Clear interference to me. Cut under its neck and took the other horse's line. I agree with the adjudicator and the stewards bringing the charge. Should happen more often to put a stop to this shit.

I think others will concur too.

Three of Europe's top 2400-metre gallopers face an 11-strong local challenge in Sunday's G1 Japan Cup, looking to snap an 18-year run of success for Japanese-based horses. While it has become next to impossible for the raiders to walk away with the Tokyo spoils, that was not always the case. In the first 17 renewals, horses from overseas prevailed on no fewer than a dozen occasions, including theretofore unprecedented consecutive winners for Sir Michael Stoute with Singspiel (Ire) and Pilsudski (Ire) in 1996 and 1997, respectively. But since that time, it has been an embarrassment of riches for the home team as the depth in quality of Japanese bloodstock has increased meteorically. Only Falbrav (Ire) in the shortened Japan Cup at Nakayama in 2002 and Alkaased in 2005 have since been able to solve the race for the raiders, while the likes of Deep Impact (Jpn), Epiphaneia (Jpn), Contrail (Jpn), Kitasan Black (Jpn) and the latter's son Equinox (Jpn) have been joined on the local honour roll by top females Gentildonna (Jpn), Vodka (Jpn) and two-time winner Almond Eye (Jpn). It has been an enigmatic version in 2024 of Auguste Rodin (Ire), who becomes the first foreign-based son of Deep Impact to contest a race on the JRA circuit. Never a factor at any point of the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic on seasonal debut, he bounced back to prove best in the G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at the Royal meeting and all seemed well in the world. Unable to match strides up the hill when fifth to Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in the G1 King George & Queen Elizabeth Stakes in July–a performance trainer Aidan O'Brien attributes to underfoot conditions that were easier than the listed good-to-firm–the 4-year-old was just beaten in the dying strides by the in-form Economics (GB) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) in the G1 Irish Champion Stakes Sept. 14. A victory on Sunday would be the cherry on top of a fantastic career. “We always dreamed that Auguste Rodin could finish off his career in Japan–obviously he's by one of the greatest stallions ever, Deep Impact, and his dam (three-time Group 1 winner Rhodendron {Ire}) is by Galileo (Ire), which is one of the greatest stallions ever in our part of the world,” O'Brien said earlier this week. “So, we always dreamed that he could be a horse for the Japan Cup. We know how difficult it is to win and how competitive it is and it's his third year in training and it's his last race. It was a dream that we could win the Japan Cup, we've tried it before, but no horse was as good as this horse.” Goliath was runner-up in the G2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, and his King George was a bit Harbinger-esque, as he came to win it on the bridle at the furlong, pinched a break and had future G1 Prix de l'Arc de Troimphe winner Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) in second and recent GI Breeders' Cup Turf hero Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) back in third. A majority interest was subsequently acquired by American John Stewart's Resolute Racing and he prepped for this with a soft success in the G2 Prix du Conseil in heavy ground at ParisLongchamp Oct. 20. Jockey Christophe Soumillon has his first ride in Japan in five years and is bullish on his chances. “I really think I ride the best horse in the race,” the Belgian said. “So, we're going to do our best on Sunday to realize everybody's dream. The team worked hard to bring him 100% fit and I think his owner wants to realize also something big, so we are all very confident.” Germany won the 1995 Japan Cup with the globetrotting Lando (Ger) and Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) will give it a go this weekend. Victorious in Group 2 company at Cologne in June, the bay filled the runner-up spot for the second straight season in the G1 Bayrisches Zuchtrennen July 28 ahead of an eye-catching defeat of Dubai Honour (GB) (Prince of Dubai {Aus}) in the Sept. 1 G1 Grosser Preis von Baden. His ninth in the Arc is arguably better than it looks, he travels kindly and has a smart turn of foot, and the Fuchu course may just suit him.     The local charge is headed up by the likely favourite Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), whose sire was just beaten in 2005. Last year's G1 Arima Kinen hero was bothered by a stricken horse when making a run in this year's G1 Dubai Turf and he likely did not get through the conditions when sixth to Blow The Horn (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen in June, but whistled home impressively (final 600m in :32.5) to take out the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) over this track Oct. 27. Legendary jockey Yutaka Take looks for a fifth Japan Cup, and first since Kitasan Black in 2016. “I have ridden many excellent horses, and have had joyous moments and frustrating moments,” said Take. “Last year, due to injury, I couldn't ride Do Deuce in the Japan Cup, but this year I'm in all the way. This horse has at most two more starts and I want to ride in such a way that leaves no room for regrets.” Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), a Group 1 winner over 3200 metres, was also inconvenienced by the ground in the Takarazuka Kinen and–particularly when factoring in that he is a stayer–also finished well (:33 flat) in the Tenno Sho to be a close fourth. The extra 400 metres works in his favour here. Cervinia (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}) disappointed in this year's G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas), but bounced back to take the final two legs of the filly Triple Crown, the G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) May 19 and the Oct. 13 G1 Shuka Sho. Fellow Oaks winner Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) did not miss the top three in her first 12 starts, but makes her first start since an eighth to Rebel's Romance in the Sheema Classic. She returned from a similar absence to finish an excellent third behind Equinox here 12 months back. The post Capable European Trio Try To Snap Dubious Streak In Japan Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In honor of the 10th anniversary of Silver Charm's arrival, Old Friends is hosting a special event on Sunday, Dec. 1 so fans can celebrate the day with the 30-year-old who is currently the oldest living Kentucky Derby winner, the retirement home said in a release early Friday. Date: Sunday, December 1, 2024 Time: Noon-2:00 p.m. ET Where: Old Friends, 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, Kentucky Admission: Free Another highlight will be Mike Middleton, who will be onsite to demonstrate the making of Raku Pottery using some of Silver Charm's hair in honor of the retired stallion's anniversary at Old Friends. The post Silver Charm Celebrates 10 years At Old Friends With Dec. 1 Event appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Breed Smart Forum: Matings for Markets will take place on Thursday, Nov. 28 in the sales ring at Park Paddocks during the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) announced on Friday. Beginning at 5 p.m. and sponsored by Streets Bloodstock, the forum will feature panelists Richard Brown, William Haggas, Alice Thurtle, Patrick Diamond, Clive Webb-Carter and will be hosted by Sky Sports Racing's, Vanessa Ryle. Free to attend, the forum will look at matings and discuss key considerations when it comes to selecting a stallion, the importance of trends, data and statistics in that process, physical assessment; and breeding for the racetrack, as well as considering the potential commercial appeal of each horse in the sales ring. The panelists bring together a wealth of knowledge and expertise from statistical based analysis of pedigrees, finding value in stallion selection, considerations when entering into stallion agreements and the influence of trends. This will be followed by a Q&A session for attendees to get involved with. Claire Sheppard, CEO of the TBA said, “We are really pleased to be able to announce our Breed Smart Forum next Thursday at Tattersalls, with an expert panel assembled to discuss the subject of matings. “We are here to support not only our members but all breeders and help their breeding entities thrive and while there are plenty of challenges for the sector, we want to provide platforms such as this for industry professionals, new entrants and enthusiasts alike to exchange knowledge, ideas and importantly ask questions. Thanks must go to Streets Accountants for their support of this event, Tattersalls for providing the venue and all our panellists.” The post TBA Breed Smart Forum: Matings For Markets Set For Nov. 28 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When Amplify Horse Racing was founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2020, our goal was to engage youth with the Thoroughbred industry. As 2024 draws to a close, I reflect with immense pride on how Amplify isn't just engaging youth with the Thoroughbred industry-we have become the national youth arm of the U.S. industry. By the end of the year, Amplify will have directly reached over 28,000 individuals through classroom lessons, events, interactive activations, and conference presentations. We recently wrapped up one of our busiest programming weekends of the year, hosting a “Thoroughbred Discovery Day” in Lexington for 4-H students from eight different states, conducting a multitude of behind-the-scenes industry visits for our 2024 mentee award winners, and capped it off with an end-of-year student networking event that fostered connections with industry professionals and got them thinking about careers in horse racing. And we're not done yet-one more high school career fair and a symposium presentation remain on the calendar. This year Amplify: Hosted student programming in Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, and New York; Welcomed 20 mentees into our mentorship program, helping them forge meaningful paths into the industry; Presented to over 20 student groups, inspiring countless young minds to explore careers in our industry; Was represented at five conferences across five states, delivering impactful presentations at three; Participated in various high school career fairs in Lexington to introduce students to career opportunities in Thoroughbred racing; Launched a mentoring partnership with the Horse Racing Women's Summit; Hosted activations at BreyerFest, United States Pony Clubs Championships, and with the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup, directly connecting youth from around the country with the Thoroughbred industry. None of this would have been possible without the backing of key industry supporters, including Breeders' Cup, Churchill Downs, Godolphin, Keeneland, The Jockey Club, and nonprofit partners like Horse Country and the KEEP Foundation. These organizations have demonstrated a shared commitment to developing the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen. Amplify has positioned itself as the feeder program for our industry's workforce, ownership, and fan base. However, as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we can only continue this vital work with sustained support from industry stakeholders. Looking ahead, Amplify aims to expand its presence to at least 10 states by 2028. To achieve this vision, we've launched the Amplify Impact Campaign to create more localized opportunities for youth to engage with the industry and access valuable resources. Campaign goals include enhancing educational programs through curriculum creation and implementation, the development of a mobile education unit to bring interactive equine educational experiences to communities nationwide, and expanding outreach by facilitating the development of regional chapters and partnerships. Amplify is proud to lead the way in connecting youth to horses by way of the Thoroughbred industry, through education, mentorship, and career pathways. Together, we can ensure a vibrant future for horse racing by investing in the next generation. I invite the entire Thoroughbred industry to join us in this mission to amplify horse racing's impact among youth. Annise Montplaisir Executive Director, Amplify Horse Racing The post Letter To The Editor: Amplify Has Become The National Youth Arm Of The U.S. Industry appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Oaks heroine Qualify (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) was the first mare to breach the €500,000 mark on Friday, when selling for €650,000 to Ballylinch Stud during the first day of the Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale. Consigned by Godolphin, lot 1158 is the dam of two winners, including G3 Jebel Ali Mile scorer Swing Vote (GB) (Shamardal). The extended family features G1 St Leger hero and sire Brian Boru (GB). The Whisperview Trading-bred mare is in foal to champion sire elect Dark Angel (Ire).   The post Ballylinch Stud Pays €650,000 For Oaks Heroine Qualify In Foal To Dark Angel At Goffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Sammy Kilgour got her first New Zealand win as a horse trainer when Loteria finally got things right at Alexandra Park on Friday night. But it might have felt more like her first win as a horse psychiatrist. Kilgour has spent much of her life in Australia but has lived on both sides of the Tasman since meeting her now fiancee Joshua Dickie. The pair trained winners in partnership in Australia but when Loteria overcame the unruly to easily leave maidens in the Classique Landscapers Trot it was Kilgour’s first in just her own right, albeit Dickie might have leant her a hand on the odd occasion. The daughter of Majestic Son has always shown ability but Kilgour says her issue has been her nerves so her trainer decided to make her confront them. “She gets really nervous around other horses so I have been making her spend as much time with other horses as possible,” explains Kilgour. “Her manners issues are all because of that, nothing to do with her attitude. “She actually has a lovely attitude which is why Josh and I love her so much, it was just a matter of getting her confidence up. “So to see her come out and win like that was an unbeatable feeling.” Kilgour works Loteria herself most mornings at Dickie’s father John’s property before heading to her day job alongside Joshua at Stonewall Stud.   “We love it there and they are great people to work with.” Loteria was one of two horses the couple brought back from Victoria with them, the other being a son of Sweet Lou and the Kilgour-owned Miracle Mile winner Baby Bling, who is currently spelling. Loteria struggled with the standing starts when she first started racing in New Zealand so Kilgour is thrilled her main aim for the end of the season, the $100,000 Golden Gait Trot for three-year-olds on December is a mobile mile. But Kilgour and Dickie also have some even more long-term planning to do, as the couple are engaged but with no wedding date in sight. “We have both been so busy and the hardest part is finding time to go look at some venues. But we will get around to it,” she laughs. Kilgour’s first New Zealand training success was one of the highlights of a night that saw Sooner The Better back in the winner’s circle when he led throughout in the hands of Crystal Hackett after dropping a long way back in grade. And Faith In Manchester kept up her fine form with an almost all-the-way win in the main trot as she prepares for the new $100,000 Group 1 trot the Queen Of Diamonds in three weeks. While she has won three of her last four starts she will still be off the front in the new trot on December 13 so therefore very hard to beat.   View the full article

France Galop and the American Racing Channel (ARC) have extended their partnership through 2027, the companies announced on Friday. ARC sponsors the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, which will carry prize-money of €380,000. On that same card, all of the remaining races will carry the ARC name, as well as the names of the South American Racing or Breeding Authorities. The partnership began in 2011, and allows French racegoers to wager on races in Latin America. These races are broadcast live on Equidia. Guillaume de Saint-Seine, president of France Galop, added, “We are absolutely delighted with the continuation of the partnership between L'ARC and France Galop. The renewal of this commitment illustrates the quality of the strong relationship between our two organisations. Every summer, this sponsorship agreement is highlighted during a race day at the Deauville meeting. What's more, the taking of bets in France on Latin American races allows us to expand the range of products available to racing enthusiasts, while ensuring an additional return that benefits all those involved in racing.” The post France Galop And American Racing Channel Extend Partnership For Three More Years appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article