Wandering Eyes

California Spangle hits the line. California Spangle could feature again this season after tuning up smartly in a barrier trial over 1200m at Sha Tin this morning (Tuesday, 21 May) in 1m 11.28s with Brenton Avdulla for trainer Tony Cruz. Breaking cleanly under the hands of Avdulla, the triple Group 1-winning California Spangle strode to the lead. Clicked up in the straight, the six-year-old crossed the line first, one and three quarter lengths ahead of Sing Dragon on the dirt. “He’s ticking over well. He’s come through his run in good order. I’m happy with him – the track was a bit ordinary with all of the rain we have had, so it wasn’t ideal, but he still trialled well, pulled up clean and definitely needed another hit-out,” Avdulla said. Potential targets for California Spangle are the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (1200m) on 2 June and HK$4.2 million Group 3 Premier Cup Handicap (1400m) on 23 June – both races are run at Sha Tin. “He’s obviously going to carry a big weight in whatever he contests. There’s the 1200 and 1400 (metre) race – both Group 3s. He’s probably going to get 135 pounds and give a lot of nice horses good weight, so I’ll leave that with Tony (Cruz) whichever way he goes and I’ll just be happy to sit on him,” Avdulla said. Since reverting to sprint distances in March, California Spangle has won twice at the top-level, taking the HK$13 million Group 1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) at Meydan in Dubai. The front-running 126-rater has won 13 times from 26 starts. He placed second behind Invincible Sage last time out in the HK$22 million Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). Avdulla also partnered Beauty Joy at this morning’s trial session, finishing third in 1m 12.57s over 1200m. The chestnut won the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy (1600m) two runs back before finishing seventh in the HK$22 million Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m). “He’s come through the race in really good order. I’m happy with the way he trialled,” Avdulla said. The Australian rider is aiming to build on his 30 wins this season in Hong Kong when he takes four mounts at Happy Valley tomorrow night (22 May), including last-start winner Atomic Beauty in the second section of the Class 4 Lancashire Handicap (1650m). “He did a good job. He obviously won earlier in the season at big odds and he’d been sort of busting to win another one. “He had things go his way there the other night – off a nice gallop he was able to track the leader and took over. He had a little bit of a look around but to his credit he knuckled down late and got the job done – I was happy with him,” Avdulla said. Readying for a HK$13 million Group 1 Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) tilt, Straight Arron also trialled, finishing fourth in his heat over 1200m on the dirt in 1m 13.71s under Vincent Ho for trainer Caspar Fownes. Fownes also saddles Senor Toba in the season’s 12th and final Group 1 contest. Wednesday’s (22 May) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley commences at 6.40pm HKT with the Class 5 Chester Handicap (2200m). Horse racing news View the full article

TIMONIUM, MD – The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale concluded its two-day run at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium Tuesday with a lively session of bidding led by a $1.25-million daughter of Bolt d'Oro. Through two sessions, 343 horses sold for $32,766,500. The average of $95,485–up 2.9% from a year ago–just ticked up from the sale's previous record average of $95,391 set in 2022, while the median of $50,000 tied the sale record set in 2021 and equaled again in 2023. “I thought we had two very good days of horse sales,” said Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning, Jr. “Our average was up slightly from last year and the median is the same as last year. There was very encouraging activity–maybe not at the absolute start–but throughout both sessions.” The Midlantic May sale was topped by a seven-figure juvenile for the ninth straight year when trainer Steve Asmussen, on the phone with owner Ron Winchell, bid $1.25 million for a filly by Bolt d'Oro. Buyers from the Middle East continued to be active at the top level of the market with Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz's Najd Stud purchasing the second-highest priced offering of the day, a $650,000 son of Maclean's Music. “The sale received a significant boost and bolster from the international participation, particularly from the Gulf region,” Browning said. “We all should be knocking on wood that next year American exported horses have a lot of success in the Middle East because it will continue to drive more and more interest in our marketplace.” Wavertree Stables consigned three of the auction's top five juveniles, including the million-dollar topper. “We have had a good sale,” Wavertree's Ciaran Dunne said when asked about the market in Timonium this week. “It's like anything, if you have a bad sale, you see the bad end of the market. If you have a good sale, you see the top end. The horses that performed well and vetted good, have sold well. We've sold a couple on the lower end, but they were some that we figured it was just time to move them on. And yeah, they didn't bring a lot of money, but the fact that there is someone there to take them, is a big deal.” Bolt d'Oro Filly Shines in Timonium A filly by Bolt d'Oro (hip 401) turned in a flashy :10 flat work during last week's under-tack show and duly delivered in the sales ring Tuesday when selling for $1.25 million. Trainer Steve Asmussen made the winning bid on behalf of Ron Winchell. The juvenile was consigned by Wavertree Stables. Steve Asmussen and Greg Pachman | Fasig-Tipton “She stood out on the data,” said Winchell Thoroughbreds' Greg Pachman. “We do a lot of work with Equine Analysis–Dr. David Lambert, Matt Weinmann, and Andreu Solis. They did a great job finding her. She was a standout on the data and Steve obviously liked her. We don't do anything without Steve being involved. It's not that often that we land on horses that happily together.” The filly is out of Werewolf (Arch) and is a half-sister to graded-placed Howling Time (Not This Time) and multiple stakes-placed Air Recruit (Air Force Blue). Of the filly's seven-figure price tag, Pachman said, “Ron stretched to buy her. We thought it was going to be close to that. It's good when you know a little bit in advance because you get mentally ready for it.” Ciaran Dunne purchased the filly for $335,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale and, even after Tuesday's result, the horseman maintained he had overpaid for the yearling. The Midlantic topper | Fasig-Tipton “She was then what she is now,” Dunne said. “She was absolutely beautiful. We had been getting run over left, right and center and I was probably a little punchy. It was early in the morning and we felt like we hadn't bought anything. To be honest with you, I overspent. Even now. It was way too much money for her, but when they look like her, that's what they cost. She had a bit of pedigree. I overspent on her and I spent the rest of the day scrambling trying to put her together. Thankfully, a lot of people supported me and kind of helped me out. And they got their reward today.” The filly had originally been targeted at the OBS April sale. “We were obviously devastated in the spring when we missed our first target,” Dunne said. “But we had faith in her.” Dunne continued, “She is going to a great home. For as great a day today is, you really hope she goes and is everything that we all think she is. That's the ultimate goal.” Maclean's Music Colt to Saudi Saud Al Qahtani, who watched Forever Young (Jpn) (Reel Steel {Jpn}) sweep the G3 Saudi Derby and G2 UAE Derby before coming agonizingly close in the GI Kentucky Derby, has similar hopes for the colt by Maclean's Music (hip 379) he purchased for $650,000 on behalf of Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz's Najd Stud Tuesday in Timonium. Saud Al Qahtani and Eddie Woods | Fasig-Tipton “We have the Saudi Derby as our target, so we wish, inshallah, he will do the job,” Al Qahtani said after signing the ticket on the colt, who was consigned by Eddie Woods. “The Japanese horse was third in the Kentucky Derby. He won the Saudi Derby. And he won the UAE Derby and then he came to the Kentucky Derby and he almost win.” Asked if he had a similar goal for hip 379, Al Qahtani said, “I hope so.” The bay colt, who was bred by George Krikorian, is out of the unraced Two Faced Moon (Malibu Moon) and is a half-brother to graded-placed Big Switch (Mr. Big) and Hollywood Hills (Hoorayforhollywood). He worked a furlong last week in :10 1/5. “First of all, he has a very good pedigree,” Al Qahtani said of the colt's appeal. “He's a very good individual with good conformation, a good breeze and also he is from a very good consignor, very well known. So, from A to Z, he looks good. I hope I am not wrong.” Al Qahtani continued, “The market is good, so I had to go for this horse because I think he was one of the good ones. I tried twice yesterday, but this is the first one we bought. He is what we are looking for. I am so happy to get him.” Al Qahtani was busy at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale last fall, buying 18 head for $1,230,000 and followed up with the purchase of two horses of racing age at Keeneland in November on behalf of Najd Stud. Prince Faisal purchased an interest in GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner White Abarrio (Race Day) prior to this year's G1 Saudi Cup. Hip 379, Maclean's Music colt | ThoroStride “I was at Keeneland last November,” Al Qahtani said. “HRH Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz has already had good results in Europe. We started this year in America. I was at Keeneland last November and this was the first time at a breeze-up in America.” Fasig-Tipton has made a concerted effort to court Middle East buyers to its sales and reaped the benefits of those efforts during the two-day Midlantic May sale. In addition to Najd Stud, other Middle East buyers active included Dubai-based trainers Michael Costa and Bhupat Seemar, as well as Qatar's Wathnan Racing. Pedro Lanz purchased Monday's session-topping daughter of Bernardini and returned Tuesday to acquire a colt by Justify for $425,000 and a colt by Volatile for $200,000 on behalf of the Saudi-based KAS Stables. HRH Prince Saud bin Salman purchased a pair of juveniles by Good Magic during the auction, going to $180,000 for a filly and $120,000 for a colt by the stallion. “There was very strong Middle East participation from a number of countries here,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning said after Monday's first session of the sale. “We made a real push over the last 24 months to try to increase our footprint there because of the increase in activity. The dirt racetrack certainly lines up as they are racing more and more on dirt surfaces. It seems very logical to us. And, as we talk to buyers and representatives from that region, it's a good fit calendar-wise. It's after the Dubai World Cup. It's a growth area. So it's been an area of concentration and intention. We have a Middle Eastern representative, Michael Adolphson, who has been working for us for about 18 months. Anna Seitz made a trip to Saudi and to Dubai this year around the Saudi Cup. It's about making introductions and developing confidence and educating people about what we have on offer here. We saw those results today and we will continue. It's a long-term process.” Curlin Colt to Imagine Bloodstock agent Donato Lanni went to $500,000 to acquire a colt by Curlin (hip 429) on behalf of Marne and Margaret Fauber's Imagine Racing Tuesday in Timonium. The colt, consigned by Hartley/de Renzo Thoroughbreds, is out of America's Starlet (Concord Point), a full-sister to Grade I winner American Gal. Hip 429, Curlin colt | Fasig-Tipton “He is by Curlin and he has a great female family,” Lanni said of the colt's appeal. “It's a fast female family. I know it well. He is a big, two-turn type of horse.” In action for the Faubers at last year's May sale, Lanni purchased subsequent stakes-placed Snead (Nyquist) for $325,000. Trained by Brendan Walsh, the gray colt was second in the Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds last December. “They want a horse that could possibly take them to some Classic races. And he kind of fit that mold. He looked great,” Lanni said. No trainer has yet been picked for the colt, Lanni said. An active buyer at the OBS April sale last month, Lanni said he still saw demand for horses at the May sale. “If these young horses do it and do it the right way, they are good horses,” he said. “That's why people buy 2-year-olds. They are tested and you get to see what you are getting.” The post $1.25M Bolt d’Oro Filly Leads Lively Midlantic May Finale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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In what could be the first dual penalization of its kind, the stewards at Mountaineer Park have fined jockey Jose A. Leon for going over the six-strike whipping limit and also for “failure to give best effort” in the same 4 1/2-furlong sprint. Both alleged infractions occurred in an extremely narrow time frame during the stretch run of the second race on May 14. Leon, a 25-year-old who has been licensed since 2018, was aboard the 0-for-9 maiden Keto Friendly (Mastery), an 8-1 filly racing against males, who vied for the lead straight from the gate while widest in a four-way duel. Turning for home, Leon employed left-handed stick work between the three-sixteenths pole and the furlong marker, then briefly switched to right-handed whipping. Around the sixteenth pole, Leon looked back and to his right, then visibly geared down his riding. Based on the replay, Keto Friendly did not appear able to catch the three horses in front of her, the closest of whom finished 3 1/2 lengths ahead at the wire. Keto Friendly ended up fourth, a half-length in front of the fifth-place finisher. The stewards imposed two separate $100 fines upon Leon, one for being over the six-strike whipping limit and another after determining “that Mr. Leon stood up strides before the wire” in violation of the West Virginia racing rule that states, “A jockey shall not ease up or coast to the finish, without reasonable cause, even if the horse has no apparent chance to win prize money.” Later on the same program, Leon was penalized with another $100 fine for again going over the six-strike limit, this time in the eighth race on the 67-1 shot Angelus Diamond (Gormley), who trailed in eighth for much of a 5 1/2-furlong sprint before crossing the wire seventh. It was unclear at deadline for this story if Leon planned to appeal his penalties. Leon was in the news for a separate whip-related penalty last summer. The Mountaineer stewards fined him $100 after other licensees who were on horseback during training hours on Sept. 10, 2023, testified that Leon dismounted from an unruly horse and struck it across the face with his whip. In an interview at that time with TDN, Leon denied the allegation, although he did admit that he had been “frustrated.” The post Mountaineer Jock Fined for Exceeding Six Strikes and ‘Failure to Give Best Effort’ in Same Race appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This day 23rd May in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Shum confident ahead of Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup Danny Shum is optimistic Romantic Warrior can enhance an already spectacular career in the $12 million Standard Chartered Champions & … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Follow Files: European import unlucky as big favourite In this week’s Follow Files, we have found three horses that are worth following next start after good runs on … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Dee kicks off Hong Kong contract with three at Happy Valley Michael Dee will commence his short-term riding stint in Hong Kong with three mounts at Happy Valley on Wednesday night … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Pakenham best bets & quaddie tips | Thursday, May 25 The final night meeting at Pakenham greets punters on Thursday with seven races carded. Check out James Herbert’s best bets … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Thursday’s Gosford best bets & quaddie tips | May 25, 2023 Racing heads to the Central Coast on Thursday afternoon as Gosford plays host to a competitive eight-race program. See our … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Elliot amped for Brisbane feature Ryan Elliot concedes he’s a mix of excitement and nerves ahead of his first foray into Australian racing this weekend … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago TAB and Entain partnership gets the green light Minister for Racing Kieran McAnulty has announced the approval of a 25-year partnership between TAB NZ and UK betting company … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Group One target awaits Dragon Leap Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott were delighted with the efforts of their quality galloper Dragon Leap to finish runner-up in … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Cheval D’Or on track for Queensland Oaks Cambridge trained filly Cheval D’Or tuned up for a tilt at the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 23, 2023 Three horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Trainer endures frustrating day at Rosehill Guy Lowry had high hopes for both of his runners in their Australian debuts at Rosehill only to be left … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago 2022 Stradbroke Handicap weights released The weights have been released for the 2022 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), with Kementari set to wear the number one saddlecloth … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Punt Drunk: Constantinople doing Constantinople things On this Monday’s edition of Punt Drunk, we take a look at the weekend that was. A one-time Melbourne Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Giant Leap heads trio of Darwin debut winners It doesn’t happen that often in Darwin, but three horses had the rare distinction of winning on debut during Saturday’s … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 23, 2022 Two horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Hawkesbury racing preview, best bets & quaddie | May 24, 2022 It has been a busy couple of weeks for the Hawkesbury Race Club, with yet another meeting scheduled for the … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Mornington racing preview, best bets & quaddie | Tuesday, May 24 Mornington is scheduled to host an eight-race card on Tuesday afternoon, and HorseBetting.com.au’s James Herbert has picked out his best … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | May 23, 2021 Horse Racing around the country sees seven meeting scheduled to be run and won this Sunday afternoon. Our racing analysts … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Sunshine Coast betting preview, tips & odds | Sunday, May 23 Sunshine Coast betting preview is brought to you by Horsebetting.com.au see the top tips, value bets and best odds for … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Sandown racing tips, best bets and quaddie selections | VIC 23/5 Sandown race tips and best bets for the May 23 meeting happening on the Lakeside course, including free form, quaddie … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Punt Drunk : Zaaki puts a show on in the 2021 Doomben Cup! Punt Drunk is the Australian horse racing news article that covers all the latest stories and all the top controversies … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Muswellbrook betting tips, best odds & quaddie | Sunday, 23/05/21 Horsebetting.com.au brings you the Muswellbrook betting preview with all the top tips, value bets and quadrella selections for Sunday, May … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Carleen Hefel Makes It A Day To Remember At Flemington Nothing will wipe that infectious smile off Carleen Hefel’s face, following the apprentice jockey’s riding double at Flemington on Saturday … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Khoekhoe Out Of Queensland Derby – To Be Gelded Matt Cumani has opted to send his talented stayer Khoekhoe to the paddock to be gelded and will miss the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Reykjavik gives Smith a Flemington double After winning the Listed Straight Six with Great Again, the Lindsay Smith stable recorded a Flemington double with Reykjavik taking … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Victorem bounces back with timely Victory Victorem has overcome problems leading into the race to earn a Stradbroke Handicap start by winning the Group Two Victory … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Louise Day makes the most of city switch Apprentice Louise Day has enjoyed an afternoon to savour, landing a breakthrough city win in Saturday grade before adding another … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Great Again scores tough Flemington win The decision to bypass the Wangoom Handicap at Warrnambool has paid dividends for Lindsey Smith with Great Again scoring a … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Costa loyalty pays off in Gunsynd Classic Trainer Michael Costa’s loyalty to jockey Allan Chau has given them their first Group wins after Supergiant took out the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Champagne wins keep flowing for Heathcote Trainer Robert Heathcote has landed another win in a race close to his heart after Rothfire led all the way … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago State switch works wonders for Coruscate An interstate switch has proven to be a winning move for consistent sprinter Coruscate who has outpointed his Randwick rivals … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Clipperton breaks drought aboard Stockman Jockey Sam Clipperton has combined with progressive stayer Stockman to break a month-long losing streak at Randwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Police operation delays Eagle Farm races Racing at Eagle Farm has been put on hold after police undertook a safety operation at the Brisbane racecourse … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Leading Tassie rider scores at Flemington With racing in Tasmania in shutdown, leading jockey Craig Newitt has relocated to Victoria and has teamed with Immortal Love … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Peltzer wins again to earn spring campaign Trainer Gerald Ryan will resist a Group One temptation in Brisbane and focus on the spring with unbeaten colt Peltzer … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Cosmic Gossip win seals JJ Atkins start Cosmic Gossip has confirmed a place in the Group One JJ Atkins field with her win at Eagle Farm … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Sasko spoils betting move on Moody stayer In-form stayer Sasko has found his preferred going for the second time in as many starts to thwart a well-tried … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Battaash Points To Royal Ascot Charlie Hills-trained Battaash, the highest-rated horse among the hundreds worldwide carrying the Shadwell blue and white of HH Sheikh Hamdan … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 4 years ago Moore believes he has the key to unlock Thanks Forever for Group 3 success John Moore hopes he has found the key to unlocking Thanks Forever’s absolute best as the consistent four-year-old seeks a … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 4 years ago Rain a concern as Exultant faces Furore in Champions & Chater Cup Furore and a storm are Tony Cruz’s two fears as he prepares Exultant for what he hopes will be another … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Boom horse Kinane to step out in Queensland The Chris Waller-trained Kinane will carry the weight of expectation when he contests the Group 3 Gunsynd Classic (1800m) at … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Resurrected Alfa Oro to continue journey at Flemington Talented four-year-old Alfa Oro heads to Flemington on Saturday where connections will be hoping to reap full rewards for their … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Tommy gets the gold Sacred Falls colt Tommy Gold secured his first victory when taking out his 1100m maiden on the Kensington track at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Asano on the hunt Leading apprentice jockey Kozzi Asano has experienced a break-out season and he can’t wait for it to resume in July … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Racehorse owner accused of drug smuggling High profile racehorse owner Damion Flower has faced court accused of being involved in a cocaine smuggling ring operating out … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news, Singapore horse racing news 5 years ago Singapore Sling looks sharp for Saturday’s Kranji Mile Kranji Mile (1600m) contenders Southern Legend and Singapore Sling stretched their legs on the Polytrack Thursday (23 May) morning, and … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Norman Waymouth dies after cancer battle Former jockey-turned-trainer Norman Waymouth has died after a battle with cancer, aged 65 … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Racehorse owner Flower facing drug charges Australian racehorse owner Damion Flower is due to face a western Sydney court on drugs charges … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Boundtobehonoured makes impressive comeback Boundtobehonoured made a remarkable comeback at Counties on Thursday when taking out the NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race by 2-1/2 … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Dez begins Winter Cup campaign Simon Wilson has some unfinished business in Christchurch that he’d like to take care of in August. Wilson trains talented … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Classic contenders out in force in Sydney The Randwick meeting will provide an important insight into the staying credentials of a host of three-year-olds earmarked for winter … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago No rest yet for unbeaten Not Enough Effort Not Enough Effort will attempt to extend his unbeaten record to four when he runs in the Furphy Ale Plate … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Fownes and Ho seal double Caspar Fownes and leading homegrown rider Vincent Ho made it double together and the handler was full of praise for … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Collett poised for big day out at Randwick It doesn’t get much better than Jason Collett’s book of rides at Randwick with the top jockey set to take … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Callan shines bright aboard Light Neil Callan excelled aboard Acclaimed Light (132lb), delivering a picture perfect ride to claim the night’s feature, the Class 4 … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Ting takes two as Yee Cheong Baby stars Yee Cheong Baby delivered trainer Jimmy Ting his first Class 2 victory as the hulking chestnut made it look easy … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Steel Prince races for Melbourne Cup start Stayers in The Andrew Ramsden will be racing for more than just prize money at Flemington with the winner gaining … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Long Jack spearheads Baker-Forsman quintet Long Jack could enhance his stocks as a Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) contender with another bold performance in Saturday’s … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Fillies set to dominate Fred Best Classic Fillies again look to have a strong chance of dominating the Group Three Fred Best Classic at Eagle Farm … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago McEvoy aiming to increase Group One haul Tony McEvoy has been in Brisbane overseeing Dollar For Dollar’s preparation as the trainer chases his seventh Group One for … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Parsons’ hold strong hand at Wingatui Balcairn trainers John and Karen Parsons are taking a team of ten horses to Friday’s Wingatui meeting, headed by Shezatoucha … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Bigger track key for Magic Alibi in Gr 3 Stakes winner Magic Alibi will get a final chance to add to her black-type tally at Eagle Farm before she … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Thomas Stockdale gets French opportunity Thomas Stockdale is the latest Victorian rider set to represent Australia in an apprentices’ race at Chantilly on French Oaks … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Pike doubles Kingsford Smith Cup chances New Zealand trainer Tony Pike looks to have an unexpected second chance in the Kingsford Smith Cup after Endless Drama … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Brenton Avdulla queried on Canterbury ride Sydney premiership-leading jockey Brenton Avdulla has been taken to task by Racing NSW stewards for his handling of King Hewitt … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Future miler Pedicel makes winning debut James McDonald has warmed up for Group One assignments in Doomben with a midweek win for Lindsay Park on newcomer … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Four-month ban hits jockey Chris Caserta Caulfield-based apprentice Chris Caserta has been suspended from race riding for four months after returning a positive urine test … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Jeff Lloyd closes in on century of winners Jeff Lloyd has moved to within one win of reaching 100 winners for the season with a Gold Coast treble … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Townsville betting tips & form for Thursday, May 24 TOWNSVILLE races this Thursday as the sunshine state meet hosts a strong seven race card. Not sure where you should … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Prince Of Caviar set to line-up at Sandown Prince Of Caviar, the second foal of unbeaten mare Black Caviar, has drawn barrier five in a 13-horse field for … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Beidi off and running in Canterbury win Promising colt Beidi has made a successful start to his racing career for Ingham Racing with a strong win at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Red Excitement bids for another stakes win Stable favourite Red Excitement will bid for another stakes win in the Group Three Lord Mayor’s Cup at Doomben for … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Dwyer jumper out to dominate at Sandown The Dominator will attempt to claim the Australian Steeplechase at Sandown after winning on his steeplechasing debut at Warrnambool … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago All Too Huiying on trial for Derby start All Too Huiying is on trial for a trip to Brisbane and the Queensland Derby when the Gary Moore-trained colt … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Unsung hero averts Te Rapa disaster A potentially life-threatening situation at last weekend’s Te Rapa race-meeting was narrowly avoided thanks to the quick thinking and bravery … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Ecuador seeks second McKell Cup success Durable stayer Ecuador can create history by becoming the first multiple winner of the Listed McKell Cup at Randwick … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Hennessy seeking more international glory Matamata trainer Gary Hennessy will be looking to add further international success to his CV when he lines up last-start … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Berry aims to end a bumpy season on a high aboard Pakistan Star in Champions & Chater It has been a trying season for jockey Tommy Berry, but the Australian rider is confident that he can salvage … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Lloyd boosts Tinkermosa in Queensland Oaks Trainer John Sargent says his chances of winning a fourth Oaks in Australia have been boosted after Jeff Lloyd accepted … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Injured jockey Wiggins hopes to be cleared Jockey Ryan Wiggins is confident he will be cleared to ride at Ipswich after being injured at the Sunshine Coast … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Champagne Cuddles to tackle Group One Cup Brilliant Sydney filly Champagne Cuddles has figured in a change of plans and will tackle the Group One Kingsford Smith … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Top mare enjoys smooth Doomben preparation Volpe Veloce’s quest for a Group 1 victory in Queensland to go with her domestic success at the top level … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Waller has five hopes for another Qld Oaks Favourite Youngstar is one of five horses to represent Chris Waller in the Queensland Oaks as he chases a third … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Gawler market movers for Wednesday, May 23 SOUTH Australian racing is headlined by Gawler today as the track puts on a strong eight race card to get … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Top sire Zacinto moves north Exciting young sire Zacinto will now be on the doorstep of Waikato breeders with Kevin and Jo Hickman’s Valachi Downs … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Browne to team up with Derby hope Time Lord will have a change of rider in Saturday’s Group 3 Grand Prix Stakes (2200m) at Doomben with expatriate … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Gold Coast fixed odds betting moves for Wednesday, May 23 GOLD Coast is racing this Wednesday and the punters have wagered on all eight races ahead of this afternoon’s card … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Top mare Bonneval returning to work Reigning New Zealand Horse of the Year Bonneval’s return to her Cambridge base is imminent. The multiple Group 1 winner … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Canterbury market movers for Wednesday, May 23 CANTERBURY is racing this Wednesday and the punters have launched into a number of runners at the Sydney track. Horse … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Ben Currie to front stewards again An inquiry into activities at Ben Currie’s Toowoomba stables will be reconvened with the trainer directed to appear … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Cracksman primed for Coronation Cup Trainer John Gosden believes Coronation Cup favourite Cracksman has finally matured as he heads to the Coronation Cup at Epsom … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Trainer Pat Carey to face RAD Board Mornington trainer Pat Carey has a date with the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board after being charged with misconduct … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago James Cummings joins Godolphin James Cummings has been confirmed as head trainer for Godolphin Australia, replacing John O’Shea … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Lindsay Park chasing winning numbers As one of only three stables to achieve the 300 winner mark in a season, Lindsay Park is hoping to … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Broadside could give McKell a wide berth Progressive stayer Broadside appears unlikely to back up from his Rosehill win in the Listed McKell Cup at Randwick … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Gelded Lizard on the comeback trail Lizard Island has come through his comeback trial at Cranbourne in good order as trainer Pat Hyland looks towards a … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago I’m Telling Ya set to let the racing do the talking on Thursday AMY Johnston’s gelding I’m Telling Ya is looking to make a statement on Thursday night after an indifferent start to … Read More Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago Quaddie tips for Thursday, May 25 races at Pakenham PAKENHAM is the venue for our Thursday quaddie this week, and several familiar runners are gracing our predictions once again … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Under The Thumb hikes to Highway Tamworth-based gelding Under The Thumb will make his city debut in a Highway Handicap at Randwick on Saturday … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago What will James Cummins bring to the stable at Godolphin? FRONT and centre in horse racing news this week is the appointment of James Cummings as the new head trainer … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Cummings declared “great fit” after formal Godolphin announcement POWERHOUSE racing stable Godolphin has appointed James Cummings as its new head-trainer, ending a protracted search for John O’Shea’s permanent … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Weir a big player in feature jumps race Besides the big races in Queensland, leading trainer Darren Weir is expected to be a key player in the feature … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Portelli looking to life after Rebel Dane Gary Portelli won’t be able to replace Rebel Dane who has a new home at stud but hopes his younger … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Neil Wilson becomes interim VRC CEO The honorary treasurer of the VRC, Neil Wilson, has stepped into the role of interim chief executive following the resignation … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago James Cummings set to join Godolphin James Cummings is expected to be confirmed as head trainer for Godolphin Australia, replacing John O’Shea … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Solow retired by trainer Freddy Head Trainer Freddy Head has announced the retirement of champion miler Solow … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Michelle Payne in hospital after fall Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne remains in hospital after a race fall but initial scans have come back clear … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Michelle Payne in fall at Mildura Michelle Payne has taken a tumble at Mildura on the same day four apprentices have been injured in a multiple-horse … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Doomben 10,000 start for Azkadellia Ciaron Maher isn’t too concerned about the prospects of a firm track for Azkadellia when she lines up in the … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Hall Of Fame inductee chasing Sandown win Hall Of Fame inductee Pat Hyland still rides trackwork at the age of 74 with Australian Steeplechase contender King Triton … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Michelle Payne taken to hospital after fall at Mildura 2015 MELBOURNE Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne was taken to hospital via ambulance after a fall at the Mildura races today … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Secateur a Cup horse in the making Trainer Danny Williams says former English horse Secateur is ready to show what he can do over the 2400 metres … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Gingerboy aiming for hat-trick at Sandown Gingerboy will go chasing a second feature jumps race success when he lines up in the Australian Hurdle at Sandown … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Horror race fall injures six apprentice jockeys at Taree The opening race at Taree on Tuesday was a horror scene as six apprentice jockeys were injured in the Rising … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Oink to step up in class to BRC Sires’ Trainer Kelly Schweida has no regrets about skipping a Listed race with Oink to put him up to Group Two … Read More Horse Racing Tips 8 years ago Powerhouse stables attracting punters at Gosford this Tuesday Punters don’t have to wait till Saturday to find the powerhouse stables in action. There are some great betting opportunities … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Four young jockeys hurt in Taree fall Four young jockeys have escaped serious injuries but have been taklen to hospital after a multiple horse fall at Taree … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Doomben 10,000 start for Azkadellia Ciaron Maher isn’t too concerned about the prospects of a firm track for Azkadellia when she lines up in the … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Overseas trip on the cards for champion sprinter Chautauqua Royal Ascot is off the cards for champion sprinter Chautauqua, but its connections haven’t ruled out possible trips to Japan, … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Glen Colless decides not to defend ban Glen Colless will begin a suspension immediately in order to be back in time to ride Malaguerra in the Stradbroke … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Jet Setting grounds Minding in Guineas Emerging trainer Adrian Keatley has produced Jet Setting for an upset win over Coolmore’s odds-on favourite Minding in the Irish … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Black Heart Bart Stradbroke market mover Black Heart Bart’s win in the Goodwood in Adelaide has propelled him to second favourite for the Stradbroke Handicap in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Blazing Speed wins Champions And Charter Cup in bobbing finish Blazing Speed won the Group 1 Champions And Charter Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday in one of the closest … Read More View the full article

There are five horse racing meetings set for Australia and one in Hong Kong on Wednesday, May 22. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Ipswich, Warwick Farm, and Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday’s Racing Tips – May 22, 2024 Ipswich Racing Tips Warwick Farm Racing Tips Happy Valley 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 May 22, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you prepared to lose today? Full terms. 2 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble Have a Dabble with friends! Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! Bet365 Signup Code GETON 4 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 5 Next Gen Racing Betting PickleBet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 6 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

An excited Richard Hannon said Rosallion (IRE) "traveled like a genius" in a workout last weekend ahead of a crack at the Tattersalls Irish Two Thousand Guineas (G1) at the Curragh May 25, when he could face a strong Ballydoyle battalion.View the full article

A store by Jukebox Jury (Ire) (lot 161), related to a trio of NH stakes winners, brought a session-topping £135,000 fro Tom Malone and Paul Nicholls during the Goffs UK Doncaster Spring Store Sale on Tuesday. From the family of Grade 1 winner Master Minded (Fr) (Nikos {GB}), the bay is out of Fairy Tale (Fr) (Spanish Moon), who already has a winning point-to-pointer to her name. He was consigned by Worthen Hall Stables. Four other lots breached the six-figure mark, with Brown Island Stables' lot 50, already named Beau Speed (Fr) (Beaumec De Houelle {Fr}), going to the same connections as the topper for £110,000. Ryan Mahone and Dan Skelton Racing bought a daughter of Walk In The Park (Ire) (lot 156) for £105,000 from the consignment of Worthen Hall Stables. A pair of lots were sold at £100,000–Lakefield Farm's Style De Folie (Fr) (Vol De Nuit {GB}) (lot 92) to Tom Malone and Jamie Snowden, and Goldford Stud's lot 111, a filly by No Risk At All (Fr), who caught the eye of Ryan Mahon and Dan Skelton Racing. A total of 170 lots (69%) sold from 246 offered for a gross of £4,394,050. The average was £25,848 (-12%) and the median also dropped, settling at £20,000 (-13%). Goffs UK Managing Director Tim Kent said, “The highly anticipated Spring Store Sale is the first sale of its kind each year and, as such, is always met with much anticipation. However, this was further heightened after a number of recent sales that proved difficult away from the very top, whilst we are all very aware of the challenges that the Point-to-Point vendors have faced during the last 12 months. “Despite all of this, we were obviously hopeful of a healthy sale and whilst we feel that plenty of people achieved this today, we cannot escape the fact that it has been a tough day for some. As ever, the top of the market has been very strong and those who had the desired lots sold very well–as demonstrated by the five horses that sold for £100,000 or more. However, other levels of the market have certainly softened as witnessed by the drop in numbers sold, though it has been encouraging to see a lot of horses sold outside the ring showing that demand is there if vendors are prepared to trade. “Whilst we cannot draw any firm conclusions until after the comparative sales in Ireland, we are proud of the fact that we have worked extremely hard to promote this sale and this ensured that we had a strong catalogue of horses that were viewed by a diverse buying bench consisting of buyers at all levels from both sides of the Irish Sea. Whilst we are disappointed not to have matched the figures achieved in recent years, we are still enormously proud of this sale and its 63-year history. “It may not have been plain sailing but there are a lot of positives to take away from today and we look forward to carrying that into the two-day Spring HIT/PTP Sale which kicks off tomorrow at 10:00 a.m.” The post Jukebox Jury Gelding Shines in Doncaster Ring appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Post times for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at Saratoga from Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9, were announced Tuesday. Headlined by the June 8 GI Belmont S., the festival will include 24 stakes races with purses totaling $10.25 million. Four stakes will be held Thursday, June 6, led by the GII Belmont Gold Cup offering a 'Golden Ticket' for an automatic berth into the A$8.4-million G1 Lexus Melbourne Cup Nov.5 at Flemington Racecourse in Victoria, Australia. Additionally, the day will feature the Jersey Girl S.; Tremont S. and Astoria S. Post time for the 10-race program on June 6 is 12:50 p.m. (EST). Admission gates will open to the public at 11 a.m. The remaining days are as follows: Friday, June 7 – Post time for the 12-race program is 12:20 p.m. Admission gates will open to the public at 10:30 a.m. Stakes Action: $750,000 GI New York S.; the $500,000 DK Horse GI Acorn S. and the $500,000 GI Just a Game S. and $200,000 GII Intercontinental S. Saturday, June 8 – Post time for the 14-race Belmont Stakes Day program is 10:45 a.m. Admission gates will open to the public at 9 a.m. Stakes Action: The day features three Breeders' Cup “Win And You're In” qualifiers: the $1-million GI Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan H. [Dirt Mile]; $500,000 GI Ogden Phipps [Distaff]; and the $500,000 GI Jaipur S. [Turf Sprint]. In addition, Belmont Stakes Day will include the $1-million Resorts World Casino GI Manhattan, and the $500,000 GI Woody Stephens,GII True North; the GII Suburban; and GIII Poker S. Sunday, June 9 – Post time for the 10-race New York Showcase Day program is 12:50 p.m. Admission gates will open to the public at 11 a.m. Stakes Action: New York-breds take center stage for a special New York Showcase Day featuring six stakes for New York-breds including a quartet of $125,000 events: the Kingston S., the Mount Vernon S., the Mike Lee S. and the Bouwerie S. The day's feature races are a pair of $200,000 stakes in the Commentator S. for 3-year-olds and up and the Critical Eye S. for fillies and mares 3-years-old and up. Also featured on Sunday's card, the inaugural running of the $150,000 GI Beverly R. Steinman, a 2 3/8-mile steeplechase event. For more information, click here. The post Post Times for the Belmont Stakes Festival Released appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Wednesday, May 22. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for May 22, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Warwick Farm – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Warwick Farm this Wednesday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Wednesday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd In Races 1-3 At Warwick Farm & Bendigo Fixed odds only. Check your vault for eligibility T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10%. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Bendigo Races 1 – 3. Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd Get your stake back in bonus bets. Limits apply. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions for May 22, 2024. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

A filly by Bolt d'Oro (hip 401) brought a final bid of $1.25 million from trainer Steve Asmussen, acting on behalf of Ron Winchell, midway through the second session of the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale Tuesday in Timonium. Consigned by Wavertree Stables, the filly worked a furlong during last week's under-tack preview in :10 flat. Ciaran Dunne purchased the filly on behalf of a pinhooking partnership for $335,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. She is out of Werewolf (Arch) and is a half-sister to graded-placed Howling Time (Not This Time). The post Bolt d’Oro Filly Brings $1.25M at Fasig Midlantic May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following his front-running upset in the May 18 Preakness Stakes (G1) at Pimlico Race Course, MyRacehorse's Seize the Grey has vaulted into third in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top 3-Year-Old Poll. View the full article

Preakness Stakes (G1) winner Seize the Grey will prepare to run in the $2 million Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course June 8, trainer D. Wayne Lukas confirmed May 21.View the full article

Brad Cox discusses adding Kabirkhan to his stable at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. The 4-year-old Kentucky-bred son of California Chrome became a star in Kazakhstan and Russia before taking on the world's best in the Dubai World Cup (G1).View the full article

The top four finishers from last month's Bewitch Stakes (G3T) at Keeneland square off about 70 miles down the road at Churchill Downs in the $250,000 Keertana Stakes May 25. View the full article

A year after their last meeting, Frosted Grace and Touchuponastar throw down again in the $400,000 Steve Sexton Mile (G3), one of six stakes at Lone Star Park on Memorial Day, May 27.View the full article

Recent G2 Middleton S. heroine Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}) is targeting the G1 Pretty Polly S. at the Curragh on June 29. The Juddmonte homebred, who is trained by Ralph Beckett, was also under consideration for the G1 Coronation Cup on May 31 at Epsom. In 2023, the filly was second in the G1 Irish Oaks and the G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares S. “You're always hoping with a filly like her that she'll improve from three to four, that's not a given but I think we all felt she was a weak filly last year that would improve, so it was nice to see that she did,” said Barry Mahon, Juddmonte's European racing manager. “She handled the drop back in trip and the better ground, I think it was an impressive display and I think we'll stick against our sex for the time being, with the Pretty Polly being the most logical option at this moment in time. “Later on in the season, we can venture into taking on the opposite sex, but at this point in time, I think we'll try and win our Group 1 against our own sex and see how we go from there.” The post Pretty Polly Next Target For Bluestocking appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Twenty-one colts remain in contention for the G1 Betfred Derby following the latest scratching deadline for the Classic, which will be run at Epsom on Saturday, June 1. Aidan O'Brien, who saddled a record-extending ninth winner of the Derby when Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) was successful in 2023, could be mob-handed this year with up to seven runners. His entries include the outstanding two-year-old of 2023, City Of Troy (Justify), who will be trying to emulate Auguste Rodin by bouncing back from a disappointing return to action in the G1 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket. City Of Troy could be joined by last year's G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), who maintained his unbeaten record after nearly seven months off when beating stable companion Euphoric (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the G3 Derby Trial S. at Leopardstown last time, plus Diego Velazquez (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who made an encouraging return to action when finishing fourth in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains at Longchamp. A notable absentee from the O'Brien-trained entries was Capulet (Justify), who was last seen winning the Listed Dee S. at Chester. Last month's G3 Ballysax S. winner Dallas Star (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}) is the only other Irish-trained entry for Adrian Murray, while the possible home challenge is headed by James Fanshawe's Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), an impressive winner of the Listed Lingfield Derby Trial S. last time. Bellum Justum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), successful in the Listed Blue Riband Trial at Epsom, and Charlie Appleby's Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), runner-up in last week's G2 Dante S. at York, are others who have stood their ground having acquitted themselves well in their trial runs. Appleby will be without his G3 Classic Trial winner Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire} due to injury, but the Sandown form could still be represented by the runner-up, Macduff (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), who was one of four Derby contenders to get a taste of the track on Tuesday morning. The others were Poule d'Essai des Poulains second Dancing Gemini (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and a pair of last-time-out novice winners, Deira Mile (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Voyage (GB) (Golden Horn {GB}). International Flavour To Bumper July Cup Entry The first entries for the G1 My Pension Expert July Cup, scheduled to be run at Newmarket on Saturday, July 13, were also revealed on Tuesday, with horses from five different countries featuring in a 46-strong list of possibles. The home defence includes the first five from last week's G2 Duke Of York S. in which Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) held on by a nose from Shouldvebeenaring (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), as well as a pair of Group 1-winning older sprinters in the shape of Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}) and Regional (GB) (Territories {Ire}). The three-year-old challenge is headed by Saturday's G2 Sandy Lane S. contender Vandeek (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), who went unbeaten in four starts as a juvenile, plus recent winners Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Elite Status (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}). G1 2,000 Guineas runner-up Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) and last year's G2 Coventry S. winner River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) have also been given this option ahead of their clash in the G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh on Saturday. Chain Of Lightning (Aus) (Fighting Sun {Aus}), a Group 1 winner in Australia, is another eye-catching entry ahead of her possible run at Royal Ascot, along with Japan's Obamburumai (Jpn) (Discreet Cat). Further international interest is provided by a pair of US-trained entries, namely Crimson Advocate (Nyquist)–the winner of last year's G2 Queen Mary S. at the Royal meeting–and Grooms All Bizness (Fed Biz). The post City Of Troy The Star Turn Among 21 Derby Entries, One Of Seven For Ballydoyle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jon White, who first went to work for Santa Anita as a television commentator in 1993 and later took over as the morning-line oddsmaker in 2009, has announced that he will be retiring when the track's current Hollywood meet ends on June 16. “I've been contemplating retirement for four years or so and feel the time is right,” White said. “I'm about to turn 69 and would very much like to retire while in good health. I am very grateful for the opportunity to first work as a television broadcaster for both Santa Anita and HRTV and then to make the track's morning line for all these years.” White, who has been voted into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame this year, began his racing career when hired by the Daily Racing Form in 1974 at Playfair Race Course in his hometown of Spokane, Wash. All told, he spent 23 years with the Racing Form–including 12 on the Southern California circuit–as a writer, chart-caller and handicapper. In 1993, White joined Santa Anita as a television commentator for the track's simulcast network. In 2002, he became the first on-air host hired by the national television network HRTV. At the age of 24, he was hired by the Washington Horse Racing Commission to serve in that capacity at Yakima Meadows in 1979. He later also worked as a steward at Les Bois Park in Idaho and at Golden Gate Fields, Los Alamitos, Fairplex Park and Ferndale in California. In addition to the DRF, White has written for BloodHorse, California Thoroughbred, Thoroughbred Record, Washington Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred Times. His weekly column has appeared on the Xpressbet.com website for 20 years. He received the 2019 Joe Hirsch Memorial Writing Award from the New York Racing Association for his Xpressbet.com column about Justify's run to the 2018 Triple Crown, as well as the 2003 Mark Kaufman Media Award from the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association for his racing and breeding coverage in Washington. White, who resides in nearby Monrovia, said his retirement will give him the opportunity to travel. “I'm looking forward to a new chapter in my life,” he said. “I have been to a slew of racetracks and, by the way, I consider Santa Anita to be the most beautiful of them all. I've had fun being at an Arc in France, a Melbourne Cup in Australia and two Japan Cups. I have been to 65 different tracks all over the world and am really looking forward to adding to that number in retirement.” The post Jon White to Retire appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Shuangxi at Monmouth Park. Cotai Glory Filly Comes Through At Monmouth Jastar Capital, Ltd.'s Shuangxi (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) found Monmouth Park to her liking with a narrow win on Saturday (video). The Arnaud Delacour runner was bred by Tally-Ho Stud. The daughter of Next Generation (Ire) (Royal Applause {GB}) brought £27,000 from Nick Bell as a Goffs UK 2-year-old breezer and won her first UK start for trainer Michael Bell. She ran second in a novice in the colours of Jastar and Murt Khan two starts later, before resurfacing on the East Coast. Her late dam is a half-sister to stakes winner Forthefirsttime (GB) (Dr Fong) and Pyman's Theory (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), with the latter third in the G3 Prix du Bois in 2011. Shuangxi is one of five winners from 10 to race (50%) in the U.S. for her sire. His best American runner is the multiple stakes winner and GIII Beaugay S. third Spirit And Glory (Ire). Repeat Winners Now a four-time winner in America, Wise Racing LLC's Turf King (Ire) (Kingman {GB}) won during the Belmont at the Big A meeting last week (video). The 4-year-old colt first appeared in this column last February, and has since won the GIII Marine S. in Canada. A sterling three-for-three now in America, King Of Gosford (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) won his second stakes in the Desert Code S. at Santa Anita this past weekend for trainer Phil D'Amato (video). A runner for the Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig and Jeremy Peskoff, he first featured in Making Waves in March. Lope De Vega (Ire)'s No Show Sammy Jo (GB) won her 4-year-old bow on Sunday for Bridlewood Farm and Madaket Stables, LLC (video). She struck in a Belmont Park contest last June for trainer Graham Motion. Another horse who shares Madaket ownership is Balnikhov (Ire) (Adaay {Ire}), a runner for Little Red Feather Racing, Madaket, and Old Bones Racing Stable. The 5-year-old gelding was back in the limelight with a win in the GIII Dinner Party S. for trainer Phil D'Amato on Saturday (video). The post Making Waves: Delacour Runner Prevails On The Shore appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features a son of Frankel (GB). 16.00 Yarmouth, Nov, £40,000, 2yo, 6f 3yT AGE OF GOLD (IRE) (Frankel {GB}), representing the Godolphin-Appleby-Buick triumvirate, realised the fifth-highest price at last year's Goffs Orby sale when selling for €625,000 and makes the trip up the A11 to debut on the Norfolk coast. The April-foaled bay is a son of the stakes-winning Promised Money (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and thus a full-brother to G2 Mill Reef runner-up Fivethousandtoone (Ire). Fellow debutants include Victorious Racing's €45,000 Tattersalls Ireland September yearling turned £200,000 Goffs UK breeze-up graduate Mission Command (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), a George Scott-conditioned grandson of G3 Prix Penelope runner-up Hug And A Kiss (Thewayyouare); and Justwow's 130,000gns Tattersalls October Book 2 purchase Back In Black (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who is out of a half-sister to dual stakes-winning GI Beverly D second Awesometank (GB) (Intense Focus), from the James Fanshawe stable. The post €625K Goffs Orby Graduate Set For Debut By The Sea appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There's not a trainer in the country who would have won the GI Preakness S. with Seize the Grey (Arrogate) other than Wayne Lukas because no one would have run him in this race except for Wayne Lukas. Horses need six, seven weeks between races. Good horses can't run more than four or five times a year, no one should ever mess with their winning percentage and run a 25-1 shot and don't dare use a jockey with no prior experience in the Triple Crown. Apparently, Lukas never got that memo. Or maybe he did and threw it in the trash where it belonged. With both Seize the Grey and stablemate Just Steel (Justify) Lukas did everything wrong, at least when it comes to going by what has become the book in 2024.The Preakness was Seize the Grey's 10th lifetime start and his fifth in 56 days. Even after he finished seventh in the GI Toyota Blue Grass S., Lukas wanted to run him in the GI Kentucky Derby but the horse didn't have the points. That's why he decided to start him instead in the GII Pat Day Mile S. The Pat Day Mile is where he turned his career around. Reunited with jockey Jaime Torres, who has only been riding since 2022, a different horse showed up that day. Sent off at 9-1, he was closer to the pace than he had been and then he drew off to win by 1/4 lengths. “When he ran in the Pat Day Mile, I thought it set him up absolutely perfect [for the Preakness],” Lukas said. Put him in virtually any other barn and the Preakness never would have been a consideration. Running there meant coming back in two weeks, switching to two turns and running at a distance that looked beyond his reach. Conventional wisdom called for a start in the GI Woody Stephens on June 8, seven-furlong race restricted to 3-year-olds at Saratoga. That would have given him a break of five weeks and allow him to run at a distance that would have fit him like a glove. But Lukas drinks a different flavor of Kool-Aid. In an era where too many trainers are treating the Preakness like it's the South Dakota Derby, Lukas, the old school trainer that he is, obviously doesn't see it that way. He understands what a prestigious race it still is, its place in racing history and that it has a $2 million purse surely doesn't hurt. The horse was obviously doing well going into the race. When other trainers were asking themselves why run in the Peakness, Lukas was saying why not run in the Preakness? Not only did Seize the Gray not regress after the Pat Day Mile, in which he got a career best 88 Beyer figure, he flourished. He glided effortlessly over the muddy and sealed track at Pimlico, led every step of the way and won by a comfortable 2 1/4 lengths over Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents). His Beyer was a 100, 12 points better than his previous top. So instead of sitting in the barn all day, he won a Triple Crown race, earned $1.2 million dollars, increased his potential value a sire and brought a smile to the faces to the 2,570 owners who invested in him through Myracehorse.com. And it all happened because Wayne Lukas is old school and is not afraid to run his horses on short rest and in spots where they might be double-digit longshots. And that's only part of the story. There were eight horse in the race who were coming back on two weeks' rest. Led by Seize the Grey, they ran one-two three, with Mystic Dan finishing second and Catching Freedom (Constitution) ending up third. As for the so-called “fresh” horses: Tuscan Gold (Medaglia d'Oro) was fourth; Uncle Heavy (Social Inclusion) was sixth; Imagination (Into Mischief) was seventh; Mugatu (Blofeld) was eighth. Had you boxed the four horses coming back on short rest in the trifecta, you would have collected $367.40 for a $2 bet. His penchant for not missing any dances has, in some respects, cost Lukas. He hasn't had a winning percentage of over 17% since 2002 and from 2017 through 2023 his annual winning percentage never topped 10%. Chad Brown's career winning percentage is 25%. For Brad Cox, the number is 26%. Bob Baffert's career winning percentage is 23%. It's easy to see why they get more horses to train than Lukas and more good horses. But if there are two horses of equal ability, one trained by Lukas and one trainer by Chad Brown, doesn't the owner have a better chance of making money with the Lukas horse that starts 12 times a year than the Brown horse that makes four starts? The only top trainer who you can compare Lukas to is Kenny McPeek. He threw out the play book a long time ago. He ran Mystik Dan back in two weeks in the Derby and it looks like he will be coming back for the GI Belmont S. He might even run the filly (Thorpedo Anna) in the Belmont. And why not? He's already won the Preakness with a filly, Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil). He won the 2002 Belmont with a 70-1 shot, Sarava (Wild Again) when everybody told him the horse had no business running in that race. In an era where its no longer a cinch that the Derby winner runs back in the Preakness, McPeek brought his Derby winner to Pimlico and it looks like he will start in the Belmont. Running in all three Triple Crown races is like a complete game in baseball, it never happens anymore. McPeek is another one who doesn't seem to care about his winning percentage, which is 15% for his career. He could easily be a 25% trainer, if only he would be extra, extra careful about where he ran his horses and never took a chance or entered a longshot. It's no coincidence that these two teamed up to win the first two legs of the Triple Crown. Yes, they take chances but when those chances pay off the rewards are immeasurable. They both understand what seems obvious but isn't always perceived that way around the racetrack–an owner can't make any money if their horses are kept in bubble wrap. Facing off against the likes of Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), Fierceness (City of Light) and others, Mystik Dan and Seize the Grey will be facing a stiff challenge in the Belmont. But it looks like they're both going to go, which, for them, will mean three races in five weeks. That may be hard, but it's doable. At least there are two top trainers out there who understand just that. Two trainers who are not afraid to buck what, sadly and to the detriment of the sport, has become the system. The post The Sport Can Learn From This Preakness, But Will Anyone Pay Attention appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sponsored by Goffs, the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) celebrated the tenth edition of its annual National Hunt Breeders' Awards in a ceremony held in front of 150 breeders, owners and trainers at the Hilton Garden Inn in Doncaster on Monday evening. Leading broadcaster and breeder Nick Luck, who hosted the evening, was the surprised recipient of the Queen Mother's Silver Salver (National Hunt Special Achievement Award), the highest honour bestowed by the TBA's NH Committee. The other award winners were as follows: Eric Gillie Ltd Trophy (Special Achievement Award): Kevin and Anne Glastonbury Horse & Hound Cup (Leading active British-based stallion by individual chase winners in GB & Ire in 2023-24): Schiaparelli (Ger) – Overbury Stud Whitbread Silver Salver (Leading active British-based stallion by prize-money in GB & Ire in 2023-24): Passing Glance (GB) – Batsford Stud Highflyer Bloodstock Trophy (Leading Chaser): Edwardstone (GB) – bred by Robert Abrey and Ian Thurtle Shade Oak Stud Trophy (Leading Hurdler): Strong Leader (GB) – bred by R Rainbow and Sons Midnight Legend Trophy (Leading Chase Mare): Marsh Wren (GB) – bred by Exors of the late Mrs P Robeson Yorton Trophy (Leading Hurdle Mare): Luccia (GB) – bred by Pump & Plant Services Ltd Batsford Stud Trophy (Leading Novice Chaser): Embassy Gardens (GB) – bred by Rowland Crellin Mickley Stud Trophy (Leading Novice Hurdler): High Class Hero (GB) – bred by Mr and Mrs D Futter and Peel Bloodstock Peel Bloodstock Trophy (Leading Novice Hurdle Mare): Casa No Mento (GB) – bred by Sarah Jane Turner Overbury Stud Trophy (Leading NHF): Romeo Coolio (GB) – bred by Will Kinsey Dudgeon Cup (NH Broodmare of the Year): Annie's Answer (Ire) – owned by Reg and Jane Makin The post Nick Luck Headlines Winners At TBA National Hunt Breeders’ Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In mid-April, trainer Bernie “Chip” Woolley, best known for winning the 2009 G1 Kentucky Derby with Mine That Bird, issued a formal complaint with the Turf Paradise stewards, claiming that Victoria Lowe, an official veterinarian employed by the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG), had furnished him with the name of a potential kill-buyer after scratching his 10-year-old race-mare, Piper Rose (Whiskey Wisdom). And while an official ADG investigation absolved Lowe of any wrongdoing, the fallout from the incident highlights glaring holes that still exist in the industry's network of aftercare programs in under-resourced parts of the country and raises serious questions over just how stringently regulators police this corner of the sport. The incident also taps into a simmering undercurrent of tension as regulators seek to further shrink the nation's equine fatality rate–friction between trainers and track veterinarians over which horses pose a heightened risk of injury. A kill-buyer is a colloquial name for a horse trader who purchases horses for export into the slaughter pipeline. Language in the Turf Paradise stall application bars a licensee who sells a horse previously stabled at the track for slaughter from the grounds, denies them future stalls and positions them for further possible actions by the stewards. According to Woolley, Lowe voiced concern about the way Piper Rose jogged during a pre-race exam on March 20. Piper Rose has raced 79 times and won nearly $200,000 in prize money. She had won her prior race at Turf Paradise for Woolley, who said that he disagreed with Lowe, arguing that the mare's gait was not out of the ordinary. Woolley and Lowe sought a second opinion from another track veterinarian, who agreed with Lowe. At this point, the decision was made to scratch Piper Rose from her race. Woolley said that he then made the following disgruntled and off-hand remark: “'What am I going to do with one like her, cut her head off?'” According to Woolley, Lowe responded with the following: “'I've got a guy's number. He crosses a load a week to Mexico. And if you want his number, I can give it to you.'” “Everybody knows what crossing to Mexico means,” Woolley told the TDN, about his reaction to the comment. The incident was first reported in Indian Charlie. “I was kind of stunned by the whole thing. I was like, 'she didn't just say that?'” While horse slaughter is banned in the U.S., the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that in 2022, more than 16,300 horses were sent to Mexico and 5,100 horses sent to Canada respectively for slaughter. Woolley said that after seeking guidance from Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association executive director, Leroy Gessmann, he asked Lowe for the name and phone number of the individual, which Lowe subsequently provided via text. Woolley then furnished the ADG with this information. According to the ADG, Juan Carlos Estrada, the agency's assistant director for boxing, MMA and racing, reportedly “pulled the records” on the individual and found “no foul play with the hauler.” Chip Woolley during Mine That Bird's Triple Crown run | Sarah Andrew The ADG reports that Woolley was upset at how “arrogant, aggressive, and argumentative” Estrada was, and asked for a separate investigation within the agency. He also went to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA). Both agencies initiated their own investigations. HISA shared its findings with the ADG, which ultimately cleared Lowe of any wrongdoing. HISA's investigation report (which is included in the ADG's longer report) notes how Lowe denied making the remark about shipping the horse across the Mexican border. The report similarly notes how Lowe sent Woolley a clarifying text in April, when she learned the matter was circulating the Turf Paradise backstretch. According to the report, Woolley originally failed to disclose the following text to investigators: “I think you are mistaken as what I meant,” Lowe texted Woolley on April 10. “When you said you were going to shoot the horse in the head because I scratched it. I said you can call this guy. He buys horses people want to kill as he gives them a 2nd chance in life. He uses them in movies and is very well-known. I thought it would be cool if you knew him as you have a cool story too. But anyway.” HISA's investigation report notes a “review of open-source social media information” indicating that the horse trader identified by Lowe, Jesse Bell, “had a public facing persona as a business that operated an Arizona ranch that offered guided horseback rides and provided teams, wagons, and drivers for special events and movie shoots.” The ADG investigator also noted how Lowe appeared “extremely upset and shaken” when interviewed about the matter. “[Lowe] has been intimidated so badly by Mr. Woolley's actions that she found herself having a hard time conducting her job without fearing his retaliation, and that somehow Mr. Woolley had told clients from her private practice that she participated in illegal match races and they had come to her to complain about the accusations,” the report states. Lowe failed to respond to the TDN's multiple requests for comment. The ADG's assistant director of business administration, Andrew Hawkes, wrote in an email to the TDN how the two separate investigations determined no HISA-related provisions were violated. “ADG determined that the complaint filed against the veterinarian was without merit and was not substantiated, thus the investigation was finalized and closed as of May 15, 2024,” wrote Hawkes, adding how the agency conducted a “thorough investigation of the facts and allegations.” But just how thorough was that investigation? Bell told the TDN that while he finds homes for “99%” of the horses he purchases, some of them end up for slaughter. “A general horse always has a home,” said Bell. “Unless he's one that will bite you, strike you or chase you out the corral. He goes to slaughter.” Furthermore, Bell claims that he has never been contacted by investigators from either HISA or the ADG about the matter. “Nobody has,” he said. “You're the only person who has ever called me.” The “Sting” Both the ADG and HISA “investigation reports” mention a sting-like effort by associates of Woolley, who had communicated with Bell, pretending to have a group of Turf Paradise-based horses for sale out of the country. According to Woolley, he was told multiple times by state regulators that he would need proof Bell purchases horses for slaughter before they could take possible action. Other than documenting the incident, neither HISA nor the ADG offer any further follow-up analysis. There also appear to be some factual irregularities in their rendering of the incident, along with an incomplete detailing of important supporting evidence. The ADG and HISA name Cynthia Peterson, who operates an informal racehorse rescue service, as the person who communicated with Bell. According to Peterson, it was Mary Lee who orchestrated this arrangement on his behalf. Lee is a small-scale trainer and Off-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) advocate. Though she lives in Louisiana, she still routinely visits Turf Paradise to help trainers find homes for their horses, including for Woolley. As with Bell, Peterson and Lee similarly claim that they have never been contacted by any investigators from either HISA or the ADG about this matter. According to Lee, she contacted Bell via text through an associate of hers (who isn't Peterson but who asked to remain anonymous because of her ongoing work rehoming ex-racehorses). Through a series of text messages-shared with the TDN-Lee and her associate explain to Bell that they have three or four horses at Turf Paradise that they “just want gone.” Lee and her associate make clear the horses are worth little money. “Lame af just need em gone,” they write in one text. In another text, they write “can you get them outta the country that is the main priority.” Bell answers, “yes.” Lee and her associate then ask, “Canada or south.” Bell responds: “Presidio Texas.” The Texan town of Presidio is a hub of the Southern border trade in horsemeat. In one text, Bell claims to have started exporting horses when he was 13 years of age. In a separate set of messages shared with TDN, Lee and her associate converse with the driver of the truck sent by Bell to Turf Paradise to pick up the horses. This took place on April 12, she said. After the truck arrived at Turf Paradise, Lee and her associate messaged the driver to say the original horses had already been sold but suggest there could be others to take their place. “There might be a couple others if you can wait like 5 mins?” they write. “We got 5 minutes and I'm going to take off,” the driver of the truck then responded. Before the truck driver left Turf Paradise empty-handed, Woolley took a picture of the vehicle and its license plate, which he shared with investigators. In HISA's report, the investigator includes several of the aforementioned text messages with Bell, but not the entire conversation that Lee shared with the TDN, which includes the passage that mentions Presidio, Texas. Lee said she believes the truck driver was familiar with Turf Paradise because the gate they sent him to is difficult to find using normal GPS navigation. When Lee directs new OTTB buyers to the Turf Paradise backstretch, she provides them “a paragraph of instructions,” she said. “He didn't ask for any instructions,” said Lee, about the driver. “He pulled right up to security and told them he needed to go in.” Correct Course of Action Initially, Bell told the TDN he had no memory of this aborted deal at Turf Paradise. “There's so many phone calls a day that go in and out,” he explained. After sending Bell the cache of messages shared by Lee, he said he understood the horses to be “recipient” mares-those intended for ectopic pregnancies. Bell denied that he intended to purchase the horses for auction at Presidio. “That's the God's honest truth. If I can find a place for them, I re-home them,” said Bell, adding how he sometimes tells frustrated owners who have fallen out of love with their horses that he will purchase their horses for slaughter as a ruse. “I tell people I buy horses for slaughter, and most of the horses I buy don't go to slaughter,” he said, adding that he has a good record helping underfed horses and those that need careful management. “I just fix them, whatever's the matter with them, and I sell them back to the public.” According to Bell, there's a financial incentive to finding horses new homes, as opposed to funneling them into the slaughter pipeline. “You've got to get them over there. And the cost of getting them over there is [more] compared to if you just sell them here at the house. People need companion horses, so, I just sell it to them for what I'd get as a kill-price and it breaks even,” said Bell. “Here's the honest to God truth, I brought probably 50 or 60 kill horses in the last two months, and you want to know how many went to slaughter? Zero. I never even crossed the Arizona border with them,” Bell said. Bell said that he and Lowe have been friends for years, and he has always known her to be a hard-working veterinarian known for dispensing veterinary care for free to financially precarious families. “She does so much, so much for the community,” said Bell, dismissing criticism of Lowe's actions as a personally motivated vendetta. “How many vets do you know that will show up to people's houses that can't afford them and do the vet work for free because they want to save the animal?” The incident occurred during a season at Turf Paradise marked by an aggressive interventionist approach by track vets that regulators say has led to a 50% reduction in equine fatalities. There were 38 pre-race inspection scratches during the last meet, which ended May 4. Out of 300 claims, 40 were voided. Madeline Auerbach is vice president of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), which accredits, inspects and awards grants to approved aftercare organizations across the nation. Auerbach said that she is “beyond disappointed” with the chain of events. “Are you telling me that we have regulatory vets that do not know the proper procedure?” Auerbach said, about the process of funneling ex-racers into good homes and second careers. So, what is that proper procedure? “I would call the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and ask them for assistance in making sure this horse went to a good home,” Auerbach said. “That's what our job is, to know where these people are, to know where these places are,” Auerbach added. “Even if it's just to give that person a list of the rescues around there. And there are some good rescues in Arizona. You don't just go through word-of-mouth.” According to HISA, the agency has no oversight authority over state-appointed veterinarians. Similarly, HISA's jurisdiction over “Covered Horses” currently ends when they've retired from the track. Nevertheless, the issue is on the agency's radar. “The Authority has proposed a new rule to the Federal Trade Commission that would prohibit the exportation of Covered Horses for slaughter, and we are hopeful that this rule will be approved in the next several months,” HISA wrote. As for Piper Rose, the mare at the heart of this story, hers is an ending seemingly free of recrimination. Lee said she has found a home for Piper Rose in Washington State with a family of barrel racers. “She's going to be a barrel horse and have barrel babies,” Lee said. “They love her to death. They can't get over how classy she is. She's out there strutting her stuff out to grass, living her dream.” The post The Piper Rose Story One of Aftercare and Regulatory Deficiencies in Arizona appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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