Gallops

A federal judge in New Mexico has dismissed a first amended complaint stemming from a lawsuit initiated one year ago in which the New Mexico Horsemen's Association (NMHA) sued SunRay Park, Albuquerque Downs and Ruidoso Downs for injunctive relief and damages over alleged violations of the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA). “In sum, NMHA fails to state plausible claims for relief under the IHA's consent provisions,” stated the Mar. 5 opinion and order out of the United States District Court for New Mexico. “NMHA has not established itself as the relevant horsemen's group as defined by [federal statute] §3002(12),” the opinion stated. “Further, the [complaint] contains no allegations that any of the Racetracks accepted an illegal interstate off-track wager. To the extent the IHA may permit civil actions for violations of the regular contractual [process] NMHA does not allege any facts establishing that it engaged in such a process with the Racetracks, much less an abandonment of that process. Accordingly, the Court grants the Racetracks' request to dismiss NMHA's enforcement claims.” The opinion stated the sequence of events that led to the lawsuit. “In early 2024, NMHA sent draft consent agreements to the Racetracks in an effort to negotiate NMHA's role in the 2024 race season. The Racetracks declined to execute those contracts and continue in their refusal to deal with NMHA. Despite this ongoing dispute, and lacking an agreement with NMHA, Ruidoso Downs conducted its 2024 race meet and simulcasted races for off-track wagering outside the state. “The Racetracks took further action against NMHA in the wake of the contract dispute. SunRay and Ruidoso Downs banned NMHA's board of directors from their facilities. Albuquerque Downs began refusing NMHA directors stalls for their race horses. Albuquerque Downs and Ruidoso Downs also started requiring racehorse trainers who participate in race meets to enter agreements appointing the tracks' own horsemen's groups as their representatives in the requisite off-track wagering process. The agreements state that the local horsemen's groups are responsible for negotiating horseracing contracts with Albuquerque Downs and Ruidoso Downs. If trainers refuse to sign, they are excluded from racing or obtaining stalls for their horses,” the opinion stated. “The fallout spurred the present litigation. NMHA first sued SunRay and sought a temporary restraining order, which the Court denied. SunRay responded with its own counterclaims and sought equitable relief and damages. Ruidoso Downs and Albuquerque Downs intervened, and filed their own third-party complaint [and] the Racetracks moved to dismiss,” the opinion stated. The NMHA, in the complaint, had advanced four claims for relief under the IHA: 1) A declaration that the racetracks must have a written agreement with NMHA before consenting to off-track wagering, and if an agreement is not reached, that the racetracks may not simulcast their races or enter simulcast agreements with any entity. 2) An injunction requiring the racetracks to negotiate and enter an agreement with NMHA as required under the IHA, and if no agreement is reached, that the racetracks be enjoined from simulcasting their races. 3) To preclude the racetracks from requiring owners, trainers, or NMHA members and directors to sign contracts compelling the relevant party “to appoint any other group as the horseman's representative as a condition of entering racetrack grounds, using a racetrack stall, or participating in racing.” 4) That the racetracks be enjoined from excluding or banishing NMHA directors, officers, or members from their respective facilities. The judge wrote that, “to plausibly allege that it was the horsemen's group under the IHA, NMHA must state in the [complaint] that it represented the majority of owners and trainers at the Racetracks on particular race days when races were offered for interstate off-track wagering. “NMHA fails to do so,” the opinion continued. “The [complaint's] allegations regarding NMHA's status as the horsemen's group are all framed broadly. “For instance, NMHA states that it has represented horsemen in New Mexico since 1966 and is the largest advocacy group for racehorse owners and trainers in the state,” the judge wrote. “NMHA further alleges that a New Mexico state court recognized it as the largest New Mexico horsemen's group in 2023. These allegations, without more, do not establish that NMHA represented the majority of owners and trainers at any of the Racetracks on any race day; the [complaint] contains no allegations relating to specific races offered for interstate off-track wagering by the Racetracks. “Moreover, the [complaint] alleges that Ruidoso Downs and Albuquerque Downs now condition owners and trainers' participation in their race meets on the execution of contracts appointing local 'stalking-horses' groups as the horsemen's groups for given races. Functionally, these allegations and the related contracts establish the existence of alternative, unanimously appointed horsemen's groups at Ruidoso Downs and Albuquerque Downs for all race days,” the opinion stated. “A unanimously appointed horsemen's group at a track on a particular race day is the horsemen's group under the IHA, not a rival entity with statewide majority representation,” the opinion continued. “NMHA has alleged that it is the latter, not the former. Accordingly, the [complaint's] enforcement claims must be dismissed because NMHA has not established itself as the horsemen's group for purposes of this dispute.” The post Federal Judge Dismisses New Mexico Horsemen’s Association Complaint Against Tracks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I bet you've got a dog box!  

HRNZ are talking it up and they just need to or things will deteriorate further. Anyone with any business acumen are well aware that breeding bonuses are not going to make much of a difference to increasing breeding numbers in the next few years ahead. The amounts offered are not insignificant but really is not worth breeders changing their minds about whether they breed a horse or not! They spent far too long asleep and let the industry drift for too long, and now face a major uphill battle. They needed to continue to have people go on-course rather than watch Trackside as it is too easy. The TAB have stuffed up majorly over the past decade or so with their policies in regard to punter restrictions and the pathetic $1k AML limit! This has deterred heaps of punters that used to enjoy going on course and wagering and has ultimately lowered the amount being wagered . These punters now dont turn up on course as they can not get their desired bets on and also ensures that other associates dont turn up and wager . This needs to be addressed for the good of the industry.  

No living room either.

What Champion’s Day 2025 Where Ellerslie Racecourse – 100 Ascot Ave, Remuera, Auckland 1051, New Zealand When Saturday, March 8 First Race 12:15pm NZDT (10:15am AEDT) Visit Dabble New Zealand racing’s richest raceday, Champion’s Day, awaits punters at Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday with an action-packed 10-race meeting scheduled. The inaugural running of the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) headlines proceedings, but is duly supported by four Group 1 races, including the time-honoured New Zealand Derby (2400m) worth $1.25 million. A perfect day for racing is forecast in Auckland, and with the rail in its true position, and the track likely to be a Good 4 come race one, there will be no excuses for fancied runners throughout the meeting. The opening event of Champions Day 2025 is set to commence at 12:15pm NZDT (10:15am AEDT). Race 1: Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Final (1400m) Vegas Queen was a touch outclassed last time out in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), but as she steps back in grade, the Kenny Rae-trained filly looks well-placed. The Proisir progeny was only beaten a length at this track over 1200m in Group 3 company two starts ago, and with this being her second look at the 1400m, she should be primed to bounce back from her 4.8-length defeat at her most recent run. Barrier seven is offset by her early speed, and if Jasmine Fawcett can find the rail, Vegas Queen will take some catching. Selections: 1 VEGAS QUEEN 11 BOSS ‘N’ HIGHHEELS 7 BONIFLEUR 6 SEXY AND I MOET Race 2: Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m) Eye Candy was only run down in the shadows of the winning post in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m) at New Plymouth after leading the field up. The Darci Brahma filly may have had an excuse, as jockey Lily Sutherland dropped her whip at a crucial point, and she was only beaten by a half length. From barrier seven, Kevin Stott looks set to gain an uncontested lead throughout, and with a well-rated ride, Eye Candy is the one to beat in the 2025 Sunline Vase. Selections: 1 EYE CANDY 4 THIS TIME GIRL 6 SHOCKABELLA 3 SKYMAX Sunline Vase Race 2 – #1 Eye Candy (7) 3yo Filly | T: Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray | J: Kevin Stott (56.5kg) Race 3: Group 3 Kings Plate (1200m) A small but select field has come together for the 2025 Kings Plate, but it is last start Group 1 Railway (1200m) winner Crocetti who gets the verdict. The son of Zacinto managed to stalk Alabama Lass throughout on that occassion when giving the filly 4.5kg, and managed to get the better of that runner in a driving finish late on. That was on rain-affected going, which may not have suited the filly, but with a similar run in transit expected for Crocetti, look for the ‘Wizard of Waz’, Warren Kennedy to have this guy pouncing late. Selections: 1 CROCETTI 5 ALABAMA LASS 3 BABYLON BERLIN 2 SACRED SATONO Next Best Race 3 – #1 Crocetti (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny Walker & Arron Tata | J: Warren Kennedy (58kg) Race 4: Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) La Dorada returns to the Ellerslie 1200m in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes, the same course and trip which saw her salute in the Karaka Millions 2YO two starts ago on January 25. Aided by a perfect on-speed steer on that day, the Super Seth filly put close to two lengths on her rivals in commanding fashion. She has since gone on to win the Group 2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and despite stable companion Return To Conquer being the favourite with PlayUp, La Dorada will give her something to run down. Barring any misfortune from barrier seven, La Dorada will settle on speed and if she offers the same kick she did in the Karaka 2YO, she will prove too hard to run down. Selections: 6 LA DORADA 1 RETURN TO CONQUER 9 LUCY IN THE SKY 2 HE WHO DARES Sistema Stakes Race 4 – #6 La Dorada (7) 2yo Filly | T: Mark Walker & Sam Bergerson | J: Michael McNab (55kg) Race 5: Group 1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) If Legarto is anywhere near her best, then the 2025 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes is hers to lose. She returned from a near 12 month break with a breathtaking win in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1400m) at Matamata when forced to lug 58kg, and unless she encounters traffic issues or something to that degree, this field will simply not get near her. The $1.65 with Bet365 is the wrong price, she should arguably be $1.20. Selections: 1 LEGARTO 2 BELCLARE 5 KONASANA 3 CAMPIONESSA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes Race 5 – #1 Legarto (3) 5yo Mare | T: Ken & Bev Kelso | J: Ryan Elliot (57kg) Race 6: Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m) Hong Kong-bound El Vencedor is chasing a third straight Group 1 win when he lines up in the 2025 New Zealand Stakes, and it is hard to see how his rivals get near him. He disposed of a similar field two runs back in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) by three lengths, and then dropped back in distance to win the WFA Classic (1600m) in similar fashion at this track on February 22. Wiremu Pinn will have this bloke on speed throughout, and if “Big EV” is in the same vein of form on Saturday as he has been in recent weeks, he will win again. Selections: 1 EL VENCEDOR 8 QALI AL FARRASHA 7 ORCHESTRAL 6 LA CRIQUE Best Bet Race 6 – #1 El Vencedor (4) 6yo Gelding | T: Stephen Marsh | J: Wiremu Pinn (59kg) Race 7: Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) There is plenty of value in this year’s Auckland Cup, with the Stephen Marsh-trained Nest Egg representing great value with horse racing betting sites. He put in a perfect Auckland Cup trial in the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) when beaten two lengths behind the classy Wolfgang when running on strongly in potentially inferior ground. For a stayer, the son of Reliable Man has a nice turn of foot, and if George Rooke can find a bum to follow into the race, Nest Egg at $34 seems a great each-way bet. Selections: 8 NEST EGG 11 TAJANIS 4 SON OF SUN 1 INTERPRETATION Best Value Race 7 – #8 Nest Egg (12) 6yo Gelding | T: Stephen Marsh | J: George Rooke (53kg) Race 8: The NZB Kiwi (1500m) The Australian-based horses dominate the top of The NZB Kiwi market with Boombet, and it is the classy Evaporate who is a desrving favourite and looks hard to beat. The three-year-old gelding finished 2.8 lengths off the classy Angel Capital when held up for a major portion of the Caulfield home straight. He then finished 1.8 lengths off genuine WFA stars Mr Brightside, Tom Kitten and I Wish I Win in the Group 1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) after being caught three wide with no cover. Michael Dee will need a touch of luck from barrier 10, but with an economical run in transit, Evaporate should prove too hard to hold out. Selections: 1 EVAPORATE 2 PUBLIC ATTENTION 7 PERFUMIST 4 PENMAN The NZB Kiwi Race 8 – #1 Evaporate (10) 3yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Michael Dee (59kg) Race 9: Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) A field of 16 will battle it out in the 2025 New Zealand Derby, and if Tuxedo continues to improve he looks ideally suited. He was beaten a length in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) two starts back, and then last time out deadset trotted in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) when putting 3.5 lengths on Bourbon Proof. There was a further 4.5 lengths back to third on that day to suggest this son of Tivaci will relish every bit of the 2400m with the right run in transit. He looks to be the one who will run out a strong 2400m, and as long as he isn’t caught wide from the widest barrier, Tuxedo will be thundering home late in the Derby. Selections: 2 TUXEDO 4 WILLYDOIT 1 THEDOCTOROFLOVE 3 BOURBON PROOF New Zealand Derby Race 9 – #2 Tuxedo (16) 3yo Gelding | T: Shaune Ritchie & Colm Murray | J: Joe Doyle (57kg) Race 10: Windsor Park Stud 3YO Trophy (1500m) Te Akau Racing’s Class is as honest as they come and drawn beautifully in barrier three, he looks hard to run down in the closer. The son of Embellish was beaten a half legnth in a tougher race last time out after leading the field up at Te Rapa over 1600m, and the step back to 1500m looks ideal for the natural frontrunner. Blake Shinn will look to pinch a break early in the home straight, and with race fitness on his side, hopefully Class will live up to his name in a bold front-running display. Selections: 2 CLASS 1 TARDELLI 5 PEERLESS 14 SHE’S ALL THAT Saturday quaddie tips for Ellerslie Ellerslie quadrella selections Saturday, March 8 1-4-6-8-11 1-2 1-2-3-4-5 1-2-5-9-10-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article