Wandering Eyes

A field of 10, led by the top four finishers from last month's Siren Lure Stakes—Johnny Podres, First Peace, Lane Way, and Mucho Del Oro—is entered in the $100,000 Daytona Stakes (G3T) May 26 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Jockey Sophie Doyle, who has been serving as the regular exercise rider for 14th-place GI Kentucky Derby finisher Epic Ride (Blame), returned to riding in the afternoon at Churchill Downs Sunday with an eighth-place finish aboard Sweet Mo B (Complexity) in Race 2, a maiden special weight. It was her first Churchill mount since having her first child, a daughter named Emilie, almost two years ago. Doyle began breezing horses for trainer Chris Davis, her fiancé, three months after her daughter's birth and returned to professional afternoon riding earlier this spring on a limited basis. She has tallied two wins from 13 starts in 2024. Based in America since 2014, Doyle's biggest previous wins have included the 2019 GI Cotillion S. with Street Band (Istan). “It's wonderful to be back here at Churchill Downs,” said Doyle. “It's been almost two years since I've been back riding here. It was the first place I won a race when I began my career in North America and having Emilie beside me makes it even more special.” Doyle is next named on the Trudy Velnot-trained You Make Me Happy (Firing Line) in Saturday's 8th race at Churchill, a seven-furlong allowance. She is also riding throughout the week at Belterra Park and Presque Isle Downs. The post Sophie Doyle Back in the Saddle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Just Steel (Justify), who sustained a condylar fracture of his right front fetlock during Saturday's Preakness Stakes, has had successful surgery at the Rood & Riddle Equine Hosptial in Lexington, Kentucky, according to a post from Light Up Racing on X yesterday. The surgery was performed by Dr. Larry Bramlage, who appeared in a video on the post. “We're here with Just Steel this morning; this is the morning after his surgery,” said Bramlage, in the video shot Wednesday. “He's doing really well. He has a somewhat unusual fracture in that it's not just a straight line, it's shaped like an upside down Y so it has a V-shaped piece at the joint surface that we had to trap between two pieces of bone, but the surgery went really well. We put two screws in but he walked out of surgery sound after we walked him in lame, so that's generally a good sign. He's still sound this morning. We're not out of the woods for two months, because we have to see how that piece of bone heals but this is a really good start and we're happy with where we are today.” In the video, Just Steel is shown walking back and forth in the barn without any visible lameness. Just Steel was fifth in the Preakness behind his stablemate Seize the Grey (Arrogate). The post Just Steel Undergoes Successful Surgery for Condylar Fracture appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A field of 10, led by the top four finishers from last month's Siren Lure Stakes—Johnny Podres, First Peace, Lane Way, and Mucho Del Oro—is entered in the $100,000 Daytona Stakes (G3T) May 26 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Listed winner Intellect (Fr) (Intello {Ger}) has been sold and left French shores for America on May 22, the Jour de Galop reported on Thursday. The deal was brokered by Hubert Guy. The 3-year-old colt, bred by Ecurie Michel Sardou, has never been worse than fourth in nine starts for Sophie, Antonia, and trainer Henri-Francois Devin. A three-time winner from six to seven furlongs, he landed the Listed Prix du Pont Neuf in front-running fashion over the latter distance at ParisLongchamp on Apr. 25. Out of winning Iffraaj (GB) mare Caldera (Ire), the bay was offered by Haras du Quesnay at the Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale, and made €20,000 as a foal on the bid of AGB Agency and Henri-Francois Devin. His third dam is the G2 Prix de l'Opera heroine Clodora (Fr) (Linamix {Fr}), herself the dam of G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero and sire Clodovil (Ire) (Danehill). Thursday's G3 Prix Hocquart victor Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) is also a great grandson of Clodora. The post Listed Winner Intellect Sold, Bound For America And Trainer Chad Brown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the 2024 GI Preakness S. now in the past, Maryland racing is ready to move toward a future that will include a new Pimlico and a new administration operating the track. Legislation was passed earlier this year that will allow the track's current owners, 1/ST Racing, to turn over Pimlico to the state of Maryland on July 1 and Laurel on Jan. 1. Five months later, on Jan. 1, 2025, a new non-profit operating company, the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA), will take over the governance of both Pimlico and Laurel. When it's all said and done, there will be a new Pimlico, a new training center and racing will cease to exist at Laurel. Veteran racetrack executive Corey Johnsen, who enjoyed successful stints at Lone Star Park and Kentucky Downs, has signed on as the interim CEO of the MTROA and will be spearheading the effort to create what many feel will be a new and improved Maryland racing industry. Johnsen sat down with the TDN to discuss his role and his vision for Maryland racing. TDN: What will be the structure of the MTROA and what is your role? CJ: I'm the interim CEO of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority or the MTROA. I came on board around Apr. 1 and have a one-year agreement. If necessary, I will stay around as long as the Board of Directors wants me to. The governing body will be the MTROA. There will be a board of directors and they will form a non-profit horse industry group much like you see at NYRA, Keeneland and Del Mar. It will take the form of something along those lines. They will be the operating entity as of Jan. 1, 2025 for racing at Pimlico and Laurel. TDN: What prompted you agree to take this job? CJ: Horse racing has been really good to me and my family. I love the sport. I love the participants in the sport. This gives me an opportunity to give back to Thoroughbred racing. That was my sole motivation. The last five years, I have been busy with our racing and breeding interests with CJ Thoroughbreds. We also have a non-profit public charity called Hope 4 All. We're in the middle of a lot of exciting projects with that. TDN: What are the time frames so far as when Pimlico will be torn down and when will it re-open. And where will the Preakness be run during the transition? CJ: We are in the process of having a number of meetings. We anticipate demolition to begin sometime this year. It will include most of the stable area and the condemned part of the grandstand. Three barns, the Preakness barn and the existing major piece of the grandstand will remain for the 150th running of the Preakness. It's very important that we will hold the race at Pimlico. As soon as that's over, then the entire site will be demolished and rebuilt. The 2026 Preakness will be at Laurel as well as regular racing. The goal is to have the Preakness back at Pimlico in 2027. TDN: One of your biggest accomplishments in the sport was introducing Historical Horse Racing Machines to Kentucky Downs, which led to the Kentucky tracks offering astronomical purses. Do you see the Maryland tracks getting HHR machines? CJ: My role involves the racing part of it and not the legislative and regulatory affairs part of it. So I'm not the most educated person to answer that question. We're moving forward with no plans for HHR machines. We want Maryland racing to be able to stand on its own. That's our goal as we move forward. TDN: Do you anticipate making a lot of personnel changes? CJ: The Stronach Group has been very helpful in the transition. (Acting President of the Maryland Jockey Club) Mike Rogers is a long-time friend of mine and Mike and his team do a very good job of operating racing in Maryland. This is a really competent, hard-working team that takes pride in what they do. There is a really good core group of people that are operating the Maryland Jockey Club. Any staffing decisions would involve just a handful of people and that's yet be determined. We have so much on our plate right now, everything from dotting the i's and crossing the t's with some of the closing documents to working with architects and working with the Maryland Stadium Authority on demolition and construction schedules and working with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association. There is a lot going on right now. The staffing piece of it will be further down the road. TDN: In many areas of the business, there is a consensus that Maryland racing would be better off with fewer racing dates. Where do things stand on that issue and what might a future racing schedule look like? CJ: We have a very good relationship with the horsemen here. I'm trying to be a good listener. I think they would tell you there needs to be some reduction in dates. The other part of that is to have a thriving breeding industry and there does need to be a year-round place to train. What that ultimately will look like is hard to tell. It's balancing the profitability of the racing operation with the needs of the breeding industry. The Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association is well aware of the financial situation. We've also had great conversations with the Maryland breeders. There's going to be a balancing act and I believe that going forward there will be fewer racing dates compared to what will be offered in 2024. How much? It's really hard to say now. I think those decisions will be made in September and October. I am really impressed with the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association and their willingness to communicate and to be team players and work with all aspects of racing and breeding in Maryland. TDN: One possible solution to the dates issue could be joining forces with another track, say Delaware Park, to form a circuit. What are your thoughts on that? CJ: There have been some discussions on that and they are on-going. It's a little bit early as we move towards the final closing on this deal. Whether we shut down in June, July or August, there are two things that are very important. We will have to make sure that the average purse size is at a certain level. The second one is to make sure the turf course rejuvenates. Those are two major issues there that everybody needs to analyze. TDN: 1/ST Racing is apparently going to retain the rights to the Preakness for a few years. Can you fill us in on those details? CJ: The Stronach Group will present the Preakness in 2025 and 2026 and our organization will be a support group to that effort, somewhat similar to what happens with the Breeders' Cup. Beginning in 2027, our group will have the entire responsibility for the Preakness. TDN: Because Pimlico is not large enough to contain the entire population of Maryland horses and because Laurel will be closed, opening a new training center is a must. Where do things stands with that? CJ: It's now moving forward. There are things to deal with like water and sewer lines, land costs and land availability. We need to make sure we have enough land to provide the green space for our horses and we need to make sure we have housing for the stable area workers. It's complicated. I would imagine within the next few months an announcement will be made. One other thing we need to recognize is that we have a wonderful facility in Fair Hill. How that will fit in, I'm not sure. I would be hopeful that we could utilize it in some way that will improve racing in Maryland. TDN: For the first time in a long time, it looks like the future is bright for the Maryland racing industry. Surely, you agree. CJ: There's a lot of blue sky ahead. We have $400 million to revitalize the industry. There is a great spirit of cooperation and there is a lot of communication. That's the reason I accepted this position. This is a game-changer for Maryland racing. The citizens of Maryland want this to be successful. They want Pimlico to be rebuilt. They want the Preakness to be great again. We're here to fulfill that promise. We have a charismatic leader in Governor Wes Moore and he's been very clear that he wants this to benefit the citizens of Maryland, he wants it to benefit Baltimore, he wants it to benefit the Park Heights neighborhood and he want it to benefit the horse industry. That's our task, to make that happen. The post On The Future of Maryland Racing, A Q & A With Corey Johnsen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Sophie Doyle resumed riding at Churchill Downs May 19, marking her first mount beneath the twin spires since her daughter, Emilie, was born nearly two years ago.View the full article

Six-figure yearlings River Tiber and Unquestionable, both by Wootton Bassett, head the home defence in the first Classic of the Irish Flat season, but they face stern opposition from a pair of British raiders trained by Richard Hannon. Bargain-buy Haatem, from the first crop of the 2019 winner of this race, Phoenix Of Spain, ran a huge race when finishing third in the Newmarket equivalent, but he has work to do to reverse the form with Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's homebred Rosallion, runner-up on the Rowley Mile and a short price to now become Blue Point's first Classic winner. ATLANTIC COAST (IRE) Kodiac (GB)–Liwa Palace (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) Pedigree/form notes: Though well beaten on his reappearance in the G3 Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial S. last month, this colt had some smart form to his name as a two-year-old, notably winning the G3 Killavullan S. A homebred from the Al Shira'aa Farms operation, Atlantic Coast is the first winner from two runners to date out of a mare who was Group 3-placed in Italy. His third dam is the G1 Fillies' Mile heroine Aqaarid (Nashwan), who later filled the runner-up spot in the G1 1,000 Guineas, while his fourth dam is the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac winner Ashayer (Lomond). BRIGHT STRIPES (IRE) Starspangledbanner (Aus)–Dutch Rose (Ire) (Dutch Art {GB}) Sales info: Bred by Diomed Bloodstock Ltd, he sold to trainer Andrew Oliver for 22,500gns at Tattersalls October Book 2. Pedigree/form notes: Beaten just a nose by Atlantic Coast in last year's Killavullan S., he proved better than ever with his return to action under his belt when winning the Listed Tetrarch S. His Listed-placed dam has produced three winners from five runners to date, with the others including Sunsprite (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), who also gained black type when finishing third in a Listed race at two. HAATEM (IRE) Phoenix Of Spain (Ire)–Hard Walnut (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) Sales info: Bred by John Bourke, he sold at Tattersalls October Book 2 for 27,000gns to Peter and Ross Doyle. Pedigree/form notes: This colt returned this year with an impressive victory in the G3 Craven S. and then posted a solid effort in defeat when finishing third in the G1 2,000 Guineas. His dam won twice over six furlongs and is a descendant of Lady O'Reilly's G1 Phoenix S. runner-up Yara (Ire) (Sri Pekan). MOUNTAIN BEAR (IRE) No Nay Never–Holy Alliance (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) Pedigree/form notes: Bred by Aidan and Annemarie O'Brien's Whisperview Trading Ltd, this colt progressed with racing last season but reportedly incurred an injury when last seen chasing home Unquestionable (Fr) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. He is the sixth winner from as many runners out of his dam, with the others including the Group 3-placed Moon Daisy (Ire) (Australia {GB}). Holy Alliance herself was a three-race maiden and is a full-sister to the G3 Jersey S. winner and G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas runner-up Ishvana (Ire). RIVER TIBER (IRE) Wootton Bassett (GB)–Transcendence (Ire) (Arcano {Ire}) Sales info: Offered by his breeders Pier House Stud at Tattersalls October Book 1, he sold to M. V. Magnier and White Birch Farm for 480,000gns. Pedigree/form notes: This colt won his first three starts as a juvenile, including the G2 Coventry S., before ending the campaign with a pair of third-place finishes in the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park S. River Tiber is the second foal and first winner out of his unraced dam, a half-sister to the multiple Listed winner and G2 Flying Childers S.-placed Mister Manannan (Ire) (Desert Style {Ire}}. Another sibling by Desert Style (Ire), the Group 3-placed Shermeen (Ire), became a notable producer for Coolmore as the dam of the G1 Phoenix S. hero Sudirman (Henrythenavigator) and the Listed Dee S. winner Star Of India (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), among others. ROSALLION (IRE) Blue Point (Ire)–Rosaline (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) Pedigree/form notes: A three-time winner as a juvenile, including the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's homebred kicked off his three-year-old campaign with an excellent runner-up finish in the G1 2,000 Guineas. His unraced dam is out of the stellar broodmare Reem Three (GB) (Mark Of Esteem {Ire}), whose offspring also include the G1 Queen Anne S. winner Triple Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and the G1 Prix Jean Romanet heroine Ajman Princess (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). TAKE ME TO CHURCH (IRE) Churchill (Ire)–Chances Are (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) Sales info: Bred by Magnell Limited, this colt didn't meet his reserve when reaching 20,000gns at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale, before selling to Jack Davison Racing for €38,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Goresbridge Breeze-Up Sale. A few months later he again failed to meet his reserve at 52,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale. Pedigree/form notes: This colt won the valuable Madrid Handicap before finishing fourth in the G3 Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial S. His dam is kin to the G2 Diadem S. and G3 Norfolk S. winner Baron's Pit (GB) (Night Shift) and to the dam of the dual Listed winner and G2 Al Fahidi Fort and G2 Al Rashidiya-placed Bravo Zolo (Ire) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}). UNQUESTIONABLE (FR) Wootton Bassett (GB)–Strawberry Lace (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) Sales info: Bred by Guillaume and Camille Vitse and their children Valentine and Axel, he was purchased by Mandore International for M. V. Magnier and Al Shaqab Racing at the Deauville Arqana August Sale for €340,000. Pedigree/form notes: The GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner is closely matched with a couple of his rivals on last year's form, beating stable-mate Mountain Bear (Ire) at Santa Anita, having previously filled the runner-up spot behind Rosallion (Ire) in the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. Unquestionable is the first winner from three runners out of his dam, a daughter of the Listed winner and G3 Sweet Solera S. runner-up Crying Lightening (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}). Crying Lightening's granddam is the GII Dahlia H. winner and GI Gamely H. third Didina (GB) (Nashwan). Descendants of Didina include the G1 Dubai Duty Free-winning sire Cityscape (GB) (Selkirk) and the G2 Temple S. victor and MG1SP sire Bated Breath (GB) (Dansili {GB}). The post The Lowdown: Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The talk on the breeze-up circuit this year has been dominated by poor clearance rates combined with a record number of private sales, an ever-increasing polarisation to the market and a Houdini-like disappearing act by the middle tier buyers. So what has the mood been like on the eve of what is widely considered to be the final big breeze-up sale in Europe at Tattersalls Ireland? Pretty good actually. This sale has almost always been operating in its own realm–you never know who you are going to see here. Take Andy Lo Chung-Yin for example. Here is a man who sourced the Hong Kong Derby winner Broadhurst (Ire) (No Nay Never)-now Massive Sovereign-in his first year acting as an agent. He's here at Fairyhouse hunting for his next big signing for the Hong Kong market and says he has been impressed by the stock on show. “This sale has produced some very good runners in Hong Kong,” he explained. “There are three or four high-class runners in Hong Kong. Taj Dragon (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) is a really good horse and won again at Sha Tin last week. Then you have Fallon (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), who is a nice young horse to look forward to as well. Both of those horses were sold at this sale by Tally-Ho Stud.” There are not many guys who decide to quit their job in pursuit of their dream and hit the jackpot with their very first pull of the lever. But that's essentially what Chung-Yin did when, after leaving his role in the banking sector, bought Hong Kong Derby winner Massive Sovereign in a private deal from Coolmore. Chung-Yin will be shopping this week for other Hong Kong-based clients but credits Chan Kam Hung, the owner of Massive Sovereign, for providing him with a leg up in the industry. The young agent said, “To be fair, that was a big risk for me but I am very lucky that my owner believed in me and believed in the horse that I wanted to buy him. I am friends with Mr Chan's son and, usually, I am not the guy who pushes horses on people. I am not the agent that gives you a hard sell. But, with Massive Sovereign, I told Mr Chan that we needed to buy that horse. I went to his office and we had a good conversation. He understood the amount of effort I was putting into my new job and he took a chance. Thankfully it worked out.” He added, “I would be a very picky agent because I prefer to buy the right horse rather than just filling the order. I mean, I haven't even bought a single horse since winning the Derby in Hong Kong. That is partly why I am here. I tried to buy at Arqana but didn't hit the target so, given Tattersalls Ireland has produced some very good horses in Hong Kong, I said I would try to come here instead. Hopefully we can find the right horse this week. There are some very nice colts here and I will be looking at a few form horses as well while I am in Ireland.” Chung-Yin might be a new face at Tattersalls Ireland but Paul Harley, the company's representative for Germany and Scandinavia, has a deep understanding as to what a lot of clients want from this sale. Harley himself has done a lot of business at this breeze-up sale down through the years. He hopes to be active again when things kick off at 10am on Friday morning and shared a genuine optimism about what trade will bring in between post-breeze inspections on Thursday. He said, “The Scandinavians feel very welcome here and they love this sale. Exporting is much more straightforward for the Scandinavians and, not only that, but they have had a lot of success shopping in Ireland. There are a lot of people here. Alex Cairns, of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing, does a lot of work in attracting foreign investors to this sale and told me that we have 22 Scandinavian buyers here. I think there are a couple of German buyers as well. To be fair, we would have a lot of clients at different levels this week and hope to be busy.” Tattersalls Ireland has traditionally had a strong cohort of buyers from Scandinavia and Italy but, if there is an area that has been developing in recent times, perhaps that is Eastern Europe. Just last year, the European Pattern Committee upgraded Poland's flagship race, the Wielka Warszawska, to Listed status. One of the leading trainers in that nation, Maciej [pronounced Magic] Kacprzyk stated his intention not to leave Fairyhouse empty handed. He said, “I think Ireland offers the best quality horses and value for money in Europe. What I love about Ireland is that they have excellent sires but also a lot of horses by some new sires who could also be very good. We are also buying in France but France is much more expensive than Ireland. After Brexit, I decided not to go to Britain. Okay, from Ireland it is expensive to travel the horses home but it is a lot easier than from Britain.” Kacprzyk added, “We are going to buy two or three horses this week and have a decent budget as well. For Poland, we are not searching for typical two-year-old types. We want mile-plus horses so that's what I am looking for this week.” A trip to Tattersalls Ireland wouldn't be complete with a chat with the Thistle brothers or, to afford them their correct title, the Shinnick brothers who couldn't have wished for a better start to the consigning ranks when selling a Make Believe (GB) filly for €170,000 here last year. The boys came out with the brilliant line that the filly “looked fast going past thistles” after the sale 12 months ago and are back again with a speedy Arizona (Ire) filly who showed up well on all of the times sheets and appears to be going down well with many of the top buyers. John Shinnick said, “We only gave 20 grand for this filly. She has been galloping around the same field of thistles as the last one so it's obviously working! It's a good thrill. It's a great buzz when you get one ready for the breeze-up sale because it's not simple. There is only one date and so much can go wrong so, when it works out, it's some buzz.” While John, 22, is a talented dual-purpose rider who has partnered many winners on the track, his brother Andy, 27, keeps the show going at home. He concluded, “I do all the dirty work-riding out in the rain and things like that! This is only our second year at it but we're really enjoying it and we are learning from Blarney Holland, who is one of the best in the game. He's only five minutes down the road from us in Cork and has been a massive help. “We've seen loads of lads buy horses and lose a load of money so we were conscious of that when we sold the filly last year and then we didn't go mad at the yearling sales. Thankfully this filly breezed well and she seems to be going down okay. There are plenty of people here so hopefully all goes well tomorrow.” The post International Flavour To Tatts Ireland As Consignors Bid To End Year On High appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin They are two old men playing a young man’s game. But that doesn’t mean Mach Shard or Self Assured can’t win tonight’s $250,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup at Alexandra Park. Mach Shard is nine, retirement home time for most elite horses, has had 107 starts and in Crystal Hackett has a young junior driver who a month ago had never won a Group 1 race. Yet if you had only ever seen his last two starts, stunning victories in the Taylor Mile and NZ Messenger, you would think Mach Shard was all but unbeatable tonight. Maybe he is. A year younger is Self Assured, the eight-year-old veteran of 73 starts, winner of $2.3million and a lovable horse who has been fighting a battle with Father Time for the last year or two. Father Time may be undefeated in taking out sporting heroes but Self Assured is still winning the odd round, coming from last in the last two NZ Free-For-Alls to win races he shouldn’t have been able to. In an industry increasingly dominated by young guns like Merlin and Don’t Stop Dreaming, that these two old men are the favourites for tonight’s Cup tells you a lot about their will to win and plenty about where this particular Auckland Cup sits. “I think we all know it is nowhere as strong as most Auckland Cups,” says Self Assured’s trainer-driver Mark Purdon. He should know. He has trained the last seven Auckland Cup winners, driving five of them. Two of those training successes were Self Assured so if he can cap his career tonight he will become the first horse to ever win three Auckland Cups. The true greats, headed by Cardigan Bay and including Elsu, Chokin, Luxury Liner, Themightyquinn and Delightful Lady have won two Auckland Cups. None could win three. Purdon thinks Self Assured can because he prefers autumn to spring, is well placed under the free-for-all conditions and because four of the best pacers in the country aren’t going to Alexandra Park tonight. “He is racing well and if he begins like last week and gets to the markers, either lead or trail, he has a real chance,” says Purdon. If he does he will add a Cup treble to wins in the NZ Cup, the Race by Grins and those two NZ Free-For-Alls, a remarkable career for a horse never considered a champion. Mach Shard won’t be remembered as a champion and a month ago would have been lucky to have been remembered at all. He had been a journeyman in the Menangle circuit for the last two years, returned home a forgotten horse but in one of the most astonishing turnarounds in New Zealand racing history has become an unhoppled hero, beating our absolute best in his two Group 1s. Mach Shard was dazzling in both and reminded us that back in 2019 it took Ultimate Sniper to stop him becoming an Inter Dominion champion. While he is unplaced in all five attempts at 3200m he was a super sixth in the 2020 Auckland Cup and his no-arguments win when first to move in the 2700m mobile Messenger last month confirms his staying ability. The old horse with his baby-faced driver can win this Auckland Cup because he is the only pacer in the field in career-best form. The missing superstars mean (in some sort of order) Old Town Road, American Me, Better Eclipse or Alta Meteor could all win and it really is a rare Cup in that any of the eight starters could triumph without surprising. Tonight two other Group 1s look far less open as Just Believe has been too strong for his Kiwi trotting opponents and is impossible to tip against in the $200,000 Reharvest Rowe Cup while Empire City is set to dominate the $110,000 Breckon Farms Trotting Derby, aided by the scratching of Paramount Kiwi. Michael Guerin’s horses to follow tonight : 1: Just Believe (R8, No.6): Champion Aussie trotter who outstayed Muscle Mountain last start and has manners to handle standing start. He is very short in the market so best add him to your multi bets. 2: Better Knuckle Up (R5, No.5): Stormed home last week when he got too far back but better drawn and fitter tonight. Should win with even luck. 3: Empire City (R6, No.4): Beat most of these last Friday and runs through the line like 2700m will suit. If she rolls to the front hard to see her passed even though the value is now gone. 4: Hawkeye Pierce (R3, No.3): Raced well against the best of his age last campaign and looked ready with workouts win last week. Stable has a good record with fresh horses and draw and driver a huge help. 5: Halberg (R2, No.5): Not the smoothest trotter but dropping enormously in class and if he trots all the way this will suit perfectly. Could win or finish last. View the full article

Whitsbury Manor Stud's first-season sire Sergei Prokofiev (by Scat Daddy) continued his electric start to the campaign, with his daughter Enchanting Empress (GB) providing his first black-type winner in the Listed Orbital Veterinary Services National S. at Sandown on Thursday evening. Representing Amo Racing and Giselle De Aguiar, the Dominic ffrench Davis trainee who had won at Wolverhampton on debut before following up in the Royal Ascot Two-Year-Old Trial EBF Conditions S. at the start of the month tracked the leaders early before starting her run inside the final two furlongs. In front passing the furlong marker, the 62,000gns Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale graduate forged ahead under David Egan to beat Rock Hunter (GB) (Expert Eye {GB}) by half a length at odds of 4-1. Stakes Winner for SERGEI PROKOFIEV ENCHANTING EMPRESS wins the Listed National Stakes @Sandownpark for @amoracingltd & gives first season sire SERGEI PROKOFIEV his first Stakes winner Congrats to all connections. Bred by @LletyFarms & WMS pic.twitter.com/wnup6HUbYA — Whitsbury Manor Stud (@WhitsburyManor) May 23, 2024 The post First Black Type Winner For Sergei Prokofiev appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Just Steel, who exited a fifth-place finish in the May 18 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course with a right front leg fracture, is doing well following surgery, renowned veterinary surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage said May 22.View the full article

After three days of selling, the Goffs UK Doncaster Spring Sale ended with horse-in-training Mossy Fen Park (Ire) (Walk In The Park {Ire}) (lot 721) topping Thursday's trade at £235,000. Bought by Henry de Bromhead and Gerry Ahern, the 5-year-old gelding is a winner of both a point-to-point and a hurdle race, and he was second in the G2 Hardy Eustace Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Mar. 31. A part of the Dullingham Park dispersal, the bay is related to a trio of stakes-winning jumpers, with Viking Flagship (Ire) (Viking) and Flagship Uberalles (Ire) (Accordion {Ire}) both placed at the highest level. Also part of that dispersal was 8-year-old gelding Sporting Glory (Ire) (Fame And Glory {GB}) (lot 725), who set the day's second highest price at £120,000. He was purchased by Aidan O'Ryan and Gordon Elliott. A total of 378 lots sold over the two-day horses-in-training and point-to-point portion of the sale for a clearance rate of 81%. The gross was £8,890,200, while the average was flat at £23,520 and the median dropped 14% to £12,000. Goffs UK Managing Director Tim Kent said, “The time-honoured Spring Sale has long stood as a consistent performer over its 63-year history and it has grown into one of Europe's most important NH sales. Always well attended, it occupies a unique space in the calendar and in the market as it opens the annual store trade whilst also acting as the final headline sale of the season for NH horses-in-training and pointers. Its popularity as a market leading sale has been made clear by the 180 additional HIT and PTP entries taken over the last two-weeks and the three separate catalogues needed to accommodate them. “The sale has proven time and again its ability to perform at the top the market, as evidenced yesterday with John Nallen's pointer Minella Premier, which saw four separate buyers place bids for £300,000 or more, and today with Dullingham Park's highly promising Mossy Fen Park who topped today's session. “As we acknowledged at the end of Tuesday's Spring Store Sale, it has not all been plain sailing and we have yet to get a proper read on the store market, but the trade witnessed over the last two days for horses-in-training and pointers has been strong which is a positive note on which to conclude this year's sale.” The post Mossy Fen Park Leads On Final Day Of Goffs UK Doncaster Spring Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Kyoto and Tokyo Racecourses: Saturday, May 25, 2024 2nd-KYO, ¥10,480,000 ($67k), Maiden, 3yo, 1800m IZANAGI (c, 3, City of Light–Miss Squeal, by Smart Strike) cost $625,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September sale and was the latest of his dam's produce to make a commercial splash, joining his half-brother Spielberg (Union Rags). That colt was sold for an even $1 million at the 2019 September Sale before placing in the GI Del Mar Futurity and GI American Pharoah S. ahead of a victory in the 2020 GII Los Alamitos Futurity. Miss Squeal is a half-sister to seven winners, three of those at black-type level, including 2017 Curlin S. hero Outplay (Bernardini). This is also the Humphrey family of MGIS Clear Mandate (Deputy Minister), the dam of MGSW/MGISP sire Newfoundland (Storm Cat) and GISW Strong Mandate (Tiznow). B-G Watts Humphrey Jr (KY) PINK EAGLE (c, 3, American Pharoah–Daisy Miller {GB}, by Smart Strike) fetched $175,000 from trainer Hideyuki Mori at KEESEP in 2022 and is out of an unraced half-sister to 2020 GIII Comely S. winner Mrs. Danvers (Tapit) and the Grade II-placed Nathan Detroit (Union Rags). The colt's MSW & GISP third dam Starry Dreamer (Rubiano) produced eight winners–including five stakes winners–from eight to race, most notably the outstanding GSW & MGISP sire War Front (Danzig). B-Greathouse Equine LLC, David Greathouse, Kerry Cauthen & Tony Lacy (KY) Sunday, May 26, 2024 3rd-TOK, ¥10,480,000 ($67k), Maiden, 3yo, 1600m PARIS PLAGES (f, 3, Uncle Mo–Paris Bikini, by Bernardini) was acquired in utero by Katsumi Yoshida for $1.95 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale in 2020 a handful of months after her half-sister Paris Lights (Curlin) gutted out a narrow victory in the GI Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga. Paris Bikini is a half-sister to GSW & MGISP America (A.P. Indy), the dam of 'TDN Rising Star' First Captain (Curlin), who is set to begin his stallion career in Brazil this coming summer. This is also the family of Better Than Honour (Deputy Minister), responsible for GI Belmont S. winners Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) and Jazil (Seeking the Gold). Paris Plages has one start under her belt, a well-backed fifth going seven furlongs at Kyoto last October. She carries the colors of Sunday Racing. B-Northern Racing (KY) The post Well-Bred City of Light Colt Izanagi Debuts at Kyoto appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) have appointed Paula Cunniffe as director of communications and marketing, it was announced on Thursday. Cunniffe joins HRI from Strive Management, where she held the role of CEO for seven years. She previously managed national and international communications campaigns in the Department of the Taoiseach and began her career as a radio and TV producer on sports and arts documentaries. “I am excited to join the leadership team at Horse Racing Ireland,” said Cunniffe. “I've loved working in sport throughout my career, from growing Run in the Dark over the last seven years to being on the Board of Hockey Ireland from 2019-2021. I'm passionate about storytelling and look forward to working with the HRI team to tell compelling stories that engage our audience and encourage participation in horse racing.” Suzanne Eade, HRI's chief executive officer, added, “We are delighted to welcome Paula on board as we implement our recently launched five-year Strategic Plan with its key focus on nurturing success and increasing participation. Paula brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to HRI.” The post Paula Cunniffe Named As HRI’s Director Of Communications And Marketing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Recent stakes-placed runner Shaini (Fr) (Goken {Fr}) (lot 2B) is one of the highlights of the select Auctav May Sale on Tuesday, May 28. Set for 6-6:30 p.m. French time, the sale has six lots, with Shaini consigned by Ludovic Gadbin. The bay, out of the two-time winner Lingreville (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), was third in the Listed Derby du Languedoc at Toulouse earlier this week. The other five lots are also horses-in-training under both codes, as well as one Standardbred. Three-year-old filly Never Leave (Fr) (Recoletos {Fr}) (lot 1), offered by Manon Scandella Lacaille, is another lot of note. She is from the family of multiple American graded winner Inesperado (Fr) (Zayyani {Ire}) and has placed in three starts. For the full catalogue, please visit the Auctav website. The post Listed-Placed Shaini Set For Auctav May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan McGarry is the new general manager of Naas Racecourse, the directors of the facility announced on Thursday. He will start in the position on June 20. Over the past three years, McGarry managed Navan Racecourse, where he introduced the Navan Racing Festival. He was also involved in former roles with Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), and Irish Thoroughbred Marketing (ITM). Dermot Cantillon, chairman of Naas Racecourse, said of the University of Limerick and National College graduate, “On behalf of the board of directors and the staff of Naas Racecourse we are delighted to welcome Aidan as our new manager. His experiences and education make him an ideal candidate. Connection with the local community is very important for the racecourse and to have a Naas native leading out team is an added bonus.” McGarry, who holds a Msc in marketing, said, “I am delighted to join Naas Racecourse in the coming weeks. It is an exciting time to be part of a racecourse that has seen so much progress and development in recent years. I am looking forward to starting next month, working with such a well-regarded and progressive racecourse team and board.” The post Aidan McGarry Appointed New General Manager Of Naas Racecourse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

National Hunt trainer Tim Vaughan has had his licence withdrawn for a suspended six months after one of his runners tested positive for a prohibited substance. Vaughan, who is based in Wales, has also been fined £1,000 for the breach of Rule (K)2.2. The horse in question, Bells Of Peterboro (Ire), tested positive for the corticosteroid TCA after winning the novices' handicap chase at Chepstow on January 24, 2024. The nine-year-old has been disqualified from that race but subsequently won over fences at the same track on April 13. The trainer's six-month ban will only come into place in the event of a subsequent positive test for one of his horses within the next 18 months. Full written reasons will be published by the BHA's independent disciplinary panel following the hearing on Thursday morning. The post Vaughan Handed Suspended Ban for Corticosteroid Positive appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A pair of winners, After the Races and the Retired Racehorse Project, opted to split the winnings of the Resolute Racing's Poker For Ponies Tournament held in the lead up to the GI Kentucky Derby earlier this month. Hosted by the Louisville Thoroughbred Society May 1, the tournament invited players to pledge winnings to one of 20 pre-selected Thoroughbred aftercare organizations. Jimmy Gladwell and Gavin O'Connor each tied for the win and earned $32,500 apiece for their two respective organizations. “Support from the racing industry has played a vital role in making our work possible,” said At The Races Founder and Director Bonnie McRae. “Thank you, John Stewart, for your vision and initiative to be part of the aftercare process, and of course to Gavin for playing hard on behalf of our organization. Your actions have made an impact.” RRP Executive Director Kirsten Green added: “The RRP is honored to have been selected as a beneficiary of the Poker For Ponies tournament amongst many other worthy aftercare organizations, and we are proud to share in the winning outcome with After the Races.” The post After The Races And Retired Racehorse Project Split Winnings In Resolute Poker Tournament appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

“A man of my kidney.” All the way back to Falstaff, this curious expression has tokened a particular kinship in temperament or personality. In the case of Adrian Regan of Hunter Valley Farm, however, it has an uncommon resonance–both literal and figurative. In the former sense, he was fortunate that his brother should have turned out to possess not only a matching kidney when Regan needed a transplant, but also the big fraternal heart to go willingly under the knife. Regan will never forget Dr. Erickson at the Mayo Clinic coming in with the test results and announcing: “You're a very unique case.” “Jeez,” Regan thought. “That's never good.” Regan was told that they could maintain his own organs for the time being but at some point he would need a transplant. A couple of years on, the doctor rang and said that the time had come. “It's got to be done during the next year,” he said. “So you need to start looking into getting paired up with somebody.” Regan couldn't have built Hunter Valley into the force it is, alongside Fergus Galvin, without understanding the importance of pedigree. “So obviously we went to my family first,” he recalls now. “And Jarlath was a perfect match. And he had no hesitation whatsoever, even though he had a very young child at the time. I was very conscious of that, but Jarlath ploughed on, donated the kidney, and we haven't looked back.” That was February 2017, and Regan will never forget his brother's selflessness. “Oh, don't worry, I think about it a lot,” Regan says. “I'll tell you one thing: it slowed down the lifestyle, put the brakes on the partying. When you make these decisions, with Jarlath making the sacrifice he did, you just have a responsibility. It's not even a choice, you have to change your life.” Regan also stresses how fortunate he feels, to have had the care he did, and can't help wondering how things might have played out had he stayed in Ireland. Equally, of course, the niche he has found in the Bluegrass was all about an exceptional affinity with a compatriot. For it's in that other, metaphorical sense that Regan has been blessed to find a man of his own “kidney.” It is said to be perilous to go into business with friends, but his partnership with Galvin has shown them to be almost uncannily in step. Fergus Galvin and Adrian Regan | Fasig-Tipton “Well, it does seem that Fergus and myself do see things on a similar line,” Regan reflects. “I suppose that's probably the secret to the whole thing. I mean, we've had very few arguments in our time, 20 years or whatever it is now. Very few. The racing is his forte, he really knows how to spot these horses coming along. I love the farm side, the yearlings and everything, so we each have our different angles that seem to fit well. We've been very lucky.” Their friendship goes right back to the Irish National Stud course, a launchpad shared by countless horsemen of their generation. Back then, however, Regan was still adamant that he would eventually follow in the footsteps of his father, Tady, who trained under both codes on the Curragh. “I only did a small bit of the stud scene at home,” Regan notes. “And though my father had managed a stud way back when, he was training after that. So yes, definitely, even when I first came over here I always thought I'd be doing the same.” After learning the ropes with his father, Regan went to that most exacting of finishing schools, Coolcullen. “Jim Bolger was a hard taskmaster, but very fair, and I really enjoyed it down there,” Regan says. “I was there when we had five winners on [Irish] Derby Day, including St Jovite. And I used to ride a horse called Blue Judge that ran second in the English Derby. Afterwards I remember Dave Downey coming out into the yard and saying, 'Adrian Regan, that's the last time you'll be riding that horse!' I was living with Pat O'Donovan, and he was a real mentor. Great times, and there were great people there.” Indeed, even by the standards of the Bolger academy, it was an extraordinary payroll at the time: Tony McCoy, Paul Carberry, Ted Durcan, Richie Galway. But Regan stood out sufficiently, over his three years there, to be entrusted with traveling horses to France and England; and years later, Bolger sent his American mares into Regan's care at a farm he was managing prior to the foundation of Hunter Valley. Sir Mark Prescott and his string on Warren Hill | Emma Berry There would be a similar proof of hard-earned but lasting esteem from Regan's next boss, Sir Mark Prescott, who four or five years ago asked him to sell a mare for him at Keeneland. “I was only a short while with Sir Mark,” Regan recalls. “In hindsight, I was probably a little young going over there. But he gave me plenty of tips and education, and had no problem sending me off to saddle here and there.” From these masters of the old school in Europe, Regan proceeded–via a first Kentucky stint with compatriot Padraig Campion–to a very different brand, in the barn of Bob Baffert. “I was very lucky,” he says. “Eoin [Harty] was assistant at the time, and taught me plenty. Bob was good to me, too, but had a lot on his plate: we had Silver Charm, Indian Charlie, Real Quiet. The one thing that stood out to me was that when they went over to the track in the afternoon, there were very few surprises. They had a great gauge on their horses. Though Indian Charlie had won the Santa Anita Derby, everyone knew that he was going to have his hands full with Real Quiet.” Yet it was at Del Mar that Regan began to question his vocation. “Everybody was up at 4 a.m., whether you were Bob or only had three horses,” he reflects. “And I just thought to myself, 'Now, what are my chances of becoming Bob Baffert? Do I really want to be getting up at 4 a.m. the rest of my life to train a dozen horses?'” He talked it over with his father, and agreed that he should probably have another look at the breeding side. It was hard for the old man, who had set his heart on handing over his stable someday. But it is not as though the racetrack years were wasted: on the contrary, unlike so many bloodstock professionals today, Regan has thrived precisely because he never cut the thread between sales ring and winner's circle. “No doubt about it,” he agrees. “Having an understanding of what goes on at the track is definitely an advantage. Especially when it comes to choosing and prepping yearlings, though there's a big difference in what they look for here. Height is a big thing, obviously, though what they really won't live with–compared with Europe–is any amount of slackness in the pasterns.” Galvin, well established in the Bluegrass through service with Pin Oak, Newgate and Coolmore, was actually the first person Regan rang about potential openings in Kentucky. He duly made an introduction to get Regan a foothold; and then another member of the Irish diaspora, Pat Costello, alerted him to the vacancy he was about to create at the Stiltz family's Crescent Hill Farm. “You got paid as you brought in clients,” Regan recalls. “I didn't think I was experienced enough, but Pat wouldn't hear any of it. 'Don't worry about that,' he said. 'I'll fill the place and you'll learn as you go.' And it was a great crash course: how to deal with clients, how to hustle, everything like that. And I was very lucky that Tom Riddle was the vet. It must have been frustrating for him at times, having to deal with this greenhorn, but he was fantastic.” By the time the Stiltz family sold up, three or four years later, Galvin also happened to find himself at a crossroads. They had a bit of a night out, with their Chicago construction buddies John Wade and Tony Hegarty, and somehow came out the other end not just with a hangover but with a life-changing plan. “The lads were looking for a bit of land down here,” Regan recalls. “While myself and Fergus didn't have enough money to buy a fencepost. So they gave us the opportunity to buy our way in, over time. To be honest, it's just one of these really good American stories. We're all equal partners now. But without the two boys, Hunter Valley would never have happened.” Having bought the old Golden Gate Stud, 10 minutes from Keeneland, they famously landed running when buying a Johannesburg weanling privately from his breeder. The first yearling consigned under the Hunter Valley banner at the 2005 September Sale made $250,000 from Todd Pletcher, and turned out to be none other than Scat Daddy. The late Scat Daddy | Coolmore “It was a great start but, look, we didn't get ahead of ourselves either,” Regan says. “Because we knew that this wasn't going to happen every year. But we've sort of kept saying that, every year! Somehow it's just kept getting progressively better. In fairness to Fergus, he was very good at spotting fillies with upside, and we did a good bit of the claiming game, and a certain amount of foal pinhooking, which I always loved. “We've known Stephen Hillen a long time and, sharp as he is, he's been a big help. He brought David Redvers over pinhooking, many moons ago. And David introduced us to Sheikh Fahad. So we've been very lucky with the people we've met, and what it's led to.” And what it has led to–between pinhooks and homebreds, partnerships and clients, in all a couple of hundred horses selling through their drafts annually–is action all the way. “It really is,” Regan acknowledges. “But I like all aspects, and the way it changes. I love the breeding season, but at the end of it, you're ready for a change, and then you're prepping the yearlings. That would be my favorite bit. Those babies that improve in prep, they really recharge your batteries.” With the expansion of business, they were fortunate to buy some adjacent land. “That was just as we were about to breathe a bit, and so we were right back under pressure again,” Regan says. “But it was worth doing. You have to pinch yourself, what it's become. You just go out there every morning and think, 'It's only Hunter Valley, just get on with it!' “The sales have turned into a bit of a beauty pageant, haven't they, and we're always looking for the under-furnished horses, instead of paying top dollar. We let the foals do their own thing. If they're coming and they're ready, we go to November. If they need a bit of time, we wait. But I think we do a good job producing them for the sales.” He stresses the partners' debt to manager Edwyn Kiely and the rest of their team. The business is obviously not without its frustrations–top of Regan's list would be veterinary quibbles at the sales–but year after year you can set your clock by Hunter Valley, whether as breeders, consignors or buyers. Yet Regan, like so many other horsemen, offers no short cuts beyond the customary indispensables of diligence and luck. “But also Tony and John,” he emphasizes. “They trusted us to make the right decisions. I don't know if that was very wise of them, at the time, but they did. At the end of the day, and I know you hear it off everybody, we have been very lucky from the start.” As for the sweat equity required to capitalize on that luck, that was always guaranteed–whether as an Irish expatriate, or as a son of Tady Regan. “My father was a very hard worker and, without any bullying, that was always his mentality with us too,” Regan says. “I first came here when those Morrison visas came about, and said it would only be for a month. But I never went home. I do think that broke my father's heart a bit, but there were just more chances out here–chances of promotion, chances to do your own thing.” He emphasizes that the best American chance of all introduced him to his wife Kimberley; while he would never have made it over here at all, but for his mother Maire's insistence that he persevere at school until gaining his Leaving Certificate. Without that, he would have been ineligible for a visa. And actually that family work ethic brings us full circle, back to his brother. Because while Jarlath made a shorter emigration, to London, the key to his own successful career, as comedian and Irishman Abroad podcaster, has been no different. “That entertainment business, it's not everything people might imagine,” Regan says. “Jarlath went to England and drove everywhere, coming back middle of the night, night after night. And we think we work hard? But for me, that's also been the common denominator for a lot of the Irish over here. From an early stage, just listening to the first generation that had come over, that seemed to be the word that filtered through: work hard, and you'll be rewarded.” The post Shamrocks In The Bluegrass: Adrian Regan Of Hunter Valley appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the announcement that the Australian auction house Inglis has expanded into American after purchasing a majority share in the Thoroughbred auction company Wanamaker's, the TDN sat down with Wanamaker's co-founder Liza Hendriks, who will stay on as CEO of the company, to discuss the re-brand to Inglis Digital USA. Q: Could you give us a little backstory on how the re-brand came about? A: When I was part of Godolphin Flying Start four and a half years ago, I was in Australia and I saw how well the online auctions were working there. It was how I decided to start Wanamaker's when I finished Flying Start. I was down at the Inglis Easter sale two years ago and I got to meet their team. From there, we kept in touch and the partnership worked seamlessly for both parties. Inglis wanted to expand because their online auctions have been working so well there. They purchased a majority share of Wanamaker's. I had previously been the sole owner. Inglis has such an incredible and historic brand. They've been running auctions for over 150 years and they've been running digital sales for nearly eight years. They're grossing over 90 million Australian dollars a year in digital sales, so they are very experienced and it has been great to be able to have them share their experience on things that have worked well and things that have not worked so well. Q: How does the digital market in Australia differ from here in the U.S.? A: They tend to be a little ahead of the curve in terms of technology throughout the industry. Digital sales have worked very well for them with being able to trade proven horses, broodmares and broodmare prospects throughout the year. Everyone there has gotten really comfortable with it and they sell over 300 horses every two weeks. In the past couple sales, they've listed over 500 every two weeks, so it's definitely still growing there. Another huge benefit that the Australian industry has seen is that it adds liquidity throughout the year with their sellers. They have been able to then reinvest that money into other horses, typically keeping it within the industry. A: Who will the team for this new venture be comprised of? I have stayed on as CEO and Kyle Wilson is the senior director of sales and recruitment. He also did Flying Start so we're excited to have him on board. He will be heading up client relationships because while it is an online sale, we want to make sure that we still have great in-person relationships and build a trustworthy brand. Kelly Brophey is the director of sales operations. She will be running everything with the sales process from entering to helping with questions that come up with buyers or sellers during the sale. We've set up an office in Lexington as well and will be based there. Q: What type of buyer do you expect Inglis Digital USA to be geared toward? A: The digital sales have worked best for proven racehorses and then fillies and mares with updates. It will be buyers that want to have immediate action on the track or want to build their broodmare band with fillies and mares that have active families. With Wanamaker's, we've seen a horse sell and then a day later it was entered in Saratoga and ran that weekend. There is such a demand for racehorses right now and this gives buyers the benefit of being able to run right away. Q: For sellers, will there be any upgrades or changes they should expect with the rebrand? A: We will charge 5% commission on sales, 3.5% on sales $100,000 or more and still no commission on RNAs. This will be aimed toward sellers who want to capitalize on recent results or if they have a filly or mare that has a big update throughout the year. We've seen with Wanamaker's and should continue to see that it adds so much liquidity and transparency to the market. Rather than trying to trade privately throughout the year, it can be online and the price can be transparent with the vetting and everything else that comes with the sales process. Q: Since Wanamaker's was launched in 2020, how have you seen the digital space change in America specifically? A: We've seen buyers and sellers get more used to trading throughout the year, whether it's buying or selling a broodmare outside of the typical season or selling horses of all ages. We can have more immediate sales rather than relying on public sales throughout the year. Another trend that we've seen is that the barrier to entry for racing has gotten lower because sometimes if a new owner goes to a sales ground they can get intimidated with how everything is working and flowing, wondering if they have to have an agent or how to vet a horse. With having all the information online publicly, we've seen new owners come into the sport. We have been able to help connect them with people and they're able to just hop on and buy a horse straightaway. Q: What do you think sets Wanamaker's and now Inglis Digital USA apart from other auction houses, both public and digital? A: We have a whole team dedicated solely to online sales. I think that's a great benefit. We're focused on online sales and not holding any horses back for a physical sale. Without having to go to a physical sale, racehorses don't have to leave the track and be out of training. Broodmares don't have to have that biosecurity risk of being exposed to the sales ground. If they're in foal or have a foal by their side, you limit the risk of exposure. They can stay right where they are and sometimes they stay at the farm where they were going to foal anyways. Q: Are there any other changes that buyers and sellers should expect with Inglis Digital USA going forward? A: We are adding an assistant to verify all vendors and set bidding limits. With our announcement, we will also have people register and request a bidding limit. We should be able to globalize quickly and market to all different areas of the world as well. If we have a racehorse or broodmare that looks like it could be marketable down in Australia, Inglis will help with their contacts. We hope to attract buyers worldwide, from South America, Europe and the Middle East. The post Q&A with Inglis Digital USA’s Liza Hendriks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Capable stayer Hit The Road Jack (NZ) (Jakkalberry) has shifted camp to prepare for the next stage of his career. The son of Jakkalberry arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday to build toward a jumping career from the successful Warrnambool stable of Symon Wilde. The seven-year-old was formerly prepared at Cambridge by Shaun Phelan, who remains part of the ownership group of the seven-time winner. “I had been in contact with a few trainers over there and he’s gone to Symon Wilde, Aaron Kuru jacked that up for me,” Phelan said. “We just thought that he’s up in the ratings a bit now and he’s obviously got flat ability, so we thought we might as well have a go with him over the jumps in Australia.” A brother to six-time winner and former stablemate Enchanted Elle, Hit The Road Jack has won four open handicaps and placed in the Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m), the Egmont Cup (2100m) and the Te Awamutu Cup (1600m). He has performed well in stakes company when fifth in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m), the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) and the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) and was a luckless seventh in an edition of the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m). Most recently, he was runner-up in a hurdle trial at Cambridge before he was unplaced last time out in the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) when denied a decent crack at them in the straight. Hit The Road Jack will have the mandatory two jumping trials in Victoria, with the first likely to be on his new home track at Warrnambool on Monday. “The syndicate thought we’d have a go and it was a good offer from them to train him so we’re quite excited about it all,” Phelan said. “It’s in their hands over there now and he might have the odd flat run, he could be competitive in a country cup somewhere.” View the full article

Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's G1 2,000 Guineas runner-up Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), trained by Richard Hannon, will face seven rivals, including a trio from Ballydoyle, in Saturday's G1 Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. Bidding to become only the fifth English-trained runner to win since 2010, the year of the stable's Canford Cliffs (Ire) (Tagula {Ire}), last year's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere hero is likely to start favourite over the Aidan O'Brien-trained top-level performers River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). Hannon also saddles the Guineas third Haatem (Ire) by the 2019 Irish 2000 Guineas hero Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), with Jamie Spencer due to link up with Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah's colt. O'Brien will also be represented by Mountain Bear (Ire) (No Nay Never), and the field is completed by the Joseph O'Brien-trained Atlantic Coast (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), the Tetrarch S. winner Bright Stripes (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), trained by Andy Oliver, and Take Me To Church (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), representing the Jack Davidson stable. The post Eight Stand Ground for the Irish 2,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Doomben Cup Day 2024 Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, May 25, 2024 First Race 11:08am AEST Visit Dabble The Group 1 Doomben Cup will headline the 10-race program this Saturday afternoon as the Brisbane Racing Club hosts its second meeting at the Doomben track in as many weeks. With no rain forecast until raceday, it is expected that the track will improve from Thursday’s Soft 6 rating and then regress over the course of the meeting. The rail will be in the +2m position for the entire circuit, with the opening race scheduled to jump at 11:08am AEST. Race 1: Benchmark 85 Handicap (1350m) Pacific Ruby will return from a lengthy layoff when she competes in the opening race at Doomben after the Ciaron Maher-trained mare was last seen finishing second last at Randwick on August 19. The daughter of Kermadec has been given three jumpouts before this fresh run and will seek to continue her strong first-up form (4:3-1-0). Jumping from barrer five with Craig Williams in the saddle, Pacific Ruby can settle close to the speed and show her customary dash late to run away from her rivals late. Selections: 14 PACIFIC RUBY 15 AVEBURY 8 MIDNIGHT IN TOKYO 3 WATEGOES Race 2: Benchmark 85 Handicap (1110m) Stuart Kendrick and Michael Rodd will combine with Kingston’s Here as he returns from a 32-week spell at a track where he has only missed the placings once from six starts (6:2-2-1). This six-year-old gelding has been given two trials in preparation for this fresh run, with his most recent victory over 1050m at Deagon being the better of the two. With a lot of speed expected in this race, Michael Rodd can settle this son of Rich Enuff midfield and find a back to follow before letting this guy unleash with a devastating turn of foot late. Selections: 10 KINGSTON’S HERE 12 NASHIRA 1 CONTEMPORARY 4 OSAMU Best Value Race 2 – #10 Kingston’s Here (9) 6yo Gelding | T: Stuart Kendrick | J: Michael Rodd (58kg) +2200 with Neds Race 3: Darby McCarthy (1110m) Celui will drop back from Group 3 grade last start to compete against his own age group in an Open Handicap. Although the Brent Stanley-trained colt started to struggle late, he was racing on a Heavy track for the first time and didn’t seem to like the conditions. With the Doomben track expected to be firmer and Opie Bosson retaining the ride on this son of Toronado, he should be able to find the front from barrier six. If Celui shows the same early speed and gives a strong kick on the home turn, he can record his fifth win here. Selections: 1 CELUI 10 FORTUNEER 6 SKIRT THE LAW 3 SHOW ME MERCY Next Best Race 3 – #1 Celui (6) 3yo Colt | T: Brent Stanley | J: Opie Bosson (57kg) +340 with Picklebet Race 4: Listed Bill Carter Stakes (1200m) It was hard not to be impressed with the win of Clean Energy on debut, when the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained filly careered away from her rivals late over 1000m at Warwick Farm on May 8. The daughter of Zoustar showed similar speed and class to her sister and three-time Group 1 winner Sunlight, as she put a space on her rivals in the final 200m. Adam Hyeronimus will take the reins again, and if Clean Energy jumps well and finds the front, it will take something special to beat here. Selections: 4 CLEAN ENERGY 9 LADY SHENANDOAH 2 LINCOLNSHIRE 1 POSTER GIRL Best Bet Race 4 – #4 Clean Energy (3) 2yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Adam Hyeronimus (56.5kg) +110 with Dabble Race 5: National 2YO Classic (1050m) Eneeza will return to the racetrack following a six-week freshen after her impressive win in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes on April 13 at Randwick. On that day, the Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained filly showed a blistering turn of foot and held off the Golden Slipper winner, Lady Of Camelot. Dropping back from 1200m to 1050m is a slight query off a small break, but if Eneeza can settle close to the speed from barrier four, she should have too much class for this field. Selections: 9 ENEEZA 1 SPYWIRE 10 ARABIAN SUMMER 5 EMBASSY Race 6: Listed Chief De Beers (1110m) After dominating his rivals at the Sunshine Coast last start, Hardware Lane will seek back-to-back wins third-up. The John Smerdon-trained gelding settled midfield before letting down with a strong finish to record an impressive 1.8-length victory over 1000m. This son of Scissor Kick will appreciate a rise in trip to 1110m and if the surface gets heavier, that will also play into his favour. It is expected that Mark Du Plessis will adopt the same tactics as last start, and Hardware Lane will play a prominent role in the finish. Selections: 10 HARDWARE LANE 19 HELLUVA BARTY 1 SPACEWALK 14 GOLDEN BOOM Race 7: Group 3 Pam O’Neil Stakes (1600m) Over a distance short of her best, Princess Rhaenys ran home nicely over 1400m first-up at the Sunshine Coast against a similar field that she will face on Saturday. Tony Gollan has booked the in-form Damian Lane for his first ride on the daughter of Iffraaj as she seeks to claim her first victory, second-up (5:0-1-2) and third at 1600m (8:2-1-2). From barrier five, Lane doesn’t have to take this mare to the back of the field and can settle closer to midfield, which should allow her to get into the race earlier and use her turn of foot to run over the top of the leaders late. Selections: 7 PRINCESS RHAENYS 5 THALASSOPHILE 2 ZOE’S PROMISE 1 DENY KNOWLEDGE Pam O’Neil Stakes Race 7 – #7 Princess Rhaenys (5) 6yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: Damian Lane (55.5kg) +900 with Bet365 Race 8: Group 2 The Roses (2000m) Scarlet Oak will compete in The Roses following her dominant win at Newcastle over 1600m, where the Chris Waller-trained filly didn’t go around a single runner and ran way from her rivals to claim a 2.4-length victory. The only blemish on this girl’s record was on the very heavy Randwick track on April 20, when she was the best of the beaten brigade in the Group 3 James HB Carr Stakes. James McDonald will take the reins for his first ride on the daughter of Kermadec, and if she produces a similar turn of foot, Scarlet Oak will prove hard to beat. Selections: 13 SCARLET OAK 1 MOLLY BLOOM 3 AMAZONIAN LASS 18 KIND OF WORDS The Roses Race 8 – #13 Scarlet Oak (5) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56.5kg) +270 with PlayUp Race 9: Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) The feature event of the day will be the $1 million Doomben Cup, where 16 runners are expected to battle over 2000m. The top stables of Chris Waller, Annabel Neasham, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott train nine of the horses in the field and they will seek to continue the interstate dominance of the race. Check out HorseBetting’s free preview of the 2024 Doomben Cup here. Race 10: Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m) Freedom Rally performed very well in conditions that didn’t suit the Tony Gollan-trained gelding when he finished third on a Heavy track at the Sunshine Coast on May 11. The son of Rubick missed the start slightly and was made to race in the inferior part of the track on the inside of runners, but he still recorded the fastest 400m section of the entire meeting that day. If he jumps with the rest of the field from the inside barrier this time, Freedom Rally can claim the final race of the day with a similar finishing burst. Selections: 18 FREEDOM RALLY 12 YELLOW BRICK 15 ZARASTRO 8 HERE TO SHOCK BRC Sprint Race 10 – #18 Freedom Rally (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Craig Williams (54kg) +400 with Unibet Doomben free Saturday quaddie tips Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, May 25, 2024 1-2-5-7 1-13 1-2-3-4-14 4-8-12-15-18 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Saturday, May 25, 2024 First Race 11:25am AEST Visit Dabble Sandown Racecourse is the destination for Victorian metro racing on Saturday, with a bumper 10-race program set for decision. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with no significant rainfall on the radar, the track should be in Good 4 condition prior to the opening race at 11:25am local time. Best Bet at Sandown: Let’srollthedice Let’srollthedice returns to Victoria after a confidence-building win at Rosehill on April 27. The son of Dundeel fought hard for that victory, picking himself up to score by a nose. He gets a similar setup in this BM100, and with John Allen likely to gain an economical run from barrier three, expect another bold showing by Let’srollthedce as he searches for back-to-back wins. Best Bet Race 7 – #2 Let’srollthedice (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: John Allen (57kg) +260 with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Cawdor French import Cawdor makes his Australian debut after a 272-day spell and looks to have acclimatised well to his new home at the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young barn. He won a recent jump-out at Cranbourne on May 6, doing it comfortably over the 1000m short course. Being first-up over 1400m shows good intent from the stable, and with Group-level form under his belt overseas, Cawdor looks perfectly placed in this BM84 contest. Next Best Race 9 – #17 Cawdor (9) 4yo Gelding | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Luke Currie (56.5kg) +500 with Playup Best Value at Sandown: William Thomas William Thomas hasn’t found the winners’ enclosure since April 2020, but he can finally break the long run of outs in this BM78. He was held up for a run in his most recent effort at this course and distance on May 15, hitting the line with plenty in hand behind Scissor Step. He draws to get a mid-field sit with cover under Ben Allen from stall five, so with a bit more luck in transit this time, watch for William Thomas to burst clear at an each-way price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #7 William Thomas (5) 9yo Gelding | T: John Price | J: Ben Allen (58.5kg) +900 with Picklebet Sandown Hillside quaddie tips – Saturday 25/5/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Saturday, May 25, 2024 2-7 2-3-6-7-9-11-13 7-9-12-15-17 1-2-3-7-12-17 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article