Wandering Eyes

If history means anything, then all eyes should be on Mo Plex, who will have Irad Ortiz Jr. in the irons. Ortiz won three of the last six editions of the Sanford. View the full article

Mysterious Night, Talk of the Nation, and Carl Spackler meet again July 13 as they battle in a small field for graded stakes glory in the $175,000 Kelso Stakes (G3T) at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

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

David Power, one of the founders of the Paddy Power betting shop chain and the owner of multiple Group 1 winners Slade Power (Ire) (Dutch Art {GB}) and Sole Power (GB) (Kyllachy {GB}), has died following a long illness, as reported by The Irish Field. Power was a racecourse bookmaker for decades and only recently retired six years ago. Along with his wife Sabena, they enjoyed great success on the course as well, campaigning Slade Power to a career which included wins in the G1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes and the G1 Darley July Cup. He last reportedly stood at Haras de Fontaines in France. Sole Power too claimed victories at the highest levels, notably winning the G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes in 2010 and 2014, the G1 King's Stand Stakes in 2013 and 2014 and the G1 Al Quoz Sprint in 2015. He was multiple Group 1-placed in three countries and across five tracks, to name only a few of his accomplishments. Trainer Eddie Lynam, whose relationship with Power began with a horse named Empirical Power (Ire), remembers him as a friend along with being a model client. “He was a great man to train for and a great friend,” Lynam told The Irish Field. “I'd say there wasn't a week went by where I didn't speak to him two or three times. He was always good company. If he didn't have something nice to say about somebody, he wouldn't say anything at all.” Lynam added, “He was a great man to train for in that whether the horse was good or bad, there was never a cross word. He enjoyed his very good horses to the limit, he had great fun with them. It was an honour to train for him.” The post Bookmaker, Racehorse Owner David Power Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This year's steeplechase races at Far Hills, which features the G1 American Grand National, will include an additional race named in honor of three-time Eclipse champion McDynamo (Dynaformer). The McDynamo Stakes for maiden hurdlers 4-year-olds and up will be contested at 2 1/8 miles, and has the potential to carry a total purse of $70,000, making it the richest contest for non-winners on the National Steeplechase Association circuit. A “sweepstakes ante” of $1,000 per horse will be added to the $50,000 guaranteed purse. As an added incentive, the Moran family, which campaigned the five-time Grand National winner who retired in 2007 as the sport's earnings leader, will match the “sweepstakes ante” amount. Therefore, if there are 10 starters (the maximum limit), the total purse will be $70,000. “We have been meaning to honor McDynamo in some special way and this seemed like the right time, with a creative new concept that hopefully will carry on for years,” said Far Hills chairman Guy Torsilieri. “McDynamo's record at Far Hills, which started with his maiden victory in 2001, followed by a novice score the next year, and then five consecutive Grand Nationals, is one of the most remarkable accomplishments in steeplechase history. The Morans were pleased to hear about the new race and have generously contributed to the added-money stakes. It is going to be a special race, for a very special horse.” The post McDynamo to be Honored with Far Hills Race appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hammered down to 1-5 to take her current winning streak to three and to remain perfect in two starts on the grass, Fred Hertrich and John Fielding's WHISKEY DECISION (f, 3, Into Mischief–Funny Song, by Distorted Humor) almost certainly punched her ticket into graded stakes competition with a thoroughly dominating victory in Monday's Christiana Stakes at Delaware Park. With Javier Castellano at the controls for the first time, the homebred was away alertly and took up a spot just off the flank of 100-1 chance Nay Slayer (Friesan Fire) for the first half of the nine-furlong test. Allowed to claim that one three furlongs out, Whiskey Decision did so easily, but was soon taken on by her chief market rival, the multiple Grade III-placed Style Points (Oscar Performance) approaching the stretch. The Cheyenne colorbearer appeared to have the momentum, but Whiskey Decision swatted the challenge away nearly as quickly as it came and stretched clear to the wire despite racing on her incorrect lead. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-0. O/B-Fred Hertrich III & John D Fielding (KY); T-Arnaud Delacour. .@jjcjockey found another gear on WHISKEY DECISION ($2.40) and they kicked away in the lane to win the $150,000 Christiana Stakes at @DelParkRacing. The 3yo filly by Into Mischief (@spendthriftfarm) was conditioned by @delacour_arnaud. Bet the Pick 4: https://t.co/uEBhFhyyCK pic.twitter.com/17vlFJWqig — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) July 8, 2024 The post Into Mischief Filly Whiskey Decision Sails Home In Christiana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The fourth annual New York Thoroughbred Aftercare Day, hosted by the New York Racing Association, New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, and New York Thoroughbred Breeders will be held Aug. 15 at Saratoga Race Course. New York Aftercare Day showcases retired racehorses demonstrating the skills they've learned in second careers, and interviews with members of New York's aftercare community. The $125,000 Rick Violette Stakes, named for the late trainer and NYTHA President who spearheaded the creation of the TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program and TAKE THE LEAD Retirement Program, will anchor the racing card. Representatives of ACTT Naturally, Lucky Orphans, New Vocations, Old Friends at Cabin Creek, ReRun, Second Chance Thoroughbreds, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, and Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation will be on hand in the Community Booth behind the jockeys' quarters to talk about their efforts on behalf of New York's retired racehorses. “All of the members of New York's racing industry, including, owners, trainers, breeders, jockeys, and racetrack management, are firmly committed to providing for our horses after they leave the track,” said TAKE THE LEAD President Rick Schosberg. “Collectively, we contribute more than $1.2 million a year to ensure they have the happy and healthy retirement they deserve. Aftercare Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase the success of our commitment.” The event will be highlighted by the introduction of the Down Broadway Retired Racehorse of the Year Award. Named for the first horse retired through the TAKE THE LEAD Program back in 2013, the Down Broadway will feature nominations from the New York organizations that participate in Aftercare Day, with the winner to be decided by a vote of racing fans. Schosberg, now himself retired from training, was Down Broadway's conditioner when the decision was made to transition the New York-bred to a second career. Winless in 10 races, the handsome gray gelding was retired through New Vocations back in 2013 and is now living his best life in Ohio. “After several successful years as a dressage horse, he's living out in massive pastures at a friend's farm in northeastern Ohio,” said adopter Megan Uditis. “He's spoiled, so loved and happy as can be! He was by far my favorite to bring along, so sweet and kind, and he still is. He's happy to have his forever home with his pasture mates.” The nominations for the Down Broadway Award will be announced in mid-July, with voters casting their ballots online for the retired racehorse of their choice. Wristbands for each nominee will be given away on Aftercare Day so that fans can show their support, and the winner will be honored after the first race. “The winner's circle ceremony for Drafted last year was so popular, we wanted to find a way to celebrate one of our retired racehorses every year,” TAKE THE LEAD and NYTHA Executive Director Andy Belfiore explained. “Whether they were champions or never won a race, these horses have earned our love and respect, and we need to demonstrate that, not just on Aftercare Day, but every day.” The post Saratoga Aftercare Day Aug. 15 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As is the custom, the summer ushers in the yearling sales season, headed by Tuesday's Fasig-Tipton July Sale of Selected Yearlings at Newtown Paddocks. Beginning at 10 a.m., the sale features a trimmed-down catalogue of 286 yearlings, once again highlighted by a selection of first-crop sires, making up roughly a third of the catalog. Featuring 370 head one year ago, this season's offering of yearlings points not only to availability, but to the ongoing drive toward quality. “It's always a function of the type of horses that you're exposed to in terms of the physicals and the pedigrees,” explained Fasig-Tipton President and CEO Boyd Browning Jr. “It's not really ever a terribly conscious decision to say 'hey, we're going to have X number of horses.' The variety and the quality of the new sire showcase [freshman sires] can sometimes have an impact on that.” He continued, “I think we saw that the 2-year-old market was a little sticky in parts [earlier this year] and we saw maybe a little bit of the middle market not being as vibrant or strong as we would've hoped in 2023. So, I think those were factors in the small decrease in catalogue size. The quality is still really good. We're generally, most years, in that 300 range, so we're just a tiny bit below that.” Commenting on the overall strength of the latest freshman sire roster this season, Browning added, “I think it's a very interesting group overall. There is no clear standout at an extremely high stud fee level. There are obviously some exciting horses–Charlatan, Yaupon, Maxfield, Tacitus, Essential Quality, and there's a wide range of stud fees.” Explaining the value of having a sale at this time of year, with a focus on the season's freshman class, Browning opined, “That's the great thing about the freshmen sires. It gives people an opportunity to see a cross-section of yearlings by these stallions, most of which are going to be very forward, very mature, very precocious-type yearlings. It really allows you to get a horse off to a flying start and build momentum from the outset.” Among the stallions represented by their first crop of yearlings is Essential Quality (Tapit), who received a well-timed boost internationally when a yearling colt by the Darley sire brought ¥92 million (approx. $572,000) during Monday's JRHA Select Sale in Japan. There are two yearlings by the Classic-winning sire available in the July catalog, Hip 34 and Hip 43. Other operations also hope their own resident stallions can get off to a fast start in Lexington this week, among them Taylor Made Stallions, represented by freshman sires Tacitus (Tapit) and Knicks Go (Paynter). “We're biased, but the Knicks Gos are very athletic horses, and they look like racehorses, and that's what he was,” said Taylor Made's Mark Taylor. “Tacitus has really blown us away with the physicals he's putting on the ground and with the pedigree he's got behind him, it just kind of makes you dream about the future.” Taylor Made is also poised to sell yearlings by several other first-season stallions, including Yaupon (Uncle Mo), Beau Liam (Liam's Map) and Rock Your World (Candy Ride {Arg}). Beau Liam stands at Airdrie Stud, while the latter two have taken up residence at Spendthrift Farm. “I hadn't seen a lot of Beau Liams until the last three weeks, but I like them also,” he said. “He was brilliantly fast. I'm a Liam's Map fan myself. Obviously, it's that family of Miss Macy Sue/Not This Time [also standing at Taylor Made]. So I'm very bullish on him. And Rock Your World, I had not seen any Rock Your Worlds since last November. In my yearling inspections this year, I just had not seen any. And we've got two in here that are both nice. Hip number 84 is a real standout. So, I'm excited, and we're just getting a taste at this sale, and there's going to be a lot more to come.” Also weighing in on this year's group of aspiring stallions, Franklin Ave. Equine's Brian DiDonato pointed to the variety of the freshman group on a whole. “Off the top of my head, we vetted weanlings last November by at least Yaupon, Maxfield, Essential Quality, Knicks Go, Tacitus, Rock Your World, Independence Hall and Modernist, so there were plenty of nice individuals by a bunch of the first-year sires then and that seems to be the case again here,” he said. “I have some on my second looks list by several other sires I didn't really give much thought to last year, but presumably a lot of what we're seeing in July are sires' respective standouts so the sample size is still a bit small and potentially misleading to generate super strong opinions yet.” And when asked if any have left a mark on DiDonato so far? “Yaupon obviously has a numbers edge on some of the other high-profile freshmen at the July sale and he's got a very nice group–they've got size, strength and plenty of athleticism,” he explained. “For a slightly more under-the-radar pick, I'm interested in the Rock Your Worlds. He had speed and versatility on the racetrack, and was a pricey horse himself from a strong family. He reminds me of Twirling Candy in a few ways and I'm getting similar vibes from his progeny, physically. I'd expect them to work particularly well over the OBS synthetic [next season], like the Twirling Candys do, and would expect the pinhoookers to take some shots with them this week and probably be rewarded come next season.” The July Sale has typically served as a barometer for what is to come in the upcoming yearling season. “I think [this sale] gives some indication,” said Browning. “I don't think it's the bellwether sale given there's 300 horses in the catalogue and a lot of them–roughly 90 of them–are by freshman sires. I think what we're looking for is a fair marketplace, to see plenty of people on the grounds, to see good interest. And I think that'll give us some indication of where we think the market's going to be, but I think we all have a pretty good idea that we don't expect a dramatic change in the yearling marketplace from 2023 to 2024. It'll be all the same quotes that we always use. The horses that 'check all the boxes' will sell extremely well and we'll wish there was a little more strength in the middle market. I think that is indicative of the market and that would be my expectation.” The post Fasig-Tipton Launches Yearling Season With July Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horsepower, the acclaimed four-part documentary series following the fortunes of trainer Andrew Balding and jockey Oisin Murphy, will be available to watch on BBC platforms from Tuesday, July 9. All four episodes will be on BBC iPlayer, with the first two episodes set to be broadcast on Tuesday evening on BBC Four and the final two episodes broadcast on BBC Four a week later. Produced by Lorton Entertainment and Equine Productions, Horsepower was filmed from autumn 2020 through to the summer of 2021, providing behind-the-scenes access as its two main protagonists prepare for one of the most prestigious events in the global sporting calendar, the five days of Royal Ascot. Jo Lapping, head of factual acquisition at the BBC, said, “We're delighted to be bringing Horsepower to the BBC. The extraordinary access the series gives to life at a racing stable provides real insight to the commitment, hard work and occasional drama behind each race, making Horsepower a riveting watch for both fans and newcomers to the sport.” The post Horsepower to be Shown on BBC Four and iPlayer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Another share in the Aga Khan Studs stallion Zarak (Fr) will be offered by Arqana Online during a pop-up sale to be held on Friday, July 12. The share gives the right to one covering per year, plus an additional covering every odd-numbered year, meaning two coverings in 2025 followed by one covering in 2026, and so on. Last month an identical offering on the Arqana Online platform sold to Laurent Benoit, acting on behalf of Haras Voltaire, for €740,000. Bidding will take place between 5-6pm local time, with registration for bidding already open on www.arqanaonline.com. A four-time winner when trained by Alain de Royer-Dupré, notably landing the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, Zarak boasts an exceptional pedigree as a son of Dubawi (Ire) and the unbeaten G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Zarkava (Ire) (Zamindar). He stood his first season at Haras de Bonneval in 2018 and has produced three Group 1 winners–and 20 stakes winners–from his early crops, including the Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Metropolitan (Fr). Haya Zark (Fr) also struck at the top level this year in the Prix Ganay, while Zagrey (Fr) became his sire's first Group 1 winner when successful in the Grosser Preis von Baden in 2023. The post Share in Zarak to be Offered in Repeat of Latest Arqana Online Pop-Up Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Associations (EFTBA) held its 2024 AGM in Chantilly, France over the weekend of the G1 Prix de Diane Longines, which celebrated the 175th running of the prestigious race and was hosted by the Fédération des Eleveurs du Galop (French TBA). Over the weekend of the AGM, the French TBA, together with France Galop, hosted a series of visits for delegates which included the training gallops and the training yards of Gavin Hernon and Henri-François Devin, as well as Château de Chantilly and the Musée Condé (Condé Museum). The Delegation Dinner took place on Saturday, June 15, on the eve of the AGM. Both Eric Hoyeau, Arqana senior advisor, and Henri Pouret, France Galop's CEO, addressed the delegation. Hoyeau spoke about the success of Arqana and the role it plays in Europe's thoroughbred sales, while Henri Pouret gave an update on the importance of French racing and the work and future plans for France Galop. The AGM saw European thoroughbred breeding nations and key industry stakeholders coming together to discuss the current status of the European thoroughbred industry. A series of issues which have the potential to seriously threaten European thoroughbred breeding were discussed, including EVA Control Measures, Rotavirus B and the EU's proposed Animal Welfare in Transport Regulations. Commenting on the AGM, chairman Joe Hernon said, “The EFTBA will continue to combat against the serious threats facing Europe's thoroughbred breeding industry, our fellow breeders and their livelihoods, while ensuring equine welfare is at the centre of all our actions and decisions. “In light of the ever-impinging SLO [Social License to Operate], it is essential we have worldwide industry collaboration and communication to further enhance equine welfare initiatives. Despite such challenges we can rightly take pride in our industry, which for us all is a wonderful and rewarding way of life. It is in this vein we will continue to be the guardian of the thoroughbred and strive to make it current and acceptable in today's world.” The post European Breeders Gather in Chantilly for EFTBA 2024 AGM appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin, Irad Ortiz Jr., Steve Asmussen, and Mystik Dan lead their respective categories in earnings through the first half of 2024, according to Equibase statistics.View the full article

When Storm the Court (Court Vision) won the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile in 2019, trainer and co-owner Peter Eurton tried to be realistic. The horse went off at 45-1 and that year's race was considered one of the weakest runnings of the Juvenile ever. He knew he didn't have a superstar on his hands, but he had every reason to believe that Storm the Court would at least be competitive in stakes company. Maybe he'd be a GIII Ohio Derby-type horse. It's just that it didn't turn out that way. When Storm the Court finished third in a July 5 allowance race at Laurel, his losing streak was up to 23 races. And he's just a few months removed from his losing streak extending all the way to five years. “The problem is that he never got any better than he was as a 2-year-old and he hasn't won since then,” said Eurton, who no longer trains the horses but sill has an ownership interest in him. “That's kind of a bummer. Everybody else got better. He matured very quickly and he had his big day, which is something we'll never forget. But he never got any better and that's the bottom line.” Storm the Court's 3-year-old season was in 2020, during the COVID outbreak, which caused Churchill Downs to move the Derby to September. So, as a 3-year-old, he raced five times before running in the Derby. He wasn't getting blown out. He was third in the GII San Felipe S, third in the Ohio Derby and second in the GIII La Jolla H. on the turf. Even his Derby performance wasn't terrible. He ran sixth, beaten nine lengths. After the Derby, the connections tried to find sports where he could win, they returned him to the grass and he ran second in then GII Mathis Brothers Mile S. at Santa Anita. But still no wins. Then they tried sprinting him on the dirt and he lost two more races, to up his losing streak to 11. After a dull showing in the GIII Tokyo City Stakes, the owners moved him from Eurton and sent him to Tom Amoss. He went 0-for-2 for Amoss, so they again trained something new. He was sent to trainer Bill Morey and the focus was on turf sprints. Morey came close. Storm the Court ran second for him twice and third in another race. But instead of tackling stakes horses, Storm the Court stayed in the allowance ranks, where he was still eligible for a race for non-winners of two allowance. Morey had five chances to win a race with him, but couldn't get it done. So they sent him to Maryland-based trainer Lacey Gaudet. Now seven, Storm the Court made two starts for her and finished third both times. “We were really excited to get him,” Gaudet said. “It's fantastic to have a horse that won a Breeders' Cup race. But he's been through quite a few hands and it's been almost five years since he won a race. Obviously, we'd like to get him back to the winner's circle. He always tries.” The reason Storm the Court is still running is that he has little or no value as a sire, though some small regional markets might give him a chance. Gaudet said the horse is sound and doing fine. “He loves his job,” Gaudet said. “We were excited to have a horse of this caliber in the barn. He gets extra attention.” Like Eurton, Gaudet said that Storm the Court will never run in a claiming race. That guarantees that he will stay with owners who will make sure he gets a good home when he finally stops running. “When a special horse comes along you have a duty to take care of them,” Gaudet said. “Even though he hasn't won a race since the Breeders' Cup, the connection are very fond of him. And they really want him to wind up in a safe spot.” So he will continue to try to get to the wire first in allowance races, something he hasn't been able to do. But he's come close, giving his connections hope that his losing streak won't last forever. The post Nearly Five Years, 23 Races After His Breeders’ Cup Win, Storm The Court Still Chasing Elusive Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

VIBRANT FORCE: HOW AFTERCARE SHOULD WORK Just over three years ago, we launched Wasabi Aftercare Fund to provide safe and secure retirements for all horses that are bred and/or raced by Wasabi Ventures Stables. Recently, we assisted in our first retirement of a horse bred, but not raced, by WVS. On Febr. 24, 2021, Vibrant Spirit foaled a healthy colt by Force the Pass. It was determined that he would not be kept to run for Wasabi. Rather than bring him to auction, WVS sold the colt to Bobby Flock in August 2022. Once with Bobby he was given his official Jockey Club name, Vibrant Force. As is typical of Thoroughbreds, Vibrant Force stayed at a farm until he was two. He then began training for his career as a racehorse with Carl Doran at Fair Hill. He had his first timed work in April 2023. On Nov. 10, 2023, Vibrant Force made his debut in a 4 1/2-furlong race at Charles Town. Through the end of the year, he raced three times at three different distances on dirt without success. Bobby and Carl then decided to give Vibrant Force the rest of the winter off, in order to make a 2024 debut on turf. In the spring of 2024 he ran three times, at different distances on both turf and dirt. His best result was seventh. By his final race on June 26, Bobby knew Vibrant Force wasn't meant to be a racehorse. According to Bobby, “This little guy and I had and have a great bond together so this makes me happy to see him go to a good home. It's never about the money with me it's always about the horse.” This is where the Wasabi Aftercare Fund comes into the story. Bobby reached out and explained Vibrant Force's situation. I then began contacting people in my network to find a post-racing home for Vibrant Force. Retiring sound, finding a home took little time. He now is with Jessica Redman, who will begin preparing him for his second career and will find his next home. After spending a few days with him, Jessica reports that “he's so nice. Bobby was great to work with as well.” Vibrant Force is just one example of why we built Wasabi Aftercare Fund: to be able to support each and every horse Wasabi Ventures Stables when they are ready to retire from their first career. We wholeheartedly believe that for all our horses provide us, we need to provide them with safe and secure homes when their racing careers end. Although Vibrant Force has a clear path to his future, this article isn't the end of our story with him, not even close. We will continue to follow him with regular updates. The post Letter to the Editor: Michele Pesula Kuegler appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

RaceTech, the outside broadcast and technical service provider to British horseracing, have signed a new long-term service agreement with Newbury Racecourse, it was announced on Monday. The new agreement runs for five years and will see RaceTech provide full integrity services such as starting stalls and photo finish technology, as well as racecourse television for all meetings at the Berkshire track. RaceTech will also continue providing the Newbury international world clean feed for Lockinge Day and several existing enhancements such as the touch screen replay service situated in the Newbury Racecourse Owners' and Trainers' suite. John Bozza, RaceTech CEO, said, “We are delighted to have extended our partnership with Newbury Racecourse which hosts quality racing and entertainment throughout the year. As well as providing first class integrity provision, we have enjoyed a productive long-term working relationship with their teams using and developing the latest technology to ensure they can provide the best customer experience across the site.” The post RaceTech and Newbury Racecourse Announce New Long-Term Contract appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Ohio Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners (OTBO) will stage its first-ever exclusively online mixed sale/auction Sept. 23-27, to be hosted by SaleRing.net, which has for many years conducted OTBOs' Annual Stallion Season Auction. The sale will be open to weanlings, yearlings, 2-year-olds, horses of racing age and broodmares, in-foal or not. The deadline for entry is Sept. 1. Top Ohio breeders such as Maccabee Farms, Buckeye Stallion Station/Hurst Racing, Raimonde Farms Ltd, On Track Training Center LLC and Howlett Ranch in addition to several smaller consignors have already pledged their support to the online auction. After consultation with OTBO members and other Ohio horsepeople, the OTBO has announced that there will be no fees to enter the sale. If the sale is profitable, OTBO will share profits 50/50 with the consignors and OTBO will provide transportation at cost to buyers' locations from consignors as needed. “They asked, we listened,” said OTBO Executive Director Mike Annechino. “Consignors wanted a level playing field with ways to make things easier for their young horses as well as the buyers who come from Ohio and beyond. They also wanted to cut down on their expenses and risks, which an online auction absolutely provides. Now, young horses do not have to ship to a busy location and there is no need to pay for extra help or accommodations at a remote sale.” Prospective buyers are encouraged to visit SaleRing.net to register and familiarize themselves with the process. Click here for the online sale entry form. The post OTBO Announce Inaugural Online Auction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

City Of Troy (Justify) posted the lowest performance rating of any Coral-Eclipse winner this century, Timeform revealed on Monday. The previous lowest in the Eclipse this century was in 2010 when Twice Over (GB) clocked a bare figure of 122, but City Of Troy was handed a performance rating of only 120 after he made hard work of fending off Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Ghostwriter (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) at Sandown. City Of Troy's Timeform master rating remains 127p–the figure he was awarded after the Derby–and he is still the highest-rated three-year-old in training. The 'p' denotes that he is capable of better under the right circumstances, with the testing conditions offered as a reason for his underwhelming display on Saturday. Timeform's Eclipse report read, “City Of Troy gained a fifth win from six starts, though given how simple his task looked it was a rather underwhelming effort, a shorter trip and steadier pace perhaps not suiting him so well as the Derby had, while, most significantly of all, ground that had become very taxing rendered this less about posting another big figure and more about getting the job done. “Taking a keen hold tracking the pace, he showed signs of wanting to lug to his right from quite early and even more so off the bridle, ending up on the far rail after the field had come down the middle of the track initially, but although he was threatened in the final furlong, he knuckled down late and left the impression at the line that he had more in the tank to call upon had it been required. “While this performance won't worry connections of the top US dirt horses at all, the International at York is a race that has a long pedigree of producing big performances, and City Of Troy remains with the potential to post a top-class one of his own there before any transatlantic mission, not least as firmer ground than he's encountered to date really ought to suit.” The post City Of Troy’s Eclipse Win Rated the Lowest This Century by Timeform appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It remains all systems go for the rematch between Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal) and Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) after both horses featured among 13 confirmations for Saturday's G1 My Pension Expert July Cup at Newmarket. Inisherin was an emphatic winner when the pair met in the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock in May and Kevin Ryan's colt followed that effort with another top-class performance when also winning the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot last time. He is a general 7-4 favourite to confirm himself the outstanding sprinter in training when he bids for the hat-trick at Newmarket. Vandeek, on the other hand, has been off the track since finishing third as the odds-on favourite for the Sandy Lane, having been forced to miss the Commonwealth Cup due to an abnormal blood count. Unbeaten in four starts as a juvenile, notably winning the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Middle Park Stakes, Vandeek was conceding race fitness to Inisherin at Haydock and his connections will be hoping that he can close the gap with that first run of the season under his belt. Commonwealth Cup third Jasour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) is another talented three-year-old to have stood his ground, along with River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), who finished third behind Vandeek in both the Prix Morny and Middle Park at two. He needs to bounce back from a below-par effort in the G3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, while stable-mate Military (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) also failed to figure at that meeting when beating only one home in the Commonwealth Cup. The prolific Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}), who finished third in last year's July Cup, looks the pick of the older horses after his runner-up finish in the G3 Chipchase Stakes at Newcastle. That was his first start since last October after he'd been ruled out of the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot due to unsuitable ground. The Ascot form is set to be represented by the first three from that race, Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) and Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), plus Vadream (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}) and Mitbaahy (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}), who finished fifth and seventh, respectively. The list of possible runners is completed by a pair of Group 1 winners from last year, namely Haydock Sprint Cup hero Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}) and Champions Sprint Stakes scorer Art Power (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}). The latter finished fourth in the July Cup in both 2021 and 2023, while Regional was last seen faring best of the home team behind Asfoora (Aus) (Flying Artie {Aus}) in the G1 King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. The post Inisherin and Vandeek Confirmed for July Cup Clash appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Back down to three days after a bumper four-day run last year, the Tattersalls July Sale retains its earlier Tuesday start for this year. Despite the rise of online sales and pop-up offerings, this is a fixture in the calendar that retains its popularity and increases in success year on year. For breeders, it is a welcome pause after the foaling season and ahead of the start of serious yearling prep, offering the chance to stock up on a mare or two, while owners and trainers can rely on plenty of vibrancy to the buying bench for the horses-in-training sessions. Consign Ltd is a new name on the vendors' list at this sale and, unsurprisingly, the company run by Harriet Jones and Chloe Battam does exactly as its name suggests. With a range of experience in the racing and sales worlds, the partners decided to go into business together at this time last year, and they bring a draft of 18 horses to Tattersalls this week. “We just felt that there was a gap in the market and I approached Chloe about doing this. She had similar ideas to me and we decided we'd join up and do it together,” says Jones. “I've always had a very strong interest in the bloodstock side. I worked for Karl Burke for a long time and he buys all his own yearlings and sources his own stock and I ran the horses-in-training sales for him. I've worked at sales around the world and always enjoyed that side of the business as much as I did the racing side.” Consign Ltd is based in Newmarket but offers its services beyond Tattersalls and in the online market as well, with set fees for bespoke Bronze, Silver and Gold packages depending on the needs of the owner, trainer or breeder. Battam has worked for Sir Mark Prescott and Godolphin, as well as for leading sales consignor Jamie Railton. She also runs her own social media and marketing company. She says, “Our goal is to provide a service that is accessible to all clients at any level. That's why we set up the tailored packages. We tried to make it so there was something for everybody, and I think that sets us slightly apart from other consignors. “One thing that we are really strong on is being very transparent about our pricing. There are no hidden fees.” Jones adds, “The feedback we've had from trainers has been really good, it helps them if they are able to tell their owners exactly what it will cost them to send a horse to the sales.” As part of the Bronze package, Consign Ltd offers what is effectively administrative support for clients who want to consign their own horses. “I think that's one thing that other people aren't currently doing,” says Battam. “We are selling 18 horses at Tattersalls, but we've done all the photos, documentation, door cards and so on for Richard Fahey's Musley Bank draft.” Among that draft of 18 lots are two mares in foal to Sergei Prokofiev on the opening day, along with horses in training from various stables. “We've been really lucky with the support we've had so far and we are delighted with the draft for July. Karl and Kelly Burke have been a massive help in driving the support for us,” says Jones. “We're very grateful to a number of Newmarket trainers, too – Amy Murphy, Dylan Cunha and James Horton have also supported us.” As ever, the catalogue for the Tattersalls July Sale provides a little bit of something for everyone. Those on the search for well-related breeding prospects will doubtless be perusing the drafts from major owner-breeders such as Godolphin and Juddmonte. Among 54 lots from Godolphin are 28 fillies and mares, including the eight-year-old Menuetto (GB), who is being offered in foal to Teofilo (Ire) as lot 246. The daughter of Dubawi {Ire}) is out of Measured Tempo (GB), a Listed-winning daughter of Sadler's Wells and Allez Les Trois. A member of this illustrious family, Frequential (GB) (Dansili {GB}), was sold by Godolphin fir 48,000gns at Tattersalls back in 2017 and she now features as the dam of this year's Irish Derby winner Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). Juddmonte meanwhile offers lot 558, Anacapa (GB), a three-year-old Frankel (GB) filly out of the Grade I winner Ventura (Chester House) whose full-sister Fount (GB) won the G3 Prix de Lieurey. Among the wild-card entries in the Castlebridge Consignment is lot 200B, the juvenile Sands Of Marra (Ire). The first-crop son of Sands Of Mali (Fr) is trained by Ollie Sangster and his recent win at Windsor gave a timely boost to his dam Revived (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who also features in the catalogue as lot 70. The eight-year-old mare, from the family of top sprinter Dream Ahead, is back in foal to Sands Of Mali and is among a sizeable draft offered by Dullingham Park. The first horse will be in the ring at Park Paddocks at 9.30am on Tuesday, with trade set to begin at the same time over the following two mornings. Thursday features two sessions, before and after the top-class racing action on the first day of the Newmarket July Festival. The post New Name Enters Fray at Tattersalls July Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

8th-Prairie Meadows, $36,810, Msw, 7-7, 2yo, f, 4 1/2f, :52.37, ft, 3 1/2 lengths. GUNITE MAX (f, 2, Volatile–Super Simple, by Super Saver) fired a bullet three furlongs from the gate in :35 3/5 June 21 and was sent off as the 21-10 second choice for this first trip to the races. Off a fraction slowly, the $12,000 Fasig-Tipton October yearling was hustled up to press the pace from second into the turn. Sent to the front in upper stretch, the bay swapped leads on cue and covered her final sixteenth of a mile in a very sharp :5.97 to become the second winner for her freshman sire (by Violence). Super Simple is a daughter SW & GSP Simplify (Pulpit), herself the dam of SW Optionality (Gun Runner) and Simple Surprise (Cowboy Cal), the dam of GISW sire Gunite (Gun Runner). Woodford Thoroughbreds acquired Super Simple with this filly in utero for $300,000 at Keeneland November in 2021 and she produced a Gun Runner filly in 2023. Sales history: $12,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,800. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Travis Swan Murphy & Matt Trent; B-Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Travis Swan Murphy. Volatile's GUNITE MAX, bred by Woodford Thoroughbreds, LLC, makes her debut a winning one with a 3 1/2 length maiden special weight victory! https://t.co/pcDcPhoEmu — Three Chimneys Farm (@Three_Chimneys) July 8, 2024 The post Volatile Filly Opens Her Account Impressively at First Asking appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Forty-three wildcards have been added to the Tattersalls Ireland July Store Sale, which takes place on July 24-25, starting at 10am on both days. In total, there are 577 lots catalogued for Ireland's final store sale of the year, including siblings to some smart black-type performers, while the progeny of well-related dams feature among the new additions. They include a Harzand (Ire) gelding (lot 1A) out of a half-sister to the Grade 1 winner Roksana (Ire) (Dubai Destination), plus a Soldier Of Fortune (Ire) gelding (lot 17A) out of a half-sister to the The New One (Ire) (King's Theatre {Ire}) whose 20 career wins included a pair of top-level victories. The full catalogue for the Tattersalls Ireland July Store Sale can be viewed here. The post Tattersalls Ireland Reveals 43 Wildcards for July Store Sale 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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HOKKAIDO, Japan-“The world is getting smaller,” MV Magnier remarked when discussing some of the pedigrees on offer at this year's JRHA Select Sale, and so it proved when a Kitasan Black (Jpn) colt out of the multiple Group-1 placed Galileo (Ire) mare Delphinia (Ire) set a new record at ¥590 million [roughly €3.34 million] for the highest-priced yearling ever sold at the premier Japanese sale. It was Rodeo Japan-a guise for an anonymous Japanese owner-who came out on top in the bidding war for lot 100, who boasts a strong European pedigree. Trained by Aidan O'Brien on behalf of the Coolmore partners, Delphinia finished second in the G1 Prix de Royallieu as well as the G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. She also finished fifth in the Oaks and signed off on her career with a Listed success over 1m5f, showing the stamina that is deeply desired in this part of the world. Delphinia has already come up with the goods in Japan. Her three-year-old filly named Best Me Ever (Jpn) (No Nay Never) won over 1m1f in Tokyo and she also has a two-year-old by Kizuna (Jpn) in training here. Kitasan Black is not doing too badly himself. He remains one of the most in-demand sires at the Shadai Stallion Station and has plenty to boast about following the exploits of Japan's most famous son Equinox (Jpn) last year. While the purchaser was keen to remain anonymous-something that is quite common in Japan-there is no doubting that, whoever the person is, they have plenty of friends judging by the amount of people connected with the buyer who rushed out to pose for photos with the record-breaker. Connections of the winning bidder pose for a photo with the record-breaker | Brian Sheerin That horse, like 179 others in this sale, represents Katsumi Yoshida's Northern Farm. As is customary for this sale, Yoshida spoke to the press almost immediately after the hammer had fallen on the last yearling through the ring, where he admitted to being genuinely surprised by such a buoyant sale. “They were very surprising results,” he said. “This year's results are better than last year which I am truly surprised about.” Of the 233 horses offered, 224 were sold, which represented a clearance rate of 96%–down 1% on last year. A remarkable ¥14,497,000,000 [€83,148,849] was traded, which was up 8.5% on last year. The average was ¥64,720,000 [€371,200]–up 4.6% on last year's trade. Asked what he thought were the driving factors for such a strong sale, Yoshida replied, “The Japanese stock market is very high right now and I think that sort of thing has an influence. Also, Japanese-bred horses are performing very well all over the world and that is another big reason. “There has been a lot of interest from international media on this sale as well, and we are very pleased to promote this sale. The Thoroughbred Daily News always covers this sale every year which is a very good promotion for us in the world horse racing industry. So many people can focus on this sale because it is the first yearling sale in the world and it commands a lot of attention.” He added, “I am very much looking forward to the foal session tomorrow because the quality is very high there as well. I think the level is going to be incredibly high tomorrow. We are very much looking forward to it.” US Owner Mike Repole Spends €1.63m on Five Japanese Yearlings While the lion's share of the lots offered on day one stayed in Japan, it wasn't an entirely domestic event with American bloodstock agent Alex Solis spending ¥287 million [€1.64 million] on five yearlings on behalf of owner Mike Repole. It didn't take Solis and his team long to get in on the action when signing for a Contrail (Jpn) colt [49] for ¥50 million [€287,000] followed by a ¥41 million [€235,000] colt by Champion US sprinter Drefong [76]. Solis went on to buy another Drefong [152, for ¥50 million/€286,000], this time a filly, and shared how he had hoped to pick up something by the sire at the sale. Speaking about his haul, the agent said, “Contrail is one of the best horses that we have seen over here in a long time. That colt comes from a nice American family, which is great, and the dam [Sound Barrier (Jpn) (Agnes Digital)] was a very good filly here as well. “We bought a Drefong out of a half-sister to Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), who won the Dubai World Cup last year. We were actually looking for a Drefong so it worked out well because we bought another. He's had a really good start over here. The second one is out of Tammy The Torpedo (More Than Ready), who was a really good race filly for Chad Brown. If you look at the pedigree, the mare has been to War Front, Deep Impact (Jpn), Heart's Cry (Jpn) and Kizuna (Jpn). I just wonder did she need the speed of Drefong.” Lot 122, a filly by Nadal, headed the spend at ¥78 million [€446,000] million and the five-strong haul was completed by a ¥68 million [€390,000] Kizuna filly with a deep American pedigree. Solis continued, “We also bought a Kizuna filly out of Breeders' Cup winner Ginger Punch (Awesome Again). She has a huge pedigree. It's a long-term play. Hopefully she can run but there is a bit of a back-up plan with her. “Our pick of the fillies in this sale was the Nadal [122] that we bought. She looks like an American filly. She looks fast and is out of a Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) mare. Awesome specimen–she's a big, strong type.” While Solis had made plenty of trips to Japan previously, Monday marked his first time buying at the sale, and he revealed that his owner Repole couldn't have been more excited to have added the Japanese recruits to the time. He said, “I've made lots of different trips to Japan but this is my first time at the sale. Mike is enamoured with Japanese racing. You know, all the stallions get a good chance and the mares as well. They focus so much on quality over here and that's why they really excel. He's been studying Japanese racing for a long time and could probably tell you more about the form over here than I could. It's the middle of the night in America but he was on the phone for every horse we bought. It's pretty exciting.” The stunning white colt by Maurice attracted plenty of attention | JRHA Talking points The first lot into the ring set the tempo. A Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) colt out of French 1,000 Guineas winner Dream And Do (Ire) (Fr), he didn't appear to take too kindly to the auctioneer's yelps. Barreling over his handler and knocking down the temporarily-placed evergreen trees to the right of the rostrum didn't deter a buyer under the guise of Sky Planning who went to ¥170 million [close to €1 million]. That buyer is understood to own horses in Europe and is not just exclusive to Japan. Shin Fujita, best known for being the owner of Kentucky Derby third Forever Young (Jpn), filled the role of underbidder on the Kitasan Black top lot but fulfilled a long-held ambition of adding a pure white horse to his string when landing lot 127 for ¥190 million [€1 million].The pure white colt by Maurice (Jpn) attracted a huge amount of interest on the sales ground in recent days and Fujita revealed a hope that, given the horse's striking looks, he may one day win the hearts of Japanese racing fans. “It has been a big dream of mine to add a white horse like this to my string so I am very happy,” he said. “I was the underbidder on lot 100 and I am still regretting that I missed out on him so I am happy to have won the battle for lot 127 instead. I hope this horse can be very popular in this country. If he is good on the track, maybe one day there will be dolls of him in the fan shops.” Fujita also bought an Epiphaneia (Jpn) colt out of Irish Oaks winner Even So (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) for ¥340 million [€1.93 million]. Even So carried the Coolmore silks to victory for trainer Ger Lyons in the Irish Oaks before heading to Northern Farm. She has a Japanese-born Kingman (GB) filly in training in the country already. Japanese Derby-winning owner Masahiro Noda's Danox Co Ltd. put plenty of chips back on the table in an effort to find the next Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}). A colt by the same sire and out of Coasted [lot 51] was the first big-money buy from Northern Farm at ¥390 million [€2.2 million] while the owner returned to that source to secure a Kitasan Black filly [71] for ¥400 million [€2.3 million] soon afterwards. Other notable lots bought by Noda on the day included an Epiphaneia colt out of American Oaks winner Competitionofideas (Speightstown) from Shadai Farm for ¥330 million [€1.9 million]. Breeders' Cup Turf winner Bricks And Mortar is another stallion making waves in Japan. The five-time Grade I winner in America sent out 14 individual winners in Japan in his debut crop and has had 26 individual winners this term.Owner Kinya Komatsu is clearly a believer and forked out ¥310 million [€1.7 million] for a filly [124] by the up-and-coming stallion. Epiphaneia (Jpn) ended the day as the top stallion on all of the key metrics. For 12 yearlings sold, he grossed just over the equivalent of €11.5 million at an average of €964,240. The post More Records Broken at JRHA Select Sale as Kitasan Black Colt Clears €3.34m appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Overseas success and thrilling trainers’ championship headline successful campaignView the full article

Jockey Kozzi Asano is set to take an exciting next step in his career when he heads to South Korea in the coming months to take up a riding contract with the Korean Racing Authority (KRA). “I have got a license granted to go over and ride in Korea, but I am undecided how long I will go for,” Asano said. “The prizemoney in New Zealand is going up at the moment but I also wanted to experience overseas, so I am looking forward to it.” The 29-year-old Japanese native has been riding in New Zealand for eight seasons, posting 335 wins, 20 of those at stakes level, and earned more than $9.3 million in prizemoney. During his time in New Zealand, Asano struck up a good friendship with compatriot and former New Zealand jockey Masa Tanaka, who urged Asano to join him in South Korea. “Masa Tanaka is a good friend of mine and he is over there,” Asano said. “I am always chatting with him and he mentioned that there might be a (jockey) position available (in South Korea).” Asano has yet to visit South Korea, but said he is looking forward to riding in the Asian racing jurisdiction. He will base himself in Seoul and said one of the biggest upsides in the move is the reduced travel required in comparison to New Zealand. “I haven’t been there, I have only watched them (Korean racing) on Trackside, and I have watched a lot in the last two months or so,” he said. “I am going to base myself in Seoul. There are only two or three tracks in Korea, so there is no travelling compared to New Zealand. “I do appreciate the opportunity. I will see how it goes, but I can always come back.” Asano will leave New Zealand later this month with his wife, Adele, and five-month-old son, and spend some time in his homeland with friends and family before they make their move to Korea. “I am going to have a holiday in Japan later this month,” he said. “I haven’t been home for seven years so it will be good to catch up with my friends.” Asano has recorded 64 wins this term and is hoping to add to that tally before he heads offshore. “I am satisfied that I have ridden more winners than last season,” he said. “I have had support from a lot of stables. I am doing my best and travelling as much as I can.” As for his offshore move, Asano is excited about what awaits him in South Korea. “I don’t know what to expect, but it will be a great experience,” he said. View the full article