Wandering Eyes

Te Aroha contender Auld Jock (left). Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Promising jumper Auld Jock could earn a place in his first prestige jumping assignment with a strong showing on Sunday at Te Aroha. Auld Jock is trained at Matamata by Peter and Jessica Brosnan, who reaped the rewards of an educational season last year when the gelding went back-to-back over fences at Hawera and Woodville in May. The Adelaide six-year-old has accepted into both the Piako Rural Services Steeplechase (3500m) and The Bottle-O Te Aroha Hurdles (3100m) on Sunday, with the decision of which to run in still up in the air for the Brosnans. A number of recent injuries and retirements have led to a lack of licenced jumps jockeys this season so far, although another English rider will join the Kiwi ranks on Sunday in Jay Kozaczek. “We’re not sure which race we’ll run Auld Jock in yet due to the lack of riders available, but I think he’ll be competitive whatever race he ends up running in,” Brosnan said. “Hopefully the jockey situation can be helped by getting the riding fee up as well, but we’ll make the call later in the week for Jock’s race.” With a strong showing in either event, a trip to Hastings for next Saturday’s Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m) is on the cards. “Our idea was to potentially back-up next Saturday with him, so if he can keep stepping up, then we’ll go onto the steeplechase there,” Brosnan said. “We put him in a race down there last year and he jumped some fair, then some good, so he’s had a look around the jumps course. “When he won the steeplechase at Woodville the fences weren’t live and that’s pretty much horses for courses, similar to Hastings.” Jakama Krystal is another in consideration for the Hawke’s Bay features, dependent upon her performance in the open hurdle after finishing a distant sixth in the Awapuni Hurdle (3000m) last month. “She just needs that bit of moisture in the track which she didn’t get down at Woodville,” Brosnan said. “We’ve freshened her up a little bit and she pulled Peter’s arms off this morning so she’s feeling well. “We would like to have a couple at Hastings, so hopefully she can go alright to possibly follow on to the Hawke’s Bay Hurdles. We’ll make our minds up after the weekend.” Ima Wonder picked up her maiden steeplechasing success at the course last start and will step into open grade against the likes of returning Great Northern Steeplechase (6200m) winner Te Kahu. “I’ve just taken her up for a farm ride and she’s come through the run really well,” Brosnan said. “Those top couple of horses such as Te Kahu do like the track so he should be hard to beat, same with Jo Rathbone’s horse (Des De Jeu) going back to the live fences. “It’s hard to win two in a row, so we’ll see how it plays out on Sunday and then make a plan for her. She’s really a day-by-day kind of horse.” Maideners Civil Unrest and Rocem will contest the Agrisea NZ Steeplechase (3500m) and TAJC Hospitality Function Centre Hurdles (3100m) respectively, with the latter having her third start over fences under Portia Matthews. “She’s not a bad horse Rocem, if she can just get over those last couple of fences she should be right in the finish on Sunday,” Brosnan said. “It’s not an overly strong field and she’s working well.” Molly’s Gold will continue her preparation on the flat for an impending jumping career, following in the footsteps of her talented dam Southern Countess. The Stark South mare won seven races for the stable and five of these were in her favoured jumping role, including the 2011 Great Northern Hurdles (4190m) at Ellerslie. “She (Molly’s Gold) has had a couple of jumping trials now and that will be her go,” Brosnan said. “We’re just getting a bit more race fitness into her now on the flat so she can really learn how to be a racehorse. It’s hard to put these older horses straight into jumping races when they haven’t been around on the flat. “If she can be half as good as her mother, we’ll be rapt.” Horse racing news View the full article

Poser will contest the Seeka Kiwifruit Cup (2100m) at Tauranga on Saturday. Image: Kenton Wright (Race Images) All key indicators point to proven winter performer Poser going close to adding to her record at Tauranga on Saturday. The Paul Pertab-trained mare will tackle the Kiwifruit Cup (2100m) third-up after a pair of solid lead-up performances while stablemate The Ugly Sister’s recent form has earned her a crack at the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m). Poser’s five career victories, including the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) have come on rain-affected going, she is a past winner on the track and hasn’t missed a beat ahead of her upcoming challenge. “The more rain the better for her and she’s at the top of her game,” Pertab said. “She’s certainly fit enough and I think she will be a really good chance.” Poser was spelled after she was unplaced on a good track in the Group 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) in the spring and returned to finish a resuming third over 1800m at New Plymouth and was then a gallant fourth over 2200m at Trentham. While Pertab has no set winter plans, there are a number of options ahead of the daughter of Ocean Park after Saturday. “She’s an older mare now and even though she’s sound, her riders and the vets are happy with her, you have to take it a day at a time,” he said. “There are other suitable races coming up and she’s a grinding sort of mare who doesn’t have a turn of foot, so we just have to place her well.” Poser has been ridden in all five of her career victories by Tegan Newman, who takes the reins again at the weekend. Barnmate The Ugly Sister, who will be partnered by Sam Spratt, has been in sparkling form with three successes and two placings from her last five appearances to earn a crack at stakes level. “It’s quite a strong field, there’s a bit of quality in there, and even though she’s consistent she’s going to have to bring her A-game,” Pertab said. “Her work was very good the other day though and she’ll definitely be a chance if she gets some luck in the running.” The Ugly Sister also holds a nomination for the Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton on August 3. “As far as her broodmare worth goes, any black type whether it be down south or up here would add to her credentials. I’ll talk to the owner about it after Saturday,” Pertab said. Raced by Taranaki breeder Graham Meredith, the Tivaci four-year-old is out of a half-sister to the dual Australian Group Two winners Ugachaka. Horse racing news View the full article

Winexpress winning at Pukekohe on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Wexford Stables hope to live up to the name of their Pukekohe victor in Winexpress when they take a strong team to Tauranga on Saturday. The Matamata outfit led by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott commenced the week in decisive fashion at Pukekohe’s Wednesday meeting with the son of Shamexpress. A previous winner of two races in heavy conditions, Winexpress relished the testing going late in the day under a patient ride by apprentice Ace Lawson-Carroll at the tail of the field. The four-year-old tracked race favourite Hey Hey Baby into the straight and came out on top in a driving finish down the centre of the track. Scott was pleased to see the gelding back in form after a couple of conditioning runs to build fitness. “He’s a gelding that, being a little bit older, has just taken a few runs to get his fitness up for the testing footing at this time of year,” he said. “We’ve found that when he gets fit like he is at the present time, he races consistently and honestly. “It was a pleasing performance from him today, he won with a good bit of authority and certainly by the way he won, it indicates that another win is close. “He’ll go up a grade now to 75, and there’s a good few options coming up, so that experience and age in horses is a massive aid.” Talented winter galloper Highlighter headlines Wexford’s contingent when they head across to the Bay of Plenty on Saturday, with the mare contesting the Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m). Another progeny of Shamexpress, the mare has been a consistent force for the stable in recent seasons, with a trio of wins and minor placings on the board this term, including a third behind the in-form Caitlyns Wish last Saturday. “We were really pleased with her performance last week, and it certainly warranted going forward into the stakes race this weekend,” Scott said. “She’s fit, and with the quick back-up it should aid her getting out over the 1400m. There is a bit of a question mark on whether she can stay the trip, but she’s in really good form and is another mare that is seasoned for the testing conditions.” Highlighter will have the services of Warren Kennedy in the feature for fillies and mares, jumping from barrier four. “She usually finds rhythm, you can’t really push or pull and just have to go with her,” Scott said. “She’s got a good strong finish, so we’re really hopeful she can pick up some valuable black-type on the weekend.” Among the stable’s other representatives is I Am Groot, a three-year-old by Wrote who has performed well in his first racing preparation. “He’s got good race day fitness behind him, we’ve freshened him and hopefully the ground holds well for the weekend,” Scott said. “He’s a horse that is racing consistently, and he should be right in the finish on the weekend. He looks particularly well in the coat for this time of the year and has held up well in a long preparation.” Consistent maidener Ever Charm has been knocking on the door for his breakthrough success with four third-placed efforts to date and will aim to collect that elusive win. “He’s building towards a win and is another with a good load of fitness under his belt. You would think with a bit of good fortune in the run, he should be hard to beat,” Scott said. “He’s working well, he’s consistent, and has confidence going into Saturday.” Jaffira, a versatile son of Iffraaj who has been within 1 ½ lengths of the winner in his last two efforts in heavy conditions. “He’s won around Tauranga before, he’s adept in the soft ground and he’s a tough, fit gelding which will be required with the track conditions on the weekend,” Scott said. “He can be a little bit hard to catch, but he’s working well and we’re confident that he’ll run well.” Each of the three runners will be ridden by young apprentice Ngakau Hailey, who picked up his 17th winner for the season at Pukekohe on Wednesday. “You start to see as we get deeper into the winter that the claims are a massive aid for the horses,” Scott said. “There are some really promising young jockeys out there with the likes of Triston (Moodley) and Ngakau, it’s the right time of the year for these kids to step-up.” Scott also made a notable mention of Silver Javelin, another contender with Lawson-Carroll claiming two-kilograms off her carded weight (57kg). “She definitely won’t be out of it either, her last couple of runs have been needed to get fit but she’s another on the back-up that can handle the really soft ground,” he said. “We expect her to be a lot more competitive this weekend.” Horse racing news View the full article

Frankie Lor (left) with Sword Point following victory. Frankie Lor heads into Sunday’s Group 3 double-header at Sha Tin with four representatives and he is optimistic their recent trips to Conghua can prove pivotal to success in either of the season’s final Group races this weekend. Lor saddles Healthy Happy (117lb) in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m), while Happy Together (126lb), Sword Point (118lb) and All For St Paul’s (115lb) tackle the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Premier Plate Handicap (1800m). The quartet of runners arrived at Sha Tin from Conghua this week ahead of the term’s 82nd fixture. Seeking a return to form, Sword Point was Group 2-placed earlier this season before failing to reach a top-five finish across six subsequent runs. The chestnut has since appeared in fine order in a recent barrier trial on the turf at Conghua, crossing the line second over 1200m. “Early on his first few runs were good this season, then later on his form dropped off a little bit. I’ve given him a break and he just returned from Conghua – he looks good after freshening up,” Lor said. “He trialled well there. He’s won over 1800 metres before, too.” Lor has 15 wins this campaign from horses who spent time at Conghua before returning to Hong Kong for victory at their first start in the city after shuttling back from the Mainland facility, which is renowned for its infrastructure, offerings and serene environment. “They have lots of facilities up there – spa, treadmill, massages and more. It’s good for the horses. It’s also quieter, the horses relax over there,” he said. Beauty Joy (135lb), Galaxy Patch (129lb), Nimble Nimbus (124lb), Five G Patch (121lb), La City Blanche (119lb), Chancheng Glory (115lb), C P Brave (115lb) and The Best Peach (115lb) also feature in the Premier Plate. Happy Together seeks a sixth win this season and second in the grade for Lor after capturing the HK$4.2 million Group 3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) at the start of 2024. “He’s going well and he looks good. He also came back from Conghua this week,” Lor said. All For St Paul’s has won nine races in Hong Kong, largely with go-forward tactics employed, although he is yet to be tested at Group 3 level. “He’s been an amazing horse for me. When he came to Hong Kong and trialled, the owners came to see his first trial and he showed nothing. He finished last. Sometimes they just need time,” Lor said. The seven-year-old has earned HK$14.37 million across 50 starts in Hong Kong. “It looks like there isn’t too much pace in the race, so maybe he can do this thing. Chancheng Glory will go forward but maybe our horse can lead in front,” Lor said. Healthy Happy is another of Lor’s veterans, who has won five times from 32 starts in Hong Kong, including first-up this campaign in the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m). “He’s good. He’s an old man now but he’s holding his form well. Tony Cruz has California Spangle in the race, he’s a really good Group 1 horse, but it depends, I think 1400 metres is the best distance for my horse, so we’ll try,” Lor said. California Spangle (135lb), Taj Dragon (120lb), Flying Ace (116lb), Mugen (115lb), Packing Treadmill (115lb) and Telecom Fighters (115lb) also line-up. Lor also fields Top Gun, Illuminous, Beauty Missile, Triple Bliss and Ever Smart on the undercard at Sha Tin. Horse racing news View the full article

What Belmont Guineas Day Where Belmont Racecourse – Saintly Entrance, Burswood WA 6100 When Saturday, June 22, 2024 First Race 11:24am AWST Visit Dabble The Listed Belmont Guineas will headline the nine-race card at Belmont Park this Saturday afternoon. The track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances; however, there is a lot of rain forecast to fall on Saturday, which will more than likely bring a downgrade or two before the program begins. The rail will move back into its true position, with the meeting scheduled to kick off at 11:24am AWST. Belmont Guineas Tip: Luvnwar Ex-Kiwi galloper Luvnwar broke through for her first victory under the care of Michael Grantham, when the three-year-old filly carried a big weight and recorded a slender win at this track over 1400m. The daughter of War Decree ran home strongly to nab the leader in the final strides, and she was only getting stronger at the end of the race, suggesting a rise in trip to 1600m would suit. Patrick Carbery will retain the ride, and from barrier three, Luvnwar should receive an economical run and will settle a lot closer to the speed than her main market rivals on the home turn. Belmont Guineas Race 8 – #14 Luvnwar (3) 3yo Filly | T: Michael Grantham | J: Patrick Carbery (54.5kg) +450 with Bet365 Best Bet at Belmont: Berbere Berbere was heavily backed on resumption this preparation, but the Grant & Alana Williams-trained gelding flopped out of the barrier and threw the race away within the first 100m. Although the four-year-old gelding ran home strongly to finish fourth, beaten 2.9 lengths on the line, he never played a role in the race and will have taken good fitness benefit from the run. William Pike will stick with the son of Gingerbread Man second-up, and if he jumps with the field from barrier five, Berbere should prove too classy for this field. Best Bet Race 9 – #6 Berbere (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (55.5kg) +190 with Neds Next Best at Belmont: Citino Michael Grantham and Chris Parnham will combine once again with Citino as they seek to turn the tables on Strike Now after finishing two lengths off him in third place at this track and trip on June 8. The son of Demerit has been in career best form this preparation, recording two wins and three placings in his last five starts, with his best performances coming on rain-affected ground. With a 2kg weight swing in his favour for Saturday’s contest, Citino gets his chance to turn the tables here and record another victory. Next Best Race 4 – #3 Citino (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Michael Grantham | J: Chris Parnham (57kg) +180 with PlayUp Best Value at Belmont: The Agency The Agency debuted at this track and trip on June 5, when the Trevor Andrews-trained colt finished a narrow runner-up behind Repossession after racing greenly in the final 300m to go down in a tight photo finish. This son of A Lot settled close to the speed from barrier one and got every chance to run up the inside rail, but he showed his inexperience late as he couldn’t put the race away. Luke Campbell will retain the ride on this guy, and from barrier eight, he will settle worse than midfield and look to run on strongly down the outside. Best Value Race 2 – #4 The Agency (8) 2yo Colt | T: Trevor Andrews | J: Luke Campbell (a2) (56kg) +1300 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Belmont races Belmont quadrella selections Saturday, June 22, 2024 3-7-8-11 2-3-4-5-9 2-13-14-16 4-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Darwin Races Where Fannie Bay Racecourse – Dick Ward Dr, Fannie Bay NT 0820 When Saturday, June 22, 2024 First Race 1:38pm ACST Visit Dabble With the Darwin Cup Carnival starting next month, it’s no surprise that 64 horses have accepted for the seven-race meeting at Fannie Bay. Records show that it has only rained once in Darwin since April 5 – that’s when 0.4mm fell on April 13 – and on Saturday the forecast is for sunny conditions with a top temperature of 32C. The rail will be in its true position, and it will once again be a good dirt surface. BEST BET: Pharoah Magic Pharoah Magic has drawn a poor gate in the 12-horse field, but he still remains the one to beat after crunching his 0-58 rivals by six lengths over 1100m in his Fannie Bay debut on March 16. When linked with the Anthony Cummings stable during his NSW racing days, the son of American Pharoah kicked off his career with a second in a 1100m Hawkesbury maiden in December 2022 before the lightly raced gelding saluted in a 1200m Kembla Grange maiden in October last year. Pharoah Magic is seemingly above average and overcame quality opposition in a recent 900m trial. Best Bet Race 3 – #2 Pharoah Magic (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Gary Clarke | J: Jarrod Todd (60.5kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: Starton It’s the last serious hit out for the three-year-olds before the Darwin Guineas (1600m) on July 6 and the former Victoria Starton will take some stopping after getting home by 4.5 lengths in his first Darwin start against his own age group over 1200m (BM64) on June 8. The son of Tosen Stardom had the inside gate that day, but with a 600m run to the first turn, jumping from a wide barrier should not be a burden. Next Best Race 2 – #6 Starton (11) 3yo Gelding | T: Kerry Petrick | J: Paul Denton (57kg) Bet with PlayUp BEST VALUE: A Big Chance He has yet to taste victory in Darwin after six starts, but A Big Chance got awfully close last Saturday. He looked to have the measure of his rivals over 1600m (0-58) after kicking clear at the 200m before being pipped right on the line by the fast-finishing Magnetic Tycoon. The son of Shinzig finished third on two occasions over 1300m (0-70) and 1600m (0-58) during May, so there are signs that a win is definitely around the corner. In 64 starts in Queensland for Brisbane trainer Jan Aitkenhead, A Big Chance posted six wins from 1400-1666m and was also placed on 11 occasions. Best Value Race 7 – #1 A Big Chance (3) 7yo Gelding | T: Chris Pollard | J: Thomas Doyle (60kg) Bet with Neds Saturday Darwin quaddie tips – 22/6/2024 Darwin quadrella selections Saturday, June 22, 2024 1-3-5-6 1-4-5 1-3-4-7 1-2-7-8 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Flemington Races Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, June 22, 2024 First Race 11:50am AEST Visit Dabble Winter racing in Victoria heads to Flemington on Saturday for a competitive nine-race program that kicks off at 11:50am AEST. Despite there being no black-type racing on the card, the fields are filled with quality and there is plenty of value to be found. The rail comes out 11m, and although the track was a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, the forecast suggests there is a chance of starting on a Good 4. Best Bet at Flemington: Aberfeldie Boy Having returned with an eye-catching performance at the Flemington 2000m, Aberfeldie Boy steps up to 2540m as he looks to double his win tally. He finished third in the Group 1 VRC Derby (2500m) back in 2022 at this track, while he also found the podium in last year’s South Australian Derby (2500m). He draws to gain every chance in running from barrier one, and with even luck at the top of the home straight, Aberfeldie Boy looks too tough to hold out in this field. Best Bet Race 2 – #4 Aberfeldie Boy (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: Jye McNeil (56.5kg) +450 with Picklebet Next Best at Flemington: Oak Hill Having returned with a pair of dynamic victories at Sandown, Mike Moroney’s Oak Hill makes his Flemington debut against a handy Sydney galloper, The Black Cloud. The price discrepancy is ridiculous between the two, and with Blake Shinn on Oak Hill from barrier five, he is sure to take some beating. The three-year-old gelding boasts a big turn of foot for a field like this and should send us home as winners. Next Best Race 9 – #1 Oak Hill (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Mike Moroney | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) +600 with PlayUp Best Value at Flemington: My Xanadu My Xanadu took forever to warm up at Caulfield on June 1, but she got her head when it mattered most and showed enough late to suggest the 2000m will be right up her alley. Linda Meech from barrier three is a notable booking, with the pair likely to dictate proceedings throughout. With the rail out 11m, and the way Flemington ‘circle’ races have suited those on pace, My Xanadu presents superb value with horse racing bookies in the penultimate. Best Value Race 8 – #9 My Xanadu (3) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Linda Meech (54.5kg) +1400 with Bet365 Flemington Saturday quaddie – 22/6/2024 Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, June 22, 2024 1-5-6-8 3-7-8-16-18 1-4-5-6-9 1-2-5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Champion trainer David Hayes to make call on Australian Group One winner’s future after major setbackView the full article

What Ipswich Cup Day 2024 Where Ipswich Turf Club – 219 Brisbane Rd, Bundamba QLD 4304 When Saturday, June 22, 2024 First Race 11:43am AEST Visit Dabble The Ipswich Turf Club will host its marquee raceday this Saturday afternoon as three Listed races headline the massive nine-race program. Although the track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, there is no rain forecast to fall in the area in the lead-up to the meeting, so it is expected that the surface will improve into the Good range. The rail will be in the +0.5m position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 11:43am AEST. Ipswich Cup Tip: Encoder Following a good run in the Group 1 Queensland Derby last start, Encoder will drop back to Listed grade to take on the older horses in the Ipswich Cup for his fifth run of the preparation. This three-year-old gelding raced at this track and trip two starts back where he had to carry 60kg and started to fade late with the big weight; however, he will only have to carry 54kg here and should appreciate a firmer track. From barrier 14, Damien Thornton will settle near last, and Encoder will attempt to loop the field from the 600m mark. Ipswich Cup Race 7 – #9 Encoder (14) 3yo Gelding | T: Lee Freedman | J: Damien Thornton (54kg) +1500 with Dabble Eye Liner Stakes Tip: Wategoes Wategoes was very good when winning over this trip at Doomben two starts back before the Bjorn Baker-trained gelding finished a credible second behind Yellow Brick in the Listed Spear Chief Handicap last time out. This son of Capitalist has yet to lose at 1350m (2:2-0-0), and from barrier one, he should get all the favours and an economical run throughout. Damien Thornton will need to get off the fence on the home turn, and if he does, Wategoes will prove very hard to hold out late. Eye Liner Stakes Race 8 – #7 Wategoes (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Damien Thornton (55.5kg) +130 with Neds Gai Waterhouse Classic Tip: Junqueira Junqueira returned with a solid performance at Scone on May 18, where the John O’Shea-trained mare ran home nicely from midfield to finish fifth over 1100m. This daughter of Capitalist has shown throughout her career that she doesn’t particularly enjoy Soft tracks, so after being beaten by two lengths on a Soft 6 first-up, it indicates that she has returned well and she will appreciate a firmer track second-up. Barrier 14 shouldn’t worry this girl too much, as she likes to settle near the rear in her race, and with only 53kg on her back, look for Junqueira to be charging down the outside in the concluding stages. Gai Waterhouse Classic Race 9 – #16 Junqueira (14) 4yo Mare | T: John O’Shea | J: Robbie Dolan (53kg) +1100 with PlayUp Best Bet at Ipswich: Hedged Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr have chosen to keep Hedged in Queensland after running home strongly to finish third in the Listed Queensland Day Stakes after settling too far back over 1200m. This three-year-old gelding will rise in trip to 1300m for the first time in his career, but given how well he ran on and smashed through the line last start, it appears as though the extra 100m will suit. With less speed in this contest, Vlad Duric can push forward from barrier eight and attempt to settle in the first six off the fence, and if he finds a back to follow around the home turn, Hedged should prove too good for his rivals. Best Bet Race 6 – #2 Hedged (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Vlad Duric (57kg) +150 with Bet365 Next Best at Ipswich: Rockribbed Rockribbed is yet to find the winners circle in two starts with Tony Gollan in Queensland; however, the form out of his two runs last preparation has stood up in better grade than this during the Queensland Racing Carnival. The son of Night Of Thunder was last seen finishing second behind Millane over 1200m, and that runner has since gone on to run well in Listed company. After a nine-week spell, this six-year-old gelding will return with the benefit of a trial under his belt, and if he can produce a similar performance to his last start, Rockribbed will get every chance to record his first win for his new trainer. Next Best Race 4 – #9 Rockribbed (5) 6yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Vlad Duric (59.5kg) +320 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Ipswich races Ipswich quadrella selections Saturday, June 22, 2024 2-8 1-2-9-11 7-14 2-3-6-11-13-16 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Randwick Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, June 22, 2024 First Race 11am AEST Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to Randwick on Saturday afternoon, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision. The rail is out +3m the entire way around, and although the track is rated a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances, punters should expect an upgrade into the Good range thanks to the sunny skies forecast in the lead-up. The opening event is scheduled to underway at 11am local time. Civic Stakes Tip: Strait Acer Strait Acer has been underwhelming this preparation, unable to record a victory in six starts; however, the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m) appears to be his best opportunity to break the draught. The son of Headwater should appreciate getting back on top of the ground after striking a Soft surface at Doomben in the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) on May 25. The Group 1 placegetter gets in well with 57kg on his back, and with Tim Clark likely to slot into the perfect stalking position from barrier four, Strait Acer should get every chance to return to winning ways in the $200,000 feature. Civic Stakes Race 8 – #4 Strait Acer (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Edward Cummings | J: Tim Clark (57kg) +500 with Picklebet Best Bet at Randwick: Elouyou Elouyou is being sent on the float to NSW for the first time after a hat-trick of runner-up performances to kick off the campaign. He hasn’t missed the frame in seven starts, with the four-year-old traditionally adopting front-running tactics, including his most recent performance at Flemington on June 8. He was only nosed out in the final 50m last time, and with this race lacking genuine speed on paper, watch for Elouyou to repay the faith, making every post a winner in the Randwick finale. Best Bet Race 10 – #9 Elouyou (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Scott Cameron | J: Jason Collett (56.5kg) +220 with PlayUp Next Best at Randwick: Dipsy Doodle Dipsy Doodle returns after a 119-day spell and looks to be back in terrific order based on her two recent barrier trials. The James Cummings-trained filly was hardly asked to stretch out in her latest effort, cruising through the wire at Rosehill on June 11 to get within a half-length of Pink Shalala. She’s promised plenty in previous campaigns, and although you may need to take the short price with online bookmakers, Dipsy Doodle should justify the price provided James McDonald can take control from barrier seven. Next Best Race 7 – #10 Dipsy Doodle (7) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald (56.5kg) +170 with Neds Best Value at Randwick: Fortune Fortune prepares to make his Australian debut for the Annabel Neasham barn and brings some quality French form to this BM88 contest. The gelding by De Treville finished close behind the likes of Bold Act and Horizon Dore at Listed level, prior to his arrival, boasting two wins and two more minor placings in 10 starts. He won a jump-out at Hawkesbury on June 3 leading into this, and provided Tyler Schiller can gain an economical run despite the wide draw, Fortune should be careering down the centre of the course. Best Value Race 6 – #8 Fortune (13) 4yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Tyler Schiller (56kg) +700 with Bet365 Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, June 22, 2024 6-8-10-15 1-4-8-14 3-5-16-19 9-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Willie Mullins’ globetrotting stayer looks to bring down the well-fancied favourite in Thursday’s Group One Gold Cup (3,991m)View the full article

Trainer Aidan O'Brien's hopes of a record-extending ninth Gold Cup (G1) are pinned on Kyprios, who bids June 20 to become the first horse since Kayf Tara to win nonconsecutive editions of the race.View the full article

Race 9 MCKENNA KING LITIGATION 1300 TAKESHI (M McNab) – Stable representative Mr. R Mildon reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the colt, however, TAKESHI has now been sent for a spell. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing @ Te Rapa, Saturday 15 June 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Ken Ramsey said that his donor kidney surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning at 9 a.m. at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. “I have passed all of my tests, and my donor has passed all his essential tests,” Ramsey said by text. “They've placed me on their accelerated priority list and are really taking good care of me. I will be the oldest kidney transplant they've ever done. The record is 84 and I'm going to be 88, seven months and 17 days. It's nice to be the new poster boy. My gratitude and thanks to all the people who have helped make this possible.” In May, Ramsey shared the news that he needed to find a living donor for a kidney, and that he wouldn't survive the wait on the list, currently at around eight years, estimating that he had four months to live without it. “Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes,” he said. “Tom Pope, a family friend, is generously donating me one of his kidneys. The surgery will last approximately four hours and I should be discharged Monday, June 24th if all goes well. I'll have to stay in New York for 12 weeks. I have to go check in twice a week for six weeks and then once a week for six weeks. I feel blessed and very lucky that it all has gone so well. The support I've received has been overwhelming.” The post Ramsey’s Donor Kidney Surgery Scheduled for Thursday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All key indicators point to proven winter performer Poser (NZ) (Ocean Park) going close to adding to her record at Tauranga on Saturday. The Paul Pertab-trained mare will tackle the Seeka Kiwifruit Cup (2100m) third-up after a pair of solid lead-up performances while stablemate The Ugly Sister’s (NZ) (Tivaci) recent form has earned her a crack at the Listed Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic (1400m). Poser’s five career victories including the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) have come on rain-affected going, she is a past winner on the track and hasn’t missed a beat ahead of her upcoming challenge. “The more rain the better for her and she’s at the top of her game,” Pertab said. “She’s certainly fit enough and I think she will be a really good chance.” Poser was spelled after she was unplaced on a good track in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) in the spring and returned to finish a resuming third over 1800m at New Plymouth and was then a gallant fourth over 2200m at Trentham. While Pertab has no set winter plans, there are a number of options ahead of the daughter of Ocean Park after Saturday. “She’s an older mare now and even though she’s sound, her riders and the vets are happy with her, you have to take it a day at a time,” he said. “There are other suitable races coming up and she’s a grinding sort of mare who doesn’t have a turn of foot, so we just have to place her well.” Poser has been ridden in all five of her career victories by Tegan Newman, who takes the reins again at the weekend. Barnmate The Ugly Sister, who will be partnered by Sam Spratt, has been in sparkling form with three successes and two placings from her last five appearances to earn a crack at stakes level. “It’s quite a strong field, there’s a bit of quality in there, and even though she’s consistent she’s going to have to bring her A-game,” Pertab said. “Her work was very good the other day though and she’ll definitely be a chance if she gets some luck in the running.” The Ugly Sister also holds a nomination for the Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton on August 3. “As far as her broodmare worth goes, any black type whether it be down south or up here would add to her credentials. I’ll talk to the owner about it after Saturday,” Pertab said. Raced by Taranaki breeder Graham Meredith, the Tivaci four-year-old is out of a half-sister to the dual Australian Group Two winners Ugachaka (NZ) (Danasinga). View the full article

Wexford Stables hope to live up to the name of their Pukekohe victor in Winexpress (NZ) (Shamexpress) when they take a strong team to Tauranga on Saturday. The Matamata outfit led by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott commenced the week in decisive fashion at Pukekohe’s Wednesday meeting, claiming the Acknowledging ATR Partners 1200 with the son of Shamexpress. A previous winner of two races in heavy conditions, Winexpress relished the testing going late in the day under a patient ride by apprentice Ace Lawson-Carroll at the tail of the field. The four-year-old tracked race favourite Hey Hey Baby (NZ) (Belardo) into the straight and came out on top in a driving finish down the centre of the track. Scott was pleased to see the gelding back in form after a couple of conditioning runs to build fitness. “He’s a gelding that, being a little bit older, has just taken a few runs to get his fitness up for the testing footing at this time of year,” he said. “We’ve found that when he gets fit like he is at the present time, he races consistently and honestly. “It was a pleasing performance from him today, he won with a good bit of authority and certainly by the way he won, it indicates that another win is close. “He’ll go up a grade now to 75, and there’s a good few options coming up, so that experience and age in horses is a massive aid.” Talented winter galloper Highlighter (NZ) (Shamexpress) headlines Wexford’s contingent when they head across to the Bay of Plenty on Saturday, with the mare contesting the Listed Team Wealleans Tauranga Classic (1400m). Another progeny of Shamexpress, the mare has been a consistent force for the stable in recent seasons, with a trio of wins and minor placings on the board this term including a third behind the in-form Caitlyns Wish (NZ) (Belardo) last Saturday. “We were really pleased with her performance last week, and it certainly warranted going forward into the stakes race this weekend,” Scott said. “She’s fit, and with the quick back-up it should aid her getting out over the 1400m. There is a bit of a question mark on whether she can stay the trip, but she’s in really good form and is another mare that is seasoned for the testing conditions.” Highlighter will have the services of Warren Kennedy in the feature for fillies and mares, jumping from barrier four. “She usually finds rhythm, you can’t really push or pull and just have to go with her,” Scott said. “She’s got a good strong finish, so we’re really hopeful she can pick up some valuable black-type on the weekend.” Among the stable’s other representatives is I Am Groot (NZ) in the Gartshore Construction 3YO, a three-year-old by Wrote who has performed well in his first racing preparation. “He’s got good race day fitness behind him, we’ve freshened him and hopefully the ground holds well for the weekend,” Scott said. “He’s a horse that is racing consistently, and he should be right in the finish on the weekend. He looks particularly well in the coat for this time of the year and has held up well in a long preparation.” Consistent maidener Ever Charm (NZ) (US Navy Flag) has been knocking on the door for his breakthrough success in with four third-placed efforts to date and will aim to collect that elusive win in the TAB Odds Surge Every Race at Tauranga (1600m). “He’s building towards a win and is another with a good load of fitness under his belt. You would think with a bit of good fortune in the run, he should be hard to beat,” Scott said. “He’s working well, he’s consistent, and has confidence going into Saturday.” The Super Liquor Greerton 1400 will feature Jaffira (NZ), a versatile son of Iffraaj who has been within 1 ½ lengths of the winner in his last two efforts in heavy conditions. “He’s won around Tauranga before, he’s adept in the soft ground and he’s a tough, fit gelding which will be required with the track conditions on the weekend,” Scott said. “He can be a little bit hard to catch, but he’s working well and we’re confident that he’ll run well.” Each of the three runners will be ridden by young apprentice Ngakau Hailey, who picked up his 17th winner for the season at Pukekohe on Wednesday. “You start to see as we get deeper into the winter that the claims are a massive aid for the horses,” Scott said. “There are some really promising young jockeys out there with the likes of Triston (Moodley) and Ngakau, it’s the right time of the year for these kids to step-up.” Scott also made a notable mention of Silver Javelin (NZ) (Reliable Man), another contender in the Rating 65 1400m event with Lawson-Carroll claiming two-kilograms off her carded weight (57kg). “She definitely won’t be out of it either, her last couple of runs have been needed to get fit but she’s another on the back-up that can handle the really soft ground,” he said. “We expect her to be a lot more competitive this weekend.” View the full article

The Canterbury Jockey Club will offer its Slot in the inaugural running of the NZB Kiwi as an added incentive to start in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas® and Barneswood Farm New Zealand One Thousand Guineas®. These two Group 1, 1600 metres three-year-old races form the backbone of the Riccarton Park New Zealand Cup Meeting in November. The connections of the winner of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand 2000 Guineas® (Provided it is eligible) will be offered the first option of negotiating with the Canterbury Jockey Club for use of its Slot in the 2025 NZB Kiwi. Should the connections of that horse not wish to take the option the connections of the winner of the Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas® (Provided it is eligible) will be offered a second option of negotiating with the Canterbury Jockey Club for use of its Slot in the 2025 NZB Kiwi. The winner of both these two three-year-old Classics will, on top of the $3.5 million stake, compete for the additional pool of $1,000,000 should they run in the first three placings in the NZB Kiwi. Both races will receive a $50,000 stake increase with the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas® carrying a purse of $650,000 and the Barneswood Farm New Zealand One Thousand Guineas® $550,000. Canterbury Jockey Club Chair, Dianne Logie, said “The Club is committed to ensuring that the New Zealand Cup Meeting continues to encourage the best horses to Riccarton Park for New Zealand’s iconic racing week. We believe that this is the most appropriate way of starting the process of finding who will share with the Canterbury Jockey Club the thrill and excitement of racing in the inaugural NZB Kiwi.” View more about the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race here. For further information please contact Canterbury Jockey Club Chief Executive Tim Mills 027 430 0208. View the full article

What Geelong Races Where Geelong Racecourse – 99 Breakwater Rd, Breakwater VIC 3219 When Friday, June 21, 2024 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Victorian horse racing on Friday heads down to Geelong, where a competitive eight-race meeting is scheduled for a 1pm AEST start. With favourable conditions in the lead-up, the track will be a Good 4. The rail comes out 3m, so we should have perfect conditions for racing. Best Bet at Geelong: Ignacio Wendy Kelly’s Ignacio brings some of the best form lines you will find in a Geelong maiden, having finished 1.8 lengths off Skybird and a neck off Elphinstone in his sole run last campaign. Skybird is now a Group 2 winner and Elphinstone is a consistent metro-grade performer. The four-year-old gelding draws barrier one, and with three recent jumpouts under his belt, Ignacio looks to have found the right race to break his duck in. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Ignacio (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Wendy Kelly | J: Thomas Stockdale (59.5kg) Bet with Dabble Next Best at Geelong: Mahrez Mahrez was denied by the barest of margins over the Geelong 1700m on June 6. The five-year-old has two wins and that runner-up effort to his name in five starts at the track, while he stays at the trip for this winnable BM64. A third-up winner already in his career, Mahrez just needs a repeat of his latest effort to go one better. Next Best Race 6 – #10 Mahrez (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Lindsey Smith | J: Fred Kersley (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best Again at Geelong: Onlygoldwilldo It was a tough watch for those on Onlygoldwilldo at Bendigo on June 6, as the three-year-old colt was beaten 1.7 lengths after he was held up for a majority of the home straight. Once he was clear late, he showed a strong turn of foot to suggest he was worth following. Barrier eight on Friday should mean he stays out of trouble, and with a similar finishing burst, Onlygoldwilldo should break maiden ranks at start seven. Next Best Again Race 3 – #7 Onlygoldwilldo (8) 3yo Colt | T: Liam Howley | J: Ethan Brown (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Friday quaddie tips for Geelong races Geelong quadrella selections Friday, June 21, 2024 1-3-4-5-6-10 4-5-10 3-10-11-12 2-6-7-8 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Murray Bridge trainer Heather Lehmann, along with husband Graham, have returned to the Top End with a small team for the Darwin Cup Carnival. They’re once again holidaying in Darwin, but Murray Bridge trainer Heather Lehmann and husband Graham remain hopeful that their small team will be competitive during Cup Carnival. The Lehmanns have six horses, they’ve all had one run each this past fortnight for a win, two seconds, and a third. Lucky Fortuna, the daughter of Smart Missile, debuted at Fannie Bay last year and had six starts for two wins, a second, a third, and a fourth. The four-year-old mare starred last weekend in 0-58 grade over 1200m when after sharing the early lead, she sprinted clear in the home straight to prevail by 3.8 lengths. Darwin apprentice Emma Lines proved why she is second in the Top End and Country jockey’s premiership by producing a faultless ride. “Lucky Fortuna handled the track really well last year, we knew that she was an ideal horse to bring back up here,” Heather said. “She won a trial when we arrived back in Darwin, then she’s ran a super race first up. “She’ll go around again next Saturday and I’m hoping to be able to secure Emma, she seems to get on well with the mare.” On Saturday, Valkur faces fellow three-year-olds over 1300m, fellow three-year-old Scudetto meets Class 2 opposition over 1200m, and a 1600m test (0-64) awaits five-year-old Marvelous Night – who has tasted Top End success. “Valkur is a maiden, there’s a few nice ones in Saturday’s race, but she’s come on really well from her first start here when third,” Lehmann said. “Scudetto ran a nice race first up (second), he adapted to the track, we were happy with his effort. “He’s pulled up well, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t run well, he’s drawn a good gate. “Marvelous Night, this is his third year coming up here, he handles the track, but he has to have things go his way. “Hopefully, he’ll run better second up from barrier two after a last start fifth.” Emerald Court and Gift Of Gold will return in the coming weeks. With the Darwin Cup Carnival starting on July 6, Lehmann hasn’t targeted particular races, emphasising that she’s happy to “go with the flow”. The couple made their first trip north in 2015 and have missed two Cup Carnivals – 2017 when they attended weddings overseas and 2020 because of COVID. Lehmann’s biggest win was the 2021 NT Derby with Sanblas, which also put winning jockey Sonja Logan on the map in the NT. Spending time in Darwin allows the Lehmanns to escape the cold weather back home. “We’ve got some really nice people up here that we know,” Lehmann said. “I’m pretty busy at home with a lot of things that we have going on there, so to be able to come up here and just relax and race the horses is great. “We have fun and try to recuperate before we go home again to work hard again and come back to Darwin once again next year. “Even if our horses don’t race right through to the end of Carnival, we’ll be staying until it concludes.” Horse racing news View the full article

Group 1 winning jockey Noel Callow, who is now based on the Gold Coast, will ride for Victorian trainer Neil Dyer during the forthcoming 2024 Darwin Cup Carnival. (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) He has yet to win a race in Darwin, but Group 1 winning jockey Noel Callow is hoping for better fortune during the forthcoming Cup Carnival. Callow, based on the Gold Coast these days, has agreed to ride for Kyneton trainer Neil Dyer for the duration of the Carnival, which comprises eight meetings from July 6 to August 5. The pair have a history, with Callow riding for Dyer in Victoria as far back as 20 years ago and as recently as three years ago before Callow relocated to Queensland. “I’ve known Neil for a while, a long time actually, and I’ve ridden numerous winners for him,” Callow said. “I respect him, he called me up and asked if I would come and ride for him. “He’s got 22 horses up there, so yeah, I’ll go up and have a go. “I will ride on July 6 – Darwin Guineas Day – and I will be there until Cup Day. “I’ve been there twice, it’s a great carnival, and I enjoyed my time up there. “I rode Wild Heart, trained by Graeme Rogerson, in the Derby in 2003, and it ran second. “I then got suspended and couldn’t ride on Palmerston Sprint Day, but I could ride on Cup Day, but I headed back to Melbourne. “Wild Heart won the Darwin Cup; Chris Munce rode it.” Callow’s other Fannie Bay appearance was the Palmerston Sprint and Darwin Cup weekend in 2012. In a career that has expanded more than 30 years, Callow partnered Benicio to win the 2005 Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) and Apache Cat en route to victory in the 2006 Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m). He has also ridden in New Zealand, Mauritius and a host of Asian countries, and rates his success aboard the Laurie Laxon’s Top Spin in the 2008 Singapore Derby as his biggest win. New Zealand Hall of Fame trainer Laxon, who also won multiple Singapore training premierships, trained Empire Rose to victory in the 1988 Melbourne Cup. “Laurie passed away in 2021 and to this day he is the best trainer I ever rode for, he was a star,” Callow said. Callow, who has ridden for the top Australian trainers and boasts 1961 career wins, hopes to follow in the footsteps of his daughter and apprentice, Stacey, when he returns to Darwin. Stacey, also based on the Gold Coast, saluted at Fannie Bay in April 2022 aboard Looking For You for trainer Phil Cole. Meanwhile, Dyer has won 100 races at Fannie Bay since making his first trip north in 2008 – he has won three Darwin Cup’s with Hawks Bay (2011 and 2012) and Royal Request (2017). The Victorian trainer missed the 2020 Carnival because of COVID. “Noel and I know each other pretty well,” Dyer said. “Apart from Hettinger, I’m hoping to start Bear Story and The Claimant in the Cup. “Bear Story, he’s a 90 rater, a European horse that Clinton McDonald trained in Victoria. “We’re going to try and make The Claimant, who we purchased from Victorian trainer Michael Kent, a Cup horse too.” “Both horses arrived in Darwin on Tuesday.” Horse racing news View the full article

There are five horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, June 20. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Kembla Grange and Royal Ascot. Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – June 20, 2024 Kembla Grange Racing Tips Royal Ascot Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on June 20, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

What Royal Ascot 2024 – Day 3 Where Ascot Racecourse – High St, Ascot SL5 7JX, United Kingdom When Thursday, June 20, 2024 First Race 2:30pm BST (11:30pm AEST) Visit Dabble The time-honoured Group 1 Ascot Gold Cup (4000m) headlines the action on the third day of Royal Ascot, with 10 of the world’s best stayers set to line up. The undercard is stacked with quality as well, including the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes (2000m) reserved for the three-year-old fillies. The track should continue to maintain its Good 4 rating, with the first of seven races scheduled to get underway at 2:30pm local time. Ascot Gold Cup Tip: Trawlerman Trawlerman looks a big price with online bookmakers in the stayer feature after a terrific performance in the Group 1 Dubai Gold Cup (3200m) at Meydan on March 31. The son of Golden Horn ran to his usual pattern, taking his time to clear the leaders in the middle stages, doing plenty of work in the process. He did well to hold a spot in the minor money, and with some outstanding performances at Group 1 level on the resume prior to that effort, Trawlerman warrants plenty of respect at the each-way price. Ascot Gold Cup Race 4 – #6 Trawlerman (3) 6yo Gelding | T: John & Thady Gosden | J: William Buick (58kg) +900 with Picklebet Ribblesdale Stakes: Diamond Rain Diamond Rain is searching for a hat-trick of wins heading into the Group 2 Ribblesdale Stakes (2400m). The daughter of Shamardal edged clear to score by 2.2-lengths at Newbury on May 18, suggesting she could be a stayer on the rise, relishing the 2000m with a blistering turn-of-foot. She gets out to 2400m for the first time in this, and with William Buick likely to give her a soft run from the inside draw (2), Diamond Rain should get every chance to continue winning ways. Best Value Race 3 – #2 Diamond Rain (2) 3yo Filly | T: Charlie Appleby | J: William Buick (58kg) +135 with Playup Best Bet at Royal Ascot: Whistlejacket Whistlejacket put together an impressive 3.8-length win at Curragh on May 6 and looks to have plenty of ability. The two-year-old colt made-all on that occasion, bolting clear of his rivals over the five furlongs. The Group 2 Norfolk Stakes (1000m) has more depth than what he faced second-up, but with Ryan Moore drawn ideal in gate 11, watch for Whistlejacket to ping the lids and make every post a winner on the near side. Best Bet Race 1 – #13 Whistlejacket (11) 2yo Colt | T: Aiden O’Brien | J: Ryan Moore (58.5kg) +120 with Neds Next Best at Royal Ascot: King’s Gambit The Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes (2000m) is for the three-year-olds, where the Harry & Roger Charlton-trained King’s Gambit should prove highly competitive. He smashed his rivals in his latest effort at Newbury on May 18, holding a prominent position throughout before exploding clear in the concluding stages. Many of his key rivals are yet to achieve the same kind of success, and provided William Buick can slot into a forward position from gate seven, King’s Gambit should justify favouritism with top horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 6 – #7 King’s Gambit (7) 3yo Colt | T: Harry & Roger Charlton | J: William Buick (58kg) +250 with Bet365 Horse racing tips View the full article

It was during the moments after Billy Major came face-to-face with death, and momentarily lost the battle, that he knew something needed to change. On November 14, 2022, as he awoke on the floor of a motel room after overdosing on heroin, Major felt the hand of God rest upon his shoulder. And this time, he reached over to take it. “I woke up laying on the floor in front of my refrigerator. I saw people sitting on the bed, some of my friends, and there was a gentleman with EMS. I said, 'What's going on?' as I tried to breathe through an oxygen mask. And he told me, 'Young man, evidently you overdosed from a high dose of drugs,” recalled Major. It wasn't the first time Major overdosed, though it was the latest detrimental experience in a series of unfortunate events that had led him to reside in the motel room in the first place. And it was quite the contrast from the way he lived in his early years, growing up in both Kentucky and Ohio, surrounded by family and fueled by a passion for sports. As a young boy, his love of the game was only amplified by his parents' own baseball card shop. Major pursued everything from football to wrestling, gymnastics, pole vaulting and even martial arts. When he wasn't in school or playing sports, he was by his dad's side helping him build barns. However, once he was ineligible to continue wrestling, Major turned a side job in the summer into more of a full-time gig, which eventually led to him quitting school altogether. “I missed 80-something days my freshman year and 100 some my sophomore year. At that point, I never continued with school. But some of those teachers really cared about me, and they knew I could learn almost anything, so I'd show up there to visit and see how school life was going,” said Major. Life took a downward turn later on for Major when he found himself in trouble with the law, resulting in a prison sentence of three to 15 years in Ohio. After serving part of his time, he was released on parole, until a slip up with cannabis use landed him back behind bars. “I didn't hardly drink alcohol growing up, and I didn't use drugs until I was older in life, like 16 or 17 I guess,” said Major. “But I messed up. They gave me a choice, I was doing good, but I still violated my parole. Plus, you go back and start on the time you were originally given.” Once he was finally out, Major eventually made his way to Lexington, Ky., where he spent time in treatment programs at the Hope Center and later utilized services offered by New Vista, which eventually helped him find an apartment and supported him while he resided in it. Though he'd faced the highest of highs and lowest of lows as he dealt with his drug use, nothing could have prepared Major for the suffering he'd endure after being hit by a car in January of 2022 while pushing his friend in a wheelchair across the street. The accident left his body broken, suffering from a fractured fibula, tibia, knee, and C5-C6 in his spine. “I went to Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation where I had to relearn how to walk. I knew that I could walk, but my mind wouldn't react with my body. I was in a cervical column for five and a half months, a leg brace for five months, and I was in a wheelchair. I was also prescribed all kinds of medication,” said Major. Major at work at Taylor Made | Sara Gordon However, the most harmful injury of all was extensive trauma to his brain, which was only exacerbated when he overdosed in the motel room that fateful night later in the year. The trauma of the car accident, combined with the lack of oxygen when he overdosed, has resulted in a permanent change that can make it hard for Major to stay on topic when conversing. Yet when he shares his story, the details he does remember are so vivid, it's like you're walking through those chapters of his life alongside of him. And that's when he brings us back to the scene of the final overdose. The final time he would use a drug and suffer the nearly fatal effects of it. “My case manager had a routine visit the next day. When he came, I told him, 'I died last night.' He said, 'Mr. Major, tomorrow you're going to go to a treatment program.' He'd been my case manager for three years, so I knew he was looking out for the well-being of myself and others,” said Major. On November 16, 2022, he entered the 28-day residential treatment program at New Vista's Schwartz Center. “I learned grounding, coping skills, and conflict resolution. I learned about emotions, everything that I think of. I realized that I was the problem, no matter what, with the drug usage. I was the problem, I made that choice, it's nobody's fault but mine. You don't blame the drug dealer; you don't blame the chemists. You blame yourself for making that decision to use,” said Major. “I started to learn about recovery as a person. By doing the exercises they pass out in treatment and being one-on-one with a counselor or therapist, I started to get memory back.” Though he was offered a housing voucher for a new apartment after completing treatment in the Schwartz Center, an appreciation for structure and time spent as a fan of horse racing pushed Major in the direction of the Stable Recovery program. He started this new chapter on December 14, 2022. Initially Major was overwhelmed with feelings of awkwardness and discomfort, but soon the layout of the program, the security of routine and the overarching sense of community and brotherhood washed all of that away. And the School of Horsemanship, providing the opportunity to work hands-on with horses at Taylor Made Farm, only added to that. “It's very therapeutic. It's very healing. Once you start a relationship with that horse and that horse trusts you, there's not hardly anything it won't do [for you], it's amazing. The [therapeutic nature] of the horses and working with them, I really sponged up what they were teaching me,” said Major. “When you're in there grooming a horse, you start to notice maybe one horse does this and that another horse doesn't do that. “It's very helpful for anybody. You don't have to be a drug addict or an alcoholic.” Major and friends | Sara Gordon Outside of the responsibilities and expectations, Major's time in Stable Recovery and working in the School of Horsemanship gave him time to process, heal and reflect. “I have a goal every morning. I have to look myself in the mirror and say, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.' Looking at yourself in mirrors and seeing your reflection on a regular basis, it brings back something. It's not only a reflection of what you look like,” said Major. “I'm just glad that it took a higher power, along with my case manager and treatment, for me to continue to change. Knowing that I put my friends in a bad position [that night at the motel], I felt bad. I had to deal with that and understand how I put myself and them in that position.” In 2023, Major graduated from the Stable Recovery program in March, was hired full-time by Taylor Made in April and by December, he officially became a Stable Recovery Legacy, which a graduate of the program earns after a year of sobriety. “I'm a horse enthusiast but I never thought about working with horses until this opportunity. I do my faith first, then my recovery, and I try to be the best professional I can,” he said. “You can take alcohol and drugs away, but you're still going to deal with everyday problems. Stable Recovery and the School of Horsemanship combined, it really sets someone in recovery up to succeed in life, to become a better version of themselves.” As someone who has started over, in more ways than one, Major has developed an affinity for the aftercare aspect of the Thoroughbred industry and is a particular admirer of the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. Though he loves his job at Taylor Made, and appreciates the entire team that has become his family over the last couple of years, the 49-year-old sees himself venturing out in the industry one day. “I run around here like I'm 25 or 26, but I'm 49 years old. I'm not going to keep doing all this stuff the rest of my life,” said Major. “If I ever left here, it would have to be something private, working as a groom. Or it'd have to be [aftercare], working on the bigger picture where [racehorses] go on to be something else.” For Major, it's faith and recovery first. But when you see him in a stall with a mare and foal, a soft smile upon his face as his hand strokes the foal's neck and the mare nuzzles his head, you truly understand divine intervention. “I feel like God's calling me to do something,” he had said earlier. Indeed, he has. Stable Recovery is a recovery housing program in Lexington, Kentucky that offers men in the early stages of recovery access to 12-step meetings, life skills training and–through the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship–the opportunity to develop a trade in the equine field. To learn more about Stable Recovery, click here. The post The Road Back: A ‘Major’ Redemption appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Assistant trainer Toby Sheets, who was in charge of Steve Asmussen's Belmont Park division, died from drowning, according to coroner Ioannis Aivatidis.View the full article

George Bernard Shaw offered the pithy observation that, “England and America are two countries divided by a common language.” The quote seems appropriate when viewed through the lens of a pilot program set up by the Organization of Racing Investigators (ORI). This week, ORI board members donned the famous finery–don't forget the millinery either–of the Royal Meeting at Ascot, but it wasn't all about one's garb. They were on hand to impart their own tradecraft to the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) and their investigators, while in turn soaking up English best practices. The BHA teaching laboratory was none other than a massive operation to protect some of the best racehorses in the world. Starting last week in Ireland and sponsored by the likes of the Breeders' Cup, Keeneland and several others, the exchange was a true one, where notes were compared, case studies were offered and an up-close look behind the scenes handed these members some valuable tools for their trip back home to America. Jason Klouser, Director of Enforcement, Pennsylvania State Horse Racing Commission, led the charge, and he was joined by J.C. Jaramillo of New York; Juan C. Estrada of Arizona; Tyler Durand, Senior Manager, Equine Drug Unit under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario; and David Duncan, Director, Operations for the Breeders' Cup. “It has been an honor to participate in this inaugural program, which was designed to foster collaboration between investigators on a global level,” said Duncan. “The Breeders' Cup is thankful for partners who recognize the value in ensuring best practices are implemented around the world where safety, integrity and security in racing are concerned. Those at the forefront appreciate the opportunity for education, collaboration and innovation. We certainly look forward to future opportunities to expand our knowledge.” During the week, John Burgess, the Head of Integrity for the British Horseracing Authority–who is also a member of ORI and was a presenter at their last conference at Parx earlier this year–laid out an ambitious itinerary for the group. Besides visiting Newmarket, the British Racing School and the National Stud on Thursday and Friday, Burgess wanted the contingent to take part in searches and carry on a running dialogue with his own investigative teams. The commonalities were evident from the start. “Hosting our first exchange has been an undeniable success,” said Burgess. “Just because this was in our own backyard, doesn't mean it was just a one-way street. Our BHA integrity team gained from the collaboration by listening to the perspectives of the U.S. members. This was nothing short of an opportunity to showcase how all of us do what we do because we all have the same problems, which means we can all learn from one another.” In order to stay on top of their jobs, racing investigators thrive when they network with others who protect the horses at racetracks. The BHA has a centralized authority, which has become part of the long-established equine culture of England. Education is central to their growth and continued expansion, so they are used to collaborations like this exchange. ORI is too, although it is based on the core principles of their membership because, unlike the BHA, they are spread across different jurisdictions. Still, the two sides have much to learn from one another, and the exchange is a first step to widening the global view that investigators can use in their day-to-day jobs. “Education for us is so important,” said Klouser, who pitched the idea to the board. “We want our members to have access to every avenue that is possible, so training like this will be an essential part of being a member in ORI.” Learning about BHA regulations, seeing how their logistics operates compared to the U.S. and how 'yards' function when it comes to training as opposed to on an American racetrack were just part of the larger takeaway from a very successful first exchange. ORI's international flag of integrity will stay planted and now the common language of investigation is even less divided. The post Investigator Exchange Plants Flag At Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article