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Field sizes ( all tied up with programming and dates) is something that you and a couple of other enlightened sorts have been trying to get attention on, with little interest from management. As has been pointed out many times, the exodus to Aus isn't totally stakes driven. The Chief has made reference himself about the lack of opportunity for sprinting fillies, for one, hence the need to send those types over the ditch. There are heaps of other examples. The revitalizing of racedays from the viewpoint of young people is important fot sure, as well as stable open days and other initiatives to get a different demographic involved. But the industry as a whole has to be sustainable and it hasnt been without top- ups from other than betting revenue. I've held stable open days ( in a modest way) as have Kezia Murphy and Anna Furlong more recently, and all very well received. But getting tracks renovated properly and in a timely fashion is vital to getting back some punter confidence. No good taking pot shots at me, Chief, smarter people than me have been trying for years - decades- to get some traction, to no avail.

The Japan Cup is held on turf at a distance of 2,400 meters, or about 1 1/2 miles. It boasts a purse comparable to the Breeders' Cup Classic, with about 1.09 billion yen equaling about $7.2 million.View the full article

Hugh Bowman and Vincent Ho Chak-yiu claimed the final two slots in the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) on December 10 with a trio of winners between them on a dramatic night at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Bowman needed a winner to leapfrog Luke Ferraris and he almost took the initiative straight away when Flow Water Flow missed by a nose behind Somelovefromabove in section one of the Class Four Glenfinnan Viaduct Handicap (1,200m). Remarkably, Bowman then missed again by a nose...View the full article

Woodbine Cares Horsepower Fund, a new grant program designed to support charities and not-for-profit organizations that champion horse welfare and strengthen the bond between horses and people, has been launched by Woodbine Entertainment. Through the Horsepower Fund, local registered charities and not-for-profits across Ontario can apply for micro-grants of up to $5,000. These grants are intended to fuel initiatives that help people connect with horses through education, hands-on care, or innovative programs that highlight the role horses play in the racing community. Applicants to the Horsepower Fund must be: a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or a registered not-for-profit; be located within the local communities surrounding Woodbine Racetrack or Woodbine Mohawk Park; demonstrate a clear focus on equine welfare; provide evidence of strong fiscal management and governance practices; and have submitted final reports from previous years if a prior recipient. Eligible charities can apply online here: https://form.jotform.com/251273988732266. The post Woodbine Launches Horsepower Fund to Support Horse Welfare, Community Programs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Reigning Eclipse Award winner Flavien Prat won a total of 14 races last week, including a five-win day Nov. 23 and a sweep of the day's stakes races. He was voted Jockey of the Week Nov.17-23.View the full article

Spendthrift Farms' Further Ado (Gun Runner), who will make his next start in Saturday's GII Kentucky Jockey Club S. at Churchill Downs, ran sensationally in his last start, winning a Keeneland maiden by 20 lengths, earning a 98 Beyer figure. The Beyer number is tied for the second fastest race by a 2-year-old in 2025. But he's also somewhat of a mystery. Why did he run so poorly in his first two races and can he once again turn in a sizzling effort in what will be his stakes debut? The Kentucky Jockey Club should provide a lot of answers. “We liked him a good bit, especially first time out,” trainer Brad Cox said. “I thought he was a horse that could win first time based on how he trained at Keeneland, Churchill and even Saratoga leading up to that debut. He's always been a really good training horse. We did lose a little bit of confidence along the way when we didn't get the performances we were expecting in the first two runs.” Further Ado debuted July 26 at Saratoga and finished fifth in a six-furlong maiden. He returned Aug. 30 at Saratoga in a seven-furlong maiden and ran a distant third. The most obvious difference between his first and second races and his third was the distance. Cox stretched him out to a 1 1/16 miles and got one of the best performances by any 2-year-old this year. “I think he just didn't handle the distance in those first two starts,” Cox said. “Getting him out around two turns seemed to make the difference. We liked him a good bit in all three starts. He was able to put it all together going long that day at Keeneland. No, I never thought he'd win by 20 lengths. Watching the race that day at Keeneland, I thought, 'Wow he's really moving well and they were going quick enough up front.' It didn't seem like anyone was closing in on him going into the far turn. It looked like he had the horse in front of him measured and he just kept extending the margin. It was a very impressive win, to say the least.” Still, Cox knows that Saturday's stakes will be a challenge. As usual, the Kentucky Jockey Club has attracted some talented juveniles. “He will need to step up and improve,” he said. “As long as he can get away well, get into the race and get into his rhythm, I think he will run well. He's been training at Churchill ever since that win at Keeneland and he trained this morning [on Nov. 23] and it was very impressive. Breaking well, getting involved early and getting into that rhythm are the things he'll need to do to be successful Saturday.” Should Further Ado win the Kentucky Jockey Club, he will no doubt be considered, at the very least, a Top 10 prospect for next year's GI Kentucky Derby. Cox said he will wait until after Saturday before starting to put together a schedule for him for his 3-year-old campaign. Further Ado will winter at Payson Park in Florida, but that doesn't mean he will be taking the Gulfstream route to the Derby. Spendthrift will be in Florida with the horse now considered the Derby favorite, Ted Noffey (Into Mischief). Cox is rather sure that Spendthrift will want to keep the two apart, which means Further Ado might do his racing in the preps at Fair Grounds. “The Florida preps will at least be on our list, but you have to remember that they'll have another very nice colt down there in Ted Noffey,” Cox said. “That's going to play a role in what we do, and it should. We'll see how we do on Saturday and then start thinking more about our plans.” The main competition may come from the Saffie Joseph-trained Dr. Kapur (McKinzie), who will be stretching out after an impressive win in a seven-furlong maiden at Keeneland. Bob Baffert will be represented by the $1.15-million Keeneland September purchase Cherokee Nation (Not This Time), who is still a maiden. Steve Asmussen, who has won this race three times, will send out GIII Iroquois S. winner Spice Runner (Gun Runner). Saturday's card at Churchill will also feature the GII Golden Rod S. for 2-year-old fillies. The heavy favorite will be Baffert's Explora (Blame), who is coming off a second-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Cox will try to post the upset with Rags to Riches S. winner Life of Joy (Gun Runner). “We really like her,” Cox said. “She broke her maiden in Indiana and it was a really big step up going from that race to the stakes at Churchill. That race [the Rags to Riches] came up with somewhat of a short field and she got a really good trip. There are a few more fillies in this race and it's a deeper group . She has to step up again. She's another one that had a really good breeze this morning [Nov. 24] over this track. She is training well and is training forward since that last run. We've seen positive things from her since that last run.” The post Further Ado is Good, But How Good? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. What an effort from Boss Dylan (c, 2, Liam's Map–Sweet, by Blame)! Those were the words of track announcer Travis Stone as Boss Dylan rallied from last to finish a fantastic second in the nightcap at Churchill Downs Sunday evening. Off at odds of 9-1 in his 6 1/2-furlong unveiling for trainer Brendan Walsh in a very deep maiden special weight, Boss Dylan made a mess of the break from his outside draw and was 11th as the Brian Lynch-trained firster Mob (Gun Runner) sped through an opening quarter in :22.16. The $40,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $460,000 OBS April breezer began to launch beneath Tyler Gaffalione with a flashy move on the far turn and split horses leaving the quarter pole. He kept on rolling down the stretch and came home in a field-best :31.24 while finishing 1 1/2 lengths behind the aforementioned Mob, a $560,000 Keeneland September graduate. Boss Dylan earned a 75 Beyer Speed Figure, four points less than the front-running winner. Mob is a debut winner is in the @churchilldowns finale for trainer @blynchracing with @luissaezpty aboard! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/rdrXDHuaSm — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) November 23, 2025 Ramiro Restrepo's Marquee Bloodstock Agency purchased Boss Dylan on behalf of G and O Racing, High Step Racing, JR Ranch and KAS Ultimate Racing after breezing in :10 1/5 earlier this spring in Ocala. “It's almost a blessing in a way,” said Restrepo, who co-owned 2023 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage. “Out of a loss, there's a win. He learned so much. Kudos to Tyler, just let the horse get into rhythm. They were moving up top and they got away from him. Lynchie's horse is a fast, well-meant horse.” He continued, “It was so nice to see a young baby eat that kind of dirt and zig zag between horses and not be afraid to attack a pack. Normally you see the babies spit it on the turn after making a move like that. The gallop out was savage. That probably was the most impressive thing.” Boss Dylan's leading young sire Liam's Map is responsible for seven top-level winners worldwide. Bred in Kentucky by Twin Oaks Bloodstock LLC, Boss Dylan was produced by Claiborne Farm homebred Sweet (Blame), a two-time winner on grass and full-sister to GI Santa Margarita S. heroine Fault and half-sister to the dam of GI Darley Alcibiades S. winner Juju's Map (Liam's Map). Sweet is also responsible for the 4-year-old filly No Mo Candy (Uncle Mo), winner of last fall's GIII Pebbles S. over the Aqueduct lawn. Boss Dylan in the paddock prior to his debut at Churchill Downs Sunday | courtesy Ramiro Restrepo “It was great for the group and all the partners to have a root home,” Restrepo said. “He showed that he wanted it and came running fast for the wire. That kind of stuff makes it all worth it. My main supporter and the person who has really given me a gigantic boost is Jose Aguirre of JR Ranch. He has been a godsend as an owner. I am Jose's racing manager and bloodstock manager and put the group together with High Step Racing, G and O Racing and KAS Ultimate Racing. It's a bunch of new guys and they come from all walks. Some of them are in the sport-fisherman world. Getting them in the game is pretty fun.” Restrepo concluded, “He came out of the race great and will ship to Florida to Palm Meadows after Thanksgiving. We'll look at a maiden there going seven-eighths to a mile at the beginning of the year. If he answers that bell, you're definitely in line for some dreams.” Since launching 'Second Chances' in 2017, 64 maidens have been featured in these pages (through 2024), producing 25% graded stakes winners, 34% stakes winners and 48% stakes horses. The series has introduced eight future winners at the top level, led by this year's GI Kentucky Derby, GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers S. winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) and fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo). The post Second Chances: ‘Out of a Loss, There’s a Win’ – Boss Dylan Florida-Bound Following Eye-Catching Debut Second appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Over 300 horses from 19 countries have applied for the 2025-26 Dubai Racing Carnival (DRC) at Meydan this season. The 16-week stand kicked off on November 7 and ends on March 28 with the G1 Dubai World Cup card. The multiple group-placed Heart Of Honor (Honor A. P.) was one of the first to arrive for trainer Jamie Osborne. Trainer Niels Petersen has an 11-strong team from Norway, including Norsk Derby winner War Socks (Kameko). Consistent sprinter Ponntos (Power) has returned for trainer Miroslav Nieslanik, and Denmark's Veronika Jandova brought seven horses. Newmarket's Phil Spencer, backed by Phil Cunnhingham, have sent a team of 10 under the Rebel Racing banner, among them is Goodwood Stewards' Cup winner Two Tribes (Rajasinghe) and Ayr Gold Cup hero Run Boy Run (Rajasinghe). Later in the season, Karl Burke's G1 Jebel Hatta third Holloway Boy (Ulysses) is set to compete, as is G2 Dubai Gold Cup third Epic Poet (Lope De Vega) for David O'Meara. G2 Lennox Stakes hero Witness Stand (Expert Eye) will appear for Jamie Insole, while Charlie Hills's Mitbaahy (Profitable) is signed on. John and Thady Gosden will send G1 Lockinge Stakes victor Audience (Iffraaj). Meydan races three times in December, on Friday, 5, 12 and 19, culminating in Festive Friday which hosts the G2 Al Maktoum Mile and the G2 Al Rashidiya. “We are delighted to have acceptors for the Carnival from so many different countries,” commented Erwan Charpy, head of department, Racing Operations & International Relations for Dubai Racing Club. “This further underlines the position of Dubai as the centre of the racing world and is a compliment to both our facilities and our racing programme, both of which continue to evolve. “We are excited about welcoming so many Group 1 winners and high-class horses to Dubai over the next few weeks and wish everyone the best of luck with their planning and travel.” The post Dubai Racing Carnival Attracts Over 300 Entries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last year’s winner Giavellotto will lead a European assault on the Group One Longines Hong Kong Vase (2,400m) and bid to become the first horse since 2008 to win the HK$26 million prize back to back. Just two horses, Doctor Dino (2007-2008) and Luso (1996-1997), have won the race in consecutive years since the race was given Group One status in 1994, while Highland Reel (2015 and 2017) and Glory Vase (2019 and 2021) are the only other horses to have repeat wins. That shows the mountain that...View the full article

Grahame Begg’s She’s A Hustler (NZ) (Ace High) has received the ideal draw of three in Saturday’s Group 2 Zipping Classic, after a field of 14 accepted for the Caulfield race. The daughter of Ace High, who was narrowly defeated in the G2 Matriarch Stakes in her most recent start, is yet to miss the top two in 10 career runs but is racing at Caulfield for the first time, making the good draw even better. Alalcance, who ran well into third behind She’s A Hustler in the Matriarch, will jump from next to her in gate four, with that pair the only mares in the race. Of the boys, Etna Rosso (Decorated Knight) (eight) brings good form having been third on varying surfaces in his past two starts, while Berkshire Breeze (Mastercraftsman) (seven) was most recently a solid fourth in the G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup. The latter is joined by four stablemates from the Ciaron Maher yard – Light Infantry Man (Fast Company) (nine), Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) (14), Interpretation (Galileo) (1) and Strawberry Rock (Rock of Gibraltar) (10). View the full article

Twelve sprinters face the daunting task of taking on world’s best sprinter Ka Ying Rising when he chases a 16th consecutive victory in the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m). Fresh from another dominant success in last Sunday’s Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m), the David Hayes-trained superstar will bid to join Mr Stunning, Lord Kanaloa, Silent Witness and Falvelon as back-to-back winners of the HK$28 million feature. Ka Ying Rising bagged his first Group One success in the race last year,...View the full article

Imagine what Howard Bromac would have done if Mark Purdon had been driving it. The night it sat three wide outside the leaders in a strong inter dom heat to win was massive. Got murdered in many of its races. I was at Forbury when it sat outside London Legend and got beat a short margin at one of its last runs.

Was well over a lap that he sat parked for more like 1600metres. He clearly wanted to lead but lead not there for him, as favourite was in front. Kirk many years ago was a pretty good driver with UDR over .2000! Recent years he has not driven very well and UDR now not too flash. Has had some very good horses over the years but driving has gone backwards from what it was decades ago.

Well the industry will pay if Entain can’t get their bottom line up. Owners, trainers, breeders and clubs will cop it through reduced stakes in the long run if overheads do not come down. Entain guaranteed funding runs out 2027/2028? After that I presume funding becomes subject to Entains actual performance which based on the red flags over the last few months is not that great.

I do not rate Kirk Larsen as a good driver at all and never have. The drive on his two year old today was tactically atrocious. It had a good sit three deep the fence in a small field and he comes to out to attack the favourite with a full lap to go. Christ his horses must sleep well at night.

Two of the world’s very best could do battle in a showdown for the ages in next month’s Group One Longines Hong Kong Cup (2,000m), with the mighty Calandagan still a chance to face local hero Romantic Warrior. The catch, however, is that recently crowned European Horse of the Year Calandagan must first get through this Sunday’s Group One Japan Cup (2,400m) and is considered a slim chance of actually making it to Sha Tin. Whatever happens with Calandagan, Romantic Warrior – who returned from...View the full article

Voyage Bubble will defend his Group One Hong Kong Mile crown in a capacity field that also features Japan’s Soul Rush and Embroidery, Aidan O’Brien’s The Lion In Winter and French colt Beauvatier. Trainer Ricky Yiu Poon-fai and Voyage Bubble’s owners opted to drop the Triple Crown hero back to a mile rather than tackle the Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) after he ran second to Romantic Warrior in last Sunday’s Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m). Zac Purton is expected to again take the ride...View the full article

So if you don't lower overheads who pays for the inflated costs?

Freddie Tibbles the ole Kumara icon, certainly a blast from the past, must have lived to a ripe old age.

Why don't you take up a new hobby like macrame. You're actually worse than @nomates and @Joe Bloggs except they have had more success in racing than you have. Hear me now - racing doesn't need you. Although now that Freddie Tibbles has gone I'm sure you could make a great Clerk of the Course!!!

So it's 50:50 @Huey. Wow you're the one talking shyte AND providing the proof.

Well @Huey I'm sure there is a Club out there that needs your executive experience and insight. Kumara needs you.

No it played worse.

But you havent watched any races.

Yes, i did see that… I see in stewards report from last start… She stated horse trotted roughly at various stages throughout race??? Very strange, was one of the few to trot the trip. Yeah, i certainly wouldnt back it at that price