Wandering Eyes

Rigney Racing's Jonathan's Way (Vekoma–Female Drama, by Indian Charle), impressive winner of his first two career starts, including the GIII Iroquois Stakes, has been retired from racing and will enter stud for the 2026 breeding season at Airdrie Stud, the Lexington nursery said in a release Friday morning. Bred in Ohio by Susan Anderson, the dark bay was knocked down to John Moynihan on behalf of Rigney Racing for $290,000 as a weanling at Keeneland November in 2022 and turned in a spectacular debut effort for trainer Phil Bauer going six furlongs at Saratoga in August 2024, overcoming trouble at the start and looping rivals en route to a 4 1/4-length victory and 'TDN Rising Star' honors. Stretched out to the one-turn mile for the Iroquois, Jonathan's Way led throughout to score by nearly three lengths as the favorite, accounting for the likes of future Grade I winner Sandman (Tapit) and GSWs Giococo (Not This Time), Magnitude (Not This Time) and Owen Almighty (Speightstown). Following an unplaced effort in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Jonathan's Way ran on gamely to be second in the GII Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes. The day before he was set to make his sophomore debut in the GII Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds–won by Magnitude–Bauer alerted the media that Jonathan's Way would have to be scratched from the race due to an “unsatisfactory blood count.” The infection was treated but the colt developed life-threatening colitis that set him back for several months and contributed to further complications that ultimately led to the decision to retire him from racing. “As a racehorse, Jonathan's Way was a very special talent that, honestly, exceeded the ability of the best horses I have ever been around,” said Bauer. “He is an absolutely beautifully made horse and he translated that beauty to the way he moved on the track. He was poetry in motion. He was also the gold standard of class every day in the barn and as he battled through his illness. I don't believe we got to see the best of Jonathan's Way, but I do believe he has a great chance to show everyone how special he was through his stallion career.” Added Airdrie Stud's Bret Jones: “In our opinion, there is no ceiling on Johnathan's Way's potential at stud. Everyone who has spent time with this horse reveres him and anyone who has watched his races has to recognize his immense talent. Because of bad luck, he never had a chance to showcase that talent as a 3-year-old, but that fits the description of some of the most important stallions to stand at stud; from Not This Time and Dark Angel (Ire) today on back to Hail to Reason and Raise a Native. “He's by one of the most highly regarded young stallions in the world in Vekoma, out of an Indian Charlie mare who was an undefeated 2-year-old stakes winner and he was hand-picked by one of the best judges in the industry in John Moynihan,” Jones continued. “We made a commitment to Richard Rigney and his team that we would give him the support he deserves with our broodmare band and we can't wait to get started in honoring that commitment.” Jonathan's Way is available for viewing at Airdrie Stud throughout the Keeneland September Sale. His stud fee will be announced, along with the entirety of the Airdrie roster, at the sale's conclusion. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Jonathan’s Way Retired To Airdrie Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saltcoats (NZ) (Ardrossan) delivered trainer Chris Waller his ninth Wyong Cup (2100m) victory when narrowly prevailing in the Listed feature from locally-trained Salt Lake City. The son of Ardrossan was ridden by James McDonald and heavily supported as he landed his fifth career victory from 18 starts, with a further eight placings. McDonald tracked eventual third Glory Daze (Cotai Glory) into the race and came off his back upon straightening to claim the prize. Victory in the Wyong Cup also makes the former Kiwi galloper eligible for the A$3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day. Saltcoats began his career in the Cambridge stable of Samantha Logan, where his three New Zealand starts produced a win in the Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) and a placing in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1200m). He was subsequently sold to a syndicate headed by prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir, with breeder Lib Petagna retaining a share of the ownership and the consistent five-year-old has now advanced his career earnings to A$586,290. By Waikato Stud’s highly-promising young sire Ardrossan, Saltcoats is out of the lightly raced Savabeel mare Savanite, a half-sister to the Gr.2 Waikato Gold Cup (2400m) winner Singing Star, who in turn is the dam of Group Three winner Miss Selby (NZ) (O’Reilly). View the full article

Smart three-year-old Street Artist notched his first victory in impressive style when leading throughout to defeat a strong maiden field over 1000m at Mornington on Friday by nearly five lengths. The Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained son of Super Seth has recently been gelded after showing raw ability but wayward tendencies at his first two starts as a colt, including a third placing behind stakes performer Express Call and subsequent Group Three winner Ferivia at Sandown on July 30. “If you could have scratched a horse for behavioural issues before a race, he would have been a prime candidate,” Sam Freedman said. “Before his second start at Sandown, he was a real handful out the back in the tie-ups. So we gelded him. He ran on a Wednesday and was gelded on Thursday, and he was under saddle by Saturday. “To the vet’s credit, Tom and all his staff, it has been a quick turnaround, probably the quickest we have had from being gelded to back to the races.” Street Artist was a well-supported $1.55 favourite off the back of an impressive jumpout and the rare booking of Mark Zahra at a Friday meeting was also a key indicator of confidence in the camp. “We have a pretty high opinion of him, he has always shown a lot of ability, and it was nice to see him produce,” Freedman said. “You don’t get Mark (Zahra) down the highway very often, so it was nice to get him down here to ride him.” Bred by Waikato Stud, Street Artist is by resident sire Super Seth, whom the Freedman’s trained to a stunning Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) win, coming from the clouds to defeat Alligator Blood. Out of Pink Graffiti, a half-sister to Group One winners Vision And Power and Glamour Puss, Street Artist was a $475,000 yearling purchase by Freedman and is raced by a syndicate headed by Yulong, which also includes Waikato Stud and a host of prominent names. “He was a beautiful type, he looked like a sharper type of Super Seth. He was probably Anthony’s (Freedman) pick of the sale,” Freedman said. “He and Tentyris (Blue Diamond runner up and Todman Stakes winner) have been the two we have ear-marked the whole way through. One had the brain for it as a colt and the other one didn’t but we hold this horse in high regard. We will plot a path through the spring and find a nice race for him.” Street Artist holds a nomination for the Gr.1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) on September 27. View the full article

“Robby, why don't we just take one?” After a long delay sitting on a tarmac leaving Kentucky for the Timonium 2-year-old sale, Stuart Angus and I arrived to find an understaffed rental car counter, with a line that appeared to be hours long. He figured we could short-circuit the process by getting in a car and bluffing our way through the gate agent. It nearly worked; the agent's hand hovered over the button to raise the gate, before she said, “Oh, you need a rental agreement, not just a reservation.” Undeterred, as I sheepishly returned the car to where we found it, Stuart found a passing lot agent, put his arm around him, and practically dragged him to the preferred desk. “My man Robby just needs a car. You can do it for us.” Sure enough, we were soon on our way. It perfectly encapsulates Stuart: a little mischievous, but with the salesmanship to get any deal done. What started out as a professional relationship, as Stuart was our account manager at Taylor Made, soon developed into something much deeper, as Stuart and I quickly bonded over our East Coast upbringings, interest in great food, and mostly importantly, a shared affection for good-natured ribbing. All of the mornings spent looking at horses at Watercress, shedrow observations at sales, and back-ring strategy sessions made me a better horseman, but it was the car rides, dinners on the road, and post-sale beers by the popcorn machine that made me a better man. I took every chance I could to introduce Stuart to my friends from outside of the thoroughbred business, who all were as captivated as I was. He became part of our family, joining us last Thanksgiving and serving as my daughter's emergency contact at school. He was a larger-than-life figure, one of those guys that whatever story you heard about him, you just assumed it was true. On that same Maryland trip, I got to see Stuart not in his traditional Taylor Made role, but as a civilian. Walking around the sale grounds, it felt like I was with royalty. Pinhookers, agents, and barn staff alike, all were thrilled to see Stuart. It was because he had a way of making everyone feel like the most important person in the room when he talked with them. It's the same reason that his passing has not just affected those of us closest to him, but our spouses, children, and friends outside the business. I am going to try to hold on to that piece of Stuart the most, especially when having a beer by the popcorn machine. The post Letter to the Editor: Stu Story #5 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, September 6, 2025 First Race 11:58am AEST Visit Dabble Racing in Queensland returns to Doomben on Saturday with a competitive nine-race meeting scheduled. With perfect conditions forecast, the track will likely be a Good 4 come the opening affair, despite it being a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances. The rail comes out 2.5m the entire circuit, with the opening event scheduled to commence at 11:58am AEST. Best Bet at Doomben: Bunker Hut Sydney visitor Bunker Hut appeals as one of the better plays of the day in the second leg of the quaddie. He gets the rails draw and a crucial 3kg claim for Jace McMurray, which brings him in light enough to use his tactical speed without burning petrol. His profile screams “third-up improver”, and he’s run well around stronger company than many of these. If the inside is holding, the map is ideal: box seat, track the leader, shoulder out at the corner. With a clean break and even luck in transit, Bunker Hut will prove too classy late. Best Bet Race 7 – #4 Bunker Hut (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Jace McMurray (a3) (59.5kg) Next Best at Doomben: Sunrays Sunrays returns in a QTIS 3YO 1200m that sets up perfectly for him. He’s drawn to stalk from gate eight, gets the 1.5kg claim for Emily Lang, and brings metro-grade figures that comfortably top this field. The Kelly Schweida-trained colt is tractable, quick out of the machines, and has already handled give in the ground — exactly what you want at Doomben when the rail’s out a touch. With match fitness from recent work and a map to land in the first four, Sunrays should kick clear late. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Sunrays (8) 3yo Colt | T: Kelly Schweida | J: Emily Lang (a1.5) (60kg) Best Value at Doomben: Four Ace Lightly raced and still on the up, Four Ace looks beautifully placed in the Class 3 1350m. He resumed with a tidy win and now draws the pole to control his own luck — a big tick at this circuit. Jake Bayliss can hold the fence behind the speed, angle off the leader’s hip at the 600m, and use the gelding’s sustained kick to put a margin on them before the chase begins. He meets a few honest types, but his ceiling looks higher than Class 3 and the map screams “economical run” at a big price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 6 – #3 Four Ace (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Corey & Kylie Geran | J: Jake Bayliss (59.5kg) Doomben Race-By-Race Tips – September 6, 2025 Race 1 – 2-3-5-8 Race 2 – 1-6-7-2 Race 3 – 2-3-4-9 Race 4 – 1-5-3-2 Race 5 – 18-2-5-10 Race 6 – 3-5-4-10 Race 7 – 4-2-8-6 Race 8 – 3-8-3-2 Race 9 – 17-10-5-2 Doomben quaddie tips – Saturday 6/9/2025 Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, September 6, 2025 3-4-5-10-16 2-4-8 2-3-6-8-11 2-5-10-17 Horse racing tips View the full article

Race 2 PAKURANGA HUNT “VALE LAMU” HURDLE 3100m BILLY BOY (J Parker) – Trainer Ms. J Rathbone reported to Stewarts, she was satisfied with the post-race condition of BILLY BOY, and it is the intention to continue his preparation. Race 4 HOWDEN INSURANCE PAKURANGA HUNT CUP 4300m LEITRIM LAD (E Farr) – Trainer Mr. E Green advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of LAITRIM LAD, and it is his intention to carry on with the gelding’s current preparation. The post Racing Te Aroha @ Te Aroha, Sunday 31 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

Race 5 STALLION TENDER NOW OPEN RATING 75 1200m MAKABAR (S Weatherley) – Co-trainer Mr. M Pitman advised Stewards, MAKABAR has been retired from racing. The post Canterbury Jockey Club @ Riccarton Park, Saturday 30 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

Race 6 TAKE IT EASY TOURS 1600m ZANZIBAR (J Riddell) – Trainer Mr. A Forsman reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, however, ZANZIBAR has now been sent for a spell. The post Wanganui Jockey Club @ Wanganui, Saturday 30 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

Te Akau Racing will hold a strong hand on Proisir Plate Day at Ellerslie on Saturday, particularly in the age group features. Exciting three-year-old Hostility will kick-off his spring preparation in the Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m), for which he is a $2.70 favourite with TAB bookmakers. A $1.65 million New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale purchase by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis, the son of I Am Invincible impressed as a juvenile, finishing runner-up in both of his starts, including the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). He has returned as a three-year-old with two trials, including victory in his 800m heat at Ellerslie last week, and trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are hoping to see him fire first-up on Saturday. “I am excited to see him back at the races,” Sam Bergerson said. “He has trialled twice now and I thought his trial at Ellerslie was really good. “It is hard to get a line on him because he is such a laidback colt and has been going through the motions a little bit, so blinkers go on tomorrow. “Off his two-year-old form, I suppose he deserves favouritism, and we think he has improved both physically and mentally from two to three.” He will be joined in the race by stablemate He Who Dares, who is also first-up after a pleasing two-year-old season, which included a second placing in the Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) and fifth placing in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). “He is certainly not out of it,” Bergerson said. “He has drawn barrier one, Gryllsy (Craig Grylls, jockey) knows him really well. “He went up there last Thursday for a gallop at Ellerslie and worked really nicely with older stablemate Cool ‘N’ Fast. “He has got a good, positive racing style, which I think is really going to suit tomorrow. “He worked with Hostility here (Matamata) on the course proper on Wednesday and it was very hard to split them off their work. He is very forward in the coat, so I am confident he will run really well there tomorrow.” In the fillies’ corresponding race, the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), the stable also leads the market with In Haste at $3.80. The daughter of Snitzel will carry the TAB Cancer Society Daffodil Day silks, and if victorious, will raise $2,000 for the charity. She won and finished runner-up in her two juvenile starts and was victorious in her first hit-out as a three-year-old over 1100m at Taupo last month, and Bergerson is confident of seeing an improved performance this weekend. “She should improve from that first-up effort at Taupo,” he said. “I think the better track suits her as well. Opie (Bosson, jockey) said she got away with it at Taupo but struggled in the ground (Heavy9). “I am looking forward to seeing her on a better surface (rated a Soft5 on Friday morning). She has tidied up in the coat. We haven’t had to do too much with her from Taupo. She is not a big, robust type of filly, she doesn’t take a lot of work. “She goes in in good order tomorrow albeit in a very strong race, so we will get a good line on her.” Stablemate Queen’s Evidence will make her first appearance in the North Island in the race, with all three of her two-year-old starts occurring out of Te Akau’s Riccarton base, including a last-start runner-up effort in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m). “She has a different form line, with the South Island form there, but I thought her trial at Te Awamutu was pleasing and she certainly warrants a shot at black-type first-up,” Bergerson said. “She is nice and forward and her work has been really good. I am excited to see her back at the races.” Bergerson will also have his eyes on his own filly, Too Sweet, who will line-up in the race for his father, Roydon Bergerson. The Satono Aladdin filly arrived at Bergerson’s Matamata stable on Friday, a place she frequented a lot as a juvenile when campaigning in the north. “She has done the trip a couple of times, so she should cope with that,” he said. “She had a bit of a quiet trial. “Unfortunately, she has been plagued by bad barriers her whole life, which doesn’t change much on Saturday (11).” Te Akau will also have a two-pronged attack in the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m), courtesy of Qali Al Farrasha and Quintessa. “I am excited to see both of them kick-off for hopefully exciting spring campaigns,” Bergerson said. “Qali has got a really good record at Ellerslie. 1400m is a bit short of her best, but she is fresh and well and goes into the race in good order. “Quintessa is back from an Australian campaign, so I am excited to see her back on New Zealand soil. She has had that one trial at Te Rapa but galloped really nicely up there at Ellerslie on Thursday. “Quintessa is going to need a lot of luck form out there (barrier 16), but I am confident she is going to run a lot better than her odds. She is going in bright and well and we think we couldn’t have her any better. Off her best form, she is certainly capable.” Meanwhile across the Tasman, Te Akau Racing’s exciting three-year-old filly La Dorada will test her talent against some of Australia’s best sprinters in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on Saturday, where she will carry just 50kg. She impressed as a juvenile in her homeland when winning the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) and Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and Te Akau are hoping she can continue her golden run into her three-year-old season. “She is arguably one of the best two-year-olds of last season,” Bergerson said. “She has got to take that next step now, but Mark (Walker) and the team are really excited. “With the barrier draw (11), they are going to need a lot of luck. You will probably see her settle in the back half of the field. Hopefully it is a really good springboard for an exciting spring campaign for her. “They will know a lot after Saturday, and hopefully it can culminate with a Thousand Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m) over there. “It is an exciting day for the team on both sides of the Tasman.” View the full article

Controversy marred Ceolwulf’s (NZ) (Tavistock) return in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) but trainer Joe Pride has taken a philosophical view of Chad Schofield’s ride, backing horse and jockey to make amends at Randwick. Schofield was criticised on social media for scouting wide on Ceolwulf around the home turn as eventual winner and runner-up, Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) and Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchio), saved ground closer to the inside. Ceolwulf flashed home to finish fourth, beaten 2-1/2 lengths, and while Pride said Schofield may have taken a different option if given his time again, he was equally adamant it was an on-the-spot call made for the right reasons. “It was a first-up run and he was playing the percentages,” Pride said. “Normally coming out wide on heavy tracks without getting kick back is the thing to do. It was a split second decision. “Chad was the first one to put his hand up and say it was the wrong one. That’s racing, we move on and here we are second-up. “The inside draw on Saturday will hopefully make Chad’s job a little bit easier and I can’t wait to get to the races with him.” Ceolwulf will have his next start in the Gr.2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick and is a dominant even money favourite. Pride is heading there bullish, saying that while the result might not have been perfect first-up, he couldn’t fault the horse’s performance and that has given him confidence Ceolwulf can return to the form he showed last year when winning a brace of majors. “It looked like the Ceolwulf of last spring,” he said. “He’s got a really distinctive galloping action and it just looked exactly like it did when he won the King Charles (III Stakes, (Gr.1, 1600m)) and the Epsom (Handicap (Gr.1, 1600m)), the way he was stretching out.” View the full article

Co-trainer Tom Charlton has a novel take on Linebacker (NZ) (Super Seth) being dealt an early slice of bad luck by drawing an outside gate for his Gr.2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) return at Randwick. “One way of looking at it is we’d rather get it out of the way early,” Charlton said. “It’s his first-up run and it’s a run that is going to get him to his next couple of runs so it’s not the end of the world by any means. “He’s got good improvement from Saturday.” As is the case for many of his Tramway Stakes (1400m) rivals, Linebacker’s primary targets fall deeper in the spring. The Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) winner is being aimed towards the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) in October when he will be hoping for a measure of redemption following a luckless eighth in the Gr.1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) over the same course and distance last autumn. The Epsom will be a fork in the road and determine whether Linebacker is freshened for the Golden Eagle (1500m), which is Plan A, or possibly put on a Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) path. “It’s an option. You could make a good case for him potentially getting to 2000 metres and he is shaping that way,” Charlton said of the Cox Plate. “All roads lead to the Epsom but we could consider going up in trip if needed, if the 1500 was looking a bit sharp for the Golden Eagle.” While Linebacker is expected to improve on whatever he produces first-up, he does have a strong fresh record and the stable has advised stewards he will be ridden positively from the outside gate. Meanwhile, the Brad Widdup-trained Jedibeel (NZ) (Savabeel) will take on the likes of Group One winners Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Inancto), Mornington Glory (Shalaa) and Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick after being scratched from the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) in Melbourne. The gelding claimed the Gr.2 Challenge Stakes over the Randwick 1000-metre course first-up in the autumn and Widdup is keen to see how he measures up on Saturday. “He’s at the pointy end now. There is no hiding and ducking and weaving with him,” Widdup said. “I’ve got to see how he competes and go from there. “He’s not one of those horses you can put in a race and be overconfident with but if he gets the right sort of run he can be very dynamic. “He’s a good first-up horse and he is in pretty good order.” Jedibeel is owned by Mulberry Racing which has secured an Everest slot for the first time this year. View the full article

The Lindsay Park team of Ben, Will and J D Hayes concede the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m) will not be an easy assignment for Oak Hill (NZ) (Per Incanto), but the stable is confident the sprinter can turn around his form. A first-up winner over the 1000m journey at Moonee Valley last month, Oak Hill returns to the track and trip for Saturday’s Group One contest looking to put behind him a disappointing fifth of seven when sent out favourite at his most recent outing. That was in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) and Ben Hayes said the stable had subsequently changed up Oak Hill’s training program to have the sprinter not as fresh going into Saturday’s race. “We trusted him into the race, keeping him fresh, and he raced fresh,” Hayes said. “This time, we’ve changed our training a little bit into this race. He’s been working well at home, he’s been super relaxed. “You’re always learning with horses, and we trusted him. We trusted him into his first-up run and he was nice and relaxed and then we just wanted to keep him happy for last time with only two weeks between runs. “I think with that last run, and a gallop on Monday, you will see a totally different horse.” Hayes said Mark Zahra was a victim of circumstance at The Valley last time, but at the same time he was happy to have Blake Shinn back aboard the sprinter after the jockey guided Oak Hill in his first two wins for the stable. And Hayes is not put off by drawing out in gate 11 in the 14-horse field. “I think the wide draw is good for him,” Hayes said. “There is good speed in the race. He’ll hopefully get in that three-wide line with a bit of cover. “Last start, he missed the start a bit, ran up bums and was a little bit aggressive, plus he’s a momentum horse. “He was building up momentum and then he got held up and had to go again. When horses over-race early, then they get their momentum stopped, it’s very hard for them to go again. “It’s a hard race, but if he gets the right run, I think he will be in the finish.” View the full article

Erin Leighton will continue her comeback to raceday riding when she heads to Otaki on Saturday to pilot debutant Sea Wolf in the AR Painters Maiden (1400m) for employer Roydon Bergerson. The 33-year-old hoop’s name had been absent from the racebook for three years following injury, but she made her return last Saturday at Wanganui where she had two rides, and scored a placing aboard the Bergerson-trained Our Giulia. Leighton is rapt to be back in the saddle on raceday, admitting she missed the thrill of competition. “I love it. I am thrilled to be back,” she said. After years of rehabilitation, Leighton was told last year by surgeons that she would never ride again, but she showed grit and determination to double down on her rehabilitation and proved that initial prognosis wrong. “I never thought it was going to be possible, but I finally got there,” she said. “It has been about three years (since I last rode at the races). I broke my back in a raceday fall and it took four months to get over that. “Not long after I got back riding trackwork I busted a shoulder and had to have that operated on, which hasn’t been super successful. “At Christmas last year they said I would never ride again. The surgeon kept wanting to follow the injury to see how it would eventuate and the last time I went up there he couldn’t deny the rehab I had done and the muscle I had built. Every position he tested me in I was strong enough, so he signed me off to ride again.” While her shoulder injury has impacted Leighton’s range of motion, she has adapted her riding style. “I am pain free, but I have had to change the way I use my right arm, and that goes for trackwork and even living every day, there are a lot of things I can’t do with that arm anymore,” she said. “As far as the riding position, it works perfectly fine, I have just had to adjust. I have been riding a lot of trackwork all year and have figured it out.” When she was given the news that she would never ride on raceday, Leighton began to think about her career out of the saddle and elected to head to Massey University in Palmerston North to pursue a career as a veterinarian. While studying, she began to work for local trainer Roydon Bergerson, who she said has been instrumental in her return. “After they told me I couldn’t ride again, I started thinking about what else I would like to do and I decided I would go to university, and I thought I would pay for my uni fees by riding some trackwork,” she said. “I started riding for Roydon Bergerson and got the bug again. I went to the races a few times for him strapping and I thought I would rather ride them. “I thought I would try intense rehab and see how I go, and I finally got there. Roydon has been a massive supporter, so that has been fantastic for me.” This Saturday will be in stark contrast to this time last year for Leighton, who was presenting on horseback for Trackside at Hasting’s Tarzino Trophy Day. “Last year I was at the Group One day working for Trackside, and that was a lot of fun, but I would much rather be riding at the lesser meeting than presenting at the bigger meeting,” she said. “It was a really good learning curve for me. I am naturally pretty shy, so having to put myself out there like that was good for me.” Leighton is looking forward to riding Sea Wolf at Otaki and said she will be suited over more ground in time. “She has had a stack of trials,” Leighton said. “I think she wants to stay a bit, even though she is only small. She is quite a nice shape and the more ground she is getting over, the better feel she is starting to give. “I think she will hopefully handle the wet track tomorrow, but it is a big ask. She is brave and pretty tough, so I think she will do her best no matter what.” Looking ahead to Sunday, Leighton will hop aboard two favourites at Woodville, including Turn It Up in the Pahiatua Ladies 1200 and Wingman in the Woodville 150YR Milestone 1400, both for Bergerson. “Turn It Up is an interesting horse, but she is really tough and fast,” Leighton said. “She loves to run, which is half the problem, because you have got to try and put a lid on her all of the time. “She loves her job and she will try extremely hard. I think she will get through the conditions and she is pretty fit for the job, so she should be right there. “Wingman is a question mark. If they get all of that rain he may be scratched. But I am very grateful to get on him, he is one that has got a bit of gas, and it will be good to get some speed under me. I think he will be really hard to beat if he does line-up.” View the full article

Zac Purton will have just one ride to get a feel for Hong Kong’s new whip rules before partnering Ka Ying Rising at Sunday’s season-opening meeting and the star jockey admits he’s not a fan of the change. While in the past there has been no limit on how often jockeys in Hong Kong can use the whip, officials confirmed on Thursday that riders will not be permitted to strike their mounts in consecutive strides before the 100m mark. “I don’t like it. I don’t agree with it,” said eight-time champion...View the full article

Take advantage of bonus-back specials, enhanced odds, and other racing promos to boost your Friday punting. These exclusive deals give you better value and more ways to win. Featured Australian racing promos for Friday, September 5, 2025: Today’s horse racing promotions Wyong Races 1-2 | Bet Back Run 2nd or 3rd Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip on Races 1 & 2 at Wyong this Friday and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up $50 back as Bonus Cash. Bet Back Tool is only available to use on the day of race, on Fixed Win bets, and on races with 5 or more runners. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo 10% Winnings Boost! – Mornington & Birdsville Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Bet Boost | Friday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Friday. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% winnings in cash Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds win bets on Australian thoroughbred races only. Excludes boosted, multi, live and bonus bets. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector | If Your Horse Drifts, You Get The Bigger Price Only available on Australian Horse Racing Fixed Price Win bets placed from 8am AET the day of the race. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Where does HorseBetting.com.au find these offers? Each day, HorseBetting.com.au checks the latest promos from Australia’s top betting sites to bring you the best racing bonuses and specials for September 5, 2025. With bookies competing hard for your business, there’s usually something on offer — whether it’s a bonus-back deal, boosted odds, or other perks. Stay ahead with our daily updates on horse racing promotions and betting bonuses. Sign in to your account to activate these deals and get more from your bets. Need help picking a winner? Our free expert racing tips are updated daily to help you make the most of these promos. View all horse racing promotions View the full article

Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Mark Twain has landed in Melbourne and will commence his path towards the iconic feature at The Valley on Saturday. While the A$200,000 So You Think Stakes (1500m) wasn’t the original plan for the six-year-old son of Shocking, trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood elected to head over to Melbourne early after inclement weather curtailed their plans in New Zealand. “He has travelled over well and settled in nicely, he looks great,” Wellwood said. “It wasn’t our first pick of races, he was due to run at Te Aroha last weekend, but due to the Heavy track, this was a back-up option. “We need to get this run under his belt before he steps up over a more suitable distance. “It has come up a very strong field. You have got a number of Group One winners over a mile, so he is probably going to be beaten for a bit of speed, but if we can see him hit the line strongly, we will be very happy. “He will probably step out over 2000m next time out, which will be much more up his alley.” Raced by Australian syndicator OTI Racing, Mark Twain was guaranteed a start in last year’s Melbourne Cup after winning the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m), and while injury curtailed those plans, Wellwood said it still holds him in good stead to gain a berth in this year’s running. “The win in the Roy Higgins really helps us this year for getting into the Melbourne Cup,” he said. “Fingers-crossed, if we can keep him happy and healthy, we will see him run in a Melbourne Cup this year.” Back in New Zealand, Kingsclere Stables will hold a strong hand at Ellerslie on Proisir Plate Day, headlined by a two-pronged attack in the Kingmakers Syndication 1300, courtesy of Group Three performer Zormella and Arabian Songbird. “I am really excited to see both of the mares, Zormella and Arabian Songbird, in that race,” Wellwood said. “They are two nice horses that have come back in good order and it’s hard to split them.” The stable will also be represented by Osteria in the Sistema 1100, while Aladdin Sane needs a scratching to gain a start in the Horizon By SkyCity 1600. “Osteria has come back a bigger and stronger horse as a four-year-old, so I am looking forward to seeing him step back out,” Wellwood said. “I am really hoping Aladdin Sane gets a run. He sits in a bit of an awkward spot in the handicaps to get a run on these bigger days. He seems to like Ellerslie and I think the mile might be his pet distance.” View the full article

What Moir Stakes Day 2025 Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – Gate 2 Feehan Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Saturday, September 6, 2025 First Race 12:10pm AEST Visit Dabble Moonee Valley Racecourse is the destination for Group 1 racing in Victoria on Saturday, with the Moir Stakes (1000m) headlining a 10-race meeting. A perfect spring day and a Good 4 track are expected, while the rail will be set true. The opening event on Moir Stakes Day 2025 is scheduled to jump at 12:10pm AEST. Moir Stakes Tip: Oak Hill They will go like last week’s pay in the 2025 Moir Stakes, and that looks to suit Oak Hill perfectly. The five-year-old gelding was well beaten in the Listed Carlyon Stakes (1000m) in a similar field to this, though he found plenty of traffic when searching for inside runs along the rail. The son of Per Incanto still produced the best final 400m split of the race, and he looks poised to bounce back at a massive price with the best online bookmakers. Moir Stakes Race 7 – #9 Oak Hill (13) 5yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (58.5kg) So You Think Stakes Tip: Moira Moira ran a huge race in defeat in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes (1400m) first-up off a five-month spell. The seven-year-old mare hit the line well in arguably inferior ground, and with two wins and two seconds from four second-up runs, she clearly comes into her own with race fitness on her side. Barrier 13 means Damian Lane will need to find a back to follow from the 600m, but as long as the track is playing fairly, Moira will prove hard to hold out in the $200,000 So You Think Stakes (1500m). So You Think Stakes Race 8 – #6 Moira (13) 7yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: Damian Lane (58kg) Atlantic Jewel Stakes Tip: Ole Dancer Ole Dancer is undefeated through two career starts and was thoroughly impressive when winning first-up at Caulfield on July 26. Having gained the gun run in transit just behind the speed, the Ole Kirk filly found the gap she needed in the home straight and sprinted sharply. Blake Shinn will need a touch of luck from barrier 15, but as long as Ole Dancer does not get caught wide without cover, she can waltz to victory once more. Atlantic Jewel Stakes Race 7 – #5 Ole Dancer (15) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) McKenzie Stakes Tip: Space Rider Space Rider was a smart Moonee Valley 1200m winner on August 23, producing strong late splits to get home by three-quarters of a length. On his return to the track and trip, the three-year-old colt looks poised to replicate that result in the 2025 McKenzie Stakes. From barrier five, if Michael Dee finds the one-one, Space Rider only needs clear air on the home turn to win again. McKenzie Stakes Race 6 – #1 Space Rider (5) 3yo Colt | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Michael Dee (57kg) Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Angel Capital Angel Capital has not been seen since winning the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) on February 8 and brings an element of class to the 2025 Chautauqua Stakes (1200m). The four-year-old has three wins from four first-up starts and already boasts a win at this track and trip. Damian Lane should have the son of Harry Angel camped on the leader’s heels throughout, and with freshness in his legs, Angel Capital should prove too good once the gap appears. Best Bet Race 5 – #3 Angel Capital (2) 4yo Horse | T: Chris Waller | J: Damian Lane (56kg) Moir Stakes Day quaddie tips for Moonee Valley Moonee Valley quadrella selections Saturday, September 6, 2025 2-7-8 2-4-6-13 7-9-11-12-14-16 1-3 Horse racing tips View the full article

Kelsey Danner probably didn't look at the tote board prior to Thursday's first race at Kentucky Downs. She's not a bettor, she says. But she thought her starter, Repentless (Violence), could run a bit, something the bettors obviously didn't pick up on. They sent the first-time starter off at 25-1. With Adam Beschizza aboard, the colt won by three lengths and paid $52.08. It was not her longest priced winner at the meet. Fellow first-time starter Ground Support (Army Mule) won Saturday's second race for the Danner Stable and paid $203.20. The day didn't end perfectly as Danner's first time starter, Cove Spring (Preservationist), finished fourth in the fifth race. “Probably,” she said when asked if she tends to fly under the radar at meet like Kentucky Downs because she is facing some of the biggest names in the sport. “I'm obviously not a big name and neither is Adam. We don't get that much attention. I don't know why bettors do what they do. It's always a crap shoot at Kentucky Downs anyway.” Normally, when a first-time starter pays that much to win they are trained by low-profile trainers who rarely win anything. But that's not the case with Danner. She's been training since 2017 and has won 246 races while batting 14%. She finished second in the standings at the most recent Turfway Park meet with 17 winners, finishing two behind Mike Maker. “My last few years have definitely been my best years,” she told the TDN's Katie Petrunyak. “I'm a bit more content with where I'm at as far as the clientele and the horses I have. For the last three years, I got to have some nicer, young stock and they're still in my barn now, so it has been nice to watch them develop and I've gotten to win a few stakes races.” Though she says she points for the Kentucky Downs meet each year, Danner came close to not running either winner. She was talked into it by their owner John Ballantyne, a transplanted New Zealander living in Fargo, North Dakota. Kelsey Danner | Sarah Andrew “[Ground Support] had been working really nice,” Danner said. “She's a big classy filly. I bought her for $80,000 at the Fasig-Tipton 2-Year-Olds In-Training sale. She's a Florida-bred so I talked to the owners about a month ago because she was ready to run. I asked them if they wanted to wait for Kentucky Downs, even though we'd be running for less money than the Kentucky-breds. The other option was to run in Florida. She had been showing talent and I didn't think she needed a prep race. John wanted to wait for Kentucky Downs, because he likes that track so much. I have no idea why she was 99-1. She had had some nice breezes.” Repentless was purchased for $275,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling sale. Starting with May 15, he had 12 workouts, and was clearly ready for his first assignment. “We had bought him at the Saratoga sale last year,” Danner said. “We spent good money on him. He is a beautiful colt and he had been working very well, on both the Tapeta and the dirt. I was kind of questioning what surface we should start him out on, but John wanted to run here. I wanted to start her off at seven-eighths, so, thankfully, we got the distance we wanted. This was all good. You never complain when you win any race at Kentucy Downs. Even the horses who haven't won for us are running nice races.” You might have one more chance to bet on a Danner-trained 2-year-old. Windy Houston (Munnings) may run in Saturday's first race. She is the first also-eligible listed. If she doesn't get in she will run the next day. But the filly ran second in her debut at Ellis Park, which means she's not going to sneak up on anyone like her two stablemates did. A $2 win parlay on the two Danner winners would have paid $5,364.00. Maybe she should rethink this no betting thing. The post Kelsey Danner Lights Up The Tote Board At Kentucky Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The University Press of Kentucky is proud to announce the launch of a new book series, Racing Royalty, dedicated to honoring the equine stars of Thoroughbred racing. View the full article

Since stretching out in distance, Stellify has set fire to the turf with a pair of course records. Now, she faces a true test of her ability Sept. 6 while lining up in graded competition in the $2 million Ladies Marathon (G3T) at Kentucky Downs.View the full article

Niance, a little mare who's recovered from an injury, will chase top-tier glory while seeking to extend a hot record for females in the AU$750,000 Moir Stakes (G1) Sept. 6 at Moonee Valley Racecourse.View the full article

Jeff Lifson is in the midst of another career move, having left West Point Thoroughbreds earlier this year to co-found U Racing Stables with his wife, Stephanie Collins, the partnership's director of communications.View the full article

What Wyong Cup Day 2025 Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Friday, September 5, 2025 First Race 12:50pm AEST Visit Dabble The $250,000 Listed Wyong Cup (2100m) headlines proceedings on the quickfire seven-race program out of Wyong on Friday afternoon. Supported by the Group 3 Mona Lisa Stakes (1350m), participants are set to be greeted by perfect conditions above and should be racing on a Good 4 track. The rail will be in its true position the entire circuit, with Wyong Cup Day 2025 set to commence at 12:50pm AEST. Wyong Cup Tip: Saltcoats Saltcoats maps to get the gun run from barrier three, stalking likely leaders such as Travolta and Salt Lake City before producing late under James McDonald. The Chris Waller-trained gelding has built an admirable staying profile this prep and drops to a very workable 56kg for this drop-back in trip around the tight-turning Wyong 2100m. He’s rock-hard fit, handles soft ground, and his tactical speed is a big plus at this circuit. Wyong Cup Race 6 – #4 Saltcoats (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56kg) Mona Lisa Stakes Tip: Molly Bloom Class usually tells in the Group 3 Mona Lisa, and Molly Bloom brings plenty of it. She returns off two soft trials and a strong Group-level résumé, including a Group 3 placing over 1400m last season. Under set weights + penalties she gives weight (60.5kg) but draws kindly in seven for Nash Rawiller to settle midfield with cover and build momentum from the 600m. She handles soft ground, has the engine to sprint off a steady tempo at 1350m, and profiles to improve sharply back to mares’ grade fresh from a spell. Mona Lisa Stakes Race 7 – #1 Molly Bloom (7) 5yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Nash Rawiller (60.5kg) Best Bet at Wyong: Napoleonic Napoleonic looks ready to win first-up from a six-month spell. The John O’Shea & Tom Charlton-trained colt has shown ability in limited runs (2:0-1-0) and put the writing on the wall with a sharp Hawkesbury 1000m trial win on August 25. From gate five, James McDonald can have him stalking the speed set by Andale Andale and Don’t Tell Polly before exposing on the bend—a pattern that suits Wyong’s 1200m. He maps to control his own luck, gets a soft track he’s already handled, and has clearly been set up to break through fresh. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Napoleonic (5) 3yo Colt | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: James McDonald (57kg) Friday quaddie tips for Wyong Wyong quadrella selections September 5, 2025 1-3-6-7 3-4-5 1-3-4-8 1-2-3-7-10 Horse racing tips View the full article

After a record number of applications in 2025, Thoroughbred Charities of America grants to 98 organizations totaling over $1.1-million were recently awarded, according to a press release from the non-profit on Thursday afternoon. The TCA said that 63 aftercare organizations, 24 backstretch and farm worker programs, seven equine-assisted therapy organizations, three Thoroughbred incentive programs, and one research organization comprised this year's tally. The TCA release added that their grant committee established clear funding priorities with emphasis placed on approved organizations working to serve the backstretch and farm employee communities as well as non-traditional aftercare organizations. The group defined non-traditional aftercare organizations as those that are either working to provide on-track placement services to retiring Thoroughbreds or organizations that are working to incentivize equine enthusiasts to choose a horse as their next mount. “Our annual grants reflect both the generosity of our donors and the strength of the organizations we are privileged to support,” said Erin Halliwell, executive director of TCA. “We take our responsibility as stewards of donor contributions very seriously because it is these donations that allow us to make a real impact via our grants. Every dollar entrusted to TCA helps us invest in organizations that are making an impact on Thoroughbreds and their caretakers.” The post TCA’s Annual Grants To 98 Organizations Total Over $1.1 Million In 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article