One to Watch – Scone

Tara Madgwick - Thursday August 12

The provincial meeting run at Scone on Thursday produced a blue-blood three year-old Snitzel winner carrying the Darby Racing colours.

Trained by Gary Portelli, Retiro was up and running early last spring finishing sixth on debut behind Shaquero in the Group III ATC Breeders Plate.

Spelled after that race, Retiro did not reappear until striking a slow track when resuming to finish fifth in a midweek maiden at Randwick won by Brigantine, who goes around in the Group III ATC Up and Coming Stakes this Saturday.

Sent out favourite for the 900m maiden, it proved little more than a barrier trial for the colt as he cruised away to win by more than two lengths.
 


Retiro was a $350,000 Magic Millions purchase for Darby Racing/De Burgh Equine  from the Baramul Stud draft and is a half-brother to Group II placed Palazzo Vecchio.

Dual G2 winner Palacio de Cristal was a star performer for Gerry Harvey - image Steve Hart.

He is the third winner from former top class Group II winning Encosta de Lago mare Palacio de Cristal, a daughter of Group I winner Crystal Palace, the full sister to triple Group I winner Naturalism.

Palacio de Cristal has not had a foal since Retiro, but appears to be in foal to Zoustar.

Retiro is the ninth new season  winner for Snitzel, who stands at Arrowfield this spring at a fee of $165,000.


 

Advertisment

Race Result - Australian Bloodstock Mdn 900m

Scone Track: Good(4) Time: 0:51.49
1
Retiro
- 3c Snitzel (AUS) x Palacio De Cristal (AUS) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: G Portelli Rdr: Ms J Taylor 57
2
2.3
Don't Doubt Katie
- 3f Extreme Choice (AUS) x Katie's Eyes (USA) (Leroidesanimaux (BRZ))
Tnr: Nathan Doyle Rdr: Dylan Gibbons 54
3
2.8
She's Contrary
- 3f Albrecht (AUS) x Beautiful Image (AUS) (Beautiful Crown (USA))
Tnr: B F Cavanough Rdr: Ashley Morgan 55
4
3.7
Song Cycle
- 3g Epaulette (AUS) x Ancient Song (AUS) (Canny Lad (AUS))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: A Layt 57
5
3.9
Cupid's Kiss
- 3f Nicconi (AUS) x Romance Writer (NZ) (One Cool Cat (USA))
Tnr: John W Ramsey Rdr: Reece Jones 53
6
5.6
Racemi
- 3g I Am Invincible (AUS) x Hesitation (AUS) (Not A Single Doubt (AUS))
Tnr: Sam Kavanagh Rdr: A B Collett 57
7
6.9
Shamrock Lass
- 3f Your Song (AUS) x Shamfrancisco (AUS) (Shamardal (USA))
Tnr: S I Singleton Rdr: Ms R Murray 55
8
8.2
Rockbarton Lass
- 3f Nostradamus (AUS) x Corsica's Excuse (AUS) (No Excuse Needed (GB))
Tnr: D I Atkins Rdr: A E Denby 55
More Reading...
Stunning Frankel Stallion Diego Velazquez to Swettenham Stud in 2026
Swettenham Stud are thrilled to announce that Frankel’s exceptional Group 1 winner DIEGO VELAZQUEZ (IRE)  will shuttle to their Nagambie operation, commencing in 2026.
A Wet Melbourne Cup Has a Certain Kind of Magic
Wet Melbourne Cups have a different character, and are often memorable... and we might just see one on Tuesday! 
DIY Pedigrees for Melbourne Cup – Take the Tip!
If you are having trouble settling on your Melbourne Cup horses a look at pedigree might be a help, so take a flick through our five generation pedigrees for all Cup runners and we’re giving you a clue as to what to look for!
A Century of National Yearling Sales Success: Melbourne Cup
There are many great events and coveted prizes on the Australian racing calendar, but no others capture attention quite like the Melbourne Cup (3200m).
Sires With Winners - Monday November 3
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Nominations Open for the 2026 Magic Millions Racing Women supported by TAB Achievement Awards
The 2026 Magic Millions Racing Women supported by TAB Achievement Awards will recognise the contribution of Extraordinary Women in all States & Territories to the Australian Thoroughbred Industry. 
2YOs on Show - Flemington Sale Mail
Cup Day at Flemingto will kick off with the Group III VRC Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) which has attracted a big field of juveniles including some unraced blueblood homebred babies for Godolphin and Yulong as well as the highest priced yearling by first crop sire Pinatubo (IRE).
White Robe Lodge to Cheer Smokin' Romans
Group One winner Smokin’ Romans will aim to extend his breeder Brian Anderton’s successful run in the Gr.1 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m) when he takes his place in the iconic Flemington feature on Tuesday afternoon.
Tara Talks Racing - Melbourne Cup Tips
If you are a racing tragic and horse lover like Clocker and I, Melbourne Cup Eve is as good as it gets, so have a listen to our thoughts and you can put the pen through our very dodgy tips or add them to your multiples!
Sires With Winners - Saturday November 1
Here is the full list of 111 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.