Keep up to date with our Stud and racing news, events and happenings.
We will feature racing results from Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand
and South Africa where our progeny have been sold and are racing.
12 December 2004
CHAMPION OF THE WORLD
The greatest horse ever trained in Hong Kong, SILENT WITNESS became the first
local horse to defend an international title with a win of extraordinary ease
in today's HK$10 million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint (Gr.1-1000m).
This year's Sprint was effectively the turf sprinters' world
championship, featuring the best speedsters from Hong Kong, Europe
and Japan, with strong representation from Australia and the
United States thrown in for good measure.
But for the supporters of the undefeated SILENT WITNESS, extending
his winning run to 13, there was never a moment's worry for those
who backed him into 3/10 favourite. He won eased down with his
ears pricked by a length and three quarters from Cape
Of Good Hope, with Natural Blitz in third, beaten over four lengths by
the winner.
"He was very relaxed before the race and he had a flying
start. He was going so well and as they passed the crossover
at the 400m, I thought 'you're going to hit the front too soon'
then he just picks up and at the 200m he starts pricking his
ears! It was a very, very easy win. Perhaps one of the easiest
I've ever had on him. Against that kind of opposition, it says
so much about his quality," winning jockey Felix Coetzee
said.
SILENT WITNESS will remain in Hong Kong through to early next
April to "hopefully clean up the three legs of the Champion
Sprint Series and that will bring us up to Cigar's winning record
of 16 wins in a row," said trainer Tony Cruz.
"We haven't confirmed any plans to take him overseas yet
but we will target a race. It could be 1200m or 1400m. We really
don't know. But I don't think we have seen the best of him yet," Cruz
added.
As for Cape Of Good Hope, the sprinting bridesmaid of Hong Kong
racing, this was the third time he was chasing home SILENT
WITNESS in Group One sprints in Hong Kong. Jockey Mick Kinane said: "He's
run a blinder, in fact that's the closest he's got to SILENT
WITNESS. It's just so unlucky for him that he has to keep coming
up against an unbelievable champion but it's amazing how he keeps
trying. He runs his heart out."
The Macau runner, Natural Blitz, ran a super race to finish
third. Said jockey John Didham: "He went fantastic. I'm
so pleased that he returned to form after disappointing last
start. He jumped really well and led them. As soon as SILENT
WITNESS came to him he was off the bridle but what is lovely
for me as a jockey is that he keeps trying. He kept his head
out and hung on for third."
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9 December 2004
PRIDE OF PLACE
How good is he !! That might just be the question trainer Joseph Pride is asking
himself after Allworthy won easily at his second race start at Wyong today.
Allworthy
Click to enlarge
Ridden perfectly by Hugh Bowman the race was always in his keeping
even with the wide barrier draw. Although racing a bit greenly
down the straight he still won by an impressive 2.5 lengths and
the trainer will surely be starting him in the city next start.
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21st
November 2004
VERY FIT LOOKS GOOD AT DEBUT
Very Fit ( Woodman - Jade Tiara) had his
debut today at Sha
Tin for trainer Tony Cruz. The baby brother to SILENT WITNESS was
an impressive second in his debut race. Although beaten he raced very greenly
and he will benefit greatly from the race experience.
Very Fit (Woodman - Jade
Tiara)
Click to enlarge
If he has any of his brothers ability he will carve out a nice racing career
in Hong Kong under the astute training eye of Tony Cruz.
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21st November 2004
VERY FIT LOOKS GOOD AT DEBUT
Very Fit ( Woodman - Jade Tiara) had his debut
today at Sha
Tin for trainer Tony Cruz. The baby brother to SILENT
WITNESS was
an impressive second in his debut race. Although beaten he
raced very greenly and he will benefit greatly from the race
experience.
Very Fit (Woodman - Jade Tiara)
Click to enlarge
If he has any of his brothers ability he will carve out a nice
racing career in Hong Kong under the astute training eye of
Tony Cruz.
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21st November 2004
12 OUT 12 - THE CHAMP IS BACK
Today witnessed the return to racing of the worlds best sprinter
SILENT WITNESS.
He was on the toe in the parade ring prior to the race which
is unlike him but any doubt about his comeback to racing was
put to rest when the great horse exploded away over the final
furlong to win ears pricked in the fast time of 55.9 seconds.
Although giving his opposition 5 ibs he was far to classy and
he will be vastly improved when he next steps out in the bib
Hong Kong International Sprint in December.
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10th November 2004
GALLARDO - THE FIGHTING BULL
The 2 yo half brother to SILENT WITNESS has officially
been named. The Commands - Jade Tiara colt which was withdrawn from this
years Easter Yearling Sale due to injury has been named Gallardo.
The name Gallardo comes from the famous breed
of fighting bull in Spain. The Gallardo breed are described as
having a
good looking face, heavily built and are renowned for being very
courageous
and to maintain their strength and aggressiveness till the last
tercio which all bullfighters loved.
View
The 2003 Lamborghini Gallardo Here
Also for all the Lamborghini lovers out there the 2003 model
of Lamborghini is called the Gallardo ( Also named after the
bull)
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8th November 2004
ALLWORTHY IMPRESSES IN TRIAL
Joseph Pride trained 3yo Allworthy (Thunder
Gulch - Innocent Age) was an impressive winner of his barrier
trial at Warwick
Farm today. Ridden by Justin Sheehan the colt looked impressive
and is sure to have his admirers come race day.
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2nd November 2004
MELBOURNE CUP IN HONG KONG
Edinburgh Park stars shone bright in Hong kong today.
It was trials day at Sha Tin and SILENT WITNESS was an impressive
winner of his 1000m trial in 57.4 seconds. He did it easy and
all goes well for his first start this season on Sunday 21st
November in the International Sprint Trial over 1000m.
However it was SILENT WITNESS baby half
brother Very Fit (Woodman - Jade Tiara) that
turned heads as he was brought out in public for his trial.
Very Fit (Woodman - Jade Tiara)
Click to enlarge
The big strong Woodman 3yo was most impressive winning his trial
by 1/2 length in 59.6sec.
Felix Coetzee was kind on the horse and as the field closed in
over the final 100m, Felix clicked the 3yo up another gear and
he easily found a length on his opposition over the final stages.
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2nd November 2004
INCAS FOUND IN ALICE SPRINGS
Just to prove that Edinburgh Park breed horses to race everywhere
Inca Miss ( El Moxie - Kink) made her debut
in Alice Springs.
The filly was bought out of the 2003 Scone Yearling Sales for
$14000 and has had two starts so far in the Alice for a second
and a third. We are sure her new owners will have years of
enjoyment with her.
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15th October 2004
EDINBURGH PARK SCREAMER
Another winner for Edinburgh Park. Battle Scream (Orpen
- Lady Jilliby) sold at the 2003 Scone Yearling sales for $6000
was
an impressive winner at Lismore by 4 lengths. Ridden by Gary
Baker the 3yo Orpen gelding was most impressive at only his 3rd
race start. His trainer George Osborne might just have another
city winner on his hands.
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5th October 2004
MORONEY'S BOUDI WOUDI FLYS
The barrier trails at Taupo today showed up a filly that looks
all class. Boudi Woudi (Easy Rocking
- Yellow and Black) was
an easy winner in 46.8 seconds over the 750m course. Purchased
at the Classic sale by M Moroney the filly is trained at his
Matmata base and recorded the second fastest 2 yo trial of
the day behind Love Diamonds ( Danehill - Tristalove). The
time of 46.8 sec was almost a full second faster than
the other heats other than Love Diamonds.
Easy Rocking - Yellow and Black
Click to enlarge
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25th
July 2004
MAGRAVINE WINS AT HAWKESBURY
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19th July 2004
LUCY LOCKET AT HOME IN VICTORIA
Edinburgh Park bred 4 yo mare Lucy Locket (Hector Protector
- Innocent Age) was an impressive winner at Moe today. The improving
mare won as she liked by 8 lengths. Ridden by CJ Marshall the
mare was most impressive and seems to be appreciating her new
surroundings in Victoria for her new trainer Trudy Kelly.
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27th June 2004
Mr Splinters Looks Good
Mr Splinters (Woodman - Review(NZ)
Click to enlarge
The Tony Vasil trained Mr Splinters (Woodman - Review(NZ)
) is showing enormous potential and today he saluted at Geelong
over 1540m. Ridden quietly by K Sanderson Mr Spinters finished
powerfully down the outside to claim victory and the horse
looks to be at least of city class and connections will be
looking forwrd to the Autumn as he will be even better as he
matures.
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16th June 2004
YOUR SHOUT MATEY !!!!!
It was drinks all round for connections today as Matey
(Umatilla - Daisy Cutter) crossed the line first at Canterbury.
Matey (Umatilla - Daisy Cutter)
Click to enlarge
Ridden by champion jockey Glen Boss he was given time to settle
early before being asked for an effort over the concluding
stages. Although the margin was narrow, the way he hit the
line shows that there are many more wins in store for this
strong 3yo particularly when he gets over more ground.
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25 April 2004
SILENT WITNESS Sets New Record
SILENT WITNESS is the undisputed #1 champion
sprinter in the world setting a new record 11 consecutive wins
at the HK$4.5 million Chairman's
Sprint Prize (HKGr.1-1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, 25 April.
SILENT WITNESS finished a clear winner by more than two
lengths from Cape of Good Hope and Electronic Unicorn.
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26th March 2004
CROWN RUBITON DEBUTS
The half brother to SILENT WITNESS, Crown Rubiton had
his debut at Mooney Valley tonight and was valiant in defeat.
Crown Rubiton
The 3 yo gelding by Rubiton was unlucky not to keep the undeafeated
record of his brother in tact.
Never left alone in front he fought on valiantly and was beaten
by a nose in the opening race. He showed early speed and showed
that he posesses some of his half brothers ability in his narrow
loss. Ridden by L Currie and trained by up and coming trainer
Andrew Noblet we look forward to the 3yo's next assignment as
he will obviously benefit from tonights race experience.
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13 March 2004
SILENT WITNESS Equals CO-TACK Record.
13 March 2004
An electric atmosphere enveloped Sha Tin on Saturday as the flawless
SILENT WITNESS cruised to Gr.1
Centenary Sprint Cup success to equal a Hong Kong record
stretching back over 20 years.
It was the undefeated gelding's 10th straight victory to equal
the record winning streak set by CO-TACK in November 1983.
SILENT WITNESS, trained by Tony Cruz, will seek to set
a new standard in the third and final leg of the Champion Sprint
Series, the Gr.1 Chairman's Sprint Prize, on April 25.
The champion, who looked impeccable beforehand in the parade
ring, broke well and was in front for every stride of the 1000m
event worth HK$4.5 million.
Two furlongs from home, the chasing trio of Firebolt,
Multidandy and Cape Of Good Hope tried to move upsides
the overwhelmingly odds-on SILENT WITNESS, but jockey Felix
Coetzee only needed to flick the reins at the Australian-bred
El Moxie four-year-old to settle the outcome.
Taking his bankroll HK$21.4 million (US$2.74 million), SILENT
WITNESS scored eased down by two and a half lengths from Cape
Of Good Hope, with half a length to Firebolt.
"We can't beat him, he's a machine," said David Oughton,
trainer of the runner-up.
It is anyone's guess as to how many more millions are at the
mercy of this freakish performer.
"Every horse has his breaking point but we want just to
keep winning with this horse. As long as we keep him to these
set weights races, he is going to remain very hard to beat,"
said trainer Cruz.
Savouring the moment, an emotional winning owner Archie da Silva
said connections would assess future plans after next month's
race.
"We have had offers to race at Royal Ascot in June
and in the Sprinters' Stakes in Japan in October but we
will sit down in May and decide what to do," he said. "But
you can see how much the fans here love this horse. I'd like to
keep him here for the Hong Kong public but, yes, it is possible
we will race him overseas." Sprint Prize, on April 25.
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2 February 2004
COMMANDS - JADE TIARA
OUT OF THE SALES.
Commands - Jade Tiara (AUS)
the half brother to SILENT WITNESS, has been withdrawn
from the 2004 Easter Yearling Sales.
The colt had a paddock accident and a small growth plate above
his left elbow was fractured.
The colt was operated on by leading Equine surgeon Jonathon Lumsden
and the operation was a huge success.
His prognosis for racing is considered excellent and all going
well will be able to be broken-in around June / July.
The colt is available for private sale to any interested parties
or we are quite prepared to race the colt ourselves. We see his
future both on and off the track very bright indeed especially
if he has inherited any of his brothers ability.
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1 February 2004
SILENT WITNESS (El Moxie - Jade Tiara)
SILENT WITNESS - BAUHINIA
SPRINT DOMINANCE!!
SILENT WITNESS first, the rest nowhere.
The overwhelming dominance of Hong Kong's leading
horse could not have been stamped any clearer through the HK$4.5
million Bauhinia
Sprint Trophy (HKGr.1-1000m), the first leg of HK's Champion
Sprint Series, today at Sha Tin.
SILENT WITNESS was claiming
his ninth race from as many starts, and the Australian-bred gelding
is now just one step away from equalling the HK record of 10 wins
in a row.
Judging by the ease of today's success, it seems
inevitable that this record, set over 20 years ago by Co-Tack,
will be matched when SILENT WITNESS next starts
in the second leg of the Champion Sprint Series, the Centenary
Sprint Cup on March 13.
A similar air of inevitability surrounded today's
outcome as minimum of odds of 1.05 for a win bet on SILENT
WITNESS underline.
And just as National Currency tried ¡V
and failed - to burn off the champ in the Gr.1 Hong Kong Sprint
in mid-December, Anton Marcus and Firebolt headed
the pacesetting SILENT WITNESS with two furlongs
to race.
But the complexion of the race changed only fleetingly.
Jockey Felix Coetzee needed only flick the reins
a couple of times at SILENT WITNESS to re-establish
a clear break in a matter of strides. Forging clear, Coetzee had
a time for a leisurely look to his right at the Jockey Club's
huge display screen to see exactly how far clear he was.
Skimming past the post in a time of 56.5 seconds,
the answer was an easy two and three quarter lengths clear of
Firebolt, who clung on by a nose from Cape Of Good Hope
in third.
"When he extends, it's like some kind of
double overdrive," said Coetzee. "And it's just so easy
for him. Amazing horse, just amazing."
Trainer Tony Cruz just doesn't know exactly where
limits of his supreme El Moxie gelding lie.
"There was plenty in the tank at the finish
there - he's done it with his ears pricked and it seems he's getting
better and better," Cruz said.
"Don't forget that he lost a shoe at the
jump in the Hong Kong Sprint and he beat some of the best sprinters
in the world that day," added Cruz.
"He's so easy to train as well. He's so
relaxed, so professional, just true quality. He's got it all."
Breaking the Hong Kong record for consecutive
wins would mean a great deal to Cruz, who partnered CO-TACK
to that slew of wins all those years ago.
"It would be nice to be a part of history,"
he said.
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