June 1st, 2008

Talented three-year-old Bell Academy burst into contention for next Saturday's Group One Queensland Derby with a strong win in the $125,000 Group Three Grand Prix Stakes (2100m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon.

The son of Royal Academy, trained at the track by Robert Heathcote, has made a rapid progression through the grades after winning his maiden five runs back at Ipswich.

Former South African jockey Glyn Schofield was at his very best aboard Bell Academy and will now have to decide whether he rides him in next Saturday's Derby.

"It was a lovely patient ride," Heathcote said. "He's such a good rider. He's ridden for me before and I like to use him when I can."

Bell Academy got home by three parts of a length to beat Teary Eyed (Street Cry - Theseeyesadoreyou by Top Account), while the favourite Petushki (Golan - Llamrel by Star Way) was a further half-length away in third.

Heathcote is looking forward to next Saturday's Derby, planning to have two runners in a race he's yet to be represented in.

"I've had a couple of runners in a VRC Derby with General Minolta and Thunder Hawk," Heathcote told Sky Channel.

"But this will be the first year I've had a runner in our (Queensland) Derby."

Heathcote's other runner will be last Saturday's Group Three Rough Habit Plate placegetter My Limit.

Yet another successful graduate from the Magic Millions National Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast, Bell Academy has been a great money spinner for connections after being purchased for just $40,000.

Bell Academy, by international sire star Royal Academy, is one of three winners from three to race for the stakes performed mare Bellquin. A daughter of Bellotto, Bellquin won three races from 1600 to 2200 metres and was placed three times in black type races in Perth. 

Bell Academy, has won three races from just seven starts and has earned his connections more than $99,000.

May 11th, 2008

Racing's focus was at the provincial track north west of Sydney in New South Wales on Saturday at Hawkesbury and is the only meeting outside the metropolitan area that offers city prizemoney.  Making the most of the situation was the Royal Academy classy three-year-old, Royal Discretion, when he took out one of the feature three-year-old event on the card the Listed Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m).

Trained at Randwick by Gai Waterhouse, Royal Discretion (by Royal Academy) made it back-to-back stakes wins after his dominant victory over Turffontein (Johannesburg - Spirit of Grace by Dr. Grace) by 1-1/4 lengths with Acey Ducey (Xaar 0 Deduce by Known Fact) another 1-3/4 lengths away in third.
The win gave Waterhouse and Coolmore Stallions a feature-double on the day after Rabbuka (Giant's Causeway - Explosive by Fappiano) had won the $100,000 Rowley Mile earlier in the day. 

"It's amazing to come here, away from our home track and win two of these feature races, I'm so happy with the team, and it's a credit to our horses, they've done so well," Waterhouse told Sky Channel. 

"And he (Royal Discretion) was just brilliant, he's just matured mentally and physically and will head to Brisbane now," Waterhouse continued. 

Ridden by Nash Rawiller, Royal Discretion, began best and went to the lead and then at the half-way mark Rawiller gave the lead up to the recent stakes winning Tenant's Tiara. 

The bay gelding travelled well and he was simply too fast and strong for his rivals and he is expected to continue racing with a campaign in Queensland during the winter.

Royal Discretion is raced by the Bott family’s E Thoroughbred syndicate and partners.  He was was purchased by Tony Bott for $180,000 at the 2006 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale from the draft of Attunga Stud.  A half-brother to Group Three placed mare Tactfully, Royal Discretion is the third foal of stakes-placed Canny Lad mare Discretion, a half-sister to South African stakes-winner Sunrise Silence.

April 13th, 2008

Quality South Australian filly Serious Speed showed Sydney racegoers just how good she is at Rosehill on Saturday when capturing the Group Two STC Hobartville Stakes over 1400 metres against the colts.

An unlucky third at her first run back from a spell in Adelaide when chasing home Juste Momente in the Group One SAJC Robert Sangster Stakes, Serious Speed relished the step up to 1400 metres and had no difficulties handling the reverse Sydney way of going.

The Leon McDonald trained daughter of Royal Academy (USA) accelerated powerfully in the straight for leading rider Craig Williams, holding off a determined bid from Murtajill (Rock of Gibraltar (IRE)) to win by a half neck with Turffontein (Johannesburg (USA)) in third place providing Coolmore based sires with a Group Two trifecta.

Connections immediately announced plans to progress to the Group One AJC Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Randwick on April 26.

“I would say she's a really good miler,” said Craig Williams. “She's taking the boys on in the Doncaster with no weight o her back. The Doncaster looks like a good race for her.”

“She's got a great turn of foot. I got to the front a little too early today, she really took control of the race. We had to fight hard in the last furlong but she was too strong for them.”

A Group One winner last spring of the MRC Thousand Guineas, Serious Speed has the enviable record of four wins and four placings from 10 starts with prizemoney of $753,330.

Bred under the Toorak Park Stud banner and retained to race by Harry Perks, Trevor Robertson and Rod Fairclough, Serious Speed is the sixth living foal and first stakes-winner of the stakes-winning Kendor (Fr) mare Twitter.

Winner of the Listed SAJC Nitshke Stakes, Twitter is a daughter of stakes-winner Palace News, a half-sister to the dam of triple Group One winner March Hare.

Like the majority of Toorak Park bred horses, Serious Speed was foaled at Widden Stud where they keep most of their mares and then weaned and sent to Mill Park in South Australia to grow out.

It’s a winning formula for Toorak Park that has also resulted in many high class winners including Group One VRC Turnbull Stakes winner Devil Moon, bred and raced in similar interests but prepared by Mark Kavanagh.

Serious Speed is one of three Australian stakes-winners this season for Royal Academy (USA) who has 11 youngsters entered in the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

The family of Serious Speed appears just once at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale with Lot 543, a colt by Hold That Tiger (USA) from Palace News.

News from Coolmore stud.

March 1st, 2008

Australia's newest full-time resident, Royal Academy, produced another stakes winner at Caulfield on Saturday when his daughter, Whisper Bay claimed the Listed National Jockey Celebration Classic (1000m) in thrilling style.

Trained at Flemington by David Hayes, Whisper Bay gained a split late in the race between runners near the rail to accelerate through a gap inside the last fifty metres of the race to grab race debutant Grande Jardin (Redoute's Choice - Liberty Rose by Royal Academy) by a long neck. 

The previously unbeaten Elusive Wonder (Elusive Quality - Abbotswood by Sir Tristram) ran home well for third a short-half further back. 

In winning her second race from four starts Whisper Bay picked up some valuable black type something that the trainer tries to achieve with all his fillies. 

Hayes' told TVN's Bruce Clark that he had decided to hold the filly back from last Saturday's Group I Blue Diamond Stakes and his decision has duly rewarded her connections who now have on their hands on a very valuable young filly.   Whisper Bay will now head towards next month's $1.5 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m).

The win ensures her a start in the event and she'll get three weeks to get used to galloping right-handed.   

A daughter of Winds of Peace (by Bletchingly) a sister to the Group I Golden Slipper winner Star Watch and half-sister to Apollo's Flame (by King Apollo), winner of the Listed Listed Western Plate in South Australia.  Whisper Bay is her first stakes winner and Royal Academy's 148th stakes winner.

Whisper Bay has many of Royal Academy's qualities not only is she strong during her race she can quicken well over the concluding stages.  Chosen by the stables bloodstock agent Mark Pilkington who gave $165,000 for her from the draft of Kitchwin Hills (as agent) at the 2007 Magic Millions Yearling Sale. 

When Clark asked Hayes what he liked about her as a yearling he replied, "She was athletic with a good shoulder and we thought she was the pick of the Royal Academy's that year and she's paid for herself now." 

Royal Academy will be represented by 23 yearlings at the William Inglis Premier Yearling Sale that kicks off at Oaklands Junction in Victoria on Sunday, March 1st until 6th.

January 20th, 2008

Coolmore Stud's popular Breeders Cup winner, Royal Academy, has started 2008 with a big bang.  Last weekend at Caulfield the son of Nijinsky and Crimson Saint produced the quinella in the juvenile race on the card with two nice colts running one-two in the MRC Thomas North Plate (1100m), Darpana (ex Going Raja by Well Decorated) and Hybrid (ex Lady Circles by Ascot Knight).

On Saturday at Flemington in the open juvenile event Whisper Bay (ex Winds of Peace by Bletchingly) broke her maiden in solid fashion by beating the boys' at her second race start for the David Hayes yard.  Whisper Bay had made her debut on New Year's Day, when she had been beaten a nose by Oval Affair (King of Roses - Presidential Suite by Kingston Rule).

With natural improvement the chestnut daughter of Royal Academy improved off the run to score on Saturday with James Winks in the saddle.   

Whisper Bay, jumped away well from barrier one and Winks had her travelling behind Commissioned who took the field along at a even tempo until his stable mate Dashalot got the better of him at the 300m.  Winks gained a run on Whisper Bay and she dashed to the front and then showed some courage when Folau (Delago Brom - Flamber by Rustic Amber) challenged late to win by a length-and-a-quarter.

Joyful warrior (Hawk Wing - Southern Quest by Rainbow Quest) kept coming from the rear for third.

Speaking with Bruce Clark on TVN Hayes said, “She is a Magic Millions filly, so we’ll be looking that way with her," 

"Although, we'll probably look at a stakes race first."

Whisper Bay was bred by Hobartville Stud and offered at the 2007 Magic Millions Yearling Sale by Kitchwin Hills, Whisper Bay was secured by Mark Pilkington Bloodstock for $165,000 and runs for a large group of owners.

Whisper Bay is out of the Bletchingly mare Winds of Peace, a full sister to Golden Slipper winner Star Watch.

20 year old Royal Academy has been a stalwart for Coolmore Stud for a great many years and is now permanently based at their Jerry’s Plains headquarters in Australia following the decision to end his shuttling career.

The sire of 147 stakes-winners worldwide, Royal Academy runs at 10% stakes-winners to runners placing him firmly in the outstanding bracket as a sire, making him unbeatable value for both breeders and yearling buyers at a fee of $27,500.

  Royal Academy is well represented by three youngsters at the forthcoming New Zealand Bloodstock Premier Sale (January 28th-29th) another lone yearling in the Select session of the sale, January 30th until February 1st, he has another three on offer at the WA Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale (Feb 15-22nd) and a big draft of 23 at the William Inglis Premier Yearling Sale (March 1st-6th) in Victoria.

October 17th, 2007

It was Caulfield Thousand Guineas day at Caulfield on Wednesday and the Royal Academy filly Serious Speed upstaged her more fancied rivals when she came from last to score a run away victory in the Group One feature.

Trained at Morphettville by the very popular Leon Macdonald, Serious Speed was coming off a last-start second in the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington and she gave her rivals a galloping lesson to score by a widening 2-1/4 lengths from Extension Of Time (Dash For Cash - Nina Haraka).

The early leader Antarctic Miss (Ustinov - Far South) fought on strongly after trying to make it an all the way bid for group one glory - and showing plenty of grit she held on for third only a half-length away.

Nikolic had ridden the filly well off the pace and bided his time until he was around the home turn and then he let her sprint and with her tongue hanging out the side of her mouth she simply raced away from her rivals.

Macdonald had shown plenty of faith in his filly as he paid a late entry fee of $27,500 to run the petite Royal Academy filly in the Group One classic on behalf of her owners.

Macdonald said that he's likely to press on with Serious Speed to the Group Two Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 3.

"She always showed a lot of ability. This was only her sixth run in a race. She's something special, you could say a serious filly," Macdonald said.

"We go back a bit to when I had stables at Caulfield," Macdonald said of his relationship with Nikolic who won three stakes races on the Macdonald trained Umrum including the 1998 Craiglee Stakes at Flemington.

Serious Speed was bred by Harry Perks at his Toorak Park Stud in South Australia and he races her with Trevor Robertson and Rodney Fairclough.

The victory gave Nikolic his second Group One victory since cutting short his Hong Kong stint early in the season there, having won the Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on outsider Rubiscent.

Nikolic was impressed with Serious Speed who he said was still learning her trade.

"From the half mile (800m) to the turn you couldn't have enough on her, she was jogging," Nikolic said.

“She's a really tough filly,” Nikolic said.

"I'll be strongly recommending she goes at least to the Wakeful.

Serious Speed is out of the Kendor mare Twitter who hails from the family that's produced the multiple group one winner, March Hare (by Marscay), the Caulfield and South Australasian Oaks winner Imposera (by Imposing) and the Group I Spring Champion Stakes victors Teranaba (by Anabaa) and Imprimatur (by Imposing).

July 1st, 2007

The Sangster family's Swettenham Stud has another stakes winning filly on their hands.  Polar Circle, a daughter of Royal Academy, made it two wins from just three starts with a stylish win in the listed Empress Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Prepared for the Sangsters by Peter Chapple-Hyam, Polar Circle was ridden to victory by the star rider of the Royal Ascot week, Jimmy Fortune.  

A Swettenham Stud homebred, Polar Circle became the third stakes winner from her Group winning dam courtesy of the victory in the listed race for two-year-olds.  Her dam Polar Bird, a winner of the Group Three Debutante Stakes at Phoenix Park and listed St Hugh's Stakes at Newbury, had already proven herself as a top producing dam with Ocean Ridge and Fokine.  Ocean Ridge, by Storm Bird, was a Group Two winner at two at Maisons-Laffittee and was second in the Group One Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Meanwhile, her full brother Fokine won the listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket prior to heading to Hong Kong where he raced with great distinction.

March 25th, 2007

At Rosehill on Saturday, Coolmore's Royal Academy was represented by a metropolitan double including the Group 2 Pago Pago Stakes taken out in brilliant fashion by Deferential giving the son of  Nijinsky his 141st stakes winner.

In breaking his maiden status Deferential (ex Talent Time by Quest For Fame) earned a spot in next Saturday's Group I Golden Slipper with his commanding win in the Group 2 event at Rosehill on Saturday.  Having his fifth start, Deferential, travelled on the speed under Darren Beadman and once he was balanced in the home straight he powered home to deny dead-heaters Cecconi (Encosta de Lago - Tonicity by Blazing Sword) and Acey Ducey (Xaar - Deduce by Known Fact) by two and a quarter lengths.

Deferential races for his breeders Woodlands Stud, who purchased the colt’s dam Talent Time for $70,000 from the Attunga Stud consignment at the 2004 Inglis Easter Broodmare sale when carrying the son of Royal Academy.  A three-time winning daughter of Epson Derby winner Quest For Fame, Talent Time is a full-sister to stakes-placed winner Keeping Up and half-sister to Silver Shadow Stakes (G2) winner Katima (Zeditave).

Talent Time has a yearling filly by Commands, a weanling colt by Octagonal and was covered by Lonhro last spring. 

Royal Academy's other juvenile winner was Princess Zanzibar (ex Jozani by Rubiton) who kept her winning record a perfect two for two when she strolled home in the French Deputy Super Vobis Hcp (1200m) at Caulfield.

Ridden by James Winks, Princess Zanzibar, settled on the speed and skipped clear at the top of the straight.  Although she was 'very green' changing legs and star gazing she comfortably held off Daaloob (Redoute's Choice - Nicety by Star Way) by a length-and-a-quarter with Teskara (Testa Rossa - Costa Kara by Encosta de Lago) the same margin away in third.  Both fillies had their chances to run down Princess Zanzibar but she had too much class on them.

Trained at Flemington by Dan O'Brien who told TVN that if she (Princess Zanzibar) does well over the next week that he'll send her to Sydney for a crack at one of the black-type races at Randwick in April.

January 27th, 2007

A great result for Royal Academy in the listed fillies division of the Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) at Caulfield on Australia day at Caulfield, January 26th.

Beauty School (ex Salamore by Vain), displayed plenty of heart in running down the brilliantly fast Sydney invader Behind (General Nediym - Happy Spring by Rory's Jester).  Along with the black type the victory was Beauty School's maiden win at the third start, who had been placed at her first two starts. 

A $165,000 purchase from the Vinery consignment, Beauty School is the tenth foal and sixth winner from the Vain mare Salamore, a sister to Merson Cooper Stakes (G3) winner Kingston Heritage out of a half-sister to Lowan Star, who carried the Kingston Town colours of owner David Hains to win 11 races including the AJC Oaks (G1) and QTC Oaks (G1).

The victory of Beauty School was timely for Neila Thoroughbreds, which will offer a King Of Danes half-sister to the daughter of Royal Academy at the upcoming Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.  Salamore was covered by Cape Cross (IRE) last spring. 

Beauty School comes from the eighth Australian crop of Coolmore’s remarkable veteran Royal Academy, a member of the exclusive 100 plus stakes winners club. The son of Nijinsky has sired at least 137 stakes winners worldwide.

July 10th, 2006

At Eagle Farm on Saturday, Consular joined the millionaires' club when he completed back-to-back wins in the Listed Ascot Hcp (1400m).

Ridden by, Shane Scriven, Consular (ex Miss Prospect by Rory's Jester) produced a strong finish to down Mitanni (Danewin - And a Hug by Ivor Prince) by a long neck with Romare (Marscay - Rosy Clouds by Sir Tristram) a further three-quarters of a length away third.

Nine-year-old Consular's win was Scriven's second winner since he made a riding comeback last month after being sidelined for 18-months following a fall, ironically from Consular, in the 2004 Doomben Stakes (1350m).

Senior part-owner Bill Mumford paid only $20,000 for Consular who had started 31 times for six wins for his previous Kilmore trainer Peter Morgan.

Now with Eagle Farm trainer Bill Baker, Consular has amassed $1,012,950 overall from 16 wins and 13 placings in 84 starts.

Consular will now be given one more start in the Listed Tattersall's Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm on July 24 before spending the remainder of his days in retirement as a showjumper.

Mumford rated Consular's second to Thorn Park in the 2004 Stradbroke Hcp (1400m) as one of his greatest achievements.

June 6th, 2006

The stands exploded top, bottom and centre with jubilant screams and whoops of joy as Bullish Luck sprinted into the lead. He was headed for obvious victory in the Group I Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse on Sunday. Trainer Tony Cruz, on his feet as his horse turned for home, stood up, his hands held high, and pumped his arms forward as his champion beat the competition to the winning post. 

Bullish Luck crossed the line 2 1/2 lengths ahead of race defending champion Asakusa Den’en, who finished a nose ahead of Joyful Winner. 

The win of the Yasuda Kinen was the second for Hong Kong after Fairy King Prawn’s victory in 2000. “This is a great success for Hong Kong and Hong Kong racing in general,” said HKJC Executive Director of Racing Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “Congratulations to Mr. Wong, Tony and Brett. This shows that our policy in taking Hong Kong horses international is the right one. Our strategy will surely reap more riches in the future.”

Over 80 Hong Kong fans, in addition to a huge entourage accompanying Bullish Luck 's owner Wong Wing Keung, were nearly overcome with the excitement. Back at the weighing room, winning jockey Brett Prebble gave an enormous flying dismount into the arms of Cruz as Wong continued to scream in near hysteria. One hundred million yen and one million US dollars had just landed at their feet. 

“When I saw him come out for a clear run, I knew he had won the race,” Cruz crooned. “If we hadn’t run into trouble we would have won it last year, but he just keeps getting better.” Though revenge was his, Cruz wasn’t gloating. “I’m just glad to have gotten another chance to come here,” he said. “I won’t say we’ve taken revenge. I would say the jockey has run a fantastic race,” and Cruz, turning to Prebble, slapped him on the back saying, “Well done! Good job!”

“I’m feeling pretty brilliant,” said Prebble. “This is the best horse I’ve ever ridden and I’m honoured that Tony picked me to ride him.”

The race was run at a good pace, getting under way with Meisho Bowler taking the lead as expected, followed closely by Lohengrin and Daiwa Major until the straight. Prebble had kept Bullish Luck on the rail about midfield of the 18-strong lineup in the race’s 56th running, looking to angle out for his run. Joyful Winner stayed further back of Bullish Luck on the outside. Straightening into the stretch, Prebble moved out and lined up at the top with 400 metres left. “It went even better than planned,” Prebble said. “It’s the first time I’ve been that close on a run. I was just 6 lengths off on straightening and actually got there too soon. His turn of foot is explosive. If I’d waited, he probably would have gone even faster.” 

Bullish Luck shot over the last 3 furlongs in 11.5 – 11.4 – 11.6 covering the 1,600 metres of fast turf in one minute 32.6 seconds. 

Tony Cruz said he would love to bring Bullish Luck to Japan again. “He’s a very healthy horse. I think the chances are high we could come again next year.” Cruz said that Bullish Luck continues to improve with each race and with his second trip to Japan. “He’s a much better traveller, has a better character. Everything was better than last year. My confidence in this horse is growing even more.” 

Cruz said he definitely rated the win of the Yasuda as “the highlight of his career,” laughingly adding, “because of the US$1 million bonus as well!” On a more serious note, he looked back on his career as champion jockey and said. “I won group one's as a jockey and I’m expected to win them as a trainer too.” Winning overseas though is what Cruz saw as the ultimate achievement. “This is, I think, what racing is all about. It’s not just about winning in your own town. It’s about winning elsewhere and I’d like to win elsewhere too.”

May 7th, 2006

Royal Academy's son, Bullish Luck claimed the Champions Mile at Sha Tin in Hong Kong tonight, thrashing a classy international field. 

More than a hint of deja-vu surrounded the outcome to the US$1m Champions Mile, the third leg of the Asian Mile Challenge, at Sha Tin on Sunday with Bullish Luck recording his second victory. 

Last year the Tony Cruz-trained Bullish Luck started this race a distant second in the public's affections behind stable companion and favourite, Silent Witness, but still the son of Royal Academy won by a short-head.  With Silent Witness once again favourite, Bullish Luck started a shade over 11/1 and exited the same gate two that he won from in 2005 to settle behind a strong tempo that would enable him to dash over the top of his rivals in the homestretch. 

This all happened in a Group 1 mile-equalling time of 1:33.7 seconds - incredibly, an identical time to last year's triumph.  History has a habit of repeating itself, but seldom does it occur right down to the millisecond.

Bullish Luck scored by one-and-a-half-lengths from the gallant Danacourt with Joyful Winner a length further back in third. 

"We're definitely going to Japan again after this," said Cruz of the US$1.86m Yasuda Kinen in Tokyo on June 4 where victory will yield US$1 million bonus for two Challenge wins. 

"He ran a good fourth there last year after running into trouble in the home straight and having to ease up and run on again. We'd be hopeful of an even better run this year." 

Since his victory in this race a year ago, a win that confirmed his status as Hong Kong's Champion Miler last season, Bullish Luck had appeared to go off the boil in the interim, racing eight times for just two minor placings. 

"He's been finding races where he hasn't had the ground to suit or where they haven't gone quick enough for him in front. Brett did the right thing today by pulling him out wide into the clear and letting him kick. He's still our best miler on that run today," Cruz said. 

Winning jockey Brett Prebble was just as effusive. "He's still got that same acceleration. I got a strong cart into the race there and I gave him just one click at the top of the straight and it felt like he had the race settled in one stride," he said. 

Ample credit is also due to the performance of Danacourt, who for a moment looked to have the race pocketed when he swept to the front from Silent Witness with over a furlong to race. 

Danacourt was backing up just a week after his first run in five months in last weekend's Hong Kong Macau Trophy. Joyful Winner, bidding for a record seventh victory of the season, was settled in rear and could not make up the ground after ceding first run to Bullish Luck. 

Vanderlin and Seihali, from Britain and Dubai, ran fifth and sixth despite being tightened for room inside the final 100m. While the Australian contender, Niconero finished 12th. 

A day earlier back in Australia at Rosehill, Interfere (ex Bletchwyn by Bletchingly) had made a winning debut in the Rotary Health Research Handicap (1100m).

An open two-year-old race, Interfere never gave her rider Jim Cassidy a moment to worry as the bay daughter of Royal Academy scored by 1-1/4 lengths over Throne Inn (King of Kings  - Amberlene by Alannon).

Interfere had showed her ability at the trials when she defeated Tango Fire over 900m in a very fast 53.61 seconds.  Transferring that form to the race track she ran 1:04.90 for the five-and-a-half furlongs covering the final 600m in 34.56 seconds.

January 22nd, 2006

Royal Academy's return to Australia has been welcomed with his stock selling well last year and on Friday afternoon it was confirmed when leading trainer Lee Freedman produced a winning debutant, Swinging Bachelor at Flemington.

Although Freedman had two runners in the race including the favourite, Swinging Bachelor raced very greenly and shocked his trainer and punters to the heavily-backed stablemate Music Academy to win the Escape To Flemington Plate (1000m).

Swinging Bachelor (ex Campbell Fever by Bluebird) had eased in betting from $9 to $34.

In a tight finish he scored by a head from Catbird colt Bramble with last-start Murray Bridge winner Solar Mighty, a neck away third.

The first three placegetters came down the grandstand rail while Music Academy was one of just three horses on the flat side of the course and finished two lengths away fourth.

Both Swinging Bachelor and Music Academy are by Royal Academy who sired 2002 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Bel Esprit. 

Freedman said it was too early to declare if either youngster was Blue Diamond-class, adding that both runners would improve significantly on their performances.

July 10th, 2005

Tough eight-year-old, Consular booked a trip to Sydney for the Epsom Hcp (1600m) at Randwick in October with a strong win in the Ascot Hcp (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Sent out with the number one saddle cloth and 58.5kg's, Consular (ex Miss Prospect by Rory's Jester) produced his customary barnstorming finish from near the tail of the field to snatch a long neck victory over Show Biz Kid (Sequalo - Lady Lauren by Grand Chaudiere) in the Listed event.

Grandway Shogun (Geiger Counter - Separate Deal by At Talaw) filled third placing a further 2-1/4 lengths away.

Consular has 14 wins and eight placings to his credit with more $825,000 in the bank giving his connections plenty of fun along the way.  He will have his next start in the Tatt's Mile at Eagle Farm in two weeks time. 

August 26th, 2005

Royal Academy's daughter Charmview took out her second stakes event at Eagle Farm on Saturday grabbing the Group 3 Queensland Racing Winter Stakes (1500m).

The four-year-old had been winless since for some time, however, she had put the writing on the board at her first start in Brisbane this campaign, after a nose defeat over 1200m at Doomben, then a luckless sixth, beaten 2 ½-lengths in the Listed Dane Ripper Quality (1300m) on June 4. At her previous start Charmview came from last of the 13 runners on the turn when a fast finishing third to Au Chocolat and Kind Spirits in a tight finish in the Gai Waterhouse Classic at Ipswich seven days earlier.

Ridden by Brad Stewart, Charmview was three back on the fence tracking race favourite Perfect Promise in the run. While Stewart extracted Charmview from a pocket for an un-interrupted run to the line, Scott Seamer on Perfect Promise was cramped for room by the tiring Villa Bled. 

At the post Charmview (ex Staremma by Famous Star) had a neck to spare over Tui Song (Centaine - Alta Romance by Sound Reason) with Yvonne (Last Tycoon - The Collaborator by Military Plume) 1-1/4 lengths back in third.

In winning her first stakes race Charmview, becomes Royal Academy's 108th stakes winner, taking her record to three win, three seconds and three thirds from 29 starts for earnings of over $438,000.

Bred by Northern Lodge, Victoria, Charmview was consigned by Coolmore Stud, as agent, to the 2002 Magic Millions Yearling Sale where she was snapped up by her trainer Tony Wildman for $130,000. 

A half-sister to the former Sydney winner Grandiser (Dehere), which subsequently travelled to America and won a Listed event at Santa Anita, Charmview is the fourth live foal of the unraced Famous Star mare Staremma.  Staremma is a half-sister to the top class stayer Shiva’s Revenge (Nassipour), winner of the South Australian Derby (G1) and Blamey Stakes (G2). 

Staremma’s dam How About Now (Rascolnik) is a half sister to AJC Oaks heroine Just Now (Semipalatinsk) out of Eureka Stud’s grand foundation mare Tautina (Lumley Road).  Staremma has a yearling full sister to Charmview that was purchased by Dynamic Syndications for $40,000 at this years Magic Millions Yearling Sale, and was served last year by Redoute’s Choice. 

To cap the day off for Royal Academy, in Victoria, his son Oamaru Storm (ex Mamzelle Perdu by Vite Cheval) chalked up his fourth consecutive metropolitan victory in taking out the feature race on the Moonee Valley card the Geoff Torney Cup (1500m).

Oamaru Storm has been well placed by Tom Hughes Jnr, using the three-kilo claim of young rider Ben Melham.  Oamaru Storm travelled kindly settling mid-field out wide with cover, as Power And Faith and Jurys Out were setting a solid tempo.  

As Melham sat quietly on Oamaru Storm with tempo increasing with 800m to go, Melham moved forward and although wide Oamaru Storm was travelling with his ears pricked.  As they rounded the turn Oamaru Storm quickly closed in on Power And Faith and Tal Jack.  In the run to the line Oamaru Storm was much too good for Power and Faith (Mellifont - Fiorelli by Our Jimmy) with Future Analysis (Ladoni - Miss Clayton by Noalcoholic) working home well another 2 lengths away third.

June 12th, 2005

Coolmore stallion, Royal Academy, has always been popular with breeders in Australia and it looks like he's catching on in the north as well.  

At Longchamp the Juddmonte-homebred Art Master (ex True Flare by Capote) landed the Group 3 Prix du Palais-Royal at Longchamp. Settling in last into the straight and spotting the leaders at least 15-lengths Art Master was ridden with the utmost confidence by Christophe Soumillon, who released the hand brake after passing the 600 metre mark. Art Master (ex True Flare by Capote) accelerated and reeled them in, striking the front in the final 50 metres to defeat Byron (Green Desert) by a half length with Star valley (Starborough) the same distance away in third.

In recording his fourth win from as many starts for Art Master, has taken his earnings past €100,000.

Back in Australia, at Flemington on a heavy track, his son Oamaru Storm took out the fourth heat of the Winter Championship (1400m) producing another honest effort.

Oamaru Storm, a five-year-old, was coming back from a win over 1700m at the same course on May 18th, settled well back for veteran rider Neville Wilson, under the steadier of 56.5kilos against stronger company and for good measure he had drawn barrier 18, all that did was give Wilson a bigger challenge.  

As usual, Wilson gave a tip-top display having Oamaru Storm travelling kindly wide with cover.  Once the big field swung for home Wilson gave Oamaru Storm (ex Mamzelle Perdu by Vite Cheval) plenty of room and lengthening his reign, Oamaru Storm sprinted like a two-year-old on the crown of the track grabbing known mud lark Cahuita, whose rider went before acceptances, and held off the fast finishing McCarthy's Bar (O'Reilly - Liffey by Irish River) by a length with Cahuita (Encosta de Lago - Kinlochleven by King Tobias) tiring to be 1-1/4 lengths away in third. 

May 29th, 2005

With an easy kill a week earlier at Moonee Valley, Oamaru Storm, did a fine job in the Bruce Gadsden Handicap (1700m) at Flemington on Saturday. 

Jumping away awkwardly, Oamaru Storm travelled well for junior rider Daniel Moore. Rounding the turn, the tempo had played into the hands of Macca's Mount who had travelled well on the speed.  Oamaru Storm loomed up to join Macca's Mount (Jeune - Nadimarco by At Talaq) who fought on well under pressure, however, Oamaru Storm (ex Mamzelle Perdu by Vite Cheval) got the better of him to grab a head victory. 

Rather Grand (Grand Lodge - Rather Droll by Sovereign Red) held on for third 1-3/4 lengths away. 

It's been a great moth for Oamaru Storm's sire, Royal Academy with Bullish Luck claiming the Group One Champions Mile in Hong Kong and his three-year-old son MacBeth taking out Brazil’s Group One Grande Premio Sao Paulo (2400m) in course record time. 

MacBeth hails from the first of Royal Academy’s two crops conceived in Brazil before the great success of Bel Esprit, Regal Kiss, Phoenix Park, Tears Royal, Quays, La Bella Dame, Honour the Name, Sarson Trail, Royal Courtship, Consular and so many others demanded their sire’s return to Australia. 

May 15th, 2005

    In Hong Kong on Saturday, Bullish Luck claimed his famous stablemate Silent Witness in the Group I Champions Mile (1600m) at Sha Tin.

    Prepared by leading trainer Tony Cruz, said the El Moxie gelding Silent Witness is “still a champion” despite his loss to stablemate Bullish Luck who is a first-class miler, and showed all of his qualities in the tough race.

    “Silent Witness lost no caste in being beaten,” said Cruz of the six-year-old, who suffered his first defeat in 18 starts. “I am disappointed for him because the distance just found him out.

“He’ll have a break now and come back to sprints next season.”

    After bowling along in the lead under Felix Coetzee Silent Witness came under serious pressure, for the first time in his career, approaching the 200m mark. As  Dehere gelding Ain’t Here, who finished a close-up third, was issuing a challenge on the outside Gerald Mosse was bringing Bullish Luck through on the inside with a whirlwind finish.

    Although Silent Witness continued on courageously right to the post Bullish Luck was able to snatch victory away from him in the last few metres of the event.

“I told Gerald Mosse to move to the outside but he gambled on going on the inside,” said Cruz. 

    Bullish Luck, who is by Royal Academy from the Alysheba mare Wild Vintage will now take the place of Silent Witness in the Yasuda Kinen-JpnGr.1 (1600m) in Tokyo on June 5.

January 17th, 2005

From despair to delight - trainer Tony Cruz experienced it all before and after Sunday's Stewards' Cup (Gr. 1-1600m), the first leg of the 2004-05 Triple Crown Series in Hong Kong. 

First the horror as short-priced favourite Perfect Partner broke through the stalls, dislodged jockey Felix Coetzee, galloped a full circuit of the Sha Tin turf and was withdrawn. But only minutes later, Cruz was beaming as Bullish Luck came from last to first secure the lion's share of the HK$8 million purse.  

Bullish Luck (ex Wild Vintage by Alysheba), of course, was unlucky when a short-head second to Alexander Goldrun in the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup five weeks ago. On that occasion, the way he hung under pressure cost him victory in the world's richest 2000m event on turf. 

Dropping back to a mile, Cruz's stable jockey Coetzee opted to ride Perfect Partner, runner-up in last month's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile, prompting Cruz to book Christophe Soumillon for the mount on Bullish Luck, the highest-rated member of the field. 

Cruz's instructions to the Belgian-born rider were straightforward: settle him in rear and use his powerful finishing kick in the straight. 

"I was travelling well, nice and quiet, 600m out and I knew that I would be able to finish in the first three and maybe win," said Soumillon. 

"He quickened up well at the top of the straight but I only used my hands on him until the 200m because I knew he could hang a bit. When he got to the front at the 200m I drew the whip and he gave me a second acceleration - he finished very strongly. It's my first Group 1 win in Hong Kong and I'd like to thank Tony for his support," the winning rider added. 

Bullish Luck, a 6/1 chance, defeated Ain't Here (Dehere) by a length-and-three-quarters, with Palette Natural a length-and-a-quarter further back in third. 

Asked whether Perfect Partner would have been able to live with Bullish Luck's turn of foot, a diplomatic Cruz said: "I think they would have fought out the finish. Bullish Luck didn't have things go his way in the Hong Kong Cup so it's nice to make up for that defeat."

Bullish Luck's victory meant his owner Wong Wing-keung could celebrate his birthday in the best possible style. The next race for the American-bred six-year-old will be his defence of the Hong Kong Gold Cup on February 20. 

October 18th, 2004

Hardly a weekend goes by when Royal Academy produces a winner on Saturday he sired another interstate metropolitan double.

His six-year-old son, Stormcat Academy got the ball rolling when he claimed a spectacular hard-fought win in the Champagne Kate Handicap (1200m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Stormcat Academy was racing first up after a seventy day layoff and he was making his debut for the Alan Bailey yard after previously campaigning in Sydney.  The gelding had hinted of a good run to come when winning a trial back on September 21, but the manner in which he charged home after trailing the field at the home turn must have surprised even his most optimistic of supporters. 

Drawn in barrier 13 from a field of 18 was always going to be part of the problem for Stormcat Academy, ridden by Glen Colless who decided to drop the son Royal Academy out to last from the draw and save him for a late burst. 

However, the task was no easy one and looked particularly intimidating when Stormcat Academy approached the turn a dozen lengths behind the duelling front-running pair of Clay Shaker and Qualo.  It looked just as tough an ask for the outsider Kreisler’s Jewel who was back racing alongside Stormcat Academy after his rider Chris Whiteley had adopted similar tactics to that of Glen Colless. 

By the 200m Colless had Stormcat Academy wide and safely clear of  tiring horses racing Devil, who hit the front 180m out from Kreisler’s Jewel, however Stormcat Academy was not to be denied to claim Kreisler’s Jewel (Kreisler - Imperial Jewel by Imperial Seal) by a nose from. Devil (Carry the Crown - Filioque by Vain Karioi)  was 1-1/4 lengths away in third. 

Royal Academy's other winner was in Western Australia at Ascot when Knight School (ex Catherine Reef by Alvaro) last by a long neck to defeat Party Boy (Jeune - Society Party by Far North) in The Bundaberg Rum Distillers (2200m).  

October 10th, 2004

Royal Academy sired his 100th stakes-winner when Patpong claimed the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on Saturday.  

Ridden by Damien Oliver, Patpong was able to defy the track bias by settling on the rail behind the quick early speed set by Alizes  and Jade Diva (Jade Robbery - Night Dive by Night Shift). As the field turned for home Regimental Gal didn't appear to be handling the track condition, although given out as good it was racing as a dead surface, with second favourite Taikun (Anabaa - Tyrises by Last Tycoon) trapped in a pocket, Oliver was able to bring Patpong down the outside with an uninterrupted run to claim the valuable group two stakes victory.

Patpong showed last campaign she was capable of picking up a stakes win with a close second to Falkirk (Tale of the Cat) in the tough G2 QTC Cup (1200m) at Eagle Farm.

Patpong (ex Rouguin by Paris Prince) had 1-1/2 lengths on Alizes (Rory's Jester - La Baraka by Euclase) at the post with Regimental Gal (General Nediym - Hallaya by Yallah Prince) a short-head away in third.

In siring his 100th stakes-winner, Royal Academy joined his sire Nijinsky II, his grandsire Northern Dancer in an elite club as one of the worlds best stallions.  

Bred by Tom Gentry, Royal Academy was one of the highest-priced auction yearlings of 1988, selling for US$3.5 million at the Keeneland July sale. 

Trained by Vincent O'Brien, he developed into an Irish champion miler, English Group One sprint winner and hero of the US 1990 Group 1 Breeders' Cup Mile in his final start, when ridden by the retiring Lester Piggott. 

He retired to Coolmore Stud in Ireland, and produced eight stakes-winners from his first crop and he has subsequently stood at Coolmore's North American satellite Ashford Stud in Kentucky and Australia.  Also standing at farms in Japan and Brazil, and has left stakes winners in every country. 

Royal Academy has sired ten group one winners and amongst his star progeny in Australia are Caulfield Guineas hero, Kenwood Melody, BTC Doomben 10,000 winner Bel Esprit, while in America he has produced the Breeders Cup Mile hero Val Royal, who shuttles to Australia and stands at Eliza Park. In England he has produced English Guineas winner Sleepytime and Zalaiyka, in France, winning the classic Poule d'Essai des Pouliches.

Australian breeders are lucky to have access to such a wonderful stallion at Coolmore in the Hunter Valley.

October 3rd, 2004

Recapitalize stormed down the grandstand rail for a first-up victory in the Group Three Gilgai Stakes (1200m - registered name: Baguette Stakes) at Flemington on Saturday.

Recapitalize has a distinct liking for the Flemington straight winning five of his ten starts over the distance and is prepared at the track by Mathew Ellerton.  

Ellerton said Recapitalize's main target this spring will be the $500,000 Salinger Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 30.

Recapitalize was having first start since finishing sixth to Capadan in the Winter Championship Final (1630m) at Flemington on July 10.

Formerly trained by David Hall who part-owns the sprinter, the four-year-old won a heat of the Winter Championship when having his first start for Ellerton on July 3.

It was his biggest test against some high-class sprinters and he scored running away by 1-1/4 lengths from Falkirk (Tale of the Cat - Madam Valeta by Palace Music), a winner of two Group Two races in his last three starts, with Amtrak (Flying Spur - Central Express by Century) a length away third.

Earlier in the day in South Australia at Victoria Park, Royal Academy's daughter Geordie's Girl (ex Miss Sprayette by Pax in Bello) won the Huckleberry Swedes - This Monday Hcp (1250m) by a long neck.

September 6th, 2004

A winning metropolitan double for Coolmore's popular stallion Royal Academy on Saturday.  Sol Mere got the ball rolling taking out the opening race on the Warwick Farm Chelmsford Stakes program the Bacardi Breezer Plate (1600m).

Sol Mere (ex Aunty Lily by Snippets) had a short neck too spare over Wailing Countess (Entrepreneur - Wailing by Palace Music) with Go Ziggy (Centaine - Wild Swan by Kings Island) 1-1/2 lengths away in third.

Then a little over an hour later in South Australia at Morphettville, Regal Thrills looked every bit a future stakes performer in taking out the Christies Beach Hotel Handicap (1200m).

In claiming her second career victory from nine starts, Regal Thrills (ex Soleil Rouge by Red Tempo) was returning to the track from a 16-week break and looked very strong over the last 50metres chasing down Prior Knight (Hennessy - My Brightia by Bellotto) to win by a short neck.  Biddy Up (Devaraja - Rosie May by The Pug)  was 2-1/4 lengths back in third.

July 26th, 2004

Coolmore Stud's Royal Academy is having a tip-top season, siring an interstate metropolitan double including the Listed Tattersall's Mile victor Consular on Saturday at Eagle Farm.

Consular (ex Miss Prospect by Rory's Jester) headed the weights and making light of his 58.5kgs he chased down the early leader Wishart (Pride of Kellina - Beautiful Victory by Victory Prince) in a thrilling finish to score by a long head.  

Deuxieme (Telesto - Serenely by Mister C) ran home strongly for third a further half-length away.

In recording his 12th career victory Consular will now be sent to Randwick to the stable of Kevin Moses for a shot at the group one Epsom Handicap (1600m) in October. 

Consular was purchased by his syndicate manager Bill Mumford for $20,000 after his career looked to be over in Melbourne but since May last year he has earned connections more than $450,000 in prizemoney.

Later in the day at Belmont Park in Western Australia, Royal Academy five-year-old gelding Regal Raider (ex I Love Melbourne by Marscay) made winning look easy in the Coal Pak Handicap (1300m).

Regal Raider cruised home for a 3-1/4 length victory over Beyond Dispute (Dolphin Street - Lady Icon) with a half-head back to Black Martini (Magic Jester - Mondesty Bay) in third.

July 4th, 2004

Recapitalize took out the seventh heat of the Winter Championship at Flemington on Saturday in very impressive fashion beating the older gallopers.

The best to begin, Recapitalize's jockey Chris Symons, steadied the Royal Academy three-year-old to allow Bella Vichy to cross him to take up the running from Cognito.  Rinehart was close up with Recapitalize tucked away on the rail enjoying cover from the strong headwind and solid tempo.  With the field well packed as they entered the straight with Bella Vichy was just in front.

The run eventually came for Recapitalize at the 350m with young Symons kicking him through along the rail.   Showing plenty of acceleration to quickly grab the leaders, as Yvonne (Last Tycoon - The Collaborator by Military Plume) was charging home strongly down the centre of the track.  With the pull in the weights and better draw Recapitalize was able to hold her in the run to the line to score a solid short neck win.  Storm Attack (Bluebird - Empress Lu by Great Wall)  worked home well for third 1-3/4 lengths away.

In wining his fourth race start from eight starts, Recapitalize (ex Blayney Breeze by Dahar) may line up in the listed final of the Winter Championship at Flemington on July 10th. 

June 15th, 2004

Coolmore's Royal Academy, produced three promising winners over the long weekend. His promising three-year-old son Recapitalize got the ball rolling when he won the listed Creswick Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Prepared by David Hall who is closing his Victorian stables to take up training in Hong Kong, Recapitalize had displayed plenty of promise last spring as a juvenile.  However, he suddenly lost form and Hall sent him out for a break.   

Recapitalize began this campaign with a poor run at Moonee Valley pulling up with problems, a few weeks later and a good trail at Cranbourne, Hall took Recapitalize back to Moonee Valley where he flopped again on a soft track.  Hall, was hoping that Recapitalize didn't enjoy the soft surface on each occasion hoped that he would turn the corner on the dead surface at Flemington.

Turn the corner he did, Recapitalize (ex Blayney Breeze by Dahar) settled well behind the early speed set by Sydney's Quest (Quest for Fame) and General Bayton (General Nediym), travelling kindly for his young Chris Symons who showed courage squeezing through a needle eye opening to claim a half-head victory over Our Quivira (Spinning World - Wichita by Umatilla).  General Bayton (General Nediym - Imperial Charlot by Imperial Baron) was three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.

Twenty-five minutes later at Randwick, Ilongga Magic (ex Magic Value by Alleged) scored a soft 4-length win in the David Jones Plate (1400m). 

In recording her third career victory from 10-starts, Ilongga Magic set a new class record of 1:24.93 for the journey. 

Then on Monday at Eagle Farm, Royal Academy's daughter Royal Mask scored a last stride win over the colts in the Club Conrad Handicap (1400m).

Royal Mask gave weight and a bad barrier to Sir Success (Success Express - Tenakee by Diesis) but had too much class for him to beat him by a neck with Promoted (General Nediym - Serenely by Mister C) 1-1/4 lengths away in third.

Royal Mask (ex Duk Duk by Claudius) is trained by Peter Moody, who said that he would now run her  in Saturday week's $400,000 Winter Stakes. 

April 18th, 2004

Promising Royal Academy filly Royal Mask earned a trip to Brisbane when she won the listed James HB Carr Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, the final race of the Easter carnival. 

Trainer Peter Moody said he would take Royal Mask north for a crack at the Queensland Guineas and decide the remainder of her program from there. 

"All being well we will more than likely take her up for the Queensland Guineas which is three weeks away," Moody said. 

Royal Mask settled towards the tail of the field before unleashing a powerful sprint home in the straight to overpower Besame Mucho (Encosta de Lago - Lottey by Bellotto) by a half-neck with Imana (Thunder Gulch - Zarissa by Zabeel) 1-3/4 lengths away third. 

April 4th, 2004

Royal Mask returned from her summer break to score in good style in the Love A Show Handicap (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday.

Royal Mask (ex Duk Duk by Claudius) settled off the early speed set by Brilliant Jewel (Danzero - A Jewel by Prego).  As the field rounded the home turn Royal Mask followed Riolago (Encosta de Lago - Victory River by Salieri) into the race.  Riolago grabbed Brilliant Jewel at the 250m with Royal Mask chasing hard to hit the front at the 150 to draw away over the concluding stages winning by a widening 1-1/4 lengths.  

Tycoon Diva (Last Tycoon - Godina by Rancho Ruler) chased home well for third three lengths behind Riolago. 

Royal Mask looks set for a handy campaign and her trainer Peter Moody may aim her towards the three-year-old stakes races for fillies in Queensland over the winter. 

March 22, 2004

An interstate metropolitan double including a stakes victory for Royal Academy on Saturday.  His bay three-year-old filly, Geordie's Girl (ex Miss Sprayette by Pax in Bello) got the show on the road with a last stride win in the Lakewood Stud Handicap (1415m) at Cheltenham Park.

Prepared by Byron Cozamanis and ridden by Clare Lindop, Geordie's Girl stuck her head out on the line to score in by a nose in a thrilling finish.

Later on in the day over in Western Australia, Knight Academy (ex Catherine Reef by Alvaro) claimed the listed JC Roberts Stakes (1800m) at Ascot.

Prepared by Geoff Durrant, the three-year-old had finished a solid second in the listed Challenge Stakes (1400m), February 21st, then at his next appearance he finished third in the listed Aquanita Stakes (1600m).   A step up in distance was all Knight Academy needed on Saturday going one better to win his first stakes race and fifth career win.  

First prize sent Knight Academy's earnings past $110,000 and he becomes Royal Academy's 93rd individual stakes winner worldwide.  

March 16th, 2004

Royal Academy's progeny thrive in Hong Kong and on Saturday at Sha Tin his seven-year-old son Lead To Win recorded his first win for 2004 in the Tai Hing Handicap (1400m) defeating Elegance (Emperor Jones) by 1-1/2 lengths in the good time of 1:23.90. 

February 23rd, 2004

A stunning season for trainer Tony Cruz and jockey Felix Coetzee continued on Sunday at Sha Tin as Bullish Luck stormed through late to snatch the HK$8 million CSL Hong Kong Gold Cup (HKGr.1-2000m). The son of Royal Academy a 20/1 outsider, swooped from outright last off the home turn to head the odds-on favourite Elegant Fashion (Danewin) in the dying strides and win by half-a-length. 

Elegant Fashion, heavily backed into odds of 1/2, hit the front with just over a furlong to race, but the mare, last year's Hong Kong Derby winner, had no answer to Bullish Kid's barnstorming run. 

Bullish Luck (ex Wild Vintage by Alysheba) had beaten Elegant Fashion (Danewin - Wily Trick by Clever Trick) by half-a-length with another length back to Bowman's Crossing (Dolphin Street - Biraya by Valiyar) in third. 

"He kicked very hard for me. I wasn't sure if I was going to catch Elegant Fashion because she is so tough, but he got there in the end. Great performance," said Coetzee.

Cruz, like Coetzee, winning his fourth Group 1 of the season thanks also to the exploits of Silent Witness (El Moxie) and Lucky Owners (Danehill), said Bullish Luck would next target the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup on April 25. 

"He loves that style of racing, coming from off the pace. We knew he had lots of ability this horse from the day when he finished a head second to [Hong Kong Mile champion] Lucky Owners and they ran a time of 1minute 34 seconds for the 1600m," said Cruz.

"We had the option of tackling last week's Hong Kong Macau Trophy but we felt that he had a chance in the Gold Cup so we decided to try it," Cruz added. 

The five-year-old Bullish Luck formerly raced as Al Moughazel when trained by Pip Payne in England and finished fourth in the Listed Heron Stakes as a three-year-old. 

Steady improvement has characterised his career in Hong Kong. This was his 14th HK start, half of those for Ricky Yiu his first trainer at Sha Tin.  

Since switching to Cruz in the summer of 2003 the Royal Academy gelding has won on three occasions. 

February 22nd, 2004

A stakes double for Coolmore based stallions with Spinning World's daughter Special Harmony scoring a classy win in the G2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1600m) then forty minutes later Royal Academy’s daughter Royal Sash landed her first stakes success in the G3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m). 

Sent out as a short-priced favourite Royal Sash gave her backers some concern as she proved to be a handful at the barriers once again, with her jockey Patrick Payne doing his best to convince the daughter of Royal Academy that it was in her best interests to load in to the barriers. 

When the field finally jumped away, Royal Sash began well and settled in third position on the rail behind the early leader Raven Protector (Hector Protector - Raven Runner by Storm Bird) .  As the field strung out a little through the middle stages Payne had Royal Sash travelling well on the bridle with her ears pricked.  Once the field rounded the turn Payne angled Royal Sash clear to draw away from her rivals. 

Royal Sash scored a two length win over Sweet Corn (Scenic - Corn Maizcay by Maizcay) with a short-head back to Dance On Wood (Woodman - Kirov Dancer by Zabeel) in third.

Prepared by Shannon Hope, Royal Sash will have to barrier trial to stewards' satisfaction before she's permitted to race again.  Royal Sash has now won six races from 11 starts earning more than $278,000 for her connections. 

February 15, 2004

Royal Academy's progeny have kicked off February with a bang.  In Hong Kong, Bullish Luck (ex Wild Vintage by Alysheba) collected the cash when he won the High Island Handicap (1600m) and Forever Win (ex Ever Graceful by Century) was impressive in the Pedder Handicap (1600m) at Happy Valley.

Back in Australia, Royal Tenor (ex Chorus Song by Alleged), Sin City (ex Shantytown by Pompeii Court) and Knight Academy (ex Catherine Reef by Alvaro) all greeted their owners in the winners stall. 

November 30th, 2003

Regal Raider (ex I Love Melbourne by Marscay) took out the Gold Handicap (1000m) at Belmont Park on Saturday, November 29th.

In claiming her fourth victory Regal Raider did it in breath taking style when she stuck her head out when it mattered most to score by the barest margin over tough seven-year-old, Le Tru Noir (Reversion - Etoile Blanc by Althrey Don) with a half-length back to Trillemo (Supremo - Trilly Belle by Kala Dancer). 

September 7, 2003

Royal Academy's daughter, Royal Sonata (ex La Musique by Bellotto) claimed the Welter (1400m) by the barest margin at Belmont on Saturday.

These past few weeks alone, Royal Academy has produced three stakes winners, with the latest of them in the Listed Heatherlie Handicap at Caulfield last Saturday in the shape of Oamaru Storm, who had won his last four starts in a row and will now be aimed at next month’s G1 Caulfield Cup.

During the previous week, Il Bacia won at G3 level in Japan, Royal Experiment won a G3 race in Norway. 

August 31st, 2003.

The ever-consistent Royal Academy sired a treble of winners on Saturday, including the Listed  Heatherlie Handicap (1700m) winner Oamaru Storm (ex Mamzelle Perdu by Vite Cheval) at Caulfield. 

Oamaru Storm jumped away from gate 4 and enjoying the soft conditions he took up the running.  His ridder Mark Zahra, steadied the pace through the middle stages and Oamaru Storm simply pricked his ears.  Zahra, upped the tempo at the 800m peg and while Storm Attack looked set to grab Oamaru Storm for a stride he fought back strongly and drew away to win comfortably by a 1.5 lengths from Mchale (Prince of Praise - Pomposa by Pompeii Court) with half-a-length to Storm Attack (Bluebird Empress Lu by Great Wall) third. 

Later on in the day at Doomben, seven-year-old gelding Consular (ex Miss Prospect by Rory's Jester), won the competitive Australian Surf Rowers (1350m) Open Handicap. At his previous start Consular was an easy 2 ¼-length winner of the Listed Goldmarket Quality at the Gold Coast.

Royal Academy's third winner came from Royal Mask (ex Duk Duk by Claudius) who broke her maiden status at her second career start at Bendigo.

August 21, 2003

Consular, a son of Coolmore's Royal Academy, broke through for his first stakes success when he swooped in the straight to take out the Listed Goldmarket Handicap at the Gold Coast. With a hot pace set by Warrior Trader and Promising Joy, Consular was allowed to settle midfield before unleashing a sprint that carried him 2 1/4 lengths clear of Under Suspicion (Mighty Avalanche – Report to Me by Call Report) with a short neck to Feelers (Quest for Fame – Tidal Rhythm by Western Symphony) third.

Bred by Talwood Park in Victoria, Consular is the first foal out of the former smart two-year-old Miss Prospect whose daughter Annie La Vie (by Flying Spur) is due to run this Saturday in the Quezette Stakes. Consular's sire Royal Academy has proven himself a thoroughly international sire leaving 84 stakes winners to date including the outstanding gallopers Bel Esprit and Kenwood Melody here in Australia. 

Consular is the 13th stakes winner out of a Rory's Jester mare.

August 3, 2003.

Another metropolitan double for Coolmore's top stallion Royal Academy, when Damselac Warrior (ex Corundum Star by Cossack Warrior) wove through the field to claim the Akhadan at Oakside Handicap (1466m) at Cheltenham Park on Saturday.

Then later on that same day at Rosehill, Wyangan Pines (ex Whispering Pines by Bletchingly) ran a class record in the Oxford Hotel Drummoyne Handicap (1400m) defeating Catch Me Mate (Catrail - Zest by Maraduing) by half-a-neck with the same margin to Daniel's The Man (Touching Wood - Top Role by Straight Strike) in third.  

Last season Royal Academy finished 11th on the "Leading Sires of the Season" list in Australia, with 95 winners thus starting the new season off in the same fashion as he finished last years.

July 27, 2003

Royal Opera (ex Musical Lover by Opera Prince) made it two wins in a row when he won the Tattersall's Arcade Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The son of Royal Academy showed plenty of grit to beat Viscay Star (Danzig Connection - Whilodge by Biscay) by three-quarters-of-a-length with Up The Bid (Unbid Slam - Special Angie by Al Ameen) a short neck away third.

July 20, 2003

Another double for the progeny of Royal Academy on Saturday, when his daughter Liberty Rose (ex Cherry Garden by Sir Tristram) who led all the way in the Heath Function Centre Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield.

Liberty Rose held off another daughter of Royal Academy, Devon Dancer (ex Slick Dancer by Vain) by two lengths with three-quarters-of-a-length back to Penny Opera (Danasinga - La Cent by Centaine) in third.

Lucky Town (ex Glory Days by Bletchingly), was the second leg of Royal Academy's double when he won the Class 1 Handicap (1400m) at the Gold Coast later in the day.

July 13, 2003.

A metropolitan treble of winners for Royal Academy on Saturday, with the most memorable of them by the promising filly Royal Sash (ex Flurry's Autumn by Southern Appeal) who gave her young rider Nick Ryan his first metropolitan success at Moonee Valley.

Royal Sash always looked in charge through out the 1200m Handicap with Ryan having her on the pace to work home well to hold out Mal De Mer (Bahamian Bounty - Diamond Anchor by Red Anchor) to win by three-quarters-of-a-length, with Furla (Spartacus - Tootsie Roll by Marscay) a head away third.

Earlier in the day at Eagle Farm on a slow track Royal Opera (ex Musical Lover by Opera Prince) had got the Royal Academy band wagon rolling with a length-and-a-quarter win in the Glenlogan Park Handicap (1200m).  Then later in the afternoon at Royal Randwick, Wyangan Pines (ex Whispering Pines by Bletchingly) took out the Percy Marks Flying Handicap over a similar distance on a dead track. 

July 6, 2003

The Royal Academy story continues with stakes winner number 82 after his three-year-old daughter, Acago (ex Wakigoer by Miswaki) took out the G3 Prix Chloe (1800m) at Longchamp, June 24th.

Then in Australia at the Gold Coast on Saturday, Royal Academy had another double with Our Academy Star (ex Twigalae by Twig Moss) and Blues Special (ex Carlton Girl by Royal and Regal) greeting their owners' in the winners enclosure.

No wonder breeders in Australia demanded the return of Royal Academy, with his progeny earning more than $61.3 million and 62.6% of his runners winning, 528 of them, Royal Academy is set to have the "full book" sign up on his door very soon. 

June 22, 2003

The progeny of Royal Academy has had winners all over the world during June, including a stakes double, with the 3yo filly Quero Quero (ex Big Dreams by Great Above) taking out the G2 Honeymoon Handicap and Wildwood Royal (ex Silk Masque by Woodman) in the Listed Panthers Stakes. 

On Saturday at Eagle Farm, Academe (ex Vionnet by Prego) kept the band wagon going for Royal Academy to last by a short-half-head in the Tender Plus Handicap (1200m) and Tara's Pride (ex Laughing Saint by Rory's Jester) won the Class 3 Handicap (1300m) at Stawell.

June 15, 2003

Noble Touch was stepped up to his preferred journey of 1600m at Ascot on Saturday to claim the Nigel Francis Handicap.

The four-year-old son of Royal Academy has really got his act together since his arrival in Perth, with three wins and nine placing's taking his stakes past $70,000.

Noble Touch beat Win to Grin (Carry A Smile - On Point) by half-a-length with Priceless Matt (Pricelessly - Dancilla) a length away in third. 

June 1st, 2003

Another metropolitan winner for Royal Academy when Royal Sash, sat behind the early speed and she took a narrow gap just before the turn when she burst to the lead to get the upper hand on a good field. 

On the line, Royal Sash held No More Rules (Rancho Ruler - Ruling Card by Ruling Lad) by half-a-length with a length to Prosperous Bid (Carnegie - Kailey Princess by Danehill) in third.  

May 18, 2003

Brilliant sprinter Bel Esprit showed all of his finest qualities with a stunning win in the Group One Doomben 10,000 (1350m) at Doomben, on Saturday, May 17.

Bel Esprit, who had not won in nine starts since taking out the Group Three McNeil Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 31, led most of the way to down the well-backed Private Steer (Danehill Dancer - Lisheenowen by Semipalatinsk) by 1-1/4 lengths with champion mare Spinning Hill (Dolphin Street - Incline by Century) another length away third.

Bel Esprit's trainer John Symons only made a decision to run the three-year-old on the morning of the race after the track improved to good, after 65mm of rain during the week.

Symons recommended to connections to run after making a trip from Caloundra to inspect Doomben personally before catching a flight to Adelaide.

Senior part-owner Michael Duff said thoughts of retiring Bel Esprit to stud could be delayed for another season.

"Eliza Park Stud have taken over his management rights and I'm not sure if he'll go to stud at the end of the season or race on another year," Duff said.

However, Eliza Park representative John Miller said Bel Esprit, who gave jockey Nash Rawiller his fifth Group One victory, summed up the discussion by hinting he would race on next year.

"We're in no hurry to retire him to stud and if he keeps running like that he'll race on," Miller said.

Rawiller didn't want to lead on Bel Esprit but always believed he was on the best horse.

"I thought he was the best horse in the race but I didn't want to be left in front too soon as he gets lost when he does," he said.

Rawiller, is keen to retain the ride on Bel Esprit in the $1 million Stradbroke Hcp (1400m) at Eagle Farm on June 7 in which he drops to 53.5kg.

Bel Esprit is a lovely stamp of a horse whose looks belie his lowly $9,000 purchase price at the 2001 William Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Bel Esprit is the sixth foal of the non-winning Vain mare Bespoken who is a half-sister to 1990 VATC Blue Diamond Stakes (G1) winner Mahaasin (Biscay).

Bespoken and Mahaasin are daughters of 1983/82 Champion New Zealand two-year old Vin D’Armour (Adios) the winner of four races including the Manawatu Sires Produce Stakes (G1) and Manawatu Breeders Stakes (G2).

Eliza Park Stud purchased the standing rights for Bel Esprit but there is a chance the dual Group 1 winner may race on for another season. Eliza Park Stud is also the home of Royal Academy’s Grade 1 Breeders Cup Mile hero Val Royal.

May 11, 2003

Caribbean Royale (ex Shorwon by Buena Shore) claimed the Alpine Wind Handicap at Belmont on Saturday, May 10th.

Ridden to perfection by Paul Harvey, who pushed Caribbean Royale to the line a nose clear of King Canute (King of Kings - Marooned Lady) with Head the Dream (Serheed - Bedtime) two lengths away third. 

March 30, 2003

Best Score (ex Northwood Plume by Military Plume) took out the Class 1 Plate (1850m) by three lengths at Newcastle on Saturday, March 29.

March 1, 2003.

Hardly a weekend goes by without Coolmore's good looking stallion Royal Academy not siring a metropolitan winner and he was it again in South Australia on Saturday, March 1.

Geordie's Girl (ex Miss Sprayette by Pax in Bello) took out the Malaysia Airlines 2YO Handicap (1000m) at her second career start.  

Geordie's Girl had finished mid-field on debut at Morphettville, against a strong field and with the race experience under her belt she prevailed on the line by a short-head over Gold On Gold (Made of Gold - Goldelle) with half a length to Lucrative Dame (Zeditave - Money Maker)

February 23, 2003

Top filly La Bella Dame overpowered a good field of fillies to take out the Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday, February 22.

La Bella Dame overwhelmed Lashed (Encosta de Lago - Traffic Watch by Salieri) by 2-1/2 lengths with Dexterous (Quest for Fame - Many Hands by Handy Proverb) another 1-3/4 lengths away third.

If La Bella Dame does well during the week she will back up in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, March 1st.  She will then head towards either the Moonee Valley Oaks (2040m) on March 22 or the Coolmore Classic (1500m) in Sydney at Rosehill on March 29. 

If La Bella Dame sidesteps the Futurity, she will run in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 8.

La Bella Dame's win was her fifth career victory and took her earnings past $370,000, a tidy profit for her connections, as United Syndications purchased La Bella Dame from the William Inglis Classic sale in 2001 from the Middlebrook Valley draft for just $30,000.  La Bella Dame is the first foal from the Snippets mare Nobellocove.  

February 17, 2003

Sweet Spot (ex Maximum Effort by Shy Rambler) broke her maiden status with a tough win in the 2200 metre Plate at Seymour on Sunday, February 16.

February 3, 2003

Royal Academy continued his winning ways in Australia when promising filly Ella Fire (ex Swiftly Luskin by Luskin Star) took out the Paisley Handicap (1200m) at Sandown on Sunday, February 2nd.

Ella Fire had 1-1/2 lengths to spare over Violet Tints (Export Price - Lady Violet) with Plush Manor (Gold Carat - Plais) another three lengths third.

January 19, 2003

Talented mare Regal Kiss (ex Kiss a Halo by Don't Say Halo) made a successful return to racing after her spell in the Limerick Lane Thoroughbreds Handicap (1000m), at Victoria Park on Saturday, January 18.

Regal Kiss had not raced in 35 weeks and she showed plenty of courage to defeat Might Raja (Devaraja - Almighty Sister) by a long head with the race fit Heracles (Canny Lad - Eurthmics) 1-3/4 lengths away in third.  

Regal Kiss will only have a couple more race starts as she is about to embark on a new career.  Regal Kiss has been successfully mated with Giant's Causeway.

January 10, 2003

Marchark (ex Steady As A Cat by Storm Cat) scored by the barest margin in the Heros Handicap (1000m) at Moonee Valley on Thursday night, January 9.

Marchark jumped straight into the bit to lead easily from Urban Warrior (Geiger Counter - Noal) who stalked Marchark until rounding the home turn.  

Urban Warrior strode up to Marchark and just as Urban Warrior looked set to run away from Marchark he couldn't shake him off.  Marchark continued to fight like Mike Tyson all the way down the straight.   Just when it looked like Marchark and Urban Warrior would dead-heat, Urban Warrior through away any chance to score as he decided to run towards the outside rail.  Both horses had left Free Hit (Hamas - Spring Hit) well back in third placing.

January 5, 2003.

A treble of winners for Royal Academy and the two-year-old who that set the ball rolling was his daughter Charmview (ex Staremma by Famous Star) who impressively won the Lindemans Handicap (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday, January 4.

Prepared by Warwick Farm trainer Tony Wildman who now heads off with Charmview to the Gold Coast for the Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions 2YO Classic Race, January 11. 

Charmview ridden by Brad Pengelly caused an upset when she beat the hot-favourite, Secret Land (Secret Savings - Pocaterra) by a half length with Ultimate Fever (Gold Fever - Ultimate Jester) running home well to finish third a further three lengths away.

Charmview's in-experience showed during the race as she ran about in the straight and bore out under pressure but the win thrilled Wildman.

Then at Newcastle Royal Academy's son a Time To Remember (ex by Gosh by Golly by Buckaroo) chalked up his second winner of the day when he won the Open Handicap (1400m) and in the last race on the card, Kir Royale (ex Twisted Logic Osmunda) took out the Class 2 Handicap (1400m).

Unfortunately Royal Academy does not have any yearlings for sale in Australia or New Zealand in 2003. 

December 23, 2002.

Royal Academy celebrated another stakes victory when his four-year-old son,  ACADEME (ex Vionnet by Prego) saluted in the LR Razor Sharp Quality (1100m), by the barest margin at Randwick on Saturday, December 21.

ACADEME created a new race record when he covered the journey in a slick 1:04.53 cutting out his last 600 metres in 35.55.

ACADEME is a half-brother to Listed winners Fashion News (Snippets) and Cheverny (Grand Lodge).

Up and coming three-year-old filly, Tennesse Royal (ex La Nebbia by Zephyr Bay) cruised throughout to win the Radio TAB Handicap (1450m) by half a length, at Victoria Park on Saturday, December 21st. 

Tennesse Royal is a half-sister to the SAJC G3 Adelaide Guineas winner Nina Haraka (Fraar).

December 16, 2002.

Chatline (ex Easy Date by Grand Chaudiere) won the Fiesta Star Handicap (1400m) at Werribee on a good track on Sunday, December 15.

December 7, 2002.

Royal Sonata (ex La Musique by Bellotto) increased her value as a broodmare when her racing days are over after she won the LR Jungle Dawn Classic Quality (1400m) at Ascot on Saturday, December 6.

Royal Sonata's win was her fourth career victory and took her earnings past $84,000, a profit for her connections, as M. E. & L. Taylor purchased Royal Sonata from the Magic Million Adelaide Sale in 2000 from the Chatswood Stud as agent draft for just $28,000. 

November 24, 2002.

Born to Dream (ex Dream About It by Godswalk) looked in tip-top shape as she strolled around the birdcage for the Signed Sealed Sainters Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.  Her coat was gleaming in the afternoon sun and she ran right up to her good looks by scoring a comprehensive three quarters of a length win first-up for this campaign.

Born to Dream was just a bit too strong for Provokes (Octagonal - Excited Angel) who did a good job from her wide gate to finish second.

Born to Dream is a four-year-old brown mare who has shown previously that she has plenty of talent by scoring on debut and first-up in each of her preparations to date. 

November 18, 2002.

Wyangan Pines (ex Whispering Pines by Bletchingly) won the Nivea Visage Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday, November 16.

November 11, 2002.

Miss Astur (ex Clear Apollo by King Apollo) won the Leighton's Contractors Class 6 Handicap (1350m) at Doomben on Saturday, November 9.

October 20, 2002.

Sons and daughters of Royal Academy were in the winners enclosure again this weekend. Three-year-old gelding Stella Regale (ex Stella Cadente by Centaine) won the Rose of Tralee Handicap (1200m) on a good track at Randwick, on Saturday October 19.

On Caulfield Cup day in Victoria, his leggy mare Celestia (ex Our Celerity by Sackford) put in a huge effort to come from last to win the Queen Elizabeth 2 Classic (1100m) on a firm track.  Celestia looks to have above average ability and will no doubt get her chance in a group race in the near future.  

October 17, 2002

LA BELLA DAME (ex Nobellocove by Snippets) was just nailed on the post by Macedon Lady  (Filante - Boo Ticket), in the G1 Vinery Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on Wednesday, October 16, with the fast finishing FUJI DANCER (Fuji Kiseki - Dancer's Glory) three-quarters of length back in third.

October 14, 2002.

Caulfield Guineas, Yalumba Stakes and Toorak Handicap day at Caulfield on Saturday October 12, was a memorable day for Coolmore Stud - Australia. Not only did the Stud celebrate its third Australian group one winner for its Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch in the Toorak Handicap with Shot of Thunder, Royal Academy helped to put a little more icing on that cake.

And that little more icing came in the with a group one second placegetter in Bel Esprit (ex Bespoken by Vain) in the G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m).  While earlier in the day at the Gold Coast, Miss Astur (ex Clear Apollo by King Apollo) won the Class 2 Handicap on a good track.

Bel Esprit had punters talking as soon as he left barrier 15, what was his jockey Damien Oliver doing, why wasn't he near the speed instead Oliver had eased him back to be second last soon after the start.  Instead the Sydney horse Choisir (Danehill Dancer - Great Selection) had jumped to the lead and was rolling along at a good speed while Helenus (Helissio - Worldwide Elsie) who had also jumped away nicely was enjoying a nice run off the rails with plenty of cover.

Choisir set a brisk pace and when he rounded the turn had a break on Helenus, whose rider waited for him to balanced up in the straight and then asked Helenus to make his run, and he covered the ground quickly to reel in Choisir.  Oliver, had Bel Esprit last rounding the turn and he had to negate a tricky passage to get clear then try and run Helenus down but he just failed to pick him up by one and half lengths. 

September 30, 2002.

Highly Delighted (ex High Honour by Best Western) won her Maiden Handicap (1300m) on debut at the Gold Coast, Saturday September 28. 

September 23, 2002

The talented filly La Bella Dame (ex Nobellocove by Snippets)  had already proven she was above average before she ran in the G3 Jumeirah International Plate at Caulfield on September 22. After she rounded up a handy field in the race formerly known as the Tranquil Star Stakes, La Bella Dame confirmed she also had a touch of class.

In a race that included the boom filly Innovation Girl and the Blue Diamond Stakes runner-up Brief Embrace, La Bella Dame took her record to a near faultless four wins and a second from five starts.

After settling near the rear of the field, La Bella Dame finished over the top of her opposition to score by a short half head from Toast Of The Coast and Lashed, running her final 400m in a slick 34.73.

The manager of the syndicate which owns the filly, Peter Creighton, said he had almost bought Bel Esprit as a yearling, but changed his mind. He now has plenty of consolation in La Bella Dame who is likely to head toward the G1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield on October 16.

Earlier in the day at Caulfield glamour colt Bel Esprit (ex Bespoken by Vain) was again denied Group One glory.  Last Saturday week it was fast-finishing Sydney mare Spinning Hill (Dolphin Street - Incline) who ran him down in the Manikato Stakes.  

On Saturday at Caulfield the "villain" was another mare, Pernod (Centaine - Martine Michelle), who grabbed glory from Bel Esprit by three-quarters of a length, with Royal Code (King's Theatre - Cryptomagic) a fast finishing neck away, third in the Dubai Racing Club Cup (Registered name: Invitation Stakes).

September 16, 2002

Good looking colt Bel Esprit (ex Bespoken by Vain) ran second in the G1 Manikato Stakes over 1200 metres at Moonee Valley on Saturday September 14.  Bel Esprit was only beaten by three-quarters of a length by the very good mare Spinning Hill (Dolphin Street - Incline) with Mistegic (Strategic - Volcanic Mist) who finished a further neck away in third.

Trainer John Symons has indicated that Bel Esprit may back-up in the G1 Dubai Racing Club Cup (registered race name Invitation Stakes) or the G3 Guineas Prelude against his own age both events are run over 1400 metres, at Caulfield on Sunday September 22.

Phoenix Park (ex Bletchwyn by Bletchingly) finished three-quarters of a length second in the G2 Theo Marks Stakes over 1300 metres at Rosehill on Saturday, September 14 and on the same day in Victoria, Cerberus (ex Draft by Marauding) won on debut at Benalla in the City of Greater Shepparton Maiden Plate over 1200 metres.

September 1, 2002

Bel Esprit (ex Bespoken by Vain), who is estimated to be worth $5 million, was at it again, winning that is, at Caulfield on Saturday August 31, 2002.  He clocked a slick 1-1.97 for the 1100 metres in the G3 McNeil Stakes just a tick outside the course record of 1-1.86 set by Intelligent Star (Picknicker - Aerate) in the G3 Rubiton Stakes.

Bel Esprit looked like he had improved condition wise since his first-up victory with his jockey Nash Rawiller remarking after the race that there was still plenty of improvement in the colt, and that he had no doubt that Bel Esprit could run a strong 1400 metres.  Rawiller could see no reason why Bel Esprit could not stretch out to the Guineas journey of 1600 metres.

Bel Esprit raced kindly for Rawiller relaxing three deep before Yell (Anabaa - Vocalist) eased to take a sit behind Before Too Long (Belong to Me - Asian Reef).  Bel Esprit came around the turn under a good hold and once asked to extend he quickly got the better of Before Too Long who could not match him.  Bel Esprit rolled back towards the rail over the final furlong which was the worst part of the track and he wanted to look around in the run to the line where he easily accounted for Yell.  

After Bel Esprit's last preparation during his spell the connections sold a 25 per cent share to Lee Fleming's Eliza Park Stud at Kerrie, for a reported $1 million, which now looks like a bargain price. The deal is for Bel Esprit to stand at Eliza Park next season or perhaps the season after if it is decided to keep him in training.

August 19, 2002

Outstanding colt Bel Esprit (ex Bespoken by Vain), made the LR Mitchell McKenzie Stakes over 1000 metres at Moonee Valley a one act affair on Saturday August 17, 2002.  

Ridden by Nash Rawiller who replaced regular rider Wayne Treloar who is currently serving a one-month suspension for his unauthorised use of the racecourse sauna at Caulfield on August 3.  Bel Esprit had no trouble finding the lead and the fence the place to be on Saturday.  Cruised through the journey and he went to the line without being asked for a serious effort, although Rawiller did remind the colt he was at work with a couple of slaps of the stick.  Bel Esprit was responsible for the fastest five furlongs of the day stopping the clock at 59.04 on a slow track,  covering his last 600 metres in 35.35.

Bel Esprit controlled the race through out and he was never in any danger with sound efforts by the second placegetter Able Choice (Dehere - Lady Jakeo) and Yell ( Anabaa - Vocalist) who finished third.

Bel Esprit, by Royal Academy, is due to run second up in the G3 D H F McNeil Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield on August 31 then tackle the G1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) back at Moonee Valley on September 14.

Bel Esprit's win was his sixth career victory with earnings just under $1.1 million, a tidy profit for his connections, as Macedon Lodge purchased him from the 2001 William Inglis Classic sale for just $9,000! 

On the same day in South Australia, Regal Flute (ex Twitter by Kendor) finished second in the Tapestry Vineyards Handicap over 1250 metres at Victoria Park.