Wandering Eyes

Not many changes were made in week 19 of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred and Top 3-Year-Old Polls, but that is likely to change as the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival begins at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association has launched “Today in Thoroughbred Racing History” to highlight noteworthy moments and accomplishments in the sport from the last two centuries. The NTRA.com website will automatically update daily with rotating historical events that happened on the current date. The events will also be highlighted across all of the organization's social media platforms. “As America's oldest sport, it's important to take a step back and always remember where we came from,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “Like so many other families involved in horse racing, the history of my family has been built in large part because of the events that happened in our sport, and that's something I have always reflected on. As we move through this exciting Triple Crown season, we as a sport have a lot to be optimistic about. Remembering these historical moments is a fun way to remember the traditions we are working to preserve for future generations.” The post NTRA Launches ‘Today in Thoroughbred Racing History’ Campaign appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's G1 Derby winner City Of Troy (Justify) and progressive four-year-old Passenger (Ulysses {Ire}) head the betting for the G1 Coral-Eclipse S. after the latest entries were released on Tuesday. A total of 40 horses remain in contention for the first big clash of the generations in the middle-distance division, which will be run at Sandown on Saturday, July 6 and offers total prize-money of £750,000. Golden Horn (GB) in 2015 was the last Derby winner to follow up in the Eclipse and trainer Aidan O'Brien identified this race as one of several options on the table for City Of Troy in the aftermath of his sparkling success at Epsom. O'Brien is responsible for 13 of the 40 entries altogether, with the others including a pair of Classic winners from last year, Derby victor Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and G1 St Leger hero Continuous (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), plus Friday's G1 Coronation Cup winner Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who wasn't far behind City Of Troy among the highest-rated two-year-olds of 2023. Passenger, who reappeared this season with a smooth victory in the G3 Huxley S. at Chester, is a likely runner in the G1 Prince Of Wales's S. before a decision is made on his participation in the Eclipse. His opponents at Royal Ascot could include another son of Ulysses (Ire) and Eclipse entry in the recent G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup winner White Birch (GB), while a pair of mares trained by John and Thady Gosden also feature among the star older horses entered, namely the six-time Group 1 heroine Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and last year's Eclipse runner-up Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Of the Classic generation, G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) and Derby sixth Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) are others who have already shown a high level of form. A pair of three-year-olds who don't currently hold an Eclipse entry are Epsom runner-up Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) and the wide-margin G2 Dante S. winner Economics (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), though their connections do have the option of supplementing them at a cost of £37,500 at the five-day confirmation stage on Monday, July 1. The post Eclipse Cracker On The Cards As Latest Entries Are Released appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Suzi Pritchard-Jones In recent weeks. this publication has printed two articles by Dan Ross about Thoroughbred racehorses who are falling through the aftercare net, ending up in kill pens for export to either Mexico or Canada for slaughter. Owner Jack Wolf responded with a possible solution in a letter to the editor in last Friday's TDN. Mr. Wolf is not a lone owner. There are many people who are heavily invested in this industry. In today's world when racing's social license to operate is wafer- thin, our industry is increasingly under scrutiny. Are you not concerned, if by nothing else other than the optics of Mr. Ross's pieces? It is time we all row in to allow this sport and business to be recognized with the degree of respect it deserves. There isn't a successful business on the planet that can afford to drop the ball in one area so consistently as this industry does when it comes to breakage–horses without monetary value. Every aspect of the Thoroughbred industry runs like a well-oiled machine…until those horses who did not display enough talent on the racecourse to return to the breeding shed retire from racing. Where do they go, who takes care of them, and whose responsibility is it? How does it look when facilities such as Old Friends in Lexington, Kentucky, who take in 'famous' horses who have earned hundreds of thousands of dollars on the racetrack for their owners, have to rely on successive fundraising campaigns to live out their days? Have we become that spoiled and overindulged that when we tire of a toy or a puppy, we just throw it out? Our parents brought us up better than that. This is not somebody else's problem; it's a horse owners' problem, and it's a horse owners' obligation to solve the problem, because nobody else is going to, and if we don't, we're not going to have an industry. Of that you can be very, very sure. Many owners and several syndicates have a structure in place to take care of their horses. However, this is not the case across the board, and therein lies the problem. This a solvable issue. We do, however, need to come together and work together to resolve it successfully. There is no racing industry without owners. It's time now to take ownership of this great game. For if you don't, who will? Our ace in the hole is that Thoroughbreds are not one-dimensional. They are multifaceted, and they are particularly suited to Equine Assisted Services. Currently, there are numerous programs around the world where EAS are working with Thoroughbreds in a multitude of modalities from helping children with autism, learning disabilities, social anxiety, depression; troubled teenagers, domestic abuse victims, people suffering from PTSD, veterans, first responders, others suffering from addiction. The prison system has also had amazing results with Thoroughbreds within their equine programs. Thoroughbred horses are changing lives the world over, and it is hugely exciting. We have the most powerful drug on the planet in this beautiful creature called the Thoroughbred. In this industry, we not only have the capability of turning racing into a sport and industry to be once again immensely proud of, but we have here the opportunity to create meaningful change. Suzi Pritchard-Jones Pritchard-Jones is the author of BYERLEY, The Thoroughbred's Ticking Time Bomb, and the founder of the Byerley & Godolphin Conservation breeding project. The post Letter to the Editor: Take Ownership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Kentucky Derby Museum has completed upates to its Winner's Circle Exhibit to include Mystik Dan (Goldencents)'s victory in this year's 150th running of the race. Mike Prather, a local artist who was first commissioned by the Museum to airbrush a replica Derby horse in 1999, captured all of Mystik Dan's unique markings and details to match how he looked crossing the finish line at Churchill Downs May 4. The replica jockey was also given a makeover with the team's silks. The new addition to the exhibit includes items on loan which highlight the historic Oaks/Derby double win by jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. and trainer Kenny McPeek: a halter and a horseshoe worn by Mystik Dan and a halter and a horseshoe worn by Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna). After taking selfies with the Derby winners, visitors can dive into the story of their journey to victory by learning about the winning connections through a series of self-guided panels in the exhibit. For more information, visit www.derbymuseum.org. The post Museum Completes Derby 150 Updates appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For the second year running, the G1 Epsom Derby winner was bred from one of Coolmore's countless Galileo (Ire) mares outcrossed to an American sire line. But whereas Sunday Silence's son Deep Impact (Jpn) gave Auguste Rodin (Ire) further turf genes from his mother's European family, City Of Troy's sire is a conduit for virtually unadulterated dirt blood. Justify's first four dams are, respectively, by grandsons of Deputy Minister, Seattle Slew, Northern Dancer and Bold Ruler. The third of those names, of course, transformed the European breed, albeit alongside other American brands such as Sir Ivor, Mill Reef and Roberto. In fact, City Of Troy draws on five different lines of Northern Dancer, four initiated through sons trained in Europe. Three of those, indeed, preceded him at Ballydoyle: Storm Bird, at the root of Justify's sire-line; Sadler's Wells, the sire of Galileo; and Nijinsky, grandsire of Justify's third dam. Then we have Nureyev, the French-trained half-brother to the dam of Sadler's Wells, who figures as grandsire of City of Troy's second dam. Only Justify's damsire Ghostzapper traces to a son of Northern Dancer trained in North America, Vice Regent. Yet European horsemen, around a generation ago, appear to have decided that they had taken all they needed from Kentucky stallions. Of the two reasons for this consensus, only one had merit: the laxity of the American medication regime, permitting latent deficiencies to be recycled. (And the painful progress towards greater credibility in this respect feels plainly threatened by news from Louisiana last week.) The other standard objection to American blood, that it had been blindly confined to the single dimension of speed, was always a fatuous misapprehension. I know that I have shared previously my vexation with an elite European agent who scoffed that he never goes to American sales because “over there they're only interested in speed.” But how could someone entrusted with lavish funding be so obtuse? If anything, it is the commercial market in Ireland and Britain that has gone down that road. Breeders there seem increasingly unable to distinguish mere precocity from the speed that signposts class. In contrast, the majority even of American commercial matings remain governed by the ideal of the first Saturday in May. The two-turn dirt horse certainly needs speed, but also the constitution and endurance to carry that speed–precisely as Justify did himself, even as a son of Scat Daddy, in the GI Belmont S. In the same way Nijinsky became the last winner of a Triple Crown that in Britain demands far greater range (eight, 12 and 14 furlongs). And it is the disclosure of this underlying robustness that should prevent us meddling with the standards maintained by our predecessors in both the scheduling and distances of the U.S. series. Now why is it that a “piece of wood” at Epsom has been long revered as determining the selection of the Thoroughbred? It's because the Derby, much like two-turn dirt racing, showcases the full package. It requires not just stamina, but speed, agility, athleticism. I've been saying for years that speed-carrying dirt stallions were the way to break the stranglehold Coolmore had established on Epsom through Galileo and another son of Sadler's Wells, Montjeu (Ire), above all when the European gene pool was otherwise being diluted by cheap speed. Presumably even that infuriatingly insular agent has finally grasped the point, now that it has been made so vividly by the genius whose fingerprints are all over Justify's sire-line. It is true that necessity was the mother of invention; that John Magnier needed extraneous cross-pollination for a broodmare band dominated by the same strains. It's also true that City Of Troy bears very little resemblance to his sire, whose brawn qualifies him so luminously for dirt. As a physical specimen, in fact, Justify could scarcely have less in common with Northern Dancer. But that surely just implores us to break down the barriers to imagination. The migrations of Nasrullah or Northern Dancer didn't succeed simply because they were built a certain way, but because some elusive variation either redressed or complemented what had become too isolated a gene pool. Back in 2018, Tapit's son Wissahickon put up one of the most remarkable performances in the long history of the Cambridgeshire H. at Newmarket, a 3-year-old laughing at 32 rivals under 131lbs. As it happens, that horse had one or two issues and disappointed when transferred to the U.S. the following year. But since his departure, a grand total of three Tapits have raced on British racetracks. Into Mischief, meanwhile, has had four British starters in his entire career. Such parochialism beggars belief. But that's why last Saturday felt historic. Instead of people like me berating and boring everyone, year after year, City Of Troy has condensed all the preaching into an unmissable moment of joy. Scylla Joins Idiomatic in Promoting Tacitus The world appeared to be at Scylla's feet, this time last year, when she followed up her debut success with an eight-length allowance romp at Churchill. But she then disappeared until the spring and only now, after regrouping through her first couple of starts back, is she putting it all together. Her success in the GIII Shawnee S. confirms Scylla to be an exceptional broodmare prospect even by the standards of Juddmonte. Serial visits to Tapit by her dam, champion Close Hatches (First Defence), have already produced Tacitus to bank $3.75 million on the racetrack. And meanwhile Idiomatic (Curlin), out of a GI Kentucky Oaks-placed sister to Close Hatches, has lent still greater luster to the page as winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. A half-sister to the second dam has also produced Siskin, by the same sire as Close Hatches, to win a Classic in Ireland before catching the astute eye of Shadai. One way or another, then, this branch is duly contributing to the great dynasty founded by Scylla's fifth dam, Best In Show. The mystery is how Xaar, a brilliant champion juvenile in Europe bred from Scylla's fourth dam Monroe–the daughter of Best In Show and Sir Ivor–contrived to disappoint at stud when so many of his siblings showed their genetic prowess as either runners or producers. Having started his career for his breeders, Xaar was cashed out while still racing. One way or another, he never caused them to repent the way they must have done of selling Danehill. While Scylla and Tacitus have been able to draw upon royal maternal genes, the choice of Tapit for a daughter of First Defence looks pointed. Tapit's damsire Unbridled is also First Defence's grandsire, while First Defence is out of a daughter of Seattle Slew, whose sire-line Tapit extends. But what a daughter! Honest Lady was the only female among the four elite winners produced by the blue hen Toussaud (El Gran Senor), one of few mares in the modern breed to stand comparison with Best In Show. Whatever Scylla does from here, her emergence certainly doesn't discourage the suspicion that Tacitus, standing at just $10,000, is going to redeem the frustrations he occasionally invited in his first career. His fourth generation aligns a daughter of Best In Show, not only with Toussaud, but also with Weekend Surprise and Narrate (behind Tapit's beautifully bred sire Pulpit). No missing rungs on that ladder. Pound Paying Off the Long Way Round Three years before Xaar, Andre Fabre had supervised a similarly dominant juvenile in Pennekamp. Unlike Xaar, the son of Bering came through in the Guineas and duly started hot favorite at Epsom. But he bombed out there and disappeared to stud, where he achieved nothing beyond a handful of daughters that produced competent runners. The basic functionality of his genes had been attested by siblings on the racetrack. Black Minnaloushe (Storm Cat) won two Group 1s at a mile and Nasr El Arab (Al Nasr {Fr}) won a Group 2 by six lengths. But Black Minnaloushe was soon exported from Ashford to South Africa, and only their half-sister Gift of Dance (Trempolino) would keep the flame alive despite failing to break her maiden in 10 attempts. Her daughter by Awesome Again, Round Pound, won the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff in 2006 and cost Sheikh Mohammed $5.75 million on her retirement. She was naturally given every chance with her matings, but only posthumously has she begun to salvage the investment. She was admittedly still with us when her son Long River (A.P. Indy) became a surprise Group I winner in Dubai at the age of seven. But her unraced daughter by Bernardini, Tyburn Brook, has meanwhile deployed his influence as a broodmare sire to produce GI Carter H. winner Speaker's Corner (Street Sense) as well as the brilliantly promising but evidently fragile Knightsbridge (Nyquist). And now Round Pound's final foal, Highland Falls (Curlin), has won a first graded stakes in the GIII Blame S. This maturing horse may yet become a force in the senior division, not least granted some extra yardage in races like the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup. One step at a time, but I would always take a second look at a stallion that duplicates Deputy Minister the way he does (as damsire of Curlin and grandsire of Round Pound). But whether he can someday join Speaker's Corner at stud, or merely boosts him along with a couple of sisters in the broodmare band, it's “a pound to a penny”–or maybe a Round Pound to a Pennekamp–that this family is not yet confined to past glories. The post Breeding Digest: Justify Carries Speed Back to Europe appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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

Dariyan (Fr), the winner of the G1 Prix Ganay and G2 Prix Eugene Adam, has died at the age of 12, according to an announcement by the Aga Khan Studs. A son of Shamardal and the G1 Hong Kong Vase winner Daryakana (Fr) (Selkirk), Dariyan was trained by Alain de Royer -Dupre and is a half-brother to the GII Knickerbocker S winner Devamani (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}). His granddam was the G1 Prix de Diane winner Daryaba (Ire) (Night Shift). Dariyan retired to Haras de Bonneval in 2017 and moved earlier this year to Haras du Mont Goubert. He is the sire of G3 Prix La Force winner Mister Saint Paul (Fr) and the Group 2 runner-up Galaxie Gold (Fr). “It is with sadness that the Aga Khan Studs announce the loss of Dariyan, who was humanely euthanised on Thursday following an illness, despite the best efforts of the veterinary team,” read a statement on the Aga Khan Studs website. “Winner of the Prix Ganay and Prix Eugène Adam, Dariyan had been a model of consistency during his racing career, finishing in the first five in 11 of his 13 starts.” The post Aga Khan Studs’ Dariyan Euthanised at Age 12 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Roger Varian has reported 1,000 Guineas winner Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}) to be in fine spirits and on course to run in the Coronation S. at Royal Ascot. The daughter of Kingman came from last to first to claim Classic glory in only her third race at Newmarket, edging out Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio) by a neck. Varian told Sky Sports Racing, “She's in great form and has had no problems, she's done everything right since the Guineas and did a lovely bit of work last week. “We're very much thinking of the Coronation Stakes. Since she won at Newmarket, we were never going to Ireland. “I think that was only her third start, so she looks like she's getting the hang of it now and hopefully we'll see a strong performance at Ascot.” A wide draw prompted the hold-up tactics at HQ, but Varian believes his filly is versatile and a different game plan could be used at the royal meeting. He added, “That's really the only way we could ride her at Newmarket when we were drawn 16 of 16. She's so inexperienced, we couldn't really go forward from that draw and race on a wide wing with no cover. “So we said beforehand, we're just going to have to suck up the draw and ride her to run well-and as it turned out, everything worked for her. “But she's very straightforward. She's been slow to get the hang of things, but she's looking like she knows her job now, so I'm sure she'll be a very straightforward ride at Ascot.” Varian is confident that sticking to a mile is the right option for now, but he hasn't ruled out moving up in distance at a later date after Elmalka stayed on well to get up in the final strides in the Guineas. “She shaped that way at Newmarket but I'd say she has sharpened up, because she was still a bit green in the Guineas and as I say, it was only her third run,” said the trainer. “You can make a mistake sometimes in thinking they need further when they are kind of learning on the job and I think it would be a mistake to go 10 furlongs now. “But we'll see how we get on at Ascot and I'm sure we'll put her in races like the Nassau later on. That's not to say she'll run there, she might stay at a mile all year, but I think we're still learning about her and hopefully we get a good result at Ascot.” Varian also has high hopes of Group 1 success for Charyn (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the Queen Anne S. after the four-year-old followed up wins at Doncaster and Sandown by chasing home surprise Lockinge scorer Audience (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}) at Newbury. The Newmarket handler said, “He's in great form-I wish it was tomorrow, so hopefully the next two weeks will go smoothly, with no problems. He ran great in the Lockinge, he was the only horse to come out of the pack. I thought he ran really well. “Credit to the winner, who is a very good horse and put in a great performance, but I thought Charyn came a long way away from all the horses he raced with, so it was a great performance and hopefully he can do something similar at Ascot.” The post Varian Says Guineas Winner Elmalka “In Great Form” Ahead Of Royal Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Josh Blanksby has quit as CEO of Melbourne Racing Club. Picture: MRC. Melbourne Racing Club is in the market for a chief executive officer after Josh Blanksby quit the post on Tuesday. Blanksby’s resignation comes just days after AFL executive Kylie Rogers was revealed as Victorian Racing Club’s new CEO, replacing Steve Rosich. The MRC looks after the management of Caulfield, Sandown and Mornington racecourses in the Melbourne metropolitan region. Blanksby has been in the hot seat at the MRC for seven years and has been an important factor in the Caulfield upgrades, which include a new inner track and mounting yard. Blanksby said his 10-year stint had at the MRC had been exceptionally fulfilling but said the time was right to “pass the baton on”. “I am most thankful for the life-long relationships I have formed with many people across racing and most importantly our wonderful staff at the Club,” he said. 

“I feel the time is right to pass the baton on with the Club in a strong financial position and key infrastructure projects completed allowing it to control its own destiny. “I look forward to working with the Committee and our Executive over the next 3 months to assist with the transition to a new leader.” MRC Chairman, Matthew Cain, thanked Mr Blanksby for his commitment to the Club for the past decade. 

“On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank Josh for his outstanding leadership and stellar contributions to the Club. Josh’s unwavering vision for the future made him an exceptional leader at MRC,” he said. The Age reports that Blanksby has been linked to the CEO posts at Tabcorp, Richmond and Racing Victoria, but he declined to comment on speculation. Horse racing news View the full article

Te Akau co-trainer Sam Bergerson. Photo: Nicole Troost Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will again be well-represented at their home meeting on Wednesday with a trio of promising three-year-olds among their leading hopes. The Matamata trainers are understandably keen on the chances of Fastnet Rock fillies Bella Voce and Akenehi, while Darci Brahma’s son Malmaison also looms as a top prospect. All three finished second when opening their current campaigns and with stable jockey Opie Bosson aboard, their chances of going one better look rosy. Bella Voce will step out in the Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1200m) and she hasn’t missed a beat since finishing runner-up over the course and distance last month. “I thought it was a good effort first up and she has improved with it,” Bergerson said. “Her work on Saturday morning on the course proper was one of the best pieces of work we have seen from her. “She doesn’t seem to mind the softer tracks and, fingers crossed with the right run, we’re sure she will be competitive again. “There will be a few options from the gate (seven) and hopefully she can tuck in behind them.” Thank You Vaughan Nowell Maiden (1400m) contender Akenehi ran fourth in the same race as Bella Voce when resuming at Matamata and her effort was full of merit after she was crowded out of the barrier and lost a plate during the running. “It was a good run and it’s a nice race for her. She has drawn out a bit (11), but that might be the place to be later in the day,” Bergerson said. “She has progressed well since her first-up run and we think the step up to 1400m will suit her.” Malmaison also suffered an interrupted passage when resuming and with better luck the three-year-old promises to go close to breaking his duck in the MBS Advisors Maiden (1200m). He was jostled and lost ground at the start on his return at Rotorua and finished off strongly after racing wide without cover. “It was a very good effort and he’s gone the right way since. He’s another one who seems to enjoy the softer tracks,” Bergerson said. The Te Akau operation is going through a transition period with the wet track and synthetic performers to fly the flag in the coming weeks. “It’s a little bit quieter on the racing front, but there’s still plenty happening at home,” Bergerson said. “We have got a lot of the yearlings working through their early education and it’s good to spend some time with them. “A lot of the horses who had big seasons and went out for breaks are slowly coming back in before the weather turns really nasty.” Horse racing news View the full article

Tony McGovern’s decades devoted to ensuring the safe start to thoroughbred races in New Zealand has been recognised in the 2024 King’s Birthday honours, with the Cambridge resident bestowed the New Zealand Order Of Merit for services to the racing industry. “It was very humbling to receive that (honour),” McGovern said. McGovern grew up in a racing family, but it was only a matter of chance when he was a teenager that led him down a path of pursuing a career in the industry. “I took over starting in 1991, but prior to that I had done 18 years on the starting gates, so I did a long apprenticeship,” he said. “I had been around horses, and I could ride, and my uncle trained horses in Matamata. When I was leaving school, my father was working on the starting gates and someone was away sick. I ended up filling in for them and stayed there. “It was part-time back then, I am a butcher by trade, so I was doing other work.” While his butchery work paid the bills, McGovern’s passion for racing never wavered, and he was finally rewarded for his dedication with an approach to become a starter. “It was mostly weekend work with the starting gates, but I had a very sympathetic boss who would let me off midweek if they were short at the trials,” he said. “I carried on butchering and doing home kills for a while, but I would always work it around race meetings. “Ellerslie used to have their own gates in those early days, so we didn’t do all of the tracks that you do now. It was mainly around the Waikato and when they started building starting gates in Hamilton that serviced all the other tracks, then we started doing Whangarei, Ellerslie and other tracks. “Jack Mudford was the starter at Ellerslie up until the early nineties and then he retired, and they asked me if I was interested in taking over his position. I had to apply and got the nod for Ellerslie and carried on there.” A decade later, McGovern’s talent was noticed aboard, and he was scouted to take up a starting position with the Hong Kong Jockey Club. “They don’t advertise, they come looking for people, and they found me all the way down here in New Zealand and I ticked all the boxes for them,” he said. “I moved to Hong Kong in 2003 and came home in 2016, it was just time to come home. I had done three contracts and we had grandkids starting to grow up here in New Zealand and you don’t get many opportunities to come home from Hong Kong, it is very busy up there. “Hong Kong was a great experience and we left on good terms. I have managed to go up there a couple of times and do a few jobs for them at their new track and Conghua that they built in China. “It was a great city to live in. It was very safe when we were there. We were there during some great years of Hong Kong racing, with great horses. Seeing the international races and all those top trainers and jockeys from around the world. I got to know top jockeys like Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore pretty well, it was a great experience.” McGovern said the level of betting turnover was the biggest difference between New Zealand and Hong Kong racing, and that pressure didn’t go unnoticed. “There is a lot more pressure in Hong Kong because of the betting money on the racing,” he said. “Horse racing is the biggest business in Hong Kong and the turnovers are astronomical. “We had a lot of good staff up there and I have been very lucky in Hong Kong and New Zealand to have very good barrier staff. Without them I can’t do my job.” Upon McGovern’s return to New Zealand, he stepped back into his old role as starter in the Auckland region, and he said he is still enjoying his time on the gates. “Before I went to Hong Kong I was doing Waikato and Auckland, but now I am just doing Ellerslie, Ruakaka and Pukekohe, which keeps me in the game,” he said. McGovern has welcomed the installation of a StrathAyr track at Ellerslie and he believes it is the right step forward for New Zealand racing. “I worked with StrathAyr tracks in Hong Kong, so to come back and see one come into New Zealand is great for racing,” he said. “It is only a time thing and everything will get sorted out.” McGovern noted the biggest change to racing that he has noticed in New Zealand in his time on the gates have been the gates themselves. “Over the years here, seeing the starting gates coming from the old caddy gates to what we have got now, these Steriline starting gates, they are brilliant,” he said. “They are a lot safer for the horses and the riders, and a lot more reliable. I was involved with Steriline in Hong Kong and helping develop the gates that we have in New Zealand now. It was nice to see that all evolve.” While humbled by his recognition in the King’s Birthday honours, McGovern said it is also recognition for racing participants who work behind the scenes. “It’s the jockeys and trainers you see getting all the limelight in racing, but it is nice for someone out the back to get a pat on the back,” he said. View the full article

Standout three-year-old Crocetti has returned to work ahead of what trainers Danny Walker and Arron Tata are hoping will be a lucrative spring preparation. Racing in the colours of owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle, Crocetti was a standout on the track this season, winning six consecutive races, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), and Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), before finishing runner-up to Bonny Lass in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa in February. The son of Zacinto has enjoyed a few months in the spelling paddock and has returned in great condition according to Walker. “He has been back in work for two weeks and he is looking really well, I am really happy with him,” he said. The Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring carnival currently sits as the primary early spring target for Crocetti, with a potential trip across the Tasman also on the cards. “I would like to think that it was reasonably dry to get to Hastings on the first day, but you are in the lap of the gods a bit there, so we will see how we go,” Walker said. “Probably at some stage (he will head to Australia). There is not a lot here (New Zealand) in the spring for him. It would be nice to see him come up well and then make a plan from there.” Meanwhile, Walker is looking forward to heading to Matamata on Wednesday where he will be represented by two runners. Three-year-old gelding Murch has placed in each of his three starts to date, including over 1300m at Pukekohe last Saturday, and is set to back-up in the Auckland Co-op Taxis 1200. “He has pulled up well from Saturday, I am happy with him,” Walker said. “He has a wide draw (14) but we will see how he works from there. “I think the track is going to be quite puggy because there hasn’t been much rain, and hopefully he suits that.” Four-year-old mare Sea A Penny is set to make her debut in the MBS Advisors 1200 off the back of an 850m trial win at Te Awamutu.“ She is an improving big mare and she will have her chance,” Walker said View the full article

Distinguished New Zealand thoroughbred industry leader Joe Walls (MNZM) has retired from his role as Chairman of the NZB Board of Directors, bringing to a close his illustrious tenure with the auction house that spanned more than five decades. Joe started with the company in 1972, when it was known as Wright Stephenson’s, and as a world regarded auctioneer led the auctioneering team from the late ‘80s through to 2017. He steered the business as Managing Director from 1993 through to 2000, before presiding as Chairman from 2006 through to 2024. Revered for his command of the rostrum, the flair and assuredness with which Joe wielded the gavel to navigate the course of a Sale was unrivalled. Amidst the pace and pressure of high-stakes trading in the sales ring, Joe’s composure was steadfast, his wit was quick and his decisions were respected. A great judge of a horse, Joe’s exceptional eye has been relied upon by many an astute investor when making critical bloodstock selections. From domestic yearling purchases to assessing and importing international stallions and broodmares, the scale and impact of Joe’s bloodstock oeuvre on the New Zealand breeding industry cannot be overstated. While the rich timbre of Joe’s voice became synonymous with the sales, it is his massive contribution off the rostrum that will be his legacy. Working alongside the likes of industry leaders Sir Patrick Hogan and Sir Peter Vela, Joe has played a pivotal role in the strategic direction, growth and success of not only NZB’s development, but the whole of the New Zealand breeding industry. Notably, Joe worked in close consultation with his dear friend, the late Sir Patrick Hogan, when he made the breed-shaping decision to purchase Sir Tristram, forever changing the landscape of the New Zealand thoroughbred industry and putting it on the international map. When Joe announced his retirement from his position as Head Auctioneer in 2017, Sir Patrick reflected on the esteem in which Joe was held globally. “The contribution that Joe has made to the New Zealand thoroughbred industry is enormous. Because of Joe’s charisma and reputation he opened many, many doors for those of us that travelled the world doing business in the thoroughbred industry.” “I can’t think of anyone in the New Zealand thoroughbred industry that I would speak of as highly as I speak of Joe. He is recognised as one of the great auctioneers in the world.” NZB principal Sir Peter Vela will now step into the role of Chairman after working closely alongside Joe for many years. “I extend my deepest gratitude on behalf of the NZB board, staff and the New Zealand breeders to Joe for his unparalleled wisdom and guidance throughout his tenure with us.” “He has shared in every challenge and success that the company has experienced in the past three decades since my brother and I bought the business, and it has benefitted greatly from his contribution. It has been a pleasure both professionally and personally to have had Joe as part of the NZB family, and he has earned an honoured place in the company’s history.” Joe and his wife Wendy are based in the beachside township of Whitianga and, while a quieter pace of life is calling, Joe still plans to maintain an interest in the great game. “Wendy and I are looking forward to spending a bit more time to ourselves at the beach, although I do keep in touch with the business of horse racing and breeding daily and will continue to do so.” “I’m passionate about the industry and about New Zealand Bloodstock, having spent 50 odd years very involved with the business, and it is hard to let go, however I have now decided to do that. It was obvious to me that Peter should take over and I know that the company is in very capable hands with him at the helm. “From when I started out as a fresh-faced lad, I never ever thought I would scale the heights that I did, travel the world as I did and make the friends that I did over the years. It has been a wonderful journey. “I am keen to continue my interest in this great industry when it suits me. My enjoyment of the game is not in the least diminished and to retain some level of engagement will bring me great satisfaction.” From 2002 to 2005 Joe also served as Chairman of New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing, he was on the Board of New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing from 2011 to 2014 and, in 2018, he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the horse racing industry. View the full article

Crocetti pictured with trainers Danny Walker (left) and Arron Arron Tata, and owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle. Photo: Race Images South Standout three-year-old Crocetti has returned to work ahead of what trainers Danny Walker and Arron Tata are hoping will be a lucrative spring preparation. Racing in the colours of owner-breeder Daniel Nakhle, Crocetti was a standout on the track this season, winning six consecutive races, including the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), Group 2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m), Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m), and Group 3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), before finishing runner-up to Bonny Lass in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa in February. The son of Zacinto has enjoyed a few months in the spelling paddock and has returned in great condition according to Walker. “He has been back in work for two weeks and he is looking really well, I am really happy with him,” he said. The Group 1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) on the opening day of the Hawke’s Bay Spring carnival currently sits as the primary early spring target for Crocetti, with a potential trip across the Tasman also on the cards. “I would like to think that it was reasonably dry to get to Hastings on the first day, but you are in the lap of the gods a bit there, so we will see how we go,” Walker said. “Probably at some stage (he will head to Australia). There is not a lot here (New Zealand) in the spring for him. It would be nice to see him come up well and then make a plan from there.” Meanwhile, Walker is looking forward to heading to Matamata on Wednesday where he will be represented by two runners. Three-year-old gelding Murch has placed in each of his three starts to date, including over 1300m at Pukekohe last Saturday, and is set to back-up in the Auckland Co-op Taxis 1200. “He has pulled up well from Saturday, I am happy with him,” Walker said. “He has a wide draw (14) but we will see how he works from there. “I think the track is going to be quite puggy because there hasn’t been much rain, and hopefully he suits that.” Four-year-old mare Sea A Penny is set to make her debut in the MBS Advisors 1200 off the back of an 850m trial win at Te Awamutu. “She is an improving big mare and she will have her chance,” Walker said. Horse racing news View the full article

Noel McCutcheon has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the thoroughbred and harness racing industries. Photo: Race Images Noel McCutcheon’s lifelong dedication to the racing industry was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours on Monday where he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the thoroughbred and harness racing industries. McCutcheon didn’t have any family involvement in racing when growing up, but it was as a fresh-faced 10-year-old that he got hooked on the sport, which has led to several career paths, including jockey, harness racing trainer and driver, chief stipendiary steward, and JCA race day committee member. “I was in Greenmeadows, Hawke’s Bay, as a child and there used to be races at Napier Park,” he said. “I used to sit on the top of a macrocarpa hedge when I was a wee lad and when they raced past me, I thought ‘that is what I want to be, I want to be a jockey’. “I didn’t have any family involvement in racing, I just had a pony from as far back as I can remember.” The enthusiastic youngster didn’t waste any time in following his chosen career path. “I started off as a 10-year-old lad in a stable,” McCutcheon said. “I had my first ride as an apprentice jockey when I was 15 and completed my apprenticeship when I was 19. I was based in Hawera at the time, and then I moved to Otaki where I rode for another 10 years.” McCutcheon spent 14 years in the saddle and tasted success at the highest level on both sides of the Tasman. “I rode three Derby winners – Mission in the South Australian Derby in 1965, a New Zealand Derby on Royal Duty in 1963 and another New Zealand Derby with Pep in 1968. I also won the Hawke’s Bay Cup and Awapuni Cup on Royal Duty,” he said. “I finished riding when I was about 28 or 29, but I had periods off with injury.” When McCutcheon called time on his riding career, he decided to shift codes and take out his harness racing trainer’s and driver’s license. He became interested in harness racing during his time in Hawera and thought it was an opportune time to try his hand with standardbreds. “When I was an apprentice jockey in Hawera I became friendly with John Butcher, who is the father of David and Phillip Butcher, who have been very successful harness drivers,” McCutcheon said. “I remained friends with him until he sadly passed away. I used to drive work for him when I was based in Hawera when he came down for the Easter circuit. “I trained a few harness horses and drove them for a while. I drove and trained about 20 winners. I was in Otaki at the time, and it wasn’t a viable proposition as there weren’t many harness meetings. I decided to sell my property and move to Cambridge, which was the home of harness racing in the North Island.” In his shift north, McCutcheon was approached to follow a different career path. “In the interim, I was approached by the then chief stipendiary steward, Mr Phil Reid, and he asked if I was interested in becoming a stipendiary steward,” he said. “I attended about three race meetings and he said he was going to recommend to the then Racing Conference Board that I be put on as an assistant stipendiary steward. That was in May 1980 and at the end of 1982 I was appointed a full stipendiary steward. “In November 1989, they approached me and said they wanted me to be the next chief stipendiary steward. I commenced those duties on January 1, 1990, and I remained in that role until 2006.” McCutcheon spent a few years away from racing before the pull became too strong, and he was asked to assist the Judicial Control Authority, which he has continued to do to this day. “For three years I didn’t have a lot of interest in racing, I just travelled and did things that I wanted to do,” he said. “I was then approached by the Judicial Control Authority to see if I was interested in training some people in the finer points of race reading. “I did that for a short period of time and then I was asked if I would sit on race day judicial committees, and I have been doing that for about 14 years. I finished the race day work last July and I only do the appeals judge panel now.” McCutcheon was delighted to be recognised for his contribution to thoroughbred and harness racing in New Zealand, and said there is one formula for success – “Hard work, grind and determination. If you want something bad enough you can get it,” he said. Horse racing news View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Thursday, June 6, 2024 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble The Wyong Race Club will hold its first meeting of the winter on Thursday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program lined up. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with some scattered rainfall expected to hit the course in the lead-up, punters should expect a Soft 7 surface. The action is scheduled to get underway at 12:10pm AEST. Best Bet at Wyong: Sweet Heaven Sweet Heaven appears set to peak after two strong performances on the Kensington circuit at Randwick. Her most recent effort on May 15 caught the eye, with the daughter of Choisir making strong inroads from the back of the field despite a slowly run race. She finally gets out to 1600m in this Class 1 affair, and although she’s the only maiden galloper in the race, this looks like the ideal setup for Sweet Heaven to break through. Best Bet Race 2 – #4 Sweet Heaven (3) 3yo Filly | T: Anthony Cummings | J: Jason Collett (55kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best at Wyong: Fuld’s Doubt Fuld’s Doubt was outclassed in Listed company at Scone on May 18, racing keenly through the middle stages to blunt her usually blistering turn of foot. She was far from disgraced, however, and now drops back to provincial grade. Reece Jones should be able to lob into a mid-field position with cover throughout the 1200m trip, and provided Fuld’s Doubt can reproduce her winning performance two starts back, she must be considered the one to beat. Next Best Race 6 – #5 Fuld’s Doubt (8) 3yo Filly | T: Rodney Northam | J: Reece Jones (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Value at Wyong: Whetu Whetu has been crying out for a staying journey since returning at Kembla Grange on April 27. The son of Dundeel simply can’t match motors with his opposition over the short course, with three of his four career wins coming at 2000m or further. Barrier 10 means Jason Collett will likely drag back towards the rear of the field, but provided Whetu can go through the gears with clear galloping room, he will be hard to hold out. Best Value Race 3 – #2 Whetu (10) 6yo Gelding | T: Richard Collett | J: Jason Collett (60.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Wyong Thursday quaddie picks – 6/6/2024 Wyong quadrella selections Thursday, June 6, 2024 1-3-6-7-9 2-5 1-2-3-4-11 2-3-6-7-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Chief Stipelas Whyte and Russian Emperor enjoy a strong bond. Russian Emperor will forever be remembered for his courage, ability and some of the finest moments in Hong Kong racing history, namely, two unforgettable upset victories over Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior – the city’s dominant forces of recent times. Sired by Galileo and out of superstar mare Atlantic Jewel, the recently retired Russian Emperor began his career in Ireland before shipping to Hong Kong to join Chief Stipelas Whyte’s team, where he quickly emerged as his stable star. Lauded as a horse with a big heart, Russian Emperor steps away as a two-time Hong Kong Champion Stayer (2021/22 & 2022/23) with earnings of HK$48.78 million from four wins. “He had the temperament and a whole presence in the stable, his nature, too. Those good horses, they stamp themselves and he knew when it was gallop day and race day, especially race day – he pumped himself up to get a saddle and bridle on him to take him to the track, he knew it was game on,” Whyte said. “It was lovely to work with an individual like that because you can relate to that as a human being – I was like that and I am still like that, you sort of tense up and it’s an excited energy. He was like that, then after the race he was just the kindest animal to be on and be around. “We all knew when there was a drop of rain around that he had that real fight and that will to win. He used to enjoy chasing and coming from off them, he had a good turn of foot for a big horse like him.” Raced in the silks of owner Mike Cheung, Russian Emperor’s career commenced like many at Sha Tin with a Four-Year-Old Classic Series tilt in 2021. He logged a pair of agonising second placings in both the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) and Hong Kong Derby (2000m). The now seven-year-old quickly reached a 100-plus rating ahead of his fifth start in Hong Kong, which came at Group 3 level. Overall, he made 31 starts for Whyte, which at times was interrupted with setbacks, but more positively a pair of Middle Eastern adventures – where he made history. Russian Emperor remains the first and only Hong Kong-trained horse to win a race in Qatar, prevailing in their biggest contest, the 2023 H.H. The Amir Trophy (2400m) at Al Rayyan for jockey Alberto Sanna, where he outlasted the likes of Warren Point, Stone Age and Broome. “He’s been an absolute star to be around. He’s taught me things so quickly and gave me an experience to travel for the first time, especially in such a short period of time being a trainer, and to be successful. It’s hard enough arriving in a place healthy let alone winning a Group 1 race, so it was very special,” Whyte said. His initial Group 1 success came in the 2022 Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on yielding ground under jockey Blake Shinn at Sha Tin, conquering rivals and chiefly Hong Kong’s now all-time leading winner Golden Sixty by a wide margin in adverse conditions. Three starts later, he collected the first of two Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) triumphs, before defending his crown in 2023 by stunning 1.2 favourite Romantic Warrior by neck – a near-favourite moment for Whyte of his stable stalwart. “It would probably be his last Champions & Chater Cup, getting up to beat Romantic Warrior. He dug deep; Hugh Bowman gave him a 10 out of 10 ride. “But, you know, you can’t take away Qatar. Travelling for the first time and representing Hong Kong and putting on a show the way he did, those are special moments, so I probably couldn’t put one ahead of the other, they’re both so memorable,” Whyte said. All three of Russian Emperor’s wins in Hong Kong came at Group 1 level. Whyte, Hong Kong’s all-time leading rider (1,813 wins) and a renowned fierce competitor, transitioned to the training ranks in 2019/20, and has nothing but appreciation for a horse who has been like a “kid” to him. “He’s still in the stables. He won’t be going anywhere until he leaves Hong Kong, I still trot him and give him a bit of exercise. He’ll be heading to Living Legends. They have accepted him and that’s where we’ll be going,” Whyte said. Based in Australia, Living Legends currently houses the likes of Silent Witness, Beauty Generation and Good Ba Ba. Looking to Happy Valley on Wednesday (5 June), Whyte is seeking consecutive wins with Ace Power in the first section of the Class 4 Mount Nicholson Handicap (1200m). “He’s vulnerable from there (barrier 10). He’s immature still, everyone could see in his last win that he only really knuckled down over the last 100 metres, so a lot is going to depend on how the track rides and where Andrea (Atzeni) can find a position,” Whyte said. Aiming to enhance his 35 wins this season, Whyte saddles the Mary Slack-owned Wings Of War in the Class 3 Violet Hill Handicap (1200m), who pairs with jockey Harry Bentley. “It was very nice to get that win with him. Everyone knows the history behind the Slack family and I’ve known them for a very long time. He’s been up and going for a long time now, this rain around is going to enhance his chances and thankfully he has an inside gate. I wouldn’t say he’s improved but he’s held his form,” Whyte said. Wednesday’s (5 June) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm HKT with the Class 5 Stanley Gap Handicap (1000m). Horse racing news View the full article

Scarlet Oak (white cap) winning the Group 2 Roses (2000m) at Doomben on Saturday. (Photo: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography) The time-honoured Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) is the headline act at Eagle Farm on Saturday afternoon, with a capacity field of 18 fillies set to stake their claim on the $700,000 prize. The Chris Waller barn has five runners engaged, with The Roses (2000m) winner Scarlet Oak opening as a $3.10 favourite with online bookmakers despite drawing out in barrier 15. Molly Bloom is one of 10 runners coming through that same race, with the daughter of Ace High placed on the second line of betting at $5. The Waller pair of Ahuriri and Mare Of Mt Buller have both garnered early support and round out the chances at single figures at $9 apiece. The Andrew Foresman-trained Moonlight Magic ($11) is the only runner attempting the one-week backup from last Saturday’s Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m), with the New Zealand raider finishing 10 lengths away in second place. Jamie Kah is set to reunite with Good Banter ($26) for the first time since conquering the Group 3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on April 6 and looks to get every chance from barrier five. Meanwhile, the likes of Tutta La Vita Miss Jolene and Amazonian Lass all have strong claims despite their $19 odds with online betting sites. The 2024 Queensland Oaks is shaping up to be a terrific contest and is scheduled to get underway at 4pm local time. Queensland Oaks 2024 final field 1. Molly Bloom (10) T: Lance O’Sullivan & Andrew Scott J: W: 56.5kg F: 1×25 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Ace High Dam: Dancilla +400 +100 2. Tutta La Vita (16) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 7258 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: The Autumn Sun Dam: Negotiate +1800 +450 3. Amazonian Lass (18) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Adam Hyeronimus W: 56.5kg F: x210 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: More Than Ready (USA) Dam: Dynastic Lady +1800 +500 4. Scarlet Oak (15) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 1211 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Kermadec (NZ) Dam: Tactless +210 -192.31 5. Moonlight Magic (6) T: Andrew Forsman J: W: 56.5kg F: 6412 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Japonica +1000 +250 6. Mollynickers (8) T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman J: Carleen Hefel W: 56.5kg F: 5389 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Pierro Dam: Just One Moment +5000 +1250 7. Socks Nation (11) T: Ciaron Maher J: Ryan Maloney W: 56.5kg F: 2444 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Sioux Nation (USA) Dam: Tahnee Tiara +7000 +1750 8. Miss Jolene (22) T: Kelly Schweida J: James Orman W: 56.5kg F: 2663 Age: 3YO Colour: Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Russian Revolution Dam: Cellargirl +1800 +450 9. Ahuriri (21) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 2815 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Almanzor (FR) Dam: Mackenzie Kate +800 +200 10. Good Banter (5) T: John O’Shea J: Jamie Kah W: 56.5kg F: 4617 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay/Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Tavistock (NZ) Dam: Danza Kuduro +2500 +625 11. Mare Of Mt Buller (2) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 6732 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Aliberani +800 +200 12. Our Gold Hope (13) T: Robert & Luke Price J: Craig Williams W: 56.5kg F: 2534 Age: 3YO Colour: Grey Sex: Filly Sire: Lope De Vega (IRE) Dam: Grey Queen +2500 +625 13. Oceans Of Energy (1) T: Matthew Dunn J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 1050 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Ocean Gate +12500 +3125 14. Kind Words (23) T: Kris Lees J: Mark Zahra W: 56.5kg F: 9536 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Written Tycoon Dam: Gracious Grey +3300 +825 15. Gentileschi (4) T: Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich J: Zac Lloyd W: 56.5kg F: 1113 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Dundeel (NZ) Dam: Artefiori +3300 +825 16. Unique Ambition (20) T: John Sargent J: Michael Rodd W: 56.5kg F: 1801 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Tavistock (NZ) Dam: Key To Success +4000 +1000 17. Concello (7) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 1302 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay/Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Trapeze Artist Dam: Senta Helga +4000 +1000 18. Firestorm (12) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 4303 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Satono Aladdin (JPN) Dam: Dancing Embers +4000 +1000 19 (1E). Callistemon (12) T: Kerry Parker J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 5647 Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: Territories (IRE) Dam: Hariata +15000 +3750 20 (2E). Grey Ice (19) T: Bevan Laming J: Martin Harley W: 56.5kg F: 1841 Age: 3YO Colour: Grey Sex: Filly Sire: Reliable Man (GB) Dam: Haliburton +4000 +1000 21 (3E). Kenyada (3) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: 4913 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay/Brown Sex: Filly Sire: Kermadec (NZ) Dam: Yukon Dance +10000 +2500 22 (4E). Ala Moana (14) T: Danny O’Brien J: Michael Dee W: 56.5kg F: 3×51 Age: 3YO Colour: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Lean Mean Machine Dam: Fantasy Gal +6000 +1500 23 (5E). Ring Me Up (12) T: Chris Waller J: TBC W: 56.5kg F: x728 Age: 3YO Colour: Chestnut Sex: Filly Sire: American Pharoah (USA) Dam: Hoybell +12500 +3125 Horse racing news View the full article

Eagle Farm took centre stage last Saturday, with six Group races featured on the card. Meanwhile, Caulfield held a strong support program, and five races ran at Rosehill before the meeting was abandoned due to heavy rain. We have picked out three runners from those meetings that are worth following. Rosehill Track rating: Soft 5 Rail position: +3m entire circuit Race 2: 2YO Handicap (1300m) | Time: 1:18.04 Horse to follow: Mr Artemisia (3rd) Mr Artemisia maintained his 100% place record when running third over 1300m at Rosehill with a blistering finish down the middle of the track. The son of The Autumn Sun finished 2.8 lengths off the winner, Emirate, who is expected to feature in the Group 1 J.J. Atkins in two weeks. Mr Artemisia appears to be getting closer to a win after three solid performances to kick off his career. When to bet: Waller has nominated Mr Artemisia for the J.J. Atkins; however, he would run into the smart Broadsiding. If the stable can find a race over 1600m against his own age group, we will be backing this colt with confidence. Eagle Farm Track rating: Soft 6 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 1: Benchmark 85 Handicap (1600m) | Time: 1:37.12 Horse to follow: Poison Chalice (3rd) After a strong performance from Poison Chalice at Listed level first-up, Paul Preusker sent him to Eagle Farm last Saturday to race clockwise for the first time. However, due to the slow tempo at the front of the field and Michael Dee settling this gelding at the rear, he couldn’t pick up the leaders late. This son of Savabeel got into his work late and finished off with his customary turn of foot, but he was beaten by just over half a length. When to bet: As Poison Chalice was only second-up and jumping from 1200m to 1600m, it appears he was one run short of his peak. If Preusker can find another race at a similar level over 1600m again, this guy will prove very hard to beat. Caulfield Track rating: Good 4 (up to Good 3 after R6) Rail position: +9m entire circuit Race 7: Benchmark 100 Handicap (1600m) | Time: 1:37.04 Horse to follow: Munhamek (5th) Munhamek has been circling a win at Benchmark 100 level in recent weeks, but this was not to be his day. Jamie Mott gave this son of Dark Angel a peach of a ride; however, when he asked his mount for an effort in the final 300m, he was locked away and couldn’t get into clear air to let down. With a clear run, you can easily make an argument to say that Munhamek would have won the race. When to bet: With limited options over the next few weeks, Nick Ryan could enter Munhamek into a 1600m race at either Sandown or Flemington. If he does, it will be the eight-year-old gelding’s best chance yet to break his run of outs. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

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Waterford is paying around $4.50 to win the Lord Mayor’s Cup at Rosehill on Saturday. Photo: Supplied Waterford is the $4.50 favourite with Neds.com.au to win the Lord Mayors Cup at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. The Chris Waller-trained Waterford is ahead of Sir Lucan, Williamsburg ($6) and Eliyass ($8) in the betting for the Lord Mayor’s Cup. Racing returns to the Rosehill after a five-week break with the $200,000 feature, which leads into a series of winter middle distance and staying races in Sydney. The 79th renewal of the Lord Mayor’s Cup won last year by recent Group 1 winner Bois D’Argent has attracted 14 entries, part of a massive 178 acceptances across the 10-race card. Waterford looms as the horse to beat after an unlucky last start second in the Scone Cup, losing to Paul Perry’s Sky Lab. Sir Lucan, trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, has eased slightly but remains second favourite and will be ridden by Winona Costin, making her return to Sydney Saturday racing. Williamsburg saddled up by Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou for jockey Zac Lloyd is at $6 ahead of the Annabel Neasham trained Sibaaq ($8) for jockey Kerrin McEvoy. Following Saturday, middle distance and staying features will include the Listed $200,000 Winter Cup over 2400m on June 15 and Listed WJ McKell Cup over 2000m on June 29, with both at Rosehill. Horse racing news View the full article

Racing Queensland is set for a major shake-up after integrity boss Shane Gillard quit his post, in the wake of a government report that put the organisation under scrutiny. Gillard was only appointed in December 2021 but Gillard told staff, via email, that Queensland Racing Integrity Commission needs a “full reset” and “refreshed leadership”. Natalie Connor, who was Gillard’s deputy had already resigned in recent weeks. QRIC has been involved in several high-profile dramas which have lead to many in the industry losing confidence in the organisation. One of the biggest has been the stripping and subsequent reinstatement of Alligator Blood’s Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas win, after it tested positive to altrenogest in a post-race swab. QRIC has also been forced onto the defence over cases against group 1 winning trainers Desleigh Forster and Chris Munce, who were both given bans, but had them overturned on appeal. QRIC was established in 2016 after a investigation into live baiting, a practice done in greyhound racing, but it has had high staff turnovers and many changes at executive level. The Queensland Government ordered the review into QRIC, with KMPG given the reins to investigate the culture and management of the commission. In less than two weeks the Stradbroke Handicap, one of the key races on the Queensland racing calendar, will be run at Eagle Farm. Horse racing news View the full article

There are four horse racing meetings set for Australia on Tuesday, June 4. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Kembla Grange. Tuesday’s Racing Tips – June 4, 2024 Kembla Grange 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 4, 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

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