Wandering Eyes

The racing industry is rallying behind Amanda Higgins, with the Ashburton trainer currently undergoing treatment for terminal cancer. Fundraising efforts are now underway, with the proceeds set to help Higgins and her family. A Givealittle page has been set up by the New Zealand Trainers’ Association, while a fundraising dinner will take place at Addington Raceway on July 19. The Salvation Army’s Andrew McKeown has been offering his support to Higgins and her family, and is urging members of the racing community to show their support through the two fundraising drives. “Amanda has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia. She had some treatment and it wasn’t very successful, so she is undergoing a second lot of treatment at the moment,” McKeown said. “It is quite a complicated case. She is currently halfway through her second round of treatment, so has moved back to Christchurch for that.” Amanda is married to former jockey turned farrier Stuart Higgins, with the couple having a three-year-old daughter Lizzie, and 16-year-old twin boys Kaydence and Rylie. “They (Amanda and Stuart) met down in Southland when working for Kelvin Tyler,” McKeown said. “They are cool people. “Stu has been up here to care for both Amanda and Lizzie, so he is limited in how much farrier work he can do, hence the reason why we are hoping to up the ante for fundraising for them. They are really good and humble people.” Givealittle campaign: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/please-help-the-family-of-amanda-higgins Fundraising Dinner What: Buffet dinner and a great night of racing. Where: Addington Raceway When: Friday, July 19 Tickets: $61, with $20 per ticket going to Amanda’s family. There will be raffles throughout the night ($5 per raffle). Tickets can be purchased online – addington.flicket.co.nz. If anyone has any raffle or auction prizes, they can contact Rachel Deegan on 021 734 936 or email rachdeegs@icloud.com View the full article

Lhasa (Hellbent) will be out to continue his unbeaten streak on Cambridge’s Synthetic track on Wednesday when he lines-up in the D & A Diesel 1300. The four-year-old son of Hellbent has won all three of his previous starts at the track, including a last start victory over the same distance, and trainer Mark Treweek is hoping he can keep his winning momentum going. “He is unbeaten at this stage on the synthetic, so he will go around again,” he said. “Hopefully he gets a nice run from there (barrier two). He has drawn in before there (Cambridge Synthetic) and got a nice run. “It’s probably the best field he has come across on the synthetic, so it will be an interesting race. There are a couple in there with very good form on the synthetic as well, mainly Monza, but as long as he gets a decent trip, I think he will be hard to beat. He has been working well, I am really happy with him.” All going to plan on Wednesday, Treweek is looking to head south to Awapuni’s Synthetic meeting on August 9 to try and capture the lion’s share of the $100,000 on offer in the 1400m special conditions race. “Since he has been going so well on the synthetic, we would look at one of the series races,” Treweek said. “There is one at Awapuni over 1400m that we would look to go to. He needs to run tomorrow to qualify for it. “A lot of money has been spent on putting these synthetic tracks in, I enjoy racing on them, and it is nice to see a bit of prizemoney thrown at racing on those tracks.” Following his Awapuni test, Treweek said Lhasa will likely head for a spell ahead of summer racing. “We will probably back off him a bit,” he said. “We only wanted to give him the three or four runs and then give him a bit of a break. He raced well through last summer and he is pretty handy on the grass as well.” Treweek will also head to Cambridge on Wednesday with last start placegetter Seamsew, who will contest the Garry Edge Tribute 970. “He is a big horse who has had a few issues with his knees, so we have tried to keep him fresh and we can’t do too much work with him,” Treweek said. “The 1000m races on the synthetic really suit him, so we just try and target those with him all the time. “He has been working well and should go a nice race. He has drawn out (9), but you have only got one bend from the 970m, so I don’t think it makes too much difference for him.” View the full article

Leading trainer Ciaron Maher is plotting an ambitious spring path with superstar mare Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai), which will include a nomination for the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). But whether they head that way is still to be decided with her preparation set to include back-to-back Group One races in two states, including the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) on October 26. A three-time winner at the elite level, the All-Star Mile winner is set to resume in the Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday, August 31 and Maher has been delighted with her since her return to work. “As she’s gone on, the more relaxed she’s got and the better she’s got,” Maher said. “There’s no reason why she couldn’t again. After the spring we thought could she match what she did last preparation and she did more than that. There’s got to be a ceiling somewhere though.” As for backing up from the King Charles III Stakes at Randwick into the Cox Plate, Maher believes Pride Of Jenni is up to the task. “She’s backed up before after a week but this is a back-up a week apart after an interstate run and then travel home. It’s going to be tough to do but let’s see how we go,” said Maher, who is also likely to nominate her for the Melbourne Cup at the suggestion of owner Tony Ottobre. Maher said the presence of Pride Of Jenni would add an interesting dimension to the Melbourne Cup, although she might not quite provide the international readers with the pacemaker they’d hope. “She wouldn’t be a pacemaker, but a pace killer,” he said. A daughter of Pride Of Dubai, Pride Of Jenni was bred by Trelawney Stud and is out of the O’Reilly mare Sancerre, who was prepared by Cambridge trainer Tony Pike to win on four occasions for the Stud. View the full article

Riccarton horsewoman Anna Furlong will take sole charge of the successful Champagne Racing Stables operation from the beginning of the new term. She is well prepared for the changing of the guard having trained in partnership for the last 13 years with Shane Kennedy, who has announced he will take a step back at the end of this season. “Shane has taught me all I know, having started with him fresh out of school and I owe him everything,” Furlong said. “I couldn’t be more thankful or grateful, and he will still be involved with shares in some of the horses and will maintain a huge interest in the stable, supporting me in the business and attending the sales. “Shane will always be at the end of the phone and we’ll continue to talk regularly, he’s like part of my family.” Furlong joined Kennedy in a training partnership for the 2011/12 season and they have since sent out 166 winners with 12 at stakes level. “All the Listed winners stand out, we have been fortunate to have had wonderful owners who gave us some brilliant horses,” Furlong said. “We’ve had opportunities to get black type for them and the highlight was probably when we trained a Listed double at Dunedin. “We won the Gold Cup (2400m) with Pendleton and the Guineas (1500m) with Excelleration and my first win with Rush’n Prince at Riccarton in 2012 was obviously pretty special as well. “We weren’t lucky enough to gain a Group win, but we had placings including Blue Solitaire who was third in the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m).” Furlong therefore has extensive experience to draw on when she takes over the training operation. “It is really exciting and a bit daunting, but realistically nothing will really change,” she said. “It will be a bit odd and more of an emotional thing than anything else. “All of our owners have known that Shane will be stepping back and handing over the reins and we have been really grateful for their support during this transition period.” Kennedy, who has more than 350 training successes to his credit, will now focus on his property development business in Auckland. “I will maintain a high level of interest in Champagne Racing, along with continuing a supporting role to Anna,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful two decades and working with Anna for most of this time, watching her develop her skills and establish her career as a trainer and a role that I am very excited for her to continue to excel at in her own right. “Both Anna and I are truly grateful and humbled by the support we have received from owners and supporters over the years and looking forward to pressing on into the new season at Riccarton Park with a fantastic team of young and well-performed horses.” Among the promising members of Furlong’s team for the spring will be stakes performers Betty Spaghetti, Quintabelle, Miss Layla and Lil Zena. View the full article

Former Central Districts galloper Phats is set to remain in Australia following a pleasing placing in his Australian debut at Flemington on Saturday. The three-year-old son of Embellish won one and placed in four of his 12 starts in New Zealand before trainer Chrissy Bambry elected to test his talent across the Tasman. He passed with flying colours when running home for third in the Mahogany Challenge Final (2500m) and is now set to remain across the Tasman, with Bambry now on the search to find him a Melbourne-based trainer. “He was super, he had awesome sectionals that last little bit and it was just lucky that we had the faith in him. The bookies didn’t, they had written him off, but we thought he would stay all day and it was a pretty impressive performance to do that from last at Flemington,” Bambry said. “We had done a similar thing (Australian campaign) with Lord Bouzeron a few years ago and we thought he fitted the bill and that was a suitable race for him, especially for $200,000, it was definitely worth going over. “He will probably have a couple of more runs over there now. He is probably going to be better suited over there, so we will look for another trainer for him because I am pretty busy with our ones here at home.” Meanwhile, Bambry is looking forward to heading to Wanganui on Thursday where in-form gelding Opawa Jack will tackle the Carpet Maintenance & Cleaning 1600 to keep him on target for the $100,000 2000m innovation race at Cambridge Synthetic next month. “There aren’t any suitable races on the synthetic for Opawa Jack because there are no (rating) 75 stayers’ races on the synthetic, so he is just going to be there for a run,” Bambry said. “He will go to the Cambridge for that 2000m race. He hates a wet track and he has got such a lovely big action that he gets a bit lost on those wet tracks. Last year I sent him up to EventStars for a month during the winter and with those synthetic innovation races it means that he can be in work. He can do that and come back for those spring races once the tracks get better.” Opawa Jack will be joined in his Thursday contest by stablemate Kingfisher Lad, who will benefit from apprentice jockey Crystal Lindsay’s three kilogram claim. “Kingfisher Lad has only had the one trial, so Crystal will get a bit of weight off him,” Bambry said. “He does love Wanganui, but it is just to get his fitness up and hopefully get over a bit more ground in the next couple of weeks.” Bambry will also be represented by Let’s Get Loose in the Manawatu Sound Services Maiden 1600 and debutant Authentic Amani in the Wanganui Insurance Brokers Maiden 3YO 1200. “Let’s Get Loose never gets a good draw but she is in good form, and I think she went really well in her first time over a mile this prep,” Bambry said. “Authentic Amani is a first starter. She has only had a couple of jumpouts, but to get that raceday experience is invaluable, so it is better that she goes there than a trial.” View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, July 10, 2024 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble The Lakeside track at Sandown is the destination for metropolitan racing in Victoria on Wednesday afternoon. An eight-race card is set down for decision, with the track rated a Soft 5 and the rail in its true position for the entire circuit. The Sandown races on July 10 are set to commence at 12:25pm AEST. Best Bet at Sandown: Kiko Cliff Brown’s Kiko has returned in fine form, winning first-up before consecutive runner-up performances heading into this 1200m BM70 for mares. The four-year-old was only bettered by Luna Cat on June 19 over 1000m, and she finished half a length off the classy Oak Hill the start prior. Blake Shinn will have the Capitalist mare settled just off the speed, and with a strong finish, Kiko should prove too hard to hold out in the second leg of the quaddie. Best Bet Race 6 – #7 Kiko (8) 4yo Mare | T: Cliff Brown | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Martial Eagle Charlotte Littlefield’s Martial Eagle was held up for a run at a crucial point over the 2400m at Sandown on June 19 when beaten a half-length in fourth. He chased home Senor Uno, who he meets again, this time better at the weights. Blake Shinn sticks on board, and with even luck this time around, Martial Eagle can swoop to victory. Next Best Race 4 – #7 Martial Eagle (8) 6yo Gelding | T: Charlotte Littlefield | J: Blake Shinn (55kg) Bet with PlayUp Best Value at Sandown: The Defender The Defender caught the eye when finishing third on debut at Wangaratta on June 20. Forced to settle at the rear after bombing the start, the son of Winning Rupert made up a stack of ground in the home straight to go down by less than a length over the 1100m trip. The three-year-old steps up to 1200m, which looks ideal, and on the wider surrounds of Sandown, The Defender should have no issues building through his gears and pouncing late. Best Value Race 1 – #10 The Defender (12) 3yo Gelding | T: Mark & Levi Kavanagh | J: Craig Newitt (59.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Sandown Wednesday quaddie tips – 10/7/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, July 10, 2024 1-2-5-9-11 1-7 5-7-8-13 5-10-13-14-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Warwick Farm Races Where Warwick Farm Racecourse – 2 Hume Hwy, Warwick Farm NSW 2170 When Wednesday, July 10, 2024 First Race 12:50pm AEST Visit Dabble Warwick Farm Racecourse is the destination for metro racing on Wednesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-race program set to get underway at 12:50pm local time. The rail is out +3m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with significant rainfall predicted in the lead-up, punters can expect a genuine Heavy track. Check out our best bets and quaddie numbers for Warwick Farm on July 10. Best Bet at Warwick Farm: Pink Shalala Pink Shalala hit the line well first-up at Wyong on June 27, managing to close within 1.5 lengths of Mostro. He found the one-one on that occasion, but thanks to a slow tempo and on speed favours throughout the afternoon, the son of Shalaa couldn’t reel in the leader. He’ll strip fitter for that effort heading into this BM64, and although Pink Shalala is the only maiden galloper engaged in this, the placement by Chris Waller gives confidence that this guy is up to the task. Best Bet Race 2 – #7 Pink Shalala (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy (57kg) Bet with Unibet Next Best at Warwick Farm: Elsie May Elsie May steps up to the 2100m for the first time after a bold display at this course on June 26. She was no match for Space Age after getting too far back over 1600m, powering through the wire to suggest the step up in trip would be ideal for the daughter of Time Test. The Ciaron Maher-trained mare has been kept in Sydney in search of wet decks, and with another Heavy track likely to play in her favour, Elsie May should get every chance to chalk up her second win of the preparation. Next Best Race 4 – #3 Elsie May (5) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Chad Schofield (59.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Value at Warwick Farm: Delrico The Chris Waller barn have taken their time selecting a debut assignment for Delrico, but this two-year-old contest appears ideal. His recent barrier trial at Rosehill on June 21 couldn’t have been more impressive, cruising through the line behind Mawjood, who has already franked the form by winning on return. The colt by Kingman might find the 1200m short of his best trip here, but with an each-way price available with online bookmakers, Delrico is worth the risk first-up. Best Value Race 1 – #5 Delrico (1) 2yo Colt | T: Chris Waller | J: Rory Hutchings (56.5kg) Bet with Neds Warwick Farm Wednesday quaddie – 10/7/2024 Warwick Farm quadrella selections Wednesday, July 10, 2024 3-5 3-4-6-8 2-3-4-5-7-9 4-5-6-9-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Trainer Anna Furlong. Photo: Race Images South Riccarton horsewoman Anna Furlong will take sole charge of the successful Champagne Racing Stables operation from the beginning of the new term. She is well prepared for the changing of the guard having trained in partnership for the last 13 years with Shane Kennedy, who has announced he will take a step back at the end of this season. “Shane has taught me all I know, having started with him fresh out of school and I owe him everything,” Furlong said. “I couldn’t be more thankful or grateful, and he will still be involved with shares in some of the horses and will maintain a huge interest in the stable, supporting me in the business and attending the sales. “Shane will always be at the end of the phone and we’ll continue to talk regularly, he’s like part of my family.” Furlong joined Kennedy in a training partnership for the 2011/12 season and they have since sent out 166 winners with 12 at stakes level. “All the Listed winners stand out, we have been fortunate to have had wonderful owners who gave us some brilliant horses,” Furlong said. “We’ve had opportunities to get black type for them and the highlight was probably when we trained a Listed double at Dunedin. “We won the Gold Cup (2400m) with Pendleton and the Guineas (1500m) with Excelleration and my first win with Rush’n Prince at Riccarton in 2012 was obviously pretty special as well. “We weren’t lucky enough to gain a Group win, but we had placings including Blue Solitaire who was third in the 1000 Guineas (Group 1, 1600m).” Furlong therefore has extensive experience to draw on when she takes over the training operation. “It is really exciting and a bit daunting, but realistically nothing will really change,” she said. “It will be a bit odd and more of an emotional thing than anything else. “All of our owners have known that Shane will be stepping back and handing over the reins and we have been really grateful for their support during this transition period.” Kennedy, who has more than 350 training successes to his credit, will now focus on his property development business in Auckland. “I will maintain a high level of interest in Champagne Racing, along with continuing a supporting role to Anna,” he said. “It’s been a wonderful two decades and working with Anna for most of this time, watching her develop her skills and establish her career as a trainer and a role that I am very excited for her to continue to excel at in her own right. “Both Anna and I are truly grateful and humbled by the support we have received from owners and supporters over the years and looking forward to pressing on into the new season at Riccarton Park with a fantastic team of young and well-performed horses.” Among the promising members of Furlong’s team for the spring will be stakes performers Betty Spaghetti, Quintabelle, Miss Layla and Lil Zena. Horse racing news View the full article

Lhasa will lineup at Cambridge on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Lhasa will be out to continue his unbeaten streak on Cambridge’s Synthetic track on Wednesday. The four-year-old son of Hellbent has won all three of his previous starts at the track, including a last start victory over the same distance, and trainer Mark Treweek is hoping he can keep his winning momentum going. “He is unbeaten at this stage on the synthetic, so he will go around again,” he said. “Hopefully he gets a nice run from there (barrier two). He has drawn in before there (Cambridge Synthetic) and got a nice run. “It’s probably the best field he has come across on the synthetic, so it will be an interesting race. There are a couple in there with very good form on the synthetic as well, mainly Monza, but as long as he gets a decent trip, I think he will be hard to beat. He has been working well, I am really happy with him.” All going to plan on Wednesday, Treweek is looking to head south to Awapuni’s Synthetic meeting on August 9 to try and capture the lion’s share of the $100,000 on offer in the 1400m special conditions race. “Since he has been going so well on the synthetic, we would look at one of the series races,” Treweek said. “There is one at Awapuni over 1400m that we would look to go to. He needs to run tomorrow to qualify for it. “A lot of money has been spent on putting these synthetic tracks in, I enjoy racing on them, and it is nice to see a bit of prizemoney thrown at racing on those tracks.” Following his Awapuni test, Treweek said Lhasa will likely head for a spell ahead of summer racing. “We will probably back off him a bit,” he said. “We only wanted to give him the three or four runs and then give him a bit of a break. He raced well through last summer and he is pretty handy on the grass as well.” Treweek will also head to Cambridge on Wednesday with last start placegetter Seamsew. “He is a big horse who has had a few issues with his knees, so we have tried to keep him fresh and we can’t do too much work with him,” Treweek said. “The 1000m races on the synthetic really suit him, so we just try and target those with him all the time. “He has been working well and should go a nice race. He has drawn out (9), but you have only got one bend from the 970m, so I don’t think it makes too much difference for him.” Horse racing news View the full article

Phats will remain across the Tasman after placing in his Australian debut. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Former Central Districts galloper Phats is set to remain in Australia following a pleasing placing in his Australian debut at Flemington on Saturday. The three-year-old son of Embellish won one and placed in four of his 12 starts in New Zealand before trainer Chrissy Bambry elected to test his talent across the Tasman. He passed with flying colours when running home for third in the Mahogany Challenge Final (2500m) and is now set to remain across the Tasman, with Bambry now on the search to find him a Melbourne-based trainer. “He was super, he had awesome sectionals that last little bit and it was just lucky that we had the faith in him. The bookies didn’t, they had written him off, but we thought he would stay all day and it was a pretty impressive performance to do that from last at Flemington,” Bambry said. “We had done a similar thing (Australian campaign) with Lord Bouzeron a few years ago and we thought he fitted the bill and that was a suitable race for him, especially for $200,000, it was definitely worth going over. “He will probably have a couple of more runs over there now. He is probably going to be better suited over there, so we will look for another trainer for him because I am pretty busy with our ones here at home.” Horse racing news View the full article

Tomodachi Kokoroe is a four-time winner in Hong Kong. Tomodachi Kokoroe is aiming crown a superb season when he steps up in distance on Wednesday night at the season’s final Happy Valley fixture. Untested beyond 1400m, Tomodachi Kokoroe has won four times over 1200m in Hong Kong for trainer David Hayes. The Written Tycoon gelding was a six-time winner in Australia pre-import, scoring over 875m, 950m (twice), 1200m, 1250m and 1400m. “We’re trying the mile. He’s had a marvellous season. I think the tempo of a mile in this class, like over the 1400 metres, is probably better suited to him than sprints,” Hayes said. Tomodachi Kokoroe attempted to make all last start at odds of +6700 with horse racing bookmakers in Class 2 over seven furlongs at Sha Tin. The five-year-old was caught late by a short-head. “I thought he’d won, really, we just got beaten on the post. It was very, very good. It’s hard to think he can go much better than he’s gone but he has proven that he can compete off his current rating (94),” Hayes said. A Class 1 winner at Happy Valley, Tomodachi Kokoroe steps away from gate four with jockey Zac Purton tomorrow night, assigned 134lb, against Helene Feeling (135lb), Outgate (131lb), Adefill (129lb), Chill Chibi (126lb), Yellowfin (126lb), Berlin Tango (125lb), Turin Mascot (117lb), Woodfire Bro (117lb) and Universal Horizon (116lb). Hayes has 47 wins this term and is looking forward to next season. “I think it’s gone pretty good. I’ve had around 48 horses for most of the season, it’s built up with the horses I am planning to run next season. I might get to 50 winners this week if I can have a couple of winners, so it’s been pretty good. “I’ve got some nice horses coming through and a potential top-line sprinter (Ka Ying Rising). I also have a lot of horses who are well rated for next season, so I have more horses and I have some well rated ones,” Hayes said. While Hayes nears the end of his 14th season in Hong Kong (across two stints), Mark Newnham is currently closing out a stellar debut campaign which has returned 31 wins from 331 runners. “I had a target in my mind of 30 wins and we got there with a couple of meetings to spare. I think it’s gone as I hoped and as I planned, I thought it would be a good second half and it has been,” Newnham said. Newnham was a long-time assistant to Gai Waterhouse in Sydney, Australia before going out on his own to net over 400 wins Down Under, including a handful at Group 1 level. “We still have a lot of untried horses in the stable. There are around 20 horses in the stable who haven’t raced in Hong Kong. I’m planning to improve and I hope the horses follow the plan, I think we’ve set ourselves up to have a good next season – we have some depth and some untried stock,” Newnham said. Newnham saddles three runners at Happy Valley, led by Youthful Spirits, who chases consecutive wins under Purton. “He’s in really good order. I gave him a gallop myself on Thursday on the grass and he was really sharp. You have to use his speed and Zac (Purton) did that the other day, so it was great,” Newnham said. The Shamus Award gelding has drawn barrier one tomorrow night. “He went fast all of the way and he ran them into the ground. His asset is his speed and that’s how you have to ride him. “He might step up to 1200 metres in the future but he’ll need to learn to use himself a little bit better throughout the early part. At the moment while there is a 1000 metre race on that’s his target,” Newnham said. Meanwhile, Pierre Ng and Francis Lui continue their trainers’ championship tussle with Ng leading by one win (67-66). Lui has entered nine runners to Ng’s eight at the Valley. Danny Shum leads the unofficial Happy Valley trainers’ championship by one win ahead of Caspar Fownes (32-31). Fownes, Hong Kong’s most successful trainer at the inner-city course, has seven chances to catch Shum. Horse racing news View the full article

Last Saturday, the final day of the Queensland Racing Carnival at the Sunshine Coast was postponed after four races, which left punters with Flemington and Randwick as the feature race meetings. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have found three runners from those two meetings that are worth following in their upcoming starts and into the early weeks of spring. You can add these horses to your blackbook with your chosen bookmaker and receive notifications when they accept for their next start. Randwick Track rating: Heavy 9 (up to Heavy 8 after R3) Rail position: +3m entire circuit Race 4: Class 3 Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:12.18 Horse to follow: Clear Thinking (1st) Clear Thinking made her metropolitan debut at Randwick last weekend and the Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich-trained mare was able to keep her undefeated record intact. The daughter of Dubawi was well-backed with online horse racing betting sites and after a few nervy moments for her followers, the race favourite saluted under Zac Lloyd. Lloyd navigated a path of the fence and picked his way through the pack before asking for the ultimate effort from his mount, and she responded with a blistering turn of foot to claim victory by a long neck on the line. When to bet: Post-race, Messara confirmed that Clear Thinking would go for a spell before returning in the spring to potentially target The Kosciuszko at the same track and trip as last weekend’s victory. Race 5: Benchmark 78 Handicap (2000m) | Time: 2:06.67 Horse to follow: Age Of Sail (3rd) Age Of Sail dropped back from Benchmark 90 grade to a Benchmark 78 last Saturday and the decision to drop in grade nearly paid off for Kris Lees and his team. The five-year-old gelding settled in the back half of the field over 2000m and in the home straight, Nash Rawiller chose to run down the outside fence in an attempt to find firmer ground. Even though this son of Frankel ran further to find the outside fence, he finished off strongly and recorded a strong third-place finish. When to bet: After two solid runs this preparation, Age Of Sail will be peaking third-up, and if Lees can find a similar race to last weekend, he will prove very hard to beat. Flemington Track rating: Soft 5 (up to Good 4 after R3) Rail position: True entire circuit Race 5: Leilani Series Final (1400m) | Time: 1:23.34 Horse to follow: Cindy Falls (1st) Cindy Falls was sent over from New Zealand to join the Lee & Shannon Hope stable in May, and since joining the Seymour-based trainers, she has run well at both starts. The five-year-old mare let down with a blistering finish at Flemington to nab Brazen Lady in the shadows of the post in the Leilani Series Final over 1400m. Dean Yendall chose to settle at the back of the field from barrier 12, before letting his mount run down the outside of the field. Cindy Falls recorded the fastest last 800m (44.81s), 600m (33.36s), and 400m (22.38s) sections of the entire meeting. When to bet: Shannon Hope confirmed post-race that Cindy Falls will stay in work and they will step her out to 1600m next start. The Rising Stars Final for fillies and mares over 1600m at Flemington on July 20 looks to be the ideal race. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

Legendary trainer backs consistent galloper to overcome barrier 10 at final city circuit meeting of the termView the full article

by Christina Bossinakis & Stefanie Grimm LEXINGTON, KY-Up until its final moments, the Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale unfolded much like last year's edition of the summer auction. Consistent trade throughout, but with the majority of the bidding action leaning toward the more accomplished offerings. That was until Informed Patriot (Hard Spun), a last-minute supplement to the sale, blew the doors off proceedings when drawing a $1.55-million final bid from agent Ibrahim Rachid, acting on behalf of HRH Prince Saud bin Salman Abdulaziz. “Quite a way to end a horse sale,” enthused Fasig-Tipton President and CEO Boyd Browning, Jr. “You know, it just goes to show you the magic of an auction process.” He continued, “The horse literally ran [third in the GIII Indiana Derby] Saturday. [Consignor] Taylor Made called [owners J. Kirk and Judy Robison] and Steve Asmussen and asked, either that night or Sunday morning, 'hey, would you consider adding the horse to this sale?' [Taylor Made] talked to me Sunday morning and I said 'we'll get it in.' We had to make sure we could get the horse shipped down here and he started showing this morning. He did all the vetting on the horse with pictures and walking videos and so forth. It goes to show you just what can happen when several people are in a very competitive mode to buy quality horses. It was a tremendous way to literally finish with a bang. That would be an understatement today.” According to Browning, the more fluid methods for selling horses has changed the landscape of selling in recent years, which has helped grow rewards for both buyers and sellers. “The last horse through the ring in February sold for $2 million and this was the last horse through the ring and they were both supplements, which I think shows you the evolving nature of the world that we live in,” Browning explained. “People want action. They want to have the opportunity to buy a unique piece or to buy something that's special. So obviously, we were thrilled with the last horse, but even before that, it was a day of really solid trade. A lot of activity for those horses.” When asked about the slightly scaled back catalog from last year, Browning explained, “We always had fewer horses this year. And that's a function of the success of digital sales. I think that there's a time and a place for horses. Some are better suited for digital sales and some are better suited for live sales. That's really what we're here to do, is to serve the marketplace. We're pro digital and pro live sales. I think we saw some of that magic today and I think we saw some of the magic of a digital horse sale last week.” At the end of Monday's session, the HORA figures of the 2023 edition of the sale were largely on par with this year's session, despite the smaller catalog in 2024. This year, a total of 65 horses sold for $6,708,500, averaging $103,208 and with a median of $62,000. Last term, 144 realized gross figures of $14,052,000 with an average of $97,583 and a median of $60,000. “The world's changing, people are becoming more engaged and there's more ways to reach people,” Browning said. “It wasn't just one or two people bidding on that last horse. There was significant activity above a million dollars from at least four bidders on a horse like that.” In regard to the strong participation from the international buying bench, Browning added, “[The Middle East] is an area that we've identified as having an increase in dirt racing. And the one thing that is clear is that the best dirt race horses in the world come from the United States.” Looking ahead to Tuesday's select yearling session, Browning was pragmatic. “I always go into the first yearling sale of the year with jitters,” he admitted. “The 2-year-old sales just ended and people are going to get into the yearling mindset. I think we've got a group of nice, physically conformed horses. It's a good group. We're excited to roll them through and see what happens.” He continued, “The activity on the sales grounds has been good. There's always a bit of trepidation. And there's always a bit of, frankly, fear. Fear is the greatest motivator of all. When you start off a new sales cycle, you're always worried people are going to comment and what's the attitude going to be. I think that we've seen on the sales grounds Saturday, both on race horses and yearlings, a lot of activity. I'm encouraged by today's results and look forward to the continuation of the momentum tomorrow.” Informed Patriot Brings $1.55M, To Head to Saudi Arabia As the final horse of the afternoon strode into the ring, it appeared that things would wrap up swiftly and with little fanfare. Think again. Cataloged as Hip 523, Informed Patriot (Hard Spun) certainly looked the part, however, it was likely his recent form that pushed it over the edge. With the day's action churning along at a steady pace throughout the afternoon, it was clear that something was about to happen when the 3-year-old strode into the arena. In a moment, the bidding rose at an accelerated rate, with no less than four bidders in the melee, including three Saudi Arabian groups and the price surpassed the $1-million mark in a flash. When the dust had settled, however, it was Ibrahim Rachid, the bloodstock agent representing HRH Prince Saud bin Salman Abdulaziz, who won the day, slamming the door on the others with a $1.55 million final bid. The sale represented a record figure at the July Sale. “I had told [Prince Saud] that the reserve would be around $500,000 and he asked that I get him on the phone when [the bidding] gets into that range,” explained Rachid. “He was on the phone with me the whole time. I can't bid over that amount without his permission. But he kept telling me to go. He said to go for it, don't stop at all. The Prince had been waiting for him and he got him. I looked at 20 horses and this was the only one we wanted.” Ibrahim Rashid | Fasig-Tipton Campaigned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, the $90,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase won the Bathhouse Row Stakes earlier this spring and just this past Saturday, the Steve Asmussen trainee showed speed before finishing third in the 1 1/16-mile GIII Indiana Derby at Horsehoe Indianapolis. Winner of two of 10 starts to date, the Gainesway Thoroughbreds and Whisper Hill Farm-bred colt has earned just under $350,000 to date. “He's a good-looking horse,” Rachid said, when asked about the colt's merits. “And the prince chose him.” “He is a good, clean horse. It just so happened that two princes wanted him, so he went for that money. I just think he was the best horse in this sale.” When asked what the longer-term plan was for his latest purchase, Rachid said next year's G1 Saudi Cup would be the ultimate goal. “Of course, that will be the goal for him,” he said. “Maybe he'll be able to handle that distance over there. We will see. Good luck to him.” As for the immediate future, Rachid outlined, “The horse will go to quarantine for 35 days and then he will be sent to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. I'll ask the prince what the plans are for him, and he might stay here for a few weeks and then we ship him to Saudi Arabia.” The connections have already reaped the rewards of this sale, paying $255,000 for a son of Quality Road at the 2022 edition of the sale. On the board in three of four U.S. starts, Scotland Yard won the 2023 Listed King's Cup and was second in that race this year for trainer Nicholas Bachalard. “The prince also bought Scotland Yard from this sale as well and we did very well,” Rachid said. “We've had success with Fasig-Tipton before, we have a very good relationship with them. So we try our very best every year to buy horses here.” —@CBossTDN Audible Colt Cats By Five To Dubai For RRR Stables Trainer Chief Stipe Watson, shopping the Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing Age Sale for the first time Monday, picked up 3-year-old graded-stakes placed Cats by Five (Audible) (hip 454) for $400,000 on behalf of RRR Stables, an operation owned by Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, the colt is a half-brother to GIII Whitmore Stakes winner Bob's Edge (Competitive Edge) and to SW Watch Me Burn (Hold Me Back), and out of a half to GSW/MGISP Restrainedvengence (Hold Me Back), SW B G Suavecito (Suave) and GSP Latent Revenge (Latent Heat). He will be bound for Dubai after a career in America which saw him finish second in the GIII Chick Lang Stakes and third in the Bachelor Stakes just in the last three months. “Usually we buy them privately, but I'm on holiday and I said, 'I'll come down here and see,'” said Watson, standing with bloodstock agent Conor Foley, who signed the ticket. “He's a very nice horse, maybe cost a little bit more than we'd hoped, but he's very nice. He'll go into quarantine for the trip over and we'll give him about six weeks to relax after a busy season.” Chief Stipe Watson and Conor Foley | Fasig-Tipton Watson, an eight-time leading trainer in the UAE who spent several years in Dubai as an assistant to Kiaran McLaughlin, noted that the colt would be prepped for their winter racing carnival in December. “He's a 3-year-old trending [up] and hasn't stretched out yet, so who knows? I think six [furlongs] will be his game,” Watson said. Evidenced by his stakes-placed speed, Watson and Foley agreed that the colt would be a good fit in the Middle East program. “With the form that he has here, it's got to translate. You've got to have speed. He's a real nice horse, real athletic looking and I'm excited,” said Foley. Cats by Five, bred in Kentucky by Westwind Farm, brought $575,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September. He was raced by Three Chimneys Farm and trained by Steve Asmussen. Most recently second by a neck in allowance company June 21, his earnings are now over $157,000. Speaking after the sale, Mark Taylor of Taylor Made Sales was pleased to see the colt sell so well. “I think he sold well, but I also think that the buyer got a very nice horse,” Taylor said. “He ran unbelievably well last time out and, just getting beat a nose, he kept the condition. So he could've gone anywhere you want and he was also a beautiful horse on the end of the shank. He's a very, very exciting racehorse.” There was plenty of appeal for Taylor Made's owners to bring horses to the racing age sale ahead of the Fall yearling sales. “Connections think 'let's turn this horse into cash going into the yearling sales.' It's such a good jumping-off point. Buyers can look for horses to go run at Saratoga, Del Mar or Kentucky Downs, wherever you would want to go,” Taylor said. Taylor had reason to be looking forward as, in addition to hip 454 early in the session, Taylor Made also consigned the $1.55-million sales-topper Informed Patriot (Hard Spun) (hip 523) as the last hip through the ring. “The sale's been really great so far,” he said. “We've been conservative with our reserves. Sellers acknowledge that, while these horses aren't bad, they're claiming horses. And they don't want to squeeze every nickel out of them. It's up to the buyers to settle it out in the ring. I think that's a healthy way to approach it at the sales and you end up getting more anyway.” @SGrimmTDN The post ‘Magic of An Auction Process’: Fasig-Tipton Horses of Racing Age Sale Ends on a High appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sam Freedman. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Anthony and Sam Freedman will follow a proven path with their imported mare, Place Du Carrousel, this spring. Like Without A Fight, the five-year-old mare is expected to target the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) before aiming for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m), with a possible run in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) also on the cards. “We will go down a similar path as we did last year with Without A Fight to the Caulfield Cup with her,” Sam Freedman told Racing.com. “We are looking at her running in the Underwood Stakes but we might add in the Turnbull Stakes.” Place Du Carrousel, who won the 2022 Group 1 Prix de l’Opera (2000m) under the training of Andre Fabre in France, debuted for the Freedman partnership with a second-place finish to Via Sistina in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and subsequently finished seventh behind Pride Of Jenni in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m). Horse racing news View the full article

Munhamek ridden by Jamie Mott winning the Winter Championship Series Final at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Last weekend’s Listed Winter Championship Series Final (1600m) at Flemington saw Munhamek clinch his third consecutive victory. The eight-year-old, trained by Nick Ryan, is set to be targeted at the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 17. “He pulled up super,” Ryan confirmed the gelding’s positive post-race condition in an interview with Racing.com. “He was down at the beach this morning at Altona, he’s going to head down to Fulmen Park for the week; in the paddock and on the water walker later on in the week and then probably back next week.” The absence of Mr Brightside from the PB Lawrence Stakes has further motivated Ryan. “That certainly gives us a lot of encouragement to go there,” the trainer said. “I’m sure it will still be a strong race, but no Mr Brightside is a big help. “He’s (Munhamek) going to have that rating now where he’s going to have to go to some races like that, there’s not going to be many other options.” Horse racing news View the full article

The Phil Cole-trained Star Magnum, a six-year-old gelding by Magnus, and Darwin apprentice Emma Lines head to the gates before sealing victory at Fannie Bay on Saturday. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Fotofinish Racepix) Trainer Phil Cole can feel optimistic in regards to future Darwin Cup Carnival success. This year’s event kicked off on Saturday at Fannie Bay, and Cole had two wins with sprinters Star Magnum, bound for the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) on August 3, and Exceedingly Magic, with star apprentice Emma Lines as the pilot. Although three-year-olds Rhesus (third) and Bryce (fifth) finished behind He’s Maverick in the $75,000 Darwin Guineas (1600m) they were far from disgraced and have big hopes in the $135,000 NT Derby (2050m) on July 20. Star Magnum exploded from the outside gate (eight) and was in front in an open 1100m handicap within 200m before going on to win by 3.8 lengths. The six-year-old gelding, who found another gear when challenged mid-race, boasts four wins and eight minor placings from 14 starts for Cole. It was an outstanding Palmerston trial for the son of Magnus, it’s his first win since October after finishing ninth behind Early Crow in last year’s race. “He’s been going super this preparation, he showed everyone his true colours on Saturday,” Cole said. “He’s definitely going well, he’ll run in an open 1100m in a couple of weeks and then go to the Palmerston. “If he draws a bad gate, he’ll probably go to the Lightning (1000m) on Cup Day. “Last year, he drew barrier 10 (out of 12) in the Palmerston and I hadn’t nominated him for the Lightning. “It was all over when he got caught off the track the whole race. “Star Magnum has always showed potential, he’s always been in the mix at an open level since he’s been here. “Sometimes the barrier draws haven’t been great when there’s an abundance of speed. “It’s his second season here, he’s definitely adapted a lot more to the Darwin style of racing.” At one stage in the Guineas, a race Cole won last year with Tubthumper, Rhesus (Lines), the $3 favourite with online bookmakers, was eighth, while Bryce (Noel Callow) was last before the stablemates clicked into gear. “I thought Rhesus ran well, just travelled probably too well from the 600m to the 400m waiting to get a run,” Cole said. “I he could have improved and pinched a few lengths there I think he wins the race. “However, I thought he still hit the line well and I just think he’ll race a little bit closer to the front over the 2050m in a couple of weeks. “Very happy with Bryce, he hit the line solidly. “It was a very slow run Guineas and Bryce copped a lot of interference getting to the first corner. “He was actually in front of Rhesus early – he was going to settle fourth of fifth – and then got shuffled back to near last. “He’s pulled up well and I reckon he’s definitely looking for the 2050m probably more than Rhesus.” Saccharo, a likely starter in the $60,000 Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) this weekend, remains Cole’s big hope in the $200,000 Darwin Cup (2050m) on August 5. Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Tuesday, July 9. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for July 9, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Any Australian Racing 3+ Leg Multi | If 1 Leg Fails Bonus Back Up To $50 Place a 3+ leg Fixed Win/Place Multi across Australian Thoroughbred, Harness or Greyhound racing this week and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available once daily. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Bet and win up to 4th place! Picklebet Terms and Conditions Apply Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for July 9, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Trainer Tony Gollan.(Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Tony Gollan is getting ready to make a strong showing at the two-day Rockhampton carnival, aiming to secure the trainers bonus once more. As a trainer, with ten trainer championship wins in a row under his belt, Gollan plans to enter multiple races during the event and expresses his fondness for country racing in that area. The Rockhampton Cup offering $150,000, and the Rockhampton Newmarket with $100,000 up for grabs, have motivated Gollan to field five contenders between the two as he strives to close out what looks to be a record-breaking season currently sitting at $8,862,756 in winnings. Although he hasn’t clinched a Group 1 victory yet, Gollan is on track for one of his best seasons as a trainer. The trainer who garners the most wins throughout the two-day Rockhampton carnival stands to earn a $20,000 bonus from the Rockhampton Jockey Club. Gollan eagerly eyes this prize after winning it previously. Gollan is gearing up for a mix of old and new at the Rockhampton Newmarket on Friday. He’s aiming for his first win in this race, mentioning his misses previously. The stable will be represented by Rockribbed and Ef Troop, a blend of experience and fresh talent. The top online bookmakers are currently pricing Rockribbed as the $2.50 favourite after a stunning performance at Ipswich on June 22, leaving an impression on Gollan, who believes the horse can handle the 1300m run at Rocky. On the other hand, the $9 Neds outsider Ef Troop showed signs of eagerness in his eighth place finish in the Listed Hinkler Handicap at Eagle Farm on June 15, prompting Gollan to plan for a more controlled ride this time around. Gollan has hopes for Ef Troop, as they aim to tap into his glory days as one of the standout horses in the upcoming race. Additionally, Rising Pacific is lined up to represent Gollan in the Rockhampton Cup on Saturday with PlayUp offering $11 for the win. Horse racing news View the full article

Party For Two winning the Qtis Three-year-old Handicap at Eagle Farm on October 14, 2023. Photo: Darren Winningham Party For Two, a filly under the guidance of trainers Matthew Hoysted and Steve O’Dea, is being considered for the $200,000 Sir John Monash Stakes event at Caulfield this Saturday. While having earned placements in stakes races, this filly has yet to claim a victory at Black Type level. Notably, she secured second place in the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) last year and has also achieved two minor placings in Listed races, including a third-place finish in the Gai Waterhouse Classic (1200m) during her most recent outing. Hoysted expressed optimism about Party For Two’s success in the Sir John Monash Stakes, with the top online bookmakers currently offering $14 for this Group 3 win. Assessing the field of nine competitors with the likes of Recommendation ($2.80), Ashford Street ($4.20), and Mornington Glory ($4.20) set to compete, Hoysted commented on the race appeal for sending Party For Two down to compete. He highlighted her track record of multiple stakes placings and emphasised her unclaimed stakes win. With options following the Winter Carnival events up north, Hoysted sees this as a moment for Party For Two to showcase her racing prowess before facing tougher competition. Hoysted mentioned that having a small field could work in her favour, as she has often had to contend with starting from wide barriers. A decision regarding Party For Two’s participation in the Sir John Monash Stakes will be finalised before the 10 am deadline on Tuesday. Horse racing news View the full article

Informed Patriot (Hard Spun), just two days removed from a third-place finish in the GIII Indiana Derby, brought the Fasig-Tipton July Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale to a crescendo when selling for $1.55 million to Prince Saud bin Salman Abdulaziz. Bloodstock agent Ibrahim Rachid made the winning bid on behalf of the prince and said the sophomore would be aimed at next year's G1 Saudi Cup. Campaigned by J Kirk and Judy Robison and trained by Steve Asmussen, Informed Patriot was purchased for $90,000 as a Keeneland September sale. He was third in last year's GIII Street Sense Stakes and won this spring's Bathhouse Row Stakes. He is a full-brother to GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Spun to Run. The colt's seven-figure price tag was a sales record for the July auction. The post $1.55 Million Informed Patriot Tops Fasig July Horses of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a thrilling stretch duel, Power Squeeze used every ounce of her class to squeeze out a nose victory over Sidamara in the $300,000 Delaware Oaks (G3) at Delaware Park July 8.View the full article

Inclement weather brought by Hurricane Beryl canceled the seven-race Louisiana Downs card July 8.View the full article

In a virtual town hall Monday, representatives from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) Authority outlined, and took stakeholder questions on, the revised “Racetrack Safety” rules that have just gone into effect. The main rule revisions and modifications apply to intra-articular injections and to vets' listings. An online “handbook” of the new rules can be accessed here. The following are some of the primary points raised during Monday's hour-long session, and in the materials available online. Joint Injections The updated rules on intra-articular injections are significantly stricter than what has been in place. A key point here: The day the horse receives an intra-articular injection counts as day one of the standdown period. As of Monday, trainers are not permitted to work a horse for 14 days following an intra-articular corticosteroid injection into the front or back fetlock (increased from seven days), and are not permitted to start a horse for 30 days following an intra-articular corticosteroid injection into any fetlock (increased from 14 days). When it comes to corticosteroid injections into other joints, as well as the administration of other joint medications like hyaluronic acid, trainers remain prohibited from working a horse seven days following an intra-articular injection, and from starting a horse for 14 days following an intra-articular injection. The only exception to these rules concerns polyacrylamide hydrogels. Horses are not permitted to race for 180 days after an intra-articular injection with a polyacrylamide hydrogel. When asked why extra emphasis was placed on intra-articular injections into the fetlock, HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus said that “there was a lot of discussion and research review” around this decision. “We know that statistically, half of every single musculoskeletal fatality in horse racing comes from the fetlock,” said Lazarus. “It is the joint that is the most vulnerable, the one we see most injured and which causes the most fatalities.” New void claim rules and claiming waiver rule Under the new rules, if a claimed horse has a post-race positive finding–coined under HISA an “adverse analytical finding”–the new connections of the horse have the option of voiding the claim, provided they provide written notice to the track stewards (where the claim took place) within 48 hours of being alerted of the positive. There are caveats. A claim will not be voided if the horse has in the meantime started in a race, has died or been euthanized, or if the new connections have made “material alterations” to the horse, like gelding him. Mark Guilfoyle, HISA's director of state racing commission relations, stressed that “time is of the essence” once connections are alerted to the positive test result. “What they'll do, they'll notify both sides of the parties. They'll also notify the stewards that this claim is eligible to be voided,” said Guilfoyle. “What you'll have then is, you'll have 48 hours–that's business days,” he added. “What I would advise you do is contact the stewards, go straight in if you'll be at the track. If you can't get hold of them, or you want to contact both of us, my name will be on that letter. It's a cover letter that you'll get.” Later on in the Town Hall, one stakeholder asked how these new rules fit into mandates at some tracks where connections of claimed horses are required to run the horse back during the meet, or else risk the horse being placed in entry “jail” post-meet for a period of time. Ann McGovern, HISA's director of racetrack safety, said that HISA was “not a racing office,” and therefore had no jurisdiction over such racetrack mandates. Lazarus urged stakeholders to contact HISA with their concerns over these seemingly incompatible rules. “If there's something specific, just reach out to me or Ann separately,” said Lazarus. “Obviously, we don't want to have any rules that are in direct conflict.” According to Lazarus, HISA is meeting test turn-around times–of 10 business days for a post-race sample from receipt of the test, and five business days for a vets' list sample–about 95% of the time. “And we actually ask them to prioritize claimed horses just given the fact that a positive test on a claimed horse could ultimately result in a horse being given back to the original owner,” said Lazarus. Another rule that went into effect Monday was a modification of the waiver claiming rule that now permits connections to declare their horse ineligible to be claimed for a second consecutive race provided they adhere to certain caveats. The waiver must have been “asserted” its first race back for the horse to be eligible for the second waiver, for example. If the horses changes major ownership since its first race, that too precludes it from being eligible for the second waiver. “Basically, we want to encourage owners and trainers to give their horses time and give horses the medical attention they may need to make them a better racehorse and to address any injuries they may have without making those injuries any more severe,” said Silverman. Vets' list and prohibited practices There are updated rules on what might prompt the addition of a horse to the vets' list, and what happens to that horse when on this list. They cover a variety of events, including general unsoundness, illness and injury; bleeding events, including epistaxis; horses who haven't started in over a year, and those that haven't made a start before four; as well as clenbuterol administration. Horses that are unsound, injured, or suffer an epistaxis event, for example, will be prohibited from working for seven days. A key question here is: What's the difference between unsoundness and lameness? “When we use the term lame, we're usually referring to a musculoskeletal concern. And the American Association of Equine Practitioners has gone even further and defined lame on a scale of zero to five, with zero being a horse that has no signs of lameness, and five being a horse that is completely non-weightbearing on at least one limb,” said Shari Silverman, a veterinary liaison for HISA. “Unsound is a broader term,” said Silverman. “Certainly, a horse that is lame is considered unsound. But it could include other musculoskeletal or physiological conditions that make a horse unfit to compete or breeze. An example would be atrial fibrillation, an arrhythmia of the heart.” As of Monday, the following practices are prohibited: No pin-firing of any part of the horse (and not just the shin, as was the case previously); no freeze-firing of the shins; and no surgical or chemical neurectomy. Furthermore, beginning with the 2023 foal crop, if they have had pin-firing anywhere on the body, if their shins have been freeze-fired, or they've had a surgical or chemical neurectomy, they will not be allowed to race under HISA. “There is no waiver, nothing you can upload into the portal saying that this was done. So 2023, 2024 moving on forward, those horses cannot have had those procedures,” said Silverman. Therapeutic devices and shockwave treatments Therapeutic devices requiring an external power source are prohibited within 48 hours of the start of a published post-time. They include the following: Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices, lasers, nebulizers, electromagnetic blankets and whirlpool boots. All acupuncture treatments are similarly prohibited within 48 hours of the start of a published post-time. Shockwave treatments are prohibited within 14 days of a timed workout, and within 30 days of a race. The day of the administration is considered day-one of the stand down period. Air quality index protocol The Air Quality Index (AQI) measures the amount of particulate matter in the atmosphere. The higher the AQI, the worse the air quality. High AQI measurements–especially those above 150–are linked with potentially serious health impacts for both humans and horses. Climate change-fueled increases in extreme weather events will make the AQI an ever-more pertinent component of the horse racing infrastructure, as evinced by the cancellation last year of racing in New York due to the Canadian wildfires. Training and racing activities are permitted and prohibited at varying AQI levels. When the AQI is above 150, for example, stakeholders have the option of withdrawing themselves or their horses from competition without penalty. When the AQI is above 175, all racing and timed workouts are prohibited. One of the questions posed by stakeholders concerned what happens to horses that suffer heat-stroke. “That would be up to the regulatory veterinarian to determine,” said Silverman. “It would depend on the severity of the heatstroke. They may decide to place the horse on the vets' list as injured or physically in distress.” Silverman added: “It would also be up to them, depending on the severity and how concerned they are about the horse's ability to return to racing, whether they think this requires just a physical examination or if it requires seeing a horse successfully complete a work and blood draw.” Welfare, deprivation of care Racetracks are now required to develop and implement protocols related to equine welfare and husbandry concerns. The mandate broadly covers the following behavior: Cruelty, mistreatment, neglect or abuse; abandonment, injury, maiming or killing; administration of any noxious substance; and deprivation of necessary care, sustenance, shelter and veterinary care. The post HISA Town Hall on New Racetrack Safety Rules appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Party For Two winning the Qtis Three-year-old Handicap at Eagle Farm on October 14, 2023. Photo: Darren Winningham Party Of Two, a filly under the guidance of trainers Matthew Hoysted and Steve O’Dea, is being considered for the $200,000 Sir John Monash Stakes event at Caulfield this Saturday. While having earned placements in stakes races, this filly has yet to claim a victory at Black Type level. Notably, she secured second place in the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) last year and has also achieved two minor placings in Listed races, including a third-place finish in the Gai Waterhouse Classic (1200m) during her most recent outing. Hoysted expressed optimism about Party Of Two’s success in the Sir John Monash Stakes, with the top online bookmakers currently offering $14 for this Group 3 win. Assessing the field of nine competitors with the likes of Recommendation ($2.80), Ashford Street ($4.20), and Mornington Glory ($4.20) set to compete, Hoysted commented on the race appeal for sending Party Of Two down to compete. He highlighted her track record of multiple stakes placings and emphasised her unclaimed stakes win. With options following the Winter Carnival events up north, Hoysted sees this as a moment for Party Of Two to showcase her racing prowess before facing tougher competition. Hoysted mentioned that having a small field could work in her favour, as she has often had to contend with starting from wide barriers. A decision regarding Party Two’s participation in the Sir John Monash Stakes will be finalised before the 10 am deadline on Tuesday. Horse racing news View the full article