Wandering Eyes

Hong Kong Jockey Club has achieved another first, being given the highest level of accreditation for responsible betting by the World Lottery Association (WLA) for a fifth time. The club was the first organisation in Asia to be recognised as having reached Level 4 in 2011, and was recertified in 2015, 2018, 2021, and again this year, becoming the first in the region to hit that mark five times in a row. In a statement released on Thursday, the club said the accreditation underscored its...View the full article

What Chelmsford Stakes Day 2025 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, September 6, 2025 First Race 11:50am AEST Visit Dabble Feature racing returns to Randwick this Saturday with a bumper 10-part program lined up for Chelmsford Stakes Day. The forecast promises a genuine Good 4 surface, and with the rail out +4m for the entire circuit, it should be a fair track throughout the afternoon. HorseBetting.com.au has looked over the Randwick race card and come up with the best bets for the day, including our top picks for the features. Chelmsford Stakes Tip: Ceolwulf It was hard not to be impressed with the return of Ceolwulf in the Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 23. The son of Tavistock was left with plenty of work to do after settling last in the run, circling the widest of 11 runners when closing within 2.5 lengths of Via Sistina. He is already a two-time Group 1 winner at this course and distance, and with Chad Schofield set to gain the gun run from gate two, Ceowulf should have them covered in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m). Chelmsford Stakes Race 7 – #2 Ceolwulf (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Joseph Pride | J: Chad Schofield (59kg) Furious Stakes Tip: Akaysha A capacity field of 16 fillies do battle in the Group 2 Furious Stakes (1200m), and it looks to be a wide-open betting affair. After two strong trials, the Peter Snowden-trained Akaysha gets the nod as she returns from a 112-day spell. The Capitalist filly didn’t miss the frame in three starts last preparation, and with the shape of this contest set to suit the get-back-run-on style of Akaysha, the $26 with horse racing bookmakers is too big to ignore. Furious Stakes Race 6 – #8 Akaysha (8) 3yo Filly | T: Peter Snowden | J: Andrew Adkins (56kg) Tramway Stakes Tip: Linebacker The penny dropped with Linebacker at the end of last season, with the son of Super Seth claiming the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) prior to failing in a slowly run edition of the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m). He returns after an eye-catching barrier trial at Hawkesbury on August 25, with the four-year-old surging through the line impressively under minimal riding by Zac Lloyd. Gate 16 is the only reason we are still getting $6 odds; if the breaks fall his way, Linebacker must be considered the one to beat in the 2025 Tramway Stakes (1400m). Tramway Stakes Race 9 – #2 Linebacker (16) 4yo Gelding | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Zac Lloyd (58kg) Concorde Stakes Tip: Headwall The Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) will act as an Everest audition for most of these, and that is no exception for Headwall. The Dream Ahead gelding went to another level in the autumn, claiming three placings across four starts — including a luckless effort in the Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m). He brings a strong first-up profile into this, and although he may lack the class of a Lady Shenandoah and Jimmysstar later in the prep, Headwall should get every chance here. Concorde Stakes Race 8 – #5 Headwall (5) 6yo Gelding | T: Matthew Smith | J: Zac Lloyd (58kg) Best Bet at Randwick: Spirit Of Wealth Spirt Of Wealth appears to be a clear best bet on the Randwick card despite returning from a 329-day spell. They simply don’t trial much better than what the Michael Freedman-trained mare produced at Gosford on August 18, with the four-year-old cruising through the wire to score by 1.5 lengths. This BM78 contest against the girls lacks depth, and with Spirit Of Wealth set to target stakes races moving forward, expect her to prove too classy for this lot. Best Bet Race 3 – #10 Spirit Of Wealth (1) 4yo Mare | T: Michael Freedman | J: Tommy Berry (54kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, September 6, 2025 2-5-8 1-4-5-11 2-4-5-7-15 1-5-8-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

The Jockey Club believes changes to its whip rules will “address perception issues” around equine welfare and act as a step towards “harmonisation with other racing jurisdictions” as the World Pool continues to grow. Beginning from this Sunday’s season opener at Sha Tin, jockeys will not be permitted to use the whip in consecutive strides before the 100m mark, while the whip may be used at the rider’s discretion in the final 100m. After consulting jockeys, trainers and owners towards the end of...View the full article

La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) is one of two three-year-old fillies taking on the older horses in the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley. New Zealand filly La Dorada will attempt to become the third of her age group to win the Group 1 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley. A Group 1 winner as a two-year-old, La Dorada joins fellow three-year-old filly Esha (Extreme Choice) when makes her seasonal return in the Moir Stakes (1000m) on Saturday, looking to join She Will Reign (Manhattan Rain) and Coolangatta (Written Tycoon) as three-year-old filly winners. La Dorada will start for the first time in Australia on Saturday having had four starts in New Zealand, for three wins, including the Karaka Millions and the Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). All the filly’s four starts have been at 1100m and beyond, but Ben Gleeson, the assistant trainer for Mark Walker, believes La Dorada has the pace to be successful at 1000m first-up. It was a toss-up where to kick-off La Dorada’s campaign as she was also entered in the Atlantic Jewel Stakes (1200m) also on Saturday’s program. “We could have run her in the Atlantic Jewel, but she would have had 59-½ kilos which is tough for any filly,” Gleeson said. “She is quite small in stature, and we were more worried about her bottoming out with the big weight, so take away 9-½ kilos, we thought we would have a crack at the Group 1. “She is arguably the best two-year-old in New Zealand and we saw that form come over last season, with a horse like Bellatrix Star (Star witness) and Savaglee (NZ) (Star witness), they were up to Group 1 standard. “She is probably, on form, better than Bellatrix Star, so if she can show her true colours, there is no reason why she can’t win a big race.” The walker-trained Bellatrix Star defeated the older sprinters in the Schillaci Stakes at Caulfield last spring before going on to finish second in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington. Gleeson said La Dorada had been prepared for Saturday’s return at Cranbourne and had had two jump outs to have her ready. “She’s had two nice jump-outs and some nice gallops,” Gleeson said. “Laura Winks who rides her, and she used to ride Imperatriz and Bellatrix Star. It’s good to get her opinion, her judgement is incredible, and she said she is more than up to the standard here.” Gleeson said La Dorada could potentially go to the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on September 26 or revert to the Group 3 Scarborough Stakes (1200m) for three-year-old fillies that same night. The Group 1 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield next month is the long-term plan. “She’s by Super Seth and we think she’s a Thousand Guineas filly, but it’s not a very good program for her,” Gleeson said. “We could go to the Scarborough or Manikato and then a strong trial into the Thousand Guineas, but she’s not a filly that would cop four or five runs in a prep because she is so small. “If she was to get to a Thousand Guineas here, that would be great, but we could also take her home for the Thousand Guineas back there.” Apprentice Luke Cartwright has been entrusted with the ride on Saturday. Cartwright rode one of the stable’s first winners after setting up a small base at Cranbourne which has expanded in recent years. “He comes in and rides gallops and does a lot of work,” Gleeson said. “If you remove the apprenticeship tag next to his name, he is arguably one of the most promising young jockeys in Australia and he deserves his chance. “We had options of other jockeys, but we chose him.” View the full article

Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) will follow the successful path of former stablemate Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) into October’s A$20 million The Everest (1200m), with the dual Group One winner to begin his spring campaign in Sydney on Saturday. Trainer Ciaron Maher on Monday confirmed Jimmysstar’s spring will begin on Saturday in the $1 million Gr.3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) Randwick, which would allow the horse two prep runs before The Everest on October 18. After the Concorde, it is planned Jimmysstar will run in the $1 million Gr.2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 4. “I was toying with whether to kick him off in this race or in two weeks’ time but just the way he’s prepped up, it would be a similar preparation to what Bella did,” Maher told Racing.com. “He can run here, and then in the Premiere, and then two weeks into The Everest.” Maher said he expected racing fans have not yet seen the best of the former New Zealander. “It was a real breakout prep last campaign – in four Group Ones, he was able to secure two and wasn’t too far away in the other two,” he said. “I feel he’s got a bit more to come, and he’s certainly trialled up in good order. “You can just ride him where he’s comfortable and let him hit the line as we know that he will improve off that first-up run. “He likes that little bit of freshness on his side too, so the aim will be a couple of prep runs and then hopefully have him right to go.” Jimmysstar was bred by Wairarapa couple Pete and Chrissy Algie in partnership with Masterton’s Little Avondale Stud. Stud proprietors Sam and Dame Catriona Williams along with the Algies remain in the ownership of the star galloper. View the full article

Mark Walker joins Gareth Hall to talk about Te Akau’s prospects this Saturday. LISTEN HERE View the full article

Top quality performer Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaj) will be heading in a new direction on Saturday when she attempts to add to her record at the highest level. The daughter of Iffraaj will spearhead a four-strong Wexford Stables assault on the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) at Ellerslie in her pursuit of a third top-flight title. Grail Seeker was an emphatic first-up winner of the event last season, then named the Tarzino Trophy and raced at Hastings, before also claiming the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) at Trentham later in the season. “She’s proven at weight-for-age, she’s proven at the distance and she’s coming in on a similar path to last year having trialled well,” said Andrew Scott, who trains Grail Seeker with Lance O’Sullivan. “The only thing that is different is the right hand turn versus the left, and she hasn’t had opportunities going right-handed to show her best yet. “We don’t think she’s disadvantaged by it, but she hasn’t raced at the same level going right to left. “Apart from that, her body weight is the same as last year, she’s been eating well and thriving, and we expect a similar performance.” Grail Seeker will be ridden by Bruno Querioz, who has been aboard in both of her lead-up trials. “He’s made a strong impression since he’s been in New Zealand, he’s ridden with a great deal of success in different jurisdictions around the world,” Scott said. Grail Seeker is the shortest in the market of the stable’s runners, but Waitak (NZ) (Proisir), Tomodachi (NZ) (Tarzino) and Checkmate (NZ) (Mongolian Khan) aren’t considered lesser hopes. “They are very hard to split, they all have legitimate chances and the team has put an incredible amount of work into them to have them near their peaks for the race,” Scott said. “Waitak is super consistent and he’s raced at a high level all his career and we think we’ve got him very fresh and well. “Last year, we trialled him twice and he had quite a tough run in the Foxbridge (Gr.2, 1200m) and he then lacked the zip, which we think he’s got now. “He’ll sprint well fresh and is certainly well capable and any rain will aid his chances. We certainly think we’ve got him as well as he can be and see him being very competitive.” Waitak will be ridden by Craig Grylls while Joe Doyle takes the ride on Tomodachi and Lynsey Satherley takes the reins aboard Checkmate. “We think Tomodachi is up to this class, the thing with mares is that they have their time of the year,” Scott said. “This is the first time we’ve tried her this early in the season, usually it’s been summer and autumn, but everything indicates that she’s going really, really well. “We’ve always believed in her ability to get to this level.” Tomodachi ended her last preparation with victory in the Gr.3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m), while Checkmate won the Listed Armacup 3YO (1500m), ran third in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) and in the $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m). “He never let us down and we took him to Sydney (for the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas, 2000m), but he didn’t stay and it was at the end of his campaign,” Scott said. “He was so consistent and raced against our best three-year-olds and was always very competitive and raced well at Ellerslie. “We really think a lot of him and hopefully he can take the next step. Any rain won’t worry him either.” View the full article

Two popular members of Kevin Myers’ stable in Aljay (NZ) (Rock ‘n’ Pop) and Verry Flash (NZ) (Zed) are heading for a well-earned retirement following successful careers with combined earnings of nearly $1 million. The Wanganui horseman purchased Aljay for $39,000 at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready To Run Sale in 2019, having prepared his star half-brother Tallyho Twinkletoe (NZ) (St Reims) to win a Grand National Hurdles (4200m), and played a large role in his successes in the Australian Grand National Hurdle (4200m) and Steeplechase (4500m). While his sibling thrived over fences, Aljay was just as proficient on the flat, winning 10 of his 50 starts, including the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) and last year’s Listed Spring Classic (2000m). The son of Rock ‘N’ Pop also placed in the Listed Metropolitan Trophy (2600m) for three consecutive years and was runner-up in a Listed Rotorua Cup (2200m), bowing out with $543,437 in earnings for Myers and co-owner Charlie Gestro. Aljay’s early New Zealand Cup success and consistency often told in the weight scale, which made retirement an easy call for Myers. “He was always topweight in the handicaps, four or five kilos heavier than the rest, so he was often a kids (apprentice jockey) horse,” Myers said. “It was an easier decision to retire both him and Flash while they are sound. “I considered it (jumps racing) with Aljay, but he wasn’t a natural jumper and he’s done pretty well on the flat. “He can go and enjoy life, he’ll retire here on the farm with Scapolo. They’ll have a paddock of their own.” Verry Flash fashioned a similarly impressive record in his racing career, which started in the care of co-owner Nick Bishara. While he may not have quite reached the phenomenal heights of his full-sister and Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) heroine Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed), Verry Flash won 11 races on the flat, including a Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m), and after joining Myers, a Listed Rangitikei Gold Cup (1600m). He was particularly efficient in heavy track conditions, placing in two editions of the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m), and Myers added another string to the gelding’s bow when presenting him as a jumper. Verry Flash added a further four victories to his record over hurdles, and in his first and only attempt over the steeplechase fences at Hawera in late August, he was successful, and Myers decided that was the perfect note to finish on. “Flash was a good horse, he won his last start so I thought he could retire on that,” he said. “I thought about going to the Jericho, but he’s 11-years-old now and has done a good job. “He came here later in his career, but he kept running well on the flat right up to his last start. “Flash will go to Rowena Smyth, she used to ride him early on and he can go hunting. They’ll both have a nice home and they deserve that.” Verry Flash was bred by the late Don Goodwin, who raced him alongside Bishara. View the full article

Tackling Group Ones on either side of the Tasman is nothing new for Ken and Bev Kelso, and they will do exactly that this weekend. In Australia, the Matamata trainers will head to The Valley on Saturday to test the talent of their rising star Alabama Lass (Alabama Express) in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m). The four-year-old daughter of Alabama Express is unbeaten in Australia, having won her only start there in the Listed HKJC World Pool Sprint Classic (1100m) at Flemington in March, and the Kelsos have been pleased with the way she has returned following her spell. “She spelled really well at Henley,” Ken Kelso said. “Sarah (Devcich) does a magnificent job there and she came back and put on about 40 kilos. She felt stronger and she is really thriving. “I am really happy with her, she has really improved since that trial (winning her 1050m heat at Te Rapa last month), she is really flying. I couldn’t be happier with her going into the race.” While pleased with his mare, Kelso said she faces a stiff task this weekend. “They don’t give Group Ones away in a Weet-Bix package,” he said. “We are testing the water. It is a big transition from a three-year-old filly up to weight-for-age. “It has come up a really strong field. Normally the Moir is eight to 10 runners and this year it is a full field of 15, which is a lot of runners for Moonee Valley.” Further elite-level targets await Alabama Lass in Melbourne this spring if she performs up to expectations. “If she fired up and went really well, we have got the option of staying for the Manikato (Gr.1, 1200m) three weeks later. If not, she will come home, have a break and be set for the sprints here.” Alabama Lass has already proven herself in those New Zealand sprints, finishing runner-up to Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) in the Gr.1 Railway (1200m) in January before turning the tables on her rival when winning the Gr.3 Kings Plate (1200m) at Ellerslie on Champions Day. Stablemate Legarto (NZ) (Proisir) has already tasted Group One success in Australia, having won the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington two years ago. She added a subsequent elite-level victory to her record last year when winning the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m), and she will be seeking another when she heads to Ellerslie to contest the Gr.1 Proisir Plate (1400m) on Saturday. She placed in the race two years ago and is favoured by TAB bookmakers to go two better on Saturday, sitting atop of the market at $4.80, alongside last year’s winner Grail Seeker (NZ) (Iffraaji). Legarto will be first-up after finishing fifth behind Alabama Lass in her trial last month and subsequently had an exhibition gallop at Te Rapa 10 days ago. “She came back in big order, which she is, she is a monster,” Kelso said. “I thought her trial was okay. Her gallop between races she went with Wild Night and I was a little bit disappointed initially but then I found out what time they ran. “I probably read too much into the gallop, but she has really improved since then. “She is probably going to be a little bit vulnerable over 1400m. Ellerslie has not really been her go. They will know she is there.” Kelso admits to being slightly nervous ahead of his Group One doubleheader on Saturday, but he is excited to have two quality mares lining up in their respective elite-level races. “I am a bit nervous with a Group One on either side of the Tasman,” he said. “You are just privileged to have horses like this to be able to run in these sorts of races, and you have got to remind yourself of that.” View the full article

Check out the great racing offers available from horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, September 4. Enjoy bonus back deals and other promotions to boost your betting experience. Explore these specials from top online bookmakers and get more value from your bets. Top Australian racing promotions for September 4, 2025, include: Today’s horse racing promotions Moe Races 1-2 | Bet Back Run 2nd or 3rd Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip on Races 1 & 2 at Moe this Thursday and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up $50 back as Bonus Cash. Bet Back Tool is only available to use on the day of race, on Fixed Win bets, and on races with 5 or more runners. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo 10% Winnings Boost! – Northam & Mackay Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Bet Boost | Thursday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Thursday. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% winnings in cash Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds win bets on Australian thoroughbred races only. Excludes boosted, multi, live and bonus bets. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector | If Your Horse Drifts, You Get The Bigger Price Only available on Australian Horse Racing Fixed Price Win bets placed from 8am AET the day of the race. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au find these racing offers? HorseBetting.com.au reviews Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers to share the best thoroughbred promotions for September 4, 2025. Bookmakers are always competing, so if one doesn’t have a deal, another usually does. Rely on HorseBetting.com.au for daily racing bonuses and betting specials. Get better value with competitive odds and offers for existing customers. Just log in to your betting account to see what’s available. For extra help picking winners and using your bonuses wisely, check out our daily free racing tips. View all horse racing promotions View the full article

Young broodmare Jill's a Hot Mess (Laoban) led the way Wednesday at the closing of the Inglis Digital USA September Sale, topping the sale with a winning bid of $145,000 by Bluewater Sales, agent. The 7-year-old mare is in foal to Vekoma, who currently leads the second-crop sire list. “We have loved the ease and fun of the digital sales process, both selling and buying,” said Meg Levy of Bluewater Sales. “Timing for this mare was perfect, with the weekend Vekoma had. That's the beauty of the process.” Consigned as hip 47, the New York-bred stakes-placed winner of $331,220 hails from the same family as champions Straight No Chaser and Housebuster. Brookdale, as agent, consigned Jill's a Hot Mess and offered her for inspection in Versailles, Ky. “Jill's a Hot Mess is a strong young mare who could really run, and she is in foal to one of the of the hottest young stallions in Vekoma,” said Brookdale Director of Sales Sarah Seitz. “The Inglis Digital USA sale came at the right time to highlight a mare like her. Kyle [Wilson] and his team were great in keeping us informed once the sale went live and promoting the mare on social media platforms. It was a very professional experience all around.” While Jill's a Hot Mess was the topping boodmare of the Inglis Digital USA September Sale, Chado (American Freedom) topped the racing-age offerings at $55,000. The 3-year-old colt, last seen winning an allowance by 6 1/4 lengths at Colonial Downs Aug. 22, sold to Jerry Romans, Jr. Jason McCutchen trained and consigned Chado as hip 1, offering him for inspection at Colonial Downs. “I'm really pleased about getting Chado sold,” said McCutchen. “It was a very easy and successful experience. I can't wait to do it again.” Horses in the sale were available for inspection and purchase in Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. “We had a large cross section of offerings, and it was great to see activity from all over the country and the world, for that matter,” said Inglis Digital USA CEO Kyle Wilson. “We appreciate the support of our longtime customers, and we welcomed some new ones this sale as well. We'll be back at it in a month!” Offerings that finished under their reserves are still available to purchase on the Inglis Digital USA website. Entries for Inglis Digital USA's next sale, the Early October Sale, will be taken through Sept. 22. Bidding for that event will close Oct. 1. The post Inglis Digital USA September Sale Closes with Jill’s A Hot Mess on Top appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2025 FTBOA Florida Sire Stakes series kicks off Sept. 6 when Gulfstream Park stages the $100,000 Dr. Fager division for 2-year-old males and the $100,000 Desert Vixen division for juvenile fillies.View the full article

By Jonny Turner Phase one of Canterbury’s raid on Southland starts on Thursday. Ranfurly Shield fever has hit the Deep South after the Stags snatched the old log of wood from Waikato last weekend. Southland’s first defence comes up on Saturday in what should be another epic battle with Canterbury. Before then, Southland’s harness racing talent will be out to repel a Canterbury attack in the trotting game. Several key runners will be crossing the Otago border to head to Wyndham on Thursday, including a likely pairing from Stonewall Stud. One is the impressive debut winner B B King. The pacer was quietly handled early before building into a beautiful rhythm to score at Addington early last month for trainers Steve and Amanda Telfer and driver Tim Williams. Held in high regard by his camp, it is hoped Thursday’s race will prove an important stepping stone in the two-year-old’s career. “The ability is there, but he needs racing now and that’s why he is coming down on Thursday,” Williams said. “Mandy was keen to get this race and the trip away into him, hopefully it will do him the world of good.” “We are hopeful he can work towards some nice races, but he needs to learn what the game is all about and develop his ringcraft.” B B King will square off with breakout Southland star She’s Crunchy at Wyndham. She’s Crunchy was scheduled to fly to Australia after her big Southern Surge Final win but following a flight cancellation, she’s remaining in Southland for the immediate future. The filly brings proven form to Wyndham on Thursday with her unbeaten run in three starts, while B B King brings untapped potential. “She’s Crunchy is clearly the horse to beat, she looks like a lovely filly,” Williams said. “From a handy enough draw (4), we are reasonably hopeful that our fella has the ability to run a pretty nice race.” “It’s a big step up from a small field to racing horses that have had as many as 80 starts.” “How he handles it all will be key.” The Stonewall Stud team also bring the in-form Miki Bennett south for what looks like a very suitable assignment. “Initially I thought his last run was a touch disappointing, but he did do a little bit early,’’ Williams said. “It does look like a nice step back in grade from Addington Friday night company.” “He’s been very consistent lately, which he hasn’t been at times.” “He’s in a good space and hopefully he can go another nice race.” Other key Canterbury raiders at Wyndham include both Lasa and Rush. View the full article

Stakes-winning mare Venencia not only faces males, but tries the 1 3/8-mile trip for the first time in the CA$150,000 Singspiel Stakes (G3T) at Woodbine. View the full article

After an increase last season, Fair Grounds' Road to the Kentucky Derby remains valued at $1.875 million. The track's 154th racing season will offer 56 stakes worth $8.65 million.View the full article

Maryland horsemen have emerged as meaningful beneficiaries of the collaborative dual-state stakes schedule and new bonus incentives, according to statistics covering the period from June 21-Aug. 23 of this year. View the full article

Thursday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 19:42, PRIX DE LIANCOURT-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, f, 10 1/2fT Field: La Bonne Etoile (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Benamira (GB) (Waldgeist {GB}), Hollys Graces (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Mahiya (Ire) (Sottsass {Fr}), Galene (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Victory Queen (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Merveilleux Lapin (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Revoir (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), Reine De Medicis (Ire) (Romanised {Ire}), Model Yuko (GB) (Al Kazeem {GB}). TDN Verdict: Godolphin's Victory Queen, one of five international visitors, finished ahead of Revoir in July's Listed Lyric Fillies' Stakes and holds the form edge on that rival. The latter was then denied in a head-bobbing finish to Salisbury's Listed Upavon Fillies' Stakes and holds the fitness edge in a wide-open renewal. Henry de Bromhead won this last year and relies on Listed Naas Oaks Trial and G2 Ribblesdale also-ran Hollys Graces this time around, while G3 Diana-Trial fifth and Polish Oaks heroine Merveilleux Lapin is an intriguing contender from Poland. Roger Varian trainee Model Yuko completes the cross-border set. France's solid defence is on alert and consists of the stakes-placed trio La Bonne Etoile, Benamira and Reine De Medicis as well as G3 Prix Minerve seventh Galene and Andre Fabre nominee Mahiya. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete field. The post Black-Type Analysis: Five International Raiders in ParisLongchamp Listed Action 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. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU)'s “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Among this week's rulings, trainer Shivananda Parbhoo has been banned two years and fined a combined $35,000 (including arbitration costs) for a January clenbuterol positive, according to the written final decision by an arbitral body. The Parbhoo-trained American Speed tested positive for the bronchodilator clenbuterol, which is a banned substance permitted under very specific circumstances, after finishing second at Gulfstream Park on Jan. 5. According to the final decision, Parbhoo believed a supplement used on American Speed called “Body Builder” was the possible source of clenbuterol. An open bottle of “Body Builder” provided by Parbhoo was found to contain clenbuterol, but an unopened bottle of the supplement (obtained from the manufacturer) tested negative for clenbuterol. Parbhoo then argued how, because he did not spike the “Body Builder” supplement with clenbuterol and has no knowledge of his employees doing the same, “he must have been the victim of sabotage by another trainer or someone who was upset with him for having won American Speed in a Claiming Race,” according to the final decision. Another component of the trainer's argument concerned doubts over the analytical processes used by the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology and Research Laboratory (PETRL), which ran the “B” sample, that could have resulted in a “false positive,” according to the final decision. Both “A” and “B” samples tested positive for clenbuterol. The Pennsylvania lab lost its probationary HISA Equine Analytical Laboratory (HEAL) accreditation for a period of six months, beginning in July. Ultimately, the arbitrator decided that there was “no evidence to substantiate the sabotage theory” put forward by Parbhoo, according to the final decision. “The sabotage theory advanced by Mr. Parbhoo is highly speculative and is far from persuasive. His argument that he did all that he could and had no fault or no significant fault for the Clenbuterol positive, falls far short of what is expected of a Covered Person in order to benefit from the No Fault or Negligence or No Significant Fault of Negligence provisions of the ADMC Program Rules 3224 and 3225,” the final decision states. Furthermore, the arbitrator also ultimately found that there was “no irregularity in the analysis of American Speed's 'B' Sample, that would have resulted in a false positive,” making them “satisfied” that the Pennsylvania laboratory processed American Speed's “B” Sample consistent with laboratory standards and guidelines, according to the final decision. Also this week, trainer Ray Handal has been banned a total of 22 days and fined a total of $3,500 for three separate dexamethasone positives from earlier this year. Dexamethasone is a class C controlled substance. The 22-day ban (a 15-day and 7-day suspension ran consecutively) begins Sept. 4. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 09/03/2025 Licensee: Michael Sabine, 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. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Flattery's Music, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 7/22/25. Date: 09/03/2025 Licensee: Raymond Handal, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on September 4, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horses' Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. The following cases are treated as one violation. Admission. Explainer: Medication violations for the presence of Dexamethasone-a Class C controlled substance-in samples taken from Valtellina, who won at Aqueduct on 4/10/25; and from Makeyourmoment, who finished fifth at Aqueduct on 4/23/25. Date: 09/03/2025 Licensee: Raymond Handal, trainer Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on September 11, 2025; 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 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Valtellina, who won at Belmont at the Big A on 5/16/25. Date: 09/02/2025 Licensee: Jerry Dixon, Jr., trainer Penalty: A written reprimand. Admission. Explainer: As per HIWU, this case concerned Rule 3510(a), “Engaging in disruptive or offensive conduct towards Sample Collection Personnel or any other person involved in Doping Control that does not rise to the level of Tampering.” Date: 09/02/2025 Licensee: William Robert Bailes, 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: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Next Girl, who finished second at Laurel Park on 6/6/25. Date: 08/29/2025 Licensee: Carlos Perez, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on August 30, 2025; 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 $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a Class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Navy Cross, who won at Gulfstream Park on 5/16/25. Date: 08/28/2025 Licensee: Jane Cibelli, 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: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Inveigled, who finished second at Laurel Park on 6/21/25. Date: 08/28/2025 Licensee: Kay Cooper, 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: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Precise Timing, who won the Kent Stakes at Emerald Downs on 7/20/25. Date: 08/28/2025 Licensee: Shivananda Parbhoo, trainer Penalty: 2-year period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on August 27, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results obtained on 01/05/25 and 01/24/25, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $25,000; payment of $10,000 towards arbitration costs. Final decision by arbitral body. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Clenbuterol-a banned substance permitted under certain circumstances-in a sample taken from American Speed, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 1/5/25. Date: 08/27/2025 Licensee: Helen Alice Beckman, 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: Medication violation for the presence of Pentoxifylline-a class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Stand Up Charlie, who finished fifth at Belterra Park on 7/17/25. Date: 08/27/2025 Licensee: Francisco Rivera, 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: Medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Pizzicato, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 7/12/25. Pending ADMC Violations 09/03/2025, Rogelio Labra, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Yolo Santiago on 8/4/25. 08/29/2025, Joseph D. Davis, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Betamethasone-a class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Klay B Even Money on 8/1/25. 08/28/2025, Sydney Fried, trainer: Pending violation for Rule 3510(b), which concerns the “Refusal/failure to cooperate promptly and completely with HISA/HIWU under the ADMC Program Rules; Rule 3510(d)–Refusal/failure without compelling justification to comply with any other provision of the ADMC Program Rules (where such refusal or failure does not constitute an Anti-Doping Rule Violation),” as per HIWU. There is currently no more detailed explanation. The post National Regulatory Rulings, Aug. 28 – Sept. 3 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2025-26 stakes schedule for Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots will be headed $1-million GII TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby on Mar. 21, according to a track release Wednesday. After an increase last season, Fair Grounds' Road to the Derby remains valued at $1.875 million. The track's 154th racing season will offer 56 stakes worth $8.65 million. Louisiana Derby Day will feature eight stakes totaling $2.65 million, headlined by the 113th Louisiana Derby at 1 3/16 miles. The race awards 100-50-25-15-10 points on the Road to the GI Kentucky Derby. The card also includes the $400,000 GII Fasig-Tipton Fair Grounds Oaks, run at 1 1/16 miles, which offers the same point structure toward the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks. Louisiana Derby Preview Day on Feb. 14 will feature the $500,000 GII Fasig-Tipton Risen Star and the $300,000 GII Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra. Both races offer 50-25-15-10-5 points on their respective Derby and Oaks trails. Last year's Rachel Alexandra winner, Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), went on to win Kentucky Oaks 151. On Jan. 17, Road to the Derby Day will include six stakes, headlined by the $250,000 GIII Lecomte Stakes and the $150,000 Fasig-Tipton Silverbulletday Stakes. Both races offer 20-10-6-4-2 points toward the Derby and Oaks, respectively. Headlined by the $100,000 Gun Runner, a trio of stakes are scheduled for Road to the Derby Kickoff Day on Dec. 20, including the $100,000 Untapable. Both award 10-5-3-2-1 qualifying points on the respective Derby and Oaks paths. The 70-day meet is set to open on Thursday, Nov. 20, with the potential for two additional dates in March if recommended by the Louisiana HBPA and approved by the Louisiana Racing Commission. Purses for maiden special weights have been set at $54,000, while allowance races will range from $55,000 to $58,000. Six Louisiana-bred stakes will be contested across the first three race days as preps for Louisiana Champions Day on Saturday, Dec. 14. The dirt route series for older horses begins with the $100,000 Tenacious on Dec. 20, the $175,000 GIII Louisiana on Jan. 17, and the $250,000 GIII Mineshaft on Feb. 14. All three will again be presented by Hagyard. The series culminates with the $500,000 GII New Orleans Classic on Mar. 21. The open-company turf route series concludes with the $300,000 GII Muniz Memorial at 1 1/8 miles on Mar. 21. It begins with the $100,000 Colonel E.R. Bradley at 1 1/16 miles on Jan. 17 and continues with the $175,000 GIII Fair Grounds Stakes on Feb. 14. All three races are presented by Horse Racing Nation. The first condition book, compiled by Racing Secretary Scott Jones, is expected to be published in early September. Stall applications for the 2025-26 meet are due Oct. 6, and the backside opens Sept. 15. Regular post time during the meet will be 12:45 p.m. Central, except for noon post times on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27), Road to the Derby Day (Jan. 17), Louisiana Derby Preview Day (Feb. 14), and Louisiana Derby Day (March 21). The full 2025-26 stakes schedule will be available soon at www.fgno.com. The post $1M Louisiana Derby Highlights Fair Grounds’ 2025-26 Stakes Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Exiting a 3 1/4-length victory over three-time grade 1 winner Journalism in the Aug. 30 Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar, Fierceness surges from ninth into second place in the latest National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top Thoroughbred Poll.View the full article

Scott Lishia, currently director of racing at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, has been named director of racing and sportsbook for Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course pending customary regulatory approvals.View the full article

4th-Kempton, £11,000, Novice, 9-3, 2yo, 6f (AWT), 1:14.72, st/sl. MONARCH'S GOLD (GB) (c, 2, Too Darn Hot {GB}–Maid Up {GB} {GSW-Eng, $175,493}, by Mastercraftsman {Ire}), a €550,000 Arqana May Breeze-Up purchase, raced in mid-division throughout the early stages. Quickening smartly to take command approaching the furlong pole, the 13-2 shot asserted to record a 1 1/4-length verdict over Mr Seagull (Space Blues). The smart dam, who captured the Listed March Stakes and was second in the G2 Lillie Langtry Stakes, has already produced Lope De Vega's Champagne Prince who was a Listed winner at this venue and Night Of Thunder's classy Listed Michael Seely Memorial Fillies Stakes scorer Kon Tiki. From the Juddmonte family of Nureyev's Oaks heroine Reams Of Verse which features the G2 Celebration Mile winner and Queen Elizabeth II runner-up Zacinto (Dansili) under the third dam Ithaca (Distant View), Maid Up also has a yearling filly by Kingman and a foal full-sister to Champagne Prince to come. Sales history: 97,000gns Ylg '24 TATOCT; €550,000 2yo '25 ARQBRU. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $7,957. O-Amo Racing Limited; B-Brightwalton Bloodstock Ltd; T-Kevin Philippart De Foy. Monarch's Gold (Too Darn Hot) gets off the mark at the first attempt in the Unibet Zero% Mission/EBF Novice Stakes for Kevin Philippart de Foy, Amo Racing and David Egan. @amoracingltd @kpfracing @DavidEgan99 @Unibet @darleyeurope pic.twitter.com/80kOOiBKAA — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 3, 2025 The post Amo’s Arqana May Breeze-Up Sensation Monarch’s Gold Off The Mark On Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade I winner Arthur's Ride (Tapit–Points of Grace, by Point Given) has retired from racing and will be offered as a stallion prospect–consigned by Lane's End–at the Keeneland November Sale, according to a Lane's End release Wednesday. Campaigned by Karl and Cathi Glassman's Glassman Racing, the grey enjoyed his best season in 2024, beginning with an allowance win by 7 1/2 lengths at Gulfstream. Later in the summer at Saratoga, he dazzled with a 12 ¾ length allowance win before taking the GI Whitney Stakes, where he defeated eventual Eclipse Champion National Treasure. “It is a very important race. It is a Grade I and probably one of the top two or three races that they run in Saratoga,” trainer Bill Mott said following the Whitney. Bred by Helen and Joseph Barbazon, Arthur's Ride is by leading sire of Grade I winners Tapit, out of the Point Given mare and Canadian Champion Points of Grace. The 5-year-old hails from the family of Canadian Champion 2-year-old filly Victory to Victory and Group 1 winner Favourable Terms (GB). “Arthur's Ride gave us a tremendous thrill and it was an honor to win a race like the Whitney. We are looking forward to him getting a great opportunity to begin his new career as a stallion,” said Karl Glassman. Arthur's Ride is available for inspection at Margaux Farm. Contact Allaire Ryan (aryan@lanesend.com, 859-338-0038) or David Ingordo (dingordo@ingordobloodstock.com, 859-621-8809) for more information. The post GISW Arthur’s Ride Retired, To Sell at Keeneland November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, a 44-year-old nonprofit that offers a variety of equine-assisted therapies and activities for people of all ages, hosts its inaugural Benefit Match featuring Lexington Polo and tailgating at the Secretariat Field at the Kentucky Horse Park on Sunday, Sept. 28. “We are extremely grateful to Lexington Polo for presenting this benefit, which will be their final polo event of the season,” CKRH Executive Director Pat Kline said. “We look forward to outstanding polo action and the chance for us to enjoy a beautiful fall afternoon with our many friends and supporters and have fun with a tailgate competition that recognizes the best fall theme.” Schedule of events: 1:30 p.m. Gates open 1:30-3 p.m. Live music with the Will Padgett Trio 3 p.m. Polo match begins 4:30 p.m. Trophy presentation to the winning team, runner-up team, MVP, Best Playing Pony and best fall decorated tailgate The event also will include a halftime divot stomp ceremony with complimentary apple cider along with a meet and greet with CKRH minis. Tailgate sponsorships are available for $100 each and include VIP parking and entry into a competition for the best decorated tailgate with the theme of fall. To reserve a spot and for more information, email develop@ckrh.org. General admission is $10 per person (free for kids 12 and under). Tickets will be sold upon entry. In a campaign at the event titled “Help us fill the wheelbarrow,” attendees may donate fly spray and vet wrap to CKRH to help the program stock up on supplies for its herd of 27 therapy horses and ponies of all breeds. CKRH, which has seven Thoroughbreds, is a benefactor of Thoroughbred Charities of America and works closely with Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance. The post Central Kentucky Riding for Hope Benefit Match Features Lexington Polo, Tailgating appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-Kempton, £11,000, Mdn, 9-3, 2yo, 7f (AWT), 1:29.78, st/sl. ITEM (GB) (c, 2, Frankel {GB}–Capla Temptress {Ire} {GISW-Can, GSW-US, GSP-Eng, $455,876}, by Lope de Vega {Ire}), a son of the Natalma Stakes winner, started as the 5-2 second favourite and travelled smoothly behind the early leaders. Taking control approaching the furlong pole, the homebred drew away in style to score by 3 1/2 lengths from Devon Island (Practical Joke), Godolphin's €650,000 Arqana May Breeze-Up purchase. The dam hails from the family of the multiple Group 3 winner and Arlington Million-placed Stotsfold (Barathea) and the dual Group 3 winner Leporello (Danehill). Her yearling filly by St Mark's Basilica is due to sell at Tattersalls Ireland September, while she also has a filly foal by Dark Angel. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $7,957. O-Juddmonte; B-Juddmonte Farms Inc; T-Andrew Balding. Future star? Item wins the Unibet More Extra Place Races Maiden Stakes with ease on debut for Andrew Balding and Colin Keane. The son of Frankel is out of Canadian G1 winner Capla Temptress. @AndrewBalding2 @ctkjockey @unibet @JuddmonteFarms pic.twitter.com/Z6deRrp9Mj — Racing TV (@RacingTV) September 3, 2025 The post Frankel’s Item Impresses On Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article