Wandering Eyes

When the morning line was announced for the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, Ken McPeek was a bit surprised that Mystik Dan was installed as the third choice at 5-1 View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY-Five weeks ago, Mystik Dan (Goldencents) took down the GI Kentucky Derby in thrilling fashion, garnering the Run for the Roses by a mere nose. Also landing in Churchill's winner's circle that day, albeit in an entirely different race, Seize the Grey (Arrogate) recorded a confident win over SW Nash (Medaglia d'Oro) in the GII Pat Day Mile. Two weeks later, the duo faced off, and it was the grey horse who proved best on a grey day to take the GI Preakness at Pimlico. Now, all eyes turn on Saratoga for the rematch in Saturday's GI Belmont, however, a slew of fresh challengers await to take on the Classic-winning pair. Both stationed on the Oklahoma side of the track, Mystik Dan and Seize the Grey ventured to the track at about the same time Wednesday, between 5:30-5:45 a.m. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas was quoted previously as saying that people would largely ignore his colt in the lead up to the Belmont. However, it appeared that nobody told the group of media who followed The Coach and the grey, in an ant-like procession, as they made their way to the training track. For a horse that has already run two big efforts over the past five weeks, the son of Arrogate carried good flesh and appeared in fine spirits, looking as stout and strong as he was two weeks earlier. On the other hand, the Derby winner continued to manifest the calm and steady state-both physically and mentally–that Kenny McPeek has been raving about all along. Mystik Dan shipped to Saratoga two days after the Preakness, and since his arrival in upstate New York, he worked five furlongs–in company with stablemate Gould's Gold (Goldencents]-in 1:01 2/5 June 1. “We only scheduled one work in between [the Preakness and Belmont],” said McPeek. “He worked with Gould's Gold, second in the [May 18] Sir Barton S., who is a pretty nice horse. Gould's Gold gave him a little bit of a workout, and [Mystik Dan] galloped out 15 lengths in front. He seems to be continuing on.” McPeek once again underscored the superpower that the colt has displayed all winter and throughout the Triple Crown. “He's a lovely horse to be around,” he said. “He's very uncomplicated and he likes his work. He also likes to get his peppermints in the morning and some carrots in the afternoon. And he gets grazed a lot. He's happy.” Also making appearances on the Oklahoma track Wednesday, the Todd Pletcher-trained TDN Rising Star Mindframe (Constitution) and GIII Peter Pan S. winner Antiquarian (Preservationist) went to the track after the 7:30a.m. break. With the latter getting a brief schooling at the gate, the duo posted easy maintenance moves Wednesday. Repole Stable, who owns Mindframe in partnership with St Elias Stables, also owns maiden Protective (Medaglia d'Oro), who also came out later in the morning. Also turning a few heads Wednesday morning, GII Wood Memorial winner Resilience (Into Mischief) enjoyed a nice and easy gallop on the Oklahoma track as trainer Bill Mott, who was assuming his customary place astride his pony, looked on. With his ears pricked and gliding over the surface as if it were a conveyer belt, the colt gave every indication that he will improve upon a sixth=place effort in the Kentucky Derby. The post Mystik Dan and Seize the Grey Face the Freshness Factor in the Belmont appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin One of the forgotten heroes of New Zealand harness racing is back at work for what his trainer admits could be his last campaign. Wonderful trotter Bolt For Brilliance has ridden a brutal racing rollercoaster since he demolished the likes of Sundees Son in the Rowe Cup two years ago, a victory that put him on the doorstep of greatness. But while the horse they call “Bolt” got that far, the door never opened. The two-time winner of the Harness Jewels, Bolt For Brilliance was at least the physical equal of Muscle Mountain but his body has put the emergency breaks of his career not once but twice since his greatest open class performance. Bolt For Brilliance went to Australia later in 2022 and was red hot for the Inter Dominion title but broke down during the series after pushing subsequent champion Just Believe close in a heat where he was later found to have fractured his pedal bone. Sure, Just Believe wasn’t as imperious then as he is now but to think Bolt For Brilliance could test him when so disadvantaged confirms what a machine he was at his best. Machines break though and the injury meant Bolt For Brilliance spent 10 months away from racing before returning with a national-record win over 2700m at Alexandra Park last October. With Sundees Son retired only Muscle Mountain seemed to stand in Bolt For Brilliance’s way here. Until Dominion Day at Addington in November. Bolt For Brilliance led up but faded to fourth in the Dominion and trainer-driver Tony Herlihy knew that just wasn’t him. “He was making a noise (with his breathing) during the race and I knew he wasn’t right,” says Herlihy, our most successful ever driver. “We brought him home and had him examined, including being scoped while working, and eventually found an epiglottic entrapment so he had the surgery for that, which is quite minor. “But when he was coming back from that and we were hoping to get him to the slot race (TAB Trot) he pulled a muscle in his hind quarters and I thought ‘this is him telling me he needs a break.” With that break completed Herlihy got his stable star back into work this week, hopeful but realistic. “We have had him jogging on the lead the last few days and he doesn’t seem to be making a noise so it is a case of so far, so good. “But he is seven now and while he only had a few starts last season we all know he has had his issues. “So we will press on and let him show us he wants to get back to the races but if anything major comes up again he will be retired.” While Herlihy won’t be driving anything quite with Bolt For Brilliance’s horsepower at Alexandra Park tonight he does have several drives who punters could be wise to follow. Herlihy trains and drives talented mare Monarch Hill (R7, No.9) a sister to his recent Northern Trotting Derby winning filly Inasinglemoment. “She is working well and while a 10m handicap can be tricky over 2200m she is well up to this grade,” he says. He has handy pacers Skipper (R6, No.9) and Busload Of Faith (No.4) in race six and while neither has finished winning for the winter, they do meet some classy rivals in Better Knuckle Up and Artisan. But Herlihy’s best drive should be Hawkeye Pierce (R2, No.5) who was a huge third in a super fast 2:39.5 time over 2200m last start. “He is a really nice horse and I am sure he will improve on that last run,” says Herlihy. Lil Whip also drops enormously in class in Race 3 tonight after racing in the best three-year-old trots last month. View the full article

In theory, trainer Chad Brown has a 71.4% chance of winning the June 7 Just a Game Stakes (G1T). He does train five of the seven starters.View the full article

In its 21st year, the New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Horse Show Presented by Heider Family Stables raised more than $180,000 when it was held May 31-June 2 at Highfields Event Center, the non-profit said in a release Wednesday afternoon. The annual show brought together 179 retired Thoroughbred racehorses from 11 different states with all proceeds going to directly support efforts to rehab, retrain and rehome retiring racehorses. Exhibitors competed in a variety of classes including dressage, hunter, jumper, in-hand, Western and pleasure. New classes this year included a Mini Jumper Stakes and a Championship In-hand class. “New Vocations is proud to have started the first all- Thoroughbred horse show in the country over 20 years ago,” said Anna Ford, New Vocations' Thoroughbred Program Director. “It's been wonderful to see the event grow and play a large role in our efforts to spotlight the Thoroughbred's versatility while raising much needed funds for our program.” Click here to learn more about future events. The post New Vocations All-Thoroughbred Charity Show Raised Over $180k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A generous travel incentive is on offer for any international participants in the €155,000 G1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis Bayerisches Zuchtrennen, which will be run at Munich Racecourse on Sunday, July 28. Each starter from Britain and Ireland will receive €2,000, while starters from all other countries will receive €1,500. The winner of the race will not be eligible for the travel incentive. Entries will close at 10.30am on Tuesday, June 11. Supplementary entries for the Group 1–which has been won the likes of Benbatl (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Barney Roy (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}) in recent years–can be made by 9am on Wednesday, July 24 at a cost of €15,500. The post Travel Incentive Announced For Grosser Dallmayr-Preis Bayerisches Zuchtrennen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-Delaware, $48,125, Msw, 6-5, 2yo, 5f, 1:00.84, ft, 8 lengths. IT'S HAMMERTIME (c, 2, Vekoma–Steady N Love {SW, $241,305}, by Not For Love), the 6-5 favorite, flew out of the gate to the early lead, but ceded his advantage to Fortheloveofrun (Runhappy) into the far turn and settled into second. He reeled in that foe approaching the stretch, took charge in midstretch and powered clear to graduate by eight lengths. Fortheloveofrun held off Hello Sunshine (Spun to Run) for second. It's Hammertime, the third winner for his freshman sire (by Candy Ride {Arg}), is a half-brother to Shackled Love (Shackleford), SW, $159,248. Steady N Love has a yearling colt by Game Winner and was bred back to that stallion last year. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $30,000. O-Eagle Up Stables, London Reid Thoroughbreds and Non Stop Stable; B-ZWP Stable & Non Stop Stable (MD); T-Gary Capuano. The post It’s Hammertime: Vekoma Colt Romps in Delaware Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Siskany is favored to repeat in the $250,000 Belmont Gold Cup Stakes (G2T) June 6 at Saratoga Race Course. He won the race last year at Belmont over The Grey Wizard, who opposes him again. View the full article

Look out world! Ramjet was a runaway winner in the Tokyo Derby June 5 on the Oi Racecourse dirt and his connections already are targeting not only a matchup with Kentucky Derby (G1) third Forever Young but also the big international races in 2025.View the full article

Dornoch may be a 15-1 Belmont Stakes (G1) longshot in the eyes of everyone, except trainer Danny Gargan.View the full article

With last year's announcement that Belmont Park would be closed until the track is rebuilt and reopened in 2026 at the earliest, all of a sudden an impossible dream became possible for trainer Chad Brown.View the full article

6th-SAR, $100k, Msw, 3yo/up, f/m, 7f, 3:35 p.m. ET Trainer Todd Pletcher sends out a pair of debuting 3-year-old fillies by Into Mischief for Bass Stables as the 6-5 morning-line favorite entry. The homebred CHANTEUSE is a half-sister to GI Arkansas Derby winner Magnum Moon (Malibu Moon), while AUDACIOUS, a $700,000 Keeneland September purchase, is a granddaughter of multiple graded winner Yell (A.P. Indy). Yell also produced the dams of multiple graded winner Tax (Arch) and multiple Grade I winner Elate (Medaglia d'Oro). TJCIS PPs 1st-CD, $120k, Msw, 2yo, 5 1/2f, 5:00 p.m. ET Boardshorts Stables' SUMMER VIBES (Good Magic) makes his first trip to the post for trainer Brad Cox. The chestnut colt was a $600,000 purchase at the 2023 Keeneland September sale. He is a half-brother to last year's GI Natalma S. winner and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf third-place finisher She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}). Trainer Dale Romans sends out firster Keep It Easy (Hard Spun), a $435,000 Keeneland September purchase, on behalf of St Elias Stables and West Point Thoroughbreds. Also debuting is Winchell Thoroughbreds' Magnitude (Not This Time), a $450,000 Keeneland September purchase trained by Steve Asmussen. TJCIS PPs The post June 6 Insights: Bass Into Mischief Fillies Debut at Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Listed winner Zweig (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) (lot 512) has been added as a wildcard to the Arqana Summer Sale, which is due to take place from July 1-4. Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, the three-year-old Zweig will be sold with an entry in the G1 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Saturday, July 13, having completed a hat-trick when winning the Listed Derby du Languedoc by a neck at Toulouse last month. Bred by Knocktartan House Stud, he sold for €80,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale and was later bought by Rouget for €110,000 at the Arqana August Yearling Sale. He is the third winner from as many runners out of the Winker Watson (GB) mare Euthenia (GB), a half-sister to the G2 Prix de Sandringham heroine Laugh Out Loud (GB) (Clodovil {Ire}). A pair of National Hunt performers have also been added to the sale, namely the Niort bumper winner Kremlin (Fr) (Karaktar {Ire}) (lot 522), who is out of a half-sister to the multiple Grade 2 winner Natal (Fr) (Funny Baby {Fr}), and the three-year-old Sagarric (Fr) (Bathyrhon {Ger}) (lot 523), runner-up on his recent hurdling debut at Compiegne. He is out of the G3 Diego White scorer Poliaurea (Arg) (Poliglote {GB}), the dam of four winners. The full catalogue for the Arqana Summer Sale can be viewed here. The post Classy Zweig One Of Three Wildcards Added To Arqana Summer Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The day after the Louisiana Racing Commission held an emergency meeting in which it voted to restore the Association of Racing Commissioners International (ARCI) guidelines that were governing Clenbuterol and Depo-Medrol in the state, the President of the ARCI, Ed Martin, reacted to the news in a press release. The statement is printed in its entirety. “The ARCI Model Rules process has served the horse racing industry and fans well for decades and has been a vehicle to achieve a substantially common approach to anti-doping regulation in a sport not limited by the borders or any state, province or county. Recent actions by the Louisiana Racing Commission indicated a desire to rethink some of those rules. We respect the laws that authorize each regulatory entity to determine its own rules, but we encourage a collective and transparent approach to policy formation where all viewpoints are openly considered and discussed. That is what the ARCI Model Rules process offers. Reasonable people can disagree on a particular rule, threshold or recommended policy. There are clearly different approaches to anti-doping in sport and athlete health as evidenced by the World Anti-Doping Agencies policy of permitting the use of certain medications in training and competition if there is a documented medical need. With the exception of Lasix, horse racing does not allow equine athletes to compete with such substances. Years ago, when I discussed these different approaches to integrity with the head of the Partnership for Clean Competition (U.S. human sport's equivalent of the RMTC) she said the thinking of those making the rules was that certain medically necessary administrations would not allow the athlete to compete beyond his or her natural ability and was therefore not considered doping. Representatives from the Louisiana Racing Commission have told ARCI that the impetus for their desire to revisit their medication rules is based on a desire to protect the health of each horse and not to negatively affect the integrity of any race. The ARCI Model Rules are a living document. If there is compelling reason to modify a recommended policy we have demonstrated time and again our ability to do that. Sometimes we decide not to change a recommended policy but that is after open discussion and debate. Some agree with what we recommend, some don't but the recommendations are the collective thinking of our member agencies. Louisiana has asked the ARCI to consider the information they reviewed that prompted some of the modifications they put forward. We will do that through our Drug Testing Standards and Practices Committee (DTSP), chaired by Dr. John Chancey, DVM. We will consider this in an open forum and other organizations, individuals or regulatory entities like HISA afforded the opportunity to provide input. Horse racing continues to struggle with breakdowns. By working together collectively we have reduced the rate, but we must remain ever vigilant to ensure that we never stop trying to improve. We applaud yesterday's decision by the Louisiana Commission to re-engage in this process. I make no representation as to what will or will not happen as a result of our discussions. Likewise, we would encourage HISA to become active in the ARCI Model Rules process as the horse racing industry does not stop with Thoroughbreds or at the borders of the U.S. or states where HISA is in effect. We continue to encourage all racing regulatory entities to rely upon the Model Rules. There is nothing wrong with a regulatory entity trying a new approach and it should not matter whether it is Louisiana, HISA or someone else. What matters is whether it works better than what we have been doing. If it does, then everyone should embrace it.” Click here to read TDN's complete coverage of the Louisiana Racing Commission story. The post ARCI President Ed Martin Issues Statement On Louisiana Medication Rules appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Louisiana Racing Commission voted unanimously June 4 to rescind two controversial, recently passed rules related to clenbuterol and methylprednisolone that would have significantly relaxed Thoroughbred medication rules in the state.View the full article

A berth in the G1 Melbourne Cup is at stake in Thursday's GII Belmont Gold Cup, the first of the weekend's graded stakes during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga. The New York Racing Association has gone so far as to fly in one of the world's premier commentators, Victoria-based Matt Hill, to describe the action in the two-mile test–essentially two laps of the inner turf course at the Spa. Godolphin won the 2018 Melbourne Cup with Cross Counter (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) and Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) returns to New York looking for back-to-back scores in the Gold Cup. Whereas the 6-year-old had a run between his near-miss second in the 2023 G2 Dubai Gold Cup and his victory in this downstate 12 months ago, he arrives a fresher sort this time off a three-race preparation in Dubai over the winter. A stayer with a very good turn of foot, Siskany needed every yard of the Meydan straight after breaking from a high draw in the Listed Al Khail Trophy in January, coming from third-last to be up on the line. Pouncing from closer range for a second straight victory in the Feb. 23 G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy, he loomed a wide threat in this year's Dubai Gold Cup, but peaked on his finish 100 meters from home and lost a photo for third behind the very impressive Tower of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Any one of those efforts should see Siskany back in the winner's circle in the Thursday finale. “Siskany was last seen in Dubai in the Gold Cup running his usual solid race,” said trainer Charlie Appleby, looking for a 12th graded winner in New York. “He's in good form and hopefully he can get it done again.” The Grey Wizard (Ire) (Caravaggio), beaten two lengths into second in last year's renewal, returned from a nine-month absence and trailed in behind Godolphin's Silver Knott (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) in Keeneland's GII Elkhorn S. in April, but improved for the comebacker to finish a running-on third in the GIII Louisville S. at Churchill May 18. The extra half-mile should work in his favor. From a speed-figure perspective, Limited Liability (Kitten's Joy) has run three of his four fastest races over extended trips, including back-to-back 96 Beyers in the GI United Nations S. (fourth) going a mile and three furlongs and in the GIII Sycamore S. (third) over 12 panels. He is out of a mare by Blame from a female family full of Janney black-type and he may just enjoy himself going this far. Starting Over (Liam's Map), winner of the GII Mac Diarmida S. in March, goes out for the Mike Maker barn, which is always dangerous with its grass marathoners, while Cibolian (Temple City) makes his third straight Gold Cup appearance, having finished fourth in 2022 and fifth last year. The post Siskany Freshened Up For Belmont Gold Cup Defense appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nevin Truesdale is expected to step down from his role as group chief executive at The Jockey Club at the end of 2024, having asked the board of stewards to start the process of finding his successor. Truesdale, who spoke to TDN in a recent interview, joined The Jockey Club in 2013 and was appointed as the organisation's permanent group chief executive from the start of 2021, having served in an acting capacity since Delia Bushell resigned the previous August. He was tasked with navigating the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, while more recently he helped lead the petition to Parliament against betting affordability checks, which gained over 100,000 signatures and led to a debate on the matter. “The Jockey Club has a unique role; being run solely to invest the money it makes back into our sport,” said Truesdale. “It has been a true privilege and my career highlight to work for and then lead this organisation over the past 11 years. “Together we have laid strong foundations for the future which will enable my successor to continue to grow The Jockey Club and ensure it continues to invest for the benefit of our sport and the communities it serves.” The post Nevin Truesdale Set To Step Down From His Role As The Jockey Club’s CEO appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran handler surges to lead in city circuit standings after Packing Power and Helene Warrior’s big winsView the full article

Tisbury Stud's Austin and Amanda Luttrell have purchased Springland, a 260-acre horse farm located in Bourbon County, Kentucky. Founded in 1962 by W.K. Taylor while he was the general manager at Claiborne Farm, parts of Springland's original parcel were eventually sold to Hidden Brook and Beau Lane. However, it was Taylor's grandson, Bill Nicholls, who added to the estate in the late 1990s. The Luttrells–who started Tisbury Stud two years ago by leasing 130 acres–intend to offer the ultimate in racehorse care with breeding, foaling, racetrack lay ups and sales prep as focal points. “We have an incredible farm, great clients and a very solid team,” said Austin Luttrell. “I might be the last Kentuckian who grew up in a tobacco field to start a horse farm. It is a dream come true.” Austin's equine background includes stints serving under several trainers like Rusty Arnold, Christophe Clement and Kiaran McLaughlin. He also worked for Magic Millions in Australia before becoming a manager at Denali Stud and Donamire Farm in Kentucky. As for Amanda, she is a life-long equestrian and former show jumper who was based in Middleburg, Virginia and Wellington, Florida before moving to Kentucky. “I'm excited to expand the business,” Austin said. “Our top priority at Tisbury Stud is to get horses into the winner's circle.” The post Luttrell’s Tisbury Stud Purchases Springland Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) is firmly on course for the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. That is despite the fact that Simon and Ed Crisford's dual Group 1-winning juvenile star lost his unbeaten record in the G2 Sandy Lane S. at Haydock. However, connections have reported the colt to have come out of that seasonal return effort in rude health, and that it is full steam ahead to the royal meeting. “He's come out of the race very well, Simon and Ed Crisford have been pleased with his work since and it's all systems go for the Commonwealth Cup,” said Chris Wall, racing manager to owners KHK Racing. “It was very soft ground at Haydock and though he has encountered that before, he was against race-fit rivals on his first run of the season and his legs just couldn't act on it. “That was the purpose of the run and he's in good form afterwards, we're excited to run him at Royal Ascot.” KHK Racing also own Sakheer (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), a Roger Varian-trained colt who impressed as a juvenile when winning the Mill Reef at Newbury. Things have not gone entirely smoothly since, however, and in two runs last year he was well beaten in the 2000 Guineas and the Commonwealth Cup with a large absence after the latter run. He returned from that 337-day break to contest the Listed Cathedral S. at Salisbury late last month, finishing last of the six contenders. “He actually scoped very dirty after that run, he had been working well beforehand so it was disappointing at the time,” said Wall. “Now we have a perfectly good explanation, he will undergo treatment and then when we have him back healthy and hearty we will find something for him – how long that takes, I'm not sure. “We will move on to plan Z! Realistically we are on about plan G with this horse, but at least we have a reason for his run last time out.” The post Vandeek Team Excited For Commonwealth Cup Challenge At Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was only a year ago that Wathnan Racing first came to prominence during Royal Ascot following their high-profile purchases of subsequent Gold Cup and Queen's Vase winners Courage Mon Ami (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Gregory (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}). It was revealed in TDN that the Emir of Qatar was behind the new name on the scene, and it is one of which we have heard plenty in the intervening 12 months. Since then, the operation's bloodstock agent Richard Brown has been busy both at public auctions and in conducting private sales on Wathnan's behalf. He swooped to buy the Listed winner and Classic prospect Fast Tracker (GB) (Churchill {Ire}) who subsequently disappointed in Sunday's Prix du Jockey Club, and Brown revealed on Wednesday on the Nick Luck Daily podcast that he has also bought the Richard Hannon-trained Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), placed in the 2,000 Guineas in both England and Ireland this season for Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah, and the Irish Oaks prospect Lope De Lilas (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), trained by Willie Mullins. Further recent purchase include the 111-rated sprinter Shartash (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) and the Bronte Collection's smart juvenile Shadow Army (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), based with trainers Archie Watson and Richard Fahey respectively and both bound for Ascot. At the spring breeze-up sales, Brown was one of the biggest spenders for various clients, and Wathnan Racing has already reaped some of the rewards from those purchases, with juveniles Aesterius (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Columnist (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), Catalyse (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) and Electrolyte (Ire) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) all having won in the last fortnight. That quartet alone cost £1.07 million at the Goffs UK Breeze-up Sale. Entries for the owner this week include another five two-year-olds bought for just shy of £1.5 million. The statement of intent is clear, and we can expect to see those colours made famous by Germany's Gestut Rottgen featuring in plenty of races throughout the week at this year's royal meeting. “Hopefully we have assembled a team of horses who can go there [to Royal Ascot] and have chances,” Brown told Luck. “Haatem is obviously one of them. He almost certainly won't run in the St James's Palace – we're probably going to run him in the Jersey [Stakes]. This is a tough horse – he's come up against the two best milers around and he got closer in Ireland than he did at Newmarket. I think we just felt that in Ireland he showed plenty of speed. He will have a three-pound penalty for his Craven win but we think that the stiff seven [furlongs] at Ascot could be right up his alley.” James Doyle left his position with Godolphin last October to take up his new role as retained jockey for Wathnan Racing, and it is easy to start to draw parallels between Qatar's new major player and the growth of the Dubaian ruler Sheikh Mohammed Al Makotum's Godolphin operation from the early 1980s into one of the sport's global superpowers. Brown, one of three founding members of the Blandford Bloodstock agency along with Tom Goff and the late Joss Collins, was recruited by Wathnan Racing's advisor Olly Tait as agent last year. Blandford Bloodstock was the leading buyer this year at the Goffs UK, Arqana, and Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-up sales, with a more modest outlay at the Tattersalls Craven Sale. Of the 27 two-year-olds bought at those four sales for an equivalent of £5,673,000, 11 were signed up for Wathnan Racing. Brown said on Nicky Luck Daily, “We bought about 15 yearlings last year. They were much more the Kingmans, the Frankels – more backward three-year-old types. We thought, when strategising over the winter, to go into the breeze-up market and to buy sharper types of horses would be a good way of keeping the momentum rolling. “The four that have won, the plan is for them to go to Ascot as long as everything is okay. Aesterius won at Bath and will go either Norfolk or Windsor Castle. Columnist, who won at Chester over six, will go to the Coventry. Catalyse won at Hamilton, looking quite stylish, and he'll go to the Coventry and Electrolyte will also go to the Coventry.” A further development for Wathnan Racing was revealed in early April with the announcement that Qatar's champion trainer Hamad Al-Jehani would be based in Newmarket through the summer, initially with a small team of horses at the bottom yard of Tom and Jackie Clover's Kremlin House Stables. Al-Jehani had his first three runners last week, at Leicester and Epsom, with Beshtani (Fr) being beaten just a nose in second on Oaks day. Brown said of the trainer, “At the moment he's got the five or six horses who have been brought over from Qatar. He's made a tremendous start, actually. “[Beshtani] will go for the Royal Hunt Cup and then there is Make Me King, who brings some very good form, and he will go for the Buckingham Palace or the Hunt Cup as well.” Along with Al-Jehani's team, Wathnan Racing has had runners from 12 different British and Irish stables this season, with Tom Clover having retained Rogue Lightning (Ire), who was bought for £1 million at the Goffs sale at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions' Day. Another seven trainers in France have sent out runners for Wathnan Racing this year, including Carlos and Yann Lerner, who saddled Jasna's Secret (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) to win the Listed Prix Marchand d'Or on a memorable Sunday for their stable following the Classic success of Look De Vega (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). The latter is not owned by Wathan Racing – yet. The operation will be without Courage Mon Ami at Ascot this year after the stayer suffered a training setback, and Group 1 runner-up Remarquee (GB) (Kingman {GB}), an in-training purchase last year, is also sidelined, but Gregory is reported to be on course for the Gold Cup. The post Haatem Among a Swathe of Purchases for Wathan Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When Dr. Barbara Hippie drove through the backstretch gates at Mahoning Valley Race Course last September, she knew she had some substances and medications on her truck that were banned by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU). But she said she thought she had no reason to worry. She said she knew the banned medications were not to be used with any covered Thoroughbred racing or training at an Ohio racetrack. Hippie, part of a three-person practice based in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, has a vast practice and treats many non-race horses at farms spread across Ohio and West Virginia. Because horses on those farms are not covered by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) no restrictions were in place for using those medications on farm animals. But could they be on her truck when she entered a racetrack? That was the key question. According to Hippie's lawyer Craig Roberston, HISA Chief of Science Mary Scollay visited several racetracks to educate veterinarians on the rules regarding what could and could not be on their trucks. He said they were told that it was permissible to have otherwise illegal medications on their trucks as long as there was “compelling justification.” Robertson said that Scollay said on multiple occasions that racetrack veterinarians who also worked at outside farms could possess banned substances as that was a matter of compelling justification. According to Roberston, during a March, 2023 seminar in Oklahoma, Scollay said the following: “(if) veterinarians are practicing also on a population of non-Covered horses, they're taking care of quarter horses, or they've got a country practice part-time they are able to possess a Banned Substance because we don't have control over those horses… But at the end of the day if someone is practicing out in the country, we don't have the authority to control the medications they administer or carry for non-Covered horses.” But soon after she entered the Mahoning Valley backstretch, Hippie's truck was searched by HIWU investigators. Because of what Scollay had told several veterinarians, Hippie said she still wasn't concerned and went about her business, having no idea what was to come. Eight days later she was notified that four banned substances were found on her truck and that she was being provisionally suspended. She admits she was in possession of the medications, but can't understand why she was being charged when she was told she had permission to keep the drugs on her truck when entering a racetrack covered by HISA. For each banned medication, she faces a two-year suspension and a $25,000 fine. The incident could wind up costing her eight years and $100,000. “She was trying to do the right thing and follow the rules,” said Hippie's attorney, Craig Robertson. “She had raised the question regarding if she could have these medications on her truck and the answer was that she could. She relied on that. Now they're charging her with a violation.” At roughly the same time investigators were checking Dr. Hippie's truck at Mahoning Valley, a separate team at Thistledown was examining the truck of Dr. Scott Shell, who was in the same practice as Hippie. They found three banned medications on his truck. Dr. Margaret Smyth, the third member of the vet practice in Chagrin Falls, had her truck searched on Oct. 4 at Thistledown. Two banned substances were found, Levothyroxine and Pitcher Plant Extract. At the time, Smyth had no idea that her two partners had been busted by HIWU. Persons accused of drug violations by HIWU do not learn that they have allegedly broken a rule and face a possible suspension until the offense is posted on the HIWU website. In the cases of Drs. Hippie and Shell, the posting was made on Oct. 6, two days after Smyth ran into problems of her own. To the lawyers representing the three vets, the case isn't complicated. The doctors had the prohibited medications on their trucks because they were told by HISA's Chief of Science that it was okay to do so. “Their defense is simply that they were told they could possess them because they had farm practices and treated horses that were outside of HIWU's jurisdiction,” Robertson said. “They claim that the statements of Dr. Scollay were unequivocal: if you have a farm practice, you can possess Banned Substances.” The process of adjudicating the fines and suspensions is still in the early stages. Dr. Shell had a Provisional Suspension hearing, and his suspension was not lifted by the hearing officer. Currently, he is not able to practice Dr. Hippie's suspension was lifted after a Provisional Suspension hearing, and, as a result, HIWU did not impose a Provisional Suspension against Dr. Smyth. However, these are just preliminary steps. Hearings will be held regarding the incidents involving the three vets on June 17, 18 and 19, at which time they could be fully exonerated or suspensions and fines could be ordered. So why did HIWU provisionally suspend the three? Did Mary Scollay tell vets who also work outside the racing industry that these drugs could be on their trucks on the grounds of a racetrack? We asked HIWU, who said that just having an outside practice wasn't enough to meet the compelling justification requirement, and that further proof will be examined at those hearings. “As per Rule 3214(a), Possession of a Banned Substance is an Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV) `unless there is compelling justification for such Possession,' HIWU Director of Communications & Outreach Alexa Ravit said in an email. “Dr. Scollay advised veterinarians that the treatment of non-Covered Horses could be a basis for showing `compelling justification' for possession of Banned Substances. However, the Covered Person has the burden of proving a `compelling justification,' which is a defense to a 3214(a) ADRV Charge. “On its own, a Covered Person's verbal statement that they have a non-Covered Horse practice is not sufficient proof to establish the compelling justification. To properly establish the compelling justification defense, the Covered Person needs to demonstrate the existence of their non-Covered Horse practice with supporting or corroborating evidence, such as treatment records, day logs, prescription records, billing invoices, or any other documentation or evidence that demonstrates that the Banned Substance(s) in question were possessed to treat non-Covered Horses. “Each case is handled based upon the specific facts and circumstances, and 'compelling justification' can be established by myriad circumstances so long as there is actual, credible evidence to support the defense.” Robertson isn't buying it. “Now they're trying to backtrack from what Dr. Scollay said.” Robertson said. “That's a long detailed answer but you have to look at her quotes, and the words she actually said at these seminars, when she was going around the country before HISA went into effect. She gave the same presentation and said the same thing everywhere. If you look at what she said at these seminars, she didn't say any of that. She didn't say, 'Oh, hey, you have to prove you treat farm horses and you have to show us records, etc., etc. She just said if you have a a non-covered practice you're allowed to posses these banned substances. Period. I don't think anyone is going to argue that my clients don't have a non-covered practice. They treat horses at farms and on the racetrack. What they're trying to do is backtrack from what Mary Scollay said at these seminars. If they wanted it done this way, what they needed to do was to come out with a pronouncement and say, 'Just so you know, here is how were going to interpret compelling justification going forward.' But that's not at all what she said. “What's not fair is that people got swept up in this because they relied on what Dr. Scollay said. “These people are facing penalties that could ruin their career and force them into bankruptcy.” The post Vets Who Say They Thought There Were Following HIWU Rules Now Face Lengthy Suspensions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There will be something for everybody at this year's Tattersalls July Sale, according to Edmond O'Mahony, chairman of the sales company, who pointed to Group 1-winning sprinter Regional and classy broodmare Bumbasina as poster horses for what is one of the most diverse sales in Europe. Regional, who provided trainer Ed Bethell with a day he will never forget when winning last year's Betfair Sprint Cup, was sold for just 3,5000gns at the July Sale while Bumbasina, dam of Australian star Amelia's Jewel, is another high-profile graduate. This year's catalogue boasts 917 lots which comprises of 819 horses and fillies in and out of training and 89 broodmares, six of which have foals at foot, and it takes place from Tuesday, July 9, to Thursday, July 11. O'Mahony commented, “Regional, a 3,500 guineas purchase who has gone on to win the Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup, as well as Bumbasina, dam of star Australian filly Amelia's Jewel, are prime examples of the outstanding quality to be found at all levels of the market at the Tattersalls July Sale. Quality and diversity are the hallmarks of Europe's premier midsummer sale and this year's catalogue as ever looks set to appeal to buyers from throughout the world.” The catalogue for the 2024 Tattersalls July Sale can be viewed online at www.tattersalls.com, with a physical copy published on Thursday, June 13. The three-day sale features high-class consignments from many of the world's leading owner-breeders including Godolphin, Juddmonte and Shadwell Estates. The post ‘Quality And Diversity’ On Offer As Tattersalls July Sale Catalogue Released appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Oisin Murphy has been booked to ride the ex Natalia Lupini-trained Kitty Rose (GB) (Invincible Army {Ire}) in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot where the Listed-winning filly will make her debut for Australian-based trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior before continuing her career Down Under. Kitty Rose enjoyed an excellent juvenile campaign under the care of Lupini, winning at Naas and Leopardstown before finishing second in Group 3 company at the Curragh. She still represented Lupini when runner-up to A Lilac Rolla in the G3 Priory Belle S. at Leopardstown on her seasonal reappearance, going down by just a head. However, the talented three-year-old will now represent her new connections at the royal meeting, with Kent Jnr telling racing.com, “We could have easily put her in the Irish or English Guineas, but we had the mindset that we really wanted to win a race at Ascot, that was the goal, so we'll go there. He added, “It's great to get a rider of Oisin's calibre as the Sandringham is often a race where you need a good ride and a bit of luck to go your way. “He is an outstanding rider who knows her form well and he'll have a sit on her at Newmarket before she runs. Her ultimate aim in Australia in the spring will be the Golden Eagle as she has a beautiful mix of speed and stamina and can race close to the pace.” The post Oisin Murphy Booked To Ride Kitty Rose In The Sandringham At Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bella Voce winning at Matamata on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) The impressive recent strike-rate of Opie Bosson continued at Matamata on Wednesday, with the top hoop steering home three winners for Te Akau trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson. Bosson has shared his riding engagements between New Zealand and Australia this season, most notably to partner the recently sold star Imperatriz, but has still managed to guide home 84 winners on Kiwi soil from just 320 rides. The first of his winning treble at Matamata was aboard Bella Voce, a daughter of Fastnet Rock, who had collected two second placings and a fourth in as many career starts. She was fancied near-unbeatable at $1.70 in the Entain – NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m), and after jumping positively, raced boldly along the back straight on-speed outside of Waiterimu. Bosson allowed the filly to slide into the lead turning for home, and that margin only continued to extend as she raced away for a 3.5-length victory. “She was on the job and pretty keen early,” Bosson said. “She will be better ridden in behind them but was too good for them ridden that way today.” Bella Voce was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, and Walker was pleased to see her performing well in the early stages of her career. “She appeared to have the race under control a long way from home and looked really good stretching out in the straight,” Walker said. “She’s taken a bit of time to mature, but she’s certainly got ability and you’d expect her to continue growing in confidence with the win. “It was good to see her being able to quicken with give in the ground, which is a big help at this time of the year, and we can now look to a Saturday grade race from here. “She’s developing into a big strong filly, has a beautiful pedigree, and it’s great to get a win early in her career.” Te Akau Racing stablemate Akenehi was tipped at a similar quote ($1.90) to enter the winner’s circle for the first time in the Thank You Vaughan Nowell 1400, and after a comfortable run midfield, she set to fight out the finish alongside second-favourite One More Dance. The pair put distance between the remainder of the field, but Akenehi proved too strong in the finish and scored by a long neck in the colours of breeders Trelawney Stud. Completing the combination’s winning treble was Polly Plum, who bounced back from her last-start effort on the Cambridge Synthetic to claim the Toby Autridge Memorial (1400m). A daughter of impressive former Te Akau representative Xtravagant, Polly Plum travelled midfield and was kept closer to the inside by Bosson while others veered to the outer turning for home, and that move paid off when she held off the late charge of Vino Valentino by a head. Wednesday’s win was the five-year-old mare’s fourth in 25 starts for the Te Akau Enfranchise Racing Partnership. Horse racing news View the full article