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By Wandering Eyes · Posted
On the heels of winning a preliminary injunction last month in the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platform TwinSpires on Tuesday scored a victory in its overall federal lawsuit against the state of Michigan. On Jan. 6, the lower-court judge in charge of the case issued a summary judgment in favor of TwinSpires, meaning Michigan can't make that ADW partner with a brick-and-mortar racetrack in order to do business in that state. The operator of TwinSpires, Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company (CDT), has been arguing for a year that the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 preempts a Michigan licensing requirement requiring that ADW providers be linked to a licensed racetrack and live race meeting. Judge Hala Y. Jarbou of U.S. District Court in the Western District of Michigan (Southern Division) wrote in the Jan. 6 order that, “the Sixth Circuit's reasoning for affirming the preliminary injunction also warrants granting summary judgment to TwinSpires. Thus, the Court will convert its preliminary injunction into a permanent injunction and enter final judgment in this case.” Jarbou wrote that the defendants in the case, the Michigan Gaming Control Board, its director, and the state attorney general “shall not enforce the Michigan Horse Racing Law (MHRL) licensing requirement–or issue sanctions under the MHRL–against Plaintiff for accepting wagers from individuals in Michigan on races that take place outside Michigan.” TDN reached out to both the plaintiffs and defendants on Wednesday requesting their comments on the judgment. No replies were received prior to deadline for this story. It is possible that the Michigan defendants might appeal the lower court's order to a federal appeals court. Citing precedents, Judge Jarbou wrote in the order that, “Summary judgment is appropriate 'if there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and if the moving party is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.' “Here there are no relevant disputed facts, so the resolution of the motions for summary judgment is dictated by the Sixth Circuit's legal reasoning,” the order stated. “As to TwinSpires's request for a permanent injunction, the factors that the Court must consider essentially overlap with the preliminary injunction factors addressed by the Sixth Circuit,” the order stated. Again quoting from a precedent, Jarbou wrote that TwinSpires “is entitled to a permanent injunction [because] it can establish that it suffered a constitutional violation and will suffer continuing irreparable injury for which there is no adequate remedy at law.” For a more detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to the year-long standoff, click the following link to TDN's reporting from Dec. 17. The post Federal Judge Rules In Favor Of Twinspires In Year-Long Michigan Lawsuit Involving Interstate Horse Racing Act appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
The Racehorse Owners Association has launched a new membership designed for people involved in syndicates and racing clubs as part of the aim to improve engagement and representation across all ownership types.View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
The TDN Writers' Room presented by Keeneland returned this week with its first podcast of 2026, and the guest was John Sikura, the owner of Hill 'n' Dale Farms at Xalapa. Sikura was the Gainesway Guest of the Week. While there were several subjects to discuss with Sikura, the prominent farm owner largely focused his attention on racing in California, its problems and what he sees as the industry's obligation to improve the situations at Santa Anita, Del Mar and Los Alamitos. “We need to fix this today,” he said. While admitting that fixing the problems in California will not be easy because it is the last major racing state that does not receive alternative revenues from casinos, slot machines or HHR machines, he called on the Breeders' Cup to step up and help the sport there. According to Sikura, the Breeders' Cup has set aside $100 million in nominators' awards in what he called a “rainy day” fund. He believes that some of that money should be allocated to improving the purses in California. “I've always been a huge critic of the fact that the Breeders' Cup keeps $100 million of nominators' awards for a rainy day fund,” he said. “My joke was that if you think the flood was bad for the Noah's Ark, well, what about this? In order to have a rainy day fund that needs a hundred million dollars, there will have to be a torrential flood of epic proportions. I might be a loner in the minority so far as my critique goes, but I don't believe the founders of the Breeders' Cup, in their original statement and in their original mission, believed it was necessary to put away $100 million. When you have current crippling issues in our business that are affecting the validity of breeding programs in states and, maybe even the existence of some markets, that money, in my strong opinion, should be put into use to help the Thoroughbred industry. And if there's a cause more important than the survival of California racing, I don't know what it is.” Sikura recalled that it wasn't that long ago that the Breeders' Cup supplemented purses for several stakes races. He called on the organization to revisit that policy. “This is the proposal that I had made to the Breeders' Cup: let's supplement the Grade I races in California and make sure the purses for them are at least $500,000,” he said. “Let's work to restore prestigious races like the Santa Anita Oaks to Grade I status. Let's have a moratorium on downgrading races there for three years. And by doing so for three years, that hopefully would give some time and a spark of enthusiasm to come up with a solution for California. Obviously, it's a legislative one. They need Historical Horse Racing machines. That's a challenge because of Indian gaming. How do we tackle that? You have to boost, you have the supplement, you have to have a bottom underneath you for three years, and that would really give an incentive for somebody to try to work out a solution.” Sikura, not exactly one to mince his words, said that a “rainy day” fund should be unnecessary because the Breeders' Cup should be making money on what is such a prestigious event that takes in millions in betting handle and nominators' awards. In response to Sikura's proposal, the Breeders' Cup offered the following: “Breeders' Cup Limited maintains an endowment generated by strong financial management. As of their last publicly reported fiscal year ending Jan. 31, 2025, the balance was $98.5 million, at least 85% of which is investment income. The endowment is managed by an investment committee, and all decisions regarding the endowment are carefully evaluated and approved by the board of directors.” They added, “As a non-profit whose mission is to conduct the Breeders' Cup World Championships at the highest levels of quality, safety and integrity and to promote the growth of Thoroughbred breeding, racing, and sales through proactive leadership, innovation, and service, Breeders' Cup Limited must exercise prudent fiscal stewardship while thoughtfully leveraging the endowment and related income to enhance the World Championships and advance their mission.” Sikura also discussed his acquisition of 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and his breeding plans for the superstar mare. Another subject he touched on was the promotion of his son, Jes, who was recently named to the position of director of bloodstock at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. The “Fastest Horse of the Week” was Stiglets (Spun to Run). Trained by Phil D'Amato, the sprinter earned a 107 Beyer figure in a Jan. 3 allowance race at Oaklawn Park. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar, which stands the stallion Straight No Chaser. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the PHBA, 1/ST TV and West Point Thoroughbreds, Randy Moss, Bill Finley and Zoe Cadman discussed what made them optimistic about the sport in 2026 and what made them pessimistic. Cadman, who won 311 races during her riding career, gave a moving tribute to the pioneering female jockey Diane Crump, who passed away last week at the age of 77. To watch the TDN Writers' Room podcast click here. To listen to the podcast click here. The post John Sikura Joins the TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
Edited Press Release In a plan to transition for the future, WinStar Farm announced Wednesday that Gerry Duffy will return to become President on Apr. 1, 2026. Elliott Walden will remain CEO until Oct. 1, with Duffy taking over as CEO and President effective Oct. 1. “I have been blessed to work for Kenny Troutt for the last 25 years,” said Elliott Walden. “Under his visionary leadership we've won a Triple Crown, two Kentucky Derbies, three Belmont Stakes, five Breeders' Cups, and four Eclipse Awards. Kenny has tremendous instincts and together we built a team with a wealth of experience. The success we've achieved has been a collaborative effort and I have loved my time supporting Kenny's vision. “Timing is everything with a transition of this magnitude,” Walden added. “Early last year, I told the Troutt family my plans of stepping down. Five years ago, I wrote in my journal my number one pick to become the next CEO of WinStar, and that name was Gerry Duffy. I couldn't be happier that he has accepted the role and I look forward to supporting Gerry, David (Hanley), and the entire team during this transition and into the future.” Regarding the leadership transition and long-term vision for WinStar, Kenny Troutt expressed his gratitude for Walden and the team, as well as his optimism for the years ahead. “I am so grateful for the team at WinStar, and what they have done for my family,” said Troutt. “We have had tremendous success over the years and are just getting started. I hope to have the farm in the family for years to come. I want to thank Elliott for his leadership over the last 25 years and look forward to the next chapter at WinStar.” Recognizing the strong foundation already in place, Duffy shared his excitement about the partnership and his respect for the Troutt family's enduring impact on the industry. “Kenny's vision has always been the driving force at WinStar,” said Duffy. “He calls us to 'Dream Big' and we plan to continue doing just that. I am excited to come back to work with Kenny, Lisa, Preston, the entire Troutt family, and the team at WinStar. It really is the privilege of a lifetime to lead a farm as prestigious as WinStar.” Reflecting on a tenure marked by significant achievements, Walden, who will remain involved with WinStar in a consultative capacity, shared his thoughts on the farm's evolution and the bright path ahead. Elliott Walden with Florent Geroux in the WinStar silks | Sarah Andrew “I am proud of the milestones we've achieved,” Walden said. “The trophies are symbolic of the years of dedication and hard work put forth by the entire WinStar team. I will always be eternally grateful for the relationships we've built, the lives we've changed, and the careers we've helped to launch. Anytime a season ends, there is always an element of uncertainty, however, one thing I am very certain about is WinStar Farm is in great hands. The future couldn't be brighter. As for me, I am excited about the next chapter in my life, and to be able to consult with WinStar into 2027. I am at a career stage where I want to use my skills, knowledge, and experience in a different way, and I look forward to what is next.” The move is the next step to continue supporting Preston Troutt, who has stepped into a larger role at the farm alongside his father, Kenny. The senior leadership team will consist of: Duffy, CEO/President; David Hanley, senior vice president of bloodstock, who will continue to play a key role in bloodstock decisions; Dr. Natanya Nieman, general manager; and Michael Holmes, CFO. Duffy began his career in nomination sales with Darley America. Duffy first joined the WinStar team in 2011 when he spent two years as stallion seasons director. His home country of Ireland beckoned, however, and he was hired by Godolphin as its general manager. A return to Kentucky came in 2018, when Duffy assumed the role of farm manager at Stonerside and Raceland Farms prior to his most recent role as CEO of Modon Equestrian in Abu Dhabi, where he was focused on the development of equestrian lifestyle communities. “What my father, Elliott, and the entire WinStar team have built over the last 25 years is truly remarkable,” said Preston Troutt. “Elliott's leadership has positioned WinStar as one of the premier operations in the industry, and we are deeply grateful for his commitment. As Gerry steps into an expanded leadership role, I have tremendous confidence in what lies ahead. With the team we have in place and the strength of our current roster, WinStar is exceptionally well positioned for the future. I couldn't be more excited about what the next 25 years will bring.” The post WinStar Farm Tabs Gerry Duffy as Next CEO/President, Elliott Walden to Step Down appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
In this series, we will have a look predominantly at American-bred first-time starters in maiden races at Meydan Racecourse, with a specific focus on pedigree and/or performance in a sales ring. The flagship venue for racing in the United Arab Emirates is Meydan, which hosts racing on Fridays through the end of March, with the exception of Super Saturday on Feb. 28 and Dubai World Cup night Mar. 28, 2026. Here are the horses of note for this Friday's program at Meydan: Friday, January 9, 2026 2nd-MEY, AED165,000 ($45k), Maiden, 3yo, 1600m YAMDEEK (Yaupon) is the priciest of the four first-starters from the yard of trainer Ahmad Bin Harmash, having fetched $270,000 at last year's OBS April Sale after changing hands as a weanling and yearling at Keeneland ($75,000 KEENOV, $130,000 KEESEP). The Feb. 21 foal, second in a trial at Jebel Ali last month, is out of an unplaced daughter of MSW & GISP Hot Storm (Stormy Atlantic), whose five winners includes Japanese listed scorer A Shin Gorgeous (Exchange Rate). He will need to work out a trip from gate 13 in a field of 14. New York-bred Honest Desert (Honest Mischief) was a $60,000 acquisition at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic yearling sale in the fall of 2024, but improved nicely over the course of the next six months and raised a bid of $175,000 from Bin Harmash at OBS April (breeze video). The gelding drew outside of his stable companion in 14. Fire d'Oro (Bolt d'Oro), a son of the Grade II-placed juvenily filly Portrait (Tapizar), was a $45,000 KEESEP yearling and matured into a $140,000 OBSAPR juvenile after he worked an eighth of a mile in :10 flat (breeze video). Sam Hitchcott rides from the six hole. The post Desert Doings: Bin Harmash Saddles Four In 3YO Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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