Friday, 26 December 2025

Index

 

                  The Colours Of Horseracing

                                                                                         by Robert D Donnelly

                                                                Index


The Colours Of Horseracing is a detailed summary of  Australian Group 1 races that are run throughout the nation each year.
All 76 Australian Group 1 races are reviewed. Queensland (8) New South Wales (30) Victoria (31)  South Australia (4) and Western Australia (3) are covered. Also summarised are some of the major non Group 1 races that are run each year, including the Brisbane Cup, Adelaide Cup, Perth Cup, Hobart Cup and the Newcastle Gold Cup as well as the West Australian Derby and Tasmanian Derby.
This Blog will always remain a 'work in progress' and I will continue to add major races to it, updating them after they've been run.

The blog also summarises the Kentucky Derby as well as having a page dedicated to the mighty champions, Phar Lap, Bernborough and Gunsynd with a complete summary of their racing careers.

Ten years and many thousands of hours of research have gone into making this blog as accurate and as interesting as possible.
Each race that I summarise, traces its history from the very first running, right up to the current year.

The summary for each race consists of:
The year
Winners’ name
Winning owners’ names
Winning owners’ racing colours + coloured facsimile
Winners’ colour, sex, age and breeding
Trainers’ name
Riders’ name and weight carried
Number of race starters
Barrier position
Starting price
Second and third placegetters & weight carried
Margins and time


This Index page is a quick way of locating and accessing the races that I’ve summarised.


To view a particular race, simply click on the race name below.




The Cup races

Newcastle Gold Cup

WFA Races


Handicap Races

Summer Cup (Gr3)

3YO Races

Coolmore Stud Stakes
Australian Guineas


Gunsynd - The Goondiwindi Grey

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The Everest




            The Everest (GR1)



The Everest is a Special-Entry 1200 metre Group 1 Weight-For-Age 
race that is run in October at Randwick racecourse in New South Wales
as part of the Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.                             

                              2025 total prize money: $20,000,000 
                     1st $7,000,000, 2nd $2,900,000, 3rd $2,000,000

                      [Race Record: 1:07.32 – Yes Yes Yes 2019]



The Everest is the richest race on turf in the world and is capped at 12 runners.
The race itself is operated via a slot system where entry into the race is gained by securing a “slot” or barrier.
These 12 slots can be purchased by interested parties ie: individuals, businesses, studs etc, for around $700,000 and it is then up to the slot-holders to decide how they utilise their slot.
The slot-holders may start their own horse in the Everest, or sell or lease their slot, they may enter into a financially mutual agreement with the connections of another horse whom they consider to have a winning chance. There are many options available to those who secure a slot in The Everest.

The inaugural running of The Everest occurred at Randwick Racecourse on Saturday, October 14th 2017 and was won by the Snowden trained speedster, Redzel. Redzel repeated the win again the following year.

In 2025 the champion Hong Kong sprinter Ka Ying Rising ventured to Sydney to take on the best of Australia’s sprinters in The Everest. With regular rider, Zac Purton in the saddle, Ka Ying Rising gave nothing else a chance, confirming his reputation as the best sprinter in the world.



2025   Ka Ying Rising (late Mr Express)
Ka Ying Syndicate
Pale blue, orange zig-zag band, red sleeves, yellow cap, orange stars
B g 5y Shamexpress – Missy Moo
Trainer D. A. Hayes
Rider Z. Purton 58.5
12 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP EvensF
2nd Tempted 51
3rd Jimmysstar 58.5
1 ¼ len x sht nk. Time 1:08.13



2024   Bella Nipotina
M Christian, Ms S Miller, Mrs P Christian, A Ingersole, M Johnston, B Christian, Porter Pelchen B’Stock
Royal blue, lime green stars, red & orange hooped sleeves, black & white striped cap
Ch m 7 Pride Of Dubai – Bella Orfana
Trainer C. Maher 
Rider C. Williams 56.5
11 Ran – Barrier 11 – SP 8/1
2nd Giga Kick 58.5
3rd Growing Empire 53
Hd x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:08.76
2024 – Group 1 Pattern Rating
2023   Think About It
Proven T’breds, B McDonald, R Miller, Newfan P/L, A Halloran, G Hele, Barraband Racing, S Maindonald, Mrs L Siltala, K McCaffrey, T Heesh, J Finney, D Wilson, W Reeks, S Vaughan, M Whiteman, P Brown, S Wilson
Black, lime green disc & armbands & qtrd cap
(wore a red cap to distinguish him from Private Eye)
B g 5y So You Think – Tiare 
Trainer J. Pride
Rider S. Clipperton 58.5
12 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 7/2F
2nd I Wish I Win 58.5
3rd Private Eye 58.5
Lng nk x nk. Time 1:07.64

2022   Giga Kick
Pinecliff Racing
White, red stripes
Ch g 3y Scissor Kick – Rekindled Applause
Trainer C. Douglas
Rider C. Williams 53
12 Ran – Barrier 5 – SP 20/1
2nd Private Eye 58.5
3rd Mazu 58.5
Lng nk x ½ len. Time 1:09.86 



2021   Nature Strip
R A E Lyons, P D Harrison, P N Kean, S W Hansen, G L Smith, J P Van Duuren, P J Balderstone,  K C Garland, D McCluskey, C A Bennett, G D Dumesny, F Giampaolo, Ms D J McShane, T G McHenry & D J Slocum
Yellow and red stripes, navy blue sleeves, navy blue & yellow spots cap
Ch g 7y Nicconi – Strikeline
Trainer C. Waller
Rider J. McDonald 58.5
12 Ran – Barrier 10 – SP 11/4F
2nd Masked Crusader 58.5
3rd Eduardo 58.5
Lng hd x ½ nk. Time 1:09.11


2020   Classique Legend
Legend Racing (Mgr: K. K. Ho)
White, red epaulettes & armbands, striped cap
B g 5y Not A Single Doubt – Pinocchio 
Trainer L. Bridge 
Rider K. McEvoy 58.5
12 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 13/4F
2nd Bivouac 58.5
3rd Gytrash 58.5
2 ½ len x ½ len. Time 1:08.27



2019   Yes Yes Yes
Yes Yes Yes (T Magnier), B Sokolski, Ocean Five, S Thompson, R Smykowsky, Collins St Partners, O Jackson, S Inglis, T Mehmet, P Caputo, W Johnston, C Hay, T W M, The Golden Table, Property H’weights No 3, T Kinsella-Neijs, A Kheir, Winning Behaviours, M Donegan & B Broomhead
Grey, black & olive tartan, olive sleeves & cap, black pom-pom 
B c 3y Rubick – Sin Sin Sin
Trainer C. Waller
Rider G. Boss 53
12 Ran – Barrier 9 – SP 8/1
2nd Santa Ana Lane 58.5
3rd Trekking 58.5
½ len x lng nk. Time 1:07.32 (race record)

2018   Redzel
Triple Crown Synd, Walfam No 2, Ten Players, J Allen, P Piras, V Chau, T Cheng, M Waddington, Mrs A Gibson, Dr. A Kuok, J Medland, T Kocovski, Mrs P Di Marco, L Halloran, M Hardwick, B Playford, D Yates & A Savage
Red, white Triple Crown Syndications logos 
B g 6y Snitzel – Millrich
Trainer P. & P. Snowden
Rider K. McEvoy 58.5
12 Ran – Barrier 1 – SP 15/2
2nd Trapeze Artist 58.5   
3rd Osborne Bulls 58.5
1 ¼ len x 1 ½ len. Time 1:12.03

2017   Redzel
Triple Crown Synd, Walfam No 2, Ten Players, J Allen, P Piras, V Chau, T Cheng, M Waddington, Mrs A Gibson, Dr. A Kuok, J Medland, T Kocovski, Mrs P Di Marco, L Halloran, M Hardwick, B Playford, D Yates & A Savage
Red, white Triple Crown Syndications logos
B g 5y Snitzel – Millrich
Trainer P. & P. Snowden
Rider K. McEvoy 58.5
12 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 15/2
2nd Vega Magic 58.5   
3rd Brave Smash 58.5
¾ len x sht nk. Time 1:08.36 
2017 – First running of The Everest
1200m at Randwick Racecourse


















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All Star Mile




         The All Star Mile (GR1)




The All Star Mile is a Special Conditions 1600 metre Group 1 Weight-For-Age race that is run on a rotation basis at Melbourne's three major metropolitan racecourses (Flemington, Caulfield & Moonee Valley) The All Star Mile is run in March as part of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.                             

                              2025 total prize money: $2,500,000 
                     1st $1,500,000, 2nd $400,000, 3rd $200,000



Entry into the All Star Mile can be gained by several avenues.
Apart from the normal nomination process, horses can gain automatic entry into the race by winning one of the four designated qualifying races.
These qualifying races are:
VATC Futurity Stakes (Gr1) (Caulfield)
VRC Australian Guineas (Gr1) (Flemington)
VRC Blamey Stakes (Gr2) (Flemington)
VRC Elms Stakes (LR) (Flemington)
A VRC and RV panel will also consider granting ‘wildcard’ entries to horses whom they feel will add to, or even boost the quality of the make-up of the All Star field.

The first All Star Mile was run over a distance of 1600 metres at Flemington Racecourse on March 16th, 2019.
The race was won by the very talented three-year-old Tasmanian filly, Mystic Journey.



2025   Tom Kitten
Godolphin
Royal blue
B or br g 4y Harry Angel – Transfers 
Trainer J. Cummings
Rider B. Melham 59
7 Ran – Barrier 4 – SP 7/2
2nd Mr Brightside 59
3rd Light Infantry Man 59
Nse x 1 ¼ len. Time 1:35.94
Race run at Flemington
2025 – Group 1 Pattern Rating
2024   Pride Of Jenni
Mr T Ottobre, Mr M Ottobre & Mrs L Ottobre
Sky blue & purple diamonds
B m 6y Pride Of Dubai – Sancerre 
Trainer C. Maher 
Rider D. Bates 57
12 Ran – Barrier 6 – SP 11/4
2nd Mr Brightside 59
3rd Cascadian 59
2 len x 1 len. Time 1:35.22
Race run at Caulfield

2023   Mr Brightside
Miss E Harvey, K & C Paisley, B Carson, M Andreadis, J & A Molinaro, J Evans, D Hollyman, S Horn, R Jarvis, G Kerr, D Lee, R White, D Cavallo, Green Shorts Racing, The Fighting Cowboys, Lindsay Park, D Maung & P Presti
White, green sash, black sleeves & cap
B or br g 5y Bullbars – Lilahjay 
Trainer Ben & J. D. Hayes
Rider L. Currie 59
15 Ran – Barrier 7 – SP 11/2
2nd Cascadian 59
3rd The Inevitable 59
½ len x sht nk. Time 1:34.47
Race run at Moonee Valley

2022   Zaaki (GB)
C Holt, P Prendergast, P Guerra, P Sidwell, T Eddy, A Willoughby, D Degenhardt, D Sinn, C Elkington, G Carmody, G Williamson, D Hickey, M Etinger, M Catalano, N Wilson, Werrett B’Stock, Phils Dream No3 & Hirecha
Royal blue, red Vee
B or br g 7y Leroidesanimaux – Kesara
Trainer Miss A. Neasham
Rider Miss J. Kah 59
15 Ran – Barrier 15 – SP 11/8F
2nd I’m Thunderstruck 59
3rd Streets Of Avalon 59
1 ½ len x ¾ len. Time 1:36.54
Race run at Flemington

2021   Mugatoo (IRE)
B Watkins, A Rohde, J Woodbridge, J Rourke, B Brogan, J Shaw, N Whatmore, J Hunter, D Searle, S Roth, G Van Ameyden, Aust B’stock
Royal blue, white horseshoe, black & white checked sleeves & cap
B g 6y Henrythenavigator – Elopa 
Trainer K. Lees
Rider H. Bowman 59
15 Ran – Barrier 8 – SP 7/1
2nd Russian Camelot 58.5
3rd Behemoth 59
½ len x 3 ¼ len. Time 1:39.82
Race run at Moonee Valley



2020   Regal Power
Peters Investments Pty Ltd (Mgrs: R J & Mrs S L Peters)
Cerise, white crossed sashes & quartered cap
B g 4y Pierro – Broadway Belle
Trainer G. & A. Williams
Rider W. Pike 59
15 Ran – Barrier 3 – SP 10/1
2nd Superstorm 56
3rd Melody Belle 57
¾ len x ½ len. Time 1:36.57
Race run at Caulfield

2019   Mystic Journey
W G Roser
White, red diamond & sleeves, white cuffs, white cap with red diamond
Br or blk f 3y Needs Further – White Gold
Trainer A. Trinder
Rider A. Darmanin 54
14 Ran – Barrier 13 – SP 5/2F
2nd Hartnell 59
3rd Alizee 57
1 ¼ len x sht hd. Time 1:34.77
Race run at Flemington






















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