Local sale bargain scores an easy trial win.

Saraquel, a graduate of the 2024 Capricornia Yearling Sale looks a likely contender for this year’s $168,000 2YO Sale Classic at Callaghan Park in April, all going to plan. Purchased by dual trainer/jockey licensee Warwick Satherley and his partner Joanna Anderson at the sale conducted in the Robert Schwarten Pavillion at the Rockhampton Showgrounds last year, Saraquel showed his opponents a clean pair of heels in a barrier trial at Callaghan Park on Monday. The Flying Artie gelding won the trial by 4.25 lengths. Name after one of the archangel’s Saraquel’s name means ‘The Punisher’ and his connections Satherley, his sister Susan and Anderson certainly hope he can do that to all challengers in future races. Auctioned nine months ago as lot 8 at the CYS sale, Saraquel was picked up by Satherley for just $8,000. He is by a Group 1 winning sire who already has internationally recognised Group 1 winning progeny, Artorius and Asfoora, from Beauty Is, a daughter of the great Redoudte’s Choice from a Group 1 winning mare Absolut Glam (by Snowland). The maternal line has produced Group and Stakes winning horses in Australia, South Africa and Hong Kong.

HELLISH FIRED UP FOR ANOTHER WINNING CAMPAIGN

We don’t know how high the ceiling is for promising local galloper Hellish, but top local trainer Clinton Taylor will be very keen to find out when he brings the galloper back to the races this preparation.

Hellish has won six races in his career so far with five of the wins in succession for Taylor in Rockhampton, Yeppoon and Mackay. A $230,000 yearling at the Inglis Premier Sale in June 2022, Hellish was bought online for a local ownership group for just $12,000 last May. He started his winning run on a heavy Rockhampton track in a Class 1 handicap last August, then won his subsequent races on both good and soft tracks. Including his initial victory at Echuca before coming north, Hellish has now won more than $144,000. Hellish is by Hellbent from Andromache, a five-time winning Charge Forward mare. Andromache has also produced the Tony Gallan trained winner Warrioress and the Darren Weir trained Pageantry. Hellish will continue to race locally before being tested in Brisbane. On Monday Jamie-Lee Devine steered the 4YO to 2.25 length 900m barrier trial win over its well performed stablemate Divine Purpose (Justin Stanley) and another stablemate Viennawaitsforyou (Ash Butler), clocking 56.01 for the distance.

CQ OWNERS AND TRAINERS SHOP WELL AT MAGIC MILLIONS SALE

Several local owners and trainers were actively buying yearlings at the Magic Millions Sale at the Gold Coast with many locals concentrating on lots catalogued in Book 2.

Rockhampton Jockey Club committeeman Bill Ouston and his wife Dianne found a filly that took their fancy, outlaying $170,000 for a half sister to former smart West Australian Generosity and Brisbane stakes-placed Midnight In Tokyo. The filly by Russian Revolution is from Orabelle, a winning daughter of Group 1 winner Bel Mer. The local buyers were competing against bidders from all states of Australia and around the world including Hong Kong, Japan, USA, China and New Zealand.

Jim Rundle bought two yearlings. He paid $17,000 for a Brutal filly from the same family as Group 1 winner Veight, and $8,000 for a Better Than Ready colt from Irish mare Garter. Clinton Taylor Racing also bought two yearlings. Taylor’s purchases included $55,000 for a Tassort filly who is from the same family as his former star local mare Chinny Boom, and $50,000 for a Zousain colt. Jason Morgan spent $50,000 on a Better Than Ready – Proprioception colt who is from the family of Ensued, a Group 3 winner in Hong Kong.  From MM Sale’s select book one, Rockhampton’s Jennifer Acton has kept the late Alan Acton’s thoroughbred breed in the family. She bought Hi Barbie’s half-brother, by I Am Invincible from Outback Barbie, for $300,000.

BOOST TO RQ APPRENTICE JOCKEY PROGRAM

Two quality jockeys have joined the Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program as mentors and educators for the next generation of stars.
With decades of racing excellence, Michael Cahill and Chris Whiteley will bring their invaluable expertise and passion for racing to the Apprentice Jockey Program, further strengthening the development of Queensland’s future riders.
Michael Cahill is one of Queensland’s most accomplished jockeys, renowned for his integrity, unwavering professionalism, and extraordinary riding career which saw him achieve feature race success aboard the likes of Falvelon and Stradbroke Handicap winner St. Basil.
The six-time Group 1 winner started his career as an apprentice to his father in Cowra, NSW, which spanned over four decades, producing an incredible 2,600 race wins across more than ten jurisdictions – including Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Macau and Mauritius.
Calling time on his illustrious career in the coming weeks, Michael will commence his role as an Apprentice Jockey Coach in February.
With riding experience across Australia, China, Japan, and Malaysia, Chris has demonstrated exceptional versatility and success throughout his career, with almost 2,000 wins to his name.
Chris Whiteley will also join RQ as an Educator for Apprentice Jockeys, providing a strong educational foundation in working with the coaching team to enhance their skills, knowledge, and resilience. RQ Education and Workforce Development Manager Briony Moore said that this expanded coaching team means apprentices will have access to the guidance, education, and resources they need to succeed in the competitive world of racing.
Michael and Chris join a formidable coaching group that already includes six-time Group 1 winner Shane Scriven, internationally acclaimed former hoop Robbie Fradd and current jockey Georgina Cartwright, alongside Industry Educators Jeff McKay and Jorge Villamizar.
Dale Spriggs (Industry Educator) and Carl Spry (Casual Regional Education Support Officer) are also among the former jockeys involved in RQ’s Registered Training Organisation and the Queensland Apprentice Jockey Program. The newly developed QAJP is designed to provide targeted development, education, and support to help apprentice jockeys reach their full potential and thrive in their careers while still working with the RTO to complete their formal training and qualification requirements.
The program offers personalised coaching and mentoring delivered by professional jockey coaches and mentors, as well as support with physical conditioning, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.

WHAT’S COMING UP AT CALLAGHAN PARK

• 23 January – Thursday TAB Race Day
• 30 January – Thursday TAB Race Day
• 14 February – Friday TAB Race Day featuring QTIS Jewel Qualifier 2YO Plate
• 25 February – Tuesday TAB Race Day

RJC CEO, David Aldred.