More
Than Words, More than Good!
Scott Darby
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Darby
Racing has had a stellar season with its syndications and this
continued today when Stratum 2YO 'More Than Words' disposed
of her older rivals to win her 2nd race from only 6 starts.
Ridden by Peter Robl, More Than Words was given the gun run
behind the leaders before securing a gap at the top of the straight,
she pinned her ears back and won comfortably in the heavy conditions
by a length and a half. Jockey Peter Robl has only had 2 rides
on More Than Words for 2 wins and was very complimentary of
her efforts. ' She is a real tryer this filly'. Trainer Marc
Conners was very pleased with her efforts and will now look
to target her at a city race after already finishing 2nd at
Randwick 2 starts back. Her total prize money topped $30,000
with the victory form only 6 starts. A filly with plenty of
heart!
Merger
sweetener approved
Clinton Payne
Thursday, 22 July 2010
The NSW government has signed off on a $175 million rescue package
for Sydney racing on the proviso the Australian Jockey Club
and Sydney Turf Club agree to merge.
The news
was announced in Thursday’s Daily Telegraph ahead of Racing
Minister Kevin Greene’s press conference at the Racing
NSW offices at 12.30pm.
The makeup
of the package is believed to be a $25 million grant for renovations
at Rosehill and a loan of $150 million to carry out the works
in the Randwick master plan which will centre around upgrades
to the Queen Elizabeth Stand and the development of other facilities.
The loan
will be funded by revenue received from Tabcorp’s virtual
racing game Trackside.
Stable
star 'La Belle Chataigne' to return to work!
Scott Darby
Monday, 19 July 2010
Stable
star La Belle Chataigne has been given the all the clear to
return to training after a set back whilst in training last
preparation. La Belle Chataigne rewarded her patient owners
last preparation by breaking her maiden status at start 13 and
then going on to win twice in town before finishing 2nd in the
Listed Parramatta Cup. A remarkable story of patience and persistence
by her trainer and owners who were rewarded with over $100,000
in stakes earnings in that preparation alone not to mention
the all important black type against her name for when she heads
to the breeding barn.
La
Belle Chataigne appears to be getting better with age and I'm
sure her trainer Clarry Conners will have some nice races picked
out for her return over the staying trips.
Stakes
Double for Fastnet Rock
Tara Madgwick, Greg Polson
Saturday, 22 May 2010
Red hot young sire Fastnet Rock made it a stakes double at Doomben
on Saturday when his highly promising son Rothesay dispatched
older rivals to win the Listed BTC Lord Mayor’s Cup over
1615 metres following hot on the heels of an earlier win on
the program for Stradbroke bound colt Stryker.
Trainer
Gerald Ryan has always maintained Rothesay had the makings of
a top class miler and that prediction proved accurate when the
colt settled back in the field for Blake Shinn before looming
wide on the track with an impressive finishing burst.
Stepping
up to the longer distance for the first time in his career,
Rothesay looked the winner a long way from home and cleared
out to win easily by more than two lengths over seasoned campaigners
Our Lukas and Hadaaf.
Rothesay
has always looked a topliner in the making following a sparkling
debut win over subsequent stakes-winner Stryker on July 18 last
year, but his rise has not been without incident.
At
his third race start in the Group Two AJC Roman Consul Stakes,
Rothesay started hot favourite but finished out of the placings
following a bleeding attack which necessitated the mandatory
three month ban.
Brought
along steadily this preparation, Rothesay finished third to
Latin News in the Listed Gosford Guineas when resuming and was
then narrowly beaten last start at Rosehill against older horses,
so was cherry ripe for the step up in distance and class.
Passed
in shy of his $150,000 reserve at the 2008 Inglis Australian
Easter Yearling Sale when consigned by Philippa Duncan Bloodstock,
Rothesay was retained to race by his breeder, Mrs Sue Suduk
in partnership with Mike Ryan, the win tinged with sadness as
Mrs Suduk passed away recently after a long battle with illness.
Rothesay
has won three of six starts earning $222,650 in prizemoney and
is the second foal and first stakes-winner for minor winner
Schiaparelli, a half-sister by Woodman (USA) to stakes-winners
Causeway Lass and Astute Angel from triple Group One winner
Canny Lass.
Schiaparelli
was sold as part of the Risdon Dispersal of mares conducted
by Inglis in 2008 fetching $700,000 to the bid of Emirates Park.
Covered
by Emirates Park based Al Maher last spring, Schiaparelli has
a yearling full sister to Rothesay and a weanling filly by Redoute’s
Choice.
Rothesay
is the ninth Australian stakes-winner for Fastnet Rock this
season and is his tenth stakes-winner overall and interestingly
he and Stryker are bred on the same cross, both of them from
daughters of Woodman (USA).
Both
Rothesay and Stryker loom as colts with serious stallion potential
in the future
Elastane
Bounces Back
Leisa Johns
Wednesday 12th May, 2010
Scott
Darby is only sentimental about one horse in his stables; Elastane.
Being the first horse he syndicated back in 2007 when Darby
Racing was created, Scott was delighted to see the four year
old gelding bounce back into the winners circle yesterday at
Mackay.
The
most miss pronounced horse by race callers, aptly named after
his mother Stockinette, Elastane ended the days racing in the
sunny state on a high, taking out the final race by an easy
two and a half lengths.
Apprentice
Ashley Butler effortlessly steered Elastane to the front in
the home straight after chasing down early tear away leader
Mr Wang and had an easy ride, standing in the irons as the gelding
charged across the line, chalking up his fifth career win.
Congratulations
once again to Elastane’s owners! Darby Racing hopes he
can continue to be a regular in winner’s circle.
Stellar
season for Darby Racing!
Scott Darby
Thursday 29th April, 2010
Darby
Racing brought up a milestone yesterday at Canterbury with its
20th win for season 09/10 when Classic Rush saluted!
Darby
Racing a fledgling company in its third year of syndicating
has provided much enjoyment and success this season for their
owners with 20 wins including including 6 of those in the metropolitan
area, with the highlight being La Belle Chataigne going from
maiden status to multiple city winner and 2nd in the LISTED
Parramatta Cup.
With
still 3 months to go in the current season, Darby racing and
its owners will be looking to add to its already impressive
tally!
ALL
HEART!
Scott Darby
Thursday 29th April, 2010
Darby
Racing's 3YO pocket rocket 'Classic Rush' showed once again
why she has been tagged a stable favourite with an all the way
courageous victory in the 'THERACES.COM.AU' NMW Handicap at
Canterbury yesterday! Classic Rush a well bred daughter of Charge
Forward won her 5th race from only 12 starts and earning for
her connection just a tick under $100,000 in total including
$30,000 in BOBS bonuses.
Trainer
Marc Conners was singing her praises after the race wishing
he had a stable full of horses just like her as she is very
small but puts in 110% everytime she races! Marc decribed her
efforts yesterday as all heart and she fought like a tiger!
Classic
Rush will continue to look for city races as she continues to
build on her already impressive race record including a 4th
in the Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes as a 2YO!
Congratulations
to her owners!
Classic Rush after winning at Canterbury 28/4/10
Darby
Racing’s Quiet Achiever
Leisa Johns
Tuesday 13th April, 2010
‘Elastane,’
a four year old gelding by Choisir, hasn’t had the great
successes of the big smoke and isn’t a house hold name
in the racing industry, but this gusty chestnut is racking up
the wins in the lovely sunshine state, being skillfully trained
by Stuart Kendrick. In fact, Elastane’s fourth win today
was Stuart Kendrick’s very own, the Kendrick Racing Handicap,
and he did not just win it - he managed to quinella it, with
race favourite Elastane leading the charge.
Congratulations
to Stuart and his loveable charge Elastane and big congratulations
to his faithful owners!
Their Joan of Arc
Leisa Johns
Thursday 15th April, 2010
A
Darby Racing favourite, ‘Our Joan of Arc’ was sold
this week at the Inglis Easter Broodmare sale for $220, 000
and will find her new home at Cheval Stud in Pukeatua, New Zealand.
‘Joanie,’ as she is fondly known, has been Darby
Racing’s brightest star to date, winning the Group 3 VRC
Inglis Maribyrong Plate and the listed AJC Gimcrack Stakes (her
very first start) as well as being placed in the Group 3 AJC
Kindergarten Stakes, all as a two year old. Darby Racing wishes
her new owners every success and we look forward with keen interest
to watch the successes of Joanie’s progeny.
Good
luck ‘Joanie’ and thanks for the wonderful ride!!
The
Last General Salutes!
Leisa Johns
Thursday 8th April, 2010
Breeder
Gerry Harvey’s suspicions were proved correct this evening
when ‘The Last General’, one of the last son’s
of the great General Nediym, broke through for his maiden win
at Canterbury tonight over 1250m. As a yearling Harvey knew
this colt was special and told Darby Racing’s General
Manager, Scott Darby, so at last years Magic Millions Sale.
A good salesman, or a good judge of young horses? Tonight’s
result proves the latter for the well known entrepreneur. Early
promise was always evident, but injury plagued ‘The General’s’
beginnings and it is only now that the owners are reaping the
reward for a truck load of patience.
Ridden
impeccably by Sydney’s leading jockey Nash Rawiller, The
Last General eked out his first win by the barest of margins.
Needing to be separated by the stewards in a closely deliberated
photo finish, ‘The Last General’ was declared the
victor over the Gai Waterhouse trained ‘Upon This Rock’
by a nose, or perhaps just a nostril, so close was the finish!
Both horses and their jockey’s tussled with each other
over the closing stages with Rawiller once again showing just
how good he is at his job and largely proving to be the difference
between the duos. Of this fact, trainer Clarry Conners was well
aware, “I don’t need to say anything, just look
at the footage!” A win by the smallest of margins but
a win nonetheless, Conners was wrapped for the throng of owner’s
involved with ‘The Last General,’ “It’s
great isn’t it! It was nice to see him tough it out at
the end.”
Rawiller
himself was also pleased with the young colt’s efforts
in the closing stages, “He was a bit green early on and
I had to let him do his own thing for a while, but he’s
still learning what it’s all about and it was a great
effort right at the end to tough it out.”
It’s
fair to say the final night meet for the carnival was abuzz
following ‘The Last General’s’ win tonight,
with the delighted owners lighting up Canterbury and going home
content that their perseverance and patience has finally paid
off (BOBS paid off at that!).
Conners
and his team at Victory Lodge will allow the young colt to recover
before deciding on his next mission. Congratulations to all
‘The General’s’ owners!
Classy
Classic Rushes Back to the Winner’s Circle!
Leisa Johns
Monday 5th April, 2010
Three
year old filly ‘Classic Rush’ has returned from
a four month spell in top form, taking out the AH Beard Benchmark
65 Handicap last Thursday at Hawkesbury by 1.3 lengths. Known
to be a leader’s track, apprentice Jessie Whipp was not
afraid to bring the filly close to the lead early on and then
timed her charge for home perfectly when hitting the straight.
Letting down effortlessly, Classic Rush proved to be a class
above the rest and saluted at the post with pleasing ease.
This
was the first time young Whipp has paired with a Darby Racing
horse and she certainly enjoyed the ride, “What a lovely
horse! She certainly made my job easy today.”
Trainer
Marc Conners was also pleased with the run, “It’s
good to get another win on the board and what’s more pleasing
is that she’s done it in her first run back from a spell.
She’s been working really well in the mornings at home
and it’s great to see that level of work stand up so early
in the preparation. I’m looking forward to her next assignment.”
Classic
Rush will now head back to the city to continue her quest to
add more wins to her form page.
Rockaway
Rocks On!
Leisa Johns
Wednesday 24th March, 2010
Two
year old gelding ‘Rockaway Star’ has continued his
winning ways, taking out the first race at Warwick Farm today
over more fancied opponents. Today’s win gave the Marc
Conners trained youngster back to back victories and saw him
turn the tables on former foe ‘Unanimously,’ who
previously relegated “Rocky” to the minor placings
two starts ago in Canberra.
Racing
over 1000m ‘Rockaway Star,’ ridden by veteran jockey
Matthew Cahill, took charge as a front runner early on in the
piece and maintained his position, grinding out a short neck
length win on his home track.
‘Rockaway
Star’ now has an impressive 50% win percentage to boast
about with today’s win making it two wins from four starts,
not to mention his 100% success rate of top five finishes.
Marc
Conners is hoping this record can stay intact as he progresses
“Rocky” through the ranks over the Autumn Carnival,
taking confidence from today Conners knows the precocious “youngster’s
got genuine talent!”
A
Trainer’s Prerogative
Leisa Johns
Monday 8th March, 2010
It’s
a woman’s prerogative to change her mind, so too a trainer…
or so it seems! Warwick Farm trainer Clarry Conners was adamant
the Paramatta Cup would be La Belle Chataigne’s last race
before a well deserved spell. Having been racing since September
last year, as well as taking into account her pre training beginning
in early August, the decision to spell the mare is understandable.
However, a weeks rest in the Conner’s stable whilst waiting
to be paraded at Darby Racing’s open day was all it took
for the trainer to reconsider his decision.
The
light week has done wonders for the mare, who not only regained
her race weight easily, but also put on a further ten kilos
and passed a rigorous vet inspection with flying colours.
La
Belle Chataigne will now compete in this Saturday’s Aspiration
Quality at Randwick and the Epona Stakes a fortnight later at
Rosehill, before heading to the paddock for the winter. Conners,
having changed his plan of attack, will now keep Bella out longer,
deliberately missing out on the Queensland winter carnival and
send the mare straight to the Sydney spring carnival with a
possible journey down to Melbourne.
Good
luck to all of Bella’s owners for her next two starts!
Group
One Triumph for Fastnet Colt
Tara Madgwick - Breednet
Saturday, 6 March 2010
Exciting Fastnet Rock colt Wanted is a Group One bridesmaid
no longer after scoring a dominant win in the prestigious VRC
Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, posting his memorable victory
just moments before the track was hit by a devastating hail
storm.
The
Peter Moody trained colt has been a model of consistency this
preparation and nobody could begrudge Wanted his opportunity
to shine.
Second
in both the Group One VRC Lightning Stakes and MVRC William
Reid Stakes before a last start fourth in the Group One MRC
Oakleigh Plate, Wanted was again well fancied to win the Newmarket
over the straight 1200 metres.
Driven
forward by Luke Nolen, Wanted was up on the pace all the way
kicking clear over the final furlong and holding all rivals
at bay to win by a length over Eagle Falls (Hussonet (USA) with
Oakleigh Plate hero Starspangledbanner (Choisir)in third place.
“He
was well overdue,” said Peter Moody. “He's a damn
good colt and deserves a Group One on his resume. He's an exceptionally
well bred horse and there's not a sprinter in the country racing
more consistently.”
Moody
revealed Wanted had been freshened up and given a change of
scene having been prepared from a paddock at the property of
trainer Quinton Scott.
“Fitness
wasn't an issue, so he didn’t need much work, he’s
just been trained from the paddock and popped over some logs,”
Moody said.
The
change of regime obviously did the trick with Wanted finding
the length he needed to go from being the perennial bridesmaid
to bonafide Group One star!
“He'll
probably go to Sydney for the T.J. (Smith), but today was the
one we wanted,” Moody added.
An
$800,000 purchase from the Highgrove Stud draft at the 2008
Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Wanted runs for a syndicate
that includes colourful racing identity Eddie Hayson.
Amazingly,
Wanted had not won a race since this day last year when he took
out the Group Three AJC Kindergarten Stakes, but has certainly
danced every dance in between, his overall record now three
wins and six placings from14 starts with prizemoney of $1,191,000.
Prior
to his last run in the Oakleigh Plate, Wanted was secured by
Widden Stud to embark on a stud career later this year, a move
that is now looking a very smart one indeed.
Wanted
was the most expensive yearling from the first crop of Fastnet
Rock and becomes his second Group One winner joining Irish Lights.
Bred
and offered for sale by Ron Gilbert at his Darling Downs based
Highgrove Stud, Wanted is the second foal of stakes-winning
Snippets mare Fragmentation, whose two year-old colt Shrapnel
won the Group Three SAJC Marsh Breeders Stakes last week.
Fragmentation
has no yearling this year but did have a full brother to Wanted
last spring and was covered by Street Cry (IRE).
Wanted
is the seventh individual Australian stakes-winner for Fastnet
Rock this season.
Six
and a half length ROMP!
Leisa Johns
Friday 5th March, 2010
Rockaway
Star did just that today at Bathurst, rocking away from the
rest of the field to win by an astronomical 6 ½ lengths
and break his maiden in just his third start! The short priced
favourite was never troubled in what really only looked like
a track gallop over the 1010 metres. Rounding the home straight
the son of Rock of Gibraltar from Bundle of Thanks, took off,
leaving the rest of the field to battle it out for the minor
placing, and it’s fair to say day light was the winner
in that race!
In
a handy bonus for his owners Rockaway Star claims not only the
prize money but also a BOBS bonus, making the trip out west
doubly worth while. Marc Conners, trainer of Rockaway, was very
pleased with the win but knows the gelding will have to hold
his form and even improve to be competitive with the large crop
of outstanding two year olds currently battling it out on the
city tracks, “It was a convincing win, there’s no
doubt about it. I hope he can continue to be just as convincing
as he makes his way through the grades. It won’t be an
easy task!”
Rockaway
will now head back to the city to take up the challenge to put
his name up amongst this year’s crop of exceptional two
year olds.
Congratulations
to all the owners!
French
Rose – Très Magnifque
Leisa Johns
Friday 5th March, 2010
Renowned
Sydney trainer Gai Waterhouse has big wraps for her young filly
Fit and Ready, but it was the Gerald Ryan trained filly, French
Rose (Lonhro/Southern Rose), that left Fit and Ready looking
not so fit and not so ready at the trials today at Rosehill
this morning.
Ridden
by apprentice Tommy Berry, the full sister to Darby Racing’s
highly regarded Eight Thorns, French Rose was never really pushed
by Berry, who, in a leisurely ride, stood in the stirrups the
whole way to lead the two year old to a lengths win over her
more fancied opponents who were being hurried along behind throughout.
Trainer
Gerald Ryan was very pleased with the trial suggesting the young
filly was just like her big brother. “She is one of my
best 2YO fillies in the stable! I think she has a really bright
future!”
Ryan
will now look for a suitable race to introduce this young lady
to the racing world.
French Rose (Lonhro / Southern Rose) as a yearling!
Elastane
Returns with a BANG!
Leisa Johns
Thursday 25th February, 2010
Four
year old Choisir gelding Elastane has returned from a spell
in the best possible fashion, with a first up win in Townsville
today. One of the first horses to be syndicated by Darby Racing,
Elastane has always been a solid, hard working horse and has
thrived since relocating up to sunny Queensland under the guidance
of trainer Stuart Kendrick and has now combined with jockey
Brad Stewart three times for three wins.
Middle
in the barrier draw, mid weighted in the field and mid placed
throughout the 1200m Class 3 plate, Elastane flew home in great
fashion to chase down the leader Berrigan Baby who was almost
two lengths ahead of the field.
Congratulations
to all of Elastane’s owners! Stuart and his team will
now wait to see how the big fella pulls up before deciding on
his next challenge.
Shares Galloping Out The Door
Leisa Johns
Thursday 25th February, 2010
Shares
in this years Magic Millions crop of yearlings bought by Darby
Bloodstock in January have been selling like hot cakes in the
past week with all shares in the classy, well related Redoute’s
Choice/Zeparty colt and the colt by red hot sire Snitzel out
of Bandolera fully sold! Whilst the other two horses, a tidy
Commands filly and a great value for money Strada have also
had a plethora of interest and the remaining shares are expected
to sell quickly.
Scott
Darby, manager of Darby Racing and Darby Bloodstock has been
buoyed by the interest and is especially thrilled to see new
faces getting into the excitement that comes with racing a thoroughbred.
With such a demand on shares Scott is quick to remind prospective
owners “not to think too long about getting involved if
you see something that tickles your fancy,” and is happy
to be putting on the market his newer purchases from the Inglis
Classic Sale in Sydney, a Beautiful Crown colt and a Fastnet
Rock colt, earlier than expected.
Much
time and effort goes into selecting young horses to be syndicated
with members of the Darby Racing team and the trainers spending
many days and hours reading pedigrees, viewing horses, discussing
their conformation, assessing their gait and getting the prospective
purchases vetted for known and prospective injuries, not to
mention the bidding war that is to be endured between trainers
and syndicators alike.
Sunday’s
Open Day at Clarry Conner’s stable, Victory Lodge, will
have all available yearlings on show as well as some crowd favourites
such as Classic Rush and La Belle Chataigne. See Darby Racing’s
home page for more information or feel free to call the Darby
Racing team.
La
Belle Chataigne Gets A Well Earned Rest
Leisa Johns
Saturday 20th February, 2010
Clarry
Conners admitted today that he was always cautious in his approach
to training four year old mare La Belle Chataigne, following
her gallant second placing in the listed Parramatta Cup at Rosehill.
The four time Golden Slipper winning trainer felt the mare’s
light frame and pin legs needed to be nursed and was always
tentative to run her over the longer distances. “But now
I know!” exclaimed the happy trainer, “Next preparation
I’ll be getting her straight up to the 2000m races as
soon as I can. She’s proven herself to be a gutsy little
thing and I know she can handle it with the best of them.”
La
Belle Chataigne’s second placing caps off a terrific preparation
this time up, comprising of three wins, three seconds, a third,
and following today’s run, a little bit of black type
to her name!
Starting
favourite on the tote, the classy mare has also become jockey
Tommy Berry’s favourite too, telling Darby Racing’s
Manager Scott Darby after the race, “I just love her!
She’s always in there fighting out the finish and she’s
incredibly consistent. She’s definitely my favourite horse
to ride!” That fighting spirit was on display today, getting
stuck in traffic and finding room late in the home straight,
La Belle Chataigne was one of few horses making up ground and
taking distance off the eventual winner Deltona. “If only
it was over 2100m,” rued Berry. This may have been her
first venture into the listed races but the mare certainly looked
at home, relishing the challenge. “She’ll definitely
win a black type race, that’s for sure!” claimed
the young jockey.
La
Belle Chataigne will now head to the spelling paddock for a
well earned rest. Although the mare has held her form incredibly
well throughout this extended preparation, Conners feels the
rest will do her the world of good, “I’m sure she’s
going to come back just as good next prep and we’ll get
straight back into it. I know what makes her tick now!”
Congratulations
to all her owners, it’s been a fantastic ride this preparation,
one that I’m sure all have enjoyed!!
‘Bella’
will stay at Victory Lodge this week and head to the spelling
paddock following Darby Racing’s Open Day next Sunday
so that all owners and supporters may get to see her before
she leaves for her well earned holiday!!
Clarry
regards filly the equal of his Slipper winners
Clinton Payne - Racenet
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Four time Golden Slipper winning trainer Clarry Conners said
Georgette Silk is as good as any two-year-old he has trained
after the filly cruised home to an easy win in the Listed Widden
Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
“She’s
as good as any of our Slipper winners,” Conners said.
“She’s Golden Slipper bound now and hopefully it
comes off.”
Conners
along with Victorian trainer Lee Freedman made the Golden Slipper
their own from 1991 to 2000 with four victories each in the
world’s richest two-year-old race.
Conners
claimed the Rosehill Group I with Tierce (1991), Burst (1992),
Prowl (1998) and Belle Du Jour (2000).
Ridden aggressively when the gates opened, Georgette Silk went
straight to the front and she slowed the field down to a pedestrian
tempo before booting away in the straight to record an easy
win.
“She
got going real quick, has good acceleration,” Conners
said. “I love the way she settled, she’s just a
lovely filly.”
Conners
said he was weighing up two options for Georgette Silk’s
next start and it was his intention to keep his star filly away
from his promising colt, Decision Time, in the lead-up to the
Golden Slipper.
“She’ll
either run in the Silver Slipper or the Kindergarten,”
he said. “Decision Time is running at Rosehill next Saturday.”
Race
favourite Mafia Miss travelled behind Georgette Silk in the
run but was unable to match the winners turn of foot in the
straight and finished second with the best backed runner in
the race, So Detached, getting home from the tail of the field
to grab third.
What
they said – “She feels very natural and very good.
She did everything right and has a big future,” said Blake
Shinn, winning jockey.
“She
ran well and will improve but the winner was too good,”
said Corey Brown, rider of the runner-up, Mafia Miss.
“She
had every hope. The tempo didn’t suit but we had no excuses,”
said Jim Cassidy, rider of the third placegetter, So Detached.
“It was ok. Further and later for her,” said Kerrin
McEvoy, rider of Quidnunc (4th).
“They were a bit hot for her,” said Glyn Schofield,
rider of Debut (last).
Hinchinbrook
all class but not Snitzel
Clinton Payne - Racenet
Saturday, 13 February 2010
Trainer
Gerald Ryan had high praise for Hinchinbrook after the colt
won the Listed Canonbury Stakes on debut but warned punters
he’s a markedly different horse to his three-quarter brother
Snitzel.
“He’s
not as explosive or precocious as Snitzel,” Ryan said.
“He is going to be a better three-year-old.”
Ryan
said a horse has to be good to win on debut at Stakes level
and he would attempt to qualify Hinchinbrook for the Golden
Slipper.
“My
thoughts are to go to the Skyline in four weeks,” he said.
“I don’t want to bottom him out.
“Then
if he needs another run we go to the Pago Pago.”
The first 500 metres of the Canonbury was run more than a second
quicker than the fillies in the Widden Stakes due to a three-way
battle for the lead between Manahara, Battle Ready and One More
Grand, who was trapped three-wide,.
Hinchinbrook
settled in behind the pacesetters and when the leaders rolled
away from the rail on straighteing, Kerrin McEvoy took the winner
to the inside of those horses along with Jim Cassidy and his
mount Corvidae.
Corvidae strode clear but Hinchinbrook was winding up strongly,
overhauling the leader inside the final 100 metres before drawing
away.
“He’s
a big heavy horse and he probably didn’t handle the ground
as most heavy horses don’t,” Ryan said.
“He’ll
improve heaps from that and it takes a good horse to win at
this level on debut."
At
the line, Corvidae was a clear second with the Breeders Plate
winner Run For Wilson getting home well from back in the field
to grab third.
What
they said – “He’ll be worthy of his spot in
whatever he runs in. He’s a quality colt,” said
Kerrin McEvoy, winning jockey.
“It
was a good tough effort. We were a sitting duck for the winner
but he fought hard and didn’t just give it too him,”
said Jim Cassidy, rider of the runner-up, Corvidae.
“He
knocked up the last 100 metres but it was a good return,”
said Nash Rawiller, rider of the third placegetter, Run For
Wilson.
“He toughed it out well. A good debut,” said Blake
Shinn, rider of Manahara (4th).
“We had no luck and he didn’t stop working. It wasn't
a hopeless performance by any means,” said Corey Brown,
rider of One More Grand (5th).
“He’ll improve from that,” said Tim Clark,
rider of Merger Benifits (6th).
‘ET’
- Out of this World
Leisa Johns
Wednesday 10th February, 2010
Stylish,
sexy, grey and fondly known as ‘ET,’ Eight Thorns
finally broke through after 12 starts to chalk up his maiden
victory today at Randwick. Previously running into the likes
of Husterliften and So You Think on their way up the ratings,
ET’s form stood solid today taking out the first race
of the day, a Benchmark 64 over 1800m, in front of a throng
of owners.
The
son of Lonhro, out of an Unbridled’s Song mare Southern
Rose, was solidly backed as the Sporting Bet Market mover and
the punters were right on the money. In a quickly run race,
ET worked solidly throughout all stages until pulling out wide
in the final straight, grinding his way to the lead and warding
off a late challenge to finally get that long awaited win by
a long neck.
Jockey
Tommy Berry, who is forming a delightful partnership with Darby
Racing horses of late, was aboard the big grey and had nothing
but praise for his solid effort, “I got to the front a
bit early but I was really impressed with the way he fought
on when challenged late.”
Trainer
Gerald Ryan believes ET is finally starting to mature and has
of late been doing some of his best work on the track. Gerald
was wrapped with ET’s victory, “I’m so please
he’s finally broken through for his maiden win. It was
very much deserved. He’s a classy horse and hopefully
it’s the first of many wins for him and his owners.”
ET's
long term target is the AJC Derby over the Autumn Carnival all
going well. Congratulations to the “600 000 owners”
(according to TVN’s Richard Callender).
Also
racing today in the Darby colours, Zaflame, trained by Clarry
Conners, finished a commendable 4th and Queen Commander, also
trained by the Warwick Farm trainer finished 7th.
Eight Thorns - All photos courtesy of Bradley's Photographers
02 4868 1433
Darby
– Berry Pairing Coming up Roses!
Leisa Johns
Wednesday 10th February, 2010
Apprentice
Tommy Berry and Darby Racing have been all smiles of late, combining
for four wins in the last month and multiple placings. The young
jockey rode his 50th metropolitan winner today aboard Darby
Racing’s Eight Thorns and now drops to a 1.5kg claim at
city meets.
Recent
wins on Darby horses La Belle Chataigne, Ellehro and now Eight
Thorns has aided Berry in extending his lead in the NSW Jockey’s
Apprentice Premiership and both parties can only hope the success
continues. Congratulations Tommy and good luck at Wyong tomorrow
aboard Ellehro, here’s hoping for another victory!
La
Belle Chataigne Eyes Off Parramatta Cup
Leisa Johns
Saturday 6th February, 2010
Red
hot mare La Belle Chataigne may have one more start before a
well earned spell when she contests the listed Parramatta Cup
in a fortnight at Rosehill following a gallant second place
today over 2000m at the same track. Unperturbed by the heavy
track and the step up in distance, the classy little mare once
again showed just how hard a worker and consistent runner she
is.
Jumping
from the inside barrier ‘Bella’ settled quickly
and slowly worked her way into the race but unfortunately found
traffic in the home straight, stalling her charge to the line
and, although found the lead, was run down by the fast finishing
Hawk Island.
It
has been a golden preparation for the mare and a whole lot of
fun and enjoyment for her owners to be a part of. Even Clarry
Conners, trainer of the red hot mare, was over heard declaring
love for the tiny chestnut after Saturday’s race.
Darby
Racing is confident ‘Bella’ will give the listed
race a real push if she pulls up well and wishes both the mare
and her owners the best of luck!
Terrific Start for Two Year Old
Lonchero
Leisa Johns
Saturday 6th February, 2010
Trainer
Gerald Ryan has always had an opinion of Lonchero, a two year
old colt by champion sire Lonhro and that confidence was put
on display with a late nomination for today’s two year
old race at Rosehill after a strong performance in a barrier
trial earlier in the week.
Out
the of mare Cherine, Lonchero finished a strong third over the
1100m race on a very heavy track, being one of only a few horses
of the day to make up ground in the finishing stages.
Jockey
Tye Angland was very impressed with the colt suggesting to owners,
“If it had been a dry track he’d have gone straight
past them all!” The young jockey believes the third placing
in the colt’s first start shows the son of Lonhro to have
a “really competitive future.”
Gerald
Ryan’s high opinion of the colt still stands following
today’s run, “It was a terrific run, he’ll
gain a lot of fitness from the run and I can’t wait to
see what he’ll do on a dry track.”
Connections
of the young colt will wait to see how he pulls up from his
first start before deciding on the best plan of attack for his
next start. Congratulations to all Lonchero’s owners,
it’s going to be an exciting ride with this young fella!
Ellehro
breaks her maiden in style!
Scott Darby
Monday,
25 January 2010
Talented
Lonhro mare, Ellehro broke her maiden today at Nowra! Ellehro
(Lonhro / Body and Soul) has always shown ability running some
terrific races in her short career but finally today broke her
maiden in style defeating her rivals at Nowra today by 1 1/2
lengths.
Trained
by Clarry Conners at Warwick Farm, Ellehro has been a slow maturing
filly that returned this time in stronger, bigger and looked
certain to break through for a win.
Congratulations
to all her owners who have had to be patient while she developed
and didn't always have the best of luck. We are all hoping she
can now go right on with it as today would have given her great
confidence from her victory!
Darby
Racing purchase 3 cracking colts at the Inglis Classic Sale!
Scott Darby
Monday,
25 January 2010
Darby
Racing purchased 3 cracking colts at this years Inglis Classic
sale taking total purchases this year to nine.
Darby
Racing struck early purchasing a well conformed solid colt by
the new superstar sire Fastnet Rock! Out of the early running
stakes placed mare Enrika's Gift!
Lot 40 Fastnet Rock out of Enirika's Gift
We
didn't have to wait long to pick up the 2nd of our 3 colts when
securing in a spirited bidding war an outstanding bay colt by
the ever consistent sire Beautiful Crown, out of the 5 time
winning mare Fraische! This was one of the colts of the sale!
Lot 65 Beautiful Crown out of Fraische
The
final colt we picked up was a precocious colt by stakes winning
Danehill stallion Strada! I have been very taken with the progeny
of Strada from what I have seen so far with this lovely colt
representing great value being directly related to Fastnet Rock!
Looks a real early runner!
Lot 207 Strada out of overnightsensation
For
further information on any of these wonderful colts please contact
Scott Darby on 0430 317 007.
More
Than Words speaks volumes at Canberra!
Renee Darby
Friday,
22 January 2010
Darby Racing's latest two year old, 'More Than Words' (Stratum/Jargon),
was triumphant today, at just her second start. More Than Words,
who led them up at Randwick on debut, when 3.6 lengths from
Zutara at the finish, always appeared to be a promising starter
at today's Canberra meeting. Peter Robl used his expertise to
guide this youngster around the track, settling just better
than mid-field and then powering home, running down 'Four My
Girls' on the line. Trainer, Marc Conners, placed this filly
perfectly, always believing she would be hard to beat!
Stratum,
a son of Redoubte's Choice, is quickly making his name as a
stallion. This promising youngster brings up Stratum's third
season winner.
Connections
of this filly will wait to see how she pulls up from the run
before deciding where to go from here. Darby Racing is certain
this filly will be one to look out for in the future!
Berry's
Belle!
Leisa Johns
Saturday, 16 January 2010
Red
hot mare ‘La Belle Chataigne’ powered home in the
last race at Rosehill on Saturday to defeat a classy field of
runners for her third career win. Beautifully lead around the
track once again by Tommy Berry, who is quickly establishing
a fantastic partnership with the mare, ‘Bella’ proved
too strong, running the final 400m in 21.91 seconds to claim
the Cool Ridge Handicap. Settling towards the back of the field
throughout the early stages of the race, Berry slowly moved
the mare into a tidy position on the fence, one off the leader,
until the final turn where he found her room and she did the
rest, letting down beautifully.
Berry’s
win on La Belle Chataigne gave him a double for the day and
extended his lead in the jockey’s apprentice challenge,
chalking up 19 wins so far this season. The pairing of Bella
and Berry has been all smiles with three rides for two wins
and a fourth. Darby Racing’s General Manager Scott Darby
laughingly suggested after yesterday’s win, “I think
we’d need a crowbar to get Tommy off Bella now!”
Berry has always had an opinion of the mare once again stating
with confidence “I think she’ll keep going on from
here.”
Clarry
Conners, trainer of La Belle Chataigne, was wrapped in the win,
“She’s a pretty honest little mare… she always
tries hard. She ran a good race last start and she’s done
it again here today even though she was up in class.”
Once again ‘Bella’ proved to all what her owners
have always known - She may not be a very big horse but she’s
all heart.
Connections
of the mare will wait to see how she pulls up from the run before
deciding where to go from here but be sure to put her in your
little black book! Congratulations to all her faithful owners!
Darby
Racing purchase another 2 yearlings on Day 3 at the Magic Millions!
Scott Darby
Friday, 8 January 2010
Darby
Racing was active again on day 3 of the Magic millions premier
sale picking up a further 2 yearlings. A lovely black or brown
colt by the sire on fire More Than Ready from Baramul Stud.
This lovely running colt will be trained by Clarry Conners at
Warwick Farm with Shares avaible shortly. Click on the link
below to watch this colt parade!
Lot
467 More Than Ready / Perla Di Sasso colt
Darby
Racing then waited until near the end of Day 3 to secure an
outstanding athletic daughter of Commands out of the city winning
and 1/2 sister to Group winner Excited Angel. This lovely big
strong filly looks alot like our good Group 3 wining filly 'Our
Joan of Arc' and will be trained by Clarry Conners at Warwick
Farm. To register your interest in any of these purchases please
contact Scott Darby on 0430 317 007.
Commands / Serpent filly
Darby
Racing purchases two cracking colts at the Magic Millions!
Scott Darby
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Darby
Racing struck early at this years Magic Millions sales at the
Gold Coast purchasing a cracking impeccably bred colt by Redoute's
Choice out of the Zeditave mare Zeparty, the family of Dracula,
Masked Party and Luck Unicorn just to name a few. Shares will
be available in this stallion prospect in the next 2 weeks and
will be trained at Rosehill by Gerald Ryan. Register your interest
today.
Colt by Redoute's Choice out of Zeparty!
Darby
Racing also purchased on day 1 another colt by inform sire Snitzel
out of Bandolera the daughter of Group 2 winner Pampered. This
outstanding colt will also be trained by Gerald Ryan at Rosehill
the trainer of this colts sire Snitzel! Please contact Scott
Darby on 0430 317 007 to register your interest.
Colt by Snitzel out of Bandolera
Super
consistent mare 'La Belle Chataigne' wins at Randwick!
Leisa
Johns
Thursday, 7 January 2010
Four
year old mare, La Belle Chataigne, continues to prove to be
Darby Racing's most consistent horse in it's stable after winning
at Randwick on Wednesday! After 17 starts 'Bella' has finished
in the first five an amazing 16 times. Ridden by apprentice
Tommy Berry, 'Bella' was worryingly at the back of the field
until the home straight but proved too good when finding space
out wide and doggedly caught and past the leaders to claim her
second win this preparation. Not worried about her back position
Tommy later reported, "I was a bit further back than we
hoped, but I had a lap full of horse and was confident she would
pick them up. She ran great in her last two starts and I can
only see her going on from here." Trainer Clarry Conners,
on the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Carnival, was very
happy with the mare's performance on Wednesday simply saying,
"She's good isn't she?!"
Owners
of La Belle Chataigne have truly been rewarded for their patience
this preparation with two wins and two second placing's. Initially
taking a long time to develop and being forced back to the spelling
paddock following a tendon injury, this preparation has only
seen the mare go from strength to strength and really find her
suited race distance and type, looking more and more like a
middle distance horse with every race.
Despite
a lengthy preparation, La Belle Chataigne will now look to continue
her stella run with a possible start on Australia Day at Randwick,
stepping up to challenge over 2000m in a Benchmark 75 race.
As Clarry so happily pointed out, "You never tip a mare
out that's in form!" Darby Racing hopes her terrific run
continues for her dedicated and faithful owners.
Hustle
books a trip to Gold Coast at the Magic Millions Carnival!
Scott Darby
Thursday, 17 December 2009
Lightly
raced 3YO Octagonal gelding 'Hustle', booked his ticket to the
Gold Coast yesterday with a fighting 4th in the benchmark 62
handicap run over 1600m at Wyong. Well short of his best distance,
Hustle showed his staying potential by fighting the entire way
of the straight after looking gone rounding the home turn, in
fact he was coming again on the line.
Trainer
Gerald Ryan will now prepare him for the Listed 3YO 2200m Starcraft
stakes at the Gold Coast held on Saturday January 2nd. Up in
distance and back to 3YO company should suit the lightly raced
stayer of the future.
Gerald
Ryan knows what it takes to win the 3YO staying event after
winning with Fort 'N' Won a few years ago!
Hustle
was purchased recently from Darley Stud for $41,800!
Gladiator
puts back to back wins at Kembla Grange!
Scott Darby
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Promising
Hussonet gelding, Gladiator, made it 2 wins in 9 days after
an easy win in the Benchmark 60 1400m race at Kembla Grange
yesterday. Ridden by the in form apprentice Josh Adams, Gladiator
never looked like being beat as he strode up to the leaders
at the 200m mark, once Josh asked for the effort he quickly
put pay to them easily, going on to score by a length and a
1/4 backing up from winning 9 days earlier at Wyong.
Gladiator
is a 3YO gelding by Hussonet out of Flying Single, a 3/4 sister
to Not a Single Doubt! Gladiator was very immature as a 2YO
but did show some promise in training. His trainer Gerald Ryan,
who has had a wonderful start to the season, believed he came
back this time in a much more mature horse after he was gelded
and given time to develop. Gerald also learnt that in training
if he was eased into his work he could rattle off some pretty
slick sectionals late. In the last 3 starts Gladiator was fitted
with a set of blinkers to help him concentrate and was ridden
quietly allowing him to settle and find the line with speed.
His last 2 starts have yielded two very good wins on the provincial
circuit and he has now earned himself a start on December 19
at Randwick in the Benchmark 80 1400m 3YO event that carries
a $100,000 Inglis Bonus in which he is eligible for! Great to
see the owners patience rewarded!
Darby
Racing with 4 runners this Saturday!
Scott Darby
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Darby
Racing will saddle up four runners this Saturday including new
recruit 'Hustle' at Rosehill, Ellehro, Gladiator and Iconic
Flame at Kembla Grange.
Ellehro
(Lonhro / Body and Soul) kicks off the day at 2pm in race 3
at Kembla Grange. This daughter of Lonhro has taken her time
to mature and boasts 4 placing's from her 9 starts to date.
She has the ability and is closely related to Causeway Queen
and exciting 2YO Solar charger. On Saturday, she is just in
for the run needing valuable fitness and starts from the horror
draw in gate 16.
Darby
Racing's 2nd runner on Saturday is the former Darley galloper
'Hustle'! This lightly raced son of Octagonal was purchased
with longer races in mind with the 3YO gelding racing twice
for a 3rd and a win at his last start. New trainer Gerald Ryan
expects the gelding to perform well but concedes he will improve
with time and distance.
We
go back to Kembla Grange for our 3rd runner, the last start
impressive winner 'Gladiator'. This impeccably bred gelding
is out of a 3/4 sister to Not a Single Doubt and has always
shown above average ability on the track. Trainer Gerald Ryan
believes he is well weighted on Saturday and expects him to
put 2 wins together in 9 days.
Our
last runner is in the final race at kembla Grange, Iconic Flame,
the full brother to Group 3 winner Flaming! This 3YO gelding
is still maturing and growing but has really come of age in
the last 2 months. Unlike his full brother Flaming who struggled
to run out a strong 1600m, Iconic Flame is showing he is looking
for 2000m plus after his last 5th at Goulburn over 1600m, Iconic
Flame was only warming up over the last 75m. Gerald expects
him to run a big race!
Good
Luck to all the owners!
Red
Ransom Dead at 22
Breednet - Media Release
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Highly
successful stallion Red Ransom (USA) has died at the age of
22 after complications following abdominal surgery on Saturday.
Bred and raced by Paul Mellon and conditioned by Hall of Fame
trainer Mack Miller, Red Ransom won two of three and was considered
a strong contender for the 1990 US Triple Crown series before
his career was cut short by injury. He set a five furlong track
record at Saratoga at his first start.
Retained
by Paul Mellon and retired to stud in 1991 his stud career got
off to a great start when his first crop son Sri Pekan was one
of Europes best 2yo’s of 1994. He also sired five stakes
winning juveniles in America resulting in him being crowned
Champion US Freshman sire of 1994.
On
the death of Paul Mellon, Red Ransom was purchased by a syndicate
which enabled him to remain at Vinery Kentucky and he begun
shuttling to Vinery Australia in 1998.
Amongst
his 94 individual stakes winners are 15 Group 1 winners which
include Typhoon Tracy , All American, Duporth and Onemorenomore
who have all been successful at the highest grade in 2009.
A world-class stallion Red Ransom consistently showed what a
versatile stallion he was by siring outstanding 2yo’s
such as Charge Forward and Onemorenomore, an Epsom Oaks winner
in Casual Look, Dubai World Cup winner Electrocutionist, Breeders
Cup winner in Perfect Sting, Champion miler Intikhab.
Red
Ransom was a foundation sire for Vinery and has contributed
significantly in the studs success over the last 11 years. A
horse of great character he will be sadly missed by the partners
and staff of Vinery.
Vinery
Release.
Lonhro
- Snowden suggests we all get one
Brad Waters
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Leading trainer Peter Snowden had a simple message for the racing
world after Secession became the latest stakes-winner sired
by former topline galloper Lonhro at Sandown.
“You
can’t beat him,” Snowden said. “Anyone who’s
out there should just get hold of one of them.”
Lonhro has
enjoyed a terrific year as a sire with the brilliant colt Denman
leading the charge and the likes of Demerit and Trim lending
able support.
Secession
settled in the second half of the field in the Listed Triple
M’s Hot Breakfast Stakes (1000m) before finishing hard
down the outside under jockey Kerrin McEvoy to book himself
a shot at the Group I Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) in February.
“He’s
a horse who’s got talent but he’s very immature,”
Snowden said. “But he has got a lot of raw ability and
that will take him a long way.
“I’ll
give him a break now. He’s very gangly and gawky. He’s
earned $60,000 in prizemoney now which will take him a long
way, if he’s good enough, to a Blue Diamond run.”
The David
Hayes-trained Shaaheq track the speed but was held up slightly
in the straight before finishing fairly well for second.
Sublime
Girl from the Mick Price camp was an eye-catcher, charging home
late after being badly blocked for a run at the 400 metres which
forced jockey Craig Newitt to switch course from the inside
to the middle of the course.
The warm
favourite Stirling Grove showed speed early before weakening
from the 250 metres to finish sixth, more than six lengths from
the winner.
The placings
and margins: Secession (K McEvoy) 55.5kg ($10) defeated Shaaheq
(D Oliver) 53.5kg ($9) by 1-1/2 lengths with 2-1/4 lengths back
to Sublime Girl (C Newitt) 53.5kg ($8.50) in third place.
Winner’s
breeding – Secession is a two-year-old colt by Lonhro
out of Walnut (Procul Harum (NZ)).
The time
and sectionals – The field covered the 1000 metres in
57.38 seconds with the last 600 run in 34.07 seconds.
\ What they
said – “He won really well today but he’s
only going to get better with racing and more ground,”
said Kerrin McEvoy, winning rider of Secession.
“It
was a nice run again. She’s a really nice filly,”
said Damien Oliver, rider of Shaaheq (2nd).
“Not
much luck but she’s going to be suited by more ground,”
said Craig Newitt, rider of Sublime Girl (3rd).
“She
tried hard,” said Chris Symons, rider of Across The Moon
(4th).
“He
was set for last week and he might have had enough now,”
said Chad Lever, rider of Stirling Grove (6th).
The market
– Stirling Grove opened at $1.90 but drifted to start
at $2.25. Secession eased fro $8 to $10 while Shaaheq was the
best-backed runner in the race, firming from $3.80 to $3.50.
Sublime Girl was solid at $8.50 throughout betting.
The on-course
market closed at 114 percent
Latest News