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J. Keeler Johnson handicaps the Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs.View the full article

I stand corrected on this. I was relying on the head post but when I read the original, I see there is actually a change to the existing rule as well as the addition.

Having already been forced to cancel its live racing program for Saturday, Feb. 7, officials at Laurel Park have called off the card for Sunday, Feb. 8, citing continuing frigid temperatures across the Mid-Atlantic region. Live racing is expected to resume at Laurel on Thursday, Feb. 12, with a first post of 12 p.m. ET. The previously canceled card for Feb. 7 will not be redrawn and will be conducted that afternoon. Sunday's scheduled races will be listed as guaranteed extras on the overnights throughout next week. These races will be run over the weekend with the same number of horses after a redraw, provided they remain intact. Laurel Park and The Maryland Jockey Club OTB network will remain open on Sunday for simulcast. Aqueduct Racetrack is also closed both Feb. 7 and 8 due to the cold weather. The post Laurel Park Cancels Live Racing On Feb. 8 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Roll On Big Joe makes his 2026 debut in the Feb. 8 King Cotton Stakes for older horses at 6 furlongs after completing a stellar 2025 campaign, highlighted by his win in the Ring The Bell Stakes.View the full article

Ricardo Santana, Jr. rode the 800th winner of his career at Oaklawn Park on Thursday, when he guided Will Take It (Tapit) to a hard-fought victory in the $150,000 Fifth Season Stakes. He is the fourth rider in the history of the track to achieve the milestone. Others to cross that threshold are Pat Day (1,264 wins), Larry Snyder and Calvin Borel. The 33-year-old credits trainer Ron Moquett and his fellow jockeys Terry Thompson and Borel with steering him towards the Arkansas track in 2011. “Got lucky, you know?” Santana, Jr. said moments after the Fifth Season. “Moquett, he helped get me here and gave me a lot of opportunities when I started. I have to say thanks to Terry Thompson. There are a lot of people who don't know how much he helped me. Calvin Borel, too. Those are two top riders that I respect.” Having registered his first Oaklawn victory 15 years ago last month, Santana, Jr. made the most of his association with Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen to be the leading local jockey on seven occasions (2013-2018, 2020). He is Oaklawn's career leader in purse earnings ($47.9 million) and ranks second in career stakes wins (65). “I'm really thankful that I've won 800,” Santana said. “Arkansas opened the door for me and made me who I am.” Santana, Jr. enjoyed a long run with agent Ruben Munoz, who brought the jockey to the United States in 2009. New York-based P. J. Campo now books rides for Santana, Jr. Santana, Jr. rode the 2,000th winner of his career in Hot Springs in April 2025. The post Santana, Jr. Celebrates 800 Oaklawn Winners appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

From a small commercial broodmare band, which currently numbers just six mares, Vincent Colbert has had a remarkable amount of success in a short amount of time, breeding Grade I winners Callback and Chocolate Gelato, as well as Grade III winner Shotgun Hottie. The Massachusetts native had success almost right from the start of his breeding operation with the purchase of Quickest (Forest Wildcat) for $40,000 as a 2-year-old at the 2007 Keeneland January sale–three years before her half-brother Super Saver (Maria's Mon) won the GI Kentucky Derby. The bay mare never made it to the races, but she produced Callback (Street Sense). Colbert discussed his 2026 mating plans with Thoroughbred Daily News. QUICKEST (21, Forest Wildcat–Supercharger, by A.P. Indy) Will be bred to First Mission (Street Sense) I picked him because the cross works–Street Sense is Callback's sire–and he's $10,000. The family is cooking with Mob [a first-out 3-year-old winner out of Quickest's daughter Onslaught (Street Sense), Six Speed, and [Callback's son] Page Turner (Jpn) in Japan. She's getting old and this is the last time I will breed her. She will be retired after this. MPEMBA (8, Frosted–Quickest, by Forest Wildcat) Will be bred to Locked (Gun Runner) She is a half to Callback and she is the only female that I still have in the family. She has a 2-year-old by Practical Joke that is selling at OBS this year and shouldn't be missed. She is currently in foal to Domestic Product–physically, I had to go to him. She is going to Locked at Gainesway. I wanted to do a foal share with Gun Runner, but I got shot down with that. Locked, as a freshman sire, $35,000 is a great price point for him. The connections are really good. To me it was a no-brainer for her. ALLIANNA (11, Flat Out–Elusive Royalty, by Elusive Quality) Will be bred to Violence (Medaglia d'Oro) We sold her and then I bought her back privately. I got her back in foal to Maclean's Music and last night she foaled a full-brother to [stakes winner] Coming In Hot. She is going to Violence. It's a good cross, he's a gorgeous horse and I think he's a proven sire for $30,000. He's got Boyd, Forte, Volatile, Mullikin, Obliteration. Why not? FUNDAY SUNDAE (5, Palace Malice–Special Treat, by Candy Ride {Arg}) Will be bred to Maximus Mischief (Into Mischief) She is a half-sister to Chocolate Gelato (Practical Joke). She had a few little issues, so I didn't race her. I bred her to Timberlake last year pretty much just because he was a son of Into Mischief and she's going to Maximus Mischief this year. For $20k at Spendthrift, so now I get invited to the breeders' party in September. GIBBET (11, War Front–Cross, by Mighty) Will be bred to Essential Quality (Tapit) I own her with my cousin Jim Connor. She is currently in foal to Tapit Trice. We picked him last year because he's just a gorgeous horse and my cousin Jim is a lot like Dave Portnoy, he only wants to breed to gray stallions. This year we are going to Essential Quality. He has [Jerome Stakes winner] My World on the Kentucky Derby trail and I think The Puma is running this weekend at Tampa [in the Sam F. Davis Stakes]. He was a dynamite racehorse from a deep family. We got a good price on him from Darley. I enjoy doing business with Darley. I think Kate is great. And they throw me swag. Swag is very important. SHANGHAI TARIFF (11, Shanghai Bobby–Star White, by Naevus) Will be bred to Johannes (Nyquist) She was a fast filly who raced a lot, but her babies haven't done that good for me at the sales. I am sending her to Johannes. Number one because he's by Nyquist and two, the female family, that first dam, Cuyathy (Congrats) is cooking. Every one of her babies has had black-type–well not every one–we might find out on Saturday if the current one will as well. Soaring Angel (Knicks Go) is entered in the Sweet Life Stakes at Santa Anita Saturday. Plus, it was only $10,000. Jacob West purchased Chocolate Gelato as a 2-year-old, so I figured I would throw him a bone and help him get his new career [at Claiborne Farm] off to a good start. The post 2026 Mating Plans: Vincent Colbert appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It would have been understandable had Pierre Gasnier felt daunted by the task at hand when he succeeded Georges Rimaud as manager of the French studs for the Aga Khan family at the start of 2025. But then, so eventful a year did it out turn to be, it was probably for the best that he didn't have much chance to stop and weigh up the enormity of his new role. For a start, this week brought with it the one-year anniversary of the death of His Highness Aga Khan IV, who became one of the most successful owner-breeders of the modern era after taking control of the family's bloodstock interests upon the death of his father, Prince Aly Khan, in 1960. The loss of Aga Khan IV was a hammer blow to all of those who worked for him, as well as instilling in them a determination to continue the methods that had been successful for so many years. “Very badly, as you can imagine,” Gasnier says of how the tight-knit team at the Aga Khan Studs was affected by the death of its leader. “We started the year in bad way, because there are people who have been working at the Aga Khan Studs for so long that, when the news came about the loss of His Highness, they were very much heartbroken. “But we still had to do our job and to look after the horses in the best way possible – the way he would have liked us to do it. We did that and, thankfully, nature played in our favour.” Certainly, events on the racecourse in 2025 could not have worked out much better for the team at the Aga Khan Studs, now operating under the guidance of Aga Khan IV's daughter, Princess Zahra Aga Khan. Daryz (Sea The Stars), winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, and Classic heroine Zarigana (Siyouni), who was successful in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, were among the leading lights in the famous green and red silks, but star billing must go to Calandagan. The son of Gleneagles was recently crowned Longines World's Best Racehorse for 2025, having registered four straight Group 1 victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Champion Stakes and Japan Cup. “The horses went all year from strength to strength, better than we expected. It was amazing, really,” says Gasnier. “If I sum up the emotions around the year that happened, I think the fact that we're a small team, working very closely with Princess Zahra and her family, makes it all the more special and amplifies the emotion. “I will never forget the first time that I met her. She kept telling me that the objective and the goal was to race to breed, which is something that needs to be mentioned because it's very special nowadays. Every foal we produce will be going at one stage to one of our trainers, which means that we know the family extremely well, and it's special because you're going full circle.” Gasnier is indebted to that small team at the Aga Khan Studs for their guidance and support ever since he first joined, having initially served as Rimaud's assistant for two years. “Very well – I think, anyway!” he says of how he's settled into the position held by Rimaud for 25 years before him. “I'm extremely lucky to have the team that I work with. I owe special thanks to Nemone Routh [director and French racing manager], Pat Downes [manager of the Irish studs] and, of course, Princess Zahra. “They worked with His Highness the Prince Aga Khan IV for many, many years, so they know the operation very well and they can teach me and guide me every day. I'm also surrounded by very good people on the farms. All of the advice is very important to me, because I have plenty to learn still, so I'm very lucky that they were there before I came.” Of his two years working with the fountain of challenge that Rimaud must have been, he adds, “It was a short period of time when you think about it, because you could spend a lifetime learning from a man like him. He is a true professional and a very passionate breeder. He's a man of great presence, intelligent, extremely rigorous and liked by everyone. “He taught me to always show respect towards the people and the staff that we work with, as well as to our clients and always to approach the situation with transparency. Also, patience, because breeding takes time. He kept reminding me that if you make sure every step of the way that the process is done well, it will pay off sooner rather than later. I learned plenty, but I could have learned much more.” Gasnier is also very grateful to another institution in racing and bloodstock circles for giving him his grounding at the coalface of the sport, at a time when he wasn't entirely sure that he wanted to devote himself to a career in racing. “I always grew up with horses,” he says of his background. “My parents always used to keep a couple of mares, especially National Hunt, to breed from. My brother, who is younger than me, was also a National Hunt jockey. So, you can imagine that I spent most of my weekends as a child touring the countryside racetracks. “I was following my family, let's say, but I didn't really want to work with horses. I studied Agriculture and Wildlife Protection and, when I was finished studying, I decided I needed to learn English, so I travelled to Ireland in 2010. I arrived in Tipperary and I stayed there for 13 years in Coolmore. That's really when I got the passion and it all made sense. I loved every bit of it. All credit to Mr Magnier and his family. I will be forever thankful to them for their trust.” Explaining how the opportunity to join the team at the Aga Khan Studs came about, he continues, “They were looking four years ago to employ a stud groom at [Haras de] Bonneval and [Haras de] Saint-Crespin to help Mr Rimaud. Obviously, I thought the opportunity was a nice one to consider and we started discussing it. I felt it was something that I shouldn't miss if I wanted to keep learning and building my career in the breeding industry.” Now, a few weeks into his second year as manager of the French studs, Gasnier is understandably optimistic about what the future holds for this most respected of operations, whilst still having to pinch himself to realise that it isn't all a dream. “As a young Frenchman, you're in full admiration of the Aga Khan Studs and the family,” he sums up. “The green and red silks are the most famous on the racetrack for years. It's a symbol of excellence, tradition and, obviously, great success. If you'd told me a long time ago that I would be a part of it, I would never have thought about it. It's a dream come true. “Again, I'm privileged, grateful and deeply thankful to Princess Zahra, her family and all of the team. Going forward, we just have to keep doing what we do. We are in a very good position because our stallion roster is performing at the highest level, led by Siyouni, and we can imagine and hope that we will have more stallions in the next couple of years entering our stallion barn.” He continues, “A special mention must go to Daryz, a son of Sea The Stars who is out of Daryakana, which is a magnificent family. He won the Arc, and he is a horse that is improving and very good-looking. He is a superstar and we really wish for him to continue to do well. We have others that will be coming along, including Rayif, Samangan and some that haven't raced yet but are showing plenty of potential. “Also, our broodmare band is very, very strong, with many young mares in foal to top stallions, so we can be optimistic and still believe that success will keep breeding success.” The post ‘It’s A Dream Come True’ – Pierre Gasnier Still Pinching Himself in Senior Role at the Aga Khan Studs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LEXINGTON, KY–Hagyard Equine Medical Institute observed its Founder's Day on Thursday, Feb. 5, with a formal commemoration of its sesquicentennial. The occasion served as the kickoff to a year-long celebration of 150 years of accomplishments and contributions to the equine veterinary field. Hagyard announced plans to honor the milestone through a series of commemorative initiatives and events slated for the coming year. “At 150 years old, Hagyard is in elite company,” Hagyard's CEO Ken Ford said at Thursday's event. “Enduring for 150 years puts us in the same category as businesses such as John Deere, Wells Fargo and Anheuser-Busch. Less than half a percent of businesses in the U.S. make it through 100 years, so to make it to 150 is a remarkable achievement started by our founders. These milestones just scratch the surface of Hagyard's history and legacy.” Hagyard was founded in 1876 by Dr. Edward Thomas Hagyard, who traveled from Ontario, Canada to Central Kentucky and opened the original Hagyard practice with his two sons on East Short Street in downtown Lexington. In 1951, his grandson, Dr. Charlie Hagyard, partnered with Dr. Arthur Davidson and Dr. William McGee to form Hagyard, Davidson, McGee Associates. Twenty-three years later, they broke ground on the current facility on Iron Works Pike, which now sits on 110 acres. In 2004, the business was reincorporated and formed what is now known as Hagyard Equine Medical Institute. Today, the practice employs 65 veterinarians and over 400 support staff. Dr. Luke Hagyard Fallon, DVM, a fifth-generation representative of the Hagyard family recently profiled in the TDN, spoke to the firm's enduring legacy during Thursday's event. Fallon highlighted his family's multi-generational passion for equine care, noting that a sixth generation, including his son and niece, is currently enrolled in veterinary school. “Our mission is to deliver innovative, state-of-the-art equine veterinary care with a deep commitment to our legacy of integrity, compassion and a broader community,” he said. “This is as true today as it was in February of 1876 and we are dedicated to continuing our legacy of enduring passion and unrivaled expertise for another 150 years.” Fallon said that Hagyard has curated several initiatives to celebrate the milestone throughout the year. Chief among them, the Institute has partnered with the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) to introduce the E.T. Hagyard 1876 Scholarship. The program aims to address the shortage of equine veterinarians by reducing the cost of veterinary school for students pursuing the field. “Approximately one percent of graduating veterinarians choose equine practice and of that one percent, nearly fifty percent leave equine practice after the first five years of being out in the job market,” Fallon noted. Keith Kleine, Director of the AAEP's charitable arm The Foundation for the Horse, added, “The equine veterinary profession is currently facing a critical crossroads. The cost of a four-year veterinary school in the U.S. now ranges from $200,000 to $400,000 over the four-year period. Most graduates enter the field with over $175,000 in debt. The challenges we face are real, but they are not insurmountable.” The goal for the E.T. Hagyard 1876 Scholarship is to raise $1.5 million over the next three years to endow the fund, providing three $25,000 scholarships annually. Hagyard intends to continue supporting the fund with the goal of doubling the endowment every three years. Hagyard also announced plans to host a global continuing education symposium during the Keeneland Fall Meet for the institute's extensive alumni network of former interns, fellows and residents. Additionally, Hagyard revealed that a permanent monument will be erected on the Hagyard campus to serve as a lasting tribute to the 150-year milestone. Lexington mayor Linda Gorton was on hand Thursday to present a proclamation declaring Feb. 5, 2026 as Hagyard Equine Medical Institute Day in Lexington. “What started as a small family operation has grown into one of the finest equine medicine institutes in the world, and it's right here in Lexington,” said Mayor Gorton. “Since day one, Hagyard has continued to raise the bar, not just in Kentucky, but for the entire equine industry worldwide.” The post Hagyard Kicks Off Sesquicentennial, Unveols Year-Long Anniversary Plans appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — The racing programme in the Gulf region is becoming ever busier, with this Saturday's $1m Abu Dhabi Gold Cup the latest valuable contest to be enter the fray, followed by a double bill next weekend of Qatar's Emir's Sword Festival and the blockbuster Saudi Cup meeting. The various horses-in-training sales at Park Paddocks have long been a lure for owners from that part of the world, and the final day of the Tattersalls February Sale proved to be no exception, with the top lot, Space Invasion, going the way of Bahrain's Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa for 230,000gns. The three-year-old colt from the first crop of Space Blues was bred and raced by Steve Parkin's Clipper Logistics and has won his last two starts at Lingfield under the care of trainer Richard Hannon to earn a rating of 88. Agent Alastair Donald, who conducted the bidding on Shaikh Isa's behalf, said that Space Invasion will be trained by Daniel and Claire Kubler, who are in the middle of their first season training in Bahrain. Donald said, “[Shaikh Isa] is very keen to support Daniel and Claire Kubler, who've had a very good start out there. A couple of the horses we bought at the sale in October have looked pretty exciting for them in Lord Montague and Up The Pace. Bahrain is a very progressive racing jurisdiction and has an exciting future, and Sheikh Isa has been very pleased with the start Daniel and Claire have made there. “There's a flight at the end of February so this horse can get straight over there. The advantage with the Kublers is that they still have their horses in Lambourn, so they can keep him going there and then he can run in Bahrain in March, when there's still a couple more Series races that he'd qualify for. “He's a good-looking horse with ideal fast ground conformation. He's shown a good turn of foot, and the horse he stuffed last time [Sovereign Wealth] made 100,000gns yesterday.” He continued, “He's progressive, well rated and if he wins his next race he becomes a very valuable horse. The trainer [Hannon] was underbidder, and it's always encouraging when they want to keep them. Hopefully he's got a bright future. He looks ideal for Bahrain. “That was at the higher end of our valuation, but when there's a standout horse like this, they can sell well. Horses like this don't often turn up at the February Sale.” Another of the four six-figure lots for this mixed auction came in the form of four-year-old New Bay filly Wilhelmina, an 80-rated dual winner for Ballylinch Stud and partners when trained by Kevin Phillipart de Foy. She is off to the paddocks now, having been bought for 125,000gns by breeders Neil Goldie-Scot and Clare Salmon, and will join their five-strong broodmare band at Apedroc Stud in East Sussex. She will make a very smart addition as Wilhelmina is a half-sister to the G1 British Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes winner Poptronic (Nathaniel). She was bought through Arthur Dobell of Oliver St Lawrence Bloodstock. “She is absolutely beautiful, she is a very sweet filly and we love the breeding with Poptronic,” said Salmon. “We saw her yesterday morning, and as she came out of the box I thought I can't keep a straight face as I really want to buy her.” Arthur Dobell, Neil Goldie-Scot and Clare Salmon | Tattersalls The four-time winner and Listed-placed Enfjaar will return to trainer Roger Varian but will race in different colours after being bought from Shadwell for 120,000gns through agent Alex Elliott. The five-year-old son of Lope De Vega, bred by James Wigan, has a rating of 110 and counts the John Smith's Cup at York among his successes. Figures rallied through the second session to put the median and average on par with last year, though the turnover dipped slightly to 3,639,000gns. The clearance rate of 83% was achieved through the sale of 204 horses from 246 offered. At the conclusion of this first sale as managing director of Tattersalls, Matthew Prior said, “The Tattersalls February Sale is undisputedly Europe's premier midwinter sale, and once again we welcomed a typically diverse domestic and international group of buyers to Park Paddocks in Newmarket. While the key metrics fell narrowly short of last year's figures, buyers from more than 20 countries and a turnover in excess of 3,500,000gns represent a positive start to 2026. “We saw the second-highest-priced colt ever sold at this fixture, with Space Invasion realising 230,000gns following an intercontinental bidding duel, while consignments from leading Newmarket-based operations Godolphin and Juddmonte again featured among the highlights of the Tattersalls February Sale. “The sale also featured the Retraining of Racehorses Showcase for the second time, alongside the ever-popular British EBF Stallion Parade, and it was great to welcome such a large crowd to Tattersalls to see former stars of the turf thriving in their second careers. “We now look forward to the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up Sale, which has an outstanding record in recent years, with graduates including Classic and Group 1 winners Native Trail, Cachet, Hotazhell, Vandeek and Believing, as well as exciting Classic prospects Six Speed and Title Role.” The post Space Invasion Tops Tattersalls and Heads to Bahrain appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aga Khan homebred Ezeliya delivered her first foal on Sunday, according to a post from The Aga Khan Studs on X. By Dubawi, the 2024 G1 Oaks heroine foaled a chestnut Justify filly. She will visit Sea The Stars at Gilltown Stud in Ireland later this year. The G3 Salsabil Stakes-winning daughter of group winner and G1 Irish Oaks third Eziyra (Teofilo), Ezeliya is a granddaughter of the stakes-placed Eytarna (Dubai Destination). The extended family of Ezeliya features G1 Gold Cup heroine Estimate (Monsun), who raced for the late Queen Elizabeth II, among many other talented runners. The post Oaks Heroine Ezeliya Welcomes First Foal, A Filly By Justify appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The Retired Racehorse Project (RRP) and Virginia Tech jointly announced today the Thoroughbred Wellness Expo, which will take place Saturday, Feb, 28, at Virginia Tech's Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center in Leesburg, VA. The Thoroughbred Wellness Expo is a day of seminars and live demonstrations with a focus on soundness in the Thoroughbred athlete. Sessions are designed to empower and educate the equestrian to confidently partner with the breed. “We were delighted when the team at the Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center approached us about partnering in an educational event,” said RRP Executive Director Kirsten Green. “Education–making sure people working with Thoroughbreds have the information and resources they need to be successful–has always been fundamental to the work of the RRP and increasing opportunities and access figures prominently in our strategic plan. We're grateful to the staff of the Equine Medical Center for their collaboration and making their world-class facility available to host this event.” The event will include the following sessions: 'From the Track to the Ring': Evaluating orthopedic and soft tissue injuries and corrective procedures and their impact on post-racing life from Dr. Jeff Berk, VMD, MRCVS; 'When Breathing Goes Off Track': Equine upper-airway diseases in ex-racehorses from Dr. Elsa Ludwig, DVM, MS, CVA, PhD, DACVS (LA); 'No Foot, No Horse': Managing and rehabbing Thoroughbred feet, led by Amy Sidwar, APF-I. “Thoroughbreds are incredible athletes that have a lot to offer beyond the racetrack,” said Dr. Michael Erskine, Director, Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center. “By partnering with the Retired Racehorse Project to support rehoming efforts, and sharing best practices for care, we are ensuring that they can transition and thrive into safe, purposeful second careers.” Click here to purchase tickets. The post RRP, Virginia Tech Team Up For Thoroughbred Wellness Expo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nominations for the Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin, will close at 5pm on Friday February 13. Anyone can nominate a friend or colleague for an award and must be completed online at www.itiea.org The nomination process has been simplified for the 2026 awards. In previous years nominators were required to write a detailed profile of their nominee. This year, the nominator will be contacted by a representative of Naas-based Clark People Solutions who will complete the nominee profiles by phone. Sponsored by Godolphin and supported by the Irish Stable Staff Association, Horse Racing Ireland, the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association and the Racing Post, the awards recognise and reward the exceptional skills, experience and dedication of the women and men in the thoroughbred breeding and racing industry and offer €60,000 in prize money across 10 award categories for the winners and their workplace colleagues. In addition to a Newcomer Award and five Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, an Administration Award and an Ancillary Services Award have been introduced for 2026. All winners are then eligible for the Irish Racing Excellence Award, which will be announced at the awards ceremony. The Racecourse Award winner, chosen by the Irish Stable Staff Association, will also be revealed on the awards night. The Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards ceremony will take place in the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge, County Kildare on Tuesday June 2. Sandra Hughes, Godolphin's Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Ambassador, is available to anyone who has questions or needs assistance with nomination queries. The post Nominations For Irish Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards Close Next Week appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aisling Oscar created a little slice of racing history at Southwell on Thursday when winning his eighth successive handicap. While his previous seven wins for his current connections had all come at Newcastle, trainer Adrian Keatley had to look at Southwell for his record-equalling success in the Win £250,000 With BetMGM's Golden Goals Handicap. Bought by Dan Astbury from Ireland for just 3,200 gns, the five-year-old has risen from a mark of just 42 to 71 during his prolific spell. Ridden by Oisin McSweeney, who had been on board for two of his wins, he came home the 3-1 favourite with his nearest rival, Studious, three-quarters of a length behind him. The last horse to win eight handicaps in a row was the Reg Akehurst-trained Ballynakelly between 1995 and 1996. “It's unbelievable, he's a credit to Adrian, his team at home and to Dan who bought him,” McSweeney told Sky Sports Racing. He added, “It's fantastic and it doesn't happen every day of the week. It's just great to be a part of it. It probably didn't go as straightforward as we thought, I didn't really want to come all the way across but I had enough horse underneath me to get us all the way to the line. He loves it and he just seems to be thriving. “That's his eighth win on the bounce and he's fairly versatile, everything doesn't always have to go his way. He's won from being dropped out, he's been on the pace. All credit to the horse, really.” The post Aisling Oscar Equals Long-Standing Record Of Eight Successive Wins appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Did it ever occur to you @Thomass that one of the reasons you might be a mug punter is that you let gossip from trainers influence your assessment of a horse's chance?

Frankie Lor is optimistic talented young stayer Numbers can achieve twin objectives when the gelding contests the HK$4.2 million G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (8 February). Targeting the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) on 1 March and the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on 22 March with the last-start winner, Lor believes the Tivaci gelding is capable of landing his first Group race win in Hong Kong while also advancing Four-Year-Old Classic Series hopes. To carry only 115lb under Derek Leung, Numbers will aim to emulate the feats of Glorious Dragon (2021), Zebrowski (2022) and Nimble Nimbus (2024), who all carried 115lb or less to victory in the Centenary Vase. “He (Numbers) looks okay, everything is good. He trialled well over 1600m at Sha Tin (on 20 January) and his work since has been good,” Lor said as Numbers clocked 59.2s (32.9, 26.3) at Sha Tin on Thursday morning (5 February). “This time, we try to get a Group 3 with him. We have got a light weight, which I hope will help him. We are looking towards the (Hong Kong) Classic Cup and the (BMW Hong Kong) Derby. “But this coming Sunday, we will see how he is running.” Second in the 2025 G1 Queensland Derby (2400m) in Australia, Numbers has raced only twice in Hong Kong, following a good third on debut at Happy Valley over 1800m on 10 December with an impressive all-the-way Class 2 win over 2000m at Sha Tin on 27 December. Rated 90, Numbers is a chance of providing Lor with his third Hong Kong Classic Cup success following the wins of Mission Tycoon in 2019 and Healthy Happy in 2021. Numbers will face six rivals on Sunday – Straight Arron (135lb), Beauty Joy (134lb), last year’s winner Chancheng Glory (132lb), Encountered (126lb), Speed Dragon (126lb) and Ensued (125lb). Changcheng Glory will start from gate five on Sunday under Zac Purton and is in similar form to when he won the 2025 Centenary Vase, according to trainer Francis Lui, who is also represented by Speed Dragon (Lyle Hewitson, gate three). “Changcheng Glory is about the same as he was last year. Group 3 is good for him, and it all depends on the pace of the race. He needs to travel comfortably. He needs to run his own race,” Lui said. “Speed Dragon will be suited by the distance, and he’s been racing well at Happy Valley, but he hasn’t raced at Sha Tin for a long time. I hope he can improve a little bit.” A spectacular last-start winner of the G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley, Speed Dragon will race at Sha Tin for the first time since February last year. Brett Crawford will bid for a second Group 3 this season with veteran galloper Encountered, who won the G3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on 9 November. Karis Teetan will partner Encountered from gate seven. “He’s (Encountered) doing very well, I’ve been very happy with him at home. He looks amazing, so there’s a bit of a turnaround in the weights with a couple of horses that beat him last time, so I think he’ll be better suited to the 1800m at Sha Tin,” Crawford said. “It’s a small field, so I’m expecting a very competitive run. He likes to run at horses, so I think if we give him a chance to do that, it would be good. It’s a small field, so he shouldn’t have too much ground to make up. “He seems to like to race that way, so we won’t change too much.” Preparing to chase Hong Kong racing history at Sha Tin with an 18th consecutive win at Sha Tin on 22 February in the HK$13 million G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m), the world’s premier sprinter Ka Ying Rising continued his smooth preparations at Sha Tin this morning (Friday, 6 February). Ridden by Zac Purton, Ka Ying Rising pleased trainer David Hayes as he clocked 24.0s while dashing over the final 400m on Sha Tin’s dirt course after striding from the 1400m. Ka Ying Rising last start equalled fellow champion sprinter Silent Witness’s feat of racking up 17 consecutive wins by a Hong Kong-trained horse with victory in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on 25 January. The five-year-old, currently rated the joint second-best horse in the world, will have a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday (10 February). Hayes provisionally plans to give Ka Ying Rising two more starts this season – in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 6 April and the HK$24 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on 26 April – before preparing the superstar for a defence of the AU$20 million (approx. HK$108 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) in Sydney in October. Sunday’s (8 February) 11-race fixture at Sha Tin begins at 12.30pm with the Class 5 Fu Tai Handicap (1400m). View the full article

Oh well for experienced horsemen such as yourself who can distinguish a fit line from a plimsoll line then yes For mug punters like moi...who thrive on hearing a trainer tell us "neddy has trained in blinkers and improved out of sight" rather than having to guess, then no Recently the trainers association pleaded with trainers to "dress proper, talk proper and shine a light on the industry with a professional approach' What they said, just like the rest of the racing world

Oh ffs give it a break It wasnt moi who used "corrupt" that was Ralphy And you want 'balanced'? That's Ralphy with a chip on both shoulders "nuance"...I'll give AI that where the sun dont shine...f in robots back at ya

Bootsie's horse Captains Mistress could turn out to be the best yet lol. She roared away by 6 lengths with a stunning 53 second last half mile the other night to win with real Class. She is gunna be a real beauty. the next Big Thing. might even Win the Miracle Mile next month 14th March 😎💰 DON HUGO is going to the Perth Slot race on April 17th , the 1.2 million dollar Nullibor. Luke wants to keep him separate from stable-mate Kingman as much as possible. so unlikely to go to Cambridge again after 4th last year.

All Stars Racing and Chris Ryder AKUTA Craig Whiteoak THE JANITOR Dennis and Mark Dunford WE WALK BY FAITH Harnesslink KINGMAN Montana Park Pty Ltd MERLIN N40 Racing ? DON HUGO OR CAPTAINS KNOCK, SWAYZEE, PINSEEKER, CAPTAINS MISTRESS Rakero Racing RAKERO ROCKET Rampant Pty Ltd ?DON HUGO OR CAPTAINS KNOCK, SWAYZEE, PINSEEKER, CAPTAINS MISTRESS Solid Earth Pty Ltd LEAP TO FAME Stonewall Stud Ltd ALTA METEOR?

Prominent Australian jockey Ethan Brown and home-grown apprentice Nichola Yuen Hang-yiu will join Hong Kong’s elite riding ranks for the end of the season after they were granted short-term licences by the Jockey Club. One of the most sought-after riders in Australia at the moment, 26-year-old Brown will ride in races in the city from April 26 to the season finale at Happy Valley on July 15. Brown has racked up more than 600 wins including 10 at Group One level, forming a strong association with...View the full article

No I thought you were. So you've been abused by him?

You're taking the piss surely?

Based on the provided text, here is a summary and an analysis of the writer's perceived personality, style, and intellect. Summary of the Article The writer criticizes two figures in New Zealand racing (nicknamed "Ralphy" and "Dummy") for their longstanding refusal to give media interviews, despite being fined for it in the past. They accuse them of freeloading off the industry. The writer contrasts this with major professional sports leagues (NRL, AFL, NBA), where refusing media commitments leads to severe penalties. The core argument is that NZ Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) should adopt similar compulsory interview rules to align with the "real sporting world." Analysis of the Writer's Personality Confrontational & Blunt: They do not mince words, using terms like "corrupt," "freeloading," and "sulky bottom lips." Frustrated & Impatient: There's a clear sense of exasperation over a situation that has lasted "over 10 years." Cynical & Disdainful: They view the subjects as having an entitled mindset ("thinking the world owes them a living"). Authoritarian: Believes in strict, enforceable rules to compel compliance, showing little sympathy for the individuals' perspectives. Analysis of the Writer's Style Informal & Colloquial: The style is more akin to a rant or a passionate social media post than formal journalism. It uses nicknames ("Ralphy," "Dummy"), slang ("get in the real world boys"), and fragmented sentences. Provocative: Language is chosen to provoke a reaction and express strong disapproval (e.g., "most corrupt person," "freeloading"). Comparitive: Builds its argument by drawing a direct contrast to the policies of major, successful sports leagues. Repetitive for Emphasis: The phrase "real world" is used three times to hammer home the central point about adopting mainstream standards. Analysis of the Writer's Intellect Practical & Worldly: The argument is grounded in a practical observation of how other major sports organizations operate. The intellect here is applied, not theoretical. Industry-Knowledgeable: They assume reader familiarity with a decade-old scandal and niche figures, suggesting deep involvement in or following of the NZ racing industry. Persuasive in a Direct Manner: While not academic, the writer uses a clear, cause-and-effect structure: Other sports punish this behavior, so should we. The intellect is focused on efficacy and precedent rather than nuance. Lacks Nuance/Emotional Intelligence: The style prioritizes forceful argument over balanced analysis. There is no exploration of why the figures refuse interviews or consideration of potential complexities, which a more detached intellectual analysis might include. Overall Impression: The writer comes across as a seasoned, frustrated insider in the racing industry. Their style is aggressively opinionated, their intellect is practical and precedent-driven, and their primary goal is to effect change by shaming individuals and the governing body into adopting stricter, more conventional policies.

x 1000% But I *Know* that is never going to happen except for the odd meeting.... it can't happen because there is no strategy in play to do that properly! then you have the Directors ( who I admire technically), but they don't know how to set cameras in decent places! as in seeing the arse end of a horse heading into the distance.. I could rave on for a while on that subject!

pardon! ps, I have one simple word for a couple of the cretins! UTU!