Wandering Eyes

Handler is hoping for a much-needed boost when progressive The Absolute contests the Class Four Chaoyangmen Handicap (1,400m) on SundayView the full article

What Doomben Races Where Doomben Racecourse – 75 Hampden St, Ascot QLD 4007 When Saturday, April 13, 2024 First Race 11:53am AEST Visit Dabble Racing will return to Doomben this Saturday afternoon as the Brisbane Racing Club hosts a competitive nine-race program. The track was rated as a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances; however, with no rain on the forecast for Friday and Saturday, it is expected that the surface will improve into the Good range by the start of the meeting. The rail will be pushed out to the +3.5m position, with racing set to kick off at 11:53am AEST. Best Bet at Doomben: Chinny Boom Chinny Boom will seek back-to-back wins after claiming victory at the Gold Coast over 1100m last start, where the Clinton Taylor-trained mare proved too classy for her rivals on March 9. This four-year-old mare hasn’t finished outside the placings in four starts this time, and if she can push forward and hold a position from barrier seven on Saturday, she appears very hard to beat again. Cejay Graham will look to cross the field to find the front, and if Chinny Boom does get an uncontested lead, she should prove very hard to run down. Best Bet Race 4 – #3 Chinny Boom (7) 4yo Mare | T: Clinton Taylor | J: Cejay Graham (58kg) +100 with PlayUp Next Best at Doomben: Ranch Hand Although Ranch Hand is coming up on 12 months since his last win, the Tony Gollan-trained galloper has been banging the door down this preparation with back-to-back placings from two starts over 1200m. This son of Fastnet Rock flew home from the back of the field to run Ned’s Gully to within half a length previously, and now that he steps up in distance to 1400m third-up, it appears to be the recipe for success. From the ace draw, Ryan Maloney can settle midfield on the fence, and with even luck, Ranch Hand should prove too strong late. Next Best Race 8 – #6 Ranch Hand (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Tony Gollan | J: Ryan Maloney (55.5kg) +320 with Neds Best Value at Doomben: Argyle Pink Tony Gollan and Angela Jones will combine with Argyle Pink as the five-year-old mare seeks to keep her undefeated record intact for this preparation after claiming a narrow first-up win. Jones gave this daughter of Star Witness an inch-perfect front-running ride to defeat Amathuba by a nose over 1200m fresh, and with that win under her belt, she will go into this contest full of confidence. From barrier four, Jones should be able to find the front of the field, and if Argyle Pink can show the same turn of foot late, she will give her rivals something to chase. Best Value Race 9 – #12 Argyle Pink (4) 5yo Mare | T: Tony Gollan | J: Angela Jones (58kg) +900 with Picklebet Saturday quaddie tips for Doomben races Doomben quadrella selections Saturday, April 13, 2024 1-6-7-9-12 1-3-4-10 1-6-10 3-6-11-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What The Championships 2024 Day 2 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, April 13, 2024 First Race 11:45am AEST Visit Dabble Royal Randwick is the destination for NSW metro racing on Saturday afternoon, where a bumper 10-race program awaits punters for Day 2 of The Championships. Four massive Group 1’s headline proceedings, with the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) drawing a quality 10-horse field. Throw in the Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m), Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) and Group 1 Queen Of The Turf (1600m), and it’s bound to be another exciting day of racing. The rail has been moved out +4m between 1400m to winning post, while the remainder is out +3m. The track is currently rated a Soft 6, and with light showers forecast in the lead-up to the weekend, participants should expect that rating to hold prior to the opening event at 11:45am AEST. Race 1: Listed Fernhill Mile (1600m) The two-year-olds get things underway in the Listed Fernhill Mile (1600m), where the James Cummings-trained Broadsiding is nearing a peak performance fourth-up into the campaign. The son of Too Darn Hot has found the minor money on back-to-back occasions, with the latest a 2.3-length defeat at the hands of Linebacker in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) at Rosehill on March 30. James McDonald will need to do some work early to overcome barrier 10, however, provided Broadsiding slots in for cover throughout the journey, this guy can get punters off to a profitable start to the day. Selections: 3 BROADSIDING 1 JUST PARTY 7 RASP 2 MISS BUSSLINGER Next Best Race 1 – #3 Broadsiding (10) 2yo Colt | T: James Cummings | J: James McDonald (57.5kg) +200 with Neds Race 2: Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) It was hard not to be impressed with the way Panic let down to score at Wyong on March 14, and although that was only a BM64, the gelding by Time Test gets his chance to prove himself at stakes level. He was forced to make a mid-race move under Tommy Berry to ensure the task was taken care of first-up, as the three-year-old did his best work late over the 1200m trip. He appears to be over the odds with online bookmakers, and with the $14.00 available, Panic is simply too good a price to ignore in the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m). Selections: 9 PANIC 7 PORT LOCKROY 1 BUTCH CASSIDY 13 KANDINSKY ABSTRACT Best Value Race 2 – #9 Panic (4) 3yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Tommy Berry (54kg) +1300 with PlayUp Race 3: Provincial-Midway Championships Final (1400m) The Provincial-Midway Championships Final (1400m) is a wide-open contest with form-lines converging across NSW competing for the $1 million prize. Territory Express gets the nod after a sensational runner-up performance in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 16, narrowly being headed in the shadows of the post by Democracy Manifest. He was a dominant winner in the Kembla Grange qualifier prior to that, and with Zac Lloyd sticking aboard this progressive galloper, watch for Territory Express to be careering down the centre of the course in the concluding stages. Selections: 8 TERRITORY EXPRESS 2 STRAIT ACER 1 TAVI TIME 15 WILLINGA BEAST Provincial-Midway Championships Final Race 3 – #8 Territory Express (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Paul Niceforo | J: Zac Lloyd (56kg) +400 with Dabble Race 4: Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) Eneeza was no match for Lady Of Camelot in the Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m), however, with a 4kg weight swing in the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m), she can turn the tables. The daughter of Exceed And Excel was asked to extend as the widest runner last start and never shirked the task to be beaten by 2.7 lengths on the wire. Barrier six should allow star hoop Damien Lane to take a closer sit in transit, and with not much separating these, Eneeza can prove best of the girls in the 2024 Percy Sykes. Selections: 5 ENEEZA 1 LADY OF CAMELOT 3 DRIFTING 12 AMEENA Percy Sykes Stakes Race 4 – #5 Eneeza (6) 2yo Filly | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Damien Lane (55kg) +450 with Bet365 Race 5: Group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) Ozzmosis completely bombed the start first-up in the Group 1 Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill on March 23, swiftly ending his chances of adding another Group 1 on the resume. Punters should be willing to forget he went around that day, with his form prior jumping off the page as he powered away with the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at the end of his spring campaign. He appears perfectly placed by the Bjorn Baker barn, and provided Ozzmosis can jump evenly on Saturday, he must be considered the one to beat. Selections: 1 OZZMOSIS 11 JOLIESTAR 2 ARKANSAW KID 6 SCHWARZ Arrowfield 3YO Sprint Race 5 – #1 Ozzmosis (4) 3yo Colt | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Rachel King (56.5kg) +200 with Picklebet Race 6: Group 1 Australian Oaks (2400m) Orchestral bloused her rivals in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) on March 30, stamping herself as the one to beat in this year’s Australian Oaks. She is searching for her sixth win on the trot for the Roger James & Robert Wellwood barn, and with her figures seemingly improving as she steps up further in trip, it’s hard to imagine the likes of Zardozi & Tutta La Vita turning the tables. Selections: 1 ORCHESTRAL 2 QUINTESSA 3 ZARDOZI 5 AUTUMN ANGEL Best Bet Race 6 – #1 Orchestral (3) 3yo Filly | T: Roger James & Robert Wellwood | J: James McDonald (56kg) -166.67 with Neds Race 7: Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) 17 stayers will step out in the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m), where the Chris Waller-trained Manzoice appears close to recapturing his best. He hit the line best of the rest in the Group 3 N E Manion Cup (2400m), and although he couldn’t match motors with Post Impressionist, the son of Almanzor managed to fend off some handy types to claim minor money for the first time since winning the 2022 VRC Derby (2500m). Manzoice won’t know himself with 51.5kg on his back, and with Zac Lloyd in the saddle from stall one, this guy represents good each-way value in the Sydney Cup. Selections: 11 MANZOICE 3 ASHRUN 12 CIRCLE OF FIRE 9 AMADE Sydney Cup Race 7 – #1 Manzoice (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Zac Lloyd (51.5kg) +1200 with PlayUp Race 8: Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) The $5 million Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) is the headline act at Randwick and has drawn together an ultra-competitive 10-horse field. The Chris Waller-trained European import Via Sistina holds the call at $2.30 after giving her rivals a galloping lesson in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) last start. Pride Of Jenni is on the second line of betting at $4.00 after clinging to a runner-up spot in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington, while Cascadian ($8.50), Mr Brightside ($10.00) and Place Du Carrousel ($11.00) have all had admirers in early betting. Click here for HorseBetting’s preview of the 2024 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Race 9: Group 1 Queen Of The Turf (1600m) Atishu has elected to accept for the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf rather than the Queen Elizabeth, and it should pay dividends for the Chris Waller barn. The daughter of Savabeel is a genuine miler, taking out this race last year in stylish fashion. Blake Shinn takes the reins as he did two starts back when claiming the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 2, and with a soft run assured from stall two on Saturday, Atishu can make it back-to-back wins in the Queen Of The Turf. Selections: 1 ATISHU 5 SEMANA 2 ZOUGOTCHA 7 ETERNAL FLAME Queen Of The Turf Race 9 – #1 Atishu (2) 6yo Mare | T: Chris Waller | J: Blake Shinn (57kg) +360 with Dabble Race 10: Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) The final race is for the fillies & mares, where the John O’Shea-trained Saltaire can send punters home with a winner. She was outstanding first-up chasing home Estriella in the Listed Starlight Stakes (1100m), and although she was beaten by three lengths on the wire, it was a promising effort by the daughter of Star Turn. She maps to get the run of the race from barrier two as she returns to Sydney for the first time as a three-year-old, and provided she gets the breaks at a crucial stage, Saltaire can get the job done in the Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m). Selections: 14 SALTAIRE 1 RED CARD 2 C’EST MAGIQUE 3 WEE NESSY Sapphire Stakes Race 10 – #14 Saltaire (2) 3yo Filly | T: John O’Shea | J: Craig Williams (53kg) +400 with Bet365 Randwick free Saturday quaddie tips Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, April 13, 2024 1-3-7-9-10-11-12 8-10 1-2-3-5-7-14-16 1-2-3-4-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Morphettville Races Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville, SA 5043 When Saturday, March 13, 2024 First Race 12:17pm ACST Visit Dabble Feature racing returns to Morphettville on Saturday afternoon, with the Auraria Stakes (1800m) and R N Irwin Stakes (1100m) at Group 3 level taking top billing. The track is rated a Good 4, while the rail comes out +9m from the 1200m to the winning post and then out +5m for the remainder. The first of nine races is set to go at 12:17pm ACST. Auraria Stakes Tip: Vivy Air First-up, Vivy Air flashed home after being held up for a run at Flemington on March 9. Next time out, she seemed to struggle around Moonee Valley when third in Group 3 company on March 23. The course proper at Morphettville will suit the Hellbent filly perfectly, as she tends to take a while to get going. Once she hits top speed, Vivy Air is electric, and she should prove too hard to hold out in the Auraria Stakes. Auraria Stakes Race 7 – #5 Vivy Air (4) 3yo Filly | T: Archie Alexander | J: Zac Spain (55kg) +350 with PlayUp R N Irwin Stakes: Queman Oakleigh Plate winner Queman returns to Morphettville following a luckless run in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) on March 23. He is a four-time winner at the Morphettville 1100m from seven attempts, and from barrier two in Saturday’s co-feature, he draws to gain a perfect run in transit. With a few of the key chances drawn out wide, Queman will have a tactical advantage over his rivals, and if he can sprint sharply, he looks the goods in the R N Irwin Stakes. R N Irwin Stakes Race 8 – #2 Queman (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Shane & Cassie Oxlade | J: Craig Newitt (58.5kg) +900 with Neds Best Bet at Morphettville: Stretan Angel The Phillip Stokes-trained Stretan Angel has two wins from two second-up runs in her career. Considering she finished three lengths off Estriella at Flemington when fresh on March 30, she looks hard to go past in the Redelva Stakes (1100m). She had plenty of excuses last time out, and despite drawing barrier one as a backmarker, Stretan Angel can win this if the breaks come her way. Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Stretan Angel (1) 3yo Filly | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Lachlan Neindorf (58kg) +260 with Picklebet Next Best at Morphettville: Rampant Lion Rampant Lion has won two of his last three starts, both by the barest of margins, but his efforts over the concluding stages of those races suggest he is right in this 1600m affair. With a genuinely run mile expected, the race looks perfectly set up for the four-year-old gelding to absorb the pressure from the rear of the field. With a strong finishing burst, Rampant Lion should prove too good for his rivals. Next Best Race 3 – #2 Rampant Lion (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Thomas Stockdale (60kg) +250 with Dabble Saturday quaddie tips for Morphettville Morphettville quadrella selections Saturday, April 13, 2023 1-2-3-4-5 3-4-5 1-2-10-11-13 1-5-10-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Talented filly No Rain Ever (No Nay Never) has yet to fully convince connections that she can be effective over more ground, and she will have the opportunity to bury any doubts on that score at Riccarton. The Waverley-trained three-year-old will tackle Saturday’s Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1600m) off the back of an encouraging last-start effort against the older horses at Trentham. The daughter of No Nay Never and Group Two winner and multiple Group One placegetter November Rain (NZ) (Stravinsky) is prepared by Bill Thurlow, who will also have a leading stakes contender at Otaki where Whangaehu (NZ) (Proisir) will step out in the Listed Hawke’s Bay Cup (2200m). No Rain Ever has won twice at 1200m and showed her black-type quality earlier this year when third in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m) and finished fourth in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham at her most recent outing. “She went down on Monday and is all good. We’re really happy with her and there’s no reason why she won’t run very well, she was working well and left here in great order,” Thurlow said. No Rain Ever headed south off the back of her fourth placing in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. “She was good in the Cuddle and is a handy filly so we’re hoping she will run well again,” Thurlow said. “There is a slight question mark at the moment for me over the mile, but we’ll see how she goes back against her own age group.” A strong showing would likely see No Rain Ever step up again in the Listed NZ Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) seven days later. “If she went well enough, she would probably stay down there but we’re obviously not 100 percent certain she is a 2000m horse either,” he said. Thurlow has booked Kylie Williams for the ride on Saturday while Lisa Allpress will continue her association at Otaki with Whangaehu. The son of Proisir put together consecutive middle-distance wins at Hastings and Tauherenikau before he finished seventh, beaten 4.3l, in the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m). “He went really well, but he just tugged a bit for some reason which he doesn’t normally do,” Thurlow said. “He got a bit on the chewie and that was his undoing. If he hadn’t of done that, he might have finished closer.” Whangaehu hasn’t missed a beat since Ellerslie and is expected to be competitive in an ideal assignment. “He came through it well and has been working well so no issues there at all and it seems a nice race for him,” Thurlow said. No plans have been made for Whangaehu beyond this weekend, Thurlow preferring a wait and see approach. “I haven’t made any decisions yet, it could be his last run this campaign as he’s done a pretty good job,” he said. “He’s in a nice position to maybe run in some nice handicaps in the spring and he’s not far away from a spell.” View the full article

Molly Bloom appeared at the Pukekohe trials on Tuesday ahead of her upcoming Queensland assignment. Photo: Race Images South Two of Wexford Stables’ star gallopers have taken the next step towards respective Australian features in the coming weeks. Glamour filly Molly Bloom appeared at the Pukekohe trials on Tuesday ahead of a tilt at the upcoming Queensland Carnival, and was under a strong hold by Masa Hashizume throughout the 1300m heat, finishing a narrow second. “We were really pleased with her. She was a bit above herself in the parade, being away from the races for a while, but a very quiet trial will bring her nerve rate down and condition on,” said Andrew Scott, who trains in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan. An outstanding winner of the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) in November, the daughter of Ace High collected subsequent victories in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) and Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m). Now under the majority ownership of Australian Ozzie Kheir, Molly Bloom is set for a career across the ditch, but will first represent Wexford in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet (1800m) on May 11. “There’s still a fair bit of improvement still to come and she’ll head back to the Te Awamutu trials on the 23rd,” Scott said. “We will let her stride out a bit more possibly over further distance to improve her fitness levels, and that should top her off before her trip to Brisbane.” Ten days out from The Quokka (1200m), Waitak has landed safely in Perth with Wexford representative and former jockey Erin Leighton, as the Group One-winning sprinter prepares to contest the $5 million slot race on April 20. “Erin Leighton has taken him over, she’s a very experienced horsewoman. He went for a quiet trot and canter this morning, and she said he’s felt strong and well within himself,” Scott said. “He’s settled in well, drunk well, and has been straight into his appetite.” A son of Proisir, Waitak burst onto the sprinting stage this year with a sensational performance in the Group 1 Railway (1200m), after a three-year-old season that included a trip to Brisbane for the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m). “This time last year he travelled to Brisbane and he certainly handles the travel well,” Scott said. “The main thing we focus on is recovery from travel, he lost 14kgs over the trip, but put 6 of those back on in the last 24 hours. We just let him find his feet, familiar with his new surroundings, and his condition will guide us through the next 10 days. “He was a fit horse before he left, so it’s a matter of maintaining a good healthy condition and keeping an eye on his temperature. He’s in a good place. “We may look to give him a stretch of his legs next week ahead of Saturday’s race.” Waitak will race under the Trackside Media/Perth Racing slot in The Quokka, and will partner with Queensland-based hoop Kyle Wilson-Taylor, who rode three-year-old stablemate Grail Seeker to victory in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m) last month. Horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Thursday, April 11 will feature four meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and provided free quaddie tips for the meetings at Wyong & Pakenham. Thursday Horse Racing Tips – April 11, 2024 Wyong Racing Tips Pakenham Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on April 11, 2024, check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Horse racing tips View the full article

Imwonderfultonight will contest the Listed City of Napier Sprint (1200m) at Otaki on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A trip to the Queensland winter carnival is in the mix for progressive mare Imwonderfultonight and she could firm up plans with another strong showing this weekend. While the venture is yet to be confirmed, the daughter of I Am Invincible would offer a compelling argument if she runs up to expectations in the Listed City of Napier Sprint (1200m) at Otaki on Saturday. “She’s definitely going to the broodmare paddock in the spring and probably won’t race in New Zealand again after this weekend,” trainer Sam Mynott said. “We could send her to Brisbane for a small stint and we’ll assess that after her run on Saturday. “We’re taking each day as it comes before we decide what we do next. There are options over there for her, two or three stakes races that would suit her, but we’ll see how she goes here first.” Raced by strong supporters Windsor Park Stud and Ben Kwok, Imwonderfultonight has come a long way in a short time since joining Mynott’s Cambridge operation. “She has been so consistent and she hasn’t let us down at all, she’s been super,” she said. “She has gone from winning a maiden, a Rating 65 to stepping up to Listed level and running fourth in a Telegraph (Group 1, 1200m).” Imwonderfultonight will head to Otaki with five top four finishes in stakes company from her last six appearances, including a second in the Listed Stewards Stakes (1200m) and thirds in the Group 3 Concorde Handicap (1200m) and most recently in the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m). The only blemish in the five-year-old’s form line was an out of character failure in the Group 1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m). “We rode her back that day and it didn’t suit her. She didn’t breathe from the get-go, and it hadn’t been a problem before or after that, we let her race a bit more on the pace and she’s happy,” Mynott said. She is currently working a team of 25 from a leased property adjacent to the Cambridge track. “That’s nice and easy and I’ve got breakers and pre-trainers and around 10 racehorses in full work at the moment,” Mynott said. She has also ridden over jumps in recent seasons and from limited rides won aboard Mondorani at Rotorua last winter, but won’t be adding to that tally in the foreseeable future. “Rod (Schick, Windsor Park) put a firm foot down and I said if he keeps sending me horses like this to train then I’ll listen to him,” Mynott said. “I obviously ride most of my work, but I have always said I wouldn’t give up training for riding over the fences. “The business has gone a whole step ahead and I’ve got plenty of horses in the stable so that is definitely the main focus.” Horse racing news View the full article

Zac Purton celebrates milestone success. Zac Purton’s relentless pursuit of Chief Stipelas Whyte’s Hong Kong record of 1,813 wins annexed another important milestone at Happy Valley on Wednesday night when the Australian slotted a treble to become only the second jockey to ride 1,700 winners or more in Hong Kong. Chasing a seventh Hong Kong jockeys’ championship, Purton extended a gaping lead in the 2023/24 standings to 30 wins over Karis Teetan (61) after the Australian snared a three-timer to take his seasonal tally to 91. In the midst of his 17th Hong Kong season, Purton is bearing down on his ninth century of winners in Hong Kong, having previously achieved the feat in 2013/14, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2020/21, 2021/22 and 2022/23 – when he set the record for the most wins in a season with 179. Purton opened his account aboard Moments In Time before slotting his 1,700th on Francis Lui’s Copartner Prance and then crowning the night by piloting Sports Legend to victory. “It’s nice to get to 1,700 wins – it’s a big number,” Purton, 41, said. “It’s nice to get it on a progressive horse (Copartner Prance), so hopefully there’s a few more wins there. “(Whyte’s record) is still a way off. There’s still a bit of water to go under the bridge yet. He (Copartner Prance) is still learning, he doesn’t know what he’s doing, he’s doing a few things wrong and when he’s in front, he’s looking around.” With 25 meetings left in the season, Purton trails Whyte’s colossal figure by 112 wins. Now a successful trainer after retiring as a jockey in 2019, 13-time Hong Kong champion Whyte had 12,269 rides in Hong Kong, amassing 1,813 wins at a winning strike rate of 14.78%. Purton has had 9,854 rides in reaching 1,701 wins at a strike rate of 17.26% since moving to Hong Kong for the 2007/08 season. Moments In Time earned a HK$1.5 million PP Bonus and gave Danny Shum the first two legs of his treble. “It was a very good effort, he (Moments In Time) pulled really hard through the first half of the race,” Purton said. “It wasn’t ideal, normally they don’t finish off when they pull like that. “So, for him to put himself into the race was encouraging for him going forward. He had the race and then he went to throw it away and then he fought for it again – he’s still learning, but there’s something there.” Shum also scored with Hong Kong International Sale graduate Nice Birdie under Jerry Chau before teaming with Sports Legend in the last race. Four-time Hong Kong champion trainer Caspar Fownes is poised to become the fourth horseman to saddle 1,100 Hong Kong winners after Capital Legend snared the Class 4 Lavender Handicap (1650m) under Hugh Bowman. Fownes has 1,099 victories in the city to trail only John Moore (1,735), John Size (1,534) and Tony Cruz (1,501). Glorious Journey (135lb) overcame barrier 12 under a patient Matthew Chadwick ride for Frankie Lor before Ricky Yiu and Teetan combined with Golden Link in the second section of the Class 4 Freesia Handicap (1200m). Yiu now has 995 Hong Kong wins. Ivy League scored his second course and distance win under Keagan De Melo when fending off Simply Maverick for Whyte after E Universe swept to his second course and distance success under Lyle Hewitson for Manfred Man. Horse racing news View the full article

Top-tier bookmakers have rolled out an enticing lineup of racing specials slated for Thursday, April 11. Standouts on the list include a slew of lucrative bonus-back incentives, elevating the thrill of the trackside action. Dive into these offers from top horse racing betting sites to maximise your wagering prospects. The top Australian racing promotions for April 11, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Pakenham – 25% Boosted Winnings Max bonus $100. First fixed win bet only. Paid in bonus cash. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has conducted a thorough evaluation of Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers, unveiling exclusive bonus promotions and specials tailored specifically for Thursday, April 11, 2024. These horse racing promotions stand as a testament to the unwavering dedication of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker is not currently offering a promotion, you can be confident that another is capitalising on promotional offers. Your go-to destination for the most rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses each day is HorseBetting.com.au. Take advantage of bookie bonuses and the best horse racing odds available for every race to increase the value of your betting endeavours. It’s important to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers are exclusively crafted for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, simply log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to optimise their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Check out this week’s Box Seat with hosts Greg O’Connor and Michael Guerin for their Cambridge Night of Champions special. View the full article

Team Valor International belted a grand slam March 30-April 6, taking home four stakes victories in four different countries across three continents. Better yet, the wins came in consecutive stakes appearances for the ownership group.View the full article

The :9 4/5 works continue to pile up during the fourth session of the under-tack show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training, with 18 juveniles hitting that mark Wednesday, even as sales officials confirm Thursday's session has been canceled due to forecasted inclement weather in Central Florida. After its unexpected dark day Thursday, the under-tack show will continue Friday and will have an extra day added Sunday. One of the pack of furlong bullet workers Wednesday was a son of Into Mischief out of multiple Grade I winner Separationofpowers (Candy Ride {Arg}). David Scanlon sent the striking bay with the sparkling pedigree (hip 603) to work early in the session. “We thought he would breeze really well today,” Scanlon said. “He prepped really good. He's been a very honest horse at the farm. He's real forward training and he has a real spring in his step. I always think :9 4/5s are blessings or gifts. I never go up expecting a :9 4/5, but you like to see it happen.” Separationofpowers won the 2017 GI Frizette S. and GI Test S. for trainer Chad Brown and Klaravich Stables. Her first foal, a filly by Curlin, sold for $650,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September sale. Scanlon purchased the Into Mischief colt, bred by Hunter Valley and Mountmellick Farm, for $350,000 at last summer's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. “For us, he was a pretty penny in Saratoga,” Scanlon said. “We always thought he looked like a real 2-year-old type out there. He's a smooth, well-balanced horse with a really nice hip on him.” Timing had a lot to do with the colt's price tag among all the glittering offerings at the boutique Saratoga sale, Scanlon said. “I think at the time, he was a little immature,” he explained. “I had a feeling he was just falling through the cracks there a little bit. Sometimes up there, we do that. We kind of have to look for those bargains and cracks in the market a little bit. If they check all of the boxes, we can't really afford them. The horses a lot of people bring up there are extremely mature, big physical specimens like [$2.3-million 2022 Saratoga topper and GI Kentucky Derby contender] Sierra Leone. “My wife and I always say, 'You've got to be there,'” Scanlon said. “We will vet a bunch of these and they will blow right past us–we aren't even close, we are off by zeroes. But then that one time you are there, you can get one like this. Luckily, we ended up getting him and he's just been a real standout from day one.” Daredevil on the Comeback Daredevil's first crop since being repatriated to the U.S. from Turkey in 2021 are now 2-year-olds and the Lane's End stallion was represented by a pair of bullet workers Wednesday. The Martin family's Britton Peak consignment sent out a colt by Daredevil (hip 594) to hit the bullet mark. The juvenile was forced to wait out a lengthy delay in the under-tack show after a loose horse was attended to on the track. “Unfortunately, we were right behind the accident,” Greg Martin said. “We were ready to work and we had to wait 45 minutes in the chute. Honestly, I hate to be so bold, but I wouldn't have been shocked if he had gone in :9 3/5. He definitely has a nice video. He has a nice, big stride on him.” The dark bay is out of graded winner Seasoned Warrior (Majestic Warrior), who is a daughter of Canadian champion Saoirse (Cure the Blues). Martin purchased the colt for $37,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton July sale. “He looked like an absolutely gorgeous individual,” Martin said. “He was well put together. Just the kind of body that I look for. He stood out.” While Daredevil's American-bred runners included GI Kentucky Oaks winner Shedaresthedevil and GI Preakness S.-winning champion 3-year-old filly Swiss Skydiver, he was already plying his trade in Turkey when those fillies were making headlines in 2020. With his hiatus from the American sales ring now over, buyers may need a reintroduction to the stallion. “That's why, I think, we got him for that price,” Martin said of the colt's yearling price tag. “I think if he was by a first-year or sophomore stallion or somebody proven, we definitely wouldn't have gotten him for that price.” Of the colt's progression from last summer, Martin added, “He's definitely gotten bigger. Once in a while, you are going to get that horse who is push-button from day one. And he's been that. He has a really nice pedigree and he's a looker. He's a gorgeous individual.” A filly by Daredevil (hip 687) worked in :9 4/5 for Hal Hatch's Halcyon Hammock Farm. The bay is out of Starship Gussie (High Cotton), a half-sister to the dam of Shedaresthedevil. Bred in Florida by Mustang Farm, she RNA'd for $72,000 at last year's OBS October sale. Top Line Well Represented Five of Wednesday's18 bullet workers were from the Top Line Sales consignment: hip 524, a filly by Into Mischief who is a full-sister to graded winner Maximus Mischief; hip 548, a colt by Gormley; hip 577, a colt by Vekoma; hip 622, a colt by Not This Time; and hip 638, a colt by Maclean's Music. Wavertree Stables had a pair of juveniles share Wednesday's :9 4/5 co-fastest furlong time. Hip 567 is a filly from the first crop of Horse of the Year Authentic out of stakes winner Sandy's Surprise (Drosselmeyer), while hip 637 is a New York-bred daughter of Omaha Beach out of Sister Margaret (Pulpit). For the second day in a row, Grassroots Training & Sales had a pair of bullet workers: hip 599, a filly by Munnings; and hip 625, a filly from the first crop of GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner Spun to Run. Also working in :9 4/5 Wednesday: hip 523, a filly by Not This Time consigned by Centofanti Thoroughbreds; hip 530, a filly by Nyquist consigned by Niall Brennan Stables; hip 555, a filly by Global Campaign consigned by Best a Luck Farm; hip 591, a colt by Hard Spun consigned by Harris Training Center; hip 642, a colt by Street Sense consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds; and hip 690, a filly by Not This Time consigned by Grade One Investments. A filly from the first crop of graded winner Instagrand (hip 551) turned in the fastest quarter-mile work of Wednesday's session when covering the distance in :20 3/5. Consigned by Hoppel LLC, the bay is out of Runaway Renee (Munnings) and was purchased for $70,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton October sale. Conditions during the first four days of the seven-session under-tack show have been ideal, according to Scanlon. “I don't remember in recent years when we've had such absolutely perfect days,” he said. “I can't remember a year when we had so many cool mornings combined with an east wind–or a tailwind–for so many days in a row. It's been ideal conditions. It's made for perfect breeze days.” The ideal conditions are expected to be interrupted by heavy rain Thursday, prompting OBS officials to postpone the under-tack show's fifth session until Friday. Hips 691 through 863 are scheduled to work Friday, with hips 864-1035 on Saturday and hips 1036 through 1208 on Sunday. All sessions begin at 8 a.m. The OBS Spring sale will be held Tuesday through Friday with bidding starting each day at 10:30 a.m. The post Bullets Continue to Fly at OBS Wednesday, but Weather KO’s Thursday Breezes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, trainer Lorenzo Ruiz was issued a combined 7-year suspension and charged a total of $95,000 in fines for three separate post-race positives for Diisopropylamine, a banned substance under HISA. The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) classifies Diisopropylamine as a vasodilator, which is a substance that dilates the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely through them. Diisopropylamine is also found in several everyday items like tobacco and beauty products, and hand sanitizer. The three Ruiz-trained runners–Kant Beat the Rock, American Cat and Facts Matter–ran at Los Alamitos last June and July. American Cat and Facts Matter won their respective races, while Kant Beat the Rock finished second. For these three positives, Ruiz was suspended a combined six years and charged a total of $90,000 in fines and arbitration costs. Ruiz was also issued an additional year suspension and $5,000 fine for breaching his provisional suspension by continuing to work as an outrider at Los Alamitos. Trainer Bernard Dunham was also suspended for 30-days and fined $2,500 after his trainee, Shanghai Superfly, tested positive for an alkalinizing agent (TCO2) when finishing fourth at Penn National on Dec. 8. High total carbon dioxide (TCO2) levels could be an indication of bicarbonate loading–otherwise known as milkshaking–which can neutralize the buildup of lactic acid in muscles, thereby helping the horse's performance. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 04/05/2024 Licensee: Gustavo Rodriguez, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Glycopyrrolate–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Flint Ridge on 3/1/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/04/2024 Licensee: Lorenzo Ruiz, trainer Penalty: Accumulated 7-year suspension, $95,000 fine Explainer: For the presence of Diisopropylamine–a banned substance–in samples taken from Kant Beat the Rock, American Cat and Facts Matter who ran at Los Alamitos respectively on 7/4/23, 6/25/23 and 6/23/23. These were all possible violations of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers. This was also a possible violation of Rule 3227–aggravating Circumstances (in connection with Rule 3212 ADRVs). Resolution Date: 04/04/2024 Licensee: Mary Pattershall, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Shanghai Mike on 2/28/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/03/2024 Licensee: Adan Farias, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Misty Rain on 2/25/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/03/2024 Licensee: Michelle Nevin, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: For the presence of Betamethasone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Everlys Girl on 2/19/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 04/03/2024 Licensee: Bernard Dunham, trainer Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on 4/4/24; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Final decision by internal adjudication panel. Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221–Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)–on Shanghai Superfly, who finished fourth at Penn National on 12/8/2023. This was also a possible violation of Rule 3313–Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period. Pending ADMC Violations Date: 03/05/2024 Licensee: Wendell Matt, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Dixon Tuff on 3/5/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 03/05/2024 Licensee: Wendell Matt, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Fire When Ready on 3/5/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 03/13/2024 Licensee: John Cortez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from It'sanybodysgame on 03/13/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 02/26/2024 Licensee: Candelario Villamar, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Olivia's Choice, who finished third at Turf Paradise on 02/26/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 03/02/2024 Licensee: Bill McLean, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)–Controlled Medication (Class C)–in a sample taken from Street Tiger, who finished fourth at Golden Gate on 3/2/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 03/14/2024 Licensee: Ruben Alvarado, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, One Smokin Moon. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 03/08/2024 Licensee: Amador Sanchez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Capsaicin–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Grey Princess, who won at Gulfstream Park on 03/08/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 01/28/2024 Licensee: Philip Schoenthal, trainer Penalty: Provisionally suspended Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Prodigy Doll, who won at Laurel Park on 1/28/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Marker. Date: 02/09/2024 Licensee: Philip Schoenthal, trainer Penalty: Provisionally suspended Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Determined Driver, who won at Laurel Park on 2/9/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212–Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Marker. Date: 02/01/2024 Licensee: Andres Gonzalez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Lidocaine–Controlled Medication (Class B)–in a sample taken from Let There Be Peace, who won at Sunland Park on 02/01/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312–Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 03/21/2024 Licensee: Richard Mandella, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314–Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method–on the horse, Ice Dancing. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222–Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Oaklawn Park Joe Bealmear–violation date Apr. 4; $250 fine and one-day suspension Joe Bealmear–violation date Apr. 5; $250 fine and one-day suspension Martin Chuan–violation date Apr. 6; $250 fine and one-day suspension Tampa Bay Pablo Morales–violation date Apr. 5; $250 fine and one-day suspension Carlos Rojas–violation date Apr. 5; $250 fine and one-day suspension OTHER KEY RULINGS The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. California Track: Santa Anita Date: 04/04/2024 Licensee: Neil Drysdale, trainer Penalty: $2,500 fine Violation: Program Training Explainer: Pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with the California Horse Racing Board, Trainer Neil Drysdale, who was named as trainer in the official program for 'M Is For Magic (While still in the care of the previous trainer), in the fifth race at Del Mar Race Track on 11/11/23, is fined $2,500.00 for violation of California Horse Racing Board Rule #1502 (Program Training Prohibited). New York Track: Aqueduct Date: 04/04/2024 Licensee: Eric Cancel, jockey Penalty: Three-day suspension Violation: Careless riding Explainer: Jockey Mr. Eric Cancel for having waived his right to an appeal is hereby suspended three NYRA racing days 4/14/24, 4/18/24, 4/192024 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 8th race at Aqueduct Racetrack on 3/14/24. The post Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings, Apr. 3-9 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Master of The Seas is out to avenge his former stablemate's defeat, as well as make amends of his own, when he lines up April 12 in the $600,000 Maker's Mark Mile Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland.View the full article

West Point Thoroughbreds announces the appointment of Trey Gordon as president. Terry Finley continues as CEO.View the full article

A trio of juveniles from the Mayfield Stables' consignment filled the top three positions during Wednesday's Osarus Breeze-Up Sale at La Teste Racecourse, with a filly by Mehmas (Ire) (lot 41), taking top honours at €80,000 from Mandore International Agency. The March foal is out of Heavenly Bliss (GB) (Intello {Ger}), herself a daughter of G3 Dahlia S. winner and triple Group 1 placegetter Heaven Sent (GB) (Pivotal {GB}), a full-sister to U.S. turf star and dual Grade I winner Megahertz (GB) (Pivotal {GB}). Mandore was also the name on the ticket for lot 2, a son of Profitable (Ire), who made €47,000 after bringing €20,000 during the Tattersalls Ireland September Yealing Sale. His granddam is Pomology (Arch), twice successful at group level and second in the G1 Prix Vermeille. The colt's New Approach (Ire) dam Teikei (Ire) is a half-sister to G3 Zetland S. hero Goldspur (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). The third juvenile from Mayfield Stables was a filly (lot 40) by last year's leading first-season sire Blue Point (Ire), who caught the eye of Jean-Claude Rouget and Capucine BDT. Knocked down for €35,000 as a private sale, the filly is from the extended family of Classic winner and sire Camelot (GB) (Montjeu {Ire}). She sold for €27,000 at the 2023 Goffs February Sale. The fourth horse to make €30,000 or above was a filly by Aclaim (Ire) from John Bourke's Hyde Park Stud. The daughter of Impressionable (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) was also a Mandore International acquisition. Her second dam, the Bertolini mare Appealing (Ire), was second in the GII Yellow Ribbon H. and third in the GIII Oak Tree S. Overall, 36 sold (59%) from 61 offered for a gross of €579,000. The average of €16,919 was down 2% from 2023, while the median decreased 13% to €13,000. The post Mehmas Filly Leads Mayfield Trio At Osarus Breeze-Up Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk A brand new series targeted towards lower-rated, older pacers kicks off at Addington tonight. Called the Canterbury Plains Challenge Series, it is designed for 5YO and older pacers rated R35 to R39. Tonight’s first heat (8.56pm) features a capacity 14-strong field. “The idea was first proposed by Addington Raceway and after some analysis, discussion and wrangling we have come up with this,” says Harness Racing New Zealand’s handicapper Andrew Morris, “and so far the concept looks to have been well received.” There will be 10 heats, each worth $12,500, between now and Ashburton on May 12. The series will culminate in a $30,000 final at Addington on May 17. All heats will be run as Preferential Barrier Draw based on earnings in the last five starts. The 10 heats will be held as follows : April 11 Addington April 14 Methven April 18 Addington April 19 Ashburton April 28 Rangiora (two heats) May 1 Addington May 5 Rangiora May 8 Addington May 12 Ashburton Final : May 17 Addington Consolation Final : May 19 Rangiora To be eligible for the final a horse must have had at least one start in a heat of this series, and a minimum of two race starts within the qualification period of April 11 – May 12. All heat winners will automatically qualify for the final as long as they have had a minimum of two totalisator race starts within the qualification period. If a horse wins two heats of this series it will be ineligible to contest any further heats. Points will be as follows : Second Place – 7 points Third – 5 points Fourth – 3 points Fifth – 2 points All other starters 1 point. In the event there is a tie for any position, a countback will be conducted. Other features of tonight’s programme include Race 6, the $25,000 Magness Benrow Sires’ 3YO Fillies Heat 1 (7.26pm) and the IRT Sires’ Stakes 3YO Trotters Prelude (5.56pm). The lineup has five last start winners including the very classy pairing of Empire City and Tyron Eros. They were the 2YO Trotting Filly and Colt/Gelding of the Year in 2023. To see Addington’s fields tonight click here View the full article

West Point Thoroughbreds has appointed Trey Gordon as its new President, while Terry Finley continues as Chief Executive Officer, the racing partnerships company said in a Wednesday release. In his new role, Gordon will work closely with Finley, who remains fully involved in the company's strategic direction and commitment to operating North America's largest public racehorse syndicate. “Trey has been a West Point Partner since 2021 and has an incredible passion for the game,” said Finley. “Our company has grown tremendously over the past several years and with over 130 horses in training and 650 Partners, we see bringing him on board as a natural expansion of our executive team. He is passionate about introducing new people to the sport and helping us execute on the highest level of Partner service. To know Trey is to like Trey, he's personable, kind, and a great ambassador for racing.” A graduate of the University of Notre Dame and Texas Tech University School of Law, Gordon practiced law for 33 years in Fort Worth, Texas. Additionally, he has 17 years of experience as a certified mediator. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, and has been a member of that organization's syndicate for 25 years, serving as chairman in 2020 and 2021. His efforts have helped generate over $80 million for agricultural youth in Texas. “I am honored to join the West Point Thoroughbreds team,” said Gordon. “I've had a wonderful experience as a Partner and this opportunity presented itself organically, combining my passion for racing and decades of experience working with people and organizations. Terry and I share the same values and I look forward to enhancing West Point's reputation as a world leader in racing partnerships.” The post Trey Gordon Named West Point Thoroughbreds President appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The winning mare Julia Augusta (GB) (Ulysses {Ire}) (lot 15) topped the Tattersalls Online April Sale when selling to Jimmy Chua for 72,000gns on Wednesday during a sale noted for its record clearance of 76%. Offered by Roger Varian's Carlburg Stables, the 5-year-old mare has won twice–once each on turf and the all-weather–and was fourth in the Listed Snowdrop Fillies' S. at Kempton last Saturday. From the family of Poet's Word (Ire) (Poet's Voice {GB}), she is out of a half-sister to the dam of GIII Chicago S. winner Abby Hatcher (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). A yearling filly by Mehmas (Ire) (lot 55) came in second on the buyers' sheet when making 45,000gns on the bid of Kingthorn Racing. A half-sister to the G2 Superlative S. and GIII Quick Call S. third Neverland Rock (GB) (No Nay Never), the Baroda Stud-consigned bay is a granddaughter of multiple group winner Jessica's Dream (Ire) (Desert Style {Ire}), herself the dam of G1 Prix Jean Prat hero and Group 1 sire Havana Gold (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}). Another two lots cleared 25,000gns–a yearling son of Admire Moon (Jpn) (lot 58), also from Baroda Stud, caught the eye of R T Goodes at 35,000gns. Rounding out the top four was Laafy (Noble Mission {GB}) (lot 17), who was consigned by Whitewall Stables and brought 27,000gns from Brian Ellison. Padraic Gahan of Baroda Stud, which was the leading vendor at the sale with 13 yearlings sold of 13 offered, said, “We are pleased with our consignment at the Tattersalls Online April Sale. It is great that all 13 of our yearlings sold and we would like to wish their purchasers luck with them be that for re-offering in the Autumn, at the breeze-up sales or on the racecourse. Particular thanks to the teams at Castlebridge, Castlehyde Stud and Ecurie des Monceaux for their assistance in bringing these to the market.” Of the 62 horses offered, 47 were marked as sold for a gross of 427,100gns. The median was 4,200gns and the average was 9,087gns. The post Record Clearance, As Ulysses Mare Tops Tattersalls Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

"We're privileged to align the Tattersalls Ireland brand to the Polish St Leger. The Polish racing industry goes from strength to strength, and our graduates are an integral part of raising its profile as a racing nation," Simon Kerins said.View the full article

Mike Ryan's Dilger will kindle plenty of emotion when he goes to the post for the 42nd running of the $400,000 Lexington Stakes (G3) April 13 at Keeneland. View the full article

Raise the Bar (c, 2, Maclean's Music–Paschali, by Bernardini) ran to the money for trainer Wesley Ward as the even-money favorite on debut over the sloppy going at Keeneland Wednesday. The rail-drawn Chief Stipelas Scharbauer homebred was hustled to the front beneath John Velazquez, kicked for home under very confident handling and was never seriously asked for run while crossing the wire 2 1/2 lengths clear of Tuxedo Park (Complexity). The final time for 4 1/2 furlongs was :52.17. O/B-Chief Stipelas Scharbauer (TX); T-Wesley Ward. Favored RAISE THE BAR ($4.26) went gate-to-wire under a hand ride to win his first career start in race 2 at Keeneland! Johnny Velazquez was in the irons for trainer Wesley Ward and owner/breeder Chief Stipelas Scharbauer. pic.twitter.com/uzoMq0ZNzK — TVG (@TVG) April 10, 2024 The post Wesley Ward-Trained Maclean’s Music Firster Sharp on Debut at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing to School and the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust have renewed their partnership for an additional two years that will allow the latter to continue assisting young people in hard-to-reach areas, the duo announced on Wednesday. Already in its third year, the partnership has assisted over 600 young people from rural, inner city and deprived areas in 2023. The aim is to expose more young people to free, interactive, and healthy outdoor educational events for schools, staged at a variety of racing venues through the Racing to School experience. John Blake, chief executive of Racing to School, said, “Developing this special partnership with the Gerald Leight Charitable Trust has helped widen our scope to support new beneficiaries, and the racing industry. We are already working alongside other partners with similar objectives, which is very exciting.” The post Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust And Racing To School Renew Partnership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Keely Mckitterick/TTR AusNZ Following the sale of the AU$10 million Winx (Aus) filly and his announcement to step back from full-time duties at the end of the year, Jonathan D'Arcy, Inglis's general manager of bloodstock operations, spoke with TTR AusNZ. A few days after Jonathan D'Arcy, Inglis's general manager of bloodstock operations and auctioneer, made headlines for knocking down the Pierro (Aus) x Winx filly for a staggering AU$10 million to Woppitt Bloodstock, he took the time to sit down with The Thoroughbred Report for a Q&A session. While there was news of D'Arcy's retirement, he was quick to clarify that he would only be stepping back from his full-time role at Inglis. However, he plans to remain involved as part of the bloodstock inspection team and will continue his duties as an auctioneer. D'Arcy told TTR AusNZ, “I'm stepping back from a full-time position, but I'll certainly still be around. I will be playing a role in inspecting yearlings with the team in August and September and I'll be in the auction box for as long as they [Inglis] want to keep me.” Keely: Jonathan, could you provide readers with some insight into how your career in the breeding and racing industry began? D'Arcy: Certainly, I am going back a long time, probably before you were born, but I grew up in Brisbane and I was always interested in the thoroughbred industry. During my school holidays, I'd go and work on a stud farm or I'd go down to Eagle Farm Racecourse and help out a couple of trainers down there. My mum was a tipster on the radio and had a column in the paper tipping horses, so there was always an interest there and after finishing school I worked for a couple of properties and then to the Agricultural College in Victoria, and as part of that course I ended up doing some experience with Inglis in 1986. After that work experience I was fortunate enough that John and Reg Inglis offered me a position in the pedigree team. At that stage we wrote pedigrees, they weren't generated by computers, so we wrote all of them. At that stage I certainly wasn't thinking I was going to become an auctioneer. I just enjoyed being around the horses and loved the pedigree side of the business. I was learning a lot, as you do working for a company like Inglis. A couple of years later Reg Inglis asked me and Vin Cox if we'd like to have a go at auctioning. We both took up the offer, I kept going with it and Vin decided he'd go down more of a sales path where he became a successful bloodstock agent before embarking on his very successful management career. I stayed with auctioneering because I enjoyed it so much. I've been lucky enough to see the world as a company representative and it's been a very enjoyable career to this date. Keely: How do you ready yourself for an auction? Do you plan out your approach in advance, or do you prefer to improvise and go with the flow? D'Arcy: Every auction is different, and obviously a sale like the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale there's a lot more work that goes into having a think about how you can promote these horses you're selling. Most auctions we take 90 seconds to 2 1/2 minutes to sell a horse. So, there's not an awful lot you can say, you just make sure you're up to date with the pedigree and what the stallion's latest racetrack results are. We get all the information on the successful nicks and crosses, but all the buying bench is so well versed in all this information. They don't really want to hear a lot about pedigrees–it's all in the catalogue and so they really want an efficient auctioneering service that can get the horses bought and sold in a good time. I think we're actually selling a bit faster these days just to get through the large number of lots that we've got on our selling days. But overall, I don't think we want to bore people with extra statistics or pedigree information. You just got to be up to date with anything that might help or make a difference when the final bids are called for. Keely: Throughout your extensive and successful career, who have been some of your influences and sources of inspiration? D'Arcy: I've been fortunate to be around a lot of successful people in this industry. Early days, I was learning from the auctioneers that were present at the company. So, that was Reg Inglis, John Inglis and Jamie Inglis. Down the track we took over Dalgety Bloodstock in Victoria, and that meant that we had the services of Peter Heageny. Peter was certainly someone who I learned a lot of auctioneering skills from. We also worked with Simon Vivian. I spent a lot of time listening to other auctioneers and I was lucky enough to follow Damien Cooley, who's a very successful real estate auctioneer. I followed him around for several months just learning how he sold houses. I was lucky enough to do a real estate auction for his company. An inspiration has been Neville Begg. I am very fortunate to have developed a strong friendship with Neville. Obviously, he's been a successful trainer in Australia for many years. When he went to Hong Kong, I was lucky to stay with Neville and his wife on several occasions. Neville remained a very close friend and someone I learned a lot about horses from. I've spent time with many successful bloodstock agents like Kieran Moore and John Foote. There's too many to name. You learn from everyone you're around, and it's an industry that you keep learning. You're still learning to this very day and that's what makes it interesting. It's an industry where a lot of people get involved and a lot of people do share their knowledge with you. I think that's great for young people coming up through the business that you can learn from all these different people that we've got within the industry. Keely: What is your favourite aspect of your role? D'Arcy: At Inglis, we have a great bloodstock team. We've got about 10 people in the bloodstock team, so we talk to each other a lot. We have meetings almost weekly where we talk about some of the things we need to do, whether it's for a digital sale or whether it's recruiting buyers to certain sales. Sometimes it's about what we need to do to attract yearlings or attract mares for the Chairman's Sale. So, there's always something different happening throughout the year. The most enjoyable part to me is the auctioneering. I love it because I think we can make a difference to the returns for our clients, and I love the theatre of it. I love the fact every sale is different. When you're calling bids at a million dollars and seeing the emotion on both purchasers' and vendors' faces, that's a great kick. It's great to play a very small part in a successful sale. Because the breeders have spent up to 18 months, two years, breeding the mare to get the foal and then foal to a Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale or a Inglis HTBA Sale or Classic or Premier–to get the result for them that they dream of that's very important for not only myself but all the people in the company. Keely: Apart from the Winx filly, could you share some of your other career highlights? D'Arcy: I was lucky enough to sell a mare called Samantha Miss (Aus). She was put through as a racing and breeding prospect as a 4-year-old mare. She'd won the VRC Oaks and was probably one of the highest profile race mares to be sold that year. Samantha Miss sold for AU$3.85 million – that was a great thrill. I was also fortunate enough to sell Makybe Diva (GB)'s Galileo (Ire) colt at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale when it was held at Newmarket many years ago. Once again, that was not dissimilar to what we saw play out this week, there was a lot of mainstream media attention there. Makybe Diva having won the Melbourne Cup on three occasions and a Cox Plate. There was a lot of international interest, the colt made AU$1.7 million. That was exciting but some of the biggest thrills you get are selling horses for AU$100,000 when the client thought it was worth AU$40,000 or selling a horse for AU$80,000 when they thought they were struggling to get AU$20,000. That gives you as much thrill as selling the high-priced horses. Sometimes a result like that keeps that breeder in the game. It means they can breed the mare again the following year. So, I think it's very important, and it's not a cliché but every horse we offer is important. We would like to think that we're giving every horse the same opportunity to maximise its sale price through our auctioneering team. Keely: Could you share some of your funniest or most cherished memories from your career? D'Arcy: I can remember when I was a bit younger and I was actually taking bids in the Newmarket ring, which many people will remember had quite a lot of residential housing around it and a school and hospital across the road. I can't recall if it was a Inglis Classic Sale or an Easter Sale but my wife and I lived across the road and we had a young beagle puppy called Jackson. Anyway, I had my back to the auctioneer and was looking at the clients under the tree taking bids and there was a commotion and I turned around and here was this beagle puppy racing straight towards me! It was quite a hilarious moment. I'm sure there would be a lot of other funny moments around the sales. You get people who are surprised at what their horses are making, absolutely gobsmacked and wonderful things like that. We sold a colt for a vendor from New Zealand one day, who thought the horse was going to make AU$400,000- AU$500,000 and they ended up making well over that mark, selling for AU$1.5 million. So, that was a bit of fun. You share a lot of jokes and camaraderie with the clients. Many of the people who attend the sales have been attending them for a very long time, you can always have a laugh with them about certain things that happen in the sale ring. Keely: What positive changes or innovations have you observed in the industry, and are there any aspects you'd like to see improved or altered? D'Arcy: I suppose the innovations are the way computers are used these days. The statistics are up to date and you can get the ratings that are put out after every meeting. I think that's certainly a tool that many people use now when they're buying horses or if they're trading horses to Hong Kong, those ratings are something that have become very Prior to the introduction of computers – analytics, statistics, ratings was very much a personal opinion but now it's solid data behind why horses are bought and sold. One of the biggest changes with the selling of bloodstock/livestock has been the introduction of digital sales. We've been lucky at Inglis to play a role in that. We're turning over AU$90 to AU$95 million a year in digital sales. But that's made it a very liquid market so you don't have to wait three or four months to sell a horse or even prior to this it wasn't really possible to sell a five or 10 per cent share in a horse. Now you've got a sale every two weeks. So, it's almost like the stock market, like a trading floor of a stock market and I think that has changed the way people look at trading bloodstock. We have horses that one year they're sold as a yearling for AU$400,000 and they have a couple of starts and the syndicate might decide that they're not exactly going to make a stallion, so they're traded for say AU$200,000. That horse might win a couple of races for that owner and then maybe nine months later they're traded again for AU$90,000 because they need to continue their racing in an easier jurisdiction. Some of these horses have been traded three, four, five times in their lives and at each time it's important for the owners to be able to conduct that trading. I think the fact we've developed a trading platform that assists everyone. The second part, I think the industry is now much more focused on welfare and the importance of displaying to the world that we care about these horses, not only during their racing careers but their post racing careers. While there's still more that can be done and needs to be done, I think everyone is now thinking in the right direction. There isn't just financial support but also having a think about how we look after these horses once they are retired. So, I feel that was something that was very much required and it's been a rocky road to get to that point. Keely: Is there a particular stallion that holds a special place in your heart over the years? D'Arcy: I was fortunate enough to be around when Danehill was really in full stride. I can remember looking at his fist crop and they sold okay but when they started racing it was quickly understood that he was a breed shaper stallion. Danehill was getting colts and fillies, his sons were going off to stud and were successful – the likes of Danzero (Aus), Flying Spur (Aus), Redoute's Choice (Aus), Fastnet Rock (Aus). The fact that we were able to sell Danehills for something like 12 years, the incredible popularity of the stallion and the success they had. Many of them were sold through our Easter Yearling Sale, it was just a great time to be involved. I remember Danehills regularly making a million dollars, two million and he never had any sex bias. It's a rare thing to see in a stallion – the term is a breed shaper and I've only seen a couple of breed shaper stallions in my lifetime. Danehill was probably the greatest one and to have the opportunity to his progeny for an extended period of time was certainly a great highlight of mine. Keely: Do you consider the sale of the Pierro x Winx filly to be the pinnacle of your career? D'Arcy: I suppose a lot of people will because it got all the publicity, and it was certainly probably the most highly anticipated moment of my career. I just hoped everything would play out well. I was pleased that there was competition, I would have loved to have had a few other people to jump in. However, I know people were trying to have a bid at AU$3 million, AU$4 million and AU$5 million. People have spoken to me afterwards saying we tried to get in but it was just too fast. I was just delighted to be able to play a very, very small role in what was a great story. The marketing team here and the way buyers were recruited did a massive job. I think the whole story captured the imagination of the Australian public and the thoroughbred industry around the world – that was great. As an auctioneer we sell a lot of horses every year but it's been very enjoyable being part of this sale and it's very fresh in my mind. It's an easy one to remember because there's just been so much written about it and a lot of video content. It was just a thrill to be involved and I'm pleased that it played out well for everyone. Fingers crossed the filly can go on and continue the legacy that Winx has laid down. Keely: Has the reality of selling a yearling filly for AU$10 million fully set in for you? D'Arcy: I practised selling her for about a month before the sale, not every day, but if I was driving for half-n-hour or every couple of days and in my mind she never made AU$10 million. When practising I'd be taking bids of AU$200,000 or AU$250,000 but to be taking bids of a million and a million and a half, that wasn't something I considered was ever a possibility of occurring. I don't think any auctioneer in the world would have imagined they'd be calling bids of that magnitude in such quick succession as how it played out. Personally, I really didn't think she would be making that sort of money. When you think about it the highest-priced yearling ever sold was a colt at US$13 million and it was a long, long time ago. The Australian record for a filly was AU$2.6 million, and I thought she'd be making somewhere around AU$5 million because of the interest. At AU$10 million, it is still sinking in for a lot of us. Just a magic moment to be involved in and a horse's worth is determined by what two people are willing to pay. Debbie Kepitis had a part ownership of the filly, but she had to pay an awful lot of money to buy out her partners. It was a unique opportunity to buy the daughter of arguably the greatest racehorse we've ever seen in this country. Keely: What would you name the Pierro x Winx filly? D'Arcy: I quite like a name called An A Nod. Three words, a wink and a nod. Sort of something like that. There's an old saying, a nod and a wink. So, that's why I think An A Nod. But I'm sure smarter people than I will come up with a very suitable name for her. The post ‘In My Mind, She Never Made AU$10 Million’: Jonathan D’Arcy And A Lifetime Of Sales appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article