One to Watch – Newcastle

Tara Madgwick - Thursday February 24

There was no better bred horse in the juvenile maiden at Newcastle on Thursday than this Snitzel colt, who duly saluted on his way to bigger and better things adding some serious value to his full sister that will be offered at Inglis Easter.

Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou have a big opinion of Williamsburg, who finished a good second on debut to exciting Churchill (IRE) colt Robusto at Warwick Farm on February 7.

Partnered by Brenton Avdulla, Williamsburg was allowed to settle early after jumping from a wide gate and unwound a big finish to power straight past the favourite Standing Order to win by a length and three-quarters running away.
 



A $470,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Arrowfield draft for Tony Fung Investments, Williamsburg is the third foal and second winner from blue blooded High Chaparral (IRE) mare Fenway, who won the Group I ATC Vinery Stud Stakes at 2000m.

Williamsburg is an eye catching individual pictured as a yearling.

“I didn’t think he’d win under 1400m,” said Gerald Ryan.

“He’s a lovely horse, but whatever he does at two , he’ll be much better at three.

“We’ll just poke along with him and look at a race like the Fernhill or even the Champagne Stakes (G1 at 1600m).”

Brenton Avdulla was impressed with Williamsburg and is hooping to stick with him going forward.
 



Arrowfield Stud will offer the full sister to Williamsburg as Lot 166 at Inglis Easter and she will be a sought after item given the depth of the female family which features Group I mares More Joyous, Joie Denise, Tuesday Joy and Sunday Joy.

Williamsburg is the sixth 2YO winner this season for champion sire Snitzel.


 

Advertisment

Race Result - Kloster Motor Group Mdn 1300m

Newcastle Track: Soft(5) Time: 1:19.00
1
Williamsburg
- 2c Snitzel (AUS) x Fenway (AUS) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: G Ryan & S Alexiou Rdr: B Avdulla 57
2
1.8
Standing Order
- 2c Merchant Navy (AUS) x Brugal Reward (AUS) (Reward For Effort (AUS))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: J Bowman 57
3
2.2
Yankee Hussel
- 2f American Pharoah (USA) x Petty Cury (AUS) (Not A Single Doubt (AUS))
Tnr: K A Lees Rdr: J R Collett 55
4
4.3
To His Credit
- 2c Hellbent (AUS) x Bec Said No Credit (AUS) (Flying Spur (AUS))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: K S Latham 57
5
5.6
Affidavit
- 2c Frosted (USA) x Wordcraft (GB) (Shamardal (USA))
Tnr: James Cummings Rdr: C Schofield 57
6
6.3
Pathos
- 2f Adelaide (IRE) x Subtitle (AUS) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: Annabel Neasham Rdr: W Pike 55
7
7.0
Ironbark Artie
- 2g Flying Artie (AUS) x Angel's Touch (AUS) (Dane Shadow (AUS))
Tnr: P & P Snowden Rdr: S Clipperton 57
8
9.6
Rudyard Miss
- 2f Impending (AUS) x Mrs Kipling (AUS) (Exceed And Excel (AUS))
Tnr: R & L Price Rdr: Brock Ryan 55
More Reading...
Trainers Rewarded with Continued NZB Ready to Run Series
With the continued long-term support of Majestic Horse Transport and Dunstan Horsefeeds, NZB is pleased to announce that the Ready to Run Sale Trainers Series will return for its sixth edition this season, kicking off on Saturday at two venues. ? 
Tara Talks Racing – This Week We Talk to Bennett Racing
In the wash up of last Saturday’s great day of spring racing there was no winner that meant more to his connections than Group I MVRC Moir Stakes victory Baraqiel, so our obvious guest this week had to be Nathan Bennett.
MRC Committee Returned Unopposed
The Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) has confirmed the results of the 2025 nominations for the MRC Executive Committee and the Mornington Advisory Group (MAG), which will be formally ratified at the Club’s Annual General Meeting on 25 September.
Karaka Graduates Honoured at New Zealand Horse of the Year Awards
The champions of New Zealand’s 2024-25 season were crowned during the Horse of the Year Awards in Hamilton on Sunday night, where four Karaka graduates were named the standouts of their respective categories.
I Am Invincible Stallion Chasing Black Type in NZ
Tardelli has the looks to match his rich pedigree, and his upcoming preparation will be focussed on adding a top level performance to boost his future stallion prospects.
Kiwi Cup Hopeful Headed to Melbourne
Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Wolfgang will fly to Melbourne on Wednesday to commence his path towards the A$10 million feature.
Keeneland September Record Breaking Book 1 Concludes
Trade at Tuesday’s second session of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale continued the enthusiasm for Thoroughbred racing prospects shown during Monday’s opening day with nearly $75 million in sales and a September Sale record session average of $675,180 and median of $550,000. Twenty yearlings sold for $1 million or more to set a Day 2 session record. 
Cogburn Sire Not This Time on Fire at Keeneland September
If you have been considering sending a mare to Widden Stud’s exciting new shuttle sire Cogburn (USA) or have already booked one in you are going to be pretty interested in what is going on at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale this week where his sire Not This Time is in hot demand.
Another Impressive New Winner St Mark’s Basilica
A colt that holds entries for several upcoming Group races, Piazza San Marco became the 12th winner for Coolmore shuttler St Mark’s Basilica (FR) when bolting in at Galway overnight.
Waller Army Leads Cox Plate First Acceptances
Defending champion Via Sistina is among 21 horses champion trainer Chris Waller still has in contention for the $6 million 2025 Ladbrokes Cox Plate, following the closure of first acceptances on Tuesday.