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Foal crops dropped by 9.5 per cent in Britain and Ireland last year and Tattersalls believes there is cause for concern Falling foal crops in Britain and Ireland have been identified for the first time by Tattersalls as a major risk factor for the business in the latest sign of growing concern at the ongoing drop off in horses being bred to race.https://bitofayarn.com Figures published last year by Weatherbys showed a 9.5 per cent drop in the number of foals born in Britain and Ireland during 2025, the most significant drop year-on-year for more than a decade. In its latest accounts published on Companies House, covering the year ending June 30, 2025, Tattersalls’ directors spelt out what they perceived to be the "principal risks and uncertainties" for the company, which included the foal crop for the first time.They said: “Threats from rising costs and a falling foal crop in both the UK and in Ireland illustrate challenges the business faces." The Tattersalls directors also flagged the "ongoing concern" of "intrusive gambling affordability checks for owners and breeders" and the impact of tax rises on spare income. “There is a concern that resulting reduced disposable incomes will threaten the number of existing and potential domestic owners," they said. "The industry risks becoming overreliant on outside investors, which in itself is a high-risk long-term model in terms of losing key bloodstock to overseas breeders, coupled with comparably poorer prize-money levels.https://bitofayarn.com “Recent budget announcements included further enhancements in the minimum wage, increasing the burden on businesses already struggling with a range of rising operating costs. Additionally, while on the face of it not directly affecting racing, the range of tax increases imposed on the betting industry is still anticipated to have a negative and far-reaching impact on the racing and thoroughbred industry.” Concern about the falling foal crop has been repeatedly raised by the Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, whose chair Philip Newton said it had fallen by 36 per cent worldwide in the last 20 years during a keynote address at last month’s 41st Asian Racing Conference in Riyadh. Newton made a direct plea to British racing that “to deal with a problem, a problem must be accepted in the first place as a problem” and pressed the case for creating a product that could receive substantial outside investment, such as a racing super league.https://bitofayarn.com Despite voicing some of its concerns for the future, Tattersalls reported buoyant results in its latest accounts following blockbuster sales seasons in 2024 and 2025. The group, which also comprises Tattersalls Ireland, Tattersalls Online, Osarus and a minority share in Inglis, reported increased turnover and assets with total profit of £8,624,000 for the year.https://bitofayarn.com "The key performance indicators demonstrate that we have experienced an extraordinary sales season," the directors added.

Bella Ballerina is making her final start before the Kentucky Oaks (G1) in the March 21 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

‘I’m not here to hold the bridle’ – A year in, Kiwi racing boss Ballesty on his plans for New Zealand’s thoroughbred industryhttps://bitofayarn.com After 12 months in the role, New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s chief executive Matt Ballesty is attempting to reposition the national industry for long-term sustainability. By Warwick Barr ● Racing Industry ● March 19, 2026 Matt Ballesty (right) describes the changes required in New Zealand racing as more revolution than evolution. (Photo: Christine Cornege) Matt Ballesty knew when he took the job as chief executive of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing that the role would demand change rather than caretaking. “It’s never a dull moment,” Ballesty says of his first 12 months in the position, reflecting on a career that has taken him from Sydney to Macau and Canada before crossing the Tasman. The Sydney-born executive, a self-described casino guy who now leads New Zealand’s national thoroughbred body, says he arrived with a mandate to reshape an industry that has spent much of the past decade confronting declining infrastructure, fractured stakeholder confidence, and the lingering shadow of reform reports demanding change. “I’m not here to hold the bridle and make sure everything’s OK (as it is),” Ballesty says.https://bitofayarn.com “I’m here, with the board’s direction and support, to make significant changes and test the status quo and make the bold decisions that need to be made. “But we’ve got to build trust, we’ve got to earn respect (but) it would be good for the industry to now give this team a chance to add some professionalism and quality to the decisions that are made.” The scale of that challenge is evident across almost every part of the New Zealand racing ecosystem, from racetrack infrastructure to wagering economics, ownership engagement and the delicate balance between tradition and financial sustainability. Ballesty describes the moment not as a gradual adjustment but as something more fundamental. Asked if it is a revolution or evolution, Ballesty is adamant: “I would say revolution. “We’re in a year of transformation, and me coming into the role wasn’t going to be about just keeping the status quo going. “I was brought in for change and agitation to move us in a direction that’s not the same as what it’s been. “We need to make sure that the investment that has been made into New Zealand sets us up for the years ahead.” Yet before any transformation can take hold, the industry must rebuild confidence after years of debate about its direction. “I think confidence and positivity all need to be rowing in the same direction,” Ballesty says. “People can see change and support change and look to the future, not to the past.” Like most executives, Ballesty will never be able to please everyone. There are divided opinions within the New Zealand industry about the regulator’s ongoing performance and its vision for the future. Adding a layer of uncertainty and a sense of urgency to the landscape is a crucial milestone in Entain’s 25-year deal to operate the New Zealand TAB. Under the terms of the arrangement, including the ongoing profit share, Entain has guaranteed to provide TAB NZ with $NZ1 billion in funding for the first five years. That is due to expire in 2028. That year is widely seen inside New Zealand racing as the first real stress test of the Entain partnership, because it marks the point when the guaranteed funding safety net disappears. Those guarantees allowed racing administrators to increase prize money, launch new events such as the NZB Kiwi, and invest in marketing and infrastructure, confident that the funding floor was locked in regardless of betting performance. Once the deal moves past 2028, however, returns will depend far more directly on wagering growth, meaning industry income will fluctuate with betting turnover, product strength and Entain’s commercial performance. There is some anxiety about what New Zealand racing will look like beyond that point and Ballesty says the messaging about NZTR’s objectives will be key to instilling confidence within the industry.https://bitofayarn.com Communication, he believes, has been – and remains – one of racing’s persistent weaknesses. “One of our biggest challenges is communicating to people and making them feel comfortable that things are happening,” he says. “It’s such a wide and varied group of people. If things do go wrong, which they do in life and business, they seem to need somebody to hang out and I think it’s been us. “But we need to do a better job of just balancing that perception.” Ballesty’s ‘bold’ strategic moves – NZTR executive undergoes major changes Ballesty says that the awareness issue is compounded by the fact that racing’s stakeholders – clubs, trainers, breeders and punters – often interpret discussions about reform as final decisions.https://bitofayarn.com An example he points to is the speculation that NZTR will increase the levy imposed on owners of horses departing the country to boost revenue and support the local racing industry. Opponents of any such plan argue that a significant increase in export fees will make it harder to sell horses to overseas jurisdictions. “An idea is just an idea until it’s not an idea but in our industry it is fact straight away,” Ballesty says. “This (a levy increase) is a great example ‘I’ve heard this, I’ve heard that’. “It’s something that hasn’t even gone to our board. It will be reviewed amongst a whole bunch of other things and we’ll see if it is something we need to address or not.” That environment has forced the organisation to tread carefully in its messaging.https://bitofayarn.com “Sometimes it feels like you can’t say much at all or you’re being misinterpreted,” he says. RATIONALISATION Despite that caution, the most sensitive reform topic remains racetrack rationalisation – a subject that has lingered since the landmark Messara report nearly a decade ago recommended reducing the number of venues across the country. New Zealand currently has around 35 racetracks, down from more than 50 historically, but Ballesty accepts further consolidation is inevitable. “As a broad acknowledgement, there’s just not (enough) money to sustain every racecourse,” he says. “We do need to define what racecourses are – whether they’re a metropolitan racing surface or a provincial feeder or a community engagement venue.” To guide that process, NZTR has launched a detailed infrastructure review designed to shift debate away from sentiment and towards what Ballesty describes as measurable analysis. “We move away from emotion and we move away from people’s opinions and we rely on data and analysis to help lead informed decisions, data-led decisions,” he says. “That’s not to say everything’s to do with data … we’re in a business that has history and that needs to be recognised.” An infrastructure challenge goes beyond simply closing venues; it is also about creating modern racing hubs capable of delivering reliable surfaces, strong wagering outcomes and high-quality race meetings. At present, Ballesty believes New Zealand has only one genuine metropolitan-standard track – Ellerslie. The ambition, however, is to build a broader national network capable of supporting elite racing and attracting international participation. “We’ve got Ellerslie, but we need four Ellerslies to be successful in the longer term,” he says. Plans are already emerging to build that structure.

The Irish-bred 8-year-old gelding by Belardo has won at least one graded stakes each year in 2022-25.View the full article

A day before a scheduled March 19 federal court hearing over disputed assessment fees issued by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to Churchill Downs Inc., the parties offered sharply differing accounts explaining the financial impasse.View the full article

In an effort to create greater opportunities for Florida-breds, the Florida HBPA will put up $2 million that will go toward both raising purses for Florida-breds and creating new stakes races for horses bred in the Sunshine State. Owners and trainers with Florida-breds will have their first opportunity to collect a portion of the $2 million Apr. 25 when six state-bred stakes races, each worth $100,000, will be offered on the Gulfstream card. The HBPA's decision to promote and fund Florida-bred stakes races comes after the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association announced what it called the “unfortunate failure” to reach an agreement with Gulfstream Park and the Florida HBPA (FHBPA), which led to the cancellation of the traditional Florida Sire Stakes (FSS) series. The FTBOA shifted its focus to what it called a new $1-million Florida Sire Racing Incentive Program for 2026, which provides financial incentives to owners and breeders of FSS-eligible 2-year-olds at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs. Thanks to the contribution from the Florida HBPA, Florida-bred 2-year-olds will still be able be to compete in lucrative races in the late summer and fall. On Sept. 5, there will be two $150,000 races, one for 2-year-old fillies and the other for 2-year-old colts. On Oct. 3, Florida-bred juveniles will compete in two races, each worth $250,000. Unlike the Florida Sires Stakes series, which were open only to horses who were by Florida-based sires, the HBPA races will be open to all horses considered Florida-breds. There will be 12 HBPA-funded races under this format. In addition, after the current “Championship Meet” is over, purses for Florida-bred maidens will see an increase. Races for 2-year-old Florida-bred maidens will go from $53,000 to $65,000. The purses for maidens that are 3-years-old or older will jump from $43,000 to $65,000. “We're trying to do what we can to make the Florida-breds more prominent,” said Florida HBPA President Tom Cannell. “For the folks with Florida-breds, we want to give them a place to race and to make it worthwhile for them. We hope that will keep some of the folks here rather than having them travel for the summer. Maybe some of the folks from Tampa who generally trek north will have more opportunities to run with us in the summer.” Cannell said the timing was right to get the message out about the increased purses. “We want to get the word out because the first 2-year-old sale is in the books, but we still have the OBS April and OBS June sales coming up,” he said. “There will be great opportunities for people who want to pick up Florida-bred 2-year-olds.” Amid efforts by Gulfstream to have legislation passed that would no longer require it to hold live racing in order to keep its slots operation going, a process known as decoupling, the horsemen and Gulfstream announced in December that a three-year agreement had been reached that guaranteed that racing would continue at the South Florida track through, at least, 2028. “With that new contract in place, we are trying to fill some holes to make it more attractive for people to race in Florida,” Cannell said. Cannell said his group is contemplating other options that would help bolster South Florida racing and purses at Gulfstream. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We're going to do everything we can to upgrade the entire racing program purse-wise. We may not be able to get to the levels they have in Kentucky, but we're going to try to be as competitive as we can for people who want to race in this part of the country.” The post Florida HBPA to Contribute $2 million to Supplement Purses for Florida-breds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lets see a 27 quarter to really fire them up at least. Any horse can put a series of 30sec quarters together. Not fast at all. Are you saying the House team are backing the Robertson Team? 😂

Pin Oak Stud looks for a second Kentucky Derby (G1) horse with Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) entry Chaos Agent. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Take A Breath in California. Santa Ana Glory For Bated Breath Filly Take A Breath (Bated Breath) dropped her nose on the line to capture the GIII Santa Ana Stakes at Santa Anita Park on March 15 (video). Bred by Highgate Stud, the four-year-old filly is raced by Chivalry Thoroughbred Racing and Rancho Temescal Thoroughbred Partners. A 135,000gns buy-back out of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, the Mark Glatt trainee was formerly trained by William Haggas, and she signed off her European career with a victory at Beverley for Deborah James. She is also a full-sister to GII Dance Smartly Stakes heroine Breath Away and GIII Wilshire Stakes victress Simply Breathless. Her half-sister Serious Notions (Advertise) was third in the Listed Ingabelle Stakes. The quartet are out of the winning Nayef mare Darling Grace, herself a daughter of the stakes winner and multiple group-placed Lady Grace (Orpen). Take A Breath is also kin to G1 Falmouth Stakes winner Giofra (Dansili). Juddmonte's Bated Breath, who stands for £5,000 this year, has sired 24 winners from 35 runners (69%) in the U.S. His stakes scorers from runners there number 12 (34%) with five graded winners among them. Wootton Bassett Filly Strikes In New Orleans Bal Mar Equine's Wooten Warrior (Wootton Bassett) dead-heated for first at Fair Grounds on March 14 (video). Bred by the Awhile Syndicate, she is trained by Al Stall, Jr. The €250,000 Arqana August yearling buy, a daughter of Awhile (War Front), was making her fourth lifetime start. Wooten Warrior is the first foal for her dam, who also has a two-year-old filly by St Mark's Basilica who cost €300,000 at the 2025 edition of that sale to Hurworth Bloodstock and a yearling colt by Frankel. Awhile is a full-sister to stakes winner and G1 Irish 1000 Guineas/G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes third So Wonderful (War Front). The second and third dams, Wonder Of Wonders (Kingmambo) and All Too Beautiful (Sadler's Wells), were each stakes winners who also placed in the G1 Oaks. Coolmore's much-lamented late sire Wootton Bassett has 27 winners from 57 runners (47%) in the States. His eight stakes winners include a trio of Grade I scorers, all three Breeders' Cup winners. Repeat Winners Accent won for the third time in as many starts at Tampa Bay on March 11 (video). The Pinatubo filly is trained by Chad Brown for Jeffrey Drown. Graham Grace Stable's Mary's Lad (Earthlight) won for the second time in six starts when prevailing at Tampa Bay Downs on March 13 (video). Trained by Whit Beckman, the four-year-old gelding came from off the pace to win by a neck. The post Making Waves: Take A Breath Shines In Arcadia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner After being the toast of the south just six days ago, Matthew Williamson and Brett Gray will be out to add to their success at Gore today. Williamson and Gray combined to produce Miki’s Deal for a stunning win in the Group 2 Caduceus Club Ladyship Stakes at Alexandra Park last week. The filly raced three wide and parked for the entirety of the feature event in what was a tenacious effort in her first start in the north. Williamson is hoping for a little more luck in running with his chances at Gore on Thursday after he and Miki’s Deal were handed no favours from their barrier 8 draw last week. “It was a bit ugly, but the filly was outstanding – she dug in and showed how good she is.” “Hopefully, we don’t have to do quite as much work on Thursday, they don’t all have the motor she does.” Williamson and Gray link up with one runner on Thursday in Haley Jaccka, who starts in a heat of the Southern Belle Speed Series. The mare brings a mixture of form to a race she measures up well in. “She’s raced in harder mares races than that so she should be a handy chance if we get any luck from the draw (7),” Williamson said. Williamson lines up four horses from his own stable on Thursday, including first starter The Dancer. The filly is set to start favourite after impressing in her recent trials. “She is a handy filly with a good future,” Williamson said. “I have been really happy with her trials and if she can handle everything with it being her first start, she should be a nice chance.” Pyramid Rose looks another key chance for the Williamson stable on Thursday. The mare is one-from-one at Gore, having won there in December. “It’s a suitable race for her with the handicaps but manners will be key.” “She can do things wrong like she did last start, but if she does everything right she should be right in it.” Williamson also links up with Always Dreaming for his brother Nathan in Thursday’s Hunter Handicap. After producing excellent form in recent cup races, the pacer looks well placed for another good effort. “He’s in great form and he’s got good manners, Nath has made a few wee changes with him and he should be a good each way chance.” The Gray stable lines up a team of eight at Gore with plenty of each-way chances among them. Havtimewillfly will step up in grade in Thursday’s finale following a powerful last start win at Ascot Park. Williamson looking forward to race-day return By Jonny Turner It’s just like riding a bike. That is the approach Nathan Williamson is taking to the resumption of his driving career at Gore on Thursday. After passing all of his medical tests with flying colours, Williamson was back at the workouts last week for the first time since his shocking spill at Alexandra Park in December. From the sidelines, it looked like the leading southern trainer-driver had barely been out of the cart. Williamson confirmed that it very much felt that way. “To be honest, it was great just to be out there doing it again.” “Probably the only thing was I wasn’t using my own helmet, which felt a bit different, but as far as everything else went it was pretty much just another day at the workouts.” Williamson has eight drives confirmed for the Wyndham Harness Racing Club’s meeting at Gore on Thursday. The reinsman wasn’t keen on a full book for his return and is happy with what he is calling a manageable number. While there is plenty of chatter among his peers and harness racing fans about his return, including some commentary on how quickly he is making it back from such a serious incident, Williamson himself is taking a low-key approach. “There is a lot of interest in Thursday and it has been pretty humbling all of the messages and support we have had all the way through.” “I have been feeling really good and really, I am just focusing on getting out there and getting back into it without getting too caught up in the build-up.” “All of the medical people I’ve been dealing with have all told me these things affect everyone differently “Things were serious in the beginning, but I am lucky that I haven’t had the issues that many people have to worry about.” “I am hoping that once we get underway on Thursday it will be just another day at the races and I can’t see why it won’t be.” There is a touch of irony about who Williamson rates his best winning chance on Thursday. While he has been sidelined, brother Matthew has taken the reins behind Always Dreaming and the pair will be out to continue their great combination. With race fitness on his side, the pacer looks as good as any winning chance from Williamson’s strong team of six. “He’s been going great and he’s had the racing, whereas most of my ones at Gore are having their first runs back.” “He’s got good manners, he’s going well and he should run a nice race.” Williamson is using the same logic when assessing the best hope among the horses he is driving. “Rise Up N Dance has been in good form and he’s freshened up nicely since his last run at Cromwell.” “We have a nice team in and I expect them to run well, but he is one that’s had racing and should be right there from his good draw.” Williamson takes two outside drives on Thursday, both for the Brett Gray stable. The driver’s last win came in Gray’s colours with Flashpoint at Wingatui on December 7. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz In-form trotter Crazy heads to Cambridge Raceway tonight with momentum on his side, chasing a winning hat-trick in the Drax Project At Night Of Champions Mobile Trot. The nine-year-old son of Crazed has turned a corner in recent starts, putting together back-to-back victories for local trainer Tim Hall, who also owns the gelding. “He was in a good rating for his win at Auckland, I was more confident that he’d win there than at Cambridge the start before.” The recent results have been particularly satisfying for Hall. “It’s been a team effort to get him here. He’s not just your average horse, and he isn’t a one-man band. Dad’s there, and none of this would be happening without him helping me out.” Hall’s loved-ones were there to share in Crazy’s latest success at Alexandra Park. “It was very cool to have little Sofie-Ela there on Friday night, she got to be in the photo. My partner Nicole was on course too. It was very special. It meant a lot to me.” Understanding the horse has been key, with Hall noting that less has been more when it comes to managing him. “We’ve got the right system going with him now, don’t do too much and don’t annoy him!” Tonight presents a different challenge, but the wide draw of eight isn’t a major concern given the gelding’s racing style. “His barrier draw doesn’t worry me, we can’t rush him early anyway. He’s got a high turn of foot so long as he gets a drag into it.” While realistic about the strength of the field, Hall believes the horse is well placed if things fall into line. “We’ll need things to go our way a wee bit, on paper it’s a competitive field for him to be racing.” “He’s well and he’s healthy, I actually think this will be him at his best. The last time he went three weeks in a row he was his sharpest for the last run.” A third straight win would be a fitting reward, not just for connections, but for a horse Hall feels hasn’t always been judged fairly. “I’d get more satisfaction for the horse. Along the way a lot of people have focused on what he can’t do rather than what he can do. It would be satisfying for him to get a bit of credit.” View the full article

It's only fitting that on the closing weekend of the Fair Grounds meet, Louisiana's pride and joy, Touchuponastar, is competing in the March 21 New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2), a race that the now 7-year-old won last year.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a daughter of Midday (Oasis Dream). 3.40 Saint-Cloud, Debutantes, 3yo, f, 10fT REGAL CHIME (GB) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}) is the ninth foal out of Juddmonte's outstanding racemare and high-class producer Midday (Oasis Dream), whose previous progeny include the dual Group 3 winner Midterm (Galileo) and Ribblesdale runner-up Mori (Frankel) and the dam of the G3 Prix la Rochette and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere runner-up Nighttime (Wootton Bassett) and G3 Prix Cleopatre winner Halfday (Lope De Vega). Andre Fabre has charge of the homebred, whose peers include The Aga Khan Studs representative Azamita (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), a Francis Graffard-trained half-brother to last year's G3 Prix Hocquart runner-up Asmarani (Sottsass) who captured last week's Prix Bering. The post Debut For Midday’s Daughter Regal Chime At Saint-Cloud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The catalogue for the inaugural Inglis Digital USA GI Curlin Florida Derby Sale is now online, offering buyers the chance to participate on the Mar. 28 marquee card of Gulfstream Park's Championship Meet. Bidding will be open through Mar. 23, with the first lot closing at 3 p.m. ET. Sellers with horses entered on the Florida Derby day card will be able to supplement them into the auction for full or percentage sales. Among the entries in the Curlin Florida Derby Sale is Lightning Tones (Tonalist), who is being pointed for the GIII Ghostzapper Stakes on the Florida Derby undercard. The two-time winner of the Sunshine Classic Stakes is consigned by Paramount Sales and is available for inspection out of the barn of owner/trainer Jose Castro at Palm Meadows Training Center. Also on offer at the digital sale is a 49% stake in allowance winner Ababajoni (Neolithic), who will aim for the Cutler Bay Stakes on the Florida Derby undercard after going gate-to-wire to win a Gulfstream Park turf allowance Mar. 6. Ababajoni is offered by owner/trainer Rohan Crichton and is available for inspection in Crichton's barn at Gulfstream Park. Also in the catalogue is Mar. 14 Hutcheson Stakes winner Fulmine (Spun to Run) and Quereme Pass (Arg) (Distinctiv Passion), who was second in the GIII San Simeon Stakes that same day. Fulmine is consigned by owner Starry Night Racing and may be inspected at the Palm Meadows barn of trainer J. Kent Sweezey, while Quereme Pass is offered by trainer Jose D'Angelo, agent, and is available for inspection at Palm Meadows. Rounding out the racing prospects in the sale is the 3-year-old filly La Chismosa (Win Win Win), who has won three of her past four starts. Offered by owner Paula Capestro Bloodstock, La Chismosa may be inspected at Tampa Bay Downs. “This boutique sale offers quality with every horse,” said Inglis Digital USA CEO Kyle Wilson. “You have the potential opportunity to be an owner on GI Florida Derby day. How special is that?” All ownership changes for horses entered on the Florida Derby card can be made by race day with the assistance of Gulfstream Park. The horse must stay in the race with the trainer who entered them, but the new owner is free to choose their own trainer afterward. Buyers of horses entered in upcoming races must already have or obtain a valid Florida Racing License prior to the race. Interested parties must register for an account on the Inglis Digital USA website, www.inglisdigitalusa.com, and request a bidding limit in order to place bids. The post Bidding Open for Inglis Digital USA Curlin Florida Derby Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stakes winner Saint Martin (Time Test) (lot 4) has been added to Arqana Online's March Sale. The sale will take place between 3-5 p.m. French time on March 25. The Christophe Escuder-trained colt has won three of his four starts, including last weekend's Listed Prix Francois Mathet. He is rated 101 and holds an entry in the G1 Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp on July 14. The three-year-old is out of listed winner Abraxa (Verglas), who placed in the G3 Grosser Preis der Mehl-Mulhens-Stiftung in Germany. He is also a half-brother to four winners so far. This is the extended family of GIII Florida Oaks heroine Outburst (Outstrip) and dual graded scorer Duboff (So Blessed). The post Stakes Winner Added To Arqana Online March Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Reigning Japanese Horse of the Year Forever Young (Real Steel) is one of nine horses declared for the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 28. Several horses originally pointing toward the meeting have opted to skip it for different targets as the conflict in Iran has escalated. Yoshito Yahagi's star is joined by 2025 winner Hit Show (Candy Ride), Grade II winner Magnitude (Not This Time), and fellow top level winners Walk Of Stars (Dubawi) and Imperial Emperor (Dubawi). For the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, Calandagan (Gleneagles) anchors the seven possible runners, having last won the G1 Japan Cup. Both nine-time Group/Grade 1 winner Rebel's Romance (Dubawi) and Ethical Diamond (Awtaad) are also signed on. Top flight winners set for the G1 Dubai Turf include multiple Group 1 winner Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder), as well as Queen Anne Stakes hero Docklands (Massaat) and the 2024 winner Facteur Cheval (Ribchester). The 2025 GI Breeders' Cup Sprint victor Bentornato (Valiant Minister) faces Tuz (Oxbow), in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, with the latter taking the 2024 edition. In the G1 Al Quoz Sprint, Lazzat (Territories) and Khaadem (Dark Angel) square off. “We are delighted to see horses from so many different countries here for this landmark 30th Dubai World Cup meeting,” said Erwan Charpy, head of department, racing operations & international relations, for Dubai Racing Club. “To have so many defending and former champions, including Hit Show, Rebel's Romance, Tuz, Forever Young and Dark Saffron back here is also very pleasing. We thank everyone for their support and wish them the best of luck on the big day.” The first post for next Saturday's $30.5-million card begins at 3:45 p.m., UAE time. For the likely fields, please click here. The post Forever Young Highlights Likely Dubai World Cup Night Fields appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A Kentucky Derby prep race could be next for Crude Velocity (Beau Liam), who overcame an impossible trip to win on debut with 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' honors for Bob Baffert at Santa Anita Mar. 7. “We're gonna leave California with him,” owner Bill Childs said after reloading at last week's OBS March sale. “There are more opportunities for him outside of California. Bob will still have him. We want to take dead aim on what we're doing being something worthwhile. We're gonna try to target something that won't be easy, but we feel like we have one that fits that plan.” Nothing went according to plan for Crude Velocity first time out. Overlooked at odds of 10-1, the bay was off to a slow start from his rail draw and trailed the field of nine shortly after the break in a very deep 6 1/2-furlong maiden special weight. He rushed up and raced under a tight hold beneath Florent Geroux just behind the leaders in sixth through an opening quarter in :22.23. Steadied in traffic, Crude Velocity dropped back sharply and was going the wrong way around the far turn. He wasn't done yet though. He dialed it back up approaching the quarter pole, was guided out into the clear in the stretch and came storming home in a field-best :30.64 to nail the GII Wood Memorial S.-bound Civil Liberty (Independence Hall) by a neck. Crude Velocity earned an 89 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort. #1 CRUDE VELOCITY ($23.00) and @flothejock ran down Civil Liberty to win R6 at @SantaAnitaPark. This was the maiden win for the three-year-old Beau Liam (@AirdrieStud) colt. Bob Baffert trains. pic.twitter.com/wf1h8n98SZ — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 7, 2026 “That was crazy, wasn't it? Just absolutely wild,” Childs said. “We've always thought he was that kind of horse, but thinking it and knowing it is two different things. We were just thrilled. It was just really something. That was a hell of a race.” Childs added, “He showed so much talent. We knew going in he was a damn fast horse.” Hailing from the first crop of Beau Liam, Crude Velocity brought $250,000 from Childs's CSLR Racing Partners after breezing a quarter in :20 1/5 at last year's June 2-Year-Old in Training and Horses of Racing Age sale. He was previously a $12,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall yearling and a $3,000 Fasig-Tipton December Digital graduate. Crude Velocity was produced by the unraced Lemon Drop Kid mare Sweetnsour Kitty, just a $2,000 purchase by breeder La Ciega at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky February sale. “He had a little bit of an injury when he was a weanling and it was a question mark as to how much it was gonna effect him,” Childs said. “We bought him knowing that, but we thought that he was so fast and so good that we were willing to take that risk. It was a little bit of a… It's hard to explain, but it was down in his ankle and happened when he was three months old. Our vet said, 'It's so old, if he can do what he's doing right now, I'd say take the risk.'” Previously involved in ownership in the 1980s, Childs returned joined by his son Alex to launch CSLR Racing in 2022. Bill Childs | Photos by Z The operation has hit the ground running with standouts such as 2025 GI Frizette S. winner Iron Orchard (Authentic) (Editor's Note: Iron Orchard brought $2.5 million from KatieRich Farms at last year's Fasig-Tipton Mid-October Digital sale); 2025 GI Malibu S. runner-up Midland Money (Shancelot); and graded winners Cash Call (McKinzie), Pilot Commander (Justify) and Silent Law (Tiz the Law). The Ft. Worth, Texas-based businessman and developer spent $1.15 million on a trio of 2-year-old colts, all by freshmen sires, at OBS March. Teaming up with Jimmy Gladwell, he purchased: Hip 135, a Jackie's Warrior colt bred in New York by Chester and Mary Broman for $500,000 (:9 4/5); Hip 748, a colt by Drain the Clock o/o a half-sister to GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner Wavell Avenue for $350,000 (:20 1/5); and Hip 419, an Olympiad colt o/o a daughter of GISW Game Face for $300,000 (:9 4/5). Baffert will train the Drain the Clock colt. The other two are heading to Danny Gargan. “Everything we bought we felt like had talent,” Childs said. “Hell, it's always a gamble, you never know, but we liked those and we'll give 'em a shot.” The post ‘Childs’ Play: Bright Future for Dramatic Debut Winner Crude Velocity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chip Honcho gets a stamina test in the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby (G2) March 21 at Fair Grounds Race Course when he battles Emerging Market, Golden Tempo, Universe, and five other 3-year-olds.View the full article

Pretty sure @Huey has a paint brush ready for you if you want to refresh your memory

Fresh off a career-best win over White Abarrio in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), Daniel Alonso's Skippylongstocking is set to return as the headline act in the $500,000 Essex Handicap (G3) at Oaklawn Park March 21. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Dates: 03/17/2026 Licensee: Pedro Nazario, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on March 18, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Gonzalo, who won at Laurel Park on 1/9//26. Dates: 03/13/2026 Licensee: Michael P Vino, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on March 14, 2026; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Tramadol-a class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Samantha's Capo, who finished second at Park Racing on 1/12/26. Dates: 03/12/2026 Licensee: Nestor Cascallares, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Kiss Me For Luck, who finished second at Tampa Bay on 1/25/26. Dates: 03/11/2026 Licensee: Jeff Hudson, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Go Water, who finished fourth at Zia Park on 12/02/24. Dates: 03/11/2026 Licensee: Samuel Calvario, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone-all controlled substances (Class C)-in a sample taken from Triple Slipper, who won at Pleasanton on 12/13/24. Pending ADMC Violations 03/17/2026, Isidro Castro, trainer: Pending violation of Rule 3214 (a), possession of the banned substances Glaucine and Testosterone for an event dated on 8/19/25. 03/16/2026, Melton Wilson, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Trump's Diamonds on 2/11/26. 03/13/2026, Gary Cross, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Gesara on 2/9/26. 03/13/2026, Mario R. Lopez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Unicycle, who won at Tampa Bay on 2/5/26. 03/13/2026, Daniel Damen, trainer: Pending medication violation of Rule 3313, concerning the “Use or Attempted Use” of Camphor-a class C controlled substance-on Tony B “during the Race Period” on 12/31/25. 03/13/2026, Karyn Wittek, trainer: Pending medication violation of Rule 3313, concerning the “Use or Attempted Use” of Camphor-a class C controlled substance-on No Manches “during the Race Period” on 12/20/25. 03/12/2026, Pedro Nazario, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Gonzalo, who won at Laurel Park on 1/9/26. 03/11/2026, Kathleen O'Connell, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Altrenogest-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Louie the Sun King, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 1/1/26. 03/11/2026, Joseph F. Orseno, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Horsepower, who finished second at Turfway Park on 12/21/25. Crop Violations Aqueduct Gokhan Kocakaya – violation date March 13; $500 fine, one-day suspension Gulfstream Park Tyler Gaffalione – violation date March 15; $750 fine, three-day suspension Pietro Moran – violation date March 15; $250 fine, one-day suspension Mahoning Valley Laureano Sosa – violation date March 17; $250 fine, one-day suspension Parx Racing Noel David Herman – violation date March 13; $250 fine, one-day suspension Penn National Carlos E. Lopez – violation date March 13; $250 fine, one-day suspension Santa Anita Kent Desormeaux – violation date March 15; $750 fine, three-day suspension Turfway Park Orlando Bocachica – violation date March 13; $500 fine, four-day suspension The post Weekly National Rulings for Mar. 12 -18 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

10th-FG, 125K, O/C, 3yo, 6f, 6:15 p.m. Thursday marks the return of 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' ENGLISHMAN (Maxfield) for Cherie DeVaux and C R K Stable. It will be the Triple Crown-nominated colt's first start since a 7 1/4-length romp in his first and only race which came six months ago in September under the Twin Spires. That gate-to-wire win over seven furlongs was just a hair off the track record and resulted in a 97 Beyer Speed Figure. “The target race for him is the [GII] Pat Day Mile,” DeVaux said. “With that in mind, we wanted to get a race into him and then give him time. If he puts in another big effort off the layoff, coming back from the injury, this should set him up for the Pat Day Mile.” Englishman, who picks up Lasix for his 3-year-old debut, drew outside in a field of nine and was named the 4-5 morning-line favorite. Jose Ortiz, who was aboard for that stellar debut win, gets back on Thursday. TJCIS PPS On debut #9 ENGLISHMAN ($6.48) was sharp going gate-to-wire under @jose93_ortiz to win race 5 at @ChurchillDowns. The 2yo son of Maxfield (@Darleyamerica) is trained by @reredevaux and owned by C R K Stable. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/vKHYfynvwP — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) September 19, 2025 The post Thursday Insights: Englishman Returns In New Orleans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mark Newnham celebrated a career-best five winners at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, while Andrea Atzeni continued his red-hot form with his second four-timer in as many weeks. Newnham jumped back up to second in the trainers’ championship on 40 wins after falling just one win short of current title leader Caspar Fownes’ record of six winners at a Hong Kong meeting, which he achieved at the Valley in 2010. While Newnham trained four winners on a day in Australia across different tracks, it was...View the full article

6. NEXT GIRL, CNL, 3/12, Allowance, 1 1-16 miles (video) Beyer Speed Figure-91 (m, 5, by Divining Rod–Fleet and Fancy, by Touch Gold) O-WWCD. B-Country Life Farm and Fleet and Fancy (Md). T-W. Robert Bailes. J-Jeiron Barbosa. WWCD partners Konrad Wayson and Wade Meadows bought Next Girl as a weanling for $20,000 and have campaigned her through 28 starts and 8 wins, with this 3 1/2-length allowance romp as the high point. Her two best races have come on wet footing, but she'll surely never again encounter conditions like she saw Thursday at Colonial: heavy snow obscured the field from the start until she emerged with a six-length lead in upper stretch. 5. PASSAGE EAST, CNL, 3/14, Sandy Bottom Stakes, 1 mile (video) Beyer Speed Figure- 93 (3rd) (f, 4, by Audible–Salten Sapity, by Congrats) O-Larry E. Rabold. B-Don Alberto Corporation (Ky). T-Hugh McMahon. J-Sheldon Russell. She wasn't left at the gate but did herself no favors with a slightly sluggish beginning that immediately had at the rear of the five-horse field and a couple lengths farther back than usual. In midstretch she looked like she might win, anyway, because that's what she does–she came into the Sandy Bottom with eight wins in her last nine starts–but then she couldn't quite match strides late with Chasten and Her Laugh (below). 4. HER LAUGH, CNL, 3/14, Sandy Bottom Stakes, 1 mile (video) Beyer Speed Figure-94 (2nd) (f, 4, by Practical Joke–Truth Goddess, by Point of Entry) O-Grantley Acres, Pantofel Stable, Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber. B-Grantley Acres (Ky). T-Riley Mott. J-John Velazquez. Her Laugh hasn't won since capturing the Untapable Stakes at Fair Grounds more than a year ago, and trainer Riley Mott conceded that lately he's been “throwing her to the wolves.” But she actually ran a winning race in defeat in an easier stakes spot at Colonial, racing much closer to the pace under John Velazquez and battling gamely with Chasten (below) only to come up a half-length shy. 3. GOODALL, OP, 3/14, Purple Martin Stakes, 6 furlongs (video) Beyer Speed Figure- 94 (f, 3, by Yaupon–Moon Over Mag Bay, by Malibu Moon) O-Spendthrift Farm. B-Mark Toothacre and Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt (Ky). T-Steve Asmussen. J-Erik Asmussen. Goodall didn't monkey around in stamping herself as a horse to watch in the 3-year-old filly sprint division with this emphatic 4 1/2-length score over odds-on River Wind, herself a promising talent. Yaupon is an ascending young sire, and while dam Moon Over Mag Bay was a lousy racehorse, her pedigree page may soon get an upgrade: she's a half-sister to Cherokee Nation, the Bob Baffert trainee whose powerful maiden win makes him one of the favorites for the upcoming GI Santa Anita Derby. Mythical winning Gulfstream's Any Limit Stakes | Lauren King 2. MYTHICAL, GP, 3/14, Any Limit Stakes, 6 furlongs (video) Beyer Speed Figure- 94 (f, 3, by St Patrick's Day–Lailoni, by Brethren) O/B-Arindel (Fla). T-Jorge Delgado. J-Edgard Zayas. Last summer at Saratoga, then-unbeaten Mythical threw in a head-scratching clunker in the GI Spinaway Stakes but immediately bounced back with two stakes wins at Gulfstream. Then came another sluggish no-show in the Jan. 31 GIII Forward Gal. “I think she's going to bounce back again,” trainer Delgado said. And he was right: the Arindel homebred sped to a convincing two-length victory in a stakes-record 1:09.40 and career-high Beyer. The competition was softer, but she was also better. 1. CHASTEN, CNL, 3/14, Sandy Bottom Stakes, 1 mile (video) Beyer Speed Figure- 95 (f, 4, by Into Mischief–Lockdown, by First Defence) O/B-Juddmonte (Ky). T-Brad Cox. J-Cristian Torres. For a half-sister to two-time Eclipse champion Idiomatic by Into Mischief, Chasten had been an underachiever to this point. But does this leap to stakes winner and career-best 95 Beyer Speed Figure represent a step forward that can be sustained or will it be a one-off? At first glance the number seems surprising, since Chasten and runnerup Her Laugh (above) both improved sharply to new tops. But even over a lightning-fast Colonial strip, her mile in 1:33.40 warranted the figure –older stakes males the race before went in 1:33.57. The post Six Speedy Females of the Week for Mar. 9 -16 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Christopher McKeever, the man responsible for last week's Champion Bumper hero The Mourne Rambler (Well Chosen), has spoken of his disbelief in the aftermath of the success that saw him join a select group of Cheltenham Festival-winning breeders, achieved with a horse trained by his great friend of 60 years, Noel Meade. “I was here at home with the dog, my wife and a friend of mine,” McKeever told TDN Europe on Tuesday, having watched the race not at Cheltenham but in County Meath, where he lives just a stone's throw away from Meade's Tu Va Stables. “I got two phone calls before he'd even pulled up and I had to go outside. I just couldn't believe it. I was amazed. To be honest, it's only sinking in now, but I do know that the whole parish and the local towns all backed him. Here, when you hit on a good horse like that, everybody owns him.” He continued, “I didn't back him because I don't gamble, although all breeders are gamblers and dreamers, really. We gamble to get the right foal and we dream of getting a Grade 1 winner. All breeders are the same and I'm no different from anybody else. I'm just very, very lucky. That's what I am. I'm extremely lucky and blessed to have a mare like Lobinstown Girl.” Lobinstown Girl, the dam of The Mourne Rambler, was also trained by Meade during a racing career which saw her fail to win in eight starts under Rules. She went close on her penultimate outing at Punchestown, however, before getting injured at Wexford a few weeks later to leave her syndicate of owners, including McKeever, in something of a quandary. “She ran in Punchestown and was second, so everybody was on a high, but then she ran at Wexford and got injured,” McKeever recalled, before revealing the modest sum it cost him to take outright ownership of the daughter of Luso. “Syndicates here can fall asunder very quickly when things are going bad, so I bought her from the syndicate and I gave them €350 for her. “I was a couple of months off retirement. I had another mare, Miss Audacious, whose progeny won races for Philip Hobbs and Alan Jones. I intended to have two mares as a hobby, just to give me something to do when I retired. I was always involved in horses, but I had drifted away for 20-25 years because it just wasn't paying me. There was no financial gain in it at all and I had mortgages and children and that kind of thing. The rest is history.” Even before The Mourne Rambler came on the scene with his maiden bumper win at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, Lobinstown Girl had proven her worth as a broodmare as the dam of three black-type performers from four runners. They included Sixshooter, who ran one of his best races when finishing third in the G2 Galmoy Hurdle, and G3 “Monksfield” Novice Hurdle runner-up She's A Star, the product of the first of many matings with Kedrah House Stud's Well Chosen. “My brother [point-to-point trainer Colin McKeever] had trained a horse by Well Chosen that had gone to Henrietta Knight. He suggested Well Chosen, so I rang Tom Meagher [of Kedrah House Stud] in 2011,” McKeever said of how he settled on Well Chosen for Lobinstown Girl's maiden cover. “I thought Tom was a straight-talking guy and he punched proper. I looked at Well Chosen and thought he was a smashing horse. To tell you the truth, he was in my price range at €800. That foal, She's A Star, came from an €800 stallion and a €350 mare!” He added, “I kept going back to Tom and Sixshooter is another full-brother [to The Mourne Rambler]. Noel bought him off me in November and She's A Star won her point-to-point then in February. Noel did tell me to hold on to him but, to be truthful with you, it wasn't feasible. There's no point saying otherwise, money was very tight. As a small breeder, it can be very much a struggle now. “Tom Meagher has been a huge, huge help to me over the years. There's a thing I have called loyalty. If I am treated right, then I will treat people right. Tom Meagher is one of the people that has been with me from the start. We both started from the very bottom, with Well Chosen and the mare, and look at what has happened.” At the age of 27, Well Chosen's stock has arguably never been higher given what happened at Cheltenham last week, with the success of The Mourne Rambler being his second at Grade 1 level in the space of two days, following that of Old Park Star in the previous afternoon's Supreme Novices' Hurdle. It's still early days, but Old Park Star is potentially the most exciting runner yet for a stallion who has done things the hard way. “Back at the time when Well Chosen bred She's A Star, he wasn't covering very many mares,” said McKeever. “Well Chosen does not breed commercial foals. That was his problem. He wasn't throwing sales horses, but he was throwing racehorses. He just wasn't what they wanted and I couldn't understand it because his record was fantastic. “They wouldn't have been fancy, good-looking horses but, by Christ, they could run. The Mourne Rambler is a good-looking horse, but he's not exceptional to look at. If you were going to give €100,000 for a horse, I don't think you'd have given it for him before he won.” The Mourne Rambler as a foal with Lobinstown Girl | Christopher McKeever The proof is in the pudding, with The Mourne Rambler by no means topping the bill on the two occasions that he was offered at public auction. He first changed hands for €32,000 when consigned as a foal by Kedrah House Stud, on behalf of McKeever, at the Tattersalls Ireland November NH Sale. “I sold him in Tattersalls and he ended up in Wexford,” said McKeever. “I didn't know where he went and I like to try and follow where they are. When they're in training, I probably bombard the trainers. I used to text Philip Hobbs and Alan Jones, as well as Lucinda Russell when she had runners that I'd bred. “Then, he came back to Goffs for the Arkle Sale where he didn't make a lot of money. I think he made €45,000 and I was amazed at that, to be honest. I thought he would make a lot more. But he was bought by a guy in the north who my brother would know well, Paddy Turley. Paddy is a very, very shrewd operator, a young man with a great future. “So, he was with Paddy and it was amazing how he went to Wexford, to the north, and then back down to us at home here – he went round the block! I don't mean this in a disrespectful way but, if he'd gone to Willie Mullins, or some other trainer down the country, or to the UK, I probably wouldn't even see him again. But I was down there with him on Saturday morning and it's just an amazing story. I really have to say it is now. I'm still on cloud nine.” A near-three-length winner at Cheltenham in the hands of leading Flat pilot Colin Keane, The Mourne Rambler was sporting the red and black silks there of Philip Polly, a neighbour of Turley's in Downpatrick, County Down. Turley had saddled the gelding to finish second in a point-to-point at Portrush in October last year, before Meade then sent out the 8/1 chance to win his bumper by over three lengths at Leopardstown. “I'd been getting all of the right vibes from Paddy Turley, but Willie can win a bumper by 25 lengths and you'd be up against a Grade 1 horse,” said McKeever. “Noel would always tell you that he was a good horse, but we didn't really know what we had. “The ground drying out [at Cheltenham] was a huge help to our lad. She's A Star won on the Flat at Dundalk and was second at the Curragh to a horse of Aidan [O'Brien]'s. She had a right bit of toe, but not as much as this guy. I'm not saying that it will happen, but I would imagine that Noel may run him on the Flat at some stage. I don't tell Noel what to do with any horse. I have horses in training with him and I leave it all to Noel Meade.” He added of their friendship, “We go back 60 years together. We hunted together and shared ponies as children. [Gold Cup and Grand National-winning jockey] John Burke, Noel Meade, James Halpin, my brother and myself, we were the crew that went round together.” Fittingly, Meade has trained each and every one of Lobinstown Girl's progeny to have made it to the racecourse thus far, with the promise of more to come from a mare who is said to be still going strong at the age of 21. Indeed, Meade has already taken charge of the four-year-old Islria, again by Well Chosen and subject to positive reports from McKeever, with a debut run looming on the horizon. “I think he is a stronger horse [than The Mourne Rambler],” McKeever said of Islria. “He's a very different model, a chestnut like Sixshooter and a big, strong horse. I had him in training with Noel last year as a three-year-old. Noel then had a client call me and I sold him in February. He's a cracking horse and I think he'll run in the near future.” He continued, “I still have She's A Star and she's in foal to Poet's Word. She's only about 15hh, but she won five races and finished second in the Grade 3 in Navan. She's already bred Colcannon. I'm not down as the breeder, but I bred him as well and he's a Grade 2 winner. “Lobinstown Girl is in great order as well. You wouldn't think she was 21 now. She slipped her foal this year, unfortunately. I want to get her checked out with the vets and, if they're happy, she'll go to Rich History [at Kedrah House]. She started with Tom and she'll finish with Tom.” Whenever that story should end, it will certainly have been quite the journey for the McKeever family, the long and winding road which led them to their crowning achievement at Cheltenham last week, courtesy of the foal dubbed 'Pfizer' when he was born in April 2021 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Should I give up now when I'm in front?” joked McKeever, still very much savouring the moment. “Actually, a friend of mine said to me yesterday, 'What the hell would you give up for? You need to go for the Melbourne Cup!' It's like I said to you earlier, breeders are dreamers and gamblers. That's the bottom line. None of us make a fortune out of it, particularly in National Hunt, but the fulfilment I've had is just amazing. I can't put it into words. If it works out, it's great, but it's a lonesome road if it doesn't. “Listen, it's been a wonderful, wonderful journey. I never would have expected it, because I've had my own issues as well, health issues and things like that over the past few years. It's just been a huge, huge lift. Everybody around me seems to be so happy and it's just a wonderful story. I just can't believe at times that it happened to me, but it has.” The post ‘I’m Still On Cloud Nine’ – McKeever Riding High with Cheltenham Hero The Mourne Rambler appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article