Wandering Eyes

Robert Osbourne was spending a few weeks helping out at the Stable Recovery house at Taylor Made, taking some time to reset and perhaps figure out some goals for his life, when one afternoon the program's director Christian Countzler walked into the living room looking as white as a ghost. This was a little over a year ago, just as the calendar was turning over to 2023, and at the time Stable Recovery was relying on funding from the Kentucky Career Center to keep the fledgling project up and running. The Center had just called Countzler to say that they would no longer be able to help fund the program. Stable Recovery had hosted a golf scramble that fall that had raised about $60,000. It would be enough to keep the program going for a few more weeks, but the money supply was not going to last long. “We're going to have to shut the doors,” a disheartened Countzler told Osbourne. “One more month and we're done.” But Osbourne wasn't so sure. He'd seen firsthand what Stable Recovery could do for men recovering from drug and alcohol addiction and thought that if they could just get the word out, surely there would be people out there who would want to help. “At that point I knew what my purpose was,” Osbourne recounted. “I wanted to make sure that Christian didn't have to worry about funding and that we could keep this thing growing. I wanted the whole industry to see what we were doing. If all it takes is a little bit of money to help these guys get sober, I wanted to help do that because this formula we've got here is so amazing.” So Osbourne signed on as Stable Recovery's Director of Fundraising and Marketing. His first major project was the Stable Recovery Spring Meet Gala. They weren't sure if anyone would show up for the inaugural event, but 150 people attended and raised $70,000. That kept the program running for a while longer, but by summer they were down to six weeks worth of operating funds. Then, another golf scramble helped them raise a whopping $300,000. Now the second-annual Spring Meet Gala is around the corner, scheduled for Saturday the 13th at Fasig-Tipton, and close to 400 people are expected to be in attendance. “I don't know where everyone is going to sit,” joked Osbourne. “But that's a great problem to have. This thing is just so special.” Like so many of the men whose lives have been changed through Stable Recovery, Osbourne got to where he is because of Frank Taylor. He even goes so far as to say that Taylor is one of the main reasons why he is still alive today. Growing up in Lexington, Osbourne's family was close friends with Taylor and his wife and children. The kids were on the same sporting teams and they would all go on spring breaks together. When Osbourne was 15 years old, his father committed suicide. As evening approached on the day of his death, Taylor picked Osbourne up from his house and took him to an Adoration service at Christ the King Church. They spent an hour there, sitting side by side in silence, and ever since that horrific day, the two men have attended that same service together on Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m. Osbourne celebrates a successful day at Keeneland | Kelcey Loges When Osbourne attended the University of Kentucky a few years later, drugs, alcohol and partying began to take over his life. While he was always able to hold down a job, his problems escalated over the next few years. “I was hanging out with a really bad crowd here in town–like really bad–and I ended up catching a couple of charges, about five felonies,” Osbourne recalled. “At the time Frank and I did a little venture where we bought some property to flip it, trying to rent it out, but I had turned it into a trap house basically.” Taylor offered Osbourne a job at Taylor Made's yearling complex where he would work under John Hall and Marshall Taylor–two men who had battled their own struggles with drugs and alcohol and gone through recovery. “That was my first time dealing with horses and God, I feel so bad looking back now,” Osbourne admitted. “If I was John, I would have fired me on day two. But Frank knew what he was doing putting me with those two men. They saw I had a problem and I learned a lot from them. But I still was taking taxis from whatever I was doing the night before and going straight to the barn in the morning and eventually that caught up with me. I got in some legal trouble. I had some family in Alabama, so I went down there.” Osbourne caught two more felonies during his first week in Alabama and ended up spending five years there, bouncing in and out of a jail cell. Eventually Osbourne made it back to Lexington, but he quickly learned that a lot had changed in his home town. Not only had Taylor got sober, but Osbourne's other lifelong friend Josh Bryan (profiled here) was sober now too. “I was like, 'What the **** is going on? Something is in the water around here.' Then later I hear Frank saying that he was going to buy some horses for Will Walden and all these other drug addicts. I said, 'God, he's really lost his mind!'” Osbourne continued going down his destructive path, but despite living a very different lifestyle than his reformed mentor, he would still meet up with Taylor almost every Tuesday evening. “That was just something that Frank and I stuck to, all through our good times and bad,” he explained. “That hour was set in stone for us. We would go eat at Malone's and then go to Adoration. That went on for years and kind of transcended into something that was the one constant in my life. When everything else was going bad, at least I had Adoration with Frank at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights.” One evening in January of 2022, Osbourne was coming off a long bender when he came to a realization. “I can't explain it as anything but a God moment,” he said. “Something came over me and I just thought that I didn't want to do this anymore. I was like, 'You know what? I will do anything it takes to stop doing this.' So I'm driving my car around. I didn't have a phone because I had gotten paranoid that people were following me. But I realize it's a Tuesday night and I knew Frank was going to be at Adoration at 7 p.m.” So Osbourne drove over to the church he'd been to so many times before, but knowing he was in no state to go inside, he waited in the parking lot for Taylor to come out. When he spotted his friend, he jumped out of his car. “Hey, I know you and Josh are sober now,” Osbourne said as Taylor approached. “I need some help getting sober too.” Taylor looked at him for a moment before replying, “Have you been sitting in the parking lot this whole time?” Taylor promised that he would help Osbourne get into rehab, but first he had other plans. It was the weekend of the 2022 Pegasus World Cup, so Taylor took Osbourne with him down to Gulfstream and woke him up before dawn on their first morning to go to the track. They visited Will Walden and his improbable team of former drug addicts and alcoholics (learn about them here) who made up a fledgling racing stable. “I'm still in a haze, but I see Will training these horses, Tyler Maxwell riding them and Mike Lowery and everyone else just working their asses off, but they were as happy as could be,” Osbourne recalled. “I was like, 'God I want that.'” Osbourne came home and went into a three-month rehabilitation program. When Walden's team got back to Kentucky in April, he begged them to let him join their stable. Osbourne worked as a barn foreman for Walden for almost a year, traveling from Keeneland to Turfway to Ellis Park. He was taking some time off to work on his AA program and was staying at the Stable Recovery house at Taylor Made when the opportunity to join the Stable Recovery program came up. Since then, he has been busy spreading the word to anyone who will listen about just how impactful the Stable Recovery program has been. Mike Lowery, Robert Osbourne and Will Walden | courtesy Robert Osbourne “We spend about $60,000 a month, so my goal every day is to get $60,000 raised every month,” he explained. “Every day, it seems like there's something that God is blessing us with, like Andy Beshear gave us an award the other week or that the news was out here all day yesterday for a feature. It's like if something goes bad, three things will go right.” Osbourne said he enjoys talking to donors, sharing the stories of the many men whose lives have been changed because of this program. He lives on-site at the Stable Recovery house so is well acquainted with all the current residents. When donors want to know where their money is going, Osbourne can show them how each and every dollar is allocated toward a toothbrush, a gallon of gas, or an hour's worth of salary. “Every penny is literally going toward saving someone's life,” he said. “It's very special. And just compared to other transitional living places, the average of keeping someone sober for 90 days is about 15%. We are at over 80%. These jobs are giving people a purpose. They know that horse is depending on them to come work tomorrow.” “It doesn't feel like a job,” he continued. “It's a passion and I get to hang out with Frank, who has been my best friend since I was 15, so that's a big bonus.” Taylor and Osbourne still go to their weekly dinner and Adoration service on Tuesdays, but these days they have a crew of Stable Recovery residents who come along with them. Osbourne never lost contact with his family despite the many deleterious choices he has made in his life and he is sure that their constant support is a big part of why he has been sober since January 23, 2022. “They definitely saw me struggle a lot,” he admitted. “My mother, two younger sisters and my younger brother have been a big motivation in getting sober. Since my dad died, I wouldn't have gotten by if it weren't for all of us staying together and supporting each other. My mom has been my biggest support and she was always so worried about me. Now she's at peace because she's not wondering if I'm going to die tonight.” Osbourne is counting down the days until the Spring Gala, knowing that it will be one of the most significant opportunities Stable Recovery has had yet to share its story with the Thoroughbred industry and beyond. “This gala is going to be huge,” he said. “I think we can raise a lot of money through it and hopefully we're looking to expand by the end of the year so that we can start helping all these farms get good, solid people that they can depend on. I think we're going to take this thing to the moon. You know, in the horse industry it's easy to sit here and bash all this stuff going on. But this is something that is showing how good the industry actually is. There are really good people in this business. Growing up, I had a lot of opportunities to become successful and I blew that because of drugs and alcohol. I feel like this is what my purpose is supposed to be, so here I am.” Stable Recovery is a recovery housing program in Lexington, Kentucky that offers men in the early stages of recovery access to 12-step meetings, life skills training and– through the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship– the opportunity to develop a trade in the equine field. To learn more about Stable Recovery's upcoming Spring Meet Gala, click here. The post The Road Back: Robert Osbourne Spreading the Word on Stable Recovery appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With an inaugural bottle honoring Man o'War to be released in October, Keeneland Race Course and Maker's Mark Kentucky Bourbon will launch a 10-year commemorative bottle series, “Greats of the Gate.” The series will celebrate Thoroughbred racing's most iconic horses, featuring a different horse each year. “Keeneland and Maker's Mark have a rich history of working hand-in-hand to support organizations making an impact in Kentucky,” said Rob Samuels, Managing Director of Maker's Mark. “We're honored to partner each year in such a meaningful way, dating back to when Keeneland was our first customer serving Maker's Mark in the 1950s and setting the stage for decades of collaboration to follow.” Proceeds from each year's “Greats of the Gate” bottle will benefit non-profits that support Kentucky culture, including the horse racing industry, hospitality and the arts. Over the course of the 10 years, Keeneland and Maker's Mark are committed to raising $4 million for various Kentucky non-profit organizations through this bottle series. “Keeneland is proud to continue our longstanding partnership with Maker's Mark to benefit both the Thoroughbred industry and our local communities,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “Keeneland and Maker's Mark share a mission of service and philanthropy, and the commemorative bottles have been a fun way to engage our fans and support deserving organizations through the years.” For the first three years of the 10-year series, the “Greats of the Gate” bottle will support Kentucky Harvest, Arts Center of the Bluegrass and Blue Grass Farms Charities. The Art Center of the Bluegrass connects people to art, culture, and creativity through exhibits, hands on art making, arts appreciation, and cultural experiences, while the mission of Kentucky Harvest is to end local hunger by connecting with food donors and engaging volunteers to rescue excess food and move it from those who have it to those in need. Blue Grass Farms Charities (BGFC) provides health and human services to those who work in the Central Kentucky Thoroughbred Industry, including a much-needed food assistance program. Proceeds from the Man o' War bottle will support construction of a new food pantry located at The Thoroughbred Center (TTC) on Paris Pike. The post “Greats of the Gate” Bottle Series Honors Champions, Supports Kentucky Charities appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance will be on site at Churchill Downs for a variety of events during Kentucky Derby week. The organization will be recognized with a named race on the undercard of Champions Day on Wednesday of Derby week. A representative from TAA will be present to host the winners of the “Off to the Races” VIP Experience online benefit auction, which was donated by Churchill Downs Incorporated and Second Stride. The winners will enjoy all-inclusive box seats, tickets to the Winner's Party at the Kentucky Derby Museum and a tour of Second Stride, a Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance accredited organization. The post TAA On Site Derby Week appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following his dominant victory in the G1 Dubai World Cup, Juddmonte Farms' homebred Laurel River (Into Mischief) is at the top of the second edition of the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2024 with a rating of 128. The 6-year-old was never threatened in the World Cup, romping home by 8 1/2 lengths over Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre) (120 on the Longine rankings), with Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) (121) a neck back in third. Laurel River came into the race having won the G3 Burj Nahaar by 6 3/4 lengths earlier in March. With his victory in the G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, Godolphin's Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) has improved his rating to 123 from 120 and is now the second-highest rated horse in the world. The 6-year-old gelding, who defeated Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) (120) by two lengths in the Sheema Classic, came into the race having won the G3 H H The Amir Trophy by three lengths in February. Facteur Cheval (Ire) (Ribchester {Ire}) (120) joins the rankings in the co-fifth position following his win in the G1 Dubai Turf, while Tuz (Oxbow) (119) is now ranked after winning the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen by 6 1/2 lengths. In the U.S., Fierceness (City of Light) (120) joined the Top 5 on the rankings following his explosive victory in the GI Curlin Florida Derby. The Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings are compiled by the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings Committee and published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). For the complete rankings, click here. The post Laurel River Leads Latest Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The GI Kentucky Derby picture may seem polarized by two more charismatic talents, but any neutral who ekes a living from bloodstock now has an alternative rooting interest. For among the colts entering those 20 coveted gates, the first Saturday in May, there will be no better symbol than Stronghold (Ghostzapper) of what it takes to last the course in the appallingly expensive, demoralizing, perplexing, maddening and addictive vocation of Thoroughbred breeding. The GI Santa Anita Derby winner carries the silks of Eric and Sharon Waller, who bred his third dam Swiss Diva (Swiss Yodeler) from a Mr. Leader mare they acquired (after she had been a $12,000 RNA at Barretts in 1998) primarily because she shared a third dam with Distorted Humor. Their very entry to the Californian Turf had been poignant. In 1995, Sharon's brother, a former jockey, asked them to take on a pregnant mare while he battled a brain tumor. Gradually they took to the breeding game themselves, typically upgrading a handful of mares with Kentucky covers before returning them to Harris Farms for state-bred eligibility. Swiss Diva became the first star for a program that has ever remained modest in scale. She won all three juvenile starts, including the California Breeders' Champion S. by 8 1/2 lengths, and was later graded stakes-placed. Her second career, however, appeared to offer only discouragement and even despair. Swiss Diva herself succumbed to a ruptured cecum during her first foaling, a Henny Hughes filly named Diva's Tribute. The foal was only days old when suffering an injury that meant she could never race, so she was patiently restored and preserved for breeding. Having been astutely paired with the young Into Mischief, Diva's Tribute savaged her foal and had to be discarded in 2015 before any such disaster recurred with her next one, a daughter of Jimmy Creed named Spectator. (Albeit remotely, Jimmy Creed looped the family back to a shared nexus behind his sire Distorted Humor). The Wallers advised her $4,700 purchaser Richard Barton of the challenges that needed addressing in Diva's Tribute, and he was rewarded for doing so when selling her on for $175,000 at the 2022 Keeneland November Sale. Spectator had meanwhile become an accomplished performer for Phil d'Amato, winning the GII Sorrento S. by daylight on her second start and placed in the GI Del Mar Debutante S., before chasing home Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute) in the GI Santa Anita Oaks the following spring. Just when it appeared that this family was redressing the heartache it had brought the Wallers, they hit a fresh nadir in 2021 when they lost Spectator in delivering her first foal, a Ghostzapper colt. But they sent him to d'Amato, named him Stronghold, and are now enjoying due reward for persevering through challenges that would surely have exhausted the fortitude of most. Stronghold has himself overcome adversity even to earn a Derby gate on a circuit dominated by a barn obliged to forfeit so many of the starting points available in California. After an artful sidestep to New Mexico on his reappearance, he has now beaten all comers in the West Coast's premier rehearsal. In the process he has volunteered himself as another potential heir to his splendid sire. Especially after McCraken was thwarted by fertility issues, Ghostzapper had appeared in danger of depending on his daughters for his legacy, notably the dam of Justify. But now he has Mystic Guide and Loggins starting out, with Stronghold looking eligible to contest the succession in time. The Wallers, meanwhile, have managed to retrieve a strand of the female line. The last foal bred by Barton from Diva's Tribute, before selling her, was an Improbable filly he offered at Fasig-Tipton's California Sale last fall. The Wallers signed a $200,000 docket for Spectator's half-sister, and the very next day they were at Churchill Downs to see Stronghold break his maiden. The runner-up there was none other than Resilience (Into Mischief), who won the GII Wood Memorial on Saturday–just hours before Stronghold beat another Into Mischief colt, Imagination, at Santa Anita. Imagination cost one of Baffert's superpower syndicates $1.05 million as a yearling. So while it's difficult to picture a Jimmy Creed mare helping Stronghold through a 10th furlong, the Wallers go to Louisville as an inspiration to numberless smaller breeders. It will not just be California that they represent on Derby day. Resilience Channels Precarious Lake Legacy As we've just seen, Resilience has been keeping some good company en route to his Aqueduct breakout. He was actually beaten in all three maidens he contested as a juvenile, evoking an era when people sought physical and mental seasoning in competition rather than in bullet works. In the one won by Stronghold, over the Derby course last fall, they had GIII Lecomte S. winner Track Phantom back in third. Track Phantom and Resilience have since shared a stretch call in the GII Risen Star S. with subsequent trial winners Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and Catching Freedom (Constitution). All these battles have helped Resilience mature to fit a name that also aptly represents the long commitment of his connections. For this is another project a long time in the making. While only a second-generation homebred, the span of years actually exceeds the four generations behind Stronghold. That's because he's out of the last foal–and, after a monotonous production of colts, the only daughter–of Tranquility Lake (Rahy), who was purchased by Martin and Pam Wygod for $250,000 as a yearling at Keeneland back in 1996. Resilience | Sarah Andrew They were never going to miss her there, as by that stage her late-developing half-brother Benchmark (Alydar) was beginning to work off the $475,000 he had cost them as a weanling in the same ring in 1991. Benchmark would go on to win three Grade IIs at six before standing at their River Edge Farm in Buellton, California, where he sired champion sprinter Points Offthebench. Tranquility Lake proved similarly hardy in her four-season, $1.6-million track career, crowned by Grade Is in the Gamely H. and Yellow Ribbon S. She then produced two Grade I winners on turf by Storm Cat, After Market and Courageous Cat, though neither of those had yet emerged when Sheikh Mohammed paid $9.7 million for their brother Jalil (Group 2 winner on dirt in Dubai) as a yearling. Easy to imagine, then, how warmly the Wygods received Tranquility Lake's belated 2014 filly by Smart Strike. Meadowsweet showed plenty of ability in a six-race career on grass, winning a couple of photos and a creditable fifth in the GI Del Mar Oaks. She was then covered according to her value, as sole conduit for her dam. Her first son, by Quality Road, was gelded and claimed, but with her second she has contributed to the relentless upgrading in the quality of Into Mischief's books. Touchingly, Resilience runs for a partnership between the Wygods' daughter Emily Bushnell and Ric Waldman, who was so closely associated with the stallion who “made” Tranquility Lake. The one sorrow is that Russell Drake, who managed River Edge for 43 years and helped scout Reslience's granddam, is not here to share the ride. Drake died in June 2022. It's unsurprising that Resilience is only finding his feet now. His dam was unraced at two, while both Tranquility Lake and Benchmark thrived with age. But their own mother (by Danzig) actually only raced at two, compressing 10 starts into that single campaign and precocious enough to run third in the GIII Schuylerville S.–so there's some latent dash, even without Into Mischief. Happily Meadowsweet, having meanwhile produced a brother to Resilience currently pre-training in Florida, recently came up with a sister. With luck, then, the fragile legacy of Tranquility Lake can now extend into another generation. A Rose With Deep Roots The same conveyor belt of classier mares that brought him Meadowsweet also resulted in Into Mischief's 21st elite scorer, days after Laurel River became his 20th. The success of Leslie's Rose in the GI Ashland S. was yet another example of what can be achieved by patient cultivation of a family. But it also showed that actually this often proves the best route to commercial dividends. If you don't just rush from rookie sire to rookie sire, you can make your mare a coveted source of genes. Much like Resilience, moreover, Leslie's Rose represents a combination of Into Mischief and grass royalty, her dam being by Galileo (Ire) himself. But this has been a long project, with many a blind alley, and confirms the far-sightedness that makes John D. Gunther one of the most admired breeders of his time. Leslie's Rose | John Gallagher/Coady Photography The third dam of Leslie's Rose, Dial A Trick (Phone Trick), was one of the first yearlings Gunther bought as a long-term breeding prospect, for $85,000 way back in 1991. She never made the gate, and her first foals achieved little, albeit one, Expanse (Distant View), was stakes-placed after selling for a yearling for $25,000. An initial attempt to sell Dial A Trick stalled at just $13,000. But then her daughter by Langfuhr, Wildwood Flower, won her first three starts including a dirt sprint stakes at Golden Gate Fields; and her next foal, Eye of the Tiger (American Chance), ran fifth in the GI Kentucky Derby before winning a couple of graded stakes. Expanse was meanwhile proving the one that got away: she produced two Saratoga Grade I scorers, Afleet Express (Afleet Alex) in the Travers S. and Embellish the Lace (Super Saver) in the Alabama S.; besides multiple graded stakes-placed Reporting For Duty (Deputy Commander). After cashing out Dial A Trick for $630,000, Gunther still had Wildwood Flower to borrow that momentum. Her own visit to the sire of Afleet Express yielded GI Florida Derby winner Materiality; while My Miss Sophia (Unbridled's Song) ran second in the GI Kentucky Oaks before herself producing a Grade I winner on grass in Annapolis (War Front). With the Dial A Trick dynasty now in full bloom, Gunther sent Wildwood Flower to Europe. And while three foals by Galileo did nothing on the track to reward that adventure, the unraced Wildwood Rose (Ire) has shown the yields available to those playing the long game with sufficient flair. Her first foal, a Speightstown filly, made $900,000 as a yearling (sadly broke down on her second start); and her second, by Into Mischief and co-bred with Eurowest Bloodstock Services, brought $1.15 million from Whisper Hill Farm. Her name, of course, is Leslie's Rose–the latest flower from seeds sown over three decades ago. You don't do something like this without suffering a few scratches on the way, but between thorns and roots, you end up with something that can survive the fitful winds of commercial fashion. A Sweet Twist to Candy Sire of the weekend was surely Twirling Candy, a nose away from three graded stakes when Cugino in the GIII Transylvania S. just missed joining Where's My Ring (GIII Gazelle) and AG Bullet (GIII Monrovia). The Lane's End sire also had stakes scorer The Donegal Clan. Where's My Ring | Sarah Andrew Three of these four are from Twirling Candy's 2021 crop, his first conceived at $40,000. He's meanwhile consolidated to $60,000 and, at 17, is established as a versatile source of class while remaining more accessible than the six-figure artillery. His weekend's work was characteristic, divided between grass and dirt and one and two turns. That's just as one would hope, for such a nicely blended pedigree. His sire Candy Ride (Arg) introduces turf strains from Argentina and France to Mr. Prospector's Fappiano line; while his damsire is Chester House, the GI Arlington Million-winning son of Mr. Prospector and blue hen Toussaud (El Gran Senor). His granddam is by the international influence Danzig, but the next dam entwines Triple Crown icons: by Seattle Slew out of an Alydar half-sister to Affirmed. I have always loved the way Alydar was consoled with the dam of his nemesis, and perhaps some flavor of that sweet gesture survives in Twirling Candy. The post Breeding Digest: Stronghold Rewards Wallers’ Perserverance appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tickets are still available for the annual Kentucky Thoroughbred Association's Kentucky Derby Trainers' Dinner, a popular event featuring all of the Kentucky Derby trainers in an atmosphere of a good-natured roast. The event is scheduled to be held Tuesday, April 30 at the First Turn Club at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Cocktails begin at 5 p.m. with the dinner slated for 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available by clicking here. “Our sponsors, directors and Churchill Downs are working to make something special befitting the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby and the trainers who succeed in competing in the greatest race in the world,” said the KTA's Executive Director Chauncey Morris. “Join us for a memorable night under the Spires.” In addition to this year's Derby trainers, the event will also feature Gustavo Delgado, trainer of last year's winner, Mage, and will be hosted by Darin Zocali and Andrew Brown. The event seats 600 people, and will feature a farm-to-table menu catered by Wiltshire Pantry. The trainers' dinner is one of the most popular events on the Derby calendar, with the trainers giving good-natured, often hysterical speeches. In 2022, Wayne Lukas thought he was not going to draw into the Derby, and delivered a laugh-out-loud performance, pretending to cry as he imagined the other trainers enjoyed the playing of My Old Kentucky Home via video. “It's really hard for me to talk about,” said Lukas, wiping a tear from his face. “I miss you guys so much and the trainers' dinner has always been one of favorites, and I don't know if I can handle all of this.” Watch the video below. The post Tickets Available for Kentucky Derby 150 Trainers’ Dinner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Cody's Wish (Curlin) was named 2023 Kentucky-bred Horse of the Year and older dirt male, while his dam, Dance Card (Tapit), was named broodmare of the year by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders. Godolphin also received awards for Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief) as champion 3-year-old filly and as KTDF Owner of the Year and winner of the P.A.B. Widener Trophy as KTOB Breeder of the Year. Other Kentucky-bred champions announced Wednesday: 2-year-old male: Fierceness (City of Light) (Breeder Repole Stable); 2-year-old filly Just F Y I (Justify) (George Krikorian); 3-year-old male Arcangelo (Arrogate) (Don Alberto Corporation); older dirt female and female sprinter Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) (Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings); male turf horse Up to the Mark (Not This Time) (Ramspring Farm); female turf horse War Like Goddess (English Channel) (Calumet Farm); male sprinter Elite Power (Curlin) (Alpha Delta Stables); racing abroad Lemon Pop (Lemon Drop Kid) (Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Tait); steeplechase horse Snap Decision (Hard Spun) (Phipps Stable). The 2023 Merit awards, recognizing individuals for their contributions to the Kentucky Thoroughbred industry, will be presented at the KTOB Awards Dinner. The Charles W. Engelhard Award, acknowledging a member of the media for outstanding coverage of the Thoroughbred industry, will be presesented to Thoroughbred Daily News' Chris McGrath. The William T. Young Humanitarian Award, which distinguishes a person or organization in the Thoroughbred industry “who recognizes and promotes the human endeavor,” will be presented to Frederick J. Seitz. Also to receive awards are the top Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) money earners in 2023 in five separate categories: KTDF sire of the year Into Mischief (Spendthrift Farm); KTDF earner of the year Ancient Rome (Mrs. Fitri Hay); KTDF trainer of the year Brad Cox; and KTDF breeder of the year Calumet Farm. Recipients of the 2023 KTOB Kentucky-Bred Champion awards were voted on by the full membership of KTA/KTOB, while the KTDF category leaders were tabulated using purse money won at Kentucky racetracks in 2023. KTOB merit award recipients were voted on by the KTA/KTOB Board of Directors. The post Cody’s Wish Named KTOB Horse of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

We have heard much about Christopher Head as he has stamped his name firmly in the book of young trainers to follow, and it will undoubtedly be wise also to pay attention to his sister, Victoria Head, who trains in her own right in Chantilly. It is exactly two years since the 28-year-old sent out her first runner for Jean-Louis Bouchard, and her stable has now grown from five horses in her debut season to 25. She is currently operating at a strike-rate of 25 per cent, with six winners on the board already this year and some potentially smart prospects on her hands. Notably, they include several for American owner-breeder George Strawbridge, who was a longstanding patron of the trainer's father, Freddy Head. “My father retired last year and I was really lucky because George Strawbridge decided to put some horses with me,” Head says. “Last year was my first year with two-year-olds and I knew I had some good horses who would be better at three. I am not training for many years but I know they have quality.” One who should be in action this week with an eye on future Classics is Hit It (Fr), an Almanzor (Fr) half-sister to Dice Roll (Fr) (Showcasing {GB}), who was third in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains in 2018 for Fabrice Chappet. The filly was bought by Strawbridge at the Arqana August Sale for €110,000 from breeder Maurice Lagasse of Gestut Zur Kuste. Hit It has won twice so far for for Head, at Saint-Cloud, and heads to Longchamp next Thursday for the Prix du Louvre. “Hit It is a good filly for sure and I am delighted to have this filly for the Strawbridges. She ran well in Saint-Cloud and she seems to like the heavy ground. It's not easy when you start out but they have trusted me from the beginning,” says the trainer. “I have five three-year-olds for them and I hope that there is a colt who is really nice who hasn't raced yet. His name is Inwi and he's a horse I am really looking forward to.” Inwi (GB) is indeed beautifully bred. A son of Dubawi (Ire), he is out of the G2 Prix du Conseil de Paris winner Listen In (Ire), herself a Sea The Stars (Ire) half-sister to Group winners Dominant (Ire) and Es Que Love (Ire). And he is not the only smartly-bred galloper in the stable. Ante Alios (Ger) (Guiliani {Ger}), a half-brother to the Melbourne Cup winner Almandin (Ger), became her first winner for the powerful German operation Gestut Schlenderhan when striking at Chantilly in March. He too is entered this Sunday for the Listed Prix Jacques Laffitte. “Gestut Schlenderhan has supported French racing for many years and I am really lucky to have this horse – I think he's very nice,” says Head. She is also keen, like many young trainers, to encourage syndicate ownership, which is gradually on the rise in France but still not as widely popular as in Britain or Ireland. “We are trying to bring young people into ownership and France is working hard to build the syndicate idea,” Head notes. “There are certainly more syndicates now than before, and I am lucky to have Ecurie Vivaldi in my stable, and also I have a new syndicate called High Heels, which is only for girls.” Like many of the members of her esteemed dynasty, which stretches back many generations in Chantilly but has its roots in England, Victoria Head communicates fluently in English. This was no doubt aided by some international travels before she began her training career. She will have gleaned much from her time spent working for Aidan O'Brien in Ireland, Gai Waterhouse in Australia and, finally, “the genius” Andre Fabre back in her home town. She says, “I like to see many different things so I tried to travel a lot. I went to Aidan O'Brien and it was the most amazing experience. I did a bit of everything there – I rode out in the morning and worked for Coolmore at the stud in the afternoon. I loved this experience and I loved Ireland. I learned a lot there and afterwards I went to Australia, which was totally different, though I also liked that experience. “When I came back to France I worked for Andre Fabre for a year. That experience made me grow up a lot. I learned maybe the most from him because I was a bit older by then, but I also learned a lot from the people I worked with there. He has a really good staff.” Though she maybe did not initially have the blessing of her own father to train, Head's parents are now owners in her stable, with five horses on the books, including last month's Saint-Cloud winner La Mandala (Fr) (City Light {Fr}) and Suchet (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}), who won in February at Chantilly. Both are homebreds who carry a variation of the famous red Haras du Quesnay colours. “My father didn't want me to train,” she says. “I'm his daughter and he knows it's a tough life and he said he would prefer me to do something else, but I was sure I wanted to do this so he's happy now. My mother has always supported me.” As the latest member of a celebrated family which has enjoyed much success on the French turf and beyond, Head admits that she has plenty to live up to but is also fully appreciative of the benefit of her surname. “I try to do my work every day and don't think too much about that,” she says. “I do feel the pressure of the family name, but at the same time it is easier for me to have that name; it has definitely made things easier for me. But for all trainers, you have pressure anyway, especially when you are building your business.” Head trains from a separate yard to her brother but in part of the stable previously used by their father. She adds, “Christopher has had great success and I am happy for him. Now I am trying to play my part.” The post Spotlight on Victoria Head as Training Dynasty Extends appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Hong Kong Jockey Club will invest HK$140 million in 2024/25 in lowering the cost of ownership. Livery fees paid by Owners are the mechanism for covering the direct costs of the stable and other staff who are responsible for the stabling and training of horses. Recognising the current difficult general economic conditions which face Owners, the Club has decided to absorb a substantial portion of these costs on behalf of Owners. From the commencement of the 2024/25 season, the basic monthly livery fee for horses in training will be cut by 22%, reducing from HK$38,200 to HK$30,000 per month. This translates to an annualized reduction of HK$98,400 per horse. In addition to this, during the first four months after the arrival of a new horse import, the basic monthly livery fee will be further reduced by HK$5,000 to HK$25,000. This will represent a 35% reduction in livery fees for new imports compared with current charges. The Club has also implemented a new initiative to provide additional financial support to Owners to export their horses after their retirement from racing in Hong Kong. From next season, Owners will receive a payment of HK$50,000 towards the cost of exporting their horse from Hong Kong, in addition to the existing travel subsidy of up to HK$100,000. In other words, Owners will be paying almost 50% less than what they are currently paying for the export of their retired horses. Added together the three measures represent a HK$140 million investment by the Club in lowering the cost of ownership. “The investment that Owners make in buying high-quality horses is the bedrock of the Club’s world-class racing. We recognise that at the moment Owners face the twin pressures of strong competition in sourcing the best available horses to race in Hong Kong and the impact of the currently challenging global economic conditions. In these circumstances we have developed a package of measures designed to significantly reduce the costs that Owners paying to keep their horses in training, as well as the cost that is incurred when they retire a horse.” Mr Andrew Harding, Executive Director, Racing, said. “These measures complement the action taken by the Club over the past decade to invest in prize money to reward Owners’ investment. Over the past decade, prize money has been increased nearly 100% with prize money and incentives schemes totalling an estimated HK$1.73 billion on offer for the 2023/24 racing season.” View the full article

The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced plans on Thursday to invest HK$140 million in an attempt to significantly lower the cost of ownership in the jurisdiction. In 2024/25, the basic monthly livery fee for horses in training will be cut by 22%, from HK$38,200 (around €4,544) to HK$30,000 (€3,568), which translates to an annualised reduction of HK$98,400 (€11,704) per horse. In addition, during the first four months after the arrival of a new horse import, the basic monthly livery fee will be further reduced by HK$5,000 to HK$25,000 (€2,974). A new initiative will also be introduced to provide additional financial support to owners to export their horses after their retirement from racing in Hong Kong. From next season, owners will receive a payment of HK$50,000 (€5,947) towards the cost of exporting their horse from Hong Kong, in addition to the existing travel subsidy of up to HK$100,000 (€11,894). Andrew Harding, executive director of racing at the HKJC, said, “The investment that owners make in buying high-quality horses is the bedrock of the Club's world-class racing. We recognise that at the moment owners face the twin pressures of strong competition in sourcing the best available horses to race in Hong Kong and the impact of the currently challenging global economic conditions. “In these circumstances we have developed a package of measures designed to significantly reduce the costs that owners pay to keep their horses in training, as well as the cost that is incurred when they retire a horse. “These measures complement the action taken by the Club over the past decade to invest in prize money to reward owners' investment. Over the past decade, prize money has been increased nearly 100% with prize money and incentives schemes totalling an estimated HK$1.73 billion on offer for the 2023/24 racing season.” The post Measures Introduced to Reduce Cost of Ownership in Hong Kong appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Meath jockey Siobhan Rutledge will be sponsored by Leopardstown Racecourse for the 2024 Flat season. Rutledge began her racing career in 2018 having graduated from the RACE Racing Academy. Riding predominantly for Stamullen-based trainer John McConnell, Rutledge has since clocked up a total of 73 career winners, notable winning the 2023 Connacht Oaks aboard Starry Heavens (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) for Jessica Harrington. “I'm delighted to announce my partnership with Leopardstown Racecourse,” said Rutledge. “I'm incredibly grateful for this amazing sponsorship opportunity and I can't wait to represent their brand on and off the track. “Their support means a lot to me as it was at Leopardstown itself where I had my first experience of race riding and fell in love with all that the sport has to offer. I'm really looking forward to kicking off this season with Leopardstown's support behind me. I hope we can thrive together and inspire the next generation to pursue their passions fearlessly.” CEO of Leopardstown, Tim Husbands, added, “We are thrilled to be supporting Siobhan through the 2024 season and following her progress all the way. Siobhan is one of our top female jockeys and nurturing and supporting that talent is something extremely important to Leopardstown. “Fostering the visibility of Women in Sport, as well as the accessibility of careers within the industry, is something we take pride in. We look forward to being a part of Siobhan's journey through the summer.” The post Leopardstown Racecourse Announce Siobhan Rutledge Partnership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A string of measures announced on Thursday come as officials strive to generate interest during the application period for this year’s horse ballotView the full article

Te Akau Racing will continue their raid on The Championships in Sydney with a pair of in-form chances at Randwick this weekend, including quality filly Quintessa in the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m). The daughter of Shamus Award has been a revelation for trainer Mark Walker this season, winning three and placing in three of her eights starts, including victories in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) and Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). She was tested over 2000m for the first time last start when just going down to compatriot Antrim Coast in the Gr.2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at The Valley last month, giving Walker the confidence to press on towards the Australian Oaks, where she will meet glamour filly Orchestral. “She got galloped on a little bit in the race (last start), but she has recovered from that and hasn’t missed a beat,” Walker told Trackside. “Orchestral and Zardozi are class fillies but we have got a nice draw (2) and she will be thereabouts. “She is a very fit horse and we haven’t had to do a huge amount with her, she is very clean-winded. Her mum was a High Chaparral mare so she should run the trip.” Te Akau will also be represented by Group One winner Campionessa in the Gr.1 Queen Of The Turf (1600m). She has been in pleasing form for Walker, heading into the race off the back of a victory in the Gr.2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield in February and a third placing in the Gr.2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at The Valley last month. Campionessa has drawn barrier 13 on Saturday and will be ridden by leading Kiwi hoop Opie Bosson, who will also partner Quintessa in the Oaks. “We have drawn out a bit on Saturday but at least we won’t get any bad luck from out there,” Walker said. “We haven’t had to do a lot with her because a mile this deep into her campaign we have just kept her on the fresh side, but she is in really good form.” View the full article

Robbie Patterson will chase further southern spoils at Riccarton Park on Saturday, with promising filly It’s Doris contesting the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m). Patterson’s last two trips across the Cook Strait have been highly successful, with subsequent Group One winner Puntura collecting the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) during New Zealand Cup Week, and Regal Dice winning the Kumara Gold Nuggets (1810m) in January. A daughter of Telperion, It’s Doris debuted in late November and has put together a consistent record in her seven outings, including two victories and a fourth-placed effort in the Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m). The filly secured her place in Saturday’s 18-horse field when justifying favouritism over 1400m at Otaki on April 1, and Patterson indicated the forecast Canterbury rain would assist her chances. “She won the 65 pretty dominantly the other day, and the blinkers will go on this week as she can get to the front and loaf a bit,” he said. “She hasn’t gone down for the scenery, she’s there to be competitive. Any rain won’t worry her, if anything that will help her chances especially from the draw (13). “She naturally jumps well, so she’ll roll forward and hopefully slot into a nice position.” Northern-based jockey Courtney Barnes will partner each of Patterson’s five runners at Riccarton, including talented mare The Hottie, who will have a final lead-in to next Saturday’s Listed Great Easter Stakes (1400m) in the Angus Meats Open Handicap (1200m). “I was going to trial her on Tuesday at Foxton, but she’s going for the Listed 1400m next Saturday, so I thought she may as well run for some money,” Patterson said. “She’ll be winding up late if she can get a nice spot and attacking the line hard, but 1200m may be a touch short for her. Her main target will come the following week.” The Mistress would also benefit from a downgrade in track conditions, as the daughter of Derryn contends with an outside draw (17) in the Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge Rating 75 (1400m). “She’s got a tricky draw, but she’s a horse that jumps well and the off-ground will really suit her,” Patterson said. “She’ll be a bit of a weapon in the mud this year I think, so as long we get a bit of rain, she should be very competitive. She’s a nice animal that can go right through the grades, especially during the winter.” Patterson will also engage Maolla Miss in the Angus ‘Schawsy’ Shaw 30th Fizzer Rating 65 (1600m) and Wisemen’s Diva in the Rohan Mudhoo Trust Fundraising Now Maiden (1200m), both also drawing wide alleys. “Maolla Miss will need rain, but if she gets that, she will be very competitive. She ran nicely first-up and got home strong so the mile will suit. The wide draw won’t be a worry as she naturally gets back anyway,” Patterson said. “Wisemen’s Diva has had a couple of runs for me and been good, that little bit of rain won’t worry her either, she’d be pretty hard to beat if that comes.” Closer to his New Plymouth base, Patterson will line-up five contenders across two races at Otaki on Saturday. Well-performed mare Contribute will prepare for a tilt at the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) on April 27, a race Regal Dice may also contest after the Cavallo Farms & Chris Rutten Bloodstock Handicap (1600m). “Contribute trialled up well and any rain won’t worry her. At that weight over a mile in a fresh state (56.5kg), she should be very competitive,” Patterson said. “Contribute will go to the Travis Stakes all going well through this race, and Regal Dice could put her hand up as well. “She (Regal Dice) is fresh-up and may need the run, but she goes well at Otaki and an off-track won’t be a concern. She could be a nice place chance at pretty good money.” Lightly-raced six-year-old The Fearless One will complete Patterson’s trio in the open mile, the talented Australian Group Three-performer having just his 14th start in a muddled career due to wind issues. “He’s got heaps of ability, he placed in a President’s Cup, ran in the Brisbane Cup, and then went in the wind, so that’s altered his career a little bit. “He’s come back well and ran home strongly first-up, then he had a viral complaint so had a while between runs, so he trialled the other day and went nicely at Foxton. “Ciel (Butler, jockey) knows the horse well and gets a couple of kilos off (52kg), as long as it doesn’t get too heavy would be the only query. The Soft7 range would be fine, he’ll get back but he’ll be storming home in the finish. “He’s a horse with a lot of ability, and on his day, he’ll be pretty competitive in this race. “It’s getting a bit late in the season for him, even though he’s had no racing, because he won’t run in the heavy tracks. We may even look to go up to Ruakaka for a couple of runs through the winter to keep him ticking over, and then a short break before the spring.” Redwood mare The Dutch Dame will continue her build into winter racing in the Vets On Riverbank Handicap (1400m) alongside Bow Hill, who Patterson also holds in high regard. “1400m is too short for her (The Dutch Dame), but we’ve got to start her somewhere and get fitness into her ahead of the winter,” he said. “Bow Hill is a very nice horse, but we’ve just had a few problems with her. “She won nicely early on, then just went off the ball her next couple of starts, so we spelled her and brought her back. “She went super fresh-up, and I expect the same on Saturday especially with a bit of rain about with the blinkers going on.” View the full article

In the wake of the abandonment of Wednesday’s race meeting at Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing (ATR), in conjunction with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), have undertaken a comprehensive investigation, resulting in an agreed plan of action that will be implemented to address safety concerns and ensure future racing success. Wednesday’s race meeting was abandoned after race three due to safety concerns arising from a slip on the newly-installed StrathAyr track. “We are disappointed in relation to having an abandonment. In upholding our commitment to excellence, instances like these are regrettable as they fall short of our standards,” ATR chief executive Paul Wilcox said. “We also understand the disappointment yesterday’s abandonment would have caused to participants, stakeholders, and fans. (We) also want to emphasise that the safety and wellbeing of horses and jockeys is paramount and accept that this was the right decision under the circumstances.” Wilcox said there are similarities between this incident and the one encountered at the TAB Karaka Millions meeting in January, acknowledging that yesterday’s issues stemmed from the interface between the root matting and the sand profile. “This incident bears resemblance to the issue presented at the TAB Karaka Millions earlier this year. We acknowledge that the root layer at the 10m rail position was not broken up to the extent of other used areas of the track – something that effectively formed a sponge that then held moisture near the surface. That’s what caused the issues,” he said. “Addressing this issue effectively is paramount to ensuring the safety and integrity of our racing surfaces moving forward.” Following a meeting on Thursday morning between the Club, NZTR and RIB (Racing Integrity Board) representatives, along with Frank Casimaty of StrathAyr and Chris Hay from Elwick Racecourse which has a StrathAyr track, an immediate plan of action is being implemented to address the issues created by the root mass and to also utilise the sand in the track to dust the surface and reduce any surface greasiness. “The Club, along with NZTR, are grateful for the advice received – particularly that from Chris Hay – as we continue to find the best process for preparing the track for raceday,” Wilcox said. “From installation through to the return to racing at Ellerslie, we have worked closely with StrathAyr to ensure the highest standards. Our next steps will help restore confidence of our jockeys, owners, trainers, and punters in our racing surface at Ellerslie.” ATR commenced vertidraining the track earlier this week and will continue this process with additional coring of the track to a depth of at least 100mm. This action is aimed at bringing the sand from these cores to the track’s surface. Machinery will be utilised to break up these cores and spread them over the track’s surface, with any remaining grass tufts to be removed. This work will be undertaken over the remainder of the week and into the weekend. NZTR chief operating officer Darin Balcombe is pleased about the steps being taken. “After our discussions with Chris Hay this morning, we are confident that the additional coring and breaking up of those cores will alleviate the issues with the surface,” he said. “We will continue to work closely with ATR to ensure the track continues to improve with racing.” ATR has ordered a corer machine to help ensure the ongoing track surface will continue to improve with further racing and, after the conclusion of the season on May 25, will undertake a heavy renovation on the track to include removing the matting to prevent similar issues in the future. “As we move forward, our focus remains unwaveringly fixed on ensuring the highest standards of safety and excellence,” Wilcox said. “We are fully committed to implementing comprehensive measures to address the issue swiftly and effectively. “Looking ahead, we are optimistic that with the planned renovations and diligent maintenance efforts, our track at Ellerslie will not only be stabilised but also optimised to deliver impeccable racing conditions and an exceptional racing experience for all participants and enthusiasts alike.” Prior to returning to racing, trials will take place this coming Monday 15 April. These will need to be completed satisfactorily with the rail in the raceday position for racing to resume as scheduled on Easter Handicap Day, next Saturday 20 April. NZTR have instigated the Abandonment Review Protocol and will review all events and track preparation leading up to the partial abandonment of Wednesday’s raceday. View the full article

The 10-time Group 1-winning star Imperatriz has run her last race with the rising six-year-old mare to be prepared to begin life as a broodmare next spring. Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis confirmed the surprising news on Thursday, saying that after consulting with her owners, it was decided the highly-valuable mare’s future lay in the breeding barn following her half-length defeat when fourth in last Saturday’s G1 T J Smith Stakes at Randwick. “Imperatriz has been a magnificent race mare, I loved her from the time I set eyes on her at the Magic Millions’ sale. What she has done since has firmly established her as one of the very best race mares Australasia has seen in recent times,” David Ellis said on the Te Akau Racing website.. “From a filly that was the last to sell as a yearling, she became a Champion racehorse and when Karyn and I saw her win her second Group 1 William Reid at Moonee Valley last month, we couldn’t believe the crowd’s adulation for her, The Valley was a sea of tangerine. “Her tenacity, courage and sheer determination, combined with the sweetest nature you could imagine, have certainly won the hearts of fans worldwide. The joy she has brought to her owners is indescribable.” Ellis said a vet inspection after Imperatriz returned home to New Zealand led to them making the call to retire her. “Te Akau always puts the well-being of our horses first. The indications are that another high-level racing preparation would not be in her best interests, so whilst sad, the decision is very straightforward. Her welfare is our top priority, and she will retire a happy and sound horse,” he said. By the champion sire I Am Invincible, the Australian-bred Imperatriz was purchased by Ellis for $360,000 at the 2020 Gold Coast Premier sales and went on to win a tick under $7 million in stakes from her 19 wins and four placings from 27 starts. After having her first 17 runs in New Zealand, Imperatriz returned to Australia for the first time since her yearling days last autumn when nosed out of the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick by Artorius. She then went on a winning spree that netted her six straight wins – five at G1 level – before she was beaten in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington by the lightweight Cylinder. She bounced back to record G1 No. 10 in the William Reid Stakes at The Valley before her final run last Saturday when beaten half a length into fourth place in the G1 T J Smith Stakes at Randwick. Imperatriz retires with the second most G1 victories for Te Akau Racing with her 10 wins at the elite level still four behind that of former star Melody Belle. View the full article

Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars) and Pride Of Jenni (Pride of Dubai) haven’t reached ‘arch rival’ status just yet, but Ben Hayes admits he will be satisfied if the former can square the ledger at Randwick. The pair has run the quinella three times, Pride Of Jenni relegating Mr Brightside to second in the Cantala Stakes and All-Star Mile, while Mr Brightside won the points decision in the C F Orr Stakes. Both had to play minor roles last start in the Australian Cup, Pride Of Jenni finishing second to Cascadian (New Approach) and Mr Brightside fifth. They will again go head-to-head on Saturday, this time in the A$5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick where Hayes is hoping Mr Brightside can rise to the occasion. “I wouldn’t say arch-rivals, but we’re naturally competitive and enjoy it,” Hayes said. “It’s good for racing, rivalries are good and they’ve raced together a couple of times. “At the moment she is winning….we get another opportunity to even up the score, which is currently two-one. “It’s something the racing public should embrace.” Mr Brightside’s unplaced effort in the Australian Cup last start was the first time he had missed a top three finish in more than 12 months. Hayes said the six-year-old didn’t enjoy the firm ground and also felt he was ridden too close in a race made into a testing 2000-metre contest by Pride Of Jenni’s Vo Rogue-style of racing. While he hasn’t won beyond a mile, Mr Brightside went down in a photo finish to Romantic Warrior (Acclamation) in the Cox Plate (2040m) and Hayes is confident the gelding can run out the 2000m journey on Saturday, provided he is ridden conservatively. “We tried different tactics last start and had him a bit closer, it probably doesn’t suit him,” Hayes said. “In a normally run 2000 where they run along and build, he’d run it out no problem, but the way Pride Of Jenni runs her races, it probably takes away our horse’s best asset, his turn of foot, because he is chasing so far out. “We’ve got to let him balance, get him comfortable, keep him happy and have him hit the line strongly.” The Queen Elizabeth Stakes has become the jewel in the crown of The Championships having been won in recent years by the likes of Dundeel (NZ) (High Chaparral) (2014), Winx (NZ) (Street Cry) (2017-2019) and Addeybb (Pivotal) (2020-21). It has again attracted a deep field with Australian Cup hero Cascadian and well performed imports Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) and Place Du Carrousel (Lope De Vega) joining Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni in the elite line up, while Australian Derby runner-up Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) will be bidding to end a 27-year drought for the three-year-olds. View the full article

Timaru’s Washdyke racecourse is synonymous with some of the iconic names in New Zealand and Australian racing history, however, it’s now timely to reflect on the contribution of one of its unsung heroes, long-time chief executive Paul Hinsley. The Timaru track is well-known as Phar Lap Raceway, honouring the champion galloper who was bred at nearby Seadown in the mid-1920s. Half a century later another locally-bred horse brought further fame, the Peter South-owned and Pat Corboy-trained Grey Way, who became known as the Washdyke Wonder as he compiled a remarkable record of 51 wins from 164 starts. Both Phar Lap, whose life-sized bronze statue now adorns the main entranceway to the course, and Grey Way earned immortality with induction to the New Zealand Racing Hall of Fame. While Paul Hinsley might not belong in that illustrious pantheon, his contribution to racing in the South Canterbury region cannot be over-stated. At age 68, last month he brought the curtain down on 40 years at Washdyke, having taken on the role of CEO for the South Canterbury Racing Club, the (now defunct) South Canterbury Hunt and Timaru Harness Racing Club based on the dual-track course. “My first career was car painter, but that lost its attraction and bookwork appeared more likeable,” Hinsley said. “With my wife Jenny we set up a secretarial service for various businesses, which included operations at the racecourse with me taking care of the financials while she managed events. “It’s a structure that has worked very well for everyone involved, but with both of us dealing with health issues over the past few years, the time had come for us to step back.” Much has changed over the past four decades in both codes that utilise Washdyke’s racing and training facilities, from raceday funding and programming to the number of actual racedays – and the threat of closure. “When the Messara Report was released back in 2018, Phar Lap Raceway was one of the tracks earmarked to close,” Hinsley said. “It took us completely by surprise – we were very disappointed that we were slated for closure. “It made no sense why a venue that offered so much to the local community as well as the wider racing industry should be closed. We weren’t prepared to accept it, so we went to work to fight it and maintain our position. “We worked through our local MP who fought a really good fight for us and we made a public submission to Parliament with over 6,000 signatures. We basically spent four years fighting it, but it was worth all the effort when we forced a backdown.” Hinsley modestly takes his share of the credit for the health in which he is leaving operations at Phar Lap Raceway. “When I began here, the Racing Club relied on the annual TAB payout as its main funding source, but back then that was only sufficient to pay the overdraft. “The payments and funding systems have changed quite a bit over the years – more regular payments to the clubs, bulk funding of stakes and so on – and I’d like to think that we’ve made the most of that. From where the club was back when I started to now having $500,000 in reserves, I suppose that’s a fairly good indication of the club’s health.” Change has also manifested itself in the number of race meetings conducted on the course, from a total of 15 to the current four gallops and five harness fixtures. Rationalisation of individual races has also resulted in the loss of black-type status for the South Canterbury Racing Club’s Timaru Cup staged annually on December 28. “It was a close call when the Pattern Committee were overhauling the country’s stakes races last year and the Timaru Cup lost its Listed status by just one point. It was disappointing, but we still managed to run what is now known as the Timaru Heritage Cup for a stake of $80,000.” One aspect of club administration that is no longer the domain of gallops club manager is the collation of nominations and acceptances, and Hinsley admits to being a convert for the central bureau system that came into play some 20 years ago. “I have to confess when it was introduced I was one of the nay-sayers amongst those who thought it would mean clubs losing their identity,” he said. “That never happened, the clubs remained part of the process and now I’m one its biggest fans, it really has streamlined the process.” While Hinsley’s approach to his role has been through a commercial lens, it still hasn’t stopped him from indulging in racehorse ownership, well aware that any such involvement would be based on having fun rather than making money. “We bought a stable across the road from the track and had Paul Ayton based there as the resident trainer. We won a lot of races through the second half of the 1990s – 18 one season and more than 50 all up,” he said. “We won races on our home track with horses like Princess Vain, Money Belt and Innovator, and then there was Miss Paris House, who set an 1100m track record at Riccarton that stood for years. Warwick Coles, the course manager here and also a trainer, also won a race on the track for us with Rent A Gent. “It’s hard to actually make money out of racing horses, but you can’t beat the excitement of your horse flying down the straight in front.” Hinsley and his wife will step back from their long-time involvement at Phar Lap Raceway with countless good memories, and gratitude for all those who have helped make their job easier. “We couldn’t have done all this by ourselves,” he said. “Some of the staff here have been with me all the way through, we’ve had great back-up from a whole lot of people, and not forgetting our own community with sponsorship and other support.” View the full article

The Melbourne arm of Andrew Forsman’s operation has been boosted by the arrival of feature race contenders Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor) and Good Oil (NZ) (Dalghar). The Cambridge trainer dispatched the quality duo to his Flemington stable earlier this week to prepare for upcoming feature race assignments. “They arrived there on Wednesday and have travelled well and settling in nicely,” Forsman said. Almanzor filly Positivity has made great strides this preparation and progressed from a maiden success to claim the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) and last time out finished runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). “She will run in the Australasian Oaks (Gr.1, 2000m) on April 27 at Morphettville,” Forsman said. “Depending how she performs, we can either run her in the Derby (Gr.1, 2500m) or there’s a Group Three 2500m race (SA Fillies’ Classic). “We put her out for a week after the Oaks to freshen-up and she came back into work and she’s up to the mark. “Obviously, back to the 2000m she will be better on the fresh side, and she has retained her fitness.” Stablemate Good Oil has been one of the surprise movers through the staying ranks this year and finished third in both the Gr.3 Avondale Cup (2400m) and the Nathans Memorial (2200m) before he ran second in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m). “He’s done a great job and certainly exceeded my expectations, he just keeps stepping up and every time we raised the bar he’s been up to the challenge,” Forsman said. “He’ll run in the Mornington Cup (Listed, 2400m) on Saturday week and the idea would be to then run in the Andrew Ramsden (Listed, 2800m) at Flemington. “Whether he runs in between times is still be to worked out, but there is the Warrnambool Cup (Listed, 2350m).” Forsman is also plotting stakes targets for Flemington residents Mr Maestro (NZ) (Savabeel), a resuming fifth in the Gr.3 Victoria Handicap (1400m), and last-start Geelong winner Riproar (NZ) (Charm Spirit). “Mr Maestro was great in a really tough race, it was the only suitable one to get him going and he held his own against seasoned horses,” Forsman said. “We’ve got no grand plans and on the same day as Positivity runs in Adelaide there’s an open mile so we might give him a trip as well. “Riproar came through his run well and there’s the Mornington Guineas (1600m) on Saturday week so ideally we’d like to have a go at that.” Meanwhile, Forsman will have a quartet of runners at Otaki on Saturday, headed by recent winner Sporting Chance (Dundeel) in the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m). “He won on a firm track at Ellerslie and it will be different on Saturday, but he has showed the ability to handle an off track so I don’t think it will worry him,” Forsman said. Mr Mojo Risin’ (NZ) (Deep Field) will be second-up in the Vets On Riverbank Handicap (1400m), Wyndsong (NZ) (Wyndspelle) tackles the McMillan Equine Feeds 2YO (1300m) off the back of a debut fourth and Milanese (NZ) (Zed) had little luck first time out and runs in The Tele Otaki Maiden (1600m). “I quite like all of them and think Mr Mojo Risin’ will be hard to beat, he just needed the run the other day and carried a big weight (59.5kg) so the claim (3kg) will certainly help him,” Forsman said. View the full article

He’s captured two of New Zealand’s biggest staying scalps and now Cambridge gelding Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) has crossed the Tasman to try and assert his dominance in Australia. The American-bred gelding was purchased by co-trainer Shaune Ritchie from the 2022 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale at Newmarket, England, for 75,000 guineas, and rewarded the Cambridge horseman’s judgement a year later when taking out the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton last November before going on to secure a Cups double at Ellerslie last month when victorious in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m). Now victorious over 3200m at Group Two and Three level, Ritchie, along with co-trainer Com Murray, are hoping he can complete the Group-level set in the Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on Saturday. “We bought him initially to try and win a New Zealand Cup with him and once we got over that goal we took the next step, which was the Auckland Cup,” Ritchie told Trackside NZ. “It is no mean feat to try and win three two-mile races in one season, it probably wouldn’t be done very often, and obviously this is a step-up in class. “I think we have got a pretty even field this year, it has certainly softened up late, we just hope the track isn’t too soft for him.” Like many trainers in Australasia, Ritchie said he has always dreamed of lining up a runner in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, and Saturday is a litmus test to see if his charge is up to the task. “We are just testing the waters,” he said. “It is a boyhood dream to have a runner in a Melbourne Cup, so if he can be competitive here it would be nice to take him home and get him ready for the spring. “He is just that ultimate stayer. I think the booking of Tommy Marquand (jockey) is a good one, he is very strong and is not scared to get going on them early, he will get him out of the barrier. He is going to need to get him out there from a wide gate (16) and get somewhere involved. He is an on-pace horse and does run the two-miles out very strongly. That is his edge over other horses. “It is just nice to be at Randwick and back in Sydney and perhaps seeing how far we can lift the bar and how high he can jump.” Meanwhile, back in New Zealand, the stable will by vying for stakes success at Riccarton on Saturday with Nepheti (NZ) (Charm Spirit) in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m). The Windsor Park Stud-bred and raced filly has shown plenty of ability in her brief career to date, winning three and placing in one of her six starts, including a 1-1/4 length triumph over 1400m at Ellerslie a fortnight ago. Her trainers had been gearing her towards an Oaks tilt, but she has proven to be more effected over a shorter trip, and they believe the mile journey this weekend will be right up her alley. “She is a filly we have always liked and thought we could get her to the Oaks. She failed in the Sunline over 2100m, so I think a mile is her distance,” Murray said. “I think she is right up there. She showed her class the other day when she sat in behind them, peeled off and away she went. “She went down last Saturday and got there on Sunday evening and I am very happy with her. By all accounts she has settled in well. She is a pretty fit horse and with the travel down there we just tick them over. She was pretty right before she left here.” Nepheti has been installed a $3.80 favourite for Saturday’s contest by TAB bookmakers, ahead of No Rain Ever at $5.50 and Dangerous Liaisons (NZ) (No Nay Never) at $7. View the full article

Quintessa will contest the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Te Akau Racing will continue their raid on The Championships in Sydney with a pair of in-form chances at Randwick this weekend, including quality filly Quintessa in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m). The daughter of Shamus Award has been a revelation for trainer Mark Walker this season, winning three and placing in three of her eights starts, including victories in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) and Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). She was tested over 2000m for the first time last start when just going down to compatriot Antrim Coast in the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley last month, giving Walker the confidence to press on towards the Australian Oaks, where she will meet glamour filly Orchestral. “She got galloped on a little bit in the race (last start), but she has recovered from that and hasn’t missed a beat,” Walker told Trackside. “Orchestral and Zardozi are class fillies but we have got a nice draw (2) and she will be thereabouts. “She is a very fit horse and we haven’t had to do a huge amount with her, she is very clean-winded. Her mum was a High Chaparral mare so she should run the trip.” Te Akau will also be represented by Group One winner Campionessa in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf (1600m). She has been in pleasing form for Walker, heading into the race off the back of a victory in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield in February and a third placing in the Group 2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at The Valley last month. Campionessa has drawn barrier 13 on Saturday and will be ridden by leading Kiwi hoop Opie Bosson, who will also partner Quintessa in the Oaks. “We have drawn out a bit on Saturday but at least we won’t get any bad luck from out there,” Walker said. “We haven’t had to do a lot with her because a mile this deep into her campaign we have just kept her on the fresh side, but she is in really good form.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Bendigo Mile Day 2024 Where Bendigo Jockey Club – Heinz St, White Hills VIC 3550 When Saturday, April 13, 2024 First Race 12:05pm AEST Visit Dabble The annual Golden Mile meeting at Bendigo awaits punters on Saturday afternoon with 10 races set down for decision. The Listed Golden Mile (1600m) and Bendigo Guineas (1400m) headline proceedings on a track rated a Good 4. The rail sticks to its true position, with Bendigo’s marquee day commencing at 12:05pm AEST. Golden Mile Top Tip: Makram Makram has been impressive in two runs this campaign, beating Jimmysstar in Listed company first-up before finishing a length off Atishu in Group 2 company at Flemington on March 2. This is no harder than those races. Makram is blessed with talent and a strong turn of foot, and on the back of a genuine tempo, he has the finishing burst to salute in the Golden Mile. Golden Mile Race 9 – #4 Makram (8) 7yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Harry Coffey (58kg) +750 with Bet365 Bendigo Guineas Tip: Roll On High Roll On High is a Group 1 winner in the making. The three-year-old filly finished 3.5 lengths off Tropical Squall in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) and then was beaten by two lengths in Group 2 company at Moonee Valley. She boasts a win over subsequent Group 1 winner Joliestar last spring, and if Roll On High is anywhere near her best, she should prove too classy in the Bendigo Guineas. Bendigo Guineas Race 8 – #8 Roll On High (14) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Luke Nolen (58kg) +220 with PlayUp Best Bet at Bendigo: Divus Romulus Divus Romulus broke his maiden first-up with a dominant win over 1600m at Pakenham, then ran down his rivals over the Sandown 2100m. In this 2400m affair, John Allen will have the son of Fast Company settled towards the rear of the field throughout. Divus Romulus is armed with a strong finishing burst, however, and as long as he can handle the step up in distance, he looks the goods in the opener. Best Bet Race 1 – #14 Divus Romulus (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Nick Ryan | J: John Allen (54.5kg) +240 with Picklebet Next Best at Bendigo: Chorlton Lane If Chorlton Lane brings anything close to his best on his return from a five-month spell, he simply wins the Bendigo finale. The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding has two wins and a second in three first-up runs throughout his career, and he is yet to miss the top three in six runs at 1400m. Ethan Brown will likely have his mount in the second half of the field, but if the pair can gain a nice tow, Chorlton Lane should dispose of his rivals. Next Best Race 10 – #10 Chorlton Lane (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ethan Brown (57.5kg) +280 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Bendigo Bendigo quadrella selections Saturday, April 13, 2024 1-3-4-7-9-10 1-8-12 2-3-4-10-16-17 2-10-15 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More racing tips View the full article

Mahrajaan winning the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m). Photo: Race Images South He’s captured two of New Zealand’s biggest staying scalps and now Cambridge gelding Mahrajaan has crossed the Tasman to try and assert his dominance in Australia. The American-bred gelding was purchased by co-trainer Shaune Ritchie from the 2022 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale at Newmarket, England, for 75,000 guineas, and rewarded the Cambridge horseman’s judgement a year later when taking out the Group 3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton last November before going on to secure a Cups double at Ellerslie last month when victorious in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m). Now victorious over 3200m at Group Two and Three level, Ritchie, along with co-trainer Colm Murray, are hoping he can complete the Group-level set in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on Saturday. “We bought him initially to try and win a New Zealand Cup with him and once we got over that goal we took the next step, which was the Auckland Cup,” Ritchie told Trackside NZ. “It is no mean feat to try and win three two-mile races in one season, it probably wouldn’t be done very often, and obviously this is a step-up in class. “I think we have got a pretty even field this year, it has certainly softened up late, we just hope the track isn’t too soft for him.” Like many trainers in Australasia, Ritchie said he has always dreamed of lining up a runner in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on the first Tuesday in November, and Saturday is a litmus test to see if his charge is up to the task. “We are just testing the waters,” he said. “It is a boyhood dream to have a runner in a Melbourne Cup, so if he can be competitive here it would be nice to take him home and get him ready for the spring. “He is just that ultimate stayer. I think the booking of Tommy Marquand (jockey) is a good one, he is very strong and is not scared to get going on them early, he will get him out of the barrier. He is going to need to get him out there from a wide gate (16) and get somewhere involved. He is an on-pace horse and does run the two-miles out very strongly. That is his edge over other horses. “It is just nice to be at Randwick and back in Sydney and perhaps seeing how far we can lift the bar and how high he can jump.” Horse racing news View the full article

What W.A.T.C. Derby Day Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, April 13, 2024 First Race 12:09pm AWST Visit Dabble The Group 2 W.A.T.C. Derby will headline the action at Ascot Racecourse this Saturday afternoon, with a massive nine-race program set down for decision. Although the track was rated as a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, no rain is forecast for the remainder of the week, and the meeting will start on a perfect Good 4 surface. The rail will go back into the True position, with the opening race on W.A.T.C. Derby Day scheduled to jump at 12:09pm AWST. W.A.T.C. Derby Tip: Own The Queen After claiming the Group 3 WA Oaks last start, Own The Queen will seek to become the fourth filly since the turn of the century to complete the Oaks/Derby double in Western Australia. The Justine Erkelens-trained filly has won five on the bounce and will be one of three runners that have competed over 2400m before Saturday’s W.A.T.C. Derby. This daughter of Awesome Rock is armed with a blistering turn of foot, and if she is within four lengths of the leaders turning into the home straight, Own The Queen will take a power of beating. W.A.T.C. Derby Race 7 – #14 Own The Queen (11) 3yo Filly | T: Justine Erkelens | J: Troy Turner (54.5kg) +360 with Bet365 Best Bet at Ascot: Flower In The Wind Flower In The Wind has won back-to-back races in her last two starts over 2100m and 2200m, and now that the Neville Parnham-trained mare steps up to 2400m, she is poised to complete the hat-trick. This daughter of Sebring is full of confidence following a dominant 1.5-length victory on April 6, and after drawing barrier four, Steven Parnham should be able to settle her in the one-one position and receive the run of the race. If Flower In The Wind can handle the rise in class and distance, she will be winning again. Best Bet Race 4 – #2 Flower In The Wind (8) 5yo Mare | T: Neville Parnham | J: Steven Parnham (58kg) +170 with Neds Next Best at Ascot: Fly With Caution Michael Poy gave Fly With Caution a peach of a ride last start, as the Robert Witten-trained galloper pushed through a gap between the leaders late to pull away from his rivals and claim an impressive win. This lightly raced four-year-old was narrowly beaten first-up over 1300m, and he appreciated the rise to 1400m previously, a distance that he will stay at for his third run this time in. After drawing barrier three, Poy should be able to settle this son of Galah behind the leader, and if he gets the breaks late, expect Fly With Caution to play a prominent role in the finish again. Next Best Race 8 – #10 Fly With Caution (4) 5yo Gelding | T: Robert Witten | J: Michael Poy (56kg) +450 with PlayUp Next Best Again at Ascot: Karalee Rocks Karalee Rocks went down as a beaten favourite first-up at this track and trip on March 23, where the Colin Webster-trained mare couldn’t reel in the leaders from the back of the field. With the benefit of the run under her belt, this daughter of Flying Artie should get conditions to suit second-up, with a lot of speed expected in this contest. Even though this five-year-old mare has drawn barrier eight, her get-back-and-run-on racing pattern will negate the awkward gate. If the leaders run the race along at a solid clip, Karalee Rocks will be flying home late. Next Best Again Race 9 – #4 Karalee Rocks (8) 5yo Mare | T: Colin Webster | J: Jordan Turner (59kg) +400 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, April 13, 2024 2-3-5-9 2-5-14-16 4-7-10 1-4-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

10-time Group 1 winner Imperatriz. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) Imperatriz, the illustrious 10-time Group 1 champion, has concluded her racing career, with plans underway for the rising six-year-old mare to transition into a broodmare come next spring, as confirmed by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis. Ellis expressed his sentiments, stating, “Imperatriz has been a magnificent race mare, I loved her from the time I set eyes on her at the Magic Millions’ sale. What she has done since has firmly established her as one of the very best race mares Australasia has seen in recent times.” “From a filly that was the last to sell as a yearling, she became a Champion racehorse and when Karyn and I saw her win her second Group 1 William Reid at Moonee Valley last month, we couldn’t believe the crowd’s adulation for her, The Valley was a sea of tangerine. “Her tenacity, courage and sheer determination, combined with the sweetest nature you could imagine, have certainly won the hearts of fans worldwide. “The joy she has brought to her owners is indescribable.” Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Ellis highlighted the mare’s welfare as the paramount concern. “Te Akau always puts the well-being of our horses first. The indications are that another high-level racing preparation would not be in her best interests, so whilst sad, the decision is very straightforward. “Her welfare is our top priority, and she will retire a happy and sound horse.” Imperatriz, sired by the esteemed I Am Invincible and purchased by Ellis for $360,000 at the 2020 Gold Coast Premier sales, amassed an impressive career earnings of nearly $7 million from 19 victories and four placings out of 27 starts. After an initial 17 races in New Zealand, Imperatriz made her return to Australia last autumn, embarking on a remarkable winning streak that included six consecutive victories, five of which were at the Group 1 level. Her illustrious career culminated with a remarkable 10th Group 1 triumph in the William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley before her final outing at the TJ Smith Stakes last Saturday. Imperatriz retires with the distinction of being the second-highest Group 1 winner for Te Akau Racing, with her remarkable tally of 10 victories at the elite level trailing only behind the former star, Melody Belle. Horse racing news View the full article