Ka Ying Rising passed fit for Sunday return
World champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising has been passed fit to resume in Sunday's Group 3 Chief Executive's Cup at Sha Tin.
The Hong Kong superstar was reported to have an issue with his near-hind hoof earlier this week but galloped strongly in front of Hong Kong Jockey Club stewards on Thursday morning.
Trainer David Hayes was delighted with what he saw, particularly the gelding's action.
"Ka Ying Rising did his gallop before the stewards and he worked beautifully," Hayes said.
Waterhouse launches passionate defence of Victoria Derby
Champion trainer Gai Waterhouse has strongly rejected suggestions the Victoria Derby should be shortened from its traditional 2500m distance.
Waterhouse, who won the race with Nothin' Leica Dane in 1995, believes the Derby provides a unique examination of a three-year-old's staying ability and should remain that way.
"The Victoria Derby is a target race. It asks a particular question at a particular moment in a horse's development: which of this generation's three-year-olds can run 2500 metres best on Derby Day? That is the examination," Waterhouse wrote.
"We don't mark down the best mathematics student because he subsequently performs less well in English."
King Of The Sea ruled out of spring
Exciting import King Of The Sea has been ruled out of the spring carnival in a bitter blow for connections.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding was outstanding winning first-up over 1600m last month under James McDonald, putting himself firmly on a path towards races such as The Metropolitan and potentially the Caulfield Cup.
However, an injury suffered at the weekend has brought his spring campaign to a premature end.
Waller cleans up at NSW Horse of the Year awards
The incredible season of Chris Waller Racing was recognised with a huge haul at the NSW Horse of the Year awards.
Superstar Autumn Glow led the way, collecting Horse of the Year, Champion Middle Distance Horse, NSW Champion Horse of the Year and NSW Champion Miler.
Autumn Boy was crowned Champion Three-Year-Old Colt/Gelding, Joliestar collected Champion Sprinter and NSW Champion Sprinter honours, while Aeliana was named NSW Champion Stayer.
Whip breaches can no longer trigger protests
Racing Australia has removed the ability to protest against a race result on the grounds that a jockey breached the whip rules.
Under the current rules, jockeys can use the whip five times before the 100m mark, but not in consecutive strides, before unrestricted use over the final 100m.
Racing Australia said the decision to remove whip-related protests was made at a recent board meeting and believes the change "will not diminish any whip use deterrent."
Romantic Warrior set for Australian retirement with J-Mac
Champion jockey James McDonald and his family will provide an Australian home for the recently retired Romantic Warrior.
The Hong Kong superstar was retired this week due to joint issues after a remarkable career that took McDonald around the world.
"I felt pretty sad, and I'm not an emotional person," McDonald said. "It did hit me quite a bit."
Romantic Warrior's owner Peter Lau has given the McDonald family the opportunity to care for the champion in retirement.
"The girls have become quite fond of him, and we can now see him every day," McDonald said.
Jockey lands two winners at Springsure
Jockey Darren Evans might have officially ridden one winner at Springsure, but he'll remember the meeting for two victories.
After partnering Prince Carlos to victory, the 45-year-old jockey got down on one knee in front of the Springsure crowd and proposed to his partner Stephanie Allen.
Thankfully for Evans, she said yes. Racing Queensland has the full story.
Yellow Jersey soreness found after Caulfield flop
Stewards have provided an update on Yellow Jersey following his disappointing performance as favourite in Saturday's Heatherlie Stakes at Caulfield.
The McEvoy stable advised that after returning to the stables, Yellow Jersey was found to be displaying soreness and has since received treatment.
The import is reportedly recovering well and, importantly, the stable intends to continue with his spring preparation.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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