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The Belmont Park membership program, a new hospitality offering, will be available to fans when the new Belmont Park opens later this year, the New York Racing Association announced Wednesday. Created to provide guests with an elevated race day experience, the membership combines the traditional ambience of box seats with a variety of benefits and amenities, including access to The Overlook, complimentary food and beverage options, preferred parking, priority entrances and personalized concierge services. Located on Belmont's second floor, The Overlook is a year-round dining and social space providing expansive sightlines of the finish line and paddock area, and a centralized bar with lounge seating. Belmont Park membership is included with the purchase of annual reserved box seating, which are available in various sizes and locations to accommodate parties of four or more. For additional information on the currently available inventory of Belmont Park hospitality options, visit https://www.nyra.com/belmont/. The post NYRA Launches Belmont Park Membership Program appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I am new to Thoroughbred racing, but have grown in a short time to love the sport. So, as I read all the interesting attacks on The Jockey Club and other organizations that have apparently dropped the ball in advancing the best interests of horse racing, a few questions come to mind. First and foremost, where was Mike Repole and Aron Wellman when Churchill Downs was destroying horse racing in Illinois? Where were they when one of the major stakeholders in this great game, Churchill Downs, Inc., closed legendary Arlington Park to fuel the best interests of their local casino? Why weren't those two major players screaming at the top of their lungs then? I remember not too long ago “Commissioner” Repole telling all of us how important California racing was to the horse racing landscape nationwide. So, where was Repole, and Wellman, who is based in California, when 1/ST Racing and Belinda Stronach led the charge to close Golden Gate Fields? And now? Florida is under attack because of–surprise–1/ST Racing and Belinda Stronach. The decoupling bill in Florida, led by Gulfstream Park, threatens the future and the livelihood of thousands employed in our business. Instead of attacking The Jockey Club, why aren't those guys and, for that matter, Jaime Roth and LNJ Foxwoods, who just quit The Jockey Club in protest, doing all they can to stop the decoupling action in Florida? I don't have answers to those questions, but what I do know is that the positive course of action is not this dialogue that seems to be picking up steam as people jump on the bandwagon. We see that far too often in government. We don't need to see it in horse racing. Maybe we would be better served to celebrate the following: If horse racing is in such bad shape, if the powers to be are doing such a terrible job, then how is it that the industry just had their first $500 million dollar sale courtesy of Keeneland September? How is it that every major sale in North America shattered every imaginable sales record, including the $600,000-plus second-day average at Fasig Tipton Saratoga? How is it possible we are running Maiden Special Weight races for $120,000 to $170,000 in Kentucky, essentially running for more money than ever before? And, finally, are we forgetting that our horses are running for insane amounts of money in the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup? The answer to those last questions is that the lobbyists, the sale companies, and others who are working hard on behalf of horse racing, both in this country and abroad, are doing a fabulous job. Could we all be doing a better job? Of course. That is always the case. But whatever is happening in horse racing here and now appears to be pretty darn good. As everyone in this great industry works towards solutions, maybe some of us could take a page out of the great John Shirreffs's playbook, look yourselves in the mirror, then support horse racing with grace, dignity, and honor. While The Jockey Club, Mike Repole, Aron Wellman, Jaime Roth and LNJ Foxwoods have all done great things in thoroughbred racing, these back-and-forth attacks on everyone is not one of them. Zhenxi Li is the owner of the multiple stakes-placed My Lil Punky (Outwork), a recent winner at Turfway, among others. The post Letter to the Editor: Stop the Back-and-Forth Attacks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This week's rankings are topped by the fastest Beyer for any female thus far in 2026. 5) PASSAGE EAST, LRL, 2-14, Barbara Fritchie S., 7f, VIDEO Beyer Speed Figure: 92 (f, 4, Audible–Salten Sapity, by Congrats) O-Larry Rabold; B-Don Alberto Corporation (Ky); T-Hugh McMahon; J-Sheldon Russell. Trainer Hugh McMahon has won 1,227 races, but few could have given him more excitement than Passage East's gritty nostril victory after a spirited battle against odds-on favorite Takethemoneyhoney. McMahon claimed the filly for $30k out of her second lifetime start, and after a trio of runner-up maiden finishes, she now has taken eight of nine, with this being her first stakes score. The $20,000 Fasig-Tipton May 2yo wants to win. 4) MAJESTIC OOPS, OP, 2-13, American Beauty S., 6f, VIDEO Beyer Speed Figure: 92 (m, 6, Majestic Harbor–Miss Oops, by Olmodavor) O-Medallion Racing, Evan Trommer, Agave Racing Stable and Sheila Regan; B-William and Sandy Dory, and Gary and Janet Kropp (Ca); T-Dan Ward. J-Francisco Arrieta. Her GI Breeders' Cup Distaff start may have been overly ambitious, but coming back to start 2026 in an ungraded stakes was taking an edge. Returning to the scene of her first stakes score last April, she completely dominated a decent Oaklawn field and the Grade I-placed mare has more lucrative purses squarely in her sights, whether sprinting or going a little farther. 3) EXPENSIVE QUEEN, FG, 2-14, Albert M. Stall Memorial S., 1 1/16mT, VIDEO Beyer Speed Figure: 93 (m, 5, Lope de Vega {Ire}–Witches Brew {Ire}, by Duke of Marmalade {Ire}) O-Farfellow Farms; B-Fermoir (Ire); T-Brendan Walsh; J-Luis Saez. She didn't set the world on fire in England, so it's unclear how expensive the pricetag was when Paris, Ky.-based Farfellow Farms bought her from previous owner Jaber Abdullah, but whatever they paid, she's worth more now. The Irish-bred mare is now three-for-four in the U.S. and her decisive win in the Stall Memorial was her first in a stakes. Her only loss on these shores was a fourth in the GI Gamely last May, followed by “issues” that kept her sidelined for almost eight months and from which she has clearly recovered nicely. 2) NIC'S STYLE, GP-10, 2-15, Alw, 6 1/2f, VIDEO Beyer Speed Figure: 98 (2nd) (m, 6, Uncaptured–Sense When, by Street Sense) O-Rousseau Racing; B-D'Oyen Thoroughbreds (Fl); T-Bill Mott; J-John Velazquez. The mare Mott once referred to as a “win machine” after seven victories in her first eight starts came into this race off a surprising three-race losing streak perhaps foreshadowed by slightly declining figures. But even though she couldn't quite match strides with the brilliant performance of Eclatant (below), she bounced back to match her career-best Beyer. 1) ECLATANT, GP-10, 2-15, Alw, 6 1/2f, VIDEO Beyer Speed Figure: 104 (f, 4, Into Mischief–Downside Scenario, by Scat Daddy) O/B-Stonestreet Stables/Thoroughbred Holdings (Ky). T-Brad Cox. J-Javier Castellano. Eclatant has been a curious case. Sure, she became a Grade III winner in the Forward Gal a year ago, but even so, her afternoons never lived up to her mornings–until now. Cox picked a nice allowance spot for her comeback from 8+ months on the bench, and she erupted with a 104 Beyer that marked a 23-point figure top. Whether this becomes her new normal is a legitimate question, but perhaps that latent talent has been unlocked. The post Five Fleet Fillies of the Week: Feb. 9-15 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jay Rooney SUPER EXPRESS - R11 (2) Has always shown plenty and can repeat a tough last-start victory here Owen Goulding SERAPH GABRIEL - R9 (3) Ran a corker last start and will relish the step up to 2,000m today Trackwork Spy SUPER EXPRESS - R11 (2) Won impressively last start and can back that up from a good draw here Phillip Woo CIRCUIT CHAMPION - R5 (3) Was an eye-catching second on debut and can go one better with experience Shannon (Vincent Wong) HOT DELIGHT - R10 (13) Scored well...View the full article

One of the most anticipated race days will take place on Thursday, with a huge crowd expected on course at Sha Tin for the Lunar New Year meeting. There are 11 races on the card and Jay Rooney is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections. Race 1 – Class Five Kung Hei Handicap (1,200m) In a tough race to start the card, Yee Cheong Raider can continue the trend of stable transfers winning for first-season Hong Kong handler Brett Crawford despite a wide draw in gate 13. Race...View the full article

wow Brodster . those horses are just amazing. I'm just watching some great athletes at the Olympics at the moment but looking at these yearlings today is just sensational. The full brother to new superstar Captain's Mistress ( and half brother to Merlin ) a bargain at $180,000 to Peter Lagan Standardbreds Canterbury. Who are they with as Trainer ? Waikato 's legend Mark Purdon bought the 3 Lots that I liked . He'll WIN with all 3 of these. 1/ A Bettor's Delight out of John Greens champion mare The Orange Agent for just $70,000 2/ Captain Treacherous -Dream On Me Colt for $50,000 3/ Captain Treacherous - Millwood Maizey Colt for $82,500 watch for Mark winning trifecta's with those 3 next year Brodster !! 👍💰🏆💪 Kennards paid huge money for a few lots , as you would expect. trying to look for their next Lazarus. dreaming on.

That's because you have a purely academic idealistic view of what the laws mean.

How do we think the yearling sales in ChCh today went?

Francis Lui Kin-wai is optimistic Hot Delight can repeat his outstanding debut victory when he steps up to Class Three company in Thursday’s first section of the Yue Yee Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin. The Too Darn Hot three-year-old backed up his strong trial form to create a big impression on his first race start, storming home from midfield to beat Conrad Patch by a length and three-quarters last month. Lui’s big opinion of Hot Delight was vindicated and the in-form handler hopes his emerging...View the full article

Arguably? Can't imagine what the argument would be.

Freedom of Speech laws in NZ are primarily top down Government Agency focussed. Very few seem to understand the limitations of the Freedom of speech laws in NZ. Arguably even an incorporated society could impose limitations on what can and cannot be said.

Tu Tangata has run 2 4ths in the last 9 starts, which is the best he has done. Hasnt finished in a dividend bearing placing in the last 9 starts? If you watch the replays of his races you will see that he is not being driven to the horses best abilities. There has to be something to it as Paul normally steps aside if he is not getting results?

Oh my bad it's still there awaiting 'moderation' from 5 days ago Justice delayed is justice denied In the name of the magna carta Oh hold it...you maybe right "Despite those policy statements in New Zealand statutes and caselaw, there remains significant censorship in New Zealand beyond that of most developed countries" Cant you just pretend you're an advocate for freedom and mirror Trump's idea of free speech? "Constitutional Protection: The U.S. First Amendment (1791) explicitly protected free speech, and it was later recognized internationally, such as in the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). "

The NZB Kiwi is set to have direct Australian involvement with the announcement on Wednesday that Ozzie Kheir has selected the Mitch Freedman-trained Asakura (Churchill) for his slot in the $4 million Champions Day feature. With unbeaten filly Well Written (Written Tycoon) dominating calculations as the $1.20 favourite, doubts had been expressed that unlike last year’s inaugural NZB Kiwi (1500m) when eventual runner-up Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto) as well as Perfumist (NZ) (El Roca) and Public Attention (NZ) (Written Tycoon) made the trip to Auckland, there might be no Australian runners. Asakura, a gelding by Churchill with two wins and a second from his first three starts, stepped up to black-type competition in the Gr.3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington last Saturday and finished second to the $1.60 favourite Sixties (Flying Artie). “He’s what I would describe as a progressive young horse that has still got a lot of improvement in him,” Freedman said. “As we saw last Saturday he still does a few things wrong, but he’s learning all the time and we see the Kiwi as a good option for him at this stage. “That was his first time at 1400m and the step up to 1500 should work for him, especially if there’s good tempo which I imagine would be the case given the race it is. “It’s a very attractive stake and while that filly looks very good, we felt it was still worth going across for.” Confirmation of NZB Kiwi plans for Asakura has cemented his place as the $8 equal second favourite alongside Belle Cheval (NZ) (Belle Cheval), who has her final lead-up in Saturday’s Gr.3 Eagle Technology Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m) at Ellerslie. Freedman (no relation to the Freedman brothers Lee, Anthony, Richard and Michael) has quickly established himself in Victorian training ranks. From his Ballarat base he has prepared Attrition (Churchill) to win the 2023 Gr.1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield and Skybird last year’s Gr.1 Lightning (1000m) at Flemington. “We’ve got fantastic facilities at Ballarat and we’ve been building a nice team around us, so I’m now looking forward to having my first runner in New Zealand.” Although Freedman has had no previous involvement with Kheir, there is still some connection through Asakura’s part-owners Jomara Bloodstock, the Auckland-based Carter family who were co-owners with Kheir of the champion stayer Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed). Kheir has been a serious investor in quality New Zealand racehorses for several years and his colours will be carried at Ellerslie on Saturday by Gr.1 Sport Nation Otaki Maori WFA Classic (1600m) favourite Pier (NZ) (Proisir). “Racing is all about establishing relationships and I’m looking forward to being involved with Ozzie in this venture,” Freedman said. Travel plans have yet to be confirmed for Asakura but Freedman has already confirmed that regular rider Dean Yendall will continue his association with Asakura. “The three weeks between races works well and it gives us time to make all the necessary arrangements, so we’ll know more once flights over have been confirmed,” he said. Australian involvement in New Zealand racing continues this weekend with Victorian stayers Brayden Star (Twilight Son) and Interpretation (Galileo) scheduled to run in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Avondale Cup (2400m). The Ciaron Maher-trained Interpretation is no stranger to local racing, having capped three starts this time last year with a third placing in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) and returning to finish midfield in last month’s Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m). Fellow English-bred Brayden Star, a member of expats Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young’s team, scored his sixth career win in the Gr.2 Herbert Power Handicap (2400m) at Caulfield last October and resumed with a ninth placing over 2000m at Flemington a month ago. Opie Bosson has been booked to ride him on Saturday in what will be his lead-up to the Trackside Auckland Cup back at Ellerslie on Champions Day. – Dennis Ryan View the full article

Talented staying filly Fly Zenno (NZ) (Ancient Spirit) will line up in Saturday’s Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie, a target her connections have held close since day one. Prepared by Conor and Sarah Fahy, the scopey daughter of Ancient Spirit has finished just behind the minor placings at her past two outings, finishing fifth in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) before a solid fourth in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2100m) at Te Rapa. On both occasions, Fly Zenno was comfortably held by Ohope Wins (NZ) (Ocean Park), who will start a warm favourite in Saturday’s Oaks. But with a more positive running style than many of her rivals and the make and shape of a Classic filly, Fly Zenno is sure to give her emerging trainers a run for their money. “We bought her as a yearling at Karaka with the hope she’d end up in the Oaks, that’s what we told all the owners and it is pleasing to see her meet that goal,” Conor Fahy said. “She was just a lovely scopey filly, light on her feet and we loved her from the first time we saw her. Jack and Wayne Stewart (of White Robe Lodge) gave us the push to buy her and we’re pleased we did.” A $30,000 yearling purchase, Fahy said despite the Oaks being a logical target, Fly Zenno hasn’t been over-pressured. “We have been quite soft on her because as much as we were hoping she was an Oaks filly, she is still probably a preparation away from being at her very best,” he said. “We are hoping that she will get the distance but at the same time we haven’t pushed her to get there. “If Ohope Wins gets the run of the race, I’d say she will be extremely hard to beat. It is probably the wrong year for a small stable like us to have a filly for the Oaks. “It looks like one of the strongest Oaks fields in recent memory. There is really good depth in the race and we are a maiden going in, so we are under no illusions.” Regular rider Matthew Cameron will partner the filly from barrier nine and Fahy is hoping there is genuine tempo for the $35 chance. “We won’t make it a trot and canter but at the same time we would love to take a sit on a good pace and have something to strike at,” he said. “She is still quite green and although she is learning as she goes, it would be nice for her to be able to follow something and kick off the back of them. “Matt (Cameron) knows her well and he is just going to have to ride the race as it unfolds in front of him. From where they jump from, she can jump off and just roll along nicely.” The talented couple have made a good fist of training from their Pukekohe base, but saddling an elite level runner will provide a rare buzz. “It is unbelievable to have a nice filly in the Oaks,” Fahy said. “We really only have five or six out of the stable racing at any one time as we are busy with young horses and doing a couple here and there for other people. “To have a filly in a Group One race at this early stage of our careers is amazing and we’re really looking forward to Saturday.” View the full article

Racing NSW stewards have cleared $10 million earner Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) to continue his autumn carnival campaign. Ceolwulf has passed a series of veterinary tests since he was found to have traces of blood in both nostrils after finishing unplaced in the Apollo Stakes won by unbeaten Autumn Glow at Royal Randwick last Saturday. The tests proved that Ceolwulf had not bled internally (lungs) which would have resulted in an automatic three-month racing Randwick Equine Centre veterinarians reported that endoscopic and computed tomographic examination have “ruled out any current major cause of respiratory associated haemorrhage”. “Given the lack of overt evidence of either a major source of upper respiratory haemorrhage or exercise-related induced pulmonary haemorrhage….the gelding is suitable for immediate return to training and racing,” the report read. It was revealed “stable clots were visible in the ethmoid region of the nasal passage further indicating an upper respiratory source”. Trainer Joe Pride met with stewards at Warwick Farm before the first race and was relieved when told Ceolwulf’s autumn carnival campaign remains on track. “This is a very unique set of circumstances, it will be rare to see another case like Ceolwulf’s,” Pride said. “I feared the worst after the race last Saturday when I saw traces of blood but the horse pulled up so well so I had him scoped and it came up clear. The horse has undergone further tests and it proved he didn’t bleed. “He hasn’t missed a beat since the race, as the reports say he is spot on so we can press on with his autumn campaign.” Pride said Ceolwulf will go to the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on February 28 and then to the Group 3 Sky High Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill before the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington and the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick. “I was very concerned he might have to miss a run. He missed a run last autumn and it disrupted his entire campaign,” Pride said. “But he can stick to our plan and he will be at his peak for the Australian Cup and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.” View the full article

After having to endure another stint on the sideline in his roller-coaster career, dual premiership-winning jockey Michael McNab is looking forward to his raceday return at Ellerslie this weekend. McNab, who won back-to-back premierships in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, has been off the scene since early last September after suffering a complicated leg fracture when kicked by a young horse he was about to mount at an Ellerslie trial meeting. The initial prognosis was for a six to eight-week recovery, but with a plate and screws having to be inserted in what turned out to be a more serious fracture, his recovery has taken more than five months. “When it happened I went for x-rays in Auckland Hospital that night and they said it was a fracture of the bone just below my knee,” McNab said. “Then when I got home more x-rays and scans revealed how bad it really was and I knew then it was going to be a long recovery. “I was in a lot of pain and not quite able to understand what the surgeon was telling me, but as well as a plate and screws they inserted some sort of animal bone to help rebuild the missing bone at the top of my tibia.” Adding further frustration to his predicament, McNab had established an early lead on the premiership in the opening weeks of the season, having been sidelined with a serious back injury 18 months earlier. Since winning his two premierships with tallies of 144 and 164, he had still fared well to ride 124 winners when finishing second to Warren Kennedy in 2023-24 and 86 wins for another runner-up spot behind Craig Grylls last season. “I’m just happy to be back,” said 40-year-old McNab, who is 79 wins short of joining the 1,000 wins club. “I’m feeling good, the workout sessions have got me fit with my cardios and everything, and my weight is only about 1.5 kilos above what I’ve normally been able to make, so that will come back down pretty quickly. “I’ve been back riding trackwork and had my first day at the trials on Tuesday, so that’s all gone really well. “I’ve decided to ease back into raceday and I’ve taken just the two rides (Pier and Bulgari) on Saturday. “That will be me for the first couple of weeks and I’m aiming to be all set for the big (Champions) day at Ellerslie. “I’ve missed most of the spring and summer, so I’m keen to make up for that when I get back into it properly.” – Dennis Ryan, LOVERACING.NZ News Desk View the full article

I never delete anything. If you think your "free speech rights" are being restricted then take it up with the Human Rights Commission.

You DELETED an innocuous post, that's not "free speech delayed"

Thing is he would be racing the likes of Muscle Mountain if he won another couple so better off hunting the places in lower grades with Paul in the bike. He has had 14 seconds and 15 thirds so not a bad wee earner. Wouldn't be surprised if he went to Aussie as he would suit those mile races I reckon.

Enjoy! if some racing excitement can not be found on this day then.... I had my best day of course at Wingatui the other day! FUN DAY and it really was.. must have 500 kids running around They sort of took over most of the public space and there were squeals of delight to be heard all day! All the Free stuff went down well!! I spoke to the young fella working the Icecream Truck, he had a steady line of 10m all day!! I suggest he pay himself a bonus! "good idea he said" Re Championship day! am hoping that the add the 3rd Trackside Chanel and we Actually get to see a decent amount of the horses before and atter each! As a punter! I keen to improve on the 5 bets for 5 2nds from last year! saved slightly by two of the bets were to run 1/2 I shouted Mrs a 20 win bet in the big race and on looks she picked the winner ON Looks!

I am slightly confused by the heading? as in Southland? meaning Southern? ps. @Chief, Have you been at Ascot Park for a race meeting?

It IS free speech with a delay. BTW there is only one 's' in kusundi.

PLEEESE!!! Can you leave out this fake new found wokery! You've posted many sexist remarks on this site and elsewhere. Why is it many old men suddenly have an epiphany and are wracked by their conscience.

I said something fairly innocuous in reply and "got moderated" aka "free speech" not really free speech So i'll leave it to you boys and girls to sort out...I've got tomato's to pick and 'kussundi' I'm gonnnnne