Wandering Eyes

By Jordyn Bublitz Rack’em Up will look to make it two on the bounce when he lines up again today at Manawatu Raceway. The four-year-old son of Betting Line is trained and co-owned by Canterbury horseman Andrew Drake alongside partner Brianna Thomas, and he comes into the assignment off a determined victory earlier in the week. Despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 11 on day one, Rack’em Up proved too tough when driven by Andre Poutama. Forced to work early, Poutama pressed forward around runners to find the lead and once in front the gelding refused to yield, sticking on strongly to score by half a length. The win was the gelding’s third from 13 career starts. Drake admitted the result exceeded expectations. “We didn’t think that he’d win so many, you always hope that they will, but he’s come a long way for a big lanky giraffe, and he’s done a good job. We can’t complain.” Sending the gelding north proved a practical decision, with Drake believing the longer trips and opportunities available could suit. “It was so hard for him in the ratings down here, and I thought he might like the 2500m trip. When I rang Stephen (Doody) and he said he was happy to take care of him, and Andre was happy to drive, it was a no brainer to send him up!” Drake admitted he wasn’t sure the gelding would be able to overcome the unfavourable draw. “I didn’t expect him to win from the draw, but Andre took it in his own hands and it was a great drive.” The victory also carried extra meaning for Drake, who hails from Palmerston North and knows the circuit well. “Any win on that track is really special, that’s for sure.” Rack’em Up backs up today in the Good Luck Dave Rennie Mobile Pace (6.31pm), this time with a much kinder draw in barrier six and with Peter Ferguson taking the reins. Drake is hopeful the big gelding will cope well with the quick turnaround. “He should handle the back-up good, he handled it well when we took him to Nelson.” “The front row draw helps, but you never know, it’s not a bad field. Four of them in there won last start and they’re all going to be feeling big and brave.” “We’ll just have to see what he can do, and see what Fergie can do!” View the full article

Coming off a fifth-place finish in the Forward Gal Stakes (G3), Mythical looks to get back into the winner's circle in the March 14 Any Limit Stakes at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Last year the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) approved the establishment of maximum statewide ages at which horses can race–10 years old for winners and five years old for maidens. On Wednesday, the CHRB voted unanimously to tweak that rule, raising the max age for maidens to six, with the stipulation that such horses would be receiving “increased scrutiny” from the state's regulatory veterinarians. Prior to the codification of a maximum age for maidens at the state level, California's three currently active tracks had been operating under “house rules” that set the upper limits at either six (Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Los Alamitos Race Course) or five (Santa Anita Park). This max-age agenda item was originally up for a vote back in January, but the issue was tabled when commissioners at that time asked for more data before making their decisions. Based on feedback from the public and the CHRB's informal polling of trainers, the board's staff came back at the Mar. 11 meeting with a revised recommendation of six years old as the upper limit for maidens. Scott Chaney, the CHRB's executive director, said Wednesday that, “The public comments centered on the fact that, mostly, the maiden restriction was limiting opportunities for owners and breeders in California.” But quantifying a precise number of affected horses was difficult. “Inventory and participants are likely to be very insignificant due to increased costs of training a 6-year-old maiden,” Jeff Blea, the CHRB's equine medical director, told board members prior to the 7-0 vote. “However, there will be some who will be afforded this opportunity if you pass this rule change,” Blea said. Blea told the CHRB that, “I did an informal poll of about 10 Thoroughbred trainers, primarily. And all but one was in unanimous support of allowing 6-year-old maidens to race. “The one who was opposed was opposed because he felt it diluted the racing product at Santa Anita,” Blea said. “Moving it from five to six allows and encourages more rest periods without pressure on owners and trainers to keep these horses in training [and] allows this population to continue safely competing in California rather than leaving the state,” Blea said. Yet Blea acknowledged there's very little age-specific safety data that relates to California's maiden horse population. “There's a lack of scientific data looking at age of maidens and how it corresponds to catastrophic musculoskeletal injury,” Blea said. “There's a lot of data based on race, class, dirt, turf. But not very much scientific data to indicate [trends with maidens] where it's five versus six versus seven. In the literature that I provided in your staff report, it indicates that 6-year-old maidens would be safe to race from a musculoskeletal standpoint.” Back when the CHRB last called upon Blea to address this topic, he described the situation like this at the January meeting: “What's the magic number? Is it five, is it six, is it seven for maidens? Is it nine, is it 10, is it 11 for winners? I've had people tell me we should limit older horses to eight years old. I've had people suggest we limit maidens to four years old. It's a number. When you reach a certain age, you can't drive a car. When you reach a certain age, mandatory retirement. Age is not a disease, but at some point in time, we have to set boundaries and parameters,” Blea said. The post CHRB Ups Max Age Limit For Maidens From Five to Six appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CHELTENHAM, UK — Craig Kieswetter has been a top-class sportsman in his own right but the former England and Somerset cricketer was emphatic in his assessment of what mattered most to him after his family's Il Etait Temps (Jukebox Jury) won the BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase. “I'd rather win at Cheltenham than win a World Cup,” said the South African-born Kieswetter, who, with his parents Wayne and Belinda and brother Ross, owns Ridgemont Stud in South Africa's Western Cape as well as Barnane Stud in Ireland. Il Etait Temps, who races for Barnane Stud in partnership with Hollywood Racing, brought up a fifth Grade 1 victory in just two days for Willie Mullins, whose team, after a notably quieter season, is now once again rampaging through Prestbury Park. Already the winner of five Grade 1 races prior to Wednesday – at Aintree, Leopardstown, Punchestown and Sandown – the eight-year-old Il Etait Temps had made three previous appearances at the Cheltenham Festival, including when third in the Arkle Challenge Trophy, but he had made a rare blunder at Ascot in January when falling at the second-last in the Clarence House Chase. “He had probably not the most ideal preparation coming into it but we'll take it,” Kieswetter continued. “He's small but he's mighty, and he's given us a lot of surprises and a lot of joy. We're delighted. “He's not the biggest, as we know, and I think a lot of stuff went in our favour today. The ground was perfect, conditions were perfect, and there were a few errors from a couple of the other horses in the race. We took advantage – nearly didn't – but sometimes there's no remarks in the school column and it's a Grade 1 win for the whole team at Cheltenham.” That Cheltenham success added to a Group 1 win on the level for the Kieswetters with Urban Fox (Foxwedge) in the Pretty Polly Stakes, while they have also enjoyed a Royal Ascot victory courtesy of Candleford (Kingman). He added, “It's great to do it with family and friends and be part of it. This is his fourth attempt at it so it's nice to get over the line. “We've got a massive South African crowd here – a whole group of us – and it's a lot colder than Cape Town, but we are happy to stand in the cold with a result like that.” Paul Townend has been aboard three of Mullins's Grade 1 winners this week, including the Champion Hurdle heroine Lossiemouth, and the trainer was full of praise for his ride on Il Etait Temps, who swept past L'Eau Du Sud (Lord Du Sud) and Quilixios (Maxios) two fences out and won with plenty in hand despite pecking badly on landing over the last. Mullins said, “I thought Paul was very brave on him because he couldn't go the pace they were setting for the first mile. He sat and sat, and coming down the hill we could all see that the further he was going, the better he was going. I nearly had a heart attack at the last fence though, but the horse has come to himself at last.” He added, “It probably took him 24 hours to recover when he came home from Ascot. You have to remember, he was a bit shaken and then he has to get on the ferry, which isn't what you'd do really, but it was what we did, and once he got home he settled into his own routine and he recovered quite quickly. “He was always going to run in this race, but we had to get the old spark back into him. I think Paul said it, he doesn't need the hood anymore, so that was number one, and a few little tweaks at home after that, and we just galloped him a bit differently, a bit like Lossiemouth, and it's worked.” With an embarrassment of equine riches at his disposal, Mullins had also saddled the odds-on favourite for the race, Majborough (Martinborough), whose jumping errors when in pole position saw him fade back through the field to finish seventh. He added, “Majborough was going so well at home, but then when he made that first little error, then the second one. He makes life hard for himself. We will have to wait and see. Hopefully there is a big one in him one day.” Disappointment to Delight for Cobden They say a week is a long time in politics, but sometimes even 40 minutes can be a long time in horseracing. Harry Cobden, down and out after the G1 Turners Novices' Hurdle when favourite No Drama This End failed to fire and was pulled up, was in dreamland in the very next race when making all aboard Kitzbuhel (Cokoriko) in the G1 Brown Advisory Novices' Chase. The chase fences tend to show Cobden at his finest, and his front-running ride was a masterclass in letting a horse find its rhythm and pop away with the minimal of interference. He had a more-than-able partner of course, as the six-year-old Kitzbuhel came to Cheltenham with two wins under his belt this season, including the G1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase on Boxing Day. The only blot on his landscape had been the unseating of Paul Townend when the pair contested the G1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase on Kitzbuhel's most recent previous appearance, and it was that setback which doubtless saw him somewhat overlooked in the market. “I thought No Drama This End was my best chance of the week and I had no luck at all – everywhere I went I got stopped, I was always too far back and could never win from the second hurdle,” said Cobden. “It's funny how 40 minutes changes your life.” He added of Marie Donnelly's Kitzbuhel, “He's braver than I am, this little chap. Thank you to the owners and Willie Mullins for putting me on him. He's a phenomenal horse and I'm delighted to be on board.” Day two started with two 11/1 winners for Mullins. Business as usual, then, bar the starting prices. King Rasko Grey (Galiway), the Goffs Arkle Sale-topper of 2023 at €250,000, took advantage of No Drama This End's lacklustre showing and went toe-to-toe with Act Of Innocence (My Dream Boat) from the turn for home, eventually pulling clear under Paul Townend after the last. Townend came close to making it a quick-fire double when Final Demand (Walk In The Park) chased Kitzbuhel home in the next to give Mullins a one-two in the Brown Advisory. “The price was the most striking thing,” said the trainer after King Rasko Grey's victory for Audrey Turley, whose Galopin Des Champs has been ruled out of attempting a third Gold Cup on Friday and will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. “I couldn't believe it. People were asking me for one under the radar. I never dreamt he'd be anything like that. He was one that I thought had a really good chance. You never have a banker, coming to Cheltenham, but he was one I thought would certainly go close. “It's great for the owners after the disappointment of Galopin Des Champs. Paul's sister Jodie, who is leading lady rider in Ireland, is leading him in as well, so it is a great day for them and for the Turleys.” For all that Willie Mullins dominates the Cheltenham Festival, his success is spread around when it comes to his owners. Tuesday's Champion Hurdle went the way of his longtime supporters Rich and Susannah Ricci, and he claimed his second feature race of the week for the aforementioned Kieswetter family. For the Turley and Donnelly families – both successful on Wednesday – he has also trained the dual Gold Cup winners Galopin Des Champs and Al Boum Photo. Kenny Alexander, owner of Tuesday's Arkle winner Kargese, is a more recent but no less significant addition to the Mullins owners' list. Keane a cross-code Grade 1 winner If Willie Mullins can hop over to Del Mar to snatch a Breeders' Cup, then why not have Breeders' Cup-winning jockey Colin Keane on the podium at Cheltenham? The multiple champion Irish Flat jockey proved that he is just as adept at switching codes by winning the G1 Weatherbys Champion Bumper on his first ride at the Cheltenham Festival. Keane and The Mourne Rambler sprinted almost three lengths clear of a chasing pack led by €710,000 purchase Mets Ta Ceinture (Hunter's Light) in the race run in memory of Cheltenham Festival-winning breeder Sir Johnny Weatherby, who died in December. Colin Keane salutes aboard The Mourne Rambler | Racingfotos Keane, who delivered Noel Meade a first win in the Cheltenham bumper, confided after the race that he had proposed to his long-term girlfriend Kerri Lyons on Sunday and received a positive response. His second major win of the week, then, came at Cheltenham. “It's a very special atmosphere here,” he said. “I've been fortunate enough to have some good days, but this is kind of a bucket-list thing to tick off, to ride here, let alone to ride a winner. “The crowds are a different level to what we're used to. I know Ascot would be busy, but this is some atmosphere here. It was brilliant.” Keane added, “When Noel rang me two weeks ago, it was an easy 'yes' if I could get the [National Hunt] licence sorted.” The Mourne Rambler was the second Grade 1 winner for his sire Well Chosen this week. Now 27, the son of Sadler's Wells stands at Ireland's Kedrah House Stud and was also responsible for Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Old Park Star. It has been a good Cheltenham Festival for descendants of Sadler's Wells so far. His grandsons Camelot and Jukebox Jury – both sons of Montjeu – have been responsible for two winners apiece in Saratoga and Final Orders, and Holloway Queen and Il Etait Temps respectively. Another grandson, Great Pretender, is the sire of Champion Hurdler Lossiemouth as well as Jingko Blue, while yet another, Galiway, sired King Rasko Grey. The post ‘Small and Mighty’: Il Etait Temps Bags Champion Chase Honours appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When Ilkay Kantarmaci's younger brother, Mertkan, announced a hiatus from training in 2024, Ilkay took the reins of a 27-horse stable at Belmont Park, placing him in the leading role of a training career.View the full article

A total of 90 lots have been catalogued for the Tattersalls Online March Sale on March 18-19. The sale is headed by the 13-lot Point-to-Point & National Hunt Bumper Session. There are also 62 horses in- and out-of-training, five two-year-olds, three stores, two broodmares, two yearlings, a 1/50th share of Nando Parrado (lot 89) and a breeding right in Invincible Army (lot 90). Some of the highlights are Bon Bon Fizz (Pour Moi) (lot 10), who won a bumper by 15 lengths at Thurles; Aintree Grand National entry Harry Des Ongrais (Crillon) (lot 16), Who's On First (Time Test) (lot 49), a winner of two of his last three starts; five- and six-furlong winner Trouble Man (Profitable) (lot 43); and the three-time listed-placed hurdler Ottizzini (Sea Moon) (lot 30). Among the broodmares is G2 Scottish Champion Hurdle heroine Anna Bunina (Poet's Voice) (lot 88), who was runner-up in the G1 Annie Power Mares Champion Hurdle. The post National Hunt Prospects Star As Tattersalls Online March Sale Revealed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When the details of Donald Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill” were introduced, there was a welcome surprise for horseplayers as well as all gamblers. It included a provision whereby gamblers could only deduct 90% of their losses from their winnings. For example, if a gambler collected $100,000 in winning bets during a year while also losing $100,000, he or she would have to pay taxes on $10,000, even though no profit was actually made. The new law went into effect on Jan. 1. Unless something changes, when gamblers file their 2026 tax returns next year they will not be allowed to deduct 100% of their losses. Rep. Dina Titus, a Democratic Congresswoman from the gambling mecca of Nevada, sprung to action and introduced the FAIR BET Act, which would restore a gambler's right to deduct 100% of his or her losses from gambling winnings. Titus has called the policy change a “tax increase on Americans who gamble.” She introduced her bill in July, but, despite partisan support, it has yet to pass. In the most recent development, The FAIR BET Act was officially rejected as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by the GOP-controlled House Rules Committee. To get the latest on the FAIR BET Act and insights into whether or not it will eventually pass, the TDN reached out to Titus's office with a list of questions. They were answered by her communications director Dick Cooper. TDN: You introduced the Fair Bet Act on July 7, 2025. Can you please bring us up to speed regarding what has happened to the bill since you introduced it and where things currently stand? DC: Since the bill was introduced, we have garnered 24 bipartisan co-sponsors. Representative Titus recently sent a letter to Ways & Means Chair Jason Smith and Ranking Member Richard Neal urging them to take up a legislative fix to restore the gambling loss deduction to 100% at their next markup. She also filed the FAIR BET Act as a discharge petition, to bypass committee inaction and bring the bill directly to the floor for a vote. While taxpayers will first feel the effects of the 90% gambling loss deduction when they file next year, many, in anticipation of potentially onerous tax liabilities, have already begun stopping or scaling back their gambling activity. This fix needs to get done sooner rather than later, and we have a broad coalition of support. The bill has picked up widespread industry support including: the American Gaming Association, MGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, Wynn, the Nevada Resort Association and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Several outside groups have also expressed their support for the restoration of full deductibility including Americans for Tax Reform, The Tax Foundation, and The American Institute of CPAs. TDN: What now is the best way forward to get the bill passed? DC: The next step is continuing to pursue multiple legislative vehicles–inclusion in a broader tax package, committee action in Ways & Means, or attachment to a must-pass vehicle like appropriations or a CR (Continuing Resolution). There is concern that if you fix this mistake from the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” that will open the floodgates for other members to want to fix other issues they had with the bill which was Trump's landmark piece of legislation. It is for that reason that attaching this provision to a must-pass vehicle remains the most likely option. TDN: Horse racing is a vital industry in Kentucky. Have you received support from your colleagues there? Kentucky Congressman Andy Barr has always been viewed as being very pro-horse racing. Has he weighed in with you regarding your bill? Have any other lawmakers from Kentucky offered their support? DC: Yes, Congresswoman Titus and Congressman Barr are both cosponsors of each other's bills. Representative Morgan McGarvey (D-KY) is also a cosponsor of both bills. TDN: How frustrating is it to you that have been working on this for about six months and your bill still seems to be hanging in limbo? Do you still remain confident that you will eventually find a way to get the FAIR BET Act passed? DC: Of course, it can be frustrating when something that has broad bipartisan support doesn't move as quickly as we would like. Legislative timing, however, is often driven by process and available vehicles, not the merits of the policy. The Congresswoman remains confident that this will ultimately get fixed. The goal is to ensure it is resolved before taxpayers begin feeling the full impact when they file. TDN: The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has come out in support of your bill. But has that been enough? Could the horse racing industry be doing more to help your cause? DC: The racing industry has been a strong partner on this issue. The most important thing is education and engagement. Reach out to your members of Congress and explain how this issue affects you personally. Emphasize that this is about fair taxation, not special treatment. Lawmakers respond when they hear directly from constituents that a policy has real-world consequences. Continued engagement from industry stakeholders and bettors themselves is important because lawmakers respond when they hear directly from the people affected. TDN: We have been told by many serious horseplayers that they will be forced to stop betting on the sport if they can no longer deduct 100% of their losses. This could be catastrophic for horse racing. Do you believe the industry is fully cognizant of what this could mean for its overall health? DC: That is a very real concern. It unfairly burdens professional gamblers and casual players alike and will inevitably drive players toward offshore and unregulated markets where consumer protections are nonexistent, thereby undermining responsible gaming efforts nationwide. Recently, the Congresswoman spoke with one of the most accomplished and respected players in the history of professional poker, Erik Seidel, who explained how this tax change will put him in semi-retirement. Conversations like that reinforce why this matters for players and the broader gaming ecosystem. TDN: To all horseplayers, this obviously seems extremely unfair. What do you hear from the elected officials on the other side of the issue regarding their support of these new tax/gambling rules? What, possibly, could be their justification for supporting what seems to be nothing more than an unfair tax on gamblers? DC: In many cases, the issue stems from misunderstanding the policy. Some assume this only affects professional gamblers, but in reality, it impacts casual bettors and everyday players as well. Others are simply just anti-gaming. TDN: When it comes to racing, as well as other forms of gambling, could this force bettors to start doing business with unregulated offshore betting sites. DC: That is certainly a risk. If legal, regulated wagering becomes tax-disadvantaged, bettors will look for alternatives in unregulated offshore markets. That would undermine consumer protections and divert activity away from regulated U.S. operators and jobs. The post The Latest on the FAIR BET Act: A Q & A With Congressional Aide Dick Cooper appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Among this week's rulings, trainer Angel Sanchez-Pinero has been banned a combined four years and fined a combined $50,000 for two out-of-competition positive tests involving banned substances. Sanchez-Pinero is already serving a combined 10-year ban for a series of medication violations stemming from 2024 onwards. That cumulative ban started on July 24 last year. This additional four-year ban begins Nov. 25, 2035. On Apr. 24 last year, HIWU personnel took out-of-competition hair samples from Miss Hard to Get and Surprise Boss when they were stabled at Westampton Farm in Westampton Township, New Jersey. Subsequent testing detected the presence of Clenbuterol, a banned substance, in the hair sample taken from Miss Hard to Get, and the presence of Albuterol, a banned bronchodilator, in the hair sample taken from Surprise Boss. Though classed a banned substance, Albuterol is permitted only if given as an inhaled bronchodilator, and only if prescribed by a licensed veterinarian in the context of a valid veterinarian-patient-client relationship, according to HISA rules. Similarly, clenbuterol is classified by HISA as a banned substance, but it is permitted for use for a maximum 30 days (within a six-month period) if accompanied with a valid veterinary prescription. Following administration, the horse in question is placed on the vets' list and unable to work or race until it tests clear. According to both written final decisions, these penalties were meted out by HIWU after Sanchez-Pinero had failed to respond to necessary procedural notifications for more than six months, leaving him in “default” in these two latest cases. Elsewhere this week, New Mexico and Texas based veterinarian Dr. Jason Scott has been banned 18-months and fined a total $30,000 (which includes $5,000 in arbitration costs) for possession of banned substances. His suspension began on Feb. 13 last year. Three HIWU investigators searched Scott's truck at Sunland Park on Feb. 13 last year and found two bottles of Pitcher Plant Extract (otherwise known as Sarapin) and two bottles of Adenosine Monophosphate (also known as AMP). Both are prohibited substances under HISA. Last July, Scott filed a federal lawsuit against both HISA and HIWU with a legal question that had yet to be litigated: What happens at a mixed meet where both Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses race, and a veterinarian who is a HISA “covered person” is found in possession of medications that are prohibited for use in Thoroughbreds, but the vet claims those substances were solely intended for Quarter Horses, whose regulation is outside of HISA's jurisdiction? Indeed, in response to HIWU's official alleged violation notice, Scott wrote that he had not administered either substance to a “covered horse,” and that he possessed these drugs to treat “non-covered” Quarter Horses. At the arbitration hearing, Scott further elaborated by stating how he “gave Pitcher Plant and AMP to non-Covered Horses as part of a pre-race routine that involved giving Pitcher Plant two days before a race, and AMP one day before a race, as a prophylactic measure to prevent tying up,” according to the final ruling. In Hugh Hackney's (the arbitrator) case analysis, he also finds that Scott “followed the standard practices of the veterinarians in New Mexico at that time, and it was unclear, at best, if the [New Mexico Racing Commission] was following the rules set out for enforcement at HIWU. In fact, the commissioner of the NMRC was somewhat confused about what was covered before the investigation of Dr. Scott's truck.” As part of HIWU's argument, they found several inconsistencies in the billing records he filed pre-hearing to explain the use of these drugs in Quarter Horses in his care, including 47 horses who appeared to have been administered Sarapin and AMP twice on the same day with no apparent justification. These records also allegedly showed Scott had administered Phenylbutazone 17 times (on different dates and two different invoices) to Quarter Horses on the day before a race in violation of state rules. HIWU asserted that “the billing record did not contain any medical impressions, diagnoses, or treatment records, and Dr. Scott did not provide any additional medical records,” according to the final ruling. Scott blamed these inconsistencies on bookkeeping errors by his administrative staff. “The basic facts are not in dispute, but the basis for the selection of Dr. Scott's van by Investigator Bennett remains questionable,” wrote Hackney, before meting out the penalties to Scott with the qualifier that they are “based on everything previously discussed and presented in this matter.” The final ruling can be read here. Resolved ADMC Violations Dates: 03/10/2026 Licensee: Penny Rone, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Explainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Machico Madeira, who won at Mahoning Valley on 2/1/26. Dates: 03/10/2026 Licensee: Miguel Penaloza, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Maliblue, who won at Parx Racing on 1/14/26. Dates: 03/10/2026 Licensee: Daniel Hernandez, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); the following cases are treated as one violation as under 09/08/23 HISA Guidance. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violations for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a class C controlled substance—in samples taken from Holy Bullet, who finished second at Sunland Park on 1/5/26 and again 1/18/26; and from Lovesunfair, who finished second at Sunland Park on 1/5/26 and sixth at Sunland Park on 1/19/26. Dates: 03/10/2026 Licensee: Daniel Hernandez, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Julia's Promise, who won at Sunland Park on 1/4/26. Dates: 03/09/2026 Licensee: Carlos A. David, trainer Penalty: A written Reprimand; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Caffeine—a class B controlled substance—in a sample taken from One Sweet Girl, who won at Gulfstream Park on 11/23/25. Dates: 03/09/2026 Licensee: Dr. Jason Scott, veterinarian Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on February 13, 2025; a fine of $25,000; payment of $5,000 in arbitration costs. Final decision of arbitral body. Explainer: Possession of Pitcher Plant Extract (Sarapin) and Adenosine Phosphate (AMP)—both banned substances—for an event dated 2/13/25. Dates: 03/05/2026 Licensee: Angel Sanchez-Pinero, trainer Penalty: Combined 4-year period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on November 25, 2035; 60-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Horses, beginning on April 24, 2025; a combined fine of $50,000 for the following two cases. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Out-of-competition medication violations for the presence of Clenbuterol—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Miss Hard to Get on 4/24/25; and for the presence of Albuterol—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Surprise Boss on 4/24/25. Dates: 03/05/2026 Licensee: William E. March, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Protest, who won at Tampa Bay on 1/14/26. Dates: 03/04/2026 Licensee: Craig Lewis, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of internal adjudication panel. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Kikuride, who won at Del Mar on 8/31/25. Pending ADMC Violations 03/10/2026, Joe Toye, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Roll Dem Bones, who finished fifth at Turf Paradise on 2/4/26. 03/10/2026, Arturo Chavez, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Albuterol (Salbutamol)—a banned substance—in a sample taken from She Mysterious on 12/9/25. 03/09/2026, Carla Gaines, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Diclofenac—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Royal Rumor on 2/8/26. 03/09/2026, Manuel Badilla, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Coolwind on 2/4/26. 03/06/2026, Isaiah L. Ortiz, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Ketoprofen—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Riding By on 2/4/26. 03/06/2026, Danny Gargan, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Wine Money on 2/4/26. 03/06/2026, A Ferris Allen III, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone—a class C controlled substance—in a sample taken from Misty Boss, who finished second at Laurel Park on 1/23/25. 03/05/2026, Luis Diaz, trainer: Pending out-of-competition medication violation for the presence of Albuterol (Salbutamol)—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Game to Play on 12/27/25. Crop Violations Mahoning Valley Jason Simpson – violation date March 11; $1,500 fine, ten-day suspension Oaklawn Park Assael Espinoza – violation date March 8; $250 fine, one-day suspension Parx Racing Yedsit Hazlewood – violation date March 9; $500 fine, four-day suspension Sunland Park Keviin Carmona – violation date March 9; $500 fine, three-day suspension Tampa Bay Downs Israel Rodriguez – violation date March 8; $500 fine, two-day suspension Wesley G. Ho – violation date March 7; $500 fine, two-day suspension Turfway Park Orlando Bocachica – violation date March 7; $1,500 fine, nine-day suspension Juan Meza – violation date March 7; $250 fine, one-day suspension Yedsit Hazlewood – violation date March 7; $500 fine, one-day suspension Sammy Barnett – violation date March 7; $76 fine, horse disqualified (Barnett struck his mount 15 times), no other information available Juan Gabriel Lagunes – violation date March 7; $250 fine, one-day suspension. The post National Rulings Mar. 5-11: Sanchez-Pinero Banned Four Years, Vet Scott Banned 18 Months appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse said Nitrogen will make her next start in the $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) April 11 after a third-place finish in the March 7 Azeri Stakes (G2).View the full article

Frank Fletcher went to $1.85-million to secure an Into Mischief colt (hip 416) from the consignment of S B M Training and Sales. “He's by one of the leading sires in our generation,” said Donato Lanni, who signed the ticket on Fletcher's behalf. “Fast horse. Bill Mott is going to get him and Bill really liked him. And so we got a pretty good endorsement. And Frank loves to run at Oaklawn and [he] looks like a dirt horse.” Out of the graded stakes-placed Will Take Charge mare Sweet Diane, the colt worked his furlong in :9 4/5. Bred in Kentucky by River Bend Farm, he is a half-brother to stakes winner Miss Martini (Curlin). Tami Bobo purchased him for just $75,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September last season. The post Fletcher Picks Up Into Mischief Colt For $1.85-Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Champion Nitrogen (Medaglia d'Oro) still has her sights set on her major spring objective, the GI Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park, despite a hiccup last weekend in Hot Springs, the track said via a press release on Wednesday. Dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse said Nitrogen will make her next start in the Apple Blossom Apr. 11 after a third-place finish in Saturday's GII Azeri Stakes. Tabbed as the 1-5 favorite under regular rider Jose Ortiz, the filly was beaten 1 3/4 lengths by Majestic Oops (Majestic Harbor) in the Azeri, that served as the final major local prep for the Apple Blossom. Racing over a sloppy, sealed surface, Nitrogen appeared poised to take command late on the second turn, but she couldn't hold off Majestic Oops in the stretch and was caught late by Regaled (Mohaymen). Nitrogen was North America's champion 3-year-old filly of 2025 and opened her 4-year-old campaign with a victory in the GIII Bayakoa Stakes Feb. 7. “Jose [Ortiz] said he thought she was much more tired this race than the last one, which, really, from a fitness standpoint, it doesn't make sense, right?” Casse said Tuesday afternoon. “We always thought she would need the first one. She's a big filly and the track was a little funny. Maybe she was just tired.” The Apple Blossom is a “Win and You're In” for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff. Nitrogen, in her final start at 3, finished as the runner-up in the race at Del Mar back in November. Casse said he “definitely” has a second Apple Blossom candidate in Nerazurri (Protonico), who has won three of four starts at the meeting, including two stakes. Nerazurri's only loss this season at Oaklawn was a runner-up finish behind her stablemate in the Bayakoa. The post Oaklawn’s Apple Blossom Still The Target For Champion Nitrogen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A filly by Nyquist (hip 372), who stopped the clock for a furlong in :9 3/5, hammered down at an even $2-million to Boyd Racing during Wednesday's OBS March Sale. “She was just an absolute queen the whole week,” said Hannah Jennings, who signed the ticket. “She was super professional. Obviously her stride was fantastic on the track and physically she's everything we could want. Nyquist is one of our favorites. He can get you a really elite horse and Ciaran Dunne sold two Grade I-winning Nyquist fillies out of OBS sales. So hopefully she can be the third.” Consigned by Dunne's Wavertree Stables, Inc., the filly is out of a Lucky Pulpit half-sister to GISW Smooth Like Strait (Midnight Lute). Bred in Kentucky by Cannon Thoroughbreds LLC, she was sold last year at Keeneland as a September yearling for $300,000 to Forest Bloodstock. She is the second seven-figure Nyquist sold by Wavertree Stables this sale joining a colt who brought $1.2-million during Tuesday's opening session. The post Nyquist Filly Brings $2-Million From Boyd Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dual grade 1 winner La Cara and multiple graded stakes winner Quietside have been retired from racing and will begin their next chapters as broodmares.View the full article

Canterbury Park announces that Jesse Sherwood has been named head starter for the 2026 race meet that begins May 23.View the full article

Veteran sprinter Tejano Twist has an opportunity to take another step toward the $2 million mark in career earnings when he faces an expected six other older runners in the $250,000 Whitmore Stakes (G3) March 14 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article