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It is difficult to place a one dimensional horse whose forte is 2400m. You can only race that distance two or three times at most in a season and you have to build to it. We've discussed Leica Lucy before and as I said then they went to the well too many times. Robbie Patterson said she needed a break. She basically only had one preparation leading to the NZ Oaks win. Sometimes it takes a long time to recover sometimes they don't recover. I also wouldn't listen to what a Jockey says. Often their post race media comment is slanted by disappointment and or a poor ride. LOL I can think of numerous occasions where a Jockey has had a shyte ride and blamed the track conditions.

What does that equate to in race time? I didn't see any races from there which is why I asked. I knew from those readings that it was likely to be marginally better on the inside.

yard? as in the back parade ring? where the shade rather stops you getting to see how well any horse might be looking?

7% isn't it? Isn'r that significant?

Do you mean this? it's a pretty small difference isn't it? From the 6:00 AM raceday inspection, the following values were recorded: Inside: 9.0 Outside: 8.6 Shear: 11.3 Moisture: 35%

I have been reading the opinions of many respected people who have invested greatly in the racing industry and have been involved in it for decades. Many of their observations about the state of the sport and the organizations that are supposed to lead it are correct. I would like to share what I have discovered over the past few years. I have been involved in breeding and racing Thoroughbreds for more than 40 years, and I care deeply about the future of this industry. Like many others, I have watched the steady decline in horse racing and have long believed that our sport desperately needs a coordinated national marketing effort. With that goal in mind, I founded The Heart of Horse Racing, a 501(c)(3) national marketing campaign built around storytelling and authentic voices from within our sport. Through professionally produced videos and interviews with trainers, jockeys, owners, outriders, analysts, and others who dedicate their lives to the horse, we aim to show the public what makes this sport so special and to introduce a new generation of fans to racing. The campaign includes a comprehensive marketing strategy and an investor deck outlining how we can reach new audiences and grow the fan base of horse racing. Over the past two years, I have personally presented this initiative to several of the industry's leading organizations. I presented the plan to the board of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, where I serve as a board member. While there was interest, no funding commitment was made. I also presented the proposal to New York Racing Association, where I serve on the board. Again, no funding commitment was made. I spoke with representatives of Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, who expressed support but did not commit financial resources. I had a lengthy meeting during the Saratoga meet with Everett Dobson of The Jockey Club and shared the investor deck and marketing strategy. He asked that I arrange a meeting with the firm working on the project, which I did, but nothing further has occurred. The Breeders' Cup organization never returned my calls. Meanwhile, a number of industry participants have stepped forward to support the initiative, including Fasig-Tipton, The Green Group, the Finger Lakes HBPA, the Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, members of the jockey colony, and several private individuals. My purpose in sharing this is not to criticize any one organization, but to highlight a much larger issue. The organizations that represent and lead our sport are funded by the very people who work within the industry–owners, breeders, trainers. Yet too often they operate independently rather than collaboratively, and meaningful opportunities to promote and grow the sport are missed. Horse racing is facing intense competition for the entertainment dollar from sports betting, prediction markets, and other emerging forms of gaming. At the same time, internal divisions and fragmented leadership continue to weaken our ability to present a unified message to the public. If we truly want to preserve this historic sport, we must begin working together and investing in initiatives that expand the fan base and tell the story of racing to the world. The Heart of Horse Racing campaign was created to do exactly that. The time has come for our industry's leadership to move beyond discussion and begin supporting solutions that will grow and sustain horse racing for future generations. Click here if you would like to learn more or make a donation. Tina Marie Bond is the President of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. The post Letter To The Editor: The Heart Of Horse Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Reckon that Final Deadline may count as a NZ horse as well Gamma. Grimson & McMullen team going great.

Amateur National Hunt jockey Sam Lee has died at the age of 27. Lee was a prominent figure on the point-to-point circuit and rode four winners under Rules during his career. A joint-statement from the Injured Jockeys Fund and Point-To-Point Authority read, “The point-to-point world is devastated to hear of the sudden death of Sam Lee on Friday, March 6. Our deepest sympathies go out to Sam's family and his many friends. “Sam, 27, was a hugely popular figure on the point-to-point scene and his tragic death is a huge shock for everyone. This weekend's point-to-point race meetings will be holding a minute's silence ahead of racing in memory of Sam.” Lee's biggest victory under rules came aboard the Phil Middleton-trained Golan Fortune when he landed the Listed Spinal Injuries Association Big Buck's Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November 2019. He then rode the same horse in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival four months later. British Horseracing Authority chief executive Brant Dunshea said, “We are all shocked and upset to hear about the death of amateur jockey Sam Lee. “Amateur jockeys are an integral part of our sport, its community and its rich history. Every jockey, professional or amateur, will be mourning today the death of a colleague and friend, as will everyone across British racing. “The sport has in place services to provide care and support to those close to Sam. That support is available to everyone in our sport and anyone affected by this issue is encouraged to call them. “Our thoughts are with his friends and family.” The post Amateur National Hunt Jockey Sam Lee Dies at 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

That's Gold according to the rider failed to stay the distance. How many times does that happen, showing a brilliance over 2000m (Avondale Guineas) but then not seeing out the 2400m. Yulong made the wrong call there, or maybe not. On recent experiences (Willydoit and Leica Lucy) brilliant over 2400m, but only ever raced up to 1600m in Aus

Did notice that on her return, wonder they showed it, good to hear all's well, well written that is.

Jay Rooney POWER OF VITAM - R9 (5) Won impressively second up and can repeat today with the aid of a good draw Owen Goulding SUPER EXPRESS - R11 (3) Improving sort ran another cracker last start and continues to progress Olivia O'Sullivan JUICY DRAGON - R3 (11) Track specialist with light weight, good draw and visors on first time Phillip Woo GOOD CHAP - R4 (6) Won on his first dirt start and looks ready to win another after a smart trial Shannon (Vincent Wong) GREEN FIELD PEARL - R1...View the full article

Yeah need more of her. Maybe get her to do the yard comments as well as they're a complete load of rubbish again today.

That's interesting. Didn't know that. Friday was listening to someone from Freedmans going on about weight not being a concern as rider at home working him weighs a lot more. Thought that be a funny way of looking at it as applies to many horses. My Gladiola was poor.

WELL WRITTEN (M Cartwright) – Was inclined to shift ground under pressure in the straight and shifted outwards abruptly passing the 50 metres having to be corrected by its rider. Returned to the enclosure with blood present in one nostril undergoing a post-race veterinary examination finding this to be due to a small abrasion

Lyle Hewitson has a strong line-up of rides at Sha Tin on Sunday that includes the progressive Supreme Sea stepping up grade in the Class Three Cornwall Handicap (1,200m) and Packing Angel in the Class Two Devon Handicap (1,800m). The lightly raced Supreme Sea has impressed in his two starts for trainer Mark Newnham, recording a win and a second placing by just half a length to Vulcanus on Sha Tin’s all-weather track. “I think he’s a very good horse. I’m really happy to have got aboard him, he’s...View the full article

It may have been a lot closer than anticipated, but Well Written’s (Written Tycoon) victory in Saturday’s $4 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) was one for the books. The unbeaten Group One-winning filly was installed a hot favourite in the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, jumping a money back favourite in the Champions Day feature at Ellerslie, with every other runner at double figure odds, headed by Belle Cheval (NZ) (Savabeel) at $17.90. The market proved accurate, with the Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-trained filly nearly becoming the giant killer, coming to within a short head of Stephen Marsh’s star filly Well Written. Jockey Matt Cartwright gave Well Written the perfect trip in the one-one, presented her beautifully at the turn and she quickly found the lead. Well Written opened up several lengths on her rivals, but Belle Cheval took chase from the back of the pack. Well Written shifted out in the concluding stages and the two went head-to-head, with Well Written getting the bob. Well Written’s connections had to sweat a protest in the inquiry room, but it was dismissed, and she got her win. Cartwright was rapt to get the victory and he was effusive in his praise for Marsh, labelling the Cambridge horseman as an integral part to his success since moving to New Zealand from Australia. “Everything worked out perfect,” he said. “She was travelling that good, I let her go. Probably with the weight (58kg) and being in front for so long, she wandered a bit, but she got the job done still. “She is a very good horse and you didn’t see her best today. “I have got to hand it to Stephen Marsh, he has been the best supporter of me, he is a great trainer and he is a great mate as well.” Marsh admitted that he didn’t know if his filly got the win at the post but he was relieved when he heard her name was called out first over the loudspeaker. “I wasn’t sure, the other horse was coming at us so fast,” he said. “She got to the front easy. She has had six starts as a three-year-old, she is not fully mature and had 58 kilos, I just wonder if all that had a bit of a factor. She floated around a bit when she got to the front.” Marsh said Cartwright gave his filly a perfect ride and he was pleased to reward his supporters with the big win, particularly part-owner Yulong Investments, whose principal Zhang Yuesheng was trackside for the win. “Matt has been great for our stable, he works hard and he is always keen to help us,” Marsh said. “He has gotten on very well with this filly. I thought his ride today was unbelievably good. “All the well wishes that I have had this week has just been overwhelming. I was hoping we weren’t going to let people down, and we won by the barest of margins, but I am just so proud of her and the team, all of our owners, Yulong – Mr Zhang is here today – it has just been amazing. “The ride has been super and I will sleep well for a couple of days after that. It (winning NZB Kiwi) is a feeling you can never explain, and you can’t buy it.” While Australia beckons as an obvious target, Marsh said that test will likely wait until next season. “She is unbelievably good,” he said. “She is a great filly, she has done it all, she has won six on the trot. “She can have a well-deserved spell, she won’t be going to Australia at this stage for the autumn, but she will hopefully go over in the spring.” Marsh was also overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the crowd at Ellerslie and said Champions Day is a phenomenal event for the racing industry. “Looking around at the crowd and the atmosphere, it is just massive,” he said. “It is awesome for New Zealand racing, $8.5 million worth of prizemoney and great horses on display. This is a special day and it is just great to be a part of it and great to take home the big prize.” Bred in Australia by David Digney, Well Written was initially purchased by Harry and Benji King, under the latter’s Foxhill Thoroughbreds banner, as a weanling for A$32,500 and was on sold through Brighthill Farm’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock National Online Yearling Sale on Gavelhouse Plus where she was purchased by Marsh and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock for $80,000. She has gone on to win all six of her starts as a three-year-old, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m), Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), and represented the TAB’s slot when winning the NZB Kiwi. She now boasts earnings of more than $2.6 million. View the full article

The name Roger James is synonymous with the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and the Cambridge conditioner has done it once again when he and training partner Roger Wellwood produced the quinella in this year’s HKJC World Pool-sponsored Classic with Road To Paris (NZ) (Circus Maximus) and Autumn Glory (NZ) (Ocean Park). James had won the feature three-year-old staying contest on six prior occasions, starting with freakish filly Tidal Light (NZ) (Diagramatic) in partnership with Jim Gibbs in 1986, and 40 years later he made it win number seven, and his second with Wellwood after Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) triumphed in 2024. This time the pair had to sweat at every start with the enigmatic Road To Paris who has proved a handful during his races, throwing away victory in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) in November by dislodging rider Masa Hashizume in the shadows of the post, while he also ducked in sharply when closing gamely behind That’s Gold (Lucky Vega) in his final Derby lead-up event, the Gr. 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m). The application of side winkers on Saturday looked to have worked the oracle on the son of Windsor Park Stud-based stallion Circus Maximus as he lobbed along comfortably near the tail of the field for rider George Rooke before slowly improving at the 600m on the back of stablemate and Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) runner-up Autumn Glory. That pair stormed to the front at the 250m and set down to fight out a nail-biting finish which went in favour of Road To Paris by a length, with Geneva battling home gamely for third. The drama didn’t end there though as Road To Paris dumped jockey George Rooke as they cantered back to the birdcage, while shortly afterwards the protest siren sounded with a judicial inquiry convened to look at interference by the winner against both placegetters over the final 150m. Despite some definite tightening from Road To Paris, the protest was dismissed and the gelding held the win. “I’m elated as we were super happy with all three of our horses,” James said. “We felt we had a huge show until the barriers came out – Road To Paris (13), Ariadne (NZ) (Almanzor) (14), Autumn Glory (15) – and we were pretty deflated. “There were two super rides on the first two and in fact all three rides were huge. There is a big build-up to these days and this is very special. “He (Road To Paris) is untapped but he has to improve his manners. This is also super for George (Rooke) as he has had a few rough times lately and we have stuck with him; he has stuck with us and that was one of the coolest Derby rides you will ever see. “I think we may look at Sydney with the winner if he comes through this, but I think the filly has probably done enough for now.” Bred and raced by Ron and Judi Wanless, Road To Paris is out of the four-time winning Savabeel mare Spirit Of Heaven, who is a three-quarter sister to Gr.1 Schweppes Oaks (2000m) winner Lights Of Heaven. He is the first Group One winner for Windsor Park Stud’s promising young sire Circus Maximus, a triple Group One winning European miler by Galileo, who was also represented in the race by Towering Vision (NZ) (seventh), with both horses being from their sire’s first New Zealand crop. View the full article

The Final Race . Chariots of Fire. Captains Mistress the half sister of Merlin is just too good. A easy win for Grimson and driver Hart. (and Blackie) The Galah and Blackie pick up 10 points each to finish the night and $21 . Sanderson gets the fine Queenland horse FINAL DEADLINE hone 2nd and scores $24 . HESITATE was 4th for Brodie, Chief and McCarthy. 5th for Brodie with Double Lou too, completely boxed in. (2pts) FINAL POINTS POINTS after Race 7 in the BOAY SLOT race challenge Blackie 60 Points, The Galah 58 points , Gamma 42 points , Brodie 24 points , Chief 14 points, Dollars earned comp. Blackie $142 , The Galah $139, Gammalite $138, Brodie $31, Chief Stipe $12 💰 Blackie Squeaks out a very GRIM Win , by a very shallow margin from Slot/ NEW ZEALANDers and Slot QLDers. Blackie getting a bit lucky 😉 with Fire and Passion beaten a nose right on the line costing me the Quaddie and the Dollars earned comp for the Queenslanders , all in one go . rats . 🙄😎 Great to see the Amazing Queensland and NZ horses putting up so many Sub 1.50 times tonight in impressive style. Will be interesting to see if Grimson game enough to take on The JANITOR and LTF and the Don Hugo with his good mare Captains Mistress ? , after her fine win tonight.

The JANITOR. well he cleans them Up !! go the mighty Queenslander. in the second last comp race just finished. Pete McMullen 'sweeps' and swoops down the outside to spoil the Grimson Swayzee party . Swayzee pretty game in that for Blackie sitting parked out and toughing it well. Pinseeker nowhere for NZ , but RAKERO ROCKET does hold 3rd that is 6 points for the Galah. (+$13) with Swayzee and Rakero Rocket getting places Blackie and the GRIM SLOT 1/ collect 14 points and $35 Gamma lapping up a 10 pointer in that race, for the Queensland BOAY Slot and a cool $73 . 💪💰 one more races to go The Chariots of Fire . POINTS after Race 6 in the BOAY SLOT race challenge Blackie 50 Points, The Galah 48 points , Gamma 34 points , Brodie 18 points , Chief 10 points, Dollars earned comp. Blackie $121 , The Galah $118, Gammalite $114, Brodie $31, and old boy Chief $12 💰

Once the race pattern was confirmed for the day he had no chance.

Whatta performance that was. 🏆 Leap To Fame parking up .Against those fast horses . and still winning in 1.48. Race 5 A Miracle Mile Qualifier sees the mighty Queenslander through to another crack at the Biggest race next Sat. Same Quinella as the SLOT race at Cambridge 2025 too. with CHase a Dream closing late for neck 2nd doing NZ proud once again. Nearly the same Trifecta but DON HUGO got 3rd tonight ( after 4th at Cambridge) 14 points for Gamma in the BOAY slot race with 1st and 4th. SPEAK THE TRUTH closing very well lately on is a SUPER horse too. Just never has a good driver. $29 for Larry earnings tonight. The New Zealand Slot rocks on with CHASE A DREAM scoring 8 points for the Galah and $24 Team SLOT 1/ GRIMSON missed with Hi MaNameisJeff but score points with Chase A Dream for Blackie. also $24. and Chief in 3rd with the 'DON' 6 points and $12 for team Slot McCarthy. POINTS after Race 5 in the BOAY SLOT race challenge The Galah 42 points , Blackie 36 points, Gamma 24 points , Brodie 18 points , Chief 10 points, Dollars earned comp. The Galah $105, Blackie $86, Gammalite $41, Brodie $31, and old boy Chief $12 💰

Why is still no published Stewards Report for Champions Day Ellerslie? Even a draft would be good! I know there were 3 Enquiries but typists aren't that slow! If there was a report would it stop thw rumour that Well Written bled?

Any horse that reacts to the whip the jockey hence forward should be banned from using the whip but NB still carry the whip. Safety has always to be placed first.

Heat 3 of the Derby and the New Zealand and Grimson teams Strike again. Paul Borg probably paid a fortune for ZEUS LIGHTNING after his good Sires Stakes 5th at Addington last November. A very nice horse winning by lengths for Grimson , driver Cam Hart and BOAY slotties Galah and Blackie. The 2 x Michael Stanley runners were 3rd and 4th. FUGITIVE just sort of a battling 4th. Will be touch and go if he qualifies for next weeks BIG Derby Final. The Galah picking up 14 points in that one with ZEUS and FUGITIVE doing the NZ horses proud. +$25 collect Blackie in with 10 as well (+$25) , and Gamma got just 2pts with the Queenslander fading to 5th for McMullen. POINTS after Race 4 in the BOAY SLOT race challenge The Galah 34 points , Blackie 28 points, Brodie 18 points, Gamma 10 points , Chief 4 points, Dollars earned comp. The Galah $81 , Blackie $62, Brodie $31 , Gamma $12, and Chief 0 💰

Yep she has some quirks. I'm not a fan of head gear but if a horse ever needed blinkers it's her. Not that I'm a trainer.