Tumour claims Aussie Rules
Classic-winning miler Aussie Rules has been put down at stud after suffering a short illness due to a tumour. The former Aidan O’Brien-trained son of Danehill, winner of both the French 2000 Guineas and Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland in 2006, was euthanised on veterinary advice at Lanwades Stud in Newmarket, where he was residing.
Since retiring, the 13 year-old, who had been at Lanwades since 2012 after being transferred from Castlehyde Stud in Tipperary, had sired the winners of over 790 races worldwide, including 18 group race winners. Among his most notable offspring was talented mare Fiesolana, winner of the 2014 Matron Stakes.
Kirsten Rausing, owner and general manager of Lanwades Stud, said: “We are greatly saddened at the tragic loss of Aussie Rules.
“He was a lovely co-operative horse to work with, his enthusiasm and zest for life makes his loss the harder to bear for all of us who knew him.
“His name will live on through his many successful racing progeny.”
O’Donovan joins awards panel
Pat O’Donovan, winner of the Irish Racing Excellence Award at the Irish Godolphin Stud and Stable Staff Awards in 2015, will join the judging committee for the 2016 awards. O’Donovan, who is assistant trainer to Jim Bolger, joins eight others on the committee. They are stablestaff representatives Bernard Caldwell, Shane Lyons and Ger Flynn, breeders’ representative Shane O’Dwyer, Michael Grassick from the trainers’ association, Ray Bergin (Turf Club) and Michael O’Rourke and Carol Nolan from Horse Racing Ireland.
Makin swoops for Marcel
Australian owner-breeder Paul Makin has purchased leading classic contender Marcel. Winner of the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy last year for owner Paul Hancock, the Lawman colt will stay with trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam. Makin made headlines in 2013 when he sold all his breeding stock in a dispersal sale at Goffs, headed by the €6 million sale of Chicquita.
Daring offer from Sky Bet
Online bookie Sky Bet has gazumped its rivals with a startling Cheltenham offer. The firm will refund all losing bets on the first race each day of the festival in the form of a free bet. For example, punters can stake up to €25 on Min to win the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and, even if their selection loses, they still have €25 to play with.
New air service for equine cargo
Turkish Cargo has launched an air service which can transport horses between Istanbul, Shannon Airport and three USA destinations. The service recently saw six thoroughbred mares brought to a leading Irish stud farm. Using Shannon as a base, Turkish Cargo operates a thrice-weekly service, terminating at either Chicago, Atlanta or New York.
Laverock arrives
Dual Group 1 winner Laverock has joined Morozov at Andrew Pierce’s Blackhall Stud in Killurin, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford. From the prolific Sir Tristram/Zabeel sire line, Laverock was a high-class two-year-old in France and a leading miler at three years. He won two Group 1 races at middle-distances and is the sire of Kitten Rock, a top-class hurdler and chaser trained by Edward O’Grady.
Visit Tracey Collins
Curragh trainer Tracey Collins is hosting an open morning on Sunday, March 20th at 11am ahead of racing at the Curragh that afternoon. Those interested in attending are asked to contact Aidan McGarry on (045) 443000 or email amcgarry@itm.ie