Stunning performance on global stage

Winx (M5 Street Cry/Vegas Showgirl) has again been accorded due recognition with her ranking of 132 – just two shy of Dubai World Cup winner, Arrogate. Although second overall, Winx is the highest rated mare and deemed the world’s best on turf. 

Chautauqua (G6 Encosta De Lago/Lovely Jubbly), meanwhile, retains his spot as the No.1 sprinter (122) following his Group 1 TJ Smith victory, while Jameka (M4 Myboycharlie/Mine Game) (120) also joins the elite on the back of her Group 1 BMW Stakes win. In winning his sixth Group 1 race, Chautauqua became the first horse to win three times at the Championships, the first to win  three TJ Smith Stakes and the first sprinter to break the $8 million prizemoney barrier eclipsing Black Caviar.

A newcomer to the top 10 is the Hong Kong trained sprinter, Mr Stunning (G4 Exceed And Excel/With Fervour), following his remarkable winning performance in the Group 2 Sprint Cup at Sha Tin. Trained by John Size, Mr Stunning raced for the first time at Sha Tin in February 2016. Winning three of his first four races (along with a lip second), Mr Stunning was named Champion Griffin in 2015/16, and now has a further six wins from six starts culminating in his globally acknowledged success in the Sprint Cup.

Describing the latest rankings as a remarkable achievement, Aushorse CEO, Tom Reilly said there was always an expectation that Australian sprinters are the best in the world. “We’re clearly not alone in our opinion of Winx, but the positioning of Jameka is terrific to see. She is the second highest ranked stayer and the best staying mare. Her BMW victory was a tremendous effort and it’s worth noting she was only one of two Australian-breds in the field,” he said.

Aside from Winx, Chautauqua, Jameka and Mr Stunning, Mr Reilly said Black Heart Bart, Le Romain and Palentino also appear on the chart – all 119 – with Australian-breds having the only representation in the top 25 from this part of the world.

In a further indication of the strength of Australian racing, Australian-trained imports also featured prominently with Godolphin’s Hartnell (GB), trained by John O’Shea, ranked equal third on 123 and Group 1 Ranvet Stakes winner Our Ivanhowe (GER), trained by Lee and Anthony Freeman, ranked at 119.

 RACING Queensland (RQ) and Brisbane Racing Club have announced the reinstatement of Official Barrier Trials at the state’s leading venues of Doomben and Eagle Farm.

RQ CEO Eliot Forbes said the Brisbane Official Trials will deliver another avenue to promote and showcase Queensland racing across national media and will also complement the current schedule of Official Trials at the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Deagon.

The reformed schedule has secured a broadcast commitment from SKY Racing for the SEQ Tuesday trials as well as ’live’ display on Thoroughbred Central and full access to website replays. Deagon trial replays will continue to be visible on RQ’s website.

The decision to reinstate the Trials was made after consultation with the Queensland Jockey Association, QRIC officials, the Australian Trainers Association, the Queensland Racehorse Owners Association, and the Brisbane Racing Club.

This is the first stage of a wider reform, which will see the provision of increased barrier trials throughout Queensland, improving the exposure and familiarity of both the local form and industry participants alike.

Dr Forbes said the SKY commitment and websites coverage offered improved mechanisms for the servicing of owners as well as greater visibility of trial form for the punting public. “Official Trials are also an excellent method of education for both horses and apprentice riders. Importantly, with the schedule rolling out from the first week of May, it will provide timely and valuable exposure to trial footage for both local and interstate horses targeting Winter Carnival assignments.

“The provision of broadcast trials will enhance the ownership experience, provide greater exposure of Queensland participants and improve the delivery of information for wagering customers,” he said.