JULY 2026
NEWSLETTER
NEWS
With the conclusion of the Brisbane Racing Carnival, we transition from autumn into full winter racing, anticipating more demanding conditions, both on and off the track. Ellerslie racecourse will get a respite and surface rejuvenation, but there are some major issues at hand. The New Zealand racing industry is approaching a pivotal moment as the new season draws near on August 1, with Entain (TAB NZ) advocating for increased efficiency and requesting the industry to implement necessary adjustments to secure its long-term viability.
The continued viability of several Racing Clubs and Harness Clubs is presently jeopardised by deteriorating infrastructure, sub optimal track conditions, and decreasing attendance. This month and next, our focus will be on addressing critical issues, including the impending termination of the NZ Greyhound racing industry at the end of the month and the end of Avondale Racecourse after 138 years.
The jumps season and winter racing calendar are currently underway, progressing towards the Grand National meeting at Riccarton, which includes the Hawkes Bay Hurdle and Steeplechase events at Woodville. However, these events are overshadowed by the unfortunate loss of West Coast during the Waikato Hurdle. No doubt a race will be named in his honour. Flemington will see their winter series finals with very few major features during this down time period between winter and spring as we amp up towards another thrilling season ahead.
ECILPSE STAKES - Sandown (1800m)
BANJO PATTERSON FINAL - Flemington (2600m)
SIR JOHN MONASH STAKES - Caulfield (1100m)
DEANE LESTER FLEMINGTON CUP (2800m)
CALOUNDRA CUP - Sunshine Coast (2400m)
HAWKES BAY HURDLE - Woodville (3100m)
HAWKES BAY STEEPLECHASE - Woodville (4800m)
A.R CRESWICK STAKES - Flemington (1200m)
TAUMARANUI GOLD CUP - Te Rapa (2200m)
RYDER STAKES - Otaki (1200m)
BETCHINGLY STAKES - Caulfield (1200m)
FEATURE RACES JULY
The greyhound racing industry in New Zealand is soon to come to a halt, with a ban coming into effect on 31 July. Over the past decade, three reviews have shed light on concerning practices within the greyhound racing industry in New Zealand and the end of greyhound racing cannot come soon enough for the welfare of the dogs according to animal rights campaigers. The 2024/25 racing season was the deadliest since the industry was placed on notice in 2021, with 16 greyhounds dying or being euthanised due to injuries sustained during racing. The industry also continues to fall short of their own KPIs for reducing serious injuries, exceeding these across both the last season and the current one.
A strategic initiative is underway to facilitate the rehoming of approximately 1500 to 2900 canines, with a transition agency overseeing the management of industry assets and financial resources to support this endeavor. The greyhound racing industry's rehoming program has achieved considerable success in recent years, with a significant number of retired dogs successfully transitioning to new homes. However, despite substantial improvements in welfare standards, the industry may still be contending with the legacy of past practices where the care provided to these animals was, at times, insufficient.
However, there is an alternative proposal under consideration: the industry is exploring the possibility of utilising a portion of those funds to arrange a chartered flight for trainers to transport their greyhounds to Australia, where the sport remains fully operational in most States. Should a substantial number of dogs slated for retirement from racing not be successfully rehomed or relocated to Australia, it is conceivable that many may face euthanasia, given the limited alternatives available to trainers and owners.
Worldwide, greyhound racing is a dying sport, losing its social licence after report after report on what happens inside the industry. Grey2K USA, an organisation identifying itself as a global advocate for greyhounds, reports that commercial dog racing tracks are currently operational in only five countries worldwide: Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand - for the time being. However, each racing kennel operates as a small business employing staff, and many of these enterprises face closure as a direct consequence of this decision.
One of the important aspects of all professional racing is the gambling side of things, with the Gambling Act of 1908 originally legalising gambling only for horse racing but not greyhound racing. It was not until 1970 when Queen Elizabeth II, Duke of Edinburgh, Charles Prince of Wales, and Princess Anne visited New Zealand did the sport start to gain a more favourable reputation across the country. The Duke of Edinburgh was offered a greyhound as a gift, and this race became a beloved annual tradition named the Silver Collar dedicated to the late Duke of Edinburgh himself. Subsequently, the Gambling Act was amended in 1970, and legalised betting was allowed for greyhound racing which made the sport more professionally recognised.
Greyhound racing contributes roughly $159 million to the New Zealand economy annually. Despite having the smallest population of animals in training, greyhound racing accounts for a higher number of races than thoroughbred and harness racing combined, which suggests the significant demands placed upon the dogs themselves. Thanks to their incredible acceleration, they can hit this top speed in just six strides. At a high velocity of up to 72kph and around corners they often collide and tumble, putting them at risk of serious injury, and death. A dogs racing career can end in an instant.
There are 1055 people in an industry being dismissed with very little empathy coming from the NZ minister for Racing. By the time the New Zealand ban kicks in, it will have been 19 months and 21 days since the Minister of Racing announced it. Industry participants will receive zero compensation in New Zealand despite requests. Most of the licensed dog tracks are in Australia - 49 of them. There are just two remaining in the US, both in West Virginia. Fifteen remain in Ireland and 20 in the UK, although Scotland and Wales both enacted bans in March last year. There are 21 countries where dog racing happens, but it hasn't reached commercial proportions.
In New Zealand, this unpcoming ban was a political decision, influenced by public sentiment opposing the industry and supported by political parties across the spectrum. Racing Minister Winston Peters, upon announcing the ban two years prior, stated that the industry had been forewarned regarding animal welfare concerns for an extended period. The 2017 Hansen report was instrumental in shifting perspectives, revealing that 1447 greyhounds were euthanized between the 2013 and 2016 racing seasons, with an additional 1520 subsequently euthanized. The 2023 report highlighted significant concerns including elevated injury rates, issues of overbreeding, an insufficient adoption framework, and consistently hazardous racing environments. Drugging was also a problem. The Racing Integrity Unit found 54 drug positives from 2014 to 2023, including morphine and five for methamphetamine.
Australia is currently grappling with this issue. While some states have proposed bans on the sport, these proposals have subsequently been withdrawn. Tasmania, for instance, appeared poised to implement such a ban but postponed its decision. Presently, greyhound racing remains legal in all states except the ACT, though it is subject to considerable scrutiny. In Western Australia, a parliamentary inquiry into the matter is ongoing. Furthermore, a federal government bill is being developed to prohibit gambling on greyhound races, with the aim of accelerating the industry's decline.
While the cessation of greyhound racing represents a positive development for New Zealand and animal welfare initiatives, it is important to recognise that this sector constitutes a relatively small portion of the broader racing industry within the country. It will be interesting to see if New Zealand will implement any other racing related legislation in the future that is in the best interest of the horses impacted by the extensive and very profitable racing industry. Will we see a ban on whips next, and will jumps racing potentially cease due to the efforts of animal rights activists? These groups actively protest the Melbourne Cup due to concerns regarding animal welfare, and similar demonstrations have occurred at Ellerslie, with their ultimate objective being the prohibition of all animal sports racing for entertainment purposes.
While we cannot comment on the greyhound industry or fully address animal rights concerns within that sector, our experience as thoroughbred racing owners has consistently been positive, characterised by exceptional care. Modern advancements in technology and a better understanding of equine biometrics have led to an increased focus on the physical well-being of horses, with risks being mitigated through optimised racing schedules and progressive training methodologies. Furthermore, it is important to note that these animals do not typically face the fate of being processed for dog food, contrary to some prevailing misconceptions. Ownership arrangements now frequently incorporate a rehoming fee, which facilitates a fulfilling post-racing life for the horses, often involving roles on farms, as showjumpers, or in therapeutic programs assisting individuals with disabilities.
The New Zealand thoroughbred breeding and racing industry contributes an estimated $1.3 - 1.6 billion annually to the national GDP and supports approximately 9,500 full-time equivalent positions. This sector functions as a high-value export industry, generating revenue through various key channels. However, the industry still requires transformative change to advance, and the future presents numerous challenges that must be addressed. While greyhound racing may cease forever in New Zealand, it is hoped that the lessons learned from an industry founded on gambling and animal entertainment can lead to a more constructive future and usher in a new era.
NZ GREYHOUND BAN
WEST COAST
10 year-old Gelding
METTRE DU JEU - TESTAMENT (Grosvenor)
Trainer: Mark Oulaghan (Awapuni)
Breeder: Letham Stud Ltd
What initially appeared to be a promising day of racing in a cool yet clear Waikato setting in June, ultimately evolved into one of the most challenging experiences ever encountered at a racecourse by us. The Waikato jumps meeting presented an excellent program to be conducted on a Soft 7 track at Te Rapa. The highly anticipated feature contest, the Waikato Steeplechase, pitted local champion WEST COAST against the Te Akau-trained LEADERBOARD in his last ever race after returning from Australia, where he had been successful at the highest level. This event, featuring a strong field, was poised to be a rigorous assessment of jumping ability over 4000m.
The race unfolded as expected with all horses jumping well and moving into position through the stand double in the centre of the course for the second time before negotiating the last few jumps down the back straight. As they approached the obstacle before the final turn, the field packed up and one horse was seen to go down heavily in the middle of the field. Commentator George Simon bellowed out,
"woah and one's gone down, its the favourite and champ West Coast....would you believe it."
And it was a hard fall, catching the top of the brush battens with a miss-timed leap and barreling his whole body, nose first into the turf in a single collapsing motion. The race continued with NEDWIN charging home strongly over the final 50m to haul in LEADERBOARD, who had looked the winner with 100m to go. But without West Coast we couldn't say whether he may have worn down both horses to prevail in the end.
A look back across the course and no sign of West Coast....
Possibly the mighty jumper has risen to his feet and trundled off out of sight frustrated at his own mistake. But he wasn’t there with jockey Josh Parker still laid out on the ground and the horse motionless. It swiftly became evident that the circumstances appeared rather bleak, the fall brutal in nature and the potential outcome, without hope.
Trainer Mark Oulaghan was not there, laid our with a virus, but the handler Casey quickly jumped into a car with Stewards and arrived at the scene. The veterinarian was present, and due to a fractured shoulder, West Coast was unable to stand. To prevent any attempts to rise, his head would have been restrained, making the decision clear - the champion Steeplechaser could not be saved. Thankfully, the location was so far from the public gaze - no one really knew what was actually happening until the blue tarpaulin of death was erected, and straight away we knew his fate. The feeling was sickening.
People on course appeared shocked, many with tears in their eyes knowing that the mighty Kauri of jumps racing in New Zealand had suffered a tragic and unsurvivable injury. The race result was mute. Nothing really mattered as time stood still and many people remained in their seats unsure how to react. For us, we did not see any enjoyment in watching any more racing for the day and returned back to Auckland. Trackside made the incredibly emotional announcement that WEST COAST had been humanely euthanized and social media in New Zealand lit up. Down Under Punter was the first to disseminate the news on Facebook in New Zealand, having been privy to the events that transpired live, but we took no joy in this. Getting the last pictures as he went out a poitant memory of his final parade on course and personally one hard to deal.
This incident likely represents one of the most somber occasions we have witnessed on a New Zealand racecourse, and it was undoubtedly a profoundly difficult experience for all involved connections. It was hard to come to terms and reflect on the day, but we fully comprehend the dangers of jumps racing and occasionally horses do fall and injure themselves, sometimes fatally. But it is not that common compared to yesteryear where horses were routinely overworked and pressed to their limits. The industry, and jumps industry in particular, make every endeavor to balance our the inherent risks, but there will always be dangers to both rider and horse.
WEST COAST was a true champion of the sport and recognised as one of the greatest Steeplechasers in New Zealand racing history. Seeing him retire to a paddock after achieving so much over four years at the top would of been the ideal end to his racing career. But Mark Oulaghan knew the horse still had the ability and passion in his heart to be out there competing. It was heartbreaking to see it end in this manner and he went out doing what he loved. Oulaghan summed it up best when late on Saturday night after returning home without his wonderful horse, he spoke to Michael Guerin who was on the other side of the world.
He said, "West Coast loved to win and hated it when another horse was in front of him." "He always wanted to get ahead and tried so hard to win every time."
And that was the true testament to the horse - the geldings unwavering courage and bravery were evident to all when he secured a decisive victory in the Waikato Hunt Cup just weeks prior, demonstrating his continued capability - and whose to say he wouldn't have won the Waikato Steeplechase, then gone on to claim another Koral, Grand National and/or Great Northern title. Regardless, West Coast may have ended up the GOAT and this we'll never know. But his legacy is written in stone, the incredible results in the history books and he is a champion horse who deserves all the accolades.
To those who claim the horse was too old and only greed was the reasoning why he wasn't retired are badly misguided. Steeplechasers mature late in their careers and the great ones tend to peak at 8-9-10 years of age. His requirements did not extend to the speed and power typically associated with flat racing; rather, he necessitated stamina, resilience and the agility to consistently execute jumps with proficiency and agility - qualities he demonstrably possessed in abundance. He could have ended up at a pony club trotting around with a kid on his back, or simply as a farm hack climbing the hills; because on the flat, West Coast was never going to amount to much. But as a chaser, WEST COAST was one of a kind - legendary.
RACE RECORD - 49: 13-7-6
STAKE EARNINGS - $641,090
HAWKES BAY STEEPLECHASE (2023)
WELLINGTON STEEPLECHASE (2023)
NZ GRAND NATIONAL (2023/24)
GREAT NORTHERN STEEPLECHASE (2023/24)
MANAWATU STEEPLECHASE (2024)
KORAL STEEPLECHASE (2024)
WAIKATO HUNT CUP (2026)
NZ RACING IN CRISIS?
ENTAIN, AND THE POT OF GOLD AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW
The New Zealand racing industry is currently facing significant financial challenges despite recent positive developments such as the Entain agreement and increased stake levels. Projections now indicate potential deficits exceeding $20 million across the two racing codes, a situation that has been foreshadowed by warning signs over the past several years. It may take Government intervention to solve the current crisis which is only deepening as ENTAIN dig their toes in looking for a firm commitment.
It appears increasingly improbable that TAB NZ will utilise its reserves for a bailout, as this is viewed as fiscally irresponsible given the lack of assurances that the codes' financial standing will improve within the next year. New Zealand's two horse-racing codes, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ), receive their primary funding from TAB NZ. This funding represents the industry's share of profits generated from TAB betting within New Zealand.
But for the two racing codes to balance the books next season, (which begins on August 1), they will need extra money paid out by the board of TAB NZ, which is the requlatory arm of the New Zealand betting agency, and that money can only come from the TAB's reserves. NZTR could need a top up of $15 million or as high as $18m to cover its expenditures, while Harness NZ is seeking $6m and possibly as much as $9m to top up their operational losses.
However, divergent perspectives regarding the future governance of New Zealand racing and critical business components have resulted in a stalemate between the codes and TAB NZ. Consequently, Entain may choose to withhold additional funding from the codes unless a consensus is reached on a unified strategic plan for the racing industry's future. This situation could result in NZTR and HRNZ needing to reduce expenditures or facing a cumulative daily deficit of almost $55,000 starting August 1st. This is clearly not a sustainable scenario, therefore, if an agreement is not promptly established, both organisations may be compelled to decrease the number of races, reduce prize money (or both) in addition to streamlining operational costs.
The recent surge in activity appears to have been a temporary stimulus rather than a sustainable growth. It seems that instead of leveraging the increased revenue to fortify the industry's foundational elements, they opted for increased expenditure, thereby deferring critical issues. Both codes are now facing the consequences of these decisions. The potential is there for reductions in stakes, curtailment of races, closures of tracks, and the uncertain future of esteemed venues such as Trentham and Alexandra Park - which just seems ludicrous and a knee-jerk reaction designed to shock the industry into action.
Stakeholders, including owners, trainers, breeders, punters, and participants, are justifiably questioning the rapid deterioration, in a 'how did we get here' moment. A primary concern is the apparent lack of transparent communication with the individuals who financially sustain and advocate for the industry. As administrators engage in debates regarding governance structures and property transactions, confidence in the industry continues to erode. This decline is further exacerbated by the introduction of individuals lacking industry expertise and the placement of personnel with evident conflicts of interest, ultimately leading to the challenging circumstances the industry now faces.
The racing industry is currently experiencing not only a decline in revenue but also a substantial leadership gap, as major metropolitan clubs appear to be receiving preferential support and wielding considerable influence, while smaller, regional racing clubs are largely disregarded and struggling to compete effectively in a crowded market.
The inability of current industry leaders to coalesce around a strategic plan, particularly in light of the most substantial commercial opportunity in racing history, raises serious concerns regarding their efficacy. That coupled with the corporate monolithic Entain, who are out to gain massive profits and shift them offshore and are not inclined to jeopardize their own holdings as a corporate money-making machine, particularly as the industry is expected to participate and implement appropriate modifications to satisfy their esteemed and gracious benevolence.
Regrettably, the New Zealand racing sector is experiencing a considerable downturn, marked by diminishing participation and declining confidence. This situation understandably leads younger generations to question the industry's long-term viability, especially given prevalent issues concerning integrity and perceived cover-ups, which unfortunately deter potential engagement. Without genuine accountability, transparency, and effective leadership, coupled with the monopolistic power base of Entain as a controlling entity, the coming years may be viewed as a period where the industry forfeited its most significant opportunities, ultimately leading to its decline.
SAVABEEL
We have lost one of the greatest New Zealand Sires in SAVABEEL who has passed away at Waikato Stud in June. Savabeel was foaled in September 2001 by champion New Zealand sire Zabeel out of the multiple Group winner Savannah Success. Trained by Graeme Rogerson, in the Spring of 2004 he won the Group 1 Cox Plate, beating the previous year's winner Fields of Omagh. He was the first three-year-old to win the race since another son of Zabeel, Octagonal won the race nine years earlier in 1995. Savabeel also won the Group 1 2004 Spring Champion Stakes over 2000m at Randwick.
After an excellent run for second behind Elvstroem in the C F Orr Stakes in February 2005, Savabeel had an unsuccessful autumn campaign which saw him only place once and was retired to stud in 2005. All in all, he retired the winner of $2,760,460 in stakes.
Savabeel stood at Waikato Stud in the North Island of New Zealand, as one of the primary stallions and made a clean sweep of New Zealand's three stallion categories for the 2016–17 season. Ten-time Champion New Zealand Sire and the sire of 36 Group 1 winners, including Probabeel, I Wish I Win, Atishu, Orchestral, Savaglee, Embellish, Kawi, Belle Cheval, The Chosen One, Savvy Coup, Mo'unga, Provence and Cool Aza Beel to name a few. His legacy will live on for generations.
https://www.downunderpunter.com/savabeel?rq=Sava
KARAKA WEANLING SALE
We attended the NZB Karaka Weanling Sale on June 25 held at their fine Karaka facilities to see the initial progeny of the first season sires and we're not left disappointed. LOT 3 was a colt by first season sire CHALDEAN standing at Cambridge Stud and the cheque book was out early by Mike Fleming of major Australian players Bhima, who secured the quality chestnut colt from consignee Haunui Farm for $250,000. From the mare NOVASHOW the colt was a sale stand out and was built with speed and power in mind, much like his father who is the only G1 winning son of FRANKEL standing in the Southern Hemisphere.
The second top lot was secured by Western Australia’s Byerley Bloodstock for $190,000. Lot 141, a son of another first season sire in PADDINGTON, and half-brother to Group One winner LION’S ROAR (NZ) (Contributor), was prepared by Seaton Park. At the end of selling Paul Pertab was the leading buyer, purchasing three lots for $310,000. Headlined by Lot 16, a colt by the leading sire of the session in SUPER SETH, who Pertab purchased for $180,000. The colt out of POPULAR was one of two weanlings to realise $180,000 for the leading sire, with a total of eight lots by Super Seth selling for an average of $120,625.
HILAL and MR MOZART also made an encouraging start to their respective Stud careers, although a number of Lots were withdrawn early and we may see them appear at the Yearling Sale in January 2027.
All weanlings offered are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series featuring the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m). The 2026 edition of the Ready to Run Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre on Wednesday 18 & Thursday 19 November with Breeze Ups to be held at Te Rapa Racecourse on Monday 12 & Tuesday 13 October. Entries for Karaka 2027 are now open, with the iconic week of selling taking will take place from 24 - 28 January. If you've never been it is a fantastic spectacle of fine young thoroughbred horse flesh that take to the track within the following two years and always throws out a crowd stopper.
AVONDALE RACECOURSE
Avondale Racecourse, under the stewardship of the Avondale Jockey Club, is scheduled to conduct its concluding race meeting in July, marking the culmination of 138 years of thoroughbred racing out West. TAB New Zealand is set to have a say on the future of Auckland’s Avondale Racecourse with the announcement that the sports betting agency is now involved in a “joint evaluation” process.
Residing directly across from the course, with paddocks and the back straight steeplechase jumps in close proximity, provided a rural setting for my formative years, during which I spent considerable time engaging in sports and attending regular meetings at the venue. In the 1970s, race days attracted thousands of attendees, with vehicles frequently traversing our road. The Avondale Cup and Concorde Sprint were massive meetings with many equine stars turning up to feature.
It was established in the late 1880s on land owned by businessman Moss Davis, with the inaugural race meeting held on April 26, 1890. The racecourse was initially a rudimentary, egg-shaped track built on Moss Davis's farmland. Taking advantage of the recently opened railway station, the track spurred local commerce, encouraging businesses like grocers, butchers, and a barber to set up along Great North Road. After significant renovations, the course reopened in April 1902 with an extended track and better amenities. It quickly embraced technological innovations, hosting the country's first electrically-operated starting gates and a patent totalisator during the 1913 Avondale Cup.
In 1908, as a result of the Eden electorate going dry, the racecourse could no longer sell alcohol. Following on from that, the Avondale Hotel lost its licence in 1909 and closed in June 1910. I have heard stories though of jockeys secreting illicit stashes of beer and other alcohol under the stands in various nooks and crannies, until the liquor laws were relaxed in the 1960s. There were also instances of sly groggers operating on the course during race days, until they were caught.
The first successful powered plane flights at Avondale Racecourse took place in February 1913. Pioneering aviator Frederick E. Sandford and engineer William Stanley Miller tested their rebuilt Manurewa No. 1 biplane, successfully achieving short demonstration flights before large crowds. On 9 February 1913, Sandford successfully took a passenger, a Mr. Lester, for a flight that ultimately ended in a forced landing in a nearby New Lynn backyard.
During both World Wars, the grounds were repurposed for military use. In WWI, it was a training camp for the 3rd (Auckland) Mounted Rifles and briefly used as an airfield. The racecourse also stepped up to serve the local community, notably operating as a temporary hospital during the 1918 flu pandemic. In 1989, the AJC sold a large portion of its land for housing redevelopment. The racecourse has faced periodic challenges, including a brief closure in 2010 due to debt and dwindling crowds. It reopened in 2013 and eventually transitioned to being a premier training and trial track.
Following the unsuccessful implementation of night racing, the club experienced financial difficulties and a subsequent decline, rendering it unable to maintain the public stand, which subsequently deteriorated to the stage where it was not safe to use. That really signaled the beginning of the end despite a robust 1800m right-hand racing circuit that could handle the wet and still come up well. It is a sad indictment that we now see the end of such an historic racecourse which now only leaves Ellerslie as the lone Metro course in Auckland and Pukekohe in Sth Auckland.
THE END OF AVONDALE
FIREBALL MISS
BIVOUAC - FEMME FIREBALL (Pierro)
Three-year-old filly
Trainer: Ciaron Maher - Newcastle
Starts - 7: 3-0-1 - AU$679,400
FIREBALL MISS enhanced the growing reputation of young sire BIVOUAC with a dominant victory in the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm on June 6. The talented three-year-old filly backed up her impressive win in the Gr.2 The Roses two weeks earlier, proving far too strong for her rivals and defeating last-start Group 1 winner PANOVA by 1.3 lengths.
Drawing wide in gate 13 of 18, the Ciaron Maher-trained Bennett Racing filly gave jockey Declan Bates some concern when travelling keenly in the run, three wide with cover in midfield behind a genuine pace. Presented for her run some eight horses wide rounding Eagle Farm's home bend, Fireball Miss stormed powerfully up the straight to hit the lead at the 250 metres, going away to score by 1 1/4 lengths.
Fireball Miss has now won three of her seven starts and becomes the second Australian Group 1 winner sired by Bivouac. Maher said the filly had thrived since arriving in Queensland and the leading trainer believes the daughter of Bivouac still has significant upside.
Winning the Roses and Queensland Oaks double, follows in the footsteps of stars such as ETHEREAL, SCARLETT LADY and YOUNGSTAR. Purchased for $140,000 from the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale, Fireball Miss races in the colours of Bennett Racing and is out of the stakes-performed Pierro mare FEMME FIREBALL. Her Group 1 success follows that of dual elite-level winner BEIWACHT and further strengthens the stud career of Bivouac.