Wandering Eyes

Last year's champion older female and GI Breeders' Cup Distaff heroine Idiomatic (Curlin), sportingly put back in training for a 5-year-old campaign, could potentially kick off her season in the GI La Troienne S. on the GI Kentucky Oaks undercard May 3. The Juddmonte homebred posted her third workout of 2024 for trainer Brad Cox at Fair Grounds Thursday morning, stopping the clock for four furlongs in :49 (17/43). “For starters, (the late Juddmonte founder) Prince Khalid (bin Abdullah) was never afraid to run horses, colts or fillies,” Juddmonte USA General Manager Garrett O'Rourke said. “He did it with Frankel and he did it with Enable. You look at a lot of our really great horses over here, the Sightseeks and all of those types, as well. If you are enjoying them number one and they're being productive, there's every reason to go on with them.” O'Rourke continued, “All options were open when we decided to bring her back after the Breeders' Cup. We just turned her out for 60 days and she grew some hair and let down. Then we started legging her back up again (at Juddmonte) and sent her back to Brad. He says she's doing super, no hiccups, touch wood so far. Coming back, the timing of it, obviously you've got the (GI) Apple Blossom (H. at Oaklawn Park Apr. 13) or something like that, but I think that will essentially come too soon for her. More than likely it will be the La Troienne on Oaks day.” Unraced at two, Idiomatic had just a Turfway Park maiden win to show for from three starts at three. The big mare put it all together and won a remarkable eight of nine starts last season, capping a five-race winning streak at the Championships at Santa Anita. A finalist for Horse of the Year, her brilliant 2023 campaign also included wins in the GI Juddmonte Spinster S. at Keeneland, the GI Personal Ensign S. at Saratoga and the GII Delaware H. Idiomatic currently boasts a career record of 12-9-1-2 and earnings of $2,456,840. “We did all of the right things with her,” O'Rourke said. “Huge, big mare as everyone knows. Wasn't any sense in rushing her. We actually turned her out until April of her 2-year-old year and let her grow up a little bit and brought her along slowly. She ran early the next year, needed some time off afterwards, and got all the time and I think all that patience worked to her advantage. She had a tough year last year and got the time off she deserved. She's still relatively fresh and the type of build of a racehorse that should get better with age. Hopefully, she'll continue to do so.” One of three Breeders' Cup winners for the mighty Curlin last year, Idiomatic is the first foal out of the stakes winner and 2017 GI Kentucky Oaks third-place finisher Lockdown (First Defence), a full-sister to Juddmonte's champion Close Hatches. She's all class! #4 IDIOMATIC ($5.60) pressed the early pace and held off a slew of late challengers to win the GI #BreedersCup Distaff! This is the fifth consecutive graded victory for the @JuddmonteFarms homebred, who was ridden by @flothejock for @bradcoxracing. pic.twitter.com/EBtACoSnoO — TVG (@TVG) November 4, 2023 The post Champion Mare Idiomatic Posts Third Work of Year, Targeting La Troienne on Kentucky Oaks Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Reserved tables in the Saratoga Race Course picnic paddock will be sold exclusively through a random drawing for Belmont Stakes Day on Saturday, June 8, the New York Racing Association, Inc. announced Thursday. As is the case during the 40-day summer meet, the vast majority of Saratoga's backyard picnic tables — approximately 700 — will be available on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the four-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Fans may enter the picnic paddock random drawing at BelmontStakes.com beginning Monday, Mar. 25. Approximately 100 picnic tables will be available for purchase through the random drawing (limited to one entry per person, one picnic table per winner). Winners will be notified shortly after the conclusion of the drawing on Friday, April 5, and will have up to 48 hours to complete the ticket purchase through a NYRA sales representative. Picnic paddock tables accommodate six guests at $75 per person or a total of $450, which includes the price of admission. If a winner previously secured admission for Belmont Stakes Day prior to the drawing, the purchase price will be credited toward the cost of the table. After the conclusion of the random drawing for Belmont Stakes Day, fans may secure tables in the reserved picnic paddock for the other three days of the Festival, June 6, 7 and 9, via Ticketmaster.com. The post Belmont Stakes Day Picnic Paddock Tables to be Made Available Through Random Drawing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The British wing of the European Breeders' Fund (EBF) has announced its contribution of more than £2 million towards prize-money in Britain for 2024. The funds are raised through contributions made annually by British stallion owners. Along with its backing of more than 700 races on the Flat, the British EBF will lend extra support in certain areas this year, including an injection of £325,000 for novice and maiden races for two- and three-year-olds as part of a wider project with the BHA, Levy Board, Darley, Juddmonte and Tattersalls. The High-Value Development Series of 84 races commences this Saturday with the £40,000 British Stallion Studs EBF Brocklesby S. “The contribution from British stallion owners continues to be a vital and much appreciated source of funding for racing,” said the BHA's chief operating officer Richard Wayman. “The BHA are pleased to be working with the British EBF and two of its major donors in Darley and Juddmonte, alongside Tattersalls, in expanding the development race initiative for two-year-olds and three-year-olds this year.” The £100,000 British EBF Two-Year-Old Finals will return for a third year, run at Goodwood and York for colts and fillies respectively. Chester's Lily Agnes S. and Beverley's Hilary Needler and Two-Year-Old Trophy (Beverley) will each be run for £50,000 thanks to support from the stallion studs and join the list of juvenile conditions races supported by the British EBF along with Epsom's Woodcote S. and Alice Keppel at Goowood, each of which has a prize fund of £75,000. Furthermore, the British EBF Future Stayers' programme of sire/dam-restricted races will also return. This year it features 12 races worth between £20,000 and £40,000 for juveniles with staying pedigrees. Previous winners from this series include the Group 1 stars Stradivarius (Ire), Hukum (Ire) and Cracksman (GB), as well as recent G3 Winter Derby winner Military Order (Ire). British EBF chairman Simon Sweeting said, “British stallion owners have made valuable and visible contributions totalling £40 million to prize-money over the last 40 years through the British EBF. Their continued support means we can contribute £1.9 million to Flat races this season. With our National Hunt activities considered, the contribution is over £2 million, directly to racing's prize-money. It's a genuine enhancement of the value of the programme, with a particular focus this year on developmental races, juvenile stayers and enhanced prize-money for Conditions races. “My thanks, and that of the British EBF Trustees, goes to our British stallion studs and owners. The support domestic stallions provide for racing's prize money is hugely important to the sport.” Sally Iggulden, CEO of Beverley Racecourse, outlined the importance of the British EBF backing of two key juvenile conditions races at the Yorkshire track. She said, “The Hilary Needler Trophy at Beverley is our flagship race, and the longest private sponsorship in the country, due to the amazing commitment and generosity of the Needler Family. To join forces with the British EBF in 2024 further adds to the credibility and importance of the race as a recognised stepping stone to Royal Ascot for two-year-old fillies. Its partner, the Two-Year-Old Trophy for colts and geldings, also benefits from British EBF support this year, and we very much look forward to seeing the best juveniles start at Beverley and progress through the ranks. We are immensely grateful to the EBF for recognising the gravity of these races and supporting independent racecourses in this way.” The post Stallion Studs Boost UK Prize-Money by £2m Through British EBF appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A new Groom's Bonus for the first-place winner of every race has been introduced by the Iroquois Steeplechase. A $1,000 bonus will be awarded for the Iroquois Steeplechase and a $500 bonus for all other races at the race meet. The 2024 Iroquois Steeplechase will run May 11 at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tennessee. “It's our way of saying thank you and acknowledging the hard work and passion that Grooms bring to our beloved sport,” said event sponsor Don Gill. “Without them, we would be at a significant disadvantage and would not be able to properly care for the horses.” Sara Jo Gill, daughter of the late Steeplechase owner Calvin Houghland, served as the honorary co-chair in the 2010 and 2019 Steeplechase events and was the first female Steeplechase Trustee. “The Iroquois Steeplechase has branded itself as one of the greatest horse racing events in the equine industry, and we are honored to be a part of something so special,” said Gill. “We are thankful for everyone who contributes to this wonderful race and are very optimistic and delighted for this year's Steeplechase.” Steeplechase is run by the 501c3 organization, the Volunteer State Horsemen's Foundation (VSHF). Through the VSHF, the Steeplechase supports charitable organizations throughout the community, including the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital, Friends of Warner Parks, and The Foundation for the Horse. The Steeplechase attracts around 25,000 racegoers annually. The post Iroquois Steeplechase Introduces Groom’s Bonuses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The G1 Prince of Wales's S. at Royal Ascot has been put forward as the main objective for King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}) by his trainer Roger Varian. Last year's G1 Champion S. hero thrived at the Berkshire venue during his three-year-old campaign, with both of his victories coming at the track. He followed up his brave second to Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the Derby by winning the King Edward VII S. at the royal meeting and, although having to settle for third in the King George in July, he recorded an emotional triumph under Frankie Dettori on British Champions Day. The Amo Racing-owned colt finished his campaign with a fifth-placed effort in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita and, after a well-earned winter break, is back at Carlburg Stables tuning up for the season ahead. Varian said, “He's in great form and has wintered very well. He looks a picture and we're very happy with him. He looks stronger and he's entitled to be–he's a big horse with low mileage so he's entitled to be getting stronger. It looks that way and hopefully with strength comes some improvement, so we will see.” He added, “We will be very much looking at the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot with one run before, either in Ireland or here. That will be his primary target for the first half of the season. “We wouldn't be looking to get him started before May and I guess closer to the time we will make a decision between going to Ireland for the Tattersalls Gold Cup or staying closer to home and going for the Brigadier Gerard at Sandown. “The Prince of Wales's Stakes is the obvious early season race for him, he's been successful twice at the track and the only time he wasn't he was a fine third in the King George.” Varian also provided an update on star stayer Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is set to reappear in the Group 2 Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan next week. The trainer said, “He's scheduled to ship on Saturday and has done all his work now. He's training well and looks a picture and we're looking forward to getting his season started out there. “James Doyle will ride him and a lot of our horses this year when available and when it works out for us and for him. He will be riding Eldar at Meydan and we're looking forward to that.” The post Prince Of Wales’s Stakes The “Primary Target” For King Of Steel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first-ever Kentucky Derby Style Guide has been released In celebration of its 150th Kentucky Derby. The guide, created in partnership with fashion, beauty and entertainment journalist Zanna Roberts Rassi, honors the cultural tradition with a collection of looks that pay homage to Derby fashion from the past 150 years. The guide features classic couture dresses and bowties, colorful hats and timeless accessories, including longstanding fashion partners and brands like vineyard vines, Longines, Radley London and Brackish. “There is truly nothing like the fashion found at the Kentucky Derby,” Roberts Rassi said. “It's a feast of popping colors, new trends and unique looks which are all elevated by the ever-fabulous headwear–its influence is engrained in American culture. Created with more than a century's worth of trends in mind, I hope fans feel inspired by the history found in the Kentucky Derby Style Guide when pulling together their outfits to wear for this year's race.” Official milliners for this year's Derby are Christine A. Moore Millinery (Christine Moore), Formé Millinery (Jenny Pfanenstiel) and The Hat Girls (Kate Smith and Rachel Bell). To view the official style guide, click here. The post Kentucky Derby Style Guide Released for 150th Anniversary appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It's that time again. The first major 2-year-old sale, the March OBS sale, is in the books and the buyers, sellers and bloodstock agents have had their chance to evaluate this year's freshman sires. So who do they like? We asked the experts listed below to give us their pick for leading freshman sire and an under-the-radar stallion they expect will have a big 2024. Liz Crow: “I really liked the Improbables at the OBS March breeze show. It's very sad that he passed away. I thought he had, overall, the most impressive breeze show. That doesn't always indicate who's going to be the leading freshman sire, but I have found in the past that it's a good model that tells you the horse is going in the right direction and that they have some 2-year-old speed. Overall, I was very impressed with his horses. Volatile is my sleeper pick. He had, overall, a good breeze show as well. And he bred a lot of mares, something around 180. I landed on quite a few of them that had nice works and he was speedy himself and, being by Violence, comes from a good line of 2 year olds. With the number of mares he had and with the solid breeze show he had I rank him high on the list.” Phil Hager: “In terms of the quality that I've seen so far it's a toss-up between Authentic and McKinzie. A lot of the Authentics I have seen look really nice. Some look like they could be early, but a lot of them look like horses that can go on and go two turns. The McKinzies look like they might develop a little later in the year, but they seem to have a lot of quality. Both were well supported and will go to a lot of good trainers. My sleeper is Caracaro. That horse could run. I used to work at Crestwood, so I knew the horse's story. He had quite a few that worked really well at the March sale. I don't know if that was a surprise, but they were consistent.” Mike McMahon: “McKinzie is my pick. I've owned three or four already. Not only were they in demand at the sales but they were all good looking horses. I haven't had a bad one yet. The one we bought to go racing with, if all is right, he will be pretty exceptional. I feel like I have a good group of McKinzies and have a good feel for them. His 2 year olds breezed just as well as they were supposed to. My sleeper is Vekoma. It's a tough choice because I like several stallions that stand for $10,000 or less and are real bargains. Vekoma has the speed to be a sire, the sire line and the pedigree. I've loved the ones we have been around.” Jon Green: “I was most impressed with the Improbables. His passing is unfortunate. He had a couple of horses who were on our short list for the 2-year-old sale and last year we saw 10 to 12 of his yearlings that we liked at the yearling sales. I think he will be an outstanding freshman sire. The sleeper is Tom's d'Etat. We bought two of his yearlings and I got outbid on one at the March sale. He won't be a juvenile stallion that throws precocious 2 year olds. Just like him, as they get older. I think you'll see them hitting the winner's circle in graded stakes.They will get better with age.” Connor Foley: Based on what I saw at the OBS sale, my pick for leading freshman sire would be Tiz the Law. They breezed well enough as a group and I thought they all had a lot of race-horse characteristics to them. Horses can breeze fast, but you still have to ask yourself the question, are they going to go on to be good race horses? They had that look to me. For my sleeper pick, I was impressed by the horses by Thousand Words.” Zoe Cadman: “Volatile is my pick for leading freshman sire. Like last year's freshman sire Mitole, Volatile was also brilliantly fast and trained by one of the masters of the game in Steve Asmussen. How he ever paid $20 to win on debut is just beyond me. He was brilliantly fast and being out of an Unbridled's Song mare I see no reason why his babies won't go two turns . They made a great showing at the recently concluded OBS 2-year-old sales showing not only class, which is so important, but also some stretch and athleticism. Marette Farrell, who I work closely with at the sales, scooped one up out of the Lothenbach dispersal who we absolutely love. My under-the-radar pick was going to be Vekoma. But his 2-year-olds are no longer a secret. The were incredibly well received at both the yearling sales and at OBS March. The Farrell team bid on and secured several. So, I'm going with Complexity who stands for $12,500 at Airdrie stud, as my sleeper. He has it all. He was a Grade I winner at two and also the Kelso winner at four. His 2 year olds looked great skipping over the OBS surface and I am looking forward to seeing them hit the racetrack soon.” Mark Casse: “I have to go with War of Will, who I trained. I have something like 20 of his offspring and they're training very well. They're going to be very versatile. He was a versatile horse who could run on dirt or grass. My sleeper is Win Win Win. The horses by him have been very impressive on the track.” David Ingordo: “I have to go with Game Winner. He was 2-year-old champion and he got a good book of mares. They look the part. We got a bunch of them that we bought to race that act precocious, but also high class, not cheap. He's my No. 1 pick. My sleeper is Honor A.P. I don't think they'll win going 4 ½ furlongs by any means, but you have the A.P. Indy line that is not Tapit. He was precocious enough, but I think he'll be a source of Classic type blood. I can see him getting a horse in the Breeders' Cup Classic or, earlier on, him getting a 2-year old in races like the American Pharoah and the Breeders' Futurity.” Terry Finley: We have a couple of Game Winners we like and I know people liked him in Ocala. The McKinzies look like they have a lot of quality to them. I was very impressed with him at the yearling sales and at Ocala, where they sold well. He's got a good shot to come up with a big one and a horse who is going to slant those stats. I like them both but I'll go with Game Winner as my top pick and McKinzie as my sleeper. The post Who Will Be This Year’s Leading Freshman Sire? We’ve Asked the Experts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dr. Cynthia Cole has been named the acting laboratory director of the UK Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (EACL), effective March 15, 2024, according to a press release from the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Cole brings over 30 years of experience to the role, with a diverse background spanning academia, industry and research, according to the UK release. Previously, Cole served as an associate clinical professor and director of The Racing Laboratory at the University of Florida from 2002-2006 and again from 2018-2023 when the laboratory closed. Just last week, the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) suspended its accreditation of the University of Kentucky's Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, according to the RMTC's executive director, Michael Hardy. That followed news the prior week that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) had opened an investigation into the UK Laboratory's performance, and that the agencies were cooperating with the university's own investigation into the matter. The university is also conducting an ongoing personnel investigation relating to former lab director Scott Stanley and that “Dr. Stanley was not permitted to be in direct communication with the other staff at the laboratory,” HISA and HIWU wrote in a joint statement two weeks ago. HIWU stopped sending samples to the UK Lab on Feb. 16. Prior to that, the laboratory had been one of six drug testing facilities used under HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) program. According to the RMTC's Hardy, his organization alerted the University of Kentucky to the RMTC's laboratory accreditation suspension on Mar. 11. Cole was one of the founding faculty members of the KL Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California, Davis (1995-2002). She holds a D.V.M., Ph.D. and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Florida and is recognized as a Diplomate in the American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology. Cole has also made significant contributions in her industry roles at Mars Petcare, Novartis Animal Health, IDEXX and Piedmont Pharmaceuticals. In her role as acting director, Cole will oversee all operations of the laboratory, including reviewing procedures from sample receiving to results and ensuring compliance with all applicable accreditation criteria. “With the resources, energy and support that UK, the racing industry, elected policymakers and other stakeholders have invested in the Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, it is poised to be an industry leader in forensic drug testing,” said Dr. Cole. “Moving forward, and working with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit and regulators of sport horse competitions, I am confident that we can achieve that vision.” Leveraging her background in veterinary medicine and pharmacology, Cole will also provide guidance on chemistry and sample analysis to ensure the accuracy and reliability of testing procedures. Additionally, she will supervise daily laboratory activities, offering leadership and support to staff members to maintain the highest standards of performance. “We warmly welcome Dr. Cole to the college,” said Nancy Cox, vice president of land-grant engagement and dean of Martin-Gatton CAFE. “Her extensive experience and proven leadership will be instrumental in advancing the EACL's history of providing drug testing that meets the highest industry standards. She will also be instrumental in upholding the integrity of the equine industry, advancing the health and welfare of the horse.” The post UK Hires Dr. Cynthia Cole As Acting Lab Director appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Statements don't come much bigger than that made by John Stewart in the second half of 2023 when he spent over $25 million at public auction in less than 10 weeks, suddenly announcing himself as an emerging force in racing and bloodstock. Stewart's most costly recruits included the second-top lot at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, an Uncle Mo half-sister to the multiple Grade I winner Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil) who sold for $2.5 million. He then rolled into the Fasig-Tipton Kentucky November Sale where a pair of Breeders' Cup winners headlined his seven purchases, splashing out $6 million on the dual Filly & Mare Sprint heroine Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) and $3 million on the Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). More recently, Stewart purchased five two-year-olds at the OBS March Sale, notably spending $1 million on an Authentic colt, while the three-year-old Pounce (Lookin At Lucky) was bought for $370,000 at the Fasig-Tipton February Digital Sale and made the perfect start for her new owner when winning the GIII Herecomesthebride S. at Gulfstream Park earlier this month. He also privately purchased the filly Sweet Rebecca after she broke her maiden at the same track eight days later and was named a 'TDN Rising Star'. Certainly, nobody can accuse Stewart of not putting his money where his mouth is. It was only around 18 months ago that he teamed up with Gavin O'Connor to buy his first horse, Shiloh's Mistress (Vino Rosso), for $235,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Now, he has designs on becoming one of the most influential owner-breeders in the sport. A lifelong racing fan, Stewart might have bided his time before getting his hands dirty at the coal face, but there's seemingly no limit to his ambition now that he's there. Speaking about the decision to significantly increase his stake in the industry, Stewart explains, “I met Chelsey [Stone], my girlfriend, in the spring of last year, early summer. Gavin and I were planning on buying a couple more horses, and Chelsey has been around horses her whole life. She rides Saddlebreds and she worked at Gainesway, so she knows horses a lot. “We got talking more and more about what the opportunities were and I told them, 'Something you should know about me is that I don't ever do anything halfway–I'm probably not going to be that person who has just two or three horses.' “We went to the Keeneland Sale and Chelsey and Gavin had looked at 160 horses to try to recommend two. I was so impressed by that because it would have been very easy just to pick two horses. And so, as we started going through the sale, we had an eye on a couple and then some others came up and I thought the prices were kind of reasonable. “Somehow, we ended up spending $8.5 million. I go to car auctions all the time and I do the same thing. I'd just been to a car auction and bought nine cars a month earlier–people that know me know that's totally not out of character.” Altogether, Stewart came away from the Keeneland September Yearling Sale with 13 horses, including a second seven-figure purchase when he forked out $1 million for the full-brother to the multiple top-level winner Practical Joke (Into Mischief). That group is set to spearhead Stewart's racing operation, called Resolute Racing, in 2024. In the meantime, Stewart's priority was finding a place his burgeoning broodmare band could call home. That next step in the process was ticked off late last year when he completed the purchase of Shadwell's Shadayid Stud in Midway, since renamed Resolute Farm. “I used to live back behind Shadwell in Fishers Mill in Midway,” says Stewart, the founder and managing partner of MiddleGround Capital, a private equity firm. “I lived there for around 10 years, and I've always admired this property and thought it was beautiful. There hadn't been horses on this property since [Sheikh Hamdan] had passed away, but they took such good care of it that it was really just turnkey. We could just come in and start, so we put an offer in, they accepted it, and we bought the farm.” Said farm now has a handful of Grade I-winning mares—not to mention dams of Grade I winners or siblings to Grade I winners–grazing its lush paddocks following Stewart's spending spree last autumn. As well as Goodnight Olive and Pizza Bianca, Stewart paid a total of $5.9 million for the dams of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile and GI Florida Derby winner Forte (Violence) and GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic). The Listed-winning Queen Caroline (Blame), the dam of Forte, was bought for $3 million at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, before the GII-placed Puca (Big Brown) was secured for $2.9 million post-RNA at the Keeneland November Sale having originally been reported as unsold. Another mare who went unsold when offered for $2.4 million at Keeneland was the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint heroine Caravel (Mizzen Mast), but she too ended up with Stewart following a private sale conducted early in 2024. Telling the story of how he came to buy Caravel, Stewart says, “Chelsey was very interested in Caravel from the beginning, as I was, and I had talked to Sheikh Fahad [Al Thani, chairman of Qatar Racing] at the Breeders' Cup about her. We went to Keeneland after the sale and ended up buying Puca. We found out that Caravel had RNA'd and we were so shocked, so we reached out to them directly and said, 'Hey, we'll buy the horse.' “There's a lot of people in the industry that don't want to sell privately because they think it's going to take away from the value of the horse. But coming after the Fasig-Tipton sale where I had bought some of the most expensive horses there and paid really premium prices, I said, 'Guys, nobody's ever going to know what I pay for the horse and they're all going to assume I paid a ridiculous price, because look at what I just paid for all these other horses.' So, they agreed to sell her to us.” As for the next steps for Caravel and Puca–who is the dam of another colt on the Triple Crown trail this year in the GII Fountain of Youth S. winner Dornoch (Good Magic)–Stewart adds, “We knew all along that we wanted to breed Caravel to Frankel and I've used that with the team to convince them to let me send Puca to Frankel. We're going to send Puca to Into Mischief this year and then she's going to join Caravel over there and she's going to be bred to Frankel next year.” The prospect of having a homebred colt or filly by Frankel (GB) on the ground is a tantalising one for Stewart, though it won't be the first offspring of the unbeaten world champion to have graced the turf at Resolute Farm. Instead, that honour belongs to the colt out of the G1 Oaks runner-up Pink Dogwood (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) who receives rave reports from farm manager Noel Murphy. “I love the Frankel foal,” he says. “He's big and strong and looks like a Frankel should.” Pink Dogwood, a full-sister to the G1 Irish Derby winner Latrobe (Ire), was carrying said foal when she became one of four Coolmore mares acquired by Stewart during last year's Thanksgiving trip to Tipperary at the invitation of MV Magnier. That quartet also includes the impeccably-bred Champagne (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a full-sister to the GI Breeders' Cup Turf and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Found (Ire); Dramatically (War Front), who is out of the G1 Oaks runner-up Wonder Of Wonders (Kingmambo); and G3 Athasi S. winner Happen (War Front), a daughter of the dual Classic heroine Alexandrova (Ire) (Sadler's Wells). “Pink Dogwood and Champagne are just different,” Murphy says of two of the new recruits. “When you have them in your hand and when you're around them, they're just different. Those two, in particular, there's something very unique about them. There's a presence that you don't find all the time–it's rare.” Stewart, too, freely admits that it was the uniqueness of the opportunity offered to him by the Coolmore team that made it so difficult to turn down. “When you start to look at the pedigrees of the horses, the depth is just something that you don't see,” he sums up. “I'm trying to get the families that are really deep and I think one of the things you see in Europe that you don't see in America is more concentration of families. “We were able to buy these [mares] all in foal and so we had three colts and one filly expected out of these horses. To have a Frankel on the ground now, which is a huge, 140-pound foal, is super exciting. You just don't see that on every farm here. And we have a Siyouni filly [out of Champagne], you don't see that a lot. They were a couple of stallions I was really interested in and Coolmore gave us a big step in that direction, kind of creating the foundation for what's going to be the future of the farm.” Closer to hand, Stewart can look forward to one of the biggest days in his relatively brief time as a racehorse owner when unbeaten two-year-old Storm Boy (Aus) (Justify) runs in Saturday's G1 Golden Slipper, the world's richest race for juveniles. Favourite Storm Boy was purchased by Coolmore and a group of their clients and friends, including Stewart, for an undisclosed sum after winning the Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic in January. Stewart has travelled to Australia to enjoy the occasion, hoping to make another big statement on another continent–and with Europe unlikely to be far behind. “I'm international with my business,” he explains. “I just opened an office in Amsterdam and I spend a lot of time over there. It's actually pretty efficient for me to go to Europe and I'm there probably three or four times a quarter. Again, I respect the bloodlines over there and I respect a lot of the farms that are over there. I would envisage, in the future, the next place we'll be racing horses will be over in Europe. There's not an immediate plan for that, but I would expect that in the future.” The post At Home With John Stewart and the Team at Resolute Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) will shuttle to New Zealand to stand at Windsor Park Stud, which was also the former southern hemisphere home of his broodmare sire Montjeu (Ire). Currently covering his first book of mares at Coolmore Stud in Ireland, the four-time Group 1 winner will become the first son of the Aga Khan Studs' Siyouni to join the stallion ranks in New Zealand. Siyouni's champion son St Mark's Basilica (Fr) shuttles to Coolmore's base in the Hunter Valley. Though Siyouni has remained in France throughout his stud career, he has been represented by four stakes winners in Australia, most notably Amelia's Jewel (Aus), whose seven Group wins include the G1 Northerly S. Windsor Park Stud has had a long-running association with Coolmore and also previously stood High Chaparral (Ire), who enjoyed significant success in Australasia. Its current roster of seven stallions includes the treble Group 1-winning miler Circus Maximus (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), whose first European crop will hit the track this season. Windsor Park Stud's co-owner Rodney Schick said of Paddington's planned arrival at the farm later this year, “We had a launch day for him here today and are confident that he is going to attract a good book of mares as he has done in the northern hemisphere. “He is a history-making horse, exceptional from the beginning, being a top-drawer yearling and he was a champion miler by an exceptional stallion.” He added, “I was also lucky enough to see both Siyouni and his sire Pivotal race and I think Paddington has thrown very nicely to the sireline.” Coolmore's Tom Magnier said that he was looking forward to continuing the “great relationship” his operation has with Windsor Park Stud. He added of Paddington, “We believe that he is the most exciting horse to go to stud in New Zealand in a very long time.” The post Paddington to Shuttle to New Zealand’s Windsor Park Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After victories with Oriental Express and Olympic Express, the prominent owners look to taste the ultimate success for a third time with Helios Express at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

What Rock Magic Stakes Day Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, March 23, 2024 First Race 12:19pm AWST Visit Dabble It may be dubbed Rock Magic Stakes Day, but the Listed Supremacy Stakes and Grandstand Cup will be the main attractions on Saturday’s nine-race program at Ascot. The track is expected to stay in the Good range for the whole meeting, with a perfect autumn day forecast for Perth. The rail will be in the +3m position for the entire circuit, with the opening race set to kick off at 12:19pm AWST. Supremacy Stakes Tip: Onemoretwomany Onemoretwomany had to do a lot of work to find the front from a wide barrier first-up in the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic and was entitled to tire late, even though he was only beaten by just over two lengths. This son of Tassort has drawn much better in barrier one on Saturday, and he will be able to hold the rail in front of the field much more easily second-up. Dropping back from 1200m to 1000m shouldn’t be a problem, as this guy will be able to run the race at a strong speed and give his rivals something to chase. Supremacy Stakes Race 7 – #1 Onemoretwomany (1) 2yo Gelding | T: Neville Parnham | J: Laqdar Ramoly (58.5kg) +400 with Dabble Grandstand Cup Tip: Red Fifty Three It is fair to say that Red Fifty Three should be undefeated this preparation; however, the Grant & Alana Williams-trained gelding clipped heels before getting clear two starts back and flashed up the inside rail to finish second last start. This son of Gingerbread Man is airborne this campaign and comes into the Grandstand Cup with the best form in the field. With even luck and an economical run in transit, Red Fifty Three will prove extremely hard to beat if he can maintain his recent form. Grandstand Cup Race 8 – #8 Red Fifty Three (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: Chris Parnham (54kg) +260 with Playup Best Bet at Ascot: Wild Belle Wild Belle will return from a nine-week freshen in search of back-to-back victories after she was a dominant winner of the Listed Miss Andretti Stakes at Pinjarra on January 17 over 1200m. Luke Fernie is trying to get this talented mare into The Quokka, so it is expected that he will have her ready to go first-up in an attempt to impress slot holders. Although this daughter of Pride Of Dubai has drawn barrier one, Chris Parnham should be able to let the speed go and get off the rail early on before getting out wide on the home turn to fly down the outside late. Best Bet Race 6 – #7 Wild Belle (1) 4yo Mare | T: Luke Fernie | J: Chris Parnham (54.5kg) +190 with Picklebet Next Best at Ascot: Karalee Rocks After spending 11 months in Victoria under the care of Lindsey Smith, Karalee Rocks has returned to the Colin Webster stable and looks in good shape after impressive barrier trials over 1000m. This five-year-old mare has a strong first-up record (4:3-0-0), and with a lot of speed expected in this race, it should set up nicely for a swooper like this girl to round them up late. Jordan Turner has three wins from five rides on this daughter of Flying Artie, and if he can find a back to follow around the home turn, Karalee Rocks can return in a big way. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Karalee Rocks (5) 5yo Mare | T: Colin Webster | J: Jordan Turner (59kg) +360 with Neds Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, March 23, 2024 3-7-8 1-3-4-7 2-3-8 5-6-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Every galloper in single figures in overseas fixed-odds markets receives a double-figure draw at Sha Tin on ThursdayView the full article

It’s a big night of racing at Alexandra Park on Friday night so the team at HRNZ have put together a lift-out with all the stories, selections and fields you will need to enjoy the night of racing. View it here View the full article

Elegant Lady will contest the Group 3 Valachi Downs South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on Saturday. Photo: Race Images South Te Akau Racing mare Elegant Lady will look to build on her burgeoning South Island record when contesting the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton Park on Saturday. A daughter of Highly Recommended, Elegant Lady has been a model of consistency since first appearing for Te Akau’s Riccarton stable in the spring, producing three wins and a further five minor placings, including finishing runner-up last start in the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) to Shockallia. Sam Bergerson trains the promising four-year-old in partnership with Mark Walker, and has been impressed with her near faultless season. “We gave her a freshen-up after the Dunedin Gold Cup, she’s in great form down there and seems to be really enjoying the South Island,” he said. “She had an exhibition gallop with Perfect Scenario last Thursday at Ashburton and she’s working super. “She’s more suited to the 2000-2400m trips, but we’ve kept her really fresh for the mile, and her form over 1600m is good. She’s a very honest mare with a nice draw and Parmar on, I’m sure she can run a real race, and hopefully sneak a bit more black-type.” Apprenticed to the Matamata trainers, jockey Niranjan Parmar will partner Elegant Lady in the feature, while he will have a first raceday ride aboard Nucleozor in the Pearl Series Race (1000m). The exciting Almanzor juvenile made a big impression with a sizzling victory on debut at Wingatui, and alongside stablemate Discretion Rules, are hopefuls for the upcoming Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m) and Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m). “Nucleozor was super impressive over the 820m to rattle off those sectionals late, stepping up to the 1000m will suit,” Bergerson said. “He’s got a sticky gate (8) but from the 1000m on the dog-leg, it shouldn’t matter too much. “I thought Discretion Rules’ run at Wingatui was good, he tried well and putting the blinkers on since has seemed to sharpen him up. It was hard to split them at trackwork on Tuesday. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was right there on Saturday.” Further stakes opportunities also beckon for Sense of Timing, Mazzucato and Lady Of Court, as the trio contest the Peterson’s Jewellers Ladies Bracelet Three-Year-Old (1400m) following their second, sixth and eighth placed finishes in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m). “Sense Of Timing was good late in the Airfreight Stakes, we’ve tried to keep her fresh for the 1400m but she’s probably looking forward to getting to the mile,” Bergerson said. “Mazzucato is a funny horse, she’ll put in a rattler of a race, then was a touch plain at Wingatui after receiving a nice run. We’ll look to ride her a bit colder out the back and settle, she doesn’t seem to enjoy running on speed. “Lady Of Court had no luck in the messy Wingatui race with the riderless horse, she didn’t get much room up the straight and probably would’ve been a lot closer.” In-form topweight Perfect Scenario headlines a strong undercard for Te Akau, the Iffraaj six-year-old benefitting from Donovan Cooper’s four-kilogram claim in the Johnny Fresh Darfield & Yaldhurst Open Sprint (1400m). “He’s right up in the handicaps now, so it is pretty tough for him in a race like this, but we’ve got four kilos off. There are some handy gallopers at the bottom of the book, but he’s in really good form,” Bergerson said. “The Canterbury Gold Cup (Group 3, 2000m) is there in three weeks, but we would have to jump from 1400m to 2000m, so we’ll get through Saturday and go from there.” Progressive mares Caravella and Stella Splendida will go head-to-head again in the Selwyn Rakaia Vet Services Rating 75 (1200m), the former having the better of her stablemate at the identical trip a fortnight ago. “Caravella hit the front pretty early last time, and the other mare came at her and she kicked back again. She should get a lovely run in behind the speed,” Bergerson said. “Stella Splendida meets her a lot better off in the weights this time, she’ll be ridden a bit colder and go for the one final run. I wouldn’t be surprised to see any one of them winning, they are very hard to split. “Sorcha will be fresh-up in this so she may need the run out of a sticky gate, but she trialled well on Tuesday. Hopefully she can get some cover from outwide down the chute.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Mark Walker stable is banking on a freshen up between races as being pivotal for Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer). A last start winner against ‘the boys’ in the Gr.2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on February 24, Campionessa will have her first test at Moonee Valley on Saturday in the Gr.2 Sunline Stakes (1600m). The Sunline Stakes is restricted to fillies and mares and run at weight-for-age. Campionessa is no stranger to weight-for-age racing having been successful in New Zealand at the highest level while also scoring last time out at Caulfield. Ben Gleeson, Walker’s assistant trainer, based at Cranbourne, said Campionessa had freshened up well after a long campaign that commenced last September. He said the plan after Campionessa’s win in the Peter Young was to restrict the mare to races of 1800m and less, despite winning the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2050m) in December. Gleeson said Campionessa had run ‘just fair’ at 2000m in the Gr.1 Australian Cup at Flemington last year which ruled her out of running in the race again this year. “Long before the Peter Young, Mark said 1800 metres just sees her out at the finish,” Gleeson said. “So back to a mile, a distance which arguably her wins have been most impressive, is much better for her, especially off the back of a freshen up. “She’ll go into this with some freshness in her legs and a month between runs after a very long preparation. “I’m sure it will have done her wonders.” Gleeson does not know how much more racing Campionessa has in her this campaign. He said the stable would await the result Saturday’s outing before plotting their next course. The Gr.1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on April 13 is a possibility, but it won’t be discussed until after Saturday. “If she can win, then it will open the door and show that she has freshened up, but we’ll leave that until after Saturday,” Gleeson said. View the full article

A trip to Brisbane to compete in the Queensland Winter Carnival is on the cards for Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor) following her runner-up performance behind Pulchritudinous (NZ) (Wrote) in last Saturday’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. Racing in the colours of owner Ben Kwok, the daughter of Almanzor had won the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie a fortnight prior, and her brave Oaks performance gave trainer Andrew Forsman the confidence to press on towards an Australian campaign with his filly. “It was a good effort (in the Oaks),” Forsman said. “Trentham is a hard track to be exposed as far out as she was. Masa (Hashizume, jockey) had no choice but to make his run when he did, and the winner had the right run and came down the best part of the track. She was brave, we were really happy with her. “We just had to give it a few days to process as to what was going to be best (path) and we decided to get her to the paddock for a week and a half and ideally she will go to Brisbane for a two or three race campaign. “A rough plan of attack, without having nailed it right down, would be the (Gold Coast) Bracelet (Listed, 1800m), into the Roses (Gr.2, 2100m), into the Oaks (Gr.1, 2200m). Whether it is all of those races or just two of them we will just work that out closer to the time once she is back in and going.” Forsman said track conditions and avoiding a couple of classy fillies are the major factors behind bypassing the Sydney Autumn Carnival in favour of Brisbane. “I think she will suit the tracks better and there’s a better chance of getting good footing,” he said. “Sydney can be a bit hit and miss and she needs Good ground. She will obviously be dodging two classy fillies in Sydney (as well).” Meanwhile, Forsman is looking forward to taking a quartet of runners to Tauranga on Saturday, including Saint Bathans (Maurice), who will compete in the Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m). After a freshen-up following his runner-up performance in the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day, the son of Maurice finished third behind Fashion Shoot (NZ) (Savabeel) and stablemate Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) at Tauranga on Saturday, and Forsman is expecting the seven-day back-up to favour his gelding. “He was super first-up. We never really intended to lead, but with the lack of tempo in the race he ended up there, and I thought he was very brave,” Forsman said. “He seems to operate well on a back-up, so hopefully that will work for him this weekend.” Forsman was also pleased with Mustang Valley’s first-up run last Saturday and is now weighing up between trans-Tasman targets with his Group One winner. “We had intended to go to Sydney next week to run in the Emancipation (Gr.2, 1500m),” he said. “In the next day or two we will weigh up whether we will head that way or stay home and run in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ (Gr.1, 1600m) at Ellerslie next Saturday.” Another Australian feature could be a deciding factor. “The Queen of the Turf (Gr.1, 1600m), on the last day of The Championships, looks like a nice race if they can get a bit of rain over there,” he said. Forsman is also set to line-up Ethereal Star (Snitzel) in the Snow Williams Bayleys Country 1600 at Tauranga, with her performance dictating her future plans. “She is on a bit of a test,” Forsman said. “We toyed with going back to 1400m against her own age, but we want to see her run out a strong mile and decide whether she is going to be a horse that can get a mile and further.” Ethereal Star will be joined in her race by stablemate and last start winner Blissfull Lady (NZ) (Shocking), while Forsman’s Tauranga team will be rounded out by Armino (Fastnet Rock) in the Peter Clarke Bayleys Residential 1400. View the full article

With the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) in the pipeline, Bill Thurlow is looking forward to stepping Field Of Gold (Starspangledbanner) out over ground in Sunday’s Trust House Enhancing Our Community Masterton Cup (2050m). The Starsplangedbanner gelding landed his career-best victory over 2000m in the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas as a three-year-old, and two years later will seek to gain another black-type berth in the Tauherenikau feature. Field Of Gold built to a strong last-start performance over 1600m at Otaki, nearly upsetting the $1.70 favourite in Loch In Ora (NZ) (Pierro) with a storming late dash, only going down by a head under apprentice jockey Toni Davies. “We thought it was a great run, he carried a big weight and was pretty close to winning the race really. He’s obviously still on the way up and we’re still learning a bit about him, but it was very good,” Thurlow said. “He pulled up well and we’re really happy with him, hopefully he might have improved a little bit from that run. He hasn’t missed a beat.” Thurlow was pleased to reward Davies with the ride again on Sunday, which provides three kilograms of weight relief from Field Of Gold’s 62kg allocated impost. “Toni rode him very well for us last time out and it’s good to have her back on this weekend. She deserved to be rewarded for that,” he said. “It’s only a small field, so in an ideal world I’d imagine he’ll be a few pairs back and one out, but we’ll see how the race pans out after he jumps.” The Hawkes’s Bay Cup will be run at the rescheduled Otaki venue on April 13, and Thurlow is hopeful the five-year-old can continue on his upward trajectory towards the race. “All going well, the Hawke’s Bay Cup is our plan. Hopefully he’ll get in with a nice light weight, but we’ll get through Sunday first,” he said. Later on the Tauherenikau card, Thurlow will prepare Zacinto gelding Towrope (NZ) for the Liquorland Masterton/Matahiwi Estate (1600m) off the back of a solid trial win at Foxton earlier this month. “We think he’ll run very well, he’s had a couple of trials this time in and has come back a lot stronger as a four-year-old. We would expect a bold showing from him,” Thurlow said. Thurlow has taken his time in strengthening the four-year-old, as with Complacent stablemate Rebal Agent (NZ), who runs fresh-up at Taranaki on Friday in the Daves Patch Maiden (2000m). “He was very similar to Towrope, starting their preparations as late two-year-olds and were just a little bit weak at three,” he said. “We’re not sure where we’ll end up with him, but he went well in his trial, and he’s been working on well. We’ll just see how he goes raceday.” Meanwhile, Thurlow will be watching his promising jumper Whiskey Tango (NZ) (Proisir) from afar this season, as the gelding headed offshore to Victorian trainer Patrick Payne’s to continue his career. View the full article

There is an air of positivity around an often-understated Phillip Stokes as he sends Climbing Star (NZ) (Zoustar) to Morphettville this weekend in search of an elusive second career victory. The four-year-old lines up in the Listed Matrice Stakes (1200m) on Saturday at her first-up outing for this preparation which Stokes hopes will be crowned by races like the Gr.1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) in late April. Having competed at black-type level through her springtime campaign last year, the daughter of Zoustar finished second in the Gr.3 Moonga Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, followed by a fifth placing behind Foxy Frida (Foxwedge) in the Inglis Bracelet (1600m) at Flemington on November 9. However, the experiment over longer trips is over with Stokes’ focus now on the shorter distances for the mare who broke her maiden on debut at Cranbourne back in September 2022 over 1200-metres. “She’s going super,” Stokes said. “I’m very happy with her this prep and we’re going to keep her to the sprinting trips.” To be ridden by Lachlan Neindorf, Pakenham-based Stokes can also continue what has become a strong trainer and jockey association. Sixteen of Neindorf’s last 100 rides have been for Stokes with the pair running at a 37.5% winning strike-rate and 62.5% for the minor money. “We’ll ride her with cover,” Stokes added. “She’s been racing up to a good level but hasn’t won and I think she’s very well-placed in that race.” Climbing Star has firmed into $9.50 from Wednesday’s opening price of $12 across markets. The Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained Nunthorpe holds favouritism (Playing God) for the Matrice Stakes at $3.20. View the full article

One of the world’s best racehorses last year has been secured to stand at Windsor Park Stud in 2024. Ballydoyle superstar Paddington, a four-time Group One Classic and Royal Ascot-winning son of leading commercial sire Siyouni will shuttle to Windsor Park following the completion of his first stud season this year at Coolmore, Ireland. Paddington is the only horse in history to win the Group One quartet of the Irish 2000 Guineas, St James’s Palace Stakes, Eclipse Stakes & Sussex Stakes. This unique achievement illustrated his versatility and dominance, not just against his own generation but also against older horses. “Paddington is a history-maker,” Windsor Park’s Rodney Schick said. “He was exceptional from the beginning being a top-drawer yearling himself, a champion miler on the racetrack and is by the exceptional sire Siyouni, one of the world’s most in-demand sale-ring sires.” A winner of seven races in succession, Paddington only raced as a two and three-year-old, capturing the attention of the racing world with a sequence of world-class performances. A two-year-old winner at the Curragh at his second start, Paddinton commenced his Classic season with successive victories prior to his inaugural Group One victory in the Irish 2000 Guineas (1600m). Following this first Group One success, Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien then took Paddington to Royal Ascot for the Gr.1 St James’s Palace Stakes where he produced a commanding performance to defeat the best European three-year-old milers which included English 2OOO Guineas winner Chaldean who finished in second position, 3.75 lengths behind Paddington. O’Brien then pitched Paddington up in distance and against the best older horses in the Gr.1 Eclipse Stakes (2002m) at Sandown where he again proved superior to defeat arguably the best mare in training, multiple Group One winner Emily Upjohn. With his Eclipse success Paddington became the first horse since Sadler’s Wells, four decades earlier, to complete the Irish 2000 Guineas/Eclipse Stakes double. O’Brien was then sufficiently confident to drop Paddington back to a mile in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood where he produced an even more emphatic result to win again against older horses. “He thrives on racing and is very uncomplicated,” champion jockey Ryan Moore said. “He’s a very unique horse and I’m very fortunate to be riding him.” Seven consecutive victories confirmed Paddington’s mental and physical progression and cemented his superstar status among the best horses racing globally. “To do what he did takes a very special horse, very unique really,” his Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien said. “In terms of his attitude and determination he was very similar to Giant’s Causeway but Paddington was a much quicker horse. He had great tactical speed but could quicken off it. He’s an unbelievable specimen who got physically stronger from race to race which is a very unusual thing in a thoroughbred.” A €420,000 (NZ$750,000) Arqana October Yearling sales graduate, the 16.1hh Paddington is a son of the Aga Khan Stud’s highly commercial Champion Sire Siyouni. One of Europe’s most sought-after sires, Siyouni had yearlings sell to $A3.6 million in 2023 and he stands at stud in 2024 for €200,000 (NZ$357,000). A Group One winning two-year-old, Siyouni has been twice General Champion Sire and four-times Champion Sire of two-year-olds. Bred by the famed Wildenstein family’s Dayton Investments Ltd, Paddington comes from one of their most illustrious families. His first four dams are either stakes winners or Group One performers descending from their undefeated Champion and dual Classic-winning racemare Madelia. In addition, Paddington’s first three damsires were either winners of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe or Kentucky Derby. His 4×4 linebreeding to sons of Nureyev combines the precocious brilliance of his sireline with the championship, middle distance qualities of an Arc and Derby winner. “He was an unbelievable racehorse,” Coolmore’s Tom Magnier said. “Everything we threw at him he delivered. Also, he’s got the looks and he’s got the pedigree. He really just ticks every box.” “I believe that he is the most exciting horse to go to stud in New Zealand in a very long time.” Paddington is enjoying his first Northern Hemisphere season at Coolmore, Ireland where he has attracted an outstanding book of mares at a fee of €55,000 (NZ$98,000). “Our partnership with Coolmore bringing outstanding stallion prospects to Windsor Park stems back to Montjeu and High Chaparral among others,” Schick said. “We are delighted to continue our great relationship through standing stallions of the calibre of Paddington and Circus Maximus.” Windsor Park has negotiated to stand PADDINGTON in 2024 at an introductory fee of $35,000 +GST which includes a Live Foal Guarantee. View the full article

New Zealand and Auckland Cup winner Mahrajaan is now a hopeful for the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick next month. Photo: Race Images South Mahrajaan will be given the chance to showcase his staying ability in Australia next month, provided the weather comes to the party. The venture is wholly-dependant on a clear forecast for the Shaun Ritchie and Colm Murray-trained representative’s crack at the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 13. “He is booked to fly out the Monday before the Cup, but if there is any rain on the radar and the track looks like being wet then he won’t be on the plane based on the fact that he does need good footing,” Ritchie said. “He has already won a New Zealand Cup (Group 3, 3200m) and with a freshen-up the Auckland Cup (Group 2, 3200m), so to ask him for a third one two mile race this season isn’t always smart,” he said. “Having said that, since he’s been here he has got better and better in both his racing and acclimatising and getting used to the way Australasian races are run. “We won’t be asking him to run in a lead-up race and he’ll go straight into the Sydney Cup.” Ahead of the Australian trip, Ritchie will again incorporate a beach-based program for Mahrajaan. “We will follow the proven method and take him to Ruakaka two weeks before the Sydney Cup and he’ll have an exhibition gallop at the meeting up there as well,” he said. “If the track looks like being wet in Sydney, we’ve got a decision to make as to whether we give him a break and aim at Melbourne in the spring or look at the Brisbane Cup (Group 1, 3200m). “I’ll talk to the owners and make the call at the time, but certainly we’re focussing on the Sydney Cup for now. If he does go there, then he’ll come home for a break afterwards.” Sydney will also provide connections whether Mahrajaan could be a genuine Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) contender. “The two positives are that the two miles is obviously no problem to him, and Flemington is like Ellerslie in that the drainage is so good and nine time out of 10 produces a firm track, that’s exactly what he needs,” Ritchie said. “What he lacks in my opinion at this stage, is that turn of foot to sprint and win a Melbourne Cup, which recent winners have had. “Those dour horses don’t seem to win it anymore, but having said that in every prep we have given him since he’s been here, he has got better and better. “Clearly, the best turn of foot he has showed was in the Auckland Cup.” Ritchie acknowledges Mahrajaan will need to continue to improve to warrant their sights being set on Flemington. “It’s a dream to have a horse in Melbourne Cup for the owners and myself, but we wouldn’t be going around for the sake of it,” he said. “He’s got to prove that he’s up to it and the only way to do that is to give him his best chance, which is clearly why we’re keen on Sydney. “It would be a hit and run job and he’d come home and then be prepared correctly for the Melbourne spring. “If he did go to Brisbane, the time shrinks for that and the other point is that he loves the beach environment and there are plenty of beaches in Melbourne.” Horse racing news View the full article

Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) runner-up Positivity will head to Brisbane for the Queensland Winter Carnival. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A trip to Brisbane to compete in the Queensland Winter Carnival is on the cards for Positivity following her runner-up performance behind Pulchritudinous in last Saturday’s Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham. Racing in the colours of owner Ben Kwok, the daughter of Almanzor had won the Group 3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie a fortnight prior, and her brave Oaks performance gave trainer Andrew Forsman the confidence to press on towards an Australian campaign with his filly. “It was a good effort (in the Oaks),” Forsman said. “Trentham is a hard track to be exposed as far out as she was. Masa (Hashizume, jockey) had no choice but to make his run when he did, and the winner had the right run and came down the best part of the track. She was brave, we were really happy with her. “We just had to give it a few days to process as to what was going to be best (path) and we decided to get her to the paddock for a week and a half and ideally she will go to Brisbane for a two or three race campaign. “A rough plan of attack, without having nailed it right down, would be the (Gold Coast) Bracelet (Listed, 1800m), into the Roses (Group 2, 2100m), into the Oaks (Group 1, 2200m). Whether it is all of those races or just two of them we will just work that out closer to the time once she is back in and going.” Forsman said track conditions and avoiding a couple of classy fillies are the major factors behind bypassing the Sydney Autumn Carnival in favour of Brisbane. “I think she will suit the tracks better and there’s a better chance of getting good footing,” he said. “Sydney can be a bit hit and miss and she needs Good ground. She will obviously be dodging two classy fillies in Sydney (as well).” Meanwhile, Forsman is looking forward to taking a quartet of runners to Tauranga on Saturday, including Saint Bathans, who will compete in the Group 2 Japan Trophy (1600m). After a freshen-up following his runner-up performance in the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day, the son of Maurice finished third behind Fashion Shoot and stablemate Mustang Valley at Tauranga on Saturday, and Forsman is expecting the seven-day back-up to favour his gelding. “He was super first-up. We never really intended to lead, but with the lack of tempo in the race he ended up there, and I thought he was very brave,” Forsman said. “He seems to operate well on a back-up, so hopefully that will work for him this weekend.” Forsman was also pleased with Mustang Valley’s first-up run last Saturday and is now weighing up between trans-Tasman targets with his Group 1 winner. “We had intended to go to Sydney next week to run in the Emancipation (Group 2, 1500m),” he said. “In the next day or two we will weigh up whether we will head that way or stay home and run in the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ (Group 1, 1600m) at Ellerslie next Saturday.” Another Australian feature could be a deciding factor. “The Queen of the Turf (Group 1, 1600m), on the last day of The Championships, looks like a nice race if they can get a bit of rain over there,” he said. Forsman is also set to line-up Ethereal Star in the Snow Williams Bayleys Country 1600 at Tauranga, with her performance dictating her future plans. “She is on a bit of a test,” Forsman said. “We toyed with going back to 1400m against her own age, but we want to see her run out a strong mile and decide whether she is going to be a horse that can get a mile and further.” Ethereal Star will be joined in her race by stablemate and last start winner Blissful Lady, while Forsman’s Tauranga team will be rounded out by Armino in the Peter Clarke Bayleys Residential 1400. Horse racing news View the full article

Field Of Gold (outside) will contest Sunday’s Masterton Cup (2050m) at Tauherenikau. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) With the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) in the pipeline, Bill Thurlow is looking forward to stepping Field Of Gold out over ground in Sunday’s Masterton Cup (2050m). The Starsplangedbanner gelding landed his career-best victory over 2000m in the Group 2 Waikato Guineas as a three-year-old, and two years later will seek to gain another black-type berth in the Tauherenikau feature. Field Of Gold built to a strong last-start performance over 1600m at Otaki, nearly upsetting the $1.70 favourite in Loch In Ora with a storming late dash, only going down by a head under apprentice jockey Toni Davies. “We thought it was a great run, he carried a big weight and was pretty close to winning the race really. He’s obviously still on the way up and we’re still learning a bit about him, but it was very good,” Thurlow said. “He pulled up well and we’re really happy with him, hopefully he might have improved a little bit from that run. He hasn’t missed a beat.” Thurlow was pleased to reward Davies with the ride again on Sunday, which provides three kilograms of weight relief from Field Of Gold’s 62kg allocated impost. “Toni rode him very well for us last time out and it’s good to have her back on this weekend. She deserved to be rewarded for that,” he said. “It’s only a small field, so in an ideal world I’d imagine he’ll be a few pairs back and one out, but we’ll see how the race pans out after he jumps.” The Hawkes’s Bay Cup will be run at the rescheduled Otaki venue on April 13, and Thurlow is hopeful the five-year-old can continue on his upward trajectory towards the race. “All going well, the Hawke’s Bay Cup is our plan. Hopefully he’ll get in with a nice light weight, but we’ll get through Sunday first,” he said. Later on the Tauherenikau card, Thurlow will prepare Zacinto gelding Towrope for the Liquorland Masterton/Matahiwi Estate (1600m) off the back of a solid trial win at Foxton earlier this month. “We think he’ll run very well, he’s had a couple of trials this time in and has come back a lot stronger as a four-year-old. We would expect a bold showing from him,” Thurlow said. Thurlow has taken his time in strengthening the four-year-old, as with Complacent stablemate Rebal Agent, who runs fresh-up at Taranaki on Friday in the Daves Patch Maiden (2000m). “He was very similar to Towrope, starting their preparations as late two-year-olds and were just a little bit weak at three,” he said. “We’re not sure where we’ll end up with him, but he went well in his trial, and he’s been working on well. We’ll just see how he goes raceday.” Meanwhile, Thurlow will be watching his promising jumper Whiskey Tango from afar this season, as the gelding headed offshore to Victorian trainer Patrick Payne’s to continue his career. Horse racing news View the full article

Orchestral will head to Sydney later this month to tackle the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). Photo: Race Images Glamour filly Orchestral will defend an elite level title won by a former star stablemate when she makes her Australian debut later this month. The Roger James and Robert Wellwood-prepared three-year-old will take aim at the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m), claimed last year by the now retired Prowess, at Rosehill on Saturday week. The Cambridge trainers will also be represented in Melbourne on the same day by promising young stayer Mark Twain. Orchestral will be reunited with James McDonald, who guided her to victory in the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), and the daughter of Savabeel was subsequently equally dominant in the Group 2 Avondale Guineas (2100m) and the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). “She had her first serious piece of work this (Thursday) morning and was really good and pulled up nicely,” Wellwood said. “She went to the water treadmill for a week after the Derby and she’s been back in work cantering. She has done very well and looks very good.” Orchestral will make two appearances in Sydney with the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick a fortnight after the Vinery the favoured second challenge. “At this stage, it will be the Oaks, but we have left the door open with nominations for the Derby (Group 1, 2400m) and the Queen Elizabeth (Group 1, 2000m). The most likely path is the Vinery to the Oaks,” Wellwood said. Meanwhile, Michael Dee has been booked to ride the last-start Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) placegetter Mark Twain at Flemington on March 30. “He will run in the Roy Higgins (Listed, 2600m), which is a Melbourne Cup (Group 1, 3200m) qualifier,” Wellwood said. The four-year-old son of Shocking is a three-time winner and will make his second appearance in Australia. He finished midfield in last season’s Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) off the back of his fourth in the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). “He has still got a lot to learn and it was only his 11th start the other day and first time over two miles in the Cup,” Wellwood said. “He was strong the whole way and when they put the speed on, he was a bit lost as to what to do. “When he finally figured it out the race had panned out and he ran into a bit of bad luck before he flashed home. “He’s a good galloper and not may horses can cut out the sectionals he can at the end of a distance race.” The stable will have limited representation on the domestic front in the coming days, but there will be interest in the debut performance of Northeasterly in the Peninsular Beachfront Resort Mooloolaba (1400m) at New Plymouth on Friday. To be ridden by Masa Hashizume, the half-brother by The Autumn Sun to former New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year Dijon Bleu was purchased out of Landsdowne Park’s draft at Karaka for $900,000. “He’s taken a bit of time and has showed good ability at the trials and at home,” Wellwood said. “He’s probably a horse that we would have liked to see at a mile, but we haven’t been able to get a trial into him this time in. He will be better with more time and going further.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Golden Slipper Day 2024 Where Rosehill Gardens Racecourse – James Ruse Dr, Rosehill NSW 2142 When Saturday, March 23, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble One of the biggest days on the Australian horse racing calendar awaits punters this Saturday, where the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) takes top billing. The world’s richest two-year-old feature may take centre stage, but with another four Group 1 races including the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and George Ryder Stakes (1500m) to sink our teeth into throughout a bumper 10-race program, it’s sure to be a memorable afternoon of racing. The rail is out +2m the entire circuit, and with some scattered showers expected to hit the course proper, expect the surface to sit somewhere in the Soft range for race-day. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 12:15pm local time. Race 1: Midway Handicap BM72 (1500m) We get things underway with a ‘dart board’ job in the opening event, where Elettrica goes on top in a wide-open BM72 contest. She has had the foot on the till since resuming at Canterbury on February 9 and is yet to miss the frame in all three starts this campaign. She was crowded for room at a crucial stage two starts back at this course and distance, before proving just as impressive when finishing off powerfully at Randwick last time out behind race rival Kingston Charm. The Richard & Will Freedman-trained mare gets a terrific opportunity to turn the tables with a soft draw (4), so watch for Elettrica to finish off best for the first time in the preparation. Selections: 1 ELETTRICA 3 WRATHFUL 2 INVINCIBLE LEGEND 17 TENDERIZE Race 2: Group 3 Manion Cup (2400m) The Group 3 Manion Cup (2400m) is one of the last chances for the stayers to make an impression for the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m), and you simply must be respecting the William Haggas-trained Post Impressionist. The son of Teofilo was a Class 2 winner at Haydock Park on September 9 before being prepared to make the trip down under, with the team targeting this race a long way out. The only concern would be the Soft track conditions on Saturday, with most of his best work on top of the ground, but when the Haggas stable send stayers over to compete in our feature races, you expect they can only run well. Selections: 4 POST IMPRESSIONIST 2 STOCKMAN 9 CANBERRA LEGEND 3 MANZOICE Manion Cup Race 2 – #4 Post Impressionist (9) 5yo Gelding | T: William Haggas | J: Tom Marquand (54.5kg) +220 with Neds Race 3: Group 3 Epona Stakes (1900m) The Group 3 Epona Stakes (1900m) is for the fillies & mares, where Foxy Cleopatra makes the trip north for the Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young training partnership. She is rock-hard fit heading into this event fourth-up into the campaign and brings some quality Victorian form to this contest, with a recent minor placing in the Group 3 Matron Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 9 catching the eye. She is dual-accepted for a race at Moonee Valley as well, but if they elect to send the daughter of American Pharoah to Rosehill on Saturday, Foxy Cleopatra should relish conditions and prove ultra-competitive with 54kg on her back. Selections: 6 FOXY CLEOPATRA 5 OSMOSE 1 THALASSOPHILE 14 PRINCIPESSA Epona Stakes Race 3 – #6 Foxy Cleopatra (11) 4yo Mare | T: Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young | J: Luke Currie (54kg) +700 with Playup Race 4: Listed Munro Stakes (1200m) The John O’Shea barn have only just scratched the surface with Schwarz as he makes his resumption in the Listed Munro Stakes (1200m) on Saturday. The colt by Zoustar is unfortunate not to have unblemished resume, breaking his maiden status on debut last preparation at Gosford on October 10 before being a good thing licked second-up at Moonee Valley in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m). He would go on to make amends at Flemington in the Listed Springtime Stakes (1400m) before being tipped out for a spell. He has impressed in three barrier trials leading into his return, and with James McDonald set to get reacquainted with the three-year-old Schwarz looks one of the better bets of the day at Rosehill. Selections: 6 SCHWARZ 2 BRAVE MEAD 13 BLANC DE BLANC 1 CORNICHE Next Best Race 4 – #6 Schwarz (4) 3yo Colt | T: John O’Shea | J: James McDonald (58kg) +270 with Dabble Race 5: Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) The Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) is where you’ll find the best bet on the Rosehill program as the now Chris Waller-trained Via Sistina makes her Australian debut. She brings elite European form-lines to this event, with her most recent start a runner-up effort behind King Of Steel in the Group 1 Champion Stakes (2011m) on a bottomless track at Ascot on October 21. She was a dominant Group 1 winner in the Polly Stakes (2000m) at Curragh in the same preparation, and with the daughter of Fastnet Rock able to show tactical versatility, Via Sistina will prove more than capable at the first time of asking on Australian soil. Selections: 6 VIA SISTINA 3 BUCKAROO 1 THINK IT OVER 7 PLACE DU CARROUSEL Best Bet Race 5 – #6 Via Sistina (7) 6yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (57kg) +260 with Bet365 Race 6: Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) Online bookmakers have the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) pegged as a two-horse betting affair, as Riff Rocket and Tom Kitten get set to lock horns. The former gets the verdict in what looks to be a mouth-watering clash, with Riff Rocket returning to Sydney for the first time in the preparation. He was sensational in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 2 without winning, producing the flashing light performance when finally getting clear running room in the concluding stages. He is a proven stayer now, and with the Chris Waller barn choosing to head this way while scratching their other leading contender, Militarize, that is a note-worthy guide on what they think of his chance heading into the $750,000 feature. Selections: 2 RIFF ROCKET 4 TOM KITTEN 7 IMMEDIACY 3 CAFE MILLENNIUM Rosehill Guineas Race 6 – #2 Riff Rocket (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Nash Rawiller (56.5kg) +150 with Picklebet Race 7: Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) The Group 1 George Ryder (1500m) has drawn a capacity field of 19 and the move from the Chris Waller stable to send Militarize here instead of the Rosehill Guineas could pay dividends. He appears to be a genuine 1400-1600m galloper, with his best wins coming over this trip – including victory in the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at this track on September 23. The son of Dundeel has never missed the frame when racing on rain-affected ground, and with conditions to suit on Saturday, Militarize can add Group 1 win number four to his already glowing resume. Selections: 16 MILITARIZE 1 THINK ABOUT IT 11 NEW ENERGY 18 ENCAP George Ryder Stakes Race 7 – #16 Militarize (7) 3yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56kg) +360 with Boombet Race 8: Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) The time-honoured Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m) is the main event on Saturday afternoon, with an impressive crop of two-year-olds set to battle it out for the $5 million prize. The Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott stable are represented by an astonishing six gallopers, including the current short-priced favourite Storm Boy at $2.30 with online betting sites. Coolmore own the second elect in the market as well, as the Chris Waller barn seek back-to-back wins in the Slipper, with Switzerland engaged as a $4.80 chance. Lady Of Camelot ($7.50) is the big market mover, while the likes of Straight Charge ($12.00) and Hayasugi ($18.00) have had solid support. Click here for HorseBetting’s Golden Slipper 2024 preview. Race 9: Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) Thanks to the scratching of stable companion King Of Sparta, King’s Gambit gets his chance to scorch the turf in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) on Saturday. He gets back to his most favoured Rosehill surface, where the son of I Am Invincible claimed a dominant victory in the Group 2 Roman Consul (1200m) on October 7. He was a shade disappointing first-up in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield, however, the race never unfolded in his favour, with a lack of pace bringing him undone. Jamie Kah makes the trip north to ride, and with no weight again facing the older horses, watch for King’s Gambit to explode second-up. Selections: 16 KING’S GAMBIT 5 AFT CABIN 1 PRIVATE EYE 11 SUNSHINE IN PARIS The Galaxy Race 9 – #16 King’s Gambit (4) 3yo Colt | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Jamie Kah (50kg) +700 with Betfair Race 10: Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m) Olentia will take a power of beating in the final event of the Rosehill card after an outstanding outing first-up in the Group 3 Triscay Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 17. She only ran into one better in the form of Semana on that occasion, who would then go on to frank the form by finishing runner-up in last Saturday’s Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m). She appears perfectly placed by the Waller camp in this event, and with James McDonald set to get the one-one throughout, Olentia can send punters home with a winner. Selections: 3 OLENTIA 15 XTRAVAGANT STAR 4 C’EST MAGIQUE 6 WEE NESSY Birthday Card Stakes Race 10 – #3 Olentia (6) 4yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (55.5kg) +180 with Picklebet Rosehill free Saturday quaddie tips Rosehill quadrella selections Saturday, March 23, 2024 1-3-4-11-12-16-17-18 1-5-6-7-13-14-15 1-4-5-6-11-13-16 3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article