Wandering Eyes

Deterministic was thrust from a relatively unknown maiden winner into the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail spotlight while winning the Gotham Stakes (G3) March 2. However, the horse's potential was no surprise to those who bred and raised him.View the full article

Wagering on U.S. races dipped 2.85% in February, with 11 fewer racing dates, in year-to-year comparisions released Tuesday by Equibase, while through two months of 2024, wagering is down 6.83% with 59 fewer race days than the same period in 2023. Wagering in February totaled $838,195,585, compared to $862,782,585 in February, 2023. Through two months, a total of $1,618,055,698 was wagered in U.S. races. That figure was $1,736,625,054 after two months of 2023. While available purse money increased 6.44% to $86,413,218 in February, that figure year-to-date is down 4.03% to $164,357,301. There were 252 race days in February, compared to 263 in 2023, bringing the year-to-date total to 469 versus 528 a year ago. There were 4,007 races in January and February, compared to 4,508 during that period in 2023. Average field size rose slightly during the first two months of the year, from 7.66 in 2023 to 7.77 in 2024. The post Wagering on U.S. Races Declines in February appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Darley newcomers Modern Games (Ire), Native Trail (GB) and Triple Time (Ire) have all had their first mares scanned in foal, the operation announced on Tuesday. Dalham Hall Stud resident Modern Games won five races at the top level for Charlie Appleby, notably winning at the Breeders' Cup in successive years when landing the Juvenile Turf in 2021 and Mile in 2022. Modern Games is reported to have four mares in foal, including George Strawbridge's G1 Prix Royal-Oak winner Montare (Ire) (Montjeu {GB}), already the dam of three talented performers by Dubawi (Ire)–who is also the sire of Modern Games–namely Journey (GB), Indigo Girl (GB) and Mimikyu (GB). Triple Time, who enjoyed his biggest success when winning last year's G1 Queen Anne S. at Royal Ascot, is also standing his first season at Dalham Hall in 2024 at a fee of £10,000. G2 Lancashire Oaks winner Emirates Queen (GB), a half-sister to Dubawi by Street Cry (Ire), is among the first mares covered by Triple Time to be scanned in foal. Emirates Queen's most notable progeny so far is the multiple Listed winner/Group 1-placed Royal Champion (Ire) (Shamardal). Over in Ireland, Native Trail is new to Kildangan Stud for 2024 following a racing career which saw him crowned Europe's leading two-year-old in 2021 before going on to win the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas at three. The early mares in foal to him include Woodford Farm's Amore Bello (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}), a half-sister to the GIII Miesque S. winner More Than Love (More Than Ready) and from the family of the four-time Group 1 heroine Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never). The post Trio of Darley Stallions Reported to Have First Mares in Foal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The entries for the first two Classics of the season have been released, with 49 horses entered in each of the Qipco 2,000 Guineas and Qipco 1,000 Guineas. The colts will line up at Newmarket on Saturday, May 4 when it is likely that much of the attention will focus on the unbeaten City Of Troy (Justify), who at this stage is the ante-post favourite for the 2,000 Guineas. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, he has left Ireland for two of his three starts to win the G2 Superlative S. at Newmarket's July Course followed by the G1 Dewhurst S. on the Rowley Mile. City Of Troy's stable-mate Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a son of the 1,000 Guineas winner Minding (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), is currently second-favourite and is one of eight entries in the race for the Ballydoyle stable. The other two Irish-trained entries are the G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. winner Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), trained by Adrian Murray, and Jim Bolger's unraced Clean Energy (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}). The G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Rosallion (Ire) could become an important first Classic runner for his sire Blue Point (Ire) and represents Richard Hannon Jr., who won the race 10 years ago with Night Of Thunder (Ire) and also has Son (GB) entered this year. He too is by a second-season sire in Too Darn Hot (GB). In that same category is Sons And Lovers (GB), by Study Of Man (Ire), who is one of four entries for Jane Chapple-Hyam, two of which are owned by former trainer Peter Harris. Charlie Appleby has three colts entered led by the G1 Kameko Futurity Trophy winner Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Saaeed Bin Suroor, who won last year's 1,000 Guineas with Mawj (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), has one of the Godophin quartet, Olympic Candle (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}). Eve Johnson Houghton has entered Mister Sketch (GB) (Territories {Ire}) for Wathnan Racing and the G3 Acomb S. winner Indian Run (Ire) (Sioux Nation) for the Bronte Collection, while David Menuisier has three colts entered including the G1 Criterium International winner Sunway (Fr) (Galiway {GB}). Aidan O'Brien is also the trainer of the favourite for the following day's 1,000 Guineas, Opera Singer. Like City Of Troy, she is by Coolmore's American-based sire and Triple Crown winner Justify, and she won last season's G1 Prix Marcel Boussac. Opera Singer is one of 16 Irish-trained fillies engaged in the race, including eight from her own stable, while Paddy Twomey could have two runners, Purple Lily (Ire) (Calyx {Ire}) and One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), and Natalia Lupini has her first Classic entrant in Kitty Rose (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}). Ollie Sangster is another young trainer with a frost Classic hope in Shuwari (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), along with Amy Murphy, the trainer of Needlepoint (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}). The G1 Moyglare Stud S. winner Fallen Angel (GB) is currently the leading British-trained hope and is one of two entries for her trainer Karl Burke along with Darnation (Ire). Both fillies are by Too Darn Hot. Fallen Angel represents Steve Parkin's Clipper Logistics, which also has the William Haggas-trained Love Dynasty (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}) engaged in the 1,000 Guineas. Among the four fillies entered from the John and Thady Gosden stable is Cheveley Park Stud's Listed winner Regal Jubilee (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Christopher Head is the sole French trainer with an entry and she is another daughter of Justify, Ramatuelle, who was only narrowly beaten by Vandeek (GB) in the G1 Prix Morny. The post Justify and O’Brien Dominate Guineas Entries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gaurav Rampal has been appointed as the Tattersalls representative in India, the sales company announced on Tuesday. Firmly established as a leading bloodstock agent in India, Rampal has a client base which includes Dr Cyrus Poonawalla–who now stands Richard Hannon's multiple Group 2 winner Chindit (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) at his Poonawalla Stud–plus Khushroo Dhunjibhoy and Shyam Ruia, both of whom have also been big buyers abroad. Rampal, who had previously received an education in European bloodstock from Anthony Stroud, Ted Voute and James Underwood, covers all aspects of bloodstock consultancy work and also acts as an auctioneer and shipping agent. Edward Mahony, Tattersalls chairman, said, “Gaurav is a great addition to the Tattersalls team of overseas representatives and his appointment demonstrates the importance we place on promoting Tattersalls and particularly the December Mares Sale throughout India. “Well-known and hugely respected in the Indian racing and bloodstock industry, Gaurav brings a wealth of experience to the role and his knowledge and extensive contacts in India will be invaluable as we look to promote all Tattersalls sales to as wide an international audience as possible.” Rampal, who has an MBA in Marketing and Finance, added, “Tattersalls and the December Mares Sale have played hugely important roles in the development of the Indian thoroughbred, and the victories of recent Indian Derby and Oaks winners Enabler and Jendayi, both out of mares purchased at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale, bear testament to that. “Tattersalls is widely regarded as the European market-leader with a reputation for outstanding customer service and I am thrilled to be joining the Tattersalls team and looking forward to encouraging even more Indian buyers to visit Tattersalls.” The post Rampal Named Tattersalls Representative in India appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Queen Goddess, a grade 1 winner for trainer Michael McCarthy, has been recently retired. Co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners announced the news the afternoon of March 4 over the social media platform known as X.View the full article

The 11th Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit will be held June 25 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Longship Room at Kroger Field on the campus of the University of Kentucky. The event, which is free and open to the public, will be co-hosted by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and The Jockey Club. Annise Montplaisir, equine education coordinator of the Kentucky Equine Education Project Foundation and president of Amplify Horse Racing, will emcee the event, which will be livestreamed. Topics for the summit include a presentation by Dr. Tim Parkin on the latest statistics from the Equine Injury Database, work being done by state veterinarians, harmonizing pre-race inspections, track surfaces, and other issues affecting horse safety. “Keeneland has always been a great host. When its construction coincided with this year's summit, Dr. Nancy Cox, dean of the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, immediately stepped up to host the summit,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation and deputy executive director of The Jockey Club. “Dr. Cox and UK have been great partners with The Jockey Club and Grayson on multiple projects, and we look forward to working with them on our 2024 summit. I am certain they will be an excellent host.” The post Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit to be Held at UK appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of €3 million will be added to the prize-money of Irish races in 2024 by the Irish European Breeders' Fund (Irish EBF), an all-time record high and bringing the Irish EBF's overall contribution since it was founded in 1983 to over €60 million. Almost 500 races, both Flat and National Hunt, will carry EBF conditions in 2024. A new addition to the calendar this year is the €330,000 3YO Spring Series, with the €200,000 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Gowran Classic as its showpiece. The considerable spend of €3 million has also allowed the Irish EBF to underwrite all two-year-old EBF maiden races with €18,000 of minimum prize-money and all EBF maiden hurdles and beginners chases with a €15,000 minimum prize-fund. This compliments the 2023 announcement where all Listed races are worth a minimum of €40,000 and all fillies' Listed races are worth a minimum of €50,000. The Irish EBF Auction Series and the Median Sires Series continue with €1.7 million of prize-money on offer to two-year-olds. The Irish EBF Ballyhane S. is worth €300,000 alone, while the Irish EBF Auction Series Final has a total prize-fund of €120,000. National Hunt support continues with about 50% of the National Hunt allocation targeted at mares' chases, hurdle and bumper races. Irish EBF will also continue to back the Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series, worth nearly €400,000 with 16 qualifying races and a €75,000 final at the Punchestown Festival which is backed up by the Irish EBF Auction Bumper Series with six races worth €15,000 each over the season. Joe Foley, Irish EBF chairman, said, “The Irish EBF governors are delighted to announce another record contribution to Irish prize-money for the 2024 racing year. This will allow us to continue our normal sponsorship programme spanning almost 500 races but also to add extra support in many areas. “All Irish EBF two-year-olds maidens carrying a minimum €18,000 prize-money is a significant achievement but other areas such as Listed races, maiden hurdles, beginners chases and the exciting new 3YO Spring Series, which culminates in the €200,000 Irish Stallion Farms Gowran Classic, will benefit from our increased spend. “We look forward to seeing the 3YO Spring Series for middle distance horses grow and develop and hope that it becomes as successful and popular as our 2YO series; the Irish EBF Auction Series and the Irish EBF Median Sires Series. As ever, this record contribution would not be possible without the unanimous support and funding from Irish stallion owners, so immense thanks is due to them.” Jonathan Mullin, director of racing at Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), added, “The Irish EBF has long been the largest sponsor of Irish racing and HRI is hugely appreciative of their long-standing investment, which is underpinned by voluntary contributions from stallion farms all over Ireland. “The commitment of €3 million towards prize-money includes a key project in 2024: the first year of targeted support for later developing middle distance horses. This initiative is the latest in over forty years of dedicated support from the EBF and for that we thank them sincerely.” The post All-Time Record High of €3 Million for Irish EBF Sponsorship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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

BloodHorse Interview: Rich Mendez of Morplay RacingView the full article

The All-Star Mile push by connections of Ayrton (NZ) (Iffraaj) has paid off, with the six-year-old securing a slot in this year’s race. Trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, as well as owners Roll the Dice Racing, had been pushing for a spot in the race following his luckless third in the win-and-you’re-in Blamey Stakes last Saturday. He is joined by New Zealand galloper Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) in gaining a berth in the race. “Ayrton’s owners made a highly convincing case for him and given his track record at Caulfield, where he has produced three Stakes wins, it made a lot of sense to award him a wildcard,” said Matt Welsh, Racing Victoria’s Executive General Manager – Racing. “Ayrton arguably would have won the Blamey Stakes with clean air and it would be no surprise to see him run a big race at Caulfield on 16 March.” Andrew Forsman-trained Aegon was most recently seen running second in Group One company in New Zealand. He will be joined by compatriot Desert Lightning (NZ) (Pride of Dubai) in the race. “Aegon bounced back to something like his best in New Zealand last start. He brings recent Group 1 form to the race, and his best form would see him most competitive in this year’s All-Star Mile,” Welsh said. Confirmed All-Star Mile runners (nine): Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai), Desert Lightning, Munhamek (Dark Angel), Buffalo River (Noble Mission), Dom To Shoot (Shooting To Win), Cascadian (New Approach), Ayrton, Aegon. Those with a ticket, yet to confirm (three): Southport Tycoon (Written Tycoon), Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto), Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel). View the full article

Peter Moody knows he needs to have stable star I Wish I Win (NZ) (Savabeel) rock-hard fit and ready to go ahead of a likely first-up defence of the Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) in Sydney. The five-year-old came from last to win last year’s edition on testing heavy ground and Moody says his superstar galloper will be ready should similar conditions arise again this year. “That early April period around Easter in Sydney can quite often present a bit of wet ground, which he handles, but I’m mindful that I want to have him pretty forward because I don’t want him going there – let’s hope it’s not the case for racing’s sake, but if you end up on a Heavy 10, you don’t want to drag the guts out of him,” Moody said. I Wish I Win’s fitness took another step on Tuesday morning with an 800-metre jumpout at Pakenham. Will Price was in the saddle with Luke Nolen sidelined by injury and he gave the gelding a quiet time, running on to finish third in a heat which featured talented stablemates She Dances (Street Boss) and Pounding (Exceed and Excel). “Thought it was very pleasing, he carried a featherweight in Will Price, be like carrying a postage stamp compared to Luke Nolen I’d imagine,” Moody said with a laugh. “He just settled out the back and ran home nicely. It’s always nice to trial in a heat where there’s a competitiveness about it instead of just dawdling along, without being asked he lengthened and stretched to the line and rounded off. “More pleasing was the way he pulled up, the report from Will was very positive. “He’s really come up nicely, he’s very clean in the wind, very clean in his action, just seems to be enjoying life.” View the full article

When trainer Chad Ormsby sold Master Fay (Deep Field) to Hong Kong, he was expecting the horse to potentially develop into a champion sprinter. Ormsby was over the moon when Master Fay scored at his Hong Kong debut on New Year’s Day in 2021 and was eagerly awaiting to see when the gelding would next appear. Unfortunately, that day did not eventuate again in Hong Kong, and Master Fay was finally sent back to Ormsby where he made a racetrack return just over three years after that debut success. “I sent him up to Hong Kong confident he would break records up there,” Ormsby said. “I thought he could be Sprinter of the Year, Horse of the Year, and when he won his first start, I thought wow, he’s on the right track.” With two wins from his two starts in New Zealand, Ormsby has brought Master Fay across to Melbourne to contest one of Australia’s premier, and toughest sprints, the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) at Flemington on Saturday. It is a tough ask for Master Fay to compete against the top level at just his fourth start, but Ormsby has that confidence in the gelding. Ormsby said Master Fay was potentially the best horse he has worked with in a career that has seen him as a jockey and trainer, including a stint in a training partnership with his father-in-law, Mike Moroney, who won the Newmarket with Roch ‘N’ Horse (NZ) (Per Incanto) at her Australian debut in 2022. “Personally, I think he’s right up there, but we won’t know until we try as there’s some special horses in the race,” Ormsby said. “He’s got raw ability and I have not ridden a horse that is so fast. “I’ve ridden plenty of Group One horses and he’s on another level and I don’t think I’ve felt the best of him yet. “He’s only having his fourth start and that makes us a little bit nervous. Maybe we’re throwing him in the deep end too soon, but I don’t think so. “He is an older horse and I think he can prove up to it.” Ormsby said he was unsure whether Master Fay would make it back to the racetrack when he first arrived back from Hong Kong with a few niggling problems. Luckily, Ormsby said, everything fell into place, although Master Fay did pull-up lame in a hind-leg after his win at Ellerslie on January 27. “It was almost like a tie up,” Ormsby said. “We ran a blood, and he had a high muscle enzyme. “He’s like an ADHD child, he gets over excited and can’t stand still. He’s like that in his races, he can get over eager at times. “By the time he got home after that last start, he was fine.” Ormsby had considered a start in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield last month and the ATA Bob Hoysted Handicap at Flemington later this month, but felt Saturday’s race, timing wise, is a perfect fit for Master Fay. View the full article

Waverley trainer Harvey Wilson. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Australian stallion Pariah is living up to his name across the Tasman, with the former Arrowfield Stud stallion set to have just his third New Zealand runner at Otaki on Wednesday. Andersons Bay will make his debut for trainer Harvey Wilson, who came about the now four-year-old gelding through his association with leading jumps jockey turned trainer Shaun Phelan. Purchased out of Riversley Park’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale draft for $160,000 as a Hong Kong prospect, Andersons Bay continued his early preparation with Jim Collett, but it soon became apparent that he didn’t fit the mould to send to the competitive racing jurisdiction. He was subsequently sent to Phelan, who felt he was better placed with Wilson at his Waverley property. “He is a big horse and I think they felt he was too big to go up there (Hong Kong), so he was offered to Shaun Phelan and he was redirected to us,” Wilson said. “We have had him for about 18 months now. He was very well educated, Jim Collett had done a great job.” By a Group One performed sprinter, Andersons Bay was bred to thrive over shorter distances, but Wilson gets the feeling his gelding will be suited over more ground. “He is a very nice moving horse and is a nice horse to ride. The Pariahs are sprinters, but he gives you the impression that he is a stayer. We will see what happens,” he said. Andersons Bay takes winning trial form into Wednesday, having won his 1000m heat at Foxton last month, and Wilson is hoping the inclement weather doesn’t persist. “We hope there isn’t too much rain because he would prefer a better track, but hopefully the track won’t be too bad,” he said. “It was a good win at the trials. I don’t know how strong the field was, but he won, so that was the main thing.” A noted trainer of jumpers, Wilson is unsure whether Andersons Bay will follow that path, but he said time will be the judge of that. “We will see what happens. He is a big, leggy horse, but whether he is a jumping type I am not too sure, but you never know,” he said. “He has done a little bit of playing around and popping over the odd jump, but nothing serious. We will play around with him and do a bit of jumping with him and see where we get.” Meanwhile, Wilson has been pleased with the progress of his current two jumpers, Password and Aongatete Express, and is hoping recent stable acquisition Mandalo will join them over the fences this season. “We have got two and a half jumpers ready to go and five in work, so that keeps us busy,” Wilson said. “We would hope to have Password and Aongatete Express ready for the early chases. They are both well. We will start off with the steeplechase at Te Rapa in early May and then if all goes well we would go to the Manawatu Chase at Wellington and take it as it comes. If things progress then we will go up, if they don’t go so well then we will go down. “We have got another five-year-old called Mandalo that we hope to jump this year.” While looking forward to the jumps season with his horses, Wilson said the lack of jumps jockeys is proving to be a big concern. “There is a real shortage of jockeys for jumping, which is a big worry,” he said. “I think Paul Nelson (trainer) is bringing one over from the UK. It would be nice to think we would have one or two more come over, but we are a bit short on jockeys.” Horse racing news View the full article

Victor The Winner is a seven-time winner in Hong Kong. Derek Leung is excited to test his skills overseas again. The 35-year-old gets the opportunity in the Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) on March 24 at Chukyo when Victor The Winner ships east to Japan for trainer Danny Shum. “It’s a great opportunity and it’s come at the right time. The horse is fit and well, it’s just that it’s a left-turning course and the pace could be different. I’ll do more homework and trust the horse,” Leung said. Victor The Winner finished first on Tuesday morning at Sha Tin ahead of his planned departure next Tuesday, clocking 57.92s over 1000m on turf as he had his patience tested with a different set of racing manners. “It was good. We trialled to keep his fitness up and we are bit concerned in Japan if someone tries to lead and go crazy in front, so we just wanted to see him sit behind and see how he would respond. “He was very lucky, one horse (Ka Ying Warrior) went forward this morning and we tried to let him find cover. He didn’t like the kickback at first, it shocked him, but then he dropped his head, balanced up and went smoothly. He kept his momentum, he’s fit and he’s well,” Leung said. Leung is the winner of almost 450 races in Hong Kong. He’s a two-time Tony Cruz Award recipient (2016/17 & 2017/18). His most recent campaigns abroad in 2018 saw him finish second in South Korea, while in Dubai he was unseated at the start. “I’ve ridden in Korea, Dubai, New Zealand, France, England and Australia. During COVID we couldn’t leave, so it’s quite exciting and it’s a good time go. He’s a fit horse, a Group 1 winner, straightforward and it depends on the conditions on the day,” Leung said. The Toronado gelding won the HK$13 million Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) from the front with Leung last month. The speedster will skip Sunday’s HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin. “He’s not only a leader. Everyone says if someone passes him, he will stop but with cover, he loves to chase. I’m not concerned if he gets in the box seat, he just needs to travel smooth,” Leung said. Aerovelocity is the only winner for Hong Kong in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, taking the contest in 2015 for jockey Zac Purton and former trainer Paul O’Sullivan. Horse racing news View the full article

Caspar Fownes to determine ‘where we are on the world stage’ with stable star at Meydan next monthView the full article

Tauranga trainer Antony Fuller is hoping history repeats itself on Saturday when he takes Roger That (NZ) (Shinko King) north to Ellerslie to contest the Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m). The now 11-year-old gelding caused an upset in the race in 2020 when taking out the then Group One feature at odds of 40-1. He readied for the race with a runner-up performance in the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m), and for the first time in four years, Fuller elected to follow that lead-in path to the Cup this year as opposed to the traditional Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) route. Roger That finished fifth behind Saint Alice (So You Think) in last month’s Kaimai Stakes at Matamata, giving Fuller confidence to press on for his sixth attempt at the time-honoured race. “His run in the Kaimai was very pleasing,” Fuller said. “He probably went a bit keener than we would have liked early. He certainty didn’t give in and battled on well, which is what you need for a stayer. “He has come through it well, he has been working really well, we are very pleased with him. It seems like he is peaking at the right time.” “He only has 52kg on his back (on Saturday), so you never know.” Fuller will also be represented in the Auckland Cup by Khan Hunter (NZ) (Mongolian Khan), a massive achievement for the Bay of Plenty horseman who only has four horses in work Khan Hunter has been in fine form this season, finishing runner-up behind Trust In You (NZ) (Sweynesse) in the Gr.3 Queen Elizabth II Cup (2400m) at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day and ran fourth in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m) at Ellerslie last month. Fuller has been pleased with Khan Hunter this season, but admits it has been a long campaign and his charge is on weary legs heading into the Cup. “He has been up a long time,” he said. “We freshened him up after the QEII. He had a run at Matamata, which we were a bit ho-hum about, and then he went a lot better in the Avondale Cup, so we have pressed on with him. “The QEII and Avondale Cup were always his aim. We put him in the Auckland Cup just in case he happened to keep going. He has been up a while, but he is in it, so we are going to have a go. “Fingers-crossed one of them makes the day worthwhile. We are thinking Roger is the one more one target for it, so we will see what happens.” While Khan Hunter will be going out for a break after his weekend assignment, Fuller said they will likely press on with Roger That, with the Gr.3 Rotorua Cup (2200m) in May a potential target. “Khan Hunter will definitely have a freshen-up,” he said. “I would say Roger will kick on with it because he still has a lot of spring in his step. If he keeps going well, we will look at the Rotorua Cup again, he seems to go well on that course.” View the full article

Australian stallion Pariah is living up to his name across the Tasman, with the former Arrowfield Stud stallion set to have just his third New Zealand runner at Otaki on Wednesday. Andersons Bay (Pariah) will make his debut in the Farmlands Otaki Maiden (1400m) for trainer Harvey Wilson, who came about the now four-year-old gelding through his association with leading jumps jockey turned trainer Shaun Phelan. Purchased out of Riversley Park’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale draft for $160,000 as a Hong Kong prospect, Andersons Bay continued his early preparation with Jim Collet, but it soon became apparent that he didn’t fit the mould to send to the competitive racing jurisdiction. He was subsequently sent to Phelan, who felt he was better placed with Wilson at his Waverley property. “He is a big horse and I think they felt he was too big to go up there (Hong Kong), so he was offered to Shaun Phelan and he was redirected to us,” Wilson said. “We have had him for about 18 months now. He was very well educated, Jim Collet had done a great job.” By a Group One performed sprinter, Andersons Bay was bred to thrive over shorter distances, but Wilson gets the feeling his gelding will be suited over more ground. “He is a very nice moving horse and is a nice horse to ride. The Pariahs are sprinters, but he gives you the impression that he is a stayer. We will see what happens,” he said. Andersons Bay takes winning trial form into Wednesday, having won his 1000m heat at Foxton last month, and Wilson is hoping the inclement weather doesn’t persist. “We hope there isn’t too much rain because he would prefer a better track, but hopefully the track won’t be too bad,” he said. “It was a good win at the trials. I don’t know how strong the field was, but he won, so that was the main thing.” A noted trainer of jumpers, Wilson is unsure whether Andersons Bay will follow that path, but he said time will be the judge of that. “We will see what happens. He is a big, leggy horse, but whether he is a jumping type I am not too sure, but you never know,” he said. “He has done a little bit of playing around and popping over the odd jump, but nothing serious. We will play around with him and do a bit of jumping with him and see where we get.” Meanwhile, Wilson has been pleased with the progress of his current two jumpers, Password (NZ) (Zed) and Aongatete Express (NZ) (Civics), and is hoping recent stable acquisition Mandalo (NZ) (Ekraar) will join them over the fences this season. “We have got two and a half jumpers ready to go and five in work, so that keeps us busy,” Wilson said. “We would hope to have Password and Aongatete Express ready for the early chases. They are both well. We will start off with the steeplechase at Te Rapa in early May and then if all goes well we would go to the Manawatu Chase at Wellington and take it as it comes. If things progress then we will go up, if they don’t go so well then we will go down. “We have got another five-year-old called Mandalo that we hope to jump this year.” While looking forward to the jumps season with his horses, Wilson said the lack of jumps jockeys is proving to be a big concern. “There is a real shortage of jockeys for jumping, which is a big worry,” he said. “I think Paul Nelson (trainer) is bringing one over from the UK. It would be nice to think we would have one or two more come over, but we are a bit short on jockeys.” View the full article

Champion mare Seachange (NZ) (Cape Cross) was a flagship performer for The Oaks Stud and her legacy continues to be felt on both sides of the Tasman. Bred and raced by the Cambridge nursery, the two-time New Zealand Horse of the Year landed seven Group One titles during her decorated career and the daughter of Cape Cross’ influence remains current. Seachange features prominently in the pedigrees of The Oaks Stud’s Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) runner-up Antrim Coast (NZ) (Roc de Cambes) and farm graduate Drakaina (NZ) (Ace High), successful in the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1400m). “Seachange is 21 now and she was at the (NZB Kiwi) slot auction and we took her to Legends’ Day at Te Rapa and she loves a trip away,” The Oaks General Manager Rick Williams said. “She hasn’t bred for a few years and she hangs around the farm. She’s got a great constitution and the hardest thing is trying to keep the weight off her.” The boom Australian two-year-old Storm Boy (Justify), who continued his unbeaten run in the Gr.2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) at Randwick to tighten his grip on the Gr.1 Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m), is also another high-profile family member. “Antrim Coast is out of Coasting, who is by Sakhee’s Secret and a full-sister to Justa Secret, the dam of the Ace High filly Drakaina,” Williams said. Coasting (NZ) (Sakhee’s Secret) and Justa Secret (NZ) (Sakhee’s Secret) are daughters of Seachange’s half-sister Keepa Cruisin (NZ) (Keeper), winner of the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m). “Storm Boy also continued on his winning way and he’s a grandson of Seachange so the family has gone berserk just lately,” Williams said. While Antrim Coast started at long odds in the Derby, Williams was quietly confident of him figuring in the finish. “I wasn’t surprised and had a significant place bet on him. I said the filly (Orchestral), bar getting knocked over would win comfortably, but the rest were wide open,” he said. “We knew he would stay, he was bang on and he had a draw, which was a massive help to put him in the race and get him closer. “He ran on strongly in a very fast Derby, he doesn’t have the class of the filly and couldn’t have done any better.” The Stephen Marsh-trained Antrim Coast will have a few days off at The Oaks with the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m) a future option for the son of resident stallion Roc De Cambes. “There’s a possibility that there could be some offers, he’s a gelding, so we’ll see what happens,” Williams said. His dam Coasting also has a two-year-old son of Ace High who is currently at The Oaks and will shortly go into work. “Coasting unfortunately died this year and Justa Secret has a Niagara filly called Raziah with Tony Pike and she recently ran second in her first trial,” Williams said. Drakaina was a $3,000 purchase via the Gavelhouse platform and Justa Secret has subsequently produced a colt by Reliable Man, a son of Eminent last year and is in foal to U S Navy Flag. The Oaks’ lucrative weekend also included the homebred Can’t Recall One (NZ) (Reliable Man) successful on debut at Eagle Farm for trainer Stuart Kendrick. The son of Reliable Man and the Darci Brahma mare Recollecting (NZ) is closely related to the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Sentimental Miss (NZ) (Reliable Man) and was a $90,000 purchase at Karaka last year. The farm also races the Pike-trained Vera Rose (NZ), who was a nose off third in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) with the Pike-trained daughter of Fiorente holding a nomination for the Oaks. So too does last-start Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m) runner-up Harlow Rocks (NZ) and the Roc De Cambes filly will step out in take two of the Gr.2 Little Avondale Lowland Stakes (2000m) on Friday. “We’ve got some nice staying horses and she will go to Taupo, but whether she backs up in the Oaks I’m not sure and we’ll take one race at a time,” Williams said. View the full article

Golden Sixty is a 26-time winner in Hong Kong. Golden Sixty completed his most significant piece of trackwork for a long time on Tuesday morning at Sha Tin as trainer Francis Lui hopes for a fairytale finish to his charge’s career in next month’s HK$22 million Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m). “He galloped this morning. It was his first gallop, I think he’s ok – I saw him pass around,” Lui said. “He’s the same at home – a happy horse.” Victorious in the past three editions of the race, Golden Sixty suffered a left fore leg injury at the start of this year, ruling him out of a HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) tilt in January and threatening the eight-year-old’s future. Lui is taking a careful approach with Golden Sixty, who was limited to light work before breezing through today’s gallop under the cover of darkness at Sha Tin. “It’s hard to tell and I will let the horse tell me,” Lui said. Second in Sunday’s HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), Chancheng Glory will press for HK$26 million Hong Kong Derby (2000m) glory on 24 March along with stablemate Speed Dragon. “I think the track bias and as a frontrunner (Chancheng Glory), it suits him and he ran well. Both horses are in good form and I think Chancheng Glory can handle the 2000 metres – he has a big stride. He fights, too,” Lui said. Rolling forward to take up the running, Chancheng Glory was caught late by Helios Express, who scored by a short head over the American-bred son of Mor Spirit. Speed Dragon finished ninth as a +1600 chance in the contest, while Chancheng Glory was sent around at odds of +5100. Douglas Whyte will saddle debutant Ace Power at Happy Valley on Wednesday night with jockey Harry Bentley up. “He’s a nice horse. He does everything professionally and he hasn’t put a foot wrong since the day he stepped into my yard. He’s ready for his first race, he’s going to need this run – he needs the experience and he hasn’t been wound up,” Whyte said. The three-year-old finished third in a recent barrier trial over the course and distance. “He’s had enough trials and he’s forward enough to go to the races. Fortunately, he has a gate that’s going to help him but he’s a thorough professional and he does everything right,” Whyte said. Ace Power has drawn gate two amongst the field of 12 set for the HK$1.17 million test. “He’s done everything professionally and he is still raw. You’ve seen that in his trials and that’s the reason he takes a bit of time to wind up, but when he gets his momentum going and does wind up then he moves nicely,” the trainer said. Whyte remains pleased with Russian Emperor after his return from Qatar. “He’s come back good. He’s in quarantine at the minute and I thought he ran a terrific race, it was three seconds slower than last year and he came from last – he ran home and earnt prize money,” Whyte said. Russian Emperor galloped on the grass this morning. Horse racing news View the full article

What Pakenham Races Where Pakenham Racecourse – 420 Nar Nar Goon–Longwarry Rd, Tynong VIC 3813 When Thursday, March 7, 2024 First Race 5:45pm AEDT Visit Dabble Another action-packed night of racing heads to Pakenham Racecourse on Thursday for a competitive eight-race card. The track will be a Good 4, with the rail out 9m the entire circuit. Racing is set to commence at 5:45pm AEDT. Best Bet at Pakenham: Never Let Me Go Never Let Me Go was the definition of a good thing beat first-up at the Pakenham 1000m on February 15. She was held up for a run before charging home late to finish second, going down by a long neck behind Zousuko. Drawn in barrier 10 on Thursday, the filly should find clear air at the top of the straight. From there, Never Let Me Go should prove too good for maiden grade. Best Bet Race 3 – #9 Never Let Me Go (10) 3yo Filly | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: Blake Shinn (56kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Pakenham: Flying Knee Clinton McDonald’s Flying Knee was an eye-catching second at the Pakenham 1000m on February 15 and looks well placed to go one better. With plenty of speed drawn underneath him, Craig Newitt can have this guy stalking a hot tempo throughout from barrier seven. Flying Knee will have the drop on his rivals and should prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 4 – #4 Flying Knee (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Craig Newitt (58.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Pakenham: Thinking Rain Thinking Rain was a handy second when stepping up into BM64 at Sandown on February 7. Jumping from barrier five this Thursday, the So You Think mare has the early gate speed to take a sit just off the pace. With a sharp turn of foot and even luck, Thinking Rain can salute in the finale. Best Value Race 8 – #9 Thinking Rain (5) 4yo Mare | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Thomas Stockdale (56.5kg) Bet with Playup Thursday quaddie tips for Pakenham Pakenham quadrella selections Thursday, March 7, 2024 4-8-13-14 1-3-4-6 2-3-8-9 3-5-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Ayrton on the way to the barriers prior to the running of the TAB Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The lineup for the 2024 All-Star Mile (1600m) is taking shape, with the inclusion of New Zealand’s Group 1 victors Aegon and Ayrton, who secured wildcards on Tuesday. Aegon, hailing from trainer Andrew Forsman’s stable, will be making his second consecutive appearance in the All-Star Mile after his recent third-place finish in the Group 1 WFA Classic (1600m). Despite an unplaced performance last year, where he failed to make an impact at Moonee Valley, Aegon is eager for redemption in the $4 million feature at Caulfield on Saturday, March 16. Joining him is fellow Kiwi competitor Desert Lightning, whom he narrowly defeated in Group 1 company behind La Crique. Ayrton, trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr and owned by the Roll The Dice Racing syndicate, has had an impressive record at Caulfield, with six out of his nine victories achieved at the course. Despite facing a near-fatal spider bite setback, the resilient six-year-old gelding, guided by jockey Jamie Kah, has continued to defy expectations. Ayrton’s standout performance in the recent Blamey Stakes (1600m), where he was unlucky due to lack of running room, showcased his potential for the All-Star Mile. His consistent form, highlighted by a victory in the Listed Barton Stakes (1400m) earlier this year and a commendable run in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m), has earned him a well-deserved wildcard entry into the race. Horse racing bookmakers have both Aegon and Ayrton rated as a +1400 chance for the 2024 All-Star Mile. Horse racing news View the full article

With a strong first day program which ran the gambit from the centrality of horse racing's societal license to the destructive use of xylazine to an update from the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit, horse racing investigators at the annual Organization of Racing Investigators were immersed in some of the most pressing issues affecting the sport. Hosted by Parx Racing and sponsored by everyone from Keeneland to the Breeders' Cup, over 100 specialists who protect racetracks in America and several other countries, listened, asked questions and made connections, all in the service of equine athletes. As one investigator said about why he was in attendance, “We are here to protect those who cannot protect themselves and being in a room with like-minded individuals on our 24/7 mission is how we stay ahead.” Each year conference participants swap tradecraft and those conversations lead to communication which crosses jurisdictions. It is a network behind the scenes, and that is why industry afficionados and the public do not necessarily have the opportunity to see the machinery at work. “What we talk about here isn't secret, but our members need to have a degree of anonymity as they liaise with various groups of law enforcement, and that is one of the reasons why we don't open this conference to just anyone,” said this year's conference chairman Jason Klouser. The morning sessions included several case studies about a variety of topics including horse welfare and how investigations have yielded important results. Members of the FBI's Philadelphia Office presented how xylazine used to sedate horses can enter the drug trade on the street illegally. A highlight was the University of Kentucky's Dr. Camie Heleski, who spoke about the need for all horse sports to improve their optics by directly addressing its societal license to operate. In other words, developing categorical areas to focus studies like recognizing physical and emotional stress in horses, what happens to them during the other 23 hours in a day when they are not performing and how tack and equipment can be used differently to improve the overall health of the sport. HIWU's Shawn Loehr and Shaun Richards | J.N. Campbell HIWU's Shawn Loehr and Shaun Richards gave an update concerning their investigative operations. The pair now have four investigators on staff, along with a pair of analysts, and they will be adding more soon. Concerning states that do not have a voluntary agreement with HIWU–like New York or Oklahoma–they explained how they have come to rely on independent contractors and that their developing relationship with ORI members continues to be significant to their operations. “Our mission is to catch doping, protect the horses, serve the Thoroughbred industry, and for instance, our 150 plus barn searches and tip lines continue to yield results,” Loehr said. “ORI is such a valuable resource and being able to talk with them during this conference is essential to our mission.” During the evening, which shifted venues from the Parx racetrack to the casino, an awards banquet included the TDN's CEO/Publisher Sue Finley, who delivered the keynote over the power of integrity and the precarious position news outlets find themselves in when it comes to coverage of horse racing. “Some organizations and individuals accuse us of being pro-HISA,” said Finley, speaking about the importance of independent journalism in horse racing. “The only thing we're accused of more? Is being ANTI-HISA. Sometimes, we write an article which generates complaints from some that we are pro-HISA, while others write us and say we're showing an obvious anti-HISA bias. All from the same article.” The first day activities ended with the awarding of the organization's most prestigious honor which is named for longtime investigator John F. Wayne. The lifetime membership award went to Tampa Bay Downs's Deanna Nicol. ORI's 28th meeting continues on Tuesday, Mar. 5. Click here to access the schedule. The post Investigators Tradecraft Displayed On Day One At Parx Conference appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Regardless of what happens on the first and third Saturdays in May, the June 8 Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course could be the highlight of the 2024 Triple Crown season.View the full article

An accident during the final race March 3 at Fonner Park took the lives of two racehorses and an outrider's pony. Three jockeys and the outrider were hospitalized. One rider broke an arm, another fractured a finger, a third was treated and released.View the full article