Storm Cat`s Fee Remains At US$500,000
Storm Cat, the most expensive thoroughbred stallion in the world, will stand for a US$500,000 fee for the 3rd year in a row in 2004. Ric Waldman, consultant to W.T.Young`s Overbrook Farm in Kentucky (where Storm Cat stands) told bloodhorse.com: "We`re pleased be able to hold his fee at US$500,000 & continue to have more demand than the supply of services that are available to sell to that demand." The 20-year-old son of Storm Bird was North America`s leading sire by progeny earnings in 1999 & 2000, ranked 16th in 2001, 5th in 2002 & is currently 17th this year. (Sep 4)

Melb Cup Update: Holy Orders Coming
Irish trainer Willie Mullins last night confirmed his 6YO Holy Orders will make the trip to Flemington for the Melbourne Cup, after receiving 53kg when official weights were released earlier this week. At his most recent start, Holy Orders lumped 61kg into 6th place in the Tote Ebor Handicap (14 furlongs) at York in England a fortnight ago. Mullins told The Daily Telegraph: "I`m pleased with the weight Holy Orders has got. He will have his next run either in a listed race at Galway or the Doncaster Cup. Dave Condon, who knows him well, will ride him in all races." Holy Orders has 10 wins (from 1400m to 4800m) in 24 career starts. (Sep 4)

TABs Lobby Against Bet Exchanges
Gaming companies have pointed to "new research showing TABs injected $1.25 billion a year into the economy" as they lobby the government to act against international betting exchanges, reported aapracingandsports.com.au. (Sep 4)

Chatswood Awaits Hemingway & Diatribe Foals
Victoria`s Chatswood Stud awaits the imminent birth of several exciting foals:
Spectrum son & unbeaten UK 2YO Hemingway`s 1st foal is due any day.
2000 Caulfield Cup winner Diatribe awaits the birth of a foal from stakes-winning Gr1 Melbourne Cup place-getter Lahar.
(Sep 4)

Racer`s Edge Begins Season With A Bang
Meanwhile Chatswood Stud stallion Racer`s Edge has begun the 2003-04 racing season the same way he finished the last: in barely 1 month Racer`s Edge has already sired 8 individual winners, ranging in distances between 1000m & 1850m. (Sep 4)

1st Dangerous 2YOs Hit The Track
And the progeny of Chatswood`s most popular stallion of recent years Dangerous (the �value` son of Danehill) will be noticed at the races shortly as his oldest crop are about to hit the track: among them are 11 in training with John Hawkes, 3 with Stuart Webb, plus others with Lee Freedman, John Symons, Rod Symons & Mick Hicks. Meanwhile Dangerous (for the 4th successive year) will again cover over 100 mares this season. (Sep 4)

1st Spectatorial Foals For NZ Hallmark Sire
Australian Gr1 winner Spectatorial (Spectrum�Reign Of Honour) has his 1st foals on the ground in NZ. Hallmark Stud`s Denny Baker advised the initial 2 foals by the Gr1 VRC Sires Produce winner are: a bay filly from Mi Cafe (a Mi Preferido half-sister to Gr1 winner Oregon Power); & a colt from Suede Jacket. (Sep 4)

NZ Gr1 Star Tapildo To Visit Sandtrap
Meanwhile NZ Oaks winner Tapildo is to be mated with Java Lodge stallion Sandtrap this spring, reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. Tapildo (a daughter of ex-NZ shuttler Rhythm out of a Sir Tristram mare) has already won both the Gr1 New Zealand Oaks & Singapore`s Gr1 Raffles International Cup for owners Syd, Colleen & Ian Taplin; she is currently being set for the Gr1 NZ$750,000 Kelt Capital later this month & "will hopefully be in foal by then". Sandtrap`s son Bunker won last year`s NZ Gr1 Bayer Classic (1600m) at Otaki. Now a 4YO, Bunker is from the 1st crop of turf sprinter Sandtrap (Irish River- Timely, by Nureyev) who stands at Java Lodge for NZ$6,500+GST. (Sep 4)

Duke Remembered Via NZ Matamata Breeders` Stakes
The Duke of Bedford`s close attachment to the NZ town of Matamata will continue after his death with his family`s decision to sponsor the Gr2 Matamata Breeders` Stakes "as a lasting memorial to him," reported thoroughbrednews.co.nz. The Duke of Bedford (who died in England in June) was better known in NZ by his christian name Robin or "Lord T" (an abbreviation of his previous title Lord Tavistock). He & wife Henrietta had made Matamata (at the centre of NZ`s bloodstock industry) a "home-away-from-home in the last decade of his life". They established NZ`s Bloomsbury Stud & the 1st horse to race in NZ in the family`s historic purple & white colours was Snap (winner of the Gr1 NZ Oaks); another to succeed at Gr1 level was Zola. The Matamata Breeders` Stakes (NZ`s premier event for 2YO fillies) will now be known as the Robin, Duke of Bedford Matamata Breeders` Stakes. (Sep 4)

Singapore Permits To Aust Jockeys Price & Stanley
The Singapore Turf Club has granted a 3-month visiting permit (to 27 November) to jockey Simon Price & extended the permit of Brent Stanley (to 1 December):
Simon Price, 33, has had several riding stints in the Malaysian Racing Association circuit since 1993 (with major wins including the 1994 Penang Governor`s Gold Cup on Noble Spirits, 1997 Penang Sprint Trophy on Confidence V & 1998 Singapore Gold Cup on Three Crowns); he finished 2nd in last season`s South Australian Jockeys` Premiership & 3rd in 2001-02; overall he has ridden more than 1,700 winners.
Brent Stanley, 24, has won 3 local races recently, plus a 2nd on Kok Ann in the Juvenile Championship on July 25.
(Sep 4)

Fasig-Tipton Canada: Boundary Colt Top Lot
Trainer Roger Attfield paid US$125,090 (C$175,000) for a Boundary colt (the 2nd foal out of Affirmed mare Affirmative Choice) to top the 1-day Select Session of the Fasig-Tipton Canadian-bred yearling sale at Woodbine racetrack, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The colt was consigned by Fred Seitz/Brookdale Farm; his dam is a half-sister to 1985 Canadian Horse-Of-The-Year Imperial Choice, Canadian champion Golden Choice & Gr3 winner Shadow Miss. (Sep 4)

Fasig-Tipton Canada: Top Filly By Carson City
Top-priced filly of the Canadian Fasig-Tipton Select Session was the US$85,776 paid by BBA (Ireland) for a daughter of Carson City from the consignment of Windfields Farm; she is the 1st foal out of Wild Again mare Sweet Vale. (Sep 4)

Fasig-Tipton Canada: Gross & Average Rise
The 1-day Select Session of the Fasig-Tipton Canadian-bred yearling sale saw 152 lots sold (of 210 offered) for US$4,584,012 (up 13.9% compared with last year) reported thoroughbredtimes.com. The average price jumped 13.1% to US$30,158. However the buy-back rate increased from 20.5% last year to 27.6% this year. (Sep 4)

Washington TBA: Gross & Median Up
Meanwhile across the border, the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders Association`s summer yearling sale recorded small increases in both gross revenue & median price, reported bloodhorse.com. Overall 160 horses were sold for a gross US$2,589,300 (up 4.4%) at an average US$16,183 (down 4.7%) with a median US$12,000 (up 6.7%). The buy-back rate was 19%. (Sep 4)

Washington TBA: Honor Grades Colt Top Lot
Eric Kruljac (agent for Mitchell Ranch) paid the Washington TBA Sale`s top price of US$105,000 for a Kentucky-bred son of Honor Grades (from stakes-winning mare Taj Aire) consigned by Sisimito (agent for Czech Mate Thoroughbreds), reported bloodhorse.com. In all, Kruljac bought 5 lots for US$163,500. (Sep 4)

Washington TBA: Top Filly By Tale Of The Cat
Highest-priced female at the Washington TBA Sale was a Kentucky-bred chestnut Tale Of The Cat-Jamaican Me Smile filly (consigned by Washington`s Northwest Farms) for which Robert Amendola paid US$75,000. Amendola was the sale`s biggest overall spender, purchasing 6 horses for US$169,000. (Sep 4)

Top US Broodmare Fabuleux Jane Dies
Fabuleux Jane (dam of the 4th most expensive yearling ever sold at public auction & of Gr1 winner Joyeux Danseur) has died of "infirmities caused by old age" at Graham Beck`s Gainesway Farm in Kentucky, reported thoroughhbredtimes.com. The 29-year-old daughter of Le Fabuleux (out of Raise A Native mare Native Partner) was also the dam of Danseur Fabuleux, Doubles Partner, Jareer & 9 other foals; her last off-spring was the Trempolino filly Jane`s The Name in 1998. Bred in Kentucky, Fabuleux Jane was a Gr3 winner in France & retired after her 4YO season with 4 wins in 20 starts; she was a half-sister to English champion sprinter Ajdal, 1982 Gr1 Fantasy Stakes winner Flying Partner & English 1977 Gr1 Middle Park Stakes winner Formidable. Of Fabuleux Jane`s 14 foals, 12 started & 9 were winners. Her 3rd foal, the Northern Dancer filly Danseur Fabuleux, was Gr3-placed in France & went on to produce both champion & 1991 Gr1 Breeders` Cup Juvenile winner Arazi & English high-weight & Gr1 winner Noverre. Her 4th foal, the Northern Dancer colt Jareer, was purchased by Darley Stud Management for US$7.1 million at the 1984 Keeneland July selected yearling sale. Her 5th foal Doubles Partner (a daughter of Damascus) won the 1987 Gr3 Anne Arundel Handicap at Laurel Park & was sold in foal to Mr Prospector at the 1989 Keeneland November breeding stock sale for US$2.75 million. Fabuleux Jane was also the dam of Danzig colt Bound For Honor, who sold for US$1.4 million at the 1987 Keeneland July sale. And her foal Joyeux Danseur won the 1998 Gr1 Turf Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs. (Sep 4)

Nassau Hall To Stud In Illinois
Nassau Hall, a winning son of Cox`s Ridge & full brother to Taianna (dam of Gr2 winner Hook And Ladder) has joined the stallion roster & will stand his 1st season in 2004 at Three Way Farm in Illinois, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Nassau Hall (a 10-year-old Kentucky-bred out of Prospector`s Fable, by Mr Prospector) notched 2 wins & 4 placings in 14 career starts. He is 1 of 3 winners produced by Prospector`s Fable. (Sep 4)

US Jockey Theriot Lands 1,000th Winner
US jockey Jamie Theriot landed his 1,000th career victory when he rode Quantis to victory at Louisiana Downs, reported thoroughbredtimes.com. Theriot rode his 1st winner in 1996 & his 1st stakes victory 4 years later on Miss Koda in the Camellia Stakes at Delta Downs. Overall Theriot`s mounts have earned US$11,455,028 & placed in 2,614 of the jockey`s 6,852 races. (Sep 4)

Marju`s Son Naheef Adds UK Stakes
Former shuttle sire Marju`s 4YO Godolphin-owned son Naheef (Marju-Golden Digger, by Mr Prospector) won England`s Gr3 Strensall Stakes (9 furlongs) at York overnight, reported thoroughbredinternet.com. Naheef (ridden by Frankie Dettori for trainer Saeed bin Suroor) held off late challenges by Eventuail & Akshar. Naheef now has 5 wins in 13 career starts. His sire Marju (a 3/4 brother to European champion filly Salsabil) won the UK Gr1 St James` Palace Stakes & was runner-up in the English Derby; he subsequently shuttled to NZ in 2000 & then Victoria`s Collingrove Stud in 2001. Naheef is of interest to Australians as he is a cousin to the boomed Sunday Silence - Duelling Girl 3YO Keep The Faith. (Sep 4)

European Colt Sold To HK
Meanwhile Marju`s 3YO colt & Highclere Thoroughbred`s "one-time Guineas hope" Saturn (Marju-Delphinus, by Soviet Star) has been purchased by agent Andrew Sime "on behalf of a HK client for an undisclosed sum," reported thoroughbredinternet.com. The French Gr2 Prix Guillaume d`Ornano (10 furlongs) runner-up will now race in HK, with March`s HK Derby at Sha Tin "a principal target". Saturn has had 9 starts for 2 wins, plus a 4th in the Gr1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas & 5th in the Gr1 English Two Thousand Guineas. (Sep 4)

French Gr1 Star Alberto Giacometti Sold To US
And US owner Sidney Port has purchased French 2002 Gr1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Alberto Giacometti (Sadler`s Wells-Sweeten Up, by Shirley Heights) from Susan Magnier. The 3YO colt has joined the California stable of trainer Laura de Seroux, where he will prepare for a start in the US$600,000 Gr1 Hollywood Derby on November 30 at Hollywood Park. De Seroux told thoroughbredtimes.com: "Compared to other Sadler`s Wells, he`s a little on the medium size with a shorter back than most. He is more of a middle-distance type than the typical Sadler`s Wells, who wants to go 12 furlongs or farther. I think he`ll be quite a good fit over here." Alberto Giacometti has not raced since June 22 when he finished 6th in the French Gr1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp; earlier this season, he finished 3rd in both the Irish Gr2 Ballysax Stakes & french Gr1 Prix Lupin. He has won 2 of six starts overall. (Sep 4)

Ballingarry To Defend Canadian Title
Last year Sidney Port purchased Irish-bred dual Gr1 winner Ballingarry (another son of Sadler`s Wells) also from Susan Magnier, following the horse`s triumph in the Gr1 Canadian International Stakes. Since joining de Seroux, Ballingarry has won 1 of six starts (the US$219,500 Gr3 Stars And Stripes Breeders` Cup Turf Handicap at Arlington Park). Ballingarry finished 4th in his latest start, the Gr2 Del Mar Handicap last weekend. Ballingarry will try to defend his victory in the Canadian International Stakes on October 19 at Woodbine, "making a run in this year`s Gr1 Breeders` Cup Turf (6 days later at Santa Anita Park) unlikely" noted thoroughbredtimes.com. Overall 4YO Ballingarry has won 5 of 16 starts for US$1,543,975 prize-money. (Sep 4)

UK Jockeys Met Secretly With Disqualified Trainer
The UK Jockey Club`s security department "is investigating a report that disgraced former jockey & trainer Dermot Browne was seen in the company of several current riders during last week`s 3-day meeting at Chester," reported racingpost.co.uk. "Any suggestion that Browne, who was warned off for 20 years last November having previously served a separate 10-year disqualification, is mixing with Flat jockeys looks sure to set alarm bells ringing at Portman Square." The controversial meeting took place in a London hotel & Browne (the self-confessed �Needleman` whose admission to doping 23 horses formed a key part of last year`s headline-hogging BBC TV Panorama expose) "is not thought to have visited the racecourse". UK Jockey Club spokesman John Maxse commented: "I can confirm that 1 of our officials had it reported to them that Dermot Browne had been seen with some jockeys over the Chester meeting, in a hotel, not the racecourse. . . . Browne has not breached any rules, but the question is whether the jockeys who were liaising with him could be considered in breach of the code of conduct. It will be a matter for our security department to deal with as they see fit." Stay tuned! (Sep 4)

New Website For Classic Bloodlines
A new website www.classicbloodlines.com provides a database for researching pedigrees & family lines of thoroughbreds who have won a Classic Race or in which a Classic winner appears in the bloodline. The site originates from Ulbrich`s Peerage Database: developed by historian Richard Ulbrich to catalogue all Classic-winning thoroughbreds using the female side of the pedigree. It lists over 47,000 Classic-winning thoroughbreds (the pedigrees of which can be searched without charge). (Sep 4)

Seabiscuit Takings Pass US$100 Million
Thursday Odd Spot: The movie Seabiscuit (starring Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper & jockey Gary Stevens) moved past the US$100 million revenue mark last weekend. Universal Pictures president of distribution Nikki Rocco told bloodhorse.com: "This has been an extraordinary summer for Universal (who also have Bruce Almighty, 2 Fast 2 Furious & The Hulk doing big business) but it is particularly thrilling & immensely gratifying for all of us to see a classy & beautifully-made film like Seabiscuit reach this milestone. And believe me, there`s a lot of life still in it." (Sep 4)