Royal Date For O’Reilly Colt

6 May 2013

Champion WS stallion O’Reilly will be represented at the highest level at this year’s Royal Ascot carnival. His three-year-old son Shamexpress is a confirmed starter in the Gr.1 King’s Stand Stakes on June 18 and will then stay on for an extended European campaign.

“We are under no constraint as to when he has to come home,” trainer Danny O’Brien said.

“With Star Witness he had to come home to get to stud. If this guy is in form, we might run him in the July Cup and possibly the Nunthorpe.”

Shamexpress won the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap at his last appearance at Flemington in March and will return to O’Brien’s stable this week after preparatory work at the trainer’s Barwon Heads property.

“He’s in really good shape,” he said. “He’ll have a jump out at Flemington a week before he gets on the plane.” Craig Newitt, who rode Shamexpress in the Newmarket, retains the ride in the King’s Stand.

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.