Wandering Eyes

This year's Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Ruling Court dies following complications with the foot disease laminitis.View the full article

The racing card planned for Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Delaware Park is canceled due to insufficient entries.View the full article

Live racing at Delaware Park which was set for Wednesday, Sept. 3, has been cancelled because of insufficient entries, according to a press release from the track on Friday morning. Delaware is scheduled to resume Saturday, Aug. 30 with a post time of 12:45 p.m. ET. The post Lack Of Entries Forces Delaware Park To Cancel Live Racing Next Wednesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2-year-old colt Ted Noffey has a name based on a typo, a gaffe that also gave the sport American Pharoah instead of the correct American Pharaoh. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Saturday at Saratoga and Del Mar. Saturday, August 30, 2025 Saratoga 1, $90k, 2yo, (R), 6f, 12:05 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Hong Kong Phooey (Complexity), FTMMAY, 40,000, :10 2/5 C-Julie Davies LLC, agent; B-Rudy Rodriguez Same Old Story (Twirling Candy), OBSMAR, 15,000, :10 3/5 C-S B M Training & Sales, agent; B-Travis & Eddie Racing Stable Saratoga 6, $100k, 2yo , 7f, 2:45 p.m. Silent Scheme (Charlatan), OBSAPR, 375,000, :21 2/5 C-Caliente Thoroughbreds; B-Taproot, agent for Lee Lewis Saratoga 8, $100k, 2yo, 7f, 3:52 p.m. Ima Big Bad Wolf (Practical Joke), OBSMAR, 200,000, :10 1/5 C-Top Line Sales, agent; B-Jenny Carpenter, agt Buttonwood Farm Sar 11, Spinaway S.-GI, $300k, 2yo, f, 7f, 5:38 p.m. Ornellaia (Girvin), FTMMAY, 1,100,000, :10 1/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (Ciaran Dunne), agent;B-Kerri Radcliffe/Alex Elliott, agt. Memo Racing & Amo Racing Del Mar 4, $100k, 2yo, f, 6f, 6:00 p.m. Definitely Prbable (Improbable), OBSJUN, 60,000, :10 1/5 C-Little Farm Equine LLC, agent; B-Dennis O'Neill The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Saturday, August 30, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article

The Hong Kong Jockey Club said it had an “excellent performance” in the past financial year, reporting a 5 per cent increase in turnover to HK$320.3 billion and a record HK$28.8 billion in betting duty and profits tax at its annual general meeting on Friday. Despite a “challenging economic environment and the rising threat of illegal gambling”, the club said the turnover generated wagering and lottery revenue of HK$43.8 billion out of a total of HK$49.3 billion. There was also record turnover...View the full article

John Gosden and Sheikh Mohammed were in the same camp when the trainer first etched his name onto the Solario Stakes roll of honour back in 2002, with Foss Way carrying the old maroon and white silks to a hard-fought victory in the hands of Jimmy Fortune. For good measure, Gosden and Sheikh Mohammed then repeated the dose two years later when Windsor Knot made virtually all to win under Frankie Dettori. Whilst plenty has changed in the 21 years since, the partnership between Gosden and the Godolphin founder still endures. At Royal Ascot this year they notched a notable double with Prince Of Wales's Stakes hero Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder) and Gold Cup winner Trawlerman (Golden Horn), before both horses followed up last week at York's Ebor Festival, winning the Juddmonte International and Lonsdale Cup, respectively. With those wins came the promise of many more big days to come for this formidable alliance, but on Saturday the gloves will be off when Gosden and Godolphin go head-to-head in the latest edition of the Solario. Juddmonte's Publish will be in the Clarehaven corner, bidding to follow up his recent course-and-distance success in what has the makings of a match with Charlie Appleby's 'TDN Rising Star' Pacific Avenue (Dubawi). Appleby himself is a three-time winner of the Solario, most notably with the subsequent Derby hero Masar in 2017, but it's Gosden who is the most successful trainer in the near-80-year history of the race with seven wins. Since the days of Foss Way and Windsor Knot, Gosden has won this Group 3 contest with some of the very best horses to have passed through his hands, including the now-Darley stallions Raven's Pass (2007) and Too Darn Hot (2018). The latter is the sire of another exciting debut winner in Saturday's field of seven, namely Jaber Abdullah's six-length Beverley scorer He's Waliim. As for Publish, he is a son of Gosden's outstanding miler Kingman, who made his Group-race breakthrough in the 2013 Solario and has already produced one winner of this race in his second career. Step forward Field Of Gold, last year's victor who gives this colt some big shoes to fill following victories in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes in 2025. So far Publish has only won a Sandown maiden, but the race in question is invariably one to follow, with 2,000 Guineas winners Kameko and Ruling Court featuring on the recent roll of honour. He got the job done in good style, too, beating a useful yardstick from the Appleby stable by over a length. The Godolphin team will have a rough idea of where it stands with Publish through that line of form, though the feeling remains that we've only scratched the surface of his potential. Either way, the clash with Newmarket debut scorer Pacific Avenue is one to savour, with the winner sure to be among the market leaders for next year's 2,000 Guineas. Fillies to Follow on Sandown Undercard The Solario head-to-head between the powerhouses of Godolphin and Juddmonte could be a sign of things to come as we head into the autumn, both on the racecourse and in the sales ring. True, the Juddmonte team perhaps wouldn't be as well known for its big-money buys as the likes of Godolphin, but it's always worth taking note when that operation does opt to dip its toe into the transfer market. The Classic winners Chaldean and Field Of Gold headline their foal purchases in recent years, while the GII Mrs Revere Stakes heroine Nay Lady Nay (No Nay Never), dam of the aforementioned Publish, was acquired for $1.7 million at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Another Juddmonte filly who is starting to look well bought is the Andrew Balding-trained Blue Bolt, a leading fancy for the other Group 3 contest on Saturday's card at Sandown, the Atalanta Stakes. A €400,000 purchase at the Arqana August Yearling Sale, she completed a hat-trick last month when stepping up in grade to win the Listed Coral Distaff over Saturday's course and distance. The improving daughter of Blue Point holds Group 1 entries in the Matron Stakes and the Sun Chariot Stakes later this year, but first the Atalanta will pose a stiff test of her top-level credentials. The William Haggas-trained Alobayyah (Ghaiyyath) could emerge as the biggest threat, making her first start since impressing on her debut at Yarmouth last October, while fellow three-year-olds Cathedral (Too Darn Hot) and Flight have already performed with credit at the top table in 2025. It was on this card last year that 1,000 Guineas runner-up Flight opened her account with a four-length win in the seven-furlong fillies' maiden. This year it's another daughter of Siyouni who promises to be the centre of attention, namely Act Of Kindness, who cost Godolphin 3.7 million gns when they flexed their muscles at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. The third foal out of the Shamardal mare Shambolic, Act Of Kindness is most notably a half-sister to the G1 Fillies' Mile winner Ylang Ylang (Frankel). She doesn't hold any fancy entries at this stage, but there's time to rectify that if she can make the perfect start to her career at Sandown. From the Curragh to Kentucky Downs Away from that Esher track, Juddmonte will also be represented in Group races at the Curragh and Deauville on Saturday, with Frankel filly Red Letter likely to be a warm order for the G3 Snow Fairy Fillies Stakes at the first-named venue. Heading the opposition is Sand Gazelle as the Gosdens try to outmanoeuvre another old ally, though even that British raider has roots which can be traced back to the Juddmonte breeding empire. As well as being another daughter of Frankel, she is out of the Juddmonte homebred Desirous (Kingman), a half-sister to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe heroine Bluestocking (Camelot) and this year's surprise Sussex Stakes winner Qirat (Showcasing). Over in France, Juddmonte's Derby fourth New Ground (New Bay) should take plenty of beating in the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville if his headstrong tendencies can be curbed, while My Cloud (Blue Point) will be a significant runner for a new venture when he lines up in the G3 Prix Quincey. Last seen winning the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot, he will be sporting new silks on Saturday after KHK Racing merged with Victorious Racing to form Victorious Forever. My Cloud's half-brother, Palace Pier, enjoyed two of his best days at Deauville when winning back-to-back editions of the Prix Jacques le Marois in 2020 and 2021. All told, the son of Kingman was a five-time Group 1 winner for the Gosdens, with Frankie Dettori doing the steering in all but one of his 11 starts. The days of Dettori riding for the Gosdens in Europe might now be a thing of the past, but he could bag a headline or two of his own on Saturday when he partners a trio of European raiders at the extremely valuable Kentucky Downs fixture. Dettori first teams up with the Charlie Hills-trained Khaadem (Dark Angel) in the $2m GII Kentucky Turf Sprint Stakes, while Hugo Palmer has also booked him to ride Cheshire Dancer (Phoenix Of Spain) in the $2m GIII Ladies Turf Stakes. Meanwhile, in the $3.5m GIII Nashville Derby Invitational Stakes – America's richest race for three-year-olds after the $5m GI Kentucky Derby – Dettori will ride Wimbledon Hawkeye (Kameko) for James Owen and the Gredleys. Last year's G2 Royal Lodge Stakes hero is yet to win in six starts this season, but he's been nothing if not consistent and few would begrudge him this bumper payday. The post Friends Turned Foes in Sizzling Solario appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ruling Court (Justify), the brilliant 2,000 Guineas winner, has been euthanised following complications due to laminitis, according to a statement released on the Godolphin website. Charlie Appleby commented, “Everyone at Godolphin is deeply saddened by the loss of Ruling Court. He gave everyone a fantastic day at Newmarket in May and he will be sorely missed. I would like to thank all of the team, who did everything they could to save him.” A €2.3 million purchase at the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale, Ruling Court produced a memorable performance to land the Guineas from Field Of Gold. He subsequently finished third to that rival in the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and was last seen filling that same spot when upped to 10 furlongs in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown. More to follow The post Godolphin Announces Death Of Brilliant 2,000 Guineas Winner Ruling Court appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cartier Champion three-year-old filly Porta Fortuna (Caravaggio) will miss the remainder of the season, according to a press release from the ownership group of Taylor Made's Medallion Racing, Steve Weston, Barry Fowler, and Dean Reeves. She will instead be prepared to be sold this fall at an as-yet-to-be-determined bloodstock sale. Porta Fortuna had a training setback in advance of the June 17 G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, which would have marked an attempt at a third straight win at the Royal meeting. Her trainer, Donnacha O'Brien, reported that she has done well since her setback, but said that he felt that she needs more time to be at the fitness level to be ready for the G1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown Sept. 13 on the first day of the Irish Champions Festival, her intended target. “The partners had a call and decided that we would back off,” said O'Brien. “She has been a superstar for us, and when you have a champion, you don't rush them back. Trying to force her to fit our timeline is not an option. If we felt like we weren't going to be ready to win a Group 1, then the plan with the owners was to get her ready for a sale this fall.” Porta Fortuna began her career with a victory at the Curragh in April of her two-year-old season. She was purchased by Medallion Racing, Weston, Fowler and Reeves after that initial victory. She obliged with a win in the G3 Naas Fillies Sprint Stakes in her first start for the new connections. She was a dominant winner of the G3 Albany at Royal Ascot in her next start, defeating next-out G2 winner Matrika (No Nay Never), and five other future Group winners. After successive Group-1 placings, Porta Fortuna notched her first Group 1 win in the Cheveley Park at Newmarket. She ended her two-year-old season with a second-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. She was the only two-year-old filly to win a Group 1 race along with two other Group races as a juvenile. She was also the only two-year-old filly to have a Group 1 win and a Group 1 placing, with three of the latter to her credit. Porta Fortuna picked up where she left off in her first start as a three-year-old and was beaten a neck in the G1 1000 Guineas. She had arguably the biggest win of her career in her next start, winning the G1 Coronation at Royal Ascot. She beat Group 1 winners Opera Singer (Justify), Ramatuelle (Justify), Elmalka (Kingman), Content (Galileo) and Rouhiya (Lope de Vega) in her Coronation victory. Her season went from strength to strength as she went on to win the G1 Falmouth and G1 Matron, a feat that could not be matched by top horses Alpha Centauri (Mastercraftsman) and dual Guineas winner Winter (Galileo). The G1 Coronation and G1 Falmouth double also proved the undoing of other top fillies like multiple Group 1 winners Inspiral (Frankel) and Alcohol Free (No Nay Never). Porta Fortuna continued her winning ways in her first start as a four-year-old this year with a comfortable win in the G2 Lanwades Stud Stakes on Irish Guineas weekend at the Curragh, before her setback in advance of Royal Ascot which will end up keeping her away from the races for the remainder of the season. “The ownership group has been on the ride of a lifetime over the past three racing seasons, and has always put Porta Fortuna's health and well-being as the most important thing,” said Medallion Racing Manager Phillip Shelton. “We would like to express a sincere thanks to Donnacha O'Brien and his team at Bawnmore Racing, who have kept Porta Fortuna at the top level this whole time, and have made sure that she receives the best care day-in and day-out. The plan has always been to sell her at public auction at the end of this season, and a final decision will be made on where she sells in the coming weeks.” The post Porta Fortuna Won’t Race Again in ’25; Heads for Autumn Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz It was appropriate that Jay Abernethy’s ever reliable trotter Eagle Hanover got her Winter Reward at Cambridge Raceway on Thursday night. “She’s an EFTPOS machine – she gets a cheque every week,” Abernethy told Track Chat’s Jo Ferguson post race. The five-year-old mare was three back the fence early in the first of the night’s four $20,000 Winter Rewards races before Abernethy went to the parked position and then surged to the lead at the 400, winning by two lengths. Eagle Hanover hasn’t finished worse than fifth in her last 13 starts. It was her seventh win in 84 starts and took her career earnings over $100,000. Tytate (R4) and Very Majestic (R5) took out the next two Winter Rewards races before Aquila delivered for Zev Meredith and loyal owner Kenny Baynes in Race 6, the Blokes Nite Skyline Lounge, 18 Sept Winter Rewards Mobile Pace. Aquila showed gate-speed early for driver Josh Dickie to slide forward and land in the trail behind the pace-setting Auctioneer. From there, she enjoyed a dream trip before dashing up the passing lane in the home straight to score the victory. Meredith was upbeat about the mare’s chances heading into the race, buoyed by her recent efforts in stronger company. “Her Auckland form made me confident enough to think we were a chance, and with her gate-speed I knew we’d be handy early,” he said. Despite his optimism Aquila was still 9/9 in the betting and paying $32 for the win. “It was really nice to pick up a win, and for it to be $20,000 as well is a huge bonus.” Currently operating out of Derek Balle’s barn in Pukekohe, Meredith has plans to expand further and set up in his own space soon. He’s grateful for the support of owners Kenny Baynes and Eddie Clarke, who are helping fuel the stable’s growth. Looking ahead, Meredith has another one to watch for. “There’s one here who is going to be a very nice horse and I think he’ll put the barn back on the map, Muchacho,” he said. “He’s a bit big and dumb but eventually he’ll be a really nice horse.” Muchacho hasn’t had a start for Meredith yet after winning two from eight for Tony Stratford down south. View the full article

With nominations for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup closing yesterday it was confirmed that Aussie superstars Leap To Fame and two-time champion Swayzee are heading to Addington for their $1m showdown on Tuesday, November 11. Trackside presenter Brittany Graham has seen the dynamic duo in action plenty of times – so what does the now Kiwi-based Aussie make of it all? By Brittany Graham Larry and Lenny are New Zealand-bound once more – and it’s game on for all. Leap To Fame and Swayzee have dominated the Grand Circuit scene in Australasia, particularly over staying distances, in the last three seasons and the brotherly rivalry looks set for a $1m rematch on Tuesday November 11 at Addington Raceway. While some may think their addition could potentially ‘scare off’ rivals, I think it should do quite the opposite. Their toughness and racing style make them feared, and often their rivals are forced into submission. With Swayzee in the last two New Zealand Cups and Leap To Fame in this year’s Inter Dominion they were both allowed to find the lead with little resistance. With both of them in the Cup field the pressure intensifies to another level, and it’s hard to see any easing of the pace and any horse just dominating from the front. That scenario was on full display earlier this year in the A G Hunter Cup when the duo went to war in a new track record time for 2760 metres, and despite running the quinella, they only held slender margins to the likes of Republican Party and Tact Mcleod who were closing late. Add to the mix a lack of ideal lead up races for the Australian contingent with the only two Group 1 open company contests (the Len Smith Mile and Victoria Cup), alongside the travel requirements, the locals are still very much in the game. Its shaping as a trans-Tasman rivalry for the ages, and it’s anyone’s trophy to take. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk With the New Zealand Prostate Cancer’s Blue September campaign just days away, a well-known harness racing figure is urging men 45 and over to get checked. Queensland-based Kiwi racing journalist Duane Ranger was diagnosed with the disease earlier this year and will undergo surgery in September to have his prostate removed. The 61-year-old got the news after a routine visit to his GP. “It was a bit of the spur of the moment thing,” says Ranger, “I was getting my flu vaccine and I was pretty much bragging about how healthy I was.” “He asked me if there was any history of illness in the family and I mentioned that my dad has prostate cancer. He got it in his 70s and he’s 86 almost.” “The GP said ‘you need that checked’ and that’s exactly what happened.” The check was done then and there. “Straight away he said ‘this looks rough'”. After bloods tests and some scans the diagnosis was confirmed. “I wouldn’t know I have it. I’ve never been fitter and play a lot of cricket, tennis and table tennis and all that so it was a shock to find out.” “It’s been a reality check. Knowing what I know now I should have got myself checked a lot earlier.”” In September he will undergo surgery at Brisbane Royal Hospital. His recovery time post-surgery is then expected to be around eight weeks. “I am relieved that it is confined to my prostate and hasn’t spread,” says Ranger, “and I try and be positive about the outcome.” Though he concedes that is not always easy. “Generally I put on a happy front because that’s how I am but there are times at night when I’m scared.” Ranger, who admits to “being obsessed with harness racing”, has written for a number of publications and organisations on both sides of the Tasman since the mid 1980s. He headed to Queensland seven years ago where he’s a writer as well as a sports coach. His daughter Monika is one of the top junior drivers in the North Island, having recently reined home her 50th career win. Duane Ranger is going public with his own plight to encourage men to get checked. “Early detection is everything, anyone 45 or over you’ve got to get checked,” he says, “just do it.” “It can literally save your life.” HRNZ is about to run its fifth annual Blue September campaign. It is all about promoting awareness of prostate cancer and raising funds for research. A number of ambassadors will be involved in a campaign launch at Methven in Mid Canterbury on Monday. Blair Orange, Tony Cameron, brothers Matty and Nathan Williamson, Robbie Close, Sam Thornley, Jonny Cox and Rory McIlwrick are the 2025 ambassadors returning after being involved last year while there will also be three newcomers – John Dunn, Josh Dickie and Orange’s son Harrison, who’s created a huge impression in the junior ranks over the past couple of years. Money is raised every time one of the Blue September ambassadors wins a race during the month, with contributions coming from HRNZ ($100 per win), clubs and the drivers’ individual sponsors. Blair Orange was the leading fund-raiser last year with 24 wins and $8200. Last year more than $40,000 was raised in total. For anyone wanting to sponsor one of this year’s drivers they should contact Courtney@hrnz.co.nz and there will be regular updates on the campaign on the hrnz website and its social media channels. View the full article

The Gr.1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) would not be the same without the presence of Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars). The Lindsay Park-trained galloper lines up in Saturday’s Group One contest over 1400m for the third time, having won in 2023 and finishing second last year. Longevity has been the key with Mr Brightside who will be aiming to notch his 20th career win from 45 starts and go beyond A$17.5 million in prize money. Mr Brightside has been the banner horse for trainers Ben, Will and J D Hayes and all are in agreeance the ‘old boy’ is in good order to kick off his latest campaign. “He hasn’t put a foot wrong this prep,” Ben Hayes said. “He’s an amazing horse, he responds to work and gets better and better into his campaigns. “He runs well first up then improves. He’s shown us no signs that he’s not going to do the same thing again. “He’s just a tough, genuine horse, but it’s going to be a very good Memsie and he’ll run well with improvement to come.” Hayes said racegoers will see a different Mr Brightside to the one that is usually presented to start in Melbourne’s first Group 1 race of the new season. Mr Brightside raced further into the autumn this year with his trip to Hong Kong, and on return spent two weeks in quarantine at Spotswood before going out into the paddock at Lindsay Park’s Euroa property in north-east Victoria. “He’s got a lot better coat on him this year,” Hayes said. “Last year he was a hairy mammoth first up. There’s more of a shine this time around.” As is the Lindsay Park custom, Mr Brightside has had two jump-outs to prepare him for Saturday’s return, his most recent over 1000m. Mr Brightside was pushed out to get maximum benefit from the hit out. “He was there to have a good hit out. We didn’t want him to go to the line on the bridle,” Hayes said “He needed to have that hard hit out for fitness. He turns up race day, but he’s a lazy trackworker, it’s just him. “He doesn’t over-exert himself and that’s the reason he’s been at the top level for four years. “You are never too confident in Group 1’s but we’re happy he’ll go out there and run a competitive race as he always does.” The Lindsay Park team also has Here To Shock (NZ) (Shocking) engaged in Saturday’s race who is one of only three runners in the 11-horse field to have had a race this campaign. Here To Shock finished third in the Gr.2 P B Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 16. “It was a perfect first-up run,” Hayes said. “They walked and sprinted home the final 400 (metres). He’s got a bit of fitness on his side and deserves his opportunity.” View the full article

Te Akau Racing are building a strong record in the Gr.3 Cockram Stakes (1200m), and they will look to continue that at Caulfield on Saturday when Damask Rose takes her place in this year’s edition. The daughter of Savabeel had a standout season in New Zealand last term, winning three of her five starts, including the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m), both under Blake Shinn. The leading Australian hoop will rekindle his association with the mare on Saturday, and the pair will be seeking the stable’s third win in the race in recent years, having won it with Probabeel in 2021 and last year with Quintessa. She has had two jumpouts prior to Saturday’s run, and trainer Mark Walker is happy with his mare’s condition ahead of her first-up run. “She appears to have come back really well,” Walker said. “She is bright and well. It just depends what the weather does a little bit, they are meant to get about eight to 10ml of rain.” Walker is wary of her opposition but said the Cockram will give him a good line on where she is at in a spring preparation geared towards the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on November 1. “It is a very good field, a lot tougher than last year when Quintessa won it,” he said. “It is a good form race heading into the spring. “Safely through this she is pencilled in to go to the Sir Rupert Clarke (Gr.1, 1400m), so it’s only going to get tougher with Group One racing next time.” Walker is also pleased with the progression of stablemate La Dorada, who is set to kick-off her spring campaign next week at The Valley in the Gr.1 Moir Stakes (1000m). It is another race that holds fond memories for the stable, having won it two years ago with their former sprinting sensation Imperatriz. “She is going to run in the Moir next Saturday, she only gets in with 50 kilos in that,” Walker said. “It is going to be a hot field, and I would much prefer it to be 1200m, but if she went to the three-year-old fillies race on the same day she has to carry 59.5kg, so we are leaning towards running in the Moir.” Back in New Zealand this weekend, the stable will be shooting for stakes glory with three-year-old gelding To Bravery Born in the Listed HS Dyke Wanganui Guineas (1200m). The son of Snitzel was victorious first-up over 1100m at Taupo a fortnight ago, and Walker is hopeful of a repeat performance. “He has had that lead-up run at Taupo, which will be helpful as it is going to be quite a testing track,” Walker said. “He is one for one at Wanganui, which is a big help if he can handle that track. “It is a bit of a step up from what he beat at Taupo, but he appears to have trained on well.” The stable will have a strong hand at Riccarton’s meeting on Saturday, with 10 runners competing on the nine-race card. Walker is particularly looking forward to seeing Cool Aza Rene and Belle Du Monde return in the NZ Horse Ambulance Winter Appeal Three-Year-Old (1000m), and Group One performer Perfect Scenario commence his preparation in the Christchurch Casino 30th SI Awards 12 September Open (1000m). “Cool Aza Rene is not very big, but she is tough, and 1000m suits her perfectly,” Walker said. “Belle Du Monde is a very nice filly down there and she was always going to be a better three-year-old. “1000m will be too sharp for Perfect Scenario, but you never know with him. If they go hard, he will be getting home strong.” Meanwhile, Walker was pleased with exciting three-year-old Hostility’s 800m trial win at Ellerslie on Thursday, and he is looking forward to seeing what the Group One performer can do over spring. “We are happy with him,” Walker said. “That was only 800m, I think his pet distance will be a mile. He will probably kick-off in the El Roca (Listed, 1200m) next Saturday at Ellerslie.” View the full article

Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougall have a great association with the Pakuranga Hunt meeting, and they are hoping that will continue on Sunday at Te Aroha. The Hawke’s Bay trainers were rapt to take out the Grand National Hurdles (4200m) with 12-year-old gelding Suliman earlier this month, and they are hoping he can make it back-to-back prestige jumps titles in the Pakuranga Hunt “Vale Lamu” Hurdle (3100m). “The wet and loose track just played into his hands down south. He has come through the race well, he is very bright,” Nelson said. “He is there and has done it before. It will be interesting to see what the new horses on the block do.” He will be joined in Sunday’s contest by stablemate Taika, who was victorious in last year’s running at Te Rapa. Taika won his opening hurdle race of the year in May but was pulled up in the Waikato Hurdle (3200m) and was unplaced in the Hawke’s Bay Hurdle (3200m), with those performance leaving him out of the stable’s contingent that headed south for the Grand National Festival of Racing earlier this month. He lined up on the flat over 2200m at Arawa Park a fortnight ago to ready for this weekend’s assignment, but his trainers are wary that he hasn’t had a hurdle start for over a month. “We will do our best (to defend his title),” Nelson said. “He seems to be pretty good. There haven’t been any races for him for a while, that’s the trouble. “With the National coming in we didn’t want to take everything down there so we had to take what we could get.” Stablemate Nedwin is also a previous victor of the Pakuranga Hunt Hurdle, but he has switched focus to the bigger fences this year and will be out to complete the Pakuranga Hunt set when he contests the Howden Insurance Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4300m). “It would be nice (to complete the set),” Nelson said. Nedwin finished third in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) at Riccarton earlier this month and Nelson believes the step back in distance will suit his 11-year-old on Sunday. “At this stage, a bit less distance might suit him, so Sunday’s race should be more up his alley,” he said. Champion jumper The Cossack will also contest the Pakuranga Hunt Cup, where he will be looking to recapture form of old, having won the race two years ago at Te Rapa. Nelson is pleased with The Cossack’s condition heading into the race but is mindful of his topweight of 72kg in the twilight of his career. “He is very bright, but it is coming to the end of his career,” he said. Maiden hurdler Skaw Valley will also head to the meeting where he will contest the opening race of the nine-race card, the Phelan Racing Maiden Hurdle (3100m). “Skaw Valley has been disappointing, but he went well for Dean Parker before we took him down south,” Nelson said. “I am hoping Dean might be able to talk to him a bit on Sunday.” View the full article

Race 4 ENTAIN/NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES F&M MAIDEN 1200m BEABOPALULA (R Goyaram) – Trainer Mr. A Forsman reported to Stewards, although satisfied with the post-race condition of BEABOPALULA, puts the disappointing performance down to the filly being unsuited to the Heavy 8 track conditions. A Forsman advised it is his intention to continue on with the filly’s current preparation. The post Egmont Racing Club @ Hawera, Saturday 23 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

Race 4 OCEAN PARK 2400m PLAYINASANDPIT (E Nicholas) – Trainer Mr. S Phelan advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, PLAYINASANDPIT has now been sent for a spell. Race 5 SUPER SETH 1500m ELLE MCFAB (L Satherley) – Trainer Mr. D Greene reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of ELLE MCFAB, and it is the intention to continue her preparation. The post Waikato Thoroughbred Racing @ Te Rapa, Saturday 23 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

The winners have been decided for the first HRNZ/ESNZ competition for standardbreds. Run by Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ), the competition is all about recognising and rewarding the achievements of standardbreds competing in ESNZ disciplines. Points were accrued every time a standardbred, registered with ESNZ, competed between August 1 2024 and May 31, 2025. Results could be from Show Jumping and Show Hunter, Eventing, Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding, or Dressage and Para Dressage or a combination, with points allocated to the horse, not the rider. The top four are : The Winner – Kat Gardiner & Dream Major (“Vinny”) Taking top honours and the winner of $500 was Kat Gardiner and her cheeky, banana-loving gelding Dream Major, affectionately known as Vinny. Once a promising young racehorse with just two starts (and a win to his name), Vinny’s career was cut short by a knee injury. Fortunately, Kat spotted something special in him and decided to give him a new start. Since then, Vinny has flourished. From learning the ropes in dressage to tackling cross-country fences “like a duck to water,” he has proven himself to be a true all-rounder. Together, Kat and Vinny have conquered 80km endurance rides, competed in Young Dressage Horse classes, and are now working towards their first 95cm eventing start. Kat says, “He is such a willing guy. He trusts me and I trust him. He’ll give anything a go – and even switches gears to be a safe beginner’s pony for my son.” Winning this new competition is recognition not just of their results, but of the countless hours of work that go into retraining and developing a Standardbred. “It reinforces all the effort has paid off,” Kat says, “if you want to put the work in, you’ll get the rewards out. Standardbreds can do anything.” Runner-Up – Rena Johnsen & Laila Franco Rena and her fiery mare Laila Franco took second place (and $300), showcasing the grit and determination of both horse and rider. At just 14.2hh, Laila was once considered too small for a broodmare career and never made it to the races. But in endurance, her natural high energy and ground-covering stride have made her a star. Their partnership has been full of highs and lows, from dramatic moments at vet checks to the elation of completing their first 80km ride. Rena describes Laila as “naturally dramatic, but with incredible courage and a work ethic that carries us through.” This season, the pair secured top placings at Nationals and South Islands, and now Rena has her sights set on clocking up 1000 lifetime endurance kilometres. For her, the competition provided the perfect chance to “recognise Standardbreds who are already out there competing successfully against all breeds.” Third Place – LaDene Legg and Sundons Kadillac (“Kat”) Rounding out the top three and winning $200 was LaDene and her mare Sundons Kadillac, known simply as Kat. Originally considered “too hot” after a fence injury, Kat found her forever home just before lockdown in 2019. Since then, the pair have formed an extraordinary bond. “She isn’t your typical mare – she’s cheeky and full of character,” says LaDene, “we’ve been through so much together, and she’s become my rock.” Kat has excelled in dressage, placing fourth at the Bronze Novice level at Bates Dressage Nationals earlier this year, and now third in this Standardbred-only competition. Despite quirks like hating water or stealing her rider’s cider, Kat has proven her determination and versatility. For LaDene, the recognition means everything: “This gives riders something to aim for – something just for Standardbreds. I can’t wait for the day when people see them as no different to any other sport horse.” Fourth Place – Holly Field & Kingsclere (“The King”) Just over a year ago, Holly Field brought home a fresh-off-the-track Standardbred called Kingsclere, now affectionately known as The King (or Blue Hawaii in the competition ring). With only two weeks under saddle after racing, The King’s future was uncertain – but Holly quickly discovered his quiet temperament and natural flair. In their first season together, The King has impressed both in competition and at home, where he has safely carried everyone from complete beginners to Holly’s 79-year-old friend on beach rides. Their competition highlights include winning the Open class at their local club championship ride. Looking ahead, Holly hopes to combine endurance with Working Equitation and even has her sights set on the Trek for Life 2026. “I love anything that showcases this versatile breed,” Holly says, “for King to place in his first season out competing is an amazing outcome.” View the full article

Riccarton trainer David Walsh couldn’t believe his luck when he saw the fields for his home meeting on Saturday, with his trio of runners all drawing the ace marble in their respective events. “We normally get bad draws all the time, we continually draw outside, so it is amazing that all three runners have drawn barrier one,” Walsh said. “I just hope it is a good place to be.” Six-year-old gelding Toa Haka was in stellar form for Walsh last season, stringing together a series of placings and victories, and the Canterbury horseman is hoping his charge can return to that form first-up in the Stallion Tender Now Open Rating 75 (1200m). “He ran really well last season,” Walsh said. “He is a wee bit hairy, and he has got a bit of condition on, so whatever he does he will improve with the run. “The track (Soft7) should be ideal for him, he likes a bit of sting out of the ground, and he normally races pretty handy. “I do think he will go a cheeky race, especially with three kilos off his back (courtesy of apprentice jockey Jack Taplin’s claim), it makes a big difference.” Stakes targets could be in the offing for the son of Iffraaj if he performs up to expectations this spring. “If he can put a couple together, we might put him in the TAB Mile (Gr.3, 1600m),” Walsh said. “We didn’t nominate him but if he can win a couple of races we might enter him late. “He has won over 1200 and 1400m, but he indicates that he could go over a bit further. I don’t see any reason why he couldn’t go 1600m.” Stablemate Lochmara Bay will be seeking to break through for her maiden victory in the Speight’s Summit Ultra On Tap Maiden (1400m) and will have the services of in-form jockey Opie Bosson aboard. “I have got Opie Bosson on, they tell me he is magic,” Walsh quipped. “When I nominated, there were only four other horses in the race and I thought this was mental for a $25,000 race. Te Akau didn’t have a runner, so I ran Micky Coleman, Opie’s manager, and was able to get him. “She is a nice, little mare and she has had two seconds in her last three starts, so hopefully she will get one soon.” Walsh is also upbeat about the chances of Graeme John in the Elvis An American Trilogy 5 October CHCH Rating 65 (1000m). The Per Incanto seven-year-old gelding joined Walsh’s care last month and has finished runner-up in all three of his starts on Riccarton’s synthetic track for the local horseman. Walsh has elected to drop Graeme John back to 1000m on the grass this weekend where he is hoping his charge finds better luck. “He hasn’t had a lot of luck, especially his last start where he got held up,” Walsh said. “Hopefully he will be able to relax properly. They might go a bit quick for him now that it has dried out a bit, but at least he shouldn’t be racing too keenly. “We don’t get that many 1000m races, so I thought it was a good opportunity to see how he goes. “He has had three starts for three seconds and he is running well.” Meanwhile, Walsh will be without the services of his smart filly Zelia this spring, with the daughter of Fierce Impact nursing a foot injury. “She has got a foot injury, so we are marking time with her. We have just got to see how things progress in the next few weeks,” Walsh said. Zelia was a standout for Walsh in his comeback season to training last term, winning two and runner-up in two of her five juvenile starts, including a last-start second placing in the Listed Welcome Stakes (1000m). “She is a very fast filly,” Walsh said. “I think she was the best two-year-old down here, but I have probably got rose-coloured glasses on. “She has shown a lot of talent and it’s a little bit frustrating not to get going now when all the good races start, but there are good races all the time, so if she doesn’t race until after Christmas then so be it. “She will never lose the ability, we have just got to make sure she is properly sound.” View the full article

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What Memsie Stakes Day Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Saturday, August 16, 2025 First Race 12:05pm AEST Visit Dabble Group 1 racing returns to Caulfield on Saturday afternoon as the Memsie Stakes (1400m) headlines a 10-race program. With plenty of rain forecast for Friday and up to 8mm on race day, the track will likely be in the Heavy range. The rail will be in its true position for the entire circuit, with the opening race of the 2025 Melbourne Spring Carnival set to jump at 12:05pm AEST. Memsie Stakes tip: Treasurethe Moment Already a three-time Group 1 winner, Treasurethe Moment returns to the same track and trip where she won arrogantly when fresh in her autumn campaign. It is a distance short of her best, but the way she exploded away from her rivals on that day suggests she is in this up to her neck. Damian Lane will need an ounce of luck from barrier one when the speed goes on, but if Treasurethe Moment is anywhere near her best on her first go at weight-for-age level, she will take some holding out in the 2025 Memsie Stakes. Memsie Stakes Race 9 – #11 Treasurethe Moment (1) 4yo Mare | T: Matt Laurie | J: Damian Lane (56.5kg) McNeil Stakes tip: Vinrock The undefeated Vinrock has not been seen since his ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) victory on April 5, but with a couple of sharp jumpouts under his belt, he looks raring to go for the new season. From barrier three, Mark Zahra will likely look to dictate proceedings, and as long as the I Am Invincible colt can handle the wet going at the first time of asking, Vinrock looks hard to gun down in the 2025 McNeil Stakes (1400m). McNeil Stakes Race 6 – #2 Vinrock (3) 3yo Colt | T: Matt Laurie | J: Mark Zahra (58kg) The Heath 1100 tip: Arkansaw Kid Arkansaw Kid caught the eye when resuming in the Listed Regal Roller Stakes (1200m) and looks set to relish the wet ground second-up in The Heath 1100 (1100m). They will go pretty quickly out in front, which should counter the fact he is dropping back 100m in distance. Blake Shinn will have the son of Harry Angel settled towards the rear of the field from barrier 14, but if the pair can find the right back to follow in the straight, Arkansaw Kid will prove too hard to hold out. The Heath 1100 Race 7 – #2 Arkansaw Kid (14) 5yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Blake Shinn (59kg) Cockram Stakes tip: Pop Award New Zealand-based jockey Matthew Cartwright will make the trip back to Caulfield to partner Pop Award, with the pair combining for five wins and a second from six runs. The five-year-old mare is clearly the most untapped horse in the field, and her win in the Regal Roller showed she is more than up to this level. Cartwright will need a touch of luck from barrier 11, but if the pair can find cover in the three-wide line, Pop Award has the finish overhaul her rivals in the 2025 Cockram Stakes. Cockram Stakes Race 8 – #10 Pop Award (11) 5yo Mare | T: Lyn Tolson & Leonie Proctor | J: Matthew Cartwright (57kg) Best Bet at Caulfield: Revelare Revelare lacked dash first-up over 1600m, but with the run under his belt and stepping up to 2000m, he looks hard to hold out with just 54kg on his back. The son of So You Think was fresh off a spell of close to six months, and he is unbeaten through two second-up efforts. Ryan Hurdle has five wins and a minor placing from seven rides on the five-year-old gelding, and as long as the pair can find cover from barrier eight, Revelare only needs to handle the wet ground to win it. Best Bet Race 4 – #14 Revelare (8) 5yo Gelding | T: Robert Hickmott | J: Ryan Hurdle (54kg) Memsie Stakes Day quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections Saturday, August 30, 2025 2-4-6-12-15 2-3-10-12 1-2-3-6-9-11 4-10-12 Horse racing tips View the full article

Offered midway during the single-session CTHS Canadian Premier Yearling Sale at Woodbine Race Track on Aug. 27, a colt by the late and influential Speightstown was hammered down for C$400,000 to easily rate as the dearest lot on offer during the auction. Hip 109, bred in Ontario by Mario Forgione, was consigned to the sale by Huntington Stud Farm as agent and is the third foal out of the 10-year-old Travieza (Into Mischief), upset winner of the 2018 Unzip Me Stakes and sold for $80,000 in foal to Munnings at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. Trainer Mike DePaulo, agent, signed the winning ticket. Three other youngsters realized final bids in the six figures. Hip 90 is a Northern Dawn-consigned daughter of Frosted and Spani Lou (Spaniard), the dam of MSW Red River Rebel (Reload) and herself a half-sister to Canadian Horse of the Year and multiple Sovereign Award winner Lexie Lou (Sligo Bay {Ire}). Tbe gray filly fetched C$145,000 from Michael and Charmaine Langlois. Prominent North American owner Gary Barber paid C$142,000 for hip 155, a colt from the first crop of Speaker's Corner (Street Sense) and a half-brother to Sovereign Award-winning 2-year-old filly Witwatersrand (Connect). A Jan. 29 foal, the colt's second dam is MGSW & GISP Communique (Smart Strike). Hill 'n' Dale consigned. Earlier in the session, hip 47–also from the Hill 'n' Dale draft–fetched C$112,000 from Catherine Day-Phillips, agent for owner Sean Fitzhenry. A son of Canadian stalwart Silent Name (Jpn), the May 18 produce is a son of 2024 Outstanding Canadian Broodmare Platinum Steel (Eddington), the dam of champion 3-year-old colt and champion older dirt male Paramount Prince (Society's Chairman). Click here for the full results. The post Speightstown Colt Tops CTHS Canadian Premier Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

You can basically thank timing for creating a stellar edition of the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) Aug. 31 at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Trainer Matt Laurie knows the challenge that awaits multiple group 1 winner Treasurethe Moment as she steps into open company for the first time in the Aug. 30 Memsie Stakes (G1) at Caulfield Racecourse.View the full article