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Del Mar's 'Ship and Win' program will return for its 16th year when racing returns to the seaside oval July 17 and will help boost purses for 2-year-old maiden special weight races to record levels. The 'Ship and Win' program provides $5,000 for any qualified dirt runner in their first local outing. The 50% purse bonus is applied to the first through fifth finishers in their initial start and all subsequent outings at the meet. For turf runners, there is a $4,000 payment for that first start, as well as a 40% bonus attached to the purses of the first through fifth runners. The juvenile maiden special weight races for dirt runners offered this year will reach new heights when they include 'Ship and Win' runners who will compete for record purses of $150,000 thanks to the 50% purse bonus. “'Ship and Win' has been an extremely successful program for Del Mar and California racing overall,” said Del Mar senior vice president and racing secretary David Jerkens. “Our owners and trainers continue to take advantage of this powerful economic boost. And this year we're proud to offer $100,000 straight maiden purses for dirt 2-year-olds that can rise to $150,000 with the 'Ship and Win' bonus.” For more information on the 'Ship and Win' program, visit: www.dmtc.com/horsemen/ship-and-win. The post Ship and Win, Record MSW Purses, on Tap for Del Mar Summer Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former jockey Frankie Dettori has had his bankruptcy extended until March 16, 2027, after a judge at a specialist insolvency court ruled his bankruptcy should not be automatically discharged. The Italian formally retired from the saddle last month. At a hearing in London on Thursday, lawyers for the two trustees of Dettori's bankruptcy asked for the order to remain in place for a further year. Stefan Ramel, representing the trustees, told the court that the former jockey “has not complied and is still not complying” with requests for information about his assets, including whether he owns properties abroad. Dettori and his representatives were not present at the hearing. Chief insolvency and companies court judge Nicholas Briggs ruled that the bankruptcy order could continue until March 16 2027, which he said was “not an unrealistic period” given the “blatant failure” by Dettori to provide information when asked. He said, “There is much to uncover in this bankruptcy, and it may well be that criminal sanctions will be a useful tool for the trustees.” The judge said that the trustees interviewed Dettori in December last year about his assets, and when asked if he had ever owned properties abroad, he “said he did not”. But he said it was later discovered that there were “a number of properties that had not been disclosed to the trustees, in particular in France and Italy”. Judge Briggs continued that there were “other concerns”, including a Piaget watch, a wine collection worth around £70,000 and investments worth around £365,000. He also said that Dettori could have attended court to make representations as to why an order should have been made, or instructed lawyers, but has “failed to do so”. The Italian filed for bankruptcy in March last year due to unpaid tax resulting from his involvement in a “tax avoidance scheme”. At the time, Dettori had said he was “saddened and embarrassed” to have to take the measure after being left to “unravel the mess” in which a previous financial adviser left him. Dettori brought the curtain down on his U.S. riding stint after the Breeders' Cup last autumn, but continued riding in South America before riding his final races last month. In late October, Dettori was named Amo Racing's global brand ambassador. The post Frankie Dettori’s Bankruptcy Extended For Another Year By Judge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Everett Dobson, chairman of The Jockey Club, pledged to collaborate with horsemen to find solutions to racing's many challenges and ways to grow the sport while delivering the keynote address at the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association Conference at Oaklawn Park Wednesday. Dobson acknowledged some of the divisions between The Jockey Club and the National HBPA, including The Jockey Club's support of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the constitutionality of which the National HBPA is challenging in court. But Dobson stressed the common goals shared by the two organizations. “Our first allegiance is to the horse,” Dobson said. “As I look around this room and look at the mission statement and position statements of the National HBPA, it's apparent that when it comes to the horse, we are as closely aligned as two organizations could possibly be. The improvement this sport has made in the health and safety of the Thoroughbred racehorse is, I believe, the single-most important thing I've seen in my now 30 years of involvement. “I am also of the belief that credit for that should be spread far and wide, and especially to the great horsemen and women that make up the National HBPA. You are the ones putting your hands on the horse, providing for the care and nutrition needs for every single horse, every single day.” In 2021, The Jockey Club proposed capping the number of mares that a stallion could breed to in a year at 140, but the proposal prompted a lawsuit from three of Kentucky's largest stud farms and The Jockey Club dropped the controversial rule change. During his address Wednesday, Dobson said he is prepared to take another run at the rule, but with a different approach. “As we think about the health of the Thoroughbred breed, we must not ignore the alarming increase of the coefficient of inbreeding,” he said. “Years ago, The Jockey Club attempted to impose a cap on the number of mares a stallion could breed. Under my leadership, we're going to revisit that question. This time, we will involve stallion farms and other breed registries around the world to help us find the solution. Our discussions must be science-based with an understanding of the economic realities of the world we live in.” Dobson said that when he was tabbed to replace retiring chairman Stuart Janney, he met individually with all The Jockey Club board members and stewards. “I'm going to tell you what I told them,” he said. “I think big; I guess I always have. I founded this cellular telephone business when I was in my 20s that became one of the largest in the country. When I started out, I wasn't thinking, 'Oh gee, let's make this a nice little Oklahoma business.' Quite the contrary. When I joined the seven others to purchase what is now the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2006, we didn't sit around and discuss the keys to being the operators. No, we discussed what a pathway would look like to a world championship–and it didn't hurt that we had two Arkansas Razorbacks on the team to do it.” Listing some of his goals for The Jockey Club, Dobson said the organization would back a national marketing campaign that builds on The Jockey Club's America's Best Racing initiative; continue to push for legislation that would permanently ban horse slaughter and the export for slaughter of horses abroad; substantially increase its funding for the aftercare of retired racehorses; and continue to support the traceability initiative to track horses throughout their post-track lives. Dobson said the industry needs a permanent endowment or endowments “of significant size that will provide a level of certainty for every horse that showcases their talent for our entertainment.” He noted that The Jockey Club already has the Grayson-Jockey Club Foundation, which for decades has funded research to improve the health of the horse, as well as The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation, which helps those in need who work in the industry. Beyond the traditional metrics of foal crop, race days, field size, attendance on racing's big days, Dobson said, “I want this industry to also be one of job growth. We need young people to consider this sport as a viable career.” Dobson said a positive trend is that major capital projects aren't restricted to high-profile tracks such as Churchill Downs, Keeneland and Belmont Park, but underway at smaller tracks in Nebraska, Wyoming, Arizona and Kansas. “Thinking big means we don't ignore the smaller markets,” he said. “Without a doubt, this influx of capital will produce some level of growth.” Dobson said one of the most challenging metrics is the foal crop in regional markets. He said he is convinced that “states are going to have to broaden their breeding and racing programs in partnership with surrounding states. Fortunately, I'm hearing that there are meaningful conversations underway.” But, he continued, “Nothing big in the sport will happen if we can't improve fan engagement…. We can reach new fans. I've seen it in the NBA.” While there is incredible fan engagement in pockets around the country such as Oaklawn, Keeneland, Saratoga and Del Mar, Dobson said “our mission is to expand that reach by looking at what is successful and develop that relationship with new and younger fans on a continuous basis. “… I have become a big advocate for a national marketing campaign, one that will focus on messaging that elevates this sport in the eyes of the general public. A few years ago, The Jockey Club launched America's Best Racing, through which we had an influencer program last year that was a huge success. That program will be expanded this year and play a key role in a more comprehensive national marketing campaign. Broadly speaking, we are in an entertainment business. We compete with other sports and other forms of gaming, but we have an amazing story to tell. It's time to start talking.” At the heart of progress is working together, he said. “Sports and sports leagues function best when there is collaboration toward the common goal,” Dobson said. “My belief is that horse racing can raise to a far higher level of participation and fan engagement. For that to happen, we need collaboration and unification…. For this sport to move forward, it will take a team: the horsemen and women that rise before dawn, the track operators that are reinvesting in their infrastructure, the breeders who take long-term risk, the bettors who support us every day, those that buy our yearlings and 2-year-olds at the sales. It will take all of the industry organizations working together, and it will take those organizations working with HISA, and HISA working with us. If we are serious about thinking big–truly big–our future…will be built at the big table. Tables where we check our egos at the door, where we debate vigorously, disagree honestly, but being aligned around the common purpose. “Can we elevate this sport to a level that hasn't been seen in a generation? I believe we can, with commitment, collaboration, integrity, unification and a big dose of big ambition. I am standing before you because I believe the best days of Thoroughbred racing are not behind us. They are in front of us.” To view the complete address, click here. The post Dobson Calls for Collaboration in HBPA Conference Address appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner Whistlejacket has had his first mares scanned in foal. The son of No Nay Never, who stands at Haras de Grandcamp, commands €14,000 this year. The Prix Morny hero has multiple stakes-placed Epson Blu Cen (Blue Point) in foal, as well as Flame Of Fame (Shakespearean), the dam of stakes winner Feel Your Power (Captain Marvelous). Another mare in foal to the chestnut is U.S. stakes winner Barleysugar (Kyllachy), the dam of stakes performer Lord Wootton Cen (Wootton Bassett). Eric Lhermite said, “We are very pleased with the book of mares that Whistlejacket will cover in his first season. Around thirty black-type mares or mares that have already produced black-type performers have been entrusted to him. The horse has adapted very well to his new role as a stallion and quickly settled into life at the stud.” Whistlejacket was also placed in the G1 Phoenix Stakes and G1 Middle Park Stakes and won the G2 July Stakes. The post First Mares In Foal To Whistlejacket appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dedicated National Hunt social media channels across Instagram, X, TikTok and Facebook were launched by Coolmore on Thursday. As the cornerstone of Coolmore's heritage since the 1850s, these new channels will be the primary hub for Coolmore National Hunt news, race results, stallion updates, and sales information; as well as being an exclusive window into the daily operations at Coolmore's National Hunt bases of Grange Stud, Castlehyde, and The Beeches Stud. The launch reflects Coolmore's deep-rooted pride in National Hunt racing and its commitment to supporting the sector at every level – from the grassroots of point-to-pointing to the pinnacle of the season's major festivals. “National Hunt racing and breeding have always been a fundamental part of Coolmore's story,” said Catherine Magnier. “We are immensely proud of our long association with the breeders, owners, and trainers who form the backbone of this industry. We want to better highlight the achievements of the breeders we work with and share the day-to-day life of our National Hunt stallions in a way that reflects the passion and commitment that drive everything we do.” Follow Coolmore National Hunt on Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook to stay up to date with the latest news and behind-the-scenes content from across our farms. The new accounts are: Instagram: @coolmorenationalhunt X: @CoolmoreNH TikTok: CoolmoreNationalHunt Facebook: Coolmore National Hunt The post Coolmore NH Social Media Channels Launched appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After their success last week in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) with Commandment at Gulfstream Park, trainer Brad Cox and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. take aim at another prize with Spendthrift Farm's Further Ado in the March 7 Tampa Bay Derby (G3).View the full article

Yrpes very frustrating ifcyou money's onm but happen quite often, maybe Franco Tim today, got tough draw though.

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. Gilded Bandit (c, 3, Charlatan–Diamond Ore, by Tapit) had plenty of steam behind him ahead of his debut on the stacked Coolmore Fountain of Youth program at Gulfstream Park Feb. 28. He fired back-to-back bullet drills at Bill Mott's Payson Park base, including a four-furlong move in :48 (1/53) Feb. 20, and was well-supported as the 3-1 second-choice off a 10-1 morning-line quote in a deep six-furlong maiden special weight. The Pin Oak Stud newcomer was quickly outfooted from his wide draw, however, and only had one beaten in ninth through an opening quarter in :22.34. He re-entered the picture in sixth as the race's eventual winner Lincoln's Law (Liam's Map), a half-brother to MGISW Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie), and favored runner-up Quentin B (Promises Fulfilled) continued to do battle up front passing the quarter pole. Guided to the inside by Junior Alvarado for the stretch run, Gilded Bandit came home fastest of all (clocked in splits of :11.75 and :12.40) to finish a promising fourth, beaten 3 1/4 lengths, in a race dominated on the front end. The final time for six furlongs was 1:10.44 over the fast going. Gilded Bandit earned a respectable 76 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort. LINCOLN'S LAW ($15.60), 1/2 brother to MG1W Chancer McPatrick, looks spectacular on debut in the 2nd at @GulfstreamPark. @luissaezpty was up on the son of @LanesEndFarms' Map for trainer Phil Bauer and owner Rigney Racing. Play the next: https://t.co/yZK3pc779S pic.twitter.com/wfo4BBeGrH — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 28, 2026 “We were very pleased with his debut,” said Michael Hardy, Pin Oak Stud's Director of Farm Operations. “We are hopeful that he will improve from the experience and graduate next time out. After that, we can start to consider options for the remainder of the year.” Hailing from the first crop of 2020 GI Arkansas Derby and GI Malibu S. winner and 2021 G1 Saudi Cup runner-up Charlatan, Gilded Bandit brought $550,000 from Pin Oak Stud as a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling. Bred in Kentucky by Taylor Made Stallions Inc., Brunacini Stables, Clearview Stable LLC, et al, the chestnut was produced by the stakes-placed mare Diamond Ore, a half-sister to the gone-too-soon Hall of Famer Arrogate (Unbridled's Song). Diamond Ore RNA'd for $745,000 carrying Gilded Bandit at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton November sale. Gilded Bandit's fourth dam Meadow Star was the champion 2-year-old filly of 1990. Since launching 'Second Chances' in 2017, 78 maidens have been featured in these pages (through 2025), producing 22% graded stakes winners, 31% stakes winners and 45% stakes horses. The series has introduced eight future winners at the top level, led by 2025 Horse of the Year and dual Classic winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) and fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo). Last Saturday's GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. winner Commandment (Into Mischief) was profiled in 'Second Chances' following a debut fourth at Keeneland last fall. The post Second Chances: A Rallying Fourth on Debut, Gilded Bandit ‘Will Improve From the Experience’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Growing up, Rebecca Thompson West found herself fully immersed in the agriculture industry, from taking care of her mother's retired show horses to later joining the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Through these experiences, she developed an appreciation for working hands-on and developed a skillset that would serve her long-term. However, when it came time for West to head off to college, she felt an opportunity had revealed itself to break the mold from a life she'd always known and branch out on a new path. Attending West Virginia University (WVU), she spent two years pursuing a degree in biology before coming to the realization that a life spent in the company of horses, based in the agriculture industry, had been the best fit all along. “I was trying to break the idea of 'I grew up doing it, I have to keep doing it,' but I couldn't ignore my passions. After a break year, I came back to school and when I took my first equine class, I thought, 'I have finally found my niche.' From there, I dove in headfirst,” said West. In May of 2023, West graduated with a degree in Agribusiness Management, accompanied by a minor in Equine Science, and worked throughout the summer at WVU's equine studies farm. It was during this time that West was introduced to Amplify's mentorship program, which piqued her interest as an opportunity to expand her professional network in the horse industry while learning more about potential paths. Not longer after applying, West was accepted and paired with Anne Litz, working at the time as the Field Marketing Specialist for the Maryland Horse Industry Board (MHIB). “Growing up in the Thoroughbred racing and breeding industry, I had an outlet to be involved and to work within that industry, so I've always respected it. However, I know there are barriers to entering it,” explained Litz. “When Amplify started this program and reached out to me, even though I wasn't working directly in racing, I saw it as a chance to connect with people that wanted to be a part of the industry and support it from the inside.” The format of Amplify's mentorship program, a three-month hybrid experience which makes long-distance mentorships possible through the flexibility of meeting virtually or in-person, afforded West an opportunity to get involved in something unlike anything to which she had had access previously. Before being accepted into the program, West's horse experience had given her access to the animals she loved, but didn't necessarily offer any upward mobility in terms of long-term career potential. She was not only ready to apply what she had already learned to a more advanced experience, but also grow her abilities beyond the collegiate level. “The Thoroughbred industry and racing in general are something I've always been interested in, but didn't have the inside knowledge to get more involved. While in college and thinking about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, I considered the Kentucky Equine Management Internship [KEMI] program, but that's six months and it's not free,” said West. “I appreciate Amplify's goal of improving access to, not even just the Thoroughbred industry, but the horse industry in general. So many people know about the Triple Crown, but they don't know what goes into the industry itself.” Anne Litz and Rebecca Thompson West | courtesy Rebecca Thompson West Staying in touch through Zoom and FaceTime calls, Litz and West developed a progressive mentor-mentee relationship built upon a foundation of question-and-answer sessions, discussions, and take-home projects that culminated in a day spent together at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Fall Yearlings Sale in Timonium, Maryland. “Each call we had, we would dive into more specific parts of the industry Rebecca was interested in. I would give her things to look into, sales to watch and events to look out for, and each time she would come back more immersed in the industry, with even better questions each time,” said Litz. The experience also opened West's eyes to the expansiveness of the equine industry and the opportunities within the state of Maryland. “With most of my equine education coming from college, it was really nice to see how Maryland made such an effort with their horse industry. It inspired me to see that they have their own Horse Industry Board, along with the Maryland Horse Library and Education Center,” said West. “I enjoyed learning about the sales, witnessing the back-end of things and seeing the numbers behind it all. Maybe in the future I could pursue a career in Thoroughbred sales.” Following her time in Amplify's mentorship program, West relocated to Mississippi to support her husband, a member of the military, as he attended tech school. When it came time for him to submit a request for the location of his first duty station, West's husband posed the question to her and the answer was simple: Maryland. Things have come full circle for West, who now works full-time in the horse industry as the Office Manager and Assistant Barn Manager at historic Meadowbrook Stables in Chevy Chase, Maryland. “All you can do is benefit from Amplify's mentorship program. You'll gain knowledge and make those connections, not just in the Thoroughbred industry, but within the entire horse industry. Then, you can utilize those connections to branch out,” said West. For Litz, who is now the Executive Director of the MHIB, nothing has been more rewarding than watching West come into her own within the industry. “Rebecca has really developed into a wonderful leader and teammate in the horse industry. I'm just so impressed with how much she's accomplished,” said Litz. “I credit the Amplify team with how willing they were to have me take on a mentee and explore other aspects of the horse industry, outside of racing. Being able to teach my mentee how it all works together is very forward-thinking, not only in our state, but in the country as well.” West's love of horses inspired her to build the foundation for a potential career, but it was Amplify's mentorship program, and her mentor, that opened the door to reveal the opportunities to make that dream a reality. It's something West is now passing on in her current role. “I love seeing the kids that are serious and dedicated to it. They're the ones that give me hope for the horse industry. I pour my heart, time and effort into them, trying very hard to provide them with information to create that pathway if they're interested in working with horses,” said West. “We wouldn't all be here if we didn't love horses and I'm just trying to make sure that there is another generation to come.” Tomorrow's Front Runners is a TDN series spotlighting young people who got involved with horse racing through Amplify Horse Racing and are now pursuing careers in the industry. Amplify is a 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to amplifying education, mentorship and career opportunities for young people in the Thoroughbred industry. The post Tomorrow’s Front Runners: Amplify Opens Door for West to Pursue Passion Professionally appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lol Betcha have been offering it to anyone recently and heard the TAB is doing the same to some at the mo. Just make sure that you lose or they will not offer you any bonuses or promotions in the future!

The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) has agreed funding of £10.5m in grants to support a wide range of projects and initiatives across British racing in 2026. This funding is in addition to the £97.7m already announced for prize money and the regulation and integrity of the sport. The non-fixture grant area supports a significant number of areas including the promotion of racing, people training, welfare and development initiatives, thoroughbred health, horse welfare and aftercare. HBLB runs annual funding rounds to support non-fixture related grant initiatives. Since 2000, £101.5m has been invested in these areas, including £44.3m for Industry People, Training and Recruitment, £22.6m for Marketing and Promotion, and £6.8m to support Point-to-Point Racing. Alan Delmonte, Chief Executive of HBLB, said: “Levy funding underpins a very substantial range of important activities across the sport, covering widespread projects to benefit the sport's promotion, its horses and its people. The Board is pleased to have been able to continue this significant investment and extend it into new areas for 2026.” The post Horserace Betting Levy Board Confirms £10.5m in Non-Fixture Related Grant Funding in 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He won’t be at Flemington this Saturday, but star miler Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) is close to beginning his build up towards a racetrack return. Lindsay Park ruled the eight-year-old out of this year’s Autumn Carnival when they discovered a small chip in Mr Brightside’s left fore fetlock last December. Mr Brightside has contested the past four editions of the All-Star Mile, winning it in 2023 before finishing second the past two years. “He’s in great order,” said Ben Hayes, who trains Mr Brightside in partnership with his brothers Will and JD. “He is in the paddock currently and he’s just coming in now to get back on the water walker because we don’t want him to put on too much weight, he’s a very good doer. “He’s come through the surgery excellently, he looks a million dollars, and we look forward to seeing him in the spring.” Despite the absence of Mr Brightside, the Hayes brothers will take a strong team of 11 runners to Flemington on Saturday, highlighted by Evaporate (NZ) (Per Incanto) in the G1 All-Star Mile and War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel) in the G1 Newmarket Handicap. “I thought his first-up run was very good,” Hayes said of Evaporate. “He wasn’t beaten very far, he’s a horse that generally improves into his preps, which he’s shown. He’s got barrier eight, so we’ve got to work out if we’re rolling forward or we’re slotting in yet, I haven’t really had a good chat to Luke (Currie), but I could not fault the horse, we’re really happy with him and think he’ll run a nice, competitive race.” Evaporate is at $16 with Sportsbet for the All-Star Mile. Hayes also believes that Stradbroke Handicap winner War Machine can bounce back to form in the Newmarket Handicap. “After his below par run at Pakenham, we freshened him up deliberately and were looking to target the Newmarket,” he said. “He’s had two jumpouts into it, and I thought his last jumpout in particular down the straight was very good, he was so strong through the line. He’s got a good straight record, one from one and I think it’s a track that really suits him. “He’s tightened up again and it wouldn’t surprise me if he can really shake the race as a genuine top three chance.” War Machine is at $12 for the Newmarket Handicap with Sportsbet. View the full article

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has confirmed the permanent appointment of Brant Dunshea as Chief Executive Officer. Dunshea has been leading the BHA in an acting capacity since December 2024 following the departure of Julie Harrington. He has held several senior positions at British racing's governing and regulatory body since joining the organisation in March 2015, most recently as Chief Regulatory Officer prior to being appointed acting CEO. The BHA board has also approved the appointment of David Jones as Interim Chair. This follows the resignation of Lord Charles Allen on Tuesday 3 March. Jones assumes the role for a second time, having previously filled the position between Joe Saumarez Smith stepping down in January 2025 and Lord Allen formally joining the BHA in September of the same year. He was appointed to the BHA Board in January 2021 as Senior Independent Director, with extensive experience of British racing and the regulation of the sport, including as a BHA steward for more than a decade. Dunshea commented, “I am delighted to be appointed Chief Executive Officer of the BHA. It is no secret that the sport has experienced a challenging period as it faces up to the process of change at a governance level, but I want to be clear that this has not stopped the BHA and the industry making important progress to safeguard the long-term health of British racing. “The past year has seen growth in racecourse attendances, the success of the Axe The Racing Tax campaign, major initiatives to ensure more horses are raced and retained on our shores and continued improvements in horse and human welfare.” He added, “I know that the incredible team at the BHA shares my deep passion for our sport and is committed to securing a brighter and more sustainable future for our people and horses.It is a huge privilege to be given this opportunity to lead such a knowledgeable and dedicated team at a time of great opportunity for British racing.” The post Brant Dunshea Appointed BHA Chief Executive Officer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

First up this week we have James Stormont on Lovable Rogue. Sitting pretty three deep the fence and comes off the fence at the 400m straight onto the back of the parked horse going backward. Runner behind him said thanks I will take the place instead. Terrible decision.

For real? Imagine how much you'd have to be loosing to get a deal like that. What about all this safer betting crap they go on about. What a bunch of immoral toads.

Apologies getting my wires crossed, it's been a long day The race was first run as the ‘Levin Turf Classic’ at the Levin Racecourse over a mile (1600m) in 1981, an innovative idea by the Levin Racing Club Committee at the time. The inaugural running was won by Altitude. The following year, in 1982, Our Flight became the first, and to date only, Levin trained horse to win the race, trained by Errol Skelton. The significant initial quality of the race resulted in the granting of ‘Group 2’ status from the very early days of the Classic. In 1984, the Club secured the sponsorship of Bayer, a German pharmaceutical company based in Leverkusen, to sponsor the race. Their internationally recognisable brand, and the considerable amount of prize money pumped into the race made it one of the most prestigious and targeted races for three year old horses in Australasia. They would continue to sponsor the race until 2004, but the race today is often still regarded by many as the ‘Bayer Classic’.

I think you will find Levin started the Bayer

Bayer were big suppliers of chemicals to the farming and horticultural sector (as well as industry) so there was always a huge crowd on course with many clients invited to partake in the Bayer marquee. Those were the days that the Bayer Classic always attracted the top 3-year-olds, like Veandercross. It was a credit to the Otaki Maori RC that they were able to get a race like that going in 1981 and how quickly it became secondary only to the 2000 Guineas and Derby

John Size is looking ahead to Sha Tin on Sunday with cautious optimism as he prepares the likes of four-timer seeking Stellar Express, Wunderbar, Super Express and Endued. By his own omission, it has been a slow campaign for the 13-time champion trainer, who currently sits sixth in the premiership on 27 winners. Although his customary midseason flourish did begin in earnest in December, seeing him shoot up the table as a result, Size is still striving for much more and Sunday sees him unleash...View the full article

i think you've answered your own question there brodie. I'm not sure how they went tonight as wasn't watching it much. I did hear a white comment after the last race that it had been a great night,but that his tips not so.He normally says that after each thursday night at cambridge.

Hastings lasted... sort of ps, as I have previously, those early L/O meetings were so much fun! fell privileged to have been on course see quite a few!!! one of those meetings, a photo I took was used in https://www.google.com/search?q=Taperstry+of+the+Turf&rlz=1C1CHBF_enNZ1138NZ1138&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

What about the Bayer Classic meeting at Levin/Otaki

How did they go tonight? Saw some of it but they are very quiet when they arent going that well! I did hear that they were given $1k bonus cash to spend from BETCHA!! It is Very UNFAIR that BETCHA Continues to give this BONUS CASH of $1k each and every week and are allowed to wager what they want without a single restriction! Here is the thing though, BETCHA make these offers to punters matching a deposit to your BETCHA account up to $200! Thats great you say and fair enough, HOWEVER IF YOU WIN, they will pull the plug on any future promotions, as it is not in BETCHA’s rulebook that you should be able to win when they have given you free money!!!! And yet OUT THE GATE continue to get BONUS CASH of at least $1k free every week?????? BETCHA trying to get people to wager by enticing you to deposit to your account, however be aware you are not allowed to be winning or they take their bat and ball home and promise no more promotions for you! Betcha you are a gambling agency and to my mind you need to tske the good with the bad, but no you just want losing punters!

Hastings! So Important in the Spring.. up until the last few season perhaps the most sucessful organic new thing to come into being in the last 40 years.. I really enjoyed working there in the early 90's! Top Horse! Great Betting races! Then the horse went over the ditch and were successful! I wonder how many of the Spring G1's will be given back to them?

i've tuned in to watch 3 races tonight at cambrdige. race 3,the favorite broke about 40m before the start and hindered the 2 horses who started behind it,but no false start and not even an inquiry to late scaratch the two checked.Thats north island oversight for you.Nothing knew about that. then i watched race 5.Son of patrick started a $2.10 favorite and just sat last on a ridiculously slow pace and given its very one paced and a grinding type,,it apeared it wasn't trying. Dion't know whether it was,but it certainly didn't look like it... Then the 3rd race i watched ,race 6. A white tells the boys on out the gate that they should be putting half their pool on leo lincoln to win.White thought it was a certainty. the out the gate crew showed restraint and didn't blow half their pool,just $1500 on it win. How A white could ever tip anything n delany drives is a mystery.Yet he said it was a good thing.As i've pointed out before,you always put a line through anything n delany drives.Delany does have an unccanny ability,but its to stop anything he drives. And well beaten it was.i'm jiust telling it as it is.