Hockey

Widely regarded as one of the most gifted and entertaining auctioneers in the business, John O'Kelly brought the curtain down on his time on the rostrum at Tattersalls during the Sceptre Sessions on Tuesday evening.  And what a way to do it. O'Kelly brought the hammer down at 4.5 million gns to MV Magnier on Donnacha O'Brien's multiple Group 1 winner Porta Fortuna. It was a moment in time for the throngs of people packed into the auditorium as, for many in attendance, they had grown up listening to O'Kelly's dulcet tones – often spoken in many different languages. If the standing that he was held in was ever in doubt, the warm round of applause followed by a standing ovation shortly after Porta Fortuna left the building speaks volumes as to what the loyal cohort of buyers and general bloodstock nuts felt about O'Kelly's departure. Speaking ahead of that momentous night, O'Kelly commented, “I am stepping down from the rostrum at Tattersalls, I am not retiring as an auctioneer. There will hopefully be opportunities that present themselves and we will go forward from there. “I have always told my kids to find out what they want to do in life and then find someone who is prepared to pay you to do it. I have had a job that is not a job, it's a way of life. You get up every morning with a smile on your face. You are selling horses and you're selling dreams. It really is dream stuff. The sales ring here at Tattersalls is magnificent.” He added, “I started here in December 1993. I worked at Goffs from 1980 until 1990 and then between 1990 and 1993 I was freelance. It was in 1993 when Tattersalls asked me to come on board. I have been associated with the company so long that it's very easy to say, 'oh, poor me, I'm not selling here anymore, I'll go elsewhere.' But really, it's a good firm. But it's a tough one having to stop auctioneering. They've asked me to stay on to inspect yearlings and be an ambassador.” It is Tattersalls policy that auctioneers do not continue beyond their 65th year. By that metric, the company's chairman Edmond Mahony, will also bid adieu to the rostrum this week. However, while O'Kelly will officially be retired from the auctioneering at Tattersalls from Wednesday, he revealed that he will continue to be an auctioneer at BBAG, in South Africa and perhaps elsewhere.  “I'm maturing like an old wine! People become presidents of countries much older than 65 but I can understand why theispolicy is in place at Tattersalls. But listen, it was discussed. I put my argument forward but ultimately it was the board's call. I'd love to carry on, as I'm doing with a heavy heart, but I fully appreciate their policy and I wish them the best in the world. I'll still miss it. “All good things come to an end. Edmond and I work tremendously well together. What the guy has done for this company is just incredible. He's a great man to encourage people to just get out there and do it. Edmond has always placed trust in his people. I tip my hat to him, what a great job he has done. I wish him well in his retirement also. But look, I have had a wonderful time here and I have no regrets. Yes, I am sorry that it's coming to an end. Would I like to continue? Absolutely. But hey, that's life. “I live in Belgium and I'll still be an auctioneer at BBAG and I'll do South Africa as well. The rest is sort of up in the air. But, do you know what,” O'Kelly says before clearing his throat, “quite honestly, I have just been trying to get through this week. I want to give it my all, finish on a high, and then I can sit back and think. I have a decent filly to sell tonight – I hope I don't mess it up as it's a nice parting gift.” O'Kelly handled the selling of four-time Group 1 winner Porta Fortuna as only someone as professional and assured as he could.  Shortly after the applause had died down, he thanked those in attendance at Park Paddocks by saying, “I have enjoyed every minute of it. But can I just say that your support and participation has made this all such fun and a pleasure. The memories we have are phenomenal. Thank you all so much indeed. Have a very good Christmas Day. O'Kelly, out.” The post “All Good Things Come To An End” – O’Kelly Retires From The Rostrum At Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

James McDonald has won the Longines World's Best Jockey title for the second consecutive year and third time overall. The New Zealand-born, Australian-based jockey also won the Longines World's Best Jockey Award in 2022. The awarding of the Longines World's Best Jockey title is based upon performances in the 100 highest-rated Group and Grade 1 races as established for the year by the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings Committee. The scoring incorporates races from December 1 of the previous year until November 30 of the current year. Jockeys accrue 12 points for a win, 6 points for placing second and 4 points for placing third. McDonald held a sizeable lead throughout much of the 2025 competition, partnering the winner of no fewer than 12 of the 100 qualifying races, including the Longines Hong Kong Cup (Romantic Warrior), the Longines Hong Kong Mile (Voyage Bubble) and the Ladbrokes Cox Plate (Via Sistina). He finished with a total of 184 points, ahead of Mickael Barzalona with 132 points and William Buick with 114 points. Ryan Moore was the inaugural recipient of the Longines World's Best Jockey Award in 2014. He also claimed the title in 2016, 2021 and 2023, with his four triumphs being matched by Frankie Dettori, who was successful in 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Completing the list of winners is Hugh Bowman, who topped the table in 2017. A ceremony will be held during the gala dinner of the Longines Hong Kong International Races on Friday, December 12 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre to honour McDonald. The full and final standings for the 2025 Longines World's Best Jockey competition can be found at www.ifhaonline.org. The post James McDonald Named Longines World’s Best Jockey for Third Time in Four Years appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Brett Crawford continued his strong start to life in Hong Kong with his first Happy Valley double, while Caspar Fownes shot up to second in the trainers’ championship with a brace of his own on Wednesday evening. Ninja Derby was Crawford’s first winner in Hong Kong on a day where he secured a double at Sha Tin in September and he struck again for the South African trainer in the Class Five Tai Lam Chung Handicap (1,800m). There was never a moment's worry for his backers, with Lyle Hewitson...View the full article

James McDonald has won the Longines World's Best Jockey title for the second consecutive year and third time in the last four years.View the full article

Sports betting is flying, I presume most of the new customers are sports bettors Look forward to this In addition to transforming live race coverage, the new GPS-RTK system will deliver comprehensive post-race sectional and timing data, offering racing lovers unprecedented insight into race performance. This will soon be available through trackside.co.nz and other platforms as a powerful tool for form analysis and to enhance the overall racing experience.     Stay tuned over the summer months for the debut of Upon The Land We Stand, hosted by Kylie Bax. Kylie is travelling the length of New Zealand to uncover the stories, spirit, and people that make our racing community so special Someone was complaining elsewhere about Michael Guerin interviewing Zac Purton and its relevance to NZ racing, and that they should be grassroot NZ racing people.  Well, there is your answer