Wandering Eyes

Gestut Karlshof's Maigret (Ger) (Counterattack {Aus}–Minoris {Fr}, by Dabirsim {Fr}) concluded a two-race juvenile campaign with an unbeaten record and continued on his winning streak when notching a decisive victory in Sunday's G3 Dr Busch-Memorial at Krefeld. The homebred bay prevailed in his Aug. 20 debut over seven furlongs at Hannover, despite blowing the start, and doubled up in Dusseldorf's Sept. 10 Listed Junioren-Preis upped to one mile when last seen. Maigret was the last of seven into stride here and, racing against the inside hedge, lobbed along under cover in fifth after the initial exchanges. Collected together at the top of the straight, the 22-5 chance was one of five abreast when launching his challenge with 300 metres remaining and stayed on strongly under continued rousting inside the final furlong to easily defeat New Emerald (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}) by 2 3/4 lengths for a first pattern-race tally. New Emerald's Markus Klug stablemate and G3 Herzog von Ratibor-Rennen victor Wonderful Boy (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) was 2 1/2 lengths adrift in third. There was some cause for concern after the line when Maigret jumped a border hedge and parted company with rider Lukas Delozier, but both escaped injury. “Maigret is very good and has a really big engine, but he is still very green,” Delozier told GaloppOnline. “After three starts, he remains undefeated and is now a Listed and Group winner. We can certainly look forward to a bright future with him.” Der große Online-Banking-Preis – Dr. Busch-Memorial (G3) 1.700 m – for 3yo – 55.000 EUR Krefeld Maigret(GER) (3C Counterattack- Minoris, by Dabirsim) J : Lukas Delozier T :Bohumil Nedorostek O : Gestüt Karlshof pic.twitter.com/1E4GFZuoNZ — (@WorldRacing1) April 28, 2024 Pedigree Notes Maigret, who becomes the second pattern-race winner for his sire, is the third of six foals produced by Minoris (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}), her first being multiple Group-winning G1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) third and G2 German 1000 Guineas runner-up Mylady (Ger) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}). Mylady won the 2022 renewal of this contest. Minoris, who is out of a half-sister to Listed Hampton Court S. victor and G2 Hardwicke S. third Persian Majesty (Ire) (Grand Lodge), has a 2-year-old full-brother to Maigret and a yearling full-sister and weanling full-brother to Mylady to come. The March-foaled homebred bay is from a family which features G1 Diamond Jubilee S. and G1 Haydock Sprint Cup-winning sire Hello Youmzain (Fr) (Kodiac {GB}) and G1 Derby-winning sire Slip Anchor (GB) (Shirley Heights {GB}). This is the dam line of legendary racemare and producer Schwarzgold (Ger) (Alchimist {Ger}). Sunday, Krefeld, Germany DER GROSSE ONLINE-BANKING-PREIS – DR BUSCH-MEMORIAL-G3, €55,000, Krefeld, 4-28, 3yo, 8 1/2fT, 1:50.61, g/s. 1–MAIGRET (GER), 128, c, 3, by Counterattack (Aus) 1st Dam: Minoris (Fr), by Dabirsim (Fr) 2nd Dam: Monspa (GB), by Monsun (Ger) 3rd Dam: Spa (GB), by Sadler's Wells 1ST GROUP WIN. (€95,000 RNA Ylg '22 BBAGS). O/B-Gestut Karlshof (GER); T-Bohumil Nedorostek; J-Lukas Delozier. €32,000. Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, €53,000. *1/2 to Mylady (Ger) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}), GSW & G1SP-Ger, GSW-US, $234,227. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–New Emerald (Ger), 128, c, 3, Protectionist (Ger)–Nouvelle Gorl (Ger), by Soldier Hollow (GB). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. (€24,000 RNA Ylg '22 BBAGS). O/B-Stall Emerald (GER); T-Markus Klug. €12,000. 3–Wonderful Boy (GB), 128, c, 3, Sea The Moon (Ger)–Wonderful Gorl (Ger), by Areion (Ger). (€64,000 Ylg '22 BBAGO). O-Thomas Georg Jander; B-Gestut Gorlsdorf (GB); T-Markus Klug. €6,000. Margins: 2 3/4, 2HF, 3/4. Odds: 4.40, 6.80, 1.80. Also Ran: Geography (Ger), Shootout (Ire), Schutzenzauber (Ger), Thekingofmyheart (Ire). The post Counterattack’s Maigret Retains Unblemished Record in Krefeld Feature appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of the outsiders for Sunday's G1 Prix Ganay at ParisLongchamp, Odette Fau's Haya Zark (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}–Haya City {Fr}, by Elusive City) proved toughest where it mattered to register a career-best at 19-1 under Alexis Pouchin. Last seen recording back-to-back wins in Saint-Cloud's G3 Prix Exbury in March, the homebred who had also garnered this track's 12-furlong G3 Prix d'Hedouville last May was kept close to the early pace before being launched passing two out. Game and genuine to the line, the Adrien Fouassier-trained 5-year-old got there a head in front of The Aga Khan's Zarir (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), with a neck back to last year's G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero Feed The Flame (GB) (Kingman {GB}). Haya Zark takes the Prix Ganay (G1)! pic.twitter.com/YmPyNETz7l — IFHA's Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings (@worldsbesthorse) April 28, 2024 The post Ganay Glory For Zarak’s Haya Zark appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Owner Jeff Smith has his eyes fixed on a breakthrough Classic victory and could have his strongest hand yet with Ghostwriter (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and See The Fire (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) on course for the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas respectively. First up for his shot at Classic honours is the Clive Cox-trained Ghostwriter, who was unbeaten during his two-year-old campaign, finishing off by dazzling over the Guineas track and trip when claiming the Royal Lodge S. That kind of profile has Smith excited for when his son of Invincible Spirit returns to the Rowley Mile to do battle against the likes of odds-on favourite City Of Troy (Justify) and Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). He said, “I haven't seen him for two weeks but Clive is very upbeat and couldn't have the horse in better condition, given there is only a week to go-and we're extremely hopeful. “He's an unbeaten two-year-old with cracking form and we would go there with every chance. If you take the favourite out of the colts' race, then it is wide open. “Chief Singer (GB) came second but Norse Dancer (Ire) came third and was beaten slightly less, so you could argue that was better. I've had the second, third and fourth, so it's time for that to change.” It is 40 years since Chief Singer's silver medal in the 2,000 Guineas, but the Littleton Stud owner still speaks fondly of the horse, who may have narrowly failed to scoop Classic honours but would go on to strike in three of the summer's biggest contests. Trained by Ron Sheather, Chief Singer would win the St James's Palace Stakes, the July Cup and the Sussex Stakes at three to earn a special place in his owner's affections. “He was very special and I was very lucky to get him very early on in my time owning horses, it was just amazing,” said Smith. I think at the time, I realised how lucky I was, but if I didn't then, I certainly realise how lucky I was now.” More recently, it was Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never) who excelled in Smith's colours and although only fifth when sent off 5-2 joint-favourite for the 1,000 Guineas in 2021, she would follow in the footsteps of Chief Singer and go on to strike at both Royal Ascot and in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. Alcohol Free was trained by Andrew Balding, whose family have long been custodians of Smith's finest equine talent, with the Kingsclere supremo in charge of preparing See The Fire for her 1,000 Guineas tilt. A daughter of Sea The Stars (Ire) out of Smith's Group One-winning mare Arabian Queen (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), she is bred for the role of top-class performer and showcased her ability when placed in two hot contests at the end of last season. Smith added, “They are two proper chances, I'm extremely hopeful of both and I know all owners are balmy and optimistic and so on, but Ylang Ylang is favourite and we were beaten just over a length [by her]. “On that occasion, we came too early if you look at it retrospectively and hung across the course, so why would that be favourite and we be much bigger? I think we go there with a great chance. “We've never had a hand as good as this and if you can't be enthusiastic about two Classic runners with chances, you may as well give up.” The post Smith Not Afraid To Take On The Big Boys With Ghostwriter And See The Fire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Punters wager north of HK$1.55 billion on Sunday despite wet conditions, with Jockey Club chief Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges determined to grow the marquee meetingView the full article

St Mark's Basilica (Fr), Churchill (Ire), Starspangledbanner (Aus) and Wootton Bassett (GB) have been confirmed on the Coolmore Australia roster for 2024, although a fee has yet to be revealed for the latter. Wootton Bassett stood for $93,500 and covered 131 mares in 2023, which included Group 1 winners Srikandi and Spright. His return down under has been eagerly-anticipated and he will spearhead the travelling contingent. “We are delighted to be able to confirm that Wootton Bassett is returning in 2024,” Tom Magnier said. “He is now having his first runners in Europe following his move to Coolmore and they could not have started more strongly with Camille Pissarro (Ire) winning so impressively in Ireland on Saturday for Aidan O'Brien.” Magnier added, “Given the reception his first yearlings received in the sale ring here this year we have every confidence they will be able to match their European success on the track here in the coming months.” Also returning to the Hunter Valley this season is the 2021 European Horse of the Year, St Mark's Basilica (Fr). Breeders will have the opportunity to access his bloodline at a reduced fee of $38,500 (inc GST). St Mark's Basilica landed the G1 Prix du Jockey Club, the G1 Irish Champion S., the G1 Eclipse S., the G1 Dewhurst S., and the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains. Also on the list returning shuttlers is Churchill (Ire). The champion miler by Galileo (Ire) will stand for a fee of $19,800 (inc GST). Churchill is responsible for 19 stakes winners worldwide, including three Group 1 winners. Four of his stakes winners have come in the Southern Hemisphere, headed by one of his Group 1 winners Attrition, who won the G1 Toorak H. and was placed in the G1 Australian Guineas. The son of the legendary Galileo (Ire) has also sired runners the calibre of Blue Rose Cen (Ire), a four-time Group 1 winner and the brilliant colt Vadeni (Fr). Churchill has covered 747 mares in his six Southern Hemisphere seasons. He will be joined by the proven Starspangledbanner, who covered 116 mares in 2023, and will command a fee of $44,000 this year. The post Wootton Bassett Heads International Shuttlers To Coolmore Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Handler looks at next Group One target for Hong Kong Derby winner after yielding surface causes his downfallView the full article

Superstar galloper overcomes incredibly difficult run to become the first horse to win the Champions Day feature three timesView the full article

Beauty Eternal makes all to secure his first Group 1 win. Golden Sixty’s bid for a record fourth HK$22 million Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) crown was thwarted by a familiar foe at Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon. Zac Purton is that nemesis. He’s now toppled Hong Kong’s champion in three separate Group 1 races aboard Waikuku, California Spangle and the latest, Beauty Eternal. Pressing forward to take up an uncontested lead, the John Size-trained Beauty Eternal settled in the unfamiliar position at the head of the field as an +1100 chance. Golden Sixty loomed large in the home straight, however, an incredible 27th victory at his 31st start was not meant to be for the world’s highest earning horse. Stepping away at odds of -200, Golden Sixty finished 3.25 lengths behind Beauty Eternal, who collected his first top-level victory in 1:34.52 (24.78, 23.25, 23.89, 22.60) ahead of stablemate Red Lion, while Voyage Bubble finished third. 2024 Group 1 Champions Mile Replay – Beauty Eternal “There was no speed in the race, which gave us the opportunity to lead. The last thing I said to John before the race was ‘I think the going is a lot better on the fence’, he just got into a lovely rhythm and controlled the race,” Purton said. “I thought the only chance I had to beat Golden Sixty was to try to put a gap on them and see how we went and today was his day. “I always felt there was always something a bit more there but he just always wants to do things wrong in the straight in his races and he can’t let down to his full potential – and today we saw that on the rail.” Previously defeated on yielding ground, the Francis Lui-trained Golden Sixty was forced to overcome the same obstacle after persistent rain throughout the week and earlier this morning, which unfortunately for the champ, nullified his electrifying dash. Jockey Vincent Ho said: “He (Golden Sixty) ran well. The ground was not in our favour. When I hit the straight, I could already feel he could not pick up with his usual turn of foot. “I know it’s a bit difficult. It is what it is, we can’t fight the weather. I was in a great position and everything was close to the speed, but still we couldn’t improve on that ground.” Victory is Purton’s third in the FWD Champions Mile after prevailing atop Beauty Generation (2018 & 2019) for the same ownership – Patrick Kwok of the Kwok family. “They’re really good owners to ride for, as well, they love their racing, they’re involved, they spend a lot of money, so they deserve their success. I’m just lucky I’m part of it and I’ve had some success in these colours in this race on this day, so it’s nice to get another one for them,” Purton said. Size has previously won the FWD Champions Mile three times with Electronic Unicorn (2003), Sight Winner (2009) and Contentment (2017). “His form said he was going to win a big race and eventually he got round to it. Actually, he’s not much overdue. This is his five-year-old season and usually they run their good races when they’re five. “I think he’s done his best today for this season. I’d be surprised if he had another run like that in him. He seemed to put everything into it today,” Size said. The 12-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer is expecting more from Beauty Eternal, who has now won nine times from 17 starts with earnings of HK$35.75 million. “When he comes back next season, depending on whether he develops any problems or not, he’s certainly capable of winning another one given the circumstances,” he said. Size was also proud of Red Lion, who now boasts two Group 1 placings. “He’s been amazing. His improvement has been little by little – he doesn’t do it in big chunks. Before this season all of his wins have been at 1400 (metres) but now he has got a couple of very good placings at the mile and he’s become stronger and stronger,” Size said. Galaxy Patch was fifth, while Taj Dragon finished sixth. Beauty Joy could only manage seventh, while Elton Barows, Brave Emperor, Obamburumai and Champagne Color were the final four to cross the finish line. View the full article

Romantic Warrior charges into history. Romantic Warrior stunned James McDonald and once again lived up to his name as he produced a titanic late surge saw to land a record-breaking third FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin. Peter Lau’s superstar clinched a seventh Group 1 in spectacular circumstances. He overcame a problematic trip instigated by stall ten, was forced to kick off a muddling pace which developed against him and was then pushed wide by several of his conspiring rivals around the home turn. Despite this, the result eventually mirrored last year’s running, with Romantic Warrior holding off the gallant Mitsumasa Nakauchida-trained Prognosis to score by a neck and surpass Eishin Preston’s two victories in the race in 2002 and 2003. The runner-up was manoeuvred into a threatening position by Yuga Kawada after breaking slowest and losing notable ground from the stalls, but he was soon engaged by Romantic Warrior towards his outside in the home straight and ultimately had to yield by a neck. “I’m speechless – he’s awesome,” an emotional McDonald said. “He was beaten at the 600m, he just finds a way. It’s incredible. I dead-set didn’t have one thing go my way. I had ten riders dead-set against me and the horse. I just had no favours. “He is incredible. There wasn’t one part of the race I was happy with, to be honest with you. Going out of the straight the first time, I was deep, but I was in a rhythm but not in a good spot. “1000m from home, I was finally having a rest and one took off and at the 600m, he was off the bridle and struggling in the ground a tad and he just picks up. I’m just in disbelief.” The same battling qualities which have seen Romantic Warrior establish himself as Hong Kong’s premier middle-distance horse were evidenced once again as he fought to another narrow success, adding to magnificent victories in the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) in October, Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) in December and Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) in February. The six-year-old will now bid to enhance his sparkling record with another overseas engagement as Danny Shum is contemplating stepping back in trip to a mile for the Group 1 Yasuda Kinen (1600m) at Tokyo racecourse on June 2 if all goes well with the admirable six-year-old. The trainer said: “Japan will be next, we want to go there but our first priority is to see how the horse is. When he came in, he seemed a bit tired. It wasn’t an easy run, James said make sure the horse is sound and then we’ll schedule him in. “He ran a good race, he always tried and James did a good job. We all love this horse. He always tries his best. Today, no horses could lock him in – he just wouldn’t stop trying. James ran a good race not to rush him, keep him balanced and keep all his momentum.” On a day when many horses – including the legendary Golden Sixty in the Group 1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m) – struggled to make inroads on the yielding Sha Tin turf, Romantic Warrior proved one of the exceptions for a historic success. The front-running North Bridge finished third to round out the placings for Japan, while last year’s third, the British challenger Dubai Honour, could only finish seventh for William Haggas and Tom Marquand. The Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner Massive Sovereign was a further place behind. Horse racing news View the full article

Hugh Bowman guides Invincible Sage to his first Group 1. Invincible Sage has emerged as the newest member of Hong Kong racing’s elite with victory in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on a rain-affected Sha Tin track, providing David Hall with his first-top level win since 2008. Ridden brilliantly by Hugh Bowman, Invincible Sage stalked pace-setters Victor The Winner and California Spangle before bursting clear to win by one and a half lengths in 1:09.33 to give Hall his most important Hong Kong success since Absolute Champion’s Centenary Sprint Cup win 16 years ago. California Spangle, who appeared not to relish the yielding track and struggled for rhythm when pressured early by Mad Cool, finished second with Mugen third. Hall’s other runner, Flying Ace, charged into fourth on a memorable day for the trainer. 2024 Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize Replay – Invincible Sage “It’s been a long time between drinks, of course. As everybody says, this is what you get out of bed for in the mornings. It’s been a bit of a drought for us at the top level so this is certainly a very satisfying win,” Hall said. Hall said he didn’t know how much the soft ground had advantaged Invincible Sage. “It’s hard to judge that,” he said. “Until we see him do that on a firm deck, I don’t know. “But he has been progressive and he is just one of those horses where you are still defining where you think he is at. “He is only a little horse and you don’t sort of dream that high. He has done it progressively and got the conditions to suit him again today. It was an easy watch.” The four-year-old had three consecutive victories as a two-year-old in Australia, as well as two minor placings, when he raced as Thron Bone before joining Hall as a syndicate horse. All three Australian wins were on soft tracks and with the Sha Tin track rated as yielding after more than 250mm through the week, Hall went into the race with confidence. With the reinvented Hong Kong sprinter California Spangle aiming for his third consecutive Group One win, trainer Tony Cruz was hoping for a firm track. As expected, highly-fancied California Spangle and Victor The Winner both vied for the early lead, while Invincible Sage sat off the pair before drawing away for an easy victory. Mugen trainer’s Pierre Ng could now aim the sprinter for the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley in September. Japanese raider Mad Cool, which won the Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) on a rain sodden Chukyo Racecourse in Japan at his last start failed to run on after placing pressure on the early leaders. Invincible Sage showed his talent when second last start to Lucky Sweynesse in the Group 2 Sprint Cup (1200m). Winning rider Hugh Bowman was full of praise for Invincible Sage, labelling the gelding has as top-class. “I think a rain-affected track may have assisted his performance but even on a dry I think we would have seen a winning performance today,” he said. “I am so proud of him and he has just settled in beautifully since arriving in Hong Kong. I had a bit of success with him last season and I have enjoyed watching him progress through the grades. “Since Christine and I and the kids arrived mid-way through last season, he (David Hall) has been a stellar support the entire time. “It means a great deal to ride this winner for David and the entire team.” Bowman said he was proud of Invincible Sage and described him as the quintessential Hong Kong sprinter. “He has come here and he has adapted to the lifestyle,” he said. “He has put on weight and looks magnificent and it’s just an absolute pleasure to be part of it.” Horse racing news View the full article

Francis Lui says city’s most successful galloper is unlikely to race again as Beauty Eternal breaks through at the elite levelView the full article

Four-year-old speedster makes light work of his first appearance at the top level, comfortably snaring the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) at Sha Tin on SundayView the full article

Look out, Golden Sixty, ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE) (g, 6, Acclamation {GB}–Folk Melody {Ire}, by Street Cry {Ire}) is coming for one of your records. One race after the three-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year struggled with the underfoot conditions in the G1 FWD Champions Mile, Romantic Warrior got just the better of a valiant and brilliantly ridden Prognosis (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in a final-furlong tussle to win the G1 FWD QE II Cup for the third year running. Three deep into the first turn from a high draw, Romantic Warrior was hung out to dry without cover before James McDonald tapped on the brakes just enough to allow the 6-year-old to slot in on the back of Sword Point (Aus) (American Pharoah) in the two path. Seconds later, Yuga Kawada set last year's runner-up Prognosis alight after a very tardy dispatch, zooming up outside of rivals to be a forward factor as North Bridge (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) was on an all-the-way mission up front. Appearing to spin his wheels in the rain-affected going passing the 600 metres, Romantic Warrior followed the four-wide move of Prognosis into the Sha Tin straight. Finally finding his best stride with a furlong and a half to race, he edged past Prognosis, who remained in for the fight, but ultimately went down to a half-length defeat. North Bridge lasted for third. Romantic Warrior has amassed earnings of roughly HK$142 million, within shouting distance of Golden Sixty's HK$167 million as the leading money spinner in the history of the Hong Kong turf. Sales history: 300,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT; HK$4,800,000 HRA '21 HKJUN. O-Peter Lau; B-T J Rooney & Corduff Stud; T-Danny Shum. Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong FWD QE II CUP-G1, HK$28,000,000, Sha Tin, 4-28, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:01.02, yl. 1–ROMANTIC WARRIOR (IRE), 126, g, 6, by Acclamation (GB) 1st Dam: Folk Melody (Ire), by Street Cry (Ire) 2nd Dam: Folk Opera (Ire), by Singspiel (Ire) 3rd Dam: Skiphall (GB), by Halling (300,000gns Ylg '19 TATOCT; HK$4,800,000 HRA '21 HKJUN). O-Peter Lau Pak Fai; B-Corduff Stud & T J Rooney; T-Danny Shum-; J-James McDonald; HK$15,680,000. Lifetime Record: Ch. 4yo, 2x. Ch. Middle Distance Horse-HK, 19-14-3-0, HK$142,756.024. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Prognosis (Jpn), 126, h, 6, Deep Impact (Jpn)–Velda (GB), by Observatory. O-Shadai Race Horse Co Ltd; B-Shadai Farm; T-Mitsu Nakauchida; J-Yuga Kawada; HK$5,880,000. 3–North Bridge (Jpn), 126, h, 6, Maurice (Jpn)–Amazing Moon (Jpn), by Admire Moon (Jpn). (¥34,560,000 Ylg '19 JBBAJUL). O-Noboru Iyama; B-Murata Bokujo; T-Takeshi Okumura; J-Yasunari Iwata; HK$3,220,000. Margins: NK, 2, 3/4. Odds: 9-10, 22-5, 103-1. Also Ran: Happy Together (Ire), Hishi Iguazu (Jpn), Five G Patch (Ire), Dubai Honour (Ire), Massive Sovereign (Ire), Nimble Nimbus (NZ), Straight Arron (Aus), Sword Point (Aus). Click for the HKJC chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. HISTORY MADE! Romantic Warrior becomes the first horse in history to win three FWD QEII Cups, soaring to an almighty success over Prognosis… @mcacajamez #FWDChampionsDay | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/GtmQrG7JNV — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) April 28, 2024 The post Romantic Warrior Outduels Prognosis In the FWD QE II Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rider Penalties B May | South Canterbury 24 April; use of whip; suspended $400. C Wiles | Matamata 26 April; careless riding; suspended 5-19 May inclusive. T Harris | Matamata 26 April; use of whip; fined $500. K Wiles | Matamata 26 April; use of whip; fined $300. N Downs | Matamata 26 April; use of whip; fined $250. D McDonagh | Matamata 26 April; use of whip; fined $250. C Wiles | Matamata 26 April; failed to make weight; fined $100. B Grylls | Matamata 26 April; medical clearance required. M Cameron | Waikato 27 April; use of whip; suspended 2-8 May inclusive. W Kennedy | Waikato 27 April; careless riding; suspended 5-12 May inclusive. B Jacobson | Waikato 27 April; use of whip; suspended 2-9 May inclusive and fined $300. A Lawson-Carroll | Wanganui 27 April; careless riding; suspended 4-10 May inclusive. K Williams | Otago 28 April; careless riding; suspended 5-10 May inclusive. C Campbell | Otago 28 April; careless riding; suspended 5-10 May inclusive. D Subramanium | Otago 28 April; careless riding; suspended 29 April – 8 May inclusive. R Muniandy | Otago 28 April; careless riding; suspended 29 April – 5 May inclusive. B Rogerson | Otago 28 April; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalty M Moroney & P Gerard | Matamata 26 April; late rider declaration; fined $50. Horse Penalties LIFFEY | Otaki-Maori 25 April; late scratching after failing to load; must complete trial. GREY HAZE | Waikato 27 April; cannon swelling; veterinary clearance required. PENNSYLVANIA | Waikato 27 April; lame; veterinary clearance required. WORDSWORTH | Waikato 27 April; lame; veterinary clearance required PRETTY SWEET | Otago 28 April; bled; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. THE ROYAL DIVA | Otago 28 April; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. The post 22-28 April 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

A brief break in what has been a very wet week in Hong Kong raised some hope that Sunday's FWD Champions Mile program at Sha Tin would be contested over sound or at least drying-out ground. But overnight rains that lasted into the daytime rendered the turf course as yielding, and those underfoot conditions worked against heavily favored Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) and very much in the favour of BEAUTY ETERNAL (g, 5, Starspangledbanner {Aus}–Ithacan Queen {NZ}, by Savabeel {Aus}). The 5-year-old gelding jumped best of all and on an afternoon where it was imperative to be on or near the lead, took them all the way to cause an upset. Red Lion (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) chased throughout and held for second ahead of Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) in third. Golden Sixty was ridden forward by Vincent Ho and was always within striking distance, but he could not produce his customary burst in the soggy conditions and came home fourth in what may–or may not–be the final start of a truly remarkable career. Sales history: A$90,000 Ylg '20 INGFEB. Lifetime Record: 17-9-3-3.O-Patrick Kwok; B-P Raftopolous (Vic); T-John Size. The post Starspangledbanner’s Beauty Eternal Upends Golden Sixty In Champions Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Driver Penalties M Salaivao | Waikato Bay of Plenty 25 April; failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures; suspended 26 April – 24 July inclusive. G Sugars | Auckland 26 April; careless driving; suspended 27 April – 2 May inclusive. C Hackett | Auckland 26 April; out of position at start; fined $200. S O’Reilly | Auckland 26 April; out of position at start; fined $200. B Butt | Invercargill 21 April (heard NZ Metropolitan 26 April); contacted track markers; fined $300. S Thornley | NZ Metropolitan 26 April; contacted track marker; fined $100. R Anderson | NZ Metropolitan 26 April; contacted track markers; fined $100. B Weaver | NZ Metropolitan 26 April; delayed the start; fined $200. J Curtin | NZ Metropolitan 26 April; breach of push out rule; fined $200. B Orange | Wairio 27 April; careless driving; fined $200. Trainer Penalties P & V Blanchard | Waikato Bay of Plenty 25 April; late gear notification; fined $50. B Gray | Wairio 27 April; incorrect gear; fined $100. Horse Penalties HIGHVIEW ROCKNROLL | Waikato Bay of Plenty 25 April; broke in running; must complete trial. AMAZING CAPTAIN | Auckland 26 April; broke at start; must complete mobile start trial. SWEET MAGGIE MAY | NZ Metropolitan 26 April; fractured pastern; veterinary clearance required. CHRIS KYLE | NZ Metropolitan 26 April; fractured pastern; veterinary clearance required. OUR SUPERFUND | Wairio 27 April; broke in running; must complete trial. SON OF THE CLEANER | Wairio 27 April; broke in running; must complete 2 trials. Protest WHAT THE BELL | NZ Metropolitan 26 April; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. The post 22-28 April 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Dog Penalties ZERO CHILL | Christchurch 22 April; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. YOU PICK ONE | Waikato 25 April; marring (2nd offence); stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. The post 22-28 April 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

A pair of regally-bred fillies featured in the finish of the Cambridge Raceway 2YO (1200m) on Saturday at Te Rapa, with Thooza (NZ) (Almanzor) coming out on top on debut over Sister Cynane. Almanzor filly Thooza is out of Sea Goddess, the third foal of two-time Horse Of The Year heroine Seachange, while Sister Cynane, a daughter of I Am Invincible, was a $1.3million yearling purchase with the credentials of Group One-winning mare Prompt Response on her pedigree page. With two recent trial victories under her belt, Sister Cynane was an overwhelming $1.70 favourite in the juvenile contest, with Thooza her closest rival at $8.60 after her trial form was franked with promising gelding Yaldi, who she ran second to, performing at stakes level at Flemington on ANZAC day. Contending with an outside draw (10), jockey Warren Kennedy showed intent early aboard Thooza, who carried the prominent colours of owners Cambridge Stud, and worked to take up the pacemaking role ahead of Sister Cynane, who was sporting the silks of Australian force Hermitage Thoroughbreds. The favourite cruised up alongside Thooza at the 300m and looked likely, but the Tony Pike-trained filly kicked strongly to power clear on the inside by ¾ lengths, with a further 2-1/4 lengths to the Peter and Dawn Williams’ pair of Moneypenny and Lachie. Cambridge-based Pike was wary of the wide draw on debut, as well as the short-priced favourite, but was thrilled to see his filly deliver at her first attempt. “That was our intention (to go forward) from the wide gate, she’s been good out of the gates at the trials and I thought it was probably the only way to beat the favourite,” Pike said. “It was a good tough win as the favourite came up to beat her and she’s drawn away over the last 100m of the race. “There’s a bit of reputation to live up too (with Seachange), but she’s done a great job and certainly improved through all of her trials. She can go have a nice little break now and I’m sure there will be some nice races for her in the spring. “She’s a filly with a future, with a bit more maturity on her side.” Kennedy took out the first on the card aboard Wexford Stables’ filly Tomodachi and was able to hold out the Matamata operation’s charge in the second (Sister Cynane) to capture a race-to-race double. “It always helps when they’ve got that gate speed as a two-year-old, everyone wants to be in the first four. She (Thooza) jumped out really well, I was able to get ahead of them and dictate the pace,” Kennedy said. “I saw the favourite loom up at the 300m and she passed me with a bit in hand, so it was a testament to this filly’s courage to pick herself up off the floor and get the win. She really wanted it. “When she comes back next term, she’s one to pencil in definitely.” Sea Goddess (raced as Our Sea Goddess in Australia) won three races in New Zealand and Victoria in her nine-start career, and Thooza is her second foal, with another filly out of in-form sire Almanzor born last September. The Oaks Stud offered Thooza for sale at Karaka 2023, and she was purchased by Brendan & Jo Lindsay for $155,000, with $20,125 returned on that investment at her first start. View the full article

Classy sprinter Wewillrock (NZ) (El Roca) was a winner and black-type placegetter in Sydney last winter, and a return to Australia is looming large on his horizon after an easy win in Saturday’s Carpet Maintenance & Cleaning (1200m) at Wanganui. The well-performed El Roca gelding was sent out as a $2.60 favourite for the sprint feature and lived right up to those high expectations, leading all the way and kicking away from his outclassed opponents down the straight to win by three lengths. “That puts a bit of pressure on now,” said Leah Zydenbos, who trains in partnership with Guy Lowry. “We love supporting New Zealand racing and so do the owners, but there’s some good money available in Australia coming up, so we’ve got some thinking to do. There are a few suitable races coming up in Sydney in about three or four weeks’ time.” Wewillrock was a multiple stakes placegetter as a three-year-old in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), then headed to Australia around this time last year and recorded a second at Rosehill, third in the Listed June Stakes (1100m) at Randwick and a win in a Benchmark 88 handicap at Randwick in July. Unplaced in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) and Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m) in the first two appearances of his five-year-old season, he showed more promising signs with a second in the Listed City of Napier Sprint (1200m) at Otaki on April 13. At Wanganui two weeks later, he was right back on the top of his game. “It’s just great to see a good horse like him back to his best,” Zydenbos said. “He can sometimes take a while to get fit, but when he’s on his game, he’s really on.” Wewillrock carried 60kg on Saturday and was ridden by Jonathan Riddell, who has now guided him to three wins and three placings from eight rides. “He’s a fair animal and one of my favourites,” Riddell said. “He’s a better horse than what he was racing against today, so it was good to get the result. “I think Guy might have liked me to take a sit today, but he’s a pretty competitive horse and I would have had to hold him back to do that. I also might have ended up stuck behind another horse coming back in my face. “He was travelling well all the way, and I was just hoping staying inside was the right move. He kicked strongly.” View the full article

Two weeks after finishing second to Sumi (NZ) (Atlante) at the previous Te Rapa meeting, Freeze Frame (NZ) (Vadamos) reversed that result in Saturday’s rematch with the talented Taranaki raider. The Hutton Contracting (1400m) was the second clash this month for the pair, who had finished first and second over the same course and distance on April 14. Sumi beat Freeze Frame by half a length that day, with the remainder of the field another four lengths away. Sumi’s weight increased from 54.5kg to 56kg for Saturday’s rematch, with Freeze Frame rising only slightly from 54kg to 54.5kg. That swing in the weights, combined with a well-timed ride from Warren Kennedy and a potent finishing burst down the Te Rapa straight, propelled Freeze Frame to an emphatic win. Sumi took up a handy position in third through the early stages of the $40,000 race, keeping a close watch on the front-running Fonteyn. Freeze Frame settled much further back in eighth, more than half a dozen lengths behind the leader. Freeze Frame was badly blocked behind a wall of horses early in the home straight, but Kennedy eventually spotted an opening and launched his run. Freeze Frame charged home with a push-button sprint, joining Karman Line and Sumi in the final 50m and catching them right on the finish line. He beat Karman Line by a head, with Sumi another nose away in third. “That swing in the weights made a difference today,” Te Akau Racing’s racing manager Reece Trumper said. “It was a good ride by Warren. He’s a horse that you can’t bustle early – he needs time to get into his rhythm and get breathing. Fortunately he got the gap at the right time today and was good enough to get through it.” Freeze Frame was bought for $80,000 by David Ellis from the yearling draft of Rich Hill Stud at Karaka in 2021. The Vadamos gelding has now had 18 starts for five wins, nine placings and $145,910 in stakes. The four-year-old has a particular affinity for 1400m, where his nine starts have produced two wins and six placings, while his seven appearances at Te Rapa have yielded two wins and three placings. “He might not be ideally suited to open handicaps just yet, but the way he’s placed at the weights in Rating 75 company meant we had to run him in this open race today,” Trumper said. “He’s certainly going to continue to get better with time, and I think he’ll get up over more ground too.” View the full article

Lammas, who was purchased in England at age 5, was already a nice import for owners Ron Charles and Samuel Gordon. The now 7-year-old gelding delivered his biggest payoff by winning the $175,000 San Francisco Mile Stakes (G3T) at Golden Gate Fields.View the full article

Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) winner Tarifa is the 7-2 morning-line favorite for the May 3 Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs. Leslie's Rose, Just F Y I, Thorpedo Anna, and Ways and Means are other headliners.View the full article

In her first start for trainer Phil D'Amato, Australian-bred Uncorked captures the Royal Heroine Stakes at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Featuring $200-million worth of improvements in its new paddock area, Churchill Downs hosted the draw ceremony for next weekend's GI Kentucky Derby and GI Kentucky Oaks during its opening night card Saturday. As usual, the proceedings drew some cheers, and jeers, from the crowd. Possibly numbered among the latter, the connections of the 5-2 morning line favorite Fierceness (City of Light) couldn't have been overly thrilled with drawing post 17 for Saturday's Run for the Roses. Campaigned by his breeder Mike Repole, the reigning juvenile champ comes into the race off a scintillating victory in last month's GI Curlin Florida Derby. Already developing a bit of a reputation for his propensity for being a one on, one off type of character, the colt's trainer was pragmatic about the post position moments after the draw. “We just need to break cleanly like he did in the Florida Derby, and I think he has enough talent to put himself in the right spot,” Todd Pletcher said. The colt will be accompanied by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, who was also aboard for the colt's latest three victories, including last fall's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita. His antipodal counterpart in the gate, Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith's Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) drew post 2, and was installed the 3-1 second choice on the morning line. Trained by Chad Brown, who is looking for his first Derby win, the $2.3 million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduate is undefeated this season, having won the GII Risen Star S. and GI Toyota Blue Grass S. Perfect under Tyler Gaffalione, the 11-time leading rider at Churchill Downs has the mount. Brown also saddles Klaravich Stables' Domestic Product (Practical Joke), who will exit post 15. Installed a 30-1 chance on the morning line, the GIII Tampa Derby winner will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. “Not that bad,” said Brown when asked how he thought his horses drew. “Sierra Leone, he's in just a touch farther in than I wanted but he didn't get the 1 hole, so I'm OK with that. With this particular horse, what I didn't want was the 19 or 20. In fact, it would have been hard for him to drop over without losing ground, significant ground around the first turn.” He continued, “With Domestic Product, I thought it was a very good draw for him. He has a lot of natural speed, he should be in the second flight, and I think that Irad [Ortiz Jr.] will have plenty of options from the 15 for that long run down the stretch the first time to sort of position himself hopefully, behind the half dozen speed horses.” The only other horse under 10-1 on the morning line is GII Louisiana Derby scorer Catching Freedom (Constitution), who was penciled in at 8-1 while exiting post 4. Carrying the flag for Albaugh Family Stables, the Brad Cox trainee is reunited with Flavien Prat, who was also aboard for his latest victory. A pair of sophomores were given 10-1 chance-Qatar Racing, Resolute Racing and Marc Detampel's Just a Touch (Justify), runner up in the Blue Grass and Japanese invader Forever Young (Jpn) (Reel Steel {Jpn}). The former, who breaks from post 8, will be accompanied by Florent Geroux, while the latter, who won both the G3 Saudi Derby and G2 UAE Derby, will get the services of Ryusei Sakai and will exit the 11 hole. The trainer with the most prior Derby wins with four, Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, saddles B C Stables' Just Steel (Justify), who drew favorably in post 6. The colt will be ridden by Keith Asmussen, who will be competing in his first Kentucky Derby Saturday. A $500,000 Keeneland September purchase by Lukas, the colt was given a 20-1 chance on the morning line. “It's fine,” said Lukas. “I just didn't want inside. I don't care for the inside, but anything from probably the 5 out is comfortable.” The remaining Derby horses are listed as follows: 1) Dornoch (Luis Saez, 20-1); 3) Mystik Dan (Brian Hernandez, 20-1); 5) Catalytic (Jose Ortiz, 30-1); 7) Honor Marie (Ben Curtis, 20-1); 9) Encino (Axel Conception, 20-1); 10) T O Password (Jpn) (Kazuski Kimura, 30-1); 12) Track Phantom (Joel Rosario, 20-1); 13) West Saratoga (Jesus Castanon, 50-1); 14) Endlessly (Umberto Rispoli, 30-1); 16) Grand Mo The First (Emisael Jaramillio, 50-1); 18) Stronghold (Antonion Fresu, 20-1); 19) Resilience (Junior Alvarado, 20-1); 20) Society Man (Frankie Dettori, 50-1). AE 21) Epic Ride (Adam Beschizza, 50-1); 22) Mugatu (Joe Talamo, 50-1). Tarifa Set as Oaks ML Favorite Highlighting a 14-horse Oaks field, Godolphin's Tarifa (Bernardini) drew post 8 and was established the 7-2 morningline favorite for Friday's Classic for the fillies. Flavien Prat has the mount on the the GII Rachel Alexandra S. and GII Fair Grounds Oaks winner. The homebred filly is trained by Brad Cox. “I think post positions are a little overrated,” said Cox. “If you have the right horse, you can really win from anywhere. I think both horses [Tarifa and stablemate Gin Gin breaking from post 2] had a solid work the other morning so that's most important at this stage to me.” Coady Media The second choice on the morning line at 4-1, Whisper Hill Farm's Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief), drew on the far outside in post 14 for trainer Todd Pletcher. A $1.15 million Keeneland September purchase, the winner of the GI Ashland S. will be reunited with Irad Ortiz Jr., who has been aboard all four of her lifetime starts. Last season's juvenile champion filly Just F Y I (Justify) draws lucky number 13 in the Oaks gate for George Krikorian and trainer Bill Mott. Victorious in last season's GI Frizette S. and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, the homebred will be ridden by her regular partner, Junior Alvarado. She was installed the 9-2 third choice on the morning line. “She won the Breeders' Cup from the 12,” said Mott. “Hopefully, she'll have a good clean trip and have a chance to get over. If she's on her game, she'll break pretty good and hope it works out as well as it did in the Breeders' Cup.” A pair of fillies were weighted at 5-1 on the morning line-GII Fantasy S. scorer Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), who drew post 5 and Ways and Means (Practical Joke), who will exit post 11. The former is campaigned by Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing and trained by Ken McPeek. The latter, a Grade I placed filly conditioned by Chad Brown, is a homebred for Klaravich Stables. Thorpedo Anna will be ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr. while the latter will be accompanied by Tyler Gaffalione. The remaining horses in the field are: Tap Jenalie (Manny Esquivel, 30-1); Where's the Ring (Jose Lezcano, 15-1); Regulatory Risk (Jose Ortiz, 20-1); Lemon Muffin (Keith Asmussen, 30-1); Fiona's Magic (Luis Saez, 30-1); Everland (Abel Cedillo, 30-1); Into Champagne (Julien Leparoux, 30-1); Power Squeeze (Daniel Centano, 12-1). AE 15) Our Pretty Woman (Joel Rosario, 15-1); 16) Candied (Luis Saez, 20-1) The post Derby Favorite Fierceness Draws in 17, Sierra Leone Gets Post 2 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) winner Tarifa is the 7-2 morning-line favorite in the Kentucky Oaks (G1). The field, post positions, and morning-line odds for the Kentucky Oaks (G1).View the full article