Wandering Eyes

There are “active discussions” between representatives of Churchill Downs Inc. and officials in Louisiana to reach some kind of agreement to see the owners of Fair Grounds continue to operate live racing at the track, according to a report Friday in DRF. Earlier this week, CDI's chief executive, Bill Carstanjen, sent a letter to the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC) and to some of the state's high-ranking politicians, warning that the track's inability to operate historic horse racing machines (HHR) at its OTBs put the company in a precarious economic position–so much so, it was planning to surrender its license to operate racing at Fair Grounds. In March, the Louisiana Supreme Court declared a 2021 statute that had legalized historical horse racing machines as unconstitutional without voter approval. CDI subsequently announced a roughly 25% cut to purses at the track on the back of the court's decision. “This ruling places at risk an entire horse racing ecosystem that relies on historical horse racing revenue,” the company wrote in a statement at the time. Prior to the court ruling, CDI operated HHR machines at 13 OTBs in Louisiana. According to DRF, CDI issued a statement Friday morning that Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry was directly involved in the discussions, and that the company was “engaged in active discussions with the Louisiana Racing Commission and the horsemen with the aim of reaching a resolution that is favorable to all of the stakeholders.” Besides Landry's office and CDI, it is understood the discussions also involve the state racing commission and Louisiana's HBPA. Carstanjen's June 9 letter to Landry states the following: “Given the legislature's ease with which it approved legislation that is directly adverse and harmful to the economic interests of Fair Grounds, the opposition by elected officials to engage in meaningful solutions in collaboration with the Fair Grounds, and the forthcoming adjournment of the legislative session, CDI is left with no choice but to request an appearance before the LSRC to begin the next steps for voluntarily surrendering the racing license held by the Fair Grounds.” Carstanjen added that, “It is my understanding that soon after the Louisiana Legislature adjourns on June 12, 2025, an emergency meeting of the LSRC will be conducted. This correspondence is CDI's formal request to appear at the meeting to discuss the timeline and next steps concerning the license” that CDI holds for Fair Grounds.” The post Ongoing Discussions on Future of Fair Grounds Amid HHR Dispute appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As major renovations continue at Belmont Park, NYRA officials express steadfast confidence in the project's completion by fall 2026 at June 13 meeting of the New York State Franchise Oversight Board. View the full article

8th-Churchill Downs, $123,202, Alw, 6-13, (NW1X), 3yo/up, 1 1/2m (off turf), 2:31.72, sy, 14 1/2 lengths. EMERGENCE (c, 3, Uncle Mo–Belle Watling, by Pulpit) closed from well back in his Feb. 1 debut to graduate at first asking over Gulfstream's synthetic track by 3 1/4 lengths. Moved over to the grass two back Mar. 1 at that venue for the Listed Colonel Liam Stakes at a mile, he failed to produce that same kick and finished a flat eighth behind winner Mi Bago (Vekoma), who would just miss hitting the board in Churchill's May 3 GI American Turf Stakes and was recently seen running second June 7 in the off-turf rendition of the Pennine Ridge Stakes at Saratoga. Improving to third last out May 9 going 1 1/16-miles over this course, this mile and a half contest came off the turf as rain moved through the area, but the betting public still liked Emergence to the tune of 8-5 favoritism. Pursuing from midpack over a muddy main track, he inched forward after a mile had gone by in 1:38.21, and was the looming danger as they turned for home. Inhaling Domingo (American Pharoah) and Presider (Connect) passing the five-sixteenths, Emergence rolled away and won by an eye-catching, geared-down 14 1/2 lengths. Domingo won the battle for second by three-quarters of a length and it was a long way back to fourth. The victor is a half-brother to a pair of elite runners, namely War Story (Northern Afleet), MGSW & GISP, $3,271,996 and Land Over Sea (Bellamy Road), GSW & MGISP, $746,500. The latter has gone on to a broodmare career in Japan after changing hands to Shadai Farm in 2017 at the FTKNOV sale for $1.3-million. Land Over Sea now claims GSP-Jpn Satono Epic (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) to her credit in her adoptive home country. Another of Emergence's half-sisters, Diamonds and Rust (Curlin), is the dam of last year's GIII With Anticipation Stakes runner-up Tenacious Leader (Not This Time). Belle Watling's last registered offspring is this winner after her 2023 Gun Runner foal was stillborn. Second dam Polly Adler (Housebuster) most accomplished offspring is MSW Yoursmineours (Belong to Me), who herself went on to produce MSW Whiskey Romeo (Forester) and GSW Shared Property (Scat Daddy). She is also the granddam of SW Alla Breve (Mendelssohn), MSP Send the Boss (Street Boss) and MSP Fraudulent Charge (Will Take Charge). This is the immediate female family of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine Epitome (Summing), dam of multiple group winner Essence of Dubai (Pulpit). Sales history: $475,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-1, $129,984. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Qatar Racing, CHC, Inc. and Trilogy USA; B-Summer Wind Equine LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. Emergence and Vincent Cheminaud score in R8 at @churchilldowns! Another winner for trainer @bradcoxracing. TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/O5cEpjSFvQ — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) June 13, 2025 The post Uncle Mo’s Emergence Puts on a Show over the Slop at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Florida's Gulfstream Park has partnered with BSV Digital to begin using a high-resolution digital starting gate board. Gulfstream is the first pari-mutuel facility in North America to do so. In lieu of the traditional static signage at the starting gate, the digital starting board is capable of real-time graphics and customized content. The new gate will display post positions and race logos, as well as seasonal branding and partner messaging. “Our goal is to blend tradition with technology in a way that enhances the spectacle of racing,” said Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST Racing & Gaming. “The new starting gate board from BSV Digital brings a fresh, modern look to our race presentation while offering a powerful platform for sponsors to reach fans both on-track and through our broadcast channels.” Natalie Vega, Director of Partnerships at BSV Digital, added: “We're thrilled to partner with Gulfstream Park, a track known for its rich history and forward-thinking approach. Our starting gate solution is designed not only to look great but to drive value for venues and their partners.” The post Gulfstream Park Introduces Digital Starting Gate Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Desert Gate (Omaha Beach–Theogony, by Curlin) did not disappoint his backers as the heavy favorite won on debut at sunny Santa Anita on Friday afternoon. Tracking Acknowledgemeplz (Bucchero) up the backstretch, the juvenile went to work around the far turn. The pair separated themselves from the other two entries and matched strides into the lane. However, Desert Gate shifted into high gear and won by over a length. The final running time was :57.35. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: $125,000 '23 KEENOV, $100,000 '24 KEESEP, $260,000 '25 OBSMAR. O-Pegram, Michael E., Watson, Karl and Weitman, Paul; B-Twin Oaks Bloodstock (KY); T-Bob Baffert. DESERT GATE ($2.80) debuts successfully under @JJHernandezS19 in @santaanitapark race 2. The two-year-old by @spendthriftfarm's Omaha Beach is trained by @BobBaffert. Play the next https://t.co/7I3M5l53AE pic.twitter.com/1GqUICnIHG — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 13, 2025 The post Omaha Beach Colt Desert Gate Impregnable On Debut At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The massive-scaled, $455-million rebuild of Belmont Park that is on target to be finished by September 2026 is thus far unaffected by skyrocketing tariffs on steel and aluminum, although New York Racing Association (NYRA) executives told the New York State Franchise Oversight Board (FOB) during a Friday meeting they are being vigilant about monitoring the situation. NYRA and FOB personnel have good reason to be on high alert about concerns over potential cost overruns: On June 4, President Donald Trump doubled United States tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to a whopping 50%. “The steel is being fabricated in the United States,” Rob Surace, NYRA's director of capital projects, said at the June 13 meeting. “We're aware of the tariffs. We are trying to track [materials] as best as we can. It's difficult, because [the materials are] coming from different places. So we're monitoring it, but there's no real concern at this point yet.” But the act of “buying American” is no guarantee costs won't rise. The steep tariffs on imported materials will incentivize others to also buy domestically, and that increased demand will put pressure on a shortening domestic supply, likely forcing U.S. producers to raise prices. NYRA might have timed its most recent procurement of American-sourced steel at an advantageous time. Glen Kozak, NYRA's senior vice president of operations and capital projects, told the FOB that a significant delivery was due to be shipped to Belmont Park even as the subject of its cost was being discussed at the meeting. “There's steel that is coming on site,” Kozak said. “I believe it was supposed to be here [Friday] or early next week to start the steel for the third floor, as well as the fourth floor and fifth floor.” Kozak gave an update on the overall construction of the new facility. “Currently, we've got the MEP's [mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems] going in the ground for the entire facility. The concrete for the first floor, as well as the marshalling yard, is complete. The first-floor deck is done, second-floor deck is complete, and third-floor deck, I believe, is about 45 or 50% [done]. The two stair towers coming up through the western portion of the building for the fourth and fifth floors are currently being poured right now,” Kozak said. “The utility work that can be done in the building for the system–sprinkler, drainage, fireproofing–that's all taking place. The next big phase for us is the actual steel that's coming on site for the superstructure,” Kozak said. “As far as the generator and our HVAC systems, that's all been procured as well,” Kozak added. After that, Kozak said, will be “the site work, which will include the patio and the area to get back into the new paddock and saddling stalls.” Surace added to the overview: “Tishman [the general contractor] has awarded approximately 85% of their primary trades [contracts], with all contracts for the core and shell and interior fit-out being awarded. “The glass for the curtain wall is being fabricated, and assembling is expected to start sometime in July, with first deliveries beginning in Q4 of this year. The metal panels for the ribboned canopy, which is also a very big component, those deliveries are also expected to begin in Q4 of 2025,” Surace said. The post Belmont Project Yet to Be Affected by Recently Doubled Steel Tariffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday, Sandown, post time: 14:40, THE BETMGM SCURRY STAKES-Listed, £45,000, 3yo, 5f 10yT Field: Coto De Caza (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Kullazain (GB) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Marty Hopkirk (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Star Of Mehmas (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Hold A Dream (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}), Pearl Of Wisdom (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Proudly Yours (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Town And Country (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Last year's G3 Cornwallis Stakes winner Coto De Caza returns under a penalty for that effort, which might make it tough against some already battle-hardened sprinters in this filly-dominated renewal. They include Star Of Mehmas, who has speed to burn as she proved when second in York's Listed Westow Stakes last month. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Chantilly, France, post time: 16:05, PRIX DE DIANE LONGINES-G1, €1,000,000, 3yo, f, 10 1/2fT Field: Cankoura (Fr) (Persian King {Ire}), Mandanaba (Fr) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), D'Ores Et Deja (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Shes Perfect (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Merrily (No Nay Never), Rosa Salvaje (Ire) (Maximum Security), Better Together (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), American Gal (GB) (Kameko), Zia Agnese (Fr) (Romanised {Ire}), Sand Gazelle (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Gezora (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}). Sunday, Hanshin, Japan, post time: 15:40, TAKARAZUKA KINEN-G1, ¥570,000,000, 3yo/up, 2200mT Field: Bellagio Opera (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Durezza (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), Rousham Park (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB}), Pradaria (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Chuck Nate (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), Boldog Hos (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}), Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Chevalier Rose (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Yoho Lake (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Libyan Glass (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Sol Oriens (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}), Meisho Tabaru (Jpn) (Gold Ship {Jpn}), Urban Chic (Jpn) (Suave Richard {Jpn}), June Take (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Lord Del Rey (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), Shonan La Punta (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), Regaleira (Jpn) (Suave Richard {Jpn}). Click here for the preview. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Sophomore Sprinters Lock Horns In Scurry Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-old fillies features a George E. Mitchell Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) rematch with the top three horses from that race meeting again, led by winner Margie's Intention, who enters as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.View the full article

The 14-day quarantine of Barn 85 at Saratoga Race Course has been lifted by the New York State Department of Agriculture, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced Friday. As a result, all horses stabled in Barn 85 are once again permitted to enter races and train with the general horse population. Barn 85 was placed under a precautionary quarantine on May 30 following the identification of a case of strangles within that barn. The 2-year-old (Tranquil Sea) trained by Jeremiah Englehart returned a positive test for strangles on May 30 after developing breathing issues. The colt began treatment immediately at a private farm where he remains. No additional positive cases of strangles were identified during the quarantine period. The post Quarantine of Barn 85 at Saratoga Race Course Lifted appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Great Friends Stable has been selected by Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) as the recipient of this year's Horseracing Partnership Award. Great Friends campaigns GI Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan H. winner Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) in partnership with Yulong Racing. The Southern California-based partnership is headed by Craig Dado, founder and owner of Sports Injury Central (SIC), a real-time expert sports injury analysis website. Approximately 15 members of the Great Friends Racing group traveled to Saratoga to watch Raging Torrent win the Met Mile. Great Friends Stable was conceived by Dado in 2007 while working at Del Mar, where he met Scott Kaplan and Billy Ray Smith, talk radio personalities who wanted to get into horseracing. “We were just a little claiming barn from Del Mar,” said Dado. “We were lucky enough to meet Mark Davis and buy into some of his horses.” Great Friends Stable will be recognized with a special presentation of a trophy award at TOC's Southern California Annual Meeting on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Del Mar. The post Great Friends Stable Wins TOC’s Annual Partnership Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of the first horses on track in the penultimate breeze show ahead of next week's Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's June 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, a colt by Nyquist (hip 634) wasted no time setting a new high-water mark of :9 3/5, the fastest time of the sale thus far. Consigned by Ciaran Dunne's Wavertree Stables, the colt is a homebred for Cypress Creek Equine out of Paquita Coqueta (Chi) (Scat Daddy), a Chilean champion female sprinter purchased by Cypress Creek for $170,000 at Keeneland November in 2021 in foal to Laoban. “We were collecting mares in foal to him at the time and she was a very fast-looking daughter of Scat Daddy,” said Cypress Creek's Ryder Finney. “Obviously she was fast on paper and on the track as well. [We] really liked her athletic presentation and race record when we bought her and she was the right mating for Laoban. Physically, she's a very well-made horse as well and we liked the cross so that's part of the reason why we went back to Nyquist.” That Laoban filly became Colder Weather, now a stakes-placed runner in Venezuela. This colt, the mare's fifth foal, impressed from his early days in the fields at Cypress Creek. “[The colt] has been the boss in ever paddock he's ever been in,” Finney said. “I don't think I've ever seen him lose a paddock race. He was very fast from day one so it does not surprise me that he worked fast. But :9 3/5 is always a little “wow”. You don't ever expect :9 3/5. But he was always a very fast looking horse and always very forward. He was always a bulldog–very forward, very confident.” Of the decision to wait and send this late April-foaled colt to the OBS June Sale vs. one of the company's earlier spring dates, Finney explained, He was kind of a late baby. We didn't even send him down to Ciaran until December so he got a very late start. We wanted to give him every chance and let him grow up and give him the extra time.” Hip 634, a 2yo colt by Nyquist?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Nyquist, clocks the only 9.3 work so far @OBSSales June under tack show! The juvenile is consigned by @WavertreeInc (Ciaran Dunne), Agent VI! pic.twitter.com/JEJhzanyQZ — Darley in America (@DarleyAmerica) June 13, 2025 Finney added that the colt has only continued to impress since his arrival in Florida, comparing him to another s on of Nyquist who has since found plenty of success on the track: MGSW and 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos. “Ciaran says the horse has done nothing wrong since he got there,” Finney said. “He's been very straightforward, no hiccups. I think [Ciaran's] original impression was that the colt is kind of plain, he's a plain bay wrapper. He actually reminded me of another horse we bought as a foal, Nysos. We had him on the farm for a while before we sold him as a yearling and he was very similar in a lot of ways–a plain bay wrapper and very strong. [They're both] great movers, very efficient but not like a 17-hand gigantic colt. More of a handy, shorter type. As this colt has gotten up to speed for Ciaran, I think he's been more and more impressed. Obviously :9 3/5 is going to impress anyone.” Nine 2-year-olds shared the sale's second fastest time of :9 4/5. Wavertree Stables was well-represented with a Liam's Map filly (hip 564) and a Bolt d'Oro colt (hip 572) each sharing the time. Liam's Map had another two runners also work in :9 4/5, a colt named Machine Gun (hip 577) consigned by Adios Amigos and a second colt consigned by Top Line Sales (hip 589). A colt by Practical Joke (hip 563) consigned by de Meric Sales, a Win Win Win filly (hip 644) consigned by Champions of the Future, a Runhappy colt (hip 653) consigned by Nice and Easy Thoroughbreds, a filly by Twirling Candy (hip 554) consigned by Golden Rock Thoroughbreds and a Bolt d'Oro filly (hip 654) under the Woodside Ranch banner also went an eighth in :9 4/5. The fastest quarter-mile time of the day was split between three runners: a Catalina Cruiser colt (hip 538) consigned by Thorostock LLC, a Tunwoo colt (hip 697) consigned by LF Horse Training and Sales and an Omaha Beach filly (hip 705) consigned by Hoppel LLC all worked in :20 4/5. The under-tack show concludes Saturday with a final session beginning at 7:30 a.m. The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's June 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale begins Tuesday, June 17 and runs through Wednesday, June 18 with each day's action starting at 10 a.m. The post ‘He’s Always Been A Bulldog”: Nyquist Colt A Clear Standout At OBS Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Colin Keane will take his first group 1 ride as retained jockey in the Juddmonte silks in the June 15 Prix de Diane (French Oaks, G1) after Better Together featured among 12 fillies declared for the Chantilly Racecourse classic. View the full article

8th-CD, $120K, Msw, 3yo/up, f&m, 1mT, 4:22 p.m. ET. MO EXPECTATIONS (Uncle Mo) makes the races for the first time under the care of trainer Brad Cox. Stonestreet went to $1.15-million during the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale to acquire Havisham (Bernardini), who at the time was carrying their filly. Mo Expectations is a half-sister to Joel Politi's GI Longines Kentucky Oaks heroine Serengeti Empress (Alteration). That dam's first registered foal–the stakes placed Invictus (Into Mischief)–is also a member of Cox's shedrow. TJCIS PPS The post Half To Serengeti Empress Set For Unveiling Beneath Twin Spires appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Takarazuka Kinen (G1), set for June 15 at Hanshin Racecourse, has been moved up two weeks to duck the summer heat but the field is likely to provide enough hot competition on its own in the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series event.View the full article

June 15 marks the start of the mixed meet format at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino, with a combination of Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing on the schedule for the duration of the current live racing season through Sept. 27.View the full article

Sunday's G1 Takarazuka Kinen is one of two races run annually in Japan whose lineup is determined by the racing public. The $5-million GI Breeders' Cup Turf qualifier was moved a couple of weeks earlier on the calendar to avoid the very hot weather of the Japanese summer, and a field of 17 have stood their ground. Leading the way by votes is Bellagio Opera, the two-time winner of the G1 Osaka Hai, who finished third in last year's edition. The 5-year-old entire blitzed the 2025 2000-metre Osaka Hai at Hanshin in a new course record of 1:56.20 in April. Trained by Hiroyuki Uemura, he will leave from stall one. Uemura said, “The horse is now better at finding a good rhythm. Hopefully the ground won't be as bad as it was last year.” Second choice among the betting public is Suave Richard's Regaleira. Getting a break in the weights and the only filly in the field, she was last seen winning the G1 Arima Kinen over 2500 metres at Nakayama on Dec. 22. Also a winner of the G1 Hopeful Stakes at two, she is stranded all the way out in stall 17. Said trainer Tetsuya Kimura, “We have had no problems with her, and things have gone smoothly. She has been relaxed the whole time. After a busy year last year, I've wanted just to give her a break. In the meantime, she's filled out more and she looks to be in good shape now.” A winner of the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) in 2024, Urban Chic (Suave Richard) has attracted the third-most votes. he will be cutting back in trip after a third-place effort in the G3 Nikkei Sho at Nakayama in March. One start earlier, he was sixth behind Regaleira in the Arima Kinen and is booked in gate 13. Trainer Ryo Takei said, “His work rider has said that the horse's condition is as good as it has been. He's been running with a lot of speed, and he's developing well, as we always thought he would. With his power and endurance, the 2200 metres at Hanshin looks good for him. After his good run in last year's Kikuka Sho, I want him to get another good result here.” Second to Bellagio Opera in the Osaka Hai, Lord Del Rey (Lord Kanaloa) is aiming for his first Group 1 win. He did hold Shonan La Punta (Kizuna) to second in January's G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hai. Said assistant trainer Taku Fukunaga, “It was his first run in a Grade 1 last time, and even though he lost, it was a result that showed how he is improving. He returned to the stable on May 13 from a break at Champion Hills Farm, and everything's gone smoothly so far as we get him ready for this next race.” Second to Bellagio Opera in the 2024 Osaka Hai, Rousham Park finished with distinction when second in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar in November. He could only manage seventh in the wake of Regaleira's Arima Kinen victory in December, and went one better at Randwick behind Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Hiroyasu Tanaka, the trainer of the Sunday Racing runner, said, “His condition was not so good last time in Australia, but he seems better now. His control is good, and he's taking the bit when it matters. His energy level seems better too.” The post Bellagio Opera Aiming To Do Voters Proud In Takarazuka Kinen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

James McDonald has been recruited by Wathnan Racing to carry their colours during the first three days of Royal Ascot. The star rider will be utilised on an as-needed basis besides first-call jockey James Doyle, with William Buick and Colin Keane also in the mix. McDonald, or J-Mac as he is known Down Under, will have the call on Yulong's Carl Spackler (Lope De Vega) in the in the G1 Queen Anne Stakes on opening day. Wathnan's racing adviser Richard Brown said, “We're going to have a good-sized team with multiple entries in certain races. “William Buick helps us when he can but obviously his availability is limited and when talking to the team, we decided we needed to have somebody in position who might be able to help us. “A lot of the top guys here have got their own commitments and we heard with interest that James McDonald is coming over to ride Carl Spackler, so we reached out to him and he's going to be here Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday before flying home for a wedding at the weekend.” The regular rider of Hong Kong Horse of the Year Romantic Warrior (Acclamation), McDonald is also good friends with Doyle. He will be aboard Underwriter (Mehmas) in the G2 Coventry Stakes, as well as Aesterius (Mehmas) in the G1 King Charles III Stakes and King's Gambit (Saxon Warrior) in the Listed Wolferton Stakes all on June 17. “I would imagine James will ride five or six for us over the first three days,” added Brown on the amount of rides that will be directed McDonald's way from the Emir of Qatar's operation. “He has a great record at Ascot and he's great mates with James Doyle, which is an important dynamic to it. They will be able to run through the horses together that James Doyle knows so well and 'Doyler' has got a few hard decisions to make.” The post James McDonald To Ride In The Wathnan Colours During The First Three Days Of Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tournament newcomer Madison Mattmiller bested a field of 77 entries to capture the 2025 Belmont Stakes Challenge, which was contested from Friday, June 6 through Saturday, June 7 during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course. Mattmiller, a 34-year-old bloodstock agent from Lexington, Ky. who works with Black Type Thoroughbreds, took home $57,750 from the prize pool awarded to the top-four finishers plus her $66,171.30 bankroll earned over the course of the tournament. In victory, Mattmiller also secured a seat at the 2025 Breeders' Cup Betting Challenge from at Del Mar including a travel credit. The Belmont Stakes Challenge featured a buy-in of $5,000, including $1,500 that went directly to the prize pool, with the remaining $3,500 comprising each participants' bankroll and permitted to make Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Quinella and Daily Double wagers. Mattmiller said that John Stewart, owner of Resolute Racing, funded her entry with a portion of any winnings dedicated to accredited aftercare organizations. “John offered to pay the entry fee for five handicappers as a way to contribute to Thoroughbred aftercare,” said Mattmiller. “It was a great idea and an interesting way to support aspiring handicappers while also raising funds for aftercare.” This was Mattmiller's tournament debut. “I tell everyone, 'This may have been beginner's luck,'” Mattmiller said. “I have my own bloodstock business, we buy and sell Thoroughbreds. I work with my husband Jake Ballis with Black Type Thoroughbreds. I usually tell him, 'I deal with the horses, you deal with the people,' but together as a syndicate we buy privately and at auction.” The post Mattmiller Wins Belmont Stakes Challenge appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Midwest horseman James Ernest "Jim" Cranwell, who bred, owned, and raced multiple stakes winner Burning Memories, died June 11 at age 86. View the full article

Few trainers have been in better form of late than Ed Walker, who already has nine stakes winners to his name this season. Prior to a busy week at Royal Ascot, the Lambourn trainer has another shot at Classic glory in Sunday's G1 Prix de Diane with American Gal. The Kameko filly, who races for the Drew Family's Mildmay Racing, won the Listed Prix de Lilas over a mile at Chantilly back in early May. “This has been the plan since then, so I just hope the ground doesn't dry out too much, which it could do,” says Walker, for whom France has been a happy hunting ground. Three of his four Group 1 victories to date have come in the country, with Makarova (Acclamation) having won last year's Prix de l'Abbaye, while Dreamloper (Lope De Vega) won both the Prix du Moulin and the Prix d'Ispahan in 2022. This season the success has continued. In addition to American Gal, Mgheera (Zoustar) won the G3 Prix de Saint-Georges and Troia (Kingman), a homebred for Walker's old boss Luca Cumani, took last weekend's Listed Prix Volterra. Walker says of American Gal's cross-Channel ventures, “After she was third at Kempton, we thought it would be a good idea to go to France. She had never run on turf before, but her victory in the Prix des Lilas came against fillies who have since confirmed their form — Eponine and Relaxx were second and fourth in the Prix de Sandringham, while Cankoura won the Prix Finlande.” He warned of the ground, however, “We'll be keeping a close eye on conditions and may have a tough decision to make.” American Girl after winning at Chantilly | Scoop Dyga Walker is taking a number of his stable's residents on the shorter journey along the M4 from his Kingsdown stable to Ascot and, despite plenty of them bearing recent winning form, he is keeping his feet on the ground as he seeks a fourth win at the prestigious meeting. “With Royal Ascot, I have learned the hard way not to get too excited,” he says. “It's great to have a bit of a team going there, and it would be wonderful to come away with a winner. We know how tough it is, though, so we're under no illusions, and it's likely ground's going to play its part.” The hot and dry forecast for next week means that Almaqam (Lope De Vega), recent winner of the G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes, has not stood his ground for Wednesday's G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes. “He's a very exciting horse, but I think we've just got to mind him a bit,” Walker said of Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's four-year-old, who could be seen next back at Sandown in the Eclipse. Walker could however run Red Sand for the same owner in the Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes and says, ” We think he could be really effective.” Almaqam is a member of the second group of yearlings assigned to Walker by Sheikh Ahmed, a major owner-breeder to have been attracted to his burgeoning stable, but the trainer has also been thrilled to have been able to reward some of his longest-standing clients with black-type wins in recent weeks. In particular they include Laurence Bellman, owner of Listed Achilles Stakes winner Balmoral Lady (Invincible Army), and David Ward, whose Scenic (Lope De Vega) battled home to take the G3 Bronte Cup Fillies' Stakes at York that same afternoon. Ward is also the owner-breeder of the winner of Walker's fourth Group 1, Starman (Dutch Art), currently the leading first-season sire of 2025. “It wasn't lost on me at all,” Walker says. “They have been a massive part of helping us get to where we are now. Laurence has been with us since the beginning, and then David not long after that. They bounced around various yards in Newmarket with me and followed us and supported us down to Lambourn, and Laurence has had some wonderful horses, in the early days especially, that really helped get me going. David's obviously had some very smart horses over the last few years as well.” Of Balmoral Lady, who has an entry for Tuesday's G1 King Charles III Stakes, Walker adds, “She wouldn't want it too quick. I imagine day one is going to be probably the best ground, in terms of being closest to good. I'd like to think we'll declare her and take a look at the track. She doesn't need soft ground, but at the same time, I wouldn't want to run her on very fast ground.” It is a race in which he could be doubly represented, with Mgheera also entered. “She has been a real stroke of luck, to end up here for us, and she's obviously had a perfect start to the season,” he says of the five-year-old, who joined his stable from Manon Scandella-Lacaille after being bought by Lord Lloyd Webber and Arthur Mitchell of Australia's Yarraman Park Stud. The eventual plan is for the daughter of top Aussie sprinter Zoustar to head to the southern hemisphere, where she will be covered by the Lloyd Webbers' Too Darn Hot. Mgheera recently added the G2 Temple Stakes to her win in Paris on French Guineas weekend. “She's going to have to step forward again. I think William [Buick] was quite impressed with her, and she's an exciting sprinter in a pretty open division,” he continues. “She'll definitely go [to Australia] by the end of the year, but there's a couple of nice Group 1s between now and then.” Ward's five-year-old Rose Prick (No Nay Never) heads to the Kensington Palace Stakes. Walker says of the Listed-placed mare, “We just feel that she's on a good mark, and I think that it could be a good opportunity to have a good shot at it.” Do Or Do Not, from the first crop of Space Blues, represents owner Simon Sadler of TBT Racing and has options in the G2 Coventry or Listed Windsor Castle Stakes after recently finishing runner-up to Archie Watson's Tadej at York. “He made a huge step forward from Newbury to York, and then just found one of Archie's too good,” Walker says. “He was still green and babyish but he's an exciting horse. He's a very straightforward, speedy two-year-old type, so I think he could run well. He's going to have to take another big step forward to feature, but ours do tend to improve quite a bit with racing.” He adds, “Simon's had an amazing start since buying Ten Bob Tony to dip his toe in. He's invested quite heavily, and he's got quite a lot of exciting horses in training now. “Mister Rizz is also going to run at Ascot. We pitched him in at York in the Dante and it didn't work, but we believe he's quite a bit better than he showed there. We're either going to go to the Hampton Court or the Golden Gates Handicap.” Walker also noted that TBT Racing's Listed winner Qilin Queen (Pinatubo), who finished eighth in the Oaks, will now have a mid-season break after three runs in close succession. Meanwhile, the same owner's Noble Champion (Lope De Vega) could run in either the Britannia or the G3 Jersey Stakes. “He has been probably the disappointment of the season, really, so far,” the trainer says candidly. “I have huge hopes and belief in this horse, but it hasn't quite gone to plan. We still maintain belief that he's a very talented horse.” English Oak (Wootton Bassett), one of four winners at last year's Royal Ascot for Wathnan Racing, will attempt to defend his title at the Buckingham Palace Stakes, while the Cayton Park Stud homebred Sir Lowry's Pass (Siyouni) could head to the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes. “He found it a bit quick in the Zetland Gold Cup, so I imagine this will go against him, but we'll keep it on the radar,” Walker cautions of the latter. Completing the line-up, both Saariselka (Earthlight) and Never Let Go (No Nay Never), who was recently third in the Listed Height Of Fashion Stakes for Rockliffe Stud, have Friday's Sandringham Stakes as their Ascot target. “Saariselka has been second twice and is a filly who we like and we think this race will really suit her. Similarly, the stiff mile should really suit Never Let Go, so she should be competitive in that, I hope. It is also a possibility for Woroodd (Dark Angel), though I fear the ground may go against her.” The post Ed Walker: ‘We Know How Tough It Is So We’re Under No Illusions’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Takarazuka Kinen (G1), set for June 15 at Hanshin Racecourse, has been moved up two weeks to duck the summer heat but the field is likely to provide enough hot competition on its own in the Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In".View the full article

Saturday's $300,000 GIII Delaware Oaks is the first of three graded events on the local racing calendar for 2025 and will feature a rematch of the top three home in the GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes down at Pimlico a little more than four weeks ago. Margie's Intention (Honor A. P.) was venturing outside of Louisiana-bred competition for the first time at Old Hilltop and the 5-2 favorite made the most of the opportunity, coming with a late rally to peg back Godolphin's Paris Lily (City of Light). Kinzie Queen (McKinzie) bridged the lion's share of a 15-length deficit to finish third, just two lengths behind the winner, but will have a slightly shorter trip to cope with this time around. An interesting 'new' shooter is Will Farish's Cassiar (City of Light), a $400,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling who was a distant third in the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks two back, but was visually impressive in taking a first-level Aqueduct allowance going the one-turn mile May 1. Third that day was the comebacking Grade I winner Scottish Lassie (McKinzie), who ran an improved race when third in the GI Acorn Stakes last Friday. Motorious (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}) makes his seasonal debut as the 6-5 morning-line selection in Saturday's GIII Daytona Stakes down the hill at Santa Anita, while Monmouth Park hosts the GIII Salvator Mile on the main and the GIII Eatontown Stakes on the grass. Speaking of comebackers, Immersive (Nyquist) makes her first start since cementing a championship season in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies last November when she goes postward in the $175,000 Monomoy Girl Stakes at Churchill Downs. The Godolphin homebred will face a maximum of five others and her regular mate Manny Franco is in from New York for the ride. “We're looking forward to getting her started again,” trainer Brad Cox said. “She's doing well since coming back to the string at Churchill and looks just as good as she did as a 2-year-old.” Delaware and Monmouth also have 3-year-old features on their graded-stakes undercard. The $200,000 Delaware Derby has drawn a field of 11 where the Cox barn will be represented by Albaugh Family Stables' Admiral Dennis (Constitution), winner of two of his six starts and a close fourth in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes back in April. He could face some sort of challenge from Academy (Oscar Performance), who won his maiden in the local slop by 4 1/2 lengths May 22, earning a 91 Beyer that would put him on the wire here. Kentucky Outlaw (Outwork) wired the May 10 Long Branch Stakes at the Jersey Shore and is cross-entered for the NYRA Bets Pegasus Stakes. Juddmonte's Garamond (Uncle Mo), third in the GIII Gotham Stakes in March, popped a 98 Beyer in besting 'TDN Rising Star' Cornucopian (Into Mischief) by 3 1/4 lengths over Aqueduct's one-turn mile in an Apr. 27 allowance, and anything resembling that effort sees him back in the winner's circle on Saturday. The post Black-Eyed Susan Redux In Delaware Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars WINNING DATA - R5 (1) Rises in trip, drops in grade and gets some weight off thanks to Ellis Wong Jay Rooney PING HAI COMET - R6 (3) Has struck form with backto- back wins and looks hard to beat again Trackwork Spy GENTLEMEN LEGACY - R9 (7) Can go one better after a strong second last start Phillip Woo HAROLD WIN - R7 (1) Looks ready to add another win to his solid Class Four form Shannon (Vincent Wong) RAINBOW SEVEN - R3 (3) Showed a good turn of foot over this C&D last start...View the full article

The 2026 running of the GI Belmont Stakes will be run at Saratoga Race Course for a third and final time, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and officials at the New York Racing Association (NYRA) said in a release Friday morning. “New York is home to world-class sports and entertainment and this final chapter of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course honors our rich racing heritage while paving the way for a bold, new future at Belmont Park,” Governor Hochul said. “Bringing the race back to Saratoga next year will once again expand the audience for this storied leg of the Triple Crown and ensure fans continue to enjoy the full experience.” The new Belmont Park remains on schedule to open to the public in September 2026. Some consideration had been given to conducting the final leg of the Triple Crown at the partially completed facility with a limited number of racegoers next June, but the decision to return to Saratoga will allow the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to proceed without restrictions that would have been necessitated at Belmont Park due to the ongoing work, according to the release. “Saratoga has served our fans and stakeholders extremely well as the temporary home of the Belmont Stakes during the construction of a new Belmont Park on Long Island,” said NYRA President and CEO David O'Rourke. “As we prepare for the opening of the new Belmont Park in the fall of 2026, NYRA is pleased to bring the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga for a third and final time next June. Belmont Park will always be the home of the Belmont Stakes and we look forward to its return to the newly reimagined Belmont in 2027.” Added Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford: “It has been an honor and a privilege for Saratoga Springs to host The Belmont over the past two years. The exceptional collaboration between NYRA, the [Saratoga County] Chamber [of Commerce], Discover Saratoga, and other dedicated community partners has created a memorable experience for all who visited our city. We are excited to continue these strong partnerships and welcome an additional year of the Belmont in Saratoga for 2026.” The 2026 Belmont Stakes will take place Saturday, June 6, over the mile and a quarter due to the configuration of the Saratoga main track before returning to its traditional 12-furlong distance in 2027. Saratoga is set to host a special Fourth of July Racing Festival from Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6, serving as a prelude to the main summer meeting which kicks off Thursday, July 10. Last month, it was announced that the new Belmont Park will play host to the 2027 Breeders' Cup World Championships for the first time since 2005. The post Belmont Stakes To Return To Saratoga In 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz Driving a winner at Cambridge Raceway last night was a “first” for junior driver Alicia Harrison. She drove For Always Arden to take out the Ferguson Racing Thanks Owners and Clients Mobile Pace and while it was her third win since returning to racing after being out of commission for a year due to shoulder surgery it was her first for her “new” boss Tony Herlihy since joining his stables in April. “I was looking for a change, and the chance to work for Tony came up,” she said, “he’s one of the best there is driving and training, so it was an opportunity I definitely couldn’t pass by.” “I’m loving it, the team’s all been super good to me and the horses are lovely to work with.” Harrison gave the gelding a perfect trip, settling three-back the pegs behind race favourite Eyeliner. At the 400 metre mark the pair found clear air and made a strong bid down the centre of the track, ultimately being too strong for their rivals. “It was good to get the job done,” said Harrison, “I thought he was a nice enough chance if he could trail or get a bit of luck from three back.” It was the four-year-old’s first win four career starts. Formerly a force in the northern junior driver ranks, Alicia was forced to take a break from the game due to a serious shoulder operation in May last year. “The surgeon wasn’t overly thrilled with my career choice,” she laughed, “it was a full year off of driving, the recovery was pretty brutal, a very slow process.” Since returning to driving in January this year, Harrison has had 16 drives for three winners and a further two placings. She says the plan moving forward is to just keep doing what she loves. “I still really love driving. I’ll keep doing my best when I get the opportunities. I’d really like to train one day but for now I’m happy at Tony’s.” Earlier in the night Bruce Hadley took out the first heat of New Zealand Amateur Drivers’ Championships at Cambridge with the Jeremy Young-trained Billy The Kid. John Kriechbaumer was second and Alan Edge third in what was a thrilling finish. The championships head to Addington tonight (Friday) and conclude at Addington on Sunday. View the full article