Wandering Eyes

Growing up on The Oaks Stud in Cambridge paved a way for a successful career in the thoroughbred breeding industry for Dean Williams, however, he got the racing bug young and is about to take an important step in fulfilling his dream of becoming a trainer. The son of The Oaks Stud General Manager Rick Williams, the thoroughbred industry has been engrained in Dean’s life from a young age, but it was the deeds of glamour mare Seachange on the track that lit a fire in him to pursue a career in the racing side of the industry instead of following in his father’s footsteps. “I fell in love with the racing side, probably thanks to Seachange and horses like Artistic and Darci Brahma,” Dean Williams said. “Despite some very good efforts from my parents for a number of years of trying to steer me in a different direction, which probably would have been a good financial decision, I think I was always going to head in this direction (racing).” Williams first worked for local trainer Stephen Marsh before becoming racing manager for Tony Pike and subsequently moved to Melbourne to work at Mike Moroney’s Flemington barn. Like most Kiwis, he then decided to head to Europe where he worked for leading Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien at his Owning Hill stable. It was just four months into working for O’Brien that Williams received an offer he couldn’t refuse from Flemington trainer Steve Richards – return to Melbourne to become his assistant trainer with a view to entering a training partnership down the line. Williams duly accepted the offer and has made his way back to Australia to take up the exciting opportunity with the Group One-winning trainer, and he is currently going through the process of applying for his assistant trainer’s license. Williams first became associated with Richards when his former employer Tony Pike was campaigning The Bostonian in Melbourne, and he became better acquainted with him when working at Flemington for Moroney, where the idea of a partnership was born. “When I was working for Tony Pike, we were bringing The Bostonian and a few other horses over to Melbourne and needed a place to stay. I was told that Steve Richards might have a couple of spare boxes, so I rang him and he was more than happy to look after us,” Williams said. “Our horses went over with Chris McNab (stable foreman) and he said how great a bloke he was to deal with and he had nothing but good things to say about him. “When I came to Melbourne to work for Mike Moroney, Steve was one of the first people I introduced myself to and we struck up a good relationship from day dot. It (partnership) was spoken about very briefly before I went overseas and he became a bit more serious about me joining forces with him a couple of months into my European stint. “I had a good chat with Steve and I had put it to him that I was keen to take on more responsibility and he was at the point where he wanted someone young there to help drive the business and bring in some new owners. “In his heyday, when he was training 40 or 50 horses, most of them were owned by one person, and in this day and age every horse is now syndicated, and it is a different approach to buying and selling horses. In that respect, I think he and I can work well together because I have been lucky enough with Tony and even at Mike’s to do quite a bit in bringing owners in and help syndicate horses. “We both had the same idea and it was all just a matter of me saying I would come back. I have been here two weeks now.” Williams is looking forward to what the future holds and is excited by the challenge of getting the stable to a point where he can enter a training partnership with Richards. “It will all depend on what happens in the next 12 to 18 months,” he said. “An assistant trainer’s license is always a good help, but we will certainly need to get numbers up and acquiring more boxes would be a big help as well.” Williams has already been active in trying to boost the stable’s numbers, purchasing yearlings at both New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling sale in January and Inglis’ Premier Yearling Sale in Melbourne. “We have managed to get five yearlings so far over Karaka and Melbourne, and we are looking at heading to Sydney Easter as well,” Williams said. Williams said friends and family have been a huge support, along with The Oaks Stud principal Dick Karreman, who has been a major backer in Williams’ purchases. While enjoying his new opportunity in Melbourne, Williams looks fondly back on his time in Europe where he was instrumental in organising Swedish jockey Per-Anders Graberg to head to New Zealand for a riding stint, and enjoyed his time in Ireland working for O’Brien. “I travelled for the first month in Europe and went to the Stockholm Cup, that is where I met Per-Anders Graberg and talked with him about heading to New Zealand to do a riding stint,” Williams said. “I went to the Arc before heading to Ireland and spent four months at Joseph’s. I couldn’t speaker high enough of the man, he was incredibly good to me and is amazing to all of his staff. You can see why he had plenty of staff in a time of getting them is really hard. “There were 300 horses on the hill and the place runs like a well-oiled machine. I couldn’t have learnt anymore in four months, it was a great experience. I had so many memories in such a short time. “I would have loved to have stayed for the Cheltenham Festival and even Royal Ascot but when Steve and I got serious about teaming up, it was a no-brainer to get back to Karaka and meet a few people and start getting some yearlings in the stable.” While just a short time into his new venture, Williams said he pinches himself every day when he gets to go to work at one of the most iconic racing venues in the world. “To be at Flemington every morning is a pretty easy place to wake up to and you are surrounded by quality horses,” he said. “Across from us is Godolphin, and you have got the likes of Waterhouse, Chris Waller, and Nick Ryan. It is pretty unbelievable really.” View the full article

Well-related juvenile Little Thief (NZ) (Dundeel) could earn himself a Group One berth following Wednesday’s AKW Farrier Two Year Old (1200m) at Matamata. The Dundeel colt finished an eye-catching fourth on debut a fortnight ago for trainer John Malcolm, recording the fastest closing sectionals despite being held-up for most of the Matamata straight, finishing an eventual length off Altari (NZ) (Savabeel). “We think a bit of the horse, but going into the race he was pretty green, with only one trial to prepare so it was a pretty big ask,” Malcolm said. “He performed up to expectation, but it would’ve been nice to be out a bit earlier (in the straight).” Out of Snitzel mare Stolen Gem, Little Thief is a half-brother to multiple Group One-performer To Catch A Thief (U S Navy Flag), who finished third in last year’s Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), a race Malcolm hopes his younger sibling will contest on April 6 at Trentham. His chances will be further enhanced with a favourable draw of three on Wednesday, with Ryan Elliot engaged to ride. “If he runs how I think he can, he should be right there on Wednesday. If he wins, we’ll carry onto the Sires’, and if he doesn’t, then we’ll probably put him out for a spell,” he said. Malcolm operates the Cambridge-based Cheltenham Stables alongside wife and talented show-jumper Rachel, and the pair are renowned for their breaking-in, pre-training and Ready-To-Run Sale preparation. Little Thief was intended to be among their 10-strong draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready To Run Sale last November, however, owners Ashford Lodge Ltd & the Shirley M Trust opted to retain the colt. “We broke him in, and he was initially meant to go through our Ready To Run draft. The owners decided to keep him, so he went into Graham Richardson’s (co-trainer of To Catch A Thief), and he went sore, and was a bit naughty in there, so he came back to us and we’ve just carried on with him,” Malcolm said. “He settled in really nicely here and the owners were keen to keep him in the environment he was happiest in.” Malcolm has a small team in training, while continuing to focus on the early education of his clients’ horses. Among the more recent success stories have been Group One winners Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto), Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) and Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride of Dubai). “I’ve just got a couple of other racehorses at the moment, another Ready To Run horse that we didn’t end up taking that was meant to trial up recently, but he just went a bit shin-sore, so he’s gone out along with another for the same reason,” he said. “I’ve also got another filly for one of Peter Williams’ clients that he’s asked us to get up and trial, so we’ll do that with her.” View the full article

Faraglioni (NZ) (El Roca) should be enjoying a well-deserved spell at the moment, but trainer Josh Shaw said his Group One performer had other ideas. The five-year-old mare has been a revelation for the Levin trainer this season, winning one and placing in five of her seven starts, including runner-up in the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m), Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) and Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m). The daughter of El Roca was fifth in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa last month, which Shaw had planned on being her last start of the preparation, but her antics in the paddock led her to come back into work just a week later. “After the sprint at Waikato I was going to chuck her out and forget about her for a couple of months, but after being in the paddock and charging around after four days I thought she was better being in work than doing herself an injury, so back she came,” Shaw said. Faraglioni had an exhibition gallop at Otaki last week and Shaw said that has brought her on nicely for the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham on Saturday. “She worked up really nicely, so I have just been ticking her over for Saturday’s run,” he said. “She went a nice, easy three-quarter 1000m and worked home in the last 600m, it was a pretty sharp gallop in that last 600m. She worked with a couple of nice horses (Wewillrock and Sindee), so it was pleasing.” Faraglioni and Shaw have seen plenty of the North Island over the last couple of months, with the mare campaigning in Waikato and Auckland, and Shaw is looking forward to the much shorter drive down State Highway One this weekend. “Three of her last four runs have been at Pukekohe, Ellerslie and Te Rapa, so it will be quite good chucking her on the truck and only going an hour down the road,” he said. “She loves Trentham, she has only been there three times for a fourth, a win and a second.” Shaw has taken particular confidence from her runner-up performance behind Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride of Dubai) in the TAB Classic at the Upper Hutt track in December, with the victor securing a wildcard in Saturday’s A$4 million All-Star Mile (1600m) with his win in the inaugural $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie in January. “Aegon came out of that race as well and then ran second in the Group One at Otaki (and has also been given a wildcard for the All-Star Mile), so the form is stacking up,” Shaw said. Faraglioni will step back up to a mile in Saturday’s contest, the same distance as her possible next assignment, the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on March 30. “Back up to a mile, she is telling me she is ready for that now,” Shaw said. “A mile with a bit of give in the track, I think we will be right in it up to our eyeballs. “If she pulls up well and does everything right then we will be back up to Ellerslie for the New Zealand Breeders’. She doesn’t mind Ellerslie – one start on the course for a nice second in a good race. We will definitely be looking that way anyway. “She doesn’t know where her ceiling is. If we don’t find it shortly, we will keep chucking her in the deep-end. She deserves a good one.” View the full article

El Vencedor’s (NZ) (Shocking) career-best performance at Ellerslie to triumph at Group One level was tinged with a bittersweet note for breeder-owners David Price and Mark Freeman. The Stephen Marsh-trained son of Shocking added to the Wellington pair’s success with the family when he capped off a lucrative campaign with victory in Saturday’s Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) under Irish jockey Joe Doyle. “It was off the charts really, you don’t go there expecting to beat what is probably the best horse (Legarto) in New Zealand and that was certainly the way I approached things,” Price said. “He is just so honest and really underrated, every time he starts he drifts in the betting and hardly ever gets selected by the pundits. “When you look at his record, he hasn’t finished further back than fourth in his previous eight starts and all in Group races.” They included success in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) and a runner-up finish in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m). Price and Freeman bred El Vencedor from the O’Reilly mare Strictly Maternal (NZ) who was unraced due to injury and has been a wonderful broodmare during her time at Libby and Sam Bleakley’s Highden Park. “Unfortunately, we had to have her put down a couple of weeks ago at Highden,” said Price, a financial adviser. “I went and saw her and the vet thought she had cancer, she had a swollen stomach and was losing weight. She looked like she was in foal, but she was 23. “Libby said she’s going to have to be put down and she didn’t want to go into the paddock and find her rolling around in pain. “Mark and I were of the same view, she has been an amazing horse for us so sadly we had to euthanise her and we wanted to do it before she was suffering. It was quite sad.” Strictly Maternal produced six winners from seven foals to race, including El Vendecor’s brother Chocante (NZ). He claimed the Gr.2 Brisbane Cup (2200m), the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m) and ran third in the Gr.1 The Metropolitan (2400m) when trained by Marsh for Price and Freeman. She is also the dam of the Hong Kong Derby (2400m) winner Sky Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma), who was purchased out of Highden’s draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $160,000 in 2018. Strictly Maternal’s last foal is a two-year-old sister to El Vencedor and Chocante. “She is an absolute miracle baby, what happened was that we had retired the mare because she had cysts in her ovaries and it was hard for her to get pregnant. She was 21 and we thought that was it,” Price said. A subsequent scan suggested she may get in foal again and she duly did to Rich Hill Stud’s Shocking. “Our tough decision was did we go to Shocking, at that stage Stephen had said to me that El Vencedor would be the best horse we’d ever had, or Darci Brahma and Sky Darci hadn’t won the Derby then but looked quite promising,” Price said. “We had to choose and we went with the Shocking line and she had the foal, which was amazing and the family has been stunning. “Everything she has left has won bar one, and that horse (Golden Darci) ran third in a black type race (Listed El Roca – Sir Colin Meads Trophy, 1200m) so she has been fantastic.” Price is also breeding from the Bahhare mare Run To The Bank (NZ), who was successful on three occasions and placed in the Listed Sunline Vase (2100m). “I raced her and she’s had three to the races and they have all won, including Nest Egg,” he said. The son of Reliable Man has won five races, but ran out of luck in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) when continuing his rivalry with Mahrajaan. “He was battered from pillar to post and he had only been beaten by half a-neck by Mahrajaan in the New Zealand Cup (Gr.3, 3200m) after we had drawn badly,” Price said. “I had the sister, Chakana, and she went to Australia and broke down after she ran fourth the Ipswich Cup (Listed, 2150m). “She had won four races and came back about six weeks ago after having 18 months off and won first-up over 1400m and then ran third and broke down again, so she’s retired. We never got to see the best of her.” Two-year-old half-sister Serendipitous (NZ), by Darci Brahma, is also in the Marsh stable and has been a trial winner and likely to debut in the coming weeks. View the full article

Entries for NZB’s 2024 National Weanling Sale are now open, with the Sale set to be held at the Karaka Sales Centre on Thursday 20 June. Continuing as a dedicated weanling only format, the Sale is a happy hunting ground for those searching for their next pinhook success story or racetrack star. The Sale also offers breeders an attractive platform to sell their young stock to a strong international and domestic audience, with the added bonus of Karaka Millions eligibility. The weanling session in 2023 returned more than $2.6 million, with a top price of $150,000 achieved for a Per Incanto colt on account of Brighthill Farm. Following the outstanding 2023-24 sales season, NZB’s Manager Director Andrew Seabrook is looking ahead to the boutique sale with confidence. “With all the positivity surrounding the industry at the moment, it should give breeders great confidence to bring these weanlings to the market.” “The Sale continues to attract strong international and domestic participation, with the opportunity for both end-users and traders given the genuine racing and investment types on offer. “The demand for Kiwi stock and stallions isn’t slowing down either, and with the Karaka Millions eligibility there will be plenty of interest in this Sale.” A proven source of success on the track, star NZB weanling graduates include recent Karaka Millions hero Tokyo Tycoon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin), Hong Kong performer Money Catcher (NZ) (Ferlax), plus Group One winners Pignan (NZ) (Staphanos), Callsign Mav (NZ) (Atlante), Jennifer Eccles (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) and more. All weanlings offered are eligible to be nominated for NZB’s lucrative Karaka Millions Series. Graduates can compete for a share in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m), followed by the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) as well as a $200,000 New Owners bonus. Entries for the National Weanling Sale are open from today and close on 26 April. To enter the Sale, visit NZB’s online portal at portal.nzb.co.nz or for enquiries contact NZB’s Bloodstock Administrator Mary Jane Harvey by calling +64 9 393 9832 or emailing MaryJane.Harvey@nzb.co.nz. For more information about the Sale, contact NZB Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones on +64 27 274 4985 or email Kane.Jones@nzb.co.nz. View the full article

Tomodachi Kokoroe has earned over HK$6 million in stakes. Tomodachi Kokoroe has been one of this season’s best improvers and he’s aiming to join a select club when he shoots for a fifth win this season on Wednesday night at Happy Valley. Only two horses have won five races or more this term, I Give (six) and Happy Together (five), while Tomodachi Kokoroe has been a revelation for trainer David Hayes, netting his quartet across the past seven starts. A six-time winner in Australia pre-import, Tomodachi Kokoroe raced in the state of Queensland for the bulk of his career – where he was undefeated – scoring four times at Cairns and twice at Townsville, when known as Bank Bank Bank. “It’s quite amazing to think a horse who has come from Cairns is doing what he is doing in Hong Kong – amazing effort,” Hayes said. “When he arrived and I read the form I was a bit worried about Cairns, but when I started working him, he always worked like a good horse.” The 91-rater has career earnings of HK$6.81 million in Hong Kong. He won a hot Class 1 last month at Happy Valley, which saw him share DBS x Manulife Million Challenge top honours, while his previous three wins have come in Class 3 and Class 4. “He’s really held his form well, he’s won his last two starts from wide barriers (seven and 12), so they were good efforts – great rides by Karis Teetan,” Hayes said. Co-winner of the DBS x Manulife Million Challenge, Copartner Ambition (120lb), is also seeking a fifth win tomorrow night and races against Tomodachi Kokoroe. The HK$2.84 million dash also features Seasons Wit (135lb), Bundle Of Charm (129lb), Majestic Knight (128lb), Beauty Charge (127lb), Gummy Gummy (123lb), Bon’s A Pearla (122lb), Wonder Kit (121lb), Astrologer (119lb) and Youthful Deal (118lb). Aiming to surge past the 40-win mark this season, Hayes is eager to test Tomodachi Kokoroe at Sha Tin in the near future. “I can’t wait to try him over 1400 metres at Sha Tin. I think with his size and scope that he’ll develop into a nice horse in the upper classes at Sha Tin. He’ll go across after this race,” Hayes said. Hayes has 28 wins this term and earnings of HK$45.41 million for connections. “Not bad. I’ve only got a stable of 50 and I’m cemented in the top 10 – which is alright. I haven’t lost so many horses this season, which has been refreshing. Hitting mid-40s with a 50-horse stable would good, so I’m hoping for that,” Hayes said. Hayes is preparing Star Mac for the 147th HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m), while dual winner Ka Ying Rising is expected to return on the same day (Sunday, March 24). “Star Mac has pulled up well and I think he’ll appreciate the 2000 metres more than most horses going into the race. His two lead-up runs have been good,” Hayes said. Horse racing news View the full article

What Cranbourne Races Where Cranbourne Turf Club – 50 Grant St, Cranbourne VIC 3977 When Thursday, March 14, 2024 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Thursday night racing in Victoria heads to Cranbourne Racecourse this week for an eight-race meeting. Perfect conditions will greet competitors, with the track rated a Good 4 and the rail sticking in its true position for the entire circuit. The action is set to commence at 5:45pm AEDT. Best Bet at Cranbourne: Kingwell The Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr-trained Kingwell was last seen chasing home the classy duo of Extratwo and Jennipending at Sandown on August 16. If he runs up to that form, he should be too good for his rivals on Thursday. Ben Melham will take the son of I Am Invincible to the front of the field and, all things being equal, should lead from barrier to box. Best Bet Race 8 – #5 Kingwell (5) 4yo Horse | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Ben Melham (59kg) +135 with Neds Next Best at Cranbourne: Divine Thoughts Divine Thoughts was held up for a run until the final 150m when running fifth on debut at Yarra Valley on February 24, but she produced a finish that screamed “back me next time”. Linda Meech hops on board, and from barrier four, the pair should gain an economical run in transit. If Divine Thoughts can replicate the turn of foot she produced on debut, she looks a good thing. Next Best Race 2 – #1 Divine Thoughts (4) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Linda Meech (57kg) +160 with Picklebet Next Best Again at Cranbourne: Excess Excess was too bad to be true first-up down the Flemington straight and seemed to be searching for a corner throughout. The Julius Sandhu-trained filly gets back around a bend here and should appreciate dropping down to a midweek BM70. With Jamie Mott likely to have her leading the field up with next to no pressure, Excess should prove to slick over the 1000m. Next Best Again Race 5 – #6 Excess (3) 3yo Filly | T: Julius Sandhu | J: Jamie Mott (57.5kg) +180 with Dabble Thursday quaddie tips for Cranbourne races Cranbourne quadrella selections Thursday, March 14, 2024 2-4-6 1-2-3-4 2-4-7-8 5 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Flemington and Randwick took the spotlight last Saturday, with multiple Group races featured on the two programs. Meanwhile, the Gold Coast, Murray Bridge and Bunbury held strong supporting cards throughout the day. In this week’s edition of The Follow Files, we have found three runners that you should add to your blackbook so you can track them in future starts. Randwick Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: +3m entire circuit Race 8: Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) | Time: 1:33.94 Horse to follow: Tom Kitten (4th) Tom Kitten had put in two lacklustre performances on his return in the Eskimo Prince Stakes and Hobartville Stakes, but the James Cummings-trained colt finished an unlucky fourth behind Celestial Legend in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas last Saturday. The son of Harry Angel settled near the rear of the field and was held up until the 200m mark before pushing through a gap late. Although he has yet to win this preparation, this galloper is clearly looking for further than 1600m and should be peaking fourth-up. When to bet: The Group 1 Rosehill Guineas appears to be the ideal race for Tom Kitten next. Over a more suitable 1800m trip and with race fitness on his side, the colt looks like a great bet at +350 in the Rosehill Guineas futures market with online bookmakers. Flemington Track rating: Good 4 (Good 3 after R7) Rail position: +4m entire circuit Race 3: Quality Handicap (1400m) | Time: 1:25.07 Horse to follow: Vivy Air (2nd) One of the better runs in defeat across the country last Saturday was that of Vivy Air at Flemington. Starting her third preparation, the Archie Alexander-trained filly ran home strongly from the back of the field and flashed home into second place behind Legacies, only beaten by 0.4 lengths. After running third in the Group 2 Sandown Guineas last preparation, this daughter of Hellbent has returned well and should go very close to winning over further next time out. When to bet: Considering Vivy Air performs better on Soft ground (5:2-0-1) compared to Good conditions (3:0-2-0), Alexander may well take his filly to Sydney, where there is more chance of her getting a rain-affected track. In any race against her own age group or sex over 1600m, she should go very close second-up. Gold Coast Track rating: Good 4 Rail position: True entire circuit Race 5: Class 3 Handicap (1200m) | Time: 1:08.19 Horse to follow: John Rambo (2nd) After a day full of on-speed runners winning at the Gold Coast, the performance of John Rambo in the fifth race must be considered an outstanding run. The Tony Gollan-trained gelding settled worse than midfield and was many lengths off the leaders as the field turned into the home straight. The son of Adelaide then turned on the jets and went straight past the rest of the field in the final 300m as he attempted to chase down the runaway leader, but he could only bring the margin back down to 1.8 lengths. When to bet: With a strong record at 1200m (6:3-2-0), Gollan and his team could take John Rambo to another race over six furlongs at Eagle Farm, where he is undefeated at the track and trip. Top horse racing sites for blackbook features Horse racing tips View the full article

What Wyong Races Where Wyong Race Club & Function Centre – 71-73 Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259 When Thursday, March 14, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Pristine conditions are expected on Thursday afternoon at Wyong Race Club & Function Centre, where a competitive eight-race program awaits punters. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and it should be a fair surface throughout the day. Racing is set to get underway at 1:15pm AEDT. Best Bet: Panic Panic had an impressive debut preparation for the Michael Freedman camp, posting two wins across four starts. His most recent victory came at Newcastle on November 4, just getting the head down to score by a nose. That eight-horse field has produced five subsequent winners, so with the form well and truly franked as the three-year-old returns from a 130-day spell, punters can back Panic with some confidence in this BM64 contest. Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Panic (9) 3yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Tommy Berry (59.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Next Best: Cassiel Cassiel has won of three of his four jump-outs prior to his debut run. The Peter & Paul Snowden team has bided its time with the son of Harry Angel, giving the three-year-old a proper hit-out to salute in his latest piece of work at Rosehill on February 15. Kerrin McEvoy takes the reins from a soft draw in gate three, and with the early speed Cassiel has shown at the trials, expect him to lead throughout to score. Next Best Race 5 – #3 Cassiel (3) 3yo Colt | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Kerrin McEvoy (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Best Value: Red Cobra Red Cobra does his best work at Wyong, where he broke his maiden on November 11 before being unable to make an impression in Class 1 company on November 29. He had simply come to the end of the campaign, and with a soft barrier trial at Newcastle on February 28 suggesting this guy is returning in good order, Red Cobra can outrun his double-figure price with online bookmakers. Best Value Race 4 – #9 Red Cobra (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Damien Lane | J: Anna Roper (a2kg) (56.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Wyong quaddie tips – Thursday 14/3/2024 Wyong quadrella selections Thursday, March 14, 2024 3-9-12 4-6-11-13-14 1-3-6-7-8 1-4-6-7-8 Horse racing tips View the full article

Jumps jockey Campbell Rawiller. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Young gun Campbell Rawiller has suffered a suspected broken collarbone after falling from his mount Teofilo Star in the opening race at Warrnambool. Sent around as a -555.56 favourite with horse racing bookmakers, the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained jumper was well supported in the opening event to the new jumps racing season. However, in the early stages of the event, Rawiller and Teofilo Star would lose their footing at the third jump, taking out Darryl Horner Jnr and Serenade The Stars in the process. Both horses returned to the mounting yard with no injuries to report, as did Horner Jnr. Rawiller was on the track for some time post-race, with on-course reporters claiming he was talking to the medics. Rawiller was transported to the hospital with a suspected broken collarbone. Following a 70-minute delay, Calvi would win the second race on the Warrnambool card, with Horner Jnr recovering from the fall to pilot Eric Musgrove’s runner to victory. Warrnambool Race 1 Replay Horse racing news View the full article

Joint DBS x Manulife Million Challenge winners go head to head in a strong Class Two Soko Islands Handicap on Wednesday nightView the full article

Trainers Ron Moquett and Dale Romans joined Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) CEO, Lisa Lazarus, on the agency's virtual town hall Monday. Both trainers sit on the HISA Horsemen's Advisory Group. A good portion of the HISA Town Hall was spent emphasizing the role of the horsemen's advisory group as a vehicle for potential change and modification in HISA's regulatory framework, having driven tweaks to the federal authority's rules on things like pre-race electrolyte use and looser sanctions for positives related to human substances of abuse (more on that lower down). “There's a lot of conversation right now around veterinary inspections and vet scratches, and how HISA can make a positive impact,” Lazarus added. “Those are state processes and state judgments. But HISA, we believe, can do some things to make it better for all parties,” Lazarus added. “That's something we're talking a lot about.” Below are summaries of some of the key portions of the Q&A. Q: Should HISA's Remit be Broadened to Police the Sales? The question of whether HISA should broaden its regulatory reach to encompass the sales has been much discussed ever since Jeffrey Englehart faced a possible two-year suspension after one of his horses tested positive for clenbuterol. Englehart argued that he did not give the horse the drug and that it had been given prior to the horse's purchase at the OBS auction a few months beforehand. A subsequent segmented hair test revealed that the clenbuterol had indeed been administered before Englehart became the trainer. In discussing the topic, Lazarus explained that the act is written so that racehorses fall under HISA oversight only when they record their first official workout. “And that's been interpreted to mean the first published work in Equibase,” said Lazarus. “There's some question about whether or not breeze shows would qualify, and they might, but we haven't got to that point just yet.” Lazarus further explained that in October, she met with representatives from the three leading sales companies. “And they agreed to work together to come up with an anti-doping program that aligned with HISA, so that there's a sensible journey from weanling, yearling, 2-year-old, and then to horses of racing age.” Both trainers argued that a strong case could be made for HISA to police the horse sales, though Moquett voiced reservations about the practicalities of such a program, like the possible licensure of parties handling horses in their formative years. “There's a lot of information [that would need to be] gathered about working with these horses that all of a sudden is require daily… when we eventually get these horses,” said Moquett. “Once we open that Pandora's Box, now all of a sudden we're going to require people to list who the owners are. You're going to require trainers and the consignors to have a license. You're going to start looking into places you've never looked,” Moquett added. “I think Pandora's Box should have been opened a long time ago,” Romans responded, before broaching the topic of greater transparency on corrective surgeries performed on youngstock prior to the sales. Q: Steps Taken to Prevent Environmental Contamination? Another key area of concern among stakeholders is that of inadvertent contamination through the horse's environment. “Everyone needs to play a part in making sure that we're delivering a clean and sterile—as sterile as possible—environment,” said Lazarus, before ticking off various points of address, some of which were included in a recent letter to the editor. She said that the overall cleanliness of test barns—which are overseen by HIWU—has improved since the start of the ADMC program. “However, when it comes to other common areas like receiving barns, that is something that needs a lot of work,” Lazarus admitted. As such, the receiving barn is now part of the racetrack accreditation program, she said. HIWU investigators are also performing daily spot checks to determine which racetracks might not be stepping up to the task. “We now have the opportunity to launch an investigation if we believe that, based on positive tests, there may be a contamination risk at a particular racecourse,” said Lazarus. “We also have mobile testing packs where we can test straw, soil to see whether or not we're finding substances that shouldn't be in a horse's environment.” Q: Is a Possible 60-day Penalty Still too Onerous for Substances of Human Abuse Violations? Under a proposed rule change, a first time violation for a positive test concerning a human substance of abuse like cocaine or methamphetamine has been lessened to a maximum 60-days. But is this still too onerous? Should it be closer to something like 14 days? “Sixty days is really a cap,” said Lazarus, before adding that determining a possible source for the positive test is key to receiving a lesser penalty. Also important is for stakeholders to illustrate to regulators what steps they've taken to mitigate the chances of inadvertent environmental contamination, like barring staff from urinating in the stalls and requiring them to wash their hands before mixing feed, said Lazarus. “One of the things that struck me when I visited Ron [Moquett's] stable at Oaklawn is he has a huge poster in his barn that says, 'if you urinate in the stables, you will be fired,'” said Lazarus. “That's something, if Ron has a positive test, that would be a favorable consideration. He's contributing to what we're all trying to do which is reduce the likelihood of anything that shouldn't be in a horse's system getting into a horse's system.” Moquett followed that up by saying how, “If you get a positive, it's very important you address the definition of how you think it got there” with HIWU. “Before you get mad and start throwing stuff, the first thing you've got to write is the truth as you first saw it,” Moquett added, emphasizing how feigning ignorance as to the possible source of the contamination won't cut it under the new federal regime. “Just let them know that you are conscious of the opportunities for a bad test, and that you're doing everything in your power to [prevent it],” Moquett added. What other steps should be taken in the event of a positive test for a human substance of abuse, or for an atypical finding? The panelists recommended that responsible parties first reach out to Alan Foreman, the horsemen's ombudsman. Hard-up stakeholders can also take advantage of a panel of pro-bono attorneys. Not all who apply will be eligible. “But we've never denied anybody who has actually applied for pro-bono counsel to date,” said Lazarus. Q: Why is HISA Using so Many Different Labs When Lab Variability is Such a Concern? The TDN reported last year that a variety of differences between the laboratories—from different testing equipment to different testing methodologies to different sets of staff interpreting the results—mean that they can screen for different numbers of substances, and have varying abilities to screen for the same substances, outside of some 300 core analytes. “The way that law is written, we're required to give the state where the testing takes place the opportunity to put their lab forward,” said Lazarus, adding how, if the lab in question fails to meet performance specifications, HISA is not required to use it. With the recent news that HISA is no longer using the services of the University of Kentucky's Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, there are now five labs used under HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) program. “I think with five labs we can get really consistent results,” said Lazarus. “[But] if we can get down to a point where the samples… [can be processed] by three or so labs, that would be preferable.” The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) currently conducts the lab accreditation process every two years. HIWU is working to take over that process. Q: Is HISA Working on a Universal Owner-Trainer license? Despite HISA requiring stakeholders to apply for a federal license, owners, trainers and other industry participants are still required to apply state-by-state for individual licenses. That might change. “That is absolutely something on our radar, and we know that that would be a huge benefit to the horsemen,” said Lazarus. “Once we get the fundamentals of HISA in place to deliver it working well, and working smoothly, that is an area we will try to be helpful on.” The horsemen's advisory group, said Moquett, brings the topic up once every two weeks. “If this is going to be a truly uniform industry, then it needs to start with the very first thing, which is the licensing,” he said. “I think it's an odd deal we haven't fixed it yet.” Q: Is the Prohibition of Toe Grabs Warranted? While HISA generally prohibits the use of toe grabs, it offers an exemption permitting the use of traction devices in the form of either a full outer rim shoe (up to 4 mm in height) or a toe grab (up to 4 mm in height) on hindlimbs on the dirt. The prohibition on toe grabs, said Lazarus, was based on science and research. “Internationally, toe grabs haven't been allowed for quite a long time,” she added. “The U.S. was the last racing jurisdiction to have regulations around toe grabs.” When asked if further toe grab allowances should be given when it comes to deeper dirt surfaces, Lazarus argued that the data suggests the prohibition has been successful. “Probably the racetrack that had the biggest complaints about this rule was Prairie Meadows, and they went from in 2022 a 2.39 [fatalities per 1000 starts rate], a much higher fatality rate. And this year, they were exceptional—they were 1.14,” said Laazarus. “I'm not suggesting the whole reason is to do with toe grabs, but at least the data shows they're not worse off with that rule than they were previously.” The post HISA Town Hall: Regulatory Reach, Environmental Contamination, Lab Variability and More Discussed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Caulfield Races Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 22, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Wednesday, March 13, 2024 First Race 3:05pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Heath track at Caulfield is set to host its inaugural meeting on Wednesday afternoon, with eight races at metropolitan level set down for decision. Following extreme heat in the lead-up, the track will remain in the Good 4 range throughout, with a top of 19 degrees forecast. The rail sticks in its true position, with the action commencing at 3:05pm AEDT. Best Bet at Caulfield: Outback Miss Outback Miss looked to be in need of the run first-up at Sandown when chasing home the classy Austmarr, who has since go on to win in Listed company at Morphettville. The three-year-old filly was beaten by 3.6 lengths on February 21 but was hitting the line nicely to suggest she was worth sticking with. The two wins during her initial campaign hinted at a horse with above-average ability, and despite needing to lug 61kg on Wednesday, Outback Miss should have no issue disposing of her rivals in BM64 grade. Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Outback Miss (6) 3yo Filly | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Celine Gaudray (a1.5) (62.5kg) +220 with Dabble Next Best at Caulfield: Flying On A Limb Flying On A Limb went to a new level last campaign, and first-up from a 29-week spell, the Clinton McDonald-trained mare has found the right race to return a winner in. The Flying Artie mare has great tactical nous in finding a spot in the first four upon settling before producing a slick turn of foot late on. Ben Melham will have her stalking the speed throughout, and in the home straight, Flying On A Limb should exert her class on this BM78 field. Next Best Race 7 – #7 Flying On A Limb (4) 4yo Mare | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Ben Melham (56.5kg) +180 with PlayUp Best Value at Caulfield: Tolpuddle Based on his second-up run over 1500m, Grahame Begg’s Tolpuddle looks poised to strike as he steps up to 1800m. Having loomed up inside the final furlong at Bendigo, the Pierro gelding found a couple too slick for him late, but a repeat effort in this should be enough to get it done. Barrier one will suit him perfectly under Damian Lane, and with even luck in the home straight, Tolpuddle can bring up a third career win at start 11. Best Value Race 4 – #3 Tolpuddle (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Grahame Begg | J: Damian Lane (60kg) +1100 with Bet365 Caulfield quaddie tips – 13/3/2024 Caulfield quadrella selections Wednesday, March 13, 2024 1-2-3-6-9 1-4 1-7-8 2-6-7-8-12 | 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, March 13, 2024 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to the bright lights of Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday night, with a bumper nine-race program set for decision. The rail moves out to the C position for the entire circuit, and with only minor showers predicted in the lead-up, punters should anticipate a Good 4 surface. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm local time. Best Bet: Beauty Infinity Beauty Infinity stamped his authority in Class 4 company at this course and distance on February 28 and now tackles Class 3 for the first time. The son of Toronado put them away swiftly with the 61kg on his back, bolting away to win by 2.3 lengths. He drops 5kg in this event as Zac Purton gets legged aboard once again, and although this presents a much tougher prospect for Beauty Infinity, he appears up to the task. Best Bet Race 2 – #3 Beauty Infinity (7) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (56kg) Bet with Unibet Next Best: Raging Blizzard Raging Blizzard finally put it all together with a blistering victory at this track and trip on February 28, smashing his rivals by an impressive 2.5-length margin. He gets a very similar setup this time around, with barrier three allowing Zac Purton to slot in for cover or possibly take up the running. Regardless of what he decides to do, Raging Blizzard shouldn’t be far away from making it back-to-back wins. Next Best Race 6 – #1 Raging Blizzard (3) 4yo Gelding | T: John Size | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Value: Joy Of Spring Joy Of Spring hasn’t been back to Happy Valley since his debut runner-up performance on August 20 and remains a maiden after five Hong Kong starts. His latest effort was promising, however, storming through the wire over 1400m at Sha Tin on February 25. The 1650m of the city circuit should be ideal for the son of Deep Field, and with the booking of Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup-winning jockey Brenton Avdulla, Joy Of Spring should be right in this. Best Value Race 7 – #5 Joy Of Spring (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Brenton Avdulla (57kg) Bet with Neds Hong Kong quaddie tips – Wednesday 13/3/2024 Happy Valley quadrella selections Wednesday, March 13, 2024 1-3-7 3-4-5-6-7 1-2-7-11-12 1-3-5-6-7 Horse racing tips View the full article

Australian Cup contender Legarto. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Despite being defeated as a -500 favourite on Saturday, trainer Ken Kelso remains committed to aiming his talented mare Legarto for the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m). The four-year-old had to settle for second place behind +1900 outsider El Vencedor in the Group 1 New Zealand Stakes (2000m), with Kelso attributing the loss to what he perceived as a disadvantageous track pattern at Ellerslie. “I’ve just got the feeling it was a very similar situation on Saturday to the Karaka Millions race (Aotearoa Classic),” Ken Kelso told Racing.com. “The new track at Ellerslie, they get slow sectionals and kick off the corner, she’s a bit late to wind up. “I feel as though the big, roomy track at Flemington will suit her better, Ellerslie’s become a real on-pace biased track.” “She actually nearly fell leaving the straight if you watch the replay, she got bad interference at the 1800 metres, leaving the straight the first time. “Whether that contributed to anything, I don’t really know. We’re still on target, we’re not disappointed with the run.” Looking ahead to the Australian Cup, Kelso has secured the services of compatriot Michael Dee for Legarto’s ride on March 30. “She’ll do her final work here on the Tuesday and then come over in the early hours of Wednesday morning, I think.” Legarto is priced a +700 winning chance for the Australian Cup with horse racing betting sites. Horse racing news View the full article

Adelaide Cup winner Excelleration. (Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Excelleration, trained by Richard Cully, secured a remarkable hat-trick of cup victories by narrowly clinching the win in a photo finish during Monday’s Group 2 Adelaide Cup (3200m) at Morphettville. Piloted by Harry Coffey and sent off as a +350 chance, the seven-year-old gelding displayed a strong finish down the inside of the track, edging out The Map by a nose. The top two left Skelm trailing behind by an additional 2.75 lengths. 2024 Group 2 Adelaide Cup – Excelleration Reflecting on the race, Coffey shared his experience, stating, “When we were at Launceston the other day, I nearly missed my ride in the next race in the presentations. “They (owners) were talking about how it walked out as a foal at the yearling sales six years ago, so I thought I’ll go and weigh in and come back out, there’s plenty of time.” Coffey continued, “I just had to cop my medicine, and I actually had him really well relaxed for the type of horse he is, and then Zac’s (Spain) iron broke, and I was like ‘wowee, what am I going to do now?’ “I didn’t know what Zac was going to do, and to Zac’s credit, he tried to ride a race without any irons, and mind you he gave it a good steer because I was following him, so I was able to sneak through.” Coffey explained his decision-making during the race “I was in two minds. I really rated the Dan O’Sullivan horse (One Last Kiss) with Luke Currie on it. “I’ve ridden her a fair bit, and this was a target race for her, so I followed her for a long way, and Richie wanted me to cut the corner, and I had in my mind I would’ve loved to have gotten on Jamie’s (Kah) back at some stage, but Richie was really keen to cut the corner, and it worked. “We cut the corner alright, and we shot straight up the inside!” Following his win, Excelleration is now marked a +5000 winning chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Melbourne Cup (3200m). Horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Ron Moquett pointed out that holding sales companies to the same standard as trainers is a "Pandora's box" that will have HISA "looking into a lot of places you've never looked." View the full article

What Kensington Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Wednesday, March 13, 2024 First Race 1:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Metro racing returns to the Kensington circuit at Randwick on Wednesday afternoon for a competitive eight-race program. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with no rainfall expected to hit the course in the lead-up, the track should be rated a genuine Good 4. The opening event is scheduled to jump at 1:45pm AEDT. Best Bet: Little Jeanie Little Jeanie managed two minor placings in New Zealand before making her way across the ditch and looks prepared to make her debut for the Chris Waller barn a winning one. The daughter of Savabeel seems to have acclimatised well to her new conditions in Australia, with her two jump-outs catching the eye when allowed to stride under her own steam from the back half of the field. James McDonald taking the reins suggests the three-year-old is ready to make a statement first-up, so watch for Little Jeanie to be closing off best. Best Bet Race 3 – #9 Little Jeanie (3) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (55kg) +140 with Bet365 Next Best: Cigar Flick Cigar Flick brings some elite form to this BM78 contest as she returns from a 17-week spell. The filly by Churchill was set some hefty targets by the Chris Waller stable in the spring, and although she was unable to salute in some quality sprinting features, she was far from disgraced behind the likes of Stretan Angel in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes (1100m) at Flemington on October 7. This appears a much easier task, and with stall two giving James McDonald plenty of options, Cigar Flick must be considered the one to beat. Next Best Race 5 – #6 Cigar Flick (2) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (56.5kg) +155 with Dabble Best Value: Zondee Zondee was too bad to be true first-up at Caulfield on February 3. He has since returned to Sydney and produced a nice piece of work at Rosehill on March 1 when held up at the rear before cruising through the wire under a stranglehold. He maps to get a soft run in transit from barrier three on Wednesday, and provided he can recapture his best from last campaign, Zondee has the class to win this BM78 contest. Best Value Race 6 – #7 Zondee (3) 3yo Colt | T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | J: Tyler Schiller (55kg) +520 with PlayUp Wednesday quaddie tips – Randwick Kensington races Kensington quadrella selections Wednesday, March 13, 2024 1-3-4-6 4-6-7-9 1-2-6-10 1-7-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Horse Racing on Tuesday, March 12 will feature three meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Warrnambool. Tuesday Racing Tips – March 12, 2024 Warrnambool Racing Tips As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 12, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Tuesday, March 12. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these complimentary promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximize your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for March 12, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Place a 4+ leg multi, if one leg fails Bonus Back up to $50 Applies to your first eligible 4+ leg multi each day. Paid in Bonus Cash. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for March 12, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Owner John Fanelli claimed a horse now facing a six-month suspension but he didn't like the idea of voiding the claim.View the full article

by Brigette Solomon Racing is back in the Manawatu today and junior driver Wilson House is feeling confident with the team of eight horses trainer Michael House has contending at the meeting. “Most of them have been racing and working well and I’d like to think most of them can feature in the placings” says House. Their first starter is Love Is Everywhere in Race two, the Happy Birthday Allan Brown Handicap Trot over 2500 metres. The mare ran second at Hawera two starts ago and has won two wins and two placings to her name at Manawatu Raceway. “She’s off the front today and is a good starter, she handles this track well and should go a good race” says House. Next up is Morere who starts in Race four, the Partners Night Thursday Mobile Pace. The gelding finished third and second at Hawera in his previous two starts but makes his Palmerston North debut today. “He has been a bit of an under achiever so far and he’s had a few niggles” says House “His track work is very good and I think he should turn out a nice enough horse and having drawn eight today he’s drawn to get a nice trip.” In Race five, the South Rangitikei Vet Services Mobile Pace, House drives Doctor Tim. A three time winner on this track, the gelding finished a strong second at Rangiora on the 3rd March making up plenty of ground late. “His last run was great and I think he’s probably my best chance of the day” says House. The stable has two runners contending Race seven, the C A Penny F&M Race 28 March $18,000 Mobile Pace. The field features five last start winners including the House trained Lamarli, driven by Sailesh Abernethy, who won back to back races at Hawera last month. The stables other runner, Avenger, is driven by House. “Lamarli is probably the better of the two but Avenger has gone some tough races on the grass but we are yet to see how he’ll handle the grit track” says House. In the final race of the day, the House stable line up Superstar Legend, driven by House, and Warloch, driven by Blair Orange. Race eight, the Thank You Gary Woodham Mobile Pace, consists of just four starters and both House runners have excellent records on the track with Superstar Legend having seven of his fifteen wins at Manawatu. “Warloch is a trusty old steed and Superstar Legend will likely get the lead fairly comfortably tomorrow” says House “I’d like to hope one of the old boys can get a win. Race one gets underway today at 3:04pm. View the full article

There's a huge American presence in the Dubai World Cup (G1) program March 30 at Meydan Racecourse, and it isn't involving only American-trained horses.View the full article

According to several news reports, the Chicago Bears are now planning to build a new stadium within the city limits of Chicago. The Bears purchased Arlington Park and the surrounding property from Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2021 for $197.2 million and announced plans to build a stadium there. Since the purchase, the Arlington grandstand has been torn down, but the Bears did not start the process of developing the property. Citing a source, ESPN.com is reporting that the Bears are ready to invest $2 billion in private money into a publicly owned domed stadium and park space that would feature year-round community amenities. “The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute over $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans and the general public to enjoy in the City of Chicago,” Bears team president and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement. “The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region — boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue. We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized.” According to ESPN.com, the Bears began exploring options for a new stadium beyond Arlington Heights last summer when they announced that those plans were “at risk” as negotiations over property taxes reached a $100 million impasse. Should the plans to build a stadium in Chicago come to fruition, it is expected that the Bears will put the Arlington property up for sale. Dave McCaffrey, the executive director of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, was skeptical that the Bears will actually follow through on the plans to build a stadium within the city limits. He believes the announcement may be nothing more than posturing to get a better deal. “Even though they made that announcement I don't think Arlington is dead when it comes to building a stadium there,” McCaffrey said. “There are all sorts of political games being played. I don't think the situation is as definitive as they made it sound in that announcement. They are trying to get tax breaks and public funding for a stadium, and the announcement made today is often the sort of thing people do when they are trying to get money.” McCaffrey said he doesn't foresee any scenario where a new buyer would emerge and construct a racetrack on the site. He noted that the current laws in Illinois do not allow for a racino to be built at Arlington. “The Bears completely destructed Arlington and all its accouterments, the water tower, the barns, the dorm rooms, the vets offices, every single piece of anything that was built is gone. It's just a piece of vacant land. The amount of money it would take to rebuild a racetrack, barns, dorm rooms and all else that goes into a racing site would be a gigantic investment.” The post Chicago Bears Reverse Course, Will Not Build Stadium On Arlington Proprety appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Duncker discussed the insight he has gained through his involvement with NYRA, the exciting future of New York racing with the planned opening of the new Belmont Park in 2026, and the emergence of Deterministic, who is trained by Christophe Clement.View the full article