Ridgeport Farm had wins on and off the track on Wednesday when Roaming America prevailed at Ascot and stud manager Marge Ojapold was shortlisted for the 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA).
Roaming America (3g Rommel – Democrat by Octagonal) led all the way in the MC Polytrack Maiden (1000m) to score at the third time of asking for trainer Mack Hall and Victorian-based owner Paul Morrene. (Photo / Western Racepix)
“We’ve always had a big opinion of him but he’s taken time to put it all together,” Hall revealed. “His first-up run was enormous and he can make a Saturday horse further into this prep. He’s a talent and we’ve ironed out a few mental issues to get him here nice and fresh today.”
Ridgeport principal Santo Guagliardo bred him using resident sire Rommel over former Darley mare Democrat (Octagonal) who was a $25,000 buy for Guagliardo at the 2019 Magic Millions Perth Autumn Sale.
Democrat was a three-time winning sprinter-miler in Victoria for trainer Peter Snowden and she was the only foal to race from Dixiegem (Canny Lad). The second-dam’s older full-sister Peach (Vain) foaled Champion Mogumber Park sire Safeguard (Exceed And Excel).
Democrat’s final foal is a 2yo filly by Rommel.
Meanwhile, Marge Ojapold has been acknowledged on the national stage following her exceptional contribution to the local breeding industry that was recognised with the TBWA Leadership Award in December.
The 2026 Australian Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards (ATIEA) were formerly known as the Stud and Stable Staff Awards and nominations were received from right across the country, highlighting the depth of talent and commitment within the Australian thoroughbred workforce.
There are seven categories in the ATIEA Awards and the winners will be announced at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast on Monday, May 25.
The other WA-based nominee is Belhus Racing Stables / Grand Syndicates team member Katherine Macaulay for the Administrative and Ancillary Services Award.
Leadership Award
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Bruce Murray – Coolmore Australia (NSW)
Lewis Jarvis – Yulong Investments (VIC)
Liam Attwood – Widden Stud (NSW)
Marge Ojapold – Ridgeport Farm (WA) (pictured)
Neasham Clegg – Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin (VIC)
Sam Matthews – Swettenham Stud (VIC)
Photos / Western Racepix)
Administrative and Ancillary Services Award
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Garry Cuddy – Australian Trainers’ Association (VIC)
Katherine Macaulay – Belhus Racing Stables/Grand Syndicates (WA) (pictured)
Lauren Fairless – Belmont Bloodstock Agency (VIC)
Matt Harrington – O’Brien Thoroughbreds (VIC)
Suzanne Bray – Godolphin Australia (NSW)
Hoofnote: Rommel completed a running double on Thursday when Final Flush also won her maiden with a a front-running victory at Pinjarra for trainer Ryan Hill. The 3yo Ridgeport-bred filly failed at her previous start in the LR Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m) and that put paid to a G3 WA Oaks (2400m) campaign for owner Martin Epis.
“She dropped back to 1400m today and Joey (Azzopardi) rode a good race,” Hill said. “She travelled and was competitive and that’s a good result for Martin who’s here today.”
Final Flush (3f Rommel – Colleges by Elusive Quality) is a well-bred half-sister to LR Summer Scotcher winner Oxbridge (City Place) and she’s a full sister to Pale Rider who was runner-up in the 2022 G2 WA Derby (2400m) before transferring to Hong Kong where he has earned the equivalent of AUD1.43 million to date racing as Tourbillon Prince for clients of trainer Micheal Chang.
Colleges has a yearling colt by Rommel and she foaled a Playing God colt at Ridgeport Farm in October.
