Wandering Eyes

When horse racing returns to Fort Erie May 28, it will be as much a family reunion as it will be the season opener for the historic border oval. Just ask horse trainer Kevin Buttigieg, who can't think of a better place to call home.View the full article

Owner Ken Ramsey is in critical need of a donor kidney, and said he will not survive the eight-to-10-year wait on the transplant list, estimating he has about four months to live without it. Ramsey said he currently has three options: “I either have to go on dialysis or die or get a kidney. I do not want to do the dialysis three days a week, four hours a day for the rest of my life.” Ramsey has traveled to NewYork Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, and is being treated at their Kidney Transplant Program. “I have to find my own donor,” said Ramsey. “The transplant list takes eight to 10 years. If I can find a live donor, they can do it for me in the next two weeks” Ramsey, 88, said that he needed to find a donor who has Blood Type O, does not have diabetes, and someone who, if they are on blood pressure medication, is only on one medication. Preferably, the donor would have health insurance. Ramsey is offering to fly the person and his or her spouse “or whoever they need” first class to New York, where they would stay two days in the hospital for the donation. Ramsey would put the family up in a hotel. “My kidneys have taken a turn for the worse,” said Ramsey. “They are at eight-percent efficiency. That means they are only clearing out eight percent of the toxins you have in your kidneys, so that's 92% failure. I'm at a critical stage, so I came up here and they agreed that if I passed all the tests that I have now passed–a nuclear stress test on the treadmill for four hours–I'd be good to go. All I need now is a donor.” Ramsey said that Columbia-Presbyterian guarantees donors a kidney immediately in the future if they do donate and then find themselves in need. Ramsey didn't realize he had kidney disease until 2021. “I had an old sea knee I was getting some injections in and the guy who was giving me the injections said to me, `Mr. Ramsey, you're in stage three kidney disease. Did you know that?' No, I did not. I immediately went to the Mayo Clinic and they gave me six things I needed to do to maintain my kidneys. I weighed about 198 pounds. I am now down to 160. I drink six bottles of water a day. I do my exercises, and reduced my stress level. I get eight hours of sleep a day. and most of all, I really worked on my diet. No or little potassium, no sodium, and no phosphorous.” Ramsey said that anyone willing to consider the donation may register via Columbia's Donor Registration Website: https://cornell.donorscreen.org. The post Ramsey Searching for Living Kidney Donor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The champion 2-year-old colt of 2023 and Florida Derby (G1) winner worked May 24 with Mindframe in preparation for the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course. The pair worked in :50 for a half-mile, galloping out in 1:02 2/5.View the full article

The marquee night of the Evangeline Downs season will be June 1, with Louisiana Legends Night. The Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students.View the full article

6th-CD, $120K, Msw, 3yo/up, f/m, 7f, 3:18 p.m. ET. PRIDES CROSSING (Quality Road) was the seventh highest priced yearling when the filly went to OXO Equine for $1.3 million during the 2022 Keeneland September Sale. The Paulo Lobo trainee is out of Irish SW Key To My Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who Summer Wind Equine acquired for $1.75 million at the 2018 Keeneland November Sale while Man Among Men (War Front) was in-utero. Hailing from a well-related family, the first time starter's second dam is GISW A Z Warrior (Bernardini). Also on debut is Steve Asmussen trainee Penny Royal (Curlin). The 3-year-old Stonestreet homebred is out of MSW Glinda the Good (Hard Spun), who is responsible for her full-brother, champion 2-year-old colt Good Magic. TJCIS PPS 11th-CD, $120K, Msw, 3yo/up, f/m, 7f, 5:58 p.m. ET. Set for her unveiling in the finale is Queen of Paris (Tapit). The Godolphin homebred's dam is MGISW Wedding Toast (Street Sense). The Brad Cox trainee hails from an extended female family which includes dual GI Cigar Mile H. champ Congaree (Azari). A pair of 3-year-old fillies owned by Tommy Town Thoroughbreds make the races for the first time. With Horse of the year Tiznow (Cee's Tizzy) under her third dam, Shezalittlestinker (Gun Runner) was a $400,000 Keeneland September buy. The Wayne Catalano trainee is out of J. Quirk (Unbridled's Song), who was purchased by Breeze Easy for $725,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale while Upscuttled (Game Winner) was in-utero. The other half of this uncoupled entry is Come as You Are (City of Light). Trained by Bill Mott, the filly went for $500,000 at the Keeneland September Sale. Her dam is a half-sister to GI Alabama S. heroine Dunbar Road (Quality Road). TJCIS PPS The post Saturday Insights: Pricey Quality Road Filly Makes The Races Under Twin Spires appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stud Tobe's rising star Wentrue leads a 14-horse field for the 1 1/4-mile Gran Premio Club Hipico Falabella (G1) May 26 at Club Hipico de Santiago in Chile. Wentrue is trained by Patricio Baeza, who has entered five horses in Sunday's race.View the full article

Classic-winning trainer Christophe Clement has begun serving a seven-day suspension for a post-race finding of a controlled medication.View the full article

Before trainer Wayne Lukas' horsemanship and jockey Jaime Torres' front-running ride aided Seize the Grey to victory in the May 18 Preakness Stakes (G1), the team at Highlander Training Center played a key role in the colt's development this winter.View the full article

Several challengers for the G1 Tattersalls Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Sunday have already grasped that brass ring, with Group 1 winners Fallen Angel and Opera Singer both entered. Blueblooded homebreds include a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner and top-level sire The Autumn Sun (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}). Vespertilio, third in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, also returns on short rest. A LILAC ROLLA (IRE) Harry Angel (Ire)–Mejala (Ire) (Red Ransom) Sales info: Offered by Castledillon Stud, the bay was picked up for €40,000 out of the Tattersalls Ireland September Sale by Amanda Skiffington. Pedigree/form notes: Flawless in three starts including the G3 Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” S., the John Cullinan-bred is the eighth foal out of her winning dam. The half-sister to the stakes-placed Mutaaqb (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) is from the same clan as two-time G1 Jebel Hatta winner Alfareeq (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). ALPHERATZ (IRE) Phoenix Of Spain (Ire)–Rosie Scot (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) Sales info: Part of breeder Lynn Lodge Stud's draft to the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale, she sold for 15,000gns to Crampscastle Bloodstock. Pedigree/form notes: Placed in the G3 Park Express S. in March, this filly won over a mile at Killarney on May 14. The second foal and winner for her unraced dam, this relation to G3 Chester Vase S. winner Arrest (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), second in the G1 St Leger, will have no issues with the trip. Her sire, who has his first crop of 3-year-olds, already fielded the G1 QIPCO 2,000 Guineas third Haatem (Ire) at Newmarket. AZADA (IRE) Siyouni (Fr)–Azmiyna (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) Pedigree/form notes: This Aga Khan homebred is a winner of her only start, a Leopardstown maiden last October where she was named a 'TDN Rising Star'. Her half-brother, The Autumn Sun (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), was a champion in Australia and a five-time Group 1 winner there before siring a trio of Group 1-winning fillies this season Down Under. Star older horse Azamour (Ire) (Night Shift) is under the second dam. BLUEDRUM (IRE) Blue Point (Ire)–Drumfad Bay (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) Pedigree/form notes: Her dam, a stakes winner in Ireland, was second in the G3 Fairy Bridge S., and Bluedrum is her third foal. Although a winner, this Stonethorn Stud homebred found the waters too deep when green in the G3 Athasi S. at the beginning of the month. BUTTONS (IRE) Kingman (GB)–Wonder Of Wonders (Kingmambo) Pedigree/form notes: Bred by the Wonder Of Wonders Syndicate, the bay won her maiden last year and has been seen twice at group level this term, with a third in the G3 Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” S. and a second in the G3 Mutamakina S. to show for it. Her dam was second in the G1 Oaks and third in both the Irish equivalent and G1 Yorkshire Oaks before foaling stakes winner and Irish 1,000 Guineas third So Wonderful to the cover of War Front. Second dam All Too Beautiful (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) is a winner of the G2 Middleton S., second in the G1 Oaks and a full-sister to the immortal Galileo (Ire). There is a precedent of success in this family, and she could surprise. EVERLASTING (GB) Kingman (GB)–Could It Be Love (War Front) Pedigree/form notes: A homebred for the Coolmore partners, the daughter of Irish 1,000 Guineas second Could It Be Love is a half-sister to the smart G3 Kilternan S. hero Adelaide River (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who was placed in the G1 Irish Derby, G1 Grand Prix de Paris and G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud. Out of a half-sister to star American juvenile and top sire Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie), Everlasting ran third in the G3 Salsabil S. at Navan on Apr. 27. However, she could yet show another gear on Sunday. FALLEN ANGEL (GB) Too Darn Hot (GB)–Agnes Stewart (Ire) (Lawman (Fr) Pedigree/form notes: Bred by Branton Court Stud, she is the fourth foal and fourth winner out of Group 2 winner Agnes Stewart, who was also runner-up in the G1 Fillies' Mile. Outstanding at two with wins in the G3 Sweet Solera S. and G1 Moyglare Stud S., the grey knocked off plenty of rust when eighth to Elmalka (GB) (Kingman {GB}) in the G1 QIPCO 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket. If she returns to form, this half-sister to G3 Stanerra S. bridesmaid Divine Jewel (GB) (Frankel {GB}) could be very dangerous. FINSCEAL LUAS (IRE) Camelot (GB)–Finsceal Beo (Ire) (Mr. Greeley) Pedigree/form notes: Bred and owned by Micheal Ryan, this filly has yet to win in five starts and was soundly beaten in A Lilac Rolla's G3 Ballylinch Stud “Priory Belle” S. The 11th foal of her illustrious British/Irish 1,000 Guineas-winning dam, herself a half-sister to G2 German 2,000 Guineas winner Frozen Power (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Finsceal Luas is also a half-sister to G2 Beresford S. hero Ol' Man River (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}). A victory here would be a shock. OPERA SINGER Justify–Liscanna (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) Pedigree/form notes: Bred by the late Evie Stockwell, this filly is truly bred in the purple, as a half-sister to War Front juvenile top-tier winners Hit It A Bomb and Brave Anna. Her two-time stakes-winning granddam Lahinch (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) also foaled G1 Oaks second Ennistymon (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Missing since her five-length tour-de-force in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac in Paris on Oct. 1, this daughter of G3 Ballyogan S. heroine Liscanna looms as one of the picks. PEARLS AND RUBIES No Nay Never–Diamondsandrubies (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) Pedigree/form notes: Part of the Premier Bloodstock breeding programme, this daughter of Diamondsandrubies found only Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Carvaggio) too good in the G1 Cheveley Park S. last September and will be trying a mile for the first time in her career. Her dam scored a popular win in the G1 Pretty Polly S., and her older half-sister by War Front, Diamond Sparkles, was placed in the GIII Ontario Colleen S. A granddaughter of G1 Moyglare Stud S. heroine Quarter Moon (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) who also placed in the Irish 1,000 Guineas, Pearls And Rubies also counts blue hen and 2003 Irish 1,000 Guineas winner Yesterday (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) in her family. If the cards fall just right, she is in the frame. PURPLE LILY (IRE) Calyx (GB)–Boca Raton (Ire) (Approve {Ire}) Sales info: Part of Woodford Stud's draft to the Goffs November Foal Sale, she brought €17,500 on the bid of Masterly Bloodstock. Sent through the Tattersalls Ireland September ring by Lissglen Stables, Paragon Bloodstock parted with €24,000 to acquire the B O'Neill-bred filly. She changed hands yet again for €155,000 when consigned by Chasefield Stables at the Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-Up Sale, when selected by Avenue Bloodstock. Pedigree/form notes: This 'TDN Rising Star' finished only a half-length behind Ezeliya (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G3 Salsabil S. at the end of April. The trip should present no issues, and she could run big on Sunday. QUEEN OF THUNDER (IRE) Night Of Thunder (Ire)–Skill Set (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) Sales info: Lodge Park Stud bred the chestnut, who joined the Rabbah Bloodstock fold for €340,000 as a Goffs Orby yearling. Pedigree/form notes: This is the family of G2 Prix de Sandringham heroine and G1 Falmouth S. third Baqah (Ire) (Bahhare), who foaled GI Gulfstream Park Turf H. hero Almanaar (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Yet to win, this filly placed in both runs, although she hasn't graced the racecourse in 2024. Sunday is a tall order. SKELLET (IRE) Kingman (GB)–Dane Street (Street Cry {Ire}) Pedigree/form notes: This 'TDN Rising Star' was bred by Airlie Stud and Sonia Rogers and races for the latter and her son Anthony Rogers. Well-related as a half-sister to a pair of stakes winners and the group-placed dam of GI Belmont Oaks heroine Aspen Grove (Ire) (Justify), Skellet's best sibling is the G1 Moyglare Stud S. scorer Skitter Scatter (Scat Daddy). G1 Dewhurst S.-winning sire Intense Focus (Giant's Causeway) is a half-sister to her dam. Second by only a neck in the G3 Oh So Sharp S., she is aiming to improve in this 3-year-old bow. Seems a tough ask. VESPERTILIO (FR) Night Of Thunder (Ire)–Prudente (Fr) (Dansili {GB}) Sales info: Breeder Ecurie des Monceaux offered this filly at the Arqana August Sale, and she was knocked down for €320,000 to Al Shira'aa Racing. Pedigree/form notes: Even if Vespertilio never runs another race, her value as a broodmare is assured, as her female family features top-liners Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Chicquita (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}). She broke her maiden in the G2 Debutante S., ran Fallen Angel to 1 1/4 lengths in the G1 Moyglare Stud S., and was third to Rouhiya (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. Back for another crack at a Classic, the bay will be in the mix late. The post The Lowdown: Tattersalls Irish 1000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Abdulla Al Mansoori's Tabletalk (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) will be supplemented to the G1 Betfred Derby on Monday, May 27, according to published reports. Al Mansoori will pay £75,000 to enter his colt, who is trained by Tom Clover, while he also has the winner Kamboo (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) among the current Derby entries. Tabletalk finished third at Kempton in December before breaking his maiden over 1 1/4 miles over the Chelmsford all-weather by 1 1/4 lengths on May 9. He will be Clover's first Derby starter. Philip Robinson, Al Mansoori's racing manager, told Racing Post, “The plan is to supplement Tabletalk into the Derby on Monday.” The post Tabletop To Be Supplemented To The Betfred Derby On Monday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

TATTERSALLS IRELAND, Ratoath–With a little help from above, Stephen Byrne of Knockgraffon Stables enjoyed an emotional fillip during a time of unimaginable heartache when selling his Coulsty (Ire) colt for €200,000 just over two weeks after his brother and former jockey Michael died in tragic circumstances. The sales ring can be a magical place. Full of dreams and disappointments, but on Friday, Tattersalls Ireland was full of tears. And smiles. Lots of smiles. An understandably emotional Byrne said, “It's been a very rough couple of weeks but my brother Michael was looking down on me today.” Michael enjoyed a successful spell riding in Britain, most notably for Tim Vaughan. His death, at just 36 years of age, rocked the breeze-up industry given he worked closely and was great friends with many of the consignors, and there was a genuine outpouring of emotion and congratulations aimed at the Byrne family following Friday's result. It was Kevin Ryan, bidding through Brendan Holland, who saw off the attention of Michael O'Callaghan and BBA Ireland's Michael Donohoe, both of whom were very strong on the colt. The result represented an outstanding bit of business for Knockgraffon Stables given lot 212 was sourced for just €21,000 at Book 2 of the Goffs Orby Sale. Byrne continued, “There were a lot of emotions going through my head just there and I didn't know what to think. It's just massive for everyone involved in the horse–for myself, Colin Bargary and Johnny King [part-owners]. “It was Johnny who picked him out at Goffs and I loved the horse from day one. He's been a dream. I have to give a big mention to Shane 'Rancher' Ryan who rides him out at home and to my father Mick as well. It's been a very emotional day.” Byrne added, “I haven't actually spoken to Dad yet but I am sure he's at home in tears. It's amazing what a horse can do. They bring so much joy to people and this lad has done so much for us today. You wouldn't believe it. They are just wonderful, wonderful animals. It's a bit of a blur to be honest.” Like a lot of consignors, Byrne admitted to finding the going tough at the sales this year. The Coulsty colt, who clocked one of the fastest times on Thursday, will become all the more memorable for the fact that he put Knockgraffon Stables well ahead in terms of trading for the year. That did not look likely coming into this week. Byrne explained, “He's after saving my year. I've been just tipping along all year, trading away, but this fella came along and saved the day. He's put a very good look on the year now. But his work at home had been savage. He's been a dream to deal with–he's straightforward and has thrived. He's been a wonderful horse to have and I won't forget this day.” Byrne added, “The support that we as a family have had at home over the past couple of weeks has been amazing. From neighbours, friends and everything–it's been immense. It's wonderful to have some amazing people around us.” The post ‘It’s Been A Rough Couple Of Weeks – But Michael Was Looking Down On Us’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jeff Siegel has been named as the new Morning-Line Maker for Santa Anita, replacing Jon White who announced his retirement earlier this week. In a release sent Friday afternoon, Santa Anita noted that Siegel will begin the positive effective with the beginning of the Autumn meet, Sept. 27. “Jeff is universally respected by his peers, be them horseplayers, horsemen, or his fellow analysts,” said Santa Anita's Senior Vice President and General Manager Nate Newby. ” We are excited that Jeff will be expanding his role at Santa Anita in taking on this important role.” Siegel has been a long-time member of the Santa Anita television production community including working with HRTV and XBTV. “I've enjoyed working with Santa Anita in various capacities for nearly 30 years, but this will be my first as an official price maker and I'm really looking forward to embracing the responsibility associated with the position,” said Siegel. “I'll do my best to produce an accurate and balanced morning line that can be referenced with confidence by my fellow horseplayers.” The post Santa Anita Names Jeff Siegel As New Morning-Line Maker appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner You just can’t keep Jonny Cox and Oh Micky out of Southland. While both are officially stationed in Canterbury, they’ve been spending a fair amount of time in the deep south recently. Oh Micky is unbeaten from the Cox stable after her purchase out of Southland. The mare won her first start for the trainer-driver at Winton before making it two from two at Addington. Oh Micky has headed back down south in the hope she can make it three from three on Saturday in the Woodlands Stud Mobile Pace. And judging by the race she slots into she looks a huge chance of doing exactly that. “The junior race she won at Addington probably was a harder field, she beat Ideal Double who has come out and won two in a row,” Cox said. “So it is looking pretty good form.” “In saying that she is racing hard and fit Southland horses on Saturday and they won’t be just giving her the race.” Cox also brings a new stable pickup south in Moonlight Angel in the Marshall Industries Trot. “She seems to have settled in well, I drove her a couple of times and didn’t mind her but she finished a fair way from them.” “Her work has been good, we are just hoping that the change of scenery might be able to spark her into life.” Cox combines with another Canterbury trotter in the Stonewall Stud trained Elizabeth Hill in the Southbuild ITM Mobile Trot. The mare heads south to find a mobile race on Saturday. “If she can do things right she is a solid chance, the mobile looks a good option for her which is why she is coming down.” Cox has formed a strong combination with Matau Maria on his recent trips south. She’ll line up in the Sincair Family Mobile Pace. The mare has been in outstanding form recently despite getting few favours. “She is definitely not afraid of doing work and she’s never had a decent draw.” “She’s got another tough draw this week but she has shown how consistent she is and hopefully she can go another good race.” Cox reunites with Jaccka Bayliss in the Subway Winton Handicap Trot and steps up in grade after a last start win at Winton. The reinsman also combines with Ultimate Collect who looks like a handy chance in race 2, the Alabar NZ Fillies and Mares Mobile Pace. After stepping up sharply in grade in his last start at Winton, Dangerous lands in a more suitable grade in race 10, the Winter Rewards Finals Day 29th June Mobile Pace. View the full article

Justin Milano bids to keep his Triple Crown hopes and undefeated record alive in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) at Tokyo Racecourse.View the full article

Rebel's Romance takes on the locals, including two-time winner Russian Emperor and reigning Hong Kong Derby winner Massive Sovereign, in the Champions & Chater Cup (G1) May 26 in Hong Kong.View the full article

Legend of Time (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), a tiring fifth as the favorite while making his U.S debut in the GII American Turf S. on the GI Kentucky Derby undercard, could go favored again while facing six rivals as Memorial Day weekend kicks off with Saturday's GII Pennine Ridge S. at the Belmont at the Big A meeting. The Godolphin colorbearer won four of his five previous starts overseas, including three straight earlier this season at Meydan. “It was a big learning curve in that first race at Churchill, but he shipped up to Saratoga and settled in here at Greentree really nicely,” Charlie Appleby's traveling assistant Chris Connett said. “He's really settled into a nice rhythm here and we're very happy with the way he's going into the race.” Trainer Chad Brown will saddle a pair of last-out maiden winners, the rail-drawn White Palomino (Kitten's Joy) and Risk Tolerance (Ire) (Kingman {GB}). The former delivered going 1 3/16 miles at second asking at Keeneland Apr. 6 while the latter scored on debut at the Big A Apr. 21. Triple Espresso (Omaha Beach) returns to grass for Todd Pletcher following a fourth-place finish in the GIII Jeff Ruby Steaks Mar. 23. He finished just a head behind the third-place finisher that day Seize the Grey (Arrogate), who captured last weekend's GI Preakness S. The post Pennine Ridge Kickstarts Holiday Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Record-setting G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) hero Justin Milano (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) faces 15 colts and one filly in Sunday's ¥611,240,000 G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) at Tokyo over 2400 metres on Sunday. Flawless in three starts, the Masahiro Miki runner won his career bow over 2000 metres on this course in November, and added the G3 Kyodo News Hai with Jantar Mantar (Jpn) (Palace Malice) second in February. He knocked 0.70 seconds off of the Japanese 2000 Guineas record, covering that trip in a sparkling 1:57.10, with Group 2 winner Cosmo Kuranda (Jpn) (Al Ain {Jpn}) second and Japanese Champion 2-Year-Old Colt Jantar Mantar third on Apr. 14. The last-named would win the G1 NHK Mile Cup cutting back in trip locally on May 5. “He was pretty tired after the race, but recovered quickly and we had him back in work by the Thursday after the race,” said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi. “By the weekend, he was back to his normal self and feeling good. “He has a big stride and I've always wanted to race him over a spacious course. He settles well, stays in tune with the rider well, and can maintain at a good speed for quite a while. There are horses he hasn't raced against before, but I think he'll be fine if he can run his own race.” One of his main rivals, and the only filly in the field toting four pounds less than her male counterparts, is Regaleira (Jpn) (Suave Richard {Jpn}), sixth in that Classic and a winner of the G1 Hopeful S. at two in open company. Trainer Tetsuya Kimura said, “She hadn't changed that much, but she seemed to have maintained her health well. She settles well, so I'm not worried about the distance. She's not good at getting a position, so the wide-open Tokyo Racecourse will make things easier.” Group winner and G1 Hopeful S. runner-up Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) ran fifth in the Satsuki Sho and is looking for some redemption. The distance should hold no fears, as his full-brother, French Classic hero Sottsass (Fr), won the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe over the same distance. He breaks from stall 13 under Ryusei Sakai. Yukihiko Araki, assistant trainer to Yoshito Yahagi, said of the €2.1-million Arqana topper, “He had a good position in the Satsuki Sho and I think it was really an ideal trip, but in the end, three horses put some distance between him and them. There hadn't been any great damage from the race and he recovered easily. The jockey [Ryusei Sakai] rode work last week and this horse looked good, pulling away from his training partner. It was a very good workout. He's still very young at times, but the longer distance should be good for him. He has a much better air about him than he did before the Satsuki Sho.” Like Justin Milano, the three-for-three Sixpence (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) is also aiming to preserve his unbeaten record. A winner of the G2 Spring S. in March, the Carrot Farm runner is booked in stall 12. However, he has yet to venture beyond 1800 metres. Trainer Sakae Kunieda said, “He moved well in work on May 8 and his overall time last week on May 16 was good. He has grown a lot since his debut and he has no problems working well with the rider, which means I'm not worried about the distance. I also don't think the left-handed track will cause any problems.” Another challenger with an enviable record is Sugar Kun (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) who has won his last three starts after running second at first asking in February. The G2 Tokyo Hai Aoba Sho hero will have the legendary Yutaka Take at the controls in this step up to Group 1 company. The post ‘Milano’ Aiming To Leave Rivals Half-Baked In Tokyo Yushun appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1st-Belmont The Big A, $90,000, Msw, 5-24, 2yo, 5 1/2f (off turf), 1:05.53, ft, head. SOONTOBEKING (c, 2, King for a Day–Swayed, by Freud) ran third on debut May 10 sprinting five panels on a muddy main track facing state-bred rivals. Moved to the barn of Mitch Friedman as his former trainer George Weaver is under a provisional suspension enforced by HIWU, Soontobeking made all the right moves late in his second try to graduate. First bobbling at the break and then bumping with a rival soon after, the only runner in the field with experience had to put it to work here, but was making up ground on the leading duo as they swung through the bend. Under steady encouragement as the distance between him and Classic Time (Classic Empire) shrunk, the 5-2 shot just snuck in to deny the longtime leader by a head, becoming King for a Day (by Uncle Mo)'s first winner as a freshman sire in the process. #3 Soontobeking breaks his maiden at second asking in R1 at #TheBigA under Eric Cancel for trainer Mitchell Friedman! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/W1Z3xa9xof — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 24, 2024 Soontobeking is the first to the races for four-time winning dam Swayed, who has since produced a yearling colt by Cairo Prince. She is due to Mind Control for 2024. Sales history: $80,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $58,500. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Our Blue Streaks Stable and SGV Thoroughbreds; B-Our Blue Streaks Stable & SGV Thoroughbreds (NY); T-Mitchell E. Friedman. The post King for a Day’s Soontobeking Breaks Maiden, Becomes Sire’s First Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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The Todd Pletcher-trained trio of Fierceness (City of Light), Antiquarian (Preservationist) and Mindframe (Constitution) all visited the track Friday morning in preparation for upcoming starts in the GI Belmont S. held at Saratoga. 'TDN Rising Star' and Champion 2-year-old Male Fierceness marked his first work since finishing off the board as the favorite in the GI Kentucky Derby earlier this month. Working in company with stablemate Mindframe, the pair covered a half-mile in :50 flat over the Oklahoma training track, galloping out in 1:02 2/5, 1:14 3/5 and 1:28 2/5. “I thought it was a very good work from both horses,” said Pletcher. “They seemed to be doing it well in hand coming to the wire. We kind of let Mindframe do a little more in the gallop out than Fierceness–he had a work last week, and he's more lightly raced. I was very pleased with both horses. It seemed like Fierceness was moving really well and did it easily.” The GI Florida Derby winner got an extra week of rest off the Derby but Pletcher added that he was pleased with the colt's energy level at Saratoga. “His gallops have been good and a couple mornings ago, he put in a big buck in the middle of the turn. He's such a quiet horse, sometimes you're not 100 percent sure where you are with him because he's so laid back and cool all the time. He's such an easy horse to train.” According to Pletcher, Mindframe, who is undefeated in two starts thus far, is possible for the Belmont along with the Pegasus S. at Monmouth Park. “We haven't decided yet,” he said. “The Belmont is in play, the Pegasus is in play. We'll just survey how the race is shaping up and talk to the ownership and see what they want to do.” Champion 2-Year-Old FIERCENESS works a half-mile to the outside of MINDFRAME a little while ago over the Oklahoma. pic.twitter.com/6r2oaMksP9 — Mary Eddy (@singmysongbird) May 24, 2024 Meanwhile, GIII Peter Pan S. winner Antiquarian, working in company with GI Darley Alcibiades S. winner Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}), also went a half-mile in :48.65 at Belmont Park. “It was pretty even the whole way,” said Pletcher's New York-based assistant Amelia Green. “I got them in 12 [1/5], 24 [3/5], 48 [3/5], galloped out 1:01. It was a strong gallop out, 1:13 [1/5]. An eased down 1:26 [4/5]. Honestly, he did it very impressively on this track.” G1 Belmont Stakes contender ANTIQUARIAN works a half-mile with Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard outside likely G1 Acorn-filly CANDIED on the Belmont dirt training track pic.twitter.com/KKD4LnO9DC — Christian (@c__abdo) May 24, 2024 A fourth Pletcher runner, Protective (Medaglia d'Oro), could also target the Belmont after running third in both the GII Wood Memorial S. and the Peter Pan. Protective breezed a half-mile Friday morning in :48.68 at Belmont. “He breezed very well and he's doing well,” said Pletcher. “We're not committed to the Belmont, but we're not ruling it out either. We will assess how he's doing and how the field is shaping up and make a decision on entry day.” Of his older horses, Pletcher noted that Whisper Hills Farm's 'TDN Rising Star' Charge It (Tapit) would be nominated to both the GII Suburban S. and the GI Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan H., with preference to the Suburban while Kingsbarns (Uncle Mo) would target the GI Stephen Foster S. at Churchill Downs June 29. “We'll see how things shape up, but we're probably leaning towards the Suburban with Charge It,” said Pletcher. “Kingsbarns will probably wait for the Stephen Foster.” For trainer Danny Gargan, Dornoch (Good Magic) hit the track Friday for his first post-Derby work as he continues to prep for the Belmont. The full-brother to last year's Derby winner Mage went a half-mile in :48.48 over the Oklahoma track. “It was good,” said Gargan of the work. “I told them to go 49 and they went 48 and change. Three weeks after the Derby, I only want to work him twice. He did it pretty handily.” Here is the routine and work from DORNOCH, who trainer Danny Gargan caught going a half-mile in 48 3/5 inside of RAMBLIN' WRECK. pic.twitter.com/mIBnrldWKO — Mary Eddy (@singmysongbird) May 24, 2024 The post Pletcher Runners Busy On Friday Work Tab; Belmont Preps Continue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 National HBPA Conference, set for July 23-26 at Iowa's Prairie Meadows, is designed to provide additional insight and clarity into horse racing's most important issues.View the full article

A juvenile colt by Justify is one of 134 Flat-bred 2-year-olds catalogued for the mixed Arqana Summer Sale on July 1-4. The mixed sale features the 2-year-old breezes on Monday, July 1 beginning at 1 p.m., while the Flat juveniles and 176 2- and 3-year-old stores will sell on Tuesday, July 2 at 10 a.m. Wednesday's session features 200 horses-in-training from 2 p.m., and the final session, on Thursday, July 4, includes 115 mares and filles, beginning at 11 a.m. Graduates of the sale have enjoyed success on the Flat with group winners Birthe (Ire) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Nadette (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}), and Engaliwe (Fr) (Galiway {GB}). In the National Hunt sphere, alumni include Grade 1 winners Fastorslow (Fr) (Saint Des Saints {Fr}) and Amy Du Kiff (Fr) (Kapgarde {Fr}). Some of this catalogue's notable lots are: lot 3, the aforementioned Justify colt out of a sister to multiple Group 1 winner Unique Bella (Tapit); a son of Sea The Stars (Ire) out of group winner K Club (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}); a filly by No Nay Never (lot 127) who is a half-sister to group winner Duhail (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}); a colt by GI Breeders' Cup Classic and GI Gold Cup At Santa Anita S. winner Vino Rosso (Curlin) out of stakes winner Stormy Novel (Bernardini) (lot 134); a full-brother to Amy Du Kif (lot 152), Mellow Du Large (Fr) (Kapgarde {Fr}); a half-sister to G1 Grand Steeple Chase de Paris winner Gran Diose (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) (lot 629) named L'Evidence (Fr) (Motivator {GB}) in foal to Nirvana Du Berlais (Fr); the listed winner Restiana (Fr) (Kendargent {Fr}) (lot 651), who was second in the G3 Prix Fille de l'Air and is in foal to Galiway (GB); and Garden Of The Gods (GB) (Kingman {GB}) (lot 638), a half-sister to group winners King Of Koji (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) and Harajuku (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in foal to Ten Sovereigns (Ire). The post Justify Colt One Of The Highlights Of Arqana Summer Sale Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With session topics from computer-assisted wagering to fixed odds to a status report on the Horseracing Integrity & Safety Act (HISA), the 2024 National HBPA Conference is set of July 23-26 at Prairie Meadows, the horsemen's group said in a Friday release. “A lot is changing in our industry at breakneck speed,” said Eric Hamelback, CEO of the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association. “The objective of the National HBPA Conference is to get straight talk from industry experts and to start dialogue where we can come together to begin implementing solutions that truly make horse racing better for our participants, including horseplayers, and safer for our equine and human athletes.” Attendees will be treated to an opening reception hosted by Thoroughbred owner Dennis Albaugh at his car museum in the Des Moines suburb of Ankeny. Thoroughbred Daily News's Dan Ross will moderate a panel with Pat Cummings and Jack Jeziorski discussing computer-assisted wagering. Click here for conference registration information and the agenda. The post National HBPA Conference Set For Prairie Meadows, July 23-26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ask prominent horse owner Michael Dubb what his favorite race that he has won in Saratoga is and you might get an odd answer. That's because it's a race that hasn't finished yet. But it's getting close. Here's a hint: it's not being run at the famous horse park on Union Avenue. This one is smack dab in the heart of the Spa City, right on Broadway. That's where his latest project, the Residences at the Adelphi Hotel, has been taking shape for the last three and a half years. The mammoth project, undertaken by Dubb and his partner Larry Roth, will be a sparkling addition to the historic Adelphi, one of the last structures standing that connects the Spa to its glorious past. Roth, also a horse owner, partnered with Dubb after he bought the Rip Van Dam, which was next door to the Adelphi. The two were then off and running and Saratoga is on the verge of giving a spectacular opportunity to new residents. “I have to give Larry all the credit in the world,” Dubb said. “He had the original Adelphi (was a partner) and he had the vision to acquire the property next door and do something better. He just didn't know what he wanted to do and he came to me. That was five years ago.” The $90 million development on the corner of Broadway and Washington Street will feature 79 luxury condominiums to go along with 33 new hotel rooms that are already operating. Besides being a solid horse owner, Dubb has had the Midas touch when it comes to putting projects like the Residences at the Adelphi together. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Beechwood Organization, his highly successful Long Island contracting firm. When he tackled this job, Dubb said he did it because of his deep affection for Saratoga Springs, a city he fell in love with it when he first saw it as a teen in the early 1970s. “This really means I have created a bit of a legacy,” Dubb said. “That is all I could ask for. Being in the heart of the city and creating the crown jewel and knowing it will be around long after I will, and it will be part of the storied history of the Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga…it means the world to me.” Dubb first saw Saratoga when he was a long-haired 17-year-old in the early 1970s. He made the trip north from Long Island, driving a teal blue van, one he said he bought new for $2,950 with the money he saved up by cutting lawns. He had never heard of Saratoga and wasn't into horse racing. He made the journey because a friend and his friend's father were driving up, and, hey, he was 17. Dubb followed in his van and the group camped out and went to the track. Dubb was immediately hooked on the town and the thoroughbreds. “I couldn't wait to come back,” he said, and he did, the next summer. He slept in his van, remembers parking it in Congress Park on Aug. 9, 1974. “The side doors were open and I was out sitting on a chair listening to Richard Nixon resign,” he said. He became more and more interested in horses and as years went on, he became more and more of a player. He was the leading owner in New York seven times from 2010-2018. Dubb currently owns about 75 horses he said, most with partners. “My partners are my friends,” he said. “I always tell people that if I never met racing, I would have more money, but I would not have the friends I have. And I would rather have the friends than the money.” Dubb's main residence is still Long Island–he lives in Brookville, within the town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County on the North Shore. He has made weekly treks to Saratoga to check in on the progress of his baby. “I have a vision on what I am going to see when I come up,” Dubb said. “I always want more. I always want more progress.” Asked when he estimated the project will be finished, he smiled. “It will never be finished because I will always find something else I want to do,” he said. “This will never be done for as long as I'm around because I'll always want to make it better and bigger.” Amenities at the Adelphi include a game room | Adelphi photo He is proud to show off the two spacious penthouse suites on the sixth floor that have an upstairs and expansive outdoor patios. Tall windows allow plenty of sunshine to splash onto the high, white walls. The rest of the breakdown is 21 one-bedrooms, 20 two-bedrooms, 10 studios with den, nine two-bedrooms with den, five three-bedrooms with den, five studious, five one-bedrooms with dens and two three-bedrooms. Some are finished, while others are still under construction. Dubb makes sure his 150 workers on the job are as dedicated as he is. As you would expect, it will be a high cost to own. Prices range from the $900,000s to over $4 million for the swanky penthouses. “You are buying a lifestyle, not just a condominium,” Dubb said. “It's a small percentage of the population that can afford it, but the demand has been phenomenal. You are buying a club and all the amenities.” A state-of-the-art gym, an in-house spa, game room, meeting rooms, housekeeping services and hotel concierge are just some of the amenities. Residents will also have an underground heated parking garage at their disposal. And, if you don't want to drive to the track, there is a shuttle that will take you to the races and pick you up when they're done. The 33 hotel rooms Dubb and Roth added to the Adelphi gives the hotel a total of 65. Dubb said he wanted to give the Adelphi the same ritzy feel as the acclaimed Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, which also has private residences combined with the five-star hotel. He had owned a house in Saratoga for years but that will be sold because he will be a resident at the Adelphi. No chance he wasn't going to purchase one. “I love this project so much,” he said, “the first one I sold was to myself.” Dubb said that “almost” 50 percent of the condominiums have been sold. “People are buying these off or floor plans or walking through a building under construction,” Dubb said. “To be 50 percent sold before the building is completed very rarely happens.” He said the buyers have come from near and far. Some from Florida, others from California. “We know there is tremendous wealth in the horse industry,” Dubb said. “But there is also tremendous wealth in the Albany, Saratoga and Lake George region. Some of the people who buy these could be people who have three or four homes. I also think there will be plenty of people who will live here year-round.” Units range from 800 square feet to 2,800 square feet of interior living space. Dubb has made a living doing exactly what he is doing at the Adelphi. He said he currently has 15 projects Beechwood is currently developing, from the Carolinas to Upstate New York to Long Island. “I have built projects with 2,000 units, I have built projects with 700, 800 units,” he said. “This is the most important project to me because it's Saratoga. I get to make a difference in Saratoga. And that's important to me.” The post Dubb: `I Get to Make a Difference in Saratoga’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a 34 to 25 vote on Thursday, May 23, the House Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, which will allocate up to $5 million in grants for equine therapy under the Veterans Affairs (VA) Adaptive Sports Program, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association said in a press release on Friday. The initiative, led by Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY) and the NTRA, will award grants by the VA to eligible organizations to plan, develop, manage and implement equine therapy programs for Veterans and Armed Forces members with disabilities. “Funding initiatives to help Thoroughbreds find a second career is a top priority for the NTRA, and to be able to do that while aiding Veterans is a big victory,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “This grant will fund equine therapy programs so our retired racehorses can benefit our nation's Veterans.” Click here to access the legislation. The post House Appropriations Funds $5 Million For Veteran’s Equine Therapy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article