May 18th, 2008

Bonny filly Heavenly Glow made it a hat-trick of group victories when she took out the Group 3 Doomben Roses with a near last to first sprint home to the post.

Superbly ridden by Robert Thompson, Heavenly Glow stormed home after being caught very deep on the home turn to post a commanding three-quarters-of-a-length win over Pentacity (Pentire - Insistant by Mr. McGinty) in the fillies 2020m feature.

Trained at Rosehill by Allan Denham, declared the AJC Australian Oaks winner would have her final run this campaign in the Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm in two weeks before being spelled.

If Heavenly Glow can add the Queensland Oaks to her resume it will rank as one of Denham's career highlights.

Thompson, told Larry Olsen of Sky Channel that Heavenly Glow, would improve off the win as she had been very fresh prior to the race.  If the daughter of Spinning World can take the Oaks she is one step closer to challenging Zarita (Pentire) for champion three-year-old filly of the season honours.

Zarita has the Group One double of the Schweppes Oaks (2000m) and South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville in March to her credit.

Heavenly Glow, a bargain buy, purchased as a yearling for only $10,000 at the National yearling sale at the Gold Coast,  has amassed more than $750,000 in prizemoney with nine wins from 16 starts.

May 5th, 2008

With boom filly Zarita failing to run up to expectations, the Australian Oaks (G1) turned into a Coolmore benefit with the first three, Heavenly Glow, Boundless and Galileo’s Daughter, being by Spinning World, Van Niselroy and Galileo. On her previous start, 11 days earlier, Heavenly Glow had gained her first stakes win by beating Galileo’s Daughter in the Arrowfield Stud Stakes (G1).

Heavenly Glow is the sixth grade one winner to emerge from the first six Southern Hemisphere crops sired by Spinning World. That son of Nureyev was one of his sire’s best. Unbeaten in two starts at two, when he took the Prix Saint-Roman (G3), Spinning World was an ace miler at three and four, winning the Irish 2,000 Guineas (G1), back-to-back renewals of the Prix Jacques Le Marois (G1), the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).

From his Australian crops, Spinning World’s previous standouts include Special Harmony, heroine of the VRC Oaks (G1), MRC 1,000 Guineas (G1) and Storm Queen Stakes (G1); the Stradbroke Handicap (G1) victor Thorn Park; Arlingtonboulevard, who took the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (G1) in New Zealand; the Avondale Cup (G1) winner, Spin Around; Lyrical Bid, successful in the Empire Rose Stakes (G1); and graded stakes winners Spin ‘n Grin, Super Profit and Our Quivira.

Heavenly Glow is out of Starsphere, a Celestial Bounty daughter who won nine races, including the Tasmanian St. Leger, and Japan Trophy Quality Handicap, and captured second in the Launceston Cup (G3). Starsphere and Heavenly Glow represent quite an upgrade for their family, as one can cannot a single stakes winner under Starsphere’s first six dams. Starsphere was the product of a cross – Try My Best/Grey Sovereign – that has outperformed opportunity (it’s a TrueNicks “B” rating). One pedigree connection that might be worth exploring as a potential candidate for the cause of the upgrading in Starsphere’s performance is that between Best in Show (granddam of Try My Best, the grandsire of Starsphere) and Red God (whose son, Rebel God, is sire of the second dam of Starsphere). Sex Appeal is by Tom Fool, a Menow/Bull Dog cross, and a three-parts relative to Spring Run, the dam of Red God. Red God is by Nasrullah, a son of Nearco, and when Sex Appeal was bred to Nearco’s grandson, Northern Dancer, she produced Try My Best, El Gran Senor and Northern Guest. This trio and their descendents have don well with mares carrying Red God, examples including grade one winners Spanish Fern (by El Gran Senor, out of Blushing Groom mare); Meteor Storm (by Bigstone, out of a mare by Rainbow Quest); Hareeba (by Al Hareb, out of a mare by Red Alert) and Knowledge (by Last Tycoon, out mare with a dam by Red Lord). Blushing Groom line stallions have also done well with the Best in Show family and with mares carrying El Gran Senor and Try My Best.

Best in Show is also a major key to the pedigree of Heavenly Glow. Rated A++ by TrueNicks, Heavenly Glow is one of two stakes winners by Spinning World out of Last Tycoon line mares. This mating gives a double of Best in Show, through Try My Best (by Northern Dancer of a daughter of Best in Show) and Spinning World’s grandam, Champion Aviance (by a son of Northern Dancer out of a daughter of Best in Show). There are at least seven other stakes winners inbred to Best in Show, and another three inbred to her daughter, Sex Appeal.

- by Alan Porter

May 4th, 2008

Evergreen shuttle sire Spinning World again showed what a terrific stallion he is by backing up from siring an Oaks winner on Wednesday in Heavenly Glow to posting a Group Two success at Randwick on Saturday with Kosi Bay.

The Bart Cummings trained Kosi Bay had not won a race since April of 2006, but was turned out in magnificent order for the Group Two AJC Emancipation Stakes over 1600 metres and raced accordingly.

Ridden quietly at the tail of the field by Damien Oliver, she swooped on the leaders in the straight and proved too strong in the run home for Translate in scoring by a head.

Bred in New Zealand, Kosi Bay was offered by Haunui Farm at the 2003 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, where she was snapped up by Bart Cummings for $130,000.

The six year-old mare has won four races and placed 10 times from 30 starts earning $334,950 in prizemoney and as a Group Two winner is going to be a very valuable broodmare prospect.

She is a half-sister to New Zealand Group One winner Calveen being from the very good producer Calvinia, a half-sister by Varick to Group One SAJC South Australian Derby winner English Wonder, the dam of four-time Group One winner and ill-fated sire Dr Grace.

Kosi Bay is one of 37 stakes-winners worldwide for the Nureyev horse Spinning World, who has carved out an enviable record despite fertility issues and covered over 100 mares at Coolmore Australia last spring where he is now permanently based.

May 1st, 2008

They came from all points of the compass.

As far east as New Zealand. As far west as Perth. From southern Melbourne via Adelaide for the Oaks favourite Zarita. And to Randwick from the north came Heavenly Glow.

Her’s is a great story. Purchased for just $10,000 as a yearling, continuing a bargain basement trend among Oaks winners of recent years such as Hollow Bullet and the 2007 VRC Oaks winner Arapaho Miss, and raced by a bunch of mates from Taree including her former trainer Ross Stitt, Heavenly Glow simply outgrew her hometown. As Ross Stitt and Robert Thompson knew she would.

A case of Hollywood or bust.

Her game win on Wednesday over an equally game Boundless from New Zealand was a reminder of the good times for her sire, Coolmore’s Spinning World. A high-class international miler and 5 time Group One winner, Spinning World has left a number of top grade runners in both Hemispheres, the likes of star filly Special Harmony and Stradbroke Handicap Thorn Park, as well as the brilliant English mare Spinning Queen. 

But it is probably fair to say that his commercial standing has been on the wane for a year or two now, although, moderate fertility notwithstanding, his 2007 advertised fee of $8,800 represents good value for a proven sire.

Heavenly Glow’s journey south in search of fame mirrors that of her dam, the dual stakeswinner Starsphere. With a record of 4 wins from her first 27 starts in Queensland, Starsphere was shipped to Tasmania after finishing fifth in a Class 6 Handicap at Doomben in September 1998.

It must have been the water, but the dam of this week’s Australian Oaks winner turned her form around dramatically in the Apple Isle, winning 5 of her next 7 starts and finishing runner-up to a subsequent Sydney Cup winner, Streak, in the 1999 Launceston Cup-G3.

Among those wins were two black type events, the Japan Trophy-L over 2100m and the Tasmanian St Leger-L over 2400m. And before you pooh-pooh that form, let me tell you that 10 years earlier the great Tasmanian galloper Sydeston had also won that St Leger before he too set out for Hollywood.

And another thing. At her next start after the St Leger win, Starsphere scored at Sandown over 2100m defeating a good field of Melbourne stayers including Ice Doctor and Star Binder. 

Starsphere’s sire was the Try My Best stallion Celestial Bounty, which spent the majority of his stud career at Jane Thompson’s Kincsem Stud in the Bylong Valley. Although he failed to sire a single stakeswinner, Celestial Bounty has made a greater impact as a broodmare sire. In addition to Heavenly Glow, he has sired the dams of the brilliant Group One winner Spark of Life and the stakeswinning Queensland sprinter Hard to Catch, as well as a number of good city class performers.

In Heavenly Glow, we have a classic example of miler speed, represented by Spinning World, over middle distance stamina, Starsphere.

But there is a hidden gem to her pedigree which screams out for recognition.

Try My Best, the sire of Celestial Bounty remember, was by Northern Dancer from Sex Appeal by Buckpasser from the “blue hen” Best in Show. Spinning World’s grandam is Aviance, by Northern Dancer’s successful sire son Northfields from Minnie Hauk, by Sir Ivor from Best in Show. The Rasmussen Factor, summarised as “inbreeding to superior female families through different individuals” at work again.

I don’t recall Heavenly Glow’s grandam, Moonlight Rebel (Oenjay Star) racing, but then again her only win was at the Mudgee Picnics. She won by 10 lengths that day.

But I do recall her third dam, the smallish, hardy brown mare Rebel Line racing for Ray Guy in the early ‘eighties when she won twice in succession at two in Sydney during the Winter. Her sire, Rebel God, did not sire a stakeswinner.

This female family, an old Kia Ora one, was developed in more recent times by the late Dan Buffier at his Wingarra Stud also in the Bylong Valley, and traces to Heavenly Glow’s fourth dam, the good race filly Soft Line, by another Bylong sire in Honey Line.

The winner of 4 races from 20 starts, Soft Line was competitive against the best fillies in Sydney of her time, and her record shows she was stakes-placed when second to Kiss Me Cait in the Reginald Allen Handicap at the AJC Spring Carnival, before her fourth to old rival Better Gleam in the Flight Stakes the following week.

But a couple of runs before that, Soft Line had Better Gleam’s measure when defeating that good filly in the Furious Stakes over 1400m at Randwick. Nowadays, the Furious Stakes plays a significant role in the Spring programme for three year old fillies as the second leg of the Princess Series, but back then it had no black type status. 

Soft Line was a stakeswinner in all but name. 

It has taken almost 40 years but maybe, just maybe, that wrong has now been righted. Perhaps it was destiny that called Heavenly Glow to Randwick.

Those up Bylong way will surely think so.

April 20th, 2008

Evergreen shuttle sire Spinning World, who is now a permanent resident in Australia, was in the limelight at Rosehill on Saturday when his talented daughter Heavenly Glow gave her rivals a galloping lesson in the Group One STC Arrowfield Stud Stakes.

Improving off a last start third in the Listed Keith Nolan Classic at Kembla, Heavenly Glow relished the soft track and with a step up in distance to 2000 metres, she careered away over the concluding stages to make a procession of her first tilt at a Group One event.

The attractive chestnut won by nearly four lengths and made it a quinella for Coolmore sires in defeating Galileo’s Daughter (Galileo ex Donna Dior by Marscay).

Previously trained on the north coast of New South Wales by part-owner Ross Stitt, Heavenly Glow was sent to Allan Denham for this preparation and has blossomed, her overall record standing at seven wins from 14 starts with prizemoney of $336,500.

“She was going very well on the turn, I always thought she was going to win from that point,” said winning jockey Robert Thompson.

Heavenly Glow will attempt to make it back-to-back Group One victories when she contests the AJC Australian Oaks at Randwick on April 30.

A bargain purchase for her owners, Heavenly Glow was secured by Ross Stitt for a paltry $10,000 from the draft of Sarsfield Thoroughbreds at the 2006 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.

She is the third foal of the stakes-winning Celestial Bounty mare Starsphere, a winner of nine races up to 2400 metres including the Listed TTC Tasmanian St Leger.

Heavenly Glow is the 37th stakes-winner worldwide for Spinning World and is his seventh Group One winner, his previous stars include champion filly Special Harmony, who won the STC Arrowfield Stud Stakes in 2004.

A stallion that has battled with fertility issues throughout his career, Spinning World has nevertheless carved out an enviable record and covered over 100 mares at Coolmore Australia last spring at a fee of $8,800.

November 25th, 2007

Evergreen performer Spin Around (ex Be Yourself, by Noalcoholic) scored the biggest win of his career at Ellerslie on Saturday when taking out the Group Two Counties Cup over 2100 metres.

Spin Around got up by a neck in a driving finish to take his overall record to eight wins and $681,804 from 37 starts.

Trained by Steven Cooper, Spin Around spent most of his racing career in Hong Kong where he won four races under the name of Better Boy before returning to New Zealand in 2006.

A $50,000 purchase for Brookby Stables from the 2002 Magic Millions Yearling Sale in Adelaide, Spin Around was secured from the draft of Erinvale Thoroughbreds. Bred in Australia by Phillip Gunter, Spin Around is a half-brother to five other winners including Group One placed Bird Dancer being from the Noalcoholic mare Be Yourself.

A minor winner in America, Be Yourself comes from an outstanding European family being a half-sister to Group winners Molesnes and Celtic Heir as well as stakes-placed Celtic Assembly, the dam of champion sprinting mare Cherokee Rose.

In Australia, the family has also made an impression with last season’s Group Two winning three-year old Just Mambo slotting into the pedigree.

Be Yourself produced a filly by Johannesburg last year and a colt to the same sire this spring.

September 11th, 2007

Spinning World's daughter, Harvest Queen (ex Royal Bounty by Generous) registered her second stakes success when she claimed the Listed Superior Mile at Haydock Park, in England, on Saturday. 

Harvest Queen defeated Smart Enough (Cadeaux Genereux) by one-and-a-half lengths with Caldra (Elnadim) in third place.

 “She is a class filly. I think she would have gone very close in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom but I gave Seb the wrong instructions,” winning trainer Peter Makin said. 

“She has just come back to herself and she will probably go for the Sun Chariot now."

A 32,000 euros Goffs Orby yearling sale purchase by Dermot Farrington, Harvest Queen has now won four of her 11 races and earnings of £50,036.

August 13th, 2007

In New Zealand on Saturday, Ardmore trainer Steven Cooper was rewarded with his best win to date when the former Hong Kong galloper Spin Around claimed top honours in the Listed Winter Classic Stakes Hcp (3000m) at Riccarton Park.

Cooper, a former member of the Queen's Household Cavalry in London, is a relative new comer to the New Zealand training ranks having only taken out a trainer's license two years ago.  Spin Around (ex Be Yourself by Noalcoholic), who was known as Better Boy in Hong Kong, registered back-to-back wins at Ellerslie in June, but was unplaced in his two subsequent starts, before producing a withering run on Saturday to grab Jovial Jock (I Conquer x Beima by Chem) in the shadows of the post.  In doing so Spin Around successfully claimed his first black-type win by a long neck margin. 

Having loomed as a danger early in the straight, Bellevue Lass (Prized x Selena by Touching Wood) fought on to finish three-quarters-of-a-length back in third.

Bred by P Gunter and owned by Brookby Stables Ltd, Spin Around has now amassed a race record of seven wins and six placing's from his 32 career starts.

Spin Around is nominated for Group 1 Stoney Bridge Stakes (1600m) on September 23, but a final decision as to his starting chances will be made upon his Ardmore return.

December 21st, 2006

A successful spring carnival has left trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith with mixed emotions thanks to the retirement of another of his good racemares.   The trainer has announced that Lyrical Bid will go to stud following her win in the Group One Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day, the trainer is also farewelling his Group Two winner Truly Wicked (Rubiton).

Lyrical Bid (Spinning World) is to be served by Encosta de Lago while Truly Wicked (Rubiton ex Dizzy Lass by At Talaq) is to be covered by Dehere.

Lyrical Bid's value increased with every stride she took over the final 100m of the Empire Rose Stakes, a victory she added to her Group 3 win in the MRC Mannerism Stakes in February last year.  Spinning World the sire of Lyrical Bid also produced the third placegetter in the Empire Rose, Kosi Bay (ex Calvina by Varick). 

Lyrical Bid’s dam, Oh Pretty Woman (by Jevington), chalked up six wins during her career on the track including two stakes victories the Group 2 West Australian Champion Fillies Stakes and the Listed Aquanita Quality. Lyrical Bid retires with six wins and $450,000 in prizemoney to her credit.

November 5th, 2006

The VRC's Derby Day features a card that owners' dream of winning a race on and it paid off in spades for the owners' of Lyrical Bid as she claimed the Group One Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington.

Trained on the course by Brian Mayfield-Smith, who had earlier in the day taken out the Group 3 SAAB Quality with Maybe Better,  Lyrical Bid gave him his second leg of of the black type double in gritty fashion.

Ridden by Craig Williams, Lyrical Bid got away well from barrier one and settled back in sixth position on the rail, as Honest Politician and Seachange set a solid tempo.  Race favourite, Seachange was able to kick clear into the straight, as Williams stayed near the rail and secured a dream run into second position at the top of the straight.  Just as it appeared Seachange was going to take out the feature, Lyrical Bid sprinted hard and claimed Seachange inside the final furlong to collect her second stakes victory - and her most important.

Mayfield-Smith, who won the 1985 Victoria Derby with Handy Proverb, said he had endured his most frustrating period as trainer in the last 12 months and was unable to explain his sudden turn around in fortunes. 

"You struggle a lot and then all of sudden for some unknown reason it comes together on the day," Mayfield-Smith said. 

"The main thing is to come good and keep coming back." 

Mayfield-Smith applauded the ride of Williams on the six-year-old daughter of Spinning World as he had her in a winning position on the rails and he was able to get the last run at Seachange.

Lyrical Bid (ex Oh Pretty Woman by Jevington) scored by three-quarters of a length over Seachange (Cape Cross - Just Cruising by Broad Reach) with another daughter of Spinning World's, Kosi Bay (ex Calvina by Varrick) another 1-1/2 lengths away in third. 

April 10th, 2006

In New Zealand on Saturday, Spinning World mare Arlingtonboulevard claimed the countries richest race for fillies and mares, the Group 1 Breeders' Stakes (1600m) at Te Aroha on Saturday.

Arlingtonboulevard (ex Golden Bridge) claim the victory following a determination of the placings in the Stewards' room.  First past the post was Viennetta (Pins x Bali Sugar) with Darryl Bradley aboard, who sat up on the pace and powered home ahead of a full field of some of the country's most exciting fillies and mares. 

Arlingtonboulevard had finished close behind in second place and Salsa (O'Reilly x Ungaro), ridden by Leith Innes, finished in third. 

However, Innes immediately launched a protest against Viennetta, after Darryl Bradley drifted his mount across Salsa's line preventing her from running second. The protest was upheld, with the result seeing Viennetta relegated to third position and Arlingtonboulevard recording the Group 1 win. Darryl Bradley has been suspended for three weeks for careless riding.

Trained by Mark Walker for the Belmont Lodge Syndicate No.1 managed by Gordon Calder, this is Arlingtonboulevard's first Group 1 win and her sires fourth. The capable mare has finished further back than third in just one of her last nine outings, with Mark Walker deciding whether to back her up in the Group 1 Easter Handicap on Easter Monday later in the week.

April 2nd, 2006

One of the most impressive wins on the under card at Rosehill on Saturday was that of Kosi Bay in taking out the Listed Epona Stakes (1900m).

Trained at Randwick by Bart Cummings the four-year-old recorded her third win from 16-career starts, her first in black type company.

She was bred by Don and Rochelle McLaren from Auckland and adds more value to their mare, Calvinia (by Varick), as she is half-sister to the group one winner Calveen.  The family traces back to the outstanding AJC Derby winner, Dr Grace. 

July 25th, 2005

New Zealand trainer Laurie Laxon prepared the Big Easy to claim the Three Year Old Challenge in Singapore at Kranji last Friday night. 

By Spinning World, Big Easy is raced by the Malaysian based Perfectum Stables, adding to his Three Rings Trophy (1400m) and Guineas (1600m) successes in the Group 3 feature.

Back in Australia, Spinning World's son Satinspin (ex Satin Blush by Tawfiq) claimed the Pope Handicap (1800m) in a thrilling finish by a half-head at Morphettville on Saturday.

July 24th, 2005

During July, in the northern hemisphere, Spinning World's progeny have been in chalking up placings in the black type events all over the place. 

In America, King of Happiness (ex Mystery Rays by Nijinsky), finished second in the G2 Hollywood Park Handicap (1800m). While in England, his juvenile daughter, Spinning Queen (ex Our Queen of Kings by Arazi), finished third in the G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes (1200m) at Newmarket and in Italy his two-year-old son Sgiaff (ex Belladera by Alzao) finished third in the Listed Giuseppe de Montel (1500m) in Milan.

July 4th, 2005

Satinspin made it two metropolitan wins in a row when he collected the Finesse Hcp (1822m) at Cheltenham Park on Saturday.

Satinspin (ex Satin Blush by Tawfiq) was coming off an impressive seven-length victory at Morphettville just three days earlier, June 29th and although he was facing a slow track, Satinspin appeared to have too much class for his rivals winning by a widening 2-1/4 lengths. 

Satinspin was never threatened at any stage and with natural improvement the chestnut will continue thrive under the care of Richard Jolly.  Jot his name down in your black book. 

June 12th 2005

Another Coolmore stallion who has been getting winners all over the world of late is Spinning World.

Last Sunday, 5th June, he produced three winners, at Milan in Italy, two-year-old colt Sgiaff, ran out a two- length winner with the first two drawing away from third by 12-lengths; at Sha Tin in Hong Kong, three-year-old Gold Medal Winner, was victorious in a HK$570,000 race; in New Zealand, Asclepius, won by 2-lengths.  Back home in Australia, Kim Moore’s three-year-old filly Twirling Heights, over 1000m while Colin Alderson turned out Universal Heights (ex Triana Heights by Sir Tristram) in good form making it three wins in a row.  Universal Heights produced a very good staying effort in the Open Hcp (2400m) running out a 2-1/2 length winner in empathic fashion. 

In America, Spinning World went within a length of scoring a Group 1 double, at Hollywood Park, his son King of Happiness, G3 winner at his previous start, was beaten only half-a-length into second place in the Group 1 Shoemaker Stakes (1600m). And at the same track, over 1800m, daughter Solar Echo also finished second by only half-a-length in the Group 1 Gamely Handicap. Both events were run on the turf track, with underfoot conditions described as ‘firm.

February 27th, 2005

The rapidly improving Lyrical Bid claimed the Group 3 TBV Mannerism Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday in stunning fashion.

Trained by Brian Mayfield-Smith who has taken Lyrical Bid from a class one victory at Geelong gradually stepping the four-year-old daughter of Spinning World up in class each time with an impressive wining streak.  

In claiming her fifth win from just nine starts, Lyrical Bid (ex Oh Pretty Woman by Jevington) finished with a formidable last 200m section of 11.59 seconds to take out the valuable Group 3 event from Uprize (Prized - Impossible Dream by Impossing) with Infinite Grace (Prince of Birds - Infinite Charm by Tristino) running third a short-head away. 

January 30th, 2005

Looking a lot more relaxed than her first outing at Caulfield in the Rubiton Stakes, Our Quivira had the last crack at nice bunch of sprinters to take out the listed Kensington Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Ridden Luke Nolen, Our Quivira settled towards the rear on the grandstand side of the straight course, with the field still fairly bunched as they came onto the course proper, Danehill youngster Foreplay started to work into the race with Sensational Spot.  

Nolen waited to the clock tower then asked Our Quivira (ex Wichita by Umatilla) for her finishing effort to charge down the outside to score a long neck win over Foreplay (ex Procrastinate by Jade Hunter) with Classiconi (Bianconi - Classic Lines by Exit Five B) only a half-neck away in third.

December 27th, 2004

Spin’N Grin became the next headliner for Coolmore Stud's Spinning World when she claimed the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) in a fighting finish at Ellerslie on Sunday. 

Prepared by Mark Walker, who described Spin 'N Grin as a delicate filly, she didn't show that quality when she nailed the tearaway leader Vamperalla (Kashani - Anchorbar) to score by three-quarters-of-a-length with La Sizeranne (Stravinsky - Tricia Ann) another 1-1/4 lengths away in third.

The next target for Spin'N Grin is the group one Oaks at Trentham, January 22nd. 

Purchased by David Ellis at the 2003 New Zealand Premier Sale from the Curraghmore as agent draft for $65,000, Spin'N Grin has given her owner Tom Rowan a nice return on his investment. 

October 12th, 2004

The victory of Godolphin’s Ancient World in the Premio Vittorio Di Capua (1600m) at Milan on Sunday credited his sire Spinning World with his first northern hemisphere-bred Group 1 winner. 

Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, after beginning his career in the barn of Andre Fabre, the 4yo gelding joins Thorn Park and Special Harmony as the three Group 1 winners sired by Coolmore Stud’s former champion miler. 

It was the fifth win in ten starts for Ancient World who owns victories in last years William Hill Mile H. at Goodwood and the Winter Hill Stakes (G3) at Windsor on August 28 at his most recent outing. 

Bred by Darley Stud, Ancient World is a half brother to CCA Oaks (G1) heroine Jilbab (A.P. Indy) out of the unraced Machiavellian mare Headline who can claim a regal heritage being a half sister to Del Mar Futurity (G1) winner Saratoga Six (Alydar), William Hill Futurity (G1) winner Dunbeath (Grey Dawn) and the winning Alydar mare Milliardaire (Alydar) the dam of the outstanding, 4-time Grade 1 winning Seattle Slew filly Lakeway. 

Headline’s dam Priceless Fame (Irish Castle) is a full sister to Bold Forbes who from humble beginnings became the champion 2yo Colt In Puerto Rico before becoming a sensation in the U.S. at three winning the 1976 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. 

August 2nd, 2004

Spinning World’s daughter Our Quivira easily claimed the last stakes race of the racing season at Cheltenham on Saturday in winning the G3 Dermody Stakes. 

Our Quivira (ex Wichita by Umatilla) defeated Barabba Road (Snaadee - Prima Donna by Christmas Tree) by 1-1/4 lengths with another 2-1/4 lengths to Grace And Power (Baryshnikov - Almighty Sister by Amen Brother).

Trained by Peter Moody and ridden by Luke Nolen, Our Quivira had the perfect run in the race settling on the rail behind the early leader.  Once the field rounded the home turn Our Quivira stayed close to the rail and raced away from her rivals to record a first class win.  

Our Quivira is raced by Stuart Ramsey and has recorded 4 wins and 2 placings in 8 starts for $136,614 in earnings.  She was Spinning World’s 4th individual stakes-winner this season joining Special Harmony (ex Marooned Lady by Marooned), Thorn Park (ex Joy by Bluebird) and Spinning Con (ex Sounds Positive by Sound Reason). 

June 13th, 2004

On a warm Queensland winters day, Spinning World's entire son Thorn Park bowed out of racing at the highest possible level when he won the the Group One $1 million Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Thorn Park was sent out as joint favourite by the punters to emulate the performance of Show A Heart two years earlier by winning the Stradbroke at his final racetrack appearance before heading to stud.

Despite the enormous potential Thorn Park has always shown from the outset of his career, the glaring omission was success at the elite level which was corrected.

Trainer Bob Thomsen has staunchly defended the four-year-old's credentials and left no-one at Eagle Farm in any doubt about his admiration for the sprinter.

"All those critics who want to knock the horse are safe behind their desks but I am at the track at four each morning watching him and I know what he's capable of," Thomsen said.

"He's raced the best horses in the best races all his life and it's a fitting result that he won today."

Thorn Park was among the slowest out of the barriers which proved a blessing according to winning jockey Danny Nikolic.

On Racing Retro, Nikolic said, "Missing the start worked to my advantage because he ended up with the run of the race." 

"He got there a touch early in the straight but then I got him to the outside.

"I knew once I got him into the clear he would fly because at that point he hadn't given me his best.

"He has got a really good sprint for 200 metres, it's electrifying, but he was coming to the end of it near the post which is why the second horse got so close." 

Thorn Park held off Consular (Royal Academy - Miss Prospect by Rory's Jester) by a long neck with St Basil (Vettori - Dewamar by Marscay) running home well for third 1-1/4 lengths back.

Thorn Park was having his 22nd career start recording nine wins, two seconds and thirds and took his earnings tally to $1,536,825. 

A $200,000 purchase by Les Samba at the 2001 Sydney Easter Yearling Sales, Thorn Park comes from the first crop by Coolmore Stud’s champion miler Spinning World (Nureyev). 

He is the second foal of the unraced Bluebird mare Joy, a half-sister to Light Up The World (Rory’s Jester) successful in the 1995 running of the Premier Stakes in addition to the AJC Challenge Stakes (G2) and STC Queen Of The Turf Stakes (G2).

Joy is the dam of the winning Woodman gelding Alexander's Joy, Danehill filly Debra’s Joy (2 wins) and the New Zealand placed Flying Spur 2yo colt, Baja.

May 9th, 2004

May 2nd, 2004

In Queensland on Saturday, Spinning World's sprinting son Thorn Park turned G1 Doomben 10,000 betting upside down with a sensational return to form to win the G2 Richmond Grove BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben.

The Sydney sprinter defied a track bias favouring front runners to produce a sizzling finish to nail Star of Florida (Telesto - Try It On by Snaadee) on the line by a half-head with glamour filly Regimental Gal (General Nediym - Hallaya by Yallah Prince), third three-quarters-of-a-length away.

Regimental Gal did all the hard work early taking the field up to Star of Florida and was brave in defeat, her trainer Shaun Dwyer said that she would now head to the spelling paddock for a well earned rest. 

Thorn Park's trainer Bob Thomsen couldn't hide his delight after he was never given a chance of victory by some experts saying,

"After listening to the radio from Melbourne this morning I had to go out and check he still had four legs," Thomsen said.

Ridden by Melbourne based Dan Nikolic who produced one of his gem rides after the four-year-old dropped back to second last in the early stages.

"He rode the horse very cold and it was an Athol Mulley ride," Thomsen said.

Star Of Florida led the strong field of sprinters, as expected, and shook off Regimental Gal halfway down the straight.

However, Star Of Florida had no answer to Thorn Park's finishing burst.

"I thought we just lasted," Star of Florida's trainer Pat Duff said.

"It was a great run but we've been beaten by a very good horse.

"I think we've met Thorn Park four times now and the record is two apiece."

Duff hasn't ruled out a return clash with Thorn Park in the Doomben 10,000.

April 4th, 2004

In the end it was Special Harmony's class that prevailed as she proved far too good for her Sydney rivals to score a hard fought victory in the G1 Arrowfield Stud Stakes (registered name: Storm Queen Stakes 2000m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday afternoon. 

The pace was set a genuine tempo with Ears Veronica (Ron Bon - Eagle Ears) and Niagara Falls (Danehill - Bracken Bank) going along in front.  

The speed of the race suited Special Harmony, giving her a tough pipe opener before she backs up the in group one Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick in seven days time. 

Settling in the first half of the field was the Coolmore Classic winner Shamekha and she went with Special Harmony fighting all the way to the line over the last furlong.   Special Harmony showed what she was made of to draw away in the last 20metres for her third classic victory. 

"That was a real test for her," said Damien Oliver on dismounting, "The races in Melbourne have been slowly run affairs but today's was a truly run race.

"All credit to the second horse it took an age to get past her"

There was more than an ounce of luck in Lee Freedman even training Special Harmony as the connections had purchased two fillies at the 2002 Magic Millions sale, Special Harmony ($95,000) along with a Rory's Jester filly (Classy Amber) ($65,000).   The Rory's Jester was to go to Freedman and the Spinning World to Tony McEvoy.

A bit of research later though and the owners decided that Lindsay Park (McEvoy) had a lot of luck and success with Rory's Jester youngsters and so the horses were switched - the rest as they say is history.

"I couldn't be happier with the run," said Gai Waterhouse of Shamekha 

"The winner is a very special horse but this filly has done a great job.
"I'm not sure if she'll go to the Oaks or the Doncaster I'll have a word with the boss (His Excellency Nasser Abdullah Hussain Lootah)."

Ike's Dream (King of Kings - Mrs Kahn by Vain) was brave in finishing third a length away.

March 21, 2004

A interstate metropolitan double for Spinning World including an effortless win by his outstanding daughter Special Harmony in the G2 Moonee Valley Oaks (2040) at Moonee Valley on Saturday. 

As her regular rider Damien Oliver was in Sydney, Brett Prebble who had rode the filly in her race debut win at Sandown warmed the saddle for Oliver.  Prebble had no hesitation in revealing that he thought Special Harmony could beat the colts in the AJC Derby. 

Special Harmony (ex Marooned Lady by Marooned) was the short priced race favourite and had four lengths on Demerger (Saithor - Triattica by Centaine) with another 4-3/4 lengths to Sunnah (Zabeel - Quiz Queen by Defensive Play) in third.

Special Harmony has won seven of her past eight starts, all at Group level, banking more than $1.5 million and received a rousing ovation from the crowd as she won untouched. 

Anthony Freedman, deputising for his brother, said no decision would be made on a Derby or Oaks start until Special Harmony tackled Saturday week's G1 Arrowfield Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill. 

An hour and a half later in Queensland at Eagle Farm, Revolutions (ex Rebel by Bletchingly) won the Guinness Handicap (1600m) by a neck.

March 7, 2004

In recording her fourth consecutive win, Special Harmony made winning look easy in the G2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.

In a race that was run at a hectic tempo upfront in the early stages Special Harmony was tucked away behind them.  As the pace slowed through the middle stages, Damien Oliver allowed Special Harmony to stride forward out wide to avoid being caught in traffic.  When Oliver asked Special Harmony to go she careered away and went to the line under her own steam to record another easy 2-1/4 length victory over Country Lodge (Grand Lodge - Coalition by Pre Emptive Strike) with Sky Cuddle (Snippets - Suggestive by Al Hareb) a nose away in third.

Now the winner of six of her past seven starts – all in Group class – Special Harmony has a record of eight wins and four minor placings from just 14 starts, with earnings of $1,431,850 – not bad considering she cost Melbourne based bloodstock agent Robert Roulston just $95,000 at the 2002 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast.

February 22, 2004

At Caulfield on Saturday, Spinning World's three-year-old filly Special Harmony chalked up her second win this autumn campaign with a classy display in the G2 Angus Armanasco Stakes (1600m).

Ridden to perfection by Damien Oliver, Special Harmony jumped well from barrier three going forward early in the race.  Deep In The Woods (Danewin - Out of the Woods by Touching Wood) and Country Lodge (Grand Lodge - Coalition by Pre Emptive Strike) were also looking for a forward position.  Oliver then elected to ease behind these fillies allowing Special Harmony to follow without having to use much energy.  Deep In The Woods, ridden by master front riding jockey Darren Gauci, who was up to his usual tricks, slowed the pace appreciably through the middle stages.  As the field approached the turn Oliver eased Special Harmony out three wide to make her move as Gauci picked the pace up.  

Special Harmony broke clear at the 250m peg and went to the line untroubled to score a 1-1/2 length win over Deep In The Woods who fought hard to hold second by a half-head from Demerger (Saithor - Triattica by Centaine).

Special Harmony was not knocked around to score a comprehensive win and will now travel north to New South Wales heading towards her main autumn target the G1 AJC Oaks to be run at Randwick, April 14th. 

February 8th, 2004

Outstanding filly Special Harmony further enhanced her claims to be crowned the Champion Australian Three-Year-Old after a dazzling fresh win in the G3 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

First up since a brilliant three length win in the Group One Victoria Oaks at Flemington in November, Special Harmony sat on the speed and exploded clear half-way up the Caulfield straight to race clear to 1-3/4 length victory over Youth (Quest For Fame - Versatile by Archregent). 

Dane Fever (Danehill - Campbell Fever by Bluebird), looked well above himself, ran home well for third another 1-1/4 lengths away.

A $95,000 purchase from the 2002 Magic Millions January Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast, Special Harmony has now won four of her past five starts and sent her prizemoney soaring over $1.1 million.

Prepared by Lee Freedman, said he would keep Special Harmony racing in her own sex for the meantime, but he wouldn’t rule out a possible clash with the country’s best boys in a Sydney classic.

“I’m going to stick to my plans and keep her to fillies race at this stage" he said.

Freedman even said he’d consider contesting the Group One AJC Derby in preference to the Oaks if she was racing up to her best.

January 2, 2004

Rosehill trainer Kim Moore, started the New Year off well teaming up with her apprentice Jay Ford they decided on a daring plan and Ford followed those instructions with a brilliant front running ride on Spinning Con to take out Thursday's Listed Tattersall's Club Cup at Randwick.

Ford took the four-year-old son of Spinning World straight to the front and Spinning Con stuck to his task to hold off all the challengers with last year's winner Raw Instinct (Housebuster - Jinsky Rose by Tights) 1-1/4 lengths away, a short half-head in front of top weight This Manshood (Manshood - Our Gilded Lily by Gildoran).

Spinning Con will now be set for the Frank Underwood Cup on his home track at Rosehill on January 10.

December 29th, 2003 
 
Spinning World recorded his 9th individual Stakes winner of the year when Changing World won the Frances A Genter Stakes (1500m) at Calder in America on Saturday, December 22nd. 

Changing World had finished a fine third to subsequent Graded Stakes winner Betty's Wish in the Starine Stakes at Belmont Park at her previous start, and on Saturday she settled in the mid-division, responding well when asked for an effort in the straight to run out out a comfortable 2 length winner.

"She's been really sharp coming into this race", said winning trainer Barclay Tagg adding "There will be plenty of opportunities for her in turf Stakes coming up at Gulfstream".

Earlier in the day in Japan, Spinning World's juvenile son Malice Brush was sent off favourite to defeat 15 rivals and he duly obliged, scoring by 1/2 a length. The following day in the same country, two-year-old daughter Tokai Poppy led every step of the way to win her maiden by 1-3/4 lengths in impressive style.

Spinning World has enjoyed a great year being responsible for Stakes winners in America, Canada, England, Germany, Japan and Australia. These are headed by Australia's leading three-year-old filly and dual Classic heroine Special Harmony, multiple G2 winner Thorn Park and G2 Sun Chariot Stakes winner Echoes In Eternity.

November 16th, 2003

At Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, a well judged ride by apprentice Jay Ford got Spinning Con home in the Japan Racing Association Cup (2000m) for his connections. 

Prepared by Kim Moore the four-year-old son of Spinning World ran out a strong 2000m covering the journey in the good time of 2:01.93.

Ford jumped Spinning Con away best and Ford allowed him roll to the front where he settled, bowling along with his head down and ears pricked enjoying the afternoon out.  As the field rounded for home the rest of the his competitor's couldn't keep up and Ford kicked Spinning Con away to score an impressive half-length win over Terrace (Zabeel - Taareck by Bluebird) with the same margin to Navy Beat (Song of Tara - Anchors Aweigh by Red Anchor) third.

Spinning Con is the third foal from Sounds Positive (Sound Reason) winner of the Tasmanian Oaks.  Sounds Positive has a three-year-old filly called Pams Joy by Grand Lodge, an un-named two-year-old colt by Thunder Gulch, and she missed to Testa Rossa in 2001 and was covered again last season by him. 

November 2, 2003

Al Megdam bounced back to winning form at Rosehill, with a commanding win in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy (1900m), on Saturday.

Al Megdam was back on top of the ground which is his preferred footing and ridden more aggressively by Len Beasley which made all the difference.  Steve Brem, Gai Waterhouse's Racing Manager said, "He'll more than likely be set for the Christmas Handicaps like the Christmas Cup and the Summer Cup".

Al Megdam settled mid-field by Beasley as the pace was being set in front by Lord Of The Kings (Kingsttenham - She'll Pass) and Moascar (Al Maheb - Eva's Memory).  In the straight Al Megdam kicked away strongly to score a three and three-quarters-of-a-length win from top weight Kreisler Mirage (Kreisler - Imposing Belle) with Navy Beat (Song of Tara - Anchors Aweigh) finishing off well for third a further long head away.

October 26th, 2003

Prominent trainer Kim Moore turned Spinning Con out in terrific order to claim the Berjani Jewellers Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday. 

Spinning Con travelled well for apprentice jockey Jay Ford to beat Battle Song (Song of Tara - Alouette by Air de France) by a long neck with General Minolta (Nediym - Minolta by Luskin Star) a head away third. 

October 19, 2003

Talented galloper Thorn Park looked a picture at Caulfield on Saturday, and he gave his trainer and sire a two-state double in the Group Three Farewell To Northerly Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Less than 25 minutes earlier stablemate Shogun Lodge (Grand Lodge - Pride of Tahnee by Best Western) resumed with a victory in the Listed City Tattersalls Lightning Hcp (1000m) on his home track.

"It has been a great day for the stable," Thomsen said.

Thomsen then went on to say that Thorn Park was the best horse he had trained since former top gallopers Slight Chance and Danewin.

"I was in two minds whether to bring him down (to Melbourne)," said the trainer.

"He had to give a Group One winner (Scenic Peak) half a kilo but it has worked out well.

Thorn Park (ex Joy by Bluebird), has now won seven of his 13 starts, was helped to victory by his regular rider Glen Boss who bided his time back in the field on the inside.

Thorn Park was able to make ground quickly along the inside when rival riders went wide on the turn, the Spinning World four-year-old quickly collared race leader Regal Roller (Regal Classic - Arantxa Rose by Rancho Ruler), getting up on his inside, before racing away to score by 2-1/2 lengths from Lord Volksraad (Volksraad - Morangie by Cache of Gold) with Regal Roller a length away third.

Thomsen praised Boss' patient ride and said that the chestnut would aim for his first Group One win in the Salinger Stakes over the straight 1200 metre course at Flemington on November 1.

Thorn Park is also nominated for the Hong Kong International meeting.

Earlier in the day at Randwick, Sabre Knight (ex Draw Card by Arch Sculptor) won the Rose of Tralee Handicap (1200m) by 1-1/2 lengths.

October 15th, 2003

After experiencing traffic problems coming into the home straight, Damien Oliver navigated a winning path on Special Harmony in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield this afternoon.

Special Harmony becomes the first Group 1 winner anywhere in the world for Coolmore Stud’s champion miler Spinning World. 

Trained by Lee Freedman Special Harmony (ex Marooned Lady by Marooned) defeated the fast finishing Hinting (Danzero - Won't Tell by Rory's Jester) by 2 ¼-lengths with Spurcent (Flying Spur - San Century by Centaine), saving ground by hugging the rail, gaining third place a ½-length further back. 

A last start winner of the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington on October 3 Special Harmony takes her record to four wins two seconds and one third from nine starts for earnings more than $600,000. She made a successful debut over 1200m on February 16 this year then finished down the track in the Listed Veuve Clicquot Stakes (1200m) before rounding out her two-year old season with a win in the Listed Silver Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on March 22. After finishing second at Flemington on September 6 and third at Moonee Valley over 1540m. a week later Special Harmony finished runner-up against the colts in the Bill Stutt Stakes (G2) at Moonee Valley before breaking through in the Edward Manifold. 

A $95,000 purchase by Robert Roulston Bloodstock at the 2002 Magic Millions Sale, Special Harmony is the fourth foal and third winner of the Marooned mare Marooned Lady the winner of the 1992 W.A Sires produce Stakes (G3). 

Special Harmony is a half sister to WATC Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Gambei (Dehere) and the stakes-placed King Canute (King Of Kings). 

It seems fitting that in winning this time-honoured Victorian Classic that Special Harmony descends from a family that produced one of Victoria’s greatest ever sires, Showdown. The stakes winning Grey Sovereign mare Matatina, the fifth dam of Marooned Lady was a half sister to Showdown and the unraced Hornbeam mare Cammina the third dam of Epsom Oaks winner Lady Carla. 

The immediate family of Special Harmony is all West Australian. Marooned Lady is one of 16 stakes winners by the Robert Sangster import Marooned a son of Mill Reef that has never served large books of mares at Tilden Park Stud but has sired over 134 winners from 189 runners that have generated earnings of almost $8 million.

Marooned Lady has a 2yo colt by King Of Kings named Redwoldt, a yearling colt by Fasliyev and was served by Fasliyev again last season. 

Vinery Stud sponsored the Thousand Guineas and their leading stallion Red Ransom also features in the pedigree of Special Harmony.  Zanzara, the dam of Matiana and Showdown, is a daughter of Sunright (Solario) a half sister Fair Freedom (Fair Trial) the fourth dam of Red Ransom. 

Special Harmony comes from the second southern hemisphere crop by Nureyev’s champion miler Spinning World. The Group 1 triumph was not out of turn as he has sired 14 stakes winners already including five Group 2 winners before today. 

October 12, 2003

Coolmore's young stallion Spinning World, is churning out the winners at a consistent rate and at Werribee on Saturday, Duck 'N' Pinot (ex Bomba Atomica by Prince Tenderfoot) broke her maiden status over 1400m by three-quarters-of-a-length.

October 5, 2003

Spinning World's daughter Special Harmony collected another stakes win in the rich G2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1620m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Substitute rider Luke Currie gave Special Harmony an inspired ride to claim the Group 2 event.  The daughter of Spinning World has been a model of consistency since taking the Listed Silver Jubilee Stakes at Moonee Valley on March 22 and looks a genuine VRC Oaks prospect.

Special Harmony sat off a solid early pace an as Ashenti (Ashkalani - Toneya by Blazing Saddles) ran up to grab the early leader Bahamian Star at the 250m peg, Special Harmony was fully wound up wider out, grabbed Ashenti at the 150m to put the race beyond any doubt for a half-a-length victory with Bahamian Star (Bahamian Bounty - Cosma by Voodoo Rhythm) hanging on for third a further 1-1/2 lengths away. 

A $95,000 purchase by Robert Roulston Bloodstock at the 2002 Magic Millions Sale, Special Harmony took her record to 3 wins 2 seconds and 1 third from 8 starts for earnings past $280,000.

A half-sister to WATC Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Gambei (Dehere) and the stakes-placed King Canute (King Of Kings), Special Harmony is the fourth foal and third winner of the Marooned mare Marooned Lady the winner of the 1992 W.A Sires produce Stakes (G3).

Marooned Lady has a 2yo colt by King Of Kings named Redwoldt, a yearling colt by Fasliyev and was served by Fasliyev again last season.

August 17, 2003

Thorn Park kept his perfect Rosehill Gardens record intact by making it five from five with a brilliant return to racing in the G2 Bankstown Sports Club Premiere Stakes (1200m) on Saturday afternoon. 

As is his usual pattern Thorn Park was given plenty of time to find his feet by Glen Boss. Coming to the turn only Patteza was behind the handsome chestnut but it is Thorn Park’s brilliant acceleration that sets him apart. The son of Spinning World quickly gathered in the leaders with a minimum of effort with Boss being quite kind to the four-year-old over the closing stages despite the looming presence of the race-hardened Patteza.

On the line Thorn Park (ex Joy by Bluebird) had a long-head to spare over Patezza (Rubiton-Stars Above by Star Shower) with Excellerator (Marscay-Artless by Dahar ) battling on well for third a length further back. 

Having his tenth career start Thorn Park took his earnings to $532,235 from six wins, one second and a third.

A $200,000 purchase by Les Samba at the 2001 Sydney Easter Yearling Sales Les Samba Thorn Park comes from the first crop by Coolmore Stud’s champion miler Spinning World (Nureyev). 

He is the second foal of the unraced Bluebird mare Joy, a half-sister to Light Up The World (Rory’s Jester) successful in the 1995 running of the Premier Stakes in addition to the AJC Challenge Stakes (G2) and STC Queen Of The Turf Stakes (G2).

Joy is the dam of the winning Woodman gelding Alexander's Joy, the Melbourne placed 3yo Danehill filly Debra’s Joy, an unraced Flying Spur 2yo colt purchased at the 2003 Easter Yearling Sale by Rob McAnulty for $200,000 and is due to foal a full relation to Thorn Park this spring. 

June 30, 2003

Spinning World's versatility went on show again at Rosehill on Sunday with the win of Araluen Star in the Galloping Press Handicap (2000m).

The daughter of Seattle Baroness (by Seattle Slew) proved too good, beating Kidnapper (by Red Ransom - Loris Plan) by three-quarters-of-a-length with another 2-1/2 lengths back to Looking (Marscay - Research) in third. 

June 1, 2003

Araluen Star (ex Seattle Baroness by Seattle Slew) took out the Class 1 Handicap (1850m) by an impressive margin of 6.3 lengths at Newcastle on Saturday, May 31st.

Araluen Star's win was only her second, however the winning margin suggests Araluen Star may just hitting her straps and under the care of Bart Cummings it won't be surprising to see if she entered for the Caulfield Cup a race that four-year-mares have a high winning percentage, Ethereal, Arctic Scent, Mannerism and Let's Elope to name a few.

April 20, 2003

Another two-year-old winner for Spinning World when Ndereba (ex Super Marathon by Centaine) won on her debut at Newcastle over 900 metres on Saturday, April 19.

April 6, 2003.

Young stallion Spinning World has been hitting the headlines in the northern hemisphere.  

In France on Tuesday, April 1st, the Niarchos family owned Fomalhaut (ex Coup De Folie by Halo) finished second in the Listed Prix Cor de Chasse at Maisons-Laffitte, whilst in America on the same day Spinning World's son Changer (ex Brandy Rose by Distinctive Pro) won at Tampa Bay Downs - by 21 lengths! 

Then last Friday, April 4, another son of Spinning World, Spinning Tales (ex Takreem by Mr Prospector) grabbed a 6-length win at Laurel Park.

March 30, 2003

Thorn Park put up one of his best race day performances to win the G2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday, March 29.

A good-looking son of Spinning World, Thorn Park (ex Joy by Bluebird) enjoyed a good run through the race however, when his rider Glen Boss angled for a run Thorn Park had to push and shove his way through.  Boss was then able to balance up the three-year-old and get him going again. Thorn Park had to pull out all stops to collar Sportsman ( Supremo - Professionelle) by three-quarters of a length with Bumptious (Quest for Fame - Pert) a half-head away in third.

Astute trainer Bob Thomsen has plenty of improvement in Thorn Park with his main target being the AJC G1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m).  

Top horse man Craig Tompson from Racenet said "Thorn Park looked more burly at Rosehill on Saturday, than he did when he won at Randwick three weeks back. 

"So he is obviously thriving in work and Bob Thomsen has plenty to work with in the next fortnight".

March 23, 2003.

Special Harmony chalked up stakes winner No. 10 for her young sire Spinning World in the LR Silver Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday evening, March 22.

Special Harmony (ex Marooned Lady by Marooned), who was back in the pack approaching the home turn, produced a withering sprint in the straight to score by 2-3/4 lengths from Dapper's Delight (Sir Dapper - Faye's Delight) with Make a Stand (Bite the Bullet - Miss Lardydar) a half-neck away third. 

Stable representative Michael Freedman said Special Harmony may join Ribe (Danehill - Kapeskin), the winner of the G2 Moonee Valley Oaks earlier in the day, on the float to Sydney to compete in the rich autumn races. 

March 16, 2003

Astral Wind (ex Slick Dancer by Vain) broke her maiden status with a three-quater length victory at Newcastle over 1400 metres on Saturday, March 15.

March 9, 2003.

Thorn Park bounced back to his brilliant best with an authoritative 3-1/4 length win in the G2  Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday, March 8.

His trainer Bob Thomsen is now looking at two options for Thorn Park - either the G1 Doncaster Handicap or head towards the G1 STC Canterbury and Rosehill Guineas.

Thorn Park (ex Joy by Bluebird), was coming off two defeats in Melbourne, settled in a rearward position from his wide barrier (11).  In a crazy event on which the race's complexion changed on three occasions with moves forward by the backmarkers, his rider Darren Beadman bided his time on Thorn Park.

Rounding the home turn Beadman cruised up on the outside before unleashing Thorn Park's devastating sprint over the last furlong.

The colt ran out an easy winner over Derby-bound Hydrometer (Geiger counter - Spirit of Oakbank) with up-and-coming filly Shower Of Roses (Zabeel - Marquise) 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Earlier in the day at Kembla Grange, Spinning World's daughter Royal Flutter (ex Regal Chamber by Archregent) won her Maiden Handicap (1200m) on a good track at her third race start.

February 23, 2003.

Carnival Ride (ex Cup of Cheer by Raise a Cup) at her second career start stepped straight into Class 1 company and scored a impressive 4 length win at Bendigo on Saturday, February 22. 

February 17, 2003

Lee Freedman believes Special Harmony (ex Marooned Lady by Marooned) will be a much better filly as a three-year-old next season despite her winning debut in Sunday's Shame Hcp (1200m) at Sandown, on Sunday February 16.

Special Harmony, ridden by Brett Prebble, settled midfield and produced a withering final effort to score by a neck from Glow Of Light (King Ivor - Radiating) with Living Spirit (Hennessy - Livelihood) 1-1/4 lengths away third.

"I haven't put her in the early races because she's a big filly and because of the way she is bred," Freedman said.

"She's out of a Marooned mare and will get over a bit of ground next season. She's a real three-year-old type.

"I definitely think she is one of the nicer fillies in the stable and our fillies are better than the colts."

Special Harmony, a $70,000 yearling, is raced by a group of seven including managing part-owner Grant Ahearn who is a nephew of Coolmore managing director Ken Barry.

January 12, 2003

The Spinning World three-year-old colt Thorn Park (ex Joy by Bluebird) made an impressive return to racing at Rosehill, on Saturday January 11, when he easily accounted for a handy field of sprinters in the STC Member For A Day Handicap (1200m).

Thorn Park, settled well back in the field and he simply lengthened his stride to real in the leaders to cruise to the line 1-1/4 lengths ahead of Clay Shaker (Clay Hero - Snippety Snap) with a neck to Pearly Kings (Quest for Fame - Pinctada).

The next target for Thorn Park is the Debonair Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 1st, ahead of the Group One Australian Guineas (1600m) at the same track a fortnight later.  

Thorn Park appears to be a very special colt with some exciting times ahead for his connections. Thorn Park's win was his third career victory and took his earnings past $100,000, so he's well on the way to repaying his connections, as Les Samba purchased Thorn Park from the Australian Easter Yearling sale in 2001 from the Coolmore Stud as agent draft for $200,000.

December 29, 2002.

Spinning Con (ex Sounds Positive by Sound Reason) will now head to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Trophy (1400m) for three-year-olds after his win in the Ron Hardie Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday, December 28.

Spinning Con will now take on the likes of Lovely Jubly, And Shintaro and Blur, but the opportunity to compete for such a huge purse is too good to pass up.

Spinning Con broke his maiden at Hawkesbury two starts ago and looked tired at the furlong mark but he gained his second wind to hold off Quadrunner (Zeditave - Quadrophonic Sound) by three-quarters of a length with another length to Music Land (Octagonal - Bold Promise).

November 24, 2002.

Spindancer (ex Love Dance by Kaapstad) scored a strong 1-1/4 length win on debut at Seymour over 1205 metres on Saturday, November 23.

November 18, 2002.

Spin On (ex Kooeloah by Royal Academy) won the Joondalup- Wannerooo Community Handicap (1000m) on debut at Ascot on Saturday, November 16.

October 7, 2002.

Coupe ran right up to her high profile pedigree to win the G2 VRC Edward Manifold Stakes (1620m) at Flemington on Saturday, October 5.

From nine starts Coupe has now won two and been palced three times, the Manifold Stakes win taking her prizemoney past the $250,000 mark.

Last season Coupe showed her trainer Matt Ellerton that she was made from the right stuff when she finished second in the G3 Blue Diamond Prelude fillies behind Brief Embrace. Coupe then stepped out in the G1 Blue Diamond finishing fifth behind Bel Esprit.

Kingston Coupe (Seattle Slew) the dam of Coupe only started twice and is a three-quarter sister-in-blood to Rose of Portland (Seattle Slew) winner of the G3 VRC Hardy Brothers Classic, and a half-sister to young stallion Portland Player (Theatrical) winner of the G1 VRC Victoria Derby.  Coupe’s grandam is the Bletchingly mare Spirit of Kingston winner of six races three of those at the elite level with two - the STC Rosehill Guineas, Canterbury Guineas - against the colts, the third being the VRC Oaks.

September 30, 2002.

Spinning Boy (ex Windfall by Last Tycoon) stepped out in the time-honoured LR Breeders Plate (1000m), and finished a long head second behind Ribald (Strategic - Hoisery) at Randwick on Saturday, September 28.  Spinning Boy overcame a outside barrier with a wide run and he looks capable of going on to better things for his owners.

August 26, 2002

The AJC G2 Up and Coming Stakes may have been won by high class colt Snowland (Snippets - Snowdrift), but it was the performance of Bob Thomsen's runner-up Thorn Park (ex Joy by Bluebird), that had everyone at Warwick Farm on Saturday August 24, talking.  

The race was billed as the most intriguing on the card and certainly lived up to expectations with Queensland speedball Star of Florida (Telesto - Try It On), fighting the brave fight the only way he knows how.  Five lengths clear turning for home and more than nine lengths in front of Thorn Park, he presented a formidable bunny for the rest to catch. 

Snowland took up the challenge, while Thorn Park who could barely see the leader, let alone be expected to chase after him, was faced with "mission impossible". A lesser steed would not have embarked on such a quest, but under the urgings of Darren Beadman, Thorn Park set off with a burst of youthful enthusiasm that very nearly carried him to victory. It was a baptism of fire for a young horse who had never really been off the bit and he will be a far tougher competitor for the experience.