Able Friend completed a straightforward barrier trial assignment this morning, Tuesday 2 June, as trainer John Moore continued the five-year-old’s preparations for the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (1600m) at Royal Ascot two weeks today.
Created by Inglis’ Deputy Chairman Arthur Inglis in association with Australian Art Sales Director Mike Coward to encourage and promote thoroughbred art, the Inglis Equine Art Prize is the only one of its kind in Australia, with the winner receiving A$15,000 in prizemoney.
Unbeaten champion Black Caviar’s place in the nation’s sporting history has been officially cemented with her induction this evening into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame.
Robbie Laing trained colt Direct Charge was able to turn the tables on his opposition in today’s Group 3 VRC Maribyrnong Plate over the flying 1000m at Flemington, defeating those that finished ahead of him in the rich Inglis Banner last start.
Mark du Plessis is reluctant to attach the "best" tag to horses, as in "best I have ridden", but couldn't help himself when it came to Amber Sky after Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's exceptional juvenile talent gave rivals another galloping lesson yesterday.
The Inglis Equine Art Prize is on again in 2012. Showcasing the greatest thoroughbred artwork from around the globe this year’s competition theme is ‘At the Track’.
Warwick Farm trainer Ron Leemon has already started looking forward to next Saturday's Group I Victoria Derby (2500m) after Manawanui's comfortable Group II Mitchelton Wines Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley.
One positive might yet come from the scourge of equine influenza - the virus that shut down the sport, forced many industry players on to the unemployment queue and cost Sydney racing a spring carnival.
With the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale drawing close, Graeme Kelly from Stallions spoke with company director and auctioneer Jonathan D’Arcy about this year’s offering and other matters.