Latest News

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