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i would label you a very,very poor form analyst billy. the horse had won 8 races at 1200,but never beyond.So when you say it needed further,your just showing your ignorance.. Also had you bothered to look at its recent videos you would some runs beyond 1200, where the jockeys have taken off miles too early,only to come to the end of its run.Always ridden poor. as to having its chance. again,to me you simply can't read a race. Did you even watch the video.did you even see the head on. anyway,i won't engage in debating with you again as i know i am just going to get a silly reply like the last time i did. its tragic for the horse and the horses connections that the horse has lost its life.

Tragic, so sad to here that, and this race the unluckiest of all, thoughts go out to the connections, and the ole war horse.

Ricky Yiu Poon-fai has Voyage Bubble “full of beans” after a strong trial win over Romantic Warrior, but he doubts his stable star can turn the tables on his arch rival in Sunday’s Group One Gold Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin. The two prolific Group One winners clash once again, with Romantic Warrior bidding to keep his Triple Crown hopes alive after claiming the first leg – the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) last month. Voyage Bubble ran third in that race after slipping behind on jumping and...View the full article

and reading the fine print....no drug tests were taken until almost a month later!!!!!!!

Definitely looks like it needed a longer trip.

HENRY HUBBER (A Balloo) - Faltered when being pulled up after the race, with the rider immediately dismounting and the Veterinarian and horse ambulance quickly in attendance. HENRY HUBBER was found to have suffered a fracture to the near front sesamoid bones, being humanely euthanised as a result. A Balloo was excused from weighing in under Rule 647(1)

Race favourite Watersports (NZ) (Ocean Park), the half-sister to dual Group One winner Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) made in three wins from her last four starts when she held out a determined late challenge from Maisy (Pierro)to take out the Benchmark 78 Good Friday Appeal Plate (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday. Rider Damian Lane had her beautifully positioned one out in third before tackling the leaders early in the long run home. Just as the daughter of Ocean Park looked to be cruising, Maisy appeared with her challenge and the pair went stride for stride to the line as Watersports gained the upper hand to win by a head. Trainer Archie Alexander had entertained thoughts of defeat when Maisy ranged alongside his charge but her toughness and determination won out in the end. “I held my hands up and thought ‘well, she’s run a super race but we’ll run second today’,” Alexander said. “She’s got that determination, got her head in front and the race went as we planned. “I had a chat to Damian this morning and it happened exactly how we thought it might. “Today was good but now we can look at how long she will race and she’s never let us down.” Alexander is keen to see the mare contest some of the feature events during the upcoming South Australian Autumn Carnival. “She is making our life very easy,” he said. “She keeps presenting well and loves racing. We’ll freshen her up and focus on Adelaide in the autumn. “She doesn’t like it very wet and we’ll keep an eye on that. “We’ll go to Adelaide as she’s won a midweek and now she’s won a Saturday race being by a Group One winner, getting some black type is a key for her. “We’re looking at the City Of Adelaide (Listed, 1400m) which is her sweet spot and then there’s mile options after that.” Lane was also pleased with how well the mare fought when tackled by the eventual runner-up. “She’s been in great form and Archie has had her going so consistently,” he said. “Well done to Archie and his team as he’s had a nice winner on Guineas Day. “The race worked out well today. She got really competitive when it mattered and wanted to win. That is a trait that will take horses a long way. “She is probably best out to 1500m. She has won at a mile and she was able to sustain her gallop today over the 1400m which really helped us out at the end of the race as well.” Watersports was bred by Jamieson Park and is by Ocean Park out of the Redoute’s Choice mare Starwish. Lime Country Thoroughbreds offered her during the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, where she was bought for A$75,000 by Alexander Racing and Rogers Bloodstock. She has now had 16 starts for four wins, eight placings and A$221,050 in prize-money. View the full article

Underrated milerCluedo Lane (NZ)(Ghibellines) provided trainer Joseph Waldron with his biggest victory since returning from a stint in Australia last year as he ran a quality field ragged over the concluding stages of the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m) at Wingatui. Waldron, who left New Zealand shores just over six years ago, made the decision to return to his home region of Otago in in the middle of 2025 and commenced training from Wingatui at the start of the season. Things have gone well for the talented horseman, who had registered four victories from his boutique team to date, although he went into Saturday’s feature with mixed feelings after having to scratch the well-fancied Brave Spirit (NZ) (Swiss Ace) which allowed a strong back-up chance in Cluedo Lane to take his place in the final field. Rider Akshay Balloo bounced the six-year-old son of Ghibellines away nicely to be sitting in second behind pacemaker Tumuch (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) throughout before taking over at the head of affairs as the 600m. Balloo went for gold on his mount rounding the home bend and opened up a five-length margin on his rivals, and despite getting tired in the final 100m, he held out the late charge of runner-up Sir Albert (NZ) (Savabeel) and third placed Matscot (NZ) (Haradasun) by a length at the winning post. Waldron was thankful for gaining such a big result for the stable, while he also found time to praise the effort of Balloo. “It was meant to be I suppose, although it was a shame about Brave Spirit, but he will be back again,” Waldron said. “It was a great opportunity for this horse and he took it. He has always shown he had good ability and before we got him he was only just nabbed by Spot On Time (NZ) (Time Test) in the TAB Mile (1400m) trial, which is well and truly good enough form for here. “A big thanks to Michael Stokes (owner) who sent him our way as for a little stable like ours that is just getting going, having a horse like him is a huge thrill. “Akshay is incredibly underrated, is great on horses that go forward and that suits ours well. “It doesn’t get much better than this as it is a huge thrill.” Balloo was thankful for the opportunity to ride the horse and made the most of that good fortune. “He is a tough horse,” he said. “I was a little bit worried when I couldn’t get to the front but I saw my chance and pulled him out at the right time, then I knew he was going to be hard to catch. “This is how he likes running and although I had to make some adjustments, it paid off.” Raced by former Canterbury-based trainer Michael Stokes, who also co-bred him, Cluedo Lane has now won four of his 23 starts and more than $203,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

A peach of a ride and a superior staying effort combined to produce a stirring Listed Positive Signs + Print Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) victory for Canterbury raiderNoble Knight (NZ)(Ghibellines) at Wingatui. The Sandy-Cunningham trained and part-owned eight-year-old went into the contest off the back of a victory over 2000m at Riccarton before rounding out his preparation for the feature staying event with a close up second behind race rival Smooth Operator (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) in the Invercargill Gold Cup (2600m) two weeks ago. Northern rider Matt Cameron made the trip down to Wingatui to partner the son of the former White Robe Lodge stallion Ghibellines and produced a copybook performance on the veteran, positioning him sweetly one-out just ahead of midfield in the early running before looming into contention shortly after runners rounded the final turn. Smooth Operator, the heavily backed $3.30 race favourite, kicked to the lead at that point and looked to be full of running as Noble Knight, In Vegas (NZ) (Telperion) and Generation Joy (NZ) (Ghibellines) set out after him. Cameron gave his mount a couple of flicks behind the saddle and Noble Knight shot clear before stretching his final winning margin to just on two lengths from the hard charging Capo Del Impero (NZ) (Ghibellines) who snatched second off In Vegas in the shadows of the post. Cunningham was overjoyed with the victory after her charge had finished third in the event back in 2024. “That is so exciting,” Cunningham said. “I’m just overwhelmed really, although he deserves it as he is just such a consistent horse and never goes a bad race. “We’ve placed him reasonably well and he has had a wee trip to Australia, where he ran second at Moonee Valley, which was really exciting. “We had a placing with our trotter Eurostyle in a Group One at Addington last night, where I was yelling at the TV so it could be a fun night here now so look out Wingatui.” Cameron was also pleased with the performance after making his second trip to Wingatui in 20 years. “His form has been solid and he gave me a super ride as he lobbed nicely after there was speed on at the start,” he said. “He tracked into it three and four wide before the turn where we had cover and when we peeled off their backs he bolted in. “With the run he got he relaxed beautifully and was loving it on the line. “I’ve won a few country cups but I’ve only been here once, which was about 20 years ago, and it is good to be back.” Noble Knight was purchased out of White Robe Lodge’s draft during the New Zealand Bloodstock South Island Sale in 2019 for $22,500 by Cunningham and he has now won on nine occasions while he has also placed a further 23 times for just over $492,000 in stakes earnings. View the full article

Hello Hayley (NZ)(Hello Youmzain) secured a Southern Guineas double when taking out the Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Dunedin Guineas (1600m) at Wingatui on Saturday, and trainer Sophie Price is now eyeing the triple crown with her filly. The daughter of Hello Youmzain was eye-catching when coming from last to win the Listed Southland Guineas (1400m) at Ascot Park a fortnight ago, and despite that effort she jumped a $12.30 sixth elect on Saturday, and jockey Donovan Cooper made favourite punters rue their decision to overlook her. Hello Hayley settled four-back in the running line, while many of the favoured runners raced handy throughout. Turning for home, Cooper was praying for a gap, which appeared, and he launched his charge through it, with Hello Hayley showing a good turn of foot to pick up the leaders and win by a neck over local hope Golden Spirit (NZ) (Ancient Spirit). “She (Price) told me she was better than ever today, she had to dig a bit deeper, but she still won it relatively easy,” Cooper said. “I was pretty confident when I got back and got a slot in one off the rail. We got good cover and coming into the straight I knew all I needed was a gap. I was that confident the way we were travelling, and I just hoped a gap came in time and it did. “What a filly. I am really proud of her and I think she is a really nice type coming through.” Price was on horseback conducting her Clerk of the Course duties when Hello Hayley won the Southland Guineas at Invercargill, but she was able to put her full focus on her horse when trackside on Saturday, and despite losing vision of her during the running, she was rapt to see her pounce through the pack to take victory. “She has gone huge, it was outstanding,” Price said. I didn’t even see her, I lost her on the TV.” The Southern Guineas triple crown now looms as a key goal, with the final leg, the Listed Gore Guineas (1200m), transferred to Riverton on April 4 following its abandonment earlier this month. If she performs up to expectations, Price said she is also keen to trek north to Riccarton a week later to tackle Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m). “I think that (Gore Guineas) is possibly where we will head,” Price said. “We will give her a freshen-up and go to Riverton, which is pretty handy (from Winton base). “If she goes well we might head to Riccarton a week after and then she will go out for a well-deserved break.” Bred by Cambridge Stud principals Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay, Hello Hayley is out of the Thorn Park mare Hayley Grace (NZ) and is closely related to multiple Group One winner Te Akau Shark (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle). View the full article

Kiwi-bred six-year-old Dirty Grin (NZ) (Zacinto) bounced back to winning form with a barnstorming late run to collect his seventh career victory when taking out the second event on the card at Flemington, the Benchmark 78 Rubaroc Handicap (1200m). The son of Zacinto last stood on top of the podium when successful over 1214m at Geelong back in November last year but had failed to recapture that form in three subsequent starts since that victory. First up of a freshen up from trainer Nick Ryan, Dirty Grin settled back in the 11-horse field for regular pilot Rhys McLeod before angling to the centre of the track to commence a run at the 400m. Just as fellow kiwi-bred and race favourite Rue De Royale (NZ) (Per Incanto) looked to be striding to victory, Dirty Grin appeared on his outside and charged past in the shadows of the post to score handsomely. Ryan had been looking forward to raceday after barrier draws came out on Wednesday and his charge had drawn barrier 10. “I had a little fist pump on Wednesday morning when the barriers came out,” Ryan said. “He’s a horse that really likes room and gets to the outside, while he likes being fresh. “He had a week away (to freshen) and struggles to run 1400 (metres) so I haven’t done much with him. “He had a very quiet jump out last week and less is certainly more. He’s very clean-winded and started perfectly. “I think the key is to keep him fresh, space his runs and we’ll target another race with a jump out. Rinse and repeat.” Ryan was also delighted with the ride by McLeod, who he has had a long association with. “Rhys has a very good association with the horse,” he said. “I think there is not a jockey who has ridden more winners for me than Rhys. We go back a long way and he’s a very talented human being in whatever he does, be it table tennis, football or soccer. “When his mind is on the job, there’s none better and I love putting him on.” McLeod was also pleased with the performance after completing his fourth win aboard the gelding. “It was a nice win. He enjoyed a bit of cover and peeled out at the right time. Coming back in trip, he was spot on today,” he said.. “He’s stepped up to the mark today and it was good to see him hit the front and really go on with it. “I was really pleased to see him win today and hopefully he goes to the next level and does it again.” Bred by Ellerton Zahra Racing Pty Ltd, Dirty Grin commenced his career in the stable of Simon Zahra before transferring to Ryan in 2025. He is out of the Sharkbite mare Pearly Whites, was bought for just $7,000 from the New Zealand Bloodstock Broodmare Sale at Karaka in 2017. She is a half-sister to the dual Listed winner Travino (General Nediym) and a granddaughter of the stakes placed mare Mrs Soffel, the dam of multiple Australian Group One winner Rubitano (Rubiton). Dirty Grin has now had 24 starts for seven wins, eight placings and A$265,015 in stakes. View the full article

Had its chance, needs further than 1200m.

It would be pointless as you say. Need 4 days or none to attract the NI and Southland horses that still support it.

The RCP reports on all areas are going to be interesting. One track remaining on the West Coast seems ridiculous. No circuit, and one or two days at the one course? Where are Wairoa and Gisborne now?

you have to feel fot the connections of henry hubber and the horse . i've been following this horse for a bit now. always paying big dividend.Today the same, 45/1. It has to have been the unluckiest horse i've seen for donkeys years. race after race its either taken off miles too early or it simply never gets a run and finishes full of running. it should have win its last 6 starts easy really. today,same again,Jumps out ,never got a run the whole race and ran 5th without ever getting a run. At least it didn't hit the rail several times like the start before i suppose. But the very sad thing was the horse looked like it had a very bad injury when pulling up,possibly career ending.Amazing given the way it ran. imagine having that horse.

By Jonny Turner Craig Ferguson knows the first few metres of the Group 3 events on Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup Day could be as crucial as the last. Ferguson links up with two key chances in Validation in the Caduceus Club Of Southland Alabar Fillies Classic and Wag Star in the Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup. Validation is the only filly in her field of youngsters to have been to the races ahead of Sunday’s Group 3. The Ross Houghton trained two-year-old led early from barrier 1 in her only start at Addington, where she took on colts and geldings, running a respectable third. Ferguson wants to see the same kind of early speed from her at Ascot Park, though with any two-year-old having just their second start, he knows she’s far from push-button yet. “She’s shown that she has got good gate speed, so hopefully she can take advantage of that if she needs to,” Ferguson said. “She has had a trial since that first start and it was nice, so I think she does have options however it pans out.” Validation tucked in behind the speed in her recent trial as her team look to build up her ringcraft at this very early stage of her career. “Having had a start at Addington under lights, they always take good benefit out of it.” “She has got a little bit of an advantage over the others there and hopefully it will help her chances on Sunday.” Ferguson starts Wag Star in the Group 3 Macca Lodge Northern Southland Cup on the back of a win in the Gore Summer Cup. Though Sunday’s feature is a step back up in grade, Wag Star should have no fears in the company he will mix it with. “He was really good last start, he showed a bit of fight and dug in which was great because at times he can get a bit dreamy,” Ferguson said. “It is obviously a harder field this week but he seems to be ticking all the right boxes.” Wag Star made a standing start error two starts ago, something he did on several occasions late last year. With Sunday’s handicaps setting up a very even contest, the pacer can’t afford to take a backward step early. “When he gets it right he begins really good, it surprises us when he does get it wrong.” “He is just that sort of horse, when he puts a wrong step in he loses it.” “That is going to be key on Sunday, you can’t afford to miss away in a race like that.” The Ferguson barn has a two-pronged attack on the Northern Southland Cup, with Beach Day and driver Mark Hurrell lining up alongside Wag Star. The mare got her last standing start badly wrong after running a creditable fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Stakes at Addington. Ferguson will also drive bright winning hopes Havtimewillfly and Ah Dinnae Ken, who add depth to the reinsman’s strong book of drives on Northern Southland’s big day of harness racing. Jonny Turner’s Five To Follow Race 1 – Princess Lisa After winning nicely at Winton on Thursday, this mare will attempt to make it two-from-two in Southland. Princess Lisa kept digging in to score a handy victory in respectable time at Central Southland Raceway and the best part was it was penalty-free. She takes on what could be described as a slightly harder line-up on Sunday, but it still looks well within her range. Crucially, Princess Lisa draws barrier 1 over the 1700m sprint trip around the tighter Ascot circuit. All of these factors point to her being very hard to beat. Race 4 – Bowlem Over After facing a much less suitable task at Winton on Thursday, the stars look to have aligned for Bowlem Over on Sunday. Barrier 2 and the tight-turning Ascot Park track are right up the front-runner’s alley. Another plus is the booking of Matthew Williamson, who seems to click with this pacer. I am expecting Bowlem Over to use his good early speed to find the lead and take plenty of catching. There doesn’t look to be the potential for too much mid-race pressure in Sunday’s event, which is another plus. After opening a longer third favourite, Bowlem Over looks a nice value option. Race 7 – Ah Dinnae Ken In what could be another smart play, Ah Dinnae Ken looks like another good option for punters. She takes on a very deserving favourite in Mor Moonlight, who will be hard to beat. But the favourite has to start from 10m over 2200m, which is no easy task. Traffic alone could prove tricky for Mor Moonlight, which could place her at a disadvantage compared to Ah Dinnae Ken. Ah Dinnae Ken was outstanding in winning at Ascot Park before she made a mistake over the Gore grass track crossing in her last start. Forgive her that error and consider her on Sunday. Handicaps over sprint trips have undone many good horses, the question is what sort of impact they will have on these two talented trotters. Race 8 – Always Dreaming Always Dreaming could be the smartest play in the Northern Southland Cup. This field for the feature event is extremely even and there is barely a horse in it that doesn’t have genuine winning claims. Always Dreaming is right among those winning chances, which are only boosted by his standing start manners. His ability to make a flying beginning could put him in the perfect spot near the pace, which is vital at Ascot Park. If that’s the case he could also, in effect, have a head-start on his main rivals as he turns for home. Race 9 – Havtimewillfly In what looms as a possible head-to-head battle, I am sticking with this progressive filly. Both Havtimewillfly and Ebonezy are classy types who are sure to be real contenders come Southern Oaks time. Either can win with the way the barrier draws have set up on Sunday, they could be tracking each other. I’m going with the slightly more proven of the two in Havtimewillfly. Her last-start fifth at Addington was excellent, in a tougher race than this. In a quinella of the day scenario, she gets the nod, only just. View the full article

Yes...I know i'm getting old Yes, I know our industry would be stuffed without these folk flocking to the country to do the hard yards BUT....can we please get some translations across the bottom of the screen so I can understand what they are saying regarding the horses performances I thought I was in the food court at Howick after the second at Wingatui.

Hawthorne Race Course filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Feb. 27 in federal bankruptcy court in Chicago, seeking a reorganization.View the full article

Hawthorne Race Course, and its related companies, has filed for a Chapter 11 reorganization in Federal Bankruptcy Court in Chicago Friday. According to a press release issued by the track, the “reorganization plan will prioritize paying accrued purses to the Illinois Horsemen as well as payroll for the track employees while restructuring the company's debt. “The goal of the reorganization is to attract a buyer or investor willing to recapitalize Hawthorne and restart operations of the racecourse while maximizing recovery to the company's creditors. Hawthorne will be working with financial advisor Getzler Henrich & Associates, LLC and requests the Federal Court approve Debtor-in-Possession financing to assist with the restructuring process,” according to the press release. Hawthorne president and CEO Tim Carey is quoted as saying, “This is a difficult day for Hawthorne and for my family which has owned Hawthorne for four generations over 117 years, but filing for reorganization is the right thing to do for the Illinois horsemen and for our employees and their families.” The press release notes that Hawthorne aims to appear in Federal Bankruptcy Court in Chicago next week. Reached Friday, Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (ITHA) president Chris Block said the filing was made to help the track secure additional funding from a separate “entity,” and that the scheduled Thoroughbred meet at the track could still go ahead (though perhaps delayed), pending approval of the reorganization by the bankruptcy judge. “The Thoroughbred meet will possibly go ahead, yes. They're going to be in front of a judge by Monday or Tuesday [of next week] with a 'debtor-in-possession' to show the financing to go forward for the next 120 days,” said Block. The term “” refers to when a debtor “keeps possession and control of its assets while undergoing a reorganization under chapter 11.” Block added, “they intend to take care of all the past debt to horsemen, pay their employees, and try to get the track converted back for Thoroughbreds. Then, they will try to hit a target date of either March 29th to start racing or push it back a little bit to give horses more chance to get ready. So, the Thoroughbred meet could still happen. It's just dependent on when it starts and if they'll be able to sustain it through the entire meeting.” Tim Carey addressed leaders of the ITHA the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association (IHHA) Friday morning with his plans. Block said he was unaware of the identity of the separate funding entity. “They have an entity that's going to push the financing forward,” he said. “That entity will be with them at the [bankruptcy] hearing on Monday or Tuesday.” In the meantime, the track will continue to work on finding a partner to help build and operate a “Racino” at the facility, said Block. “If they can't get to that–this is just me talking, this is not Tim Carey–I'd say the chances of them going forward would be very slim. But this buys them more time. The only way that they can maintain going forward into the future is to get to a deal on something like that,” said Block. As of Monday, there were an estimated 175 Thoroughbreds stabled at the track, under the watch of about ten different trainers. Other trainers are waiting to potentially ship in. At the moment, the ITHA is telling its constituents to hold off on shipping until the outcome of next week's bankruptcy hearing. “We're telling them to wait for next week to materialize and see what the bankruptcy judge does. We'll see at that point in time if Hawthorne gets the approval from the judge for the financing to be put in place so they can move forward, take care of the Harness horsemen and the Thoroughbred horseman that they owe, as well as their own in-house issues with their employees on paying them,” said Block. Hawthorne's press release includes portions of Carey's court declaration in support of Hawthorne's bankruptcy filings. According to the press release, Carey's declaration states “there is substantial interest from potential 'buyers and recapitalization partners' especially because of the opportunity to maximize Hawthorne's 'enterprise value' by completing the building and opening of the racetrack Racino. The Debtor-in-Possession financing can also help pay to reactivate simulcast signals for offtrack betting and online wagering which generates $4 million of revenue monthly.” According to Hawthorne's initial bankruptcy filing, the company's estimated assets are between $50 million and $100 million, while the estimated liabilities are between $100 million and $500 million. The list of creditors who have the 20 largest unsecured claims are led by Fanatics LLC, a digital sports platform licensed in Florida, which has an unsecured claim of $8.75 million, according to the filing. The Stronach Group (TSG) owned Monarch Content Management is next up with an unsecured claim of $7.13 million, according to the filing. Monarch is one of several entities that has stopped sending its simulcast signal to Hawthorne because of unpaid bills. According to an ITHA press release Friday, “Carey also believes that Hawthorne will have the funds necessary to reacquire some, though perhaps not all, of its simulcast signals.” At last month's Illinois Racing Board meeting, the extent of Hawthorne's financial troubles, and with it the enormous ramifications for industry stakeholders in the state, were made glaringly clear. The track's Standardbred stakeholders have been the hardest hit. The meeting followed the action of the state racing board to suspend the operating license of Suburban Downs, Inc., which manages Hawthorne's harness meet, for “failure to provide documentation demonstrating its financial integrity, and proof that they can meet the minimum standards” as outlined in state law. Hawthorne is responsible for more than $580,000 in bounced checks between some 66 individuals in recent months, according to an IHHA representative at the meeting. The ITHA is apparently separately owned around $600,000 from Hawthorne for payments dating back seven months. In 2019, Hawthorne received approval by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) to build and operate a “Racino” with casino style gambling machines and table games. “The IGB also issued Hawthorne a Master Sports Wagering License which permitted Hawthorne to offer retail and online sports betting. In 2024, the IGB approved continued licensing suitability for Hawthorne and renewed its sports wagering license,” according to the press release. Since 2019, however, nothing concrete has materialized on that possibility despite repeated promises to the contrary by track operators. At last month's board meeting, John Walsh, Hawthorne's assistant general manager, suggested once more that a deal was imminent. “We're working with a new partner, someone nearby, someone interested in Illinois and Illinois racing, who really wants all of this to succeed and move quickly,” said Walsh, who stood in last minute for Carey. Come the end of the Standardbred meet, the track must be prepared for Thoroughbreds. As of Monday, the rail had been switched but the annual reconditioning of the track surface was moving along in slow-motion fashion. “They normally contract that out to a company that brings in some heavy equipment-semi-trucks and tractor trailers-that they can use to expedite the process of putting the surface down,” Block explained on Monday. That so far hasn't happened. Instead, the usual track maintenance crew are using existing equipment, which is dragging the process out. The post Hawthorne Files Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Thoroughbred Meet Still A Possibility Says Horsemen Groups appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

MGSW Newgrange (Violence–Bella Chianti, by Empire Maker) had his first mare confirmed in foal, Sequel New York announced Friday. The Court Vision mare Thirty Nine Seven was confirmed in foal to Newgrange Feb. 26. Owned by Ann Weaver and boarded at Hidden Lake Farm, Thirty Nine Seven retired with earnings of over $100k. By Violence, Newgrange won graded stakes races at three, four and five, defeating competitors such as Newgate and Mixto. Newgrange stands for $5,000 LFSN at Sequel New York as property of a syndicate. The post Newgrange Has First Mare Checked In Foal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coolmore and partners have acquired an interest in 'TDN Rising Star Presented by Hagyard' and GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Nysos (Nyquist). Upon his retirement from racing, the colt will stand at Ashford Stud in 2027, the farm announced Friday. A no-brainer 'Rising Star' in his 10 1/2-length Santa Anita romp in October 2023, Nysos then picked up two straight graded stakes wins before enduring a significant break in training from Feb. 2024 through to May 2025. He returned in a thrilling edition of the GI Churchill Downs Stakes on the Kentucky Derby undercard, winding up dead-heating for second behind fellow 'Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution). It would be his only defeat of the year as Nysos would finish the season on a four-race win streak that culminated in a win in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar in November and the GII Laffit Pincay, Jr. Stakes in December. He most recently ran second to globe-trotting superstar Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in the G1 Saudi Cup Feb. 14, putting up a 4+ Ragozin, before returning home to California. Following the race, trainer Bob Baffert noted, “We'll take [Nysos] back home, and just freshen him up and point for the Breeders' Cup Classic. I've brought good horses here, and I think Nysos, hopefully, is the best one I've brought here.” In addition to Nysos, Coolmore also owns his dam, Zetta Z (Bernardini), whom they acquired for a sales-topping $2-million in foal to Cyberknife at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton February Mixed Sale. The post Coolmore Buys Into Nysos; Will Stand At Ashford Upon Retirement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-GP, $84K, Msw, 3yo, 6f, 12:01 p.m. ET. Al Loud (Quality Road), a $650,000 OBS April purchase by Tagermeen Racing, gets his career started for Todd Pletcher. Produced by GSW & GISP Genre (Bernardini), Al Loud previously brought $410,000 as a Keeneland September yearling. The Quality Road x Bernardini cross is also responsible for 2022 G1 Saudi Cup winner Emblem Road and 2019 GI Alabama S. heroine and narrow 2021 GI Breeders' Cup Distaff runner-up Dunbar Road. Gilded Bandit (Charlatan), drawn widest of all in post 11 for this unveiling, brought $550,000 from Pin Oak Stud as a Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling. He was produced by SP Diamond Ore (Tapit), a half-sister to the brilliant and gone-too-soon Arrogate (Unbridled's Song). Bill Mott trains. The field of 11 also includes: the debuting Rigney Racing homebred Lincoln's Law (Liam's Map), a half-brother to MGISW Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie); and the rail-drawn Juddmonte homebred Sovereign Law (Into Mischief), produced by a graded stakes placed full-sister to MGSW & MGISP Bonny South (Munnings). TJCIS PPS 5th-GP, $84K, Msw, 3yo, 1m, 1:33 p.m. ET. Juddmonte homebred Hickman Creek (Constitution), a half-brother to G1 Dubai World Cup winner Laurel River (Into Mischief), debuts going a one-turn mile for Brad Cox. Criteria (Yaupon), the 9-5 program favorite, makes his first start since finishing a strong second behind unbeaten champion Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) sprinting on debut for Chad Brown at the Spa last summer. The field of 11 also includes $400,000 KEESEP graduate Bold Fact (Curlin), a son of GSW True Royalty (Yes It's True) debuting for Todd Pletcher. TJCIS PPS 6th-TAM, $55K, Msw, 3yo, f, 1m40yds, 2:48 p.m. ET. Nahla (Authentic), a half-sister to the very popular 7-year-old GI Pegasus World Cup winner Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator), debuts around two turns for Brad Cox. The 9-5 morning-line favorite was a $550,000 purchase by Shadwell Stable at the 2024 Keeneland September sale. TJCIS PPS The post Saturday’s Racing Insights: Pricey OBS April Breezer Al Loud Debuts on Fountain of Youth Card appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spendthrift Farm's two new 'TDN Rising Star' first-season stallions Goal Oriented (Not This Time–Bizzy Caroline, by Afleet Alex) and Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie–Bernadreamy, by Bernardini) have had their first mares reported in foal, the farm reported Friday. Goal Oriented, the winner of last year's GI Malibu Stakes, has had Dream Walkin Farms' Diamond Ballroom (Gun Runner) checked in foal. A 4-year-old half-sister to current stakes winner Alpyland, Diamond Ballroom is boarded at Seclusive Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. Goal Oriented stands for $30,000 S&N for the 2026 season. Chancer McPatrick, winner of the GI Hopeful Stakes and GI Champagne Stakes, has also had his first mare pronounced in foal. Hunting Hill (Hard Spun), the dam of the Grade II-placed Pakhet (Cairo Prince), is owned and boarded by Jim and Pam Robinson's Brandywine Farm in Paris, Kentucky. Chancer McPatrick stands for $25,000 S&N for the 2026 season. The post First Mares In Foal For Spendthrift’s Goal Oriented, Chancer McPatrick appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior clashes with Voyage Bubble in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday. Second in the 2000-metre race in 2023, he went one better in 2024. In 2025, the popular gelding took his show on the road with a win in the G1 Jebel Hatta, before valiant seconds in the G1 Saudi Cup and G1 Dubai Turf. Since he returned to Hong Kong soil, he's been flawless, rattling off victories in the G2 Jockey Club Cup, G1 Hong Kong Cup–his fourth–and in the G1 Stewards' Cup in January. Voyage Bubble had the race to himself last year under James McDonald, but that jockey has opted for regular mount Romantic Warrior. Facing off against Romantic Warrior in the Stewards' Cup over 1600 metres, the son of Deep Field was not disgraced when running second by a neck. Voyage Bubble leaves from stall six, two to the outside of Romantic Warrior in four. “Since then, he's trialled really well,” said Zac Purton said of Voyage Bubble. “I can feel he's moving really nicely again, and we know we can handle 2000 [metres]. “It's a small field. It'll be a tactical race. But I'm going there hopeful that we've got a chance to overturn Romantic Warrior.” Also of note is Hong Kong Derby placegetter My Wish (Flying Artie), who is in between the aforementioned duo in stall five. The post Romantic Warrior Aims For Second Hong Kong Gold Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association announced Feb. 27 that Kevin Engelhard, Mike Ferrozzo, Chris Littlemore, and Ken Seeman have been voted by their peers for induction into the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship Hall of Fame.View the full article