Wandering Eyes

Erin Leighton will continue her comeback to raceday riding when she heads to Otaki on Saturday to pilot debutant Sea Wolf in the AR Painters Maiden (1400m) for employer Roydon Bergerson. The 33-year-old hoop’s name had been absent from the racebook for three years following injury, but she made her return last Saturday at Wanganui where she had two rides, and scored a placing aboard the Bergerson-trained Our Giulia. Leighton is rapt to be back in the saddle on raceday, admitting she missed the thrill of competition. “I love it. I am thrilled to be back,” she said. After years of rehabilitation, Leighton was told last year by surgeons that she would never ride again, but she showed grit and determination to double down on her rehabilitation and proved that initial prognosis wrong. “I never thought it was going to be possible, but I finally got there,” she said. “It has been about three years (since I last rode at the races). I broke my back in a raceday fall and it took four months to get over that. “Not long after I got back riding trackwork I busted a shoulder and had to have that operated on, which hasn’t been super successful. “At Christmas last year they said I would never ride again. The surgeon kept wanting to follow the injury to see how it would eventuate and the last time I went up there he couldn’t deny the rehab I had done and the muscle I had built. Every position he tested me in I was strong enough, so he signed me off to ride again.” While her shoulder injury has impacted Leighton’s range of motion, she has adapted her riding style. “I am pain free, but I have had to change the way I use my right arm, and that goes for trackwork and even living every day, there are a lot of things I can’t do with that arm anymore,” she said. “As far as the riding position, it works perfectly fine, I have just had to adjust. I have been riding a lot of trackwork all year and have figured it out.” When she was given the news that she would never ride on raceday, Leighton began to think about her career out of the saddle and elected to head to Massey University in Palmerston North to pursue a career as a veterinarian. While studying, she began to work for local trainer Roydon Bergerson, who she said has been instrumental in her return. “After they told me I couldn’t ride again, I started thinking about what else I would like to do and I decided I would go to university, and I thought I would pay for my uni fees by riding some trackwork,” she said. “I started riding for Roydon Bergerson and got the bug again. I went to the races a few times for him strapping and I thought I would rather ride them. “I thought I would try intense rehab and see how I go, and I finally got there. Roydon has been a massive supporter, so that has been fantastic for me.” This Saturday will be in stark contrast to this time last year for Leighton, who was presenting on horseback for Trackside at Hasting’s Tarzino Trophy Day. “Last year I was at the Group One day working for Trackside, and that was a lot of fun, but I would much rather be riding at the lesser meeting than presenting at the bigger meeting,” she said. “It was a really good learning curve for me. I am naturally pretty shy, so having to put myself out there like that was good for me.” Leighton is looking forward to riding Sea Wolf at Otaki and said she will be suited over more ground in time. “She has had a stack of trials,” Leighton said. “I think she wants to stay a bit, even though she is only small. She is quite a nice shape and the more ground she is getting over, the better feel she is starting to give. “I think she will hopefully handle the wet track tomorrow, but it is a big ask. She is brave and pretty tough, so I think she will do her best no matter what.” Looking ahead to Sunday, Leighton will hop aboard two favourites at Woodville, including Turn It Up in the Pahiatua Ladies 1200 and Wingman in the Woodville 150YR Milestone 1400, both for Bergerson. “Turn It Up is an interesting horse, but she is really tough and fast,” Leighton said. “She loves to run, which is half the problem, because you have got to try and put a lid on her all of the time. “She loves her job and she will try extremely hard. I think she will get through the conditions and she is pretty fit for the job, so she should be right there. “Wingman is a question mark. If they get all of that rain he may be scratched. But I am very grateful to get on him, he is one that has got a bit of gas, and it will be good to get some speed under me. I think he will be really hard to beat if he does line-up.” View the full article

Zac Purton will have just one ride to get a feel for Hong Kong’s new whip rules before partnering Ka Ying Rising at Sunday’s season-opening meeting and the star jockey admits he’s not a fan of the change. While in the past there has been no limit on how often jockeys in Hong Kong can use the whip, officials confirmed on Thursday that riders will not be permitted to strike their mounts in consecutive strides before the 100m mark. “I don’t like it. I don’t agree with it,” said eight-time champion...View the full article

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Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Mark Twain has landed in Melbourne and will commence his path towards the iconic feature at The Valley on Saturday. While the A$200,000 So You Think Stakes (1500m) wasn’t the original plan for the six-year-old son of Shocking, trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood elected to head over to Melbourne early after inclement weather curtailed their plans in New Zealand. “He has travelled over well and settled in nicely, he looks great,” Wellwood said. “It wasn’t our first pick of races, he was due to run at Te Aroha last weekend, but due to the Heavy track, this was a back-up option. “We need to get this run under his belt before he steps up over a more suitable distance. “It has come up a very strong field. You have got a number of Group One winners over a mile, so he is probably going to be beaten for a bit of speed, but if we can see him hit the line strongly, we will be very happy. “He will probably step out over 2000m next time out, which will be much more up his alley.” Raced by Australian syndicator OTI Racing, Mark Twain was guaranteed a start in last year’s Melbourne Cup after winning the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m), and while injury curtailed those plans, Wellwood said it still holds him in good stead to gain a berth in this year’s running. “The win in the Roy Higgins really helps us this year for getting into the Melbourne Cup,” he said. “Fingers-crossed, if we can keep him happy and healthy, we will see him run in a Melbourne Cup this year.” Back in New Zealand, Kingsclere Stables will hold a strong hand at Ellerslie on Proisir Plate Day, headlined by a two-pronged attack in the Kingmakers Syndication 1300, courtesy of Group Three performer Zormella and Arabian Songbird. “I am really excited to see both of the mares, Zormella and Arabian Songbird, in that race,” Wellwood said. “They are two nice horses that have come back in good order and it’s hard to split them.” The stable will also be represented by Osteria in the Sistema 1100, while Aladdin Sane needs a scratching to gain a start in the Horizon By SkyCity 1600. “Osteria has come back a bigger and stronger horse as a four-year-old, so I am looking forward to seeing him step back out,” Wellwood said. “I am really hoping Aladdin Sane gets a run. He sits in a bit of an awkward spot in the handicaps to get a run on these bigger days. He seems to like Ellerslie and I think the mile might be his pet distance.” View the full article

What Moir Stakes Day 2025 Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – Gate 2 Feehan Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Saturday, September 6, 2025 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble Moonee Valley Racecourse is the destination for Group 1 racing in Victoria on Saturday, with the Moir Stakes (1000m) headlining a 10-race meeting. A perfect spring day and a Good 4 track are expected, while the rail will be set true. The opening event on Moir Stakes Day 2025 is scheduled to jump at 12:10pm AEST. Moir Stakes Tip: Oak Hill They will go like last week’s pay in the 2025 Moir Stakes, and that looks to suit Oak Hill perfectly. The five-year-old gelding was well beaten in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) in a similar field to this, though he found plenty of traffic when searching for inside runs along the rail. The son of Per Incanto still produced the best final 400m split of the race, and he looks poised to bounce back at a massive price with the best online bookmakers. Moir Stakes Race 7 – #9 Oak Hill (13) 5yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (58.5kg) So You Think Stakes Tip: Moira Moira ran a huge race in defeat in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) first-up off a five-month spell. The seven-year-old mare hit the line well in arguably inferior ground, and with two wins and two seconds from four second-up runs, she clearly comes into her own with race fitness on her side. Barrier 13 means Damian Lane will need to find a back to follow from the 600m, but as long as the track is playing fairly, Moira will prove hard to hold out in the $200,000 So You Think Stakes (1500m). So You Think Stakes Race 8 – #6 Moira (13) 7yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: Damian Lane (58kg) Atlantic Jewel Stakes Tip: Ole Dancer Ole Dancer is undefeated through two career starts and was thoroughly impressive when winning first-up at Caulfield on July 26. Having gained the gun run in transit just behind the speed, the Ole Kirk filly found the gap she needed in the home straight and sprinted sharply. Blake Shinn will need a touch of luck from barrier 15, but as long as Ole Dancer does not get caught wide without cover, she can waltz to victory once more. Atlantic Jewel Stakes Race 7 – #5 Ole Dancer (15) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) McKenzie Stakes Tip: Space Rider Space Rider was a smart Moonee Valley 1200m winner on August 23, producing strong late splits to get home by three-quarters of a length. On his return to the track and trip, the three-year-old colt looks poised to replicate that result in the 2025 McKenzie Stakes. From barrier five, if Michael Dee finds the one-one, Space Rider only needs clear air on the home turn to win again. McKenzie Stakes Race 6 – #1 Space Rider (5) 3yo Colt | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Michael Dee (57kg) Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Angel Capital Angel Capital has not been seen since winning the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) on February 8 and brings an element of class to the 2025 Chautauqua Stakes (1200m). The four-year-old has three wins from four first-up starts and already boasts a win at this track and trip. Damian Lane should have the son of Harry Angel camped on the leader’s heels throughout, and with freshness in his legs, Angel Capital should prove too good once the gap appears. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Angel Capital (2) 4yo Horse | T: Chris Waller | J: Damian Lane (56kg) Moir Stakes Day quaddie tips for Moonee Valley Moonee Valley quadrella selections Saturday, September 6, 2025 2-7-8 2-4-6-13 7-9-11-12-14-16 1-3 Horse racing tips View the full article

Kelsey Danner probably didn't look at the tote board prior to Thursday's first race at Kentucky Downs. She's not a bettor, she says. But she thought her starter, Repentless (Violence), could run a bit, something the bettors obviously didn't pick up on. They sent the first-time starter off at 25-1. With Adam Beschizza aboard, the colt won by three lengths and paid $52.08. It was not her longest priced winner at the meet. Fellow first-time starter Ground Support (Army Mule) won Saturday's second race for the Danner Stable and paid $203.20. The day didn't end perfectly as Danner's first time starter, Cove Spring (Preservationist), finished fourth in the fifth race. “Probably,” she said when asked if she tends to fly under the radar at meet like Kentucky Downs because she is facing some of the biggest names in the sport. “I'm obviously not a big name and neither is Adam. We don't get that much attention. I don't know why bettors do what they do. It's always a crap shoot at Kentucky Downs anyway.” Normally, when a first-time starter pays that much to win they are trained by low-profile trainers who rarely win anything. But that's not the case with Danner. She's been training since 2017 and has won 246 races while batting 14%. She finished second in the standings at the most recent Turfway Park meet with 17 winners, finishing two behind Mike Maker. “My last few years have definitely been my best years,” she told the TDN's Katie Petrunyak. “I'm a bit more content with where I'm at as far as the clientele and the horses I have. For the last three years, I got to have some nicer, young stock and they're still in my barn now, so it has been nice to watch them develop and I've gotten to win a few stakes races.” Though she says she points for the Kentucky Downs meet each year, Danner came close to not running either winner. She was talked into it by their owner John Ballantyne, a transplanted New Zealander living in Fargo, North Dakota. Kelsey Danner | Sarah Andrew “[Ground Support] had been working really nice,” Danner said. “She's a big classy filly. I bought her for $80,000 at the Fasig-Tipton 2-Year-Olds In-Training sale. She's a Florida-bred so I talked to the owners about a month ago because she was ready to run. I asked them if they wanted to wait for Kentucky Downs, even though we'd be running for less money than the Kentucky-breds. The other option was to run in Florida. She had been showing talent and I didn't think she needed a prep race. John wanted to wait for Kentucky Downs, because he likes that track so much. I have no idea why she was 99-1. She had had some nice breezes.” Repentless was purchased for $275,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling sale. Starting with May 15, he had 12 workouts, and was clearly ready for his first assignment. “We had bought him at the Saratoga sale last year,” Danner said. “We spent good money on him. He is a beautiful colt and he had been working very well, on both the Tapeta and the dirt. I was kind of questioning what surface we should start him out on, but John wanted to run here. I wanted to start her off at seven-eighths, so, thankfully, we got the distance we wanted. This was all good. You never complain when you win any race at Kentucy Downs. Even the horses who haven't won for us are running nice races.” You might have one more chance to bet on a Danner-trained 2-year-old. Windy Houston (Munnings) may run in Saturday's first race. She is the first also-eligible listed. If she doesn't get in she will run the next day. But the filly ran second in her debut at Ellis Park, which means she's not going to sneak up on anyone like her two stablemates did. A $2 win parlay on the two Danner winners would have paid $5,364.00. Maybe she should rethink this no betting thing. The post Kelsey Danner Lights Up The Tote Board At Kentucky Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The University Press of Kentucky is proud to announce the launch of a new book series, Racing Royalty, dedicated to honoring the equine stars of Thoroughbred racing. View the full article

Since stretching out in distance, Stellify has set fire to the turf with a pair of course records. Now, she faces a true test of her ability Sept. 6 while lining up in graded competition in the $2 million Ladies Marathon (G3T) at Kentucky Downs.View the full article

Niance, a little mare who's recovered from an injury, will chase top-tier glory while seeking to extend a hot record for females in the AU$750,000 Moir Stakes (G1) Sept. 6 at Moonee Valley Racecourse.View the full article

Jeff Lifson is in the midst of another career move, having left West Point Thoroughbreds earlier this year to co-found U Racing Stables with his wife, Stephanie Collins, the partnership's director of communications.View the full article

What Wyong Cup Day 2025 Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Friday, September 5, 2025 First Race 12:50pm AEST Visit Dabble The $250,000 Listed Wyong Cup (2100m) headlines proceedings on the quickfire seven-race program out of Wyong on Friday afternoon. Supported by the Group 3 Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m), participants are set to be greeted by perfect conditions above and should be racing on a Good 4 track. The rail will be in its true position the entire circuit, with Wyong Cup Day 2025 set to commence at 12:50pm AEST. Wyong Cup Tip: Saltcoats Saltcoats maps to get the gun run from barrier three, stalking likely leaders such as Travolta and Salt Lake City before producing late under James McDonald. The Chris Waller-trained gelding has built an admirable staying profile this prep and drops to a very workable 56kg for this drop-back in trip around the tight-turning Wyong 2100m. He’s rock-hard fit, handles soft ground, and his tactical speed is a big plus at this circuit. Wyong Cup Race 6 – #4 Saltcoats (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56kg) Mona Lisa Stakes Tip: Molly Bloom Class usually tells in the Group 3 Mona Lisa, and Molly Bloom brings plenty of it. She returns off two soft trials and a strong Group-level résumé, including a Group 3 placing over 1400m last season. Under set weights + penalties she gives weight (60.5kg) but draws kindly in seven for Nash Rawiller to settle midfield with cover and build momentum from the 600m. She handles soft ground, has the engine to sprint off a steady tempo at 1350m, and profiles to improve sharply back to mares’ grade fresh from a spell. Mona Lisa Stakes Race 7 – #1 Molly Bloom (7) 5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Nash Rawiller (60.5kg) Best Bet at Wyong: Napoleonic Napoleonic looks ready to win first-up from a six-month spell. The John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained colt has shown ability in limited runs (2:0-1-0) and put the writing on the wall with a sharp Hawkesbury 1000m trial win on August 25. From gate five, James McDonald can have him stalking the speed set by Andale Andale and Don’t Tell Polly before exposing on the bend—a pattern that suits Wyong’s 1200m. He maps to control his own luck, gets a soft track he’s already handled, and has clearly been set up to break through fresh. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Napoleonic (5) 3yo Colt | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: James McDonald (57kg) Friday quaddie tips for Wyong Wyong quadrella selections September 5, 2025 1-3-6-7 3-4-5 1-3-4-8 1-2-3-7-10 Horse racing tips View the full article

After a record number of applications in 2025, Thoroughbred Charities of America grants to 98 organizations totaling over $1.1-million were recently awarded, according to a press release from the non-profit on Thursday afternoon. The TCA said that 63 aftercare organizations, 24 backstretch and farm worker programs, seven equine-assisted therapy organizations, three Thoroughbred incentive programs, and one research organization comprised this year's tally. The TCA release added that their grant committee established clear funding priorities with emphasis placed on approved organizations working to serve the backstretch and farm employee communities as well as non-traditional aftercare organizations. The group defined non-traditional aftercare organizations as those that are either working to provide on-track placement services to retiring Thoroughbreds or organizations that are working to incentivize equine enthusiasts to choose a horse as their next mount. “Our annual grants reflect both the generosity of our donors and the strength of the organizations we are privileged to support,” said Erin Halliwell, executive director of TCA. “We take our responsibility as stewards of donor contributions very seriously because it is these donations that allow us to make a real impact via our grants. Every dollar entrusted to TCA helps us invest in organizations that are making an impact on Thoroughbreds and their caretakers.” The post TCA’s Annual Grants To 98 Organizations Total Over $1.1 Million In 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ed Bethell hopes calling on "man of the moment" Frankie Dettori can help him make an instant impact in the U.S. when the trainer breaks new ground with Point Lynas in the Mint Millions Invitational Stakes (G3T) at Kentucky Downs Sept. 6.View the full article

After lengthy negotiations, the Jockey's Guild and TRAO have agreed to the terms of a three-year agreement, which include a minimum losing-mount fee of $100, with a fourth-place incentive, and all jockeys will pay the per-mount HISA fee. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, the enforcement arm of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, has issued trainer Raymond Handal a 22-day suspension for three different dexamethasone positives.View the full article

Saturday, Haydock, post time: 15:35, THE BETFAIR SPRINT CUP-G1, £427,000, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), Beauvatier (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Diligent Harry (GB) (Due Diligence), Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal), James's Delight (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Kind Of Blue (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}), Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}), My Mate Alfie (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Run To Freedom (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Ain't Nobody (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Big Mojo (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Flora Of Bermuda (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), No Half Measures (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Rage Of Bamby (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Sayidah Dariyan (Ire) (Dariyan {Fr}), Sky Majesty (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Time For Sandals (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}). Reserves: Nighteyes (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Celandine (GB) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Verdict: With the weather having changed dramatically across Europe in recent days, the initial feel of autumn is in the air and with it perhaps a shift in the fortunes for some of summer's luminaries. Lazzat's Royal Ascot heroics mark him out as the one to beat, but the way he was brushed aside attempting back-to-back wins in Deauville's Prix Maurice de Gheest suggests this is not cut and dried. The July Cup heroine No Half Measures has to do it all again, but is still unexposed at this trip, while the Commonwealth Cup winner Time For Sandals is up against her elders and has something to prove. Sky Majesty hails from last year's winning stable and is a filly being brought to a peak at the right time, having mastered two competitive Irish sprints, while last year's runner-up Kind Of Blue at last gave us something to hold on to after his lacklustre spring and early summer campaign. Third in the Phoenix Sprint, he has to up his game again, but we know what he is capable of from last year and it is worth remembering that James Fanshawe won this with his relative The Tin Man in 2018. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Kempton, post time: 13:35, THE UNIBET SEPTEMBER STAKES-G3, £90,000, 3yo/up, 11f 219yT Field: Candleford (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Meydaan (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Tasmania (Ger) (Australia {GB}), Satavia (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}). TDN Verdict: This should be straightforward for last year's winner Kalpana as she is geared towards an Arc tilt, especially after her barnstorming effort in the King George. Only the Hong Kong Vase hero Giavellotto offers any meaningful opposition if she is near her peak, coming off a break having run a touch disappointingly in the Coronation Cup. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Haydock, post time: 13:15, THE BEST ODDS ON THE BETFAIR EXCHANGE SUPERIOR MILE-G3, £85,000, 3yo/up, 8f 37yT Field: Balmacara (GB) (New Bay {GB}), Checkandchallenge (GB) (Fast Company {Ire}), Ice Max (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Make Me King (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Prague (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Excellent Believe (GB) (Make Believe {GB}), Fearnot (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Snow Master (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Zeus Olympios (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Suite Francaise (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Suite Francaise returns to the course and distance of her Listed Dick Hern Stakes win and is one of a group of three-year-olds with perhaps some more up their sleeve. They include the unbeaten pair Snow Master and Zeus Olympios, who both face an entirely new challenge tackling the Summer Mile fourth Make Me King. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Kempton, post time: 15:10, THE UNIBET SIRENIA STAKES-G3, £70,000, 2yo, 6fT Field: Beckford's Folly (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Egoli (GB) (No Nay Never), First Legion (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Five Ways (GB) (Kameko), Ninth Crusade (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Rogue Supremacy (GB) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Sirius A (Ire) (Palace Pier {GB}), Super Soldier (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Chicory (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Sayidah Hard Spun (GB) (Ubettabelieveit {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Charlie Appleby always likes to bring a nice type to this race and Beckford's Folly has confidence high following two Newmarket novice wins. Andrew Balding has a strong team of juveniles and puts forward the impressive Salisbury novice winner Five Ways, while Super Soldier is the one with Pattern-race form, having finished second in Chantilly's Prix Robert Papin. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Haydock, post time: 13:50, THE BETTING.BETFAIR ASCENDANT STAKES-Listed, £40,500, 2yo, 8f 37yT Field: Bourbon Blues (GB) (Space Blues {Ire}), Bow Echo (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Glacius (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), He's Waliim (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Publish (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Shayem (Ire) (King Of Change {GB}), Tailgunner Joe (Knicks Go), Midnight Tango (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Impressive at Newbury on debut last month, 'TDN Rising Star' Bow Echo takes on Juddmonte's exciting Publish in an encounter that could have an impact on next year's Classic picture. The latter was forced to miss the Solario last week and the Gosdens obviously hold him in high regard given their record in that Sandown contest. Newmarket winner Glacius is another with abundant potential in a fascinating affair. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Lazzat Leads Maximum Field of 17 for the Sprint Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-Kentucky Downs, $180,800, Msw, 9-4, 2yo, f, 1mT, 1:34.74, fm, 1 1/2 lengths. IMAGINATIONTHELADY (f, 2, Not This Time–Romanticism, by War Front) was the most well-regarded first-time starter in the field, going off as the 3-1 second choice behind 2-1 favorite and second-time starter Market Chill (Not This Time). Forwardly placed from her outside gate under Flavien Prat, she pressed the tempo wide of Paris Twilight (City of Light) past the half-mile pole in :46.44. Once given her head with less than a quarter to run, Imaginationthelady spurted clear with ease and lasted safely ahead of a closing Market Chill who wound up 1 1/2 lengths back to fill out a Not This Time-sired exacta. Ashview Farm purchased first dam Romanticism for $280,000 at KEENOV in 2020. She had already produced this winner's half-brother in SP Benissimo (Pioneerof the Nile). And though unraced herself, Romanticism is out of MGISW Sightseek (Distant View). Imaginationthelady has a yearling Liam's Map half-brother and her dam was served by Muth for 2026. Sales History: $300,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $102,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Mark Dobbin; B-Ashview Farm & Colts Neck Stables (KY); T-Brendan P. Walsh. Imaginationthelady is a debut winner in R5 at @kydownsracing for trainer @brenpwalsh with Flavien Prat in the saddle! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/uIEOiCRMrv — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) September 4, 2025 The post Imaginationthelady Tops Not This Time-Sired Exacta In Kentucky Downs Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Woodbine Entertainment announced a partnership with 1/ST Racing that will see the Dance Smartly Stakes (G2T) become a qualifying race for the Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational Stakes (G2T). View the full article

Oaklawn Park recently announced a key leadership transition within its racing and wagering operations.View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a full-brother to a modern-day great. 2.20 Ascot, Mdn, 2yo, 7fT RAAHEEB (IRE) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is the day's big news, as the ninth foal out of Shadwell's elite broodmare Aghareed (Kingmambo) responsible so far for one of the best to grace the silks in Baaeed and also the King George hero Hukum. Both were by this colt's sire, with the latter's trainer Owen Burrows entrusted with the care of the latest highly promising homebred. In against him are Al Shaqab and Amo Racing's 500,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase Behike (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), a George Scott-trained relative of Dutch Art, and TBT Racing's Norman Invasion (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), an Ed Walker-trained €480,000 Arqana May Breeze-Up graduate whose family features Legatissimo, and Fame And Glory. 5.47 Kempton, Novice, 2yo, 7f (AWT) JOULANY (IRE) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is another by the sire to take the eye, being an 800,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase who is a full-brother to the evergreen multiple Group winner and Group 1-placed Al Aasy. Al Shaqab Racing, Amo Racing and Valmont share the Ralph Beckett-trained colt, whose peers include Shadwell's similarly-unraced Yazin (GB) (New Bay {GB}), a John and Thady Gosden-trained relative of the Group 1 winner Tawkeel. The post Baaeed’s Brother Raaheeb Debuts at Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Akuta is on a hiding to nothing in homecoming at Addington tonight. But trainer-driver Mark Purdon says he won’t be the one piling the pressure on his exceptional pacer. The former Auckland Cup winner has returned to Canterbury, where he was born and trained for most of his career, to start his run at the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup on November 11. That next step is in the $40,000 Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup tonight and after returning to winning form last start and then drawing barrier 1 for tonight’s 2600m standing start, Akuta opened odds-on with the TAB bookies. That is understandable. He is, after all, a millionaire pacer and if he returns to the absolute best form he showed before a career-threatening injury last year you could make a case Akuta would be the most talented horse in the country. Purdon doesn’t disagree. He just isn’t sure THAT Akuta will be at Addington tonight. “He has done really well since he came back and we are thrilled how sound he has been,” he says. “But he is still working his way back to his peak fitness and he isn’t there yet. “He can win but I’m a touch worried if they go really hard over 2600m he could be found just a bit short of fitness.” Another slight concern for punters who see Akuta, Purdon and barrier 1 and think “good thing” is it would be a shock to see the muscular pacer try to lead throughout as it is a quick front line and it has been a long time since he as put under any pressure in a standing start race. Purdon admits he wouldn’t be stunned, or worried, if Akuta ends up three back on the markers. In some ways that could be the best thing at this stage of his comeback and with an economical trip he could still blast past rivals who simply aren’t as good as him. But those taking the $2 fixed odds quote won’t feel all that comfortable if he has four or five rivals ahead of him starting the last 800m. Summary: If he leads or trails on an average speed Akuta probably wins. If he gets further back and either Alta Meteor or We Walk By Faith get an easier run then they could outsprint him. Purdon and training partner/son Nathan have taken six horses south for the spring with more to possibly join the team later in the region they trained in for more than half Mark’s career. Purdon remarkably hasn’t driven a winner at Addington since Oscar Bonavena won the NZ Trotting Free-For-All in December 2023 and he will be back behind Oscar in tonight’s ITM Ordeal Trotting Cup. He and arch rival Muscle Mountain both start off a 10m handicap and while they are probably past their best the only real threat to emerge to them, Bet N Win, isn’t starting tonight so one of the old boys should win. “Oscar trialed well last week, I let him have his head as he needed a blowout and he has worked well this week,” says Purdon. “I was impressed with how Muscle Mountain won last start though so he will be hard to beat. It might come down to luck in the running.” Confessional could be the blowout chance of the front markers. The stable also have Rubira fresh up after winning the Queensland Derby in July in a sharp three-year-old race tonight and while he has barrier 9 over the 1980m Purdon says he can still win. “He is getting better all the time and has turned into a really good three-year-old.” He is up against the very in-form pair of Bar Louie and Always Dreaming as well as the returning Got The Chocolates. Earlier in the star-studded 13-race programme Treacherous Baby (R6, No.6) takes on the boys in a strong Rating 60-70 with Purdon warning she has missed some work since her last win so could be vulnerable. View the full article

By Michael Guerin On paper the small but select main pace at Alexandra Park tonight looks one of the great ratings certainties ever. But things often aren’t that simple where Sooner The Bettor is involved. The five-year-old finds himself as a Miracle Mile runner-up, to Leap To Fame of all horses, and starting from the ace in a mid-grade mobile 1700m, the Breckon Farms Mobile Pace (5.50pm) tonight . Add to that he has gate speed, the two next most favoured pacers in the race are his stablemates Better Knuckle Up and Jeremiah and the likelihood the five runners should quickly fall into single file, and this looks the perfect comeback race for Sooner The Bettor. And so it may prove to be. After all he was heavily backed after opening a surprising $4.20 second favourite and for all the reasons listed above he should win. But while the best version of Sooner The Bettor has beaten superstars and pushed stablemate Merlin close on plenty of occasions, the less ambitious version of Sooner The Bettor has also been beaten in fields not much better than tonight. He has won just seven races from 44 starts, albeit many in elite company but has also run 15 seconds, as mentioned many to vastly superior horses to those he meets tonight. But the man who knows him and his key rivals best thinks we will see the winning version tonight. “It looks the perfect race for him to come back in,” says co-trainer Scott Phelan. “With his gate speed he should lead and you wouldn’t think it would be a race with a lot of pressure. “We have put Harrison [Orange] on him as that would make it a penalty free win if he gets the job done so there are a lot of positives.” So while Jeremiah, Better Knuckle Up and even The Surfer, who was good returning last start, will be fitter than Sooner The Bettor, after his recent workout run behind Merlin he really should be winning tonight. Phelan says plenty of other members of the team he trains with Barry Purdon faces tough tasks tonight. “Confederate has ended up in a tough race considering his rating but we would rather race here for $17,000 than take an easier option for $8000, I don’t see the sense in that. “We have some nice two-year-olds in both the boys and fillies races but they have all got terrible draws so they are really up against it. “But I thought a horse who could go close was Miki Doo in the last race. He has a better draw that our other horse The Night Agent and is back in maiden grade after being beaten by race winners in 2:41 fresh up last Friday.” Tonight’s meeting also sees some good trot races with Pretty In Pink (R1) and Bolt For The Hill (R7) both winning well enough last start to suggest they could do so again, with the latter opening a very tempting $7 with the bookies. View the full article

After lengthy negotiations, the Jockeys' Guild of America and the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma have agreed to the terms in the form of a 3-year agreement, which includes a minimum losing mount fee of $100, a fourth-place incentive and all riders will pay the per mount HISA fee, the guild said in a Thursday press release. Set to expire on Dec. 31, 2028, the parties plan to immediately seek approval from the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. The release went on to say that “extensive conversations with the Remington Park colony, as well as the Jockeys' Guild Board of Directors including co-chairman, John Velazquez, the determination was made for the jockeys to pay the HISA fee.” According to the release, Oklahoma is the lone state in which jockeys are required to pay the HISA fees. Before the agreement was reached between the two parties, the minimum fee was set at $75. Guild members refused to ride at Remington, which forced the track to use substitutes Thursday, Sept. 4 and Friday, Sept. 5. In the release, the Jockeys' Guild reported that members will return to saddle on Saturday, Sept. 6. “Even though the Oklahoma Thoroughbred jockeys will still receive a lower losing mount fee than the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Jockeys, the Remington Park Thoroughbred jockey colony came together as one voice and agreed to the losing mount fees scale presented by TRAO,” the release said. “The united colony was concerned and sympathetic to how this standoff was impacting not only owners, but trainers, jockey agents, exercise riders, grooms, hot walkers, valets, starting gate personnel, and pony people, as well as Remington Park, with whom the Jockeys' Guild has an excellent relationship,” the organization added. The post Agreement Reached On Losing Mount Fees For Oklahoma Jockeys appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A stakes winner at ages 2, 3, and 4, C R K Stable's Medoro appears primed for another big effort in her second start off the layoff in the $250,000 John C. Mabee Stakes (G2T) Sept. 6 at Del Mar.View the full article

Trainer Bob Baffert has won a record 11 Del Mar Debutantes, and could get extend that streak with Himika, Explora, or Bottle of Rouge in the Sept. 6 running of the Del Mar Debutante Stakes (G1) at Del Mar.View the full article