Macleay Thoroughbred Stud Presents Quality Vancouver Colt

Macleay Thoroughbred Stud, operated by respected horsewoman and Group 1 breeder Jenny Watson, stands as one of Tasmania’s best‑known boutique operations. Watson’s long‑established eye for type, combined with her hands‑on, detail‑driven approach, underpins a farm that consistently produces well‑educated, athletic yearlings raised in the natural conditions of the island’s north. A regular contributor to the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, Macleay Thoroughbred Stud blends proven Tasmanian and Victorian stallion lines with mares selected for temperament, soundness, and commercial appeal. Though modest in scale, the farm exemplifies the strength of Tasmania’s grassroots breeding community — passionate, professional, and capable of producing horses that succeed far beyond the Apple Isle.

For the 2026 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale, Macleay Thoroughbred Stud will present a single offering: a colt by Golden Slipper winner VANCOUVER from the Exceed And Excel mare DELIRIUM.

Vancouver has established himself as a sire of genuine top‑class performers, most notably Overpass, who captured back‑to‑back editions of Western Australia’s premier sprint, the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes in 2023 and 2024, and finished runner‑up in last year’s renewal.

The colt’s dam, Delirium, was a two‑time winner and is a half‑sister to MISS CHARLIE BROWN, winner of the Tasmanian Strutt Stakes and runner‑up in the Tasmanian Oaks. His pedigree deepens further through his fourth dam, the outstanding American mare Annoconnor, a multiple Group 1 winner who amassed more than $1 million in prizemoney.

This attractive colt also hails from the family of Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude winner Way West and 1986 Melbourne Cup hero At Talaq, adding both speed and stamina influences to an already appealing page.

With his proven sireline, strong maternal family, and the trademark Macleay Thoroughbred Stud preparation, this Vancouver colt is sure to impress on inspection and represents an enticing opportunity for buyers seeking quality and depth.

MyRacehorse Launches Its Apple Isle Expansion

MyRacehorse will make its first official step into the Tasmanian racing scene next Monday and will be hosting a special Meet & Greet to introduce its first Tassie horse and announce who will be the lucky trainer to guide the purchase to the racetrack at the Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale. The event marks the beginning of the organisation’s inaugural Tasmanian venture and will introduce members to the yearling they plan to purchase and race locally.

Running from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm, the Meet & Greet will give MyRacehorse owners and interested locals the chance to meet the team behind the project, learn more about the selection process, and hear how the organisation intends to build its presence in the state.

The MyRacehorse crew will also be on‑site from 11.00am, welcoming anyone who wants to drop by throughout sales day.

The event coincides with MyRacehorse’s plan — in partnership with Tasracing — to secure a Tasmanian‑bred and Tasmanian‑trained yearling at the 2026 sale. The purchase will become the organisation’s first runner developed entirely within the state, signalling a long‑term commitment to supporting local breeders, trainers, and participants.

MyRacehorse Australia Managing Director Ben Willis said Tasmania’s rising reputation made the decision an easy one.

“Tasracing has built the right foundations for a strong and sustainable racing industry, with high‑quality racing experiences, industry integrity and animal welfare at the heart of everything they do.”

He also emphasised the role micro‑ownership can play in growing the sport.

“We are excited to be partnering with Tasracing on their bold plan to innovate and bring more people into Tasmanian racing, both locally and from across the rest of Australia.”

With Magic Millions committed to conducting the Tasmanian Yearling Sale until at least 2030, the timing is ideal. MyRacehorse’s national reach — and its tens of thousands of engaged owners — brings a new level of visibility to Tasmanian‑bred horses and the people who produce them.

The Meet & Greet is expected to draw strong interest from members eager to be part of MyRacehorse’s first Tasmanian purchase, while giving local breeders and trainers a valuable opportunity to showcase the quality and professionalism that has driven the state’s recent momentum.

As the 2026 sale is only days away, excitement is building. MyRacehorse’s arrival isn’t just a new buyer entering the ring — it’s a national spotlight on a state that continues to punch above its weight.

Magnum Park Unveils a Standout Draft by Levendi

Alexis Beadman and the team at Magnum Park will present a draft of eight yearlings, all by their ill‑fated but highly talented stallion Levendi.

The draft comprises six colts and two fillies by the Australian Derby winner, a horse who showed rare versatility. Levendi was precocious enough to win over 1200 metres as a two‑year‑old, and as a three‑year‑old he stretched his brilliance from 1200 metres right out to 2400 metres. His Derby triumph was backed by victories in the Group 2 Tulloch Stakes (2000m) and the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m).

Levendi’s first crop has already produced Tempt The Gods, a three‑time winner and Listed‑placed in the Tasmanian Guineas behind Mazzini and Crack The Shutters. He is also the sire of recent Hobart winners Bella Chinkara and The Little Bay, adding further momentum to his early stud record.

The Magnum Park Draft

Lot 19 — Filly (Levendi x Miss Chang’e)

The first of the draft to enter the ring is a filly out of the Puissance de Lune mare Miss Change, a two‑time winner. This is her second foal. A significant pedigree update comes via King Of Thunder (racing in Hong Kong as Numbers), winner of the Group 3 Centenary Vase (1800m).

Lot 27 — Colt (Levendi x Once Upon A Dream)

A colt who is the first foal out of three‑time winner Once Upon A Dream. He hails from the family of Group 3 winner North England, with Group 2 Villiers Stakes winner Crack Me Up appearing further back in the pedigree.

Lot 30 — Filly (Levendi x Party In Style)

A filly out of the Toronado mare Party In Style, a dual sprint‑distance winner who was also city‑placed.

Lot 33 — Colt (Levendi x Phenomenal Dancer)

A striking colt out of Phenomenal Dancer, a Victorian winner who later found further success under John Blacker. This is her first foal. His second dam, Eternal Dancer, was a talented New Zealand stayer who won seven races including the Trentham Gold Cup.

Lot 64 — Colt (Levendi x Wild Charlotte)

Out of the Written Tycoon mare Wild Charlotte. His second dam is Das Machen, winner of the Listed Matrice Stakes.

Lot 69 — Colt (Levendi x Arctic Star)

The first foal of Arctic Star, from the family of Group 3 Vain Stakes winner Tony Nicconi.

Lot 71 — Colt (Levendi x Auntie Florrie)

The second foal of Auntie Florrie, whose maternal family includes former high‑class sprinter Innovation Girl, a Group winner at both two and three.

Lot 104 — Colt (Levendi x French Heiress)

The final lot of the draft is out of French Heiress, a two‑time winner from the family of Burgess Queen Stakes winner Pantenny, dam of Group 3 winner Thames Court.

Alexis Beadman and the Magnum Park team will be located in Barn B and welcome all inspections. They are more than happy to walk you through any of their Levendi yearlings and answer any questions.

Daughter of Home Affairs from the Signify Family Set for Tasmanian Sale

The filly by Home Affairs from the city‑placed Comporta (Stratum) represents a strong commercial opportunity for buyers seeking early-running quality. Comporta is a half-sister to Signify, winner of the G1 Telegraph, and hails from a family that has also produced the Hong Kong multiple stakes performer Champion’s Way (HK$3m+).

Home Affairs, a dual Group 1-winning son of I Am Invincible, is the current leading first‑season sire by earnings, with early success highlighted by G2 winner Kinnaird and G2‑placed Harvey Walbanger in New Zealand. His stock has been well received in the sale ring, including the $3.5 million filly from champion mare Sunline at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, contributing to an overall average of $280,285 across 35 lots.

This chestnut filly is an athletic mover and is presented by Grenville Stud, one of Tasmania’s most established and respected breeding operations.

Alva Stud Presents Five‑Colt Draft for 2026 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale.

Alva Stud returns to the 2026 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale with a quality draft of five colts, heading to Quercus Park next Monday, February 23. Catherine Hills and the team at Hagley have assembled a well-balanced group with pedigree depth, proven families, and commercial appeal.

Headlining the draft is Lot 11 (pictured), a striking colt by Rubick out of Lita — making him a half‑brother to superstar mare Still A Star and recent winner Megalita. It’s one of the most recognisable and proven Tasmanian families, and this colt is sure to attract strong interest.

Lot 17 is a chestnut colt by Stratosphere out of Midnight Review, a mare who has produced two foals to race — both winners. This is a family that consistently delivers.

Alva Stud will also offer Lot 51, a colt by Doubtland out of the Tough Speed mare Speedy Sky. A Thousand Guineas winner and Tasmanian Oaks placegetter, Speedy Sky has already produced five winners, adding further strength to this pedigree.

Lot 74 is a colt by the ill‑fated Sejardan, winner of the Group 2 Todman Slipper. He is out of the unraced Flying Artie mare Bold Amelia and hails from a deep black‑type family featuring Group 1 Rosehill Guineas winner Lindermann, Group 3 winner Aitch Two Oh, as well as Assertive Lad and Assertive Lass — dam of Reset.

Rounding out the draft is Lot 82, a chestnut colt by Paulele, the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes winner. He is out of City of Dream, dam of I’ve Been Dreaming, who recorded three placings from nine starts last season.

With proven producers, strong black‑type families, and commercial sires represented throughout, Alva Stud’s 2026 draft shapes as one of their most appealing offerings yet.

Tasbred Dominance on a Red‑Letter Day in Hobart

Tasbred graduates stole the show in Hobart on a memorable day for the local industry, with six of the eight winners bred in Tasmania and sold through the Magic Millions Tasmanian Sale.

The meeting was headlined by a pair of talented three‑year‑old fillies. Sanniya (Stratosphere), a $67,500 Magic Millions purchase, claimed the feature event — the time‑honoured Lady Lynette over 1100 metres — carrying the Star Thoroughbreds silks to victory.

Swift Force delivered the other highlight, taking out the $50,000 Blackflash. The Magnus filly, bought for $30,000 by trainer John Keys at the 2023 Magic Millions Tasmanian Sale, made it two wins from as many starts. She showed brilliant early speed to lead, and despite brushing the running rail about 100 metres from home, rider Craig Newitt quickly balanced her up and she powered clear to score by 1.3 lengths.

Newitt, who partnered both feature winners, was full of praise post‑race. “She (Swift Force) has raw ability — she is very smart and will go a long way, while the other filly (Sanniya) is a ready‑made racehorse,” he told Tasracing.

Swift Force’s pedigree received a further boost with news that her half‑sister, by Stratosphere, will be offered by Phillip Bingley’s Bingley Bloodstock as Lot 100 at the upcoming Magic Millions Tasmanian Sale on February 23.

Other Magic Millions graduates also made their mark on the program, including Magnolia Sky, a $16,000 buy from the same sale. Local stallions enjoyed a strong day as well, with Alpine Eagle producing a double courtesy of Alpine Honey and The Trine, while Needs Further added another winner through Tassie Power.

Double for ill-fated sire Levendi.

Recently deceased second‑season sire Levendi enjoyed a notable double at Hobart on Friday, further highlighting his emerging influence. The John Blacker‑trained three‑year‑old filly Bella Chinkara made a strong return, showcasing the toughness she displayed as a juvenile when recording nine starts for four placings.

Later in the program, the Terry Evans‑prepared The Little Bay broke through impressively, cruising home by 1.75 lengths over 1400 metres to secure his maiden victory and become Levendi’s third individual winner. His growing record also includes Tempt The Gods, who recently finished in the placings in the Listed Tasmanian Guineas.

Levendi’s presence will be strongly felt at the upcoming 2026 Magic Millions Tasmanian Sale on February 23, where he is represented by seven colts and two fillies, offering buyers a valuable opportunity to tap into a sire line showing early promise on the track.

Photo-The Little Bay (credit Clare Pettit)

Magic Millions Graduates Dominate Hobart Ahead of 2026 Sale.

The Hobart meeting yesterday delivered a compelling endorsement of the Magic Millions Tasmanian Sale, with five of the seven winners — Johnnie Pinch, The Little Bay, Florence Glass(pictured), Bella Chinkara and Magnaprime — all proudly emerging as graduates of the auction. Their collective success reinforced the sale’s growing reputation as a proven source of high‑quality racehorses capable of delivering on raceday.

With such strong results fresh in mind, attention now turns to the 2026 Magic Millions Tasmanian Sale, scheduled for February 23. Buyers will again have the opportunity to secure their next standout performer, backed by a sale that continues to produce winners. Confidence is building, and the latest raceday achievements only strengthen the sale’s position as a key fixture on the Australian yearling calendar.

Matt Stewart -Winning Post column;

TASSIE BRED WINNER IN HONG KONG.

Smart Golf, a talented 4‑year‑old gelding by Needs Further out of the Exceed And Excel mare Aimless, kicked off the New Year in style with a strong win at Sha Tin on New Year’s Day.

He was purchased for $60,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Tasmanian Sale, and he’s certainly proving to be a smart buy. Smart Golf is also a half‑brother to Crack The Shutters, adding even more depth to his pedigree.

Exciting times ahead for this promising Tasmanian‑bred!

FAST THINKER WINS LONGFORD CUP

One of Tasmania’s most popular cup days once again drew a strong crowd, with around 5,000 spectators on course to watch Fast Thinker claim the Longford Cup. The Stowport‑trained runner, prepared by Kelvin Hamilton and ridden confidently by Sam Kennedy, delivered a standout performance.

Hamilton’s stable continues to enjoy a strong run of form, with Just Crusin and Original Glaze also performing impressively. Original Glaze now shapes as a genuine contender for next week’s Devonport Cup.

📸 Clare Pettit

Star Thoroughbreds-owned brothers Durazzo and Mazzini capped a memorable day for Armidale Stud and its resident stallion Needs Further (Encosta De Lago) when they both landed their prospective stakes races at Hobart on Sunday.

Both trained by Barry Campbell, Mazzini got the day off to a brilliant start when he opened his stakes account in the Tasmanian Guineas (Listed, 1600m), before Durazzo, not wanting to be outdone by his younger brother, registered his third consecutive stakes victory when claiming the $125,000 The Inevitable Stakes (Listed, 1600m).

The classy duo hail from a family Denise Martin and Brett Howard know well being out of Arenzano (Not A Single Doubt), an eight-time winner for Campbell and Star Thoroughbreds. The daughter of Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice) is also the dam of four-time winner Emily (Wordsmith), who was trained by Campbell for Martin, having been sourced by her and Howard for $42,000 at the 2020 edition of the Tasmanian sale.

Further back this is the same family as Listed scorer Beyonce’s Star (Orientate), the dam of Group 3 winner Oak Door (Commands).

Armidale Stud managing director David Whishaw will be hoping the pair’s Brutal (O’Reilly) half-sister can bring another good result for the farm when she comes under the hammer as Lot 70 at the 2026 Magic Millions Tasmanian Yearling Sale next month.