Wandering Eyes

Appearing to relish the muddy going at Churchill Downs on Thursday, Theodore George (Curlin—Sweet Tapper, by Tapit) came from off the pace to graduate with a confident 2 ¼-length victory over Cant Stop Munnings (Munnings). Theodore George was seventh in his career debut going 8 1/2 furlongs on the turf here on Nov. 1, was given an 8-1 chance while getting blinkers on for this off-the-turf return. Pinched back at the start, the chestnut settled in a stalking fifth going around the first turn as Bessamay (Oscar Performance) led through an opening quarter mile in :24.66. Still pulling Danny Sheehy along following a modest half in :50.45, the Winchester Place homebred set off after the front runners approaching the quarter pole. Swung out well wide turning for home, he ground his way to the front in the final sixteenth and drew clear to score by 2 1/4 lengths over Cant Stop Munnings. A daughter of Grade I winner Sweet Talker (Stormin Fever), Sweet Tapper also has an unraced juvenile colt by American Pharoah and a yearling filly by War of Will. She was bred back to Gun Runner. 7th-Churchill Downs, $116,963, Msw, 11-20, 3yo/up, 1 1/8m (off turf), 1:52.10, my, 2 1/4 lengths. THEODORE GEORGE (c, 3, Curlin–Sweet Tapper {SW & GSP, $183,231}, by Tapit) Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $70,465. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Winchester Place Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy. The post Curlin’s Theodore George Graduates in the Mud at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spendthrift Farm's Local Knowledge is set to return from an eye-catching debut as an imposing 3-5 morning-line favorite for the $75,000 Juvenile Sprint Stakes Nov. 22 at Gulfstream Park, View the full article

The stallion Chanducoq (lot 709) topped the Arqana Autumn NH Breeding Stock Sale in Deauville on Thursday when selling for €450,000 to Valentin Adam of Adam Bloodstock on behalf of Haras de Cercy's Jacques Cypres. Offered by Haras de la Barbottiere, the 12-year-old is the sire of Grade 3-winning hurdler Rooster Crowning among several other winners. He is also a half-brother to fellow Cercy stallion Cokoriko. “We were keen to get some Voix du Nord blood, as he gave us so much,” said Cypres of the son of Voix Du Nord. “Chanducoq has already produced winners and he's from a great National Hunt maternal line. We'll syndicate him and Haras de Cercy will naturally keep a share.” Second on the buyers' list was the five-year-old mare Verona Du Berlais (Kapgarde) (lot 825), who caught the eye of Guy Petit at €210,000. The Haras du Berlais-consigned mare is a half-sister to Grade 1-winning sire Nirvana Du Berlais (Martaline) and G1 Prix de la Haye Jousselin heroine Toscana Du Berlais (Shantou). Another half-sister, Nice To Meet You (Martaline), is the dam of graded hero and G1 Prix Cambaceres second Nietzsche Has (Zarak). She was sold in foal to Goliath Du Berlais. “It's rare to have this kind of mare on the market,” said Petit. “Her pedigree page is perfect and she has had two updates since the catalogue was published, including Toscana du Berlais's win in the Prix de la Haye Jousselin last weekend. She'll most likely stay in France.” SAS Saubouas Bloodstock snapped up Farah (Cloth Of Stars) (lot 880) for €150,000. A half-sister to graded scorers Paradiso (Kapgarde) and Messagere (Saint Des Saints), the Haras des Pierres Follets-consigned mare is in foal to Doctor Dino. “This mare comes from one of the best National Hunt families and she is in foal to a stallion that doesn't need any introduction,” said Paul Basquin. “I've bought her for a client, and she'll come back to Haras du Saubouas where her offspring will stay in France.” The gross across the four-day Arqana Autumn Sale surpassed €17 million for the first time. On Thursday, a total of 139 lots sold from 217 offered (64%) for a gross of €3,696,000 (+40%). The average rose 30% to €26,590 and the median increased 50% to €15,000. The sales company released a statement from Olivier Delloye, president of Arqana and managing director Freddy Powell which read, “We had a great start to the sale with very strong international demand on the day reserved for horses in training, as evidenced by the 85% clearance rate. The latter was marked by the dissolving of the partnership between the Munir-Souede racing colours and Haras de Saint Voir, which included Mets Ta Ceinture, that achieved an unprecedented top price for a National Hunt filly in Europe when sold for €710,000 to Highflyer Bloodstock, and Merci Mam, sold for €520,000 to the same team. There were also some great prices among the Flat horses, such as Midak and Chibitty, sold for €300,000 and €230,000, respectively to Dermot Farrington. “The rest of the sale was then reserved entirely for jumpers, starting with a small selection of stores. The percentage of horses sold remained solid at 80% in this market segment, and the average price of nearly €23,000 rallied well after a significant decline last year. “The yearling market, meanwhile, saw slightly more mixed results. Despite an increase in lots, the average price of nearly €30,000 remained unchanged compared to last year, and the percentage of horses sold increased by four points to 68%. There were some excellent sales for well-bred lots, such as the son of Doctor Dino consigned by Windermere Stud that sold for €160,000 to Nat Barnett. “The breeding section continued in the same vein, with excellent results for top quality such as Verona Du Berlais, purchased for €210,000 by Guy Petit, and the stallion Chanducoq, sold for €450,000 today, that will now join Haras de Cercy.” The post Arqana Autumn NH Breeding Stock Sale Topped By €450k Chanducoq appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Annabel and Rob Archibald will bid for back-to-back Railway Stakes (G1) victories Nov. 22 when Queensland Guineas (G2) winner Depth Of Character takes his place in the Ascot feature. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Nathan Williamson is seeking a different kind of Group 1 winning feeling at Addington tonight. Williamson enjoyed dual Group 1 success during New Zealand Cup Week, though not in his colours. The Southern horseman is the breeder of Aussie trotting star Gus, who won both the Dominion Trot and the New Zealand Trotting Free-For-All during an epic raid on his homeland. While it may have appeared to many that Williamson enjoyed a handy Cup Week with decent results, behind the scenes it has been a chaotic month for the trainer. “Just about everything that could go wrong has gone wrong with every horse.” “It has just been one of those runs you can have with racehorses, little things here and there, but they have come at the worst time of year.” “Everyone runs into issues behind the scenes, we are no different to anyone else, so you carry on and do your best.” Captains Mistress has been among those horses hit with setbacks, which meant she went into last week’s THE VELOCITY first-up since July. And it means the filly will tackle the 2600m of the Group 1 New Zealand Oaks second-up (8.07pm). While far from ideal, Williamson has not lost any faith in his filly. “I personally think she is the best filly in New Zealand,” Williamson said. “That is my opinion and I say it with full respect for the other very good fillies she will be racing.” “I am sure some of their trainers will think the same thing about their horses.” “I just know what she is capable of.” “Things haven’t quite gone to plan recently.” “The original idea was to go to Ashburton and qualify for the Nevele R Final, so she would be third-up in the Oaks with a trial under her belt as well.” “But we are here now and she is as well and as forward as we can get her.” Captains Mistress’ return to racing last week came in one of the most epic battles of three-year-old boys in recent times. Though soundly beaten behind Got The Chocolates and Marketplace, there was good merit in her sixth placing. “I was quite happy with her effort, when the acid came on it was only race fitness that cost her that last bit.” “She is certainly going to be no worse this week and I am hopeful that run will have brought her on.” “She’s had a quiet time of it this week, she ran record times for a filly last week so we have recharged the batteries so she can go again on Friday night.” Williamson starts three runners at Group 1 level at Addington with Dreams Are Free in The Christian Cullen and Always Dreaming in the New Zealand Derby. Hidden Talent also starts in the Group 2 Worthy Queen. The winning feeling, if any of his four starters get up, will be a little different to the thrill of Gus’ recent wins. While delighted to have bred and developed a genuine trotting star, Williamson was thrilled that broodmare Kylie Ree’s name was put up in lights. “I was thrilled for Kylie Ree because we lost her not long after she foaled Gus, after she took ill.” “I was fortunate enough that Brian McCully gave us the opportunity to breed from her.” “She was a nice racehorse and a lovely mare who did a great job.” Williamson and wife Katie have three broodmares that are currently active, including a daughter of Kylie Ree in Hawaiian Hula. View the full article

A Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit arbitrator suspended trainer Antonio Meraz and fined him $5,000 after one of his winning horses at Mahoning Valley Racecourse, Isaul Gonzalez's First Kitten, tested above the limit for cobalt.View the full article

Back in the summer of 2024, the ubiquitous type 2 diabetes drug metformin was having an oversized impact on the sport. As a banned substance, a metformin overage came with a maximum two-year ban and $25,000 fine. Among the seven metformin cases adjudicated by June of last year, the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) had meted out three hefty suspensions including one for the maximum two years. The crux of the controversy was this: While regulators said that they had received intelligence metformin was being abused as a potential performance enhancer, horsemen's groups voiced concern that because metformin is one of the most prescribed drugs in the U.S., the rules didn't account for the risk of environmental contamination. There were other key issues. When the Horseracing Integrity Act's anti-doping and medication control's (ADMC) program first went into effect in May of 2023, a metformin case went forward for adjudication if an individual laboratory was able to detect the substance. Towards the end of 2023, however, internal reviews of the (at the time) six HIWU-contracted laboratories uncovered different limits of detection in blood for metformin. Indeed, all metformin positives up to that point originated from just the one lab. To rectify the problem, HIWU harmonized “testing sensitivity” across its contracted labs, to ensure they were screening for metformin at the same levels: 0.5 nanograms per milliliter in blood and 1 nanogram per milliliter in urine. But were those the right levels to balance regulatory integrity and fairness to the trainers? In early June of last year, HIWU stayed the prosecution of all unresolved and new cases involving potential metformin “presence” violations. At the same time, the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium's (RMTC) Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) began the formal process of trying to answer that key question. After first performing an initial review of the existing scientific literature, they then gathered together a team of researchers who performed a three-part study. The result, announced earlier this week, was a recommended Minimum Reporting Level (MRL) of 4.0 nanograms per milliliter in blood. The researchers didn't recommend using urine as a suitable testing sample due to what a HIWU press release described as “an erratic elimination behavior in urine and an inconsistent relationship between urine and blood concentrations.” Until the three papers that have come out of this process are published, the details surrounding the findings will be limited. But here's what is currently known. Sarah Andrew What do we know about the studies performed? Not a whole lot at the moment. The three-part study was led by Dr. Heather Knych, who is with the K.L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of California (UC), Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. RMTC executive director Michael Hardy (who is also HIWU's acting chief of science) said he was unable to discuss the study parameters and findings until they were published. However, the press release offers a few important clues, including what appears a tacit nod to the potential for horses to test positive for metformin after eating tainted bedding. One paper, “Metformin in the Horse: Pharmacokinetics and Detection Times Using Monte Carlo Simulations,” has been accepted for publication. It reportedly describes the pharmacokinetics (i.e., how the body interacts with a substance) of metformin following a single intravenous and oral administration in the horse, as well as the “pharmacokinetics of metformin in various blood matrices.” But the paper also looks at the “potential for detection of metformin in blood and urine samples following a horse's exposure to metformin-contaminated urine and shavings,” according to the press release. While Hardy said he wasn't able to confirm that metformin had been detected in horses that had consumed shavings soaked with metformin-spiked urine, it appears very revealing that the recommended 4.0 nanograms per milliliter level in blood was landed upon in part to minimize the “possibility of a reported [Adverse Analytical Finding] due to inadvertent exposure.” Is metformin a performance enhancer? As part of a lengthy dive into metformin during the summer of 2024, the TDN sought to find out if metformin was a performance enhancer in racehorses. The result was inconclusive. Because Monday's press release doesn't mention whether the three-pronged study answers that question, the TDN asked Hardy if the RMTC was able to make that determination instead. Hardy emailed this response: “RMTC's Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) did acknowledge that Metformin has the potential to enhance performance in the racehorse through the physiologic mechanisms of enhancing glucose utilization in muscle cells and providing more energy for exercise, enhancing fat oxidation or the use of fat as a fuel source for exercise, and reducing body fat resulting in weight loss.” What proof is there that metformin is being intentionally administered to racehorses? Federal regulators repeatedly mentioned receipt of intelligence trainers have intentionally administered metformin to horses to try to enhance performance. Has HIWU got actual proof of this? In answer, a HIWU spokesperson wrote that the agency “cannot comment on the intelligence we have received regarding metformin. However, there is currently a pending case against a trainer for Possessing metformin in a manner indicative of intentional use in racehorses.” Jonathan Wong | Benoit Would the seven prior metformin cases already adjudicated have been pursued as cases under the proposed MRL? In short, no. There were seven metformin “presence” cases adjudicated prior to HISA and HIWU announcing the RMTC study and staying any unresolved and new cases. Importantly, a HIWU spokesperson said that all seven cases had metformin in the blood at levels under the new proposed reporting level. What happened in those seven cases? Trainer Jonathan Wong was issued a two-year suspension and fined $25,000. The level of metformin in Wong's case was 630 picograms per milliliter (pg/ml) in blood, which is 0.63 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). Trainer Angel Sanchez was issued an 18-month suspension and fined $12,500. The publicly available case resolution doesn't show the level of the detected metformin, but it does explain that the metformin was found in a post-race urine sample. Trainer Michael Lauer was banned 75-days and fined $2,600. Once again, the publicly available case resolution doesn't include what level of metformin was detected, but the matrix was a post-race urine sample. Four cases have been resolved with no sanctions to the trainer, though in one case, that was because the B sample had insufficient volume for analysis. In another case, the trainer passed away before a formal hearing. Are any of the unresolved cases above the recommended reporting level? That's currently unclear. There are currently nine unresolved metformin cases. According to HIWU, they will continue to be stayed pending the Federal Trade Commission's approval of the new MRL. As per Monday's press release, “if approved, this change will not impact cases that were resolved prior to the June 2024 announcement and involved violations of the rules and testing specifications in effect at the time.” Asked about the metformin blood levels in the stayed cases, A HIWU spokesperson wrote that HIWU cannot currently disclose that information. “If the FTC approves the proposed Minimum Reporting Level (MRL), cases below the new MRL will be withdrawn at that time and updated on the HIWU website. Stayed cases that are not affected by the proposed MRL will continue through the adjudication process upon the FTC's approval of the rules, and their status will be updated on the HIWU website once resolved,” the spokesperson added. What scientific research did HIWU use to guide its approach? Pre-HISA, the Association of Racing Commissioners International's (ARCI) classed the drug a category 2 penalty B substance, which came with a 15-day suspension or 60-days with aggravating circumstances) for a first-time offense. There was no published testing specification for metformin, which meant that reported findings were determined by an individual laboratory's limit of detection for the substance (which meant that varied lab-to-lab). According to the ARCI, of the sanctions meted out for the metformin cases pre-HISA, the most severe was a 15-day suspension (and $2,000 fine) handed to Wesley Ward in 2023, along with a separate $5,000 fine (and 5-day suspension) handed to Ward in 2022. Given this, what science did HIWU use to guide its approach? A HIWU spokesperson responded with the following statement: “HIWU has the discretion to test for Banned Substances down to a laboratory's individual Limit of Detection because a Banned Substance should not be in a racehorse for any reason. “HISA/HIWU based initial regulation of metformin on the Program laboratories' Limit of Detection since there were no established testing specifications for metformin under ARCI rules or other jurisdictions internationally. “Later, HIWU directed the harmonization of testing specifications for metformin among Program laboratories in October 2023 based on the capabilities of the labs.” Does HISA/HIWU regret its initial approach to regulating metformin? Given how in all the seven adjudicated cases, metformin blood levels were below the recommended reporting level, does HIWU regret its initial hardline approach? A HIWU spokesperson responded, “metformin has no valid veterinary use in the racehorse and remains a Banned Substance under the ADMC Program, aligning with the ARCI's classification of metformin as a Prohibited Substance. “HISA and HIWU's request of the RMTC to review metformin and the subsequent proposed Minimum Reporting Level (4.0 nanograms per milliliter in blood) based on the research performed tracks with HISA and HIWU's mandate to ensure that regulations are science-based while prioritizing safety, integrity, welfare, and fairness. “While testing at 0.5 nanograms per milliliter in blood and 1 nanogram per milliliter in urine, there have been zero reported Adverse Analytical Findings for metformin in 2025, suggesting that horsemen have demonstrated that they are able to minimize the risk of exposure to this substance,” the spokesperson added. The post Picture On Metformin Getting Clearer, But Questions Remain appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

AMO Racing's Britain (Quality Road–Toasting, by Congrats) made her second start a winning won, striding home a comfortable two-length winner at Aqueduct on Thursday afternoon. Debuting with a third behind next-out stakes winner Shilling (Global Campaign) over this track and trip on Oct. 16, she was installed the 3-5 choice to get it done in this second go. A tad tardy off the blocks, the pricey New York-bred filly inched her way into contention along the inside as Backstreets (Connect) cut out an opening quarter mile in :23.08. Starting to gear up through a :47.14 half mile, Britain was shifted to the pacesetter's outside turning for home, took over in the stretch and drew off to win by a solid two-length margin over Interstatelovesong (Bolt d'Oro). Fellow Chad Brown runner Pomerance (Curlin) was third. Out of MSW and GISP Toasting, Britain has a yearling younger brother by Uncle Mo. Toasting was bred back to Cody's Wish on the latest cover. A $350,000 FTSAUG yearling purchase, the filly realized $1,050,000 at this year's OBSMAR Sale. 1st-Aqueduct, $82,450, Msw, 11-20, 2yo, f, 7f, 1:23.95, ft, 2 lengths. BRITAIN (f, 2, Quality Road–Toasting {MSW & GISP-USA, GSP-Can, $565,035}, by Congrats) Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $56,950. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Amo Racing USA LLC; B-3C Stables, LLC (NY); T-Chad C. Brown. The post $1.05M OBS March Grad Britain Gets Off the Mark at the Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

France Galop received a trio of awards including the Grand Prix of Sport Business 2025 for their 'Horses in the City' event at CNOSF on Wednesday evening. The Grand Prix of Sport Business recognises the best initiatives and activations led by public and private stakeholders in support of sport and its ecosystem in France. They also received the Prix Or, for the best event activation in support of sport, and the Prix Argent for Best Marketing by a sports organisation, for its sportainement strategy to reconnect the French public with horse racing. The 'Horses in the City' took placewhich took place at the Place de la Concorde in Paris on September 5-6, under the high patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture. The event was supported by the Paris City Hall, the FNCH (French Federation of Horse Racing), the AFASEC (Association for training and social support of horse racing staff) and the association of Au-delà des Pistes. Guillaume de Saint-Seine, the president of France Galop said, “France Galop and all the teams are very honoured to receive these three trophies that recognise our daily commitment to horse racing and our ability to create engaging experiences around major racing events. With the inaugural edition of 'Horses in the City' we aimed to engage Parisians at the Place de la Concorde, in line with our mission to bring racing back into the hearts of the French people. These awards bring pride to the entire industry and inspire us to keep offering unique experiences at our racecourses.” The post France Galop Wins Three Awards, As ‘Horses In The City’ Honoured With Grand Prix of Sport Business appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There can be few forces more unstoppable than a stallion on fire and Yeomanstown Stud's recent purchase Sands Of Mali ensured that the warm glow that burned bright in the sales ring throughout this year's Goffs November Foal Sale remained ablaze until the bitter end on Thursday. Sands Of Mali was responsible for two of the most expensive lots – a filly and a colt at €100,000 and €90,000 respectively – on a day when the turnover climbed by 24%, the average by 17% and the median by 27%. Such rises cemented what many of the top buyers have agreed has been one of the most memorable editions of the November Foal Sale at Goffs. That is saying something as this year's trade had a remarkably tough act to follow on from what played out here in 2024. But the figures don't lie; of the 861 foals that were offered throughout the week, 707 were sold at an 82% clearance rate. That represents a 5% rise. The €34,160,500 turnover represented a 5% rise on last year, despite the fact more horses went through the ring [17] 12 months ago, while the average was basically the same at €48,318 and the median fell by 7% to €26,000. In a nutshell, the appetite for horses was through the roof. And, if you happened to have a Sands Of Mali, all the better, as buyers clambered for the progeny of the Group 1 producer. Not only was Sands Of Mali responsible for the top two lots on Thursday, but he ended the sale with a respectable €39,572 average for 14 lots sold. Pound for pound, that's a good performance. Top of that list was the Galbertstown Stables-consigned filly by the stallion who went the way to Finbar Kent for €100,000. He said, “Bought a lovely Sands Of Mali filly out of Almarada, who was bred by Tony Cosgrave. I thought she was the class act of the day. I bought the brother [Almarada Prince] at the Donny breeze-ups and he turned out to be quite a good horse. We also bought a Phoenix Of Spain colt out of the same mare a couple of years ago as well.” He added, “This is a lovely filly and it was a real upgrade for the mare going to Sands Of Mali. He's an exceptional stallion and Joe Foley did a brilliant job with him down in Ballyhane Stud. I am sure he is going to go from strength to strength at Yeomanstown Stud. I actually think that they were the underbidders. He's just a very, very good influence. I suppose we bought the last two a little bit cheaper but, when the mare gets an upgrade like that, maybe there is a little upgrade on price as well.” Yeomanstown Stud signed for the €90,000 colt that was consigned by Ennell Lodge Stud. Speaking after the hammer fell, Rob O'Callaghan said, “We underbid the filly this morning that Finbar bought so we were very keen to get this one – it would've been hard to leave without him. These good foals, especially with the way this week has gone, you have to go above and beyond to get them.” He added, “The stallion is really on an upward trajectory and there's been a great buzz about him here this week – we've had so many people coming up to us who want to use him next year. I think that's shown in how his foals have sold this week. “We've had a couple of Sands Of Malis before. We've always followed him and we actually came close to buying him originally, so we've followed him all along. We have a nice homebred by him at home and we wanted to have a couple more to sell next year to help advertise the horse. We're very happy with the horse we bought on Monday and we're delighted with this horse now, they're two cracking colts. I'm delighted with how his stock have gone this week. They've gone to great homes like Finbar Kent, Jimmy Murphy, Peter Vaughan and Jamie Railton, so good judges.” The sun sets on the Goffs November Foal Sale on Thursday | Goffs From Philipp Stauffenberg paying €650,000 for the top lot of the week, a New Bay half-sister to Dreamloper, Ethical Diamond's brother selling for €380,000 and the performance of many young stallions, there were many fascinating strands to this sale. And Goffs chief Henry Beeby was rightly pleased. He commented, “'There's no sale on earth like Goffs Foal Sale.' So said Luke Lillingston, vendor of the top foal this week and it's a sentiment that we certainly wouldn't challenge although it is a view that would be shared by many others after four days of sustained demand at all levels. Rarely have I auctioned in a more vibrant atmosphere – especially on Wednesday – and we can only thank both our vendors for entrusting us with the cream of the Irish foal crop together with the array of purchasers for the confidence they continue to show in Goffs November. From single-lot buyers on a day out from school to the dynastic families that are the backbone of the industry to elite international buyers, Kildare Paddocks has been a hive of activity from the weekend with the yards rammed each day and vendors reporting record-breaking numbers of shows for their youngsters. “Another quote that is often relevant but that we would challenge on this occasion is “you're only as good as your last sale” as the median price is just short of 12 months ago although the clearance rate is up and the average has held steady. Normally, that would cause a degree of angst, but not this time as we have effectively matched the unprecedented levels that we reached in 2024 when the sale grew by a gargantuan amount, especially at the top when the Wednesday average and median both jumped by over 60%. So, there will be no postmortem and regret but only thanks and celebration after a sale that truly leads the market as we confirmed its status with a trade that was consistent, vibrant and, at times, frenzied, to return a level of activity that some thought impossible this time last week.” He added, “That said, we are not surprised as Goffs Orby broke records and set the scene for another good renewal and we knew we had been sent the lion's share of the best in the country. And as we have said so often, we are nothing without the horses, although we have once again proved our mantra that Goffs will deliver, and then some, when we are given the opportunities. That has all come together so well over the last four days. “Finally, I want to pay tribute to the amazing horsemen and women. The dedication and care that we see day in day out from all those who present foals is inspiring every time a foal is shown. These youngsters are out of their comfort zone for the first time in their short lives but are obviously reassured by the care and understanding that is exhibited each time they are pulled out. As I mentioned, it's been unbelievably busy, but through the downpours of the weekend to the arctic temperatures today, every handler has shown their charges with positivity, tenderness and efficiency that has made the job at hand even more enjoyable than ever. We salute and thank them all.” The post Progeny Of “Exceptional” Sands Of Mali Dominates On Final Day Of Goffs Foal Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Taylor Made Stallions will launch a new “State-Bred Initiative Program,” the farm announced Thursday. According to their press release, the initiative is “a unique opportunity created to support and incentivize regional breeders who participate in state-bred programs outside of Kentucky.” The program will allow breeders to breed approved mares to four stallions, Angel of Empire, Dr. Schivel, Idol and Tacitus, at a set stud fee, which will be waived as a complimentary no-guarantee once the resulting foal is reported as being born outside of Kentucky and supporting documentation for state-bred registration is submitted. “Regional breeders and state programs are vital to the overall health of the Thoroughbred industry, and we understand the importance of those breeders,” said Taylor Made's Travis White. “With the foal population and the number of mares bred declining every year, we wanted to offer a unique opportunity to regional breeders in hopes of getting more foals on the ground and providing better access to what we believe are four high-quality stallions who are in various stages of their stallion careers. Hopefully, this initiative will bolster the future progress of regional programs, which will impact the industry as a whole.” All mares submitted for seasons are subject to approval and must be designated as “State-Bred Initiative” mares at the time of submission. Once a live foal is produced and reported as being foaled outside of Kentucky, and supporting documentation for state-bred registration is provided, the stud fee will be waived. All seasons remain subject to the restrictions and conditions of a standard Live Foal Stand and Nurse season contract. For more information on the Taylor Made's “State-Bred Initiative Program,” or to submit a mare for consideration, breeders may contact Brock Martin or Travis White at Taylor Made Stallions at (859) 885-3345. Space in the program is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis with approval. The post Taylor Made Stallions Launches “State-Bred Initiative Program” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tally-Ho Stud's new recruit Maranoa Charlie, a Group 1-winning son of Wootton Bassett, has been introduced at a fee of €20,000 for the 2026 breeding season. Trained in France by Christopher Head, the three-year-old is a four-time Group winner, those victories including the Prix de la Foret on Arc weekend. This year's champion first-season sire-elect Starman has received a significant boost in fee, which rises from €10,000 to €40,000, while his stud-mate Mehmas, who was himself champion freshman sire in 2020, has been held at his 2025 fee of €70,000. Elsewhere on the roster, Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner Big Evs has been trimmed from €17,500 to €15,000, while Champion Stakes winner King Of Steel is down to €15,000 from €20,000. Good Guess, whose first foals have sold well at Goffs this week, remains at €12,500 for this third season, while his sire, the venerable Kodiac, is at €20,000 as he embarks on his 20th covering season. Completing the line-up is Mehmas's son Persian Force, whose first runners will hit the track in 2026. He returns to his opening fee of €10,000, having been available at €8,000 for the previous two seasons. After standing for eight seasons at Tally-Ho Stud, Cotai Glory, the sire of Group/Grade 1 winners Powerful Glory, Excellent Truth and The Platinum Queen, has been sold to stand at stud in Turkey next year. The post Maranoa Charlie Launched at €20,000; Starman Rises to €40,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Driver John Dunn blames himself for the one glaring anomaly in harness racing’s hottest arch rivalry. Dunn drives Got The Chocolates, the hot favourite for tonight’s $300,000 Garrards NZ Derby at Addington (9.07pm) even though he is up against Marketplace, who has been considered superior for much of the last year. That has changed in their last three clashes and Got The Chocolates landed the killer blow in their personal battle when he sat outside Marketplace and crunched him in the $500,000 THE VELOCITY slot race last Friday. That brings their personal score card to 9-all after 18 clashes and for over a year when they have met if Got The Chocolates hasn’t won he has finished second – With one jarring exception. That was in the Northern Derby at Alexandra Park in April, the only other time the pair have met over a staying distance like tonight’s 2600m mobile. Marketplace bolted away with that Derby while Got The Chocolates dropped out to finish seventh but Dunn says that isn’t indicative of what to expect tonight. “That was my fault in the Northern Derby,” says Dunn. “I had a crack for the lead early and kept going way too long and he wouldn’t come back to me so he undid himself. “But that won’t be happening this week and I think he will love the distance.” The big question tonight will be whether, if Marketplace leads as expected, driver Craig Ferguson choses to hand that role to Got The Chocolates and try to beat him for speed rather than stay in front and have the favourite hammering him over the last 800m. Got The Chocolates has to be the favourite after their results this spring but they should probably be closer in the market than $1.40 versus $2.60 when you consider their overall records. Dunn finds himself in another seemingly two-horse race in tonight’s NZ Trotting Oaks with Ya Rite Darl drawn 2 alongside last Friday’s THE ASCENT slot race winner Tracy The Jet. “The draw looks good because if we can’t lead then we should be able to trail her,” says Dunn. “My filly was jogging when she galloped last week and I think she can push Tracy The Jet very close.” The stable’s Nevele R Filles Final winner from last week Celestial Sea faces another second line draw in the Garrards NZ Oaks, which is a deep and even classic where any one of six or eight fillies could win depending on tempo or luck. “She had a tough draw last week but it worked out well whereas it is hard to work out what sort of run she will get this time. “She can win again but it won’t be easy.” Team Dunn can start the night with a feature-race win as Petite Armour starts odds-on in the Touchdown Car Rentals Trot for two-year-old fillies. “It took a really nice horse (Kyvalley Ray) to beat her last week and he isn’t here this time so she deserves to be favourite.” I Dream Of Jeannie (R4, No.14) gives the stable a double-figure value bet in the mares’ trot while Dunn says Scrunch (R12, No.3) is one of his better chances of the packed night in the last race. “And we have Its Tough in the Christian Cullen and he is flying but we couldn’t have expected the field to come up like this, with Kingman and a few other open class horses so he is really up against it.” HOW TO PUNT ON TONIGHT’S ADDINGTON FEATURES Race 2, Petite Armour (No.1): Hard to go past the favourite after she was beaten by a good male trotter last week who isn’t here this time. Not long odds so maybe best in a multi. Race 4, I Dream Of Jeannie (No.14) and Hidden Talent (No.16) split bet: Huge handicap field so backmarkers risky but they have been racing in open class and both are double figures. Don’t get carried away though as incredibly tough race. Race 5, Ripples (No.9): Tough filly who had little luck last time and gets Luke McCarthy in the sulky. $3 a fair price in small field. Race 6, Tracy The Jet/Ya Rite Darl fixed quinella: The Aussie filly should lead and win from the ace after taking The Ascent last week and Ya Rite Darl can get straight on her back. So looks the quinella and if that isn’t paying enough for you the $2.90 for Dash Dosh Top 3 is another option. Race 7, Arafura (No.5): Really tricky race with some tired fillies from last week and Captain’s Mistress joining in from barrier 1 but with hardly the ideal prep. Arafura was super coming wide in last week’s Nevele R Final and won Northern Oaks so gets the nod on staying ability. Race 8, Youneverknow (No.6): Make no mistake, Meant To Be is the best of these and the one to beat but his $2.15 is no spoil from the second line whereas Youneverknow continues to improve and his $2.90 top2 and $1.90 top3 both make real appeal if you don’t want to back him to beat the fav. Race 9, Bettors Anvil (No.2): He won’t beat the two superstars Got The Chocolates and Marketplace, who are favoured in that order, but Bettors Anvil has the gate speed to get to markers, follow them around and finish Top3 and his $1.60 to do so is a multi must. Race 10, Kingman (9) and Better Knuckle Up (6): There are two ways to tackle this. Firstly the TAB are giving a Box Seat Boost to $1.80 for Kingman when he will probably pay $1.30 so that is a gift for the NZ Cup winner. But Better Knuckle Up was a huge fourth coming from last in the NZ Cup, with Leap To Fame and Merlin, between him and Kingman so his $2.40 price for Top3 is very fair. View the full article

Trainer Greg Foley discusses grade 1 winner Troubleshooting ahead of his start in the $300,000 Commonwealth Turf Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs Nov. 22.View the full article

The first edition of the Emirates Racing Authority (ERA) Online Sale will be held under the conditions of the ERA and hosted on the Tattersalls Online platform from November 24-27. Bidding will open from 12 p.m. (GMT) on Monday, November 24 and close beginning at 10 a.m. (GMT) on Thursday, November 27. The unique online event is set to feature 15 lots including 13 Thoroughbreds and two Purebred Arabians and has been supported by leading stables and trainers with drafts featuring from Dubai Racing Club, Michael Costa, Ibrahim Al Hadrami, Ahmad bin Harmash and Champion trainer Bhupat Seemar. For the full catalogue, please click here. “The ERA Online Sale marks another important development for Tattersalls Online and for the international bloodstock market,” said Katherine Sheridan, Tattersalls Online Sales manager. “We are proud to host this sale on behalf of the Emirates Racing Authority. This initiative enhances the accessibility of the UAE's racing talent and promotes the region's vibrant racing industry. The Tattersalls Online platform offers unrivalled reach and confidence and this sale presents another exciting opportunity to broaden the pathways of international bloodstock trade.” H.E. Mohammed Al Shehhi, general manager; board member of the ERA, added, “The ERA Online Sale marks an important advancement for UAE racing. Partnering with Tattersalls Online gives both the ERA and owners far greater flexibility to sell horses throughout the season, rather than waiting for a traditional end-of-season sale. This initiative enhances accessibility, improves transparency, and supports the continued growth of our racing industry.” The post Tattersalls Online And Emirates Racing Authority Partner For New Online Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has named the members of its newly-established Medical Advisory Committee, a group of leading medical professionals with a broad range of specialties from across the United States who will provide expert guidance on matters related to jockey health, safety and well-being, a press release from the regulator said on Thursday. The committee will advise HISA's executive team and standing committees by offering recommendations on best practices for jockey safety, reviewing proposed rules and providing insight on medical protocols involving jockey care, injury prevention, emergency response and other relevant health and safety topics. “Establishing this committee marks a significant step in our mission to prioritize the health and safety of our jockeys, whose well-being is paramount,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “We're looking forward to working with an experienced group of medical experts who will help us continue building an ecosystem of care that sets a new standard for the sport.” “By bringing together sports medical professionals from across the country, we aim to continue developing and refining best practices that protect the health of our riders–both proactively and in response to injuries sustained while riding,” added Dr. Peter Hester, HISA's National Medical Director and an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine in Lexington, KY. Members of the HISA Medical Advisory Committee are: Brian Adkins–Professor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine; Mark R. Allen–Adjunct Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio; Howard S. Bush–Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University; Douglas J. Casa–CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute; Angelo A. Chinnici–Medical Director of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority; Marc Cormier–Associate Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and Health Promotion at the University of Kentucky; Shae Datta–Co-Director of the New York University Langone Concussion Center; Barth A. Green–Executive Dean for Global Health and Community Service and Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Distinguished Chair in Neurosurgery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine; Dr. Nicholas Theodore–Chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. The post HISA Names Members Of New Medical Advisory Committee Focused On Jockey Health appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Winter Watch will have its time between now and the return of the Flat for real next March, but first let us bask in a snapshot of summer, celebrating our diamonds in the rough who graduated from all-weather unknowns to titans of the turf in the space of 12 months. Last winter's action might not have given us another Classic winner, à la Notable Speech, but once again the flourishing all-weather programme lived up to its reputation as a breeding ground for black-type performers of the future. At the very top end, three of the 16 highest-rated three-year-olds in Europe, according to Timeform ratings, debuted on the all-weather shortly after the turn of the year. Whilst some had their rise to stardom predicted in our first Winter Watch run, others exceeded all expectations, including the would-be Group 1 contender that is Zeus Olympios. With a Timeform rating of 123p, Zeus Olympios ended the latest season ranked behind only Daryz (131), Delacroix (129), Field Of Gold (127) and Minnie Hauk (127) among the best three-year-olds that Europe had to offer. The son of champion-sire elect Night Of Thunder was last seen maintaining his unbeaten record with a fourth career victory in the G2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket, beating 'TDN Rising Star' and fellow all-weather graduate Opera Ballo by over two lengths. Zeus Olympios and the now-122-rated Opera Ballo both debuted at Kempton, seven days apart, in January this year. Karl Burke's Zeus Olympios was first off the mark when winning a 7f maiden at very short odds, producing a performance which “didn't exactly set the world alight”, according to this clearly underwhelmed reporter at the time. Nice debut win from Zeus Olympios earlier tonight pic.twitter.com/hHSq8mZuzA — Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 22, 2025 However, from that one-length defeat of a six-race maiden to Group 2 glory at Newmarket, Zeus Olympios improved in leaps and bounds throughout his three-year-old campaign, with the G3 Superior Mile at Haydock also featuring among his big-race wins. Most excitingly, he remains with untapped potential when he returns in 2026 and is likely to be a leading contender in top-level races such as the Lockinge and the Queen Anne, along with the aforementioned Field Of Gold and all-weather poster boy Notable Speech, who stays in training as a five-year-old after ending last season with victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile. As for Opera Ballo, he followed the same route as Notable Speech early last year, registering back-to-back wins at Kempton by a cumulative margin of 12 and a half lengths. Unlike that stablemate, however, the son of Ghaiyyath then fluffed his lines when first stepped up to the big leagues, finishing a weary sixth in the G3 Craven Stakes at Newmarket after taking a keen hold. With that any Classic ambitions went up in smoke, but he quickly got back on track with impressive Listed victories in the Heron Stakes at Sandown and Sir Henry Cecil Stakes at Newmarket, before signing off with his vain pursuit of Zeus Olympios in the Joel. The enthusiastic Opera Ballo remains very much a work in progress, from the same mould as his sire who, lest we forget, didn't reach his peak until his five-year-old campaign. He surely has his best days ahead of him, too, and a productive winter in Dubai is likely to be on the cards if Charlie Appleby opts to go down that route. Joining Zeus Olympios and Opera Ballo among the trio of highly-rated all-weather graduates is St Leger second Rahiebb (Frankel), who first announced himself as a horse to follow when making a successful debut at Newcastle back in March. Though failing to add to his tally in six subsequent starts in 2025, he ran another big race when finishing a close-up third in the G3 Queen's Vase at Royal Ascot, before taking his form to a new level altogether when pushing Scandinavia all the way in Britain's final Classic. He ended the year with a Timeform rating of 120 and should be a fixture in the big 'Cup' races in 2026. Some debut! Rahiebb looked in trouble from a long way out but this well-bred Frankel colt flies home late to make it a winning debut at @NewcastleRaces for @varianstable and @Mitchelljack77! pic.twitter.com/OVgYPcaBOG — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 7, 2025 Five Out Of Ten Ain't Bad Now, time to take some accountability. Regrettably, Zeus Olympios and Rahiebb both slipped through the net when Winter Watch last went to print in March with a shortlist titled 10 All-Weather Winners with Top-Class Potential. So too did the French Group 1 winners Sahlan (Wootton Bassett) and Woodshauna (Wooded), both of whom shed their maiden tags on the Deauville all-weather around this time last year. That pair went on to play their part as 2025 saw Francis-Henri Graffard equal the record tally of top-level victories for a French trainer (13), with Woodshauna registering a narrow defeat of Maranoa Charlie in the Prix Jean Prat and Sahlan holding off the fast-finishing Rosallion to win the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp. Opera Ballo, meanwhile, was left out of consideration for our top 10, having already earned 'TDN Rising Star' status, likewise another first-crop three-year-old by Ghaiyyath in Graffard's Mandanaba. She went on to win the G3 Prix Vanteaux, as well as finishing third behind stablemate Zarigana in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches. Thankfully, the post-mortem need not go on any longer, not when so many of those shortlisted did go on to show a high level of form in 2025. Damysus (Frankel) and Leffard (Le Havre) are just two such examples, with their Timeform ratings of 118p and 118+, respectively, putting them in the mix with the very best of their age group in Europe. The last-named colt deserves top billing as the winner of the G1 Grand Prix de Paris, having kicked off his career in January by winning the same newcomers' race at Cagnes-Sur-Mer in which his trainer, Jean-Claude Rouget, also introduced the unbeaten Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact in 2023. 1-2 for Jean-Claude Rouget at Cagnes-Sur-Mer! The well-supported Leffard is just about able to hold off stablemate Kalaoun with the pair pulling well clear! Join us for more French racing – live on Sky Sports Racing! pic.twitter.com/oYSRkQIVNt — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) January 20, 2025 Whilst Leffard was unable to emulate Ace Impact's Arc heroics when last seen finishing eighth behind Daryz in Europe's richest race, he could yet have more to offer if kept in training as a four-year-old. Similar comments apply to Damysus, the Southwell debut winner who earned a tilt at the Derby after filling the runner-up spot in the G2 Dante Stakes at York. Following a mid-season break, he then confirmed himself a high-class prospect when bringing the curtain down on his 2025 campaign with successive wins in a Listed contest at Deauville and the G3 Darley Stakes at Newmarket. All told, five of the 10 shortlisted won a black-type race, with Damysus and Leffard being joined by Noble Champion (Lope De Vega), a wide-margin winner of the G3 Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, as well as the Listed scorers Kon Tiki (Night Of Thunder) and Purview (Kingman). As for the remaining five, Life Is Beautiful (Night Of Thunder) went close to making a Group-race breakthrough of her own when finishing second in the G3 Prix de Psyche at Deauville, while Juddmonte's Pinhole ended the season with a Timeform rating of 110, having defied a BHA mark of 98 when winning an Ascot handicap by five and a half lengths. The son of Frankel subsequently sold for 200,000gns at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale and is set to continue his career with Chris Waller in Australia. Potential Names For Next Year's Shortlist The hard yards start now to try and ensure that the next Zeus Olympios or Rahiebb is given due recognition in this column which, after all, is designed to shine a light on the exciting prospects that the winter all-weather programme continues to produce on an increasingly regular basis. It will be full steam ahead in the long weeks and months to follow but, to get the ball rolling, here are a few interesting names for the notebook if you haven't been paying close attention over the past fortnight or so. Nation's Hope, a Ghaiyyath half-brother to the multiple top-level winner Nations Pride (Teofilo), is the obvious place to start, having earned 'TDN Rising Star' status when winning a 1m maiden at Kempton on November 3. Debut performances simply don't come much better than his five-length demolition, though stablemate Abashiri came close to matching it when winning by four lengths over the same course and distance two days later. The fourth foal out of Godolphin's G1 Prix Saint-Alary heroine Sobetsu (Dubawi), the daughter of Frankel looks another exciting prospect for the Appleby stable to go to war with in 2026. Well-bred newcomer Buick & Appleby Kempton Well-backed favourite OF COURSE wins on debut. The daughter of Frankel looks potentially VERY smart @godolphin | @WilliamBuickX pic.twitter.com/1Ps3ObaF7V — Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 5, 2025 Not unusually, the Gosden yard has also unleashed a number of promising sorts in recent days and is currently operating at a 41% strike-rate (7/17) on the all-weather since November 1. Recent Newcastle winners Fashion People (Mehmas) and My Love Is King (Kingman) both showed plenty of promise in making successful debuts, while Brilliant Star (Cracksman) also deserves a mention following her runner-up finish at the same venue on Tuesday. The second foal out of the triple Group 1 heroine Star Catcher (Sea The Stars), Anthony Oppenheimer's homebred was green throughout and looks a banker for a similar event next time with the experience under her belt. At Lingfield, the newcomer Ray Mon Dough impressed on the clock when winning the 6f maiden run on November 4, sprinting right away in the final furlong to beat the odds-on favourite from Moulton Paddocks by five lengths. One of 19 individual winners and counting by Lope Y Fernandez, the half-brother to G2 Rockfel Stakes heroine Spain Burg (Sageburg) is arguably as promising a juvenile as we've seen from the first crop of the National Stud resident. Meanwhile, first-season sensation Starman continues to go from strength to strength and is now up to 35 individual winners in Europe, including Karl Burke's Soul Love, who proved a class apart from her seven rivals on debut when winning a 6f maiden at Southwell on November 3. Finally, Chantilly's all-weather card on November 10 is well worth revisiting, if only for the pair of Juddmonte homebreds who impressed in shedding their maiden tags at the first attempt. The André Fabre-trained Firefall (Kingman), a half-brother to the multiple Group 2-winning sire Threat, laid down a marker when beating the boys by four and a half lengths, before Francis-Henri Graffard's Gilded Prize (Frankel) recorded a quicker time in winning the fillies' equivalent by three and a half. The latter is out of the GI Flower Bowl Invitational and GI Beverly D. Stakes placegetter Grand Jete (Dansili) and will be one to follow when the Graffard stable is tasked with trying to repeat its 2025 heroics next year. The post Winter Watch: Zeus Olympios Tops the Class of 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The $175,000 Pebbles Stakes (G3T), rescheduled from Nov. 16 to Nov. 23 after this past Sunday's card at Aqueduct Racetrack was canceled early in the day due to high winds, deepened with the postponement. View the full article

Willie Mullins, Gavin Cromwell, Henry de Bromhead, Gordon Elliott and Ger Lyons' Glenburnie Racing are among the team captains confirmed for the Treo Eile Christmas Show on Thursday, December 11 at Emerald Equestrian Centre near Enfield. Also stepping up to the plate for the HRI Treo Eile Thoroughbred Classic team event are a number of past or present jockeys, including Paul Townend, Jack Kennedy, Patrick Mullins, Jody Townend, Mark Walsh, Colin Keane, Nicola Burns, Robbie Power and Kevin Manning. The HRI Treo Eile Thoroughbred Classic, the feature class on the night, is a team competition to showcase the very best of Ireland's retrained racehorses. Teams of four will compete in a timed competition, followed by a jump-off to decide the winners of the coveted Horse Racing Ireland perpetual trophy. Racing TV's Kevin O'Ryan and Brendan McArdle of The Irish Field will act as masters of ceremonies when the Treo Eile Christmas Show gets under way at 12 noon with two classes for thoroughbreds and a pony class for junior riders. Olympian Sam Watson will host the 'Connolly's RED MILLS Training your Thoroughbred' clinic. Andrea Ryan, CEO of Treo Eile, said, “The Treo Eile Christmas Show encapsulates all the good work that is done in thoroughbred aftercare throughout the year and is a wonderful chance to celebrate Ireland's retrained racehorses. “We get huge support from both the racing and equestrian world for the show, and I would like to thank all the riders and horse owners who generously give their time, as well as the organising committee. I would also like to thank all the sponsors of the show who are always willing whenever we ask for support. This is my first time experiencing the Treo Eile Christmas Show and I truly cannot wait!” The Treo Eile Christmas Show will be streamed live on Horse & Country TV. Tickets cost €15 per person. A family ticket (two adults, two children) is available for €40 and a 10-ticket bundle is €100. Tickets can be purchased online here. The post Top Trainers and Jockeys Sign Up for Treo Eile Christmas Show appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The word was out about the William Haggas newcomer Bayaann (Too Darn Hot) at Lingfield on Thursday and the half-brother to I Can Fly (Fastnet Rock) duly delivered with a display full of promise. Sent off the well-backed 5-4 favourite for the seven-furlong maiden on the Polytrack, Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's 410,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase took a while to find his stride but as soon as they had straightened for home had begun to loom. Giving generously for Rossa Ryan to overwhelm his peers in the last half a furlong, the bay asserted for a 1 1/2-length success from Lake Como (St Mark's Basilica). “He's a big baby and he didn't know what he was doing in the false straight, but I knew I had loads and in the end he only galloped out only for half a furlong,” the winning rider said after completing a treble on the card. “Mr Haggas liked him and he has plenty of size and scope, so I'd say he'll have a good future ahead of him,” he added. “In irresistible form!” It's a treble for @Rossaryan15 as Bayaann shows a willing attitude, quickening inside the final two furlongs to strike!@WilliamHaggas @LingfieldPark pic.twitter.com/eTc3JlyjvC — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 20, 2025 Madonna Dell'Orto, whose aforementioned I Can Fly scored at Group 2 level and was multiple Group 1-placed, is also responsible for the Listed scorer and dual Group-placed Viscount Barfield (Raven's Pass) and for the dam of another smart daughter of Fastnet Rock in the GIII Long Island Stakes winner Alluring Angel. I Can Fly is in turn responsible for this year's Falmouth, Coronation Stakes, and Prix Rothschild runner-up January (Kingman), while the dam is a half to Danehill's ill-fated Poule d'Essai des Poulains and Keeneland Turf Mile hero Landseer. The winner's full-sister was a 480,000gns purchase by Willingham at last year's Tattersalls December Foal Sale, while the dam also has a colt foal by Sea The Stars. 4th-Lingfield, £9,650, Mdn, 11-20, 2yo, 7f 2y (AWT), 1:26.76, st. BAYAANN (GB) (c, 2, Too Darn Hot {GB}–Madonna Dell'Orto {GB}, by Montjeu {Ire}) Sales history: 280,000gns Wlg '23 TADEWE; 410,000gns Ylg '24 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $6,805. O-Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum; B-Genesis Green Stud Ltd; T-William Haggas. The post Haggas Hotpot Bayaann Delivers On Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

David Hayes has sounded an ominous warning over Ka Ying Rising’s (NZ) (Shamexpress) form as the world’s best sprinter bids to extend his winning streak to 15-consecutive races in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising has improved since returning from a historic victory in the AU$20m G1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick in Sydney on October 18, as the five-time G1 victor prepares to share Sunday’s stage with fellow champions Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble at the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Race Day. Ka Ying Rising will this weekend jump from barrier 10 – the same gate the mercurial speedster used in the 2024 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint – and Hayes is confident his stable star is poised to deliver a repeat performance. “I think he has improved since The Everest. He hasn’t missed a bit, he’s trialled brilliantly and his final piece of fast work this week (on Wednesday) was really good,” Hayes said. “I think the trip to Australia hasn’t worried – if anything, it’s helped him. I’m a believer that travel – if a horse handles it – it only brings them on. “There are so many cases of horses travelling and not running well and coming back and running brilliantly. This horse went to Australia and won and has come back and looks to have improved.” Ka Ying Rising will this weekend concede five pounds to nine rivals – Lucky Sweynesse, Helios Express, Lucky With You, Beauty Waves, Fast Network, Raging Blizzard, Tomodachi Kokoroe, Wunderbar and Divano – and, if successful, will edge closer to Silent Witness (17 wins) and Golden Sixty (16) for the most consecutive wins by a Hong Kong, China horse. Hayes is hopeful Zac Purton can again guide Ka Ying Rising into a striking position, just behind the speed in a repeat of last season’s race, but is wary of John Size-trained Helios Express despite his 27-length last behind Ka Ying Rising in a 1200-metre barrier trial on Sha Tin’s dirt track on November 14. “It’s a pretty even group and I would say if you ignore John Size’s horse’s trial, he’s the most consistent horse in town. His trial was poor but it was on very wet ground, so I would forgive that and just trust him to run his usual very good race,” Hayes said. “My other horse (Tomodachi Kokoroe) is in great form.” To be ridden by James Orman from barrier seven, Wunderbar shapes as an intriguing runner as the only horse to have beaten Ka Ying Rising – having achieved the feat twice as a three-year-old before injury intervened. Hayes will pit Straight Arron against Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in the HK$5.35m G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m), having reunited with the former Australian galloper after the gelding’s stints with Caspar Fownes and Ricky Yiu. “It’s really good to get him back, but I couldn’t have found a harder race with the two best 2000-metre horses (Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble) in five years to race,” said Hayes, who will use the race to decide whether he should target the HK$40m G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) or the HK$26m LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m). David Eustace will thrust Light Years Charm into a clash with G1 winners Red Lion and Beauty Eternal and rapidly-rising star My Wish in the G2 HK$5.35m G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m). “I think if he sees the mile out, then he can be very competitive, but that is a very big if. I think the favourite (My Wish) will be very hard to beat – he’s the absolute standout and is still an improving and young horse,” Eustace said. “The rest have probably got to put in career-best runs to challenge him. I like to think our horse is still improving and I hope he gets the mile as it will open up a lot of options.” View the full article

David Hayes has sounded an ominous warning over Ka Ying Rising’s form as the world’s best sprinter bids to extend his winning streak to 15 consecutive races in the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (23 November). Hayes believes Ka Ying Rising has improved since returning from a historic victory in the AU$20 million (approx. HK$101 million) G1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick in Sydney, Australia on 18 October, as the five-time Group 1 victor prepares to share Sunday’s stage with fellow champions Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble at the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Race Day. Ka Ying Rising will this weekend jump from barrier 10 – the same gate the mercurial speedster used in the 2024 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint – and Hayes is confident his stable star is poised to deliver a repeat performance. “I think he has improved since The Everest. He hasn’t missed a bit, he’s trialled brilliantly and his final piece of fast work this week (on Wednesday, 19 November) was really good,” Hayes said. “I think the trip to Australia hasn’t worried – if anything, it’s helped him. “I’m a believer that travel – if a horse handles it – it only brings them on. There are so many cases of horses travelling and not running well and coming back and running brilliantly. This horse went to Australia and won and has come back and looks to have improved.” Ka Ying Rising (128lb) will this weekend concede five pounds to nine rivals – Lucky Sweynesse, Helios Express, Lucky With You, Beauty Waves, Fast Network, Raging Blizzard, Tomodachi Kokoroe, Wunderbar and Divano – and, if successful, will edge closer to Silent Witness (17 wins) and Golden Sixty (16) for the most consecutive wins by a Hong Kong, China horse. Hayes is hopeful Zac Purton can again guide Ka Ying Rising into a striking position, just behind the speed in a repeat of last season’s race, but is wary of John Size-trained Helios Express despite his 27-length last behind Ka Ying Rising in a 1200m barrier trial on Sha Tin’s dirt track on 14 November. David Hayes sits second in the 2025/26 trainers’ championship with 18 wins. Photo: Hong Kong Jockey Club “It’s a pretty even group and I would say if you ignore John Size’s horse’s trial, he’s the most consistent horse in town. His trial was poor but it was on very wet ground, so I would forgive that and just trust him to run his usual very good race,” Hayes said. “My other horse (Tomodachi Kokoroe) is in great form.” To be ridden by James Orman from barrier seven, Wunderbar shapes as an intriguing runner as the only horse to have beaten Ka Ying Rising – having achieved the feat twice as a three-year-old before injury intervened. Hayes will pit Straight Arron (123lb) against Romantic Warrior (128lb) and Voyage Bubble (128lb) in the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m), having reunited with the former Australian galloper after the gelding’s stints with Caspar Fownes and Ricky Yiu. “It’s really good to get him back, but I couldn’t have found a harder race with the two best 2000m horses (Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble) in five years to race,” said Hayes, who will use the race to decide whether he should target the HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) or the HK$26 million LONGINES Hong Kong Vase (2400m). David Eustace will thrust Light Years Charm (123lb) into a clash with Group 1 winners Red Lion (128lb) and Beauty Eternal (123lb) and rapidly-rising star My Wish (123lb) in the G2 HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m). “I think if he sees the mile out, then he can be very competitive, but that is a very big if. I think the favourite (My Wish) will be very hard to beat – he’s the absolute standout and is still an improving and young horse,” Eustace said. “The rest have probably got to put in career-best runs to challenge him. I like to think our horse is still improving and I hope he gets the mile as it will open up a lot of options.” Sunday’s (23 November) Bank of China (Hong Kong) Race Day starts with the Class 4 BOCHK Cross-Border Services Handicap (1200m) at 12.45pm. View the full article

Danny Shum Chap-shing is bullish Romantic Warrior will once again showcase his champion qualities when he makes his long-awaited return from injury in Sunday’s Group Two BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) at Sha Tin. The world’s highest-earning racehorse with a staggering HK$214.7 million in prize money, Romantic Warrior will race for the first time since his close second to Soul Rush in the Group One Dubai Turf (1,800m) at Meydan in March. The 10-time Group One hero had a screw inserted into an...View the full article

This weekend could prove to be an exciting one for Matamata trainer Daniel Miller. The 28-year-old horseman will be lining up Tardis (NZ) (Time Test) in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Pukekohe on Saturday for his parents, John and Maree, but he may not be trackside, with he and his partner Paige Weatherley expecting their first child. “My partner is due to have our first child any day now, so whether I actually make it to the races or not is yet to be decided,” he said. Miller is looking forward to the challenge of fatherhood and said he is already feeling the responsibility to generate a legacy for his child. “I am really looking forward to that next challenge,” he said. “It gives me something to really work hard for and try and build something to pass down. That is the main goal.” It could also be a milestone weekend for his parents, with their brand set to appear for the first time at the races courtesy of Tardis. By Time Test, Tardis is out of their Super Easy mare Payon Time (NZ), who Miller trained to three unplaced runs before she retired to the paddock where they are hoping she will become a prolific producer. Miller has a strong record preparing his parents’ horses for stakes races, having trained Sheezallmine (NZ) (Super Easy) to victory in the Gr.3 Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) and Listed Hazelett Stakes (1200m), and La Romanee to win the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m). “I have won four stakes races and three of them have been for Mum and Dad,” Miller said. “Two of them were with Sheezallmine, who they paid $1,000 for, and the other one was La Romanee, a two-year-old that was a $20,000 purchase. “This one they have bred themselves and it is the first horse that will go around with their brand on, so that is pretty cool.” Miller has been pleased with the swift progression of Tardis, who was broken in in August and has gone on to place in two trials over 800m and is set to make his debut in his first preparation. “He came in August to be broken in and he has done all of this on one prep, so it is pretty amazing and a testament to the brain he has got,” Miller said. “He mentally said yes to everything I have asked of him and he has just kept stepping up every time. To think that we would get to even a trial on his first breaking-in preparation, let alone a stakes race is a testament to the horse. “He is sound, touch wood, so far and he just cops the work, and he has not left a single bit of feed since he arrived in August. He just loves it and I think what he is doing now is on raw ability.” While impressed with Tardis so early on in his career, Miller expects him to thrive with more time. “I think he is more of an autumn three-year-old horse that once he starts getting up over a bit of ground, that is when he is going to really find his straps,” he said. Miller has been pleased with his two trials, and subsequent progress, and is looking forward to seeing how he handles the pressure of raceday this weekend. “He is going the right way, he has come through his trial well,” he said. “It is obviously a stiff task first-up to the races, but it is two-year-old racing and most of them have only had one or two starts. “I feel like a Soft track will play into his hands and the extra distance from his trial is only going to help. I just think that will finish off his preparation really nicely and will set him up for a nice three-year-old career.” View the full article

Apprentice jockey Bailey Rogerson remains in the intensive care unit at Waikato Hospital but her condition has taken a significant turn for the better, having regained consciousness and is now breathing without assistance. The 24-year-old’s grandfather Graeme Rogerson reported early Thursday afternoon that an MRI scan on Wednesday was followed by a major overall improvement in her health. While still feeling the effects of her Rotorua race fall on Sunday, Rogerson has begun the long road to recovery. “She’s certainly turned the corner and although she has a long way to go, it’s a big relief for all of us that she’s a whole lot better than she was to begin with,” Rogerson said. “Her injuries include a fractured skull and brain bleed, a vertebrae fracture and facial injuries, but you’d have to say she’s a lucky girl, it could have been a whole lot worse.” After being attended to by on-course medical personnel immediately following the race six fall when her mount was checked by another runner, Rogerson was ambulanced to Rotorua Hospital. However, when her condition worsened she was flown by the Westpac Rescue helicopter to Waikato Hospital, where she is expected to remain for some time yet. “The medical people have been wonderful, all of them from the time it happened,” Rogerson said. “They couldn’t have done more for Bailey, the doctors, nurses and everyone else have been just marvellous.” Rogerson is also effusive in his praise for the racing community and their outpouring since his grand-daughter’s plight became public knowledge. “I can’t believe the racing community, the number of calls, messages, people from all around the world,” he said. “Mark Todd, who Bailey worked for in England during COVID, has been in touch, even the bloke who rode the Kentucky Derby winner. “All of Bailey’s mates from the girls’ (jockey) room have been lining up at the door to see her, but we have to be careful. Gary and Michelle (parents) have been at her bedside the whole time, and they have restricted her visitors to one at a time. “It’s times like these you realise just how caring people are, and that’s something that Gary and Michelle would like to acknowledge and say thanks.” For Rogerson and his training partner, wife Debbie, duty will call on Saturday with Sharp ’N’ Smart (NZ) (Redwood) and two other members of their stable are engaged at Pukekohe. Sharp ’N’ Smart has finished third at weight-for-age in his last two starts, the Gr. 1 Livamol Classic (2040m) and Gr. 3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m), and back to handicap conditions in Saturday’s Gr. 3 MyRacehorse Counties Cup (2100m), he will carry topweight of 59kg. “His last two starts have been good, but he is racing a bit more dour now,” Rogerson said. “We rode him handier last time and he stuck on well, his sectionals were very good. “He’s probably looking for more than 2100m, but he’ll still run a race and it will set him nicely for the Waikato Cup (Gr.3, 2400m).” Stablemate Solidify (NZ) (Redwood) is an acceptor in two races on Saturday, the Rating 75 2100m Dunstan Horsefeeds Qualifier, in which he has topweight of 61kg, and the Counties Cup, however he’s on the minimum and third emergency. “I’d love him to get a start in the Cup as he’s been going good races, if not he’ll have to run in the other race,” Rogerson said. “He’s got a good win in him, and the same goes for our other runner, Skymax, who’s in the Rating 65 1600m. “She ran some very good races against the best fillies last season, and by now she’s probably looking further than 1600, but I’d love her to draw an alley, then we’ll see her do something.” View the full article