02/10/2026
STABLE OPERATIONS – A NEW DIRECTION
A few months ago, I made the decision to consolidate our stable operations at my home stables and, at the same time, reduce the number of horses we have in training. That transition is now complete, and we are operating solely from the home stables.
Going forward, we plan to maintain around 10 horses in work, while continuing to utilise Wadari Stables for pre-training. This arrangement will allow us to maintain a regular flow of horses coming through while keeping our numbers at a level that enables us to give every horse the individual attention it deserves.
There were a number of factors behind the decision. To consistently maintain 20 to 25 horses in full work, we really needed around 40 horses on the books at various stages of preparation. As we have not been particularly active in the yearling sales market, maintaining those numbers has become increasingly difficult and, more importantly, so has maintaining the quality of horse we want in the stable.
Like many racing stables, finding and retaining good, experienced staff is an ongoing challenge, while the costs associated with virtually every aspect of training a racehorse continue to increase. Rather than simply chasing numbers, we believe operating with around 10 horses in work will allow us to concentrate on what has always been most important – getting the best possible result from every horse entrusted to us.
Our home stables are modern, safe and airy and include a horse walker, treadmill and green pick areas, providing a quiet and healthy environment for the horses. With a smaller team, we can devote even greater attention to each individual horse and concentrate on those all-important “one-percenters” that can make the difference between running well and winning.
We have enjoyed some wonderful success over the past few years, and this change is very much about giving ourselves the best opportunity to continue that success. We want to maintain a stable where quality, attention to detail and results remain the priorities.
Of course, the success of the new arrangement will depend greatly on the continued support of our owners. Your loyalty and support have been an important part of the stable’s achievements, and they are very much appreciated.
Hopefully, by continuing to work together in partnership, we can build on what we have achieved and look forward to many more enjoyable days and plenty more winners in the years ahead.
BIG DANCE – DRESS REHEARSAL
Bianco Vilano is well advanced in his preparation for the $3 million Big Dance over 1600m at Randwick on Tuesday, 3 November.
To be eligible, horses must have won or finished second in selected NSW Country Cups, with benchmark ratings then applied to determine inclusion in the field. Off the back of his Albury and Wagga Cup wins this year, Bianco Vilano has a benchmark rating of 103, which should ensure his inclusion in the field.
In preparation for the race, Bianco Vilano had two barrier trials at Wagga on 16 and 28 September and, in both, he did exactly what we asked of him. He was particularly impressive in his latest trial, with jockey Josh Richards commenting that he felt fantastic and that he believed the horse would have “exploded” had he let him go.
We are currently considering races on 9, 10 and 17 October as a lead-up to the Big Dance.
BREEDING TIDBITS
Inglis Ready2Run Sale – Thursday, 15 October 2026
The catalogue for the Inglis Ready2Run Sale is available online at Inglis. Vision of the breeze-ups and recorded times, together with parade videos, have been uploaded to the catalogue.
Run The Numbers – What Has Become of the American Shuttle Stallion?
In an article in the online publication The Straight on 1 September, Bren O’Brien addresses the decline in American shuttle stallions. An abridged version of the article follows:
After a major decline in trans-Pacific shuttling of stallions, there are no stallions standing in Australia in 2026 that have shuttled directly from the United States. Fifteen years ago, 23 made the annual trip. Run The Numbers looks at how this trend has evolved.
In the past few years, only a trickle of American stallion blood has been imported into Australia: one in 2023, none in 2024 and three in 2025.
Appetites and trends changed and, arguably, the outcross blood became more prevalent via the mares’ side, with a string of stars by Australian stallions out of American mares. From the peak of 61 shuttle stallions, just 15 made the trip here in 2025. Between them, they served less than a third of the 2003 peak.
COOEE – OPPORTUNITY FOR OFF-TRACK HORSE – FREE TO A GOOD HOME
BIG. ATHLETIC. TALENTED. 17HH+ OF POTENTIAL!
If you’re looking for a big, eye-catching thoroughbred with genuine athletic ability, Cooee is one to take a look at.
Standing 17hh+, he is a beautifully conformed, well-proportioned horse with a lovely way of going and plenty of presence. He is a forward, energetic and athletic horse who should have plenty to offer beyond racing.
With the right education and an experienced rider, I believe he could make an exciting prospect for dressage, show jumping, eventing or another performance discipline.
He is forward and sprightly, so he is not a beginner’s horse. He needs an experienced, confident rider who understands thoroughbreds and can help him channel his energy.
Cooee is available to a good home only. The right home is far more important than simply finding him a home.
RUNNERS FOR OCTOBER
October is shaping as a light month in terms of starters, with only Bianco Vilano and Lull Us Away likely to face the starter.
A number of horses are expected to barrier trial during the month before commencing their next campaigns, while some of our younger horses will be preparing to begin their racing careers.
ELLA BENT – STABLE APPRENTICE
Ella had a relatively quiet month, recording one win aboard Lord of Valor at Corowa on 14 September.
Hopefully, through the spring and summer, when there are more race meetings in the area, there will be increased opportunities for Ella to add to her winning tally.
INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
If you have any family or friends who would like to follow the progress of your horse, we’re more than happy to include them in our updates.
All we need is their name and email address, and we can add them to the mailing list. They’ll then receive notifications about nominations, acceptances, race results and any other updates throughout the horse’s preparation and racing career.
My Contacts
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0499 770 210
Information on the stable and upcoming starters is also available on Facebook – Ron Stubbs Racing – and on the stable website, ronstubbsracing.com.au.
Regards,
Ron
Ron Stubbs Racing – September 2026
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