Wandering Eyes

British racing has welcomed the decision by the Government to add six crucial racing-related roles to the new Immigration Salary List (ISL), making it easier for training yards and studs to recruit workers from abroad. The ISL, which has replaced the former Shortage Occupation List, now includes racing grooms, work riders, stallion handlers, stud grooms, stud hands and stud handlers. The industry is currently facing a shortfall of 2,000-2,500 staff, but this development makes recruiting some of the best overseas talent a more realistic option for the sport. The addition of these roles to the ISL also enables training yards and studs to employ overseas workers on a minimum salary of £30,960–a salary discount on the £38,700 minimum that applies to other businesses under the Government's immigration rules. The new roles will still need to meet existing criteria and businesses should be aware of the other requirements under the Government's points-based immigration system post-Brexit, including mandatory requirements for overseas employees to have received a firm job offer and speak English to the required level. Julie Harrington, chief executive of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), said, “The fact that the six racing and breeding roles are part of only a very small number of jobs transferred from the old Shortage Occupation List to the to the Immigration Salary List shows the Government recognises how crucial they are to Britain's rural economy. “Bringing in world-class talent from overseas is not a sticking-plaster solution to our recruitment crisis. They are part of the answer by providing us with unrivalled experience to help train our next generation of high-skilled workers. It is essential that racing now takes the opportunity to make the most of our access to the best international talent, which will enable us to put in place long-term solutions to racing's staffing shortage.” The post Six Roles Added to Government’s New Immigration Salary List appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Term’s first 55 meetings see a significant drop in good-to-firm surfaces and a remarkable percentage of races run outside standard timeView the full article

Nereus winning at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Stakes targets are beckoning exciting gelding Nereus following his win over a mile at Trentham on Saturday. He was freshened following his runner-up effort in the inaugural $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) at the Upper Hutt track in January, and trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray were confident of a good showing on Saturday, and their charge duly delivered with a half-head victory over Nancy She Wrote. “He’s a pretty serious horse this guy and he’s got the pedigree, the temperament and just does enough to win,” Ritchie said. Bred and raced by Waikato Stud, Nereus, who is by their champion stallion Savabeel, has now extended his great run of form to four wins and three placings from seven starts, and earned nearly $160,000 in prizemoney. His trainers are now eyeing the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) at Hastings next month, believing their charge deserves his chance at stakes level. “He’ll get in the Hawke’s Bay Cup with a light weight, that’s in four weeks’ time so he’ll go straight into it,” Ritchie said. Jockey Michael McNab was full of praise for Nereus following the win. “He’s a lovely horse and has got a very good amount of ability,” he said. “I had a lot of confidence in him, he switched off and when I brought him to the outside he was really good.” Horse racing news View the full article

Joe Doyle following his win aboard Hi Yo Sass Bomb in Saturday’s Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Jockey Joe Doyle has brought the luck of the Irish with him over to the other side of the world and is enjoying a standout season, bringing up his 100th win in New Zealand aboard the Kim Reid-trained Hi Yo Sass Bomb in the Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. “It was fantastic, I can’t thank everyone enough. She (Hi Yo Sass Bomb) went really well and gave me a great feel, and I am delighted for Kim and her small team,” Doyle said. Doyle tested the New Zealand waters last season and decided to return this term to have a decent crack at the New Zealand Jockeys’ Premiership, which he currently sits third, on 77 wins, behind Warren Kennedy (94) and defending champion Michael McNab (84). As part of his 77 win haul this season, Doyle has accrued 10 stakes victories and nearly $4.1 million in prizemoney, exceeding his expectations for his second stint downunder. “I had $4 million in stake money and 10 stakes winners as a couple of the goals, and I have got that far, so I am in bonus territory a bit now and have no plans on stopping. “I am getting close to 300 (career wins) now, I am on about 280. If I could get 100 in a season and my own personal 300, I think that would be huge. I couldn’t be happier with how everything has gone.” Doyle picked up his first elite-level win in New Zealand aboard the Lisa Latta-trained Pignan in the Group 1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni last year, and he has added a few more to his highlight reel this term. “The (New Zealand 1000) Guineas (Group 1, 1600m, aboard Molly Bloom) was massive. The Guineas is a race that everyone wants to win, in any jurisdiction, in any country,” he said. “On a personal level, the Bonecrusher (Group 1, 2000m, aboard El Vencedor) was special. It was nice to get a big one at Ellerslie, New Zealand’s HQ. That one felt very good.” Doyle has enjoyed riding at Ellerslie since it resumed racing in January on its new StrathAyr track, and Doyle said it has given him a reminder of home. “Ellerslie has its uniqueness that it is quite undulating and that is something that is a bit more familiar to me from home,” he said. “I feel quite comfortable riding around there and I feel the horses get into a good rhythm with me going around. It is a unique track with a lot of history, and it is a nice place to be.” Doyle said there have been a number of different variables he has had to adapt to when it comes to the differences in riding in New Zealand compared to back in Europe. “In comparison to Europe, a lot of the tracks here the straights are quite a bit shorter,” he said. “A lot of the racing here you are riding horses for turn of foot and speed late, whereas at home we tend to jump out, go a gallop, and it is an even run all the way around. It is something that took a bit of getting used to and I think I am getting better at it.” It has been tough for the Irishman to be away from his family and friends, but he has built his own community in New Zealand and said he is enjoying his time downunder. “I have my New Zealand family here with the likes of Tim and Margaret Carter, and Micky and Lauren Brennan,” he said. “They make me feel at home, which is a massive help. It has been tough being so far away for this long. I have been away from home for longer, just not this far away. That has been a mental test, but when you are getting winners every week, that certainly helps.” Doyle felt the presence of home in Dunedin on Sunday, where he celebrated St Patrick’s Day following riding at Wingatui’s weekend meeting. While Doyle enjoyed a few quiet beverages, Guinness was flowing for many of his countrymen around the world, and he was kept up-to-date with their celebrations on social media. “It is a massive bank holiday at home. I have been getting snapchats all morning, the boys have been going hard,” Doyle said. “I have been lucky enough to have been in England, America and now New Zealand for St Patrick’s Day, and it is a great holiday celebrated world-wide. “They are a great crowd down there (in Dunedin) and we had a beer after (the races). We didn’t go too mad, but it was a very enjoyable day. It just reminds you of a bit of home.” While initially only planning to be in New Zealand for the season, Doyle said he hasn’t ruled out staying in his adopted country longer term. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said. “I am getting on well here and I am very comfortable. I have to be here a bit longer before I can even think about applying for residency, but it is certainly something on my mind. There is a high possibility that you haven’t seen the end of me yet.” Horse racing news View the full article

Promising galloper Adam I Am has suffered a tendon injury. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A dark cloud is hanging over exciting galloper Adam I Am’s racing future after the son of Almanzor pulled up with a tendon injury following his win over 1400m at Ellerslie nine days ago. He had proven to be one out of the box for trainer Glenn Old this season, bursting onto the scene at Matamata first-up in September when winning by five lengths before adding a further three wins to his tally and a fourth placing in last month’s inaugural $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) at Te Rapa. He was set to have his first tilt at stakes level in the Group 2 Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga this coming Saturday, but injury has curtailed those plans and Old said he has a fight on his hands to get his four-year-old gelding back to the track. “He has pulled up with a tendon injury. He was alright on the Monday but then he had a couple of days in the paddock and when we brought him in on Thursday morning we noticed it, so it must have sprung out since raceday,” Old said. “It is pretty hard work trying to get them back with those tendons, but we will give him a chance because it’s Adam. We will rescan it in three weeks and just see where we are. If we did do the rehab, he wouldn’t race again until he was six.” Old trained Adam I Am’s dam, Our Famous Eve, and he said she suffered the same fate. “I trained his mother and she did a tendon too, so I don’t know if it is hereditary,” he said. “I always thought that he would be any easy horse to keep sound because he doesn’t take much galloping, he is just a clean-winded, natural athlete. It just goes to show there are no rules. “It was all in front of him, he is a big baby still.” While disappointed with Adam I Am’s outcome, Old has another promising gelding in the barn called Choose ‘Em Big, who is set to have one final run this week before heading for a spell. The four-year-old son of Preferment broke maiden ranks when beating subsequent Karapiro Classic runner-up Hasstobeawinner at Te Aroha in November and ran sixth in the innovation race at Te Rapa last month. “It (Karapiro run) was quite good, he had to do a little bit of work from out wide, but he wasn’t too far away,” Old said. “He is going to run on Friday at Taranaki over 1800m before I turn him out. He should be hard to beat down there. He will hopefully be a nice Cup horse for next season with a bit of luck.” Horse racing news View the full article

South Australian trainer Kym Healy will have runners feature during the Tennant Creek Racing Club’s annual Cup Day meeting on Saturday. Strathalbyn trainer Kym Healy was chuffed on Monday as he made the long trip back home from Alice Springs. Healy celebrated a winning treble on Sunday on Day 1 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival with Taipan Tommy (+450), Real Valentia (+340), and Starlite Rebel (+150). All three have won at Pioneer Park previously, and that’s no surprise as Healy is renowned for bringing the right horses to Central Australia, where he has posted 24 wins and 52 minor placings from 208 starts. Healy, who regularly takes a team interstate and frequents the Alice Springs and Darwin Cup Carnivals annually, also had two seconds on Sunday with Cyclonite and Lotto Fight. On Day 4 of the 2022 Alice Springs Cup Carnival, Healy celebrated a winning treble. Commitments back home forced Healy to make the 1590km trek back home, but he’ll be back in Alice Springs before Day 2 on Saturday. Taipan Tommy (Emma Lines), who had four wins and two seconds from six Pioneer Park starts last year, proved too good for his rivals over 1400m (0-70) when he overcame Strike Eagle (+300) and Zoustorm (+2500) by 3.5 lengths. Settling in third place, Taipain Tommy, an eight-year-old gelding by Dark Valley, made his winning move at the 600m and Healy may now start him in the Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 7. Real Valentia (Ianish Luximon) was among six horses vying for the early lead over 1000m (0–62), and the six-year-old gelding, the son of Valentia, was in the mix turning for home. Hellivit (+450), who hit the front at the 600m, looked like winning before Real Valentia swooped to win by a nose, with Bullinachinashop ($6.50) – flattened at the 200m – finishing third. Starlite Rebel (Jessie Philpot) led early over 1200m (0-58) and was set for a comfortable win, passing the 400m before Lamoree (+150) cut the deficit to half a length at the finish. The Girl’s Boy (+550) was a distant third. A five-year-old mare by Reward For Effort, Starlite Rebel was a last start winner at Kangaroo Island on February 17. Meanwhile, local trainer Terry Gillett secured a winning double after +500 hope Brat (Dakota Gillett) and -111.11 favourite Protostar (Stan Tsaikos) saluted over 1100m (0-66) and 1200m (0-58), respectively. Brat prevailed by a length after jumping from a wide gate to take an early lead, while Protostar rounded the leaders swinging for home before winning by a neck. Dick Leech’s Early Crow (Jade Hampson), last year’s Palmerston Sprint winner in Darwin, proved too good for Great Buy (+250) and Square Cut (+260) in an open 1200m handicap as the +115 favourite with top horse racing betting sites. Settling in third place over 1200m (0-70), Dan Morgan’s +270 chance Angelluccis (Lek Maloney) finished strongly in the home straight to down Valley Prince (+230) by half a length, with Iknowhatyouredoing (+700) third. A flight transporting jockeys from Darwin to Alice Springs on Sunday was delayed, forcing three late scratchings in the opening race. Horse racing news View the full article

Darwin jockey Aaron Sweeney, an Irish native, with the spoils after winning the St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) on Sunday Neil Dyer will chase his first Alice Springs Cup win after five-year-old gelding Hettinger landed the $35,000 St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) at Pioneer Park on Sunday. It was the Alice Springs Cup Carnival’s Day 1 feature, and Hettinger, a star in the NT last year, certainly impressed after only arriving in town last Monday. Hettinger (54kg) was +800 before late support saw him start as the +170 favourite with horse racing bookies, and once pinging the gates, the son of I Am Invincible settled in front on the fence and had Terry Gillett’s That’s Justified (62kg) for company. Kym Healy’s Equal Balance, Kerry Petrick’s Venting, and Dick Leech’s Century Fox – camped three deep – weren’t far behind. Passing the 500m, Hettinger and That’s Justified were still inseparable, while Venting and Century Fox – both lumping 57.5kg – were eye-balling each other a further two lengths adrift. Swinging for home at the 350m, Venting was forced three deep in his quest to catch the leaders; fourth-placed Century Fox was four deep rounding the final bend. At the 200m, it got exciting as Venting (+360) was making ground on the front-runners before Hettinger kicked clear to win by 1.6 lengths with Century Fox ($4.80) storming home for second from Venting and the fading That’s Justified (+400). It was perhaps meant to be for Hettinger, as he had Darwin jockey Aaron Sweeney, an Irishman, for company on St Patrick’s Day. For Hettinger to prevail first-up, it augurs well for Dyer as he prepares for the $40,000 Chief Ministers Cup (1600m) in two weeks before the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup. “Hettinger has done a fantastic job after leaving for Alice just a week ago,” Dyer said. “Two hot days and one night on the road before spending the rest of the week doing slow work. “He will take heaps out of that run today.” Dyer and his son James brought six horses to Alice Springs before Neil returned to Victoria on Wednesday; he will return before the Carnival ends. With Hawks Bay (2011 and 2012) and Royal Request (2017) saluting in the Darwin Cup, the closest Dyer has come to winning the Alice Springs Cup was with third-placed Palmyra Boy in 2012. Winless after 16 starts for Michael Maroney, Kris Lees and Dyer, Hettinger comfortably won over 1400m (BM54) last June in his only Red Centre appearance. Arriving in Darwin before Cup Carnival, he won over 1600m (0-58) before a close fourth behind 2022 NT Derby winner Venting over 1600m (0-64). In four Darwin Cup Carnival starts, the gelding was victorious over 1600m (0–66) and was fourth behind Noir De Rue in the weight-for-age Chief Ministers Cup (1600m). A second over 1600m (0-70) was followed by another second behind 2023 NT Guineas winner Century Fox over 1600m (BM72) on Cup Day in August. Two weeks later, Hettinger – with Sweeney aboard – won the Katherine Cup (1700m) by 7.5 lengths. Hettinger returned to racing in February and was unplaced at Moonee Valley (1200m and 1600m) and Hamilton (1400m). Horse racing news View the full article

After resuming at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, the South African jockey will set his sights on an upset feature win aboard Speed Dragon this weekendView the full article

Another North Island mission beckons for Prince Alby after the classy stayer headlined a treble of victories for trainer Kelvin Tyler and apprentice jockey Donovan Cooper at Wingatui on Sunday. Prince Alby had journeyed to the Central Districts with three-year-old stablemate Lady Sass over the summer period, collecting black-type when finishing second in the Listed Marton Cup (2200m), but failed to figure next-start in the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m). Contesting the RMG Publicans Cup (1500m) in a fresh state, Tyler engaged four kilogram-claiming apprentice Cooper, and Prince Alby travelled boldly throughout under a luxury 53.5kg impost. The gelding’s staying prowess was evident in the closing stages, fighting off Fiery Red, and his fast-closing stablemate Go Lotte. “In himself, he’s never been so good, and he’s put on a bit of weight,” Tyler said. “I thought maybe 1500m may have been a bit dour, so I took the visors off and put blinkers on to sharpen him up. It certainly helped, he actually got away strongly where I thought he might’ve been a bit flat.” The son of Sacred Falls will run in his local feature next Saturday alongside in-form Tyler runner Shockallia, the race acting as a final lead-in before the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) at Otaki on April 13. “He’s going to race in the Riverton Cup (2147m) on the 30th of March, then he’ll be back off to the North Island with Lightning Jack for some nice races up there,” he said. “I’m trying to keep Prince Alby separate from Shockallia, he’s also a high-quality horse and will be running in the Canterbury Gold Cup (Gr.3, 2000m). After that, we have to look north, there’s just no staying races on turf left for these good horses in the South Island.” The Riverton trainer’s successful meeting had commenced earlier on the card with recent stable addition Vamos, the son of Vadamos guided to a narrow victory by Cooper in the Edinburgh Realty (1600m). “It’s easy to say afterwards, but we had expected him to win or be very close. I couldn’t fault his work, he’s come down from the North Island with a beautiful nature, and hasn’t done a thing wrong,” Tyler said. Tyler’s patience with Quick Call was duly rewarded in the Open three-year-old 1600m event, the Turn Me Loose filly delivering a comfortable maiden victory warranting a trip to Riccarton Park in three weeks’ time. “She just needed a bit of time really, she had a couple of hard races on the West Coast as she was coming down our way and she needed some time to get over that. She’s still on the way up,” Tyler said. “She seems very genuine and luckily has got very patient owners that have let me do my own thing. If we look after her, she’s quite a handy wee horse going forward.” Tyler also praised the efforts of Cooper, who has recorded eight wins from 65 rides this season. “I couldn’t fault his rides, he won three races for me so I can hardly criticise. He did a great job,” he said. “He put them in the race and got out in clear air at the right time, I’m happy to let them go out three wide if it gives forward momentum into the straight.” The Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m) and Listed NZB Warstep Stakes (2000m) are to be run on consecutive weekends in April, and Tyler indicated the fillies’ features are now in sight for Quick Call and stablemate Radiant Reach, the latter finishing a close-up second in the Rating 65 1600m event at Wingatui. “I believe she (Radiant Reach) was good enough to be in the New Zealand Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m), but her two previous runs weren’t quite up to what we had expected,” Tyler said. “It was a long trip to go up to Wellington and roll the dice, so we just decided to put the blinkers on and run over the mile at home, which sharpened her up a bit. “She’s above average, so she’ll run at Riccarton with Quick Call. You can’t beat running in your own age group against your own sex.” Tyler hopes also to campaign talented galloper Lightning Jack over the autumn, however, indicated the Group One-performing seven-year-old has taken significant time to recover from Cup Week in November. “We decided to run Prince Alby yesterday instead of running over 1800m at Riccarton (this Saturday). The way the track has been up there is like concrete, Lightning Jack has taken almost six months to get over running there in the Coupland’s Mile (Gr.3, 1600m),” he said. “We couldn’t afford to risk Prince Alby there. I see a lot of tracks around New Zealand, and the track there will say a Soft 5 on Friday afternoon when it’s really a 2 or 3. I believe they need independent penetrometer readings, it’s not good enough. “I love my horses, and it’s a long way for us to travel, and not cheap.” View the full article

Stakes targets are beckoning exciting gelding Nereus following his win over a mile at Trentham on Saturday. He was freshened following his runner-up effort in the inaugural $350,000 Remutaka Classic (2100m) at the Upper Hutt track in January, and trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray were confident of a good showing on Saturday, and their charge duly delivered with a half-head victory over Nancy She Wrote. “He’s a pretty serious horse this guy and he’s got the pedigree, the temperament and just does enough to win,” Ritchie said. Bred and raced by Waikato Stud, Nereus, who is by their champion stallion Savabeel, has now extended his great run of form to four wins and three placings from seven starts, and earned nearly $160,000 in prizemoney. His trainers are now eyeing the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m) at Hastings next month, believing their charge deserves his chance at stakes level. “He’ll get in the Hawke’s Bay Cup with a light weight, that’s in four weeks’ time so he’ll go straight into it,” Ritchie said. Jockey Michael McNab was full of praise for Nereus following the win. “He’s a lovely horse and has got a very good amount of ability,” he said. “I had a lot of confidence in him, he switched off and when I brought him to the outside he was really good.” Nereus’ dam Eudora is becoming a broodmare gem for Waikato Stud, with the daughter of Pins having also left dual Group One winner and Champion New Zealand Three-Year-Old of her year Savvy Coup. View the full article

A dark cloud is hanging over exciting galloper Adam I Am’s racing future after the son of Almanzor pulled up with a tendon injury following his win over 1400m at Ellerslie nine days ago. He had proven to be one out of the box for trainer Glenn Old this season, bursting onto the scene at Matamata first-up in September when winning by five lengths before adding a further three wins to his tally and a fourth placing in last month’s inaugural $350,000 Sir Patrick Hogan Karapiro Classic (1600m) at Te Rapa. He was set to have his first tilt at stakes level in the Gr.2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy (1600m) at Tauranga this coming Saturday, but injury has curtailed those plans and Old said he has a fight on his hands to get his four-year-old gelding back to the track. “He has pulled up with a tendon injury. He was alright on the Monday but then he had a couple of days in the paddock and when we brought him in on Thursday morning we noticed it, so it must have sprung out since raceday,” Old said. “It is pretty hard work trying to get them back with those tendons, but we will give him a chance because it’s Adam. We will rescan it in three weeks and just see where we are. If we did do the rehab, he wouldn’t race again until he was six.” Old trained Adam I Am’s dam, Our Famous Eve, and he said she suffered the same fate. “I trained his mother and she did a tendon too, so I don’t know if it is hereditary,” he said. “I always thought that he would be any easy horse to keep sound because he doesn’t take much galloping, he is just a clean-winded, natural athlete. It just goes to show there are no rules. “It was all in front of him, he is a big baby still.” While disappointed with Adam I Am’s outcome, Old has another promising gelding in the barn called Choose ‘Em Big, who is set to have one final run this week before heading for a spell. The four-year-old son of Preferment broke maiden ranks when beating subsequent Karapiro Classic runner-up Hasstobeawinner at Te Aroha in November, and ran sixth in the innovation race at Te Rapa last month. “It (Karapiro run) was quite good, he had to do a little bit of work from out wide, but he wasn’t too far away,” Old said. “He is going to run on Friday at Taranaki over 1800m before I turn him out. He should be hard to beat down there. He will hopefully be a nice Cup horse for next season with a bit of luck.” View the full article

Tony Rider celebrated a classic dose of double delight in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham on Saturday. In a near perfect result for the Milan Park principal, he had the honour of breeding the winner Pulchritudinous and also owns the dam of the runner-up Positivity. Rider enjoys a close association with Pulchritudinous’ trainer and part-owner Chad Ormsby and purchased the mother of the second filly from her late co-breeder Sir Patrick Hogan. “Chad and I have had horses together and done deals before and he bought the half-brother by Ocean Park (Cyber Patch) off me for $80,000,” he said. “He ended up selling him to Hong Kong for $600,000 so that’s why he came back and bought this filly.” Under his Riverrock Farm banner, Ormsby purchased Wrote’s daughter Pulchritudinous out of Milan Park’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $32,500 and she was subsequently passed in when reoffered at the Ready to Run Sale. Rider has since sold Pulchritudinous’ dam Showus, who is by Pentire from the family of the Gr.1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) winner and champion sire Marscay and another Oaks winner in Alacrity. However, he remains involved with the family with a half-sister to Pulchritudinous by Ardrossan named Fillygizalook. She was a two-year-old trial winner from Stephen Marsh’s stable at Tauranga last month. “They are chalk and cheese and she’ll be more of a sprinter to middle distance maximum, whereas Pulchritudinous could even get over 3200m,” Rider said. “I could have sold a very good broodmare, but that’s the name of the game. You can’t keep them all. “I bought Showus as a yearling from Chequers Stud (for $25,000) and raced her with Guy Lowry and then leased her out for two years to Trish Dunell and brought her back and started breeding from her myself.” Rider also gained a good deal of satisfaction from the Andrew Forsman-trained Positivity’s effort for second in the Oaks. “I didn’t breed her but own her mother (Pussy O’Reilly). I bought her off Sir Patrick Hogan and it’s a fantastic New Zealand family,” Rider said. “She’s got a Shocking colt at foot and is in foal to Sword Of State. I’m not too sure where she’ll go this year.” Rider has also recently welcomed home multiple Group winner Aromatic after buying her back via the Gavelhouse platform for $257,500. Milan Park sold the daughter of Sacred Falls and one of the farm’s foundation mares Vickeezzchardonnay to Te Akau’s David Ellis for $160,000 at Karaka. “She is very special to me, the whole family has been special and that’s where I started from and we’ll more than likely send her over to Yulong’s Alabama Express,” he said. “She is very similar to her mother and was an out and out stayer. Mark Walker said to me that she had been amazing to have in the stable and was just so honest.” View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, March 20, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to the bright lights of Happy Valley on Wednesday evening for a bumper nine-race program. The rail is in the C+3 position for the entire circuit, and with only minimal rainfall expected to hit the course in the lead-up, participants should be racing on a genuine Good 4 surface. The action is set to get underway at 6:40pm local time. Best Bet: Gallant Valour Gallant Valour looks ready to find the winners’ enclosure for the second time this campaign. The son of Heroic Valour extended nicely over the 1650m journey last time out, but just had too much to do when asked to circle the field from last. The three-year-old will be put in a much more manageable position from gate three this time, and when asked for the ultimate effort by Zac Purton, watch for Gallant Valour to power over the top of his rivals. Best Bet Race 6 – #3 Gallant Valour (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Zac Purton (59kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best: The Khan The Khan was improved second-up at this course and distance on February 21, chasing gamely along the inside rail. He draws gate 12 in this Class 4 event, so it seems likely the son of Acclamation will need to get back in the ruck before unleashing his electric turn-of-foot down the centre of the course under Brenton Avdulla. The Khan may be looking for further as he progresses through his first Hong Kong preparation, but he has the ability to win at this distance before taking on tougher assignments. Next Best Race 5 – #7 The Khan (12) 4yo Gelding | T: Casper Fownes | J: Brenton Avdulla (58kg) Bet with Unibet Best Value: U S S Constitution U S S Constitution is still unplaced heading into his sixth Hong Kong start, but he gets a terrific opportunity to get a win on the board at his second attempt in Class 4 company. He does his best work at Happy Valley, as the son of U S Navy Flag seems to appreciate the tight-turning course. He needs to lug top weight in this event, but with gate four giving Brenton Avdulla plenty of options, U S S Constitution looks ideally placed to pick up a much-deserved victory. Best Value Race 7 – #3 U S S Constitution (4) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Brenton Avdulla (61kg) Bet with Neds Hong Kong quaddie tips – Wednesday 20/3/2024 Wyong quadrella selections Wednesday, March 20, 2024 3-5-7-8-12 2-3-4-5-6 1-4-5-7-10 3-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Wednesday, March 20, 2024 First Race 1:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to the Central Coast of NSW on Wednesday afternoon for a competitive eight-race program at Wyong. The rail is out +3m for the entire circuit, and with the rain continuing to fall across the region, the track is likely to be downgraded into the Soft range prior to the opening event at 1:45pm AEDT. Best Bet at Wyong: Commemorative Commemorative returns after a 17-week spell having been thrown in the deep end last time out. Although she closed off gamely in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Club Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on November 18, it all came a bit too soon for the daughter of I Am Invincible. Her two barrier trials since returning to work have caught the eye, and with James McDonald set to hop back aboard this progressive three-year-old, Commemorative should be right in this BM72 contest. Best Bet Race 8 – #9 Commemorative (6) 3yo Filly | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Wyong: Just Party Just Party produced a tough front-running debut at Newcastle on March 8, and although he couldn’t cling to victory, it was still a strong outing by the son of Justify. He was sent straight to the front under Tim Clark and was constantly pestered before Last Command got the head down on the wire. Expect similar tactics in this event, and with the Soft surface the only query, Just Party will go close to chalking up his maiden victory. Next Best Race 1 – #1 Just Party (7) 2yo Colt | T: Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | J: Tim Clark (58kg) Bet with Unibet Next Best Again at Wyong: Starman Starman has found the minor money on three consecutive occasions heading into this BM78 contest. He was just nosed out in his most recent effort at Rosehill on February 24, with the gelding by Zoustar unable to reel in Gently Rolled. He maps to get a mid-field sit with cover throughout the 1350m journey, and with James McDonald taking the ride, it should give punters confidence Starman can go one better on Wednesday. Next Best Again Race 6 – #1 Starman (6) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (60kg) Bet with Bet365 Wednesday quaddie tips for Wyong races Wyong quadrella selections Wednesday, March 20, 2024 1-4-6-7-9 1-4-6-8 3-4-5-11-12 1-2-7-9-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Australian climbs aboard Pierre Ng’s rising star at Sha Tin on Monday morning, with the four-year-old giving him a ‘great feel’View the full article

Mike Gillum topped the field of 765 entries at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's 25th National Horseplayers Championship to take home the $800,000 grand prize and earn the Eclipse Award as the Horseplayer of the Year Sunday evening in Las Vegas. After finishing day one in fifth place, Gillum found himself in the 81st spot with two races to go on day two. He jumped over a few people to qualify into the semi-final round in 64th place, barely inside the 10% cut line set at 77 entries. When asked about his strategy going into Sunday's final day of the competition, Gillum said, “My picks did not change since 6 a.m. this morning, I played exactly what I would have played regardless of which place I was in. I got lucky, it was just my day today.” Racing has always been something Gillum, who operates a produce company in Indianapolis, Indiana, enjoyed, he said. “It's a passion of mine and has been for 20, 30 years. This is just the best,” Gillum said. In only his second trip to the NHC, Gillum is the 25th individual to take home the grand prize at the handicapping contest. When asked what this means to him, Gillum said, “I am just thinking about my family at home watching, I'm just so excited and happy. Truly I'm at a loss for words.” The official top 10 finishers at the 2024 NHC and prize money won are: Mike Gillum, $800,000; Seth Morris, $250,000; Matthew Blanchet, $200,000; Lawrence Kahlden, $150,000; Daniel Kaplan, $125,000; Rob Henie, $85,000; Nicholas Shirilla, $80,000; TJ Sonde, $75,000; GT Nixon, $70,000; and Scott Cavalieri, $65,000. “Horseplayers are such a pivotal part of the sport of Thoroughbred racing, and the NTRA is extremely proud to host this event to celebrate all their contributions every year to crown our annual champion,” said NTRA President and CEO Tom Rooney. “It's incredible to see how the NHC has evolved in the 25 years since it began and really special to have so many dedicated horseplayers who work all year to qualify for this event. To have the 25th NHC, coupled with St. Patrick's Day and the NCAA tournament weekend, has made for a weekend like no other. Congratulations to all who made it here this weekend, and especially to Mike Gillum for taking home the grand prize.” The post Mike Gillum Wins NTRA National Horseplayers Championship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Races Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Tuesday, March 19, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble NSW racing heads to the western fringe of Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, with Hawkesbury set to host a competitive eight-race program from 1:15pm AEDT. The rail is out +2m between 1100m–450m, then sitting true for the remainder of the course. The rainfall in the lead-up will provide testing conditions for all participants, with the Soft 6 rating at the time of writing likely to be downgraded into the Heavy range as we get closer to jump time. Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Cormac T Cormac T made his debut for the Annabel Neasham barn at Rosehill on February 28 and was well beaten by 1.7 lengths, although the European import had excuses. He was held up behind a wall of horses at a crucial stage and never saw daylight, but his work through the wire was impressive. It suggested the son of Nathaniel had more to give, and with the four-year-old getting out to a more suitable 1800m journey, watch for dramatic improvement from Cormac T in his second Australian start. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Cormac T (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Tom Marquand (59kg) +160 with Bet365 Best Value at Hawkesbury: Adagio Online bookmakers are giving punters a generous price for Adagio in this BM64 contest for the stayers. The son of Pierro broke his maiden two starts back on a bottomless surface at Muswellbrook on February 19 before having a torrid run in his most recent effort at Canberra on March 10. He gets conditions to suit in this race, and provided he can ping the lids to lead from stall 11, Adagio will outrun his double-figure price. Best Value Race 6 – #6 Adagio (11) 3yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Regan Bayliss (56kg) +1100 with Neds More Value at Hawkesbury: Poseidon Ruler Poseidon Ruler has only found the minor money twice across seven starts during his lengthy campaign, but it’s easy to make a case for the John Bannister-trained gelding in this. He is a genuine wet-track galloper, with three of his four victories coming when racing on Soft to Heavy ground. He needs a hot tempo to be at his scintillating best, and with the speed map suggesting he should get favours in a fast-run affair, watch for Poseidon Ruler to be flashing home on the testing Hawkesbury surface. More Value Race 7 – #3 Poseidon Ruler (7) 6yo Gelding | T: John Bannister | J: Shane Arnold (60kg) +1000 with PlayUp Tuesday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury races Hawkesbury quadrella selections Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1-3-4-7 1-4-5-6-8 2-3-4-5-9 5-6-7-8-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Jockey Joe Doyle has brought the luck of the Irish with him over to the other side of the world and is enjoying a standout season, bringing up his 100th win in New Zealand aboard the Kim Reid-trained Hi Yo Sass Bomb in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. “It was fantastic, I can’t thank everyone enough. She (Hi Yo Sass Bomb) went really well and gave me a great feel, and I am delighted for Kim and her small team,” Doyle said. Doyle tested the New Zealand waters last season and decided to return this term to have a decent crack at the New Zealand Jockeys’ Premiership, which he currently sits third, on 77 wins, behind Warren Kennedy (94) and defending champion Michael McNab (84). As part of his 77 win haul this season, Doyle has accrued 10 stakes victories and nearly $4.1 million in prizemoney, exceeding his expectations for his second stint downunder. “I had $4 million in stake money and 10 stakes winners as a couple of the goals, and I have got that far, so I am in bonus territory a bit now and have no plans on stopping. “I am getting close to 300 (career wins) now, I am on about 280. If I could get 100 in a season and my own personal 300, I think that would be huge. I couldn’t be happier with how everything has gone.” Doyle picked up his first elite-level win in New Zealand aboard the Lisa Latta-trained Pignan in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni last year, and he has added a few more to his highlight reel this term. “The (New Zealand 1000) Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m, aboard Molly Bloom) was massive. The Guineas is a race that everyone wants to win, in any jurisdiction, in any country,” he said. “On a personal level, the Bonecrusher (Gr.1, 2000m, aboard El Vencedor) was special. It was nice to get a big one at Ellerslie, New Zealand’s HQ. That one felt very good.” Doyle has enjoyed riding at Ellerslie since it resumed racing in January on its new StrathAyr track, and Doyle said it has given him a reminder of home. “Ellerslie has its uniqueness that it is quite undulating and that is something that is a bit more familiar to me from home,” he said. “I feel quite comfortable riding around there and I feel the horses get into a good rhythm with me going around. It is a unique track with a lot of history, and it is a nice place to be.” Doyle said there have been a number of different variables he has had to adapt to when it comes to the differences in riding in New Zealand compared to back in Europe. “In comparison to Europe, a lot of the tracks here the straights are quite a bit shorter,” he said. “A lot of the racing here you are riding horses for turn of foot and speed late, whereas at home we tend to jump out, go a gallop, and it is an even run all the way around. It is something that took a bit of getting used to and I think I am getting better at it.” It has been tough for the Irishman to be away from his family and friends, but he has built his own community in New Zealand and said he is enjoying his time downunder. “I have my New Zealand family here with the likes of Tim and Margaret Carter, and Micky and Lauren Brennan,” he said. “They make me feel at home, which is a massive help. It has been tough being so far away for this long. I have been away from home for longer, just not this far away. That has been a mental test, but when you are getting winners every week, that certainly helps.” Doyle felt the presence of home in Dunedin on Sunday, where he celebrated St Patrick’s Day following riding at Wingatui’s weekend meeting. While Doyle enjoyed a few quiet beverages, Guinness was flowing for many of his countrymen around the world, and he was kept up-to-date with their celebrations on social media. “It is a massive bank holiday at home. I have been getting snapchats all morning, the boys have been going hard,” Doyle said. “I have been lucky enough to have been in England, America and now New Zealand for St Patrick’s Day, and it is a great holiday celebrated world-wide. “They are a great crowd down there (in Dunedin) and we had a beer after (the races). We didn’t go too mad, but it was a very enjoyable day. It just reminds you of a bit of home.” While initially only planning to be in New Zealand for the season, Doyle said he hasn’t ruled out staying in his adopted country longer term. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” he said. “I am getting on well here and I am very comfortable. I have to be here a bit longer before I can even think about applying for residency, but it is certainly something on my mind. There is a high possibility that you haven’t seen the end of me yet.” View the full article

Pacific Spirit (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) gave popular jockey Vlad Duric his 700th win in the $30,000 Class 5 Division 2 race (1600m) at Kranji on Sunday. Barely a week after five-time Singapore champion jockey Manoel Nunes brought up his 700th winner in Singapore with Lim’s Bighorn last Saturday, Duric, too, joined the “elite 700-club”, which had three previous Kranji jockeys, Barend Vorster (789 wins), Saimee Jumaat (776) and Joao Moreira (737) also on the roll of honour. With a strong pace early in a very spread-out field, Duric had to make an early move at the 650m on the three-year-old son of Rip Van Winkle, with the whip pulled to keep in touch at the final bend. Upon turning for home, Pacific Spirit looked to have plenty of momentum and although he still spotted Sky Eight a few lengths at the 350m, he made a serious challenge at the furlong post, albeit with Khao Manee (NZ) (Remind) for company. Those cheering for Duric would have gone hoarse when Pacific Spirit hit the front at the 100m and although Khao Manee kept him honest to the wire, the David Kok-trained gelding won comfortably by three-quarters-of-a-length in the end. The winning time was 1 min 40.24secs for the 1600m on the Polytrack. Pacific Spirit’s first win in 12 starts took his prizemoney to over S$23,000 for the Pacific Stable. Pacific Spirt was sold by breeders Windsor Park Stud at the 2022 Book 2 Sale for $30,000 to Enigma Farm / Upper Bloodstock. But the win was all about the jockey, who rode his first winner way back in 2009 on Master Key for ex-Kranji trainer Len Treloar, after health scares and weight issues almost derailed his career on more than one occasion. “It’s been a battle at times,” said Duric, who allowed himself a little fist pump after crossing the line first for the 700th time at Kranji. “It might just be my age but my lower back has been an issue and I still have trouble with my throat. But, they’re manageable now and so is my weight. I have been in good health of late and the 700-win mark was definitely a goal. “I’ve been here (Singapore) for a long time, so to get the treble today and reach that milestone was very satisfying.” Duric began riding long-term in Singapore in 2009, winning champion jockey titles in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 with 83, 73, 88 and 65 wins respectively. Those were golden years for Duric, who fondly remembers the support he received in his earlier years at Kranji. “You can’t survive as a jockey without support and (kiwi trainer) Stephen Gray gave me amazing support early,” reminisced the 2007 Caulfield Cup-winning jockey. “He (Gray) gave me so many opportunities and one of my biggest thrills was to ride for him on Lim’s Cruiser in the (Gr.1) Diamond Jubilee Stakes (1200m) at Royal Ascot (2019). “Back in the good old days, it was also great to ride for good guys like (ex-Kranji trainers) Pat Shaw, Cliff (Brown), (the late) Laurie (Laxon) and Mike (Michael) Clements, to name just a few. A big thank you to those guys, especially Stephen. “It’s (Singapore racing) ending soon, so we have to move on, but this place is special and I’m thankful to have been involved.” Other New Zealand bred winners at Kranji on Sunday were Tennet Tentennet (NZ) (Telperion), Commander Jones (NZ) (Charm Spirit) & Energy Baby (NZ) (Rich Enuff). View the full article

Horse Racing on Monday, March 18 will feature three meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Kempsey. Monday Racing Tips – March 18, 2024 Kempsey Racing Tips As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 18, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Horse racing tips View the full article

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Newgate and Hopkins for trainer Bob Baffert and Two Rivers Over for trainer Doug O'Neill are all scheduled to depart Santa Anita Park the night of March 17 for a trip to Dubai.View the full article

"He's doing well. He's with us here at the moment at Payson. We're toying with the idea of working him the middle of next week," assistant trainer Miguel Clement said.View the full article

The rivalry that has been brewing at Fair Grounds will see round 3 before the close of the meet as Strong Quality and Beatbox look to emerge as king of the Louisiana turf in the $300,000 Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes (G2T) March 23. View the full article