Monday 8th February

Inglis Melbourne Premier Open Day

Always wanted to attend a thoroughbred sale but don't want to go alone?
Ever wondered how we select our Yearlings?

Come and meet Dean and our Bloodstock Agent Kevin Dagg for a closer look at some of the Yearlings to be presented at the Melbourne Premier Sale. See how Kevin assesses conformation and pick Dean's brain regarding pedigree analysis.

If you are interested in attending, we will meet in the foyer at Oaklands Junction on Sunday, 28^th February at 11am. We will have the opportunity to inspect Yearlings and also meet and greet some of the stud representatives on hand to answer our questions.

Dean will be sitting on the panel at the Syndicator's forum to be hosted by Jo McKinnon at 1:45pm. Inglis also have an array of events planned throughout the afternoon.

If you plan to attend, please email us at admin@clanbrooke.com

Tuesday 2nd February

5 winners for Clanbrooke in January

Whilst summer is heating up, children have now returned to school and work must resume. Everyone is back on deck at Clanbrooke to celebrate a terrific start to the year with 5 winners in January and 4 in only 18 days. We are currently boasting the best strike rate we have had in years with over 16% winners and over 35% placegetters. A conscious business decision last year to reduce the number of horses in our stable by speeding up the attrition rate according to ability (or lack thereof) does appear to have been the correct one. It is heartening to cast an eye over our list of upcoming runners in the knowledge that almost all will be considered an each way chance on the day.

When it comes to recent winners, Astronomo certainly seems to have turned the corner since being re-purchased in the middle of 2009 by Trent Pennuto (currently Aquanita foreman) in conjunction with Clanbrooke, when frustrated owners elected to dissolve the Partnership. Although, the nicely bred Galileo gelding had been plagued with various issues as a young horse, it appeared unlikely that any trainer would be able to elicit consistent performances from him. However, Trent seems to have found a way to extract the best from this boy and, given his recent back- to-back wins, grander plans may be in the wings a little down the track.

It was almost 2 years to the day since a bone chip operation stalled Schwarzer's career when he fronted at Cranbourne on 20^th December for a 1000m pipe opener. Owners were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief when jockey Roger Booth eased him over the line. It took only another 3 starts before he was to salute for the 4^th time in his career, this time at Mornington over 1522m on 22^nd January. Although booked on the float that was headed for the paddock prior to the race, recent rain enabled us to keep him going a little longer. If the rain gods are kind towards the end of the week, it may yet be another night to celebrate when Schwarzer fronts at the Valley Friday night over 1600m.

Skystreamer's run at Geelong on 27^th January was highly anticipated by all connections. This preparation, trainer Tony Vasil embarked on a `staying' program with the gelding and the race at Geelong was only Skystreamer's 2nd attempt over 2000m, this time on a larger, more suitable track. Whilst his lead-in form had been solid (4 runs for 3 x 3^rds), his maiden win continued to elude him. However, the large track and more ground proved a winning combination. Skystreamer broke his maiden comfortably and seemed to be looking for even more ground - and more ground he shall have before requiring a break.

Many of our trainers are in NZ this week attending the NZ Premier Sales that kicked off yesterday. Sales results have been strong thus far with familiar sires featuring. The top price of $1m was paid yesterday by Singapore based Jayven See for a colt by current leading 2^nd season sire Fastnet Rock. Our own Fastnet Rock filly, Whitbred Lass, is set to return to work shortly and, if broader results are anything to heed, she should be a filly to reckon with.

Finally, keep an eye on our `Shares for Sale' page over the coming weeks if you are in the market for a new venture. With sales in full swing across the Southern hemisphere, we will be listing some new acquisitions shortly.

Thursday 17th December

Clanbrooke Newsletter - January 2010

A Changing of the Guard

Racing is inherently cyclical. Owners can be buoyed by highs for a significant stretch of time, whilst lows can be both deflating and demoralising. There are inevitable disagreements over the finer points of racing; the excuses, the irritation at jockeys, trainers and the like. No Partnership is exempt from these frustrations. But for most, G1 glory remains elusive. Not so for 10 very lucky owners of a Danehill Dancer mare named `Arapaho Miss,' winner of the coveted Crown Oaks in 2007.

But all good things must end. Arapaho endured her fair share of problems over the last 2 years including an operation to remove bone chips from her knee. Following a string of under-par performances, the decision was made a couple of months ago to offer the mare for sale. She was subsequently purchased by an American breeder and has been served - and is now in foal to - no other than Australia's Premier sire, Encosta de Lago. The Syndicate is very pleased that she will be given every opportunity to succeed at stud from her first Season. Although the price tag for her first foal may exceed our limits, we will watch her career with interest.

Clanbrooke also bade farewell recently to South Australian-bound Doubly Sure. Ending his Clanbrooke career with only 3 wins and around $100K prizemoney, it is not his wins for which he will be remembered. It is, instead, his promising form throughout his Autumn 2008 campaign that really set the bar - perhaps a little too high in hindsight - for his subsequent 18 months work. Following a fast finishing 3rd at Moonee Valley in May 2008, Doubly fronted for the listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes over 3200m two weeks later, only to be beaten by the subsequently retired `Gorky Park' on the day. Notching black type, this was to be Doubly’s most promising form. However, the lofty Cup hopes that some of us harboured were to remain but a pipedream and after another disappointing performance against weak opposition at Sandown in September, the decision was made to sell. Clanbrooke trainer Mark Minervini purchased Doubly for a band of SA owners and we wish them all luck.

Racing's natural cycle ensures that just as we farewell some of our older stable horses, our younger band of runners who will be hitting the track throughout the warmer months look to be a very competitive group. As always, keep an eye on the right hand side of the Clanbrooke Home Page for details on upcoming stable runners. Summer runners will include: Mining Magnate, a last start winner at Cranbourne, Rescheduled, currently sitting on 2 wins for this prep., Invincible Belle, a 3YO filly who produced a terrific first start at Cranbourne on 6th December, Schwarzer, our 6YO miler who is set to return to the track after a lengthy recuperative period, Bertrand, an Elvstroem 3YO who looks to have the goods, as well as some first starters including our Fastnet Rock giant filly Whitbread Lass.

In Clanbrooke trainer news, Brian Jenkins has purchased a property at Pearcedale and stables should be ready for residents in the first quarter of 2010. We will arrange a stable visit once horses are on-site. In Albury, Jodie Bohr has enjoyed a terrific year, notching 4 of Clanbrooke's 12 wins to date. Jodie also prepares some of our youngsters, as does Brian Cox, for their Melbourne-based preparations. Both do a terrific job and we thank them for all their hard work throughout the year. For owners involved with Pat Carey's Mornington stable, the proposed merger between the MRC and the Mornington Racing Club can only reap benefits as significant development and upgraded facilities will be a necessary by-product of the inevitable shift away from the Caulfield training complex. Talks will continue throughout 2010 and we will keep members abreast of any significant developments.

For those who attended our Christmas Race Day at the Cranbourne racecourse on Sunday, 6th December, we hope you had an enjoyable afternoon. We certainly felt it was a relaxed, spirited atmosphere within the function room itself, enabling many owners to meet for the first time. The owners of Mining Magnate certainly made the most of festivities when the 3YO Lucky Owners colt broke through for his maiden win in the 2nd on the card - the `Clanbrooke Racing - For the Love of Racing' 1600m Hcp. For Clanbrooke, the day served to strengthen our existing relationship with Aquanita and open up expanded opportunities for our members as well. Aquanita currently operate stables in 3 states (Victoria, Qld and WA), and have enjoyed another successful year at the track, notching their 2000th winner since inception in 1998. The Clanbrooke-Aquanita alliance is certainly one that we foster and will look to build upon in 2010.

Although the economy has rebounded in many areas over the last 6 months, sales have been a little slower than usual. As such, Clanbrooke does not intend to be over-active at the forthcoming sales. We do, however, intend to target a select number of sires and will no doubt have new offerings available on the website throughout summer. If anyone has specific requirements or would like us to have a look at particular horses, please contact Dean to discuss as we will be in attendance at the Sydney Classic in late January, the Melbourne Premier in March, as well as the Adelaide Magic Millions. We will also have representatives at all the other major sales in Australia and New Zealand.

Please note that our office will be only sporadically manned between 24th December and 18th January, but both Dean and myself can always be contacted via email. There will be no disruption to Members Web updates, and nominations and acceptances will continue to be emailed throughout the coming weeks.

Finally, we thank all Members for your continued support and enthusiasm throughout 2009. May you all have a safe and happy holiday and we look forward to seeing you back at the track in 2010.

Clanbrooke Racing

Tuesday 8th December

Shares in 3YO Galileo Gelding for LEASE!

After a little deliberation, we have decided to offer shares in our terrific 3YO GALILEO Gelding for LEASE - only $750 ingoing management fee applies (plus ongoing monthly fees). Lease is for a standard 3 years and lessees receive 75% net prizemoney.

From a terrific staying family, this 3YO Gelding is in full work NOW!. We know that GALILEO progeny do best on Australian soil once they mature, so we shouldn't have to wait long to see this boy's best. Trained by Brian Jenkins at Cranbourne, a proven trainer of stayers (trainer of 1998 Melbourne Cup [G1] winner JEZABEEL), this gelding should fit right in.

Don't pass up an opportunity to race a gelding by one of the best International Sires with a terrific dam pedigree to boot.


Only 4 shares remaining.
View this link for further details.

Parade 1
Parade 2

Tuesday 8th December

Cranbourne Race Day review

It was great to see over 100 Clanbrooke Members assembled in the Manfred Room at the Cranbourne racecourse on Sunday for the inaugural `Christmas Race Day.' Many first time Members were in attendance and not disappointed when Mining Magnate saluted in the 2nd race, followed by a terrific first-start performance from our lovely grey filly, Invincible Belle. Our two other runners for the day, Skystreamer and Temple Dancer, also turned in credible performances. The atmosphere in the room throughout the day was terrific and we've been thrilled to receive positive feedback from so many of our owners.

For those wanting to see a few pictures from the Race Day, have a look here.

Thursday 3rd December

Are you attending the race day this coming Sunday?

If you are, you may like to have a look at this map to familiarise yourself with the Cranbourne racecourse and get an idea of where the Manfred Function Room is located.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Sunday 15th November

Clanbrooke-Aquanita Christmas Race Day

On Sunday, 6th December, Clanbrooke and Aquanita will host a Christmas Race Day at Cranbourne Racecourse. Of course, many members will be there to watch their horse run - some for the very first time - and we hope to take out a race or two on the day. However, we will also be holding a parade of the 2YO's currently advertised on our Shares for Sale page between races 3 & 4. We encourage anyone interested in inspecting these horses to come along, meet the horse and also the trainer.

For those who are not current Members and would still like access to the racecourse to enjoy the outdoor kids carnival or the 2YO parade, we can offer free entry. Just email us and we will send you an admission ticket to download.

Looking forward to what promises to be a great day.

Sunday, 31st October

11 Winners for the Season and a first for Clanbrooke at the Valley

It was with great relief (we imagine) that trainer Russell Cameron received the news on Friday morning that Galaxy Guide had gained a run at Moonee Valley following two scratchings. The race had been earmarked by Russell as a terrific opportunity for the mare to break through in town and he was able to secure Dwayne Dunn for the ride at late notice. Dwayne had steered Galaxy Guide to her maiden win at Kyneton back in June, while apprentice Adam McCabe was in the saddle for the mare's subsequent two wins and has also done a terrific job with the mare.

Owners were understandably excited when the mare inched her nose ahead on the line to secure her fourth win, taking her earnings to almost $45K, Clanbrooke's winners for the season to 11, as well as securing Clanbrooke's first win at the Valley. Winning at terrific odds (almost 40-1), Galaxy Guide's timely victory certainly lined owners' pockets in time for the Spring Carnival.

Coming off the back of `The Sportsman's' terrific Moonee Valley Cup win on Cox Plate Day, Russell Cameron is certainly benefitting from his recent move to Flemington. Congratulations to Russell, his team, and Clanbrooke Members.

An excerpt from Russell Cameron's Newsletter:

"A terrific training effort by Russell, Galaxy Guide has now won three of her six starts this time in with a further two placings. The daughter of Carnegie has just gone from strength to strength this and her large band of owners were over the moon last night, (pardon the pun!).

Galaxy Guide is headed by Clanbrooke chief, Dean Humphries, and we thank Dean and all the syndicate members for their loyal support to Russell Cameron Racing.

It was actually Clanbrookes first win at Moonee Valley and we are delighted that we were able to provide the victory.

Not forgetting a great ride by Dwayne Dunn as he had to shoulder his way out at the top of the straight and re balance the mare."

Wednesday 21st October

NSW Benchmark System and other news

If you are confused about the new `Benchmark' rating system that came into effect in NSW on 1st October, have a look at the following link. It explains the new system fairly simply, and also explains why Racing NSW has decided to embark upon a new system that trainers around the border must now contend with - Racing NSW Benchmark system explained.

In other news, although none of our 2YO's are quite ready to hit the track, it is heartening to see that 3 of them are by Sires currently secure in the top 10 2nd Season Sires list. Leading the list, Fastnet Rock has streaked ahead, recording 16 winners to date, amassing over $1.3m in prizemoney and boasting a 34% runners-winners ratio. Our 2YO Fastnet Rock Filly, `Whitbread Lass', is in full work with trainer Brian Jenkins. She continues to grow - she is bigger than most of the boys now - and we eagerly anticipate her 2YO debut. Second on the list is Elvstroem, sire of `Bertrand,' our Elvstroem x Miss Bud colt. Bertrand ran into a spot of trouble in the paddock a few months ago but has made a full recovery and has recently resumed his work. Finally, 7th on the list is Not a Single Doubt, sire of our NASD x Ravaging Filly. Recovering well from a bone spur, she has 2YO racing written all over her and once fully recovered, should resume work with trainer Mark Minervini immediately.

We are also pleased that our stable currently hosts 4 horses whose sires are amongst the Top 10 General Sires. In 6th position is Street Cry, sire of `Allanthus' who ran a terrific race 2 starts back at Caulfield and looks to have some country cups in his sights. In 7th position is Fastnet Rock, a terrific achievement for a 2nd Season Sire, whilst in 9th position is Testa Rossa, sire of `Testa Rose,' our 3YO as yet unraced Mark Minervini-trained filly. Finally, in 9th position is Bianconi, sire of our WA Simon Miller-trained `Bianco Magic.' Now spelling, she should return for some terrific WA Autumn 3YO racing in 2010.

Invitations for the Clanbrooke-Aquanita Christmas Race Day will be mailed tomorrow. If you are a current Member and plan to attend, please relay your intentions as soon as possible as numbers are very limited. Similarly, if you have not received an invitation in the mail by Friday, please contact the office on 9540 0317.

LATEST SALES NEWS: If you are looking for a whole horse to purchase with current country form, see our Horses for Sale page. 1 horse currently available for purchase.

Wednesday 7th October

Clanbrooke Newsletter - October 2009

As the Spring Carnival approaches and racing heats up, the Clanbrooke stable sits poised on many fronts. Whilst a host of recent departures have reduced our stable somewhat, we feel we have a smaller, yet more well equipped band of runners, capable of tackling some of the better Spring races.

The most notable recent departure was that of `Doubly Sure'. Doubly was originally purchased by Clanbrooke at the 2004 Premier Sale. At that time, O'Reilly had just been crowned the 2002/03 Champion NZ Sire of 3YO's. However, O'Reilly himself, as well as the O'Reilly-Centaine cross on which Doubly was bred, was not yet a Southern hemisphere phenomenon. Subsequently, this cross has become one of the most sought after in Australian/NZ racing. With wins over 1600m, 1800m and 2400m, Doubly's best runs were probably not his winning ones. Perhaps his most memorable and certainly the one that gave owners the most hope for a big Spring tilt, was the 2008 3200m Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes. Finishing second behind the subsequently injured Gorky Park, Doubly suggested that he was ready to tackle better fields over similar distances. However, that was not to be. Although characteristically laid-back and relaxed prior to racing, Doubly failed to settle for a number of jockeys throughout his subsequent prep. It was then decided that gelding was the best option. Whilst this appeared to have been the correct decision when Doubly settled well over unsuitable distances early in his most recent prep., as the weeks wore on and the distances increased, it became clear that he had lost his ability to grind home. Members voted last week to sell, based on an offer from SA. Finishing with almost $98K in prizemoney, owners have had a good ride. We wish the new SA owners luck and will follow Doubly's future career with interest.

Other recent departures include our striking Johannesburg mare `Matumi' who was sold to a Victorian breeder, our 4YO Octagonal mare `Azzurro Moon' who was sold to a regional trainer, a 4YO King's Best gelding `Vandelay' who was transferred to a regional Victorian trainer, and ``Acatabove,' a member of the Clanbrooke stable for over 4 years since we purchased her as a yearling, sold recently through the sales ring. Other recent retirement include our stoic 9YO Abassi gelding `Persian Prince', reluctantly retired as a result of some degenerative leg complaints, our honest 6YO gelding `Scrubby Creek' who was retired as a result of bone chips requiring a lengthy recuperative period, `Bromson' who was retired due to injury, and `Lyrical Currency' who was retired because of disappointing form in weak SA company.

However, there have also been some exciting debuts in recent months. Members have been patient with their Galileo-Queen's Minstrel Gelding `Great Player.' A shin-soreness veteran, Great Player was recently appointed a charge of new Riverend Park trainer `Barry Barnes' following Russell Cameron's departure. Debuting at Pakenham on 14th September as a 4YO, Great Player indicated that he was every bit the racehorse his breeding dictated he should be. His second outing at Sale ten days later confirmed this. Finishing second to smart Moody galloper `Tee Emar,' Great Player showed enough to indicate that a city start may have been on the cards for the Spring. However, still immature, he could handle only the two starts before requiring a break. The Spring pastures will do him the world of good and we expect exciting times ahead as he matures.

`Arapaho Miss' continues her Spring campaign, giving a much better showing last week in the transferred 2400m RM Ansett Classic at Moonee Valley. Displaying the sprinting ability we know she possesses, Arapaho came from last on the turn to run a terrific 6th by less than 3L, keeping her Melbourne Cup hopes alive. Whilst the Cup remains her Spring goal, she has only a couple more starts to prove her eligibility. The Herbert Power Stakes this coming Saturday at Caulfield will be her next task and her performance will serve to shape the remainder of her Spring campaign.

There is movement in the Brian Jenkins stable with `Rescheduled's' suberb return to racing yesterday at Mornington over 1000m, winning easily on the heavy ground. `Allanthus' also returned to the track in style, racing at Sandown on 9th September. Finishing 6th over an unsuitable 1500m, he backed this up with a 5th 2 weeks later over 1700m, building up fitness as he approaches more suitable distances. `Devil's Mountain', a 5YO Montjeu gelding who has 2 wins from his limited 4 start career, is poised to return in the coming weeks, as is `Schwarzer,' a proven galloper who has recovered well from a tendon injury early in 2008.

In the Pat Carey camp, `Mining Magnate,' a 3YO Lucky Owners gelding who was a placegetter at his only start to date, is poised to return following his solid trial at Cranbourne yesterday. Meanwhile, `Influential Miss,' a 4YO Carnegie mare who boasts a terrific record to date (5: 2-1-0), will not be too far behind. We are hoping that Influential Miss can emulate another of her Sires' progeny in `Galaxy Guide,' who has now won 3 of her last 4 starts, all on the heavy ground. Russell Cameron’s move to Flemington seems to have kicked her career into a new gear, and the damp Melbourne weather is certainly to her liking.

In 3YO news, `Invincible Belle', our grey Invincible Spirit filly, is now in full training and we expect to see her at the races in late Spring. `Whitbread Lass', a Fastneck Rock filly, has furnished into a lovely - large - horse, and as long as her growing slows down a little, she should also hit the track in 2009. `Temple Dancer,' our 3YO Danehill Dancer filly, is also in full work at Mornington with Pat Carey. Returning from only a short spell, she should come to hand fairly quickly and we eagerly anticipate a late Spring/summer campaign. We have one x 10% share available in her (see attached). Please see the website for further information.

Meanwhile, our 2 x 2YO fillies are also on the move with our Good Journey filly pre-training with Brian Cox and our Beautiful Crown filly pre-training with Jodie Bohr. Both will return to Bethanga Park for some further education before being transferred to their new respective stable in December. We hope to parade both fillies at our upcoming Christmas event at the Cranbourne racecourse on 6th December.

For those who frequently - or sporadically - glance at our Home Page, you may have noticed an article outlining Clanbrooke's long-time relationship with Albury trainer Jodie Bohr. The article was written as testimony to Jodie's current success. At the time the article was written, Jodie accounted for 3 of Clanbroke's 09/10 season winners. She has since notched another win, and the three Clanbrooke horses she has in work have all recorded wins this season. It is worth noting that our home-bred Fubu gelding, `Apparel Prince,' now has a 30% run-win ratio, recording 5 wins from his 16 starts. Well done Jodie.

The sweeping changes to the jockeys' use of whips, implemented recently by the ARB, has unleashed a wide array of opinions throughout the Victorian racing industry, not least in relation to the impromptu jockey strike. Whilst the manner in which the strike was executed - half way through a race card - served to diminish the credibility of the argument, Clanbrooke does support the premise upon which the strike was based. It was bewildering to think that the almost unanimous criticism amongst jockeys, owners and trainers for small aspects of the new rules, could simply be disregarded by the ARB. For at the end of the day, it is the owners who prop up the industry - the owners who ultimately fund the industry. Yet after all the money and angst the changes have caused, they now appear to be defunct following Monday's stewards' ruling that it is untenable for jockeys to count the number of times they use the whip. Stewards have always had the ability to pull jockeys up for excessive use and will continue to take a dim view of those who overuse the whip. However, with the new padded whips in play and moderation the key, it seems the official rules are effectively back to where we were a few months ago.

Looking ahead, we are working to have all invitations for the inaugural `Clanbrooke-Aquanita Cranbourne Race Day', to be held on Sunday 6th December, out by the end of next week. All owners will receive an invitation, but please note that tickets for the Manfred Function Room are strictly limited and if you plan to attend, please RSVP at your earliest convenience to avoid disappointment. The day also incorporates an on-course Christmas Carnival and there will also be plenty on offer outside including a Clanbrooke BBQ and various opportunities to win prizes and inspect some of our 2YO's after they are paraded down the straight. It should be a terrific day and we look forward to seeing both old and new Members there.

We wish all owners a happy, prosperous Spring. See you at the Christmas Race Day.

Clanbrooke Racing