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A Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit arbitrator suspended trainer Antonio Meraz and fined him $5,000 after one of his winning horses at Mahoning Valley Racecourse, Isaul Gonzalez's First Kitten, tested above the limit for cobalt.View the full article

Well at least everyone realises now that Awapuni needed extensive renovating.  The fact is shifting everything to Foxton or Levin wouldn't have been the answer. The bitching, moaning and Club parochialism hasn't helped either - but a dose of reality has.

Would hardly think they would be more restricted than Brodie. Great that they won last night from betting big on the greyhounds, but they are coming to an end next year. No problem with them making money for punters that want to give them money, but TAB needs to treat all punters equally, but then we know that they dont.

Back in the summer of 2024, the ubiquitous type 2 diabetes drug metformin was having an oversized impact on the sport. As a banned substance, a metformin overage came with a maximum two-year ban and $25,000 fine. Among the seven metformin cases adjudicated by June of last year, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) had meted out three hefty suspensions including one for the maximum two years. The crux of the controversy was this: While regulators said that they had received intelligence metformin was being abused as a potential performance enhancer, horsemen's groups voiced concern that because metformin is one of the most prescribed drugs in the U.S., the rules didn't account for the risk of environmental contamination. There were other key issues. When the Horseracing Integrity Act's anti-doping and medication control's (ADMC) program first went into effect in May of 2023, a metformin case went forward for adjudication if an individual laboratory was able to detect the substance. Towards the end of 2023, however, internal reviews of the (at the time) six HIWU-contracted laboratories uncovered different limits of detection in blood for metformin. Indeed, all metformin positives up to that point originated from just the one lab. To rectify the problem, HIWU harmonized “testing sensitivity” across its contracted labs, to ensure they were screening for metformin at the same levels: 0.5 nanograms per milliliter in blood and 1 nanogram per milliliter in urine. But were those the right levels to balance regulatory integrity and fairness to the trainers? In early June of last year, HIWU stayed the prosecution of all unresolved and new cases involving potential metformin “presence” violations. At the same time, the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium's (RMTC) Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) began the formal process of trying to answer that key question. After first performing an initial review of the existing scientific literature, they then gathered together a team of researchers who performed a three-part study. The result, announced earlier this week, was a recommended Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) of 4.0 nanograms per milliliter in blood. The researchers didn't recommend using urine as a suitable testing sample due to what a HIWU press release described as “an erratic elimination behavior in urine and an inconsistent relationship between urine and blood concentrations.” Until the three papers that have come out of this process are published, the details surrounding the findings will be limited. But here's what is currently known. Sarah Andrew What do we know about the studies performed? Not a whole lot at the moment. The three-part study was led by Dr. Heather Knych, who is with the K.L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California (UC), Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. RMTC executive director Michael Hardy (who is also HIWU's acting chief of science) said he was unable to discuss the study parameters and findings until they were published. However, the press release offers a few important clues, including what appears a tacit nod to the potential for horses to test positive for metformin after eating tainted bedding. One paper, “Metformin in the Horse: Pharmacokinetics and Detection Times Using Monte Carlo Simulations,” has been accepted for publication. It reportedly describes the pharmacokinetics (i.e., how the body interacts with a substance) of metformin following a single intravenous and oral administration in the horse, as well as the “pharmacokinetics of metformin in various blood matrices.” But the paper also looks at the “potential for detection of metformin in blood and urine samples following a horse's exposure to metformin-contaminated urine and shavings,” according to the press release. While Hardy said he wasn't able to confirm that metformin had been detected in horses that had consumed shavings soaked with metformin-spiked urine, it appears very revealing that the recommended 4.0 nanograms per milliliter level in blood was landed upon in part to minimize the “possibility of a reported [Adverse Analytical Finding] due to inadvertent exposure.” Is metformin a performance enhancer? As part of a lengthy dive into metformin during the summer of 2024, the TDN sought to find out if metformin was a performance enhancer in racehorses. The result was inconclusive. Because Monday's press release doesn't mention whether the three-pronged study answers that question, the TDN asked Hardy if the RMTC was able to make that determination instead. Hardy emailed this response: “RMTC's Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) did acknowledge that Metformin has the potential to enhance performance in the racehorse through the physiologic mechanisms of enhancing glucose utilization in muscle cells and providing more energy for exercise, enhancing fat oxidation or the use of fat as a fuel source for exercise, and reducing body fat resulting in weight loss.” What proof is there that metformin is being intentionally administered to racehorses? Federal regulators repeatedly mentioned receipt of intelligence trainers have intentionally administered metformin to horses to try to enhance performance. Has HIWU got actual proof of this? In answer, a HIWU spokesperson wrote that the agency “cannot comment on the intelligence we have received regarding metformin. However, there is currently a pending case against a trainer for Possessing metformin in a manner indicative of intentional use in racehorses.” Jonathan Wong | Benoit Would the seven prior metformin cases already adjudicated have been pursued as cases under the proposed MRL? In short, no. There were seven metformin “presence” cases adjudicated prior to HISA and HIWU announcing the RMTC study and staying any unresolved and new cases. Importantly, a HIWU spokesperson said that all seven cases had metformin in the blood at levels under the new proposed reporting level. What happened in those seven cases? Trainer Jonathan Wong was issued a two-year suspension and fined $25,000. The level of metformin in Wong's case was 630 picograms per milliliter (pg/ml) in blood, which is 0.63 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Trainer Angel Sanchez was issued an 18-month suspension and fined $12,500. The publicly available case resolution doesn't show the level of the detected metformin, but it does explain that the metformin was found in a post-race urine sample. Trainer Michael Lauer was banned 75-days and fined $2,600. Once again, the publicly available case resolution doesn't include what level of metformin was detected, but the matrix was a post-race urine sample. Four cases have been resolved with no sanctions to the trainer, though in one case, that was because the B sample had insufficient volume for analysis. In another case, the trainer passed away before a formal hearing. Are any of the unresolved cases above the recommended reporting level? That's currently unclear. There are currently nine unresolved metformin cases. According to HIWU, they will continue to be stayed pending the Federal Trade Commission's approval of the new MRL. As per Monday's press release, “if approved, this change will not impact cases that were resolved prior to the June 2024 announcement and involved violations of the rules and testing specifications in effect at the time.” Asked about the metformin blood levels in the stayed cases, A HIWU spokesperson wrote that HIWU cannot currently disclose that information. “If the FTC approves the proposed Minimum Reporting Level (MRL), cases below the new MRL will be withdrawn at that time and updated on the HIWU website. Stayed cases that are not affected by the proposed MRL will continue through the adjudication process upon the FTC's approval of the rules, and their status will be updated on the HIWU website once resolved,” the spokesperson added. What scientific research did HIWU use to guide its approach? Pre-HISA, the Association of Racing Commissioners International's (ARCI) classed the drug a category 2 penalty B substance, which came with a 15-day suspension or 60-days with aggravating circumstances) for a first-time offense. There was no published testing specification for metformin, which meant that reported findings were determined by an individual laboratory's limit of detection for the substance (which meant that varied lab-to-lab). According to the ARCI, of the sanctions meted out for the metformin cases pre-HISA, the most severe was a 15-day suspension (and $2,000 fine) handed to Wesley Ward in 2023, along with a separate $5,000 fine (and 5-day suspension) handed to Ward in 2022. Given this, what science did HIWU use to guide its approach? A HIWU spokesperson responded with the following statement: “HIWU has the discretion to test for Banned Substances down to a laboratory's individual Limit of Detection because a Banned Substance should not be in a racehorse for any reason. “HISA/HIWU based initial regulation of metformin on the Program laboratories' Limit of Detection since there were no established testing specifications for metformin under ARCI rules or other jurisdictions internationally. “Later, HIWU directed the harmonization of testing specifications for metformin among Program laboratories in October 2023 based on the capabilities of the labs.” Does HISA/HIWU regret its initial approach to regulating metformin? Given how in all the seven adjudicated cases, metformin blood levels were below the recommended reporting level, does HIWU regret its initial hardline approach? A HIWU spokesperson responded, “metformin has no valid veterinary use in the racehorse and remains a Banned Substance under the ADMC Program, aligning with the ARCI's classification of metformin as a Prohibited Substance. “HISA and HIWU's request of the RMTC to review metformin and the subsequent proposed Minimum Reporting Level (4.0 nanograms per milliliter in blood) based on the research performed tracks with HISA and HIWU's mandate to ensure that regulations are science-based while prioritizing safety, integrity, welfare, and fairness. “While testing at 0.5 nanograms per milliliter in blood and 1 nanogram per milliliter in urine, there have been zero reported Adverse Analytical Findings for metformin in 2025, suggesting that horsemen have demonstrated that they are able to minimize the risk of exposure to this substance,” the spokesperson added. The post Picture On Metformin Getting Clearer, But Questions Remain appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

AMO Racing's Britain (Quality Road–Toasting, by Congrats) made her second start a winning won, striding home a comfortable two-length winner at Aqueduct on Thursday afternoon. Debuting with a third behind next-out stakes winner Shilling (Global Campaign) over this track and trip on Oct. 16, she was installed the 3-5 choice to get it done in this second go. A tad tardy off the blocks, the pricey New York-bred filly inched her way into contention along the inside as Backstreets (Connect) cut out an opening quarter mile in :23.08. Starting to gear up through a :47.14 half mile, Britain was shifted to the pacesetter's outside turning for home, took over in the stretch and drew off to win by a solid two-length margin over Interstatelovesong (Bolt d'Oro). Fellow Chad Brown runner Pomerance (Curlin) was third. Out of MSW and GISP Toasting, Britain has a yearling younger brother by Uncle Mo. Toasting was bred back to Cody's Wish on the latest cover. A $350,000 FTSAUG yearling purchase, the filly realized $1,050,000 at this year's OBSMAR Sale.   1st-Aqueduct, $82,450, Msw, 11-20, 2yo, f, 7f, 1:23.95, ft, 2 lengths. BRITAIN (f, 2, Quality Road–Toasting {MSW & GISP-USA, GSP-Can, $565,035}, by Congrats) Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $56,950. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Amo Racing USA LLC; B-3C Stables, LLC (NY); T-Chad C. Brown. The post $1.05M OBS March Grad Britain Gets Off the Mark at the Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

France Galop received a trio of awards including the Grand Prix of Sport Business 2025 for their 'Horses in the City' event at CNOSF on Wednesday evening. The Grand Prix of Sport Business recognises the best initiatives and activations led by public and private stakeholders in support of sport and its ecosystem in France. They also received the Prix Or, for the best event activation in support of sport, and the Prix Argent for Best Marketing by a sports organisation, for its sportainement strategy to reconnect the French public with horse racing. The 'Horses in the City' took placewhich took place at the Place de la Concorde in Paris on September 5-6, under the high patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture. The event was supported by the Paris City Hall, the FNCH (French Federation of Horse Racing), the AFASEC (Association for training and social support of horse racing staff) and the association of Au-delà des Pistes. Guillaume de Saint-Seine, the president of France Galop said, “France Galop and all the teams are very honoured to receive these three trophies that recognise our daily commitment to horse racing and our ability to create engaging experiences around major racing events. With the inaugural edition of  'Horses in the City' we aimed to engage Parisians at the Place de la Concorde, in line with our mission to bring racing back into the hearts of the French people. These awards bring pride to the entire industry and inspire us to keep offering unique experiences at our racecourses.” The post France Galop Wins Three Awards, As ‘Horses In The City’ Honoured With Grand Prix of Sport Business appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There can be few forces more unstoppable than a stallion on fire and Yeomanstown Stud's recent purchase Sands Of Mali ensured that the warm glow that burned bright in the sales ring throughout this year's Goffs November Foal Sale remained ablaze until the bitter end on Thursday.  Sands Of Mali was responsible for two of the most expensive lots – a filly and a colt at €100,000 and €90,000 respectively – on a day when the turnover climbed by 24%, the average by 17% and the median by 27%. Such rises cemented what many of the top buyers have agreed has been one of the most memorable editions of the November Foal Sale at Goffs.  That is saying something as this year's trade had a remarkably tough act to follow on from what played out here in 2024. But the figures don't lie; of the 861 foals that were offered throughout the week, 707 were sold at an 82% clearance rate. That represents a 5% rise. The €34,160,500 turnover represented a 5% rise on last year, despite the fact more horses went through the ring [17] 12 months ago, while the average was basically the same at €48,318 and the median fell by 7% to €26,000. In a nutshell, the appetite for horses was through the roof. And, if you happened to have a Sands Of Mali, all the better, as buyers clambered for the progeny of the Group 1 producer. Not only was Sands Of Mali responsible for the top two lots on Thursday, but he ended the sale with a respectable €39,572 average for 14 lots sold. Pound for pound, that's a good performance. Top of that list was the Galbertstown Stables-consigned filly by the stallion who went the way to Finbar Kent for €100,000. He said, “Bought a lovely Sands Of Mali filly out of Almarada, who was bred by Tony Cosgrave. I thought she was the class act of the day. I bought the brother [Almarada Prince] at the Donny breeze-ups and he turned out to be quite a good horse. We also bought a Phoenix Of Spain colt out of the same mare a couple of years ago as well.” He added, “This is a lovely filly and it was a real upgrade for the mare going to Sands Of Mali. He's an exceptional stallion and Joe Foley did a brilliant job with him down in Ballyhane Stud. I am sure he is going to go from strength to strength at Yeomanstown Stud. I actually think that they were the underbidders. He's just a very, very good influence. I suppose we bought the last two a little bit cheaper but, when the mare gets an upgrade like that, maybe there is a little upgrade on price as well.” Yeomanstown Stud signed for the €90,000 colt that was consigned by Ennell Lodge Stud. Speaking after the hammer fell, Rob O'Callaghan said, “We underbid the filly this morning that Finbar bought so we were very keen to get this one – it would've been hard to leave without him. These good foals, especially with the way this week has gone, you have to go above and beyond to get them.” He added, “The stallion is really on an upward trajectory and there's been a great buzz about him here this week – we've had so many people coming up to us who want to use him next year. I think that's shown in how his foals have sold this week.  “We've had a couple of Sands Of Malis before. We've always followed him and we actually came close to buying him originally, so we've followed him all along. We have a nice homebred by him at home and we wanted to have a couple more to sell next year to help advertise the horse. We're very happy with the horse we bought on Monday and we're delighted with this horse now, they're two cracking colts. I'm delighted with how his stock have gone this week. They've gone to great homes like Finbar Kent, Jimmy Murphy, Peter Vaughan and Jamie Railton, so good judges.” The sun sets on the Goffs November Foal Sale on Thursday | Goffs From Philipp Stauffenberg paying €650,000 for the top lot of the week, a New Bay half-sister to Dreamloper, Ethical Diamond's brother selling for €380,000 and the performance of many young stallions, there were many fascinating strands to this sale. And Goffs chief Henry Beeby was rightly pleased. He commented, “'There's no sale on earth like Goffs Foal Sale.' So said Luke Lillingston, vendor of the top foal this week and it's a sentiment that we certainly wouldn't challenge although it is a view that would be shared by many others after four days of sustained demand at all levels. Rarely have I auctioned in a more vibrant atmosphere – especially on Wednesday – and we can only thank both our vendors for entrusting us with the cream of the Irish foal crop together with the array of purchasers for the confidence they continue to show in Goffs November. From single-lot buyers on a day out from school to the dynastic families that are the backbone of the industry to elite international buyers, Kildare Paddocks has been a hive of activity from the weekend with the yards rammed each day and vendors reporting record-breaking numbers of shows for their youngsters. “Another quote that is often relevant but that we would challenge on this occasion is “you're only as good as your last sale” as the median price is just short of 12 months ago although the clearance rate is up and the average has held steady. Normally, that would cause a degree of angst, but not this time as we have effectively matched the unprecedented levels that we reached in 2024 when the sale grew by a gargantuan amount, especially at the top when the Wednesday average and median both jumped by over 60%. So, there will be no postmortem and regret but only thanks and celebration after a sale that truly leads the market as we confirmed its status with a trade that was consistent, vibrant and, at times, frenzied, to return a level of activity that some thought impossible this time last week.” He added, “That said, we are not surprised as Goffs Orby broke records and set the scene for another good renewal and we knew we had been sent the lion's share of the best in the country. And as we have said so often, we are nothing without the horses, although we have once again proved our mantra that Goffs will deliver, and then some, when we are given the opportunities. That has all come together so well over the last four days. “Finally, I want to pay tribute to the amazing horsemen and women. The dedication and care that we see day in day out from all those who present foals is inspiring every time a foal is shown. These youngsters are out of their comfort zone for the first time in their short lives but are obviously reassured by the care and understanding that is exhibited each time they are pulled out. As I mentioned, it's been unbelievably busy, but through the downpours of the weekend to the arctic temperatures today, every handler has shown their charges with positivity, tenderness and efficiency that has made the job at hand even more enjoyable than ever. We salute and thank them all.” The post Progeny Of “Exceptional” Sands Of Mali Dominates On Final Day Of Goffs Foal Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Taylor Made Stallions will launch a new “State-Bred Initiative Program,” the farm announced Thursday. According to their press release, the initiative is “a unique opportunity created to support and incentivize regional breeders who participate in state-bred programs outside of Kentucky.” The program will allow breeders to breed approved mares to four stallions, Angel of Empire, Dr. Schivel, Idol and Tacitus, at a set stud fee, which will be waived as a complimentary no-guarantee once the resulting foal is reported as being born outside of Kentucky and supporting documentation for state-bred registration is submitted. “Regional breeders and state programs are vital to the overall health of the Thoroughbred industry, and we understand the importance of those breeders,” said Taylor Made's Travis White. “With the foal population and the number of mares bred declining every year, we wanted to offer a unique opportunity to regional breeders in hopes of getting more foals on the ground and providing better access to what we believe are four high-quality stallions who are in various stages of their stallion careers. Hopefully, this initiative will bolster the future progress of regional programs, which will impact the industry as a whole.” All mares submitted for seasons are subject to approval and must be designated as “State-Bred Initiative” mares at the time of submission. Once a live foal is produced and reported as being foaled outside of Kentucky, and supporting documentation for state-bred registration is provided, the stud fee will be waived. All seasons remain subject to the restrictions and conditions of a standard Live Foal Stand and Nurse season contract. For more information on the Taylor Made's “State-Bred Initiative Program,” or to submit a mare for consideration, breeders may contact Brock Martin or Travis White at Taylor Made Stallions at (859) 885-3345. Space in the program is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis with approval. The post Taylor Made Stallions Launches “State-Bred Initiative Program” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tally-Ho Stud's new recruit Maranoa Charlie, a Group 1-winning son of Wootton Bassett, has been introduced at a fee of €20,000 for the 2026 breeding season. Trained in France by Christopher Head, the three-year-old is a four-time Group winner, those victories including the Prix de la Foret on Arc weekend.  This year's champion first-season sire-elect Starman has received a significant boost in fee, which rises from €10,000 to €40,000, while his stud-mate Mehmas, who was himself champion freshman sire in 2020, has been held at his 2025 fee of €70,000. Elsewhere on the roster, Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Big Evs has been trimmed from €17,500 to €15,000, while Champion Stakes winner King Of Steel is down to €15,000 from €20,000.  Good Guess, whose first foals have sold well at Goffs this week, remains at €12,500 for this third season, while his sire, the venerable Kodiac, is at €20,000 as he embarks on his 20th covering season. Completing the line-up is Mehmas's son Persian Force, whose first runners will hit the track in 2026. He returns to his opening fee of €10,000, having been available at €8,000 for the previous two seasons. After standing for eight seasons at Tally-Ho Stud, Cotai Glory, the sire of Group/Grade 1 winners Powerful Glory, Excellent Truth and The Platinum Queen, has been sold to stand at stud in Turkey next year.    The post Maranoa Charlie Launched at €20,000; Starman Rises to €40,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article