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Looking at this again, the problem has really come about because most of the horses around the R70 grade are in Southland this weekend. Perhaps TLZ & Jumal should have gone there if they really wanted to start this weekend and leave the their Addington race as a up to 60 rating.

Big hoopla over The Laz Effect and Jumal this week but the same thing happened last week at Auckland when a Miracle Mile placegetter and New Zealand Cup placegetter were in the same field as a rating 50. It happens every week in the north - fields selected from top down and the middle grade gets cannibalised and the horses sold, rinse and repeat.

Kingsclere Stables have an exciting week ahead of them, with promising mare She’s A Dealer shooting for black-type at Trentham on Sunday, while six days later the Cambridge barn will hold a strong hand in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). Trainer Roger James had five New Zealand Derby wins to his name before Robert Wellwood joined him in partnership eight years ago, and a win in the race was high on his list. Wellwood achieved that goal two years ago with Orchestral, and the stable is favoured to repeat the feat with another filly in this year’s HKJC World Pool-sponsored Classic. Their exciting filly Autumn Glory currently heads the market following her runner-up performance in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) last Saturday behind Ohope Wins, with Yulong Investments electing to bypass the Derby in favour of Australian targets with the victor. The burgeoning thoroughbred giant has decided to remain in New Zealand with their other recent purchase, Autumn Glory, with the daughter of Ocean Park seeking to add an elite-level crown to her Group Two heroics in the Waikato Guineas (2000m) two starts back. Wellwood has been pleased with the way she has come through her Oaks run and said she ticks a lot of boxes heading into next week’s Derby. “We have now seen two things,” he said. “In the Waikato Guineas she beat the boys and secondly in the Oaks she showed she can definitely see a mile-and-a-half out. “She has ticked a few boxes that probably most haven’t in the race, and she has come through the Oaks in superb order.” Stablemate Road To Paris has also impressed, having finished runner-up in his last two outings, including in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) last weekend, and TAB bookmakers have installed him a $4.20 equal second favourite for the Derby alongside Avondale Guineas winner That’s Gold. While he has shown plenty of talent on the track, Wellwood said the son of Circus Maximus still has plenty to learn. “Road To Paris ran second in the Avondale Guineas doing things completely wrong,” he said. “He is a very high-class horse, we have always thought a lot of the horse, but he has really got to learn to do things the right way around to be winning it.” Ariadne will round out the stable’s Derby representation, with her handlers electing to back her up in the Derby following her pleasing fourth placed result in the Oaks. “She is a horse we now know goes the mile-and-a-half,” Wellwood said. “She had a bit of interference at the top of the straight in the Oaks, had she not had that perhaps she would have run a place. I would love to see an uninterrupted run for her. She certainly wouldn’t be out of it.” The stable is also looking forward to contesting the Gr.3 Haunui Farm King’s Plate (1200m) with Sweynesday. The five-year-old gelding has been a model of consistency, winning five and placing in four of his nine starts to date, including running third in last month’s Gr.1 Railway (1200m), his first tilt at stakes level. “Masa (Hashizume, jockey) rode him in a bit of work (on Thursday morning) and it was probably as good as I have seen him work,” Wellwood said. “He is in terrific order and I am very happy with him.” While looking forward to Champions Day, the stable’s immediate attention is racing this weekend, with She’s A Dealer seeking to breakthrough for an elusive stakes win in the Gr.3 Rydges Wellington Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Sunday. The daughter of Ace High has finished fourth in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) and Gr.3 Aotearoa Classic (1600m) in her last two starts, and Wellwood is confident she will be able to attain black-type against her own sex this weekend. “We are really happy with her,” he said. “We were keen to see her go 2000m, but the Kaimai Stakes (Listed) was run on a very wet track, so we are back against mares only here. “A big mile at Wellington I think will suit and it would be great to see her get through to win her first black-type race.” View the full article

Gary and Mary West's Sticker Shock (Uncle Mo–Smokey's Love, by Forestry) made it two-for-two going a route of ground when winning at Oaklawn Thursday afternoon. Allowed to settle in a two-wide third as Copper Wind (Gun Runner) led the way through a :23.49 quarter, the 3-2 favorite, who was getting-first-time Lasix here, took closer order as the pacesetter kept up the tempo through a half-mile in :47.62. Starting to put the pressure on the leader as the round the far turn, the West homebred held a narrow advantage straightening for home, and despite the best intention of 5-2 chance Scot's Law (Tiz the Law) to her outside, the Brad Cox trainee held tough to score by a length. Spitfire (McKinzie) was third. The winner is a half to Love Tap (Aus) (Tapit), GSW-Aus, $414,859; and to Fighting Mad (New Year's Day), GISW, $472,008. Smokey Love most recently produced a colt by Tapit in 2025. Third as the favorite in her career debut going seven panels at Keeneland in October, Sticker Shock appreciated the added yardage when going wire-to-wire in an 8 1/2-furlong test at Churchill Downs on Nov. 29. 8th-Oaklawn, $125,000, Alw (NW1$X)/Opt. Clm ($150,000), 2-26, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:44.24, ft, 1 length. STICKER SHOCK (f, 3, Uncle Mo–Smokey's Love, by Forestry) Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-1, $154,613. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Gary and Mary West; B-Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. The post Uncle Mo’s Sticker Shock Collects Second Straight with Oaklawn Score appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of this latest discussion may have been prompted by The Laz Effect & Jumal racing horses as low as 52. It’s certainly not ideal but it’s not the fault of the system, it’s the fault of too few horses in their grade. No system can overcome that problem. The choice is to tighten the rating range for that race but then you deny TLZ & Jumal a start. The only solution I can come up with is we get some clever engineering person to develop a mobile start vehicle where you can handicap horses off a mark.

Autumn Glow bids to make history in the Verry Elleegant Stakes (G1) Feb. 28 at Randwick Racecourse. The Chris Waller-trained daughter of The Autumn Sun has won her first nine starts, and will emulate Black Caviar if she can win her 10th this weekend.View the full article

In 2011, I attended the meeting at Belmont Park that launched the creation of the TAA. I'll never forget how passionate Mike Repole was in that meeting as he paced back and forth leading the conversation that no one wanted to lead. One thing everyone agreed upon was that something needed to be done to fund and monitor aftercare. That was a huge accomplishment and pointed the industry in the right direction for both funding and accreditation. However, the goal was for both funding and infrastructure to grow over time, but that has not been the case. The Thoroughbred industry needs to move beyond viewing aftercare solely as a funding challenge and recognize it as a shared responsibility of everyone involved in breeding and racing Thoroughbreds–at every level. For years now, the industry has acknowledged an obligation to provide meaningful aftercare for retired racehorses. The creation of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance marked an important step forward, but it was never intended to be a complete solution. Since then, progress has not kept pace with intent, and the gap between commitment and follow-through has continued to widen. This is not a matter of indifference, as many within the industry care deeply. Rather, advancement has been limited by leadership that has not required collective action or structural improvement. Thankfully, awareness has grown, more owners seek aftercare, more organizations are accredited, and initiatives like the Thoroughbred Makeover, Take2 Thoroughbred Program, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program have expanded demand for Thoroughbreds in second careers. This is all good news, but aftercare capacity has not grown fast enough to meet the demand. The majority of aftercare organizations, including New Vocations, are overflowing and very few have the ability or support to grow. New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program began in 1992 when my mother, Dot Morgan, recognized a truth the industry could no longer afford to ignore: racehorses retiring from the racetrack were not disposable commodities, but capable, willing athletes in need of a responsible second chapter. At a time when formal aftercare infrastructure was nonexistent, she began taking in retired racehorses, rehabilitating them, retraining them, and placing them into homes as riding companions. More than three decades later, that grassroots effort has grown into the nation's largest racehorse aftercare organization. New Vocations has successfully rehomed more than 9,500 retired Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds nationwide. That scale matters–not as a point of pride alone, but when responsibility is treated as a core obligation, real solutions follow. With leadership comes accountability. As the largest aftercare organization in the country, New Vocations does not simply advocate for aftercare–we live it daily, accepting both the operational demands and the moral responsibility that accompany this role. Our work proves that meaningful aftercare is achievable and sustainable when it is prioritized. What remains missing is industry-wide leadership willing to take ownership of the problem, not just acknowledge it. On October 7, 2024, I, along with others from the aftercare space and industry stakeholders, was invited by Mike Repole to meet and discuss the issues the racing industry faces with their horses beyond the track. It was a great first step as no one has reached out to get feedback from such a variety of aftercare initiatives and truly research the current aftercare space. Shortly after that meeting I was able to review the report that Repole's team put together called “U.S. Aftercare Ecosystem Findings.” The phrase “aftercare ecosystem” describes this space perfectly. The services that New Vocations provides represents just one of the many aftercare initiatives that are currently in existence. To solve the overall aftercare issue, we must have a multi-prong approach. Aftercare is not one program or one solution–it is an ecosystem. At present, we have improved awareness and accreditation, but we have not built the underlying infrastructure required to meet rising demand and complexity of aftercare. The burden continues to fall disproportionately on non-profit aftercare organizations operating without the capital depth of the industry they support. If the industry is serious about its responsibility to Thoroughbreds beyond the track, it must invest not only more dollars, but in leadership and infrastructure to ensure no horse falls through the cracks. Good intentions are no longer enough. The horses do not need more conversations about aftercare–they need decisive leadership that turns responsibility into action. I feel we have come full circle to that meeting at Belmont in 2011 asking the same question. Who will lead the charge? New Vocations is ready to expand, collaborate and do more–but we are only a small piece of the solution. The post Letter to the Editor: Good Intentions are No Longer Enough appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association announced Feb. 26 the stakes schedule for the 2026 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, which will open July 3 and continue through Labor Day, Sept. 7. View the full article

Meeting Feb. 26 in Arcadia, Calif., the California Horse Racing Board declined to award 2026 race dates for Tehama District Fair and the Humboldt County Fair, both of which had sought a resumption of racing in Northern California.View the full article

Florida-based trainer Hernan Parra has been suspended 15 days and fined $2,500 for two dexamethasone positive test results in two horses. View the full article

Charlie Appleby's Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath) will skip an intended start in the G1 Dubai Turf at the end of March and instead will be pointed to a summer campaign. The Racing Post first reported the news. The winner of the G1 Jebel Hatta earlier this year, the son of Ghaiyyath was set to face fellow Godolphin runner and Group 1 winner Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder) in the contest. Appleby told the publication, “Opera Ballo is in good shape but I don't think a full field of 14 runners going around a bend is really his bag, especially as he could get a wide draw, so he won't be going for the Dubai Turf. We'll map out a summer campaign for him.” Ombudsman, meanwhile is pleasing trainers John and Thady Gosden and enjoyed a gallop at Newmarket on Wednesday morning. The G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes hero and G1 Juddmonte International winner was second in the G1 Champion Stakes on QIPCO British Champions Day in October. Thady Gosden said, “Ombudsman has been around here twice now to have a feel of the grass and we have long had the Dubai Turf on his agenda. Nine furlongs on turf looks the right place to start his season off. “He had a great year last year when landing two Group 1s and we hope he can make it three, but I'm sure it will be a tough race, as it always is, with a strong international presence.” The post Godolphin’s Opera Ballo To Swerve Dubai Turf In Favour Of Summer Campaign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a pricy auction purchase. 6.00 Dundalk, Cond, 3yo, 8f (AWT) BLANC DE BLANC (Not This Time) comes back to the course and distance of her debut win last month in this “Dundalk Stadium Patton Race” won in the past by the likes of Mendelssohn and Washington DC. Amo Racing's $575,000 Keeneland September graduate from the family of the Breeders' Cup Turf and Irish 2,000 Guineas hero Magician represents the Robson De Aguiar stable tackling eight rivals including six other winners. The post Amo’s Blanc De Blanc Takes In The Patton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jason, na I wouldnt have the patience and discipline that training harness requires! I do have total respect for what trainers do and for the financial returns! it is disappointing what is going to happen!

The advisory on risk factors and prevention of hindlimb fractures is the third equine health advisory issued by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, which seeks to prevent catastrophic injury by sharing insights from its database.View the full article

Live Oak Plantation's Souper Landslide (Tapit—Victory to Victory, by Exchange Rate) came from just off the pace to graduate in her career turf debut at Gulfstream Park on Thursday afternoon. Sixth going 1 mile 70 yards over the Gulfstream synthetic in November, she was given a 6-1 chance cutting back to a mile on the sod here. Not particularly in a hurry exiting post 7, the chestnut settled in a three-wide third as Mo Java (Mo Town) and 8-5 choice Role Play (Uncle Chuck) led through an opening quarter in :22.79 and a half in :46.97. Poking her head in front of the favorite leaving the far turn, the Live Oak homebred cut the corner turning for home and drew off to graduate by two lengths over Sister Slew (Awesome Slew). Resort (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) was third. The favorite faded to fifth. Canadian champion 2-year-old filly Victory to Victory, winner of the GI Natalma Stakes during her championship season, is a daughter of Canadian champion grass mare Points of Grace (Point Given). The half-sister to GI Whitey Stakes winner Arthur's Ride (Tapit) produced a colt by Into Mischief in 2024. She was most recently bred back to Liam's Map. 2nd-Gulfstream, $48,090, Moc ($50,000), 2-26, (C), 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:34.29, fm, 2 lengths. SOUPER LANDSLIDE (f, 3, Tapit–Victory to Victory {Ch. 2-year-old Filly-Can, GISW, $210,804}, by Exchange Rate). Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $29,730. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Live Oak Plantation; B-Live Oak Stud (FL); T-Mark E. Casse. The post Tapit’s Souper Landslide Graduates for Live Oak at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 20:35, AL MAKTOUM CLASSIC-G2, AED1,700,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 2000m Field: Heart Of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.), Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn), Meydaan (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Generous Tipper (Street Sense), Tap Leader (Tapiture), Killer Collect (Collected), Masmak (Vino Rosso), Flying Honours (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Antrim (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) TDN Analysis: This course-and-distance lead-up to the G1 Dubai World Cup shapes pretty quick on paper and that should suit Heart of Honor right down to the ground. Winner of the Listed The Entisar when producing his best through the line Dec. 19, he was left too much to do when a running-on third in the G1 Al Maktoum Classic Jan. 23. Tap Leader was getting 3.5kg from Wathnan Racing's Generous Tipper when making his local debut in a 2000m handicap Jan. 30, but it's level weights for this pattern test. The latter is a half-brother to Japanese Group 3 winner T O Elvis (Volatile), who is expected for the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. Walk of Stars, Killer Collect and Masmak should fuel the pace, allowing G3 Firebreak Stakes hero Mendelssohn Bay to sit a good trip from stall five. The 2000-metre trip is the question mark for him. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 21:10, DUBAI CITY OF GOLD-G2, AED1,400,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 2410mT Field: Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Keffaaf (GB) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Passion And Glory (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}), Burdett Road (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Kihavah (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}), Crystal Black (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Ruling Dynasty (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Fort George (GB) (Territories {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Rebel's Romance kicked off his six- and seven-year-old campaigns with victories in the G2 H H Amir Trophy in Qatar, but lands here as he begins another year at the races in this prep for the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, where he was successful in 2024. Winner of 20 of his 30 lifetime starts and nearly $15.3 million, the homebred made last year's GI Turf Classic in New York his ninth-elite level score and he was last seen falling just short of a third success in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf. The commonly owned Passion and Glory is winless in seven starts since landing an Ascot handicap in the summer of 2024, but resumes here at age 10, having finished runner-up in last year's renewal. Mrs Fitri Hay's Fort George narrowly won the G3 Dubai Millennium Stakes here on Jan. 30 and tries this extended trip for the first time in his career. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 20:00, SINGSPIEL STAKES-G2, AED1,400,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1800mT Field: Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio), Alakazi (Fr) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), Holloway Boy (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Dividend (GB) (Kodiac {GB}), Tumbler (Fr) (Kingman {GB}), Folk Festival (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Dioptase (Ire) (New Bay {GB}). TDN Analysis: Alakazi carries the silks of the Exors of the Late His Highness Aga Khan in the Singspiel, looking to punch his ticket to the G1 Dubai Turf in 29 days' time. The 4-year-old broke through with a victory in the G2 Solonaway Stakes on Irish Champions weekend in September and acquitted himself quite well in his Group 1 debut, staying on into third in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes over the Ascot 1600 metres in October. Sheikh Ahmed's Quddwah was last but one in the Queen Elizabeth, but bounced back to take the G2 Zabeel Mile here on Jan. 2. He exits a creditable fourth in the Listed Abu Dhabi Gold Cup Feb. 7 and Simon and Ed Crisford have engaged the services of Ryan Moore. Fifth in the Zabeel Mile, Holloway Boy was third to Opera Ballo (Ghaiyyath) in the G1 Jebel Hatta over track and trip Jan. 23 ahead of a runner-up effort to Make Me King (Dark Angel) in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup (Qat-G2) over 1600m in Doha on Feb. 14. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 21:55, BURJ NAHAAR-G3, AED1,200,000, 4yo/up & SH 3yo, 1600m Field: Commissioner King (Commissioner), King Gold (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}), Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), Crown Board (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Hypnus (Into Mischief), Castlewarden (Into Mischief), Mount Kosciuszko (GB) (National Defense {GB}), Swing Vote (GB) (Shamardal), Telemark (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), The Camden Colt (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), West Saratoga (Exaggerator). TDN Analysis: With a spot in the G2 Godolphin Mile on the line on Dubai World Cup night, the Burj Nahaar has drawn 11 dirt milers and the highest rated is Commissioner King. A winner of the G3 Saudi Derby, he was second in the G3 Firebreak Stakes to Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn) last out. Rated three pounds higher than Group 1 winner King Gold, he leaves from stall 10. King Gold is booked in stall three, and widest of all is fellow Group 1 winner Audience. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 19:25, MAHAB AL SHIMAAL-G3, AED1,200,000, 3yo/up, 1200m Field: Tuz (Oxbow), El Nasseeb (GB) (Profitable {Ire}), Dark Saffron (Flameaway), World Record (Gun Runner), Colour Up (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Lamborghini BF (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}), Cats By Five (Audible), Sing Dragon (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}), Apollo One (GB) (Equiano {Fr}). TDN Analysis: 2024 G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen hero Tuz makes his first start of the campaign in the Mahab Al Shimaal. In the 2024/2025 season, he won all of the domestic group sprints before finishing third in the Golden Shaheen. Grade I-placed World Record opposes from the same Seemar barn, as does Mufasa. The latter pair and Cats By Five, trained by Chief Stipe Watson, represent RRR Racing. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 18:50, NAD AL SHEBA TURF SPRINT-G3, AED1,200,000, 3yo/up, 1200mT Field: Mitbaahy (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), Cover Up (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Great Wish (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Lethal Levi (GB) (Lethal Force {Ire}), Symbol Of Honour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Echo Point (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), Morning (Munnings), Two Tribes (GB) (Rajasinghe {Ire}), Run Boy Run (GB) (Rajasinghe {Ire}), Arabie (GB) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Rabaah (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Native Approach (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Power Mode (Speightstown), Monteille (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). TDN Analysis: French newcomers Monteille and Rayevka are just two entries in the largest field on Super Saturday, the Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint. Receiving a welcome four-pound break in the weights, they face Two Tribes and Run Boy Run. The duo, both by Rajasinghe and trained by Richard Spencer, each sport a win at the Dubai World Cup Carnival this season. The dependable Ponntos will provide some early pace, but it is anyone's guess if he will have enough petrol in the later stages of this contest to fend off the closers for the top spot. He'll definitely be one horse vying for the lesser medals. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 22:30, JUMEIRAH 2000 GUINEAS-Listed, AED800,000, 3YO, 1600mT Field: Legalaized (Arg) (Dabster), Pacific Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Talk Of New York (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Title Role (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Samhan (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Pacifica Pier (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), Tailgunner Joe (Knicks Go), Zumbezi (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Mr Haiiro (Frosted). TDN Analysis: Godolphin's Talk of New York transitions to the turf for this seasonal return, having romped in by 5 1/2 lengths in a 1600-metre maiden over the Kempton all-weather in his lone previous trip to the post on Oct. 15. A son of 2016 G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes winner Usherette (Shamardal), the bay colt is a half-brother to Star Guest (Dubawi), listed-placed on the grass in England and in America. He is the choice of William Buick, while Mickael Barzalona takes the ride on Pacific Avenue, who graduated in a conditions event over a mile in Qatar on Dec. 20 and most recently beaten two heads into third in the Feb. 14 Al Rayyan Mile (Qat-G2) during the Amir Trophy Festival. Coolmore's Title Role also broke his maiden at Kempton in October and landed a course-and-distance conditions race on Jan. 30. Saturday, Meydan, UAE, post time: 16:05, JUMEIRAH 1000 GUINEAS-Listed, AED800,000, 3yo, f, 1600mT Field: Taifuu (Den) (Japan {GB}), Fairy Oak (GB) (A'Ali {Ire}), True Test (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Callahan (GB) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Sweet Sunshine (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}), Gelinotte (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Piana (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Lady Garfield (Ire) (James Garfield {Ire}). TDN Analysis: Tops on ratings is Danish filly Taifuu, who claimed a 1400-metre turf affair here in January over the re-opposing Fairy Oak. In fourth that day was True Test, who won her first two races–at Lingfield and Newmarket–last summer but has been winless since. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, post time: 3.35 p.m. CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, 3yo/up, 2000mT (PPs) Field: Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), Beauty Joy (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}), My Wish (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}), Ensued (Lemon Drop Kid), Winning Wing (NZ) (Preferment {NZ}). TDN Analysis: At this time last year, Romantic Warrior was recovering from his narrow defeat in the G1 Saudi Cup and preparing for the G1 Dubai Turf, but he is back on home soil this time around looking for a second Gold Cup victory in three years. Having gone down narrowly to Golden Sixty in 2023, he proved a neck better than Voyage Bubble the following season and owns a remarkable record of 12-1-0 from 14 tries over the Sha Tin 2000 metres. The eight-year-old attempts to add this to his last-out defeat of Voyage Bubble in the 1600-metre G1 Stewards' Cup on Jan. 25. In his only start at the metric 10 furlongs, My Wish came with a flying finish to just miss winning the BMW Hong Kong Derby last March. He was a disappointing sixth to Voyage Bubble as the favourite in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile in December and was a non-threatening fourth in the Stewards' Cup. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Rebel’s Romance, Heart Of Honor Step Out On Super Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Late trainers Christophe Clement and John Shirreffs are among 13 nominees (seven racehorses and six trainers) for the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame class of 2026.View the full article

While Churchill Downs Inc. is a diverse company involved in historical horse racing, casino gaming, and advance-deposit wagering, it served up a reminder Feb. 26 that its flagship racetrack also played a part in a record-breaking 2025.View the full article

Super Saturday at Meydan Racecourse has some top contenders for World Cup night, among them Heart of Honor and Rebel's Romance, both familiar to American punters.View the full article

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association announced a new $1 million Florida Sire Racing Incentive Program for 2026, providing win incentives to owners and breeders of FSS-eligible 2-year-olds at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.View the full article

Grade I winner Magnum Force has his first four mares scanned in foal at Ballyhane Stud. Standing for €7,500 in 2026, the son of Mehmas won the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Stakes winner Asidious Alexander (Windsor Knot), Sunday Smart (Dandy Man), Gold Vision (Havana Gold), a sister to stakes winner Aqlaam Vision (Aqlaam), and Odessa On My Mind (Saxon Warrior), a half-sister to stakes scorer Most Beautiful (Canford Cliffs), have all tested in foal to the young stallion. “He's had a busy start and has settled into the routine nicely; he's been very popular with breeders and has attracted an impressive first book of mares so hopefully he'll be lucky now,” said Ballyhane's Joe Foley. Fellow Ballyhane stallion Sakheer also reached a stallion milestone with his first foals arriving this winter. By the late Zoffany, the G2 Mill Reef Stakes hero is priced at €5,500 for his second season at stud. Added Foley, “The Sakheer foals are coming fast now and he seems to be getting good, strong foals with breeders already re-booking mares into him on the strength of their foals, which is always a good sign.” The post First Mares In Foal To Magnum Force; Sakheer First Foals Arrive appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Anytime Bill Mott and Mark Casse have something to say I pay attention…and they have weighed in on the importance of maintaining use of furosemide (Lasix) on race day as a help in preventing pulmonary bleeding during races. I agree with them…but with one condition. Horses who receive Lasix should carry more weight. Bill and Mark and the other trainers speaking out contend that Lasix should be allowed until scientific studies can provide definitive proof that Lasix is a “performance-enhancing drug.” As a former National Defense Research Fellow during my doctoral program, I know that the probability of doing rigorous studies that can achieve scientific certainty and be replicated is next to zero. It is simply not possible in our racehorse world to design randomized, controlled experiments that account for numerous contaminating variables and that are performed with a large number of horses, same track conditions, and same distance. We will never get “scientific certainty.” But in the midst of uncertainty, it is often useful to identify facts and common ground. One thing we can all agree on is that the horse must come first. I believe that protecting horses is an essential part of competent stewardship and should be our first thought. Lasix is protective. Many horses are susceptible to bleeding without Lasix. And strong scientific evidence shows that race-day Lasix reliably reduces the incidence and severity of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH), which we simply call bleeding. Let's take those facts as givens. Another fact worth noting is that eliminating Lasix will likely deliver another blow to our steadily declining industry. Field sizes are already shrinking, despite fewer tracks. They will shrink further. Beyond the facts and evidence that Lasix is necessary for some horses and the industry, however, strong suggestive evidence also exists that Lasix produces performance improvements through weight loss and altered physiology. Multiple studies show that horses lose 20-30 pounds after administration of Lasix, that oxygen diffusion may be slightly improved, and that cardiac workload changes. Some studies also suggest that modest improvements are obtained in VO2 Max and “time to fatigue.” Cardiopulmonary changes also exist; small, but measurable. All of these findings suggest that Lasix provides an edge. At this point, we should pause and ask: Why is Lasix or diuretics banned in Europe, UK, Australia, Hong Kong, and the Olympics? And why is Lasix banned in professional Cycling as a masking agent for other drugs? My assessment of the total picture is that the smart approach for us to take for now is to kick the can down the road and continue closely regulated use of Lasix for older horses, simply for economic reasons and to protect the horse. The current banning of Lasix for two-year-olds and stakes has worked well and should be retained. But, if we continue to use Lasix for the benefit of the horse and racetracks we should also develop a strategy for the benefit of all owners. We need a level playing field. I believe a weight allowance makes sense for horses not running on Lasix. Because jockeys often have difficulty making lower weights, I believe horses running on Lasix should be assigned a higher weight than horses not on Lasix: two pounds at five furlongs, three pounds at six furlongs, and a pound for each furlong beyond six furlongs. This strategy will not bring us in compliance with the rest of the horse and athletic world, but it will provide protection for our beloved horses and create a more level playing field for owners and players who are essential to the health and long-term viability of our sport. The post Letter to the Editor: In Pursuit of a Level Playing Field appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-GP, $84K, Msw, 3yo, 1mT, 2:20 p.m. ET. Over the course of her bright racing career for e Five, New Money Honey (Medaglia d'Oro) collected four higher level trophies–two of which were of the Grade I variety. The second to the races for her celebrated dam, WRATHCHILD (War Front) will carry the same colors as New Money Honey and his older half-brother Nemo (Into Mischief). The first-time starter trained by Brendan Walsh enjoys an extended female family which includes sire Any Given Saturday (by Distorted Humor) and GSW Bohemian Lady (Carson City). Also set for his unveiling is Manawa (Not This Time). Bred by Candy Meadows and taken home by Pin Oak Stud for $525,000 during Keeneland September, the colt was sent to trainer Bill Mott. The 3-year-old is out of GSP Ulele (Candy Ride {Arg}), who is a half-sister to the dam of GSW Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief) and SW American Promise (Justify). TJCIS PPS The post Friday Insights: Son Of War Front And New Money Honey Unveiled At Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A new, $1-million Florida Sire Racing Incentive Program for 2026–providing win incentives to owners and breeders of FSS-eligible 2-year-olds at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs–has been announced by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association. Each 2-year-old winner of a maiden special weight, allowance, allowance optional claiming or stakes race at either track during calendar year 2026 will earn a $25,000 racing incentive paid directly by the FTBOA–$20,000 to the winning owner and $5,000 to the breeder. The new program replaces the Florida Sire Stakes series for 2-year-olds. “The FTBOA did not enter this decision lightly,” FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell said. “We had no other choice since repeated attempts to negotiate an agreement with the parties for the last six months went nowhere.” “It is tragic that our breeders and owners have been denied Florida's traditional centerpiece races, but we are excited to announce the new Florida Sire Racing Incentives for 2026,” Powell said. “Florida breeders, owners and the sales segment will all benefit from this lucrative and timely initiative. With almost 70 percent of Florida-bred winners in Florida being Florida-sired, this program delivers real value where it matters most.” He added, “The new Florida Sire Racing Incentives Program continues the FTBOA's expanding investments in Florida's Thoroughbred industry; joining the $1 million FTBOA Export Incentives launched to reward breeders whose Florida-breds win at out-of-state tracks, fee-free FTBOA and Florida Sire foal registrations, and the FTBOA's steadfast defense against decoupling.” The post $1-Million Florida Sire Racing Incentives Program Launched for 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A new Equine Health Advisory identifying key risk factors associated with fatal proximal hindlimb fractures in Thoroughbreds was revealed by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) Thursday. The advisory, which is based on data drawn from the HISA Portal, provides practical guidance for trainers and veterinarians on how to help prevent these catastrophic injuries. In 2024 and 2025, Regulatory Veterinarians at Covered Racetracks reported 28 fatal tibial (12) and pelvic bone (16) fractures. Most (75%) fractures occurred during training; 25% occurred during racing. Approximately 40% of horses with fatal proximal hindlimb fractures reported to HISA had 10 or fewer high-speed furlongs recorded within the 60 days prior to the fracture occurring. Fatal Tibial Fractures Approximately 40% of horses with fatal tibial fractures, specifically, had zero recorded lifetime high-speed furlongs; 50% had 10 or fewer high-speed furlongs recorded in the 60 days prior to fracture. Four of these horses (roughly 15%) had been on the Veterinarians' List as unsound at least once in the previous year, underscoring the need for careful attending veterinary evaluation once these horses are flagged by Regulatory Veterinarians. Two others were older, unraced horses: one was unraced at 4-years-old; one was unraced at 5-years-old. Both sustained fatal tibial fractures. Fatal Pelvic Bone Fractures Approximately 80% of fatal fractures of the pelvic bones occurred in fillies and mares, while fatal tibial fractures occurred more evenly across both sexes. This data suggests that a lack of high-speed exercise, such as in horses just starting training or returning from an extended layoff, may pose a significant risk for fatal proximal hindlimb fractures—just as it does for proximal forelimb fractures. This is the third Equine Health Advisory that HISA has issued, following advisories on proximal forelimb fractures and exercise-associated sudden death. “It's important that HISA utilizes the data we collect to draw insights and share learnings with the industry,” said Dr. Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Policy and Industry Initiatives. “This advisory, like the proximal forelimb fracture advisory, aligns with HISA's commitment to data-driven safety and education among industry stakeholders.” The full advisory is available here. The post HISA Issues Equine Health Advisory on Risk Factors for Fatal Proximal Hindlimb Fractures appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article