News

The week that was
Track record for flying Angels
Catapulted to Christmas Handicap
A Kavanagh quartet at Morphettville
Cup next for Shocking
Caulfield Cup Day Treble
Maldivian and Cats Whisker out for Spring
Whobe wins Yalumba
Stakes Double at Flemington
Prime win for Believe 'N Achieve
Rising star smashes Sandown record
Whobegotyou crowned Champion 3YO
Dazzling Debut from Definitely Ready
Kav opens Spring campaign with stable double
Luce Del Mare prevails at Morphettville
Kav the Prizemoney Leader
Dr Doute's Delivers in Adelaide feature
Champagne classy at Caulfield
Boogi Goes Three Straight in Style
Kav's Mares Inseparable At Home and On Track
Sea Battle on track for Emirates
Dr Doute's bounces back
Whobegotyou sensational in Stutt
Three Straight for Invinciblekindness 
Rokabaa Too Tough at Bendigo
Kindness a Little Too Invincible at Sale
Champagne Flows After Harmonious Debut
Kavanagh's Award Winning Form Continues
Hoysted Award a Highlight for Kavanagh

News Archive

The week that was
28/02/10 - 06/03/10

Wednesday brought another double this time at Sandown with Mystera registering her first city success and dashing grey Outlandish Lad making a successful return to racing, his first start since winning the greys race on Oaks day. The double brought the Melbourne stable's metropolitan tally to 28 winners elevating trainer Mark Kavanagh to fourth on the premiership with the leading strike rate of 22.95%.

Another big race drama unfolded when Melbourne Cup winner Shocking was scratched from the Australian Cup due to a hoof abscess. The Kavanagh stable is no stranger to this kind of bad luck with Shamoline Warrior withdrawn as Derby favourite in the Spring and Maldivians Caulfield Cup drama of 2007. Ironically the freak storm that hit Flemington on Saturday means Shocking could yet take his place in the postponed Australian Cup and reverse this particular misfortune.

Progressive filly Zhen Zhen extended Kavanagh's lead in the Adelaide trainer's premiership when she recorded an easy first up win in the McGee's Property Hcp at Morphettville. A three-year-old daughter of staying influence Galileo, Zhen Zhen races in the same colours of Cat's Whisker. The Adelaide stable currently have 33 metropolitan wins to their credit, 6 clear of their nearest rival, and boast a healthy 31.4% strike rate.

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The week that was
21/02/10 - 27/02/10

Two-year-old Shrapnel (pictured) provided the highlight of the week when he took out the $100,300 Group Three SAJC Breeders Stakes. A half-brother to Group One performed sprinter Wanted, Shrapnel races in the colours of Blue Sky Thoroughbreds for their "No 2 Stallion Fund" and partners Arrowfield Stud, Highgrove Stud and David Paradice.

The Melbourne stable produced three winners on consecutive days starting with Don Columbo on Wednesday at Sandown and followed by Just Sioux Me at Ballarat on Thursday and Zantelagh at Bendigo on Friday. The stable strike rate edged up to 23.18% as a result.

Redoute's Choice three-year-old War Ends marked himself as a horse to follow when narrowly beaten at Caulfield at just his second race start.

Special thanks to www.barnesphotography.com.au

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The week that was
14/02/10 - 20/02/10

The Melbourne stable boosted it's state wide winning strike rate when it produced two winners from two runners at Benalla on Tuesday and followed up with three from three at Ballarat on Thursday.

Sea Hunter and the Cyberhorse syndicate horse Mystera combined to give on loan apprentice Billy Egan a double at Benalla and he registered his third win for the stable (for the week) on Thursday when he guided Fastnet Rock colt Kiaola to a debut win at Ballarat.

Hurricane Sky mare Nagari dug deep to prevail in a three way photo and register her first win (at just her second start ) and Volavia, raced in the same interests as Mystera, opened his winning account with an all the way win in the next event.

Their efforts helped raise Kavanagh's Victorian strike rate to 22.38%, the best of the top ten trainers by total wins.  The Melbourne stable sits fifth on the metropolitan trainers premiership, again with the leading strike of 20.86% (of the top ten), and leads the prize money division with $6.5 million.

The Adelaide stable split the week with a barn storming win by Excellerant at Strathalbyn and then produced a ten length winner on Saturday in the shape of Hastein.

Gallant sprinter Here De Angels was denied a coveted Group One title by just a short head when he dead heated for second in the Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday.  The old marvel with his 'mickey mouse' style ear muffs earned connections over $335,000 since joining the Kavanagh stable and himself a well deserved spell.

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Track record for flying Angels
06/02/10

Evergreen sprint star Here De Angels is headed for the Group One Oakleigh Plate after his record breaking win in this afternoon's Group Three Rubiton Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield.

A member of the all conquering Mark Kavanagh stable, Here De Angels over came a slow start and a tough three wide trip to grab the leaders near the post and win well.

The six-year-old son of Dehere stopped the clock in a blistering 1 minute 1.73 seconds - lowering the race and course record held by the race's 2002 winner Intelligent Star of 1 minute 1.86 seconds.

Here De Angels, who's enjoyed the recent addition of ear muffs to his racing gear, has raced on eight occasions for the Kavanagh stable - for four wins, two seconds, a third and a fourth.

At the post today Here De Angels ($5.50-$7) held a head margin over Lucky Secret ($3.50-$3.30 fav), while Rostova ($17-$21) was another half length back in third place.

Others in the beaten brigade included highly regarded runners Avenue ($3.50-$4) and Irish Lights ($3.70-$5) who finished fifth and sixth respectively.

"We've had our share of dramas with him with his barrier troubles," Kavanagh said of the winner. "But he's really turned around."

"We put that little hat on him. He likes those ear muffs. He's a little bit eccentric, so me and him get along all right," the Melbourne Cup winning horseman added with a laugh.

"All we've had to do is to make him happy. He's pretty happy right now."

"He's a sound horse with plenty of ability."

Now the winner of 11 races from just 28 starts, Here De Angels was won his connections an ever increasing prizemoney haul of $682,000.

That's a great return on investment considering he cost Slade Bloodstock just $90,000 from the draft of Yarraman Park at the 2005 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Kavanagh said Here De Angels would most likely now be aimed at the Oakleigh Plate.

"I suppose you'd have to look at the Oakleigh Plate with him," he noted. "Caulfield is his favourite track."

The $402,000 Group One Oakleigh Plate (1100m) will be run at Caulfield in a fortnight, on February 20.

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Catapulted to Christmas Handicap
13/12/09

The successful comeback of Catapulted continues to go from strength to strength with his latest triumph the Listed $70,000 City of Marion Stakes (1200). The son of Catbird demoralised his rivals overcoming the extreme outside barrier and racing well clear in the straight to record a three and a half length win.

The win was his fourth straight this preparation and his first at stakes level and earned the chestnut his place in the Christmas Handicap field on Boxing day. Catapulted has now won six of his nine starts - four since his recovery from major colic surgery.

Catapulted has contributed four of 20 wins registered by the Adelaide stable so far this season giving it the current lead in the metropolitan trainers premiership.

Meanwhile the former WA based galloper Valentine Miss made a successful debut for the Flemington stable at Moonee Valley on Friday night lugging 59kg to an impressive victory after missing the kick and coming from last.

Photo courtesy Jenny Barnes

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A Kavanagh quartet at Morphettville
15/11/09

The amazing run enjoyed by the Kavanagh stable continued on Saturday when the four horses presented to race at Morphettville - Luce Del Mare, Catapulted, Believe 'N Achieve and French Secret - were each successful in their respective events.

Luce Del Mare faced a drop in class from her last start assignment when fifth down the Flemington straight in the Listed TCL Electronics Stakes. Her event turned out to be little more than a track gallop when late sratchings reduced the field to three. Nevertheless she was impressive building momentum over the 1200m journey and pulling away to a three and three quarter length victory.

Comeback galloper Catapulted, pictured right with stable foreman Dave Pannell, collected his third consecutive win shouldering top weight of 58kg to record a 2 1/2 length win.

Three year old filly Believe 'N Achieve, raced by Prime Thoroughbred clients, notched her fourth straight (and second) metropolitan victory in the Spring Gully Handicap. The daughter of Beautiful Crown is now four from six.

French Secret, ridden by Simon Price, rounded out the quartet of winners stepping up from his maiden win on Melbourne Cup day to claim the Lyle Gilligan OAM Handicap. He defied a late challenge by Vinegar Hill to post a short neck victory and kept the race after an objection lodged by the runner up who was struck over the head by Price's whip in the run to the line.

After the days racing the Mark Kavanagh stable led the South Australian Metropolitan Trainers Premiership with 16 winners from 41 runners with an impressive 39% strike rate.

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Cup next for Shocking
31/10/09

Shocking cemented his place in the field for Australia's most famous race with a barnstorming win in Saturday's $251,500 Group Three Hotham Handicap (2500m) at Flemington.

In a welcome change of Derby Day luck for Mark Kavanagh, Shocking stormed home along the inside fence to record a brilliant win.

While he had already booked a spot into the field for the Melbourne Cup, the win saw bookmakers react and Betstar slashed his price from $21 into $9.

For Kavanagh it was the result he was craving following the race morning scratching of the Derby favourite Shamoline Warrior.

"It's a funny game this," Kavanagh said. "You've got to roll with the punches."

"You're down one minute and up the next."

The ease of the win was just what the stable was hoping for as they head toward his ultimate mission in three days time.

"I'm happy with him going in on Tuesday," Kavanagh commented. "That's the race I've set him for all of the way along."

Michael Rodd, who made it a double when he won the Wakeful Stakes aboard the homebred Faint Perfume, was thrilled with the win of Shocking.

"It's been a rocky kind of month for the stable," Rodd said. "But it feels so good to get this bloke through."

The main concern for Rodd today was getting a run when required after turning for home.

"He travelled pretty keen early, but then he switched off. I needed the luck coming into the straight, but I could see the leader starting to roll away."

"Once I got through he just exploded," he summed up.

At the post Shocking ($3.60-$4.60-$4.40) held a two and a quarter length margin over the well backed Hume ($5.50-$4.80), despite being eased up by Michael Rodd.

Comeback galloper Irazu ($8-$11) was third, a further three lengths back - but they were no match for the comprehensive winner.

With today's winnings added to his bank roll, Shocking has now earned connections over $430,000 from just 14 starts.

Shocking is turning out another star galloper for businessman and racehorse owner Laurence Eales who went to $64,000 to buy him at the 2007 Magic Millions National Horses in Training Sale at the Gold Coast.

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Caulfield Cup Day Treble
18/10/09

The Mark Kavanagh trained Shamoline Warrior consolidated his favouritism for the VRC Victoria Derby with a strong win in the Group Three $125,750 MRC Norman Robinson Stakes on Caulfield Cup day.

The son of Sharmardal was the first of three winners produced by the stable for the day and was followed by the honest sprinter Navmann and comeback galloper Catapulted who combined to provide the Adelaide stable with a race to race double at Morphettville.

Navmann, racing in the Slade Bloodstock colours, is two for two since joining the Adelaide stable and joins Here De Angels, King Diamond, Hidden Charges and Reconcentrate as recent winners trained by Kavanagh for the Melbourne based syndicator.

Meanwhile Catapulted, a flashy chestnut by Catbird, crowned a successful comeback from colic surgery with an authorative win in the Tooheys Handicap. Off the scene for a year after suffering a life threatening colic attack Catapulted notched his third win in only six starts and the manner of his win suggests there will be more in store for the four year old.

Thanks to www.barnesphotography.com.au

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Maldivian and Cats Whisker out for Spring
13/10/09

Two of Mark Kavanagh's star gallopers - Maldivian and Cats Whisker - are out for the remainder of the spring carnival.

The outstanding pair both worked well at Flemington this morning, but on cooling down were found to be suffering leg injuries.

"Maldivian worked well on the grass this morning but on cooling down was found with heat in his near side front tendon," Kavanagh stated.

"Cats Whisker worked very well on the grass this morning (too), but was lame on cooling down," Kavanagh reported.

"She was x-rayed and it revealed she had chips in both front fetlocks."

"She also is out for the spring and it will be up to her connections where she is operated on or retired to the breeding barn."

Maldivian, last year's Cox Plate champion, has won nine races, including three Group Ones, and earned his connections over $2.7 million.

He was due to race in Saturday's Caulfield Cup before backing up to defend his crown in Moonee Valley's weight for age championship.

Rising talent Cats Whisker, a daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus, has won six races including three group events and earned $595,800.

Cats Whisker was entered to race in Saturday's Tristarc Stakes and would have headed to the Group One Myer Classic at her following outing.

"It's obviously very disappointing to lose both gallopers with injury at this time of the carnival," Kavanagh commented.

"Both were in great form and would have proven hard to beat in whatever races they contested over the coming weeks."
 
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Whobe wins Yalumba
10/10/09

Kavanagh stable favourite Whobegotyou blew past the two million dollar mark on Saturday with victory in the Group One $403,000 MRC Yalumba Stakes (2000m).

Recently ranked inside the top fifty on the World Thoroughbred Rankings Whobegotyou turned the tables on his Underwood Stakes conqueror Heart of Dreams and Doncaster Handicap winner Vision and Power with an authorative three quarter by three quarter length win.

In doing so the son of Street Cry collected his second Group One title and consolidated his favouritism for the Cox Plate on October 24.

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Stakes Double at Flemington
05/10/09

Lightly raced three-year-old Shamoline Warrior spear headed a stakes double for the Kavanagh stable on Turnbull Stakes day at Flemington.

Ridden by Damien Oliver Shamoline Warrior overcame a chequered passage in the straight to win the Listed $151,000 UCI Stakes prevailing in a tight three way go by a long neck and half length.

Shamoline Warrior, raced by the Delbridge Racing Platinum Syndicate, will head next to the Norman Robinson Stakes before tackling the Victoria Derby on October 31 - a race won by his half-brother Rebel Raider.

Completing the stakes double was gallant mare Cats Whisker who claimed her third stakes title this preparation in the Group 2 $251,500 Blazer Stakes.

The four-year-old daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus is racing in great heart suffering her only defeat this preparation in the Stock Stakes when beaten a proverbial whisker by dual Group One winner Zarita.

Cats Whisker has accumulated $599,300 in prizes. She is scheduled to race next in the Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield with her 'grand final' the Group One Myer Classic on Derby day.

Big Mal showed he is right on target for another tilt at the Cox Plate with another brave effort in the Turnbull beaten a little over a length into fourth after leading the field up.

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Prime win for Believe 'N Achieve
01/10/09

The Morphettville stable continued it's good form of recent weeks when Believe 'N Achieve recorded her maiden victory at Strathalbyn on Wednesday.

The three-year-old daughter of Beautiful Crown notched her first win at just her third start trouncing her rivals by six lengths.

Sporting the colours of successful syndicator Prime Thoroughbreds Believe 'N Achieve sat handy to the leaders before racing away in the straight for jockey Simon Price.

Believe 'N Achieve joined Glam Girl and Navmann as recent winners for the Adelaide stable overseen by Sam Kavanagh and Dave Pannell.

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Rising star smashes Sandown record
16/09/09

Definitely Ready made racegoers sit up and take notice at Sandown this afternoon when he smashed the track record in the Over Handicap (1000m).

The exciting three-year-old was sent out the hot favourite after a seven length demolition of his rivals in a mid week maiden in Adelaide.  He didn't give his rivals a worry during the race - accelerating to the front after a moderate getaway - and flying around the track in a blistering 55.07 seconds.

A $140,000 purchase for trainer Mark Kavanagh at last year's Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast, Definitely Ready ran the 200 metre sectional from the 800 to 600 in an unbelievable 9.52 seconds.

Kavanagh was almost speechless when he learned the More Than Ready gelding had broken the track record at just his second start.

"He showed nothing early on at home (in Adelaide)," Kavanagh said. "But the blinkers went on him and he's a different horse now."

"They told me when they send him over (to Melbourne) that he's a machine and maybe they are right," he added.

Despite being eased down at the line, Definitely Ready ($1.40-$1.65-$1.60 fav) still held a length and three quarter margin over La Bella Encosta ($6-$7-$6).  Beyond Pardon ($10-$11) was third home, a further two lengths back.

Kavanagh said he was in a "quandary" about what to do with the rising talent.

"I might give him one or two more runs this preparation, but I won't over tax him."

"He's still got a lot to learn. He's very green. He may be right in the autumn."

The win gave Michael Rodd the perfect returning present after a broken wrist.

"He's a deceptive style of a horse. He's got such a big stride that you don't think he's going so fast."

"I never realised I was so far in front in the middle stages. He's got such a high cruising speed and this is where he sets up his wins."

Definitely Ready is another Kavanagh stable star who hails from South Australia's famed Mill Park Stud.

Other Mill Park graduates from Magic Millions sales to reach racing's elite level with Kavanagh include Divine Madonna, Devil Moon and Undoubtedly.

By More Than Ready, the sire of the past two winners of Australia's top two juvenile races, the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and Golden Slipper, Definitely Ready is from Defiant.

A daughter of Danehill, Defiant was a city winner and was fourth in the listed Queen Adelaide Stakes prior to being retired to stud.

Being from the Group One Newmarket Handicap winner Ruffles, Defiant is a full sister to the stakes performer sprinter Formal Attire and half sister to the triple stakes race runner-up Rough Chance.

-Magic Millions Release

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Whobegotyou crowned Champion 3YO
31/08/09

Kavanagh stable star Whobegotyou was crowned Australia's champion three-year-old male at tonight's Australian Racehorse of the Year & Hall of Fame function at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne.

The son of Street Cry rocketed to prominence as a spring three-year-old winning the Group One MRC Caulfield Guineas, the Group Two MVRC Stutt Stakes and Group Three MVRC AAMI Vase. He was runner up in the Group One VRC Derby and in the Autumn managed second in the Group Two STC Phar Lap Stakes and was a luckless third in the Group One AJC Doncaster Handicap in what was an injury plagued campaign.

Whobegotyou was a stand out in his category with a third of the votes cast his way. He defeated his Derby conqueror Rebel Raider by some fifteen votes with Metal Bender in third.

Stablemate and Cox Plate winner Maldivian was runner up in his category - middle distance champion - behind Theseo.

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Dazzling Debut from Definitely Ready
19/08/09

Definitely Ready emerged as another rising talent for star sire More Than Ready when he demoralised his rivals on debut to win the Yallambee Stud Plate (1050m) at Morphettville today.

A $140,000 purchase for trainer Mark Kavanagh at last year's Magic Millions Yearling Sale at the Gold Coast, Definitely Ready cruised home seven lengths in advance of his nearest rival in a stunning performance.

It was nothing short of a cakewalk for the exciting three-year-old gelding - the further the race went, the bigger the margin became.

Sam Kavanagh, Adelaide foreman for the stable, was delighted with the performance of the youngster at his racetrack debut.

"He's one of those horses who's slipped under the radar a bit. He was always a bit new mentally and he's had a few little problems."

"We put the blinkers on him last week and he jumped out and went really well."

"But in saying that while we thought he could run well and possibly win today, we didn't think he could really come out and do that."

The three-year-old, bred by Toorak Park Stud in South Australia, was presented at the Gold Coast auction by Mill Park Stud.

Past Magic Millions graduates to hail from the draft of Mill Park include the Group One winners Divine Madonna, Rebel Raider, Devil Moon and Undoubtedly.

"He was purchased for $140,000 from the Gold Coast and he was syndicated between a mix of new clients and some very loyal clients," Kavanagh said.

Sam Kavanagh said the stable would see how Definitely Ready pulled up before deciding when and where he would step out next.

"There's no doubt he's going to develop and he'd be better suited next preparation and into the future."

By More Than Ready, the sire of the past two winners of Australia's top two juvenile races, the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and Golden Slipper, Definitely Ready is from Defiant.

A daughter of Danehill, Defiant was a city winner and was fourth in the listed Queen Adelaide Stakes prior to being retired to stud.

Being from the Group One Newmarket Handicap winner Ruffles, Defiant is a full sister to the stakes performer sprinter Formal Attire and half sister to the triple stakes race runner-up Rough Chance.

MAGIC MILLIONS RELEASE

Kav opens Spring campaign with stable double
16/08/09

The first of the spring hopefuls for the Mark Kavanagh stable stepped out at Caulfield on Saturday heralding the beginning of what promises to be another exciting Spring.

While much attention surrounded the return of Group One Caulfield Guineas winner Whobegotyou - decked out in the new colours of owner Laurence Eales - it was stable mates Raffaello and Cats Whisker who combined to give the stable a double when successful in their respective events.

Raffaello was super impressive in his return to racing charging home from last to win the 75th Anniversary of Remembrance Handicap for jockey Steven King.

In stark contrast Cats Whisker crossed from a wide gate to lead all the way in the Group Three Cockram Stakes again for jockey Steven King. The win was the first at stakes level for Cats Whisker who was runner up as a spring three year old in the Group One MRC Thousand Guineas and Group Two VRC Edward Manifold Stakes.

Whobegotyou lost no admirers with his first up effort in the Group Two Liston Stakes behind Sydney visitor Predatory Pricer . The son of Street Cry reeled off some amazing final sectionals coming from well back but came up just short on the post, beaten half a neck by Predatory Price with favourite Typhoon Tracy three quarters of a length away in third.

Earlier in the program lightly raced Shamoline Warrior made an encouraging start to his spring campaign when narrowly beaten into fourth in the Listed Vain Stakes. A half-brother to last seasons VRC Derby winner Rebel Raider, Shamoline Warrior will almost certainly improve as he gets over more ground.

Special thanks to Mark Gatt for his image of Raffaello

Luce Del Mare prevails at Morphettville
26/07/09

Two-year-old filly Luce Del Mare opened her winning account with a nail-biting victory in the SAJC Dermody BP Athol Park Handicap (1050m) at Morphettville on Saturday.

Booting forward from the jump the daughter of Fastnet Rock showed sustained speed to lead for the majority of the race and resist the late charges of eventual dead-heaters Miss With Attitude and Rose Darmore. Luce Del Mare held a long head advantage on the line and brought winning rider Simon Price one and a half wins clear in the riders premiership - a similarly tight battle he would lose (by half a win) to Chad Lever by the end of the meeting.

Luce Del Mare is one of 12 winners to date for first season sire Fastnet Rock, a former champion 3YO and sprinter by Danehill standing at Coolmore Stud. Luce Del Mare is the second foal of the stakes winning Made of Gold mare Cosmic Strike, a talented sprint mare raced by long time stable supporter Frank Pergoleto - managing owner of Luce Del Mare.

Photo courtesy of www.barnesphotography.com.au

Kav the Prizemoney Leader
13/05/09

Flemington trainer Mark Kavanagh is the country's leading trainer by the statistic that really counts.

Kavanagh leads Cups king Bart Cummings and Hall of Fame horsewoman Gai Waterhouse on prizemoney earned per start this season.

The stable's figure of $20,165 is superior to every other rival in the country and in most cases more than double some of Australia's most powerful and successful operations.

Rounding out the top ten are Bruce and Jason McLachlan, Mick Price, Michael, Wayne and John Hawkes, Peter Moody, Peter Snowden, John O'Shea and Danny O'Brien.

David Hayes and Lee Freedman are among those who failed to make the top ten in Australia.

In the 2008/09 racing season a number of runners from Kavanagh's stable have starred.

Stakes winners prepared during this season include Maldivian, Whobegotyou, Champagne Harmony, Sea Battle and Dr Doute's.

The $20,165 figure is impressive considering what it might have been with some even luck over the second half of the season.

Maldivian went a miss after a brilliant first up win in the Group One CF Orr Stakes and was spelled, while most consider Whobegotyou was a good thing beaten in the recent Doncaster Mile.

* figures as of May 1, 2009

Dr Doute's Delivers in Adelaide Feature

Leading Flemington trainer Mark Kavanagh notched up an interstate double when proven stakes winning colt Dr Doute's thumped his rivals in the listed City of Adelaide Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville today.

A well related youngster by super sire Redoute's Choice, Dr Doute's hardly seemed to get out of second gear as he circled the field and dashed to the front at the top of the straight.

The result was never in doubt as Steven King rode him out hands and heels to win by almost two lengths.

"He did a very good job today," Kavanagh said from Sydney. "I was very happy to see him perform so well."

"He looked very well placed today and raced accordingly," he added.

The win was the second for Kavanagh today following the victory of Ace Harmony at Caulfield earlier in the afternoon.

When the line was reached in the mile feature Dr Doute's ($3.70) had a one and three quarter length margin over the runner-up Dynamic Hero ($3.60 fav).

Testasaurus ($26) ran third, a further length back under Clare Lindop.

An astute $150,000 yearling sale purchase by Kavanagh at the 2007 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale at Morphettville, Dr Doute's had earlier in his career won the Group Three Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington.

Courtesy of his five wins from just ten lifetime starts, Dr Doute's has won his connections an impressive $357,155.

Dr Doute's, by Arrowfield Stud's resident champion sire Redoute's Choice, is one of three winners from three runners for his dam No Limit.

A daughter of Dr Grace, No Limit won eight races and over $220,000 during her career. She earned black type when second in the Dark Jewel Classic at Scone.

Dr Doute's follows a long line of group winning gallopers that Kavanagh has trained after being snapped up out of the Adelaide Yearling Sale.

His other graduates have included Group One winners Devil Moon, Divine Madonna, Hard to Get and Undoubtedly.

Picture Dr Doute's courtesy Jenny Barnes Picture Ace Harmony courtesy Slickpix

Champagne classy at Caulfield
01/03/08

Promising filly Champagne Harmony scored an impressive win in the Premier Signs Plate (1200m) at Caulfield yesterday and in doing so secured a trip to either Adelaide or Sydney to contest upcoming three-year-old fillies features in those states.

The daughter of Choisir won her first start at Ballarat in September before going for a spell and returned to racing at Moonee Valley a fortnight ago when a game second to unbeaten gelding Mic Mac. That day the filly was beaten five lengths after making all the running but would almost certainly be improved by the effort.

The winner Mic Mac stamped the form by winning the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes at Rosehill just a little over an hour before Champagne Harmony stepped out a warm favourite at Caulfield.

Champagne Harmony, a $360,00 yearling purchase, was produced by a full-sister to the dual Group One winning mare Champagne, runner-up to Jezabeel in the 1998 Melbourne Cup.

Boogi Goes Three Straight in Style
3/12/08

The winning form of the Mark Kavanagh stables in Adelaide rolled on its merry way on Saturday when promising stayer Boogi on the Grass thrashed her rivals in the Tooheys Handicap (2022m).

Despite being sluggish out of the barriers and getting well back in the field, Boogi in the Grass was able to sweep around the field when leaving the back straight and by the time she reached the home turn - the race was over.

Stable foreman Sam Kavanagh was thrilled with the performance - an effort which extended a golden run for the Morphettville base of the Fred Hoysted Medallist Mark Kavanagh.

"She's done a great job since coming across to us in Adelaide," Kavanagh Jnr said. 

"She certainly looks to be a stayer on the rise."

At the post Boogi on the Grass ($1.90 fav) still had four and a half lengths to spare despite being eased down by Simon Price.

Wendy Ellen ($3.80) was second, while Southern Fortune ($31) was another long neck back in third place.

"It was a really good win. She picked them up very quick and Simon said after she zipped clear in the straight she wanted to switch off a bit."

Kavanagh said the six-year-old mare would be out to extend her winning run to four over the festive period.

"She will have her next start at Cheltenham on Boxing Day," Kavanagh confirmed. 

"The race is the final of the Going the Distance series."

"It's a $30,000 Class 5 event over 2250 metres - it looks right up her alley," he added.

Boogi on the Grass has developed into an exciting performer since landing in Australia and placed in the care of Kavanagh.

She had raced on eight occasions in New Zealand with her best performances being two maiden race third placings.

With Kavanagh the mare has raced on five occasions for three wins and two minor placings.

Boogi on the Grass, by Japanese group performed stallion Yamanin Vital, is one of two winners from the stakes winning mare Renee.

A daughter of Cautious Style, Renee won seven races during her career including the Group Three Stewards' Stakes.

PICS - Jenny Barnes.

Kav's Mares Inseparable At Home and On Track
19/11/08 - pics courtesy www.atkinsphotography.com.au

They are good friends at home. On the track they are inseparable.

Today the pair of four-year-old mares played their part in a unique race result when they dead heated for first in the Balaklava Community Caterers Maiden Plate (1056m).

The two are not only trained from the Morphettville based of Mark Kavanagh, but the pair, Marilouise and Unfased (blinkers), are even closer.

"If they were humans you'd call them very close friends," stable foreman Sam Kavanagh said today.

"They are stabled alongside each other and therefore get walked together in the afternoons."

"And virtually this whole preparation they have worked together. Their last serious workout on Saturday morning was together and not much separated them there either."

Kavanagh said he was confident both mares would run well at their racetrack debuts.

"I didn't really want to run them against each other - but there was really nothing else around and I wanted to kick them away over the 1050 metres."

"I said to people before the race I couldn't really split them. I guess I was right!"

Marilouise, one of the dead heaters, is a four-year-old mare by Danehill's sire son Command and from the Marwina mare Martoula.

"She's a smaller more compact type who's in her first preparation with me at Morphettville."

"Her effort to come from back in the field was excellent and we might give her a run in town in a couple of weeks."

Stable mate Unfased, also on debut, is by Fasliyev and was a $30,000 value buy by Kavanagh at the 2006 Adelaide Sales.

"She's had a few problems," Kavanagh pointed out. "She's a slow maturing filly who's had a few issues, but she has some ability."

"She was scratched the other week when we weren't happy with her. But today she was pretty spot on for her first run."

As for who he thought had won when he watched the race live from the track, Kavanagh wasn't sure, but he was leaning toward Unfased.

"I wasn't sure who had won when they hit the line," Kavanagh said. "I actually turned around to Nick Sabben, who I was standing next to, and I thought it was either the inside horse by a nose or a dead heat."

At the post Marilouise ($4.60) and Unfased ($7) couldn't be split - and a dead heat was declared by the judge.

There was four and a quarter length margin back to the favourite High Time ($2.60) in third place.

Today's dead heat winning result continued the outstanding run for Kavanagh's Adelaide stable.

From the last 11 runners saddled up from the Morphettville camp - seven have won!

"The stable is going great here in Adelaide," Kavanagh commented. "We couldn't be happier."

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Sea Battle on track for Emirates
30/10/08

Classy entire Sea Battle moved one step closer to his Group One goal when successful in the Group Two MVRC Waterford Crystal Mie on Cox Plate day. After a game but luckless fourth in the Toorak Handicap the son of Quest For Fame made amends with victory in the feature mile and in doing so proved himself one of the most capable at the distance in the country.

After jumping from barrier 17 in the Toorak Sea Battle fared only marginally better for the Waterford Crystal breaking from 14. Jockey Michael Rodd, fresh from victory in the Cox Plate, settled at the rear before making a sustained run around the field. The widest runner turning into the home straight Sea Battle quickly gathered in leader Conquering and drew away to record a length and a quarter win over Conqering with Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Orange County in third.

"He's a good, kind, old horse and each time we put him out he tries his heart out" said Kavanagh, "and every time we put him up he steps up to go again. He'll go straight to the Emirates now".

Sea Battle is unbeaten in three starts at Flemington and recorded his previous best win over the mile in the Winter Championship. The handsome bay, owned by Barbara Bardon and Peter Parker has built an enviable record since joining the Kavanagh stable winning six of his twelves starts (finishing no worse than fifth) for prizes approaching $465,000. His overall record stands at 25 starts for 8 wins, 5 seconds and 2 thirds and prizemoney of $504,820.

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Dr Doute's bounces back
28/09/08

Dr Doute's returned to the winners' enclosure courtesy of a gutsy performance in the Lord Dudley Handicap (1430m) for three year olds at Flemington today.

Sitting three wide on the speed, all queries on how well Dr Doute's winter form stacked up against his more fancied rivals were dispelled in the matter of a few strides as he sprinted clear of favourite Stanton.

Dr Doute's ($11 - $10), a member of the Mark Kavanagh Racing Club, held off the late surge of Iamzeus ($3.40-$4-$3.40), a recent brilliant maiden winner, to secure victory by a short head.

Third home was Dancefloor Prodigy ($4.40-$5.50) another four and a quarter lengths back, with the unplaced favourite Stanton ($2.25 - $2.80) finishing a nose from the third placegetter.

Jockey Michael Rodd was full of praise for the son of Redoute's Choice after overcoming problems in the initial stages of the race, suggesting we might hear more of the three year old.

"Yeah he's a very capable galloper. I had a little bit of trouble early on him and he wasn't quick into stride."

"I elected to ride him back but he grabbed the bridle and the saddle just went straight up, so I rolled up on the speed. It was a pretty game effort."

"He's a horse that has had a couple of problems and Mark (Kavanagh) has certainly sorted them out. You can see what he can do," Rodd said.

Kavanagh was equally pleased with the colt's performance.

"He raced pretty good today, the track was pretty hard for him at Sandown and the 1000m didn't suit but he come through and done well today."

When quizzed about possible targets of the three year old over the spring carnival, Kavanagh signaled his intentions to keep Dr Doute's to light preparation with the autumn firmly in his mind.

"We don't really want to give him a taxing spring. We just want to have a couple of more races and be pretty gentle with him. We really think he is an autumn three year old," Kavanagh said.

Kavanagh is likely to bypass the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) with races such as the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) and Sandown Guineas (1600m) possibly on the agenda.

Dr Doute's is yet another top class galloper purchased by Kavanagh from the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.

He went to $150,000 to secure the colt - believing he looked a lot like his Blue Diamond winner and fellow Adelaide Sale graduate Undoubtedly, who is also a son of Redoute's Choice.

No Limit, the dam of Dr Doute's, is a daughter of Kiwi stallion Dr Grace, and was stakes placed.

PICS - Fiona Tomlin.

Carl Di Iorio Media Release Published 28/09/08

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Whobegotyou sensational in Stutt
26/09/08

Whobegotyou confirmed his place as the horse to beat in next month's Group One Caulfield Guineas with a sensational win in tonight's Badjar Ogilvy Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley.

In breaking a frustrating run of outs for Fred Hoysted Award winning trainer Mark Kavanagh, Whobegotyou impressed bookies, who dramatically reshuffled their markets for Caulfield's three-year-old blue riband.

Betstar reacted to his brilliant win by slashing his price from $5.50 to $3.20 - he's now a clear favourite for the million dollar feature.

For Kavanagh the win was a welcome return to the winner's circle after a string of feature race placings with stable stars including Maldivian, Devil Moon and Whobegotyou himself.

Kavanagh had his share of concerns before the feature race when the earlier races were dominated by front runners.

"He defied the pattern of racing tonight," Kavanagh said. "It was a big worry going in to the race, it looked like a dynamite leaders track."

"He might be one out of the box."

And then there were the moments in the race when it looked like Whobegotyou was going to star in another hard luck story - in similar fashion to his most recent two runs.

"When he was trapped on the fence at the 800 I thought - c'mon Michael - but once he got out it was all over in about four strides," a delighted Kavanagh said.

It was decided to back up Whobegotyou in tonight's race after he finished an unlucky seventh in the Group Three Guineas Prelude at Caulfield last Saturday.

He will now head straight in to the million dollar Guineas - which will be run in two weeks from tomorrow.

"I didn't want to go three weeks from last week into the Guineas. The two weeks from here is right for him."

"He's had a run at a mile now and he it looks like he enjoys the mile."

"We're feeling pretty good right now."

Kavanagh said Whobegotyou would more than likely head on toward the AAMI Vase and VRC Derby following the Guineas if all went to plan.

Whobegotyou's win was also a welcomed one for stable rider Michael Rodd.

"It was a bit freakish really," Rodd said of Whobegotyou's effort.

"He doesn't help himself at all early in the race. He's always half a length slow and takes a while to warm into it."

"I was in a real ordinary position at the half mile and a I thought my only option was to hook out and get around them."

"To win like that against the pattern, it was pretty awesome."

"He settles really well. You've really got to wake him up to get him to go."

"Everything is looking very positive looking onwards."

Whobegotyou ($3-$3.60-$3.40 fav) raced away late to beat All American ($4-$5) by three and three quarter lengths.

Third home was Carnero ($4.60-$5.50), another length back.

The winner, by Darley stallion Street Cry, is one of two winners from the French stakes performed Carnegie mare Temple of Peace.

© Cyberhorse 2008 Greg Irvine Published 26/09/08

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Three Straight for Invinciblekindness
23/09/08

Rising talent Invinciblekindness made it three straight wins when he romped away with the South West Communications Handicap (1400m) at Warrnambool this afternoon.

Sent out as the $1.60 favourite on the strength of his previous brilliant first up win at Sale, Invinciblekindness never gave his supporters a worry - winning in brilliant style.

Invinciblekindness jumped out of the barriers well but was positioned off the speed by regular rider Nicholas Ryan.

"The horse relaxed lovely today," stable foreman Sam Kavanagh said. "He does have a tendency to get a little keen in his races."

"Today was really the first time he really switched off," he added.

At the point of the 600 metre mark Ryan started to release the brakes and Invinciblekindness quickly strode up the leaders.

He hit the front on straightening and the raced away for the most authoritative of wins.

Despite being eased down late in the race by Ryan, Invinciblekindness ($1.60 fav) still had a five length advantage over runner-up Joaquin ($7).

The second favourite Absolute Star ($3.90) was third home, another head back.

Kavanagh said connections were yet to work out where the promising four-year-old would head next.

"We're keen to put him through his grades and find the right races for him to help him get more confidence."

"He's always shown us good ability and he's been going well," Kavanagh summed up.

PIC - Greg Irvine.

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Rokabaa Too Tough at Bendigo
07/09/08

Recent stable addition Rokabaa continued the great recent run for Flemington trainer Mark Kavanagh when he won the McKern Steel Handicap (1400m) at Bendigo today.

On the speed throughout, Rokabaa hit the front late in the race and then held out the red hot favourite Costa in the Glen in a driving finish.

At $1.45 with on course bookmakers, Costa in the Glen was expected by the majority of punters to win the race and extend his unbeaten run to three.

But it wasn't to be and the Kavanagh stable were able to notch up a double for the day following the earlier win of Invinciblekindness at Sale.

"I like most of the people was stuck in the hype of the favourite (Costa in the Glen)," Kavanagh said.

"I didn't think we could beat him."

He said he was delighted to see how the four-year-old had come on after finishing sixth in his first run for the stable at Bendigo on August 21.

"It's great to see Rokabaa win a race for us so early, having just joined the stable," Kavanagh added.

Connections are confident there is a good preparation still ahead for the well bred galloper.

"His coat is still a bit woolly," Kavanagh said. "There's still a fair bit of improvement in him."

"We'll just try to find the right races for him. We'll probably jiggle him through the ratings races."

A son of Anabaa, Rokabaa is from the Sweet Embrace Stakes winner Rock Review - a winner of the New Zealand Magic Millions.

He therefore is a half brother to the Reisling Slipper Trial winner and Champagne Stakes runner-up Let's Rock Again.

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Kindness a Little Too Invincible at Sale
07/09/08

Promising four-year-old Invinciblekindness is likely to head to a mid week metropolitan race after an impressive first up win in the Chris Webster Furniture Handicap (1206m) at Sale today.

The Mark Kavanagh trained son of Invincible Spirit sat off the speed throughout the race before being switched to the outside in the straight by jockey Nicholas Ryan.

From there he was able to stoke up on the outside of the field and finish too well of his rivals for a three quarter length victory.

The promising galloper, who's won two of his three starts, was heavily back with bookmakers and started the $1.85 favourite.

"I thought he was quite impressive today," a delighted Mark Kavanagh said. "It was a good win - he finished the race off strongly."

"I would like to see him have a chance in a ratings race, mid week in town," he added.

"I think he's got a bright future," Kavanagh summed up.

By Lawman's sire Invincible Spirit, Invinciblekindness is one of three winners from the top producing mare Lady Cairns.

An unraced daughter of Last Tycoon, Lady Cairns is the dam of Adelaide and Brisbane stakes winner Perfect Feeling.

His second dam, the winning Crested Wave mare Blue Water Lady, is a full sister to the Caulfield Guineas winner Drought.

Meanwhile, Kavanagh said Shocking, who was narrowly beaten when third earlier on today's Sale card.

"He is a bit green and needs some more racing," Kavanagh commented. "But he's got some ability and should be winning soon."

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Champagne Flows After Harmonious Debut
04/09/08

Champagne Harmony made the best possible start to her career when she scored an impressive win in the Interpath Pty Ltd Plate (1100m) at Ballarat today.

With stable rider Michael Rodd in the saddle the Mark Kavanagh trained filly finished her race off solidly in the straight to win by a length and a half.

"She's shown us a lot of ability at home," Michael Rodd told TVN after the race. "She's got plenty of scope about her."

"She's still quite thin and immature," he added. "She's going to be nice in about three months time."

On course to cheer home Champagne Harmony at Ballarat was David Yu - the manager of the Harmonious Syndicate.

Champagne Harmony, by Danehill Dancer's globe trotting son Choisir, is a beautifully bred young filly.

She is from the winning and Sydney placed Zabeel mare Hansuyen - a sister to no fewer than three stakes performers.

Her siblings include the New Zealand Derby and Zabeel Classic winner St Reims and the Mackinnon Stkaes and Ansett Australia Stakes winner Champagne.

Champagne is in turn the dam of the Brisbane stakes winner Martique.

The win of Champagne Harmony was the second in two days for Kavanagh following the brilliant stable debut win of Queen's Kiss at Balaklava yesterday.

Raced by Adelaide based businessman and prominent breeder Harry Perks, Queen's Kiss raced away in the straight for the easiest of wins.

"We'll look at stepping her up to city class now," stable foreman Sam Kavanagh said. "She was very impressive."

"She deserves her chance in better grade," Kavanagh Jnr added.

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Kavanagh's Award Winning Form Continues
20/08/08

Mark Kavanagh's award winning form has continued with his latest coming yesterday when announced as the VRMA Racing Personality of the Year.

Kavanagh beat out fellow trainers Ross McDonald and Greg Eurell and jockeys Michael Rodd and Brad Rawiller to win the award which is presented by the Victorian Media Racing Association.

The Flemington based horseman had a period of ups and downs during the 2007/08 season.

As well as winning more Group One races during the spring carnival than any other with Devil Moon, Divine Madonna (twice) and Maldivian, Kavanagh had to deal with the "Caulfield Cup barriergate" with hot favourite Maldivian.

Kavanagh was presented with his Personality of the Year award by VRMA president and Sky Channel personality Andrew Bensley live on Sport927 on Tuesday morning.

"It's a pleasant surprise," Kavanagh said. "It's a great honour."

"Last spring was memorable for a number of reasons - highs and lows - that's racing!"

The award win was the second in as many weeks for Kavanagh who at the recent Victorian Thoroughbred Racing Awards was a deserved winner of the Fred Hoysted Medal - the highest honour for a trainer in Victoria.

Kavanagh is hoping his form of last spring can continue when his team of stars step out over the coming weeks.

Proven Group One winners Devil Moon and Maldivian both ran brilliantly first up in their respective group events at Caulfield last Saturday.

The stable is also hoping rising three-year-old talents Dr Doute's, Whobegotyou and Cats Whisker can be competitive in stakes events over the spring.

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Hoysted Award a Highlight for Kavanagh
02/08/08

Mark Kavanagh topped a remarkable season by winning Victoria's biggest honour for trainers, the Fred Hoysted Award.

The prestigious award win was announced tonight at the Crown Palladium at the Victorian Thoroughbred Racehorse Awards.

Son Sam flew from Adelaide to accept the award on behalf of his father who's on his way home from a French holiday.

Sam paid tribute to the stable's hard working team as well as stable riders and new and long time owners.

Kavanagh polled the most votes from a panel of experts to win the award for training excellence during the recently completed 2007/08 season.

During the 2007 Spring Carnival Kavanagh won no fewer than four Group One races from his star trio of Devil Moon, Divine Madonna and Maldivian.

No trainer prepared more Group One winners during Australia's most famous racing carnival.

He rounded out the season by winning the feature winter flat race - the time honoured Winter Championship Final at Flemington in July with former Sydneysider Sea Battle.

Kavanagh has welcomed Devil Moon and Maldivian back to his Flemington stable while Divine Madonna heads to stud this season after being sold for $2.7 million at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in June.

Past winners of the Fred Hoysted Award include David Hayes, Lee Freedman, Jack Denham, Sheila Laxon and Michael Moroney.

PIC - Bruno Cannatelli.

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