How a tip from legendary trainer TJ Smith led to Denise Martin creating Star Thoroughbreds

Denise Martin has never forgotten a piece of advice she was given by the legendary Tommy Smith as her syndication colours bid to continue its successful season at Rosehill.

Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds has never forgotten a piece of advice she was given by the legendary Tommy Smith when starting her syndication business more than 30 years ago.

“TJ was a great mentor of mine and on day one or day two, he said to me there is only one thing you need to remember and that is: ‘Tell the people for a fraction of the cost you can have 100 per cent of the thrill’,’’ Martin recalled.

Some three decades later, Star Thoroughbreds is one of the nation’s most successful syndicators and Martin, who has been responsible for bringing hundreds of owners into the sport, still holds true Smith’s sage advice.

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“It doesn’t matter where you win a race, the elation for the owners is something you can’t describe,’’ Martin said.

“It is often said if you could bottle that elation it would be worth a fortune. Racing unites families and friends, it unites common interest groups – it unites people.’’

Martin’s Star Thoroughbreds and their famous racing silks of purple, white stars and cap have had another hugely successful season and will be represented by Vanessi ($15) in the TAB Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

The Chris Waller-trained Vanessi, a filly by Broadsiding’s sire Too Darn Hot, resumed with a solid third to Livin’ Thing at the midweeks and meets that horse 3kg better at the weights.

“Vanessi is a really nice filly and she ran well first-up,’’ Martin said.

“We hope she’s in for a good campaign.’’

Martin purchased Vanessi for $150,000 at the 2023 Magic Millions Yearling Sale and the filly was named after the lead female character in the musical, “Kiss Me Kate” which includes the song, “Too Darn Hot”.

Star Thoroughbred syndicator Denise Martin. Picture: Getty Images

Some of Vanessi’s owners are also in the Star Thoroughbred syndicate that races the outstanding Aeliana, runaway winner by more than five lengths of Group 1 ATC Australian Derby earlier this year.

Martin has raced many topliners in her syndication business over the years but understandably rates Aeliana’s Derby as one of her career highlights.

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“I remember Greg Radley (Sky Thoroughbred Central’s race-day host) interviewing me and asking what was my biggest win, Golden Slipper or the Derby,’’ Martin said.

“My answer at the time was ‘dead heat’ and I still feel that way. You don’t in your wildest dreams think you are going to win a Golden Slipper with a colt like we did with Sebring (2008).

“But you never expect to win the Derby at Randwick with a filly, either.

“When they got to the corner in the Derby she ran up to the leaders I thought ‘what are you doing, Damian (Lane)?’

“I had a good chat with Damian after the race and he said Aeliana just took herself there, she was amazing.’’

Vanessi will carry the colours of Star Thoroughbreds at Rosehill on Saturday. Picture: Bradley Photos

Aeliana, which means “sun” or “shining light” in Ancient Roman, is back in training ahead for the spring carnival.

“It is likely she will resume in the Winx Stakes and then possibly go to Melbourne,’’ Martin sad.

Martin is also hopeful Olentia can find her best form for what is likely to be her final race start in the Group 1 $700,000 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm.

Olentia ($18) is among four Tiara entries for Waller alongside stablemates Firestorm ($4.20 favourite), Konasana ($26) and Gumdrops ($34).

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If Waller can win the final Group 1 race of the season, it will be a record-extending 20th major for the champion trainer.

Martin has the superbly-named Chrysaor lining up in the Listed $160,000 Tattersall’s Mile (1600m).

The four-year-old gelding is out of the Choisir mare, New Wings, who was the inspiration behind the sprinter’s name because in Greek mythology, Chrysaor is the brother of the “winged horse” Pegasus.

“Chrysaor’s feet have caused him issues at times during his career,’’ Martin said.

“But as a Group 2 winner he can be a difficult horse to place but we know he has ability.’’

MULBERRY TAKES OVER EVERTEST SLOT

Mulberry Racing has secured a slot in the $20m TAB Everest for a three-year term.

After an expression of interest process for the vacant slot previously held by The Star, Racing NSW determined Mulberry Racing “submitted the most compelling offer that also included promotional initiatives for The TAB Everest to reach new audiences”.

Mulberry Racing was founded two years ago by businessman Mike Gregg in partnership with trainer Brad Widdup and has been consistently expanding its footprint in the NSW racing industry including purchasing a dedicated equine property near Sydney.

“At Mulberry Racing, data drives every decision we make. From day one, we’ve used this approach to build a strong stable across Australia and the United States – one that we believe has the quality and depth to win The Everest,” said Lachlan Sheridan, racing manager of Mulberry Racing.

Racing NSW chief operating officer Graeme Hinton said: “We are excited to welcome Mulberry Racing as our newest slot-holder in The TAB Everest. In particular, the opportunity to target a new demographic is what The TAB Everest is all about.”

WATERHOUSE-BOTT STAKES CLAIM FOR RECORD

Trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott need just one more Group or Listed win for a career-best season at stakes level.

The trainers have prepared 35 stakes wins so far in 2024-25, equalling their previous best feature race haul achieved last season.

Waterhouse and Bott have a number of chances to post a new stable record including with Elamaz and Townsend in the Listed $200,000 WJ McKell Cup (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens.

They also have big race chances at Eagle Farm including last start Sydney winners Duke Of Arrakis and Sir Lucan.

Duke Of Arrakis, a well-bred two-year-old by Written Tycoon who is lining up in the Listed $160,000 Tattersall’s Stakes (1400m), scored an impressive debut at Kensington earlier this month, easily defeating two subsequent winners, three-year-olds Cold Brew and Stardeel.

“I thought it was a really nice win by Duke Of Arrakis first-up where he beat a couple of older, more seasoned horses,’’ Bott said.

“He will be even better suited going out to 1400m.’’

Sir Lucan returned to form taking out the Winter Cup last start and is chasing another stakes success in the Group 3 $200,000 Tattersall’s Cup (2400m).

“I feel Sir Lucan has taken confidence from his Rosehill win and can carry that form through,’’ Bott said.

“He’s a versatile horse and he’s in good shape.’’

Bott is also convinced Pulchritudinous and Osmose will be hard to beat in the Listed $200,000 Tatterall’s Gold Crown (2100m).

“Pulchritudinous was excellent winning at Doomben (Pam O’Neill Stakes) then she wasn’t suited in a slowly run race last start,’’ Bott said.

“But she is up to her right distance range now,

“Osmose was disappointing last week, we have no real excuses for her but she has come through the race well and we are happy to back up with her.’’

The Waterhouse and Bott-trained The Novelist also rates as an each way chance in the Group 3 $200,000 WJ Healy Stakes (1200m).

Originally published as How a tip from legendary trainer TJ Smith led to Denise Martin creating Star Thoroughbreds