Top Sydney galloper Theseo doubled his tally of Group One victories when he grabbed a last stride victory in the Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday. 

The win was the fourth in five years in the race for Waterhouse, who saddled up Northern Meteor to win the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Ascot Vale Stakes just forty minutes earlier. Theseo (by Danewin) added his name to the list of past Waterhouse winners in the Mackinnon, joining All Our Mob (1996), Grand Armee (2004) and Desert War (2006).

Caulfield Cup third placegetter, Barbaricus (Lion Hunter), looked the winner at the 200m mark having cleared out with with a two length break. However, Nash Rawiller on Theseo was having none of that and under desperate riding, he managed to grab Barbaricus a stride before the post to claim the weight-for-age victory by a nose.

Third, two and three quarter lengths away was last year's Mackinnon winner Sirmione (Encosta de Lago). 

A winner of the Group 1 Epsom Handicap two starts ago, Theseo was not disgraced last start when he took on Maldivian in the Group I Cox Plate where he finished fifth.

Theseo is another Waterhouse trained winner of the 2000m Mackinnon, probably better known as a miler. Waterhouse expects that after going for a spell, Theseo might improve his middle distance credentials and she will target the Group I Australian Cup in the Autumn.

Theseo's win was the fourth Group 1 win for syndicator Star Thoroughbreds in the past six months, proving the fun and affordability of shared ownership for Waterhouse.

"He's a graduate of Magic Millions and he's just a lovely horse", she said.

"Star Thoroughbreds own him and you can't get anywhere else in the world where 8 or 10 people can own a horse like this."

Waterhouse paid $120,000 for Theseo at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale from the draft of Emirates Park. The gelding has now won over $1.5 million.

A half brother to Theseo by Al Samer will be offered at the 2009 Magic Millions Premier Yearling Sale to be held at the Gold Coast in January.

 October 5th, 2008

Although the skies were grey, the mood was buoyant as the spring carnival was underway this year at Randwick.  Unlike twelve months earlier when racing had been shut down due to the out break of equine influenza.  With four group one races on the card local trainer Gai Waterhouse and Star Thoroughbreds syndicator Denise Martin wouldn't have known which horse to cheer for in the Group I Arrowfield Stud Epsom Handicap - Theseo or Bank Robber. 

In the end it didn't matter, as the duo ran the quinella in the Group I $600,000 feature on Saturday.

Waterhouse trains Theseo and Bank Robber and both race in the purple and white stars colours of syndicator Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds which also races Golden Slipper winner Sebring.

When TVN's Richard Callendar asked Waterhouse her thoughts she replied "Isn't it great for racing to see two horses, purchased for little money and syndicated by Denise, run the quinella in the richest mile race of the Sydney spring carnival,"

Martin purchased Theseo for $120,000 as a yearling from the 2005 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale while Bank Robber cost $70,000 from the 2006 William Inglis Melbourne Premier yearling sale and to date both geldings have been lightly raced geldings and have won more than $1,300,000. 

Theseo was ridden by Hong Kong-based Zac Purton, overcame barrier 18 to score by 1-1/4 lengths from Bank Robber with Gallant Tess (Galileo - Dragoncello by Diesis) another three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.

"The writing was on the wall last week when Theseo ran second in the George Main," Waterhouse said.

"The Epsom was his main goal. I set him for the race six months ago and he proved how good he is.

"Bank Robber ran really well but he is not as seasoned as Theseo and they finished they way I expected."

It was the fifth Epsom trophy for Waterhouse and the first for Purton who has just begun his second season in Hong Kong.

"There is no doubt that riding in Hong Kong has made me a better jockey," Purton said.

"I jumped at the chance to ride in the Epsom when it was offered."

Peter Robl was aboard Bank Robber and said he thought he had it won.

"I thought I was going well enough but the other one was just too good at the end," Robl said.

Syndicators like Martin's Star Thoroughbreds have been a wonderful success story in Australia.  They offer a means to get involved with racehorse ownership and giving clients 100% of the fun. 

Theseo gave Danewin his sixth group one winner he was bred and offered by Emirates Park stud and is foal number five for Ozone Sanad. 

His older half-brother Star Shooter (by Snaadee), six wins and the Listed Perak Derby, has also collected a tidy sum on return to investment, selling for $10,000 with earnings of more than $240,000 being returned to his owners'.

Friday September 19th, 2008

One of Australia’s most durable and best-liked gallopers bowed out yesterday on a proud, if not a winning, note.

County Tyrone, a Queensland Derby winner six seasons ago, ran his last race in the Group Three Newcastle Cup. The cheque he received for his 87th start took him well clear of the $2.3 million prizemoney mark.

His trainer Kris Lees, who “inherited” County Tyrone from his late father Max, said retirement was right for the grand old campaigner, but he still had mixed emotions.

“You know when the time is right, he’s served us well,” Lees said.

“But it’s still a sad day.”

Country Tyrone gave Max Lees the final Group One success of his career when he won the Queensland Derby and gave his son his first when he took out the 2004 Metropolitan Hcp at Randwick.

March 25th, 2008

Hall of Fame horsewoman Gai Waterhouse won her first BMW Magic Millions Cup (1400m) at the Gold Coast on Easter Monday when Theseso, led all-the-way after crossing to the front from the outside barrier.

A four-year-old by Danewin, Theeso, found plenty under Nash Rawiller in the straight when the whips were cracking and the challengers were launching their runs.  He had a length to spare on the line with next best in being Upilio a half head in front of Theseo's stablemate Five Ways in third.

"Absolutely fabulous," Waterhouse said after the race.

Another big race winner syndicated by Denise Martin's Star Thoroughbreds operation, Theseo will now chase one of the country's most famous and time honoured events, the Group I Doncaster Handicap (1600m) at Randwick in April.

"I'm just so thrilled for everyone. And what a trot Denise is having - those purple and white stars."

"This bloke is a lovely big horse bought here for not a lot of money only a couple of years ago and a great success for the owners and Star Thoroughbreds."

Waterhouse praised Nash Rawiller, one of her relatively new stable riders, for his top class handling of the four-year-old.

"It was just a wonderful from Nash," Waterhouse said.

"He had barrier 13 - the dead man's draw - and he just rode him across there and the horse came back under him and that was the end of the race."

"He's a fabulous jockey Nash. He knows exactly what he's doing."
"This was a nice step up for him with the Doncaster in mind," Waterhouse pointed out. "I thought by coming up here he could dodge a couple of those horses in Sydney."

A full brother to Theseo will be offered at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale during today's session, catalogued as lot number 120, the chestnut colt like Theseo is by Emirates Park stallion Danewin and from the top producing and stakes placed L'Enjoleur mare Ozone Sand.

As well as Theseo, Ozone Sand is the dam of the Perak Derby winner Gold Arrow and recent winner Secret Seal.

January 6th, 2008

At Randwick on Saturday, Danewin Lodge caused a massive boilover when he won the Cointreauversial Handicap (1600m) at Randwick.

Trained on the course by Bob Thomsen that the horse was given a perfect ride by Kathy O'Hara, who was one of the best judges of speed in Sydney's riding ranks.  A six-year-old gelding O'Hara jumped away best and let the bay stride to the front and he was never headed when he defeated Jujulio (Iglesia - Miss Simes by Simonstad) by 1-3/4 lengths.

Danewin Lodge (ex Rickwin by Varick) was having his third run this campaign and stewards called Thomsen in to explain the huge turnaround in form of Danewin Lodge who came into the race after being last of five at Gosford on December 27. 

Thomsen told stewards, "I put pacifiers on him and tied his tongue down and I instructed Kathy to lead on him and if anything came near him to keep pushing him along." 

Of all the changes Thomsen made to Danewin Lodge's gear, he said the best decision was putting O'Hara on board. 

"She rides him work so I rewarded her with the ride," Thomsen said. 

December 16th, 2007

At Eagle Farm on Saturday, old warhorse Mitanni, once again crushed his opponents and in the process silenced his doubters. 

Ridden by heavyweight jockey Shane Scriven, who was returning from another battle against the bulge, Mitanni was lining up for another return bout with boom sprinter Natural Destiny (Naturalism - Force of Destiny by Archregent)  but in the end the rematch was a one-sided contest. 

Just like they'd done so many times before, Scriven and Mitanni went into the race as underdogs and like before, they left all other contenders in their wake with a dominant performance in the $100,000 Seppelt Wines Quality Hcp (1200m). 

Adding to the result was the winning trainer John Wallace who scored his second big race victory since his return to the training ranks following a six-month disqualification for a positive swab. 

Scriven's time off did nothing to dent his renowned confidence and he said the issue was never in doubt. 

"He was always travelling well, he was cruising on the corner and he spotted the gap in the straight before I did," Scriven said. 

"He goes up one kilo at the Gold Coast in a fortnight, how will they beat him?" Scriven asked in reference to Mitanni's next assignment in the Goldmarket Handicap on January 5. 

Scriven missed Mitanni's first round win over Natural Destiny at Doomben two weeks ago when weight gained through the equine influenza crisis put him out of the equation but he was seen at his brilliant best on Saturday. 

He allowed Mitanni (ex And A Hug by Ivor Prince) to find his feet early and never panicked when the horse was pocketed in the straight. 

He secured a run and drove the horse to a 2-1/4 length win over emerging topliner Yass River (Daggers Drawn - Banshee by Fiesta Star) with another old solider Black Ink (Snippets - Empress Regina by Luskin Star) running a bold race for his first run this preparation in third. 

Natural Destiny, didn't have much luck, throughout, but he did wilt late to finish fourth after travelling three-deep outside the speed the entire way. 

All the credit went to Mitanni an eight-year-old son of Danewin and with 19 wins from his 59 starts - with more than $900,000 in the bank it won't be long before Mitanni is Danewin's third million dollar earner.  Danewin, stands at Emirates Park Stud at a fee of $22,000 (inc gst) and although he has a low fertility in comparison to other stallions he does a great job with a 7% stakes-winner to runner ratio.

October 21st, 2007

It was the Caulfield Cup day meeting at Caulfield on Saturday and on a strong undercard promising four-year-old Fire In The Night claimed a strong win in the Group 3 David Jones Cup (registered name: Coongy Hcp) and in doing so he earned a shot at the Group One Mackinnon Stakes at Flemington in two weeks time.

A tall bay gelding by Danewin, Fire In The Night is not in the $5 million Melbourne Cup and trainer Greg Eurell is content to aim him at the Group I Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) on Derby Day at Flemington and if all goes well the Group 2 Sandown Classic (2400m) on November 17. 

Prepared at Cranbourne, Fire In The Night had ran in the South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville last year and on that occasion proved to his connections that he couldn't stay when seventh to Lazer Sharp.  However, on Saturday Fire In The Night had gone into the group three event after a solid win in the Briseis Cup (1700m) at Geelong.  Ridden by Mike Rodd Fire In The Night travelled well in the middle of the pack as Cholula set a strong pace early and came back to his rider during the middle stages to a even tempo.  Danever strode up alongside Cholula at the 800m and Rodd got Fire In The Night out away from the rail into his stride.  By the time Cholula had dropped Danever rounding the home turn, Fire In the Night was also alongside him out wider.  Rodd asked the four-year-old for his effort and he ran on strongly to defeat Molotov, who had the run of the race in third spot early, to claim a short neck victory.  Pacino (Bianconi - Yarra Dreaming by Nassipour), another who came from back off the speed, was another three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.

Fire in the Night , has had 15 starts for five wins and three seconds and in claiming his latest success he gave his sire Danewin his 19th stakes winner.

A $60,000 purchase from the draft of Yallambee Stud at the 2005 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne, Fire in the Night was bred by Willowvale Thoroughbreds.  His sire, Danewin, stands at Emirates Park Stud at a fee of $22,000 (inc gst) and although he has a low fertility in comparison to other stallions he does a great job with his 6.8% stakes-winner to runner ratio.

May 27th, 2007

At Doomben on Saturday, Theseo upstaged his older rivals with a solid win in the Group 3 Premier's Cup (2200m).

Theseo is trained at Randwick by Gai Watershouse and raced kindly for his new rider Michael Cahill after a tough run in the Group 3 Chairmans at his previous start, where he had finished fourth.

Theseo was purchased by Star Thoroughbreds at the 2005 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling sale for $120,000 and he his raced by a syndicate of ten people.  Theseo has repaid the group in full with his earnings passing $220,000 and they could go higher if he wins his next start the Group I Queensland Derby (2400m) in two weeks time at Eagle Farm.

Theseo's win was his third from 13-starts and with four placings and has given his family more black type as he is out of Ozone Sand (USA), by L'Enjoleur a winner over 1000m and the dam of three winners including Star Shooter (by Snaadee) winner of the Perak Derby (Mal Group I).

Theseo is one of 18 stakes winners by Danewin and if he wins the Derby Waterhouse will back him up in the Group 2 Brisbane Cup and he held runner-up Game On, by a neck, with another short neck to race favourite, Mandela. 

Star Thoroughbreds, buy 20 - 30 yearlings at various sales around the country each year and all are trained by Waterhouse.

April 29th, 2007

At Eagle Farm on Saturday, Gold Coast sprinter Mitanni demolished a very good field in the Group 2 Sir Byrne Hart Stakes (1200m).

Trained at the Gold Coast by John Wallace, and ridden by Shane Scriven, the seven-year-old son of Danewin, settled behind the early leaders Dance Hero and Spark Of Life.  Although the two group one winning sprinters didn't set a fast speed they applied alot of pressure to each other in front.  Scriven edged Mitanni away from the rail and he let the handbrake off and Mitanni gathered them in within three or four strides to produce a easy big race win.

Scriven had so much horse underneath him he looked around for his rivals six or seven times and he was easing him down to claim Mitanni's 17th victory by two lengths from Anwaar (Secret Savings - Goldsumone by Gold Legend) with Tellem (Mister Kwila - Teltina by Semipalatinsk) a short half-head away third in the Group Two 1200m feature.

Mitanni, was having his first start since mid-March, and he was on trial for a start in the Group One Stradbroke Hcp (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June.

The way Mitanni demolished the good-quality field he could be right on track to claim a victory at the elite level.  

Wallace will give the son of Danewin his next run in the Group One BTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday week, then if all is going well he'll run in the Doomben 10,000 and then the Stradbroke.

The Group One Doomben 10,000 (1350m) will be run on May 19 with the Stradbroke Hcp at Eagle Farm on June 9.

Capping the day off for Danewin, Hadaaf (ex Belle Desire by Kenmare), claimed a half-neck victory in the www.therace.com.au Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill.

April 4th, 2007

Vinery Stud has announced its acquisition of the explosive Group 1 winning two-year-old Excites to stand the coming season. 

A high-class son of Danewin, Excites retired after just 10 starts due to an injury suffered in the Group 3 The Debonair. Despite a brief career, Excites earned $527,960 in stakes which included his all important Group 1 AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes win. He went on to run second in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, a race with a great reputation for producing sires.

Vinery general manager Peter Orton described Excites as “a magnificent animal”.

“Any Group one winning juvenile is going to have enormous appeal in this market. He had an absolutely electric turn of foot when let down and his pedigree is first class,” Orton said. 

“He’s 16.1 hands high and we are very excited to have bought into Excites and to have him on the farm.”

Excites will be partly syndicated to farm clients and will commence his duties this year at $12,500 plus GST. His original owner Peter Moran has retained a sizable holding in the stallion and will support the horse with his impressive broodmare band which continues to churn out Group 1 winners.

Moran bred and raced Excites mother Staging (Success Express USA) and the dam of Staging, Cinerama (by Best Western), she won 10 races, one at Group 1, four of them at Group 2 level and two at Group 3, but frustratingly was also placed four times at Group 1 including a fast finishing second in the Doomben 10,000 where she met with considerable bad luck.

April 23rd 2006

Emirates Park resident stallion Danewin is on a roll. Last week he had Excites claim a thrilling maiden win in the Group I Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. This weekend it was County Tyrone powering away with a great staying performance in the Group I Sydney Cup (3200m) at the same course.

With those two group one victories Emirates Park Stud principal Dr Shalabh Sahu and his team must feel a real sense of pride in their resident stallion Danewin. 

County Tyrone is one of Australia’s most durable stayers having competed in the last three Sydney Cups’ and on Saturday at his fourth attempt he claimed the glory. 

Oliver Doleuze set the tempo of the race on the New Zealander, Zabeat, while Jim Cassidy on County Tyrone followed race favourite Fooram. With Doleuze up front gradually increasing the tempo he ensured a genuine two-mile test. Once Cassidy passed the 800m mark he made his winning decision to come out wide giving the seven-year-old plenty of room with his 56kg’s. In full flight, Cassidy was able to sprint home his last 600m in 36.92 and score a great win by 2-1/2 lengths from Zabeat with Three Chimneys nosing out the favourite Fooram for third.

This season Danewin has been represented by two nice juveniles - Excites and the stakes placed Theseo, third in the Listed events the AJC T L Baillieu and the Fernhill Handicaps - from only six runners. 

The older horses, including County Tyrone, Aneed, Catchadane, Beau, Toulouse Lautrec and Diamond Jake, have also kept Danewin’s name in the results sheets. A great feat given that he has done this with only 97 runners during the season.

April 16th, 2006

EXCITES debuted with a fifth-place finish at Canterbury on March 13, then placed second behind Mentality (Flying Spur) at Warwick last time out. Seeking his first victory at Randwick on Saturday, the bay pulled out a half-neck victory in the Group I AJC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) over Down The Wicket (Over).

During the race, Rubric (Redoute's Choice) tried to jump the rail near the 800-meters poll.

"It sounds terrible to say, but when Rubric hit the rail, it actually helped me," jockey Zac Purton. "It skittled the field and I got a really good run through them. Without the incident happening, I probably wouldn't have won the race."

According to trainer Guy Walter, the victor will bypass next week's Group I Champagne Stakes. (1600m).

"He won't be running next week." 

"He is a magnificent colt, he's always shown a lot of ability and he's got the looks and the breeding. I think he can do great things next spring."

Excites (ex Staging by Success Express) is raced by his breeders, Peter and Wendy Moran.  

June 6th, 2005

Danewin's daughter Vitesse Dane will be given her chance at a rare double in next week's Queensland Derby after her slashing victory in the Group One Queensland Oaks (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Vitesse Dane (ex Reverbed by Bao Lack) motored home to score a comfortable half-length win over the fast-finishing Cinque Cento (Nothin' Leica Dane - Laydown Misere by Varick) with Tick By (Zabeel - Klokka by Marscay) 1-1/4 lengths away in third. 

Trainer Kris Lees said that if Vitesse Dane had not had a "gutbuster" in the Oaks and a chance at equalling the feat of former top fillies Analie, Bravery and Royal Magic was on the cards.

Analie won the double in 1973 followed by Bravery in 1988 while Royal Magic was the last filly to achieve it in 1992.

Vitesse Dane, gave Lees his second Group One success following County Tyrone's (Danewin) victory in the Metropolitan (2600m) at Randwick last year.

Lees bought Vitesse Dane for $52,000, from the draft of Emirates Park Stud, at the 2003 Inglis Classic Sale in Sydney after her older half-sister showed early promise.

"It was a great run but I was always confident coming into the race she could win after the way she raced in the Doomben Roses," winning rider Hugh Bowman said.

Lees decided to head to Queensland for the winter carnival after the Danewin filly showed promise during the spring in Sydney last year.

To cap the day off for Danewin, Optimizer (ex Volte by Marauding) stuck his head out when it mattered most to take out the Miss Italy WA Handicap (1650m) at Belmont on Saturday.

February 6th, 2005

The Noel Cowell-trained Son of Dane made it a hat-trick of wins after his victory in Kings of the Jungle Handicap (1350m) at NCF Doomben on Saturday.

The three-year-old son of Danewin had three-quarters-of-a-length over his nearest rival Next Size Up (Canadian Silver - Cindest by Best Western) with Admiral Spy (Admiralty - Merry Shade by Spectacular Spy) the same margin away in third.

In chalking up his third win from five starts, Son Of Dane (ex Dalmaara by Almaarad) ran 1:18.34 and covered his last 600m in 34.03 seconds.

January 3rd, 2005

Honest mare Navaho Princess made it two wins in a row when she claimed the Broadway Handicap (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday.

The four-year-old bay mare was quickly into stride and led all-the way to score a three-quarters-of-a-length victory over Vachere (Flying Spur - Forget Paris by Bluebird) with Disguise (Grand Lodge - Effervescence by Palace Music) a long neck away in third.

Navaho Princess (ex La Rosa by Cossack Warrior) has now won five of her 20 starts. 

November 28th, 2004

On Saturday, Famous Dane earned a crack at next month's rich Summer Cup after outstaying Caught Courting to land his first city victory in the Smith and Nephew Dyonics Handicap (2400m) at Randwick. 

Famous Dane (ex Famewin by Quest for Fame) is owned by truck driver Ken Robbs who bought him out of a paddock as a yearling for $8,000 and Saturday's victory took his prizemoney to more than $70,000. 

Robbs said trainer Philip Minter, who doubled up as Famous Dane's strapper, is confident the gelding will get further and has earmarked some of the better staying races in Queensland as possible targets. 

"We think he will like it a lot further and the Queensland and Brisbane Cups might be an option if he's up to it," Robbs said. 

"We will see how he goes in the next few weeks but will probably look at the Summer Cup now after he went alright today." 

Famous Dane grabbed victory by a half-head from the consistent Caught Courting (Danehill - Let's Elope by Nassipour) with Trinity Song (Song of Tara - Fly to Paris by Air de France) 2-1/4 lengths away in third. 

The Group Three Summer Cup (2400m) is run at Randwick on Boxing Day. 

November 22nd, 2004

Winsome Loot has been going very well of late without luck and on Saturday at Eagle Farm the four-year-old broke through for a well deserved victory in the Lindemans Class 6 Handicap (1600m).

Ridden by Scott Seamer for the first time this campaign, Winsome Loot (ex Mehtaab by Sackford) chalked up his second career win by 1-1/4 lengths over Electric Rory (Rory’s Jester – Electrique by Zephyr Zip), with Dead Cat Bounce (Mighty Avalanche – Untold by Balmerniro) a short neck away third.

October 3, 2004

A big weekend for Emirates Park hugely successful Danewin whose restricted number of mares does not allow him to seriously challenge for champion stallion honours when his son County Tyrone notched up his second group one victory in the AJC Metropolitan Hcp (2400m) at Randwick, along with a strong victory by Diamond Jake in The Age 150th Anniversary Plate (1720m) at Flemington on Saturday.

County Tyrone (ex Nice Choice by Touching Wood) had gone 2 ½ years and 30 races since winning his last race, the Group 1 Queensland Derby in 2002. In between times he has been runner-up in the Group 1 Sydney Cup and Brisbane Cup so his fighting short-half-head win over the game Itemise (Kris S. - Company Binness by Seattle Dancer) in the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m) was not out of turn. 

In doing so County Tyrone became his trainers, Kris Lees, first Group 1 winner and Australia’s latest equine millionaire.

At Flemington, Diamond Jake (ex Fine Gem by Pevero) jumped from barrier 15 and he was expertly manoeuvred by Dan Nikolic into the race, travelling two back and one out from the early leader Storm Attack.  

Diamond Jake was asked for his effort at the 350m peg by Nikolic, gathering in Storm Attack (Bluebird - Empress Lu by Great Wall) to pull away from him winning comfortably with Foxborough (Flying Spur - Zantoussa by New Regent) making a challenge along the rails for third a nose further away. 

September 13th, 2004

Danewin's promising three-year-old colt Abu Simbel made it three wins in a row in the Isvestia Class 6 Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Abu Simbel (ex Famewin by Quest for Fame) looked strong in winning by a half-neck from King's Clan (King Ivor - Hawaii Hurricane by Celestial Dancer), with Kengrande (Kenfair - Dane Grande by Danzero) three-quarters-of-a-length away in third. 

August 29th, 2004

Talented Danewin four-year-old mare Dane Belltar made a successful return to the track from her winter break scoring a last stride win in the Hamilton Holden Handicap at Morphettville on Saturday.

The winner of the Group 3 SAJC Auraria Stakes (1800m), Dane Belltar (ex Ameerat-Blaadi by Kenmare) appeared to at a disadvantage pre-race carrying top weight of 57kgs and the lack of speed in the race.  Come race day it was a different story as the speed went on and home she flew to score a neck victory over El Maze (El Moxie - Almazyoon by Danehill) giving Emirates Park sires the quinella. 

Dane Belltar recorded a 1:09.86 for the 1200m journey covering her last 600m in a slick 35.09.

July 26th, 2004

Hall of Fame and Sydney's leading trainer John Hawkes kept his strike rate up with Mediator taking out the W O'Brien Life Member Handicap (1600m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

Mediator (ex Winds of peace by Bletchingly) is raced by Graeme Mapp's Hobartville Stud Syndicate and improved her residual value by recording her second metropolitan victory and third career victory, taking her earnings past $60,000.

July 4th, 2004

Danewin's four-year-old son Mitanni kept his winning record in tact when he claimed the Yalumba Wines Handicap at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday, making it six wins in a row.

Ridden by Gavin McKeon, Mitanni showed his class to score in a thrilling finish just holding off Order Arms (Peace Command - Prodigal Daughter by Panamint) by a short-half-head with the same margin again to Messiaen (Celestial Dancer - Grand Shower by Grand Rocky) in third.

Mitanni (ex And A Hug by Ivor Prince) a good class galloper carried top weight and set a class record of 1:16.73 for the 1300m journey. He showed plenty of fight in winning his seventh career start from 15-starts.

June 13th, 2004

A winning metropolitan double including the Group One Derby victor for Emirates Park hero Danewin when his son Toulouse Lautrec recovered from severe interference to win the Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday

Toulouse Lautrec who travelled well for the majority of the race until the vital point at the top of the straight when he was turned sideways by his rider Corey Brown to avoid severe crowding.

Once Brown straightened the gelding, Toulouse Lautrec (ex Dancing Colour by Varick) produced a brilliant sprint to win drawing away by a length from Devastating (Pentire - La Chataigne by Khozaam) with Set Up (Spinning World - Celeste by Centaine) 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Brown said "On the home turn he was going sideways trying to get through them". 

"He got flattened four or five times through the race and it was only his courage and determination that pulled him through.

"Once he got balanced up in the straight he really took off and put the race beyond doubt in a few strides.

Michael Hawkes, representing his father John who trains Toulouse Lautrec, believes the gelding is destined for an outstanding future.

"He's still learning what it's all about and he's got so much improvement in him it's not funny," Hawkes said.

An hour-and-twenty minutes earlier showed off another dimension of Danewin's progeny when his four-year-old son, Mitanni (ex And A Hug by Ivor Prince) stormed home to win the Winning Edge Presentations (1200m) in the slick time of 1:09.60.

The win was Mitanni's fifth in a row and sixth career victory from 14 starts and four placings.

May 30th, 2004

Danewin's son Mitanni is on a roll, at Doomben on Saturday he recorded his fourth successive win in a row in the XXXX Bitter Class 6 Handicap (1350m). 

Mitanni, ridden by Gavin McKeon, jumped away slowly from barrier six and was in hopelessness position early, he was forced wide and chased hard to nail Promoted (General Nediym - Serenely) on the line to score by a short-head.  Freespins (Bigstone - Humasong by Drone) was three-quarters-of-a-length away in third.

Prepared by John Wallace, who said “He's (Mitanni) has always showed he is a good horse. And he’ll go further."

Mitanni (ex And A Hug by Ivor prince) has now won five of thirteen starts, with many more to come. 

May 23rd, 2004

In a thrilling finish Diamond Jake stuck his head out when it mattered most in the Sydeston Handicap (2400m) at Sandown on the Hillside course on Saturday.

Delvecchio, the disappointing race favourite jumped straight into the bridle to led the field in the early part but was not overly keen to be there and as the field turned into the back straight allowing Let's Get Pickled to roll to the front with little increase of the tempo or order down the back.  As the field rounded the turn Delvecchio hit the front heading towards the middle of the track.  However, Rose Girl who stayed close to the rail moved up to challenge him with Archero making his bid with Diamond Jake.  

Diamond Jake and Archero appeared to have the race between them at the 200m but Tomorrow's Party (Yamanin Vital - Lal's Gift by Noble Bijou) charged home over the final 150m and only just failed to get to Diamond Jake (ex Fine Gem by Pevero) by a nose with Archero (Archway - Alcoban by Noalcoholic) a long head away in third, just tiring slightly over the last few strides.

Diamond Jake has been very consistent this campaign and coming off a sound run in the strong Warrnambool Cup two weeks earlier looked well placed to break through.

April 25th, 2004

Danewin's daughter Dane Belltar will now tackle the group one Australasian Oaks at Morphettville on May 8, after a sterling win in the G3 Lakewood Stud Stakes (1800m - registered name: Auraria Stakes) at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Prepared by Leon Macdonald who made a change to Dane Belltar's gear, removing the blinkers and adding winkers, she raced kindly for her rider Claire Lindop.   

Lindop didn't go around a horse in the run home and Dane Belltar hit the lead inside the last 200m to win by 1-1/4 lengths.  Revolutions (Spinning Wolrd - Rebel by Bletchingly) ran home well for second with a long neck back to Niagara Falls (Danehill - Bracken Bank by Sir Tristram) in third.

Niagara Falls did well to hold to hang on for third as she set a generous pace and didn't settle at any stage during the race for her rider Greg Childs. 

April 18th, 2004

Things finally fell into place for Diamond Jake at Flemington on Saturday in recording his fourth career victory in the Riverdale Handicap (1700m).

Given a easy run behind the early speed Diamond Jake (ex Fine Gem by Pevero) was too strong over the last 400m to stride half-a-length clear of Wild Classic (Wild Harmony - Classic Angel by Khozaam) with the same margin to British Ensign (British Banker - Bal Ganza by Balmerino) in third.

March 22, 2004

In Hong Kong on Sunday, Danewin's daughter Elegant Fashion recorded a stylish win in the Chairman's Trophy (HKG2) at Sha Tin. 

Emirates Park will offer a half-brother to ELEGANT FASHION, at the William Inglis Easter yearling sale.  A striking brown colt by in-form sire Anabaa (USA), whose progeny took a stakes double at Rosehill on Saturday. 

This much admired colt from Wily Trick (USA) will get the final session off to a flying start as he is the first horse into the ring on Thursday as Lot 303.

January 18, 2004

In Western Australia at Ascot, Danewin's 2YO filly Starglow Express (ex Starlight Express by Century) went one better than her previous start to claim the San Toy (1000m) on Saturday.

Danewin has a good run of winners since New Year's Day with Rosenkrantz (ex Way of Life by Blue Razor), Rockin Roller (ex Be Bop a Lula by Kaapstad) and Lord Danelee (ex Amalee by Bletchingly) all greeting their owners in the winners enclosure. 

November 17, 2003

Hong Kong Derby heroine ELEGANT FASHION galloped into the picture as a leading contender for the Hong Kong International Cup Gr 1 by trouncing her rivals to win the International Cup Trial HK Gr 2 at the weekend.

Stepping up to her favoured trip after two encouraging performances over the shorter journeys, Elegant Fashion was expected to win.

The chestnut daughter of Danewin did the job in style, producing a polished display to win by a length under a perfect ride from Douglas Whyte.

“She's just foolproof at 2,000 metres and a legitimate contender for the internationals," enthused trainer David Hayes. 

"Sure, there are some very good horses coming, but there were good horses that came last year for these races and they didn't produce on the day," Hayes explained. 

"The foreign horses have to get here and click. I'm not saying she'll beat them, I respect them, they are very good. But nor am I going to say she couldn't beat them." 

Elegant Fashion has blossomed since transferring to Hong Kong after the spring carnival last year. 

The five year old mare has had nine starts on the tough island circuit for three wins, five placings and prizemoney of $HK16.9 million. 

When added to her original prizemoney tally earned in Australia the mare has now won in excess of $A4million.

October 10, 2003

Racing returned to Canterbury Park, New South Wales, last night and Fly Dubai took out the Agrum Classic Handicap (1250m).

The four-year-old was having his ninth career start to reel off his fourth win by a short-head over Sir Covet (Covetous - Silent Dawn by Best Western) with Choisir's full-brother Danny Dancer (Danehill Dancer - Great Selection by Lunchtime) 1-3/4 lengths away in third. 

September 28, 2003

Smart galloper Salgado was resuming from a short spell with 60.5 kilos in the Capella Kensington Transitional Plate (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.  Although the weight was a concern his class took the six-year-old son of Danewin's through to score a comfortable win.

The win was the icing on the cake for Woodlands Stud trainer John Hawkes who made it five wins on the day - including four consecutive stakes victories.

Salgado claimed the race by three-quarters-of-a-length over Poetic Papal (Royal Troubador - Power of Locharber by Papal Power) with Schahriar (Ashkalani - Laura's Express by Prego) third another long neck away.

September 14, 2003

Talented filly Classy Dane is on her way to bigger things after an impressive win in the G3 Research Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Classy Dane came from well back in the 15-horse field to beat Forum Floozie (Danasinga - Flying Foozie by Pompeii Court) by three-quarters of a length with a long neck to Gold Lottey (Encosta de Lago - Lottey by Bellotto).

Trained by Peter Dombkins, who has always had a high opinion of Classy Dane he will now prepare her for the AJC G1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 4.

Classy Dane a three-year-old filly had show a little something extra to beat the older mares and will now head back against her own age group in the Reginald Allen Quality at Randwick in two weeks.

It was Classy Dane's first stakes win, she has been a great money earner for her connections as they purchased the daughter of Emirate Park Stud’s Danewin at the Scone Yearling sale for $20,000. Amongst her wins is the Scone Classic and from just seven starts Classy Dane has chalked up four wins and a second collecting $242,600!

Classy Dane was bred by Sunny Yam & Alex Cheung Investments, she is the fourth foal of the Rancher mare, Ranzest who was runner-up in the Listed Quezette Stakes.  Ranzest has a two-year old filly by Danewin and she was served by General Nediym last year.

July 13, 2003

Another winner for Danewin, when his three-year-old filly Oakfield Rose (ex Petesen by Marscay) scored an easy 1-1/4 length victory in the Class 2 Handicap (1200m) at Newcastle on Saturday.