What a start to 2026. 4 winners in January and a winning double on the 1st of February!!!
The ever-consistent Sebastian’s Flyer kicked things off with a well overdue win at Queanbeyan on the 10th January when ridden by Robyn Freeman.
Kitty Okay was electric first up at Kembla on the 22nd January. She jumped from the outside barrier, pinged straight to the front for Amy McLucas and cruised to victory, winning by 3 lengths with her ears pricked.
Eight days late,r the very handsome Mr Fabulous finally broke through under the guidance of Brock Ryan, winning over 2400m at Kembla.
Then came our favourite event on the racing calendar, the two-day Sapphire Coast Bega Cup Carnivalwhere we notched up 3 wins.
Sablonneuse was the first of the 3, with an impressive first-up win for Brock Ryan on day 1.
Day 2 commenced in the best possible way. Little pocket rocket, Lady Yarrow, first up off a freshen and stepping from a Maiden win straight into a Class 2 demolished a good field. She won by almost 4 lengths for Jess Taylor.
Honest gelding, Brundee Tom, produced one of the runs of the carnival when winning the Super Maiden over 1400m. He came from the back of the field and weaved his way through gaps to notch up his first win in style.
Both Brundee Tom and Sablonneuse are by Kooringal Stud-based stallion, Sandbar, who is doing a great job. We have a number of his progeny in the stable. They have great attitudes, are very trainable and have plenty of ability to boot!
We also had many other notable performances during the month.
Tartanawas superb first up in the Moruya Town Plate over 1200m when she flew to the line to just miss in a photo finish. She followed that up with another solid 2nd placing at Kembla on the 22nd January.
At Warwick Farm on the 26th January, Master Riley and Direct Fire were fantastic in finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively. This followed Direct Fire’s excellent effort in the Moruya Cup when he finished 3rd from a wide barrier.
Sir Sublime resumed in great fashion at Queanbeyan, finishing 2nd, whilst Sebastian’s Flyer and Liamena Avenue both produced solid efforts to finish 3rd in their races at Moruya on the 23rd January.
We enjoyed another very successful Sapphire Coast Bega Cup carnival and, as always, had a big contingent of owners supporting the team.
Thank you to all who came out to support us. The Sapphire Coast Turf Club put on a fantastic weekend with the Trainers Expo on the Friday night, the Calcutta on Saturday night hosted by the wonderful Joe Cleary and two great days of racing.
Special guest of the carnival was legendary jockey, Damien Oliver, who was absolutely fantastic with his time, and it was a pleasure to meet him. A huge thank you to our team of staff, both those who were at the races and those back at home … we could not get these results without everyone playing their role 😊
It is full steam ahead with a nice team of horses at the races and getting ready to head to the races this month, so hopefully we can keep the great results rolling in.
We have teamed up with Fan Fave so everyone can now purchase their own Bateup Racing merchandise, including shirts, vests, jackets, hoodies, beanies and stubby coolers. You can even personalise your merchandise with your favourite horse’s name! Check out the range available and make your orders on the Fan Fave website: https://www.fanfave.com.au/collections/bateup-racing.
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Racing Reports
Lady Yarrow had 3 weeks in the paddock following her well overdue Maiden win. Harriet was produced first up at Sapphire Coast on the 1st February, stepping straight into a Class 2 over 1200m. Drawing barrier one, there was solid speed early, and Harriet settled towards the rear. She came across heels in the straight and once into the clear, showed a superb turn of foot to put away the race easily. In a fantastic display for her support group, she raced clear to win by 3.84 lengths. Small in stature but big in heart, our little pocket is tough and tenacious and has such a strong will to win. We are so proud of Harriet and look forward to what the future holds for her.
Kitty Okay presented first up at Kembla Grange on the 22nd January off a nice trial. Starting from the outside barrier, Kitty never looked like getting beat from the time the gates opened. She showed great gate speed to cross to the fence and lead with her ears pricked throughout. Turning for home with a clear lead, Kitty let down nicely and won easily. She has always shown nice ability, and now that she has matured into herself can continue to add to her resume. She may start at Kembla on the 7th February.
Mr Fabulous has been a bit frustrating, mixing his form a little. He was solid in finishing 4th, beaten 2.6 lengths at Kembla on the 10th January, before being a bit plain when leading over the 2400m on the 22nd January. However, on the 6 day back up, Mr Fab finally broke through for another win at Kembla on the 28th January. He settled handy in the run and drew away in the straight to win by 1 ¼ lengths for Brock Ryan. Mr Fab is now enjoying a couple of weeks in the paddock.
Brundee Tom ran a nice race first up at Gosford over 1200m, finishing 4th on a deteriorating track (only one more race was held before they called them off). Tommy then lined up in a Super Maiden over 1400m at Sapphire Coast on Sunday and produced an outstanding effort to claim his first win. Tommy settled well back in the field and needed some room in the straight, but weaved his way through and attacked the line for Brock Ryan. Tommy is the third foal out of Zariz Alwyns (whom we trained for the latter part of her career), and all three of her progeny have now won (Magic Alwyns and Prized Alwyns). A huge congratulations to Tom and Tracey Russell, who have bred and raced this family.
Sablonneuse was first up at Sapphire Coast on the 31st January over 1200m following a good trial. Freddie started from the outside barrier, and whilst he had to do a bit of work early, came across and settled outside the leader. Freddie was very strong to the line and scored by over half a length. He is a lovely type and still has plenty of improvement to come. He will also be suited as he steps up in distance.
Sebastian’s Flyer was finally back in the winners’ circle at Queanbeyan on the 10th January. Settling at the back of the field, Jordan cruised around them and had the race won a long way from home for Robyn Freeman. He has been a model of consistency all preparation and thoroughly deserved another win next to his name. This is his 4th career win and the 3rd since joining the stable. Jordan was again very solid when finishing 3rd at Moruya on the 23rd January in what was a very tough effort despite suffering interference in the straight.
Liamena Avenue dropped back to 1200m at Moruya on the 23rd February. From barrier 2 Leo bounced to the front, travelled strongly and fought on bravely to finish 3rd beaten only a length for Claire Ramsbotham. Leo and Claire have built have a great association. Leo was honest at Sapphire Coast on the 1s Feb in a strong field and is likely to head to Queanbeyan on the 17th Feb.
Tartana resumed at Moruya on the 5th January in the Moruya Town Plate over 1200m and what a run it was! From an inside barrier, Dolly was run off her feet early and settled well back in the field. However, she wound up strongly in the straight and flew home to just miss out in a photo finish. Dolly then lined up at Kembla over 1300m and was very brave, finishing 2nd on the 22nd January. Next, she took her place in the Bega Cup and was far from disgraced. She settled back in the field from a wide barrier and worked home well. Dolly may line up in the Midway at Randwick over 1600m on Saturda,y 7th February.
Master Riley got back in the ruck in the Moruya Cup and didn’t appreciate being crowded in the straight without a lot of galloping room. Next, he went to Warwick Farm on the 26th January, where he was taken back from the outside barrier but hit the line strongly to finish 2nd (yet another metro placing for him!). Riley contested the Bega Cup on Sunday and tried very hard in what was a fast run race. He was far from disgraced, finishing 6th. Riley will now head to the paddock for well earned spell.
Direct Fire was a huge run in the Moruya Cup on the 5th January. From a wide barrier, Drake sat wide throughout however, was courageous in the straight when under siege to hold 3rd placing. Drake then lined up at Warwick Farm on the 26th January, where he settled off the speed and worked home solidly over 1400m to finish 3rd. Nothing went to plan in the Bega Cup. From the outside barrie,r Drake began well but was going to be trapped wid,e so he went forward and did the donkey work behind the solid leader and winner Zouatica. Drake will now head for a nice spell.
Sir Sublime was excellent first up at Queanbeyan over 1200m. Settling behind the speed, Stubby got to the outside and worked home strongly to just miss reeling in the winner by a neck. He stayed at the 1200m next up at Moruya on the 23rd Jan and put in a nice effort finishing mid-field. Stepping up to 1600m at Sapphire Coast on Sunday in a strong Class 2, Stubby was very gallant, finishing 4th. This was despite not getting a lot of galloping room in the straight. Stubby has come back in a good mindset and is capable of winning more races.
Rubilace has had no luck at all. First up at Moruya in a small field, she was held up with nowhere to go. Anna was never let off the bridle but beaten only 1.5 lengths. She then finished 4th behind stablemate Kitty Okay at Kembla on the 22nd January, making a long, sustained run from last. Then at Sapphire on the 31st January, Anna was full of running and went to take a narrow gap which closed. She was lucky to stay on her feet. Surely she is due for a change of luck. She can easily find herself in the winner’s circle when she does.
London Star resumed at Moruya on the 23rd January with a very good effort over 1200m. Slightly missing the start, London settled well back but found the line nicely. She then stepped up to 1400m at Sapphire Coast and was a very good effor,t finishing 4th. In a strong field, she just peaked slightly late. London will be further improved by this run and looks in for a good preparation.
Edorado resumed with an eye-catching effort behind stablemate Brundee Tom at Sapphire Coast on Sunday. First up over 1400m, Eddie settled back at the rear of the field and wound up strongly, doing his best work late to finish 5th. Eddie is bred to get out over ground and will be at his best once he gets to 2000m. It was a very nice effort, and there looks to be a lot of fun in store with this very handsome gelding.
Lindos debuted with a good effort to finish 5th over 1000m at Moruya on the 23rd January. Still very raw, Linky stuck to her task well and will take great benefit out of the race experience. She will appreciate stepping up in distance slightly and will be winning races once it all clicks for her.
Frosted Amour debuted with a nice effort at Sapphire Coast on the 31st January behind stablemate Sablonneuse. Frenchie stepped slightly slow but mustered speed only to be caught three wide without cover throughout. She kept working to the line and will take a lot of benefit from the outing, and has the makings of a lovely filly.
Pretty Please has produced two honest efforts following a freshen-up. At Moruya on the 23rd January, over 2000m, Peggy went back from the wide barrier and worked home solidly to finish 6th. She then put in an even performance, finishing 5th in the Sapphire Coast Cup over 2200m at her first go at the distance.
Night’s Inferno stepped out at Nowra on the 11th January following his excellent win at Sapphire Coast. Night pinged the barriers and found the front where he travelled strongly. He gave a good kick into the straight and was only over run in the final 50m finishing 4th. It was an excellent effort considering he bled from both nostrils. Night is now enjoying a good spell and will return to the stables in about 3 months.
Star of Kyeema ended up a month between runs when lining up at Sapphire Coast on Sunday. Emmy ran an honest race and will improve next start with a tongue tie on.
Elle Tee produced a much better effort second up at Queanbeyan. Stepping up to 1460m, she settled second behind a tearaway leader and had to cart the field up. However, she battled on well to finish 4th. Lining up at Kembla on the 28th, Elle Tee got a bit revved up on her home track as horses sometimes do. She showed good gate speed and led but tired late when up in grade. She can bounce back at country level next start.
Victory at Omaha has shown speed and just tired late in two runs back from a spell. Another run with top him off in fitness and he will be ready to peak when he steps up to 1600m.
Flying Gabbi; we are still trying to find a home for Flying Gabbi. If you know of anyone interested. Please contact me for further details.
Trials & Trackwork
Yes Arnie has had 2 trials since a long layoff in the paddock and is finally ready to return to the races this month. A big strong gelding, we are looking forward to seeing him back in action.
Trialling/Jumpouts this month
2nd February Trials: Yes Arnie; Eltrum; North Star Miss; Landmark Lady; Secret Love
18th February Jumpouts: “Willow” the Wild Ruler x Ollagua f; “Nikkita” the D’Argento x Lagarde g;”Curtie” the Extreme Warrior g; Farsain.
Pace Work
Grey Axe; Mercy Rule; Bikini Babe; Hunter One
Back in Work/Pre-Training
Starsonus; El Poppi; “Charlotte” the Sandbar x Rose of Scarlet f.
Heading into Work/Pre-Training this month:
Final Spirit; “Petey” the Peltzer x Tupelo Express g; “Dot” the Written By x Vintage Valley f; Master Johnny; Tombo Ahi; “Reiby” the Invader x Reiby Rainbow g. Coral Cove; “Trixie” the Sandbar x Simply Delightful f; “Tango” the Written By x Two To Tango f; Zarkov
Spelling
The following horses are enjoying their time in the spelling paddock:
“Robert” the Your Song x Ma Ma I Love You g; Prized Alwyns; Super One x Can Dream g; Hussy La VistaHorses Available
These are the ownership opportunities we currently have available.
For details, including video,s contact me at theresa.bateup@bigpond.com or ring me to discuss on 0418 428 219