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John Herbuveaux and Daryl E. Parker were recognized as the 2021 Pete Pedersen Award by the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's Global Symposium on Racing and Gaming Awards Luncheon in Tucson, Arizona Tuesday. The award is presented to stewards who have demonstrated professional excellence, integrity, and benevolent consideration in the performance of their duties. Contributions of time and expertise to the horse racing industry on the local and national levels are also significant factors in the selection of Pedersen award winners. The award is named in honor of Pete Pedersen, the nationally recognized California steward and accomplished journalist who set a standard of excellence. Herbuveaux, accredited by ROAP in 1993, served as a racing official in New Mexico, Louisiana, Idaho, Arizona, Canada, Washington and California. He has also held the position of racing secretary, announcer and director of racing. He served as a steward in California at a number of tracks, including Santa Anita and Del Mar. Parker, who will be awarded the honor posthumously, was the first African American to serve as a steward in U.S. racing history. Beginning in 1986, he was a steward in Michigan, in addition to all three Ohio tracks. The former exercise rider and jockey agent also holds the distinction of being the second Black racing official in the country while at Fairmount Park and Cahokia Downs. The award for Parker will be presented to his son, DeShawn, at a later date in a separate ceremony in Ohio. The Pete Pedersen Award special selection committee is composed of five members: Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day; former The Jockey Club steward and NYRA track veterinarian Dr. Ted Hill; Dan Metzger, TOBA president; Scott Wells, president of Remington Park and Lone Star Park; and former leading trainer and ROAP accredited steward Hal Wiggins. The post Herbuveaux, Parker Named ’21 Pete Pedersen Award Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Racing Officials Accreditation Program's (ROAP) board of directors elected its 2022-2023 officers during its Dec. 6 board meeting, held at the Global Symposium on Racing in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, The Jockey Club Steward for NYRA, was elected ROAP chairperson; Frank Lamb, a ROAP-accredited steward was elected ROAP vice chairperson; Wendy Davis, former director at the University of Arizona RTIP was re-elected ROAP secretary; and Kristin Werner, senior counsel at The Jockey Club, was re-elected ROAP treasurer. “I am thrilled to take the reins of this organization at this critical time in our industry's history,” said Dr. Durenberger. “The implementation of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act will bring challenges and opportunities to our membership and we remain committed to upholding the integrity of horse racing at all levels and for all breeds.” The post ROAP Board Elects Officers for 2022-23 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing journalist Jonny Turner’s selections for Winton on Thursday, December 9.  Head to www.tab.co.nz to place your bet! Race Jonny Turner  Racing Journalist Race 1 12.12pm 2 Hot To Trot  3 Sheza Gift    4 Cheeky Monkey   1 Crown Range Race 2 12.47pm 2 Sista Sammy   1 Lookout    3 Meghan Markle    5 Eliz Angel       Race 3 1.22pm 1 Speights On Tap  2 Chezz Dale 7 Henry Maguire      8 Lou’s Deal       Race 4 1.55pm 5 Bensons Mate     6 Artatac      2 Show Me Heaven    4 Keep On Dreaming     Race 5 2.31pm 13 Sioux Princess    3 Dem Bones Dem Bones     5 Miss Bamboocha     2 Ruby Seddon      Race 6 3.06pm 6 Hiranya   7 Beach Ball   3 Sand Wave 8 Nutcracker     Race 7 3.36pm 4 Bizzie Lou    3 Cool Idea    2 Changearound   12 Archaic Lustre    Race 8 4.01pm  1 Quaddie VC   5 Taxman   11 Whata Razzle Dazzle   7 Bettor’s Tart     Race 9 4.34pm 4 Chuckles  2 Kerri Maguire  6 I’mallaboutthebase  7 Santanna Mach   Race 10 5.07pm  6 Mr McLaren 11 Rock N Dash 7 The Other Brother 8 Peroni  View the full article

Monmouth Park will offer free general parking and has removed the additional Clubhouse admission fee in advance of the 2022 racing season. In a continuation of the track's fan-friendly “We're Back” campaign, all general admission has been set at $6. In a change from previous seasons, that price will be the same for Grandstand and Clubhouse admission. Once inside the racetrack, there will be no additional fee to move from the Grandstand to Clubhouse. There will be a fee for valet parking. As in year's past, general admission will be free for children 12 and under, plus service men or women with military ID. Just in time for the holiday season, Monmouth will offer the 2022 VIP Season Pass for sale beginning Dec. 15.  The season pass is valid for one general admission for each of the 58 race days between May 7 and Labor Day, including TVG.com GI Haskell Day. The final two Saturdays of the season, Sept. 10 and 17, will feature free general admission for all. As previously announced, Monmouth will return to its traditional picnic area policy of allowing coolers. For more information visit www.monmouthpark.com. The post Monmouth to Offer Free General Parking, Admission Set for ’22 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Indiana Horse Racing Commission (IHRC) approved racing dates for the 2022 racing season at Indiana Grand Monday. A total of 127 racing days-including 12 Saturdays–are set for the Shelbeyville oval's 2022 season. Racing runs through Tuesday, Apr. 19, concluding Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022. According to Eric Halstrom, Indiana's vice president and general manager of racing, “We feel our racing schedule offers a great balance that will appeal to a wide range of racing fans in 2022. We want to thank both the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing organizations for their input and assistance with finalizing the request for dates.” The bulk of the schedule will fall on Monday through Thursday with first post Monday through Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. and racing beginning at 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. A total of six days are dedicated to Quarter Horse racing with an additional day set aside for the AQHA Bank of America Challenge Championships coming to Indiana Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022. Five Saturdays will include Thoroughbred racing with the first set for May 7 on Kentucky Derby. The final Saturday of racing is set for Saturday, Oct. 29 featuring Indiana Champions Day. The event will play host to 10 stakes races with purses exceeding $1 million. The afternoon card, which begins at noon, showcases the top Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse athletes in the state surrounded by numerous giveaways, contests, and promotions. Indiana Grand will also offer holiday racing programs for Memorial Day on May 30 and July 4, beginning at 12 p.m. The racing season will conclude Nov. 23 with a special racing program the day before Thanksgiving. Dates for stakes races next season, including the Indiana Derby, will be announced at a later date. For more information on events and racing, visit www.indianagrand.com. The post ’22 Dates Set for Indiana Grand appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Martin Dwyer wins the 2004 Hong Kong Vase aboard Phoenix Reach.Sunday, December 12th, 2004: A nervous young jockey from Liverpool gazes round a star-studded Sha Tin paddock ahead of his ride on Andrew Balding’s Phoenix Reach in the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m) and wonders whether he truly belongs. Frankie Dettori doesn’t have a care in the world; Olivier Peslier, Christophe Soumillon and Gerald Mosse have seen it all before; and Douglas Whyte, Michael Kinane and Kieren Fallon wear the sort of steely gazes that suggest you wouldn’t want to play poker with them. There wasn’t a catchy term for feelings of self-doubt brought on by pressurised situations back then. But there is now. And the man who rides Pyledriver in this year’s LONGINES Hong Kong Vase recognises the symptoms of Imposter Syndrome all too well. “You do start to question yourself when you go abroad for those big international races for the first time,” says Martin Dwyer. “You don’t tell anyone, of course, but it’s there deep down. Doubt does creep in and Phoenix Reach was the horse who helped me get over that.” Dwyer’s pre-race nerves back in 2004 weren’t helped at the start when it emerged that Phoenix Reach’s bridle had broken and it took some sharp thinking to solve the problem. “My horse was wearing blinkers and the starter said he would have to be scratched if we took them off to replace the bridle,” he says. “You can imagine how hard my heart was beating by this point and I could hear a few jockeys saying ‘take that one in.’ “I couldn’t blame them as senior riders use all sorts of little tricks to get an edge, but there was a great horseman called Fergus Gallagher on the stalls team. It was a scary moment right in front of a huge crowd but luckily my horse didn’t flinch as Fergus replaced the bridle while I stood and held him.” The rest, as they say, is history. Phoenix Reach was a +2500 shot having finished sixth in the Group 1 Japan Cup (2400m) two weeks earlier but he stalked the leaders in his new red headgear and struck for home halfway up the home straight. Dettori loomed large aboard Godolphin raider Sights On Gold soon after but Dwyer had kept something in reserve and Phoenix Reach held on gamely by half a length as the pair drew clear of Peslier on the French-trained favourite Vallee Enchantee. “Breaking through on the global stage is a massive moment for any jockey,” adds Dwyer. “I’m not one for wild celebrations but I did wave the whip after passing the post. Frankie came across to congratulate me and I just remember the whole trip as a mind-blowing experience.” Phoenix Reach gave Dwyer another memorable success in the Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Nad Al Sheba in March 2005 and his stock reached a new high back in Britain the following summer when he threaded Sir Percy through the narrowest of gaps to prevail in a dramatic four-way finish for the Group 1 Epsom Derby. But top-level glory remains elusive for all bar a select few and, like his beloved Everton FC, Dwyer has spent most of the last 15 years performing consistently in the middle of the Premier League hoping for the arrival of a genuine star to take on the Galacticos again. Pyledriver hits the track under his work rider.Pyledriver primed to shine on the big stage again Cue the emergence of Pyledriver, trained in partnership by Dwyer’s “glass half full” father-in-law William Muir and Chris Grassick and homing in on Sunday’s (12 December) LONGINES Hong Kong Vase as a fresh horse with just three runs in 2021. “The first day I really knew we had something special was when he quickened so impressively to win the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot last summer,” he adds. “We put a line through his run in a very messy Derby but he destroyed his rivals under a penalty in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York and he’s come back in great heart this year to win the Coronation Cup at Epsom and the Churchill Stakes at Lingfield last month.” That Group 1 Coronation Cup success, following Casual Look’s 2003 Group 1 Oaks win and Sir Percy’s Derby, means Dwyer is one of a select handful of riders to have landed all of Epsom’s crown jewels. “I love Epsom and I’m really proud to have won all three Group 1s there as I don’t get the chances every year that Frankie and Ryan (Moore) get. Of course, it was a blow that Pyledriver missed the summer with a muscle problem but sometimes things happen for a reason and maybe the best is yet to come.” Pyledriver lines up this weekend as the highest rated horse in the field with an international rating of 121 and has beaten last year’s LONGINES Hong Kong Vase hero Mogul comfortably in three of their four meetings, including the Coronation Cup. His chance is there for all to see on form and Dwyer feels his unusual character is part of what makes him so good. “He’s like a schoolboy in class who has all the talent in the world but can look out of the window if he loses concentration,” he adds. “There’s no way he would let me put his bridle on in the morning – and his groom Babu has plenty of bumps and bruises because of him – but that’s just Pyledriver. He knows how much talent he’s got and isn’t afraid to tell you.” Dwyer thinks carefully when asked how his 2021 Vase hope compares with the 2004 model. “That’s a tough one,” he concedes. “Phoenix Reach was great, so versatile, a warrior who really battled for you. Pyledriver has more character and quirks but I do think he has more natural ability and he means the world to everyone connected with him.” Which brings us neatly to Sunday, December 12th, 2021, when a calm, veteran jockey from Liverpool will gaze around the Sha Tin paddock ahead of the Vase to see Soumillon, Moore, Joao Moreira, Vincent Ho and Damian Lane among his rivals. “Yes, I’m a different person now and this will be a massive buzz,” says Dwyer. “But let’s get this straight, this might be the last time I get to ride in an HKIR race. I hope it isn’t but you never know and that’s why this chance has to be grabbed with both hands.” Now 46 and in the autumn of a 30-year career that has yielded over 1500 winners, Martin Dwyer knows Father Time is undefeated and that this sort of chance may never come again. But this time there will be no sense of Imposter Syndrome. Dwyer and Pyledriver have shown time and again that they belong at the top level. All they need now is a little luck – and the bridle to remain intact. View the full article

European-based jockeys managed victories in three of the four races comprising Wednesday's Longines International Jockeys' Championship at Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong Island, but consistency was rewarded when Zac Purton–out of luck on the evening–had the last laugh, placing in all four legs to take home the HK$500,000 (£48,558/€56,739) first prize. Currently atop the jockeys' premiership in Hong Kong, Purton was winning the IJC for a third time in five years, having taken it in 2017 and again 12 months ago. He joins Frankie Dettori and Douglas Whyte as three-time winners of the IJC. Hollie Doyle made IJC history in 2020, becoming the first woman to win a leg of the series when booting home favored Harmony N Blessed (Aus) (Magnus {Aus}) for trainer David Hayes. Her partner, Tom Marquand, got the evening off on a winning note Wednesday–also for the Hayes yard–producing $35 (5-2) favourite Awesome Treasure (NZ) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) from a handy spot in the nick of time to earn 12 points, while Purton set a searching gallop aboard Circuit Seven (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) before weakening late to third (video). Doyle, who finished in a tie for third last year, was centrestage again in the IJC, putting $209 chance (19-1) Viva Hunter (NZ) (El Roca {Aus}) on the speed from gate 12 before just holding off a late dive from Purton and Glorious Lover (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}) (video) in leg two. Ryan Moore was an unlucky third astride $3.90 pick Ai One (NZ) (Shocking {NZ}). “I thought I had been headed home,” Doyle told the HKJC notes team. “[Winning] is just as good if not better [than last year]. It's good to have a crowd here, it lifts the atmosphere and I'm blessed to have had the luck I've had. It's very special to win against the world's best jockeys and it's a huge honour for Tom and I to be asked back here.”     James McDonald has been in cracking form in Australia over the past month, riding no fewer than 10 winners during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, including the big race aboard Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}). The New Zealander, second when making his IJC debut in 2011 and third in 2014, tossed his hat into the ring in Wednesday's third leg, coming from what appeared to be a hopeless position at the midway point of the extended-mile race before knifing through late with 8-1 Invincible Missile (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) to just touch off Purton and Amazing Plus One (Ire) (Shamardal) in another rousing finish (video). There were as many as seven chances entering the fourth and final leg of the championship, but none of the leading lights managed to strike a decisive blow, as Elon (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) came with a stinging rally from the back of the pack beneath Mickael Barzalona to post a 12-1 upset (video). It was Purton yet again on the losing end of a photo, but his runner-up effort secured the IJC on 22 points. Marquand, Doyle, McDonald and Barzalona finished in a tie for second place on 12 points. “I came here a little bit worried about the quality of horses I was riding and knew that I was going to need things go my way and luckily I was able to get some nice runs on them and give them their chances,” Purton said. “It was a bit frustrating I kept getting beaten in those photos, but I suppose that makes for good racing and a good competition. The points added up, it's very satisfying.” Hayes took home an HK$200,000 bonus as leading IJC trainer for his victory with Awesome Treasure and a pair of thirds to finish with 20 points, eight clear of a group of four fellow trainers on 12 points.   The post Euros Win Three, But Purton Defends Title In Longines IJC appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A host of international Group or Grade 1 winners have been extended invites to the upcoming Dubai World Cup Carnival, including Lord Glitters (Fr) (Whipper), who enjoyed a pair of group victories during last year's event. The popular grey gelding captured the G1 Jebel Hatta and more recently added the G3 Bahrain International Trophy to his haul from the David O'Meara yard, who has also received an invite for Escobar (Ire) (Famous Name {GB}). A strong Irish challenge will be led by dual G1 Irish St Leger heroine Search For A Song (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) for trainer Dermot Weld, and Joseph O'Brien sends the pair of G1 Cox Plate scorer State Of Rest (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and G1 National S. winner Thunder Moon (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}). Ado McGuinness is represented by G1 Prix de l'Abbaye winner A Case Of You (Ire) (Hot Streak {Ire}), as well as Group 2 winner Pierre Lapin (Ire) (Cappella Sansevero {GB}) and 10-time scorer Harry's Bar (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). Crack sprinter and G1 Sprint Cup S. victor Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal) represents Kevin Ryan. George Boughey has the option to send the progressive Group 3 winner and G1 Prix Marcel Boussac third Oscula (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), while G1 Sun Chariot S. victress Saffron Beach (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) is one of four possible for Jane Chapple-Hyam. William Haggas sends G1 Champion S. second Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}), besides G1 Juddmonte International runner-up Alenquer (Fr) (Adlerflug {Ger}) and Shadwell's Mohaafeth (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who won the G3 Hampton Court S. at Royal Ascot. Another Shadwell runner invited to the DWCC is the Group 3 winner Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) for Owen Burrows. American trainer Doug O'Neill is sending a string for the DWCC, and his Grade I winner Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) has punched his ticket, while 2020 G3 UAE Guineas winner Fore Left (Twirling Candy) also returns to Meydan. Entries were also received from Sweden, Norway, Singapore, Greece, Turkey, Australia, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay, as well as Carnival regulars France and Bahrain, bringing the total countries represented to 17. The Dubai World Cup Carnival runs from Jan. 13 to Super Saturday, Mar. 5. There is $7.5 million in prizemoney across eight weeks of racing, and the $30.5 million Dubai World Cup meeting will be held on Mar. 26. Please click here to view the full list of invitees. “We are delighted to have such high-class entries from so many different countries for the 2022 running of the Dubai World Cup Carnival,” said Stephanie Cooley, International Liaison for Dubai Racing Club. “It will be fantastic to welcome back some real crowd favourites in Lord Glitters, Equilateral and Fore Left, while Hot Rod Charlie was a star of the 3-year-old division in the States last year and it will be fascinating to see him develop as a 4-year-old. “It will also be superb to see some countries back at the Carnival after missing a few years due to travel restrictions. We look forward to welcoming back runners from Australia and Singapore after a few years' absence.” The post Strong Euro Presence as DWCC Invitees Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

David Hayes has young gun Naboo Attack primed and ready for Sunday’s HK$24 million Longines Hong Kong Sprint and the stable warmed up for the big day in style on Wednesday.There was a double that was a little bit of the old and a whole lot of the new and a tasty HK$200,000 as the leading trainer across the four International Jockeys’ Championship races on the night.“It’s nice to keep things moving and long may it continue,” was Hayes’ response to the wins, which marked back-to-back Happy Valley… View the full article