Wandering Eyes

Henri Pouret has taken over from Brian Kavanagh as the new Chairman of the European and Mediterranean Horseracing Federation (EMHF). Kavanagh said, “My time as Chairman of EMHF has been very satisfying and stimulating. There are excellent people working in the horse racing sector throughout the region and it has been a privilege to get to know them. The EMHF has a key role to play in the development and advancement of horse racing and I know that, with Henri Pouret coming in as Chairman and Paull Khan continuing as Secretary General, it is in safe hands. I wish them all the best and thank them for their support over the years”. The EMHF's Chairmanship passes from Ireland to France, with France Galop's Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer Henri Pouret, taking over as from June 2. Pouret has represented France on the EMHF since 2016 and is himself, now, Vice-Chair of the IFHA, having been elected last year. Pouret said, “I am honoured to become the Chairman of EMHF, which is such a broad and diverse racing region including 24 Full Member countries and one Associate Member. I am also very thankful to the Executive Council for its confidence and the privilege granted to follow the path of Brian Kavanagh who made so many achievements for the Federation and its members, with the invaluable help of Paull Khan, Secretary General. With the Vice-Chairs, the Executive Council and General Assembly members, we will keep fostering and developing horse racing in the European and Mediterranean region.” The post Henri Pouret Takes Over From Brian Kavanagh As Chairman Of EMHF appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following Monday's confirmation stage, there remains the possibility of a maximum field going to post for Saturday's G1 Betfred Derby at Epsom, with market leader Delacroix (Dubawi) the standout name among 20 colts still in contention for the Classic. Last seen winning the G3 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown by nearly three lengths, Delacroix is the sponsor's 5/2 favourite to provide trainer Aidan O'Brien with a record-extending 11th success in the Derby, having emerged as the stable's number one contender after The Lion In Winter (Sea The Stars) finished only sixth on his return to action in the G2 Dante Stakes at York. The Lion In Winter, who was unbeaten in two starts as a two-year-old, could try to redeem his reputation at Epsom, while G3 Chester Vase hero Lambourn (Australia) and Listed Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master (Camelot) make up the four-strong contingent from Ballydoyle. The Charlie Appleby-trained Ruling Court (Justify) bids to another Classic to his CV, with the 2,000 Guineas winner one of two possible runners for Godolphin, along with the Newmarket fourth Tornado Alert (Too Darn Hot) for Saeed bin Suroor. Ralph Beckett is also set to be doubly represented with Dante winner Pride Of Arras (New Bay) and Stanhope Gardens (Ghaiyyath), who reappeared with a straightforward victory in a conditions race at Salisbury, having ended his two-year-old campaign with a narrow defeat to Delacroix in the G3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket. John and Thady Gosden have confirmed Damysus and Nightwalker, both sons of Frankel who took part in Epsom's traditional Derby gallops morning last week, having previously finished second and fifth, respectively, in the Dante. Nightwalker represents the Juddmonte team which added a second string to its bow on Monday, with French raider New Ground (New Bay) being supplemented at a cost of £75,000. Trained by Henri-Francois Devin, New Ground should be suited by the step up to a mile and a half, according to Juddmonte's European racing manager, Barry Mahon, having finished third in the Listed Prix de Suresnes won by Nitoi at Chantilly last time. “His form is good and we think he is crying out for a mile and a half,” said Mahon. “We could have taken him to Chantilly [for the Prix du Jockey Club], but we decided to wait to go to Epsom. He's in great form.” Francis-Henri Graffard's unbeaten Midak (Footstepsinthesand) has also been added to the race as he tries to emulate Pour Moi in 2011 by completing the G3 Prix Greffulhe/Derby double. He will carry the colours of the Aga Khan Studs, with the race run in honour of the late Aga Khan IV, who died in February. Charlie Johnston is another trainer with two possible runners in Green Storm (Circus Maximus) and Lazy Griff (Protectionist), leaving Al Wasl Storm (Affinisea), Nightime Dancer (Ghaiyyath), Rogue Impact (Study Of Man), Sea Scout (Sea The Stars), Tennessee Stud (Wootton Bassett) and Tuscan Hills (Night Of Thunder) to complete what has the makings of a bumper field. The post Delacroix One of 20 Colts Remaining in the Derby Picture appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade 1 winner Mindframe will stand at Claiborne Farm near Paris, Ky., upon retirement. The 4-year-old colt by Constitution has earned $1,292,160 to date for trainer Todd Pletcher and owners Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables.View the full article

The Jockey Club has today announced that Charlie Boss is to become Chief Executive Officer of Jockey Club Racecourses (JCR). The appointment is announced on the day that Jim Mullen begins his new role as Group Chief Executive Officer of The Jockey Club, British horseracing's largest commercial organisation and employer. Boss was Chief Commercial Officer at The Jockey Club between March 2021 and April 2023 and went on to take up the same role at Southampton Football Club. He rejoined the organisation in December last year as Interim Group Chief Executive and will move into his new role reporting directly to Mullen in September. A Vice Chair of London Sport, Boss has worked across a variety of sectors, including running Disney's sports businesses in Europe and Africa and in senior brand and marketing roles at the Rugby Football Union and the Football Association. He was also a Board Member of pool betting operator Britbet during his first spell at The Jockey Club. Boss, 40, said, “It has been the privilege of my career to lead The Jockey Club over the last six months and I'm absolutely delighted to be given this fantastic opportunity to remain with the organisation and to work with Jim. “I've been fortunate to work in a number of different organisations and roles across various sports and I can honestly say none have been more enjoyable and fulfilling than the time I have spent at The Jockey Club. “The talent and passion of the people we have, not just at The Jockey Club but across our sport, makes me incredibly optimistic about the future, regardless of the challenges we face, and I believe that with the right leadership horseracing in Britain is in a great position to thrive. “As an industry which contributes more than £4 billion to the UK economy and is the country's second most attended sport, horseracing still has an important place in society and I am certainly proud to be able to continue to play a part in the positive impact that it has, both domestically and globally.” The post Charlie Boss Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Jockey Club Racecourses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Albert Einstein, who Aidan O'Brien labelled 'a very, very fast horse' after his G3 Marble Hill Stakes success at the Curragh, will miss Royal Ascot due to a sprained joint. The unbeaten colt headed the G2 Coventry Stakes betting at odds of 6-4 prior to Monday's announcement on X by Coolmore Stud. “Gr.3 Marble Hill Stakes winner Albert Einstein unfortunately will not run at Royal Ascot due to a sprained joint. He will have an easy three weeks,” the quote, which was attributed to O'Brien, read. Connections of Albert Einstein thought long and hard about allotting such a lofty name. Following that Marble Hill Stakes triumph, where the son of Wootton Bassett showed a smart turn of foot to overhaul Power Blue, O'Brien revealed that the colt's name had been changed on multiple occasions to match the opinion in which he was held at home at Ballydoyle. He said, “Every time we named him I think Sue [Magnier] maybe thought the name wasn't good enough for him. I wasn't even sure what his name was because it was changed so many times. I'm delighted for the lads and he's very exciting.” In Albert Einstein's absence, the Charlie Appleby-trained Treanmore (Frankel), who sold to Godolphin for €2 million at last year's Goffs Orby Sale, heads the Coventry Stakes betting at general odds of 3-1. Meanwhile, O'Brien and the Coolmore partners could yet be represented in the race by Charles Darwin, who has been shortened into odds of 6-1. The post ‘Very, Very Fast’ Albert Einstein To Miss Royal Ascot With Sprained Joint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Racing fans were treated to a historic victory in Hong Kong’s final Group One of the season, while the race for the trainers’ championship heated up in May. The Post analyses the jockeys and trainers who had a month to remember or one to forget, as well as the most outstanding victory and winning ride. Who’s hot? Zac Purton continued to rack up winners in May, booting home 13 winners from just 61 rides for a strike rate of 21.3 per cent – an almost identical figure to his haul from April. The...View the full article

By Mike Love Allamericanplayer stamped himself as the current best two-year-old in the country by winning the Group 2 Rakaia Seed Cleaning NZ Sapling Stakes for $60,000 over 1700m at Ashburton yesterday. The Steve and Amanda Telfer-trained runner repeated the dose of a week ago when he beat race favourite Fugitive in a similar display in the Group 1 Welcome Stakes at Addington. Yesterday Allamericanplayer, with driver Tim Williams, were able to secure the one by one early, while main race rival Fugitive did the donkey work parked, then eventually lead. Allamericanplayer was left parked from the 1050 metre mark. Locking horns with Fugitive on the swing for home, Williams and Allamericanplayer pulled out more stocks to run away and win with ears pricked at the line, scoring by one length from a game Fugitive in a scorching 1:53 mile rate, accompanied by a 56.2 800m and 27.8 400m. “He’s only just starting to learn how to race. The trip down south has been great for him. I think it’ll be the making of him,” said co-trainer Steve Telfer. The two-year-old Bettors Delight colt was bred by Breckon Farms and was a $155,000 purchase at last year’s Auckland NZB Standardbred sale, and is now raced by Stonewall Stud LTD, Forever Optimistic Syndicate and Steve Corps. Allamericanplayer has now won three from seven, placing four times and has won over $115,000. “He’ll go straight to the paddock, and we will have a look at him after a month then come back at the end of the year.” The Telfers made it a double on the card by winning the $30,000 Rural Business Accountants 3YO Championship Stakes with Sweet Lou gelding Bar Louie. Starting from an awkward draw of one on the second line over 1700m, driver Tim Williams was able to get off the pegs early in the race. Bar Louie made a lightning move from the 900m to stride to the lead, where they never looked in doubt from that point on. They pinched a break at the top of the straight and never conceded any ground, winning by three lengths in a whopping 1:52 mile rate with an 800m of 56.1 and 400m of 26.9. “Once we were able to get off, and got a clear position through, we ended up in not a bad spot early,” said Williams. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability, and they’ve always had a bit of an opinion on him.” Other highlights on the card included an emphatic victory by The Queen’s Gambit in the Group 3 Helen Pope 2YO Fillies Classic, while Kyle Cameron made it win 150 in the sulky behind What The Dragon who he also trains in the maiden trot. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Luke McCarthy has urged fans not to judge Don Hugo too harshly for his disappointing Cambridge display. The champion horseman explained Don Hugo was found to have a virus after his tiring fourth to Leap To Fame in the $1mil Race by betcha at Cambridge on April 4. A subsequent Perth trip was aborted and Don Hugo had a short spell. “Leap To Fame was just amazing that night, he was too good. I’m not taking anything away from him, but I know we didn’t have the best Don Hugo. I think his form before it showed that,’ McCarthy said. “He came home with a virus and needed some time out, so it explains the run.” Leap To Fame’s Cambridge win gave him a 2-1 edge over Don Hugo from three clashes and at will renew acquaintances as then two big guns in next month’s Brisbane Inter Dominion series. Leap To Fame dominates pre post betting at $1.55 for the $1 million final on July 19, while Don Hugo is a standout second elect at $4. “I’m sure we’ll be really competitive against him and you want to take him on, he’s the best around and one of the best we’ve seen,” McCarthy said. “No doubt the long distance of the final (3157m) plays to Leap To Fame because he’s such a great stayer, but we’ve got to go in optimistic and give it a real crack.” Don Hugo returns to racing at Menangle on Saturday night. “It’ll be his first of two lead-up runs. He’ll back up the week after. I want to give him these two runs, then have three weeks between runs into the first round of heats (July 5),” McCarthy said. “He’s as ready as I can have him. He enjoyed the time out, had a trial two weeks back and I took him back into Menangle last week for a solid hit out.” Don Hugo is one of a big team McCarthy is taking to Queensland for an extended raid on the winter riches. Also in the team are high-class Kiwi pair Coastal Babe and Beach Ball, who has impressed McCarthy since joining his Cobbitty stable. The big spending Josh Davine bought Coastal Babe, while one of McCarthy’s major owners, Mick Harvey, now races Beach Ball. “I really like them both,” he said. “Beach Ball will go to the Inter Dominion with ‘Hugo’, while Coastal Babe will join my other top mare, Eye Keep Smiling, in all the good mares’ races in Brisbane.” McCarthy confirmed Eye Keep Smiling, Australia’s top ranked mare, and exciting three-year-old Hesitate would also race at Menangle on Saturday night. “Eye Keep Smiling is airborne and I’ll just keep her ticking along, while Hesitate is back from a bit of a break and he seems terrific. “Hesitate will go towards the Queensland Derby and Mac Bon will, too, but I’ll take him through the Redcliffe Derby. “I’ll also take Soho Americano up for Mick Stanley (trainer) to have a crack at the (Queensland) Oaks.” View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Rowe Cup winner Bet N Win won’t race in New Zealand before his “trip of redemption” to Queensland. Instead, co-trainer Stacey White said the five-year-old’s lone lead-up race would be in a 2300m trotting free-for-all at Menangle on June 21. “It’s the best option. The only race here was in Auckland and he’d have been off at least 30m,” she said. “He’s booked a flight to Sydney on June 17 and running on the 21st (of June) fits well before he heads up to Brisbane. “I think Bob (Butt, driver) is looking forward to having a spin around Menangle on him.” The first round of Inter Dominion heats are at Albion Park on July 5. With growing doubts on Keayang Zahara heading to Brisbane, Bet N Win looks set to challenge for pre-post favouritism for the $500,000 trotting final on July 19. “We’re thrilled to have a horse good enough to take and it’s great to be going because he wasn’t going just a few days before the Rowe Cup, but he won that so well it turned everything around.” Bet N Win hasn’t raced since the Rowe Cup win on May 2, which took him to 12 wins from just 22 starts. Importantly, the Rowe Cup is 3200m and this year’s Brisbane trotting final is a gruelling 3157m. Bet N Win will return to the scene of his aborted Aussie campaign last year. He won an Albion Park race on July 6 and was a commanding favourite for the Group 1 Great Square before a hoof issue derailed him. White said her husband David (White) would take Bet N Win to Australia and stable him with training legend Vic Frost and Gail Geeson as they did last year. “They’re about 90 minutes from Albion Park, but train right near the beach and this horse loves the beach,” she said. “That’s where he’s been lately, at Bob’s (Butt) place keeping up to the mark and spending time at the beach, but he’s back home and into it again from tomorrow (Monday).” Bet N Win and star veteran Oscar Bonavena are clearly NZ’s best hopes in either division of the Inter Dominion. “It’s really exciting, I’m booked to go across with the kids the day before the first round of heats and stay all the way through,” she said. Oscar Bonavena is already in Australia and could have the first of his lead up races as early as Saturday night. View the full article

Spring stakes assignments are in the crosshairs for exciting gelding Twain (NZ) (Per Incanto) following his victory in the Waihou Tavern (1150m) at Te Aroha on Monday. The four-year-old son of Per Incanto and Group One-winning mare Fleur de Lune (NZ) (Strvinsky) had won four and placed in two of his previous seven starts and was sent out a short-priced $1.20 on Monday by punters. From his outside barrier in the six-horse field, Twain drifted back early to sit second-to-last before jockey Triston Moodley elected to punch forward to sit outside leader Caitlyns Wish (NZ) (Belardo). Twain headed his rival at the top of the straight and continued to build on his advantage, eventually running out a comfortable 1-1/4 length victor, much to the relief of trainer John Bell. “We had Julius and Mosse, and I have never been as nervous my whole life, there was a little pressure on,” Bell said. “He didn’t like that (Heavy9) ground either I don’t think. We may give him another start and put him aside and wait for those black-type races later on in the spring and summer time. “Ellerslie is nice, he enjoys that, and it’s a good surface. We will find something in the next three weeks.” Moodley was just as pleased with the winning effort and is hopeful he can retain the ride on the progressive galloper. “When I came out of the gates, he didn’t come out too well, so I decided to take a sit and go behind them, but no one wanted to lead and Maria (Sanson, Jockey aboard Caitlyns Wish) was going forward, so I decided I would lock onto her and follow her through, and it paid dividends,” Moodley said. “Coming into the straight I had so much horse under me, so I let him stride forward and didn’t fight him anymore. He pulled away in the straight and even had the audacity to wait for them at the end. “Hopefully I can stick with the ride for the future.” Twain’s dam won six races, including the Gr.1 Railway Stakes (1200m) and Gr.3 Foxbridge Plate (1200m), and Bell has his eyes on the latter with Twain early next season, which now holds Group Two status. “He is a true professional, he is a horse we are going to enjoy in the future,” he said. “It is nice to have some nice horses in the stable. For an old fella to get out of bed in the morning, I am starting to struggle, so a nice horse gets you out.” View the full article

Two thoroughbred industry stalwarts have been bestowed one of New Zealand’s highest honours in the King’s Birthday honour list, including Catriona Williams, who has been appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport. Williams, the founder and driving force behind the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, has been a pillar of the worldwide effort into spinal cord injury research over the last two decades, and her efforts were recognised on Monday. Williams was one of New Zealand’s leading international equestrian riders but following a riding accident more than 20 years ago, which damaged her spinal cord, resulting in Williams becoming a C6/C7 tetraplegic, she is now confined to a wheelchair. Williams’ determined natured, which led to her becoming a top rider, was then harnessed to help researchers find a cure for spinal cord injuries, and as a result, the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust was formed in 2005. It was very apt that Williams was honoured on the 20th anniversary of the Trust, but she said the accolade won’t dampen her resolve to find a cure. “CatWalk was originally started by a group of friends who wanted to help me,” said Williams, who operates Little Avondale Stud with her husband, Sam. “When we had a big chat about it, we talked about the fact that ACC are here for the practical things like ramps into houses and making things like showers accessible. “We decided that if we were going to make a difference, we needed to back research and no one was doing it at the time. That is how CatWalk came about, and it has just grown from an idea into a real movement in 20 years. “What we are really proud of is that we are now a global entity. We work closely with our partnerships with Spinal Research UK, Christopher Reeve Foundation, Perry Cross in Australia, and we are so close to some really significant breakthroughs, it is really exciting. “We are 20 years in, which is great, but the ultimate goal would be for CatWalk to be obsolete and not required anymore. That’s a goal, and the money can go elsewhere. I am really proud of our team who continue to work so hard and keep the flag flying.” Williams said the thoroughbred industry has been a pivotal supporter of the Trust. “CatWalk could not have done it without the backing of the thoroughbred industry,” Williams said. “They have been an enormous support. “We are not stopping yet, there is still more to achieve. It is not about the accolades, it is about getting people back on their feet, so there is more to come.” Williams has also been recognised for her services to equestrian sport, with Monday’s honour complementing her induction into the Equestrian Sports New Zealand Hall of Fame two years ago. She owes her love for the horse to her mother, Maureen, and said her formative years in the saddle were a key part in building her resilient nature and preparing her for the struggles of life in a wheelchair. “I was lucky to have a mum that was horse mad and got me into horses,” Williams said. “I always say horses take you places, so it doesn’t matter whether it is polo, eventing, showjumping or racing, the relationship with the horse is key for so many reasons. “Life is hard, and it throws a lot of challenges at you, and especially in the horse world. The highs are jolly high, but by golly the lows can be low. I think having that education on a horse at an early age set me up for dealing with this spinal injury. “It doesn’t matter who you are, we all have our challenges, and it is about getting up, getting going and keep putting one foot in front of the other and doing the best you can.” Williams has been inundated with messages since the announcement of her Damehood, but said the first to reach out this morning was Cambridge Stud’s Brendan Lindsay, who was also recognised in the King’s Birthday honours, having been appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and philanthropy. “One of the first texts this morning was from Brendan,” Williams said. “I feel very fortunate to be in great company and from someone I admire enormously for all the work that he has done from the business he built up and the work that he continues to do. To be beside him is a treat. “I also had a beautiful text from one of our (CatWalk Trust) ambassadors this morning, Sophia Malthus, and her words were ‘congratulations, but most of all, thank you’, so that meant a lot. “I got a lovely text from our ambassador, Lance O’Sullivan, and I received a really lovely video from Roddy and Gina Schick (Windsor Park Stud). It meant so much. “We have great people in our industry, and I feel very fortunate to be here.” View the full article

The Cambridge Stud legacy continues to grow, with current co-principal Brendan Lindsay appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the King’s Birthday Honours for his services to business and philanthropy. Lindsay purchased the renowned operation off founder Sir Patrick Hogan, who received the same honour 25 years ago for services to the thoroughbred industry. “Sir Tristram (former Cambridge Stud stallion), Sir Patrick and now Sir Brendan,” Lindsay said. “It is a real honour, and you are joining a pretty exclusive club. It is a bit surreal, and we are over the moon obviously, it’s great. “We are going to have a bit of fun and enjoy it with the family today, so that’s the main thing.” While Lindsay, and his wife Jo, are major players in the thoroughbred industry, it’s Lindsay’s deeds outside the sport that led to Monday’s honour. He founded plastics storage container business Sistema Plastics in 1982 and built it into a global food storage brand. He was recognised for his achievements when he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business in 2012, and eight years later he was inducted into the New Zealand Business Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to business. Lindsay sold Sistema to an American firm in 2016, with the buyer committing to keep production in New Zealand for 20 years. He started Sistema in his garage, and he said he had no idea of the heights his business would take him. “I was just trying to pay the mortgage, I never thought anything else but that at the time,” he said. “There’s never quite enough hours in the day when you first start your business.” Following the sale of Sistema, the Lindsays established the Lindsay Foundation to support New Zealand charities, focusing on family, education, disabilities and animal welfare. The many charitable organisations assisted include Pet Refuge, Starship National Air Ambulance Service, New Zealand Riding for the Disabled and Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust. Lindsay is a foundation partner of The Zealand Liberation Museum – Te Arawhata in Le Quesnoy, France, which commemorates the 122 New Zealand soldiers who died liberating that village from occupation at the end of the first World War, with no loss of life to the town residents. “We are in a privileged position, and we need to enjoy it and help other people on the way that aren’t quite as fortunate as us,” Lindsay said. “We try to make a bit of a difference wherever we can, and that (philanthropy) gives you a great deal of pleasure.” While the Lindsays get great satisfaction from their charity work, thoroughbred racing is their other passion, and one they have substantially invested in over the last few years, headlined by their state-of-the-art training facility in Karaka, and world-renowned farm in Cambridge. The Lindsays gain great enjoyment from racing and breeding, and it forms a part of their life motto. “It is about enjoying life,” Lindsay said. “We are not going to live forever, so we need to make the most of it and create a new memory every day, that’s our motto.” While rapt to receive Monday’s honour, Lindsay said he was just as pleased when he found out fellow thoroughbred racing identity Catriona Williams, founder of the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Trust, has been appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to spinal cord injury research and equestrian sport. “When I read the paper this morning, I saw Catriona’s name first and thought ‘that is so cool’,” Lindsay said. “She is such a wonderful person.” View the full article

David Eustace believes the step up in distance could be the key to Colourful King’s chances in the Class Two Wan Chai Gap Handicap (1,200m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The Blue Point gelding has stuck to the minimum 1,000m trip in four Hong Kong starts, building on a promising Sha Tin debut with a pair of city circuit wins. He quickened up smartly in a pair of Class Three races, winning the latter Hong Kong China Rugby Club Handicap by an impressive two lengths. After travelling well in...View the full article

Ryan Moore showed his class once again as Camille Pissarro got the gaps in the nick of time to win the Group One Prix Du Jockey Club (2,000m) at Chantilly on Sunday. The $3.4 favourite was always prominent in the box seat under Moore but as the field began to sprint in the home straight, he was stuck behind a wall of horses. Camille Pissarro was forced to sit and suffer, but Moore kept the revs up on the Wootton Bassett galloper and when Bowmark began to weaken on the rail, the 41-year-old...View the full article

Exactly one year after her last victory, Three Diamonds Farm's homebred Pin Up Betty got the job done in the $237,000 Mint Julep Stakes at Churchill Downs June 1.View the full article

Leading jockey Edgard Zayas rode five winners on the nine-race program at Gulfstream Park Sunday. Zayas opened Sunday's card at the Hallandale oval with a win aboard Murabeh and he went on to visit the winner's circle following subsequent victories aboard Basilea in the fifth race, Nate the Great in the seventh and Saratoga Flash in the eighth. The 31-year-old native of Rio Grande, Puerto Rico finished his big day with a victory aboard Corta Fuego in the ninth race. The post Five-Win Day for Zayas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Brett Gray’s form only needs to continue at Ascot Park on King’s Birthday. The trainer has enjoyed an outstanding past month, with his results headed by the unbeaten Miki’s Deal and his smart trotting mare, Julie Jaccka. It’s a brother-and-sister act that’s among the best of Gray’s Invercargill chances. Little brother Jaccka Henry and big sister Haley Jaccka both look like serious winning threats. Though Haley has proven form on the board, it is Henry who gets the nod as the Gray stable’s biggest chance. “Neither have drawn ideally, but Haley is one on the second row, so she is going to need some luck,” Gray said. “It could work out perfect for her, but it could turn pear-shaped.” “Henry’s two on the second row, and he seems the type of horse that can do a bit of work.” “So I would have to go with him.” Jaccka Henry heads to Ascot Park in Ra e 4, the Hyde Landscaping Mobile Pace (1.06pm) after only just missing in his debut second at Winton. “He is a bit of a surprise package — he started off slowly, but he has been getting better each time he’s been off the place.” “His second was good, and that race seems to have done him the world of good.” “He should be a good chance on Monday.” Haley Jaccka has mixed it with better fields than she faces in Monday’s third heat of the Diamond Creek/SBSR Silk Road Series (4.19pm). But whether she can show her best will depend on where she lands from her tricky draw. “It will depend on how things pan out — if she got any luck, she would go pretty good,” Gray said. “She’s so consistent, and she’s come on from her last run.” Always Ticking starts alongside Haley Jaccka, and she looks far from the stable’s second stringer. “She went a nice race last start, and she was fresh up, so she’s better for that run. “Hopefully, there is a bit of speed on, because she loves that.” The Gray stable starts a three-pronged attack in Race 9, the South Port NZ Ltd Bluff Cup (3.52pm) on Monday with Foxing Easton, Janaka’s Delight, and Stillyourshot. “Foxing Easton is in a great space at the moment. It’s a step up in grade, but he should handle it pretty well.” “Janaka’s Delight went a great race last start — she’s working well and could go another cheeky one.” “Stillyourshot is coming in fresh, which suits him — he’s not the worst, either.” Gray also starts Jaccka Evan in Race 7, the Mountfort Fishing Company Mobile Pace (2.40pm). “He is working nicely enough to go another solid race — it might just depend how it pans out from that draw (8).” Gray’s stable manager, Daniel Anderson, takes the reins behind Jaccka Evan. View the full article

Mindframe (Constitution–Walk of Stars, by Street Sense), most recently winner of the GI Churchill Downs Stakes, will take up stud duties at Claiborne Farm at the conclusion of his racing career, the farm announced Sunday evening. Tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following his 13 3/4-length debut victory at Gulfstream Park last March, the dark bay colt was second–beaten just a half-length by Dornach (Good Magic)–in the GI Belmont Stakes in just his third trip to the post. He was second again after recovering from a stumbling start in the GI Haskell Stakes the following month. Mindframe is unbeaten in two starts to date this year, winning the Mar. 1 GII Gulfstream Park Mile and the May 3 Churchill Downs Stakes. A $600,000 purchase at the 2022 Keeneland September sale, Mindframe races for Mike Repole's Repole Stable and Vinnie Viola's St Elias Stables and is trained by Todd Pletcher. “He's such a versatile horse,” Pletcher said of the 4-year-old. “From just missing last year in the Belmont and now winning a Grade I going seven-eighths. It just shows how special of a horse he is.” Claiborne president Walker Hancock added, “Mindframe is the kind of rare talent that has the ability to be a breed-shaping stallion. He has been brilliant in every start, he is versatile from seven to 10 furlongs, and is battle tested against the very best of his class. His pedigree, physical presence, and proven ability at the highest level make him an exceptional addition to our stallion roster. We are thrilled to welcome him to Claiborne.” On the board in all six lifetime starts to date, Mindframe has won four times and earned $1,292,160. “I've always believed Mindframe was a special colt, capable of winning from six furlongs to a mile and a quarter,” said Repole. “We are honored to be able to partner with Claiborne, an historic and iconic farm. There is no better place for a horse of his caliber to begin his next chapter than Claiborne. Their legacy in shaping the breed is second to none, and we're excited for what the future holds. Because we believe in Mindframe, Vinnie and I have stayed in for a significant share and will be supporting him with top-class mares.” The post Claiborne Secures Breeding Rights to Grade I Winner Mindframe appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Pin Up Betty captured her second graded stakes win under the Twin Spires with a late-running victory in the GIII Old Forester Mint Julep Stakes Sunday. The 5-1 shot was unhurried from the start and settled slightly off mid-pack while racing three wide on the first turn. Charlene's Dream was unchallenged on the front end, taking the field through fractions of :23.75, :47.45 and 1:11.35 and turned for home two lengths in front, but Pin Up Betty made rapid progress on the bend and closed powerfully down the center of the course. She overtook the pacesetter inside the final furlong and strode home in stakes record time of 1:40.55, eclipsing the mark of 1:40.70 set by Quite a Bride in 2007. “I really enjoy riding this filly–she's just a fun horse to ride,” said winning jockey Luis Saez. “She tries hard every time. I think she liked the firm ground here today and seems like she really enjoys this turf course.” Pin Up Betty won back-to-back nine-furlong races over the Churchill lawn last spring, breaking her maiden after a string of four runner-up efforts May 9 before winning the June 1 GIII Regret Stakes. She was winless in six starts since, but was beaten just a neck when second last time out in the May 3 GII Churchill Distaff Turf Mile. “She likes to be on the outside of horses, so even though we lost a little position early, it probably worked out for the best,” said winning trainer Mike Maker. “We didn't get the best of the photo last time but thankfully we did today.” Pedigree Notes: Kirk Wycoff's Three Diamonds Farm purchased I'm Betty G for $150,000 at the 2016 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. She won three stakes races and was three times graded-placed in the farm's colors. Also the dam of stakes winner and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint runner-up Governor Sam (Improbable), the 11-year-old mare has a 2-year-old filly by City of Light who sold for $500,000 at this year's OBS Spring sale. Her 2024 foal by Jackie's Warrior died and she was barren when bred back to Constitution last year. While carrying Governor Sam, she sold for $275,000 to Stoneriggs Farm at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. Pin Up Betty is one of 38 graded winners for Constitution. #8 PIN UP BETTY ($12.50) and @luissaezpty come from off the pace to win the $250,000 Mint Julep Stakes (G3) at @ChurchillDowns for @trainerMMaker and owner Three Diamonds Farm (@jordanwycoff). Congratulations to all connections with this 4yo filly by @WinStarFarm's Constitution. pic.twitter.com/8aImF4u7z1 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 1, 2025 Sunday, Churchill Downs OLD FORESTER MINT JULEP S.-GIII, $237,000, Churchill Downs, 6-1, 4yo/up, f/m, 1 1/16mT, 1:40.55, fm. 1–PIN UP BETTY, 118, f, 4, by Constitution 1st Dam: I'm Betty G (MSW & MGSP, $353,100), by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Lady in Ermine, by Honour and Glory 3rd Dam: Lucky Lady Sarah, by Polish Numbers O/B-Three Diamonds Farm (KY); T-Michael J. Maker; J-Luis Saez. $146,560. Lifetime Record: 16-3-6-1, $774,591. *1/2 to Governor Sam (Improbable), MSW & GISP, $459,298. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Charlene's Dream, 120, f, 4, Qurbaan–Clara Kelly, by War Front. ($22,000 Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $35,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $35,000 2yo '23 EASMAY). O-Domeyko Taylor LP; B-Eric & Randi Moreau-Sipiere (TX); T-Ed Moger, Jr.. $37,600. 3–Movin' On Up, 118, f, 4, Accelerate–Stifle Yourself, by Cairo Prince. O-Kenneth L. Ramsey; B-Estate Of Harvey A. Clarke (KY); T-Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.. $23,800. Margins: 1HF, 3/4, 3/4. Odds: 5.25, 7.51, 3.33. Also Ran: Venencia (Fr), Deep Satin, Duvet Day (Ire), No Mo Candy, Adrasteia, Gavea (Ger), Serene Seraph (Ire), Neon Icon. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Pin Up Betty Breaks Losing Skid With Game Effort in Mint Julep appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Under a ride from Ryan Moore that trainer Aidan O'Brien dubbed "a masterclass," Camille Pissarro won the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby, G1) at Chantilly June 1.View the full article

Baley Hare, an experienced racing official and third-generation horseman, has been named racing secretary at Ellis Park. He succeeds Dan Bork, who will transition to the same role at Colonial Downs in Virginia.View the full article

Croix du Nord reclaimed his spot atop Japan's 3-year-old division with a smooth victory in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) June 1 at Tokyo Racecourse.View the full article

Following a June 1 breeze over the Saratoga Race Course main track, Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Journalism will be entered in the June 7 Belmont Stakes (G1), according to trainer Michael McCarthy.View the full article

2nd-Monmouth, $56,175, Msw, 6-1, 2yo, f, 4 1/2f, :53.21, ft, 2 1/2 lengths. DEE'S ON DOW (f, 2, Nyquist–Helena the First, by Lemon Drop Kid), sent off at 9-5 for this unveiling, broke alertly and was sent to the front, carving out an opening quarter in :22.54. Straightening for home while in the clear as the slow-breaking favorite Stormy City (Sea Wizard) took up chase on the outside, Dee's On Dow proved best on the day, scoring by 2 1/2 lengths over Stormy City. Jetty's Home (Enticed) rounded out the trifecta. A half-sister to MGSW and GISP Pretty N Cool (Scat Daddy), Helena the First is also responsible for a yearling filly by Olympiad and dropped a colt by Flameaway this season. Sales history: $65,000 Wlg '23 KEENOV; $27,000 RNA Ylg '24 KEESEP; $130,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $31,500. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Lea Farms LLC; B-Nancy C. Shuford (KY); T-Jorge Delgado. The post Nyquist’s Dee’s on Dow Graduates in Career Unveiling at Monmouth appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article