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Jockey Gregg P. McCarron, who won over 2400 races in a 24-year career and who steered his younger brother Chris to a Hall of Fame career as a rider, died on his 96-acre farm in Mt. Airy, MD Thursday after suffering a heart attack, according to a press release sent on behalf of the family. He was 77 years old. A native of Dorchester, MA, Gregg rode in 20,595 races during a career that started at Suffolk Downs in Boston in 1969 and ended in Maryland in 1993. He was the leading apprentice rider at Rockingham Park in 1969, according to Chris McCarron. Gregg rode mainly in New England, New York and Maryland and he trained horses for a short while on the Maryland circuit after he quit riding. He rode multiple Grade I winners, including On the Sly (1977 Jockey Club Gold Cup), Bounding Basque (1983 Wood Memorial Stakes), Broom Dance (1982 Alabama Stakes). In total, he won 29 graded stakes including the Cherry Hill Mile, the Secretariat Stakes, the Selima Stakes, the Ladies Handicap and the Spinaway Stakes. Among the other horses he rode to victory were Mom's Command, Tiffany Ice, Before Dawn, Vision and Mademoiselle Forli. After he retired, the widely admired rider became a racing commentator for NBC Sports, covering the Breeders' Cup for several years. “Gregg led me to my career as a jockey and he was there for me every step of the way,” Chris said. “He was my idol and I always tried to emulate everything he did. He mentored me in my formative years and I would not have had the career I did without him in my life.” Gregg is survived by his wife Darlene, son Matt, a grandson, eight siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. Matt is a retired two-time champion steeplechase jockey. No memorial service is planned at this time. The post Jockey Gregg McCarron Dies at 77 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Kit Gow/TTR AusNZ The Victorian Thoroughbred community has come together over the last three days to evacuate hundreds of horses to safety as a major bushfire in Longwood ballooned in size and threatened to devastate several properties. Several Victorian farms have lost infrastructure, including homes owned by Ben Hayes and Magic Millions' Victoria and Tasmania manager Tim Brown. Fires burning since Wednesday in Victoria's major breeding regions have caused significant losses to several major breeding farms. As of Saturday evening, one person lost their life at Harcourt after being found in his car, however police believe this wasn't directly related to the fire. Hundreds of horses have been moved to safety in a mammoth community effort. Several horses at Lindsay Park are receiving treatment for burns, and there are worries that there will be losses of stock across several properties. Mammoth Moving Effort Includes Blue Gum and Lindsay Park Late on Saturday evening, 11 fires were burning across Victoria at Emergency Warning level and over 18,000 properties remained without power. Over 300 horses were relocated from Blue Gum Farm, and the stud released a statement on Saturday afternoon, sharing that the fire was burning five kilometres from the stud. The statement thanked the stud's team, Equilink, Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Ben Brisbourne, Shaun Nolan, and Olivia Osborne, as well as the Longwood Farm staff, for their assistance. “Our priority is to ensure the safety of all humans and horses on farm,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with everyone in our community and industry who have been affected by this tragic and devastating event.” Lindsay Park also released a statement on Saturday, reporting that the property had lost nearly all of their paddocks, a pre-training barn, and a number of other structures to the fire, but that all horses in work were safe and a number of horses spelling were receiving treatment for minor burns. Racenet.com reported that an under-construction house belonging to Ben Hayes has also been lost to the fire. “Due to the loss of our paddocks, we are now coordinating the relocation of 115 spelling horses,” said the statement posted on X. “These horses are being transported this morning via a massive, coordinated effort from Troy Corstens and the North East Thoroughbred Community Group to the Inglis Sale Complex at Oakland Junction, where they will be safely accommodated. “The support has been nothing short of remarkable. Our hearts go out to everyone in the community that has been affected by this horrific event.” The Lindsay Park training team's father David Hayes flew in from Hong Kong on Thursday to assist his sons in defending the property. Racenet.com reported that the Hall Of Fame trainer was on hand to hose down patches of the property, and that the Hayes team scratched two Flemington runners, Touchdown (Almanzor) and Stealth Of Night (Night Of Thunder), who were both stabled at Euroa. In an update to racing.com on Saturday, Leneva Park's Mick Sharkie said, “we don't have a fence left on the joint. We haven't got a paddock that hasn't been charcoaled and there's no fencing left. “There's still stuff smouldering around the property, but it looks like the fire has moved away from us. We're not in immediate danger now. There are still fires burning very close-by, but the property itself is not in immediate danger. Sharkie reported that both farmhouses were still standing. The fire had turned back within metres of one house, which Sharkie called “quite incredible”. “I can't stress enough how good the North East Equine Emergency WhatsApp group has been,” he added. “It's being managed by Kayley Johnson, Troy Corstens, and Megan McGrath. They were absolutely incredible regarding the horse movements. “I couldn't believe what I was seeing, just the goodwill and selflessness of people to go in. It was insane.” Larneuk Stud's Neville Murdoch reported lost fencelines, but the stud had been fortunate to be minimally damaged and all horses on the property were safe. “We were out fighting the fires last night and the night before, we didn't stop,” he told racing.com. “We were trying to keep it from the boundary, but we couldn't stop it yesterday afternoon, it just came through and flattened all the fences and God knows what, but at least we're all safe and the horses are good. The buildings are good as gold. It's just fencing and pasture that's been damaged.” The town of Ruffy had been particularly hard hit, with the three people reported missing now located and are safe. “The main street looks like a bomb has gone off,” CFA Captain George Noye described the devastation in Ruffy to ABC News. “A lot of our critical infrastructure, power poles have been burnt, power lines laying on the ground. That is a job that's not going to take hours to fix, it is going to take a fair while.” Burnt farmland near Longwood, Australia on Saturday | Getty Images Interstate Assistance Sent to Ongoing Situation By Saturday evening, the Longwood fire was reported to be moving toward Euroa. “That fire is becoming more active on the northern side with some of the westerly and south-westerly winds blowing it to the north,” spokesperson Reegan Key said at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night. In some good news, Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Christie Johnson told ABC Melbourne Radio at 10 p.m. on Saturday, “We are seeing the wind, south-westerly winds, they are starting to ease off a little bit. They may pick up a little bit during the day [tomorrow] compared to sort of the overnight period, but they're certainly not going to be as strong as we saw today. “And we're going to see a reasonably settled period of weather for the next few days, which is good news for our firies trying to get on top of all of those fires.” No rain is forecast. As the sun went down on Saturday, Premier Jacinta Allan had declared a state of disaster for Victoria with 36 fires still active and more than 300,000 hectares burned across the state. Power has been restored to many homes with 18,000 still remaining without power (down from 90,000 on Thursday). At least 130 buildings have been lost. New South Wales will send an additional 200 personal to support Victorian efforts. “All up we'll have over 300 personnel from New South Wales to support our colleagues over at the Country Fire Authority,” RFS Deputy Commissioner Ben Millington from the RFS told abc.net.au. South Australia have also sent assistance. “South Australian personnel will undertake frontline firefighting, incident management, planning, logistics and safety roles as part of the Victorian response,” CFS SA said. In addition, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the Australian Defense Force would be sent to help “The ADF have been requested to provide accommodation support for the Victorian Country Fire Service, and once again, we see our Defence Force personnel providing that support, both through personnel, but also through infrastructure,” Albanese told abc.net.au. Burnt farm after the fire swept through | Getty Images Timeline of Events As temperatures hit 42 degrees in Melbourne on Wednesday for the first time in 11 months, a bushfire was reported in Longwood, traveling from the Hume Freeway towards the town of Ruffy, and by 3:30 p.m. in the afternoon, the fire had rapidly escalated to the point that the Country Fire Authority declared an Emergency Warning in the area, advising residents that the time to evacuate had passed already, and strong winds overnight expanded the blaze. More than 400 firefighters were drafted to fight the blaze, and south-easterly winds on Thursday threatened a number of properties including Lindsay Park, Leneva Park, and Longwood Thoroughbred Farm. That evening, Leneva Park General Manager Mick Sharkie reported to racenet.com that the fire had reached the property's boundaries, which was already sheltering horses from neighbouring properties, however fierce winds forced the property to evacuate more than 110 horses on Friday. Longwood Thoroughbred Farm evacuated on Thursday night, with 165 horses moved off the property. Another bushfire had started near Horsham to the west of Longwood, and Racing Victoria reported that trainers Paul Preusker and Simon Gebert were among those who evacuated horses out of the region. Lindsay Park co-trainer JD Hayes told racing.com on Friday that the fire had reached the training facility in the night, but all horses, staff, and property were at the time still safe. Benalla Racing Club welcomed 15 staff from Lindsay Park on track overnight while it was unsafe for them to return to their homes, and offered them a bed again the following night. By midday, 9News reported that over 48,000 hectares of land had been burnt by the Longwood fire. Racing Victoria has released a list of transport providers and available agistment properties for industry participants, and Inglis Sales Complex at Oaklands Junction also opened their doors to evacuees and offered transport. 9News reported a number of properties lost in the region, and that the shelter in place warnings remained. It was reported in thestraight.com.au that a house near Creightons Creek belonging Magic Millions' Victoria and Tasmania manager Tim Brown near had been destroyed by the fire. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen announced that fire victims would be able to access hardship support. “I can also advise that in discussions with the Commonwealth we have activated the personal hardship payment processes and those payments are being made available from now,” she said in a statement released on 9News. “We thank you and all of the emergency services who are providing support for these efforts. Today is an incredibly difficult day, the most dangerous day we have had in years.” A total fire ban remains in place statewide for Sunday. The post Community Rallies Together As Terrifying Longwood Fire Rages On appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jay Rooney LITTLE PARADISE - R8 (8) Looks poised to make the leap to Class Two and continue strong form Owen Goulding ROBOT STAR - R5 (5) Good debut followed by luckless run, Purton up and can get it right Trackwork Spy SZERYNG - R7 (6) Unlucky last start but can strike from a far better draw today Phillip Woo AUTUMN VIBES - R2 (11) Gets golden opportunity from a good draw with the in-form Guyon on board Shannon (Vincent Wong) BRAVE WIN - R5 (10) Improving run last start and can break...View the full article

Super-consistent mare Chica Mojito (NZ) (Zacinto) broke through for her first Australian victory with an outstanding performance in the A$500,000 Limitless Lodge The Lakes (1600m) at Wyong on Saturday. The daughter of Zacinto was born and raised in New Zealand, and she began her career on that side of the Tasman with a maiden victory at Cambridge in September of 2023 and a Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) placing at Trentham three months later. A 50 percent share was subsequently sold across the Tasman and Chica Mojito was transferred into the stable of Chris Waller. Until Saturday, her 16 starts in Australia had produced six seconds, four thirds, three fourths and a fifth. She had run third in the Gr.3 Belle of the Turf Stakes (1600m) and Listed Tattersalls Mile (1600m), along with fourths in the Gr.2 Queensland Guineas (1600m), Gr.3 James HB Carr Stakes (1400m) and another edition of the Belle of the Turf. On Saturday the five-year-old finally got that richly deserved first Australian success, and she did it with a record-breaking performance. Ridden by Andrew Adkins, Chica Mojito settled in seventh place before hooking around the outside approaching the home turn and challenging for the lead at the top of the straight. Adkins pushed the button and Chica Mojito drew away, going on to win by two lengths and stopping the clock at 1:34.55 – a new 1600m track record at Wyong. “She’s been crying out to break through for a win like that and she really deserved that today,” Chris Waller’s stable representative Darren Beadman said. “Andrew used the good gate and got her into a really nice spot, and off a good fast speed, she was able to present well wide and finish off like she did. “It’s great for Brad Spicer and the owners and for all the team at Chris Waller Racing. It’s a team effort and a great result.” Chica Mojito has now had 24 starts for two wins, 12 placings and A$604,829 in prize-money. “She’d probably been classified as a bit of a non-winner going into today, and it’s a bit funny that she’s won probably the hardest race she’s contested for a while,” part-owner Brad Spicer said. “But in saying that she hasn’t had a lot of luck a lot of the time either. “Last start in the Belle of the Turf at Gosford, Zac (Lloyd) got caught in behind them and nothing went right. “The way Wyong was playing today, with everyone wanting to get up on the speed, it played into her hands. She does try and it’s a great result. “Chris Waller has done a top job with her and today’s win is a great reward for everyone involved with her both here and in New Zealand.” Chica Mojito was bred by Melway Farm’s Gareth Downey and Mel Gamble, who still share in the ownership. She is by former Inglewood Stud and Valachi Downs stallion Zacinto out of the Cecconi mare Cantina (NZ), who herself won three races up to 2000m. View the full article

Trainer John Sadler has the Gr.2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) in mind as a potential target for Tarvue (NZ) (Tarzino) after her tenacious victory in the A$130,000 Off The Track Trophy (1800m) at Flemington on Saturday. Sadler has always had plenty of time for Tarvue, and the Tarzino mare repaid some of that faith with the fourth and most significant victory of her 16-race career. “I’ve always had a good opinion of her,” Sadler said. “We just haven’t seen the best of her on the racetrack until now. She’s had a few niggling issues. “But she’s a good staying mare who can go a lot further than this, and hopefully we start to see that down the track. “She’s always shown really good ability and it was terrific to see her put it all together today.” Despite heading into Saturday on the back of a solid second at Cranbourne on December 27, Tarvue was sent out as a $13 outsider for the Benchmark 78 contest. But jockey Luke Cartwright put the pressure on a long way from home and Tarvue’s stamina and fighting qualities shone through as she swept to victory by a length and a quarter. “I was talking to ‘Sads’ (Sadler), who was very confident,” Cartwright said. “He just told me to roll the dice and go forward. She had no weight on her back. “She’s a bit one-paced, but he wanted me to make it a true 1800m race and give them something to run down. “She proved too good today. I think that’s definitely one of her best efforts on a racetrack. “She took a while to get into gear when I first went for her, but then I had them all off the bit and chasing. “I really felt her lower in her action and just be very gritty in the late stages. She held them all off and deserved the win.” The victory has given Sadler the confidence to continue along a path towards a potential tilt at the Adelaide Cup at Morphettville on March 10. “She likes to flow, and that’s why Luke served it up to the leader a bit earlier than usual,” Sadler said. “He knew that she’s not the sort of mare that can quicken off a slow pace, so she has to do it herself. “We’ll probably bring her back in a week or two and give her another run now. I’d like to try her over 2500m and see how she goes. There’s a Benchmark 78 over that distance here next week. It could be a chance to see if we’d be wasting our time aiming at a race like an Adelaide Cup.” Tarvue was bred by Rosemont Stud and is by Westbury Stud’s Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) and Rosehill Guineas (2000m) winner Tarzino, who has quickly made his name as a sire of classic horses – such as Derby winners Jungle Magnate (NZ) (Tarzino) and Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) and Oaks winner Gypsy Goddess (NZ) (Tarzino) – but has also been represented by this season’s Group One-performed sprinter Tomodachi (NZ) (Tarzino). The dam of Tarvue is the Japanese-bred Admire Moon mare Vamoose, a half-sister to the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) winner Admire Rakti. Mapperley Stud offered Tarvue in Book 1 of Karaka 2022, where Vue International Pty Ltd bought her for $25,000. Tarvue’s 16-start career has produced four wins, two placings and A$168,800 in stakes. View the full article

Waikato Stud’s homebred mare Sun Gift (NZ) (Savabeel) continued her strong run of summer form with another victory in the A$130,000 Honouring Our Jockeys Plate (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday. The Benchmark 78 handicap was the third start of the five-year-old’s preparation. She had resumed with a second at Caulfield on December 3 before finishing strongly from off the pace to win at Cranbourne on December 27. It was a winning result again on Saturday, but this time delivered in a different way. Ridden on this occasion by Jamie Melham, Sun Gift sat much closer to the pace in third before pouncing in the straight. She dashed into a clear lead with 300m remaining, then stuck to her guns as the challengers began to gain ground. Sun Gift still had a length and a quarter up her sleeve when she reached the finish line. “She was in a good mood today,” Melham said. “She can be a bit temperamental in the gates. “If she didn’t jump well today, I thought she was going to have a hard time getting back behind a slow tempo. ‘Willo’ (Craig Williams) gave her a great ride last time and was able to sneak up along the rail, but that wasn’t going to work out this time. “Fortunately it all worked out perfectly. She jumped well and we were able to push forward and take luck out of the equation.” Sun Gift is trained by Danny O’Brien and has now had a total of 21 starts for five wins, seven placings and A$252,405 in stakes. She has earned A$143,000 of that amount in the last two weeks alone. Sun Gift is by Savabeel out of the Pour Moi mare Sunniva (NZ), an unraced half-sister to Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) and Melbourne Cup (3200m) winner Efficient (NZ). Sunniva is also a three-quarter-sister to the Group Two winner and sire Guillotine, while half-sister Cold Shoulder (NZ) (Volksraad) is the dam of Group One winner On The Rocks (NZ) (Alamosa). Sunniva is the dam of three winners from three foals to race. Her first foal Gravity (NZ) (Shamexpress) was a winner, while Sun Gift’s younger full-brother Morthan Efficent (NZ) (Savabeel) has scored two wins in a 12-start career in Victoria. Sunniva produced another Savabeel colt in 2022. She was served by the champion stallion’s son Noverre this season. View the full article

No I didnt, it was up to the Greyhound fraternity to have out their best case forward! It is a bit ironic that Edward Rennell went from CEO of harness to the Greyhounds CEO. Rennell wanted the whip banned on harness horses which wont happen and the greyhound racing is banned and greyhound breed going to become extinct while he is the CEO!

Did you make a submission Brodie?

Harness $5,000 - all Friday night & G1 meetings $2,000 - all other meetings and Futures

Lyle Hewitson and James Orman have been two of the surprise packages of the season and the pair have some excellent chances to keep their respective runs going at Sha Tin on Sunday. Hewitson sits on 15 winners for the season and he will rely on Akashvani to add another win to his tally when he runs in the fiercely competitive Class Three Stanley Gap Handicap (1,400m). In a race that will shape the Classic Mile conversation, he takes on the the likes of Helene Supafeeling and Circuit Grand Slam...View the full article

A long-range plan came to fruition for trainer Matthew Dale at Wyong on Saturday with No Drama’s (NZ) (Ghibellines) victory in the A$160,000 Central Coast Community News Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m). It was the seventh win of a 26-start career for the Ghibellines gelding, who has also picked up four minor placings and has earned A$302,092 in stakes. Four of those successes have come from just six attempts over the 1200m distance of Saturday’s race. Dale took over the training of No Drama from Lindsey Smith in 2024, and he has now guided the horse to four wins and two placings from 13 starts. The Goulburn trainer has taken note of No Drama’s affinity for a certain type of racecourse, which led him to identify the Wyong fixture as an ideal chance to shoot for a Saturday prize. “We found this race on a Saturday because for such a big horse, he likes tight turning tracks,” Dale said. “He has won a couple at Canterbury for me, and at The Valley before I got him, so to get a stand-alone meeting on a tight track, during the off-season, it was a perfect set-up to roll the dice and have a crack at a Saturday race with him again.” No Drama did all of the hard work behind tearaway leader Mogo Magic (Duporth), sitting in second place throughout and leading the chasers into the straight. Jockey Josh Parr set his sights on the front-runner and No Drama began to gain ground, finishing over the top of Mogo Magic late in the piece to win by half a length. “He loves tight, turning tracks, which is strange for a big horse,” Parr said. “They had him primed today and it was a good effort.” Dale was delighted with the six-year-old’s performance, which came in his first raceday start since August 6. “It was a good result,” he said. “He has been a horse that is a genuine, free-rolling, on speed and tough horse.” No Drama was bred by White Robe Lodge’s Brian and Lorraine Anderton and is the sixth winner from just over a dozen starters in Australia this season from the stud’s former headline stallion Ghibellines, whose untimely death was announced on Boxing Day. No Drama is a full-brother to Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines), the winner of nine races including the Gr.3 South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m). Their dam is the unraced Pure Theatre mare Sheeza Drama. Live Drama’s trainer Lance Robinson saddled No Drama for a debut win at Riccarton as a two-year-old in January of 2022 before he was sold across the Tasman. View the full article

The in-form combination of rider Floor Moerman and trainer Kevin Myers delivered in spades once again on the West Coast circuit as quality mare Bozo (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) produced a mammoth staying performance to claim the time-honoured Vernon & Vazey 0800 Truck Parts Kumara Gold Nuggets (1810m) on Saturday. Moerman, who had tasted success aboard Illicit Dreams (NZ) (Vancouver) for Kenny Rae earlier in the day, had produced winning trebles at both the Omoto meeting on 3 January and at Reefton four days later, with the Omoto victories coming aboard Myers-trained runners. Myers has a long history of supporting West Coast racing and he didn’t disappoint in the day’s feature, lining up three strong contenders in race favourite Sunset Boulevard (NZ) (Eminent) ($2.60), Kick On (NZ) (Per Incanto) ($6.50) and 2025 Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) winner Bozo ($3.60). Sunset Boulevard looked set for victory when rider Tina Comignaghi pushed the go button from outside pacemaker Shaking Stevens (NZ) (American Pharoah) at the 700m and applied enormous pressure to his rivals, shooting three lengths clear turning for home. Moerman and Bozo had been content to settle in midfield early on but got shunted four wide as Sunset Boulevard made his bid for glory and looked to be running for minor money as she struggled to make an impression on her stablemate in the early stages of the home straight. Moerman kept at her and when the turbo kicked in the daughter of Satono Aladdin simply flew over the final 100m to storm to a half-length victory from the late closing In Vegas (NZ) (Telperion) and Iffididit (NZ) (Iffraaj). Stable representative Luke Myers was all smiles as he reiterated the stable’s desire to support racing in the region. “Every time she has come down South she has picked up a win and it is great winning these Cups, as we have had a lot of luck with these colours” Myers said. “She (Moerman) is an apprentice on the rise as we told her to make sure she had clear air and she popped off the rail and down the back she had her (Bozo) in the right spot to chase Sunset (Boulevard). “This is a special Carnival and all these tracks put on a fantastic spectacle so long may it continue.” Moerman was worried at different stages of the race but once the mare kicked into gear she knew she was on a winner. “That was really cool and she had to do it the tough way as we were four wide, but I saw Sunset was in front and I knew he would kick away and be hard to beat,” she said. “I just had to keep her going and while she felt a bit flat on the turn, when we straightened up she was just too tough.” Bozo races in the colours of the Australian-based Hill family who also owned the talented sprinter-miler Scapolo (NZ) (Bachelor Duke) who won 20 races from the Myers stable including the Gr.2, Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m), the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes (1215m) and the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m), while he was also placed on 13 separate occasions at stakes level. View the full article

While Cambridge trainer Stephen Marsh is currently inspecting yearlings on the Gold Coast, he will take time out to watch how one of his main Gr.1Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) contenders in Ammirati (NZ) (Savabeel) performs at Ellerslie on Sunday as he takes the next step on his path to the blue riband classic on 7 March. The son of Savabeel will have his first start over a middle distance when he tackles the Listed Trackside Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at the Derby venue, where he will start as one of the favoured candidates off the back of his last two performances. Ammirati followed up on his victory in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki two starts ago with a late closing burst to take fifth in the Gr.2 Levin Classic (1400m) at Trentham, looking every inch a horse that now needs more ground to show his true worth. Marsh agrees with that assessment and was quick to explain the unusual step he took when dropping his charge back in distance after the 1600m victory. “It probably looks a little odd on paper in the way we backed him up at a lesser distance, but I’m delighted with how it all panned out,” Marsh said. “The trip away was perfect for him and his last 200m that day when running fifth was just terrific. He travelled home well; ate everything we put in front of him and has really ticked along beautifully since then. “He has been crying out for ground and gets in on Sunday, so we are hoping he can put another stamp in his Derby passport. “We’ve also got Los Salsero (Frankel) in the race and he also looks like more ground will be his friend. He won nicely last start without being anything special, although he is very green and has a lot to learn. “We have the blinkers on him on Sunday and I think they will really sharpen him up, so I’m hoping he can also make his way to the Derby as well.” Marsh will kick off the day at Ellerslie with smart two-year-old filly Imperial Rose (NZ) (Sword of State) in the Stella Artois 1200 (1200m), with the daughter of Sword Of State needing a victory in the $55,000 contest to guarantee her place in the $1million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) on 24 January. “She (Imperial Rose) has a lot going for her so we would love to get her into the Karaka Million as we think she can be very competitive,” he said. “Her debut effort for second at Te Aroha was top class as it was a very heavy track that didn’t suit her at all. “She has drawn well and will get a firm track to suit, so I’m hoping she can jump and put herself right in the action. “It will only be thirteen days to the Karaka Million, so the timing is perfect while she will get that very important look around the Ellerslie track as it is a venue that can be very intimidating for young horses.” Marsh is likely to have as many as ten runners in action on Sunday and is keen to see how several of his other runners perform including the unbeaten four-year-old mare Lady Impending (NZ) (Impending), three-year-old gelding Oberon (NZ) (Belardo) and consistent stayer Sinhaman (NZ) (Tivaci). “Lady Impending will face her biggest challenge after a pair of wins at Rotorua,” he said. “She comes up against a very good field and will tackle 1400m for the first time. She certainly has ability but we will get a much better line of where her future lies with this run. “Oberon didn’t handle a shifty track last time and getting back to a decent surface will be the key to him, so I expect to see an improved performance. “I think Sinhaman is ready to win another race as he went a cracker in the Stella Artois Championship Final on Boxing Day and just needs that ounce of luck to turn the run of minor placings into a win.” Marsh has hit his straps in recent months and currently sits in second place on the National Trainers premiership table with 45 wins (ten at stakes level) for the season as Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson set the pace with 63 victories (eight at stakes level). View the full article

One of the most talked about Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) candidates faces his first acid test over a staying distance when he tackles the Listed Trackside Gingernuts Salver (2100m) at Ellerslie on Sunday, The Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott-trained Yamato Satona (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) set tongues wagging with an incredible win on debut over 1400m at Rotorua back in October, where he came from near last on the home turn to gather in the front runners in the shadows of the winning post. O’Sullivan and Scott indicated then that the son of Satono Aladdin would be a much better horse as he stepped up in distance and while he has battled to add a second win to his record in three subsequent starts, his performances have held plenty of merit with a view to his Derby prospects. Owned by harness racing legend Barry Purdon and his wife Katrina along with former Entain Australia boss, Dean Shannon, Yamato Satona sits at a Fixed Odds quote of $21 for the New Zealand Derby, with O’Sullivan believing that is a fair price on what he has delivered to date. “It looks like being a very even Derby field this year and we think our guy is right in the mix,” O’Sullivan said. “He has shown he is looking for ground since that first win, which is the indication those who have ridden him have all given, so he gets his chance this weekend. “His work has been very good and as long as he performs to expectations he will head to the Avondale Guineas (Gr.2, 2100m) in late February then two weeks later into the Derby.” The O’Sullivan and Scott partnership also have Acer and Genki in the Gingernuts Salver, with O’Sullivan taking a pragmatic approach to their prospects as they look to the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and New Zealand Derby respectively. “Acer will have the blinkers on for the first time on Sunday,” he said. “She is entered for the New Zealand Oaks and while she hasn’t shown enough so far to go there, it is this time of the year where the potential stayers start to emerge. “You are only three once to have a go at those Group One races so we are rolling the dice with her and Genki (NZ) (Satono Aladdin), who is in the same boat with his Derby prospects.” Another stable runner O’Sullivan is keen on is maiden O’Hello (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) who steps out for his second start on Sunday after finishing fourth on debut at the venue on 29 November. “O’Hello was very good first up and his work since has been excellent. “He trialled well before that debut run, has taken plenty of benefit from it and I can’t fault him. “He looks as though he can be a maiden winner at short notice and then we can see what options there are for him.” View the full article

As been pointed out many times, HRNZ are barely heard from, despite many knowing how it is going to end! You can not tell me that that there is no one from HRNZ that doesnt read BOAY! It is actually pretty disappointing that we never get any response from them defending their decision making and why they are making these decisions!! Reality is that they must know they are not acting in the best interests of harness racing but looking after their own interests while they are still getting salaries?

The Pegasus World Cup card, to be held Jan. 24 at Gulfstream Park, continued to take shape in Florida as several contenders turned in works Friday, including GII Red Smith Stakes winner Cugino (Twirling Candy), who is pointing to the $1-million GI Pegasus World Cup Turf. The West Point Thoroughbreds and Jimmy Kahig Racing colorbearer breezed a half-mile in :49.11 (5/18) on Gulfstream's main track. He was last seen finishing second to Wolfie's Dynaghost (Ghostzapper) in the GIII Fort Lauderdale Stakes Dec. 20, the local Pegasus Turf prep. “No shame in losing to that horse,” West Point senior vice president Tom Bellhouse said. “We're all systems go. [Cugino] is just so honest and fun. He tries every time. He was a little unlucky early in his career, but I think we fit with the big boys. [Hopefully] we can get maybe a little more pace in this race than where was last time.” West Point has had a number of Pegasus Day entrants, beginning with the inaugural edition in 2017. “It's exciting,” Bellhouse said. “We've been very, very blessed to run on Pegasus Day ever since the first Pegasus with Breaking Lucky, and almost every year have some type of participant whether it's on the turf or in the big dance. It's always a thrill for us.” Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher also sent out a pair of Pegasus contenders at Palm Beach Downs Friday. St. Elias Stable's Captain Cook (Practical Joke), a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', went five furlongs in 1:01.65 for five furlongs in company. The Withers Stakes winner and GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes runner-up is pointing to the $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup. Spendthrift Farm's four-time graded winner Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro) breezed four furlongs in :50.48 seconds. He's targeting the Pegasus Turf. Juddmonte homebred Disco Time (Not This Time), recently featured in these pages, will put his perfect record on the line in the Pegasus World Cup. He worked five furlongs in 1:01.40 in company for Brad Cox. In addition, fan favorite and 10-time graded stakes-winning multimillionaire Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator), readying for a fourth straight run in the Pegasus, breezed five furlongs in 1:02.65 over the main track at Palm Meadows for Saffie Joseph, Jr. The post Pegasus World Cup Works Friday Feature Cugino and Disco Time appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Zac Purton is hoping Little Paradise can give him another thing to think about when it comes to the four-year-old series when he runs in the Class Two Racing Club Cup (1,400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Always in demand, the champion jockey has been slated for a number of horses ahead of the Classic Mile on February 1, including the likes of Invincible Ibis, Beauty Bolt and the Jimmy Ting Koon-ho-trained Little Paradise. The Toronado galloper has won four of his seven career starts, with two of those...View the full article

Edited Press Release Apprentice jockey Xarel Forde has begun to make his presence felt at Turfway Park this winter, continuing his transition to the Kentucky circuit after building skills both in his native Barbados and last year at Woodbine. Forde, 21, learned his trade riding at Garrison Savannah, a small track that he said helped shape his race awareness and decision-making before his move to larger circuits. “Coming from a small track with tight turns teaches you to be sharp,” Forde said. “You have to think quickly and stay aware. When you move to a bigger track, that actually becomes an advantage.” After leaving Barbados, Forde advanced to the Canadian circuit, riding primarily at Woodbine, where he gained experience on both turf and synthetic surfaces. The transition, he said, came with its own challenges. “The biggest adjustment was the weather,” Forde said. “That was the only thing that really gave me a fight at first, but I pushed through it and got comfortable.” Now riding at Turfway Park, Forde has teamed with leading jockey agent Jose Santos, Jr. as he continues to establish himself in Kentucky. Forde has won 56 races overall in his career and has already picked up three victories since arriving at Turfway on Dec. 17. “Trainers keep telling me I'm not really riding like a bug boy,” Forde said. “I just focus on executing my rides and being confident, whether I'm on a longshot or a favorite.” Santos said Forde's background and approach have translated well to Turfway's Tapeta surface. “Xarel has been a pleasure to work with,” Santos said. “He's quickly gotten noticed by the way he carries himself in the mornings and during the races. The way he rides races, you'd think he's been a professional for years.” Forde is named on nine horses for seven different trainers across the next four live racing days at Turfway Park. The post Apprentice Xarel Forde Settles into Turfway Jockey Colony appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release Prior to riding his first race on the Thanksgiving Day opener of the 2025-2026 Championship Meet, Mario Gutierrez hadn't been part of the action at Gulfstream Park since he rode Nyquist to a popular victory in the $1-million GI Florida Derby April 2, 2016. “I was going to stay in Kentucky, but I got a great opportunity from Mr. Brian Lynch to come here for the winter,” Gutierrez said. “I'm extremely happy with the support I'm getting from the local trainers. I'm very, very happy. I'm relatively new to the circuit in Miami, and I'm getting a lot of support from the trainers.” Heading into Friday's program, Gutierrez had won seven races from 39 mounts for an 18% strike rate. The 39-year-old veteran guided Lynch-trained Sister Troienne (Munnings) to stakes victories in the Jan. 3 Ginger Brew and Nov. 27 Wait a While. The son of a jockey, Gutierrez started riding quarter horses in his native Mexico at the age of 14 before emigrating to Canada in 2006 and venturing to Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, where he won titles in 2007 and 2008. After relocating to Santa Anita in 2011, he caught the attention of prominent owner J. Paul Reddam, a Canadian businessman who had become aware of his riding prowess at Hastings. Gutierrez won the mount on Reddam's I'll Have Another, whom he guided to victories in the 2012 GII Robert Lewis Stakes, GI Santa Anita Derby, GI Kentucky Derby, and GI Preakness Stakes. “That was one of the happiest times of my life. I was very new to the United States circuit and to be able to go to Kentucky and get my first Kentucky Derby win was very amazing for me,” Gutierrez said. Four years later, Gutierrez, Reddam, and trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill would team for a second Kentucky Derby victory with an undefeated Nyquist, who prepped for the first jewel of the Triple Crown with a 3 1/4-length win in the Florida Derby with Gutierrez aboard. Gutierrez readily recalls Nyquist's Florida Derby score that prepared the son of Uncle Mo for his 1 1/2-length victory in the Kentucky Derby. “It was a very good course. He was undefeated at the time. We wanted to see how he stacked up against the best of the best at the time,” Gutierrez said. “We came for the victory and from there we went on to win the Kentucky Derby. Again, it was a part of my life I'll be forever grateful for.” The post Gutierrez Getting Reacquainted with Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

the tote win pool on the open class pace at cambridge last night was $4500 and of course they had no place pool. the thing about turnovers is hrnz can cherry pick whatever they like from them, to sell the narrative they want to sell. like the auckalnd cup meeting. They no doubt can say turnover was up,because they had 2 more races. And lets not forget they are comparing turnovers,to nz turnovers in 2024. since the geo blocking,turnovers have to have gone up because punters can't bet with overseas agents. You have to remember hrnz was receiving a % from each $ those overseas betting providers turned over from their nz customer base.So geo blocking will allow hrnz to say,turnovers are up but hrnz aren't also saying how much income has been reduced from the overseas betting providers.they should if they wanted to provide context. the whole turnover/profit generated thing sounds complicated but it could easily be simplified. turnovers are obviously a very important indication of punter participation,but of just as,if not of greater importance are the revenue generated(profit) from each race and each race meeting. like what the fella cmn refers to on the other channel. Like we've said before,ff betting can be good turnover wise,but at the same time bad income(profit) wise and vice versa.It all depends how well the bookies did with their ff on each race. to accurately gauge the importance of each sector,region and grade of racing, hrnz should be providing profit loss data in relation to the aforementioned. Also they should factor in dates structure so as to not unfairly use data to paint an unfair picture. they don't. They deliberately cherry pick,crow from the roof tops if they have any story that fits their narrative of how they prioritise industry funding,then they are silent when the facts don't. only when hrnz are transparent,which they cleary aren't,only then can people accurately gauge the importance of each sector,region,grade of horse,track type, to the overall industry. Hrnz are prioritising the loss making parts of the industry over the profit making parts,whether it be regions or grade of horses. And everyone knows that makes no sense and must undermine the future abilty of the industry to pay reasonable stakemoney,effectively undermining the overall future viabilty of the industry.

Owner Steve De'Lemos paid a tearful tribute to Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) winner Live In The Dream, who died this week. He and his wife Jolene were with the sprinter as his life ended at Donnington Grove Equine Vets Newbury.View the full article

For those punters that want accurate info to assist with their punting, we often do not get it! You look at the weather report online for the Nelson area and it is saying it is fine for many days. And yet if you go to HRNZ web site, it is going to be raining?? This happens quite often with them, so do they know something that the weather forecasters don’t? I appreciate that weather can change but better putting nothing than putting that it is going to rain when it isnt? Or are they putting this up to mislead punters??

A Florida senator pre-filed Thoroughbred decoupling legislation Friday that contains similar language to a bill that got introduced pre-session in that state's House of Representatives 17 days ago. This latest move was expected, according to a Jan. 9 post by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) on the X social media platform. “The FTBOA built Florida's protective framework. A Senate companion is how these bills move, and we are prepared,” said Lonny Powell, the FTBOA's chief executive officer, in the X post. Like HB 881 from Rep. Adam Anderson Dec. 23, SB 1564 authored by Sen. Nick DiCeglie Jan. 9 would allow Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs to be able to cease live racing while retaining their gaming rights, provided they give notice of such suspension as of July 1, 2027. After that notice, there would be a stipulation that racing would be required to continue for at least three years before either Gulfstream or Tampa could pull the plug entirely on the sport. The Senate version contained differences from the House version related to the possible transference of racing permits inside and outside of counties and also to requirements for referendums. Strikethroughs and legalese, though, made key differences in the two provisions difficult to parse. “Regardless of the confounding provisions, this is decoupling,” Powell's quote on X continued. “Alongside our fellow horsemen, breeders, owners, trainers, and industry partners, we have defeated every decoupling attempt,” Powell said. “HB 881 and SB 1564 are the latest threats. They will not be the last. And like every threat before, we will oppose them,” Powell said. The House goes into session Monday, Jan 12, with the Senate following the next day. The post New Florida Decoupling Bill in Senate Joins Similar Filing in House appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Programming by many of the Clubs in NZ is very poor! Nelson deserves what it gets with having these mile races on the second day of their meetings nowadays! Lunacy that they think that mile standing starts on that track is going tonentice punters to wager! Miss away slightly and you might as well pull the horse up? Unfortunately we have got people with very limited business sense continuing to make decisions that are not in the best interests of harness racing! For those that are punting in those miles, all the best as there will be some upsets over that distance you would think?

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk The country’s leading driver Blair Orange looks to have a stack of each way chances on the second day of Nelson’s Summer at The Trots meeting at Richmond Park on Sunday. The now eight-time premiership winner has eight drives on the 11-race card that starts just before noon. He rates course specialist Nellie Doyle among his best chances on the day. She’ll line up in the Mike Austin Memorial Handicap (Race 8, 3.41pm), a heat of the Trevor Craddock Seddon Trotting Series, after making it three from three on the course on the opening day on Friday for trainer Tim Trathen. “She’s in the zone and Tim has got her bang on,” says Orange, “she did the most work and started off the handicap (20m) and was very strong to the line.” “She was a maiden this time last year and she hasn’t stopped winning yet.” Nellie Doyle will go back to 30 metres on Sunday against a field that also incudes another impressive first day winner in One Over Da Line, one of four winners for John Dunn on Friday. One Over Da Line, Nellie Doyle and the Bob Butt-trained pair of Ready Set Jet and Roydon Muscle are all at $4. In the day’s feature pace, the Nelson Classic Orange will again drive the Hayden and Amanda Cullen-trained Harrison John who was a brave second to It’s Tough in Friday’s Nelson Cup. It’s Tough will front up again while the race has been further strengthened by the inclusion of Harrison John’s stablemate Hadron Collider and Central Otago Cup winner Pinseeker. “He couldn’t have gone much better, he was parked the last 1000 and went down by a whisker,” Orange said of Harrison John. “It’s not going to be easy and I’m happy to be on the one I am.” Pinseeker opened a $2.80 favourite with Harrison John and It’s Tough at $3.50. Orange opens his day with Ridge in Race 2, the Nelson OTB Handicap Trot (12.22pm). He broke badly on the first day and was never a factor. On Sunday, as a one race winner, he’ll start off 30 metres. “If he trots he is a genuine chance, it looks a winnable race for him.” Other bright prospects include Now Watch Me in Race 3, the Brown and Associates Pace (12.48pm). On debut the Regan Todd-trained four-year-old was slowish away but boomed home late into second. “He was very green, the penny has not dropped with him and when he gets the hang of it he will win some races,” says Orange. “Interesting over a mile stand, he was away awkwardly yesterday but if he can get away with them he’s a chance.” One of his rivals will be Hawk Touie Louie, who started a hot favourite for trainer-driver Bob Butt on Friday but broke repeatedly and finished last. Butt later reported the gelding had cast a shoe during the race. And in Race 6, the Star Hotel/R and J Batteries Mobile Pace Orange will drive another in-form Cullen-trained runner in Princess Renee. She was second behind Captain Tyron on the opening day. “She was beaten by a smart colt the first day and from barrier one over a mile she’ll get her chance for sure.” To see the Nelson fields click here View the full article