BARRIERS LOADING ...

NEWS

Half-sister to Pinatubo filly places second in the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes

The residual value of Straight Six Racing's foundation filly has been bolstered by her half-sister's performance in the Group 3 Mannerism Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. So Glamorous placed second behind Coeur Volante in the 1400m race for mares aged four years and older.

Residual value climbs thanks to half-sister's success

So Glamorous is the first foal of Glamorous Miss, the dam of Straight Six’s foundation filly purchased at this year’s Magic Millions yearling sales.

She has won twice over the 1200m to 1400m distance, placed once at Group 2 level and, after running second to Coeur Volante in Saturday’s Mannerism Stakes, she has now placed on two occasions at Group 3 level.

“Her ongoing success directly boosts the residual value of our filly, making her an outstanding proposition,” says Michael Ward, Founder & Director of Straight Six Racing. “Get in while you can and secure your share.”

Michael has a distinguished track record of procuring horses that can provide financial upside to his clients, while also delivering memorable racetrack experiences.

To find out further information or to secure your share go to the ‘Horses’ section on the Straight Six Racing website.

The stats tell the story!

One of the best ways to compare the relative performances of trainers with different stable sizes is to compare their winning strike rates.

In-form trainer Bjorn Baker

A strike rate is calculated by dividing the number of winners a trainer has by the number of starters they have at the races.

For example, a 20 percent strike rate means that a trainer records one winner for every five horses that race.

The strike rates of the leading six trainers in the NSW Trainer Premiership for 2024/25 are currently as follows:

1. Bjorn Baker 22.70%
2. Annabel Neasham/Rob Archibald 18.00%
3. Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott 15.60%
4. Chris Waller 13.10%
5. Kris Lees 11.80%
6. Ciaron Maher 11.20%

We’re excited that Straight Six Racing’s recently acquired quality yearlings will be trained by the two current leading trainers – a stunning filly by Pinatubo will be joining the stables of Bjorn Baker and a strong colt by Home Affairs will be placed under the care of Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald.

We can’t wait to see how they progress!

To get involved in the racing of these two cracking yearlings independently selected by Michael Ward you can contact him directly on 0412 747 224 or enter your details in the “contact” page of this website.

Introducing Straight Six Racing — a new boutique approach to race horse syndication

Our new brand is designed to reflect our passion for the industry. We focus on the ownership experience — a system designed to give everyday people the best chance of success on and off the race track. And importantly, have a lot of fun along the way.

Featured: New brand identity for SSR in 2025

Please don’t hesitate to contact our founder, Michael Ward to learn more about Straight Six and how you can get involved. We’re confident our brand will furnish from a bright-eyed bushy-tailed yearling, into a consistent top level performer. Enjoy the ride.

Owners benefit from soaring prizemoney and declining foal crop

Exponential increases in prize money and steadily declining foal crops are creating major opportunities in racehorse ownership.

“There’s never been a better time to own a racehorse, with soaring prizemoney and reduced competition as a result of falling breeding rates.”

— Michael Ward, Founder & Director —

In the past eight years returns to owners and participants in the NSW racing industry have increased by 107% to $407 million, while total prizemoney nationwide has jumped by around 45 percent in the past five years.

According to Aushorse, the marketing body of the Australian thoroughbred industry, there were 104 races in 2024 that were each worth $1 million or greater – the equivalent of one $1 million-plus race every 3.5 days.

At the same time, the number of horses being bred has continued to fall for the past 15 years. The decline in NSW over this period has been a significant 14% to 2022/23. The reduction in the foal rate and subsequent horse registrations has coincided with the ongoing sale and export of Australian horses, often ones of metropolitan potential, to Asia, which has further reduced the local pool of quality horses.

These changes in the industry dynamics have seen more horses from the declining pool enticed to race for larger purses. For example, in 2017/18 32.5% of starters within NSW raced for metropolitan and provincial prizemoney, whereas in 2023/24 this proportion increased to 36.1%. This trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.

“All of this means that the current cohort of racehorse owners have much better odds of pocketing some of this record prizemoney,” says Michael. “Racehorse syndication is an affordable and accessible way for enthusiasts to secure a stake in a racehorse and experience the thrill of a lifetime. To do so in an age of increasing prizemoney just enhances the financial prospects for those eager to participate.”