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By Wandering Eyes · Posted
The British Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed on Wednesday that remote betting on British horseracing will be exempt from tax rises and remain at 15%. The British horseracing industry welcomed the news. The British Horseracing Authority said in a statement, “It is welcome that the Chancellor has today rightly recognised the vital importance of racing as a cultural, social and economic asset and acted to help secure the sport's long-term future. “The Chancellor's positive decision recognises the potential damage to our sport, and the jobs supported by it, if the Government followed through on its proposal to “harmonise” remote gambling taxes and place horserace betting at the same rate as online casino betting. “While the BHA led the sport's response to the Treasury's consultation, it was an all-of-sport effort to come together in a way which demonstrated the strength and solidarity of racing when collaborating with a shared purpose. We are grateful that the Treasury and No10 have listened to racing, speaking as one, and acted to protect the future of racing. “We also note the increases in other gambling duties for the betting industry a result of the Budget, given the Government's need to raise more money from general taxation. The relationship between racing and betting remains as important as ever and we will be working with our partners in the betting industry to understand the impact of this on British racing. “The BHA will now analyse the Budget documents in greater detail to establish whether there are any other potential issues that may impact racing. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to champion our sport and ensure that British racing can support its agenda for growth moving forward.” BHA acting chief executive Brant Dunshea said, “Today's welcome outcome demonstrates that the Chancellor has listened to our concerns and rightly recognised that racing is a unique national asset – culturally, socially and economically – and we welcome this support. “Betting on racing is an integral part of the enjoyment of our sport, and maintaining the rate of horserace betting duties is an important step by the Government to help preserve revenue streams and protect the 85,000 jobs supported by the racing across the country. “Racing has been part of the British way of life for hundreds of years. It binds our communities together in shared experience, it brings joy to millions. It puts the country on the world stage. It is right that the Government has understood this and acted accordingly. “At the same time, we recognise that the increase in general taxation on the betting industry may have trickle-down effects on racing. We will work with our partners in the betting industry to understand the implications of this, and how we can work together to ensure that British horseracing continues to thrive.” BHA chair Lord Charles Allen said, “I would like to commend the Chancellor and the Government for listening to the concerns of British racing and offering their clear support for our sport. “I would like to thank everyone who has played their part across the sport, standing as one to communicate our message. “Following the clarity offered today by Government, we look forward to working with ministers and their officials, and the betting industry, to explore how we can continue to grow and promote British racing to a wider audience. “The Government has rightly recognised that we are not only a vital part of the fabric of the British way of life, but we are also a global leader and one of the country's most important soft power levers. We want to maintain Britain's place on the world stage.” Racecourse Association (RCA) chief executive David Armstrong said, “The RCA welcomes the decision taken by the Chancellor in today's Budget to exempt remote betting on British horseracing from planned tax rises. “All stakeholders within our sport were united on the damage that would have been caused should a tax increase be levied. For racecourses, we are pleased that the vital socio-economic importance of these venues to communities across Great Britain have been acknowledged. “While the horseracing exemption is welcome, our sport still faces significant challenges which will need to be addressed. We are working closely with the British Horseracing Authority and other stakeholders to understand the wider implications of other areas of the Budget and the impact these could have on both our sport and racecourses.” Arena Racing Company (ARC) chief executive Martin Cruddace said, “We have been clear throughout that harmonisation of tax rates of British racing and other betting and gaming products would gravely impact our industry. As a sport and industry, we continue to offer a real contribution to this country, supporting communities and culture. “I am so glad that the Government has recognised that fact and helped put our sport on a path to growth. “We would like to acknowledge the strong support that we have received across Parliament, particularly from a number of MPs around our racecourse communities, especially Sally Jameson, the MP for Doncaster and Jack Rankin the MP for Windsor.” National Trainers Federation (NTF) chief executive Paul Johnson said, “The Government's decision to leave racing's remote betting tax rate unchanged is one that we view with considerable relief. On behalf of British racehorse trainers, I welcome the Treasury recognising the economic damage that an increase would have inflicted on the industry and responding to avoid such an outcome. “That said, we must accept that more will be needed for the industry to turn around the decline that we are in at present, with the sport continuing to be financially disadvantaged relative to other jurisdictions. Today's budget sees us live to fight another day, but the sport has work to do, alongside Government, if we are to create a more prosperous future. “I would like to thank trainers for their considerable input into the sport's coordinated lobbying efforts over recent months. It is critical that participant voices continue to be heard in shaping policy at a sport and government level.” Jockey Club chief executive Jim Mullen said, “We commend both the Government for recognising the unique cultural and economic contribution our sport makes to communities up and down the country, and the BHA for their leadership in uniting our industry to address this important issue. “Today's budget will have wide-reaching impacts and our focus will now be on understanding those impacts on our business as we plan for 2026.” The post British Horseracing Welcomes Decision Not To Raise Betting Tax appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
HISA Seeks to Suspend Top New York Trainer Rodriguez Related to Alleged Violations of ‘Cruelty’ Rule
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
Citing a series of alleged rule violations related to “cruelty, mistreatment, neglect or abuse” of Thoroughbreds, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has served Rudy Rodriguez with a “notice of violation and show cause” that could result in a potential provisional suspension and perhaps more serious penalties for the 53-year-old former jockey who has consistently ranked near the top of the New York trainer standings for the past 15 years. The HISA notice, which was served upon Rodriguez Nov. 21, 2025, and made public on Nov. 26, stated that “since Nov. 22, 2024, you have been the Responsible Person for at least 15 Covered Horses that have been placed on the Veterinarians' List. Based on entries to the HISA Portal, none of these horses have had a lameness evaluation or diagnostic work performed since being placed on the Veterinarians' List. “Moreover, you have been the Responsible Person of at least four Covered Horses that have suffered catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries since Dec. 13, 2024,” the notice stated in a footnote. “Taken together, the Authority has reasonable grounds to believe that your actions or inactions present an imminent danger to the health, safety, or welfare of Covered Horses and Riders arising from specific violations of the Authority's Racetrack safety or accreditation rules,” the notice stated. The HISA charges represent only one side of this story. Phone and text messages left for Rodriguez on Wednesday seeking comment did not yield a reply from the trainer prior to publication of this article. Rodriguez, according to the notice, had three business days after being charged by HISA to respond in writing to the allegations, including “the presentation of mitigating or opposing facts and evidence” and to request a provisional hearing. It was not known at the deadline for this story if Rodriguez had submitted that documentation. The Authority also wanted Rodriguez to “establish that the Covered Horses identified in the statement of factual basis have received, or are receiving, the necessary veterinary care.” (The names and last known conditions of those horses are published below). Rodriguez is alleged to have violated HISA Rule 2215(a), which states: “No Covered Person acting alone or in concert with another person shall compromise the welfare of a Covered Horse for competitive or commercial reasons or subject or permit any Covered Horse under their control, custody or supervision to be subjected to or incur the following: (1) any form of cruelty, mistreatment, neglect, or abuse; (2) abandonment, injury, maiming, or killing (except for euthanasia for humane reasons and in a manner consistent with the current version of the American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines for the Euthanasia of Animals); (3) administration of any noxious substance; or (4) deprivation of necessary care, sustenance, shelter, or veterinary care.” The notice of violation explained that, “One of the reasons behind HISA's Veterinarians' List rules is to provide a safety net for horses flagged by regulatory veterinarians in the course of their duties who require further veterinary evaluation. Such evaluation is meant to be provided by the trainer's attending veterinarian as outlined in [rules] 2242(b) and (d). As demonstrated [in the notice of violation], such evaluations were not always performed.” Rodriguez could be facing additional penalization as his case plays out. Beyond the potential provisional suspension, the Nov. 21 notice of violation stated that, “If it is agreed or determined that one or more Rule 2215(a) violations have occurred, HISA may, in addition to the provisional suspension, seek to impose one or more of the sanctions outlined in Rule 8200 as deemed appropriate by HISA in keeping with the seriousness of the violation and the facts of the case, and that is consistent with the safety, welfare, and integrity of Covered Horses, Covered Persons, and Covered Horseraces.” The notice of violation listed 16 specific horses trained by Rodriguez that were part of the alleged pattern of rule violations. They are: 1) Judge Rules: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound from Nov. 22, 2024, through Dec. 30, 2024, and again from Jan. 17, 2025, through Mar. 17, 2025. There were no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Judge Rules during the periods of time the horse was on the Veterinarians' List. As of the date of this Notice, Judge Rules has not competed in a race since Apr. 27, 2025.” 2) Jemography: “Was the subject of a void claim on Mar. 24, 2024, and, as a result, was placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound. Jemography failed a Veterinarians' List workout for unsoundness on Apr. 29, 2024, and again on Aug. 2, 2024. On Dec. 13, 2024, roughly four months after the last failed workout, Jemography died during or following the eighth race at Aqueduct. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Jemography for 2024.” 3) Secret Rules: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound on Dec. 14, 2024. Secret Rules failed a Veterinarians' List workout for unsoundness on Jan. 11, 2025. The Regulatory Veterinarian required diagnostic imaging following the failed workout. Eight days after failing the workout, Secret Rules died during or following a workout at Belmont Racetrack. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Secret Rules since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Dec. 14, 2024.” 4) Mama's Dream: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as injured on Dec. 27, 2024. Mama's Dream has not competed in a race since May 27, 2024. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Mama's Dream since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Dec. 27, 2024.” 5) Jerry's Out: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound on Jan. 17, 2025. On July 12, 2025, Jerry's House was the subject of a void claim and, as a result, was placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound. Jerry's House failed a Veterinarians' List workout (unsound) on Sept. 4, 2025, and last raced on July 12, 2025. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Jerry's Out since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Jan. 17, 2025, until the horse was transferred out of the care of Mr. Rodriguez on or about July 12, 2025.” 6) King Freud: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound on Feb. 22, 2025. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for King Freud from the time the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Feb. 22, 2025 until at least the time the horse was transferred to another trainer's care on July 26, 2025.” 7) Letter Perfect: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on Feb. 8, 2025, with a requirement for a neurological examination. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Letter Perfect since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Feb. 8, 2025. Additionally, the neurological examination requirement remains unmet.” 8) Frankie Hiccups: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound following the ninth race at Aqueduct on Feb. 28, 2025, where Frankie Hiccups has remained since that time. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Frankie Hiccups since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Feb. 28, 2025.” 9) McDiesel: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound on May 25, 2025, where McDiesel remained until Oct. 27, 2025. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for McDiesel since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on May 25, 2025.” 10) Spooky Lady: “Suffered an injury during a workout on June 1, 2025, and was subsequently placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound. Six days later, Spooky Lady was found dead in her stall.” 11) Shesalittle Edgy: “Was the subject of a void claim on June 27, 2025, and, as a result, was placed on the Veterinarians' List as unsound (second time in a year). On Aug. 20, 2025, Shesalittle Edgy failed a Veterinarians' List workout as unsound and the Regulatory Veterinarian required radiograph diagnostics as a condition of Shesalittle Edgy being removed from the Veterinarians' List. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Shesalittle Edgy since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on June 27, 2025.” 12) Rudy Up: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on June 29, 2025, as unsound. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Rudy Up since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on June 29, 2025.” 13) Political Spin: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on July 16, 2025, as physically distressed. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Political Spin since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on July 16, 2025.” 14) Mr. Mendelssohn: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on July 24, 2025, as unsound. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Mr. Mendelssohn since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on July 24, 2025.” 15) Funny Joke: “Placed on the Veterinarians' List on Aug. 3, 2025, as unsound. There are no diagnostic or lameness evaluations recorded in the HISA Portal for Funny Joke since the horse was placed on the Veterinarians' List on Aug. 3, 2025.” 16) Heavyweight Champs: “Died during or immediately following the seventh race at Aqueduct on Nov. 14, 2025. Heavyweight Champs suffered a catastrophic injury during the running of the race and in his fall brought down the #3 horse, Tarpaulin, seriously injuring Tarpaulin's jockey, Dylan Davis.” The post HISA Seeks to Suspend Top New York Trainer Rodriguez Related to Alleged Violations of ‘Cruelty’ Rule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article -
Field sizes ( all tied up with programming and dates) is something that you and a couple of other enlightened sorts have been trying to get attention on, with little interest from management. As has been pointed out many times, the exodus to Aus isn't totally stakes driven. The Chief has made reference himself about the lack of opportunity for sprinting fillies, for one, hence the need to send those types over the ditch. There are heaps of other examples. The revitalizing of racedays from the viewpoint of young people is important fot sure, as well as stable open days and other initiatives to get a different demographic involved. But the industry as a whole has to be sustainable and it hasnt been without top- ups from other than betting revenue. I've held stable open days ( in a modest way) as have Kezia Murphy and Anna Furlong more recently, and all very well received. But getting tracks renovated properly and in a timely fashion is vital to getting back some punter confidence. No good taking pot shots at me, Chief, smarter people than me have been trying for years - decades- to get some traction, to no avail. -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
The Japan Cup is held on turf at a distance of 2,400 meters, or about 1 1/2 miles. It boasts a purse comparable to the Breeders' Cup Classic, with about 1.09 billion yen equaling about $7.2 million.View the full article -
By Wandering Eyes · Posted
Hugh Bowman and Vincent Ho Chak-yiu claimed the final two slots in the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) on December 10 with a trio of winners between them on a dramatic night at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Bowman needed a winner to leapfrog Luke Ferraris and he almost took the initiative straight away when Flow Water Flow missed by a nose behind Somelovefromabove in section one of the Class Four Glenfinnan Viaduct Handicap (1,200m). Remarkably, Bowman then missed again by a nose...View the full article
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