Wandering Eyes

John and Susan Moore's Catnip (Kitten's Joy), beaten less than a length into third by Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the GI Pegasus World Cup Turf Jan. 27, breezed six furlongs in 1:13 at the Fair Grounds Thursday morning in advance of his next appearance in the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan Mar. 30. “He broke off behind another horse and went on by, finished well and galloped out nicely. Very pleased with the way he went,” said trainer Mike Stidham. The 5-year-old is a four-time winner from his 10 trips to the post, including a victory in the GIII Monmouth S. last summer followed by a narrow runner-up effort in the GI United Nations S. at the Jersey Shore oval. The half-brother to five-time graded winner and five-time GI/G1SP Princess Grace (Karakontie {Jpn}) was returning from a 5 1/2-month layoff in the Pegasus, having finished down the field in the GI Arlington Million last August. Connections could easily have opted for a far easier test in the GII Muniz Memorial S. Mar. 23, but have elected to shoot for the stars in the desert. “We felt like he stepped up in the Pegasus, only got beat 3/4 of a length behind Warm Heart,” Stidham said. “This is a $5-million race and it's another Grade I and although he's a gelding, the Moores still own the mare. So it was kind of an exciting race to consider. We kind of let him tell us based on how he's been doing since the Pegasus. “In my opinion, the horse has moved forward off the Pegasus, he ran a 4 1/2 on the Ragozin sheets, a huge lifetime top for him, and we just kind of felt, 'hey, he's earned a shot,' the trainer continued. “Going over there and challenging the top horses in the world from Japan and Britain and Hong Kong, that's asking a lot, but he just got beat to Warm Heart and she would be considered one of the favorites for a race like this.” The Stidham barn is one-for-one from their trips to Dubai, having been represented by 'TDN Rising Star' and G1 Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper) three years ago. “This will be our second try over there,” Stidham said. “The only difference is this time we won't have to wear a mask. We got to go right in the middle of COVID and it was empty and everyone had masks on.” Japanese ace Christophe Lemaire has the call in the Dubai Turf. The post Catnip On Course For Dubai Turf Following Fair Grounds Work appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Racing Medication and Testing Consortium (RMTC) has suspended its accreditation of the University of Kentucky's Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, according to the RMTC's executive director, Michael Hardy. This follows news last week that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) have opened an investigation into the UK Laboratory's performance, and that the agencies were cooperating with the university's own investigation into the matter. The university is also conducting an ongoing personnel investigation relating to former lab director Scott Stanley and that “Dr. Stanley was not permitted to be in direct communication with the other staff at the laboratory,” HISA and HIWU wrote in a joint statement last week. According to Stanley, he stepped down as the UK Lab's director at the beginning of March and has been reassigned within the university. Blood-Horse reported that he had been “removed” from the position. HIWU stopped sending samples to the UK Lab on Feb. 16. Prior to that, the laboratory had been one of six drug testing facilities used under HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) program. According to the RMTC's Hardy, his organization alerted the University of Kentucky to the RMTC's laboratory accreditation suspension on Mar. 11. When asked what specific developments had prompted the RMTC to take this action, Hardy pointed to the RMTC's laboratory code of standards, section 2.4.9.2. The document outlines 10 possible considerations that may prompt the RMTC to suspend its accreditation of a laboratory: Accreditation suspensions by international lab oversight bodies. Failure to take appropriate corrective action after unsatisfactory performance either in routine Analytical Testing or in proficiency testing. Failure to comply with any of the requirements or standards listed in an international laboratory accreditation cooperation document. Failure to cooperate with the RMTC or the relevant State Horse Racing Authority in providing requested documentation. Lack of compliance with the RMTC Laboratory Code of Ethics. Major changes in key staff without proper and timely notification to RMTC. Failure to cooperate in any RMTC enquiry in relation to the activities of the Laboratory. Non-compliances identified from laboratory on-site assessments. Loss of financial and administrative support jeopardizing the quality and/or viability of the Laboratory. Material breach of contractual obligation to a State Horse Racing Authority. Hardy declined to elaborate on the nature and severity of the issues identified by the RMTC with operations at the UK Lab. Hardy wrote, however, that “the Horserace Testing Laboratory Committee (HTLC) will, upon receipt, review the laboratory's response and associated corrective actions. Accreditation will not be restored until the laboratory is in full compliance with the Code.” According to the RMTC's code of standards, the “period and terms” of the suspension shall be proportionate to the “seriousness of the non-compliance(s) or lack of performance and the need to ensure accurate and reliable drug testing of Horses.” The RMTC can suspend accreditation for a period of up to six months, according to the code of standards, during which time any problems must be “corrected, documented and reported” to the RMTC at least six weeks before the end of the suspension period. “Delay in submitting the proper corrective actions may lead to an extension of the Suspension period,” the code of standards explains. If the problems are not rectified, laboratory accreditation will be revoked, the document states, “unless an extension, not to exceed two (2) months, is granted by the RMTC.” In a brief phone interview with the TDN, Hardy added that the RMTC has been “very pleased with the response and communication with executive staff at the University of Kentucky regarding the laboratory and have been assured that they are proactively seeking to redeem those requirements.” Since Feb. 16, all samples collected in Kentucky and Florida that previously would have been analyzed by the UK Lab have been redirected to Industrial Laboratories in Colorado. The TDN has reached out to the University of Kentucky for comment. The story will be updated as necessary. Lab accreditation is only one prong of the RMTC, which is also involved in the research, education and advocacy of horse racing's anti-doping and medication control programs. The post RMTC Suspends Accreditation of UK Laboratory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Southland’s best harness trainer starts a rare Alexandra Park campaign tonight with two objectives. One is winning either the Northern Derby or Oaks, or both, over the next week. The other is taking three better horses home than the three he flew north. Nathan Williamson has become the dominant force in the harness racing stronghold of Southland, his team often dominating meetings and TAB markets in the deep south. But starting at Alexandra Park tonight things step up a level as he brings Dreams Are Free north to start his Northern Derby campaign while fillies Flying Ellie and Ruby Roe are aimed at next week’s Oaks. Ruby Roe has been so impressive winning two heats of the Southland Oaks her connections have paid the hefty late entry fee to get her into tonight’s $100,000 Caduceus Club Ladyship Stakes where she meets a deep field. “All three of mine are good horses who deserve this trip,” says Williamson. “But I am not kidding myself they face an easy task. “Dreams Are Free is still very much learning and he is up against the best of his age and that is hard enough but he also has to learn about Alexandra Park racing while trying to beat them. “So if he races well over the next two Fridays then I will be happy regardless of the results. “Because he will then go home a better horse and ready for what we are hoping will be a big three-year-old season. “So while we want to win, we also want him to come out of this trip have learned about top level racing.” As talented as he looks, Dreams Are Free faces a massive task in tonight’s Sires’ Stakes heat as Chase A Dream has drawn the ace and should probably lead and win and even if he doesn’t Cold Chisel is the obvious danger and clear next best chance. With the Derby next week now worth $200,000 it is hard to imagine many drivers doing anything too dramatic after the early burn so Chase A Dream looks the night’s multi anchor. Ruby Roe meets a red hot field with proven big-race winning fillies in Coastal Babe and Duchess Megxit while there is still no telling how good All You Need Is Me might be. The daughter of champion mare Adore Me was super impressive on her northern debut last week but whether she gets as easy a lead with a gate flyer like Coastal Babe in the race could decide the race. “I know Ruby is stepping up in grade but her best form line for me is that she beat All You Need Is Me when they met, so I think she is up to this field,” says Williamson. “But she will have to handle the right-handed track, the lights of night racing for the first time and a few other things. So it is a big test.” Flying Ellie is a little pro who is using Race 3 tonight as her Oaks lead-up but meets some smart intermediate grade pacers, headed by Jolimont, who will work his way to open class. One of the other highlights tonight will be Old Town Road starting his Race by Grins campaign in yet another small handicap pace field, where even his 30m back mark should be enough to beat him if he is any where near his peak. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Ben Hope hopes logic doesn’t apply when Muscle Mountain returns to racing in the Group 3 Lamb and Hayward Trotters Classic at Addington on Friday night. Muscle Mountain is set down for the first of several outstanding clashes with the horse who currently holds the title of New Zealand’s best trotter – Oscar Bonavena. Logic says Oscar Bonavena should have the wood on Muscle Mountain this week given the All Stars trotter has the benefit of several runs over summer. Muscle Mountain returns fresh up following his shock exit from the Group 1 Dominion with an atrial fibrillation. After a short break, the star trotter returns to start his path towards reclaiming the top spot amongst New Zealand’s trotting ranks. “We are rapt to have him back, it is like Christmas when you get to drive a horse like him,” Hope said. “He seems really well and we are thrilled with the way he has come up.” “Logically you would think that it is Oscar’s race to win, he has had the recent racing where whereas we are coming in fresh.” “Our horse will improve, he will have this race then go to the NZ Trotting Champs and onto the slot race.” “But I am sure that he is ready to go a very good race.” Muscle Mountain has had two trials ahead of his return to square off with Oscar Bonavena on their 30m handicaps. The big striding trotter has won both of them against very moderate opposition. “His trials have been good, he wasn’t asked for much but he did feel really good each time,” Hope said. Midnight Dash also steps out in Friday night’s trotting feature for the Hope stable. The seven-year-old has the benefit of one run back, a third behind Eurokash late last month. The Hope camp also start Mossdale Ben in Friday night’s feature pace. The pacer has been solid recently without threatening. Hope feels getting back on the front line, after chasing from off the pace should help the pacer. “He has been going handy races and getting back on the front line looks a plus for him.” “He should go a pretty good race.” The Hopes also start Jack Tar and Celtic Spirit in race 4 on Friday night. “They both look handy enough chances,” Hope said. “It looks like a bit of a step up for Jack Tar but he has been going nice races.” “Celtic Spirit is going the other way, they both should be handy enough top 4 chances.” View the full article

Resolute Racing has finalized a deal to acquire 'TDN Rising Star' Sweet Rebecca (American Pharoah), the operation's owner John Stewart said on X late Wednesday evening. The filly will now be trained by Chad Brown. Sweet Rebecca is bred by Greg Goodman's Mt. Brilliant Farm & Ranch, who purchased the filly's stakes-winning and Grade II-placed dam Sweet N Discreet (Discreet Cat) for $1.6 million in foal to Liam's Map at the 2019 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Herself a $250,000 Keeneland September purchase by Cobble View Farm, Sweet Rebecca is a full-sister to Sweet Melania, a three-time winner at the graded level and third in the 2019 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies' Turf. Sent off as the 17-5 third choice as the only first-time starter in a field of nine in the Sunday finale at Gulfstream Park, Sweet Rebecca did not have the smoothest beginning and was taken up soon after the start, then became headstrong rounding the first turn. Well off the speed down the backstretch, the Brendan Walsh-trainee swung out about five wide for the drive and motored home impressively to score by a length, with a final quarter-mile in :22.34 according to DRF Formulator. Sweet Rebecca debuted in the colors of Mike Ryan, who raced her in partnership with Mt. Brilliant for the debut. “I think American Pharoah is one of the most significant broodmare [sires] around,” Stewart told the TDN. “We have several of his fillies. After watching that race and looking at her pedigree, we think she will fit right in with the Resolute program. We can't wait to see what Chad Brown does with her.” Resolute Bloodstock purchased five 2-year-olds at the just-concluded OBS March Sale, including an American Pharoah filly out of the well-related Grade III winner La Cloche (Ghostzapper) for $525,000. Stewart burst onto the scene during last fall's breeding stock sales, acquiring two-time champion Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) for a sales-topping $6 million and Queen Caroline (Blame) and Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) for $3 million each at Fasig-Tipton November. Stewart also purchased Puca (Big Brown), the dam of GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic) and the latter's full-brother Dornoch, for $2.9 million at Keeneland November. Dornoch has since gone on to win the GII Remsen S. and GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth. S. Debut 3YO American Pharoah (@coolmoreamerica) filly, SWEET REBECCA ($8.80), made a huge move after a terrible start to take @GulfstreamPark race 10. A masterful ride by @Tyler_Gaff for trainer Brendan Walsh! @larrycollmus turned $2 into $61.90 with a score in the Pick 4! pic.twitter.com/E33liatyzA — TVG (@TVG) March 10, 2024 The post Resolute Racing Acquires ‘TDN Rising Star’ Sweet Rebecca appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On March 14 Tampa Bay Downs vice president and general manager Peter Berube provided added detail on the decisions the track made when confronted by tote issues during its March 9 card.View the full article

What All-Star Mile Day 2024 Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 22, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, March 16, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble The course proper at Caulfield is the destination for a stacked 10-race meeting on Saturday afternoon, headlined by the lucrative All-Star Mile (1600m). Despite there being no Group racing, the All-Star Mile is ably supported by several Listed events to keep the punters entertained. Perfect track conditions will be met by a perfect autumn’s day. The track is a Good 4, the rail is out 6m the entirety, with action set to commence at 12:15pm AEDT. Keep reading for our free race-by-race tips and quaddie selections for Caulfield Race 1: Listed Victoria Gold Cup (2000m) Carini was only beaten 1.3 lengths in the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on March 2, and as he steps up to the 2000m, he clearly looks the one to beat in the Caulfield opener. The five-year-old gelding has two wins from three starts at 2000m, and gets conditions to suit in the small field of seven on the weekend. Damian Lane will land him on the heels of the leaders throughout, with even luck, Carini should have no issue in disposing of his rivals in the Listed Victoria Gold Cup. Selections: 7 CARINI 3 MURAMASA 5 MANKAYAN 4 GEAR UP Best Bet Race 1 – #7 Carini (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Danny O’Brien | J: Damian Lane (54kg) +100 with Dabble Race 2: VOBIS Gold Reef (1600m) Fistsoffury was the best of the beaten bunch behind rising star Another Wil at Flemington last time out, and gets his chance to go one better on Saturday. Despite being beaten 4.5 lengths, the son of Dundeel still held a comfortable margin back to the in-form Ceerseven in third on that occasion, to suggest his run was still pretty good. Jye McNeil will use barrier one to his advantage and stalk expected race leader Ambassadorial wherever he goes. With even luck in the home straight, Fistsoffury should prove too hard to hold out. Selections: 1 FISTSOFFURY 7 SOCKS NATION 2 AMBASSADORIAL 3 MAGNOLIA LODGE Race 3: BM70 Handicap (1200m) Nick Ryan has always had a high opinion of his classy colt Wolfy, and the Tivaci progeny gets his chance to get back to the winners stall in BM70 company. The three-year-old resumed in Group 3 company when beaten 4.5 lengths behind Raikoke and Brave Mead, so this is a genuine drop back in company for him. With plenty of pace expected in the 1200m event, the race looks perfectly set up for Wolfy to absorb the pace at the rear of the field, and thunder home down the heart of the track. Selections: 10 WOLFY 9 WHITE BEAR 5 FURIOUS 1 KENTUCKY CASANOVA Race 4: VOBIS Gold Comet (1000m) Sparks will fly in the VOBIS Gold Comet and as he steps back from Group 1 company in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m), Lempicka looks well-placed in this. With severeal of the key market fancies expected to chop each other up out in front, it will leave Lempicka with the sit on them a fair way out from home. Armed with a thunderous turn of foot, Lempicka should have no issue in overpowering the leaders in smart fashion. Selections: 3 LEMPICKA 6 END JOURNEY 1 JIGSAW 4 VIVIANE Race 5: Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) First Immortal is one of the stayers on the rise in this country, and despite winning once from four starts during the autumn, it was hard to not be impressed with what he put forward. This will be his first raceday start since being beat in the Group 3 Geelong Cup (2400m) as favourite. He arguably should have won first-up over the mile during the spring, so despite returning at a trip short of his best, he clearly has the speed in the legs if required to sprint sharply. Blake Shinn will need a touch of luck to not get caught three wide from barrier seven, but if the pair can lob mid-field with cover, First Immortal has plenty of upside in a race like the Listed Anniversary Vase. Selections: 4 FIRST IMMORTAL 1 NUGGET 2 KEATS 6 ARRAN BAY Next Best Race 5 – #4 First Immortal (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Mark & Levi Kavanagh | J: Blake Shinn (55kg) +300 with Bet365 Race 6: Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes (1100m) Bold Bastille should simply prove too speedy for her rivals in the Listed Redoute’s Choice Stakes on Saturday. She disposed of her rivals at Flemington when producing some slick late splits, and a repeat of that sustained speed should be more than good enough to be winning again on the weekend. Selections: 2 BOLD BASTILLE 1 SKY CAP 7 YES LULU 8 COMANCHE MISS Race 7: The Mystic Journey (1200m) Waltz On By returned with an eye-catching second at Flemington over 1100m and despite her $6 quote with horse racing betting sites, has found the right race to break a winless drought that stretches back almost 12-months. The four-year-old mare has a horror record at the track (6: 0-0-0), but if she runs up to her effort fresh from a spell, she’s a genuine chance in The Mystic Journey. Craig Williams will look to have settled outside lead in a race that lacks much speed, and from there her tactical advantage on some of rivals might just prove to be the determining factor. Selections: 4 WALTZ ON BY 11 PEACE TREATY 2 MY BELLA MAE 1 PAPILLON CLUB Race 8: All-Star Mile (1600m) The All-Star Mile of 2024 looks to be a race in two, with Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni the only two runners at a single figure quote. Can Mr Brightside run down Pride Of Jenni or will their be a major upset in Saturday’s feature? Click here for our full preview of the 2024 All-Star Mile Race 9: Country Mile Series Final (1600m) A capacity field of 16 of the best milers on the country circuit will do battle for the $250,000 Country Mile Series Final. As always, races like these are a genuine dartboard job, Dashing Duchess is the on top selection, but literally any of the 16 combatants can salute in this. Field job in the quaddie for sure. Selections: 7 DASHING DUCHESS 4 HASSELTOFF 5 JUCCONI 1 SIR ATLAS Race 10: Listed Bel Esprit Stakes (1200m) Sweet Ride has had zero luck in his three runs this campaign, but has been far from disgraced in tougher races than what he face on Saturday. First-up he was beaten 1.4 lengths behind subsequent Oakleigh Plate winner Queman, then saw plenty of backsides at his next two runs at Caulfield and then again at Moonee Valley. He will need some luck from barrier two, but surely this time around, he can land one off the fence in his bid to find clear running. At his best, Sweet Ride has the class to salute against the likes of Rey Magnerio and Grand Impact. The $17 on offer is simply the wrong price. Selections: 6 SWEET RIDE 3 BRUDENELL 10 GRAND IMPACT 9 REY MAGNERIO Best Value Race 10 – #6 Sweet Ride (2) 4yo Horse | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Thomas Stockdale (57.5kg) +1600 with Picklebet Caulfield free Saturday quaddie tips Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, March 16, 2024 2-4-11 1 Field 3-6-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

CHELTENHAM, UK–St Patrick's Thursday at the 2024 Cheltenham Festival could turn out to be a pivotal day in the career of Dan Skelton, with the prize-money pocketed by his two winners–taking his overall tally for the week to four–seeing him leapfrog his long-time mentor Paul Nicholls in the battle to be crowned champion trainer in Britain. Skelton had been the one man to put up any resistance to the Irish on Wednesday's card when winning the Coral Cup Handicap Hurdle with Langer Dan (Ire) (Ocovango {GB}) and the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase with Unexpected Party (Fr) (Martaline {GB}). Those two wins took Skelton's career tally at the Festival to eight, no mean feat for a trainer in just his eleventh full season with a licence. It's days like this one which Skelton has been longing for, though. Few would argue that he's one of the best around when it comes to priming a horse for a Festival handicap, but in the Grade 1 races at the meeting, the contests every trainer wants to be involved in, he'd been resigned to little more than a bit-part role in his career thus far. That was until the Turners Novices' Chase which kicked off Thursday's card, featuring the best novices chasers over an intermediate trip that Britain and Ireland had to offer and a sparkling winner in Grey Dawning (Ire). He gained his first win at the top level at the expense of Ginny's Destiny (Ire) (Yeats {Ire}) and Djelo (Fr) (Montmartre {Fr}), with a shocking turn of events seeing the home team complete a clean sweep of the podium places having trailed the Irish 10-3 on the scoreboard after the first two days. With the trainers' championship on the line, it won't have been lost on Skelton that the runner-up was trained by Nicholls, the 14-time champion to whom he was assistant during the glory years when the Ditcheat stable won three successive renewals of the Cheltenham Gold Cup courtesy of Kauto Star (2007 and 2009) and Denman (2008). Now, Skelton has his sights set on Nicholls's crown, not to mention the 2025 Gold Cup with the dashing Grey Dawning, a son of the late Flemensfirth–Coolmore's dual champion National Hunt sire who has already produced one Gold Cup winner in Imperial Commander (Ire), the horse who memorably toppled Kauto Star and Denman in 2010. “He's a lovely horse, isn't he?” Skelton said of Grey Dawning. “We had such hopes for him. When you go and win two bumpers at the start of your life and you're destined to be a chaser, you just want it to happen. To win a Grade 1 novice here is great. It gives us all that future to look forward to and, being that colour [grey], he might get a following.” Bred at Grange Stud, Grey Dawning was bought for €40,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland June Derby Sale as a three-year-old and now carries the colours of Robert Kirkland, no doubt at the envy of John Hales. After all, nobody covets a top-class jumping grey quite like Hales, the proud owner of star performers in that image such as Al Ferof (Fr), Neptune Collonges (Fr), Politologue (Fr) and, of course, his beloved One Man (Ire). It remains Hales's dream to win the Gold Cup, one of the few major steeplechases in Britain to have eluded him, and it was that lifetime ambition which fuelled his decision to partner with Sir Alex Ferguson, Ged Mason and Peter Done in the €740,000 purchase of the exciting Caldwell Potter (Fr) (Martaline {GB}) at last month's Caldwell Construction Dispersal at Tattersalls Ireland. The fact Caldwell Potter was grey might also have had something to do with it, though Hales hasn't been afraid to diversify his interests, as the two races which followed Grey Dawning's victory in the Turners showed. Envy quickly turned to joy for Hales as his own yellow colours with a red star were first carried to victory in the Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle by the black Monmiral (Fr) and then in the G1 Ryanair Chase by the bay Protektorat (Fr), who was gaining a deserved first success at the Festival having finished third in 2022 and fifth in 2023 when bidding to deliver his owner's Gold Cup dream. The victory of the Nicholls-trained Monmiral was a timely reminder that he won't be giving up his champion trainer crown without a fight, but Protektorat's defeat of defending Ryanair champion Envoi Allen (Fr) (Muhtathir {GB}) was enough to take Skelton to the top of the current standings. Master and apprentice look set to be locked in a titanic battle for the rest of the season, but on St Patrick's Thursday they combined to provide a red-letter day for Hales, plus fellow owners Ferguson and Mason. “I've been in racing now for 25 years and it's the first time I've ever done a double at Cheltenham,” said an elated Hales. “To win once is a privilege; to do it twice is just unbelievable. He [Protektorat] was brilliant today and I can't speak highly enough of the two trainers and our two winners, because they are a dream come true.” The dream run Ferguson and Mason have enjoyed in recent months shows no signs of slowing down. Thursday's double follows hot on the heels of two notable Flat wins on the international stage with Ferguson's progressive homebred Spirit Dancer (GB) (Frankel {GB}), successful in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia from his last three starts. Not to be outdone, Ferguson's former sparring partner in the Premier League managerial ranks, Harry Redknapp, was also among the owners celebrating on St Patrick's Thursday after the Ben Pauling-trained Shakem Up'Arry (Ire) had run out an emphatic winner of the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase. “To have a winner at the Cheltenham Festival has been my dream,” said Redknapp before being asked about his relationship with Ferguson. “Me and Alex have had some great days,” he added. “Going to Old Trafford I used to go in his office at 2.15pm when the teams had been sent out and we would then watch a bit of racing for 15 minutes. We both loved the racing and we both loved the football. It is great to see him have two winners today.” The win of Shakem Up'Arry was a third at the meeting for Flemensfirth after those of Ballyburn (Ire) and Grey Dawning, putting him one ahead of Haras de la Tuilerie stalwart Saint Des Saints (Fr), who was responsible for both Monmiral and Protektorat. Already that pair have at least matched the feat of Shantou last year when he was the only stallion to sire more than one winner at the meeting. Elsewhere, Kapgarde (Fr) was expected to open his account at the 2024 Festival when his impeccably-bred daughter Brighterdaysahead (Fr) lined up as the odds-on favourite for the G2 Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle, trying to add another illustrious chapter to the tale of Francois-Marie Cottin's brilliant broodmare Matnie (Fr) (Laveron {GB}). Already the dam of five Graded winners from as many foals, including the multiple Grade 1 hero Mighty Potter (Fr) (Martaline {Fr}) and the aforementioned Caldwell Potter, Matnie looked to have produced another star in the shape of Brighterdaysahead, who came into the race unbeaten in five starts under Rules having been bought by Gordon Elliott for €310,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale as a three-year-old. This time, however, Brighterdaysahead was forced to settle for the runner-up spot as she was unable to match the turn of foot shown by Jeremy Scott's Flat-bred winner, Golden Ace (GB). She was making it five on the day for Britain and became a first Festival winner for Golden Horn (GB), the G1 Derby and G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero who relocated to Overbury Stud to stand his first season as a National Hunt sire in 2023. Golden Ace is out of the Listed-winning Dubawi (Ire) mare Deuce Again (GB) but made only 12,000gns when selling as an unraced three-year-old at the Tattersalls July Sale. Yet to taste defeat in three starts over hurdles, Golden Ace is proving quite the bargain for owner Ian Gosden, not to mention a flagbearer for Scott. He was celebrating a first Festival success following a couple of near-misses in a training career spanning more than two decades, notably with Dashel Drasher (GB) (Passing Glance {GB}) in last year's G1 Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle. “It's an emotional moment,” said Scott. “I thought last year coming second with dear old Dashel Drasher was something, but this is very, very, very special. I'm so thrilled for the yard and for my family, who are all involved. It's a super moment.” Dashel Drasher could manage only eighth in the latest edition of the Stayers' Hurdle behind old rival Teahupoo (Fr) (Masked Marvel {GB}), who finished a controversial third in 2023 having met late interference at the hands of the runner-up. The stewards on the day promoted Teahupoo to second before Dashel Drasher was reinstated on appeal. This year it was all rather routine for Teahupoo, who gradually asserted after being produced to lead on the approach to the last, always doing enough from there to land the spoils by three and three-quarter lengths from the 2021 and 2022 winner Flooring Porter (Ire) (Yeats {Ire}). Knocking on the door earlier in the week and again with Brighterdaysahead in the Dawn Run, Elliott cut a relieved figure afterwards, safe in the knowledge that he won't be leaving Cheltenham empty-handed. “It's just great to get a winner–we've hit the crossbar all week,” Elliott summed up. “The horses are running well and there are no excuses and no hard-luck stories either, but to win the Stayers' Hurdle is just unbelievable. It's been a long couple of days, but no horse didn't win that should have won. We've one on the board now, so we are happy.” The post Skelton Takes Trainers’ Championship Lead As Brits Fight Back appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Horse Racing Women's Summit (HRWS) Annual Summit and HRWS Events. Events at Keeneland (Apr. 18) and at Saratoga (July 23) kick off the year, all leading up to the third annual Horse Racing Women's Summit at Santa Anita Sept. 25-26. There will be another gathering prior to the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar Oct. 31. Attendance at each event is limited and it is expected that events will sell out. Click here to purchase tickets. “Coming into our third year of the HRWS, it is incredible with the encouragement of our supporters, sponsors, and volunteers that we can expand our reach nationally,” said Jodie Vella-Gregory, HRWS executive committee member. “With a tremendous lineup of events from California to Kentucky to New York, the momentum is palpable and we are excited to bring robust programming and a sense of community to multiple jurisdictions.” Programming for the regional events at Keeneland and Saratoga includes featured speakers, panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities on topics relevant to the region and the HRWS community as a whole. Attendees at the Keeneland event will have the option to 'stay and play' on Apr. 19 for special farm tours in conjunction with Visit Horse Country, and Saratoga attendees are invited to 'stay and play' for a day of racing in the 1863 Club on July 24. Each event has been planned in conjunction with regional representatives to allow for authentic expansion and connection within the HRWS community. The third annual Horse Racing Women's Summit Sept. 25-26 will be highlighted by a powerful keynote in addition to robust panel discussions, workshops and a celebration of the 2024 Jane Goldstein Award winner. In addition to a full day of programming on Sept. 26, attendees will gather at Santa Anita Park for a welcome reception and networking activity the evening of Sept. 25 and have the opportunity to 'stay and play' on Sept. 27 for opening day of the autumn meet. The post Tickets On Sale For Horse Racing Women’s Summit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sprinting sensation Highfield Princess has been retired after suffering an injury at John and Sean Quinn's stable in Malton.View the full article

HISA is inviting all racing participants who wish to be considered for membership in the advisory group to submit an application.View the full article

An auction of 10 original hand-painted bourbon barrels by Lexington, Ky. artists will raise funds for the Fayette Alliance at The Jockey Bar at 131 Cheapside in downtown Lexington. 'Art, Ales, and Advocacy' is a charitable event hosted by The Jockey on May 10, where the 10 horse racing-themed, hand-painted barrels will be auctioned. The proceeds will benefit the Fayette Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable and equitable growth in Lexington-Fayette County through advocacy, education, and research. The event is presented by the Lexington Event Company, with support from Alltech Brewing and Longwood Antique Woods, and promises an evening brimming with art, entertainment, and philanthropy. The 10 barrels will be unveiled at the bar March 15 at 5 p.m. at an event where the artists will be on hand to discuss their work. TDN cartoonist Remi Bellocq is one of the artists chosen to participate. “Just when I thought I'd drawn or painted on every conceivable surface, an old bourbon barrel found its way to my home studio needing a paint job!” said Bellocq. “I'm very honored to have been selected as one of 10 Lexington-area artists commissioned.” Tickets for the May 10 event, where the winning bidders will be announced, go live at 4 a.m. Friday, March 15, coinciding with the day of the art unveiling, and may be purchased online here. The barrel auction is a live auction, with no online bidding. Bidders must be present at The Jockey Bar on May 10 to bid. The post Remi Bellocq Original Featured Among Jockey Bar Barrel Art Auction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A filly from the first crop of Grade I victor Win Win Win brought a sale-topping bid of $1.8 million from bloodstock agent Donato Lanni, bidding on behalf of Amr Zedan, late in Thursday's final session of the OBS March sale. Bred and consigned by the O'Farrell family's Ocala Stud, the bay filly announced her presence at last week's under tack show with a track-record equaling quarter-mile work in :20 1/5. She is out of Unanimity (Union Rags) and from the family of Discreet Cat. The post Win Win Win Filly Brings $1.8 Million at OBS appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Stronach Group has entered into a 'binding commitment' to donate Pimlico Race Course to the state of Maryland, a move that will allow the state to take over operations at the track, the Baltimore Banner reported Thursday afternoon. According to the report, the transfer could occur as early as this summer, per state officials, with the state taking over racing operations in 2025. The report says that the transfer will enable the state of Maryland to earmark hundreds of millions of dollars towards modernizing the track as well as the construction of a new training center at a location yet to be determined. On Thursday, a bill was introduced in the Maryland General Assembly that would pave the way for the construction and for the state to run racing in the state on a daily basis. “This is a new day … We get to bet on ourselves. We're going to control our own destiny,” said Baltimore attorney Greg Cross, who heads a state authority that came up with the plan and negotiated the deal with The Stronach Group, told the Banner. The post Report: The Stronach Group Agrees To Donate Pimlico To State of Maryland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

We know it as a tried-and-true consignment that has been making headlines at the Keeneland September Sale for over 20 years now. And we know its figurehead Peter O'Callaghan as one of the sharpest pinhookers in the game–flipping a $400,000 American Pharoah colt into a $2.2 million Keeneland September yearling in 2018 and before that, pinhooking a $180,000 War Front weanling into a $2.5 million yearling at the same sale back in 2013. But what's relatively new for us, when considering Woods Edge Farm, is finding the operation listed as the breeder of a growing number of accomplished racehorses. In recent years as Woods Edge has turned its focus toward selling its own foals, more and more of their six and even seven-figure Keeneland September scores are coming from their own homebreds. The results are showing up on the racetrack too. Just this month, Woods Edge celebrated its first Grade I winner. Du Jour (Temple City) had been knocking at the door of Grade I status for some time before his victory in the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile S. He came on the scene with a win in the GII American Turf S. in 2021 and since then has been a competitive turfer first in New York and then back in California, but the Bob Baffert trainee finally earned his breakthrough victory in his 6-year-old debut in the Kilroe on March 3. It was almost a Grade I double for the farm that day because in the next race at Santa Anita, Reincarnate (Good Magic) came up only a few lengths short in the GI Santa Anita H., finishing third behind fellow Baffert trainee Newgate (Into Mischief). The winner of the 2023 GIII Sham S., Reincarnate was Woods Edge Farm's first Kentucky Derby starter. He didn't perform as hoped at Churchill Downs, but came back to win the Los Alamitos Derby later last summer. O'Callaghan picked Reincarnate's dam Allanah (Scat Daddy) out of the back ring at Keeneland in 2018. She was in foal to Street Boss and he bought her for $105,000. Reincarnate as a yearling ahead of the Keeneland September Sale | Thorostride “She was a nice Scat Daddy mare, a big, strong gray mare and a good walker,” O'Callaghan recalled. “She was a stakes winner herself and she had a bit of family. She's the kind of mare we're looking for in Book 2–in our budget but has some credentials. $105,000 was about the top of what we would give that year.” O'Callaghan sent Allanah back to first-crop sire Good Magic and the resulting foal was Reincarnate, who was a show-stopper from the start and sold for $775,000 at Keeneland September to the partnership of SF Bloodstock, Starlight Racing and Madaket Stables. “He was a killer,” the Irishman said proudly. “Really just an absolute stunner, this big, beautiful gray horse. Every time you looked at him he was better. He looked like a horse who would win a Grade I, so I hope he can eventually get it done.” While Reincarnate was a knockout for Woods Edge, Du Jour proved to be a bit of a head-scratcher. O'Callaghan bought his dam Guiltless (Bernardini) at the 2015 Tattersalls December Mares Sale. He tried to flip the maiden mare in the U.S. the following spring, but ended up buying her back for $60,000. “She was a Bernardini and she was from the family of Ghostzapper, but she was small,” he recalled. “If you're small at Tatts, you're definitely small for here.” The horseman wasn't all the sorry about keeping the young mare and just two years later, she produced Du Jour. He was a big, strong-looking colt and O'Callaghan had high hopes for him, but an injury that had left a scar in a joint kept him off many buyers' lists come September. “I remember coming back down from the ring after selling him for $19,000 thinking, 'How the hell did I just sell that horse for $19,000? What's going on here?' He had a clean sheet and he was a great-looking animal. But Carlos Morales and Joe Appelbaum bought him in the back ring and they were rewarded.” Du Jour would go on to sell for $280,000 the following spring as a 2-year-old, but looking back now, O'Callaghan doesn't mind being on the unprofitable end of the deal. He's been on the other side of a good pinhook many a time and as a consignor, understands the importance of being practical when it comes to his clearance rate. “It's important to peg it right,” he said. “You don't have to give 'em away, but you can't be looking for the last penny either. Set them where you think they'll sell and just go on with it. Let people bid for them. If you're in the selling game, I believe it's important to be known as a seller.” O'Callaghan, a trusted source for many buyers at the Keeneland September Sale, has long been regarded for his eye for horseflesh and the record of his yearling program. Graduates include the likes of future Grade I-winning stallions Knicks Go, Drefong, Eskendereya and Street Boss. The variation in focus from pinhooks to homebreds was slow at first, but it gained momentum after positive early results. The commercial operation is now up to foaling out 40 of their own mares this spring. The reasoning behind the shift? O'Callaghan noticed the market's demand for quality increasing and knew the pinhooking game at the level he hopes to compete at would only become more challenging as the trend continues. “We don't want to be too one dimensional,” he explained. “It's a quicker turnaround with the pinhooks and a slightly better cashflow situation, but it's just becoming a very high risk, expensive game to play with the way the market is going. I'm not trying to criticize the market. There's a lot of money out there and a lot of demand for quality, but the buyers want it all. When you have a lot of those expensive foals, some of them won't quite finish out like you maybe thought they would and then you'll always come up with a few veterinary issues so all of a sudden you're in trouble with a quarter-million dollar foal. Your back is to the wall.” O'Callaghan is still busy buying weanlings every November, but the homebreds growing up back at the farm give him the flexibility to find the right additions for their program. “We were giving yearling prices year on year for these foals and a couple would work, but then you'd have to eat a couple that really hurt you,” he said. “We were under too much pressure to have to fill the barns with bought foals. At least this way we have 20 or 30 homebreds at home and we can be a bit more selective on what we're buying and more disciplined on what we spend. We don't have to chase them as hard.” One of the early success stories as O'Callaghan began making a pointed effort to develop his own broodmare band was the Speightstown mare Nefertiti, whom he bought in foal to Into Mischief for $125,000 in 2014. That resulting foal was Engage, who sold for $200,000 as a yearling and became a two-time graded stakes winner and earner of over $800,000. But O'Callaghan found it difficult to work the breeding stock sales shopping for both mares and pinhook prospects, trying to catch mares in the back ring while also chasing down weanlings. Luckily he soon obtained a secret weapon of sorts in his wife Jenny. Du Jour scores in the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile S. | Benoit A graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start program who also hails from Ireland, Jenny was working at WinStar Farm when the pair got to know each other. They were married in 2017 at Woods Edge. Jenny began helping O'Callaghan at the November Sale each fall, focusing on finding mares that would fit their program. There were several years where she herself was pregnant, due right after the first of the year, so she planted a chair in the back ring at Keeneland and did her shopping from there. “We called it the mare chair,” Jenny recalled with a laugh. “I would sit in the back ring and Peter would be back and forth chasing after foals going to the barn. I'd be in the mare chair and call him every time there was a nice mare in the back ring. Later on when I wasn't pregnant, we wanted to make it a priority. So I would go look at the mares and create a shortlist. That made it much tidier and we were able to stretch a little bit more because we had done our homework.” The results from the team's new sales strategy are starting to show. In 2021 when Reincarnate brought 775,000, they had two more homebreds sell for half a million in September. A City of Light colt out of Miss Mo Kelly (Congrats) brought $500,000 and another colt by the same sire and out of Ghostslayer (Ghostzapper) sold for $1.05 million. Ghostslayer, a $110,000 Keeneland November buy for Woods Edge in 2018, also produced a $700,000 Arrogate colt in 2022. Their numbers are growing too. In 2013, 9 of the 50 yearlings Woods Edge sold at Keeneland September were homebreds. Last year, there were 18 homebreds from 51 sold. Also last year, Woods Edge purchased eight mares out of Keeneland November. “We've been getting more aggressive the last two or three years,” Jenny noted. “We stay within our budget and we can compromise on most things, but we never compromise on looks. We always try and get the sire line, the race record, the family and the looks, but that's a million-dollar mare. We'll never sacrifice the looks, so sometimes we have to go all the way down to the maiden-winning fillies in the racehorse section.” “I think everybody is migrating toward that,” O'Callaghan added in reference to making the physical aspect a priority. “All the people who used to flip mares and cover them, they've all learned that too. Unless the mares are good-looking, those guys really don't get much profit on them now. If they are good-looking, they get well-paid for them. I think the game has changed in that direction.” O'Callaghan had plenty of experience developing his eye for a good physical long before Woods Edge opened its doors. Back home in Ireland, his parents Gay and Annette O'Callaghan own Yeomanstown Stud, home of the ultra-successful sire Dark Angel (Ire). When O'Callaghan was growing up, his father would travel to Keeneland every year to shop for mares and pinhooks. After finishing school and spending three seasons at Ballydoyle, O'Callaghan came to the U.S. upon his father's suggestion. He worked a season at Nick de Meric's and then came up to Lexington to learn from his father's longtime friend Gerry Dilger. In 2001, O'Callaghan was set to come back home. But his father proposed that he stay an extra week or two to look around for a farm to lease. Gay joined him when he got to town for the November Sale and they went searching for properties with realtor Arnold Kirkpatrick. “They were all quite nice, but it was difficult to find anything particularly outstanding,” O'Callaghan recalled. “Then Arnold said he was going to show us one more place, but that it was not for lease. So we drove to Woods Edge and did a handshake deal with him on the spot to buy the place. It was a stunning farm and a great location. Everything came with it; it was absolutely turnkey. So all of a sudden we were going from leasing a hundred acres to owning 350.” Peter and Jenny with Ghostslayer's 2024 filly by Flightline | Sara Gordon Woods Edge quickly grew from there. They purchased an annex to the property on Old Richmond Road a few years later and then added a 300-acre location next to Juddmonte Farm on Jacks Creek Pike. With Woods Edge now foaling over 60 mares each year between their own broodmare band and client mares, the ample space of the farm's sprawling pastures provides an ideal setup to raise their foals on open, rested pasture space. O'Callaghan jokes that the farm is “horse heaven” because any member of the equine species that resides on the property far outlives their life expectancy. When he purchased the original Woods Edge acreage, the farm came with two ponies. He was told not to worry about them because they were already quite old. One pony lived for another 15 years and the other, Misty, still resides on the farm today at the age of 34. The tiny old mare earns her keep as an excellent babysitter for the weanlings and a reliable source for snail-paced pony rides for the O'Callaghan clan. The O'Callaghans have three boys ages five, four and two and they also have a daughter on the way. Balancing a hectic schedule with three young kids and a business with several dozen employees is no easy task, but the O'Callaghans appreciate the family aspect of their chosen industry. “I think we work really well together,” Jenny said. “We do all our matings together and we make major decisions together. Peter is the day-to-day and definitely the talent, but I learn from him every day. I think with this industry, you just have to live for it. It's all-consuming. We're on the farm every day and the kids love it. We hope that they can enjoy it as much as we do. When we go past Keeneland on the way to school they ask if we can go to the sales. They associate Buckles the Keeneland mascot with Santa.” “Every year after we finish up the November Sale, we go to the farm and go through the homebreds,” she continued. “We're so proud of the stock that we have and just pinch ourselves because of the job that Peter and his team do every day. [Our farm] is just huge, open fields. All day, every day, the horses come up for a couple of hours in the morning just to be checked and handled and then they go straight back out again. They are big and strong and fluffy and everything a beautiful horse should be. We go through the stock and think, 'This is just the dream.' Not everything is perfect, but on the whole we're really pleased with where our program is going and what we're producing.” There's plenty to look forward to as the year progresses. While Du Jour continues to make a name for himself in the turf division and Reincarnate searches for that Grade I victory, a pair of Woods Edge-bred sophomore fillies have bright futures ahead. Midshipman's Dance (Midshipman) won the Mockingbird S. early this year and was fifth in the GIII Honeybee S. while Our Pretty Woman (Medaglia d'Oro) is two for two for Courtlandt Farms and Steve Asmussen and is pointing for the GII Fair Grounds Oaks. While their strategies may evolve, the foundation that Woods Edge was built on hasn't cracked. The philosophies that were set in place more than 20 years ago, when Woods Edge first hung its banner out at Keeneland, still hold firm today. “I've always been very forthright and honest with all the clientele that buy off Wood Edge for the last 20 plus years,” said O'Callaghan. “It's important to feel that they know that they can trust what we're offering and trust what we tell them.” “It's a small business, but it's also a relationship business,” he continued. “We've kind of stood the test of time, but it's only because we have good relationships with people. We are as straight as a gun barrel with anyone that asks us anything about any of the animals. We're not going to sell anyone a horse with an issue. We just won't. We want to come back the next year and be able to look whoever it is in the eye and know that we did right by them.” The post Breeders’ Spotlight: In Response to Evolving Landscape, Woods Edge Builds Reputation as a Breeder appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After embarking on the experience of a lifetime last year with Sibelius, trainer Jerry O'Dwyer is ready to do it all over again.View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. Among this most recent set of rulings, by far the most portentous was the 15-year ban doled out to trainer Milton Pineda, who trained seven different horses that tested positive post-race for the banned substance, Diisopropylamine, between June 2 and July 4 last year. The seven horses started at Los Alamitos and Santa Anita. Pineda was also accused of program training during the period of his provisional suspension. The Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit classifies Diisopropylamine as a vasodilator, which is a substance that dilates the blood vessels to allow blood to flow more freely through them. Diisopropylamine is also found in several everyday items like tobacco and beauty products, and hand sanitizer. The arbitrator in Pineda's case fined the trainer $180,000 and ordered him to pay an additional $15,000 towards HIWU's share of the legal costs for the proceedings. A more detailed account of the case can be read here. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Resolution Date: 03/14/2024 Licensee: Milton Pineda, trainer Penalty: 15-year-ban, $180,000 fine and $15,000 towards HIWU's share of the arbitration costs of the proceedings. Explainer: Read more on the story here. Resolution Date: 03/11/2024 Licensee: Dr. Donald J. McCrosky (currently unclear in what specific role McCrosky is a responsible party) Penalty: 30-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on March 12, 2024; a fine of $2,500. Admission. Explainer: For the possible breach of Rule 3510(a)—Disruptive or Offensive Conduct that does not rise to Tampering. The ruling involves the horse Madelyn Attack, who McCrosky bred. HIWU has not yet publicly posted a more detailed explainer of the ruling. Resolution Date: 03/11/2024 Licensee: Carlos Morales, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Moose Wilson. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Resolution Date: 03/11/2024 Licensee: Patrick Biancone, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Infinite Diamond. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Resolution Date: 03/08/2024 Licensee: Juan Guerrero, 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. Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Crypt, who won at Parx Racing on 11/13/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 03/08/2024 Licensee: Frank Santillana, 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: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Mi Gusto Es, who finished tenth at Tampa Bay on 1/26/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Resolution Date: 03/08/2024 Licensee: Peter Walder, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Final decision by the internal adjudication panel. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Hello Jack. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Resolution Date: 03/07/2024 Licensee: George Arnold II, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on March 8, 2024; 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: For the presence of Tramadol—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Figgy, who won at Turfway Park on 12/27/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). More on the story here. Pending ADMC Violations Resolution Date: 02/14/2024 Licensee: Efren Loza Jr., trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Clenbuterol—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Mexicoffee, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 2/14/24. This was a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers. Date: 02/06/2024 Licensee: Robert Fiesman, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Zipsy Rose Lee, who finished second at Mahoning Valley on 2/6/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 02/11/2024 Licensee: Gary House, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Callas, who won at Tampa Bay on 2/11/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 01/25/2024 Licensee: Alejandro Gomez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Flunixin—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Tamanrassett on 1/25/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 02/24/2024 Licensee: Jose Jimenez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Pre-workout joint injection violation Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Just Katherine. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 02/12/2024 Licensee: John Shirreffs, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Omeprazole—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Sully on 2/12/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 01/30/2024 Licensee: Curt Ferguson, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Cidstayinurlane, who won at Turf Paradise on 01/30/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 02/21/2024 Licensee: Brandon Kulp, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)—on Seeking the Dream, who finished third at Penn National on 2/21/2024. This is also a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period. Date: 02/19/2024 Licensee: Monte Gelrod, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Cobalt Salts—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Ratified, who won at Parx Racing on 2/19/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List Workout). More on the story here. Date: 02/03/2024 Licensee: Leon Minott, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Vet's list medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Slender Slipper on 2/3/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). HIWU had previously listed trainer Howard Love as the responsible party in this case. Date: 01/06/2024 Licensee: Derek Ryan, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Charging Aero, who finished second at Tampa Bay on 01/06/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 12/29/2023 Licensee: Sergio Morfin, trainer Penalty: Provisionally suspended Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Methamphetamine—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Wishtheyallcouldbe, who finished second at Santa Anita on 12/29/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212—Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers. Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Aqueduct Jose Gomez – violation date March 9; $250 fine and one-day suspension Santa Anita Diego Agustin Herrera – violation date March 8; $390 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes Drayden James VanDyke – violation date March 9; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes Turfway Park Juan Gabriel Lagunes – violation date March 6; $250 fine and one-day suspension OTHER KEY RULINGS The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. California Track: Santa Anita Date: 03/08/2024 Licensee: Robert Henie, owner Explainer: Owner Robert Henie having failed to respond to written notice to appear before the Board of Stewards at Santa Anita Park on or before March 7, 2024, is suspended for violation of California Horse Racing Board rule #1547 (Failure to Appear) pending an appearance at a hearing before the Board of Stewards to answer to charges alleging violation of CHRB rule #1876 (Financial Responsibility). Suspension to commence on March 15, 2024. New York Track: Aqueduct Date: 03/09/2024 Licensee: Jose Gomez, jockey Explainer: For having waived his right to an appeal Jockey Mr. Jose (Antonio) Gomez is hereby suspended 3 NYRA racing days March 16th 2024, March 17th 2024, March 21st 2024 inclusive. This for careless riding during the running of the 3rd race at Aqueduct Racetrack on March 8th 2024. The post Weekly Stewards And Commissions Rulings: Mar. 5-14 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On the heels of their efforts in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1) and the Saudi Cup (G1), Senor Buscador and National Treasure find themselves in a dead heat.View the full article

Edited Press Release The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) is now accepting new applications for experienced industry experts to join HISA's Horsemen's Advisory Group. The Advisory Group was formed by HISA in 2022 to provide formal feedback to HISA's executive team and standing committees on the implementation and evolution of its Racetrack Safety and Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) regulations. The Advisory Group has been responsible for recommending a number of substantive modifications to the HISA Rules that were ultimately approved by the HISA Board. Now that 18 months have passed since the Advisory Group's establishment, HISA is beginning the process of rotating members off to allow new perspectives to join. Five members will rotate off on May 1, 2024, and another five will rotate off on Nov. 1, 2024. HISA is inviting all racing participants who wish to be considered for membership in the Advisory Group to email horsemensadvisory@hisaus.org indicating their interest and qualifications by Friday, Apr. 5, 2024. Applicants should also indicate whether they would like to be considered for the next round of openings in November 2024, should they not be selected to join in May 2024. The Advisory Group's membership includes trainers, owners, veterinarians, backstretch employees and representatives of racing offices and aftercare initiatives who collectively represent a wide variety of viewpoints across racing. Advisory Group members are expected to join monthly virtual (and occasionally in-person) meetings with HISA leadership to provide feedback on HISA's rules and processes, as well as be available to weigh in on time-sensitive issues affecting horsemen as needed. The post HISA Invites Applications To Join Horsemen’s Advisory Group appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

WinStar will launch four new stallions with first two-year-olds in 2024: Global Campaign, Improbable, Promises Fulfilled, and Tom's d'Etat, and it's Improbable who has come out swinging first at the sales. At OBS March, four of his colts brought six figures, selling for $475,000, $400,000, $300,000, and $250,000. The $400,000 colt, out of Libby's Tail, who breezed in 9.4 for Eddie Woods-one of three Improbables to hit that mark–was purchased in partnership by David Hanley, the Senior Vice President of Bloodstock Services at WinStar Farm, which stands Improbable. We talked to Hanley about the young sire. TDN: What has the reaction to Improbable's first two-year-olds been like at the sale this week? DH: People have liked them. We're extremely bullish on this horse because he was such a sound, top racehorse, having won four Grade Is over three years of training. He was also second in the Arkansas Derby and in the Breeders' Cup Classic. So he was a really exceptional athlete. The thing about him was how sound and how good a mover he was on the racetrack. He ran for three years and had 85 works in between all those races, and he never came back to the farm except to be freshened on one occasion. So he was an extremely sound and tough racehorse. He wasn't the biggest horse. But once we got him under tack, his athleticism on the racetrack was incredible. And when you looked at his works, every one was a carbon copies of the previous one. He worked five furlongs in a minute, and was so consistent. So we were waiting to see if he transferred that athleticism to his two-year-olds. And we're very happy to see that out of the ones he had here, there were four or five of them really showed up as very, very athletic horses. So we're really excited about the future with them. TDN: You bought one yourself. DH: We gave $400,000 for one (hip 395) and we were underbidder on another one. This horse was a leggy horse with a lot of scope and his breeze was really, really exceptional. His gallop out was spectacular. I was on the backside and he went by me like he could go around again after going in :9 4/5. And that's really what impressed us. I had seen him at Eddie Woods's and I was impressed with how he breezed out there. He had that tremendous bounce off his back end, and he did his breeze with ease. He wasn't under stress to do it. So, what we felt when we saw him was that he was very, very athletic and looked like he'd go two turns. TDN: What is Improbable like himself, and is he stamping these two-year-olds? DH: He wasn't the biggest horse himself in being by City Zip. What is very encouraging is that he seems to be throwing progeny with leg and stretch and with his motion and his athleticism. He got a great book of first mares. On the class performance index, his first book of mares was second only to what Authentic got. So these are the two-year-olds we're seeing now. The way the stallion business is right now, people wait and see. So, at $15,000 (from an initial stud fee of $40,000), I think he's great value right now and based on what his two-year-olds are like, we're really excited about what runners he's going to have. Obviously, he's in that third year and people are just waiting to see what happens. TDN: He won Grade Is at two and four. What does that say to you? Improbable (#2) rearing up in the gate before the start of the Whitney | Sarah Andrew DH: He was a very good, undefeated two-year-old, winning the Los Al Futurity, and also the Street Sense at Churchill on the Breeders' Cup undercard, as well as his maiden. And then at three, quite honestly, he lost his way a little bit. He was second in the Arkansas Derby, but he had an incident in the gate in the previous race, the Rebel. That was in the spring of his three-year-old year. He was always an uptight horse, and after that, he was a little bit tentative in the gate and I think it affected his performance. But then he matured and relaxed and really showed just how good a horse he was as a four-year-old. So I think that was kind of how his career developed. It wasn't through any unsoundness or ability. But then we really saw what he was when he overcame all of that as a four-year-old, winning the Hollywood Gold Cup, Whitney, and Awesome Again and running second in the Breeders' Cup Classic to Authentic. Bob Baffert, the incredible horseman that he is, did such a good job getting him back to his best form. All the trainers were saying these two-year-olds were beautiful movers. But we had to wait and see if they were going to show you that speed and, and he's answered that question with these :9 4/5 breezers. So that's very encouraging. The post David Hanley on Improbable’s Encouraging Start appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Helios Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}), winner of the Hong Kong Classic Mile and Hong Kong Classic Cup in his two most recent appearances, leads a field of 14 selected runners for the HK$26 million (£2.6 million/US$3.3 million) BMW Hong Kong Derby to be held at Sha Tin Racecourse Sunday, Mar. 24. The John Size trainee will look to join the likes of the late Rapper Dragon (Aus) (Street Boss) and Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) as horses to sweep the series. Helios Express (rated 102) has been supplanted at the top of the local rankings by Galaxy Patch (Aus) (Wandjina {Aus}), who has climbed to a rating of 103 after finishing a bold second in last weekend's G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m). Connections have supplemented him to the Derby for HK$260,000. Massive Sovereign (Ire) (No Nay Never), who won two of five starts as Broadhurst for Aidan O'Brien, exploded into Derby calculations by accomplishing the rare feat of winning first-up in Hong Kong over the Derby distance of 2000 metres Mar. 3 while critically earning a 10-pound penalty which qualified him for the race. American-breds Chancheng Glory (Mor Spirit) and Ensued (Lemon Drop Kid) press on to the Derby and booked their spots by finishing second and third, respectively, in the Classic Cup. Unbelievable (Justify), the former O'Brien-conditioned London Gold Cup H. winner Bertinelli, was well-beaten on Hong Kong debut Feb. 12, but finished under five lengths behind Helios Express in the Classic Cup and the step up in trip should suit. “The BMW Hong Kong Derby is one of the most prestigious races on the calendar–a race that every owner aspires to have a runner in, or better still, win,” said Andrew Harding, Executive Director of Racing for the Hong Kong Jockey Club. “The 2024 edition is shaping as yet another remarkable edition with a host of incredible talents sourced from around the world to race for glory with owners and fans alike are looking forward to the contest with eager anticipation.” The post Helios Express Tops Selected Runners For BMW Hong Kong Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release Now sitting atop the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings on 121, National Treasure (Quality Road) and Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) both began their 2024 campaigns in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. in January, which saw the former defeat Senor Buscador by a neck. Following that effort, they both travelled to the Middle East to compete in the G1 Saudi Cup. Senor Buscador raced in the back of the field before rallying to defeat Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) by a head, who was weighted on 120 for this week's list. Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), who was three-quarters of a length back in third, came next on 119, while National Treasure finished fourth. Ushba Tesoro shares the joint-second position in the rankings, along with G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup winner Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who won the Listed HH The Amir Trophy in Qatar Feb. 17. Joining them with 120 points is Private Eye (Aus) (Al Maher {Aus}). He finished second by a head in the G1 Black Caviar Lightning S. to Imperatriz (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}), who made the list with 119. Click here for the full list of ranked horses. The post National Treasure And Senor Buscador Atop The Longines World’s Best Racehorse Rankings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A colt from the first crop of champion Authentic sold for $1 million to an online bid from John Stewart's Resolute Bloodstock. Consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds, the chestnut colt worked a furlong last week in :9 4/5. He is out of stakes-placed Ruby Trust (Smart Strike), a daughter of graded winner Queen of the Catsle (Tale of the Cat). Randy Hartley and Dean DeRenzo purchased the colt for $260,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. The post $1-Million Authentic Colt to Resolute at OBS appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, Alan Carasso takes a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this weekend running at Nakayama and Chukyo Racecourses: Sunday, March, 17, 2024 2nd-CKO, ¥10,480,000 ($71k), Maiden, 3yo, 1400m LA LA MONSTRE (c, 3, Mitole–Speightastic, by Speightstown), a $390,000 KEESEP acquisition, was unplaced in a couple of tries on the grass last November and switches to the dirt for his sophomore debut. The colt's dam, a full-sister to three-time stakes winner and Grade III-placed Bayerd, was purchased by Cove Springs for $65,000 at KEENOV in 2017, and her now 2-year-old colt by Not This Time was hammered down to Repole Stable and Spendthrift Farm for $725,000 at last year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. B-Cove Springs LLC (KY) 1st-NKY, ¥10,480,000 ($71k), Maiden, 3yo, 1800m AMERICAN RUNNER (c, 3, Gun Runner–Acqua Fresh (Uru), by Ecclesiastic) was a debut ninth going a mile over the Tokyo dirt last November but improved to be second with a stretch out to this trip at this venue Feb. 25. The January foal, a $125,000 Keeneland September purchase, is out of the Uruguayan champion 3-year-old filly of 2016 who changed hands for $45,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November sale. This is also the female family of Repent and Canadian champion King Ruckus. Christophe Lemaire has the call. B-Michael J Snyder & Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC (KY) The post Mitole Colt Switching To Dirt In Japan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Retired Racehorse Project will launch two fundraising initiatives supporting the 2024 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium, Presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America, the non-profit said in a Thursday release. The Make the Makeover campaign is a trainer-driven fundraiser, allowing supporters to make a donation to the RRP pledged in the name of a participating Makeover trainer. All trainers who raise $1,000 or more will have their entry fees refunded (or applied to a 2025 application). The Fund-a-Need campaign is a renewal of the RRP's annual Makeover fundraiser and works as entry-level sponsorship, allowing supporters to contribute to the cost of producing the Thoroughbred Makeover. “Each year, there are more demands on our resources than we can meet, and we can see how much more work there is to be done to better serve the Thoroughbred and its industries,” said RRP executive director Kirsten Green. To support the Make the Makeover campaign, please click here. To support Fund-a-Need, please click here. The post Retired Racehorse Project Launches Fundraising Initiatives appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article