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As anticipation builds for the 2026 Curlin Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park, a new digital auction is set to offer a distinctive way for owners and buyers to engage with one of the year’s most high-profile racing weekends. The inaugural Curlin Florida Derby Sale, a collaboration between Inglis Digital USA and 1/ST, will give owners a timely avenue to offer their horses and give buyers direct access to coveted South Florida talent.

The online sale, focused on South Florida-based horses, comes just ahead of the Kentucky Derby prep races, including the Florida Derby itself. Owners can enter horses currently running on the Florida Derby card, while breeders and trainers have the chance to showcase promising prospects before the marquee weekend. Horses may also be offered in fractional shares, allowing sellers to retain a stake while opening doors to new ownership.

Entries for the Curlin Florida Derby Sale will begin closing on Friday, March 13, with rolling approvals accepted up until the sale day. The official catalog will be released on Wednesday, March 18, and the auction will conclude Monday, March 23, beginning at 2 p.m. Eastern, with lots closing in three-minute intervals.

David Duggan, Executive Vice President of 1/ST Racing, emphasized the sale’s timing and impact: “The Curlin Florida Derby Sale connects buyers and sellers right at the heart of one of racing’s most important weekends. It provides owners meaningful liquidity and buyers immediate access to Gulfstream’s marquee event, all within a modern digital platform reflecting today’s racing landscape.”

Inglis Digital USA CEO Kyle Wilson added, “Being linked with a race as prestigious as the Curlin Florida Derby offers an exciting opportunity for owners and buyers alike. South Florida is home to a large population of quality horses, and this sale gives participants a timely, high-profile marketplace to engage before the Florida Derby and its undercard races.”

The sale will also be supported through cross-promotion on the Gulfstream Park grounds. Inglis Digital USA will serve as the presenting sponsor for the Davona Dale Stakes (G2) on Saturday, Feb. 28, with branding across the program, simulcast feed, and track property to highlight the upcoming auction.

Horses purchased via the Curlin Florida Derby Sale may compete in their races under their current trainer, with new owners free to make trainer changes afterward. Buyers of horses in upcoming races must hold or obtain a valid Florida Racing License.

With the sale closing just days before the Florida Derby on Saturday, March 28, it provides a timely opportunity for horsemen and women to assess stock, update pedigrees, and plan for the spring and summer racing season.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz

Hong Kong, China’s Sing Dragon endured a testing overseas debut when Sing Dragon struggled in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal (1200m) at Meydan on Super Saturday, finishing well back on the demanding Dubai dirt.

Drawn in gate one, the Hong Kong-trained sprinter began sharply under Karis Teetan and rolled to the lead through the early stages, intent on making full use of his customary pace. For the first half of the contest, Sing Dragon travelled with purpose, setting a genuine tempo against seasoned dirt specialists.

However, as the field straightened, the surface began to tell. The early fluency gave way to a gradual weakening, and by the closing stages Sing Dragon was unable to match the sustained finishing bursts of his rivals. He eventually crossed the line eighth, 13 lengths adrift of the winner El Nasseeb, who stopped the clock at 1m 11.31s. Dark Saffron filled second, with Mufasa in third.

Trainer Chris So was measured in his post-race assessment, pointing squarely at the surface as the decisive factor.

“I would not say it was disappointing but unfortunately the horse was not good enough for the surface,” So said.

“Karis said that after 500 metres he felt the horse was not comfortable on the surface. Sing Dragon always goes forward and I think the tactics were right.

“I don’t think it was a problem with the horse or the jockey. It was just the surface, which we all knew was not going to be easy. The Hong Kong dirt surface is faster, and Dubai is quite deep and loose. Unfortunately, we found out the hard way.”

Sing Dragon finds Meydan test too demanding

The G3 Mahab Al Shimaal marked a series of firsts. It was Sing Dragon’s initial outing for So and his first start outside Hong Kong since joining the trainer’s yard. It was also Teetan’s first competitive ride in Dubai, while So was saddling his third runner in the city as he searches for a breakthrough placing, having previously come up short with Fabulous One and Classic Emperor.

Sing Dragon’s versatility in Hong Kong has been evident this season. He has tackled every available surface, recording a victory over the extended Sha Tin dirt mile, finishing second over 1200 metres on dirt, running seventh over 1650 metres at Happy Valley and tenth in a Sha Tin turf sprint. Yet the Meydan dirt presented a markedly different challenge.

The deeper, looser composition of the track proved a stern examination for a horse accustomed to the sharper dirt profile at Sha Tin. Though his early speed carried him into contention, the sustained kick required in the closing stages eluded him.

Sing Dragon will now return home, where connections will regroup and map out the remainder of his campaign. With valuable experience gained on an international stage, the focus shifts back to familiar ground as he seeks to rediscover his best form in Hong Kong company.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.

Jump racing returns to Ffos Las Racecourse on Sunday 1 March with a competitive seven-race National Hunt programme scheduled from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The card features two steeplechases, four hurdle races and a concluding bumper, with prize money peaking at £10,000 in the afternoon’s feature maiden hurdle at 2:30pm.

With distances ranging from just over two miles to nearly three miles, the meeting offers a balanced test of stamina, jumping precision and tactical pace.

Racing at Ffos Las Racecourse begins at 2:00pm with the 3A’s Leisure Caravans and Motorhomes Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 5 event over 2m 7f 218y worth £7,000. With just four runners declared, the extended trip is likely to place emphasis on stamina and accurate jumping as the field tackles nearly three miles around the Welsh circuit.

The feature race follows at 2:30pm with the 3A’s Wales Largest Motorhome and Caravan Dealer Maiden Hurdle, a Class 4 contest over 2m 4f 81y offering £10,000 in prize money. Nine runners are set to line up in what appears the strongest race on the card. Inishcork (IRE), trained by Rebecca Curtis and ridden by Harry Cobden, brings the highest official rating of 122 and sets the benchmark carrying 11st 7lbs.

Limerick Star (IRE), from the Philip Hobbs and Johnson White yard, is rated 118 and represents another major contender under Callum Pritchard. Uptown Dandy (IRE), trained by Ben Pauling and partnered by Ben Jones, holds a rating of 116 and adds further strength to the upper end of the field. Mickey Bowen is strongly represented with Kenzo des Bruyeres (FR), Roi du Roume (FR), Wings of Arion (IRE) and Slack Alice (GB), while Makinbecon (GB) and Skipothepost (GB) complete a competitive nine-runner line-up. With closely matched ratings and depth across the field, the maiden hurdle stands out as the key race of the afternoon at Ffos Las.

At 3:00pm, the Amroth Bay Static Caravan Sales Handicap Hurdle sees nine runners contest a three-mile Class 5 event worth £7,000. This stamina test over 3m 52y is expected to reward proven stayers capable of maintaining rhythm over the obstacles. The 3:30pm Paned At 3A’s Handicap Steeple Chase follows over 2m 3f 114y, where six runners compete in another £7,000 Class 5 contest that may favour those with tactical speed and fluent fencing.

The 4:00pm 3A’s Horsebox Hire and Sales Handicap Hurdle, also a Class 5 over 2m 4f 81y, features six runners and continues the competitive theme of the afternoon. At 4:30pm, the Amroth Bay Caravan Park Handicap Hurdle raises the level slightly as a Class 4 contest worth £8,700 over 2m 17y, placing greater emphasis on pace and sharp jumping over the shorter trip.

The card concludes at 5:00pm with the 3A’s Motorhome Hire Junior National Hunt Flat Race, a Class 5 bumper over 2m 17y with four runners declared. These races often showcase emerging talent set to progress into hurdles next season, providing a fitting finale to the day’s action.

Ffos Las racecards for 1 March present a well-balanced Sunday jump fixture featuring competitive handicaps and a high-value maiden hurdle at its centre. With varied distances, solid field sizes and a £10,000 feature contest, the Welsh track hosts an engaging afternoon of National Hunt racing from start to finish.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz

The opening fixture of March will usher in a competitive seven-race programme at Huntingdon Racecourse on Sunday, 1 March, during the afternoon racecourse slot from 1:45 PM to 4:45 PM. The card will feature a balanced blend of juvenile hurdles, maiden hurdles, handicap chases and a National Hunt flat race, with several contests carrying GBB race status to underline their significance at the start of the month.

Racing will commence at 1:45 PM with the Juvenile Hurdle (Class 4) – GBB Race over 2m 98y, offering£10,000 in prize money. A field of nine runners will line up, including Gallivanted, Thewoodcorner, Calibos, Chico Magnifica, Golden Falls and Jedhi Knight. Young hurdlers will seek progress and sharp jumping performances as they open the programme.

At 2:15 PM, the Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) – GBB Race will be staged over the same distance of 2m 98y, with £10,000 on offer. Seven runners — including Caspari, Charleyman, Maskarvel, Mr Jukebox, Zamek and For Love of Beauty will compete as they attempt to secure breakthrough success and establish early season form.

The programme will move to 2:45 PM for the Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 3) – GBB Race over 2m 4f 53y, carrying a stronger prize fund of £19,000. Six competitors — Lounge Lizard, Mahons Glory, Reallyntruthfully, Westerninthepark, Tax For Max and Icare Grandchamp will contest a race that will demand accuracy over the fences and tactical awareness throughout.

At 3:15 PM, runners will line up in the Handicap Steeple Chase (Class 5) over 3m 8y, with £7,250 available in prize money. Five runners — The Blueberry One, Diamand de Vindecy, Cloudy Wednesday, Felton Bellevue and Imperial Pride will tackle a stamina-testing trip that will reward resilience and consistent jumping.

The action will continue at 3:45 PM with the Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) over 3m 2f 17y, offering £6,750 in prize money. Seven runners, including Pop’s Folly, Castanea Breeze, Connies Hill, Cuillin Ridge, Dartmouth Rose and Shorten Sassy, will compete as emerging performers aim to show development over the extended distance.

At 4:15 PM, the Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) will be run over 2m 98y, with another £6,750 on offer. Eight runners — among them Moyganny Phil, Snapius, Thesoldiersminit, Pottersjetamay, Dotties Star and Kally des Bruyeres will line up, targeting strong positioning before the closing stages and a powerful finish.

The card will conclude at 4:45 PM with the National Hunt Flat Race (Class 5) over 2m 98y, offering £4,000 in prize money. Twelve runners — including Bite The Bullet, Give Me More, Hay Max, Hidden Mountain, Lou des Bordes and Middlecliffe will take part. The bumper contest will provide newcomers with an opportunity to introduce themselves on the opening March stage and gain valuable early experience.

The seven-race programme scheduled for Sunday, 1 March will mark the opening fixture of March at Huntingdon Racecourse under the banner of the Huntingdon Race Cards 1 March, featuring strong fields and multiple GBB races during the afternoon slot.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz

Romantic Warrior reaffirmed his status as a Hong Kong racing legend on Sunday afternoon (1 March), effortlessly claiming a second HK$13 million Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin. Under the expert guidance of jockey James McDonald and trainer Danny Shum, the eight-year-old Acclamation gelding cruised past five rivals to secure a commanding four-length victory, building on his 2024 triumph in the same race.

The race marked the second leg of the coveted Hong Kong Triple Crown, following Romantic Warrior’s earlier victory in the HK$13 million Stewards’ Cup (1600m) and setting the stage for the final leg, the HK$13 million Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) scheduled for 24 May. With this latest win, Romantic Warrior extended his record to 13 Group 1 victories, the highest tally ever achieved by a Hong Kong-trained horse.

“He’s just beautifully prepared. Danny’s done a marvellous job, and each time I ride him, I cherish the moment. He’s so alert and responsive—you feel something special every time,” said McDonald after the race.

Breaking smoothly from barrier four, Romantic Warrior settled in third behind early leader Beauty Joy. As the field turned into the home straight, McDonald angled the bay outwards, unleashing a powerful surge to the front. John Size’s Ensued held on for second, with Francis Lui’s Winning Wing closing strongly to claim third. All runners carried 126lb.

Trainer Danny Shum, 65, praised the horse’s condition and stamina: “It’s a small field, but he’s very fit. The 2000 metres suits him perfectly, and while he can handle 2400m, we’ll see about overseas contenders in May. He’s got tremendous potential.”

Romantic Warrior, foaled on 18 March 2018 at Corduff Stud in County Kildare, Ireland, was purchased for HK$4.8 million by owner Peter Lau and has amassed world-record earnings of HK$254.66 million. In Sunday’s contest, he covered the 2000m in 1m 59.77s, clocking the final 400m in an impressive 22.52s. The eight-year-old has also achieved Group 1 success in Australia, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates.

Looking ahead, Shum confirmed plans for Romantic Warrior to target a fourth HK$30 million FWD QEII Cup (2000m) on 26 April, before aiming for the Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup to complete the Triple Crown. Beyond this season, Shum hinted at a potential return to the Saudi Cup, recalling Romantic Warrior’s close second to Forever Young in the 2025 edition.

Sunday’s victory places Romantic Warrior alongside Hong Kong greats such as Viva Pataca (2008 & 2009), Military Attack (2013 & 2014), Designs On Rome (2015 & 2016), Time Warp (2018 & 2020), and Golden Sixty (2021 & 2023) as dual winners of the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup in the modern era.

Rider reactions reflected the strength of the field. Dylan Mo, aboard Winning Wing, said: “It was a good run; it’s a Group 1 race, and everything tested the horses.” Hugh Bowman, partner of My Wish, added: “He was courageous, and while stamina was tested, the speed was evident.” Dylan Browne McMonagle, who guided Ensued to second place, praised his mount’s resilience and finishing power.

Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday night (4 March), promising another evening of competitive action.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.

Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) extended her unbeaten streak to a perfect 10 with a commanding victory in today’s G1 Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick Racecourse. The 4YO superstar faced her toughest test yet, including one-time Cox Plate favourite Sir Delius, but made it look effortless, striding away to another visually stunning triumph.

Bred by Newhaven Park Stud and sold through Silverdale Farm, Autumn Glow was a sale-topping $1.8 million purchase by Arrowfield Stud and Hermitage Thoroughbreds at the Easter Yearling Sale. Trained by Chris Waller at Randwick, she is among 115 G1-winning Inglis graduates since 2018, and her performance today only reinforced her status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.

Silverdale’s Steve Grant, who watched the mare’s dominance unfold, was full of praise. “It’s incredible, isn’t it? She is something else. It’s a pleasure just to have a little part of her to remember. She’s so cool, calm and collected, and when JMac asks her to put in, she’s got it. It’s something amazing,” Grant said.

Trainer Chris Waller highlighted the mare’s versatility and future plans. “She just does everything right. It doesn’t matter where she draws, she’s up on speed, she just puts herself there. Next is the G1 George Ryder at Randwick in three weeks, and I’d love to try her at 2000m in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. She’d need a dominant win next to give us that ultimate satisfaction; otherwise, it’s probably the Doncaster at 1600m,” Waller explained.

Autumn Glow’s victory takes her career earnings to $7,577,000, cementing her as one of the premier mares in Australian racing.

Verona Rose Earns Spot in G1 Coolmore Classic at Randwick

Earlier on the Randwick Racecourse card, Verona Rose (Castelvecchio) stormed to victory in the G2 Guy Walter Stakes, booking her place in the G1 Coolmore Classic. Purchased by Portelli for $40,000 at the Classic Yearling Sale from Arrowfield, the 4YO has matured physically and mentally this preparation, showing she is ready for another top-level challenge.

“I thought physically she had improved this preparation, and here she is,” Portelli said. “She has got a pedigree that should run two miles, but she’s brilliant. In the Coolmore, down in the weights, she should be very competitive.” Verona Rose’s career earnings now exceed $700,000.

Rising Stars Across the Country

In Perth, The Crimson Pirate (Trapeze Artist) captured back-to-back wins with a victory in the Listed Lex Piper Stakes at Ascot. An Easter Yearling Sale graduate of Milburn Creek, the 9-start veteran has finished in the quinella eight times, bred by Oakland Park Stud.

Meanwhile, at Cranbourne, Inglis Digital graduates dominated the Listed Abell Stakes trifecta, with Miss Icelandic (Deep Field) claiming victory over Corniche and Celsius Star. Purchased online for $50,000 by John Noblett in December 2024, the mare had previously been offered at both the Premier Yearling Sale and Australian Weanling Sale.

Autumn Glow, Verona Rose, and the emerging stars across Australia demonstrate the strength and depth of the country’s breeding programs, promising more thrilling performances in the months ahead.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz

Elegance and power combined on the twenty-eighth day of the Delhi Meeting 2025-26 as Ashwa Veeram (J: Suraj Narredu) soared to victory in Race 6, THE RAVINDERGARH NORTH INDIA DERBY. The 1600m contest for four-year-old Indian horses, staged on Sunday, 1st March 2026 at 4:00 PM, saw the Mr Ravinder Pal Singh Chauhan-owned colt command the track with poise and authority, making him the standout in the Delhi race result 1 March.

From the break, Ashwa Veeram settled just behind the pace, biding time while the field jostled for position. As the horses entered the final 400 metres, Suraj Narredu guided the winner with tactical precision, producing a well-timed surge that left rivals struggling to respond. The colt’s crisp turn of foot and relentless momentum carried him past the leaders, crossing the line in authoritative fashion under the watchful eyes of his connections.

Runner-up honors went to Havana Sky (J: Arjun, T: K P Singh), who kept close contact throughout the stretch but ultimately could not match the winner’s decisive push. Third place was secured by Rocket Rod (J: Shivam, T: K P Singh), finishing strongly to complete the podium. The top three highlighted the quality of the field, showcasing competitive racing among the young four-year-olds.

With the Derby concluded, the focus now shifts to the next feature races on the card, promising further excitement for owners, trainers, and punters alike as the Delhi meeting continues its thrilling run.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz

Gulfstream Park played host to a performance of rare authority on Saturday as She Be Smooth powered into the Kentucky Oaks conversation with a breathtaking display in the $225,000 Davona Dale (G2). The Kentucky Oaks trail gained fresh momentum when the lightly raced filly swept from last to first, drawing clear by six lengths in only her second career start.

The one-turn mile for sophomore fillies formed part of a high-class afternoon featuring nine stakes, eight of them graded, on a programme headlined by the Coolmore Fountain of Youth (G2) for colts and geldings. Yet it was the daughter of careful breeding and patient handling who left the deepest impression.

Named in honour of the champion three-year-old filly of 1979, later enshrined in the Hall of Fame, the Davona Dale offered 105 qualifying points toward the $1 million Kentucky Oaks on May 1, allocated on a 50-25-15-10-5 scale to the first five home.

The victory carried She Be Smooth to 50 Kentucky Oaks points, placing her in a share of second on the leaderboard and strengthening her position on the Kentucky Oaks trail.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, already well acquainted with this race, secured his fourth Davona Dale triumph following previous successes with Wait a While (2006), R Heat Lightning (2011) and Onlyforyou (2014).

“Certainly that’s what we were here for, to try and get some points,” Pletcher reflected. “We’ll see how she comes out of it and come up with a plan for the next start, but the Oaks is the goal.”

She Be Smooth powers home on Kentucky Oaks trail

Drawn toward the outside and ridden with composure by Flavien Prat, She Be Smooth was allowed to settle at the rear of the seven-strong field as Omaha Bay dictated early fractions, carving out the opening quarter in 23.48 seconds.

Imperatrice, a stable companion of the winner, tracked the leader, with My Miss Mo positioned neatly along the inside. The half-mile was covered in 46.15 seconds as the field began to compress, and the complexion of the race shifted markedly approaching the far turn.

Still anchored at the back, She Be Smooth crept closer along the rail before Prat angled her into clear running at the top of the stretch. Once asked to lengthen, she produced a devastating surge, sweeping past her rivals and bounding clear to score in 1:37.78 over a fast main track.

It was a performance rich in maturity for a filly so inexperienced. On debut over the same course and distance in January, she had shown promise when capturing a maiden special weight by 2 ½ lengths, a form line subsequently enhanced when runner-up Prom Queen returned to win emphatically.

“She’s been very impressive in both of her starts here,” Pletcher said. “She seems to be steadily improving. I think the more distance the better for her. We thought we might get a good pace setup. I told Flavien to be patient with her, that she’d deliver a good late run. He gave her a beautiful ride.”

My Miss Mo fought on gamely to secure second, holding the late-running On Time Girl by half a length. A further three lengths back came Omaha Bay, followed by Haute Diva, Swing Vote and Imperatrice.

Prat admitted the race unfolded slightly differently from his initial expectation.

“She jumped well,” he explained. “I didn’t want to use her, but all of a sudden she pulled back, farther back than I was expecting. It felt like the pace was good. That’s when I gave her a chance, and when I asked her, she gave me her run.”

The next significant stepping stone for three-year-old fillies on dirt at Gulfstream Park is the $275,000 Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) over 1 1/16 miles on March 28, a race that may further shape the Kentucky Oaks field. On this evidence, She Be Smooth has firmly established herself as a filly of genuine Classic potential.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.

The Gulfstream Park Mile produced a performance of rare authority on Saturday as Godolphin’s Knightsbridge swept past his rivals and drew clear for an emphatic 11½-length triumph in the Grade 3 feature at Gulfstream Park.

Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, the five-year-old son of Nyquist barely came off the bridle as he secured his third consecutive graded victory of the Championship Meet. It was a display that elevated him from dependable performer to genuine standard-setter among America’s elite milers.

The $225,000 contest formed part of a nine-stakes programme, headed by the Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes, but it was the one-turn mile for older horses that delivered the afternoon’s most commanding statement.

Knightsbridge had already stamped his authority on the division with polished wins in the Mr. Prospector Stakes and the Fred W. Hooper Stakes, each achieved with something in reserve. On Saturday, he simply widened the margin.

Breaking sharply from the outside stall, Junior Alvarado allowed his mount to settle just off the early pace set by Mika, who was keen to assert himself along the backstretch. Approaching the far turn, the body language told the story. Knightsbridge eased alongside under a motionless rider, and within strides the contest was effectively over.

Straightening for home, Alvarado merely guided the bay through the lane as he powered clear, turning the 82nd running of the Gulfstream Park Mile into a procession. The final time of 1:35.77 scarcely reflected the ease of the effort.

“I think he’s the best miler in the country right now,” Alvarado said afterwards. “It was almost like a paid workout. When we left the half-mile pole, he told me he was ready. He’s just better.”

The victory also carried a pleasing note of family continuity. Knightsbridge is a half-brother to Speaker’s Corner, who captured the 2022 renewal of this race after landing the Hooper in similar fashion. The parallels were unmistakable, and Mott was quietly satisfied.

“He ran really well today,” the trainer observed. “He’s handled his races down here with authority. We’re pleased to have the graded wins on his résumé and hopefully there’s more to come.”

Gulfstream Park Mile Strengthens Knightsbridge’s Standing

For now, Mott is content to keep his star at one turn rather than stretching him around two bends. The immediate targets may include the Churchill Downs Stakes on May 3, with the prestigious Met Mile at Saratoga later in the spring also under consideration.

Behind the runaway winner, Steal Sunshine stayed on to claim second, a half-length ahead of Flying Liam. Mika, after showing the way early, weakened into fourth some 6½ lengths further adrift.

Yet the placings felt secondary. The afternoon belonged wholly to Knightsbridge, whose acceleration and composure underscored a colt operating at the height of his powers. If this edition of the Gulfstream Park Mile served as a measuring stick, the rest of the division has work to do.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.

The racing world will have to wait a little longer to see the next chapter in the remarkable Winx story, with Winx’s Snitzel colt withdrawn from Easter Yearling Sale following a setback in preparation ahead of the prestigious auction at Riverside Stables in Sydney.

The much-anticipated yearling, a progeny of champion mare Winx and leading sire Snitzel, had been expected to headline the two-day sale at Riverside Stables. Instead, connections have opted for patience, placing welfare above all else as the youngster undergoes a period of recovery.

Part-owner Peter Tighe confirmed the decision, explaining that veterinary advice recommended time away from the sales preparation.

“The welfare of our beautiful colt is of paramount importance to us and the veterinary advice is that there will need to be a period of time to recover appropriately from the setback,” Tighe said.

“We will give all the time that is needed and thus there will be no place in the sale.

“The yearling is in great hands with the team at Coolmore and we look forward to a race career once a full recovery has been made.”

Winx’s Snitzel Colt Withdrawn from Easter Yearling Sale at Riverside Stables

The Easter auction, conducted by Inglis Bloodstock at Riverside Stables in Sydney, has become synonymous with theatre and record-breaking moments in recent seasons. Few scenes matched the excitement generated in 2024 when Winx’s first foal captivated buyers and onlookers at the same venue.

Chief Executive Sebastian Hutch acknowledged the disappointment felt across the industry.

“It’s obviously disappointing for the industry as a whole that we won’t be seeing Winx’s Snitzel colt at Easter at Riverside Stables, based purely off the amazing scenes and theatre generated in 2024,” Hutch said.

“We wish the connections, with whom we have forged a fantastic relationship over the past few years, all the very best and hopefully there is a successful race career to follow.

“The catalogue for the Easter Sale on March 29 and 30 at Riverside Stables is extraordinary, the quality of yearlings on offer is incredibly high and we are very much looking forward to the sale.’’

While the withdrawal of Winx’s Snitzel colt from Easter Yearling Sale removes a major attraction from the 2026 catalogue at Riverside Stables, the decision reflects a long-term view. The focus now rests squarely on recovery and careful management, with attention turning from the sale ring in Sydney to the promise of a future on the track.

Given the depth of pedigree and the legacy attached, anticipation will not fade. Instead, it simply shifts forward in time.

For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to Racebuzz.