Jump to content
Bit Of A Yarn

Trotting Chat


2,984 topics in this forum

    • 5 replies
    • 766 views
    • 9 replies
    • 1.3k views
    • 26 replies
    • 1.8k views
    • 9 replies
    • 762 views
    • 44 replies
    • 2.3k views
    • 74 replies
    • 6k views
    • 4 replies
    • 740 views
    • 6 replies
    • 810 views
    • 7 replies
    • 780 views
    • 0 replies
    • 432 views
    • 0 replies
    • 376 views
    • 4 replies
    • 722 views
    • 26 replies
    • 1.8k views
    • 7 replies
    • 991 views
    • 1 reply
    • 427 views
    • 1 reply
    • 555 views
    • 29 replies
    • 3k views
    • 84 replies
    • 4.7k views
    • 32 replies
    • 3.7k views
    • 8 replies
    • 719 views
    • 58 replies
    • 3.2k views
    • 30 replies
    • 1.9k views
    • 11 replies
    • 1.3k views
    • 39 replies
    • 3.2k views
    • 0 replies
    • 402 views

Announcements



  • Posts

    • The 2025 International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) was held in Hong Kong on December 11-12. Themed Performance Medicine in Racing – Developing and Protecting the Jockey, the conference took an applied, evidence-based approach, featuring presentations and panel discussions with leading experts in the field. “This conference represents one of the most important conversations taking place within the racing industry today,” said Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges, chair of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). “For too long, jockey safety and wellbeing have been discussed with admiration for the resilience of the athlete rather than with the structured, systematic, and scientifically informed approach required of a modern, high-performance sport. “This conference marks another step in changing that and ensuring that our riders receive nothing less than the highest standards of care, the strongest protections available, and the most rigorous pursuit of knowledge that cHontemporary sports science and medicine can offer.” Across the two days, speakers took part in 13 sessions, including Inside the Mind of the Jockey: Performance, Wellbeing and Lessons from the Field; Entrapment Protocols; and Fuelling the Ride: Practical Insights and Evolving Strategies in Jockey Nutrition. The 2025 ICHSWJ was organised by the Jockeys Health and Wellbeing Committee of the IFHA and supported by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). Darragh O'Loughlin, chief executive officer of the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) and chair of the IFHA Jockey Health and Wellbeing Committee, added, “Our theme this year, Performance Medicine in Racing – Developing and Protecting the Jockey, reflects how far the conversation has come. No longer focused solely on injury response, we now look more broadly at what it truly means to support a jockey – before, during and after their time in the saddle. “This conference is built around real-world practice, scientific evidence and shared insight. It brings together doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, lawyers, researchers, regulators, nutritionists, current and former jockeys, and racing professionals from over a dozen countries. We are not just here to talk about jockey health. We are here to build the systems, culture, and knowledge base that can sustain it.” The post International Jockeys Conference Held in Hong Kong appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
    • Hong Kong is the December place to be for world-class horseracing and Sunday's Longines Hong Kong International Races–offering some HK$130 million (£12.5 million/US$16.7 million) across four races–has once again attracted a veritable who's who from a variety of racing jurisdictions. In a real racing rarity, each of the winners from last year's meeting returns to Sha Tin and each has realistic chances to repeat the dose. Indeed, it would be a complete shock if two of the four–Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) and Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress)–fail to deliver in the HK$40-million G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup and HK$28-million G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, respectively. Voyage Bubble (Deep Field) and Giavellotto (Mastercraftsman) are bigger queries, respectively, in what appear to be more wide-open renewals of the HK$36-million G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile and HK$26-million G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase. Romantic Warrior made history in 2024, becoming the first to win Hong Kong's most valuable race three times on the spin when accounting for Liberty Island (Duramente) ahead of a three-race assault in the desert–a victory in the G1 Jebel Hatta and excruciating runner-up efforts in the G1 Saudi Cup and G1 Dubai Turf–which added a cool $4.8 million to his bankroll. After having a screw inserted in a fetlock, he defied a 232-absence to easily defeat Voyage Bubble in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup three weeks ago. “It's pretty remarkable to think what he's trying to achieve; he's just been such a good horse for such a long time, his longevity has been remarkable,” jockey James McDonald said. “He's a funny horse, I've had nothing like it in my life in terms of that I never feel like he's ever going to lose, no matter what. He's just a superb racehorse; he always gives his best, which is most important, he's got a great racing style. It's just a privilege to ride him.” The Japanese challenge is formed by G1 Osaka Hai hero Bellagio Opera (Lord Kanaloa) and Rousham Park (Harbinger), while the Francis Graffard yard sends out G1 Prix Jean Romanet victress Quisisana (Le Havre). Galen (Gleneagles) raids off a cracking second in last month's G2 Bahrain International Trophy for Joseph O'Brien. KYR Shooting For Sweet Sixteen in Sprint Ka Ying Rising meanwhile goes for his 16th straight success and a victory in the Sprint would tie Golden Sixty (Medaglia d'Oro) and put him one win behind the legendary Silent Witness (El Moxie). It all seems a fait accompli, and if the one hole is remotely a concern for the G1 The Everest conqueror, his connections certainly were not letting on. “I think [jockey] Zac [Purton] will be very happy,” said his trainer David Hayes. “It's more important what Zac thinks this time from the barrier because he has to do the job. I will leave it to him. Ka Ying Rising | HKJC “The horse jumps fast and he puts him in a spot, and then hopefully he gets a trouble-free run. You can get blocked in from barrier one. I don't think he will. If he jumps fast, he can have a nice easy run to the home turn.” Japan's Satono Reve, whose sire Lord Kanaloa was a scintillating two-time winner of this race, makes his third trip into Sha Tin, having finished a clear second in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize last April after filling third spot–with Helios Express (Toronado) second–in this event 12 months ago. IJC champion Ryan Moore takes the ride. Khaadem (Dark Angel), winner of the G1 QE II Jubilee Stakes in 2024 and a latest third in the Nov. 1 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, will need to work out a trip from barrier 13 beneath Oisin Murphy. Voyage Bubble Faces Youthful Challenge In Mile Given the presence of the two aforementioned heavyweights, Voyage Bubble somehow manages to fly under the radar, but has carved out a pretty remarkable career of his own, thank you very much. Winner of the BMW Hong Kong Derby at four, he annexed this race last December, then went on to become only the second 'Triple Crown' winner in Hong Kong history with victories in the G1 Stewards' Cup (1600m), G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) and the season-ending G1 Champions and Chater Cup (2400m) during the first half of 2025. He'll drop back to the mile after settling for a pacesetting second to Romantic Warrior in the Jockey Club Cup three weeks ago. “What he did last year really surprised me as I always thought he was a miler,” said Purton. “As he went to 2000m, he seemed to go to another level, and when he went to 2400m, he was a different horse again. He might well be better suited to a mile and a quarter or a mile and a half, but he's a lovely horse to ride; he does anything you want.” Voyage Bubble | HKJC For all his achievements, Voyage Bubble does not carry the '1' saddle towel. The goes to Japan's Soul Rush (Rulership), last year's Mile runner-up who famously–or infamously, if you like–took down the colours of Romantic Warrior in the nine-furlong Dubai Turf. Galaxy Patch (Wandjina) benefitted from a fast-run renewal of the G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile on trials day Nov. 23 and charged home up the fence to score with McDonald in the irons and would love some pace to run at here, while My Wish (Flying Artie) will look to atone for a fourth as the odds-on pop in the same race. Aussie ex-pat trainer Mark Newnham is of the opinion that a three-week turnaround will benefit the 5-year-old. G1 Queen Anne Stakes upsetter Docklands (Massaat) exits a ninth (Soul Rush sixth) in the Nov. 23 G1 Mile Championship and needs to find some improvement, while Beauvatier (Lope de Vega) impressed in a Friday hit-out at Sha Tin and posted a career-best when running out a ready winner of the G2 Challenge Stakes over the straight 1400 metres at Newmarket Oct. 10. He looms one of the meeting's more interesting rough chances. The 3-year-old filly Embroidery (Admire Mars), whose sire upset Beauty Generation in this at odds of 26-1 back in 2019 and was third to Golden Sixty in 2020, drops in trip after narrowly taking the age- and sex-restricted G1 Shuka Sho (2000m) in October. She previously landed the G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) going the metric mile. Euros Look To Continue Vase Domination The thoughts of the connections of some of the six Europeans entered for Sunday's G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase–a race won just three times by locally based gallopers–appeared in some detail in these pages in the Friday TDN, with Giavellotto returning to Hong Kong in arguably better form than last year, when given a lovely ride from Oisin Murphy. While Hong Kong stayers won't be troubling the judge in all likelihood, Urban Chic (Suave Richard) would not be a giant surprise. Winner of the 2024 G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) over 3000 metres, the chestnut ran on nicely to be fifth, beaten under two lengths in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) by Masquerade Ball (Duramente). The latter did his part to flatter the form of that event when just losing the bob to Calandagan (Gleneagles) in the G1 Japan Cup a couple of weekends ago. Urban Chic carries the same Silk Racing colours as two-time Vase hero Glory Vase (Deep Impact). Giavellotto | HKJC The post All Four Defending Champs Return For HKIR appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
    • A breeding right to Newsells Park Stud stallion Without Parole, the sire of this year's National Stakes winner Zavateri, features among five lots added to the catalogue for the Arqana December Online Sale, which takes place between the hours of 3pm and 5pm (local time) on Tuesday, December 16. In addition to the first 15 lots announced on Wednesday, buyers will also have the opportunity to purchase a breeding right to European champion juvenile and Classic winner Native Trail, who has been represented by his first foals at the sales this year. A similar offering is available for the multiple Group 1-winning sprinter Bradsell, who embarked on his first season at the National Stud in 2025. Completing the now-20-strong list of entries is a 1/60th share in Prince Gibraltar, along with a 1/100th share in Armor. The catalogue is available to view here. The post Breeding Right to Without Parole Added to Arqana December Online Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
    • The annual Treo Eile Christmas Show was held at the Emerald Equestrian Centre near Enfield on Thursday, with Team Randox, captained by multiple champion jockey Paul Townend, lifting the Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) perpetual trophy as the winners of this year's Treo Eile Thoroughbred Classic Cup. The feature class on the night, the HRI Treo Eile Thoroughbred Classic is designed to showcase the very best of Ireland's retrained racehorses. Teams of four took part in a timed competition, followed by a jump-off to decide the winners. The tense conclusion saw Team Randox narrowly defeat Gavin Cromwell Racing, captained by Gold Cup-winning jockey Mark Walsh, with the former Flat jockey Kevin Manning leading Leopardstown Racecourse to a third-place finish. Colin Keane, Jack Kennedy and Robbie Power were among the other star names to take part, along with equine heroes such as Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo, multiple Grade 1-winning hurdler Supasundae and Champion Bumper scorer Briar Hill. Elsehwere, Olympian Sam Watson hosted the 'Connolly's RED MILLS Training your Thoroughbred' clinic. Watson was joined by Evita Thomsen and Grace Day, who both have had a successful year eventing their thoroughbreds. Supporting the evening were industry leaders such as Godolphin, the Aga Khan, Coolmore, the IEBF and Foal Levy Fund. HRI were title sponsors, while Weatherbys Ireland GSB Ltd, the Aga Khan Studs and Horse Sport Ireland all sponsored individual classes earlier in the day. John Osborne, director of Welfare at Horse Racing Ireland, said, “2025 has been another great year for Treo Eile. Andrea Ryan has joined the team and the wide industry support gives great confidence for the future. The growth of the thoroughbred classes across the summer months and the number of Irish participants is the obvious fruit of the work of Anne, Melanie and the wider Treo Eile community. “The Christmas Show is now a calendar highlight and we thank everybody for their help in making it such a success in such a short period. The horses remain the focus and we have so many great stories to tell.” Andrea Ryan, CEO of Treo Eile, added, “The Treo Eile Christmas Show is the perfect showcase of the talent, temperament and adaptability of the thoroughbred. It's wonderful to see the Treo Eile community grow from year to year, as a result of the efforts of Treo Eile supported initiatives. A huge thank you to our hugely dedicated show committee, all of our volunteers, riders, those who provide horses and to all our generous sponsors.” The post Paul Townend Stars at Treo Eile Christmas Show appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
    • 4th-GP, $70k, Msw, 2yo, 7f, post time: 1:47 p.m. ET Jackson Hole (Nyquist), a $1.3-million Keeneland September yearling, debuts for WinStar Farm, CHC Inc. and First Go Racing and trainer Todd Pletcher. He was produced by the winning Broman homebred Spa Treatment (Bernardini), a daughter of SW & GISP Silver Knockers (Silver Deputy). The Nyquist x Bernardini cross is also responsible for GISWs Gretzky the Great, Immersive and Nysos. Jackson Hole has drawn widest of all in post seven with John Velazquez aboard. He is the 7-5 morning-line favorite. TJCIS PPs The post Saturday’s Insights: $1.3m Keeneland September Grad Jackson Hole Debuts at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...