Racing Industry

Marhoona continued the extraordinary record of both the Freedman family and Emirates Park in the Golden Slipper, with the Snitzel filly becoming the least experienced winner of the world’s richest two-year-old race in 50 years at Rosehill.

As an impressionable teenager, Scott Darby learned about the art of training two-year-olds from one of the masters. Now one of Australia’s most successful syndicators, Darby is as passionate as ever about the Golden Slipper.

UK trainer William Haggas once considered a permanent base in Australia and with a strike-rate in Sydney to match any local trainer, it is little wonder. On the eve of his latest chase for autumn riches, Haggas tells Matt Stewart he is ready to upset the Australian apple cart once again.

Things didn’t go to plan in the 1999 Golden Slipper for raging pre-post favourite Redoute’s Choice, but Yulong is hoping for better luck with the champion stallion’s great grandson Devil Night, the first colt to win a Blue Diamond at his second start this century.

While the Australian Turf Club has sent out its case for its members to vote on the sale of Rosehill racecourse, a host of questions remain unanswered. The Straight asked chairman Peter McGauran many of these in a detailed interview.

Annabel Neasham’s training career took off like a rocket, but the addition of partner Rob Archibald’s name on the stable’s door at the start of this season has allowed another burst of growth. Young and ambitious, the pair told Matt Stewart they have no plans to slow down.

There are no guarantees that the NSW government will purchase Rosehill racecourse from the Australian Turf Club for $5 billion, with premier Chris Minns confirming negotiations wouldn’t start until after the ATC vote.