Wandering Eyes

Group 1 VRC Oaks winner Zardozi. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) In anticipation of Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick, the connections of the formidable filly Zardozi remain unfazed by the prospect of a quick turnaround. According to Darren Beadman, assistant to trainer James Cummings, “It was always in the back of James’ mind to have her in this race. “She does back up very quickly, she does like soft ground and she does run well over a trip. “She did win the Oaks over 2500 (metres) and was in a league of her own against the fillies. She is bucking her brand off.” Zardozi, a three-year-old under the Godolphin banner, showcased her resilience by winning the Group 2 Edward Manifold Stakes (1600m) merely six days after an unplaced run over 1400m at Sandown. Similarly, her impressive triumph in the Group 1 VRC Oaks (2500m) last spring followed a narrow defeat in the Group 2 Wakeful Stakes (2000m) just five days prior. Reflecting on Zardozi’s recent performance in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill, where she finished third behind Orchestral and Tutta La Vita, Beadman commented on the tactics employed by Nash Rawiller, who urged Tutta La Vita to take the lead earlier in the race. “They really stretched it out when Nash took off on Tutta La Vita,” Beadman observed. “Orchestral is obviously a very good filly and she had the mile-and-a-half run under her belt as well, so she was probably just a little more forward in her prep than our filly.” 2024 Australian Derby Final Field 1. Riff Rocket (10) T: Chris Waller J: James McDonald W: 56.5kg F: 131×1 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: American Pharoah (USA) Dam: Missile Coda +240 -200 2. Tom Kitten (3) T: James Cummings J: Adam Hyeronimus W: 56.5kg F: 6456x Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Harry Angel (IRE) Dam: Transfers +700 +135 3. Ceolwulf (5) T: Joseph Pride J: Blake Shinn W: 56.5kg F: 266×6 Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Colt Sire: Tavistock (NZ) Dam: Las Brisas (GB) +850 +160 4. Cap Ferrat (7) T: Chris Waller J: Nash Rawiller W: 56.5kg F: 376×2 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Snitzel Dam: C’est Beau La Vie +1800 +300 5. Ganbare (1) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Tim Clark W: 56.5kg F: 497×3 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Maurice (JPN) Dam: Mardi +2000 +340 6. Immediacy (13) T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young J: Luke Currie W: 56.5kg F: 5111 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Tarzino (NZ) Dam: But Beautiful (IRE) +1400 +250 7. Wymark (14) T: Michael Freedman J: Tommy Berry W: 56.5kg F: 11112 Age: 3YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Savabeel Dam: Pasadena (NZ) +750 +140 8. Noisy Boy (8) T: Todd Howlett J: Jay Ford W: 56.5kg F: 256×0 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Real Steel (JPN) Dam: Northern Model +4000 +650 9. Glad You Think So (4) T: John Sargent J: Rachel King W: 56.5kg F: 7603x Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: So You Think (NZ) Dam: Gladwell +8000 +1300 10. Adagio (11) T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott J: Regan Bayliss W: 56.5kg F: 14212 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Pierro Dam: Abatha +12500 +2000 11. Zenmaster (9) T: Craig Carmody J: Chad Schofield W: 56.5kg F: 26489 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: American Pharoah (USA) Dam: Zenalicious +15000 +2500 12. Hooligan Tommy (12) T: John Sargent J: Jason Collett W: 56.5kg F: 332×5 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Ocean Park (NZ) Dam: Contrada (NZ) +10000 +1600 13. Saxon Brave (6) T: Daki Chujo J: Joshua Parr W: 56.5kg F: 132×4 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Saxon Warrior (JPN) Dam: Manrose Hattan +30000 +6000 14. Zardozi (2) T: James Cummings J: Jamie Kah W: 54.5kg F: 310×1 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Filly Sire: Kingman (GB) Dam: Chanderi (GB) +180 -250 Horse racing news View the full article

Fallen jockey Stefano Cherchi. The horse racing world is grieving the loss of jockey Stefano Cherchi, who passed away due to injuries from a three-horse fall during a race in Canberra on March 20, 2024. The young 23-year-old Italian rider, known for his talent and popularity, suffered head trauma in the accident and was taken to the intensive care unit at Canberra Hospital. Despite efforts to save him, Cherchi sadly lost his life, leaving a sense of sorrow in the racing community. Fortunately, Shaun Guymer and Jeff Penza, the other two jockeys involved in the incident, sustained minor injuries. “The tragic passing of Stefano Cherchi at such a young age is extremely sad and words cant describe the deep sorrow our industry is feeling today. Stefano was extremely popular amongst his peers, and it will be hard for them to come to terms with his tragic passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends and as part of the racing family, we will do everything we can to support them in their immense grief,” said Mr Peter V’landys AM, Racing NSW’s Chief Executive. Cherchis journey in horse racing began when he moved to England as a teenager. His professional career kicked off in August 2018 with Casina Di Notte, as he quickly gained recognition and respect by securing 106 victories in the UK. A large part of Cherchi’s accomplishments were achieved while training with Marco Botti, a Newmarket-based trainer. Together, they secured 38 victories, showcasing Cherchi’s skills and dedication. In 2021, Cherchi experienced his best season in the UK, claiming 35 wins out of 283 rides. His hard work resulted in £266,278 in prize money, demonstrating his talent. In 2024, Cherchi made the move to Australia in search of opportunities and settled at Warwick Farm. He mainly worked alongside the Annabel Neasham stable, proving his flexibility and ability to adapt. Cherchi’s successes in Australia included wins riding Invasive under Neasham’s training at Orange and a surprising victory with Flying Bat under Robert Quinn’s guidance at Gosford despite odds of $61 with the leading racing bookies. Watch Stefano Cherchi Win On Flying Bat At Gosford The racing community mourns the loss of Cherchi. Confidential counselling services are available to racing industry participants in need of support at this time by contacting Racing NSW. Details about the arrangements will be shared once they are confirmed, allowing the racing world to honour a beloved jockey whose life ended tragically soon. Horse racing news View the full article

Top-tier bookmakers have rolled out an enticing lineup of racing specials slated for Thursday, April 4. Standouts on the list include a slew of lucrative bonus-back incentives, elevating the thrill of the trackside action. Dive into these offers from top horse racing betting sites to maximise your wagering prospects. The top Australian racing promotions for April 4, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Pakenham – 25% Boosted Winnings Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Cash Bet. Max Bonus $250. T&Cs Apply. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has conducted a thorough evaluation of Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers, unveiling exclusive bonus promotions and specials tailored specifically for Thursday, April 4, 2024. These horse racing promotions stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker is not currently offering a promotion, you can be confident that another is capitalising on promotional offers. Your go-to destination for the most rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses each day is HorseBetting.com.au. Take advantage of bookie bonuses and the best horse racing odds available for every race to increase the value of your betting endeavours. It’s important to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers are exclusively crafted for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, simply log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to optimise their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Young rider Stefano Cherchi has died two weeks after suffering serious injuries in a fall at Canberra. He was 23.View the full article

A colt by Street Boss (hip 28), one of six to share the furlong bullet of :10 1/5 during the under-tack preview show Monday, topped the Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale when bringing a final bid of $265,000 from Tracy Williams Wednesday at Lone Star Park. The Texas-bred juvenile, the first foal out of Gemmizell (Gemologist), was consigned by Pike Racing at Highlander. “To be honest, when we came here, we thought he would be one of the better ones,” said consignor Al Pike. “You never know if you're going to top the sale or not, but we thought he would be one of the better horses because he's shown that he was a pretty special horse at the farm.” Of the colt's final price, Pike admitted, “I wasn't expecting that kind of price. At any market, when you bring a horse who looks like he's the real deal, they usually bring some money. So I was very pleased that he showed up and did his job. And there were some very good judges of horseflesh here and they appreciated what we brought.” The dark bay colt was purchased for $72,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton July Sale. “[Trainer] Scottie Gelner picked him out as a yearling and he did a great job of picking him out,” Pike said. Pike Racing, which was bringing its first group of horses to sale from its new base at Highlander Training Center, sent eight horses through the ring Wednesday. The consignment was represented by four of the six horses to work the bullet furlong Monday. “This is our first year partnering with Highlander Training Center,” Pike said. “The facility has been good to us and, by the breeze show, you can tell they came from a good place. We broke all of these horses there and they came in here and did a good job. I'm very proud of our team at Highlander and all of the people involved there.” Pike continued, “I am from Texas and we try to bring a nice group here every year because this is home. We try to bring horses who fit this market and we think we did a pretty good job. These are all client horses, but luckily they sent us some nice horses and they performed well. And for the most part, they sold pretty well.” Hip 28 was one of three at the one-session auction to bring six figures Wednesday. Whispering Oaks Farm, Coteau Grove Farms, Jackpot Farm and Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodt teamed up to purchase a filly by Vino Rosso (hip 26) for $170,000 from AsmussenEquine.com and the same partnership returned later in the session to acquire a filly by Cinco Charlie (hip 49) for $100,000 from Asmussen Horse Center. From a catalogue of 130 horses, 64 horses sold for a total of $2,199,500. The average was $34,367 and the median was $24,500. With 49 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 43.4%. At last year's Texas sale, 107 head sold for $3,470,500. The average was $32,435 and the median was $17,500. The buy-back rate was 35.9%. “It's like everything else, it is kind of hit or miss,” Pike said of the market at Lone Star Park Wednesday. “There were some new people here–there was some money for good horses. We were fielding calls from as far away as Kentucky and California on horses and they were watching their breezes. When you've got a good horse, it's hard to keep it a secret.” The post Street Boss Colt Tops Texas Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

At Keeneland, they take the safety of the horses and the jockeys very seriously, the reason why Dr. Stuart Brown was brought on board in 2020. As Keeneland's Vice President of Equine Safety, it is Brown's job to do whatever is necessary to protect the sport's competitors. Brown was this week's Green Group Guest of the Week on the TDN Writers' Room Podcast Presented by Keeneland and he gave our team a tutorial on all Keeneland is doing to promote safety. The effort includes the usage of StrideSAFE, which uses sensors to analyze the gait of horses and can find early signs of problems that can be avoided and should keep a horse off the racetrack while it recovers. At the upcoming Keeneland spring meet, all starters will be wearing the StrideSAFE sensors. “They're all wearing it when they race,” Brown said. “So, currently, the application is for every runner that competes at our meet will be carrying one of those sensors in the saddle towel. The idea is to use the technology and then to provide the information that can be used as the tool that then can kind of give direct feedback to the to the trainers and their veterinarians. The wearable technologies hold a lot of promise for us.” When asked about synthetic surfaces, Brown said the goal for Keeneland is to make their main dirt track as safe as any synthetic track. He also discussed efforts to keep jockeys healthy, both mentally and physically. “The University of Kentucky in conjunction with the UK health care professionals come here and help us on race day and then take metrics,” he said. “We're able to look at our riders and see from race one to race 11 how those riders are doing. And we've had really good engagement with the rider colony here about participating in those activities. They look at balance and reaction time and all those aspects sort of translate into safety. It's been really interesting to kind of look at the feedback that they've been able to get back from the riders and the types of things they are looking for.” In our breeding spotlight section, we took a look at the Coolmore stallion Echo Town and the WinStar stallion Constitution. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, Coolmore, 1/ST Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds, WinStar, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and XBTV.com, the team of Randy Moss, Bill Finley and Zoe Cadman took a look back at the major races run last weekend, including the tour-de-force and redeeming victory turned in by Fierceness (City of Light) in the GI Curlin Florida Derby. They also looked ahead to the major races set to be run this weekend. Moss loves Impel (Quality Road) in the GI Ashland S. and Cadman loves Just F Y I (Justify) in the same race. That led to a friendly wager between the two. For the podcast video, click here. For the audio version, click here. The post Keeneland’s Dr. Stuart Brown Joins ‘TDN Writers’ Room’ Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner With two evenly matched horses, Tyler Dewe thinks race patterns could split his pairing of Jordy and South Seas Rock at Ascot Park today. The two pacers are set to start the first and second favourites for race 9, the meeting’s feature pace. Moving from standing start racing looks like a big advantage for Jordy who has missed away in several recent standing starts. After staging big recoveries in those recent runs in tougher fields, the ex-Canterbury pacer looks right up to winning today’s 2200m event. “The mobile should be a big help for both horses, but definitely for Jordy,” Dewe said. “Jordy has been flying lately, but he is his own worst enemy at times.” “He can miss away and sometimes he doesn’t fully concentrate on the job, but he has still been running great races.” “I thought his last run at Wyndham was a little bit plain but his work this week has been super and I am expecting him to run a very good race.” South Seas Rock was a dominant winner of his last start, as well as his last trial outing, at Ascot Park. Dewe has high hopes the pacer can show that kind of form he displayed at the Invercargill Cup meeting in January, when he returns to Ascot Park today. “He wasn’t quite ready a couple of starts ago, so I took him back to the trials and he trialled super,” the trainer said. “Last start, he got back but he was hitting the line as good as anything at Wyndham last weekend.” “He has worked super this week and I think he is back to where he was won on Invercargill Cup Day.” Though his horses are closely matched, Dewe thinks today’s race could play out in South Seas Rock’s favour. “I think the way this race might pan out, it should map for South Seas Rock.” “He has got gate speed and he can run time in front.” “He loves the track, he gets around it like a greyhound and he could run somewhere between 2.40-2.42 (for 2200m) and he will get home in about 56sec (last 800m).” “That should make it hard for horses at the back.” “And that is probably going to make it hard for Jordy.” “They are both really well and there isn’t much between them, it just looks like it could pan out for South Seas Rock.” Sarah O’Reilly takes the reins behind Jordy today while Hayden Chief Stipelas will be out to secure his first win in the sulky with South Seas Rock. That is if the reinsman doesn’t win with one of his three earlier drives at today’s meeting. Racing journalist Jonny Turner has had his eye on five horses who look well placed at Thursday’s Ascot Park meeting which will kick off a big month of harness racing in Southland. Haley Jaccka : A sharp 27.1sec final 400m split in her latest trial appearance at Ascot Park showed Haley Jaccka has the speed to make the most of her sweet draw in her debut on Thursday. The three-year-old has impressed in her recent trials, having finished in the first two in her last three appearances. Haley Jaccka clashes with Artmore who looks the early leader in the race and if she can handle her first mobile experience well, she could slot into a perfect spot behind the mare drawn beside her in barrier 3. Regardless of exactly where she finishes up, Haley Jaccka looks to have the game to make a big impact in her debut. Ward Lamon : After copping barriers 6, 13, 9 and 10, the number 2 draw looks a major luxury for this progressive three-year-old on Thursday. Ward Lamon has last been seen charging home out wide, firstly winning and then running second, in his last two starts at Wyndham. The pacer gets the relative luxury of stepping up into a one-win race, rather than straight into ratings company where he would have had to take on much more hardy types. Expect trainer-driver Kirk Larsen to have Ward Lamon schooled well enough to make use of barrier 2 and take plenty of catching. Louies Girl : This classy three-year-old clearly isn’t the best betting proposition of the Thursday given she is likely to start at red-hot odds. But most importantly, Louies Girl will be out to qualify for the Southern Oaks with another strong heat performance. With the speed she showed in her fresh-up win at Wyndham, the three-year-old should take a power of beating in what could be her last race before the Group Two final of the series. While some of her main rivals have taken different paths into the race, trainer Craig Ferguson has chosen a late qualifying run with his classy filly. Come final time, there may be queries on where those rivals are at but it should prove that Louies Girl will be on a one-way, upward trajectory when Diamonds Day arrives. Lorton Vale : At stages of his career, Lorton Vale hasn’t exactly looked the type worthy of much media attention. But the pacer has charged home from the rear in his last two starts after drawing barrier 8 on each occasion. Slotting into barrier 3 on Thursday looks a key factor for the pacer, as does slotting into a winnable race and field. Though far from any kind of racecourse certainty, Lorton Vale looks to get his winning shot this week. Jordy : Jordy drops significantly in grade on Thursday after roughing it with classy types in recent Country Cup races. Switching to a mobile event is a huge advantage for the pacer who has been making errors and then running big races recently. Somewhat ironically, Jordy stepped away in his last start and didn’t run as well as he did in some of his prior efforts. But I am willing to overlook that effort on a testing Wyndham track. With some gear changes and the big drop back in grade he faces on Thursday, I am expecting to see the real Jordy. View the full article

Paddy Campion has joined Paramount Sales, the operation announced Wednesday. Campion, who grew up on Dundrum Farm near Midway, Kentucky, graduated with a dual degree in Accounting and Spanish from the University of Kentucky in 2020. After University, Campion completed the Irish National Stud course in Co. Kildare, Ireland. Campion said, “Since graduation, I've held a role where I was able to use my Spanish in a business setting and also had the opportunity to get some skin in the game doing a couple of pinhooks and having a small consignment of my own. So when this opportunity arose. I was thrilled to build on these experiences and go full time into the business.” Paramount's Pat Costello added, “I've known Paddy all his life and have seen his passion for our business grow greatly over the last while. I believe he will be a great fit for our company.” The post Paddy Campion Joins Paramount Sales appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Visiting Italian jockey Stefano Cherchi has died from injuries suffered in a Canberra race fall late last month. View the full article

John Stewart of Resolute Racing is ready to go for his first Keeneland spring meet as an owner. He brings a trio of top graded stakes horses, sponsors two races, and is dreaming of a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1) as the prestigious meet begins.View the full article

The 22nd season opener at Horseshoe Indianapolis will begin with a noon first post time Monday, but the racing action will pause at 2:30 p.m. with the Shelbyville racetrack positioned right on the line of totality of the solar eclipse. Patrons will be treated to local entertainment from Lindsey Flannery, Kitt Hammond, Nick Fischer, and Garry Lauziere and The Endless Summer Band. Giveaways include chairs, T-shirts, racing calendars, and viewing glasses, while supplies last, while equine artist Sally Mize will create a live portrait during the afternoon and fans of all ages will enjoy facepainting, strolling entertainment, and the Magic Mirror Selfie Station. All activities will pause at 3 p.m. until the eclipse comes out of totality. The Endless Summer Band resumes until 4 p.m. leading into the final two races of the day featuring Quarter Horse action. The racing program features eight races, including the $55,000 Total Eclipse of the Heart Overnight H. and the $55,000 Dark Side of the Moon Overnight H. Both events will be run at 5 1/2 furlongs and feature some of the best older Indiana horses in the state. “What a great way to kick off our racing season,” said Eric Halstrom, the track's vice president and general manager of racing. “We felt tying our season opener to the Total Solar Eclipse would be a unique way to showcase our racing program while providing a fun afternoon of activities during such a monumental day for Central Indiana. Our facility sits right on the line of totality, so it will be a popular area to watch the Eclipse.” The post Eclipse Features on Horseshoe Indianapolis Opening Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's 2023 annual metrics report shows advances in the implementation of national uniform practices, the building up of the HISA Portal, which contains a broad spectrum of equine treatment and other health records, and driving collaboration and cooperation across the industry, the organization said in a release Wednesday. “Our inaugural annual report reflects our journey toward a safer, fairer and more resilient future for horse racing,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “The success of HISA's programs relies on steady partnership among the tracks, trainers, riders, owners, veterinarians and state regulators who comprise the sport. Only by working together can we make Thoroughbred racing safer for its equine and human athletes.” The Annual Metrics Report provides stakeholders with key data collected in 2023 at 50 racetracks in 20 states as part of HISA's Racetrack Safety Program, which went into effect July 1, 2022. Highlights of the report include: accreditation visits to 21 tracks last year; creation of a centralized online database of horses and people involved in the sport, enabling treatment records and other information to be accessed by racetracks and officials across the country; a racing participant registration, which as of Dec. 31, 2023, had registered approximately 33,000 Covered Persons, 55,000 Covered Horses and 1,000 veterinarians actively involved in the daily and specialized care of equine athletes. Other highlights from the report: Racetracks operating under HISA's rules reported 1.23 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts in 2023. That rate is down from the rate reported by The Jockey Club in its Equine Injury Database (EID) in 2022 (1.25 per 1,000 starts) and is lower than the national rate reported in The Jockey Club's 2023 EID (1.32 per 1,000 starts). The Jockey Club's 2023 EID also shows that non-HISA tracks reported a rate of 1.63 racing-related equine fatalities per 1,000 starts. In 2023, HISA reported 4.40 crop rule violations per 1,000 starts, which is down from 5.09 violations per 1,000 starts in 2022. To read the complete report, click here. The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) is expected to release a separate annual report detailing metrics from the Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program soon. The post HISA Releases Annual Metrics Report appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horse Racing Women's Summit will host a panel discussion at Keeneland Apr. 18. The day will kick off with a welcome address from Gabby Gaudet, a reporter/analyst for FanDuel TV and Keeneland, who will also moderate the keynote conversation hosted by Shannon Arvin, the President and CEO of Keeneland, alongside Julie Cauthen, a bloodstock agent and member of the Keeneland Inspection Team. “Keeneland is honored to host the Horse Racing Women's Summit, which promises to be a great day of discussion, reflection, valuable connections and fun. We look forward to celebrating the indispensable role women play in shaping our sport,” said Christa Marrillia, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Keeneland. The morning's panel discussions include speakers: Allaire Ryan, Director of Sales at Lane's End Farm; Caroline Wilson, member of the SF Bloodstock team; Jill Gordon, owner of Highgate Sales; Dr. Kathleen Paasch, a veterinarian at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital; Kitty Day, owner of Warrendale Sales; Cherie DeVaux, a Kentucky-based trainer; and Meg Levy, owner of Bluewater Sales. “How great is it that we get the opportunity to network and listen to all of the amazing women that comprise our industry?” said Gaudet. “I'm looking forward to discussing some key issues and also listening to how these women leaders were challenged and supported on their paths to their respective roles.” Limited tickets to the event are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. The post Horse Racing Women’s Summit to Host Event at Keeneland Apr. 18 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Minnesota Racing Commission voted April 1 to approve historical horse racing at Canterbury Park and Running Aces, a move commissioners hope can help reinvigorate the horse racing industry in the state.View the full article

The second Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) CPD event, “Stud Medicines–Back to Basics”, was attended by just under 70 people in Osborne Hall at the Irish National Stud (INS) on Tuesday, Apr. 2. The first of three sessions covered the many aspects of foaling, as well as getting mares in foal. Andrea Ryan of Kilcash Equine Clinic headed the second session, which focused on making a veterinary practice thrive from a business perspective. The third and final session, titled, “Equine Veterinary Practice-a Global CV” highlighted a wide range of opportunities for qualified vets both at home and abroad. For more information on the lecture, please visit the IEVA website. The post IEVA’s “Stud Medicines” Lecture A Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Another lawsuit reportedly was filed against Churchill Downs over its ban of trainer Bob Baffert, but Baffert is not the plaintiff.View the full article

Brad Cox will be hard to beat at Keeneland April 7 in the $400,000 Beaumont Stakes (G2) as he sends out a dynamic pair of fillies in the about seven-furlong sprint, drawing both the rail with Denim and Pearls and the outside gate with Youalmosthadme.View the full article

Monmouth Park has named Matt Dinerman the new track announcer for the 2024 racing season, which gets underway May 11.View the full article

It's come down to the last few preps. An outstanding field will meet Friday at Keeneland in the GI Ashland S. Four horses on our Top 10 list will take part in that race. At Aqueduct, they'll be vying for a spot in the field for the GI Kentucky Oaks in the GIII Gazelle S. At Santa Anita, fillies will contest the GII Santa Anita Oaks, but the horse expected to be he heavy favorite, Kinza (Carpe Diem), is trained by Bob Baffert and is therefore ineligible to run in the Oaks. By Saturday evening, we should know who will be running in the Oaks and who the favorites will be. Here's a look at the latest installment of our Kentucky Oaks Top Ten: 1) TARIFA (f, Bernardini–Kite Beach, by Awesome Again) O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: 'TDN Rising Star', MGSW, 5-4-0-0, $518,925. Last start: WON Mar. 23 GII Fair Grounds Oaks. Kentucky Oaks Points: 150. Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, CD, May 4. If the Oaks were run today, Tarifa would be the favorite. She emerged this year for trainer Brad Cox and has won three straight races, including the GII Fair Grounds Oaks, Presented by Fasig-Tipton and the GII Rachel Alexandra S., Presented by Fasig-Tipton. She is good, seems to be getting better and no one is better with 3-year-old fillies than her trainer, Brad Cox. The only way she won't be the favorite is if stablemate Impel (Quality Road) puts on a show in the Ashland on Friday at Keeneland. Tarifa's top Beyer, the 95 that she earned in the Fair Grounds Oaks is the best this year among all 3-year-old fillies. 2) IMPEL (f, Quality Road–Your Love, by Flatter) O/B-Juddmonte (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: 'TDN Rising Star' 2-2-0-0, $115,200. Last Start: WON Oaklawn AOC, Mar. 3. Kentucky Oaks Points: 0. Next Start: GI Ashland S., KEE, April 5. If Tarifa loses in the Oaks, it may only be because stablemate Impel is faster. She looked nothing less than sensational when winning a Mar. 3 allowance at Oaklawn by 8 1/2 lengths. She got a 91 Beyer that day. A Juddmonte homebred, she faces the acid test in the Ashland, which will be her stakes debut. She's the 2-1 morning-line favorite. But with just two starts under her belt, does she have enough seasoning? Is she ready to be tested by some of the best in the division? Those questions should be answered Friday and a win by Impel may make her the horse to beat on the first Friday in May. 3) THORPEDO ANNA (f, Fast Anna–Sataves, by Uncle Mo) O-Brookdale Racing, Inc., Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks & Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek); B-Judy Hicks (Ky); T-Kenneth McPeek. Sales history: $40,000 yrl '22 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-3-1-0, $584,363. Last Start: WON GII Fantasy S., Mar. 30. Kentucky Oaks Points: 105. Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, May 3. This 'TDN Rising Star' cracks the list for the first time this year and lands on the No. 3 spot after her impressive win in the GII Fantasy S. at Oaklawn. A bargain buy at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall yearling sale for $40,000, her breakthrough race was a Nov. 10 allowance at Churchill which she won by nine lengths, earning an 87 Beyer. She faltered a bit in her next start when finishing second in the GII Golden Rod S. as the odds-on favorite. But she roared back with the authoritative win in the Fantasy in what was her first start this year. Trainer Kenny McPeek has had a lot of success with yearling purchases in the neighborhood of $40,000. It looks like he has done it again. 4) JUST F Y I (f, Justify–Star Act, by Street Cry {Ire}) O/B-George Krikorian (Ky); T-Bill Mott. Lifetime Record: Ch. 2yo filly, GISW, 3-3-0-0, $1,317,750. Last start: WON Nov. 3 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Kentucky Oaks Points: 40. Next Start: GI Ashland S., KEE, April 5. The champ is back. After being scratched from the GII Davona Dale S. because of a fever, she has been re-routed to the Ashland. With her coming off a five-month layoff and with the Oaks being the main goal, how ready will trainer Bill Mott have her? But the main question that remains is this: is she fast enough? Despite a 3-for-3 record last year, an Eclipse Award and a win in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, her Beyer numbers suggest she's not quite as good as she looks on paper. She needs to step up her game, but there's no reason she can't do just that. 5) JODY'S PRIDE (f, American Pharoah–Jody's Song, by Scat Daddy) O-Parkland Tbreds & Sportsmen Stable; B-Mr. Steve Weston (Ky); T-J Abreu. Lifetime Record: MSW & GISP, 4-3-1-0, $590,250. Last start: WON Mar. 2 Busher S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 65. Next Start: GI Ashland S., KEE, April 5. She's a little like Just F Y I. She doesn't run particularly fast, but she just keeps on winning. After finishing second and losing by just a neck to Just F Y I in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, she returned with an easy win over outclassed rivals in the Busher Invitational S. at Aqueduct. Her connections were going to keep her in New York for the Gazelle, but changed their minds and have wound up instead in the Ashland. To show how tough the Ashland is, she is 8-1 on the morning line. She would have been an odds-on favorite in the Gazelle, so it's a bit puzzling that the connections wound up going to Keeneland instead of staying in New York. 6) POWER SQUEEZE (f, Union Rags–Callmethesqueeze, by Awesome Again) O-Lea Farms, LLC; B-Forging Oaks Farm, LLC (Ky); T-Jorge Delgado. Sales history: $50,000 yrl '22 KEESEP; $90,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 6-4-1-0, $337,450. Last start: WON GII Gulfstream Park Oaks, Mar. 2. Kentucky Oaks Points: 120. Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, May 3. She came into the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks riding a three-race winning streak, which included a pair of stakes races. But she was totally overlooked Saturday at Gulfstream, going off at 11-1. She beat the 1-2 favorite and much hyped Ways and Means (Practical Joke), winning by a neck. She was ridden in the Gulfstream Park Oaks by Daniel Centeno. It will be interesting to see if the journeyman keeps the mount. After sprinting earlier in her career, she is 3-for-3 around two turns. Don't go to sleep on this one. 7) KOPION (f, Omaha Beach–Galloping Ami, by Victory Gallop) O-Spendthrift Farm; B-Tall Oaks Farm (Ky); T-Richard Mandella. Sales history: $270,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-1-0, $116,600. Last start: 2nd Feb. 10 GIII Las Virgenes S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GII Santa Anita Oaks, SA, April 6. May be the only California-based filly to make it to the Kentucky Oaks. She goes Saturday in the GII Santa Anita Oaks and will once again face her nemesis, Kinza. If the race runs to form, Kinza will win and Kopion will be second. That would give Kopion enough points to make it into the field for the Oaks, where she could be in the neighborhood of 15-1. Then again, if Kinza is as good as some people think, doesn't Kopion deserve a lot of credit for finishing second behind her? 8) WAYS AND MEANS (f, Practical Joke–Strong Incentive, Warrior's Reward) O/B-Klaravich Stables (Ky); T-Chad Brown. Lifetime Record: GISP, 'TDN Rising Star,' 3-1-2-0, $165,750. Last start: 2nd Mar. 30 GII Gulfstream Park Oaks. Kentucky Oaks Points: 50. Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, May 3. She romped in her maiden debut at Saratoga and then finished second in the GI Spinaway S., despite the fact she took a chip off her right ankle and was lame afterward. That meant a long trip to the sidelines before she launched her comeback in the Gulfstream Park Oaks where she did everything right but win. She was steadied going into the first turn, raced wide throughout and then made what appeared to be a winning move in the stretch. She just ran out of gas in the final sixteenth, which is perfectly understandable. Trainer Chad Brown is eyeing the Oaks, but says he's worried his filly won't have enough points to make it into the field of 14. 9) OUR PRETTY WOMAN (f, Medaglia d'Oro–Dazzletown, by Speightstown) O-Courtlandt Farms; B-Woods Edge Farm, LLC and Godolphin; T-Steve Asmussen. Sales History: $900,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSP, 3-2-1-0, $150,200. Last start: 2nd Mar. 23 GII Fair Grounds Oaks. Kentucky Oaks Points: 50. Next Start: GI Kentucky Oaks, CD, May 3. A $900,000 yearling buy, the daughter of Medaglia d'Oro gave divisional leader Tarifa all she could handle in the Fair Grounds Oaks. She battled every step of the way before finishing second by three-quarters of a length. It was only her third start and first in a stakes, so she has plenty of room for improvement. She's quick from the gate and may be the one setting the pace in the Oaks. If she gets a good trip, there's no reason why she can't win. 10) LESLIE'S ROSE (f, Into Mischief–Wildwood Rose {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) O-Whisper Hill Farm; B-John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock Services (Ky); T-Todd Pletcher. Sales history: $1,150,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 'TDN Rising Star', GSP, 3-2-0-1, $89,950. Last start: 3rd Mar. 2 GII Davona Dale S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 15. Next Start: GI Ashland S., KEE, April 5. A $1.15-million purchase at Keeneland September by Into Mischief, she is 2-for-3 lifetime. This Todd Pletcher trainee has the potential to be a very good horse. She just needs to prove it in stakes company. At odds of 3-10, she was third in the Davona Dale in her stakes debut and was beaten 2 1/4 lengths. It wasn't a terrible effort, but she was somewhat of a disappointment. She must run well in the Ashland and pick up some points in order to earn a spot in the Oaks field. The post The Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for April 4 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Zedan Racing Stables' Muth will target the Preakness Stakes (G1) May 18 at Pimlico Race Course following his victory in the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) March 30 at Oaklawn Park, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert said April 2.View the full article

Another lawsuit reportedly was filed against Churchill Downs over its ban of trainer Bob Baffert, but Baffert is not the plaintiff.View the full article

Godolphin's homebred champion Pretty Mischievous is heading back to her favorite stomping grounds to kick off her 2024 campaign in the $1 million La Troienne Stakes (G1) at Churchill Downs.View the full article

Brad Cox will be hard to beat at Keeneland April 7 in the $400,000 Beaumont Stakes (G2) as he sends out a dynamic pair of fillies in the about seven-furlong sprint, drawing both the rail with Denim and Pearls and the outside gate with Youalmosthadme.View the full article

Monmouth Park has named Matt Dinerman the new track announcer for the 2024 racing season, which gets underway on Saturday, May 11. The 2024 Monmouth racing season runs through Sept. 15, after which Dinerman will take the mic at the Meadowlands for the all-turf, 10-day season in East Rutherford. “I'm delighted to be joining the team at Monmouth,” said Dinerman, a 31-year-old native of California. “It's an honor to be selected as their next voice. Monmouth is a beautiful racetrack with a large, enthusiastic fan base that supports great racing. I'm really looking forward to meeting and being a part of the community.” Dinerman, currently the voice of Oaklawn Park, began his announcing career at the age of 22 at Emerald Downs. Before moving to Oaklawn late last year, he was the track announcer and handicapper at Golden Gate Fields for six years. “Matt is a great addition for Monmouth Park,” said General Manager Bill Anderson. “His accurate, spot-on calls, coupled with his enthusiasm are a great fit here in Oceanport. I'm certain he'll add to the long list of great voices that have called Monmouth Park their home.” Matt follows Chris Griffin, Jason Beem, Frank Mirahmadi, Travis Stone and Larry Collmus, all who have been the full-time announcers at Monmouth Park for the past 30 years. The post Dinerman Named Track Announcer at Monmouth Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Is there anything like a pedigree update to get a consignor's blood pumping in the build-up to a big sale? A little winner here, a black-type update there, it can't hurt when it comes to advertising your wares. Well, if it's happening pedigrees that buyers want, it won't take long to scope out lot 53 in the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale. A brother to leading 2,000 Guineas contender Night Raider (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), the colt will be offered under the hammer by the father-and-son team of Mick and Stephen Byrne of Knockgraffon Stables on behalf of Linden Bloodstock. Pedigree updates like this don't come around very often. Already a half-brother to first-season sire Far Above (Ire), the strapping Dark Angel colt was led out of the ring unsold at 125,000gns at the Book 1 session of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, leaving his breeders Brendan and David Geraghty scratching their heads. What has happened in the intervening period, with Night Raider bursting onto the scene with two effortless successes at Southwell, which has put the horse firmly in the 2,000 Guineas picture, would suggest the Geraghty brothers were right to command top dollar for their colt. Knockgraffon Stables has been consigning horses at the breeze-up sales for 35 years. Few people have been doing it longer. However, in all that time, never have the Byrne family had a horse like this through their hands. The excitement is palpable. “It looks as though the decision not to sell as a yearling could be vindicated. He's a gorgeous big horse and is without doubt the most high-profile horse that I have ever consigned,” Stephen, 34, said. “I had never met Brendan or David before but, shortly after the yearling sales, I got a phone call from them asking if I'd be interested in breezing this horse for them. They told me a bit about him, that he was a Dark Angel half-brother to Far Above, and I jumped at the opportunity to have that type of calibre of horse in the yard.” It takes something special to catch the eye in the dark December months but that's exactly what Night Raider did in winning on debut at Southwell by nine lengths. Bought for 155,000gns by Joe Foley on behalf of Clipper Logistics at Tattersalls in 2021 as a foal, Night Raider confirmed the promise of that scintillating debut when dishing out a comprehensive beating to previous winners back at Southwell last month, and is now as short as just 10-1 for Classic glory at Newmarket. So what did the consignor make of it all? Byrne said, “I got very excited, didn't I? I've only been doing this full-time since last year. Obviously Mick has been doing this a long time. He's been breezing horses for as long as I can remember and, actually, the first horse I ever cantered was a breeze-up horse. I think I was 10 years of age at the time. The game has become a lot more professional since Dad started and the quality has risen. A lot of very good horses are coming from the breeze-up sales. “Night Raider looks as though he could be very smart and fingers crossed he can keep on progressing. I'd say this horse is very nice, too. He's not your typical breeze-up horse-he's quite big-but he does everything very well and he looks like he could make up into a very smart racehorse in time.” Brendan Geraghty, who, along with his brother David, bought Night Raider's dam Dorraar (Ire) (Shamardal) outside the ring at Goffs after she failed to sell at €14,000 in 2017, shared how the plan to breeze the full-brother was first hatched. He said, “We brought him to the foal sales and we brought him home. Then we brought him to the yearling sales and brought him home as well. To be honest, it was probably the pure stubborn Mayo man coming out in me both times! But, to be honest, I was shocked he didn't sell as a yearling. We'd loads of vets and I was sure he'd be popular. “In fairness to Jack Cantillon, he has put me down a few good roads in recent times so, when I asked him where I should send the horse, I didn't hesitate when he recommended Stephen. We think he is a special horse, really and truly. Even from day one, Stephen has been saying, 'Brendan, I love this lad.' It's exciting and hopefully he can show people what he can do in the breeze. It has been a joy working with Stephen and Mick and long may it last.” The Mayo native, who has spent time in Australia and has only a small number of mares at his base close by to Knockgraffon in Tipperary, revealed how it hasn't all been plain sailing with his pride and joy Dorraar. A winner herself and from the family of Benbatl (GB), the 13-year-old overcame a serious injury after she was sourced by Linden Bloodstock. She is now happily reported to be back in foal to Dark Angel, who, naturally, Geraghty says he is a massive fan of. Geraghty said, “My brother David goes through the sales and it works well. Once I saw Dorraar at the sales, I fell in love with her and had to buy her. It has worked out great. When we bought her, she was in foal to Toronado (Ire), but, as it turned out, she got injured at home and only for the lads at Fethard Equine Hospital and her big heart, she wouldn't have pulled through. After she lost the Toronado filly, we gave her a couple of seasons off, so she is a relatively fresh mare despite her age of 13. “There aren't many mares like her around. Far Above put her name in lights and now Night Raider looks like he could be very good. I love Dark Angel. His record speaks for itself and he gets results day in, day out. Night Raider is only going one way.” And so, too, is Knockgraffon Stables. Along with popular work rider and long-time friend Shane 'Rancher' Ryan, who Byrne says he would be lost without, the work gets done. Brothers Michael and David, who like Stephen, enjoyed some success in the saddle, lend a helping hand as does Mick, 67. “I am only back working here this past year,” Stephen explains. “I gave it about five or six years as an amateur. I rode a bust of winners but decided it wasn't for me. I just stopped enjoying it. You have to be riding good horses to enjoy it and I wasn't riding good horses.” That's not to say that a certain Mr S R Byrne came and went without anybody noticing he had ever been in the weighroom to start with. Through Jim Will Fix It (Ire) (Lord Of Appeal {GB}), trained by Seamus Roche, Byrne enjoyed his biggest day in the sun when out-battling big-name amateurs Robbie McNamara and Nina Carberry to win the Grade 2 Future Champions Bumper at the Leopardstown Christmas Festival in 2010. Byrne piloted that horse to three more victories under rules but it wasn't enough of a lure. A stint with leading breeze-up consignor Con Marnane was the next port of call followed by seven years working for Joseph O'Brien. Not a bad grounding for the National Hunt jockey who has turned his attention to blooding top-class runners on the Flat. Byrne said, “I really enjoyed my time with Joseph. He's a very easy man to work for and you learned plenty from him as well. The biggest thing I learned from Joseph is patience. Patience and keeping calm, that is key. If things weren't going right or horses weren't doing what you wanted them to be doing, Joseph would always keep a steady head and never panic.” He added, “Not only that but, there were so many nice horses coming through Joseph's, it trained your eye as to what a nice horse looks like. Joseph buys really strong, solid horses. I'd like to think I learned plenty from him about what an athlete looks like. I try to buy a nice horse by a solid stallion. We can't afford to buy the horses by the top stallions but you can buy some very nice horses by solid sires. That's what we try to do. A lot of the good racehorses that I have sold are not by the big sires, but they reached good ratings on the track.” Beautiful Aisling (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) is a good example. Bought by Knockgraffon Stables and Donovan Bloodstock for £22,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale, she rocked into £120,000 when bought by Anthony Stroud at the Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale in 2022. After winning twice and reaching a rating of 90 for Simon and Ed Crisford, Beautiful Aisling went on to fetch 240,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale later that year. Such a result proves that not only can Byrne turn a profit in the ring, but he also produces solid racehorses who can fulfil their potential and stand the test of time on the track. Romina Power (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), a listed winner in Germany who has subsequently been snapped up by Joseph O'Brien, fellow listed winner Tardis (GB) (Time Test {GB}) and Sailthisshipalone (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}) are other notable graduates. It is clear to see that the Byrne family has a proven track record in producing quality runners but you won't see them hogging the limelight when they do. Instead, they prefer to get on with business in the background. Stephen said, “I'll tell you a good story about Dad. When I was working in Edward O'Grady's, Paddy Mangan won the conditional riders' championship and brought the trophy into work. I was looking at all the names on the trophy and, next thing 'Michael Byrne' pops up. I was like, 'Dad was champion conditional?' I rang him up and I asked him and he goes, 'oh, I was, yea', as if it wasn't a big thing. But it is a big thing.” The pressure may be rising ahead of what could potentially be a breakout sale for Byrne, but the burgeoning operator is approaching Tattersalls in a similarly understated manner. He concluded, “I was doing a few breeze-up horses whilst working with Joseph. We'd a couple of horses that sold well so it looked as though we could do the job to a good standard. I said I'd take the leap and give it a go full-time and, touch wood, things have gone really well. Hopefully we can keep on building and keep attracting a nicer horse. We think we have nice horses this year so fingers crossed it goes well.” The post Night Raider’s Craven-Bound Brother Set To Put Knockgraffon Stables In Lights appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article