Wandering Eyes

Wednesday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), runner-up in Sunday's Listed Pretty Polly S. at Newmarket, is unlikely to be supplemented for the G1 Oaks at Epsom, with connections instead leaning towards a tilt at the G2 Ribblesdale S. at Royal Ascot on Thursday, June 20. Trained by Andrew Balding, the Juddmonte-owned Kalpana was sent off the 4/6 favourite for the Pretty Polly having been the 10-length winner of a handicap over the same course and distance on her previous start. In the event, she found the once-raced Friendly Soul (GB) (Kingman {GB}) too strong on her return to the Rowley Mile, but it was a performance from which Barry Mahon, Juddmonte's European racing manager, still took plenty of encouragement. “I would say her and the winner looked two very good fillies to pull 12 lengths clear of the third and to win her race by 10 lengths the last day indicates she has a good level of ability,” said Mahon. “She's exciting and we'll discuss plans over the next 10 days, but we will probably wait for the Ribblesdale at Ascot, I would imagine. That would be the initial plans we were thinking. She's had four runs since January and has to have a break at some stage. This would seem a logical time.” Juddmonte could still be represented in the Oaks by the John and Thady Gosden-trained Siyola (Ire), who created an excellent impression when recently making a winning debut at Sandown. That victory earned the daughter of Siyouni (Fr) an automatic berth in the Epsom Classic and a run in the G3 Musidora S. at York on Wednesday, May 15 is now on the cards to find out whether she's up to that sort of level. “She looked a nice filly and she's a very well-bred, good-looking filly,” said Mahon. “She took a little bit of time to come to hand and I think John and Thady have been pretty sweet on her for quite a while. “At the back of our minds we are thinking to go to York for the Musidora. We weren't in the Oaks and initially you are thinking we're not in it so we don't have to point that way. But we have the 'win and you're in' now and she needs to run again, so it makes logical sense to go to the Musidora and we will find out if we're good enough to hold that engagement.” The post Plans Taking Shape For Juddmonte’s Team Of Three-Year-Old Fillies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

New statistics, Exports by Age, have been added to the Fact Book, according to The Jockey Club Tuesday. Exports by Age lists registered Thoroughbreds exported from the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico are categorized by country. The age groups included in the Fact Book range from weanlings through 11-year-olds and older. Statistics, available from 2002 through 2023, are updated daily. Each year can be broken down by age group by clicking on a table row. The Jockey Club fact book is available in the Resources section of www.jockeyclub.com. Any ideas to enhance the Fact Book may be relayed to Shannon Luce, vice president, Communications, with your ideas: sluce@jockeyclub.com. The post Thoroughbred Exports By Age Added to Fact Book appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Date With Destiny (Ire), the sole offspring of the brilliant G1 2,000 Guineas winner George Washington (Ire), has died due to complications following colic surgery, Newsells Park Stud announced on Tuesday. In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Newsells Park said, “Very sad to report that we lost Date With Destiny over the weekend, due to complications following colic surgery. She was 16. “Date With Destiny was the only progeny of George Washington and the dam of Group winner Beautiful Morning. A Diva. She will be missed by us all here.” Trained by Aidan O'Brien, George Washington's arrival at Coolmore Stud in 2006 was eagerly anticipated following a glittering career in which he also won the G1 Phoenix S. and G1 National S. as a juvenile, as well as the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. later in his three-year-old campaign. However, he was soon back in training at Ballydoyle having been found to be infertile and later suffered a fatal injury as a four-year-old when running in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Monmouth Park. George Washington managed to impregnate just one mare in his time at Coolmore Stud, namely the Rainbow Quest mare Flawlessly (Fr). Bred by Azienda Agricola Loreto Luciani, the resulting filly first went through the ring at the Goffs November Foal Sale when selling to Glidawn Stud for €280,000. She was later named Date With Destiny by owner Julie Wood, having been bought for 320,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Sent into training with Richard Hannon, Date With Destiny made a stylish winning debut as a two-year-old at Newbury but failed to add to her tally in six subsequent starts. She did gain valuable black type when finishing third in the Listed Oaks Trial S. at Lingfield, however, before being bought by Jake Warren Bloodstock for 185,000gns at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale later that year. As a broodmare Date With Destiny has produced three winners, headed by the G3 Royal Whip S. heroine Beautiful Morning (GB) (Galileo {Ire}). She is also responsible for the four-year-old Classic (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), a dual winner for the Hannon yard in the familiar Wood silks, plus Chantilly maiden winner La Gloire (GB) (Churchill {Ire}). Truly one of a kind, Date With Destiny has a yearling colt by Night Of Thunder (Ire) and a filly foal by Ghaiyyath (Ire) still to come. The post Newsells Park Announce Death Of Unique Mare Date With Destiny appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Adrian Heskin, who became the youngest winning rider at the Cheltenham Festival when steering A New Story to victory in the 2010 Glenfarclas Chase as a 17-year-old, has announced his retirement from race-riding at the age of 32. The County Cork native went on to become retained rider for prominent owner Barry Connell, for whom he partnered Martello Tower to Grade 1 success in the 2015 Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle, before later moving to Britain to take up the same position with Max McNeill. Together the pair enjoyed several big-race victories, most notably with The Worlds End, who struck at the top level in the 2017 Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree and the 2019 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. After parting company with McNeill last year, Heskin made the decision to return to Ireland where he enjoyed a notable victory at Limerick over Christmas when winning a Grade 2 aboard the Willie Mullins-trained Hauturiere. However, that was one of only four winners for Heskin in Ireland last season and he has now taken the decision to call time on his career in the saddle. In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Heskin said, “After 15 years of race riding I've decided to call an end to my career. “I'm very proud of my career and achieved far more than I could have imagined as a kid. I rode for the best of trainers on both sides of the Irish Sea and some fantastic owners along the way. Of course, some amazing horses too. “My love for horses is stronger than ever and I owe everything I have to them. Here's to the future.” The post Adrian Heskin Calls Time On His Career In The Saddle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Thursday, May 9, 2024 First Race 12:20pm AEST Visit Dabble NSW racing heads to Wyong on Thursday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race program lined up. The rail is out +3m, and with the deluge of rain set to continue across the region, the Heavy 10 rating appears likely to hold. The first race is scheduled to get underway at 12:20pm AEST. Wyong Best Bet: Outcast Girl A terrific return at Hawkesbury on April 18 should have the Marc Conners-trained Outcast Girl ready to strike second-up. She powered through the line when asked to make inroads from the rear of the field and secured third place, less than two lengths off Bianco Nero. Expect Tyler Schiller to be more positive despite the wide draw (8), and provided she can cross to the lead, Outcast Girl can finally shirk the maiden tag at start 10. Best Bet Race 1 – #5 Outcast Girl (8) 3yo Filly | T: Marc Conners | J: Tyler Schiller (56.5kg) -105.26 with Bet365 Next Best at Wyong: Duke Of Bronte Duke Of Bronte is deserving of a maiden success after back-to-back runner-up performances. He attempted to make every post a winner in his latest outing at Gosford on April 25, getting nosed out in the shadows of the post. He should strip much fitter third-up into the campaign, and with Jay Ford likely to send the son of Capitalist forward to steal a cheap sectional, Duke Of Bronte will take plenty of chasing. Next Best Race 3 – #1 Duke Of Bronte (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Joseph Pride | J: Jay Ford (59kg) -105.26 with Neds Next Best Again: Vadamos Queen Vadamos Queen has found the minor money on all three occasions this preparation and appears set to peak fourth-up. She looked the winner in her most recent effort at Kembla Grange on April 27 before Diabelli mounted a late challenge to get the head down where it matters most. She lost no admirers with that run, and as she gets back onto a suitable Heavy track in this BM64 contest, Vadamos Queen can outstay her rivals to secure win number three. Next Best Again Race 5 – #2 Vadamos Queen (6) 4yo Mare | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Angus Villiers (a1.5kg) (60.5kg) +390 with Unibet Thursday quaddie tips for Wyong races Wyong quadrella selections Thursday, May 9, 2024 2-10-12 2-3-5 2-6-7-9-11 1-2-3-9-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips
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Group Three performer Master Brutus (NZ) (Swiss Ace) showed he has lost none of his class over his 14-month hiatus from racing when victorious in his 1000m trial at Avondale on Tuesday. The four-year-old son of Swiss Ace hasn’t been sighted on raceday since his unplaced run in last year’s Gr.1 Levin Cassic (1600m), with the gelding undergoing surgery before having another setback later in the year. “It is nice to have him back, he has had a couple of setback injuries and has been off the scene for quite a while,” trainer Sophia Nolan said. “After the Levin Classic he had a bone chip taken out. He came back and then he had another little injury setback. “We let him have a good break and he has come back stronger and is keeping nice and sound. “We sent him down to Alex Oliveira and he went on his water treadmill for three of four weeks. He came back to us and has done a lot of slow build-up and a lot of swimming. “He is about 50 kilos heavier than what he was last year, he has filled out a lot and he really looks like a sprinter now.” Master Brutus led from start to finish in his heat and Nolan said she was relieved to see him feature so prominently in his first public appearance in more than a year. “It was a big relief to see that, and he enjoyed it, he pricked his ears,” she said. Master Brutus was a standout for Nolan last season, winning one and placing in five of his seven starts, including runner-up in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Listed Mufhasa Stakes (1400m). A return to stakes company is the ultimate goal, but Nolan said she will take a quiet approach with her stable star’s return. “We just want to start him off in a nice rating 75 race and see what the weather does a little bit,” she said. “There is one in Pukekohe in a couple of weeks and there are a couple of other options like Ruakaka. It think we will take it race-by-race and see how he goes.” View the full article

James McDonald will have a strong chance to continue his winning run this season in Group One races after being confirmed as the rider for I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) in Saturday week’s $1.5 million Gr.1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) in Brisbane. McDonald, who claimed another six elite races over the recently finished Sydney autumn carnival, took his first ride on I Wish I Win in the Gr.1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick last month following an injury-ridden lead-up to the race by regular rider Luke Nolen. Nolen missed more than two months of racing when broke a rib and suffered internal bleeding after a trackwork fall at Pakenham in early February before making a return to riding in late March. He has since ridden five winners in the six weeks since his return. In all, Nolen has ridden I Wish I Win in eight of his Australian starts with Jamie Kah partnering the former Kiwi in his winning debut at Caulfield in August, 2022 before McDonald replaced the injured Nolen for last month’s T J Smith Stakes. Sportsbet has I Wish I Win as the $3 favourite for the Doomben 10,000. He could then progress to the Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in June. View the full article

Highline Thoroughbreds’ profile as a source of quality youngsters continues to grow with Discretion Rules (Alabama Express) their latest black-type success story. The Cambridge-based operation of Cam and Eva Heron offers a full range of services from yearling preparations, spelling, agistment and foaling down, with success to the highest level as vendors. Their flagship graduates to date have been star performer and multiple top-flight winner Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) and Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) winner Dark Destroyer (NZ) (Proisir). The Gr.3 Matamata Slipper (1200m) winner Alabama Gold (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) and Glamour Tycoon (Written Tycoon), successful in this season’s Listed O’Leary’s Fillies’ Stakes (1340m), have also been sold through their Karaka drafts. Alabama Express’ son Discretion Rules is now on the honours board following the Te Akau youngster’s success in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton. He was purchased by Highline, with Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman, for A$120,000 as a weanling and sold to Te Akau principal David Ellis for $165,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale. “We just keep trying to replicate the process, sometimes we don’t buy any and sometimes we might buy half a-dozen,” Cam Heron said. “It varies and depends on the sale and how strong it is. Obviously, we are always trying to buy them at the right price point. “We bought four out of the Great Southern Sale at Oaklands in Melbourne last year. “We got a Russian Revolution colt, the Alabama Express colt (Discretion Rules), a colt by Grunt and a Shamus Award filly. “None of the others have raced yet, the Grunt is a later maturing type and so is the Shamus Award and the Russian Revolution went to Sears Racing in Queensland. “They are extremely happy with him, he’s won a couple of trials and are really excited about him coming on.” They were all purchased with Moroney and Bruggeman as was Glamour Tycoon, who was bought for A$85,000 at the Great Southern Sale and subsequently sold to Stephen Marsh for $220,000 at Karaka. Highline, Moroney and Bruggeman were back in action on Tuesday with daughters of Prague (A$65,000) and Dundeel (A$30,000) and a son of Tassort (A$70,000) secured on the opening day of the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale. “It’s a system we stick to and mostly Eva will go to the sale and Paul and Catheryne will usually be there, although Paul is by himself in Sydney this time, and it’s always good to bounce ideas off them,” Heron said. The development of their current Cambridge property also coincided with Highline’s first Group One winner sold at Karaka four years ago. “We haven’t been doing this all that long, we had been doing drafts of our own horses and the first time we did a client horse was for the 2020 sale,” Heron said. “Prior to that, we did horses that we had bred and the first year we took one horse, then two, five and then seven. “We moved to our new property in Cambridge in June 2019 and that enabled us to do a client horse for the 2020 Karaka sale. “The first client horse we sold was Dark Destroyer and we had got introduced to Warrick Jeffries and his family and their breeding operation in 2019. “They have supported us really well and we’ve also sold Legarto and Alabama Gold for them.” Highline is currently busy preparing youngsters for the New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling Sale on June 20. “We’re working on our draft, we’ve got 11 going to Karaka at this stage so Eva is out buying them and I’m getting them ready to sell,” Heron said. “We’ll be back at the yearling sale again next year as well with another nice draft of horses.” View the full article

Talented three-year-old Impendabelle (Impending) will step out of age group company for the first time in her season’s grand final on Saturday at Arawa Park. The daughter of Impending has been a model of consistency this term, with success in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) headlining a campaign that included a pair of Group One placings in the Levin Classic (1600m) and New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Tony Pike, who prepares Impendabelle out of Cambridge, gave the filly a brief spell through the early autumn and she added further black-type to her page first-up in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), won by I’munstoppable. Pike indicated the filly’s last contest of a successful season would come in Saturday’s Gr.3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m), where she will benefit from weight-for-age conditions. “She went well running third fresh-up in the Cambridge Breeders’, she’ll take plenty of improvement from that with the step-up to 1400 definitely being an advantage,” he said. “This will be her last run for her three-year-old season, she’s been super consistent all the way through. “She obviously comes up against the older horses, but she’s had a great season and it would be great to cap it off with a win on Saturday.” Pike will also be represented in the Listed Campbell Infrastructure Rotorua Cup (2200m) with Val Di Zoldo, last year’s Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) winner who has struck misfortune on several major occasions this season. Most recently, the War Decree mare was in front for a large portion of the Te Rapa straight when contesting the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) before jockey Wiremu Pinn’s stirrup leather became detached and the pair finished an eventual fourth, just 0.4 lengths from race winner Apostrophe. “She was desperately unlucky in the Travis Stakes, arguably could’ve won that having got clear on straightening before Wiremu lost his iron at the 200m mark, and she ducked in when he became unbalanced,” Pike said. “She was only beaten a very narrow margin into fourth, which was unfortunate for the connections. “The Cup will be her last race this preparation and she will get in a lot better in the weights, and if she runs up to her form in her last couple of starts, she should be hard to beat.” Before heading to Rotorua, Pike will have a sole runner at Matamata on Wednesday in Maldini, who was an impressive maiden winner that never saw clear air last start at Pukekohe. The Tarzino four-year-old will contest the Carrfields Livestock 1600 with Michael McNab in the saddle. “He had no luck last start at Counties and has been delayed a run since then missing a start at Te Rapa,” Pike said. “He’s a lightly-raced horse who is starting to put together a nice form line now, and he should be hard to beat from a good draw (4) on Wednesday.” View the full article

Raymond Connors is hoping his Group Three performer Hurry Cane still wants to be a racehorse and will find that out when he heads to Wanganui on Thursday to contest the Palamountains Animal Nutrition Open Hurdle (3000m). The 11- year-old gelding has been a great servant to Connors’ barn over the last seven seasons, winning five races on the flat, and placing in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m), before transitioning to a career over jumps where he has won one race apiece over the hurdles and steeples. The son of Nom Du Jeu campaigned in Australia this time last year where he won a two-mile steeplechase at Pakenham and finished sixth in the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool. Connors fears that trip may have knocked him, with Hurry Cane returning to run third in the Wellington Hurdle (3400m) but then finished second-to-last in his next two outings before being pulled up in the Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) at Te Rapa when losing contact with the field. The Bulls horseman is hoping a long spell has rejuvenated his evergreen galloper, who finished fifth when first-up over 2200m at Woodville last week. Connors was satisfied with that performance, but said Hurry Cane’s showing in his jumping return on Thursday will dictate whether he presses on with the gelding. “He ran well enough the other day, it was honest enough for his first run back,” Connors said. “He seems to be working well enough to take to the races, but I would like him to show a bit more on raceday. “It will be interesting to see how he goes. I hope he shows a bit more than he did last year, he was a bit disappointing. The trip to Australia is what I am putting it down to, whether that just flattened him last year. “It will be good to get a good line on him on Thursday and see whether he is worth persevering with. I hope he does, and we can keep going with him, otherwise we may need to think about retiring him.” If Hurry Cane performs up to expectations on Thursday, Connors is looking forward to the remainder of the jumping season with him, with the aim of scoring a prestige jumps title. “As long as he goes a nice race (on Thursday) is the main thing,” he said. “If he is going well enough, we will go to Wellington or somewhere on the heavier tracks. He likes the wetter tracks, so once it gets a bit wetter it will help him. “He has definitely got the ability and he seems alright at the moment, so I know that if he brings his A-game he is more than good enough.” View the full article

Super Joy N Fun wins on debut at Happy Valley. Super Joy N Fun’s unblemished record will go on the line in Wednesday night’s Class 3 Shelley Handicap (1200m) at Happy Valley. Two for two to commence his career for trainer Benno Yung, the gifted Super Joy N Fun faces nine rivals in his class-rising task, including five who have won in the grade before. Zac Purton takes the mount this week from barrier one. Jerry Chau, who is suspended, steered the three-year-old son of What’s The Story to both of his previous victories. “He’s had two starts for two wins. He’s done it in impressive fashion. He’s drawn a nice gate and he has a light weight, so he’s going to get his chance again,” Purton said. The 65-rater sports the same silks as Joy And Fun, a top-level winner in Hong Kong, who prevailed in the 2010 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan when the race was run over 1200m and at Group 3 level. Joy And Fun also placed in two more editions of Dubai’s premier dash in 2012 and 2013, both times when the race was contested over 1000m at Group 1 level. Super Joy N Fun finished second in a recent turf barrier trial at Conghua, clocking 58.55s under Chau, who made the journey from Sha Tin to partner the speedster in his hit-out. “He’s still a little bit immature physically, so I think he’s going to continue to develop and hopefully continue to go up in the ratings. He’s a nice ride to get on, he’s a gentleman to ride as well. I rode him in work and he was as quiet as they come, he just cruises around, so he obviously saves himself for race day,” Purton said. Tomorrow night’s field boasts Class 3 winners Humble Star, Sports Legend, Super Fortune, Happy Fat Cat and Lucky Archangel. Super Joy N Fun carries 120lb, armed with a rampaging Purton, who rode a four-timer on Sunday at Sha Tin to bank his ninth 100-win season in Hong Kong. “It’s good. It’s always good to reach 100 wins. It’s been a challenging season, for a number of reasons, but it’s always good to get to the ton, it makes it feel like the season’s a bit better, like I’ve accomplished something. It’s always a good benchmark and we still have a few more meetings left, so hopefully I can close it off strongly,” Purton said. Hong Kong’s six-time champion jockey also rides My Intelligent, Chateauneuf, Smart Beauty, Racingrace, Roaring Bebe, Mr Aladdin and Chain Of Gold at the city circuit. Wednesday’s (8 May) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm HKT with the Class 5 Cochrane Handicap (1200m). Horse racing news View the full article

Impendabelle will contest the Group 3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) at Arawa Park on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Talented three-year-old Impendabelle will step out of age group company for the first time in her season’s grand final on Saturday at Arawa Park. The daughter of Impending has been a model of consistency this term, with success in the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) headlining a campaign that included a pair of Group 1 placings in the Levin Classic (1600m) and New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Tony Pike, who prepares Impendabelle out of Cambridge, gave the filly a brief spell through the early autumn and she added further black-type to her page first-up in the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), won by I’munstoppable. Pike indicated the filly’s last contest of a successful season would come in Saturday’s Group 3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m), where she will benefit from weight-for-age conditions. “She went well running third fresh-up in the Cambridge Breeders’, she’ll take plenty of improvement from that with the step-up to 1400 definitely being an advantage,” he said. “This will be her last run for her three-year-old season, she’s been super consistent all the way through. “She obviously comes up against the older horses, but she’s had a great season and it would be great to cap it off with a win on Saturday.” Pike will also be represented in the Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m) with Val Di Zoldo, last year’s Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) winner who has struck misfortune on several major occasions this season. Most recently, the War Decree mare was in front for a large portion of the Te Rapa straight when contesting the Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m) before jockey Wiremu Pinn’s stirrup leather became detached and the pair finished an eventual fourth, just 0.4 lengths from race winner Apostrophe. “She was desperately unlucky in the Travis Stakes, arguably could’ve won that having got clear on straightening before Wiremu lost his iron at the 200m mark, and she ducked in when he became unbalanced,” Pike said. “She was only beaten a very narrow margin into fourth, which was unfortunate for the connections. “The Cup will be her last race this preparation and she will get in a lot better in the weights, and if she runs up to her form in her last couple of starts, she should be hard to beat.” Before heading to Rotorua, Pike will have a sole runner at Matamata on Wednesday in Maldini, who was an impressive maiden winner that never saw clear air last start at Pukekohe. The Tarzino four-year-old will contest the Carrfields Livestock 1600 with Michael McNab in the saddle. “He had no luck last start at Counties and has been delayed a run since then missing a start at Te Rapa,” Pike said. “He’s a lightly-raced horse who is starting to put together a nice form line now, and he should be hard to beat from a good draw (4) on Wednesday.” Horse racing news View the full article

Hurry Cane will contest the Palamountains Animal Nutrition Open Hurdle (3000m) at Wanganui on Thursday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Raymond Connors is hoping his Group 3 performer Hurry Cane still wants to be a racehorse and will find that out when he heads to Wanganui on Thursday to contest the Open Hurdle (3000m). The 11- year-old gelding has been a great servant to Connors’ barn over the last seven seasons, winning five races on the flat, and placing in the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m), before transitioning to a career over jumps where he has won one race apiece over the hurdles and steeples. The son of Nom Du Jeu campaigned in Australia this time last year where he won a two-mile steeplechase at Pakenham and finished sixth in the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) at Warrnambool. Connors fears that trip may have knocked him, with Hurry Cane returning to run third in the Wellington Hurdle (3400m) but then finished second-to-last in his next two outings before being pulled up in the Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) at Te Rapa when losing contact with the field. The Bulls horseman is hoping a long spell has rejuvenated his evergreen galloper, who finished fifth when first-up over 2200m at Woodville last week. Connors was satisfied with that performance, but said Hurry Cane’s showing in his jumping return on Thursday will dictate whether he presses on with the gelding. “He ran well enough the other day, it was honest enough for his first run back,” Connors said. “He seems to be working well enough to take to the races, but I would like him to show a bit more on raceday. “It will be interesting to see how he goes. I hope he shows a bit more than he did last year, he was a bit disappointing. The trip to Australia is what I am putting it down to, whether that just flattened him last year. “It will be good to get a good line on him on Thursday and see whether he is worth persevering with. I hope he does, and we can keep going with him, otherwise we may need to think about retiring him.” If Hurry Cane performs up to expectations on Thursday, Connors is looking forward to the remainder of the jumping season with him, with the aim of scoring a prestige jumps title. “As long as he goes a nice race (on Thursday) is the main thing,” he said. “If he is going well enough, we will go to Wellington or somewhere on the heavier tracks. He likes the wetter tracks, so once it gets a bit wetter it will help him. “He has definitely got the ability and he seems alright at the moment, so I know that if he brings his A-game he is more than good enough.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Pakenham Racecourse – 420 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3813 When Thursday, May 9, 2024 First Race 5:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Night racing will return to Pakenham this Thursday evening as the club hosts a competitive eight-race program. With clear weather forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, it is expected that the track will improve from a Soft 5 into the Good range by the start of the meeting. The rail will go back into its true position for the entire circuit, with racing scheduled to kick off at 5:15pm AEST. Best Bet at Pakenham: Roadcone Roadcone ran away from his rivals to record a dominant victory over 1200m on his Australian debut at Seymour on April 19. The three-year-old gelding settled behind the speed before peeling off the leader’s back at the top of the home straight to career away with a 3.8-length win. This son of Amanzor appears to be very smart, and if he can replicate that performance, Roadcone will be winning again. Best Bet Race 1 – #2 Roadcone (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Luke Nolen (59.5kg) +110 with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Sweet Jasmine After kicking off her career with consecutive second-place finishes, Sweet Jasmine returns from a 21-week spell with the benefit of two quiet trials under her belt. The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained filly has shown that she can run on strongly from the back or settle on speed and finish off, so Michael Dee will have plenty of options from barrier nine. If Sweet Jasmine has improved since her first preparation, she will prove very hard to beat. Next Best Race 2 – #9 Sweet Jasmine (9) 3yo Filly | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Michael Dee (58kg) +130 with Picklebet Best Value at Pakenham: Toronluca Toronluca produced an eye-catching run first-up at Cranbourne over 1000m, letting down with a brilliant finish to run third behind Scorsese. This four-year-old mare has a single win to her name, and that came in her only start at Pakenham. With good speed expected in this contest, a similar finish from the back of the field will give Toronluca every chance to remain unbeaten at the track. Best Value Race 8 – #10 Toronluca (8) 4yo Mare | T: Luke Oliver | J: Daniel Stackhouse (59.5kg) +750 with PlayUp Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Thursday, May 9, 2024 4-6 2-3-4-5 3-4-7-8 2-5-8-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Denby Road pictured with trainer Shelley Hale (left) and owner-breeders George and Maryanne Simon following his Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes win.Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Last season’s Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) winner Denby Road has returned to work with an eye towards the spring. The giant son of Shamexpress was a consistent performer in his three-year-old term, with two wins and two placings from his seven starts for trainer Shelley Hale, culminating in his Breeders’ Stakes victory. “That (Cambridge Breeders’) was an awesome result,” Hale said. “He was coming back from a staying preparation and to come back and win a nice 1200m three-year-old race was a good effort.” He returned to tackle spring racing as a four-year-old, but his season was all but ruled out following the results of a scan after his first trial in August. “Getting him ready for the spring, unfortunately I noticed a bit of heat in his tendon after a trial, so we scanned it and pulled up stumps,” Hale said. “It has scanned really well now, so we are just giving him a nice, slow build-up towards the spring. “We will keep him to sprint trips now and will kick him off in a (rating) 75 and see where we end up.” While not ideal, Hale said Denby Road’s time on the sideline could prove to be a blessing in disguise. “The bit of time in the paddock wouldn’t have hurt him at all because he is a very big boy, he’s 17.2 hands now, so he did very well to cop a three-year-old campaign,” she said. Stablemate Blue Sky At Night is another from Hale’s barn who has made their return from injury, scoring first-up at Te Rapa last Saturday in the Forsyth Barr Mile (1600m). “It was a huge effort from the mare, she was fresh-up from the Dunstan Final and I thought she was going to go well,” Hale said. “When she got back a couple of lengths behind the others, I thought it was going to be hard for her, but she was a bit too good, it was very pleasing.” Blue Sky At Night was fourth in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Stayers’ Championship Final (2400m) at Pukekohe on Boxing Day and injured herself in a paddock accident while having a freshen-up, which put a spanner in the works for her autumn preparation. “We put her out after the Dunstan Final for a couple of weeks freshen-up and she knocked a tendon and had an unexplained hind end soreness for a bit,” Hale said. “I was hoping to have some autumn targets like the Hawke’s Bay Cup (Listed, 2200m) and Rotorua Cup (Listed, 2200m), but she ended up on the sidelines for a bit, so we have come back a bit late for those races unfortunately. “She was supposed to race at Ellerslie when they abandoned the meeting two weeks ago and if we had got there and got the result that we got on Saturday, then she probably could have made the Rotorua Cup. There is not a lot coming up, so it is a bit of a headscratcher at the minute.” Hale is hoping the stable’s winning ways can continue at Matamata on Wednesday where Talentoso is currently a $3.10 favourite with bookmakers for the Matamata Function Centre 2000. “He is going good races, but he hasn’t had much luck,” Hale said. “We would prefer it not to be a Heavy track, but with the rain we have had I would say it will likely be Heavy. “He is genuine and tries pretty hard. He worked with the mare (Blue Sky At Night) on Wednesday last week and worked well with her.” Talentoso has drawn barrier 12 and will be ridden by Sam Weatherley. “I probably prefer him out a bit wider with a little more space,” Hale said. “He got a bit of a fright when he lost the rider at Te Rapa, so drawing out suits him a bit better. I would like to see him relax a bit midfield away from the fence and we know he can get home pretty well.” Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer calls upon the services of the six-time champ in a potential clash with Romantic Warrior: ‘He looks better day after day’View the full article

By Michael Guerin Cold Chisel’s great run with big race draws this season has continued in Addington’s $160,000 Garrard’s Sires Stakes Final on Friday. The wonderfully consistent pacer comes up with barrier 2 in the 1980m mobile and most importantly he has drawn inside arch rival Chase A Dream, who will start from barrier 6. Cold Chisel has used good barriers to win both the Northern Derby and Alabar Classic this season and the draw gives driver Zachary Butcher all the options. Cold Chisel was a brave third to Chase A Dream at Addington last Friday, closing late but the winner was so good it was an ominous sign he could be back to his best. So their rivalry continues as they get to the half way stage of the three-year-old season. While draws could be crucial in the Sires’ Stakes it will be stamina that ultimately decides the $110,000 Hydroflow Country Cups Final on Friday. The race has drawn a fitting field to end a great series and being over 3200m there will be no place for the faint-hearted. Stunning last-start winner Mo’unga probably deserves favouritism after his Rangiora win but he has drawn 1 on the 10m mark, which at least raises the possibility of traffic concerns. He meets Team Telfer stablemates Alta Meteor (30m) and Beach Flybye (10m) as well as Northern Country Cups Final winner Smoke On The Water. The $70,000 Canprint Bionic Chance Bracelet has drawn an even field as the juvenile fillies still battle to establish some pecking order and the $40,000 Heather Williams Memorial Trot looks Sunnys Sister’s to lose as she goes back to a mobile, albeit drawn 9, after beating many of her rivals off a handicap last start. To see Friday’s fields click here View the full article

What Warwick Farm Races Where Warwick Farm Racecourse – 2 Hume Hwy, Warwick Farm NSW 2170 When Wednesday, May 8, 2024 First Race 12:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Warwick Farm is the destination for metro racing on Wednesday afternoon, with a quickfire seven-race program set for decision. The rain continues to fall across Sydney, so although the rail sitting in the true position would normally mean a relatively fair track, the testing Heavy ground could prove to be the major factor when assessing runners. The action is scheduled to get underway at 12:50pm local time. Best Bet: Emilia Jane Emilia Jane looks prepared to strike first-up since arriving from across the ditch. The New Zealand import had one start at Te Rapa on January 31 before being transferred to the Joseph Pride barn, and after two impressive barrier trials, she appears to have acclimatised well to her new stable conditions. The daughter of Derryn gets the gun run from stall two under Tyler Schiller, and provided she can handle the Heavy surface, Emilia Jane looks too classy for maiden company. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Emilia Jane (2) 3yo Filly | T: Joseph Pride | J: Tyler Schiller (58kg) +160 with PlayUp Next Best: Mr Buster Mr Buster is winless in his three Australian starts but appears close to a peak performance heading into this BM72. The four-year-old was left flat-footed when resuming at this course and distance on April 1, making a sustained run from the rear of the field. Barrier one should allow Tommy Berry to take closer order throughout the 1600m journey, and if Mr Buster can accelerate like he did first-up, he will take a power of beating. Next Best Race 4 – #4 Mr Buster (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Tommy Berry (58.5kg) +350 with Picklebet Best Value: Gelatin Gelatin won two of his three starts last preparation and relished the Heavy conditions in his back-to-back wins. The Michael Freedman-trained gelding was then sent to contest a competitive BM72 at Rosehill on January 13 but proved no match for Patrika Mist on a firming Soft 5 surface. He needs the sting out of the ground to produce his best, and with the rain continuing to fall across the region, Gelatin’s chances should only improve heading into this first-up assault. Best Value Race 6 – #5 Gelatin (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Rory Hutchings (59.5kg) +650 with Neds Wednesday Warwick Farm quaddie tips Warwick Farm quadrella selections Wednesday, May 8, 2024 1-4-5 1-2-6 1-5-9-11 5-6-9-12-13-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, May 8, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (8:40pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to the bright lights of Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday evening for a competitive nine-race program. The rail is in the B position, and with the rainfall predicted to stop prior to the opening event at 6:40pm local time, the surface should be an improving Soft 5 for all participants. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Super Joy N Fun Super Joy N Fun is attempting to remain undefeated as he heads into Class 3 company for the first time. The son of What’s The Story led all the way in his two victories at this course and distance, managing to hold off all challengers despite racing ungenerously in the middle stages. The three-year-old gelding still has plenty of upside, and with a favourable jump-and-run style of racing, Super Joy N Fun will prove hard to chase down with 54.5kg on his back. Best Bet Race 9 – #8 Super Joy N Fun (1) 3yo Gelding | T: Benno Yung | J: Zac Purton (54.5kg) +190 with Neds Next Best at Happy Valley: Chain Of Gold Chain Of Gold was sensational through the line at this track and trip on April 10 and finally gets a race to suit. He drew barrier 12 of 12 in his most recent outing, forcing the Cody Mo-trained gelding to drop back before making strong inroads with a blistering finish down the centre of the course. Zac Purton takes the reins from barrier two, and with an economical run in transit, watch for Chain Of Gold to storm over the top and secure his first Hong Kong win. Next Best Race 7 – #10 Chain Of Gold (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Cody Mo | J: Zac Purton (53kg) +190 with PlayUp Best Value: Denfield Denfield couldn’t find the frame across seven starts in Class 3 company and looks far better suited dropping back in grade. His latest outing in Class 4 resulted in a half-length victory on October 4, with the son of Deep Field making every post a winner despite the 61kg on his back. Apprentice hoop Angus Chung takes 1.5kg off with his claim, and although he may not have been at his best of late, a return to form should have Denfield right in this. Best Value Race 4 – #1 Denfield (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Danny Shum | J: Angus Chung (61kg) +1200 with Unibet Hong Kong quaddie tips – May 8, 2024 Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, May 8, 2024 2-4-8-10-12 1-2-3-4-10 1-4-5-6-9 2-4-8 Horse racing tips
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Cascadian (left) claiming Pride Of Jenni to win the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m). Photo: Racing Photos Cascadian, who won the hearts of his handlers and racing fans alike with his versatility, bold spirit and tenacity on the racetrack has retired and will begin a new role as a flagbearer for the Godolphin Lifetime Care program. Cascadian will join other Godolphin greats Kementari, Hartnell, Osborne Bulls, Hauraki, It’s Somewhat, Avilius, Best of Days and Trekking after finishing his career as the winner of 12 races, with 15 placings and prize-money earnings of $10.85 million. A globetrotter in the Godolphin stable, the now nine-year-old’s story began in the UK when he was foaled on 26, March 2015. By former Darley champion two- and three-year-old New Approach, out of the Street Cry mare Falls Of Lora (IRE), Cascadian had six starts for three wins and two placings under French trainer André Fabre before being sent to Australia to join the Godolphin Australia under the head trainer James Cummings. “He had six runs, ran very well for André – including a big Group 1 performance (second) over a mile in France,” Cummings said. “The feeling was his future could be maximised in Australia, and he was given a year off. “Our Godolphin racing team has really been the beneficiary of a horse who had been given that time. “Every preparation he chipped away and improved.” The handsome chestnut won in each of his five seasons Down Under, compiling eight Stakes victories at distances from 1400m to 2000m – including four wins at Group 1 level. His 2021 Group 1 Doncaster Mile and 2022 All Aged Stakes victories were highlights for Cummings, but defending his 2023 Australian Cup crown just two months ago gave his trainer a huge thrill. “He delivered in the first Australian Cup, but I don’t know if that was his highlight,” Cummings said “All things being equal, the depth wasn’t there like it was the following year. “So to go back-to-back in a harder race was quite amazing. “He’s rounded off his career with an Australian Cup win against Pride Of Jenni and Atishu, with Mr Brightside in that race, and one final appearance for fourth in the Queen Elizabeth when he rattled home with a big finish.” 2024 Australian Cup replay – Cascadian Cascadian is one of just six horses to achieve back-to-back Australian Cup wins in the race’s 161-year history (established in 1863). Cummings said the decision to retire Cascadian, and not press on to the Hollindale Stakes and Group 1 Doomben Cup in Queensland, was difficult but made in the horse’s best interests. “It’s a few weeks since the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and I can just sense he’s still a bit tired from his most recent prep,” the trainer said. “Normally he would just go for a spell and then we would bring him back. “But we did agree before the commencement of this preparation that it should be his last. “Great to see, considering he rose to beat an exceptional field in an outstanding edition of the Australian Cup.” A stable favourite, Cascadian leaves a wonderful legacy and will be sorely missed. “He’d go round the turf track at Osborne Park some mornings and his work rider would come back and tell me, ‘this horse is booming’,” Cummings said. “He had a real feel to him, he loved to race and as his preps unfolded and he reached peak fitness he was dangerous in any race we set for him. “The least we can do is give Cascadian what he deserves.” Besides finding a good post-racing home, the Godolphin Lifetime Care program aims to promote the versatility of the thoroughbred breed in various non-racing endeavours. Godolphin Australia bloodstock manager Jason Walsh said Cascadian joins some illustrious company and envisaged even more success in the next chapter of his life. “We take pride in promoting the thoroughbred as part of our Godolphin Lifetime Care program and I cannot think of a better example of the versatility of a thoroughbred than Cascadian,” Walsh said. “He’ll join that program as a flagbearer, a horse with his profile after his contribution. “One of our objectives will be to place him in an environment where he can continue to contribute like he has on the racecourse. “He’s the kind of rare animal that whatever he turns his hand to, he will be a success. “It’s exciting to think what the next phase of his career might look like. “Whatever that is, I’m sure he will give it his best as he has for so many years on the racecourse.” While Cascadian has been a tremendous success story in Australia, he is the result of the hard work and dedication of the entire Godolphin establishment. “As a horse, it’s not very often you have a horse of his calibre walk through the barn door,” Walsh said. “He’s a great example for Godolphin – bred in the UK, raced in France before joining our team. “He’s a great credit to those people who had him before us. “To retire as a four-time Group 1 winner, a dual Australian Cup winner, with over $10 million in prize money, he’s a very rare horse and we are fortunate to have had an opportunity to play a part in his journey.” Right now, Cascadian will enjoy a well-earned rest at Kelvinside in the NSW Hunter Valley before joining the care program. Horse racing news View the full article

What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, May 8, 2024 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble Racing will return to Sandown for the first time in four weeks as the Melbourne Racing Club hosts a very competitive eight-race program on the Hillside track this Wednesday. The track is rated a Good 4 and should stay that way with perfect autumn weather forecast in the lead-up. The rail will be out +9m for the entire circuit, with racing set to kick off at 12:25pm AEST. Best Bet at Sandown: Rackemann Rackemann was very good first-up at Pakenham over 1200m, battling on late to finish third behind the unbeaten Angland. The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained gelding settled on speed before being run over late and then pulled lame, which is enough of an excuse to give him a second chance. The winner of that race has since saluted again in a higher grade, so if Celine Gaudray can settle close to the speed, Rackemann will prove very hard to beat. Best Bet Race 5 – #0 Rackemann (10) 4yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Celine Gaudray (a1.5) (60kg) +340 with Neds Next Best at Sandown: The Big Heist Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr will send The Big Heist to Sandown after he recorded his third win from four starts first-up at Pakenham over 1400m. The son of Vanburgh appeared to get stronger the further he went, so the slight rise in trip to 1500m should only help him. With Damian Lane taking the reins from barrier nine, The Big Heist will push forward and hold a position before letting down with a strong finish. Next Best Race 8 – #4 The Big Heist (9) 5yo Gelding | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Damian Lane (60.5kg) +360 with Playup Best Value at Sandown: Flying Mean Although Flying Mean is the only maiden runner in this race, the Clinton McDonald-trained gelding has competed in some tough metropolitan races over his first three starts. The son of Lean Mean Machine was last seen in the $175,000 VOBIS Gold Carat, where he ran home nicely to finish second behind the speedy Peace Treaty at Moonee Valley. Jamie Kah will have her work cut out from barrier 13, but if she can push forward and settle behind the speed, Flying Mean could surprise at a good price. Best Value Race 6 – #2 Flying Mean (13) 3yo Gelding | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Jamie Kah (59.5kg) +800 with Picklebet Sandown Hillside Wednesday quaddie tips – 8/5/2024 Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, May 8, 2024 4-9-12 1-2-10-11 1-2-3-6-11 1-4-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Two days after an exciting three-way photo for the win in the GI Kentucky Derby, public speculation continued to simmer about the roughly-run stretch battle between the second- and third-place finishers. It's the second time in five years that the stewards at Churchill Downs are being openly questioned over why they didn't announce an inquiry to let the public know they were actively investigating a potential infraction in America's most important and historic horse race. But despite the mild controversy that is largely playing out online and on social media, none of the human connections of any of the top three horses under the wire in the Derby lodged an objection in the immediate aftermath of the race, nor have any of them since made public statements to the effect that they believed an inquiry or disqualification was warranted. The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) on Monday released a statement that pointed out that all races in the state receive stewards' scrutiny, even if the inquiry sign doesn't always get posted. That same statement also noted that Tyler Gaffalione, the jockey aboard runner-up Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), has been summoned to a film review on Churchill's next day of live racing, May 9. Next-day film reviews are standard procedure in North American racing, and jockeys are often asked to appear even when no inquiry, objection or disqualification has occurred. Sierra Leone and eventual third-place finisher Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) battled in near-lockstep between the three-sixteenths pole and the finish wire in the May 4 Derby. Sierra Leone, who has shown a repeated tendency to lean in during his stretch runs throughout his brief career, was bearing down on the undeterred Forever Young as the two closed the gap on a tiring, but not quitting, Mystik Dan (Goldencents) at the rail. Mystik Dan prevailed by a nose and was not directly affected by the jostling of Sierra Leone and Forever Young, who finished a nose apart in second and third. Although Forever Young has not been widely viewed as the aggressor in his tussle with Sierra Leone, he did fight back by engaging in some degree of counter-leaning that reportedly made it difficult for Gaffalione to maintain his balance and/or prevented him from going to a left-handed stick to keep Sierra Leone straight. Chad Brown, Sierra Leone's trainer, had explained it this way on Sunday: “There was some bumping going on. What Tyler was really attempting to do was make room for his left stick, which the horse really respects and keeps him straight, and he was just looking for sort of a pathway to use his left stick. And the bumping, the tight duel between those two horses, it disarmed him with the stick. All he had was a rein to pull on, and it really hurt his momentum…A foul is not only bumping, a foul is actually striking your opponent with the stick. So he didn't want to do that either… “I wasn't surprised [that there wasn't an inquiry],” Brown continued. “I felt it was going a bit both ways. It's not always about who initiates it. It's about the entire race all the way to the wire. [Forever Young] started to lean back in. That's what horses do.” Neither Forever Young's jockey, Ryusei Sakai, nor his trainer, Yoshito Yahagi, lodged an objection prior to the race being made official. Rough translations of their post-race comments from Japanese to English indicated that they both believed the contact between the two colts was the type of heat-of-battle competition that did not merit the claiming of a foul. In Japan, where Sakai and Yahagi are both based, lodging such an objection is not as commonplace as it is in North America. A KHRC spokesperson emailed the following statement to TDN late in the day May 6 after its contents were first reported earlier in the afternoon on X/Twitter by Steve Byk of the “At the Races” radio program: “The Stewards review every race in Kentucky live and by video replay before posting it official and they followed the same procedure for the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. After conducting their standard review of the race, determining no further review or investigation was necessary to conclude there were no incidents that altered the finish of the race, and seeing there were no objections filed, the Stewards posted the Kentucky Derby official. Following the race, the Stewards ordered Tyler Gaffalione, jockey aboard Sierra Leone, to film review on May 9, 2024. The Stewards conduct film reviews routinely to review the conduct of jockeys during a race. The Stewards, in their discretion, can take disciplinary action against a jockey following the review. If the Stewards issue a penalty, it will be posted on the KHRC website…” No Derby-related penalties had been posted on the KHRC site as of 5 p.m. Monday. Prior to deadline for this story, the KHRC did not respond to a TDN question about whether any other jockey from the three-way photo finish would be similarly ordered to appear at the film review, either in person or remotely. The KHRC also did not respond to a TDN request to obtain a copy of the stewards' report for May 4. These daily reports are customarily posted to the KHRC's website, but that section has not been updated since the final day of the Keeneland meet Apr. 26. The three stewards currently assigned to officiate at Churchill are chief state steward Barbara Borden, state steward Brooks “Butch” Becraft, and Churchill steward Tyler Picklesimer. Those are the same three stewards who worked the 2019 Derby, in which Maximum Security crossed the finish wire first but was judged to have fouled Long Range Toddy, and was disqualified from the win and placed behind that rival in 17th place. In 2019, the stewards' post-Derby adjudication process lasted 22 minutes and played out on national TV as they debated whether Maximum Security's shifting out while leading on the far turn caused crowding that affected rivals in close pursuit and almost triggered a clipping-of-heels accident. Two jockey objections were lodged in the 2019 Derby, but only one of them was initially announced to the public. The stewards five years ago were criticized for not posting any inquiry into the incident, but at that time the KHRC essentially gave the same answer that the agency did on Monday–that just because the “inquiry” sign isn't lit, it doesn't mean the stewards aren't examining in the situation. When Maximum Security's owners unsuccessfully sued in federal court to try and get the DQ overturned, their lawsuit cited “the absence of any inquiry” by the stewards. The lawsuit also alleged that the three Churchill stewards were “not truthful” when they issued a post-DQ press statement that said they “interviewed affected riders,” because two rival jockeys whose horses appeared to lose momentum and position later told the media that they never spoke to the stewards. One of those jockeys who told the media in 2019 that he never was asked for his side of the story by the stewards was Gaffalione, who was aboard War of Will, the horse who wasn't directly fouled but almost fell as the result of the incident. This coming Thursday, five years and five days after not having a say in that 2019 Derby DQ, Gaffalione will have a formal opportunity to explain what happened in the 2024 stretch run of the Derby. The post Controversy Swirls Over Derby Non-Inquiry, But Affected Connections Aren’t Disputing Officiating appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Grant Williams has shared some plans for Western Empire, the winner of the Northam Stakes. The talented horse will be targeting a series of Group 3 races: the Belmont Sprint (1400m), Hyperion Stakes (1600m), and Strickland Stakes (2000m) in a planned campaign. Williams has high hopes for Western Empire to earn a spot in the Cox Plate (2040m) this spring in Melbourne. The upcoming 2000m Strickland Stakes will play a role in determining if the horse is ready for such a challenge. Williams holds Western Empire in high regard, considering him one of the best horses he and his co-trainer Alana have ever worked with. The Belmont Sprint will kick off Perth’s winter weight-for-age series on May 18, followed by the Hyperion Stakes on June 1 and the Strickland Stakes on June 15. The anticipated Cox Plate is scheduled to take place at Moonee Valley on October 26. Apart from Western Empire, Williams mentioned that Keshi Boom, Alsephina, and Casino Seventeen are also being considered for these competitions. Keshi Boom has maintained a 100% record in four career starts with wins in the Champion Fillies Stakes and Burgess Queen Stakes. Alsephina finished second to Bustler in the 2022 Railway Stakes, while Casino Seventeen holds the title as the reigning Perth Cup champion. As Western Empire begins this chapter, Williams and his team will carefully monitor his progress to ensure his fitness and well-being are priorities. With their eyes set on the Cox Plate, the leading Australian bookmakers are currently offering $13 for Western Empire to become a two-time Group 1 champion on October 26. Horse racing news View the full article

In addition to the expansion in television coverage, NYRA Bets becomes the title sponsor of Monmouth Park's $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) and Pegasus Stakes. The Haskell Stakes will headline the July 20 card. View the full article