NEWS

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 Straight Six Racing’s Michael Ward, formerly of Triple Crown Syndications, you can contact him directly on 0412 747 224 or enter your details in the “contact” page of this website.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our founder, Michael Ward to learn more about Straight Six Racing 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.

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.”

“My first consideration when I’m inspecting horses in the lead up to yearling sales is whether the animal is likely to be sound and suitable for racing,” Michael says. “Those horses that we do acquire are closely monitored throughout their racing careers by trainers and specialist equine veterinarians.

“Each horse is set an individualised program which is continuously monitored and reassessed to meet their specific needs and ensure all steps taken are in the horse’s best interest. For example, the length of spells and pre-training programs are adjusted to ensure the equine athlete returns to full training in excellent condition.”

For their post-racing life, Michael says “we are committed to finding suitable homes for them where they will continue to be loved and well cared for”.

Retired thoroughbreds can find new lives post-racing as broodmares, therapy horses, showhorses, pleasure horses, in dressage or as nannies to orphaned foals.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the welfare of its horses once they retire from racing, Straight Six Racing vows to:

• Advise Racing NSW of the location and name of the people responsible for the horse;
• Only transfer horses to locations that meet Racing NSW standards;
• Make all reasonable endeavours to find a home for all horses in retirement; and
• Only transfer horses to new homes once they have received all necessary veterinary care to ensure they are ready to move on to the next stage of their lives.