2026

Sean Buckley Ultra Racing_Closer to Free

Every so often, a promising racehorse arrives in an unexpected way — and Closer To Free has certainly made an impression since joining the Ultra Thoroughbreds fold.

The son of Street Boss first caught the attention of trainer Danny O’Brien during an impressive trial at Caulfield in January 2026.

At the time, Closer To Free was an unraced two-year-old prepared by Adrian Corboy. His performance was enough to catch O’Brien’s eye, and the colt was subsequently purchased to race for the Ultra Horse Syndicate.

It didn’t take long for that decision to look like an exciting one.

A Winning Debut at Caulfield

Closer To Free made his race debut in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude for colts and geldings at Caulfield in February.

Despite facing more experienced opposition, he produced an assured performance under jockey Michael Dee, racing prominently before finding plenty when challenged and securing victory.

It was an impressive introduction to racing — and immediately earned the youngster a place among the leading contenders for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes.

Trainer Danny O’Brien was particularly encouraged by the colt’s temperament, describing him after the race as a relaxed and sensible horse who had handled his first raceday experience remarkably well.

Stepping Up to Group 1 Company

Just two weeks after his debut victory, Closer To Free faced his biggest test yet in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield.

In only the second race of his career, the young colt produced another excellent performance to finish second in one of Australia’s premier races for two-year-olds.

It was an impressive achievement for such an inexperienced horse and underlined the potential that had initially caught the attention of the O’Brien and Ultra Thoroughbreds team.

His autumn campaign also took him north to Sydney, where he was prepared for a potential Golden Slipper tilt and impressed again in a Rosehill trial.

Back for the Spring

Closer To Free returned as a three-year-old during the 2026 spring racing season, beginning another interesting chapter in what is still a very young career.

With a Group 3 victory and Group 1 placing already on his record, he is an exciting prospect to follow as he continues to develop.

For Sean Buckley and Ultra Thoroughbreds, Closer To Free is also another example of just how quickly fortunes can change in racing.

From catching the eye in a trial as an unraced youngster to competing at the highest level just weeks later, his story has already been an eventful one.

And with plenty of racing still ahead of him, Closer To Free will certainly be one to watch.

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sean buckley ultra thoroughbred racing

For many people, August sits quietly between the winter racing season and the excitement of Australia’s famous Spring Carnival.

For owners, breeders and trainers, however, it’s one of the most important months of the year.

Much of the hard work has already been done behind the scenes. Horses have returned from their breaks, fitness has been carefully managed and preparations are beginning to intensify. Every trial, every track gallop and every lead-up race provides valuable insight into what the coming months might hold.

One of the things I enjoy most about thoroughbred racing is that there are never any guarantees.

A horse can show enormous promise in the early stages of its preparation, while another may improve dramatically once racing begins. That’s part of what makes the sport so fascinating. Every season introduces new stories, emerging talent and unexpected performances.

As someone involved in breeding as well as racing, August is also an exciting reminder of the long-term nature of the industry.

Years of careful planning go into breeding decisions. Owners and breeders invest significant time considering bloodlines, conformation, temperament and potential, knowing the results may not become clear for several years. Watching young horses develop and mature is one of the most rewarding aspects of the sport.

Across Australia, the coming weeks will see horses begin their campaigns with the Spring Carnival firmly in sight. While attention often focuses on the major Group 1 races later in the year, every champion starts somewhere, and August often provides the first glimpse of horses capable of making their mark.

What has always impressed me about Australian racing is the dedication of the people behind the scenes. Owners, breeders, trainers, jockeys, stable staff and veterinarians all play an important role in preparing horses to compete at the highest level. It’s a true team effort, built on commitment, patience and a shared passion for the sport.

As we move closer to spring, racing fans will once again have plenty to look forward to. Established stars will return, promising young horses will begin making headlines and new stories will emerge across racecourses around the country.

That’s one of the great things about Australian racing—every season brings fresh opportunities, fresh optimism and the excitement of wondering which horse might become the next success story.

I look forward to following another exciting spring and sharing more thoughts in the next Racing Round-Up.

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sean buckley ultra racing

While the Spring Racing Carnival officially arrives in September, August is when anticipation really begins to build across Australia’s racing industry. Trainers, owners and racing fans are already looking ahead as many of the country’s leading gallopers begin their spring campaigns.

Here are some of the highlights to keep an eye on this August.

Darwin Cup Carnival – Northern Territory

One of Australia’s most popular winter racing festivals reaches its climax with the Darwin Cup, bringing together interstate trainers, jockeys and racing enthusiasts. The carnival is known for its relaxed atmosphere and competitive racing, making it one of the standout events of the northern racing calendar.

Memsie Stakes Preparations Begin

Although the Group 1 Memsie Stakes is run towards the end of August, much of the month is spent watching leading stables prepare their headline horses. The race traditionally signals the start of Melbourne’s elite spring racing season and often features future contenders for the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.

Rosehill and Randwick Return to Centre Stage

Sydney racing continues to build momentum throughout August, with Rosehill Gardens and Royal Randwick hosting competitive meetings as horses begin their spring preparations. Trainers use these races to assess fitness before the major Group races of September and October.

Country Racing Across Australia

August also shines a spotlight on country racing. From regional New South Wales and Victoria to South Australia and Queensland, country race meetings continue to attract strong community support and provide opportunities for emerging trainers, jockeys and promising horses to make their mark.

Looking Towards Spring

For racing enthusiasts, August is often regarded as the month where excitement begins to build. Horses return from winter spells, trainers fine-tune their stable stars and racing fans start speculating about who could dominate Australia’s biggest races over the coming months.

With the Spring Racing Carnival just around the corner, every performance in August offers valuable clues about which horses may emerge as the stars of the season.

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