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The British Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed on Wednesday that remote betting on British horseracing will be exempt from tax rises and remain at 15%. The British horseracing industry welcomed the news. The British Horseracing Authority said in a statement, “It is welcome that the Chancellor has today rightly recognised the vital importance of racing as a cultural, social and economic asset and acted to help secure the sport's long-term future. “The Chancellor's positive decision recognises the potential damage to our sport, and the jobs supported by it, if the Government followed through on its proposal to “harmonise” remote gambling taxes and place horserace betting at the same rate as online casino betting. “While the BHA led the sport's response to the Treasury's consultation, it was an all-of-sport effort to come together in a way which demonstrated the strength and solidarity of racing when collaborating with a shared purpose. We are grateful that the Treasury and No10 have listened to racing, speaking as one, and acted to protect the future of racing. “We also note the increases in other gambling duties for the betting industry a result of the Budget, given the Government's need to raise more money from general taxation. The relationship between racing and betting remains as important as ever and we will be working with our partners in the betting industry to understand the impact of this on British racing. “The BHA will now analyse the Budget documents in greater detail to establish whether there are any other potential issues that may impact racing. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to champion our sport and ensure that British racing can support its agenda for growth moving forward.” BHA acting chief executive Brant Dunshea said, “Today's welcome outcome demonstrates that the Chancellor has listened to our concerns and rightly recognised that racing is a unique national asset – culturally, socially and economically – and we welcome this support. “Betting on racing is an integral part of the enjoyment of our sport, and maintaining the rate of horserace betting duties is an important step by the Government to help preserve revenue streams and protect the 85,000 jobs supported by the racing across the country. “Racing has been part of the British way of life for hundreds of years.  It binds our communities together in shared experience, it brings joy to millions. It puts the country on the world stage. It is right that the Government has understood this and acted accordingly. “At the same time, we recognise that the increase in general taxation on the betting industry may have trickle-down effects on racing. We will work with our partners in the betting industry to understand the implications of this, and how we can work together to ensure that British horseracing continues to thrive.” BHA chair Lord Charles Allen said, “I would like to commend the Chancellor and the Government for listening to the concerns of British racing and offering their clear support for our sport. “I would like to thank everyone who has played their part across the sport, standing as one to communicate our message. “Following the clarity offered today by Government, we look forward to working with ministers and their officials, and the betting industry, to explore how we can continue to grow and promote British racing to a wider audience. “The Government has rightly recognised that we are not only a vital part of the fabric of the British way of life, but we are also a global leader and one of the country's most important soft power levers. We want to maintain Britain's place on the world stage.” Racecourse Association (RCA) chief executive David Armstrong said, “The RCA welcomes the decision taken by the Chancellor in today's Budget to exempt remote betting on British horseracing from planned tax rises. “All stakeholders within our sport were united on the damage that would have been caused should a tax increase be levied. For racecourses, we are pleased that the vital socio-economic importance of these venues to communities across Great Britain have been acknowledged. “While the horseracing exemption is welcome, our sport still faces significant challenges which will need to be addressed. We are working closely with the British Horseracing Authority and other stakeholders to understand the wider implications of other areas of the Budget and the impact these could have on both our sport and racecourses.” Arena Racing Company (ARC) chief executive Martin Cruddace said, “We have been clear throughout that harmonisation of tax rates of British racing and other betting and gaming products would gravely impact our industry. As a sport and industry, we continue to offer a real contribution to this country, supporting communities and culture. “I am so glad that the Government has recognised that fact and helped put our sport on a path to growth. “We would like to acknowledge the strong support that we have received across Parliament, particularly from a number of MPs around our racecourse communities, especially Sally Jameson, the MP for Doncaster and Jack Rankin the MP for Windsor.” National Trainers Federation (NTF) chief executive Paul Johnson said, “The Government's decision to leave racing's remote betting tax rate unchanged is one that we view with considerable relief. On behalf of British racehorse trainers, I welcome the Treasury recognising the economic damage that an increase would have inflicted on the industry and responding to avoid such an outcome. “That said, we must accept that more will be needed for the industry to turn around the decline that we are in at present, with the sport continuing to be financially disadvantaged relative to other jurisdictions.  Today's budget sees us live to fight another day, but the sport has work to do, alongside Government, if we are to create a more prosperous future. “I would like to thank trainers for their considerable input into the sport's coordinated lobbying efforts over recent months. It is critical that participant voices continue to be heard in shaping policy at a sport and government level.” Jockey Club chief executive Jim Mullen said, “We commend both the Government for recognising the unique cultural and economic contribution our sport makes to communities up and down the country, and the BHA for their leadership in uniting our industry to address this important issue. “Today's budget will have wide-reaching impacts and our focus will now be on understanding those impacts on our business as we plan for 2026.” The post British Horseracing Welcomes Decision Not To Raise Betting Tax appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Citing a series of alleged rule violations related to “cruelty, mistreatment, neglect or abuse” of Thoroughbreds, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has served Rudy Rodriguez with a “notice of violation and show cause” that could result in a potential provisional suspension and perhaps more serious penalties for the 53-year-old former jockey who has consistently ranked near the top of the New York trainer standings for the past 15 years. The HISA notice, which was served upon Rodriguez Nov. 21, 2025, and made public on Nov. 26, stated that “since Nov. 22, 2024, you have been the Responsible Person for at least 15 Covered Horses that have been placed on the Veterinarians' List. Based on entries to the HISA Portal, none of these horses have had a lameness evaluation or diagnostic work performed since being placed on the Veterinarians' List. “Moreover, you have been the Responsible Person of at least four Covered Horses that have suffered catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries since Dec. 13, 2024,” the notice stated in a footnote. “Taken together, the Authority has reasonable grounds to believe that your actions or inactions present an imminent danger to the health, safety, or welfare of Covered Horses and Riders arising from specific violations of the Authority's Racetrack safety or accreditation rules,” the notice stated. The HISA charges represent only one side of this story. Phone and text messages left for Rodriguez on Wednesday seeking comment did not yield a reply from the trainer prior to publication of this article. Rodriguez, according to the notice, had three business days after being charged by HISA to respond in writing to the allegations, including “the presentation of mitigating or opposing facts and evidence” and to request a provisional hearing. It was not known at the deadline for this story if Rodriguez had submitted that documentation. The Authority also wanted Rodriguez to “establish that the Covered Horses identified in the statement of factual basis have received, or are receiving, the necessary veterinary care.” (The names and last known conditions of those horses are published below). Rodriguez is alleged to have violated HISA Rule 2215(a), which states: “No Covered Person acting alone or in concert with another person shall compromise the welfare of a Covered Horse for competitive or commercial reasons or subject or permit any Covered Horse under their control, custody or supervision to be subjected to or incur the following: (1) any form of cruelty, mistreatment, neglect, or abuse; (2) abandonment, injury, maiming, or killing (except for euthanasia for humane reasons and in a manner consistent with the current version of the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals); (3) administration of any noxious substance; or (4) deprivation of necessary care, sustenance, shelter, or veterinary care.” The notice of violation explained that, “One of the reasons behind HISA's Veterinarians' List rules is to provide a safety net for horses flagged by regulatory veterinarians in the course of their duties who require further veterinary evaluation. Such evaluation is meant to be provided by the trainer's attending veterinarian as outlined in [rules] 2242(b) and (d). As demonstrated [in the notice of violation], such evaluations were not always performed.” Rodriguez could be facing additional penalization as his case plays out. Beyond the potential provisional suspension, the Nov. 21 notice of violation stated that, “If it is agreed or determined that one or more Rule 2215(a) violations have occurred, HISA may, in addition to the provisional suspension, seek to impose one or more of the sanctions outlined in Rule 8200 as deemed appropriate by HISA in keeping with the seriousness of the violation and the facts of the case, and that is consistent with the safety, welfare, and integrity of Covered Horses, Covered Persons, and Covered Horseraces.” The notice of violation listed 16 specific horses trained by Rodriguez that were part of the alleged pattern of rule violations. They are: 1) Judge Rules: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound from Nov. 22, 2024, through Dec. 30, 2024, and again from Jan. 17, 2025, through Mar. 17, 2025. There were no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Judge Rules during the periods of time the horse was on the Veterinarians' List. As of the date of this Notice, Judge Rules has not competed in a race since Apr. 27, 2025.” 2) Jemography: “Was the subject of a void claim on Mar. 24, 2024, and, as a result, was placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound. Jemography failed a Veterinarians' List workout for unsoundness on Apr. 29, 2024, and again on Aug. 2, 2024. On Dec. 13, 2024, roughly four months after the last failed workout, Jemography died during or following the eighth race at Aqueduct. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Jemography for 2024.” 3) Secret Rules: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound on Dec. 14, 2024. Secret Rules failed a Veterinarians' List workout for unsoundness on Jan. 11, 2025. The Regulatory Veterinarian required diagnostic imaging following the failed workout. Eight days after failing the workout, Secret Rules died during or following a workout at Belmont Racetrack. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Secret Rules since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Dec. 14, 2024.” 4) Mama's Dream: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as injured on Dec. 27, 2024. Mama's Dream has not competed in a race since May 27, 2024. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Mama's Dream since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Dec. 27, 2024.” 5) Jerry's Out: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound on Jan. 17, 2025. On July 12, 2025, Jerry's House was the subject of a void claim and, as a result, was placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound. Jerry's House failed a Veterinarians' List workout (unsound) on Sept. 4, 2025, and last raced on July 12, 2025. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Jerry's Out since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Jan. 17, 2025, until the horse was transferred out of the care of Mr. Rodriguez on or about July 12, 2025.” 6) King Freud: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound on Feb. 22, 2025. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for King Freud from the time the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Feb. 22, 2025 until at least the time the horse was transferred to another trainer's care on July 26, 2025.” 7) Letter Perfect: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on Feb. 8, 2025, with a requirement for a neurological examination. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Letter Perfect since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Feb. 8, 2025. Additionally, the neurological examination requirement remains unmet.” 8) Frankie Hiccups: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound following the ninth race at Aqueduct on Feb. 28, 2025, where Frankie Hiccups has remained since that time. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Frankie Hiccups since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Feb. 28, 2025.” 9) McDiesel: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound on May 25, 2025, where McDiesel remained until Oct. 27, 2025. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for McDiesel since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on May 25, 2025.” 10) Spooky Lady: “Suffered an injury during a workout on June 1, 2025, and was subsequently placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound. Six days later, Spooky Lady was found dead in her stall.” 11) Shesalittle Edgy: “Was the subject of a void claim on June 27, 2025, and, as a result, was placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound (second time in a year). On Aug. 20, 2025, Shesalittle Edgy failed a Veterinarians' List workout as unsound and the Regulatory Veterinarian required radiograph diagnostics as a condition of Shesalittle Edgy being removed from the Veterinarians' List. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Shesalittle Edgy since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on June 27, 2025.” 12) Rudy Up: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on June 29, 2025, as unsound. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Rudy Up since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on June 29, 2025.” 13) Political Spin: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on July 16, 2025, as physically distressed. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Political Spin since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on July 16, 2025.” 14) Mr. Mendelssohn: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on July 24, 2025, as unsound. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Mr. Mendelssohn since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on July 24, 2025.” 15) Funny Joke: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on Aug. 3, 2025, as unsound. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Funny Joke since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Aug. 3, 2025.” 16) Heavyweight Champs: “Died during or immediately following the seventh race at Aqueduct on Nov. 14, 2025. Heavyweight Champs suffered a catastrophic injury during the running of the race and in his fall brought down the #3 horse, Tarpaulin, seriously injuring Tarpaulin's jockey, Dylan Davis.” The post HISA Seeks to Suspend Top New York Trainer Rodriguez Related to Alleged Violations of ‘Cruelty’ Rule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Field sizes ( all tied up with programming and dates)  is something that you and a couple of other enlightened sorts have been trying to get attention on, with little interest from management.  As has been pointed out many times,  the exodus to Aus isn't totally stakes driven.  The Chief has made reference himself  about the lack of opportunity for sprinting fillies, for one, hence the need to send those types over the ditch. There are heaps of other examples.   The revitalizing of racedays from the viewpoint of young people is important fot sure, as well as stable open days and other initiatives to get a different demographic involved.   But the industry as a whole has to be sustainable and it hasnt been without top- ups from other than betting revenue.  I've held stable open days ( in a modest way) as have Kezia Murphy and Anna Furlong more recently, and all very well received.  But getting tracks renovated properly and in a timely fashion is vital to getting back some punter confidence.  No good taking pot shots at me, Chief, smarter people than me have been trying for years - decades- to get some traction, to no avail.

The Japan Cup is held on turf at a distance of 2,400 meters, or about 1 1/2 miles. It boasts a purse comparable to the Breeders' Cup Classic, with about 1.09 billion yen equaling about $7.2 million.View the full article

Hugh Bowman and Vincent Ho Chak-yiu claimed the final two slots in the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) on December 10 with a trio of winners between them on a dramatic night at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Bowman needed a winner to leapfrog Luke Ferraris and he almost took the initiative straight away when Flow Water Flow missed by a nose behind Somelovefromabove in section one of the Class Four Glenfinnan Viaduct Handicap (1,200m). Remarkably, Bowman then missed again by a nose...View the full article

Woodbine Cares Horsepower Fund, a new grant program designed to support charities and not-for-profit organizations that champion horse welfare and strengthen the bond between horses and people, has been launched by Woodbine Entertainment. Through the Horsepower Fund, local registered charities and not-for-profits across Ontario can apply for micro-grants of up to $5,000. These grants are intended to fuel initiatives that help people connect with horses through education, hands-on care, or innovative programs that highlight the role horses play in the racing community. Applicants to the Horsepower Fund must be: a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or a registered not-for-profit; be located within the local communities surrounding Woodbine Racetrack or Woodbine Mohawk Park; demonstrate a clear focus on equine welfare; provide evidence of strong fiscal management and governance practices; and have submitted final reports from previous years if a prior recipient. Eligible charities can apply online here: https://form.jotform.com/251273988732266. The post Woodbine Launches Horsepower Fund to Support Horse Welfare, Community Programs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Reigning Eclipse Award winner Flavien Prat won a total of 14 races last week, including a five-win day Nov. 23 and a sweep of the day's stakes races. He was voted Jockey of the Week Nov.17-23.View the full article

Spendthrift Farms' Further Ado (Gun Runner), who will make his next start in Saturday's GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. at Churchill Downs, ran sensationally in his last start, winning a Keeneland maiden by 20 lengths, earning a 98 Beyer figure. The Beyer number is tied for the second fastest race by a 2-year-old in 2025. But he's also somewhat of a mystery. Why did he run so poorly in his first two races and can he once again turn in a sizzling effort in what will be his stakes debut? The Kentucky Jockey Club should provide a lot of answers. “We liked him a good bit, especially first time out,” trainer Brad Cox said. “I thought he was a horse that could win first time based on how he trained at Keeneland, Churchill and even Saratoga leading up to that debut. He's always been a really good training horse.  We did lose a little bit of confidence along the way when we didn't get the performances we were expecting in the first two runs.” Further Ado debuted July 26 at Saratoga and finished fifth in a six-furlong maiden. He returned Aug. 30 at Saratoga in a seven-furlong maiden and ran a distant third. The most obvious difference between his first and second races and his third was the distance. Cox stretched him out to a 1 1/16 miles and got one of the best performances by any 2-year-old this year. “I think he just didn't handle the distance in those first two starts,” Cox said. “Getting him out around two turns seemed to make the difference. We liked him a good bit in all three starts. He was able to put it all together going long that day at Keeneland. No, I never thought he'd win by 20 lengths. Watching the race that day at Keeneland, I thought, 'Wow he's really moving well and they were going quick enough up front.' It didn't seem like anyone was closing in on him going into the far turn. It looked like he had the horse in front of him measured and he just kept extending the margin. It was a very impressive win, to say the least.” Still, Cox knows that Saturday's stakes will be a challenge. As usual, the Kentucky Jockey Club has attracted some talented juveniles. “He will need to step up and improve,” he said. “As long as he can get away well, get into the race and get into his rhythm, I think he will run well. He's been training at Churchill ever since that win at Keeneland and he trained this morning [on Nov. 23] and it was very impressive. Breaking well, getting involved early and getting into that rhythm are the things he'll need to do to be successful Saturday.” Should Further Ado win the Kentucky Jockey Club, he will no doubt be considered, at the very least, a Top 10 prospect for next year's GI Kentucky Derby. Cox said he will wait until after Saturday before starting to put together a schedule for him for his 3-year-old campaign. Further Ado will winter at Payson Park in Florida, but that doesn't mean he will be taking the Gulfstream route to the Derby. Spendthrift will be in Florida with the horse now considered the Derby favorite, Ted Noffey (Into Mischief). Cox is rather sure that Spendthrift will want to keep the two apart, which means Further Ado might do his racing in the preps at Fair Grounds. “The Florida preps will at least be on our list, but you have to remember that they'll have another very nice colt down there in Ted Noffey,” Cox said. “That's going to play a role in what we do, and it should. We'll see how we do on Saturday and then start thinking more about our plans.” The main competition may come from the Saffie Joseph-trained Dr. Kapur (McKinzie), who will be stretching out after an impressive win in a seven-furlong maiden at Keeneland. Bob Baffert will be represented by the $1.15-million Keeneland September purchase Cherokee Nation (Not This Time), who is still a maiden. Steve Asmussen, who has won this race three times, will send out GIII Iroquois S. winner Spice Runner (Gun Runner). Saturday's card at Churchill will also feature the GII Golden Rod S. for 2-year-old fillies. The heavy favorite will be Baffert's Explora (Blame), who is coming off a second-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Cox will try to post the upset with Rags to Riches S. winner Life of Joy (Gun Runner). “We really like her,” Cox said. “She broke her maiden in Indiana and it was a really big step up going from that race to the stakes at Churchill. That race [the Rags to Riches] came up with somewhat of a short field and she got a really good trip. There are a few more fillies in this race and it's a deeper group . She has to step up again. She's another one that had a really good breeze this morning [Nov. 24] over this track. She is training well and is training forward since that last run. We've seen positive things from her since that last run.” The post Further Ado is Good, But How Good? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. What an effort from Boss Dylan (c, 2, Liam's Map–Sweet, by Blame)! Those were the words of track announcer Travis Stone as Boss Dylan rallied from last to finish a fantastic second in the nightcap at Churchill Downs Sunday evening. Off at odds of 9-1 in his 6 1/2-furlong unveiling for trainer Brendan Walsh in a very deep maiden special weight, Boss Dylan made a mess of the break from his outside draw and was 11th as the Brian Lynch-trained firster Mob (Gun Runner) sped through an opening quarter in :22.16. The $40,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $460,000 OBS April breezer began to launch beneath Tyler Gaffalione with a flashy move on the far turn and split horses leaving the quarter pole. He kept on rolling down the stretch and came home in a field-best :31.24 while finishing 1 1/2 lengths behind the aforementioned Mob, a $560,000 Keeneland September graduate. Boss Dylan earned a 75 Beyer Speed Figure, four points less than the front-running winner. Ramiro Restrepo's Marquee Bloodstock Agency purchased Boss Dylan on behalf of G and O Racing, High Step Racing, JR Ranch and KAS Ultimate Racing after breezing in :10 1/5 earlier this spring in Ocala. “It's almost a blessing in a way,” said Restrepo, who co-owned  2023 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage. “Out of a loss, there's a win. He learned so much. Kudos to Tyler, just let the horse get into rhythm. They were moving up top and they got away from him. Lynchie's horse is a fast, well-meant horse.” He continued, “It was so nice to see a young baby eat that kind of dirt and zig zag between horses and not be afraid to attack a pack. Normally you see the babies spit it on the turn after making a move like that. The gallop out was savage. That probably was the most impressive thing.” Boss Dylan's leading young sire Liam's Map is responsible for seven top-level winners worldwide. Bred in Kentucky by Twin Oaks Bloodstock LLC, Boss Dylan was produced by Claiborne Farm homebred Sweet (Blame), a two-time winner on grass and full-sister to GI Santa Margarita S. heroine Fault and half-sister to the dam of GI Darley Alcibiades S. winner Juju's Map (Liam's Map). Sweet is also responsible for the 4-year-old filly No Mo Candy (Uncle Mo), winner of last fall's GIII Pebbles S. over the Aqueduct lawn. Boss Dylan in the paddock prior to his debut at Churchill Downs Sunday | courtesy Ramiro Restrepo “It was great for the group and all the partners to have a root home,” Restrepo said. “He showed that he wanted it and came running fast for the wire. That kind of stuff makes it all worth it. My main supporter and the person who has really given me a gigantic boost is Jose Aguirre of JR Ranch. He has been a godsend as an owner. I am Jose's racing manager and bloodstock manager and put the group together with High Step Racing, G and O Racing and KAS Ultimate Racing. It's a bunch of new guys and they come from all walks. Some of them are in the sport-fisherman world. Getting them in the game is pretty fun.” Restrepo concluded, “He came out of the race great and will ship to Florida to Palm Meadows after Thanksgiving. We'll look at a maiden there going seven-eighths to a mile at the beginning of the year. If he answers that bell, you're definitely in line for some dreams.”    Since launching 'Second Chances' in 2017, 64 maidens have been featured in these pages (through 2024), producing 25% graded stakes winners, 34% stakes winners and 48% stakes horses. The series has introduced eight future winners at the top level, led by this year's GI Kentucky Derby, GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers S. winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) and fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo). The post Second Chances: ‘Out of a Loss, There’s a Win’ – Boss Dylan Florida-Bound Following Eye-Catching Debut Second appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article