Wandering Eyes

The non-profit Puerto Rico Horse Owners Association, Inc. (PRHOA) has sued the Gaming Commission of the Government of Puerto Rico and the corporate owners of Camarero Race Track in United States federal court, seeking $500,000 in horse-injury damages because of allegedly unsafe track conditions that the PRHOA is claiming have persisted at Puerto Rico's only Thoroughbred venue for nearly a decade. The PRHOA also claimed in its Apr. 26 lawsuit in United States District Court (District of Puerto Rico) that despite several years of official complaints lodged to address the alleged safety issues, the gaming commission and track management have purportedly ignored the horse owners' repeated calls for safety upgrades. In addition, the PRHOA wants a federal judge to compel Camarero and the commission “to immediately grant access” to John Passero, the noted track-safety consultant who years ago served as the track superintendent at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course. Passero was recently retained by the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association as a consultant when problems emerged at those two tracks. The PRHOA is asking for Passero to be furnished with whatever historical track safety study and maintenance data the commission and Camarero have compiled, “as well as all expert reports on the Racetrack by experts issued during the years 2019 to 2024,” so that Passero can “submit a report with his recommendations on the condition of the Racetrack.” Neither the commission nor Camarero management could be reached for comment prior to deadline for this story. The defendants have several weeks to file a legal response. The PRHOA's suit alleges that Camarero, “since 2016 suffers from dangerous conditions…in particular [in] its final stretch in the mile and one sixteenth area…due to having consistency problems, unevenness, problems of humidity, lack of compaction and lack of effective maintenance, among others.” The complaint cited Camarero's need to cancel after one race on a dry track Mar. 16, after two races on a muddy track Apr. 21, and the loss of training hours Apr. 22 as all being related to the unresolved safety issues. The complaint stated that, “On Feb. 18, 2022, (over twenty-six months ago), PRHOA filed an official complaint with the Executive Director regarding the conditions of the Racetrack, which was assigned to administrative judge José Martínez Ramos, who after some administrative proceedings improperly determined that he lacked jurisdiction to consider the First Complaint, because allegedly the Executive Director had commenced a parallel investigation on the Racetrack and that he understood that the results of that so-called investigation should be completed first. “In the meantime, the conditions of the Racetrack continued to deteriorate, further endangering the safety and welfare of the riders and the Thoroughbreds working out in the mornings and racing during official races at Hipódromo Camarero. “With no results from the alleged secret investigation by the Executive Director on the Racetrack and its condition continuing to deteriorate due to its improper maintenance and conditioning, and the lack of the proper equipment to do so, further placing in jeopardy the safety of the riders and Thoroughbreds working out and racing thereat, and in view of Camarero's lackadaisical attitude and hands down modus operandi…almost two years from the First Complaint, PRHOA on Jan. 12, 2024, filed a second complaint with the Commission as to the condition of the Racetrack,” the filing stated. “In the Second Complaint, PRHOA underscored that, almost two years after the First Complaint, the results of the purported investigation by the Executive Director had not been revealed, understanding that the same had not been concluded or conducted,” the complaint stated. In order to fix the alleged problems, the PRHOA wants “a soil study, inspection of the Racetrack's base, the composition of the sand serving as cushion over its base and its depth, the Racetrack's drainage system and the use of the proper equipment.” On Apr. 2, 2024, the PRHOA filed an “urgent petition” with the gaming commission asking for Passero to be allowed to commence that sort of investigatory work, the complaint stated. But, according to the court filing, “To make things worse on Apr. 22, 2024, making evident its obstinacy and disregard for the well-being of the riders and Thoroughbreds in use of the Racetrack, Camarero answered the Urgent Petition [by] sustaining that since it is a private entity it doesn't have any legal obligation compelling it to share the requested information with third parties and that the revealing reports are confidential in nature and their disclosure is not supported by any legal provision requiring its submittal to PRHOA.” The cancelled races, “coupled with the injuries suffered by the Thoroughbreds owned by the members of PRHOA, have caused them substantial damages, estimated [at] not less than $500,000 due to the resulting loss of purse money and of their investment in the purchase of their racing stock,” the PRHOA complaint stated. “The acts and omissions of the Commission and Camarero [allegedly constitute] illegal violations of PRHOA and its members, civil rights, all in violation of the Fourth, Fifth, Eight, Ninth and Fourteen Amendments of the United States and 42 USC section 1983,” the PRHOA's complaint stated. “Said acts and omissions are negligent or intentional, grossly negligent or intentional and taken in reckless disregard and deliberate indifference for the rights of PRHOA and its members,” the complaint stated. The post Horse Owners Sue Camarero, Puerto Rico Commission over ‘Negligent, Intentional’ Indifference to Track Safety appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Byron King's Top 12 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Spendthrift Farm.View the full article

The 2024 dates for two competition legs of the Real Rider Cup, a charity show jumping event featuring members of the racing industry competing on off-track Thoroughbreds, were announced Tuesday. The Kentucky leg will take place July 13 at New Vocations at Mereworth Farm in Lexington, and the Maryland leg will once again kick off the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show in Elkton Sept. 13. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Fair Hill Thoroughbred Show, New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, and the Retired Racehorse Project. Riders will compete both individually and as part of a team; riders are encouraged to form their own teams to ride for a particular farm, stable, organization or branch of the industry. All riders pledge to raise a minimum of $1,000, either through donations or sponsorships. Participation will be capped at 30 riders per event. Terence Collier will once again serve as the master of ceremonies at the Kentucky leg, and Scott Wykoff is returning to announce at Maryland. “As we gear up for Real Rider Cup 2024, I'm looking forward to what could be our best year yet,” said Real Rider Cup founder Anita Motion. “Each year, we make adjustments and improvements to the flow of the event. Since the inaugural Real Rider Cup in 2017, we've raised much-needed funds for three Thoroughbred charities while also producing a truly enjoyable spectator event. I look forward to seeing you ringside on July 13 in Lexington and September 13 in Fair Hill!” The post Competition Dates Set for 2024 Real Rider Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

To most people, 88 is just a number. But to Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, it already holds special meaning. It was the year he famously collected his first Kentucky Derby win, with a filly no less. The amazon Winning Colors became only the third filly in history to accomplish the feat. Armed with B C Stable's Just Steel (Justify) for the latest renewal, a win would also earn the 88-year-old Lukas the distinction of becoming the oldest trainer to win the Classic in its 150-year history. Since that exalted first Derby win, however, a lot has transpired. Showing his dominance at the tail-end of the last century–and in the span of only 10 years–Lukas added three more Derbies with Thunder Gulch (1995), Grindstone (1996) and Charismatic (1999). Well known for his golden touch with the fillies, Lukas also collected four renewals of the Kentucky Oaks late in the last century, headed by Blush With Pride in 1982 and followed by Lucky Lucky Lucky two years later, Open Mind in 1989 and Seaside Attraction in 1990. Following a three-decade gap, he proved that he was far from done when he took another renewal of the 2022 Oaks with Secret Oath, tying him with the legendary Woody Stephens for the most victories in the “Lillies for the Fillies”. This year, Lukas will try to earn a record-breaking sixth Oaks with Aaron Sone's Lemon Muffin (Collected). Bullish on his chances in both sophomore Classics, Lukas will saddle a duo that can provide him with something that even he hasn't done, a win in the Oaks and Derby in the same year. “We feel real comfortable with where they are both at,” affirmed Lukas. “They have done everything we have asked of them. With [Just Steel], we are coming into this off a strong effort. As for the filly, she seems to have bounced back from that last race pretty strong. So we are looking good right now.” Anatomy of a Classic Double? Just Steel broke his maiden third time out in a six-furlong Saratoga test last summer, but finished off-the-board in a pair of subsequent Grade I tries in the fall. Third in the wet going at Churchill Downs in October, he bounced back to take the 6 1/2-panel Ed Brown S. in Louisville the following month. Runner up in both the Smarty Jones S. and GIII Southwest S. at Oaklawn early this winter, he was seventh in the GII Rebel S. but bounced back to be a much-improved second, beaten only two lengths, by the highly-regarded Muth in the GI Arkansas Derby. Just Steel at Churchill Downs | Renee Torbit – Coady “He's a little bit different than the other Derby horses I've had,” explained Lukas. “He's a very professional horse. He does everything so easy. He doesn't cause any concern when you're saddling him, in the paddock or anything like that. I can't really say he is anything like the previous Derby winners we've had, but he really is a joy to train given the way he has behaved in any of the situations he's faced.” He added, “It's great to have a horse like this for B C Stables–John Bellinger and Brian Coelho. They have really stepped up and made a big commitment with us. So I'd love to win it with them.” Taking a beat to prove her mettle, Lemon Muffin, winless in four starts during her juvenile season, needed six starts to get off the mark, but finally broke through while routing for the first time and trying graded stakes company in the 1 1/16-mile GIII Honey Bee S. Feb. 24. She seemingly took a step backward in her latest, a seventh in the Mar. 30 GII Fantasy S. However, Lukas admits she had an excuse. “It turned out she was a little under the weather,” he said. “She showed it the next day–she spiked a temperature. She wasn't right and was flat. You can throw that one out. She's back now.” And according to Lukas, the filly has been giving all the right signs in the mornings. “She's a good work horse. She puts a lot into her gallops, a lot into her mornings. Her work [at Churchill 5 furlongs :58.20 Apr. 27, 1/58] that really tipped her hand. She's very strong right now.” The Times They Are A-Changin' When Lukas stepped onto the Kentucky Derby stage for the very first time in 1981 with a horse named Partez, he was a brash up-and-comer in the Thoroughbred game. Fast forward 40 years, Lukas returns with his 50th career starter as a seasoned veteran who has seen and done it all. And while he admits that the game has undergone an evolution in many ways, his training approach to the Classic is not really one of them. Trainer D Wayne Lukas with his first Derby winner, Winning Colors | Horsephotos “Honestly, I don't think there is a lot of difference in the way I prepare them,” he said. And the reason for that, Lukas explains, is that despite all the transmutations in racing, one of the constants appears to be the way a Derby is won or lost. “In a perfect world, I'd like to have my horse lay in the first six or seven, not too far off the early pace,” he said. “The race always seems to be won in the first turn here. You want your horse to have some tactical speed. I want them to be as trouble free as possible. When they turn up that back side, then an adjustment can be made. Every one of our horses that have won the Derby were in great position going up the back side. They were all relatively close and in perfect position to run when they were called on.” In contrast, several other key factors have undergone great change in the blueprint of a Classic contender. “I do think the breeders are emphasizing speed more in the horses they produce,” he explained. “By that I mean horses that look like they're quick. They are breeding more for speed, because speed sells. We probably don't have as many pure route horses as we used to. A horse that can run a mile and a quarter or beyond. A lot of breeders have gotten away from that.” He continued, “Another big change we have seen over time is in the ownership of horses. In recent years, we have seen multiple ownership groups flourish. The sales are often dominated by a partnership of four or five groups, and probably any one of those can buy the horse individually, but they like to team up. It's changed the landscape both in the sale's ring and on the racetrack significantly.” Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert catching up Preakness week | Jon Kral – MJC And while Lukas is happy to be back at the Derby with a horse that he believes has a chance to make some noise, he addresses the pink elephant in the room, the absence of his good friend, Bob Baffert, who was banned from competing in the initial jewel in the Triple Crown for two years and later had that suspension extended through this season. Mighty adversaries on the track in earlier years, Lukas and Baffert are more apt to be seen kicking back and having a chat amidst all the hubbub leading up to the Classics. “I speak to Bob a lot but we really don't try to solve anything. Unfortunately, Bob became the poster boy for what was happening. He was put front and center,” Lukas offers. “And he served his time, and it was later extended. I really thought that whole situation got out of hand. It got to rolling and it just mushroomed.” He added, “My personal feeling is that I think [the establishment] wanted the 150th Derby to have a positive and strong approach and, if Bob had run this year, he would have been a lot of the story. [The press] would be all over him trying to find out how he felt. That would have become the main story, and I don't think management felt that should be the case for the 150th. But he really should be here.” The post History Might Hold the Answer to Lukas’s Classic Dream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Replacing Encino is Epic Ride, who was last seen finishing third in the Blue Grass Stakes (G1) at Keeneland behind Sierra Leone and Just a Touch.View the full article

4th-Churchill Downs, $117,750, Msw, 4-30, 3yo/up, 1 1/4m, 2:02.49, ft, 8 3/4 lengths. BATTEN DOWN (c, 3, Tapit–Close Hatches {Ch. Older Mare, MGISW, $2,707,300}, by First Defence), a full-brother to Tacitus (MGSW & MGISP, $3,767,350), romped home the easiest of winners when stretched to 10 furlongs at Churchill Downs Tuesday. A distant sixth in his seven-furlong unveiling Jan. 27, the gray missed by just a neck when second after setting the pace going nine furlongs at Gulfstream Feb. 24 and was beaten a half-length when third going 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland last time out Apr. 6. The 3-5 favorite broke on top and was tugging under a strong hold through fractions of :23.57 and :48.08. He pulled further clear without being asked turning for home, hit the top of the stretch in front by some five lengths and effortlessly extended his advantage down the lane before finishing under wraps and 8 3/4 lengths in front of Daily Grind (Medaglia d'Oro) was second. In addition to Tacitus, Batten Down is also a full to Scylla (GSP, $174,115), who was third in the Apr. 19 GIII Doubledogdare S. at Keeneland. Champion Close Hatches has a 2-year-old filly by Constitution, a yearling filly by Uncle Mo and she produced a filly by Gun Runner this year. The mare is a full-sister to the late GI Kentucky Oaks runner-up Lockdown, who produced champion Idiomatic (Curlin). Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Lifetime Record: 4-1-1-1, $94,850. O/B-Juddmonte (KY); T-William I. Mott. #2 BATTEN DOWN ($3.28) ran them off their feet going gate-to-wire to break his maiden in career start four in race 4 at Churchill Downs. The son of Tapit was ridden by @JuniorandKellyA and is trained by Bill Mott. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/fSt50PKVfB — FanDuel Racing (Formerly TVG) (@FanDuel_Racing) April 30, 2024 The post Juddmonte Full-Brother to Tacitus Romps at Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk With four second placings from just five starts, Biggles is overdue to break maidens in Race 4, the Fahey Fence Hire Pace, at Addington tonight. The six-year-old has been a model of consistency with Geraldine-based trainer John Murdoch chasing an elusive win throughout Canterbury over the past month or so, since his debut second at Oamaru on March 24. At Ashburton on April 19 he went down by just a nose to Sister Love. His latest performance was another second, a head behind Miki’s Courage at Addington last Friday. “It is slightly down in grade and we are hoping to get a quid,” says Murdoch, “I know we are backing him up but his work has been good.” Ricky May has driven him in all five starts so far and last Friday was aggressive in keeping Biggles’ mind on the job. “He needs that sort of drive, he’s a lazy horse and he just keeps loafing around,” says Murdoch. May will continue his association with the gelding tonight, with the TAB having Biggles a $2.20 favourite on the fixed odds. Biggles is Jill Ireland’s fifth foal and by multiple Group 1 winner Tintin in America (16 wins, $934,305 stakes), with Murdoch acquiring the horse as a weanling. Denise Ottley broke the horse in but his introduction to racing was delayed as Murdoch dealt with serious health issues. Now he’s “fixed” and back enjoying training a horse he says “felt special” right from the start. Murdoch mainly uses the Orari racecourse for jogging and fast working his team. “It’s about nine kilometres from where we are.” He’s had 25 wins since he started training in the early 1990s and has three in work including Robo Trouble (Race 6 – $23FF), and Essence of Easton who was his last winner, at Waimate in 2021. He’s hoping Biggles can change that at 6.19 tonight. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features a daughter of the Classic winner Dancing Rain (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). 16.35 Ascot, Nov, £40,000, 3yo, f, 7f 213yT Godolphin's hitherto unraced DIAMOND RAIN (GB) (Shamardal) is a daughter of G1 Oaks and G1 German Oaks heroine Dancing Rain (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and thus a half-sister to dual Group 2-winning G1 Fillies' Mile and G1 Jebel Hatta placegetter Magic Lily (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) and stakes-winning G1 Grand Prix de Paris third Jalmoud (GB) (New Approach {Ire}). Seven-strong opposition to the Charlie Appleby trainee includes Juddmonte's Echo Lima (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who is a Ralph Beckett-trained half-sister to four black-type performers headed by GI Jenny Wiley S. heroine Juliet Foxtrot (GB) (Dansili {GB}); Shadwell homebred Fayqa (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is kin to a trio of black-type performers out of dual Group-winning G1 Oaks runner-up Tarfasha (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), from the Kevin Philippart de Foy stable; and The Thoroughbred Corporation's 280,000gns Book 1 graduate Shaha (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}), who is a John and Thady Gosden-trained daughter of the multiple Group 1-placed Board Meeting (Ire) (Anabaa) and thus kin to G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud third Big Blue (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). The post Daughter Of Dancing Rain Primed For Ascot Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Today 2nd May in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Shaune Ritchie hoping for carnival boost at Eagle Farm Shaune Ritchie will look to three-year-old filly Maurizma to successfully open the stable’s latest overseas venture. The Cambridge horseman, who … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Chris Gibbs-trained Malfy Rosa eyes QLD Winter Carnival spoils The Chris Gibbs-trained Malfy Rosa has acquitted herself well against the better staying three-year-olds in recent starts to put herself … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Warrnambool best bets & quaddie | Thursday, May 4 The Warrnambool May Racing Carnival comes to an end with another 10-race program for Cup Day. Check out James Herbert’s … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Follow Files: Dual Magic Millions Sprint winner returns in style In this week’s Follow Files, we have found three horses that are worth a look next start after impressive runs … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 2, 2023 Three horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Punt Drunk: Bring on the ‘Bool! There aren’t too many feelings like this! It’s the start of May, which means the ‘Bool is officially underway! On … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 2, 2022 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Emotional win for NT trainer Gary Clarke in the Alice Springs Cup It was certainly an emotional win for champion Darwin trainer Gary Clarke when $12 hope Count Of Essex won the … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Smuggling makes it back-to-back wins in the Pioneer Sprint With a withering burst in the final 200m, Smuggling made it back to back wins on Sunday in the $100,000 … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Racing results for the 2022 Alice Springs Cup Day | Sunday, 01/05 The 2022 Alice Springs Cup Day was run and won on Sunday, May 1st. Northern Territory specialist David White brings … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Warrnambool racing preview & Best Bets | Tuesday, May 3 Day 1 of the Warrnambool May Racing Carnival is upon us and Horsebetting’s James Herbert takes you through his best … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Kembla Grange best bets, value bet & quaddie | 3/5/2022 HorseBetting’s New South Wales racing analyst presents you with his best bets and quaddie numbers for the six-race meeting which … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Werribee racing preview & best bets | Monday, May 2 Werribee Racing Club will help kick off a big week of racing in Victoria and Horsebetting’s Victorian form expert presents … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Ipswich best bets, odds & quaddie selections| Monday, May 2 2022 Labour Day racing in Queensland heads to Brisbane’s west for a seven-race program from Ipswich Turf Club. HorseBetting’s Queensland form … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Kyneton betting tips, top odds & quaddie | Monday, May 03 Horsebetting.com.au brings you the Kyneton betting preview for Monday racing on May 03. See all the top tips, best odds … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Ipswich race tips, best bets and quaddie selections | QLD 3/5 Horsebetting.com.au brings you the full preview of the Ipswich races on Monday, May 3, 2021. Ipswich racing tips, best bets … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Media Award scores Australasian Oaks upset The Chris Calthorpe-trained Media Award absolutely floored punters when taking out the Group 1 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville on Saturday … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Instant Celebrity Claims Robert Sangster Stakes On Friday morning, Instant Celebrity was given next to no chance by trainer Phillip Stokes heading into the Group 1 … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago It’s May and that means one thing …. The ‘Bool is back! The three day Warrnambool carnival is a bucket-list item for all racing fans, and headlines the midweek racing around the … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Pierina devastating in Travis Stakes Cambridge galloper Pierina caused a major upset when she dashed clear in the final stages to score an emphatic victory … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Babylon Berlin all class in three-year-old feature Speedy filly Babylon Berlin gave her rivals a galloping lesson when she led throughout to take out the Group 3 … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Turn The Ace goes one better than illustrious father Strapping two-year-old Turn The Ace went one better than his multiple Group One winning sire Turn Me Loose when he … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Bella Vella wins Group One Sangster Stakes Bella Vella has led all the way in the Robert Sangster Stakes at Morphettville to give Adelaide trainer Will Clarken … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Buffalo River too strong again at Sandown US-bred Buffalo River has won five of his six races since coming to Australia after scoring a solid win in … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago High five as Bowman dominates at Randwick Hugh Bowman has stamped his class at Randwick with a brilliant display in the saddle to win five of the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Toffee Tongue sweet in Australasian Oaks The Chris Waller-trained Toffee Tongue has broken her maiden in the Group One Australasian Oaks in Adelaide … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Hezafox shows staying potential at Sandown The heavy conditions at Sandown were ideal for Hezafox who showed his stamina with a strong win in the Honouring … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Small field suits Final Man in Sandown win The Salute Frontline Workers Handicap was decimated by scratchings which has helped Final Man overcome a wide draw to land … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Rising Red prevails on wet Sandown track Rising Red has broken through for his first win in almost two years with an all-the-way victory in the Ladbrokes … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Xilong lifts to win Group 2 Euclase Stakes Racing in blinkers for the first time, talented filly Xilong has scored a determined front-running win in the Group Two … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago The Odyssey tipped to reach winter heights Top three-year-old The Odyssey showed he is on target for a good winter with his impressive win at Doomben … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Shrouded In Mist lands upset Group 2 win Five-year-old mare Shrouded In Mist has led all the way to score an upset win in the Group Two Queen … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Rocha Clock returns to best at Randwick Rocha Clock has rebounded from a disappointing first-up run, producing a withering finish to score at Randwick and give jockey … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Dirty Work makes mess of Randwick rivals Dirty Work has again shown his affinity for the Kensington track at Randwick with a dominant and confidence-boosting win … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Trainer predicts bright future for Fituese Emerging filly Fituese has earned a shot at black-type company with a resounding first-up victory at Randwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago New tactics help Magnufighter at Doomben Apprentice Corey Bayliss’s decision to go to the lead has helped Magnufighter win at Doomben and earn a tilt at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Patterson beaming about standout season Despite the season being prematurely cut short as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, trainer Robbie Patterson still has plenty … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Yonkers lands narrow victory at Randwick Up-and-coming stayer Yonkers has worn down Gone Bye to record his fourth win in Australia for trainer Chris Waller … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Unbeaten Forever Free snares Listed win Two-year-old filly Forever Free has made it three wins from as many starts in the Listed Queen Adelaide Stakes at … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Wet track suits Diala in brave Sandown win Diala has relished the heavy ground and a shorter trip at Sandown, recording an all-the-way victory in the Ladbrokes Handicap … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Maher, Eustace notch another juvenile win Trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have produced another talented two-year-old at Randwick with Macroura justifying a market push to … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Starosa earns chance at Group 1 JJ Atkins Promising filly Starosa has earned a chance in the Group One JJ Atkins after her all-the-way win at Doomben … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Stephanie Thornton outrides metro claim Star apprentice Stephanie Thornton has outridden her metropolitan claim with a last-stride win on Mount Beauty at Doomben … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Plans unveiled for British racing return Racing officials have outlined a program for Group One racing in Britain based on a return at the end of … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Vale Charles Roberts The last surviving founder of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, Charles Roberts, has passed away. In January 1948, Roberts … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Ben Allen hit with 22 meeting suspension Jockey Ben Allen has been suspended for using the whip 11 times before the 100m mark in his winning ride … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Mirette set for Oaks challenge in Adelaide The Australasian Oaks has been the autumn aim for Mirette and trainer Archie Alexander believes the filly has had an … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Furrion gets job done in Warrnambool Cup Furrion will be set on a spring campaign after taking out the Warrnambool Cup for jockey John Allen and Lindsay … Read More Horse Racing Tips 5 years ago Wagga Gold Cup betting tips: best bets at Wagga, Friday May 3 One of rural NSW’s favourite country cups is this Friday as Wagga holds its Gold Cup meeting, and as always … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Top Striker draws badly again at Randwick Trainer Greg Hickman believes last-start winner Top Striker’s record could be so much better if he had drawn better barriers … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Zed Em outstays rivals to win Grand Annual Zed Em has turned the tables on Gold Medals in the Grand Annual Steeplechase to give trainer Patrick Payne a … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Mare to strut her stuff at the Gold Coast Darktown Strutter will be out to maintain her unbeaten record over the Gold Coast 900m-course in the Bat Out of … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Silk Stocking target for new partnership The new Anderson-Heathcote training partnership will have its first black-type runner when Femme Fireball runs in the Silk Stocking at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago The Goodwood a possibility for Halvorsen The Group One Goodwood in Adelaide is among the upcoming options for three-year-old Halvorsen who will first chase another city … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Chequered Flag strolls home in Bool hurdle Chequered Flag has made a triumphant return to jumps racing, recording an easy win in the Champion Novice Hurdle at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Consensus primed for Hollindale Auckland trainer Stephen McKee has given rise to Consensus’ chances in Saturday’s Group 2 A D Hollindale Stakes (1800m) at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Begg hopes Miss Siska form line holds Trainer Grahame Begg hopes Miss Siska can follow the same form line as the most recent Hollindale Stakes winner Oregon’s … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Promising signs for jockey Michael Hackett There are promising signs for injured jockey Michael Hackett, one of three riders involved in a fall at Tomingley in … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jim Byrne rides trackwork after injury Leading Brisbane jockey Jim Byrne has taken the first step back from injury by riding trackwork at Eagle Farm … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago RQ denies more Ben Currie nominations Racing Queensland has rejected trainer Ben Currie’s nominations for all meetings for the next few days … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jockey Rob David suspended at Warrnambool Failing to provide a urine sample at the Warrnambool carnival has cost jockey Rob David a four-month suspension … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Gold Coast a finely cut mission for Pike Cambridge trainer Tony Pike is keen to run stakes performers Intrigue and Indecision at the Gold Coast on Saturday, but … Read More Ireland horse racing news 5 years ago Ruby Walsh says he’s ridden all the greats Ruby Walsh reflected on the equine superstars he partnered during his stellar career after announcing his immediate retirement from the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Another bad barrier for Rocknavar Trainer Matt Dunn believes filly Rocknavar is not getting the chance to show her best because of a series of … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago New boy Domeyer bags a double, Callan strikes back at the Valley Aldo Domeyer isn’t letting the grass grow under his feet. The South African only touched down in the city two … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Kentucky Derby favourite Omaha Beach out Kentucky Derby favourite Omaha Beach has been scratched after being found to have an entrapped epiglottis, a condition which hampers … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden dies Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden has died aged 13 following complications after a paddock accident at stud in England … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jump jockey legend Ruby Walsh retires Irish jump jockey Ruby Walsh has called time on his glittering career after winning the Punchestown Gold Cup on Kemboy … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Memorable win for Irish apprentice Dolan Irish jockey Robbie Dolan has saluted for the first time at a metropolitan meeting at Canterbury to lift the spirits … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Weir hauls in another four at Warrnambool Champion trainer Darren Weir has backed up his four winners on the opening day of the Warrnambool carnival with another … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago The Dominator delivers in Warrnambool classic A pair of former New Zealand-trained gallopers fought out one of the most stirring finishes from the first two days … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Ms Rodarte opens up in style at Canterbury Ms Rodarte has held off a late challenge from stablemate and fellow newcomer Press Box to launch her career impressively … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Wagga betting tips and full form for Thursday, May 3 THE third and final day of the Warrnambool racing carnival is upon us and we’re looking forward to what the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Josh Parr injured after fall at Canterbury Jockey Josh Parr is nursing a foot injury after falling from Penny For A Pound when the mare broke down … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Handsome Thief gives Weir another Wangoom Darren Weir has claimed successive Wangoom Handicap victories with Handsome Thief winning the Warrnambool feature sprint from stablemate Stellar Collision … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Day Three of the Warrnambool Racing Carnival Tips, Thursday, May 3 THE third and final day of the Warrnambool racing carnival is upon us and we’re looking forward to what the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago A Sweet first for Bryan Guy at Toowoomba Trainer Bryan Guy has had a first in his long and successful career with Sweet Adaline winning at Toowoomba … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Two Hats lands feature Warrnambool hurdle Aaron Purcell has returned to his base at Warrnambool following a stint at Caulfield and has landed the Galleywood Hurdle … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Grand Annual start firms for Gold Medals Golds Medals has recovered well from his win in the Brierly Steeplechase and trainer Symon Wilde is favouring a start … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago All Too Huiying set for Brisbane audition Trainer Gary Moore has high hopes for promising colt All Too Huiying, who can seal a trip to Queensland through … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Sofin after stakes win in Lord Mayor’s Cup Sofin continues her quest for black-type when the Shannon Fry-trained mare makes the trip south from Bowraville for the Listed … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Man Of His Word to step up in Hollindale Trainer Bruce Hill gets a chance to prove his theory Man Of His Word can be a top middle-distance horse … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Boom Time ready for return at Flemington Caulfield Cup winner Boom Time is in for a light late autumn preparation ahead of an attempt at defending his … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Savvy Surrey scores for mum Makybe Diva One of the greats of the Australian turf has made a dashing impact in New Zealand. A son of the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Whypeeo kept for Gold Coast Guineas test Trainer Toby Edmonds has shelved immediate plans to run Whypeeo in Group One company and will concentrate on the Gold … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Baster and Waterhouse after ‘Bool Cup win The combination of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott along with Stephen Baster are after another feature win, this time with … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Canterbury market movers for Wednesday, May 2 CANTERBURY is racing this afternoon as the Sydney track puts on a strong seven race card to get us through … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Green light for Sherrif’s Derby bid Roger James is on the trail of further Group success in Adelaide. The Cambridge trainer has confirmed a tilt at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Rotorua finale for group quality mare Flamingo is likely to have one more black type outing before the end of her campaign. “We’ll probably take her … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Warrnambool market movers for Wednesday, May 2 DAY two of the Warrnambool Racing Carnival is today and the punters have shopped early ahead of this morning’s opener … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago European champion for Cambridge Stud The changing of the guard at Cambridge Stud has been ushered in with the addition of an international Group 1 … Read More United Arab Emirates horse racing news 6 years ago Rayya Giving Baffert Confidence Going Into Kentucky Oaks UAE Oaks sponsored by Al Naboodah Construction Group (Group 2) winner Rayya will make her first start outside of Dubai … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Justify favourite for Kentucky Derby Justify is the favourite for the Kentucky Derby to give trainer Bob Baffert a fifth win in the famous race … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Foreign jockey hopes for visa rethink South African jockey Keagan Latham makes his Sydney metropolitan debut at Warwick Farm as his riding futures hangs in the … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Darren Weir watch at Warrnambool Racing Carnival, Day One IF there has ever been a man that has been synonymous alongside success at Warrnambool, it is champion trainer Darren … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Kangaroo joins country NSW horse race A kangaroo has given a group of racehorses a run for their money after darting onto a track in country … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Eagle Farm track a concern for trainer Liam Birchley TRAINER Liam Birchley has slammed the state of the Eagle Farm track ahead of Wednesday’s mid-week meeting. Birchley, who takes … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Malibu Style to run at Flemington Last-start Bel Esprit Stakes winner Malibu Style is set to run at Flemington in a 1000m open handicap rather than … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Patch to be fan favourite for Derby One-eyed colt Patch is an outsider in the Kentucky Derby but a favourite with trainer Todd Pletcher … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Sun puts dampener on Sons of John Hawkesbury trainer Jason Attard hopes Sydney’s fine spell is temporary as he seeks softer ground for Sons Of John at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago Warnambool Racing Carnival Day 3 betting – free jumps tips & form Racing starts at 11.15am on Thursday, May 4 at the Warrnambool Race Club. THE third and final day of the … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Zed Em gives Payne first Brierly victory Zem Em has given a dashing display under Steve Pateman to lead throughout in the Brierly Steeplechase at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Wings soars for back-to-back wins Tash Burleigh has only trained six-year-old mare Wings for one race but their association goes back to her job with … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Newitt reunites with Observational Craig Newitt is looking forward to getting back aboard the in-form Observational in the Warrnambool Cup after winning the Bendigo … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago I’ll’ava’alf wins flat lead-up for Annual I’ll’ava’alf has scored a flat win on the opening day of the Warrnambool carnival ahead of his main aim, the … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago I Am Zelady in first for Joe Pride I Am Zelady will be Sydney trainer Joe Pride’s first runner in Adelaide when she contests the Sangster Stakes at … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Bolwell to start rehab within a week Injured apprentice jockey Melanie Bolwell is likely to start rehab in Sydney within a week after a three-horse fall in … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Ancient King gets jumps win at Warrnambool Italian Derby placegetter Ancient King has broken through for his first win over jumps at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Smaller jumps a better fit for Arch Fire After a short stint at steeplechasing, Arch Fire is back over the smaller jumps with the Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Fresher Songs chasing a second Wangoom Trainer Mike Moroney is confident a fresher Yesterday’s Songs can go back-to-back in the Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Full fields for Adelaide Group Ones Leading contenders Kenedna and Egg Tart have drawn well in a capacity field for the Australasian Oaks while the Sangster … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Aidan O’Brien has strong hand in Guineas There are 12 colts left in the English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket while 18 fillies remain in the 1000 Guineas … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Michael Rodd to pilot Aviator at Rosehill Singapore-based Australian Michael Rodd will ride at the Lord Mayor’s Cup meeting where his mounts include youngster Aviator … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Williams gallops Griante at Mornington Trainer David Brideoake has given Griante a gallop between races at Mornington in preparation for her Group One assignment in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Williams gallops Griante at Mornington Trainer David Brideoake has given Griante a gallop between races at Mornington in preparation for her Group One assignment in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Goodwood lead-up for Admiral at Flemington Admiral will make the trip to Melbourne from Tasmania for a Goodwood Handicap lead-up run over 1000m at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Pateman has sights on Warrnambool carnival The Warrnambool canrival will always be a special place for jumps jockey Steven Pateman even though he has set his … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago No Royal Ascot for Chautauqua The world’s best sprinter, Chautauqua, will return home to Australia after his Hong Kong win, with Royal Ascot taken off … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Thubiaan on song for another Brierly Thubiaan is chasing back-to-back victories in the Brierly Steeplechase on the opening day of the three-day carnival at Warrnambool … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Vic jockeys appealing careless riding bans Jake Noonan and Patrick Moloney are heading to the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board appealing the severity of careless riding … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Chautauqua to miss Royal Ascot Connections of Australia’s latest international sprint star Chautauqua have decided not to take him to Royal Ascot … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Nyquist gets a look at Churchill Downs Nominal Kentucky Derby favourite Nyquist has had a look around the Churchill Downs track ahead of the big race … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Minding all business in 1000 Guineas Minding has scored an emphatic win in the British 1000 Guineas to lead in a trifecta for trainer Aidan O’Brien … Read More View the full article

It may not feel like the first day of May, but despite the gloom and the cold Royal Ascot Trials Day is upon us on Wednesday with the G3 Longines Sagaro S. the feature. Most of the big Gold Cup hopefuls are back in play, with the popular veterans Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}), Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and Quickthorn (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) set to renew rivalry once again on the Berkshire terrain. In the G3 Commonwealth Cup Trial S. which is registered as the Pavilion S., the list of budding sprinting stars is headed by Opulence Thoroughbreds and Teme Valley's TDN Rising Star Purosangue (GB) (Aclaim {Ire}) who beat the subsequent G3 Greenham S. winner Esquire (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}) when last seen in York's Listed Rockingham S. in October. Second in the Greenham, Peter Harris's El Bodon (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) reverts to six furlongs in a quick turnaround from that Newbury Guineas prep. Also on the card is the Listed Paradise S., a trial for the G1 Queen Anne S., where Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's 2022 G2 Mehl-Mulhens-Rennen winner and desperately unlucky G1 St James's Palace S. fourth Maljoom (Ire) (Caravaggio) bids to get back on track for William Haggas joined by the same owner's unbeaten dual novice scorer Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}) from the Simon and Ed Crisford stable. Intrigue At Munich And Saint-Cloud At Munich, the G3 WETTSTAR.de Bavarian Classic is an early G1 Deutsches Derby trial in which Stall Lucky Owner's impressive G2 Gran Criterium winner Wintertraum (Ger) (Lord Of England {Ger}) meets Gestut Ittlingen's authoritative Hoppegarten maiden winner Alleno (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in one of the initial domestic tussles among the chief 3-year-old prospects. At Saint-Cloud, the bank holiday fayre sees the G2 Prix du Muguet where Godolphin's Tribalist (GB) (Farhh {GB}) bid to repeat his dominant display in the course-and-distance G3 Prix Edmond Blanc re-opposed by last year's G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}) who was well adrift in second there. The Aga Khan's gelded Dolayli (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) is a dark horse to continue the stable's fine form stepping up from an impressive win in Chantilly's Prix Darshaan conditions event in March. The post Action Heats Up At Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Forever Young and T O Password had their final drills for the Kentucky Derby April 30 at Churchill Downs, and the approaches were vastly different for the two Japanese contenders.View the full article

At least seven countries are set to be represented for the Group 1 races and early-closing Group 2 contests for Royal Ascot, the racecourse announced on Tuesday. Worth a record £10 million in prize-money this year, the meeting boasts purses of at least £650,000 for the Group 1 races, and all races are worth at least £110,000. Aussie sprinter Chain Of Lightning (Aus) (Fighting Sun {Aus}) is one of the leading lights for the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S., and her co-trainer, Peter Moody, won the race in 2012 with Black Caviar (Aus) (Bel Esprit {Aus}). The G1 T J Smith S. victress, who is co-trained by Katherine Coleman, later ran sixth in the G1 All-Aged S. this month. Moody said, “Chain Of Lightning is in good order. She ran at Randwick 10 days ago on a very heavy track and did not handle it, but she has come through the race well. She will have her next and probably only lead up run between now and Ascot in the G1 Doomben 10,000 on May 18. Then she will head to the broodmare sale on May 24, so it depends on who owns her after that but, if she is still in my care, it would be my intention to travel her over for Royal Ascot on June 5.” Fellow Aussie sprinter Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) has already arrived in Newmarket as of last week, with an eye to the G1 King Charles III S. Trained by Henry Dwyer, the mare will prep in the G2 Temple S. at Haydock Park on May 25. She is a two-time Group 2 winner, and has placed multiple times at the highest level. Dwyer said, “Asfoora had a quiet weekend after arriving on Thursday night, but she had a saddle on her back on Monday and all went well. She had another canter this morning and I would imagine we will do a bit of pace work with her on Wednesday. To have a runner there has long been an ambition of mine and hopefully Asfoora can tick that box well.” Big name French invaders Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) and Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) are also possible for the five-day meeting. The latter, trained by Jerome Reynier, won the G1 Dubai Turf at the end of March. He was previously placed behind Big Rock in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. on British Champions Day. Reynier said, “I have been very happy with Facteur Cheval since he returned from Dubai and it will be interesting to see him back at Ascot, especially now he has proven himself at the highest level on good ground. “The Queen Anne Stakes is the target as he travels well and likes plenty of pace in the race. We feel that he is a pure miler, who was able to stretch out to nine furlongs in Dubai, and the programme in Europe is very good for a horse like him.” Last year's G2 Queen Mary winner Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) is back, this time aiming toward the King Charles III S. for trainer George Weaver. If successful, the 3-year-old filly would complete the same double as Lady Aurelia (Scat Daddy) in 2016/2017. Weaver said, “Crimson Advocate is doing well and we would like to be in a position to bring her back to Royal Ascot, given how she performed last year, most likely for the King Charles III S. against males. The next race we are looking at is the Mamzelle S. over 5 1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs on May 11.” Sunday's Memories of Silver S. heroine Sweet Rebecca (American Pharoah) is another American raider set to ship to the royal meeting. The 'TDN Rising Star' has the G1 Coronation S. in her sights for trainer Chad Brown and new owner John Stewart of Resolute Racing. Brown told the NYRA notes team post-race, “It all worked out and I do think this filly might be my first Ascot starter. For right now, I'd say it's likely her next start would be in the Coronation. She is a serious filly and trains with a lot of power. “I want to thank Mr. John Stewart for purchasing her and transferring her to me and my team. I'm so happy for him. He is new in the game and building an impressive roster of both racehorses and broodmares, and he's a real pleasure to deal with.” Japan fields four entries, including North Bridge (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), third in the G1 FWD QEII Cup on Sunday, as well as T O Royal (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}) and Blow The Horn (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), the first two home in the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) on Apr. 28. The post Positive Update On Internationals Entered For Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin homebred Encino (Nyquist), winner of the GIII Stonestreet Lexington S. for trainer Brad Cox at Keeneland Apr. 13, will not run in Saturday's GI Kentucky Derby, according to a post on X by Churchill Downs PR. Also-eligible Epic Ride (Blame), a longshot third in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. Apr. 6, will draw into the field. This story will be updated. Encino will not run in the @KentuckyDerby per trainer Brad Cox. Also-eligible Epic Ride draws into the field. More to come. pic.twitter.com/Oe6yA7FrMV — Churchill Downs PR (@DerbyMedia) April 30, 2024 The post Encino Withdrawn from Kentucky Derby, Epic Ride Draws In appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Today, May 1, marks the 70th anniversary of the death of Federico Tesio, who will always be remembered for his massive contribution to the development of the Thoroughbred. 'Breeder of Nearco and Ribot' is probably the description most frequently applied to him, but in truth that hardly scratches the surface of the life of a true titan of the turf. Facts and dates are an important part of any historical record. The facts of Tesio's racing life as breeder, owner and trainer are written boldly in the form book, and indeed in the books he wrote on the subject himself. We can read of his 21 victories in the Derby Italiano, followed by a further posthumous triumph as breeder courtesy of the 1954 winner Botticelli (Ity) (Blue Peter {GB}) who went on to even greater glory when taking the following year's Ascot Gold Cup; of his 22 wins in the Gran Premio di Milano. We can see the names of Nearco and Ribot, of Cavaliere D'Arpino, Donatello, Nicolo Dell'Arca and Tenerani. (Correctly Tesio only owned 20 of the 21 Derby Italiano winners whom he trained because Torbido (Ity), successful in 1944, was raced by his wife. Furthermore, from 1932 onwards, his horses were raced, and then bred and raced, in partnership with Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta). Alongside the the record books, anecdotal history can be invaluable. Personal recollections put flesh on the bones of the facts. As an insight into Tesio the human being, as well as the racing man, The Tesios as I knew them, by Mario Incisa della Rocchetta (published in 1979, four years before the author's death) is a treasure trove. An orphan at the age of six, Tesio was sent by his guardian to Moncalieri, one of Italy's best boarding schools whence he moved on to university in Florence. Tesio as a young man would have fitted perfectly into an Italian version of the Oxford of Brideshead Revisited, helped by the 500,000 lire which he inherited when he attained his majority. He rode fearlessly in amateur races, painted and enjoyed racing with his friend Stefano Flori, whose filly Elena (Ity) won the Derby Italiano in 1899, a triumph which must surely have inspired Tesio to reach for the stars himself. Service as a cavalry officer topped things off nicely, but in time Tesio came to realise that his vocation was a quest for the perfect Thoroughbred. Once he had taken up this challenge, he became single-minded in his devotion to his calling, although his love of art, as both connoisseur and painter, never waned. The names of many of his horses hint strongly at this passion. Tesio was a perfectionist who, as perfectionists tend to do, subscribed to the school of thought that if one wants something done well, ideally one should do it oneself. When he set about the business of raising and racing horses, he decided that he and he alone should control every stage of the horses' creation and development. He would do things his way. In Incisa's words, “Tesio decided to breed and train his horses himself. He was convinced that if the work was undertaken in a professional manner, even a fool would be able to beat the horses of that era whose gentleman owners were non-professionals and amateurs. He knew that he was not a fool.” While Tesio was not in any way suited to delegation, not even he could be in two places at once. During the racing season he was mostly in Milan training the horses. Consequently, he entrusted to his wife Lydia the day-to-day running of the stud which he had established at Dormello on the shore of Lake Maggiore in the foothills of the Southern Alps, as Incisa explained. “All that Tesio achieved was possible because Donna Lydia was there to help him…He had to all intents and purposes delegated to her the actual running of the stud. He trusted her completely to interpret and carry out his instructions at Dormello. Surrounded, as he felt himself to be, by hostility and bearers of ill fortune, his wife was the only person in whose loyalty he had complete confidence. Donna Lydia was an indispensable complement to Tesio.” Even so, “It is certain that he took no account of Donna Lydia's opinions concerning the matings.” Although Tesio was a wealthy man, creating and maintaining a world-class breeding and racing operation generally requires massive investment. He could not afford just to throw money at the project. He could only succeed by being smarter than his competitors, in the sale-ring, at the stud and on the training track. From the early days, he was a regular visitor to Tattersalls' December Sale in Newmarket to buy the fillies and mares who would form the bedrock of his stud, but these had to be bargains. A classic example was Catnip (GB), a daughter of the 1906 Derby winner Spearmint (GB) whom he bought for 75 guineas at the December Sale in 1915. From her he bred Italy's champion filly of 1931, Nogara (Ity), a daughter of the locally-based Havresac (Fr). In turn, Nogara would prove even more invaluable as a broodmare. Tesio's great dream had come true and, thank God, he had lived to see it – Marchese Mario Incisa della Rocchetta on Nearco Tesio's financial constraints were eased, though, in 1932 (by which time he had already won the Derby Italiano 11 times) when he took on Incisa, who was 30 years his junior, as his partner. Incisa had first met Tesio in the Hotel Plaza in Rome in the early 1920s when he was introduced to the great man by his friend Giorgio Ugolino della Gherardesca, whose parents were long-standing friends of the Tesios. Incisa was a student at the time; Tesio was in his 50s, already established as one of the most distinguished and successful figures in Italian racing. That introduction was just a passing social encounter, but Incisa came to know Tesio much better after he married Giorgio's cousin Clarice della Gherardesca in 1930, a match in the making of which Lydia Tesio had taken a close interest. The newly-weds were invited to join the Tesios on their visit to Newmarket at the end of that year, where they stayed, as usual, in Severals House with their friend Mrs Clayton, whose son Jack had bought the adjacent Bedford House stable the previous year. During the following year, Incisa endured another disappointing season with his racing operation. He was dissatisfied with his trainers and was getting disheartened by his lack of success. Tesio scented an opportunity and in the spring of 1932 he offered his young friend the chance to become his partner in the horses on the stud and in the stable (for a huge price, of course). Henceforth, the horses who had been racing under the ownership of Federico Tesio were registered as owned by 'Tesio-Incisa', and new foals were registered as thus bred. Less than three weeks after the partnership was agreed and sealed with a handshake, Clarice led in Jacopa Del Sellaio (Ity) (Coronach {GB}) after her victory in the Derby Italiano. One major and immediate consequence of Incisa's investment was that Tesio was now able to send more mares overseas to be mated with more expensive stallions, including some of the Derby winners whom he famously revered. In 1933 he sent Delleana (Ity), a great-granddaughter of Pretty Polly, to France to be covered by the Aga Khan's 1930 Derby winner Blenheim (GB). The result was Donatello (Fr), Italy's outstanding three-year-old of 1937 and subsequently the sire of two horses who were champions both on the track and at stud, Alycidon (GB) and Crepello (GB). Aside from the injection of funds, a further boon was that Tesio now had access to more land. Henceforth, the foals, after weaning, would be sent south to grow at Incisa's family estate at Olgiata, near Rome. In later years, the 'Tesio-Incisa' registration was changed to 'Razza Dormello Olgiata'. In practice, the new arrangement changed nothing. Tesio remained the sole decision-maker. Incisa later reflected, “Our association with Tesio did not in any way alter the running of the stud or the racing stable. As always, I was welcomed with open arms by Donna Lydia and now with new warmth by Tesio, but the presence of the 'Lady' of Dormello was too dominant and that of the 'Lord' of the stables too awesome for any intrusion of mine to be even thinkable. “After a brief period of oppressive and monotonous apprenticeship when, encouraged by Donna Lydia, I believed it possible to learn from Tesio how to train horses, I gave up the illusion; and with it the hope that I might one day become his assistant. “Tesio made it clear that, if I wished to see for myself how the training was carried out, if I wished to inspect the condition of the horses or see the running of the yard, I had, as his associate, every right to do so and I would be welcome at any time. It was equally clear that he did not need my assistance and that he had neither the time nor the inclination to teach me.” Tesio's self-belief was sky-high. At one point, when he had some spare money, he was advised to invest some of it outside the breeding/racing business. He brushed that suggestion aside: “Certainly not! I have no reason to believe that Pirelli makes tyres, or Agnelli cars, any better than I make horses.” Even so, he, like everyone else, needed a bit of luck from time to time. The breeding of Nearco was a case in point. Nearco exits his bomb shelter at Beech House | Reginal Anscomb In 1934 Tesio planned to send Nogara, whom he adored, to England, to be covered by Lord Derby's 1928 Eclipse, St Leger and Champion Stakes winner Fairway (GB) (Phalaris {GB}). However, Lord Derby had a new stud manager. The old one, Mr Alston, knew Tesio well, liked and respected him, and would have allocated a nomination to him as a matter of course. The new one, Captain Paine, had no idea who he was, so no nomination was available. Frustrated, Tesio directed that Nogara should be re-routed to France to visit Fairway's (at that time) less-heralded full-brother Pharos at Haras d'Ouilly. Thus, fortuitously, was Nearco conceived, which is just as well as otherwise we wouldn't have the Bold Ruler, Northern Dancer or Sunday Silence sire-lines. No Secretariat; no Frankel; no Deep Impact. Nearco, unbeaten in 14 races, not only made up for the luckless defeat of Donatello in the previous year's Grand Prix de Paris but also, by winning that race, established himself as a champion by international, rather than merely local, standards. This led to his sale to stud in England, the country which his grandmother had left in 1915 with her 75-guineas price-tag, for £60,000. This surpassed the £47,500 for which Tesio had sold Donatello the previous year. Donatello's Irish-bred granddam had, incidentally, cost him 210 guineas as a yearling in 1921. One remarkable footnote to Nearco's story is that curiously (although one might say 'predictably', bearing in mind that with Tesio one always had to expect the unexpected) Tesio sent only one mare to him. It is often said that the tragedy of Tesio was that he did not live to witness the majesty of Ribot, who made his debut two months after his creator died at the age of 85. Tesio will not, though, have departed feeling that he was missing out. It is not just that he didn't have a particularly high opinion of the young Ribot, whom he had chosen not to enter in the following year's Derby Italiano. More pertinently, by this time he already felt that his life's work was complete, as Incisa explained. “I stood with Tesio on the stands at Longchamp for the Grand Prix 1938. He stood motionless and silent watching Nearco's every stride as though spurring him on with his eyes. As Nearco sailed effortlessly past the winning post, Tesio let go and, giving me a great thump on the back, he let out a cry of triumph. It was not an 'Oh!' of satisfaction but the full-throated and terrible 'Aaah!' of Atilla the Hun when, having raped, pillaged and plundered, he decapitated with one stroke of his scimitar the bishop who knelt begging him to spare the cathedral! “Tesio's great dream had come true and, thank God, he had lived to see it.” The post Tesio: Titan of the Turf Who Did Things His Way appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following the latest scratching stage, last year's G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. winner Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) is one of 15 horses who have stood their ground for the £400,000 G1 Al Shaqab Lockinge S. at Newbury on Saturday, May 18, potentially his first start for Maurizio Guarnieri having left Christopher Head's Chantilly yard last week. A French-trained horse hasn't won the Lockinge since Keltos (Fr) struck for Carlos Laffon-Parias in 2002, but Big Rock will certainly bring leading form claims to the table if taking his chance at Newbury. He could be joined by Andre Fabre's Tribalist (GB) (Farhh {GB}), who won the G3 Prix Edmond Blanc for the second year in succession at Saint-Cloud last time. John and Thady Gosden won the 2021 edition of the Lockinge with Palace Pier (GB) and they could saddle up to three runners this year, including the six-time Group 1 winner Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}), last seen winning the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita in November. The potential challenge from Clarehaven Stables is completed by G3 Criterion S. winner Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) and the veteran Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who ran his usual sound race when finishing third in last week's G2 Sandown Mile, behind Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Poker Face (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), both of whom are also entered in the Lockinge. Other entries of note include the placed horses from last year's G1 2,000 Guineas, Hi Royal (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) and Royal Scotsman (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), plus Elegant Man (Arrogate), who showed Group-class potential when winning defying top weight in a competitive handicap on All-Weather Finals Day at Newcastle. The next confirmation stage is on Monday, May 13, when supplementary entries can also be made for a fee of £20,000. The post Big Rock And Inspiral Headline 15 Lockinge Entries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ICONS, a new photography exhibit at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, begins on May 2 and will last through Oct. 27, the museum announced on Tuesday. The exhibit features the work of the late John Reardon, with photos from thoroughbreds to Michelin-star chefs intermingled. Reardon's widow Sacha Lehrfreund collaborated with the NHM to stage the 35-work exhibition. For more details, please visit the museum website. The post New ICONS Photo Exhibit At National Horseracing Museum Begins In May appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Over 50 horses connected to John Dance's Coverdale Stud and Titanium Racing Club will provide an extra smattering of interest to the horses-in-training section of the two-day Tattersalls Guineas Sale, which kicks off on Wednesday. First Ambition (GB), an Invincible Spirit colt out of Dance's six-time Group 1 winner Laurens (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), will spearhead the draft that is being offered by The Castlebridge Consignment. Dance was arrested almost a year ago and is involved in an ongoing Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) investigation into allegations of fraud and money laundering involving his company WealthTek LLP. Under the name of an associated company, Vertem Asset Management, Dance sponsored the G1 Vertem Futurity Trophy at Doncaster between 2018 and 2022. Following his arrest and the subsequent freezing of his assets, Dance's horses were initially not allowed to be entered for races, but in May the British Horseracing Authority granted permission for them to run under the name of Coverdale Stud or Titanium Racing. Some of the horses offered on Wednesday have not been in full training and are essentially blank canvases. Andrew Mead, Director of Castlebridge, commented, “Castlebridge has approximately fifty horses selling over Wednesday and Thursday on behalf of John Dance. None of them have raced over the past few months and the majority are unexposed and represent genuine untapped potential. Most people will be aware of the circumstances behind the sale of these horses and we have received a lot of enquiries, including prior to the start of showing at Tattersalls.” The record number of lots in the horses-in-training section means that the auction will get underway on Wednesday evening at 5pm. The breeze takes place on Wednesday morning at 9am. Tribal Rhythm (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}), a half-brother to Group 1-winning sprinter Bradsell (GB), and the 107-rated Asjad (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) are other notable horses in the draft. The breeze-up section of the sale gets underway on Wednesday evening and follows through to Thursday morning at 9.30. Some top-notch horses have been sold at the Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale, including leading stayer Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) and Prix de l'Abbaye winner The Platinum Queen (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}). The post Over 50 Horses Connected To John Dance To Sell At Tattersalls Guineas Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the Coolmore partners' Tower Of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) have both been entered in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup at Sha Tin in Hong Kong on Sunday, May 26, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) revealed on Tuesday. The pair are the only overseas entrants in the 2400-metre contest, which is the final Group 1 of the Hong Kong season with a purse of HK$13 million (£1.3 million). Both horses are also coming off of victories on Dubai World Cup night at the end of March. Rebel's Romance, a winner of the 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Turf, is riding a three-race winning streak including February's G3 H H The Amir Trophy in Qatar, and the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan for trainer Charlie Appleby. In the case of Aidan O'Brien trainee Tower Of London, he claimed the G3 Red Sea Turf H. in Saudi Arabia, and he was a handy winner of the 3200-metre G2 Dubai Gold Cup at the end of March. If either horse prevails, they would be the first internationally trained winner of the Hong Kong showpiece. The post European Stars Entered In Standard Chartered Champions And Chater Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I Am Invincible (Aus) and Snitzel (Aus) have been confirmed as the two most expensive stallions standing in Australia in 2024 after their covering fees for the Southern Hemisphere breeding season were announced on Tuesday. The sire of multiple Group 1-winning sprinters such as Imperatriz (Aus), Brazen Beau (Aus) and Home Affairs (Aus), Yarraman Park Stud resident I Am Invincible remains the most expensive stallion standing in Australia, despite having had his fee reduced from A$302,500 (around €183,000) to A$275,000 (€167,000). I Am Invincible is on course to be crowned Australia's champion sire for the third year in succession following another excellent season in 2023/24, with the likes of the now-retired Imperatriz and the two-year-old Move To Strike (Aus), who recently won the G1 Manawatu Sires Produce S. at Trentham, leading the way. A third champion sire crown would still leave I Am Invincible one behind Snitzel, who become just the sixth stallion in the history of the Australian Sires' Premiership to earn four or more consecutive champion sire titles when last successful during the 2019/20 season. Preparing to embark on his 19th season at Arrowfield Stud, Snitzel's fee remains at A$247,500 (€150,000) following another stellar campaign, both on the track and in the sales ring. For the fifth time in the last eight years, Snitzel's yearlings have combined to sell for more than A$40 million at the sales, while he too has an outstanding juvenile in the shape of the A$1.5 million colt Switzerland (Aus), who won three of his first four starts, including the G2 Todman S. at Randwick. Incidentally, the fees announced for I Am Invincible and Snitzel remain some way below those commanded by the most expensive stallions standing in Europe and the US. In Europe, Dubawi (Ire) and Frankel (GB) both stood for £350,000 (€409,000) in 2024–making them the joint-highest-priced stallions in the world–while Curlin, Gun Runner and Into Mischief shared top billing in the US at $250,000 (€234,000), with Justify currently standing at a private fee. In Japan, Kitasan Black (Jpn) and his son Equinox (Jpn), who is standing his first season at Shadai Stallion Station in 2024, were the most expensive stallions at a fee of ¥20,000,000 (€119,000). The post I Am Invincible And Snitzel The Most Expensive Stallions In Australia For 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a special edition of the TDN Writers' Room presented by Keeneland, the team of Bill Finley, Zoe Cadman and Randy Moss discussed all 20 horses entered in this year's GI Kentucky Derby, focusing on the strengths and weaknesses of each one. The consensus pick was Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), the winner of the GI Toyota Blue Grass S. He was picked on top by both Cadman and Finley. “He's in great form, seems to be improving and should love the 1 1/4 miles,” Finley said. “He'll need a fast pace up front, but there's enough speed in this race that I think he will get it.” Moss did not agree, picking Fierceness (City of Light). “I'm not going to over think this,” he said. “If all the horses in the race run to their maximum potential, he will win,” he said. “He is solidly the best horse in the field.” Asked for their sleeper pick, Finley went with Just a Touch (Justify), Moss chose Honor Marie (Honor Code) and Cadman selected Domestic Product (Practical Joke). “Domestic Product is super live,” Cadman said. “If he gets into trouble, he should be ok. He's nimble. He's cat-like. He gets better every time.” In the GI Kentucky Oaks, Cadman selected Just F Y I (Justify), Finley took Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) and Moss selected Ways and Means (Practical Joke). This week's Green Group Guest of the Week was TDN European Editor Emma Berry. She was brought in to discuss Saturday's running of the G1 2000 Guineas and the horse who will be the favorite, the remarkably talented City of Troy (Justify). In our breeding spotlight section, we took a look at the WinStar stallion Nashville, the Coolmore stallion Jack Christopher and a pair of stallions at Pleasant Acres, Verifying and Magic on Tap. The Coolmore sire this week is Tiz the Law. The TDN Writers' Room podcast is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, Coolmore, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar, Pleasant Acres Farm, 1/ST Racing and XBTV.com. For the audio-only version, click here. To view the podcast, watch the video below. The post TDN Writers’ Room Team Takes a Deep Dive into the Kentucky Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady will be the official casino partner of Saratoga Race Course and the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and will be the presenting sponsor of the $750,000 GI New York S., in a partnership announced by the New York Racing Association Tuesday. The New York Presented by Rivers Casino will headline day two of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival June 7 and NYRA has increased the purse of the race $150,000. Rivers Casino will also become the presenting sponsor of The Backyard at Saratoga Race Course. The Rivers Casino Backyard will feature branding and activations highlighting the gaming and entertainment options available at the Casino and Resort located in Schenectady just a short drive from Saratoga. “We're incredibly honored to be an official casino partner with NYRA for the Belmont S. and the Saratoga Race Course summer meet,” said Joe Lodise, General Manager at Rivers Casino & Resort. “This partnership celebrates the rich heritage of the track and the Belmont S., and fits perfectly with our commitment to provide the very best in gaming and entertainment. We're beyond thrilled to have Rivers Casino showcased throughout the iconic grounds and look forward to all the exciting racing.” Rivers Casino will also become the presenting sponsor of Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga Race Course and of one premium giveaway item to be offered to fans during the 2024 summer meet. “NYRA thanks Rivers Casino & Resort for its support of New York horse racing,” said Tyler Lippard, NYRA Director of Corporate Partnerships. “This will be a truly historic summer season Upstate, and Rivers Casino & Resort is a Capital Region partner well aware of the reach and impact of Saratoga Race Course. We look forward to a strong partnership.” The post NYRA, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady Announce Partnership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wednesday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

Starlight Racing has named a 2-year-old colt Coach Clint (Laoban) in honor of the late Clinton Glasscock, a longtime member of the partnership and a tennis coach at St. Xavier High School. Coach Clint is in training at Keeneland with Brendan Walsh and will be moving over to Churchill Downs in May. Starlight Racing is hosting an auction to allow individuals to bid on and acquire 10% of the horse's net earnings for the entire duration of the operation's ownership of the colt, with proceeds from the auction benefitting the Davenport Family Scholarship at Bellarmine University and the Bellarmine Men's Basketball Program, both passions of Glasscock. The 10% owner of Coach Clint will be entitled to racing privileges associated with the actual ownership experience provided by Starlight Racing. This unique opportunity not only celebrates Glasscock's passion for horse racing, but also honors his enduring commitment to philanthropy and community service. The auction will take place at the Davenport Derby Dash, to be held Wednesday at Audubon Country Club at 6 p.m. Scott Davenport, the Head Men's basketball coach at Bellarmine University said, “Clint's passion was infectious. His efforts in creating the Knight Club helped launch us to Division 1 and showed how devoted he was to Bellarmine Basketball and his time spent mentoring our players away from the court showed how much he cared about the future success of our young men after graduation. Not a day goes by when we don't miss Clint.” For more information on how to participate in the auction and to bid online visit: https://one.bidpal.net/2024raffledavenport/welcome. The post Coach Clint Name and Auction to Honor Longtime Starlight Partner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The government of Japan conferred The Order of the Rising Sun, gold rays with neck ribbon, on the Hong Kong Jockey Club's CEO Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges on Apr. 29, the HKJC announced on Tuesday. He received the award in recognition for his contributions in promoting the international development of Japanese horse racing and thoroughbred breeding. The Order of the Rising Sun dates back to 1875 and is awarded to people who have rendered meritorious service to Japan. Engelbrecht-Bresges said, “I would like to dedicate this decoration to the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), the Asian Racing Federation (ARF) and the Hong Kong Jockey Club. All three have been at the forefront of global thoroughbred horse racing, helping to shape the future and lead the way for our industry. “It has been my privilege to work alongside industry peers in Japan for many years. I look forward to joining with my friends in Japan, and all my colleagues around the world, as together we take forward our sport and enter a new era of world-class racing.” The post Engelbrecht-Bresges Receives The Order Of The Rising Sun Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) has unveiled a five-year strategic plan for the horse racing and breeding industry entitled 'Nurturing Success and Inspiring Participation', The Strategic Plan 2024-2028 was launched ahead of this week's Punchestown festival by HRI Chairman Nicky Hartery and Chief Executive Officer, Suzanne Eade. Spanning the years through to the end of 2028, the strategy's mission is to protect, strengthen and sustain Ireland's global leading horse racing and breeding industry. The plan also focuses heavily on HRI's social responsibility to industry employees, the horses and the environment. Eade, said, “This strategic plan specifies two clear objectives-to nurture success and to inspire participation. The Irish racing and breeding industry is one of the country's biggest success stories. The horses owned, bred and trained in Ireland are the envy of the world, and that is a position that we can never take for granted.” She added, “The updated Deloitte report in 2023 demonstrated a 35-fold return to the economy on the annual Government investment. Our goal is to grow this return year-on-year and by the end of 2028 to have increased the industry's economic reach to €3 billion from the current €2.46 billion. Driving long-term financial sustainability for the industry will stimulate expenditure and achieving this €3 billion figure is very much within reach by maximising all revenue streams.” As its highest priority, HRI will ensure the racing and breeding industry meets expectations in relation to the safety and care of human and equine participants. The horse racing and breeding industry is renowned for impacting positively on the environment and HRI's strategy will continue to deliver on its responsibilities regarding climate change concerns. “Within the lifetime of the plan, we aim to deliver on big capital projects like a people campus, which will service the needs of the wider thoroughbred industry, and providing a pipeline of future human talent. The plan will grow a sustainable workforce and develop Ireland as a global centre of excellence for industry education and training,” said Eade. “Furthermore, the exciting development of a new all-weather track at Tipperary Racecourse will create domestic opportunities at all levels of the industry as well as providing the marketplace for Irish racing to grow its annual foreign direct investment, currently estimated to be more than €550m per annum. “We can expand opportunities for Irish thoroughbreds by growing national and international engagement, targeting new and existing markets. “Late last year, I was proud to launch HRI's sustainability strategy – Racing Towards a Better World. Key goals, including enhancing safety and demonstrating in measurable terms a high quality of equine care at all stages of life and improving industry recruitment by raising standards of oversight, training and support, are a mainstay of this five-year strategy.” The post HRI Unveils Five-Year Strategic Plan For Racing And Breeding Industry appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article