Gold Trail test for Babe

12 September 2016

A decision on Babe’s major three-year-old targets will be made after she runs at Hastings this Saturday. The WS-bred and owned daughter of the late O’Reilly will face a significant step up in class when she tackles the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes.

The highly-regarded filly hasn’t raced since she made a successful debut at Te Rapa last month. “I’m very happy with her, she’s done really well,” trainer Graham Richardson said.

“The Gold Trail is going to be a very hot field – it will give us a really good guide on her. I’ll have a good chat with Mark (Chittick) afterwards to decide which direction we take with her.”

Babe, who will be ridden by the Sydney-based Jason Collett at Hastings, is nominated for the Gr 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas. She is the first foal of the French Deputy mare La Belle Femme, who is from a strong North American black type family.

The Corner with Garry Chittick

It is not the easiest role, that of Chairman of our Thoroughbred Racing Board. Like all chairmanships, one’s mind is rarely not occupied with the responsibility. To our Chairman, I say thanks. A lifetime in the industry, Chairman of our largest club, it is difficult to identify someone more suited to the role.

14 May 2026

Sav’s girl Chispa targeting the Gr.1 Oaks

Savabeel filly Chispa enhanced her Queensland Oaks credentials with a dominant Randwick victory for Chris Waller and James McDonald, with the Pencarrow Stud-bred and raced filly surging clear over 1800 metres in impressive fashion.