Wandering Eyes

South Australian trainer Michael Hickmott. (Pat Scala/Racing Photos) He had a big win at Oakbank last Saturday, and now leading South Australian trainer Michael Hickmott is eyeing the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m). Hickmott, based at Wellington, south of Murray Bridge, will start seven-year-old gelding Lake’s Folly and six-year-old gelding Exalted Fire at Pioneer Park on Sunday. It’s the final meeting (Day 5) of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, with Hickmott aiming to win his second Cup following Lieder’s 2019 triumph. Oath Of Omerta, who was nominated for the Alice Springs Cup, saluted for Hickmott in the $107,250 Onkaparinga Cup (2150m) at Oakbank last weekend. Lake’s Folly has returned to the Red Centre for another crack at the Cup after finishing fourth behind Write Your Name last year. The son of Pierro raced during the Darwin Cup Carnival and after two poor runs, he won the Buntine Cup (2050m) before finishing fourth in the Darwin Cup (2050m) behind Write Your Name. After finishing second over 1800m (BM68) at Murray Bridge on March 9, Lake’s Folly was a last start seventh over 1600m (BM82) at Morphettville two weeks ago. Exalted Fire, the son of Valentia, starred in SA last winter, but in his last three starts at Morphettville during February and March, he was fourth over 1400m (BM82), seventh over 1400m (BM86) and eighth over 1600m (BM82). He will have the services of in-form Darwin jockey Sonja Logan, high-profile SA jockey Todd Pannell will ride Lake’s Folly. Hickmott, fresh from a winning treble at Ballarat on Wednesday, is heading to Alice Springs for the Cup and remains hopeful of success. “Really looking forward to Sunday,” Hickmott said. “Very tough race, there’s some really good horses that are in great form. “I think my runners will need to run at their best, they might find it a bit tough this year. “Lake’s Folly didn’t have much luck last year in the Cup in Alice Springs or Darwin. “He’s proven that he can handle the surface, he’s travelled well and has arrived in Alice Springs in great order. “We’re hoping for the best with Exalted Fire, his last preparation was fantastic. “First up was really good, he pulled up with a minor issue second up and his last race probably wasn’t run to suit him. “It’s fantastic to get back up to Alice, the Turf Club do a great job. “For all the other issues that are going on around Alice Springs at the moment, the Carnival is one positive thing that you can look forward to.” Hickmott, who started his training career in the Top End in 2006, won the 2007 Darwin Cup with General Market before two further wins with Activation (2009) and Canny Ballad (2016). Horse racing news View the full article

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Friday, April 5 promises an exciting day of horse racing with six meetings scheduled across Australia. Our dedicated team of racing analysts at horsebetting.com.au has curated the top bets and provided quaddie numbers specifically for the upcoming Cranbourne and Muswellbrook races. Friday Racing Tips – April 5, 2024 Cranbourne Racing Tips Muswellbrook Racing Tips For avid Australian racing fans, numerous promotions await your exploration. Be sure to peruse the offerings from top online bookmakers, as daily promotions can enhance your horse racing experience. If you’re in search of a new bookmaker to elevate your horse racing ventures on April 5, 2024, consult our comprehensive guide to the finest online racing betting sites. We’re committed to keeping you informed and enhancing your horse racing betting journey. Horse racing tips View the full article

Tapalo exits a second-place effort in the El Camino Real Derby Feb. 10. While that race was on synthetic, the Tapiture ridgling has also shown an affinity for Santa Anita Park's dirt main track ahead of the Santa Anita Derby (G1).View the full article

Led by successful journeyman rider Chris Landeros, a change of racing seasons brought some new names to Gulfstream Park for the Royal Palm Meet, which opened April 4.View the full article

Todd Pletcher has been granted a stay of his 14-day suspension by the Schenectady, New York Supreme Court for an alleged butazoline overage in the case in the horse of Capensis (Tapit). The New York Gaming Commission originally suspended Pletcher 14 days and fined him $2,000 The horse in question was the even-money favorite in the 10th race at Saratoga on July 30, 2022 and finished sixth. He is owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Robert LaPenta, Gainesway Stable, Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC and Stonestreet Stables LLC. The ruling, which was posted to the Gaming Commission's website, stated that phenylbutazone was present at a concentration in excess of 0.3 micrograms per milliliter in violation of 9 NYCRR 4043.3 (a) (26). However, said Pletcher's attorney Andrew Mollica, there was no laboratory evidence presented that the horse had tested positive. “The legal issue is predicated on the fact that there is no lab result in the evidence,” said Mollica. “The lab report reporting an overage was never put in evidence. Mr. Pletcher's position is that without the abiltiy to examine the scientific evidence, the letter of Dr. (George) Maylin's is of no probitive value.” The parties are due back in court May 31, but a temporary restraining order has enjoined the Gaming Commission from invoking the penalty. “The court found that Mr. Pletcher met all the requirements for likelihood to succeed on the merits–irreperable harm, and the balancing of the equities,” said Mollica. Mollica said that a full review of the evidence presented will show the Gaming Commission cannot meet its burgden that the horse had an overage on that day. “There was no foundational evidence presented at the hearing that the horse had an overage and we look forward to litigating the case,” said Mollica. The post Pletcher Gets Stay in Butazolidine Case appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The new program offers automatic entries and travel incentives with four American turf stakes and two group 1 stakes in Britain.View the full article

The first five horses across the line in the Golden Slipper (G1) are set to clash again in a strong renewal of the Sires' Produce Stakes (G1) April 6 at Randwick.View the full article

Three-time stakes winner No Nay Mets launches his 3-year-old campaign in the April 7 $250,000 Palisades Stakes going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf on Keeneland's opening weekend.View the full article

For a time, Wayne Lukas was as much a part of the GI Kentucky Derby as mint juleps and roses. From 1981, when he sent out his first Derby starter in Partez, to 2000, he had at least one starter in the race every year while running a total of 38 horses. Four of them–Winning Colors, Thunder Gulch, Grindstone and Charismatic won. But he hasn't had a starter since Bravazo (Awesome Again) in 2018 and hasn't had a winner since Charismatic in 1999. But the drought is over as the 88-year-old training legend has managed to accumulate enough points (65) with GI Arkansas Derby runner-up Just Steel (Justify) that the colt, barring injury, is guaranteed a spot in the Derby starting gate. “I'm really excited about being back, but I don't want to be back without a legitimate chance,” Lukas said. “I've already heard 'My Old Kentucky Home' and seen our silks out there on the track. I don't need to go through that. I am interested in trying to get a good horse there.” Just Steel was seventh, beaten 10 lengths, in the GII Rebel S. and looked to be in over his head that day facing some of the best in the division. But he ran a much-improved race in the Arkansas Derby, finishing second behind Muth (Good Magic) at odds of 32-1. It was just the type of effort Lukas was looking for from his colt. “I've been managing this horse a little bit and trying to get him really good,” he said. “He stands 17 hands and he weighs 1,300 pounds. He's a big growthy horse that I didn't want to push a lot in March and April. I wanted to have him good enough so that I could sneak in on the points. But I didn't want to push hard on him.” With Lukas yet to fully tighten the screws, he is expecting a much-improved performance come Derby Day. “I finally put a mile work into him to get him ready,” Lukas said. “He's got some quality about him. If I can use the next month to tighten on him a little bit I think he will keep the race honest. I think he will take a quantum leap forward. I could see him improving something like 10 points from the last race to this race. I expect him to jump forward quite a bit.” That Lukas is back in the Derby isn't necessarily a surprise. For the first time in a few years he has deep-pocketed clients that are spending serious money at the sales. Just Steel runs for BC Stables LLC, the stable name for the partnership of John Bellinger and Brian Coelho. “I'm very happy for those clients,” he said. “These are my new guys and they have really stepped up financially. They are our No. 1 clients. The yearlings they bought last year are outstanding. I'm more interested in getting them to the Derby than I am getting myself back there. I was really happy after the Arkansas Derby knowing we have gotten them into the Derby.” Lukas is also holding out hope that Seize the Grey (Arrogate) will earn enough points in Saturday's GI Blue Grass S. to also make it into the Derby field. Owned by MyRacehorse, he was third last time out in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks. “He's a solid horse. And he's got 600 owners, so if we can get him in will make a lot of people happy.” While Lukas will be the oldest trainer taking part in this Derby, his 25-year-old jockey, Keith Asmussen, the son of Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmusen, will be among the youngest and the least experienced. But Lukas has taken a liking to him and is using him not only on Just Steel but his GI Kentucky Oaks candidate Lemon Muffin (Collected). Asmussen started his riding career in 2020 and this will be his first mount in a Triple Crown race. “I go back a long way with his family,” Lukas said. “His grandfather and grandmother and I are very close friends. We went from South Dakota to Laredo, Texas together. We combined our stables. We've been close family friends forever. The young Keith has got such a good horse background and he is a really smart rider. He's got a master's degree, for crying out loud. He listens and he does what you want him to do. He makes very good decisions in the race. I understand experience-wise he is lacking but he's a real cool customer. He doesn't get all caught up in it. He is very solid. I will not be changing jockeys.” Just Steel won't be one of the favorites, but Lukas has won plenty of big races with horses few people gave a chance to. He's won four Derbies but never lost the desire to win a fifth. It's just taken him a while to get back there, and he plans to make the most of the opportunity. The post Lukas Relishing His Return to the Kentucky Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

America's Best Racing's Bob Ehalt handicaps the Blue Grass Stakes (G1).View the full article

The New York Racing Association announced April 4 that John Imbriale has retired as NYRA's track announcer, bringing to an end a distinguished 44-year career at NYRA.View the full article

Brian Kavanagh has said that he agrees completely with Johnny Murtagh's assertion that Ireland should not be “resting on its laurels” when it comes to prize-money while Irish Racehorse Trainers Association [IRTA] chief Ryan McElligott expressed a wish that the Curragh boss's decision to up the minimum prize fund at the track to €20,000 could stir up similar change among other racecourses. Leopardstown, Ireland's only other Group 1 Flat track, has followed the Curragh's lead in raising its basement prize-money levels to €15,000. However, leading trainers Joseph O'Brien and Ado McGuinness echoed Murtagh's point that prize-money needs to rise at every level in order to keep the higher-class horses in training in Ireland. O'Brien said, “We are very lucky in Ireland to have the prize-money levels that we have and to have a government that appreciates our industry. Going forward, we have to be sure that the owners in Ireland–as they do now–want to continue to race their high-class horses in Ireland. “The fundamental thing, when encouraging people to breed and race in Ireland, is to have attractive levels of prize-money. At the moment, we are very lucky to have good prize-money but it could be better, and it is something that everyone has to be very conscious of going forward.” He added, “We need to encourage owners to race horses in Ireland for their two- and three-year-old careers at a minimum. As the horses get older, they can compete on the international stage. The best way to encourage that is by increasing the prize-money levels across the board domestically. There are good incentives, like the Ballyhane Stakes for example, and there are other target races out there, but we need more of them. We need valuable races to encourage people to keep their Listed/Group 3 horses here and racing for longer. It is prize-money that drives investment in the industry which trickles all the way back down to trainers, jockeys, work riders, farriers and everyone else who is employed within the industry.” When announcing that no race at the Curragh would be contested for less than €20,000 this season, former Horse Racing Ireland chief executive Kavanagh referenced how the money generated from World Pool helped drive extra income which was then regenerated into prize-money at the track. It is speculated that the gross revenue generated from World Pool is €500,000 per fixture. That figure is split roughly 70-30 between the racecourse in question and the Tote. Joseph O'Brien: says he was forced to trade a lot of his Classic prospects | Tattersalls Kavanagh commented, “We would put a priority on prize-money and would like to do more going forward. This year, we've grown our prize-money from €14.2m to €15.3m for the year. We've upped a couple of the Group 1 races as well-the Tattersalls Gold Cup goes up from €450,000 to €500,000 and the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes will go for €300,000 to €350,000. But across the board, we have tried to increase the prize-money. We try to ensure a sponsor for every race–that's our objective here–and that helps. “Also, we are putting some of our own resources here at the Curragh into driving prize-money forward. That has been well received but it's only a step in the right direction. We'd like to do more in the coming years on that front. The good thing about raising prize-money, it creates momentum. So, when we raise the minimum value of races, it has a knock-on effect on the next level and the next level after that.” When asked if the extra income generated by World Pool was the main contributing factor to raising the minimum prize-money levels, Kavanagh responded, “It's a help. We generate media rights through a number of different sources and the World Pool has emerged in the past couple of years as a source. That is one of the areas where we draw our revenue from and that's how our media rights revenue has grown. Look, it's very simple from the Curragh's point of view, we see ourselves as the industry's racecourse. If we make money, it goes to either promoting events here, developing our facilities or driving prize-money. We will always want to offer competitive prize-money and we need to take an international view towards prize-money. If you look at other jurisdictions, we need to ensure our prize-money is competitive in comparison.” The latest media rights deal for Irish racing is rumored to be worth roughly €250m over a five-year-period with around 80 per cent of the money said to be going directly to the racecourses. Only a handful of Irish racecourses have the luxury of being selected for World Pool races with Kavanagh outlining a hope that the number of races added to the international schedule can grow in future. “That's the objective,” he said. “That is dependent on legislation in Hong Kong in particular. They have had restrictions on the number of World Pool days that they can offer. Those restrictions have loosened slightly. Last year for example, we had the Irish Derby card, but this year we have added two races-the Irish 1,000 Guineas and the Tattersalls Gold Cup-to the World Pool, so that is very welcome. “We will always work with the Hong Kong authorities and the UK Tote Group to drive that further but it is contingent on quality international racing and strong field sizes as well.” While the raising of the minimum prize levels at the Curragh and Leopardstown was welcomed by IRTA members, it doesn't get away from the fact that many premier handicaps, listed and Group 3 races continue to be run for the same money-and in some cases less money-than over a decade previously. The Group 3 Park Express S. is a good example of that. Run for a total purse of €100,000 in 2007, the Aidan O'Brien-trained Brilliant (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) took home just €41,100.00 for winning the prize at Irish racing's HQ on the opening day of the season. The total prize on offer was €68,500. IRTA boss Ryan McElligott | Tattersalls Ireland McElligott said, “Prize-money is unquestionably a pressing concern for trainers throughout the country. There exists a substantial level of concern that prize-money levels have dropped off from the levels they were at in the first decade of this century. Admittedly, the fixture list has grown, and obviously more fixtures means that the slices of the cake gets smaller. As a major racing jurisdiction, we have to be able to present a prize-money schedule that is attractive to international owners and incentivises people to keep horses in training in Ireland. That is vital.” He added, “The Curragh have taken the decision to put a minimum value on every race run at the track this season, which is commendable, and I would hope that this could lead to similar movement up and down the country.” McGuinness, one of the most upwardly mobile trainers in the country, was responsible for five of the 23 Irish-trained runners at Lingfield, Newcastle and Chelmsford on Good Friday. The second most successful trainer at Dundalk behind O'Brien throughout the past five years, McGuinness pointed to a lack of valuable end-of-season targets on home shores on the all-weather for the horses he travelled to Britain last week. He explained, “I won three races at the end-of-season fixture at Dundalk and I got €27,000 for the three races in total prize-money. I sent out Star Harbour (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) to finish fourth at Newcastle last week and he earned €14,000. I just feel that something has to be done.” McGuinness added, “I have to clap the Curragh on the back for raising their minimum prize-money levels. Fair play to them. Maybe other tracks will take note and do the same. But, the prize-money for the listed and Group 3 races in Ireland remains too low compared to England and abroad. “Not only that, but I won the Joe McGrath Handicap at the Curragh in 2009 with Toufan Express (GB) (Fraam {GB}). He picked up €34,503 for that success. Laugh A Minute (GB) (Mayson {GB}) won the same race last year and picked up only €26,550. How does that make sense?” O'Brien concluded that, in its current format, the domestic prize-money on offer is not enough to sustain a training operation as big as his Owning Hill. He explained, “Ultimately, we are traders. It's obvious when you look at our top two-year-olds from last year and where they are in training now. A lot of them have been traded on to Hong Kong and America. “Sadly, that means we won't be as well-represented as we could have been in the Classics this season because those horses are now racing abroad. That is the bottom line. We understand that and we do what's right for our owners. A lot of that time, that means we have to trade. Sometimes that means we race them on. But the fact of the matter is, people have to trade the way things are with prize-money at the moment.” The post Kavanagh: ‘I Agree With Johnny – We Can’t Rest On Our Laurels With Prize-Money’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-KEE, $100K, MSW, 3yo, f, 7f, 2:36 p.m. BELLS BEACH (Curlin) went the way of Jeffrey Drown for $675,000 as a yearling at the Fasig-Tipton New York Saratoga Select Sale in 2022 and debuts Friday on Keeneland's opening day for trainer Chad Brown. Dam Luminance, a Grade I-placed and track record setting daughter of Tale of the Cat, twice passed through the auction ring for seven figures–most recently selling to Juddmonte Farms in foal to Gun Runner on a final bid of $1.25m at FTKNOV in 2022. Luminance is a half to SW Smart As Me (Malibu Moon) and MGSP Stellar Sound (Tapit). Third dam, MGISW Versailles Treaty, is responsible for GI Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf winner George Vancouver (Henrythenavigator) along with SW/GISP Saarland (Unbridled). Bells Beach will be only the second foal to race for her dam who saw more commercial success in the ring last year with her yearling Tapit filly RNA'ing for $700,000 at Keeneland. TJCIS PPS 7th-KEE, $110K, OC, 3yo, f, 6 1/2f, 4:12 p.m. Dubbed a 'TDN Rising Star' with a gate-to-wire win on debut, Amor Fati (Liam's Map) returns to the races for the first time since her 5 1/2-furlong Gulfstream romp Feb. 11. Trained for her first start by Brittany Russell, the Gold Square-owned filly now runs out of the Jose D'Angelo barn as she tries winners for the time Friday. Luis Saez retains the mount. TJCIS PPS 10th-KEE, $100K, MSW, 3yo, f, 1 3/16mT, 5:48 p.m. Guinevere (Justify), a $925,000 KEESEP grad, will switch surfaces off a third-place performance as the beaten favorite at first asking over the Turfway Tapeta Feb. 21. Racing for Wesley Ward for the partnership of MyRacehorse, Gainesway Stable and R.T. Racing Stable, she enters off a pair of bullet drills over the local surface (five furlongs in :58 3/5 {1/21} on Mar. 15 and five furlongs again in :59 4/5 {1/20} Mar. 29). TJCIS PPS The post Friday Insights: Fillies To The Fore On Keeneland Opening Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kentucky Senator Henry Clay might be considered one of the premier American politicians pre-Lincoln, but what is not up for debate was his fervent commitment to breeding equine athletes and attending the races. You cannot actually visit his home–Ashland–because the structure that stands on the Clay Estate just south of downtown Lexington is not original to “The Great Compromiser” and his time. However, interpretations of Clay-related objects enliven the tour. Ashland in name was imported as a stakes race when Keeneland opened in 1936. Some familiar female runners who graced the winner's circle at the old Keene Farm include Myrtlewood, Bewitch and Doubledogdare, and more recent fillies like Inside Information, Take Charge Lady and a personal favorite of mine, Bushfire. As Keeneland kicks off racing on Friday, the GI Central Bank Ashland S. boasts a showdown with 3-year-old fillies looking to deposit 100 points into their Kentucky Oaks account. For starters, the top three finishers from the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies are present, including winner Just F Y I (Justify). The champion 2-year-old filly almost made the races this spring to kick start her 2024, but trainer Bill Mott was forced to wait until Keeneland. Also Ashland bound is Jody's Pride (American Pharoah), who was second to Just F Y I at Santa Anita, and last month won the Busher S. at Aqueduct. She will be joined by the third-place finisher from the Juvenile Fillies, Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}), who also has not made a start this year for trainer Todd Pletcher. The filly returns to the site of her win in the GI Alcibiades S. last fall. Impel | Coady Photography In an effort to put her own stamp on an Oaks run, 'TDN Rising Star' Impel (Quality Road) will look to keep her record unblemished. Under Brad Cox's tutelage, the Juddmonte homebred broke her maiden at Fair Grounds Jan. 1 and then posted an 8 1/2-length score and a 91-Beyer against optional claimers at Oaklawn Mar. 3. Finally, Candied's stablemate Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief) justifiably earned her 'TDN Rising Star' when she broke her maiden by 9 1/4 lengths at Aqueduct last fall before returning to finish third in the GII Davona Dale S. at Gulfstream Park Mar. 2. Halina's Forte (Mitole) will seek to raise her game for Rigney Racing, as she attempts to capitalize on her first black-type win in the Ruthless S. at the 'Big A' Feb. 17. Keeneland's Friday slate includes the GIII Transylvania S., which draws 12, plus a pair of also-eligibles. The field for the 3-year-old turf route includes Musical Act (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), the first of several overseas arrivals in Kentucky for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby. With a packed stakes schedule, plus everything from the baby races to lower daily double takeout, these are just some of the storylines on tap at Keeneland. As for past April meet leaders, Jockey Tyler Gaffalione recorded 21 victories to secure his second consecutive spring meet riding title in 2023, while last year conditioner Wesley Ward earned his sixth consecutive training honor and ninth total. The post Keeneland Features Ashland Showdown As Spring Meet Opens Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Track announcer John Imbriale has announced that he will retire following a 44-year career with the New York Racing Association. Imbriale's tenure with NYRA dates to 1979 when he won a New York Daily News contest, giving him the opportunity to call a race and work with the NYRA press office. In 1990, the Queens, New York native became Tom Durkin's backup and along the way, took on other responsibilities at NYRA by working with Harvey Pack on the Inside Racing program, and in a variety of roles within NYRA TV. “When I think about all the things that I was fortunate to do at NYRA, the best part was being able to work with a lot of talented, wonderful people, from Harvey Pack and Charlsie Cantey to Tom Durkin and all the behind-the-scenes people in NYRA TV, simulcasting and the press office,” said Imbriale. In January of 2020, Imbriale took over as NYRA's full-time track announcer, joining former New York race callers that include Durkin, Marshall Cassidy, Dave Johnson, Chic Anderson and Fred “Cappy” Capossela. He said, “When I walked into the booth at Saratoga for the first time after taking over as the full-time announcer in 2020, I literally got goose bumps thinking of those who had gone before me, greats like Fred Capossela, Marshall Cassidy, Chic Anderson, Dave Johnson and Tom. I got to do just about everything I wanted to do at NYRA. That's how fortunate I was. I really feel that way.” In 2023, Imbriale transitioned from full time to seasonal duties as the primary announcer at Belmont Park and the Belmont at the Big A fall meet. Imbriale handed the Saratoga baton to Frank Mirahmadi, who called his first Saratoga meet in 2023 and will return in 2024. Chris Griffin, who joined NYRA in 2023 and served as the track announcer for the winter and spring meets at Aqueduct, will expand his role and handle all race calling duties at Aqueduct. “John's contributions went beyond an unwavering accuracy in calling the races,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O'Rourke. “He conveyed excitement whether it was a Grade 1 at Saratoga or a mid-week claimer, and in doing so, helped fans learn about and better appreciate thoroughbred racing. John is also one of the true gentlemen of racing and a role model and mentor to a generation of NYRA staff.” The post NYRA Announcer John Imbriale Announces Retirement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bidding on the 109 entries in the Fasig-Tipton April Digital Sale is now open and will close Apr. 9, beginning at 2 p.m. ET. The sale includes the final phase of the Lothenbach dispersal and phase two of the Ruis dispersal. The catalogue features 69 horses of racing age, a graded stakes winner off the track, multiple stakes performers, and breeding stock with current updates. These include the broodmare Star of Shanghai (Shanghai Bobby) (hip 23), a half-sister to 'TDN Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution), who debuted with a 13-length victory at Gulfstream Park last Saturday. Two-year olds and yearlings are also on offer. Both the Lothenbach and Ruis entries are consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency and will be sold without reserve. The Lothenbach offerings are horses of racing age, while the Ruis entries consist of horses of racing age, racing/broodmare prospects and yearlings. To view the entire catalogue, visit digital.fasigtipton.com. The post Bidding Opens on Fasig-Tipton April Digital Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Juddmonte's Idiomatic, the reigning champion older dirt female, and Godolphin's Pretty Mischievous, who earned the 2023 Eclipse Award for champion 3-year-old filly, are at this early stage on course to collide in the May 3 La Troienne Stakes (G1).View the full article

DraftKings and NYRA announced an agreement establishing DraftKings as an official betting partner of both Saratoga Race Course and the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival as well as the presenting sponsor of the 155th running of the Travers Stakes (G1).View the full article

The new program offers automatic entries and travel incentives with four American turf stakes and two group 1 stakes in Great Britain.View the full article

A celebration of life memorial for Phil Oliver will be held at Thoroughbred Club of America in Lexington Apr. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m. The trainer passed away in February. He is survived by his wife Victoria Oliver, brother Chris Oliver, sister Toni Blinkhorn, and his mother Alison Oliver. The post Celebration of Life For Phil Oliver April 8 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Friday's Observations features a relative of star Group 1 filly Minding (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). 19.30 Dundalk, Mdn, €13,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 10f 150y (AWT) MOTHER NATURE (IRE) (Justify) is an eyecatcher as the first foal out of the maiden winner Heaven On Earth (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who is in turn a full-sister to Ballydoyle's luminaries Minding (Ire), Tuesday (Ire) and Empress Josephine (Ire). Aidan O'Brien pitches the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas entry into the maiden he won last year with Justify's Red Riding Hood (Ire) and she meets Moyglare Stud's intriguing newcomer Step To Somewhere (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), a Dermot Weld-trained 280,000gns Book 1 purchase who is a granddaughter of the dual Group 2 winner Best Terms (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). The post Relative Of Minding Starts At Dundalk appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Jockey Club and 1/ST Racing have partnered to increase international participation in several of their respective turf races, the two companies announced on Thursday. The aim of the partnership is to create links between historic races in the UK and high-profile U.S. turf races over two different distances. The winner of the May 4 $200,000 GII Charles Whittingham S. at Santa Anita will gain an automatic berth and travel incentive to run in the £750,000 G1 Coral-Eclipse over the same 10-furlong distance at Sandown Park on July 6. Whichever horse wins the Eclipse, will receive an automatic entry and a travel incentive to run in the $750,000 GII California Crown John Henry Turf at Santa Anita on Sept. 28. Turf Sprinters are also catered to in the new partnership, with the May 18 $100,000 Listed Jim McKay S. at Pimlico over five furlongs receiving a berth and travel money in the £600,000 G1 My Pension Expert July Cup over six furlongs at Newmarket on July 6. The July Cup winner will receive an automatic entry in the $750,000 GII California Crown Eddie D Turf Sprint over 6 1/2 furlongs at Santa Anita, the same day as the John Henry Turf. Aidan Butler, President of 1/ST, said, “A special thank you to our friends at The Jockey Club on launching this innovative partnership. We look forward to welcoming in competitors to the inaugural California Crown at Santa Anita Park this autumn. “This partnership with The Jockey Club is part of our wider global strategy for improving international interest and top-class participation in the world's biggest races–as evidenced by a similar alliance we have with Royal Ascot, via our Royal Palm juvenile series at Gulfstream Park, which delivered Crimson Advocate (Nyquist), the winner of the prestigious [G2] Queen Mary S., in its inaugural year.” Matt Woolston, The Jockey Club's assistant racing and international director, added, “We are delighted to announce this great new initiative today and I would like to thank everyone at 1/ST for helping to make it happen. “By pairing two of the UK's most famous and prestigious Group 1 contests in the summer with a quartet of valuable North American turf contests in the spring and autumn, we feel we have the perfect race schedule for transatlantic runners. “In addition, British and other European trainers now have the chance of an incentivised trip to North America in the autumn for races at Santa Anita's exciting new California Crown meeting. “We feel we have highlighted a race schedule that incentivises runners to travel across the Atlantic.” The post The Jockey Club And 1/ST Racing Partner To Enhance International Turf Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sixty-five lots have been catalogued for the next Tattersalls Online sale, which takes place on April 9 and 10 and includes the recent all-weather winner Sea Ice (Ire) (lot 27). The three-year-old daughter of Too Darn Hot (GB) is consigned by John and Thady Gosden's Clarehaven Stables having opened her account at the fifth attempt when successful in a maiden at Chelmsford last month. The five-year-old Julia Augusta (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) (lot 15) is another to note as a two-time winner for Roger Varian's Carlburg Stables. She is out of a half-sister to the dam of the Grade III winner Abby Hatcher (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and hails from the family of the G1 Prince Of Wales's S. and G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. winner Poet's Word (Ire). The National Hunt offering includes the five-year-old Kalinqa (Fr) (Galiway {GB}) (lot 16), who won twice on the Flat before finishing an encouraging third on her first start over hurdles at Auteuil last month. She is consigned by Pau-based trainer Julian Resimont, while a complete dispersal from Whitewall Stables comprises five lots, including Ballywood (Fr) (Ballingarry {Ire}) (lot 5), runner-up in the G2 Lightning Novices' Chase at Doncaster in January 2019. Thirteen yearlings will also be offered for sale when bidding opens at noon on Tuesday, April 9. The full catalogue can be viewed here. The post Sea Ice to be Sold at Tattersalls Online April Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DraftKings Inc. and the New York Racing Association, Inc. have made an agreement to establish the digital sports and gaming company as an official betting partner of both Saratoga Race Course and the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, as well as the presenting sponsor of the GI Travers S., the track said in Thursday release. Under the sponsorship, DraftKings's advance deposit wagering offering–DK Horse–will play a prominent role throughout the festival. Along with the DraftKings Travers, NYRA's new partner will also become the presenting sponsor for the GI DK Horse Acorn S. Launched in 2023, DK Horse is a standalone app currently available in 20 states and allows eligible customers access to pari-mutuel wagering. “Bringing DraftKings and DK Horse back to Saratoga for a second consecutive year is a tremendous honor,” said Christopher Cipolla, General Manager, Horse Racing, DraftKings. “Having our branding present throughout the summer at one of the most beautiful and well attended race tracks in all of the world and being named the presenting sponsor of this year's Travers and Acorn further cements our commitment to the sport of horse racing.” The DraftKings and DK Horse brands will be displayed throughout the Saratoga property beginning in June, with a variety of on-site activations reminding fans of the broad availability of DraftKings products. “DraftKings is a premier brand within the rapidly growing sports wagering marketplace, and this arrangement will help to introduce world class racing to a wider audience of fans and bettors, “said Tony Allevato, NYRA Chief Revenue Officer. “This will be a tremendously exciting year at Saratoga Race Course, and we thank DraftKings for supporting New York horse racing.” The post NYRA And Draftkings Form Betting And Sponsorship Agreement, Includes Travers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article