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Sam Agars SOVEREIGN FUND - R8 (3) Impressive last-start winner can deliver again for in-form stable Jay Rooney MIGHTY STEED - R4 (5) Went close last start and has trialled very sharply ahead of his return Owen Goulding WAH MAY WAI WAI - R2 (1) Can take advantage of his good draw and downgrade with Purton in the saddle Phillip Woo SOVEREIGN FUND - R8 (3) Was an eye-catching winner last start and can repeat from a good gate Shannon (Vincent Wong) HIGHLAND RAHY - R5 (2) Consistent type who...View the full article
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It's clear that Stuart Angus touched the lives of many. A one of a kind human being, I don't think he knew a stranger. I met Stu in November of 2016, probably by complete happenstance, but like many others we met because of horses. I had finished working that summer at Presque Isle Downs and had decided to go back into healthcare. In the grand scheme of things, I had minimal knowledge and no idea what I was getting myself into when I came to Kentucky to work a November Keeneland Sale for Taylor Made. While it was a great experience, what I'm most thankful for from that time is Stu. One of the other women working the sale introduced me to Stu. Actually she pointed him out and said something along the lines of “that's Stu, you should go to dinner with him. He's great and you'll have a good time.” I'll be honest, I was reluctant, but I'm so glad I went. (Of course we went to Giussepe's that night. Just the start to all the good food Stu would introduce me to over the years.) If you'd have told me that night that nine years later, Stuart Angus would be one of my dearest friends, I probably would have laughed. But nine years later, I can't even begin to describe how much Stu means to me and how thankful I am to have had him in my life. Others have said it, but Stu really had a way of taking you under his wing. I'm not in the thoroughbred industry, but I wouldn't have landed in Kentucky, or be where I am today if it weren't for Stu. What started as more or less a blind date turned into years of friendship and years of memories. I returned to PA after that November, but Stu and I never lost touch. I started nursing school and during that time, Stu was one of my biggest supporters and the person I could run to when life was too much. Time with Stu was good for the soul. He was always up for an adventure and a good time. I ultimately moved to Kentucky and have had amazing opportunities as I've built my career here. Life has been a whirlwind and ever changing since that November in 2016, but the one constant for me was always Stu. I wish I could pick just one memory, or one story to share that would encompass my time with Stu. It's impossible. I truly could go on and on, from the big adventures we had to the lazy days by the pool. Stu was more than just my friend, he was my person. Time could pass, but we could always pick right back up as if it hadn't. There was just something about Stu. He was one of a kind. He had a way of believing in others, even when they didn't believe in themselves. He was someone you wanted to know and someone you wanted in your corner. To know him was to love him. I will forever be thankful for my time with Stu. I only wish there was more. Editor's note: Stuart Angus, a Senior Thoroughbred Advisor for Taylor Made, passed away Aug. 28 at the age of 60. His friends are encouraging those he touched to submit `Stu stories' to the TDN. Please email suefinley@thetdn.com if you have a story to share. The post Letter To The Editor: Stu Story #9 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, September 10, 2025 First Race 1:10pm AEST Visit Dabble Sandown will host a competitive eight-race card on the Hillside track this Wednesday afternoon. With rain forecast in the lead-up, the track is expected to deteriorate from the Good 4 rating that was posted on Monday morning. The rail will be out 12m for the entire circuit, with the first race at Sandown scheduled to jump at 1:10pm AEST on September 10, 2025. Best Bet at Sandown: Saluted After living up to her name with front-running wins on her first two starts, Saluted found both Miss Ole and Tiz Worthy a touch too strong late in her last two runs. She looks to be a genuine 1000m specialist, and from barrier one, Carleen Hefel will look to run them ragged from barrier to box. Best Bet Race 4 – #8 Saluted (1) 3yo Filly | T: Robbie Griffiths | J: Carleen Hefel (57kg) Next Best at Sandown: Regal Award Regal Award was a beaten favourite when stuck three wide at Moonee Valley on August 23, but he did well to get within 2.35 lengths. The winning horse, Space Rider, has since gone on to be competitive in Listed grade. Blake Shinn will need a touch of luck from barrier 11, but if they find a back to follow, Regal Award can overhaul the leaders late over 1300m. Next Best Race 1 – #8 Regal Award (11) 3yo Gelding | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Blake Shinn (58kg) Best Value at Sandown: First Chorus First Chorus has been impressive while winning her last two starts, the most recent on a Heavy 9 at Seymour on August 31. The four-year-old mare continues to improve with racing, and despite staying at 1600m, she looks to be the one with the most upside in this field. Damian Lane hops on board, which is a bonus, and can give the Ghibellines mare the run of the race from barrier four. Best Value Race 5 – #12 First Chorus (4) 4yo Mare | T: Lindsey Smith | J: Damian Lane (56kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Sandown Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, September 10, 2025 4-8-10-11-12 1-8-10-14-15 2-7-12-15-16-17 5-9-10-11-13 Horse racing tips View the full article
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What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King St, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Wednesday, September 10, 2025 First Race 1:35pm AEST Visit Dabble Canterbury Park Racecourse hosts a seven-race program this Wednesday afternoon, with the action commencing at 1:35pm AEST. A stack of rain is forecast for Sydney, meaning the track is likely to be in the Heavy range throughout the day. Here are HorseBetting.com.au’s top tips for the Canterbury races on September 10. Best Bet at Canterbury: Central Coast Central Coast impressed in his two runs during his debut campaign. He went down narrowly to the handy Autumn Boy on debut at this track before returning on a Soft 6 to down Crossbow, who has since gone on to impress in Saturday company in Melbourne. Central Coast has had two soft trials leading into this, and as long as he can handle the heavy deck, Chris Waller’s runner should be a class above this lot. Best Bet Race 5 – #11 Central Coast (4) 3yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (55.5kg) Next Best at Canterbury: Officiate Officiate went around at a huge price first-up when finishing a close second on a Heavy 9 at Randwick-Kensington. That run looks even better when you factor in that he lost a plate along the way. James McDonald will have him settled in a handy position from barrier two, and with natural improvement, Officiate should win this time. Next Best Race 2 – #3 Officiate (2) 3yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57.5kg) Best Value at Canterbury: Nordic Viking Nordic Viking was more than competitive in some tough juvenile assignments last season, including a two-length defeat to King Of Pop in the Group 3 Black Opal Stakes (1200m). The son of So You Think is bred to handle the rain-affected going, and with a bit of pressure engaged, the race sets up perfectly for Molly Bourke to have Nordic Viking camped off the speed. He’ll be savaging the line over 1200m at a nice each-way price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #7 Nordic Viking (5) 3yo Colt | T: John Sargent | J: Molly Bourke (a2) (57kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Canterbury Canterbury quadrella selections Wednesday, September 10, 2025 1-3-8 7-11 1-2-3-6-14 2-3-4-7-8-12 Horse racing tips View the full article
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He signed off his first Hong Kong stint with a flurry of winners and now Richard Kingscote is hoping to pick up where he left off after a golden summer back home in the United Kingdom. Successful with four of the final 11 rides of his stint as injury cover earlier this year – including a Sha Tin dirt treble – Kingscote orchestrated Group One boil-overs aboard Time For Sandals in the Commonwealth Cup and Qirat in the Sussex Stakes – the latter at a record 150-1 – before turning his attention back...View the full article
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Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Wolfgang (NZ) (Puccini) will fly to Melbourne on Wednesday to commence his path towards the A$10 million feature. The Group Three winner was set to start his spring campaign at Wanganui 10 days ago, but inclement weather curtailed those plans and trainers Peter and Shaun McKay have elected to head over to Melbourne with their charge. “He is booked to get on a flight tomorrow (Wednesday) to go to Melbourne and will start on Saturday at Flemington in a 1700m race. There is just nothing here for him,” Peter McKay said. “I would have liked to have had a couple of runs here first before he stepped over there. Roger James has had to do the same (with Mark Twain).” Fellow Melbourne Cup hopeful Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) is nominated for the same 1700m race at Flemington this weekend after things went awry at The Valley last Saturday when he was late scratched on veterinary advice after dislodging rider Jamie Mott on his way to the barriers. Wolfgang’s first main target of the spring will be the Gr.3 The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington on October 4, with the winner earning an automatic berth into the Melbourne Cup. “We will then see whether he needs another one into the 2500m on October 4. If he does, there’s an 1800m at Sandown the week before,” McKay said. “There are plenty of options.” At this stage, Wolfgang will be the McKays only representative in Melbourne over spring, however, he could be joined by stablemate Santa Catalina (NZ) (Puccini) if she impresses in her next start. “Santa Catalina raced the other day, she went a little indifferent, not as well as I was hoping, the track just wasn’t to her liking,” McKay said. “If he (Wolfgang) stays over there long enough and she does something in her next start, she may go over, but he is pretty happy out on his own. “There are some good races here for her. We are thinking more of those summer cups races over Christmas down Central way.” Meanwhile, the Matamata stable will have a strong presence at Cambridge’s synthetic meeting on Wednesday, lining up three favourites on the eight-race card. Rocky Marciano (NZ) (Eminent) has finished runner-up in his last two starts at the track, and veteran hoop Opie Bosson will once again be in the saddle for Wednesday’s Onyx Restaurant Cambridge 2000, for which he is a $2.30 favourite with TAB bookmakers. “I didn’t want to keep running him on the synthetic but there are no grass races around over 2000m for the maideners for about a month, hence he is going back there again and 2000m should bode well for him,” McKay said. Stablemate Don Pauly (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) also placed on the track first-up last month, and McKay is hopeful of a winning performance in the TAB 2000. “He came home late against a weak field (last start),” he said. “He was only beaten a head or so, so hopefully he can put in the same run over ground. “He is a very disappointing horse. Earlier in his career he ran second to Jimmysstar and showed a lot of promise. We are getting him up over ground a lot quicker this time around. He is feeling well and is quite bright and happy. He should be hard to beat.” TAB bookmakers agree, installing him a $3.80 for the rating 69 contest. McKay has high hopes for Subiaco (Impending) this spring and is hoping he can get a confidence-boosting maiden victory in the Grey Family 1550, in what will be his first start on a synthetic track. “He won a trial there before he started off racing last season,” McKay said. “He should have won a couple of races by now. He is very capable of winning. If he can win that, it will hopefully give him a bit of confidence and we can have a look at some nicer races a bit later on in the year. “Sam (Collett, jockey) got on well with him last start. He looks like he is a winning chance as long as everything goes right.” The stable will also line-up La Plancha (NZ) (Time Test) in the Saddlery Warehouse 1300. “She is just very nervous among horses,” McKay said. “She has got the ability, so if she can run in the first three or four I will be happy and hopefully she gets some confidence within herself.” View the full article
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Jockey Jerry Chau returns to Hong Kong racing on Wednesday at Happy Valley hoping some New Zealand bred horses can start his season with the same momentum that resulted in an unlikely stakes win in Korea on Sunday. Chau, 25, who skilfully avoided much of the sand course’s harsh kickback aboard Self Improvement on his way to Korea Sprint victory, is booked for five rides at the city circuit, including Embraces (NZ) (Reliable Man) in the Class 3 Central Handicap (1650m) for trainer Cody Mo. “Hopefully the outside draw (10) will help Embraces because he always comes from behind. He’s in good form, in good shape and I think he will run good,” Chau said. Happy Valley’s opening meeting of the season marks the start of the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, worth HK$1.5 million, which runs from tomorrow night until 4 February, 2026. The competition is for horses racing in Class 3 and above, with points awarded for first, second, third and fourth place finishes. Success first-up at Happy Valley for Embraces will secure 15 points in the challenge. Second receives six points, third gets four, while fourth place secures three points. David Hayes’ Soleil Fighter won the 2024/25 edition with an unmatched 65 points accrued, featuring three wins, for owner Sze-To Kin Sun. Chau also partners Flying Wrote (NZ) (Wrote) in the Class 4 Quarry Bay Handicap (1200m) for trainer Tony Cruz. “Last season he ran a good race on the final day (when third). I’ve trialled him this season and he was still a little bit heavy in that trial, but after that he will improve,” Chau said. Chasing a hat-trick, four-year-old Wrote A New Page (NZ) (Wrote) steps away from draw seven for trainer Danny Shum and jockey Harry Bentley in the Central Handicap. The bay has been gelded between seasons. “He finished the season in really good form and it’s great to get back on board and see how he goes. Danny’s certainly good for getting his horses fit at the beginning of the season. I don’t expect this horse to be any different. I sat on him the other morning and he felt really good. He was moving very, very nicely and all is good,” Bentley said. “There was no point keeping him as an entire. It probably just gets his mind focused on the job that bit more, which is going to do no harm.” In preparation for his shot at Japan’s Gr.1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) at Nakayama on 28 September, Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) finished second to Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) in Sunday’s HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) with Derek Leung. “We are very happy. The stable did a very good job and his action was good. His fitness is getting better and better. He’s still not 100 percent fit. It’s step-by-step, he’s older, so he needs a few runs to get his routine back. He’s pulled up good and his movement was good,” Leung said. View the full article
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Capable synthetic performer Branciforti (NZ) (Belardo) is presented with an opportunity to turn her form around on Wednesday as the clock ticks down on her racing career. The daughter of Belardo will again step out on the polytrack in the Cambridge Equine Hospital Handicap (1550m) and a change of fortune is due to come the six-year-old’s way. “It’s been a really strange preparation because she’s been working great for the last couple of months,” Te Rapa trainer David Greene said. “Nothing seems to have gone right on raceday so hopefully we can turn that all around. “We had targeted the race at Awapuni ($100,000 Polytrack Championship, 1400m) from a long way out and I was really happy with her, but she never really got into the contest at all.” Branciforti finished midfield and was then unplaced in the Polytrack Championship (2000m) at Cambridge and most recently on the all-weather track suffered an interrupted run in the straight. “We’d love to get another win with her as she’ll be served after this race. It’s just been very frustrating, but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” Greene said. Branciforti will be ridden for the first time by apprentice jockey Rihaan Goyaram, whose claim will bring her weight down to 58kg. “She’s a very good synthetic horse (four wins) and with her rating it makes it a bit harder to place her on the grass,” Greene said. Raced by breeder Sir Peter Vela, Branciforti is out of the Pins mare Huluava and is a half-sister to stakes winners Jay Bee Gee and William Wallace and to the dam of the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) winner Pignan. Meanwhile, Greene is looking forward to the return to feature race contender First Five (NZ) (Almanzor). The son of Almanzor has fashioned the tidy record of five wins from 15 starts and hasn’t raced since he finished runner-up in an open sprint on his home track to close out his autumn campaign. “He’s coming up great and will trial at Te Rapa on September 23 and the plan is for a couple of quiet trials and run him in the Legacy Lodge Sprint (Listed, 1200m) at the start of November,” Greene said. “We definitely have Group ambitions with him this preparation and he should be at the top of his game this season now he’s bigger and stronger.” View the full article
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Palmerston North trainer Paul Peake broke a two-decade winless drought at Woodville on Sunday when his gelding Lazy (NZ) (Complacent) scored his maiden win in the Mamona 2100 at his 29th attempt. The eight-year-old son of Complacent was sent forward from his wide gate by apprentice jockey Crystal Lindsay to take an early lead, with the pair dictating terms up front and running out convincing 4-1/4 length victors. “Fortunately, he drew wide,” Peake said. “He was very slow to find his feet, but drawing wide, he could get to the lead in his own good time without having to be pushed, as he is pretty much a one pacer. “I thought he would have been a run short, which shows there is improvement there.” While Lazy has taken longer than anticipated to score his first win, the 71-year-old horseman said his own health had hindered his progress. “I have had a bit of ill health in the last year or so and he just hasn’t had anywhere near enough work. Since June I have been doing a lot more with him and it has paid dividends,” he said. While Peake didn’t name the horse, he said Lazy lives up to his name at home. “I bought him off a friend of mine, Stephen Mercer, and Stephen named him,” he said. “He is a very lazy track worker.” Originally hailing from Waikato, Peake has a lifelong involvement in racing, and began training from a young age, with jumps racing being his first love. “My father was on the committee of the Cambridge Jockey Club and we lived right next door to the original track,” Peake said. “Dad and I had a horse when I was 18. I used to work it and he gave the orders. It had been through a couple of stables and we won a hurdle race on Cambridge Jockey Club’s big day at Te Rapa back in the seventies. “I got another horse when I was 20 that I leased off Margaret Bull. He won three hurdle races in a row and I took him to Australia where the wheels quietly fell off. “I came back here in the eighties and I had one called one called Bound To Reign, which was a horse by Great Wall, and had a lot of fun with him. “That horse was such a challenge just to get to the races. I remember the day I put him on a plane to get him to Melbourne. The Herald came out with a photographer because they thought he was going to wreck the plane.” While Peake enjoys training, he has loved his life in the saddle, and it’s something he still enjoys doing on a daily basis. “I only have been a very average rider, but I was brought up in a family of very good riders,” he said. “My best day’s racing was where I won two races at a point-to-point, an amateur steeplechase day, in Melbourne. That will forever remain my best day for as long as I live I will never ride another a couple of winners over sticks again. “I still take him (Lazy) to the track now at 5am and ride him in all of his slow work at 71 and I am so pleased I have got the health to do it.” Peake is now hoping Lazy can win his next race at short notice, with the pair set to head north later this month in search of a second win. “I am hoping to run him (next) Sunday at Te Aroha in the amateur riders and I have offered Stephen Mercer’s niece, Tylah, the ride. She has ridden him in a lot of gallops and a few jumpouts.” View the full article
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Buoyed by an unexpected kick-start to his season at Sha Tin on Sunday, Harry Bentley heads to Happy Valley on Wednesday night looking to keep the ball rolling with a galloper chasing a hat-trick of victories. After receiving a last-minute call-up to ride Markwin in Sunday’s Class Two Tai Mo Shan Handicap (1,400m) when Derek Leung Ka-chun failed to make weight, Bentley speared the Cody Mo Wai-kit-trained five-year-old to an impressive victory. While the fact he was in the saddle was a surprise...View the full article
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It’s part two of Michael’s chat with Opie Bosson, this time, it’s Opie the jockey. They look at his time in the industry, his best wins, and chat his favourite jockeys, trainers and horses. And Horse of the Year awards and Ka Ying Rising’s latest win are celebrated. Guerin Report – S2 Ep.2 Ft. Opie Bosson Pt.2 View the full article
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New Zealand sprinter Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) will press on for a tilt at the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley later this month following her runner-up effort in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at the Melbourne track last Saturday. The four-year-old mare had won her only other Australian start at Flemington in March when victorious in the Listed HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic (1100m), and trainers Ken and Bev Kelso were pleased to see her measure up to the highest level in the competitive jurisdiction on the weekend. “I was very pleased,” Ken Kelso said. “She probably didn’t get all favours. She was quite fresh and over-raced a bit and then got that bump on the corner, which probably cost her a little bit, but it was a fantastic run. “It proved that she can measure up to Aussie sprinters, they are renowned for them, so to measure up to their sprinters at Group One level was a big achievement for the horse, and a Group One second place is huge for her pedigree. I am very rapt.” Alabama Lass has now won six and finished runner-up in four of her 10 career starts, including second placings in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.1 Railway (1200m) and Moir Stakes. “She is such a trier, she has never finished back further than second in her 10 starts at the highest level, so you can only be pleased with that, and she can only keep improving,” Kelso said. An elusive elite-level victory is firmly in the crosshairs, with Kelso now eyeing the Manikato Stakes on September 26 with his mare. “On that run, we have got to stay for the Manikato,” he said. “Craig Williams is booked to ride her again, so all systems are go to head there.” Meanwhile, back in New Zealand, Kelso was pleased with Legarto’s (NZ) (Proisir) sixth place run in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. “I thought it was a good run, and she has pulled well,” he said. “She got out of her ground and didn’t get a lot of favours in the straight. Her sectionals were very good, she was still going to the line and her best work was probably in the last 50m. “All-in-all it was a good run at Ellerslie, a track she hasn’t particularly gone that great at and 1400 is probably a bit sharp for her now.” Legarto had the one trial prior to her first-up run, finishing behind Alabama Lass in their 1050m heat at Te Rapa last month, and Kelso is looking forward to returning to the Hamilton track with his mare for the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) on September 27. “She is on track to go to Te Rapa for the mile,” he said. View the full article
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Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Tuesday, September 9. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for September 9, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions 10% Winnings Boost! – Townsville Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Bet Boost | Tuesday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Tuesday. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% winnings in cash Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds win bets on Australian thoroughbred races only. Excludes boosted, multi, live and bonus bets. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector | If Your Horse Drifts, You Get The Bigger Price Only available on Australian Horse Racing Fixed Price Win bets placed from 8am AET the day of the race. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any Race. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your Multi loses by a specified number of legs. Fixed odds only. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting! Bet and win up to 4th place. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for September 9, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article
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by Jessica Martini, Christina Bossinakis and Jill Williams LEXINGTON, KY – Led by a $3.3-million son of Gun Runner, the Keeneland September Yearling Sale powered through a record-setting opening session Monday in Lexington. When the dust had settled after the first of two elite Book 1 sessions, 106 yearlings had sold for $69,240,000. The average was $653,208–the highest ever at a single September session–and the median was $537,500. With just 28 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 20.90%. Those figures are ahead of last year's opening session, when 98 head grossed $54,795,000 for an average of $559,133 and a median of $450,000. They are also ahead of the 2024 total Book 1 average of $586,103 and median of $475,000. “It was a fantastic day,” said Keeneland President Shannon Arvin. “It's fun to talk to the auctioneers after and ask how it felt, because it looks different to them up there than it does to us watching from behind. And they said it was just so exciting, so electric, and there were so many new faces. It was really fun to see the pavilion so packed, the back ring so packed. Everywhere people were watching and enjoying and having a really great time. It was an incredible horse sale.” A total of 15 yearlings sold for seven figures during Monday's session, the highest to reach that threshold during a single session since 2006. Over the last several years, Keeneland has worked hard to make its boutique Book 1 sessions an event and, beyond the raw figures, the packed pavilion proved the success of concept. “For the last three or four days, the place has been packed,” said Coolmore's M.V. Magnier, who signed for two of the session's million-dollar yearlings, including the $3.3-million topper. “It's been very busy here. Keeneland does a great job. They have all the right people here and there are good horses here. The sale has only started, but it seems to be going pretty good.” John Sikura, whose Hill 'n' Dale consigned the session topper, agreed. “There was a buzz in the ring and there were more people than I've seen here in a decade or more,” Sikura said. “You could just see that everybody was here, they were excited.” Headley VanMeter | Keeneland photo Headley VanMeter's VanMeter Sales consigned the auction's first seven-figure yearling in the very first horse the horseman sent through the ring at a Keeneland September sale. “It feels really strong in here right now,” VanMeter said. “Even just walking through here to talk to [buyer] John Stewart and the Resolute team, I had to bump people out of the way. Someone told me the parking lot is packed to the brim. The atmosphere is great, the energy is great. Hopefully it carries on for the rest of the sale.” Keeneland's Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said that while the market was competitive, he still sees it as sustainable. “There are not strong peaks and valleys,” Lacy said of Monday's action. “You can see the logic in the prices horses are bringing. Even if they are bringing a lot of money, it's logical. I think that's where, as we get into strong markets, we always ask, 'is this overheated?' This doesn't feel overheated. It feels like we are getting a strong, diverse group of buyers that are all looking to buy quality stock. And the breeders are bringing high-quality product to the market. So we are seeing a very high level of horse coming to us and the buyers are excited about what they are seeing.” Sikura echoed several people around the sales grounds to credit some of the strength of the market on the new tax code. “Not to talk politics, because it's not about one side or the other, but the bonus depreciation, the tax advantage, it can't be overstated what kind of stimulus that is for the horse business,” Sikura said. “Wealthy people who are taxed at source looking to write off 100% of their expenses–all of your expenses, all of your insurance, and then in the breeding business, all our stud fees. It is permanent, so we can plan for the future. It's a great stimulus on a high-risk speculative venture like this. Essentially half of your losses can be covered legitimately in an active tax code. It's a great incentive.” The Keeneland September sale continues with a second Book 1 session beginning Tuesday at 1 p.m. Book 2 sessions Wednesday and Thursday begin at 11 a.m. Following a dark day Friday, the auction continues through Sept. 20 with sessions beginning daily at 10 a.m. 'He's by the Right Horse': Brant, Coolmore Team for $3.3 Million Gun Runner Colt Peter Brant, standing out back alongside M.V. Magnier and the team from Coolmore, signed the ticket at a session-topping $3.3 million to acquire a colt by Gun Runner (hip 177) late in Monday's first session of the Keeneland September sale, then sauntered off to leave Magnier to talk to the press. “He's by Gun Runner and the lads all really liked him,” Magnier said, while adding there will be additional partners on the colt. “We bought his brother last year, the Curlin, and [trainer] Chad [Brown] actually likes him quite a bit. Hopefully, he will run soon enough.” Magnier and Brant's White Birch Farm paid $1.3 million for the son of Curlin at last year's September sale. The partners have already enjoyed success with Three Chimneys' Gun Runner, who is the sire of their champion and 'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone. Coolmore also stands the stallion's young son Gunite “We have Gunite at home at Ashford and he covered a big book of mares and he's very popular,” Magnier said. “And Gun Runner is just flying at the moment. He's by the right horse and everybody liked him.” Closing out Day 1 with a bang! Hip 177, a Gun Runner colt from @HillnDaleFarm, hammers down at $3.3 million to M.V. Magnier/White Birch/Winchell Thoroughbreds. pic.twitter.com/IDsdYLax31 — Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 8, 2025 Of the colt's session-topping price, Magnier admitted, “It went higher than we expected, but Peter and our partners were all pretty keen on the horse. Let's hope we didn't make a mistake.” The $3.3-million yearling is out of Thoughfully (Tapit), who won the 2020 GII Adirdonack Stakes for Heider Family Stables. He was bred by Hill n' Dale Equine Holdings and Matt Dorman's Determined Stud and was consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. “He was a very smooth, very good horse, by a great sire who had a timely Grade I winner [GI Del Mar Futurity winner Brant] yesterday,” said Hill 'n' Dale's John Sikura. “It's a prolific female family. And you hope for the best. All the major players assess and value these kind of horses and he made the list of important people.” Thoughtfully is a full-sister to stakes winner Signator and a half to graded winner Annual Report (Harlan's Holiday). Her granddam is Grade I winner Furlough (Easy Goer), a half-sister to Dancing Spree. Of the session-topping price tag, Sikura added, “After a million dollars, you're just watching and hoping. We never know where they are going to wind up. The good thing is I knew we were strong going in. I knew that there was multiple interest from strong people. After that, you're just a spectator in the process. You hope they all get brave and stay brave. It was a great result.” @JessMartiniTDN $2-Million Not This Time Filly to Heider A filly by Not This Time (hip 144), a third generation from Hinkle Farm, provided the operation a second seven-figure yearling out of multiple-stakes placed Stave (Ghostzapper) when selling for $2 million to Scott Heider Monday at Keeneland. “I really like the Hinkle family,” Heider said after doing his bidding alongside trainer Brendan Walsh and bloodstock agent David Lanigan. “They are good people and they raise very good horses. We looked at a lot of nice fillies in Book 1 and I told Brendan and Ted Durcan and David Lanigan, this is the one we want. I had no idea we would have to wrestle that hard to get it done. But it's a testament to the Hinkle family and what they raise on that farm. We had two stakes fillies we already raced off that page. So I thought that was as good a karma as we could get.” Hip 144, | Keeneland photo Hinkle Farm bred and campaigned the yearling's second dam, GII Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes winner Buy the Barrel (E Dubai). That mare produced Stave, who hit the board in three stakes races in the farm's colors. Stave's second foal, Matenro Hour (Constitution), sold for $1.1 million to Yuichi Fukunaga at last year's September sale. The Heider family campaigned Hinkle Farm-bred multiple stakes winner Surf N Sand (Boston Harbor), a daughter of the yearling's third dam Affordable Price (Drouilly {Fr}), and bred Surf N Sand to get stakes winner Coco as in Chanel (Awesome Again) “She's been a favorite on the farm for a while,” Anne Archer Hinkle said of the yearling. “We knew coming up here that she would be our top filly in the sale. She checked all of the boxes. She's a beautiful mover, really great physical. She comes from a great family and Not This Time couldn't be any hotter. We felt good coming into the sale, especially when we got the final set of clean X-rays. She came up here and was incredibly professional the whole time.” Hinkle said the filly was shown over 300 times at the consignment's barn 18. “We use a software, TB Sales and we can go back to data from 2019, so for yearlings going back to 2019, we've never had a yearling viewed that many times,” she said. “And we've been fortunate to have some really great sales the past couple of years. Knowing that we had her out over 300 times, I thought there was a chance she could break out and she definitely exceeded our wildest dreams. We are thrilled she has a good home and hopefully she will continue to be a star for her new owners.” In a memorable few minutes at last year's Keeneland September sale, Hinkle Farm sold two million dollar yearlings. In addition to Stave's Constitution colt, the operation sold a filly by Curlin for $1.2 million. @JessMartiniTDN 'Icing on the Cake': Warrendale's Only Flightline Yearling Headed to Japan A quarter of the way through Monday's first session of Book 1, the top two colts on the leaderboard were both by Lane's End's first-crop yearling sire Flightline. Hip 45, a colt out of the multiple graded stakes producer Mira Alta (Curlin), sold for $1.7 million to Naohiro Sakaguchi and will be shipped to Japan, according to officials at Keeneland. The flaxen-maned chestnut was bred by Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, LLC in Kentucky. “That was fantastic. We were very happy,” said Warrendale's Hunter Simms, who initially wasn't sure who had signed the ticket and shook the hands of several bidders to thank them for their efforts. “There were something like seven different interests on him, all from Japan.” Simms said the chestnut half-brother to GSW Promise Keeper (Constitution) and SW & GSP Wicked Awesome (Awesome Again) represented the only Flightline offering in Warrendale's consignment. Simms was impressed by the February foal's demeanor. Warrendale Sales's Kitty Taylor | Keeneland “This is the only one that we're selling at this sale. He was just so relaxed back there the whole time we were showing him. We showed him over 220 times over the last three days and he handled everything with class. He was just such a great individual to be around.” Rock Ridge purchased the $1.7-million colt's unraced dam at the 2015 Keeneland November sale for $200,000. Their property is located on the former ClassicStar property near Versailles, said Simms, who added: “The horse was raised by Codee Guffey at Rock Ridge and his uncle Kerry [Smith]. They do a great job. They raise a really good horse. “We've had good sales for them in the past. This is just icing on the cake for everything they put into it over the last few years. They've invested into a lot of mares and stud fees and everything else. I'm glad it paid off for them.” Much later in the sale, Sakaguchi added a second Flightline–this time a filly (hip 168) out of Taylor S (Medaglia d'Oro) for $1.5 million–to his purchases. As an owner, Sakaguchi's most accomplished runner to date is Poulsen (Into Mischief), a $925,000 OBS April grad and winner of three of his seven starts in Japan. He was most recently unplaced in the G3 Leopard Stakes Aug. 10. ––JillWilliamsTDN #KeeSept Book 1, Session 1 Results: Hip 168, a filly from the first crop of Flightline out of Taylor S, sells for $1.5 million to Naohiro Sakaguchi from the @TaylorMadeSales consignment. pic.twitter.com/dcek202qS5 — TDN (@theTDN) September 8, 2025 Not This Time Colt Scores $1.6m in Book 1 Opener With Monday's session already in full swing, Hip 66 lit up the board, bringing a cool $1.6 million from Windancer Farms, who was bidding online. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales, the Apr. 20 foal by Not This Time was bred by Richard Santulli's Colts Neck Stables. “Based upon the action [on him] we knew that he would sell for a lot of money,” said Santulli. “At that level, that's crazy. But he was a very nice colt.” Of the final price, the fourth-highest yearling of the session, Santulli added, “We knew he'd make a million, our reserve was set at $500,000. We felt [$500,000] at that price, we'd take home a racehorse [if he didn't sell]. ” The bay is produced by MSP Out Post (Silver Deputy), herself a $250,000 Keeneland September purchase in 2007. She is already responsible for SW and MGSP Jace's Road (Quality Road). The colt hails from the family of dual champion and MGISW Silverbulletday (Silver Deputy). “[The pedigree] goes back to Silverbulletday and Deputy Minister is in there,” Santulli added. “It is a nice page and a nice [physical].” A dozen yearlings by the Taylor Made Stallion brought $9.175 million, for an average of $764,583 and a median of 650,000. He was also represented by the session's second-highest price, who sold for $2 million to the Heider family. Asked about his overall impression of the sale early in the day, Santulli didn't mince words. “This sale is nuts,” he said. “Nice horses are going to bring money.”–CBossTDN Flightline Colt Gets VanMeter Sales Off To a Flyer Headley VanMeter, the youngest son of longtime consignor Tom VanMeter, started his inaugural Keeneland September sale consignment off with a bang when his VanMeter Sales sold a colt by Flightline (hip 10) for $1.5 million to John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock Monday at Keeneland. The result also marked a remarkable first for breeder Randall Lowe, who was selling his first yearling after RNA'ing the colt's half-brothers future Grade I winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo), for $325,000 in 2019, and Lieutenant General (Omaha Beach) for $385,000 in 2022. “This is the first yearling I've ever sold,” Lowe confirmed. “I was 0-for-four in the batter's box, including Golden Pal. To do this is a dream come true.” The yearling is out of Lowe's lone broodmare, the speedy Lady Shipman (Midshipman). “I wanted to see what was going on in the marketplace because the Flightlines have been so strong,” Lowe said of the decision to offer the colt at Keeneland. “I still have three other racehorses, one getting ready to start at Santa Anita, a half-sister to this horse. I thought for an individual person who doesn't take on partners, two or three horses is more than enough.” Bidding on the colt had inched over the million-dollar mark and was standing at $1.15 million when Stewart, in the reserved seating area at the back of the pavilion, jumped his bid up to $1.5 million. “When John Stewart went to $1.5 million, I started to cry,” Lowe admitted. Lowe did sell Lady Shipman's unraced 3-year-old daughter Luvwhatyoudo (Uncle Mo) for $250,000 during the Fasig-Tipton Digital March sale earlier this year and the mare herself RNA'd for $1.6 million with her Flightline colt in utero at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton November sale. Lowe has retained the mare's 2-year-old daughter Essential Lady (Essential Quality), who has been working at Del Mar. “I still own the mother and she is in foal to Not This time,” Lowe said. “I still own the sister. But it's nice to be recognized, especially by someone like John Stewart. He told me this was his number one colt in the auction.” Of his first Keeneland September offering, VanMeter said, “It's incredible, storybook. We had high expectations coming in here, but we didn't think he was going to do that. The colt was an absolute pro up here for the last four or five days. We are elated to get the sale started off this way.” The yearling was born and raised on the VanMeter family's Stockplace Farm. “Lady Shipman is on the farm and he was born and raised there and prepped there, so that makes this all the more special,” VanMeter said. Stewart, celebrating his latest acquisition, said he has been impressed by the offspring of Flightline he has seen. “We bought Queen Caroline [in foal to Flightline in November 2024],” Stewart said. “She has a nice Flightline filly and I bought a nice Flightline [colt for $875,000] up in Saratoga. So I really like the way those horses are looking, and I think he was the number one colt today.” @JessMartiniTDN Sharing is Caring for Whisper Hill as Both Buyers and Sellers Monday With a Breeders' Cup win under both her first and second dam, the chestnut filly cataloged as hip 115 was guaranteed to turn heads. Add supersire Tapit to the mix and it's no surprise she caught the eye of Mandy Pope, whose multiple graded winner Charge It (Tapit) stood his first season at Gainesway this year. “There's not going to be many more [Tapits],” said Todd Quast, advisor to Pope's Whisper Hill Farm, who bought the filly–both bred and consigned by Gainesway–for $1.5 million. “Mandy loves Tapit, so when you get that and you get this mare's side and you get the physical, we're very happy.” Tapit will be 25 next year. His four yearlings to sell Monday averaged $887,500 and included a $1-million filly (hip 118) out of Silver Colors (Mr. Greeley), who was also bred and consigned by Gainesway and went to Kate Sheehan, agent for Tranquility Lake Farm. Whisper Hill's newest acquisition is a daughter of 'TDN Rising Star' Sharing (Speightstown), who won the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in 2019. Her dam, Shared Account (Pleasantly Perfect), captured the 2010 GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. #KeeSept Book 1, Session 1 Results: Hip 115, a Tapit filly out of Grade I winner SHARING, sells for $1.5 million to @whisper_hill from the @Gainesway consignment. pic.twitter.com/BUbup4G3qH — TDN (@theTDN) September 8, 2025 A number of the Whisper Hill horses are kept at Gainesway, so Quast was already familiar with the filly. “We had seen her a couple of times and Antony [Beck] wasn't going to sell her. Then, at the last minute he decided to put her in and we got very excited. We're very, very happy to have her. What a family and what a physical.” Quast added that the March filly stood out on every aspect. “From my standpoint, it was the physical, and I really liked her as an athlete. Mandy loved her pedigree. When you get those both together, you're going to pay a lot of money. We're very excited about the family. Super-nice filly.” Quast was busy Monday, with Whisper Hill both on the buying and selling end. Another Gainesway-consigned filly from the same family will also join their racing stable. Hip 108, a daughter of Good Magic out of Secret Jewel (Bernardini), went to Whisper Hill for $775,000. That filly's second dam produced Shared Account. While buying is the fun part, Quast said selling could be bittersweet. “It's very difficult,” he added. “It's sad to see them go. It's hard, so it's a very emotional, up-and-down time.” Whisper Hill is no stranger to the selling side, but it's not every day the operation parts with offspring of some of their most beloved mares. Monday they sold a Gun Runner colt (hip 128) out of multiple champion Songbird (Medaglia d'Oro) for $900,000 to Donato Lanni, agent for SF Bloodstock, Starlight, and Madaket, as well as a Flightline colt (hip 129) out of her unraced daughter, Song Gate (Arrogate), for $850,000 to Case Clay Thoroughbred Management. “To see the Songbird sell, the Song Gate…” trailed off Quast. “They sold very, very well, but it's hard to sell them. In this business, you have to do business. You have to sell some when you get the right price for them and you have to buy them–hopefully at the right price.” ––JillWilliamsTDN Sallusto Extends to $1.3m for Gun Runner Filly Roughly midway through the initial session, agent Thorostock's Nick Sallusto and Michelle Hemingway, bidding from the front of the main pavilion, withstood a stern barrage to land Hip 105, a filly by Gun Runner. When the dust had settled, the WinStar-bred yearling realized $1.3 million, the fourth highest-priced filly of Day 1. Hemingway handled the signing duties. “[The client who] bought [the filly] wants to enjoy racing but is also building a broodmare band,” explained Sallusto, who secured the filly on behalf of an undisclosed client. “She is really partial to Gun Runner. To try to find one that hit all the specifications, she really had to hit all the marks. We are just really excited that we were able to buy her.” Out of 5-year-old Scribbling Sarah (Freud), the May 5 foal is a half-sister to GI Ashland Stakes winner and GI Kentucky Oaks third Speech (Mr Speaker) in addition to Sam F. Davis Stakes winner John Hancock (Constitution). “It was hard to find something that we didn't like [about the filly],” underscored Sallusto. “I was the underbidder on Speech as a 2-year-old, so I watched her career and then [the dam] came back with John Hancock last year and it looks like he still has a bright future ahead of him.” Hip 105, a Gun Runner half-sister to Speech consigned by @DenaliStud, agent for @WinStarFarm, brings $1.3 million at #KeeSept! Purchased by Nick Sallusto, Thorostock. pic.twitter.com/aVcYAFsEFJ — Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) September 8, 2025 One would be hard-pressed to find someone more familiar with the seven-figure Gun Runner filly purchase than WinStar's Yearling Manager Donnie Preston. “It's a young pedigree,” Preston said moments after her exit from the ring. “We have always liked her and [buyers] liked her too. I'm pretty excited she brought $1.3 million. “She is really a standout. She has great movement–a big walk.” Explaining her conformational appeal, Preston explained, “I think everything was put together right on her. She had great balance and I loved her shoulder. Her hind end was that 'dinner plate' look at the top. I knew she'd go over well, but this well, I wasn't sure.” Pointing out another interesting connection between the filly's breeder and her illustrious sire, Preston explained,”Gun Runner was born on WinStar, not a lot of people know that. He went down to Florida and when he came back [to WinStar] I had him for about 2-3 months. I wouldn't say that she looked like him, but I think the quality of him is there.” On Monday, a total of 10 yearlings sired by Gun Runner sold for a gross of $10,260,000. Also responsible for the session's $3.3-million topper, yearlings by Gun Runner averaged $1,026,000. “It's a really strong market and we fought hard to get her,” said Sallusto of his sole purchase Monday. “We hope to see a lot out of her [on the track] and then raise her babies to race them too.”–CBossTDN Into Mischief Colt Brings $1.25m Midway Monday Never far from the leaderboard at the sales, Spendthrift sire Into Mischief again figured prominently when Hip 89 realized $1.25 million from the collective of Eclipse, Bridlewood, LaPenta and Warren. The Mar. 5 foal was consigned by his breeder, Mulholland Springs. Out of Reina Maria (Songandaprayer), herself a half-sister to GISW Secret Compass (Discreet Cat), the bay is a full sibling to Grade II winner and sire Maximus Mischief. “He is by Into Mischief and is a full brother to a proven stallion and a big strong physical,” said Bridlewood's George Isaacs. During Book 1's initial session, 11 yearlings by Into Mischief brought $8.125 million, averaging $738,636. The median was $700,000. “Into Mischief is king of the sires in North America as we know. We know horses like this are going to bring this kind of money. We've had good success with this partnership. Let's just hope we get lucky.” Bridlewood Farm, Eclipse Thoroughbreds and Bob LaPenta are among the partners in this season's GI Preakness Stakes and GI Haskell Stakes winner Journalism (Curlin). Asked about the principal attraction to the yearling, Isaacs explained, “Everybody wants to try to win the Kentucky Derby and play at the top level in the American Classics. That's why we're all here and that's why we're all banging heads [in bidding]. Looks like there is plenty of energy here. The cost of doing business with horses like this is high.” The colt represented the sole yearling on offer by Mulholland Springs on Monday and the consignor was very well represented. “The most beautiful thing about him you didn't even see, and that is his wonderful mind,” said Martha Jane Mulholland. “This horse is all class top to bottom and always has been. I believe he's the best horse I've raised in the last 10 years.” Reflecting on comparison's between the colt and his accomplished brother, Mulholland added, “I would say he's just about 100 pounds heavier. Just that much more man than his brother was at this time as a yearling. I'm just so excited about his prospects.”–CBossTDN The post ‘An Incredible Horse Sale’: $3.3-Million Gun Runner Colt Leads Keeneland September Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The official Road to the Kentucky Derby will begin Sept. 13 at the home of America's greatest race as Churchill Downs stages the 44th running of the $300,000 Iroquois Stakes (G3) for 2-year-olds at one mile.View the full article
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WinStar Farm's David Hanley has been named 2025 Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Managers' Club (KTFMC). The award honors individuals 'who exemplify excellence in farm management and service to the community.” Appointed to the role of farm manager at WinStar in 2013, Hanley has played a key role in the farm's acquisition of new fewer than 11 Grade I winners who have amassed a total of 23 elite-level victories, including Justify, Life Is Good, Improbable, Mullikin and Patch Adams. “I am honored and grateful to the Kentucky Farm Managers' Club to be selected for this prestigious award,” Hanley said. “It's truly humbling to join the list of past honorees, many of whom are horsemen I have long admired and respected. This recognition reflects the collective hard work of the team at WinStar, and I'm privileged to work alongside Elliott Walden. Our collaborative efforts in selecting yearlings for WinStar's racing stable have been a major factor in the farm's success.” Walden, president, CEO, and racing manager for WinStar Farm, praised Hanley's contributions and talents, saying: “It is a great honor to see David receive such a well-deserved award, and we are delighted for him and his wife, Ann. We are very blessed to have David as part of our team. He is a great friend, and his eye for a young horse is outstanding. He has been an instrumental part of our success for the last 12 years, and we are honored to share in his success. The KTFMC could not have made a better choice.” A native of Co. Mayo, Ireland, Hanley got involved in the Thoroughbred business managing Murray McDonnell's Whitechurch Farm and later began a training career while with the operation. He trained the likes of champion sprinter Lidana and trained a co-bred Grade I winner Golden Apples (Ire). The KTFMC will honor David Hanley at its annual Dinner Dance on Friday, Dec. 5, at The Carrick House in Lexington, Kentucky. Details for the 2025 KTFMC Dinner Dance will be announced at a later time. The post WinStar’s Hanley Named Ted Bates Farm Manager of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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A Gun Runner son (hip 177) of 'TDN Rising Star' Thoughtfully (Tapit) set off late fireworks just four hips from the end of Monday's opening session at Keeneland September when Peter Brant outlasted all comers to sign the ticket at $3,300,000. Bred by Hill n Dale Equine Holdings, Inc & Determined Stud, the colt's dam brought $950,000 herself as a broodmare at FTKNOV in 2019. M.V. Magnier and White Birch bought her first foal, a now 2-year-old son of Curlin, for $1,300,000 just one year ago as a yearling at Keeneland. The dam is a half to fellow 'Rising Stars' Signator (Tapit) and Bugle Notes (Ghostzapper). The post Gun Runner Colt A Late Session Topper At $3.3m For Brant appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Demand for progeny by Horse of the Year Flightline stayed strong throughout Monday's session of Keeneland September as a filly (hip 168) sold for $1,500,000 to Japan's Naohiro Sakaguchi. The filly is a daughter of 'TDN Rising Star' Taylor S (Medaglia d'Oro) who is herself a half-sister to both fellow 'Rising Star' Liam's Map (Unbridled's Song) and current hot sire Not This Time (Giant's Causeway). Bred by Albaugh Family Stables, she was consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency. Sakaguchi also struck earlier in the session for another Flightline, purchasing a colt out of Mira Alta for $1.7m. The post Flightline Craze Continues With Another Seven-Figure Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Edited Press Release Metrics Equine LLC is pleased to announce the addition of Scott Williamson to its international team. As part of his role with Metrics, Scott will evaluate cardio potential, mechanical efficiency, and compatibility with other bloodlines and physical types for yearlings, 2-year-olds in training, and breeding stock in America, Australia, and New Zealand. Originally from Epsom, England, Scott has developed and honed his skills and experience working in the Thoroughbred industry around the world for more than 25 years. A graduate of Writtle College with an HND in Equine Studies, Scott has held positions at many of the world's leading breeding, sales, and racing operations, including Coolmore in Ireland, Darley in England, and Lane's End in the U.S. Scott has spent the last 17 years in Australia. During this time, he has been farm manager at Musk Creek Farm, at Yulong, and at Twin Palms; assistant manager at Edinglassie Stud in the Hunter Valley; and wet mare manager at the iconic Widden Stud. In Lexington for the Keeneland September sales, Scott will be available to meet clients and friends, old and new. To contact him, please ring him at (+61) 0435 851 661 (Aus phone) or email at sewilliamson80@gmail.com. The post Scott Williamson Joins Metrics Equine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Scott Heider went to an even $2,000,000 to secure a Hinkle Farms-bred daughter of Not This Time (hip 144) to set a new high-water mark Monday at Keeneland September. The filly is out of Stave whose current 2-year-old Matenro Hour (Constitution) brought $1,100,000 at this same sale just last year from Yuichi Fukunaga. This is the immediate family of First Samurai siblings MGISP Tarabi and GISP Shivaji along with recent GI Santa Anita Derby third Westwood (Authentic). HIP 144, f. by NOT THIS TIME, hammers for $2 MILLION to set the session mark on Day 1! The filly, out of stakes placed mare Stave, was bred and consigned by @Hinkle_Farms! Sold to Heider Family Stables alongside agent David Lanigan! Congrats to all and best of luck! pic.twitter.com/r7tITkFIUV — Taylor Made Stallions (@TMStallions) September 8, 2025 The post Not This Time Filly Another Million-Dollar Foal Out Of Hinkle Farms Mare Stave appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The 2025-2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby kicks off this weekend with the running of the GIII Iroquois Stakes going the one-turn mile at Churchill Downs on Sept. 13. The Road to the Kentucky Derby, launched in 2013, awards a scale of points to the top five finishers in selected qualifying races between September and April. The leaderboard determines the preference list for entry into the GI Kentucky Derby, limited to 20 runners. Up to three horses from overseas may qualify for the Derby. In addition to the 36-race Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby series concludes with the G3 UAE Derby and can produce up to two invitations to the top point-getters. The four-race Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby awards one berth in the Run for the Roses. The Road to the Kentucky Oaks, featuring 33 qualifying races, also begins Sept. 13 with the running of the one-mile GIII Pocahontas Stakes. The post Iroquois Kicks Off 2025-2026 Road To the Kentucky Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article