Michael Szkwarek). Photos courtesy of Grant Peters Trackside Photography. Our industry lost one of its very best earlier this month with New Zealand racing and breeding icon Sir Patrick Hogan passing away, aged 83.
Sir Patrick was a great supporter of OnTrack and our New Zealand Horse & Wine Tour which commenced in 2005. I can say without doubt that of all the studmasters that host our tours around the world, there was none more giving of his time than Sir Patrick. Sir Patrick reinforced a lesson I was taught long ago - you never really know where your next customer could come from. Whilst our tour groups were largely unlikely to book mares to his stallions or even buy a yearling, he spoke to each of our guests as if they could well be the next 'Robert Sangster' by rolling out the red carpet to all and sundry in our groups. I took this fabulous image of Sir Patrick on one of our tours, and we will continue to pay homage to the great man by featuring it into the future. On each of our tours, regardless of if they are in New Zealand, Royal Ascot, Hong Kong or the Hunter Valley, we also play the fabulous “The Promise” video which features the Sir Tristram story as told by Sir Patrick. If you haven’t watched it, do yourself a favour and track down a copy. I never get sick of watching it. During our most recent tour of New Zealand we were again privileged to be hosted at Cambridge Stud by new owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay and their right hand man Henry Plumptre. The new heritage centre is among the best I have ever viewed and is a tremendous ‘nod’ to Sir Patrick and its immensely pleasing to see his legacy will live on strongly at Cambridge. The OnTrack team were thrilled to return to New Zealand with a wonderful group of guests for our first NZ Horse and Wine tour for 3 years. 21 guests assembled from across Australia to attend the tour, many of which have postponed on several occasions due to COVID enforced lockouts. One of the highlights for the group was a visit to Cambridge Stud, and in particular, the new Heritage Centre. The Heritage Centre pays great homage to Sir Patrick Hogan, the founder of this iconic New Zealand brand. It is a massive credit to new owners Brendan & Jo Lindsay, and also Henry Plumptre. Our guests also enjoyed visits to Rich Hill Stud, Waikato Stud, Windsor Park Stud and Westbury Stud, as well as a tour of the Cambridge Stud training facility at Karaka. Our annual visit to the gorgeous Waiheke Island was again a highlight, with visits to Mudbrick Vineyard for lunch, as well as wine tasting at Cable Bay and Goldie Vineyard.
Racing action for the group was at Te Rapa, which stepped in for Ellerslie whilst its upgrade continues. We stopped in for a drink or two at the fabulous new Double Tree Hilton at Karaka. The tour rounded off with a visit to the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka sales complex with a tour followed by some lunch. With plenty of good wine and great food consumed throughout, it was delightful to again see a number of new friendships blossom in the group. We will be releasing dates for our 2023 New Zealand tour soon. |
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