Wandering Eyes

by Brigette Solomon Racing is back in the Manawatu today and junior driver Wilson House is feeling confident with the team of eight horses trainer Michael House has contending at the meeting. “Most of them have been racing and working well and I’d like to think most of them can feature in the placings” says House. Their first starter is Love Is Everywhere in Race two, the Happy Birthday Allan Brown Handicap Trot over 2500 metres. The mare ran second at Hawera two starts ago and has won two wins and two placings to her name at Manawatu Raceway. “She’s off the front today and is a good starter, she handles this track well and should go a good race” says House. Next up is Morere who starts in Race four, the Partners Night Thursday Mobile Pace. The gelding finished third and second at Hawera in his previous two starts but makes his Palmerston North debut today. “He has been a bit of an under achiever so far and he’s had a few niggles” says House “His track work is very good and I think he should turn out a nice enough horse and having drawn eight today he’s drawn to get a nice trip.” In Race five, the South Rangitikei Vet Services Mobile Pace, House drives Doctor Tim. A three time winner on this track, the gelding finished a strong second at Rangiora on the 3rd March making up plenty of ground late. “His last run was great and I think he’s probably my best chance of the day” says House. The stable has two runners contending Race seven, the C A Penny F&M Race 28 March $18,000 Mobile Pace. The field features five last start winners including the House trained Lamarli, driven by Sailesh Abernethy, who won back to back races at Hawera last month. The stables other runner, Avenger, is driven by House. “Lamarli is probably the better of the two but Avenger has gone some tough races on the grass but we are yet to see how he’ll handle the grit track” says House. In the final race of the day, the House stable line up Superstar Legend, driven by House, and Warloch, driven by Blair Orange. Race eight, the Thank You Gary Woodham Mobile Pace, consists of just four starters and both House runners have excellent records on the track with Superstar Legend having seven of his fifteen wins at Manawatu. “Warloch is a trusty old steed and Superstar Legend will likely get the lead fairly comfortably tomorrow” says House “I’d like to hope one of the old boys can get a win. Race one gets underway today at 3:04pm. View the full article

There's a huge American presence in the Dubai World Cup (G1) program March 30 at Meydan Racecourse, and it isn't involving only American-trained horses.View the full article

According to several news reports, the Chicago Bears are now planning to build a new stadium within the city limits of Chicago. The Bears purchased Arlington Park and the surrounding property from Churchill Downs Incorporated in 2021 for $197.2 million and announced plans to build a stadium there. Since the purchase, the Arlington grandstand has been torn down, but the Bears did not start the process of developing the property. Citing a source, ESPN.com is reporting that the Bears are ready to invest $2 billion in private money into a publicly owned domed stadium and park space that would feature year-round community amenities. “The Chicago Bears are proud to contribute over $2 billion to build a stadium and improve open spaces for all families, fans and the general public to enjoy in the City of Chicago,” Bears team president and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement. “The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region — boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue. We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized.” According to ESPN.com, the Bears began exploring options for a new stadium beyond Arlington Heights last summer when they announced that those plans were “at risk” as negotiations over property taxes reached a $100 million impasse. Should the plans to build a stadium in Chicago come to fruition, it is expected that the Bears will put the Arlington property up for sale. Dave McCaffrey, the executive director of the Illinois Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, was skeptical that the Bears will actually follow through on the plans to build a stadium within the city limits. He believes the announcement may be nothing more than posturing to get a better deal. “Even though they made that announcement I don't think Arlington is dead when it comes to building a stadium there,” McCaffrey said. “There are all sorts of political games being played. I don't think the situation is as definitive as they made it sound in that announcement. They are trying to get tax breaks and public funding for a stadium, and the announcement made today is often the sort of thing people do when they are trying to get money.” McCaffrey said he doesn't foresee any scenario where a new buyer would emerge and construct a racetrack on the site. He noted that the current laws in Illinois do not allow for a racino to be built at Arlington. “The Bears completely destructed Arlington and all its accouterments, the water tower, the barns, the dorm rooms, the vets offices, every single piece of anything that was built is gone. It's just a piece of vacant land. The amount of money it would take to rebuild a racetrack, barns, dorm rooms and all else that goes into a racing site would be a gigantic investment.” The post Chicago Bears Reverse Course, Will Not Build Stadium On Arlington Proprety appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Duncker discussed the insight he has gained through his involvement with NYRA, the exciting future of New York racing with the planned opening of the new Belmont Park in 2026, and the emergence of Deterministic, who is trained by Christophe Clement.View the full article

Douglas Thomas, a graded-stakes winning jockey who raced primarily at Monmouth Park in the 1970's and 80's, died March 9 at the age of 78 according to an obituary written by R.G.C. Thomas and sent by the Thoroughbred Breeders' Association of New Jersey. An earner of over $21m in his career, Thomas retired in 1997 having made over 18,000 starts, many of them at tracks across New Jersey and New York. According to his obituary, Thomas was named the leading apprentice rider at Aqueduct in 1968 and was subsequently the leading rider at the Meadowlands in four consecutive years from 1977 to 1981. The post Graded-Stakes Winning Jockey Doug Thomas Dead At 78 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Jonathan Wong, who was hit with a two-year suspension by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) for a metformin positive, has resurfaced in Louisiana, where he has 15 horses at a private training center but has yet to visit the winner's circle. Wong sent out his first starter in Louisiana on Feb. 13. But the same trainer who had one of the biggest stables in Northern California has struggled there, sending out just five horses without a winner. The plaintiff states of Louisiana and West Virginia won a preliminary injunction in federal court in July that will keep the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) Authority's rules from being implemented in those two states until a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of HISA gets decided in full. Because he was not under a suspension issued by the Louisiana Racing Commission, Wong is being allowed to compete in the Bayou State. The Fair Grounds, which is owned by Churchill Downs Inc., did not give Wong any stalls but is allowing him to race. Wong did not start a horse between July 1 and Feb. 13, when he sent out his first Louisiana runner, Desoto's War (Warrior's Reward). He has made just four starts at the Fair Grounds and one at Delta Downs. According to one of his owners, Brent Malmstrom, who is helping with Wong's legal fight, Wong had 141 horses before he was suspended. Malstrom and Wong have maintained that the trainer is innocent because the positive for the drug, which is used in humans to treat Type II diabetes, was a matter of environmental contamination. Wong did not return phone calls from the TDN seeking comment. “Jonathan Wong may have done some things in the past,” he said. “I can't speak to that. All I can speak to is this: he didn't do this. We don't know where the drug came from. It's odd that at point in time when all this happened almost half of the metformin positives occurred at Horseshoe Indianapolis.” The horse that tested positive was Heaven and Earth (Gormley) and the positive was found after the filly won a June 1 maiden special weight race at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Malstrom acknowledged that this has been a difficult situation for Wong. “The sad thing about this whole thing is that this cost him his marriage,” he said. “He's got four little children. He's doing whatever he can to survive as I, along with our lawyers, work on the legal side to figure out how to get relief.” Malstrom said that most of the horses Wong trained before the suspension have been sent to other trainers. “He lost his entire business,” he said. “The bulk of the horses he has in Louisiana are mine. I don't turn my back on people when they're at their lowest point in life. Louisiana has been incredibly welcoming and we thank them. People deserve an opportunity to defend themselves and should have the right to earn a living while they are defending themselves. That's a fundamental thing.” The Fair Grounds meet ends on March 24. Malstrom said that after Fair Grounds closes Wong will focus on the meet at Evangeline Downs, which opens April 7. Wong has been training since 2014 and has 1,194 career wins. His best year came in 2021, when he saddled 236 winners and won at a rate of 23%. The post Jonathan Wong Still Searching For First Win In Louisiana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

B. Doug Thomas, a Canadian-born jockey whose 2,000-plus wins spanned a 30-year career, died March 9. He was 78. Thomas won multiple graded stakes and was known by horsemen and fans as either "Doug" or "Dougie."View the full article

In response to the article of Patrick Cooper in the TDN, I would like to share the situation in France with your readers. As usual, Mr. Cooper is highly entertaining and at the same time deadly serious. The universal problem in racing and elsewhere is lack of staff. Each country has their own specific problems. France, where I reside, is even more hamstrung than other countries. We have probably the best funded apprentice school in the world. (The only jurisdiction I can not find any information from is Japan.) France has its apprentice school, AFASEC, that is funded by France Galop and the Standardbred racing Authority (SECF) to the princely sum of €25-million per year. One would think that with investment we would not lack from staff shortages, nor enough pupils in the system, but on the contrary. There is a grave lack of staff, and apprentices whose riding skills are doubtful at the best. The AFASEC organisation are IMPORTING riders from India, Khirgizstan, Khazakstan etc., countries who are OUTSIDE the European Union (EU), meaning that there are very rigorous, expensive and extremely elaborate rules for those arriving. Once the “imported” staff are working in a stable, there is no help from AFASEC, who brought them into France, and every trainer is at the mercy of the French administration. Apparently trainers will have to accept that their “new staff” go to civic lessons in the morning, not riding horses! It is a complete aberration and frightfully costly for those trainers who are forced to take on staff like that. It does show how different each country is in dealing with staff shortages. Best Regards, Gunnar Nordqvist, Breeder, France The post Letter to the Editor: Gunnar Nordqvist appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale, the first of the spring's juvenile auctions, kicks off Tuesday with bidding on the first of 853 catalogued lots beginning at 11 a.m. The OBS March sale, which transitioned from a select to an open sale in 2015, was held over three days for the first time since 2014 in 2023 and again returns in that expanded format in 2024 after a power-packed renewal a year ago. “I was really impressed by the number of people who were here watching the breeze show,” said OBS Director of Sales Tod Wojciechowski. “The quality of horse flesh is as good a March sale as we have had in a long time. We seem to say that every year, but the consignors seem to outdo themselves every year and bring better horses. There is a lot of activity on the grounds right now. Horses looked good at the breeze show and they look good at the barns as well. So we are excited about the sale.” There were five seven-figure juveniles sold at the 2023 March sale, led by subsequent Grade I winner Muth (Good Magic), who sold for $2 million to Zedan Racing Stables. There were 24 horses who sold for $500,000 or more at the auction, double the number from 2022. Those numbers reflect the end result of the auction's change from a select to an open sale, according to Wojciechowski. “We opened up the March sale about five or six years ago and took it away from being a select sale and made it an open sale,” Wojciechowski said. “I think people now appreciate and understand that March is a larger catalogue. That the guy that thought he was going to get priced out of the market when it was a select sale, now it has been demonstrated over enough years that they can come buy a horse in their price range and be happy with the results. Not only did we need the buyers to see that, but the sellers did as well.” The OBS April Spring Sale had become much more of a destination sale over the last several years, but Wojciechowski said top-level horses are gravitating back to the March sale. “When we originally opened it up, some of those [top] horses may have gotten scared and thought they couldn't participate in March,” he said. “I think they are seeing the pendulum swings back and forth and a lot of them went to April. April is a great sale and those horses do good in April, but over the last couple of years, some guys who have made the commitment to send them to March have been rewarded for it. I think they can kind of see, not unlike April, there is something for everyone, both buyers and sellers.” During last week's under-tack show, a pair of juveniles by first-crop sires shared the fastest furlong time of :9 3/5: a filly by Vekoma (hip 448) consigned by Wavertree Stables and a colt by Tiz the Law (hip 529) consigned by Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds. A filly by Win Win Win (hip 788) consigned by Ocala Stud turned in the under-tack show's fastest quarter-mile breeze of :20 1/5. With plenty of activity around Ocala Stud's Barn 4 over the weekend, the operation's David O'Farrell is looking for a competitive market this week. “We weren't really planning on a busy show day, but we were busy showing horses throughout the day,” O'Farrell said Saturday. “I think traffic will be fine. I am optimistic about the sale, there are some really nice horses on the grounds. I think the previous sales have shown that the market is pretty darn good and I think it'll be a good horse sale.” O'Farrell said strong results on the racetrack should lead to return buyers at the sales. In addition to Muth, multiple graded stakes winner Nysos (Nyquist) and Ocala Stud-bred GIII Holy Bull S. winner Hades (Awesome Slew) also sold in Central Florida last year. “The 2-year-old sales graduates have performed really well this year,” O'Farrell said. “Basically, 2-year-old purchases have performed really well and our runners are our best advertisement. I don't see any reason that the market isn't going to be very good.” Despite O'Farrell's optimism, consignor Eddie Woods is expecting to see some familiar patterns emerge at the March sale. “It's going to be the same old story,” Woods said. “Top end, all the way, they will bring all the money. And you just have to hang on to your hats with the rest of them, I think. There will be some people there for other horses, but that's just the way the sales have been the last couple of years–not just the 2-year-old sales, all sales.” The March catalogue also includes 40 horses who are part of the dispersal of the racing stock of the late Bob Lothenbach. Consigned by de Meric Sales, Niall Brennan Stables, Tom McCrocklin and Ocala Stud, the group galloped at last week's under-tack show. Lothenbach passed away last November and the dispersal of his stock began at Fasig-Tipton last month with a digital sale of racing age horses followed by a selection of broodmares and short yearlings at the company's Winter Mixed Sale. “There are some nice quality horses in there, no doubt,” said Wojciechowski. “The fact that they galloped here, I don't think is having any connotation negative or otherwise other than understanding the situation. Everyone understands the situation under which [the dispersal] is occurring.” The March sale will be held Tuesday through Thursday with sessions beginning each day at 11 a.m. The post Resurgent OBS March Sale Opens Tuesday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The post Jockey Nightmare appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Tattersalls March sale catalogue, which takes place on Wednesday, Mar. 27 at Newmarket's Park Paddocks, is now available online. The sale comprises of both Flat and NH prospects with 85 lots total, highlighted by an eight horse draft from Godolphin led by 2021 G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy-placed Brilliant Light (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Also catalogued is Floral Melody (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), a 2-year-old half-sister to SW & GSP-Eng Kylian (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) as well as stakes-placed Remarkable Force (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and several winning or placed racing prospects. The NH selection is led by Grade 3-winner Canelo (Ire) (Mahler {GB}) and SW & GSP-Eng Didtheyleaveuouttoo (Ire) (Presenting {GB}). Two juvenile filly offerings consigned by Michael Murphy's Hamilton Stables are both eligible for the Great British Bonus Scheme as well. Live internet bidding will be available and prospective buyers are requested to register with Tattersalls at least 48 hours in advance of the sale's start. Wildcard entries will be accepted until Tuesday, Mar. 19. The post Catalogue Released for Tattersalls March Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This day 13th March in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Levante lands in Sydney ahead of George Ryder Levante’s Sydney autumn carnival mission has got off to the right start with a smooth trans-Tasman flight ahead of her … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Magorrian to link with former mentor in Group One Jockey Lee Magorrian will make a return to New Zealand next weekend to partner emerging three-year-old Master Brutus in the … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 13, 2023 Horse Racing on Monday, March 13 will feature five meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Tuesday’s Hawkesbury racing tips & top odds | March 14, 2023 NSW provincial racing heads to Hawkesbury on Tuesday afternoon for a competitive eight-race program. See our best bets and quaddie … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Zac Purton celebrates Hong Kong return with a quartet Extending a brilliant run of form with a Sha Tin quartet on Saturday, Zac Purton crowned an ideal preparation for … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Oath Of Omerta still 12 months away from his absolute best Oath Of Omerta might have won three from his past four starts, but trainer Michael Hickmott isn’t expecting a breakout … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Ballarat racing tips, top odds & quaddie | Tuesday, March 15 HorseBetting’s Victorian racing tipster brings you his best bets, value picks and quaddie selections for the meeting at Ballarat on … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Canberra Cup Day betting tips, value bets & quaddie picks | 14/03 Eight races will be run and won on Canberra Cup Day at Thoroughbred Park and Horsebetting has the best bets, … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Morphettville racing tips & quaddie picks | Adelaide Cup Day Morphettville Racecourse is scheduled to host a bumper nine-race card on Monday afternoon and Horsebetting’s James Herbert presents his race-by-race … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Warrnambool betting tips & quaddie picks | Monday, March 14 HorseBetting’s Victorian form analyst brings you his best bets and quaddie numbers for the eight-race card at Warrnambool on Monday, … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 13, 2022 Seven horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections here at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Stony Creek tips, odds & value bets | Sunday, March 13 Horsebetting’s James Herbert presents his best bets and quaddie selections for the eight-race card at Stony Creek for Stony Creek … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Stockman scores Sky High Stakes While the NZ suffix was dominating the Flemington card on Saturday, Stockman made sure there was plenty of Kiwi flavour … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Australia in the offing for Eyesonlyonme A future across the Tasman could be in the offing for Eyesonlyonme after her maiden win in the Haunui Farm … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Turn Me Loose filly gets the Cream at Pukekohe The persistence of local trainer Rudy Liefting paid dividends when Stars ‘N’ Cream edged out the Nigel Tiley-trained pair of … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Gucci Belt doubles up at Trentham While Gucci Belt is living in the shadow of her well-credentialled half-sister Entriviere, she is doing something her sibling failed … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago All eyes on Forbidden Love in the Coolmore Classic | Punt Drunk Punt Drunk brings you all the top racing news around Aus including the latest on the Coolmore Classic and All … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Sky Darci, Tourbillon Diamond and Panfield shine in Hong Kong Derby hitouts Caspar Fownes is confident Sky Darci is on target for a stellar BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) performance after the … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Lor hopes Winning Dreamer can demonstrate Group 1 potential Winning Dreamer (113lb) will attempt to upstage the upper echelon of Hong Kong’s sprint division when he contests a hot … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 13, 2021 Today’s Horse Racing Tips & Best Bets | March 13 2021 Today’s racing is headlined by the All Star Mile … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Sherry the toast of Kembla after first stakes win Apprentice Tom Sherry has celebrated a milestone win at Kembla Grange, scoring his first black-type success aboard Miravalle for his … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Godolphin youngsters thriving ahead of Sydney debuts The Blue Diamond Stakes form will again go under the microscope when Godolphin pair Ingratiating and Arcaded make their Sydney … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Late Sistema bid for Fonsalette Group One plans weren’t originally on the cards for Fonsalette this weekend, but that all changed earlier this week when … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Exciting Levante ready for Guineas Unbeaten three-year-old filly Levante will tackle Group company for the first time on Saturday when she contests the Group 2 … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Alligator Blood to run in All-Star Mile after boycott threat Alligator Blood will run in the All-Star Mile with his owners and their families and friends to gather at a … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Race meetings going ahead with caution Race meetings in NSW, Qld and SA will go ahead as planned over the weekend but the public will be … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Secret Blaze in form for Caulfield After finishing second to subsequent Australian Cup winner Fifty Stars in the Blamey Stakes, Secret Blaze is favourite to take … Read More Australia horse racing news, New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Bosson poised for another Australian feature win After recent Group One doubles in Sydney and at home in New Zealand, star jockey Opie Bosson is confident he … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Gold Coast meeting to allow spectators Racing Queensland has announced the rich The Jewel meeting at the Gold Coast will go ahead with spectators despite coronavirus … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Weight of numbers no guarantee in Coolmore Dawn Dawn and Sweet Deal are favoured to repeat their Guy Walter Stakes duel in the Group One Coolmore Classic … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Public to be locked out of All-Star Mile Victorian racing officials have made the call to run the All-Star Mile meeting and Alister Clark Stakes meetings without spectators … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago NSW race meetings to go ahead with public Spectators will be able to attend race meetings in NSW over the weekend but are urged to use caution … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Oscar stays the distance at Cheltenham Jockey Adam Wedge admits he was not hopeful Lisnagar Oscar could upset Paisley Park in the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Chapter And Verse ready for Goldmarket Trainer Desleigh Forster has had the runner-up in the past two Goldmarket Handicaps and hopes to go one better with … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Hawkes pair ready to Rock at Rosehill Emerging staying prospect Master Of Wine and up-and-coming miler Rock are geared up to put their carnival talents on show … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Mr Quickie ready to go in All-Star Mile Trainer Phillip Stokes is confident he has Mr Quickie in the right condition for his first-up tilt at the All-Star … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Boom times for Gollan at Gold Coast Trainer Tony Gollan won plenty of races with Spirit of Boom and he hopes to continue with two of the … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago The little horse who won hearts and a great race As only one of two women to have trained the winner in the 99-year history of the Group 1 Cox … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Qld officials to discuss coronavirus South east Queensland race club officials will discuss the impact of the coronavirus on the winter carnival … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Oh Five Glory gets another bad barrier Smart filly Oh Five Glory will again have to overcome a wide barrier when she runs in the $300,000 Jewel … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago All-Star Mile scheduled to go ahead Racing Victoria says the All-Star Mile meeting at Caulfield is scheduled to go ahead as planned … Read More Ireland horse racing news 4 years ago Public barred from racing in Ireland. Horse Racing Ireland is the latest jurisdiction to close meetings to the public because of the coronavirus … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Sinarahma seeking a Cuddle at Trentham Exciting Taranaki mare Sinarahma will be looking to add a Group victory to her resume when she contests the Group … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago New training partnership off to good start Mick Price and Mick Kent junior have kicked off a new training partnership in the right vein with the win … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Jericho Cup to include NZ-trained horses The Jericho Cup has been expanded to give New Zealand-trained horses the chance to qualify for the staying race at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago La Bella Jude lands Rielly first city win The first horse Gemma Rielly purchased as a yearling has also provided the trainer with her a breakthrough Melbourne metropolitan … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Luke Currie to ride Lyre in Randwick trial Jockey Luke Currie will put Blue Diamond winner Lyre through her paces in a Randwick barrier trial in preparation for … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Special win for Chris Anderson Trainer Chris Anderson received a special thrill from training Balistic Boy to win at Doomben for the Think Big Stud … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Smith hopes for Fierce Impact at Rosehill Trainer Matthew Smith has Doncaster Mile aspirations for Fierce Impact, who returns for his latest campaign in the Ajax Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Niedorp hopes for a piece of Slipper magic Brisbane filly Niedorp can live up to the early wraps on her by winning the Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Lees upbeat despite wide draws in Coolmore Kris Lees has loaded the bases as he attempts to win his first Coolmore Classic, a race his late father … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Injury puts dent in Schabau’s 2019 Cup bid Connections of German import Schabau will have to wait until next year’s Melbourne Cup with a tendon injury sidelining the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Derby hopes to clash in G2 Alister Clark Declarationofheart will have his next start in the Alister Clark Stakes in which his rivals will include ATC Australian Derby … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Frankie Lor heads to the Derby as Hong Kong’s new hope Frankie Lor is the shooting star of Hong Kong’s training ranks and on Sunday (17 March) the handler will saddle … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Mr Money Bags chasing All-Star windfall Darren Dance is hoping for a first-half-of-the-field finish when Mr Money Bags lines up in the inaugural $5 million All-Star … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Black-type mission for Sasso Corbaro Former Australian galloper Sasso Corbaro will get the chance to add some valuable black-type to her page when she competes … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Sir Mark won’t rule out eighth Olympics Kiwi legend Sir Mark Todd would not rule out competing in his eighth Olympic games as he prepares Eminent to … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Stakes leap for exciting three-year-old Emerging three-year-old Vigor Winner will be out to maintain his picket fence formline as he steps up to stakes company … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Chris Caserta in four-week ban for bets Apprentice Chris Caserta has been suspended for four weeks after pleading guilty to having six bets on thoroughbred races … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Track expert hired to fix Ipswich issues Curator Mick Goodie has been called in to help with remedial work at the troubled Ipswich racetrack … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago 2YO Jewel revives fond memories for Gollan Leading trainer Tony Gollan will three runners in the $500,000 2YO Jewel at the Gold Coast … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Yiu remembers Sacred Kingdom, hopes for a Valley Gem Ricky Yiu left Happy Valley last week with a maiden Hong Kong win for one of his young prospects and … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Rosehill Guineas next for The Autumn Sun The Autumn Sun’s next race will be the Rosehill Guineas against his fellow three-year-olds but there is still a chance … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Eminent in “terrific” form ahead of Ranvet The Sir Mark Todd-trained Eminent will need to recapture his form from 2017 if he is to stand a chance … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Eespoir D’Allen wins Champion Hurdle Trainer Gavin Cromwell has celebrated Espoir D’Allen’s scintillating performance in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Merchant Navy to join Aidan O’Brien team Group One-winning colt Merchant Navy will join Aidan O’Brien’s team in Ireland to be prepared for Royal Ascot … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Written By to run in Pago Pago Stakes Unbeaten colt Written By will have his Golden Slipper lead-up in the Pago Pago Stakes rather than run in a … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Bonneval making sound recovery from injury Prolific New Zealand mare Bonneval is making steady progress as she recovers from a career-threatening injury that ruled out a … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Cory Parish charged over Bendigo ride Jockey Cory Parish has been charged over his handling of Sonaree who finished fifth in a 1000m maiden at Bendigo … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Radipole to be feature race dual acceptor Mike Moroney plans to pay up for Radipole in the Blamey Stakes and Ajax Stakes, with the trainer leaning towards … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tommy Berry returns for Golden Slipper day Hong Kong-based jockey Tommy Berry has two rides booked for Golden Slipper day and hopes to secure a mount in … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Warwick Farm betting tips & form for Wednesday, March 14 WARWICK Farm is one of the primary meeting in Australia this Wednesday and Horse Betting has cast its collective eye … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Hugh Bowman to take no risks Hugh Bowman will undergo tests to determine whether he can ride at the Coolmore Classic meeting and the Hong Kong … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Benbow suffers fractured vertebra in fall Further scans following a trackwork fall at Caulfield have revealed jockey Jason Benbow has suffered a fractured T6 vertebra … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Ron Quinton duo renew rivalry in Coolmore Randwick trainer Ron Quinton’s stable stars Dixie Blossoms and Daysee Doom will clash in the Coolmore Classic at Rosehill … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Weather With You begins Derby campaign New Zealand trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman will introduce Group One Australian Derby hopeful Weather With You to Sydney … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Lindsay Park bluebloods heading to Sandown Regally bred fillies Oscietra and Earth Angel will both be chasing their first city wins when they contest separate midweek … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Potential Melbourne Cup campaign for Kiwi mare It has been nearly a decade since Rich Hill Stud stallion Shocking won the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and this … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Randwick barrier trials postponed A set of 15 barrier trials at Randwick has been postponed because of rain in Sydney … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Improving 2YO ready for action Mighty Connor has made good progress ahead of his debut on his home track at Matamata. The well-related Sebring youngster … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Sandown tips & full form for Wednesday, March 14 SANDOWN is our racing venue this Wednesday and the twilight meet promises to be an entertaining one. We have taken … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Handicap favours Coolmore hope Francaletta A drop in weight is a major plus for Francaletta when the quality Kiwi mare runs in Saturday’s Gr.1 Coolmore … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Initial scans clear Benbow of any breaks Jockey Jason Benbow has had a trackwork fall at Caulfield but initial scans have revealed no fractures … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Options for Heni ahead of Group One test Genuine mare Heni is heading toward a Group One date, but which path she takes to get there has yet … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Coffs Harbour market movers for Tuesday, March 13 THERE’S a seven race card on the agenda at Coffs Harbour today and we’re excited about what’s to come. The … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Cessnock market movers for Tuesday, March 13 CESSNOCK is one of three racing venues on in Australia today and the punters have come hard. A number have … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Free entries close Monday for Hong Kong’s Group 1 tripleheader The free entry period for the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s three spring Group 1 features, the Audemars Piguet QEII Cup … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Bendigo market movers for Tuesday, March 13 BENDIGO is going down this Tuesday and the rural Victorian city has a solid eight race card in the offing … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Nothingilikemore’s pre-Derby trial satisfies Size and Moreira Positivity emanated from the John Size camp after Nothingilikemore strolled through a barrier trial at Sha Tin Racecourse this morning … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Monday’s New Zealand racing wrap Cuddle next stop for Flamingo Talented mare Flamingo has earned herself a return to black type company. The Pins four-year-old … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Boss blows his rivals away at Hawera The Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard-trained Boss lived up to his hype when winning the Holly D R (Jack) Gray … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Garrard after black-type win at Flemington Talented filly Garrard will make her stakes racing debut in the TBV Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Regan Bayliss wins another feature Young jockey Regan Bayliss has celebrated his 20th birthday with victory in the Adelaide Cup two days after his Newmarket … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Another juvenile winner for Lindsay Park Two-year-old filly Luqyaa has become the latest juvenile winner for the Lindsay Park stable this season with a first-up win … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Sydney Cup hurdle first-up no concern Godolphin is unconcerned about European Sydney Cup contenders Polarisation and Penglai Pavilion going into the $2 million Group One race … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Fillies impress in Moonee Valley wins Cassadee has pressed her claims for the Australian Oaks with a win over 2040m at Moonee Valley while another filly … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Perth to stage Good Friday race meeting Western Australia will break with tradition and hold a race meeting on Good Friday … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Weather to decide Flamboyer’s next race Rain will decide whether noted wet tracker Flamboyer starts in the Newcastle Newmarket or Gold Coast Goldmarket … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago 2017 Golden Slipper market update and latest news THE world’s richest race for two-year-olds runs at Rosehill this Saturday and punters are chomping at the bit to bet … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago Midweek racing at Sandown with form and free tips, March 15 MIDWEEK racing moves to Sandown this week where punters are greeted with a quality eight-race card. The highlight race of … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago James McDonald awaits appeal outcome Former Godolphin jockey James McDonald’s appeal to reduce an 18-month disqualification for a betting offence has been adjourned … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Will Bateup land a giant win in Provincial Championships heat? KEMBLA Grange conditioner Theresa Bateup rates her consistent mare Giant’s Daughter a big chance of featuring in Wednesday’s Provincial Championships … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Ten horses entered to take on Winx Winx could have 10 opponents as she attempts to stretch her winning sequence to 16 in the George Ryder Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Smith’s bargain buy to contest $400k Country Championships final A HORSE purchased as an un-raced three-year-old for just $1,100 will head to the Country Championships Final as a genuine … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Eleonora ruled out of Australian Oaks Eleonora, one of the market leaders for the Australian Oaks, has been ruled out with a muscle tear … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago James McDonald seeks ban reduction Former Godolphin jockey James McDonald is appealing his 18-month disqualification for a betting offence … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Jockeys sidelined by injuries in falls Winona Costin and Brock Ryan have been sidelines by injuries suffered at Wellington while a Corowa fall has ruled Jake … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Pera Pera stakes claim for Country C’ship Pera Pera and Iron Blue have earned their places in the $400,000 Country Championship final with a one-two finish at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Happy Trails bound for Hong Kong Trainer Paul Beshara says the slow tempo in the Australian Cup worked against Happy Trails who is expected to next … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago I’m Belucci returns to Sydney for Guineas Brisbane trainer Desleigh Forster has secured Glen Boss to ride I’m Belucci in the Rosehill Guineas … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Newitt excited about Slipper day chances Jockey Craig Newitt is looking to add the Golden Slipper and Rosehill Guineas to his recent Group One wins in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Terravista to be entered for Galaxy Siblings Terravista and Ball Of Muscle could be opponents in the Group One Galaxy, a race won by their brother … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago McEvoy has Cup hope with Last Wish Fresh from his Group One Coolmore Classic victory, Sam Clipperton will head to Morphettville to ride Last Wish in the … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Newitt excited about Slipper day chances Jockey Craig Newitt is looking to add the Golden Slipper and Rosehill Guineas to his recent Group One wins in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Adelaide campaign begins at the Valley A three-run Adelaide campaign targeting black-type races is David Brideoake’s plan for Thames Court beginning with a Moonee Valley race … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Queensland stewards uphold whip protest Queensland stewards have created a precedent by upholding a protest over a breach of the whip rules after a dead … Read More View the full article

B. Doug Thomas, a Canadian-born jockey whose 2,000-plus wins spanned a 30-year career, died March 9. He was 78. Thomas won multiple graded stakes throughout his riding career and was known by horsemen and fans as either "Doug" or "Dougie."View the full article

Secretariat's birthday will be celebrated Saturday, March 30 with a special children's event hosted by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, NY. The afternoon, which will run concurrently with the final day of the Museum's exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of Secretariat's Triple Crown, will feature a showing of the 2010 Disney film starring Diane Lane along with a variety of children's activities. Fans are welcome to an Easter egg hunt and will have the opportunity to color silks and design a birthday card. The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be included with the cost of regular Museum admission. The post National Museum Of Racing To Celebrate Secretariat’s Birthday With Children’s Event appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 30 lots have been catalogued for this year's Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale, which will take place immediately following the conclusion of racing in the winner's enclosure on Thursday, March 14. The catalogue and race replays can be viewed online. Previous graduates of the Cheltenham Festival sale include the Grade 1-winning chasers Bravemansgame (Fr) (Brave Mansonnien ([Fr}) and Gerri Colombe (Fr) (Saddler Maker {Ire}), both of whom will be seeking further top-level honours in Friday's G1 Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup. This year lot 1 is the Grade 2 winner Harmonya Maker (Fr) (Saddler Maker {Ire}), who will be sold with an entry in Friday's G2 Mrs Paddy Power Mares' Chase, while the others include no fewer than 21 four-year-olds who won or finished placed on their debut point-to-point run, plus the five-year-old The Big Westerner (Ire) (Westerner {GB}) (lot 10), a half-sister to Stay Away Fay (Ire) (Shantou) who was successful on her sole start between the flags at Ballycahane. All lots will be stabled at the RDA stable yard and available for inspection from 11am on Wednesday, March 13 and from 8.30am on Thursday, March 14. Courtesy transport is available from the racecourse to the RDA stables. The post Grade 2 Winner Headlines Tattersalls Cheltenham Festival Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In HISA claiming rules on voiding claims and requiring veterinary information transfer to new connections, horsemen, and regulators are seeing real, positive results for horses.View the full article

Five returning champions and one previous champion highlight the prospective fields for the Dubai World Cup meeting to be held at sprawling Meydan Racecourse in Dubai Saturday, Mar. 30. The connections of 106 horses from no fewer than 12 racing jurisdictions have accepted invitations to the eight Thoroughbred races on a $30.5-million program that begins with the $1-million Dubai Kahayla Classic for the Purebred Arabians and concludes with the $12-million G1 Dubai World Cup. The main event has attracted a field of 15 that is led by its defending champion Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), one of 23 runners set to ship in from Japan for the meeting. Looking to become the first 7-year-old World Cup winner since Gloria de Campeao (Brz) back in 2010 and just the third overall, the recent G1 Saudi Cup runner-up is joined by three compatriots, including last year's G2 UAE Derby hero Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits). The American challenge numbers five and is topped by Saudi Cup upsetter Senor Buscador (Mineshaft) and GI Santa Anita H. hero Newgate (Into Mischief) for four-time World Cup winner Bob Baffert, while the exciting Kabirkhan (California Chrome) has been the talking horse of the Dubai International Racing Carnival and the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge victor will have his supporters to become a first World Cup winner for perennial leading trainer Doug Watson. Laurel River (Into Mischief) won the G3 Burj Nahaar over a mile on Super Saturday Mar. 2, but opts for the World Cup over the Godolphin Mile for trainer Bhupat Seemar. The $6-million G1 Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, won in imperious fashion by Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) last March, was the second highest-rated race in the world in 2023, and if the field assembled for this renewal is any indication, it could go one better. A likely field of 12 has been revealed, fully 10 of which have succeeded at Group 1 level, and features a mouth-watering clash between G1 Betfred Derby, G1 Irish Derby and GI Breeders' Cup Turf hero Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Japanese Triple Tiara winner Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}). Japan is also represented by 2022 Sheema Classic victor Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), while Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is set to make her first appearance beyond the borders of the UK and is one of four on the evening for John and Thady Gosden. Godolphin sends out Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), impressive in taking out the Listed HH The Amir Trophy in Qatar last month. Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) also represents the Clarehaven operation as he goes in search of an unprecedented fourth victory in a row in the G1 Dubai Turf, where he squares off with G1 Arima Kinen hero Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}), the would-be 2023 favourite who was scratched leading up to the race. Also in the field is Lord North's hard-knocking stable companion Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}); Godolphin's progressive G1 Jebel Hatta winner Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}); treble elite-level scorer Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) for Aidan O'Brien; and Hong Kong's Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), victorious in this year's G1 Stewards Cup at Sha Tin. Godolphin's Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) will look to avenge a tough defeat in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup, where he'll surely face a stiff challenge from recent G3 Longines Red Sea Turf H. winner Tower of London (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and runner-up Enemy (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}); G2 British Champions Long Distance Cup conqueror Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}); and G2 Yorkshire Cup winner Giavellotto (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {GB}). Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) proved a somewhat unlikely winner of the 2023 G1 Al Quoz Sprint for local trainer Musabbeh Al Mheiri and will have to dig deep if he is to defend against the Jamie Osborne-trained veteran Emaraaty Ana (GB) (Shamardal), a recent winner in Qatar; the nails-tough US raider Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed); Annaf (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), so game up the rail to scoop the G2 1351 Turf Sprint Feb. 24; Hong Kong's G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup winner California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}); and the 3-year-old fillies Star of Mystery (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) and Frost At Dawn (Frosted). America's Sibelius (Not This Time) will have Ryan Moore back in the saddle as he defends his title in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen against the likes of G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint winner Remake (Jpn) (Lani) and the locally trained Tuz (Oxbow), while Isolate (Mark Valeski) is certain to face a strong challenge from Saudi Cup close third-placegetter Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), who drops back in trip for the G2 Godolphin Mile. The G2 UAE Derby features a budding star in the form of the Yoshito Yahagi-conditioned Forever Young (Jpn), a son of 2016 Dubai Turf hero Real Steel (Jpn), whose undefeated run includes a razor-thin victory in the 1600-metre G3 Saudi Derby Feb. 24. G3 UAE 2000 Guineas winner Mendelssohn Bay (Mendelssohn) and Listed Al Bastakiya S. scorer Killer Collect (Collected) front the local challenge, while Ballydoyle is set to be represented by G3 Tyros S. winner Henry Adams (Ire) (No Nay Never). The Derby offers 100 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Click here for the full fields. The post Star-Studded Fields Announced For Dubai World Cup Meeting appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 QuinnBet National Hunt Finale was the final fixture at Leopardstown Racecourse to be overseen by track foreperson Willie Gibbons, who is set to retire from the position he's held since July 1986. He was preceded by his father John, who first took on the role in the late 1940s, kicking off nearly 80 years of dedicated service to Leopardstown from the Gibbons family. Speaking at Leopardstown, Gibbons said, “It's been very good, I've enjoyed it. It's a great place to work. I've always been blessed by having great staff both with me on the track and in management. Leopardstown has always been blessed by having really great staff everywhere.” Paying tribute to Gibbons' decades of service, Leopardstown CEO Tim Husbands added, “Willie is going to be greatly missed by the team here at Leopardstown. We congratulate him on all that he has achieved, and of course massively thank Willie for his decades of service to Leopardstown. The Gibbons' family have contributed greatly to the success of the racecourse over the last eight decades, a massive contribution to the history and legacy of Leopardstown.” Gibbons will be succeeded in his role of track foreperson by Roy Butler, who has an extensive background in the fields of agronomy and sports turf management. Butler also oversaw the development of the racing surface and wider site presentation at Naas Racecourse. The post Leopardstown Track Foreperson Willie Gibbons Retires After 38 Years appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Like many of you, I read Rusty Arnold's open letter about his positive test with interest, and carefully considered the concerns that he identified. Also, like many of you, I am privileged to personally know, and respect Rusty, so I do not take his criticisms lightly. Rusty identified some of the challenges inherent in administering an equine anti-doping and medication control (“ADMC”) program that is efficient, effective, and fair. However, it is important to note that those same challenges existed long before HISA and HIWU came onto the scene. In fact, there is no difference whatsoever between the prohibition of, and the testing for, Tramadol (the substance found in Rusty's horse) pre- and post-HISA, nor for the application of the trainer responsibility rule. There is a difference in the sanction, however, which is less severe under HISA. But more importantly, HISA is doing, and will continue to do, whatever it takes to help make our ADMC Program as effective and fair as it can be. Let me start by laying out the relevant history of Tramadol, an opioid analgesic, in horseracing. Tramadol has always been a prohibited substance under ARCI rules; it was originally a Class A penalty and was changed to Class B in March 2016. In fact, Carol Cobb, a Kentucky trainer, was ordered to serve a 180-day suspension in 2021 for Tramadol (the violation arose prior to March 2016.) Every international racing jurisdiction bans Tramadol. Under FEI rules (sport horses), Tramadol is classified as a doping–not medication–substance, and a positive test yields a presumptive two-year ban. Under HISA, Tramadol is a Class B violation because HISA's ADMC Committee recognized that there are legitimate indications for the use of Tramadol in a horse outside of a race. A Tramadol positive now comes with a 15-day suspension, which can be reduced to seven days if the trainer accepts the consequences without a legal challenge (which is what Rusty opted to do in this case). HIWU testing specifications for Tramadol are consistent with TOBA's Graded Stakes testing which were in place prior to the implementation of the HISA ADMC Program. Kentucky samples were previously tested to the TOBA standards, as the KHRC did not distinguish between stakes and non-stakes races when testing for Tramadol. So, put simply, nothing has changed regarding the treatment of Tramadol in Kentucky, except that HISA has a more lenient sanction than previously applicable to Kentucky trainers. One of two things is true for any substance: it either has a legitimate, medically justified use in Thoroughbreds and is permitted to be administered properly–or it doesn't, regardless of whether it's been proven to enhance performance. If a substance has no legitimate therapeutic use, then as an industry we need to ensure these substances are not permitted in a horse's system–whether intentionally or unintentionally. In addition, while horsemen's fears are understandable, in truth the risk of “contamination” causing a positive test is exceedingly low. Nonetheless, HISA firmly believes that maintaining a backstretch free of contamination is a responsibility that must be shared amongst all racing stakeholders, and not fall exclusively on horsemen's shoulders. So, what are HISA and HIWU currently doing to help protect horsemen from the risk of contamination? The Atypical Findings Policy: This program applies to environmental contaminants (e.g., ractopamine, caffeine) and hormones that the horse can produce on its own (e.g., testosterone). The full list of Atypical Findings substances can be found here. HISA Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program Atypical Findings Policy – HIWU. If any of those substances are detected in a horse's sample, HIWU recognizes that they may likely be the result of contamination, and an investigation is initiated to determine the likely source or cause of the positive test. If HIWU is satisfied that the likely source of the positive was contamination, the trainer is never charged with a violation, and it is never made public. Since HIWU took over testing nine months ago, there have been 35 positive tests suspected of being environmental contamination and only two have been pursued as violations. The public has not heard of these positive tests, because they are disposed of confidentially; in short, it's a successful program. Inadvertent Transfer of Human Drugs of Abuse: This is a modification that HISA made in response to a request from the Horsemen's Advisory Group. This separate protocol applies to a list of substances including cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and oxycodone, and is included in the revised rules sent to the Federal Trade Commission.[1] If any of those drugs are detected in a horse's sample, the expectation is that it is likely inadvertent human transfer, and, assuming that the new rules are approved, the ineligibility period will be capped at 60 days (unless of course there are concerns, based upon the available evidence, that the drug may have been intentionally administered.). While HISA awaits the approval of the new rules, HIWU is putting any cases that would result in a shorter ineligibility period under the new rules on hold so that horsemen who have such cases now will be able to benefit from the proposed rule change if it is approved. All Track Accreditation Visits Now include Cleanliness and Protocol Reviews related to Receiving Barns: Beginning in 2024, once HISA became alerted to Horsemen's concerns, these receiving barn reviews were added as a mandatory requirement at all HISA track accreditation visits. What are HISA and HIWU planning to do to further protect Horsemen from the risk of contamination? Random Use of Mobile Drug Test Pouches: Prior to Rusty Arnold's letter, HISA had purchased a significant number of Mobile Drug Test Pouches and is engaging in discussions with HISA's Racetrack Accreditation team and HIWU on how these tests might be deployed under a protocol that would further assist HISA in reducing contamination risk from the backside. Daily Monitoring by HIWU Investigators: Also previously planned, HIWU investigators stationed at racetracks will employ a daily “to do” list each morning beginning on March 14, which will include the monitoring of common areas for horses, such as receiving barns, for cleanliness. Continually Review Testing Levels to Address Contamination Issues: As an integral part of HISA's Laboratory Harmonization Initiative, the laboratories continually review testing levels for harmonization, contamination risk, and to ensure consistency with the goals of the ADMC Program. What can horsemen do to help? If you See Something, Say Something: As an industry, we are all in this together. We need to know when horsemen observe contamination risks at racetracks if we are to be effective. Please email HISA at keepitclean@hisaus.org with any photos or concerns and we will follow them up immediately. We will keep the source of all such communications strictly confidential. Maintain a Strict Policy against Urination in the Stables: We understand that trainers cannot be everywhere and see everything. But your employees should know that urinating in the stalls is prohibited and, if they do, there will be serious consequences. To be most effective, this should come with reminders to employees to apply hygienic practices, especially handwashing. If You Can Afford Them and the Racetrack does not Provide Them, Install Webcams in Your Barns: HISA encourages the installation of cameras whenever and wherever possible for an additional layer of risk protection. HISA will be working to promote more widespread use of cameras at racetracks. Use Best Efforts to Avoid Hiring Drug Users in Your Barn: We understand that this may not be obvious when you hire someone, but you should at least have a policy in your stables of avoiding the knowing hiring or retention of drug users. In sum, HISA and HIWU are fully committed to a fair and effective ADMC program that minimizes the risk of holding anyone without fault accountable for an anti-doping or controlled medication rule violation. If everyone does their part as listed above, we believe that goal is attainable. The HISA ADMC Program will always prioritize the inherent integrity of the program by treating everyone, no matter their stature, the same. We will never allow personal views, or the reputation of any individual racing participant, to supplant what the laboratory reports or related science dictates. (In fact, the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act prohibits HISA/HIWU from taking any trainer's pre-HISA history–good or bad–into account.) Having the regulator decide who are the “good” guys and who are the “bad” guys, would completely undermine the integrity of any program, and make HISA's mandate entirely futile. We hope by outlining our program and explaining how trainers can contribute, you will see that we take this issue seriously. HISA and HIWU always welcome constructive industry feedback on our programs as we continue to refine processes and protocols. Feedback can be submitted directly to HISA at feedback@hisaus.org or to the Horsemen's Advisory Group here at horsemenadvisory@hisaus.org. Please don't hesitate to continue to provide feedback and suggestions of any nature, so that we can work together to reach the important goals that are in the common interest of all industry stakeholders. [1] The full list includes the following substances: i) Cocaine/Benzoylecognine; (ii) Methamphetamine; (iii) Methaqualone; (iv) Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA); (v) Methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA); (vi) Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA);(vii) Oxycodone; (viii) Phencyclidine (PCP); and (ix) Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The post Open Letter to the Industry: Lisa Lazarus on Contamination appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC), in collaboration with Cornell University, has found that inbreeding is a contributing factor to mid- and late-term pregnancy loss (MLPL), but not early pregnancy loss (EPL) in thoroughbreds. This is the first study which explores the effect of genomic inbreeding levels on late-term pregnancy loss in the horse and will help inform mating choices to minimise the risk of miscarriages in thoroughbreds. Inbreeding is a common practice in the livestock industry because individuals with desirable traits are highly prized for breeding. However, excessive inbreeding is known to increase the probability of uncovering homozygous recessive genotypes which have previously been associated with an increased risk of retained placenta and lower semen quality in horses. Approximately five to 10 per cent of equine pregnancies end in early pregnancy loss and a further seven percent of pregnancies are lost between day 70 of gestation and 24 hours post parturition (MLPL). However, to date, there has been no definitive analysis to investigate the association between genomic inbreeding levels and pregnancy loss in horses. Therefore, the research team, led by Dr Jessica Lawson, Alborada Trust research fellow at the RVC, and Professor de Mestre at the Baker Institute for Animal Health at Cornell University, together with previous PhD student at the RVC, Charlotte Shilton, analysed DNA samples from 189 individuals, including a control group. The study found that thoroughbred pregnancies lost in mid and late gestation (MLPL) had significantly higher inbreeding metrics than UK thoroughbred adults. However, pregnancies lost early in gestation (EPLs) showed no significant difference in inbreeding metrics compared to the adults. Dr Jessica Lawson said, “This research provides critical evidence showing that mating highly related individuals does have a tangible effect on our breeding operations, as there is a real risk of a mare losing her pregnancy late in gestation and failing to produce a foal at all that season. “The take home from our work should be to carefully consider breeding choices that involve mating of highly related individuals as, ultimately, this may increase the chance of the foal inheriting mutations which may not be compatible with life. We are already working on the next step, looking to identify these changes so more specific advice can be provided in the future”. The post Inbreeding Contributes To Mid- And Late-Term Pregnancy Loss In Thoroughbreds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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There are few more respected figures in French National Hunt racing than Nicolas de Lageneste. It seems as though everything de Lageneste turns his hand to, be that breeding, training or simply owning racehorses, it is a success. Last year he completed the rare achievement of being crowned champion National Hunt owner and breeder in the same season. Nobody has ever done that before. Fewer still would be capable of nurturing a horse like Il Est Francais (Fr) (Karaktar {Ire}). Not only did de Lageneste breed the superstar chaser, who could be on course for next year's Gold Cup, but he also sourced the stallion, Karaktar, who is tipped to be the next big thing in National Hunt racing in France. The cherry on top is the fact that Haras de Saint-Voir remain involved in the ownership of Il Est Francais, who de Lageneste compares favourably with former star graduate Vautour (Fr) (Robin Des Champs {Fr}). De Lageneste has built up a particularly strong relationship with Champion National Hunt trainer in Ireland Willie Mullins in recent years and Tuesday's short-priced Champion Hurdle favourite State Man (Fr) (Doctor Dino {Fr}) will be bidding to fly the flag for Haras de Saint-Voir on the big stage again. From breeding top-class National Hunt stallion Saint Des Saints (Fr), to his association with Mullins and his hopes for Cheltenham and beyond, de Lageneste makes for a fascinating Q&A. State Man: will fly the flag for de Lageneste in the Champion Hurdle | Racingfotos.com You became the first person in French National Hunt history to be crowned leading breeder and owner in 2023. What did that mean to you? It gave me great satisfaction and in many ways it was a consecration of our breeding at Haras de Saint-Voir. I can only imagine that Il Est Francais (Fr) (Karaktar {Ire}) was the highlight of last year for you. He was sublime at Kempton. How difficult of a decision was it to bypass Cheltenham with him or was the Grand Steeple Chase de Paris always Plan A? For over two years now the plan has always been to run and try to win the Grand Steeple Chase de Paris. He has never had to fight in a race and we thought that he needed to be battle hardened in order to run in a Cheltenham Gold Cup. We have respected him since the beginning of his career, knowing that he was outstanding and a horse for the biggest challenges. Who knows what next year will bring. Assuming all goes well at Auteuil, what could be in store for the horse next year? I presume the King George and the Cheltenham Gold Cup will come under consideration? Exactly. He will go back to Kempton in December and if everything keeps going well for him, we could think about that great expedition in March 2025. You are famous for taking a chance on little known sires and making them famous. Tell us a little bit more about why you decided to back Karaktar (Ire)? I like to buy stallion shares when I am impressed by horses on the track. Karaktar had been so impressive at the beginning of his three-year-old career before running in the French Derby and showed great ability and fantastic movement. He got hurt in the French Derby but Alain de Royer Dupré, a great horseman, liked him so much and was still thinking about the Arc de Triomphe for him. Unfortunately, he met with another problem and his trainer never found a way to get him back. We bought him for €110,000 in a sale for horses-in-training and he has turned out to be a great success. I sent him some good mares for the first season and I am rewarded today. When you really believe in something, give it your all for the chance to be successful. That's my approach to breeding. Karaktar is for sure going to be the next top National Hunt stallion in Europe, as his book of mares has been improving a lot in only the last two seasons, and he covered 243 mares last year. Most people will know you as the breeder of Saint Des Saints. He is making a pretty emphatic mark on the National Hunt breed. That must provide you with huge satisfaction? Oh yes. That's another great satisfaction. I had bought the mare of Saint Des Saints for about €2,000 in a liquidation sale in a supplement of a catalogue at 9pm in Deauville. She was a Group 2 winner but was quite old and had a poor career as broodmare. She was a bad milker and, unfortunately, many of her foals died. However, she was from one of the great French thoroughbred families (highlighted by de Chambure's family). Saint Des Saints showed on the turf that he was the best four-year-old in France before getting a virus in May of that campaign and that probably weakened him. However, the genetic potential was there and we are delighted to see that he is today a successful sire of sires and probably the best National Hunt sire of broodmares. Looking ahead to Cheltenham next week, what graduates of yours are you most looking forward to and why? State Man winning a Champion Hurdle would be very special. State Man is a short-priced favourite in the Champion Hurdle and he must win. He is trained by the best National Hunt trainer in Europe and comes from the breeding of Guy Cherel who is a perfect horseman, breeder and trainer. Not to mention that State Man's dam was class at Auteuil, a tough mare, and his sire Doctor Dino is probably the best National Hunt stallion in France. Put the best with the best and you will have more chances to be among the best. Apart from State Man, I will not have a lot of runners at Cheltenham as my policy is now to try to keep my horses in France. French breeding will definitely be successful this year at Cheltenham, though. One of the reasons is that we breed horses more for the track than the sales ring. We use stallions with a National Hunt profile in the first choice and we are lucky to stand very good French stallions for that discipline. You must have many fond memories from Cheltenham? Would Vautour rank as the most spectacular horse you have bred? He was awesome when winning the Ryanair Chase. Yes, Vautour really was a great horse, really impressive in all his Cheltenham victories. He was a potential Gold Cup winner and his premature end was very sad for everyone involved. He was an amazing jumper, such a natural, and it was a great thrill to see him flying over his fences. I have found some similarities in his own way of jumping with how Il Est Francais jumps as well. Tell us a bit more about your relationship with Willie Mullins. He has trained a lot of excellent horses that you have bred. How has that relationship developed? Willie is just the best. An amazing man. I am a long-time good friend of Pierre Boulard, who used to buy for Willie and when I have a horse who could be exported, Willie has the first preference. We have full confidence with Willie. I have visited him twice and was very impressed by the quality of his training, by his gallops and by his staff. I am drawn by his humanity and humility. I understand that Willie and Jackie Mullins have a few mares in partnership with you, including a half-sister to Benie Des Dieux (Fr) (Great Pretender {Ire}). That must be exciting. I take care of a few mares owned by Jackie and when the owner of Grace Des Dieux (Fr) (Blek {Fr}) [a half-sister to Benie Des Dieux) asked me to buy her, as he knew that I loved the family, I thought that this mare might please Jackie. She immediately agreed and we bought the mare in partnership. The first produce is for Jackie, a very good colt by Great Pretender. She is in foal to Karaktar and is due on April 1. The second foal is mine and that is very exciting. I am very much enjoying this venture with Willie and Jackie. You have a soft spot for Ireland and have been there many times. What is it about Irish racing and bloodstock that you like so much? I like the atmosphere in Ireland and love Irish people. I feel well over there with some good friends I like to meet. It's a country I would have loved to live in. It's not all about National Hunt racing for you. You have also had some fun on the Flat and Knock On (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}) won a Listed race for you last October. What are the plans for her this year? I stand with only one Flat mare by Acclamation (GB) and I have a share in Zelzal (Fr) as well. So the cross is simple each year, and has been successful with J'Acclame (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}) [five wins in Longchamp and Chantilly] and Knock On [Listed winner and Listed-placed]. Knock On could go for Listed races over less than a mile. She is very easy and quiet in the morning, but on the track she is a lion with a lot of speed. Finally, despite your huge success, you have never forgotten your roots and you remain closely connected to the grassroots of your sport in France. What is your philosophy to racing and breeding and what advice would you impart on others? When I took the management of the stud at the beginning of 1990s, we worked hard, standing stallions-usually four-and improved each year our genetics in broodmares. This period was difficult but we have learned our job as breeders. When I stopped standing stallions, I invested a lot to improve the land and select the mares, and today we are hopefully reaping the benefit of all these years of work. Nothing happens by itself. I can't pretend to teach others as I myself learn everyday something new about horses. My principal advice can be to always keep [one's] humility and stay observant. The post ‘State Man Must Win’ – Q&A With Haras de Saint-Voir Boss Nicolas de Lageneste appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After bypassing the Classic Mile to focus on sprint trips, the second-season handler now faces the task of stepping his galloper up from 1,000m to 2,000m in the space of three weeksView the full article

Tauranga horseman Patrick McCarten enjoyed one of his more memorable days as a trainer when producing Butterfield to win on Auckland Cup Day at Ellerslie last Saturday. The eight-year-old gelding ran seventh at the Auckland track seven days prior after placing in his two previous starts this year, and McCarten was hopeful of a better showing in the Tempur Classic 1200. From his wide gate, Butterfield was fairly away and settled midfield for apprentice jockey Tayla Mitchell. The son of Niagara tracked Covermeinsunshine into the race and Mitchell presented her charge six-wide at the turn where he showed a good turn of foot in the final 200m to score a 1-1/4 length victory over Marengo, with a further 1-1/2 lengths back to race favourite My Annie Belle in third. While things didn’t go to plan in the early stages of the race, McCarten was ecstatic with the outcome. “The initial plan was to be positive from the start with the intentions of sitting handy. He missed the start fractionally, so we didn’t achieve that, and he was posted a little wide,” he said. “Tayla rode a great race in getting him to settle and make her move on the home turn. It was very pleasing to see him go to the line so well. He seemed to win it quite convincingly. “There may be time for another start before the winter, but he will have a few days off after racing both days at Ellerslie. We will see how he comes through the race. He will spell through the winter and we look forward to a spring preparation. “He will step up to rating 75 in his next start. We will just see what is available when he is ready.” McCarten has operated yearling video production company Equivision for the last three decades and in that time he struck up a good association with Butterfield’s Hong Kong-based part-owner Edmond Yue. “I started Equivision in 1991 and was pretty much the first one to start filming at the yearling sales. Through that I made a few contacts and started to sell horses as well,” McCarten said. “I had sold Edmond a couple of good horses, including High Five, who won five or six races in Hong Kong. He asked me to look for another horse for him, so I decided on Butterfield.” McCarten purchased Butterfield off Darryn Weatherley as a juvenile and enjoyed following his career before taking over training the gelding in 2020, with Butterfield winning first-up for McCarten after a 12-month absence from racing. “I bought him for Edmond quite a while back off the Weatherleys,” McCarten said. “I liked the look of him. He wasn’t a big horse, he was only 15.1 (hands) when I bought him as a two-year-old, but there was something about him. “He was initially with Finbarr Leahy for a couple of years.” McCarten is enjoying focussing more on training these days and is looking forward to adding to his stable numbers over the winter months. “I have been concentrating on training a bit more lately,” he said. “I have got a couple of horses that I am going to bring in over the winter, so hopefully we can have a bit of fun with them next season.” View the full article

At odds of 70-1, Young Diva was a clear outsider for last Friday’s DPA Chartered Accountants (1400m) at Taupo, but as trainer Allan Wright said, she didn’t know that. The five-year-old mare had been unplaced in her previous nine outings and was out of favour with punters after producing a last placed performance at Matamata a week prior. However, Wright said her last start performance was better than it looked, which was reinforced by her winning display at Taupo. The daughter of Turn Me Loose was the best away from the gates and was taken straight to the front by jockey Jasmine Fawcett, where they dictated terms throughout and ran out a half-length victor. While many were surprised by the result, Wright was not. “It wasn’t a real surprise,” he said. “Lynsey Satherley rode her at Matamata the week before and couldn’t get a run. She reckons she would have run in the first five there. “She has had bad draws and bad luck. If you look at her first five runs, they were reasonable runs. “It was great to get that win with her. Any win is a good win.” Young Diva has had a quiet weekend following her win and Wright said he is yet to decide what her next assignment will be. “She is a light-framed horse, so we will space her races after backing her up like that. We don’t have any set plans with her as yet,” he said. A dry stock farmer, horses and racing have always been a passion for Wright, who inherited the racing bug off his father. “My father trained Silver Bay and Token Bay, they made open-class, but I prefer training maidens, it is cheap racing and good fun,” Wright said. While scrolling through gavelhouse.com two years ago, Wright saw Young Diva, who was being sold as a broodmare prospect but he thought she fitted the bill as a project horse for him and he went to $200 to secure her. “She is a well-bred filly and we like to try the horses that are slower maturing. She is a five-year-old now and it has just taken time,” he said. “I just like getting a horse and bringing them through. When you get a win, it makes you feel good.” Wright said he only ever has a couple of horses in work, with the majority of their work undertaken around the farm, with Wright using them as his primary choice of transport when doing stock work. “They are our motorbikes, and we use them as farm hacks,” he said. “If they show anything we carry on racing them.” View the full article