In today's Straight Shorts, Hall of Fame elevation for Winx and Black Caviar, Maurice juvenile wins on protest, regulator in warning to social media influencers, New Zealand two-year-old earmarked for Australia.
Winx, Black Caviar earn ultimate Hall of Fame status
Winx and Black Caviar, modern-day champion thoroughbreds who captured an audience beyond everyday racing fans, will receive added recognition for their greatness.
Already Australian Racing Hall of Famers, the mares will be elevated to Legend status.
They will join Carbine, Phar Lap and Makybe Diva in racing’s most exclusive club.
“Debate has raged for years over which of the two champion mares is the greatest we’ve seen, however what is certain is that their legacies transcend far beyond the boundaries of racing.” Hall of Fame chairman Jason Scott said.
“It’s deserving that they both be bestowed “Legend” status in the Australian Racing Hall of Fame together, befitting of their stature as two of the best we have and will ever have the good fortune to see.”
Black Caviar’s trainer Peter Moody will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the same of his mare’s elevation during a ceremony in Brisbane on August 31.
“They are both great mares and it was only a matter of time, with all due respect, they were both going to get that honour and deservedly so,” Moody said.
Waller said Winx’s honour is a deserved reflection of her racing career.
“I always admired Winx’s determination and the uncomplicated way she went about her work and racing,” he said.
“She didn’t require any extra fuss. When I talk to people about Winx, there’s nothing but the ultimate respect for her. It is fitting she has been elevated to Legend status.”
Maurice youngster wins on protest at Wyong
The priciest Maurice yearling sold during the 2024 yearling sales has underlined his promise in a win that came with its share of drama at Wyong.
Champagne Hero won the race in the stewards’ room after he was second across the line when beaten a nose by Anders filly Sapling.
The pair staged a stirring duel from the top of the straight before stewards found that Sapling impeded Champagne Hero over the final stages.
Champagne Hero was a $600,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Rosemont Stud draft for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and Kestrel Thoroughbreds.
Rosemont has retained an interest in the colt who is a brother to stakes-placed Killiako and metropolitan winner Pippie Beach.
Champagne Hero, fourth on debut behind Autumn Boy and Central Coast (second) in a city midweek race that is emerging as a potent form race, is the third winner from Group I Myer Classic-placed Dansili mare Soft Sand.
Ancient Spirit juvenile to show northern wares
Spiritus will become the first North Island representative for New Zealand’s southern sire Ancient Spirit on Wednesday at Pukekohe, and the juvenile has made a good impression on his trainer in the lead-up.
Standing at White Robe Lodge, the multiple Group 2-winning son of Invincible Spirit has had a handful of runners closer to home, including placegetter Bobby Mcgee.
Sourced from the Mosgiel nursery, Spiritus entered the care of experienced horseman Chad Ormsby, who couldn’t speak more highly of the gelding.
“He’s my first (Ancient Spirit) in training and he’s been an absolute gem, such a nice horse to work with,” Ormsby said.
“Right from day one as a breaker, all through the stages, he’s just been sensational. He’s been as good as you’ll find in terms of temperament and trainability.
“From my understanding, some friends of ours purchased him from the South Island, and he’s come to be broken in and pre-trained. He’s done really well, and his future racing will likely be in Australia.”
Influencers in the sights of regulator over gambling promotion
Social media influencers risk heavy fines if they continue to promote illegal gambling services to Australians, a national regulator has warned.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority says it has seen influencers active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok acting on behalf of illegal online casinos and wagering firms.
“Social media influencers must understand that the promotion of illegal gambling services in Australia is illegal, and substantial penalties apply,” the ACMA said.
“Influencers have been sharing links, promoting giveaways, or streaming themselves gambling.”
For individual influencers, breaching the law can result in civil penalties of up to $59,400.
Influencers who facilitate access to illegal online gambling services, such as by giving hyperlinks, can incur even greater penalties. For individuals, this could be up to $2.475 million.
Eco-park plans for former Madras Race Club complex
Land that was home to the Madras Race Club will be turned into Chennai’s biggest eco-park following a controversial government reacquisition.
After the race club’s lease was cancelled and its land was acquired last year, the State had planned to expand it as a public space and develop the green cover of the city.
The parcel of land was ordered to be transferred to the Horticulture Department.
One of India’s oldest racing institutions, the Madras club had its gates locked as the Tamil Nadu government moved to reclaim 148 acres of land in Guindy.
The government’s action followed allegations that the club failed to pay rental arrears.
More than 500 horses were trained at the racetrack before a 99-year lease was abruptly terminated.
Peru Group 1 glory for failed stallion
Enforceable, an eight-year-old son of Tapit, has completed one of the more remarkable racing journeys with a Group 1 win in Peru.
A runner in the 2020 Kentucky Derby when seventh to Authentic, Enforceable lost form as a four-year-old and was sold for $US125,000 at the Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale.
He was earmarked for a stud career in Peru but was put back into training because of fertility issues.
Enforceable disappointed in his first try at the Clasico Jockey Club del Peru in 2024, finishing fourth by 14-1/4 lengths.
But he bounced back this year, producing a fast finish at the Hipódromo Monterrico racetrack in Lima under jockey Victor Salazar.
The victory advanced Enforceable's lifetime record to seven wins in 31 career starts, and his fourth success since relocating to Peru.
