Wandering Eyes

Daniel Alonso's millionaire Skippylongstocking returns to form March 9 by winning the Challenger Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs for the second consecutive year.View the full article

Woodend beach trainer Matt Purvis will be looking to continue his success at Reefton today after winning two races at Westport on Friday. “We had a really good first day, so with a bit of luck they should back up today.” The Finisher and Don Juan were both victorious on friday for the Purvis team, and will meet each other today in race 6. Don Juan ($5.50FF) will be driven by Mia Holbrough, who paired with the Vincent gelding on friday to win at odds of over 30-1. “He’s probably a bit vulnerable over the 2500m, but he seems bright enough after his win on Friday.” The Finisher ($18.00FF) to be driven by Amanda Tomlinson will require the same manners seen on friday which helped the American Ideal gelding win his maiden impressively, on that occasion driven by Samantha Ottley. “It’s a big step up for him today. He will have to bring his manners again because he can be a little bit dicey in his gait, so fingers crossed he makes it over the Reefton crossing. If he does, he’s definitely a top four chance.” Earlier in race two Give Me Peace ($5.50FF), with Blair Orange in the sulky will be looking for an improved run today. “She didn’t quite handle the track on the first day. I’m hoping for a better track at Reefton. She had a good blow on Friday so she should give a far better account of herself today.” Race three sees one of Purvis’ stronger chances of the day in trotter Majestic Whisper ($3.50FF) for driver Mia Holbrough. “She was super on the first day, making really good ground wide. She should get a similar trip today and should be finishing off over the top of them.” Purvis’ other leading hope of the day is in race four where Igetakickoutofyou ($4.80FF) for driver Samantha Ottley. “He’s knocking on the door to win one. But drawn one the second line hopefully if he’s able to get a good run in transit. He will be right in it.” Race eleven sees another double chance for Purvis. Buffy Northstains ($5.50FF) with Alana Cameron and Ngauruhoe ($9.00FF) for Mia Holbrough will both be looking for a little luck, but such luck will take them both close. “Buffy was great the first day. She’s come off the unruly so if she can ping away and be handy I think she will be quiet hard to beat.” “Ngauruhoe had his first run for a while on Friday. Hopefully he can settle a bit handier and he should be a good top four chance.” The final race of the day and circuit Purvis lines up Philadelphia Filly ($7.50FF) again with Alana Cameron in sulky. “I was happy with her run from a bad draw on Friday. She might be driven a little more positively today and lob a bit more handier.” “Igetakickoutofyou and Majestic Whisper will be my best two” Racing commences from 11:35am. View the full article

New Darley America's stallions, champion Cody's Wish (Curlin) and Proxy (Tapit), have had their first mares scanned in foal. Among the first mares bred to two-time GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile and recent Eclipse Award winner Cody's Wish is Kite Beach (Awesome Again), who is responsible for 'TDN Rising Star' and GII Rachel Alexandra S. victress Tarifa (Bernardini). Proxy, a homebred son of the versatile Panty Raid (Include) who won the 2022 GI Clark S. and was third in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Classic, has gotten several mares in foal in his first month of covering, including Bursting in Air (Violence), a half-sister to 12 winners from 13 to race, including Grade III-winning juvenile Exfactor (Exchange Rate) and SW Market Magic (After Market). This is also the female family of top sire Good Magic (Curlin). Cody's Wish is serving his first book of mares for a fee of $75,000, while Proxy's introductory stud fee is $25,000. The post First Mares Bred To Darley’s Cody’s Wish, Proxy Scanned In Foal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga Race Course will open Thursday, Apr. 18, officials at the New York Racing Association (NYRA), with the barn area opening to licensed trainers and staff from Monday, Apr. 15. As Saratoga prepares to host the 2024 Belmont Stakes Fesitval June 6-9, the main track will open one month earlier than customary on Monday, May 6. Due to the ongoing construction at Belmont Park, there will be significant changes to the usual NYRA training schedule. The Belmont main track will remain closed for training through the spring and summer as NYRA reconstructs the dirt surface and both turf courses while finishing the installation of a new one-mile synthetic surface. The Belmont training track, synthetic pony track and a jogging barn will be open for daily training throughout the spring and summer. In light of the construction, NYRA is waiving all stall rental fees at Saratoga for the spring training season beginning May 6, assuming all trainer accounts are current through the end of 2023. The spring/summer and fall meets normally scheduled for Belmont Park will be run at Aqueduct, as previously announced. The post Oklahoma Training Track To Open Apr. 18 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This column is highlighted by the victory of Granny Budgie in California. Massaat Filly Sparkles At Santa Anita Mickley Stud-bred Granny Budgie (GB) (Massaat {Ire}) won a Santa Anita contest for trainer Phil D'Amato earlier this month. The 3-year-old filly races in the colours of David Bernsen, Omar Aldabbagh and Jeffrey Lambert (video). Originally an £18,000 Goffs UK Premier & Silver yearling on the bid of JS Bloodstock, the bay won on debut for owner/trainer George Scott and earned two more wins for Knights & Kings Racing Stable from a total of five UK starts before changing hands again privately and running sixth in the Listed Sweet Life S. locally in February. Her dam raced until she was six and earned her lone win that year. A half-sister to Group 3 winner Caledonia Lady (GB) (Firebreak {GB}), Caledonia Duchess (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) has been bred exclusively to Massaat. Her juvenile colt brought £21,000 at the 2023 edition of the Goffs UK sale from Compas Equine/Iain Jardine, while she also has a yearling filly. Mickley stallion Massaat, a son of Teofilo (Ire) who won the G2 Hungerford S. and was second in both the G1 2000 Guineas and G1 Dewhurst S., has a flawless North American record with two winners from two runners. His Mas Rapido (GB) was also second in Santa Anita's Listed John Shear S. in 2023. Bull's Lil Bro Shines At Tampa White Birch homebred Kubrick (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a half-brother to multiple Grade I winner and Gainesway stallion Raging Bull (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}), earned his Making Waves badge at Tampa Bay Downs earlier this month for trainer Chad Brown (video). The 2022 G3 Prix des Chenes hero is out of the stakes-placed Rosa Bonheur (Mr. Greeley), the dam of three winners overall, who also has a 3-year-old filly named Roseannadanna (Ire) (No Nay Never) and a yearling filly by Wootton Bassett (GB). His granddam Rolly Polly (Ire) (Mukaddamah), well regarded in Italy, and a graded/group winner in France, the US, Italy and England, is also the ancestress of G3 Prix de Seine-et-Oise heroine Exxtra (Fr) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). Darley stalwart Dubawi now has 41 winners (51%) from 80 runners in the US and Canada. His 22 stakes winners (28%) in that jurisdiction include 17 graded winners with 10 Grade I winners among them. His best has been In Italian (GB), Dubawi Heights (GB) and Modern Games (Ire), all of which have at least two top-level victories to their names. Repeat Honoree Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb and Michael Kisber's Chili Flag (Fr) (Cityscape {GB}) added the GIII Honey Fox S. to her resume for trainer Ian Wilkes in the first week of March (video). The 5-year-old was making her second start this term following a sixth in the GII Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf Invitational S. in January and taking the Forever Together S. in 2023. The post Making Waves: Granny Budgie Is Off The Mark At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Beholder Mile (G1) at Santa Anita Park will be renamed the B. Wayne Hughes Beholder Mile in honor of the Hall of Fame mare's late owner, track officials announced March 9.View the full article

The New York Racing Association announced March 9 that the Oklahoma Training Track at Saratoga will open for the 2024 season April 18.View the full article

The GI Beholder Mile is being renamed the B. Wayne Hughes Beholder Mile in honor of the multiple champion's late owner, who passed away in August 2021. Hughes, the founder of the Public Storage company and whose silks carried the same purple-and-orange color scheme, owned horses for five decades and was the proprietor of Spendthrift Farm from 2004. Beholder, a daughter of Henny Hughes, was purchased for $180,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September sale and won a record 13 stakes races at Santa Anita, including the 2012 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and Breeders' Cup Distaffs in Arcadia in 2013 and 2016. A four-time Eclipse Award winner, she registered 12 Grade I victories and retired with earnings of $6,156,600. She was inducted into Racing's Hall of Fame in 2022. “Santa Anita is proud to honor someone who gave so much to the sport,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager. “Mr. Hughes was a true sportsman who made contributions in every aspect of the game. It only seems appropriate that his name stands alongside his greatest racemare in Santa Anita's most prestigious race for fillies and mares.” Added current Spendthrift owner Eric Gustavson: “The team at Spendthrift, including Wayne's daughter Tammy and me, would like to sincerely thank Santa Anita for renaming the Beholder Mile. To have B. Wayne Hughes's name attached to such a prestigious race, named after his best race mare at his favorite place is an amazing way to honor him.” The post Beholder Mile To Be Renamed To Honor Hughes 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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This day 11th 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. Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Autumn Ballet set to shine in Black Opal Stakes Autumn Ballet did nothing but thrive at last year’s Inglis Easter Yearling Sales, and part-owner Nick Vass is expecting her … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Platinum Invador upsets in Auckland Cup It was the case of third time lucky for the Lisa Latta-trained stayer Platinum Invador, who upset calculations in Saturday’s … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Prowess downs older rivals in dramatic New Zealand Stakes Three-year-old filly Prowess showed a combination of class and guts to upstage her older rivals in Saturday’s Group 1 Bonecrusher … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Group One success for undefeated Tokyo Tycoon Leading rider Opie Bosson brought up a special milestone at Pukekohe on Saturday when outstanding juvenile Tokyo Tycoon provided him … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Scallopini proves way too good in Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Damian Lane and Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted have combined with Scallopini to win the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Cepheus causes upset in Ajax Stakes Nash Rawiller and Matthew Dunn have combined for success with Cepheus in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes at Rosehill on … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago In Secret proves her doubters wrong in Group 1 Newmarket Handicap Dean Holland and James Cummings have combined with In Secret to take out the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Espiona gets the head down to claim Coolmore Classic Espiona has driven up the inside to win the Group 1 Coolmore Classic for the fillies and mares on Saturday … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Right You Are makes it five-straight in Australian Cup Prelude Mark Zahra and Ciaron Maher & David Eustace have combined with Right You Are to take out the Australian Cup … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Protagonist out stays his opposition in Sky High victory The William Haggas stable have stamped their mark on the autumn as they have in the past with Protagonist winning … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Class prevails as Zougotcha dominates rivals in Phar Lap Stakes Punters just kept continuing to launch into Zougotcha ($1.50) for the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes and she justified the … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Sirileo Miss leads from start to finish in Group 3 Matron Stakes Ben Melham and Simon Wilde have combined with Sirileo Miss to take out the Group 2 Matron Stakes at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Cannonball blows them away in the Maurice McCarten Stakes Punters didn’t want to be with Cannonball in the Group 3 Maurice McCarten Stakes (1100m) as he drifted from $5 … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Veight shows his massive motor in explosive VRC Sires’ win Damian Lane and Tony & Calvin McEvoy have combined with Veight to take out the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Steel City smashes her rivals in Magic Night Stakes triumph Steel City has punched her ticket to the Golden Slipper next week in emphatic fashion, destroying her rivals in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Kah & Williams off to hospital after Sires Produce fall Leading Victorian jockeys Jamie Kah and Craig Williams have been transported to hospital following a nasty fall in the Group … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Revolutionary Miss records a much-deserved win in Kewney Stakes Mark Zahra and Peter & Paul Snowden have combined with Revolutionary Miss to take out the Group 2 Kewney Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Shinzo impresses in Pago Pago Stakes Team Coolmore has another runner heading into next weekends Group 1 Golden Slipper, as Shinzo proved too good for the … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Mark Newnham to join Hong Kong’s training ranks The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced on Friday morning that Mark Newnham will be the newest addition to its training … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Hall hopes Atullibigeal can advance unusual Hong Kong Derby prep David Hall hopes Atullibigeal can complete an unconventional preparation for the Hong Kong Derby (2000m) on March 19 when the … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 11, 2023 Horse Racing on Saturday, March 11 will feature 15 meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Darwin apprentice Emma Lines reflects on harrowing ordeal She is only 16, but Darwin apprentice Emma Lines handled a potentially dangerous situation with aplomb at Fannie Bay last … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Sally Pops wins Provincial-Midway heat at Goulburn Sally Pops and Travest have both qualified for next month’s $500,000 Provincial-Midway Championship after finishing first and second respectively in … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Pretty Amazing salutes for Waller in Kembla Grange Classic Tommy Berry rode Pretty Amazing to victory in Friday’s Group 3 Kembla Grange Classic (1600m) to deliver Chris Waller his … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Strong hand for Stokes stable in Adelaide Cup Boasting last year’s winner, this year’s favourite, and Jamie Kah to boot, the Stokes yard has some heavy artillery aimed … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Coonamble tips, best bets & quaddie selections | March 13 preview What Coonamble Races Where Coonamble Jockey Club – Coonamble NSW 2829 When Sunday, March 13, 2022 Feature Race Race: Race … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Canberra betting tips, top odds & quaddie picks | Sunday, 13/3/22 The nation’s capital plays host to feature racing on Sunday afternoon, with the running of the Group 3 Black Opal … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Punt Drunk: Joel who? ATC slayed over Autumn Carnival acts This Friday’s Punt Drunk takes a look at the ATC’s questionable entertainment bookings this autumn, Chris Waller’s scatter-gun approach to … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Cummings aiming for Magic Night four-peat with Magic Carpet James Cummings will be looking to make it four straight wins in the Magic Night Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Lundholm eyeing hometown Country Championships Qualifier Born and bred in Coonamble, winning the $150,000 Western District NSW Country Championships Qualifier in his home town on Sunday … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 11, 2022 Six 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 Echuca racing preview & betting tips | March 13, 2022 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the full preview for the eight-race card at Echuca for Echuca Cup Day on Sunday, March 13, … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 2 years ago California Spangle, Romantic Warrior head Hong Kong Derby selected runners California Spangle and Romantic Warrior head an enthralling group of 14 selected runners for the HKD$24 million BMW Hong Kong … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Williams looking to maintain recent momentum at Ellerslie Trainer Peter Williams is pleased with the success he and wife Dawn have had with their Byerley Park stable in … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Weight the query for The Gift Trainer Robert Dennis has only one concern with The Gift ahead of the MLT/Three Rivers Hotel/Pioneer Tavern Fireside Cup (1335m) … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Sky High Stakes tips, betting strategy & odds | March 13 What Sky High Stakes Where Rosehill Racecourse When Saturday, March 13, 2021 | 2:20pm AEDT | Race 4 Prizemoney $305,000 … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago All Star Mile pair face further vet inspections All Star Mile favourite Arcadia Queen and fellow Group 1 winning mare Shout The Bar will need further veterinary inspections … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Magic Night favourite a doubtful starter Talented filly Mallory will almost certainly go straight into the Golden Slipper without another run, ruling her out of the … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Phar Lap Stakes tips, betting strategy & odds comparison | 13/3 What Phar Lap Stakes Where Rosehill Racecourse When Saturday, March 13, 2021 | 3:35pm AEDT | Race 6 Prizemoney $200,000 … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Mugatoo in top order for All Star Mile tilt Right from when Mugatoo finished fourth in last year’s Cox Plate, connections and trainer Kris Lees began thinking ‘All Star … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Artorius shines in crucial Slipper hitout Blue Diamond Stakes winner Artorius will be paid up for the Golden Slipper on Monday following a sizzling barrier trial … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Alister Clark assault from Maher and Eustace pair The patience Ciaron Maher extends his young stayers eventually pays a dividend as shown by the Melbourne Cup performance of … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Sunshine Coast tips, best bets & quaddie picks | 12/3 Preview What Sunshine Coast Races Where Sunshine Coast Turf Club – 170 Pierce Ave, Corbould Park, QLD, 4551 When Friday, March … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago 2021 Kembla Grange Classic betting tips & strategy | March 12 HorseBetting.com.au’s tipping experts brings you their best bets and betting strategy for the 2021 Kembla Grange Classic on Friday, March … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Chris Symons to take extended riding break Jockey Chris Symons is taking an indefinite break from race riding as he attempts to overcome injuries suffered in a … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Travel Datuk salutes at last ending a 48-race losing streak Almost five years after debuting at Happy Valley, Irish import Travel Datuk shed unwanted status as Hong Kong’s most celebrated … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Cranbourne racing preview & quaddie tips | Friday 12/3/2021 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the latest odds, best value bets and top quaddie numbers for the race meeting at Cranbourne on … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 3 years ago Sky Darci heads Hong Kong Derby selected runners Caspar Fownes-trained Sky Darci heads 14 selected runners for the HK$24 million BMW Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin Racecourse … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Benner-Wynyard pair on track for Wellington Guineas Otaki trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard enjoyed a good day on their home track on Wednesday. The duo saddled … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | March 11, 2021 Today’s Horse Racing Tips & Best Bets | March 11 2021 With six local race meetings scheduled for today, it … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Kembla Grange racing tips & top odds | Friday 12/3/2021 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the latest odds, best value bets and top quaddie numbers for the Kembla Grange Classic meeting on … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Group One opportunity knocks for Bonny Lass Matamata trainer Graham Richardson wasn’t planning to run Bonny Lass in the Group 1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) until he saw … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Punt Drunk: Can the Wiz go back-to-back in All Star Mile? Punt Drunk brings you today’s top tips and racing stories, including the latest on this weekend’s All Star Mile and … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Pale King adds to record at Sandown French-bred import Pale King has kept his record intact with a fighting victory in the Clanbrooke Racing Handicap (1600m) at … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Najmaty stakes carnival claims with debut win Two familiar stables were to the fore in the juvenile races at the Randwick Kensington meeting as Godolphin and Team … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Another first beckons for Cummings clan One of the most famous families in racing is set for an historic afternoon at Rosehill with Anthony, James and … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Thompson puts faith in Marquand to deliver Sweet result A testing first-up effort has laid the groundwork for on-pace mare Sweet Deal to put her best foot forward in … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Traffic concerns at The Valley ahead of All Star Mile A field of 15 for the $5 million All Star Mile (1600m) at The Valley on Saturday is something a … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Strappers sacrifice to pay off in All Star Mile Ashley Handley has empathy for the New Zealand connections of All Star Mile hope Probabeel, but it should be Handley … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Bigger, stronger Talented wins at Sandown After a fruitless spring campaign, the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained Talented has returned to racing with a narrow but strong … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Trainers, jockeys welcome new RV schedule An earlier finishing time to night meetings will be trialled while trainers and jockeys have welcomed the news of a … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Blinkers help Three Phase cause an upset The addition of blinkers has helped Three Phase cause one of the biggest upsets of the season at Doomben … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Melbourne Cup placegetter out of autumn Former northern hemisphere stayer Il Paradiso has suffered a leg injury that will rule him out of the major racing … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Marquand returns to test Slipper prospect English jockey Tom Marquand is back in Sydney and has his sights set on qualifying talented colt Prague for a … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Akari to dodge Rosehill clash with stars Dual stakes winner Akari will bypass a clash with Funstar and Probabeel at Rosehill but could meet them again sooner … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Streets Of Avalon in form for All-Star bid Streets Of Avalon has earned his place in the All-Star Mile with a win in the Futurity Stakes and trainer … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Caulfield an option for Black Caviar filly Ready For Caviar, the latest of Black Caviar’s offspring to reach racing age, could make her debut in the Listed … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Weight of numbers favour Lees in Coolmore The Group One Coolmore Classic has special significance for trainer Kris Lees, who is seeking a breakthrough victory with one … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago The Odyssey poised to double up in Jewel The Odyssey is on course to continue trainer Kelly Schweida’s success with bargain buys in The Jewel at the Gold … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Brad and Bart on target for All-Star tilt Brad Rawiller and Black Heart Bart have combined for a number of feature race wins and Rawiller believes they have … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Brilliant Rothfire scares off Coast rivals Rothfire will have only nine rivals when he attempts to remain unbeaten in The Jewel at the Gold Coast … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Bush star Master Jamie to miss The Jewel Star central Queensland gelding Master Jamie will miss The Jewel after contracting a fever … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Etah James transferred to Australian base Group 3 winning mare Etah James will join the stable of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace after a brave performance … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Headache draws for Ritchie Shaune Ritchie thought he was in a nightmare on Wednesday. The Cambridge trainer was upbeat with his three runners heading … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Day one at Cheltenham attracts 60,000 fans More than 60,000 people have attended the first day of the Cheltenham Festival with authorities exercising precautionary measures regarding the … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Maximum Security’s owner fires trainer Maximum Security’s owner Gary West has fired trainer Jason Servis who faces multiple charges of doping horses … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago RV to trial change to program from 2020/21 Racing Victoria will trial changes to the racing program from next season, including a race-free week at the end of … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Altior ruled out of Cheltenham Altior has been ruled out of the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham … Read More Japan horse racing news 5 years ago Apple’s Jade and Laurina throw down the gauntlet to Buveur D’Air Apple’s Jade will aim to provide Gordon Elliott with a first win in the Unibet Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham on … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Rachel King has operation after fall Group One-winning jockey Rachel King has undergone surgery after a fall at Tamworth with two other riders also needing operations … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Surprise Baby wins Group Two Adelaide Cup Despite missing a planned lead-up race, the lightly raced Paul Preusker-trained stayer Surprise Baby has won the Group Two Adelaide … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Ben Currie inquiry to continue in Brisbane The stewards’ inquiry into 28 charges against trainer Ben Currie will continue after an in-camera start to the hearing … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Daysee Doom heads Coolmore Classic field Last year’s winner Daysee Doom heads the 31 entries for the $600,000 Group One Coolmore Classic at Rosehill … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago WFA sprints next on radar for Sunlight The William Reid Stakes and TJ Smith Stakes are among plans for star three-year-old filly Sunlight after her win in … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Barrier key to Xanthus in $500,000 Jewel Trainer Matt Dunn hopes talented Xanthus draws a good barrier in the $500,000 Aquis Jewel at the Gold Cost to … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Brad Rawiller gets first win since return Brad Rawiller has ridden his first winner since returning from a neck injury suffered in a race fall in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Mystic Journey on track for All-Star Mile The $5 million All-Star Mile is the next challenge for exciting filly Mystic Journey who took out the Australian Guineas … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Three riders to have surgery after fall Group One-winning jockey Rachel King is one of three riders who will undergo surgery on injuries suffered in a fall … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Eastender withdrawn from Adelaide Cup Tasmanian stayer Eastender has been scratched from the Adelaide Cup amid concerns of race day treatment … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Encryption cracks G3 Black Opal Stakes win Hugh Bowman’s fall at Randwick could have cost him a Black Opal Stakes victory, as Glyn Schofield cashed in to … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Snitz wins way into Championship final Snitz has booked his passage to Sydney for the $500,000 Country Championship final with an impressive performance in the qualifying … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Almost Court snares Listed Canberra Cup Almost Court has led all the way to claim the $200,000 Listed Canberra Cup for local trainers Barbara Joseph and … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Assimilate powers to Canberra Guineas win Assimilate has put himself in the frame for a crack at the Group Three Carbine Club after a commanding victory … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Melbourne Cup aim for Ladies First Auckland Cup winner Ladies First will be prepared for a tilt at the Melbourne Cup after her tenacious victory … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Walker chasing more G1 success in Sydney On the back of his long shot Group One win in the Australian Cup at Flemington, Michael Walker now has … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Written By to tune up for Slipper in trial Jordan Childs will ride Blue Diamond winner Written By in a Sydney barrier trial in preparation for their tilt at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Latest injury ends Lord Of The Sky career A torn tendon sheath has prompted the end of Lord Of The Sky’s racing career and he will head to … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Our Abbadean ready for black type success Co-trainer Stephen Autridge believes capable mare Our Abbadean is back to her best and is ready for a black-type assignment … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Sergeant Blast makes it two from two this campaign at Trentham Waverley trained galloper Sergeant Blast made it two from two in his new summer campaign with a comprehensive win over … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Project record dominant win at Ellerslie Te Kauwhata trainer Tony Cole claimed the family bragging rights back from son Cody when his progressive galloper Project stormed … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Ellerslie specialist Ruud Not Too wins again A love affair with the Ellerslie track played out again on the weekend for Cambridge galloper Ruud Not Too when … Read More United Arab Emirates horse racing news 6 years ago Mukaram Leads The Way In Abu Dhabi Sunday Feature Sunday’s meeting at Abu Dhabi is the penultimate one of the current campaign in the capital with seven races scheduled … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago BRC looks at Eagle Farm race options The Brisbane Race Club is investigating whether it will be possible to hold a few meetings on the Eagle Farm … Read More United Arab Emirates horse racing news 6 years ago Abu Dhabi Sunday Doubles For De Sousa And Jara Racing at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday, their penultimate fixture of the season in the capital, was highlighted by … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Damien Oliver suspended at Flemington Champion jockey Damien Oliver has been suspended for 12 meetings for careless riding stemming from his ride on Exospheric in … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Success at the double for Godolphin star Norwegian-born British hoop William Buick made the ideal start to his secondment in Sydney, winning two races at Rosehill … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Humidor beats Jameka in Australian Cup Humidor has given Darren Weir his first Australian Cup win in a thrilling finish at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Heavens Above wins Coolmore Classic Jockey Tye Angland was able to power Heavens Above across the line a short nose ahead of Silent Sedition in … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Dream comes true for young jockey Three months out of his apprenticeship, jockey Regan Bayliss is living the dream with his first Group One win … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Heavens Above finishes fast to take out the Coolmore Classic FIVE-YEAR-OLD superstar Heavens Above launched a last minute lunge at the line to cause an upset in Saturday’s Group 1 … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Redkirk Warrior wins G1 Newmarket Handicap Lightly-raced former Hong Kong galloper Redkirk Warrior has defied history to win the Newmarket Handicap first-up at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Injury plagued international causes upset in Newmarket Handicap BOOKMAKERS and historians gave former European and Hong Kong gelding Redkirk Warrior little chance of winning Saturday’s Group 1 Newmarket … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Perilous Love headed for ATC Oaks Gold Coast filly Perilous Love is being rated an ATC Australian Oaks chance after scoring an upset win at Doomben … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Humidor takes out G1 Australian Cup Humidor has provided Darren Weir with his first Australian Cup win in a thrilling finish at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Crockett’s rocket ready to unleash in Country Championships heat CAMERON Crockett is hoping for back to back finalists in the Country Championships at Randwick next month when he lines … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Godolphin and Moreira score at Flemington Joao Moreira has given Circular a perfect ride at Flemington and claimed his first win in the famous all blue … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Terrific Tavago issues Sydney Cup warning Australian Derby winner Tavago wins on debut at Rosehill as BMW Stakes and Sydney Cup campaign gathers momentum … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Foxplay in dogged Phar Lap win Foxplay has had to overcome difficulties to live up to her odds-on favouritism in the Group Three Phar Lap Stakes … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Redkirk Warrior wins G1 Newmarket Handicap Lightly-raced former Hong Kong galloper Redkirk Warrior has defied history to win the Newmarket Handicap first-up at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Tulip blooms in Magic Night at Rosehill The Lindsay Park stable has strengthened its Golden Slipper hand with the Magic Night Stakes win of Tulip … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Single Bullet has shot at Golden Slipper Single Bullet failed to make the Magic Millions but the colt is on target for the $3.5 million Golden Slipper … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago I Am A Star gets home narrowly in Kewney Group One-winning filly I Am A Star has continued her affinity for Flemington with her third win from as many … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago I Am A Star proves too strong in Group 2 Kewney Stakes THE confidence shown by trainer Shane Nichols was well-placed on Saturday when his filly I Am A Star scored a … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Artistry shows deft touch as Rosehill Artistry has belied her lack of wet track form to score a half-length win over stablemate Dothraki in the Maurice … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Sircconi hangs on to win Sires’ Produce Sircconi has led throughout to win the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and earn a possible trip to Sydney … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Sydney bound Eminent survives protest Promising colt Eminent has survived a protest to stay on course for the Group one Champagne Stakes in Sydney after … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Bowman guides Falcool to Listed win The Aaron Purcell-trained Falcool has made the step to Listed grade with a first-up win at Flemington with Hugh Bowman … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Single Bullet earns spot in Slipper after tough Pago Pago battle SINGLE Bullet secured a Golden Slipper birth after winning the Group 3 Pago Pago Stakes at Rosehill in an exciting … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Winx enjoys Rosehill day out Winx has made an appearance at Rosehill with a gallop between races as a precursor to the George Ryder Stakes … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Morendi set for winter campaign Trainer Darren Graham is thinking about a late winter carnival campaign for his stayer Morendi who won his first open … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Sam Clipperton returns for immediate success with Artistry HONG Kong-based jockey Sam Clipperton returned to Australia for Coolmore Classic Day and enjoyed immediate success when Artistry took out … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Winning Rosehill debut for William Buick Godolphin jockey William Buick has made a successful debut at the Sydney Autumn Carnival by guiding French import Spectroscope to … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Imported stayer Aloft wins at Flemington Part-owner Nick Williams says there are a number of options for import Aloft in the coming weeks after the stayer … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Top Me Up causes Flemington boilover, beating Moreira favourite THE main two elects in the market have gone down in the first at Flemington as Top Me Up caused … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Top Me Up wins opener at Flemington Dwayne Dunn says a good barrier draw and a nice run in front helped Top Me Up hold off his … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Stellar Collision chasing four on end Stellar Collision has benefited from a longer than intended break and will be aiming to remain unbeaten in the Goodwood … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Payne could cause another 2YO upset David Payne will send out two runners in the Pago Pago Stakes, looking for a repeat of French Fern’s upset … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Waller weighs up Ajax start for Project Chris Waller says Group One winner Good Project could be saved for another week after drawing wide in the Ajax … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Weight right for Spot The Diff at Coast Trainer John Zielke is confident the weight scale for the two-year-old race at the Gold Coast will be in Spot … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Chautauqua best horse in Newmarket: Hawkes Wayne Hawkes enters the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington more confident than when Chautauqua won the Lightning Stakes … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Winx absence a boost for Lucia Valentina Trainer Kris Lees is backing Lucia Valentina to run well in the Coolmore Classic, especially with Australia’s best racehorse missing … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Hayes after back-to-back Australian Cups Rising Romance headlines a three-pronged attack for Lindsay Park trainers David Hayes and Tom Dabernig in the Australian Cup at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Manny Gelagotis loses appeal over comments Victoria’s Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board hasdismissed racing manager Manny Gelagotis’ appeal insultingl anguage towards a racing official … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Mahican to make Queensland debut Gold Coast trainer Trevor Bailey is hoping Mahican can live up to his form in other states and win at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Believe takes ATC Australian Oaks detour Unbeaten filly Believe will have her ATC Australian Oaks credentials put under the microscope when she contests the Phar Lap … Read More Horse Racing Tips 8 years ago Free form, analysis and tips for Saturday races at Flemington A HUGE day of racing is scheduled at Flemington this Saturday with the $1.3 million Group 1 Newmarket Handicap and … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Mark Newnham to train at Warwick Farm Mark Newnham expects to begin his training career soon out of Warwick Farm after failing to get stables at Randwick … Read More View the full article

Sunday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

Four months after his triumph in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton, Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) earned himself a special place in New Zealand racing history by adding Saturday’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie. Mahrajaan became only the third horse to ever win the New Zealand Cup and Auckland Cup in the same season, and the first to do so in more than six decades. The other members of this exclusive group are Lochiel (1887-88), Cuddle (1935-36) and Stipulate (1962-63). The American-bred Mahrajaan was recruited by co-trainer Shaune Ritchie from the 2022 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale at Newmarket in the United Kingdom, where he was bought for 75,000 guineas. That purchase paid off a year later when the son of Kitten’s Joy outstayed his opposition in the New Zealand Cup in Christchurch on November 18. Ritchie and his training partner Colm Murray then set their sights on the Auckland Cup, but Mahrajaan slipped below the radar after being unplaced in his two lead-up runs – 13th in heavy ground in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) and 12th in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m). But Mahrajaan’s two starts over the ultimate distance of 3200m have now produced two powerful victories, and that stamina and strength shone through for a $26 upset in Saturday’s time-honoured $500,000 feature. Ridden by his New Zealand Cup-winning jockey Sam Weatherley, Mahrajaan enjoyed a perfect run in fifth along the rail as the expected leader My Maebelline Girl (NZ) (Shamoline Warrior) set a solid pace out in front. The field packed up coming down the side of the track and approaching the home turn, and Weatherley was able to get away from the rail and into clear air on the outside of My Maebelline Girl, Good Oil (NZ) (Dalghar) and Whangaehu (NZ) (Proisir). Good Oil produced a strong kick at the top of the straight to take command, but Mahrajaan moved through his gears and launched an irresistible finish wider out on the track. He swept to the lead at the 50m mark and edged ahead of a brave Good Oil to win by three-quarters of a length. The lightly raced Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) flashed home for an eye-catching third. “It’s special,” Weatherley said. “It’s an iconic race and I’m thrilled to win it. “Shaune is a real genius. He went to the UK and sourced this horse. He backed himself and backed his judgement, and we won the New Zealand Cup with him in November. “People wrote him off after his lead-up runs. He doesn’t like wet ground, and I thought his Avondale Cup run was pretty good the other day. “But he’s the best two-mile stayer in the country by a mile. He’ll just stay all day. “We had a beautiful run, and I know it sounds cocky, but I just knew he would not get beaten. He just travelled so sweetly. All he needed was a run, and he came out in the straight and gee he let down well.” Mahrajaan has now had 20 starts for five wins, six placings and more than $600,000 in stakes. Recognising that Mahrajaan thrives at the beach, Ritchie and Murray took the opportunity to send the chestnut north to spend the week at Ruakaka. “We’ve spent the last week up at the beach,” Murray said. “It worked really well when we were down in Christchurch in the spring. He just loves it and it’s a great way to get the miles into his legs. “He’s just a dead-set two-miler. You know he’ll show up when he gets up over that distance. It’s just fantastic to get this result for a great bunch of owners. It’s just brilliant. “The Melbourne Cup (Gr.1, 3200m) is the dream, and that’s the race that he was bought for. We will go to Aussie with him now, probably Brisbane first, and we’ll see what happens. We know he can win over two miles, that’s for sure.” It was a coveted first Auckland Cup win for Ritchie, whose grandfather Merv won the race with Apollo Eleven in 1973. “I grew up spending a lot of time around Ellerslie and this is a race I’ve always wanted to win,” he said. “Mahrajaan is just a lovely horse. He’s had a lot of travel all over the world, but he’s just a little beauty. “I’m delighted to get this win for this group of owners. Many of them have supported my stable for a number of years now, and their support means a lot.” View the full article

Four months after his triumph in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton, Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) earned himself a special place in New Zealand racing history by adding Saturday’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie. Mahrajaan became only the third horse to ever win the New Zealand Cup and Auckland Cup in the same season, and the first to do so in more than six decades. The other members of this exclusive group are Lochiel (1887-88), Cuddle (1935-36) and Stipulate (1962-63). The American-bred Mahrajaan was recruited by co-trainer Shaune Ritchie from the 2022 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale at Newmarket in the United Kingdom, where he was bought for 75,000 guineas. That purchase paid off a year later when the son of Kitten’s Joy outstayed his opposition in the New Zealand Cup in Christchurch on November 18. Ritchie and his training partner Colm Murray then set their sights on the Auckland Cup, but Mahrajaan slipped below the radar after being unplaced in his two lead-up runs – 13th in heavy ground in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) and 12th in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m). But Mahrajaan’s two starts over the ultimate distance of 3200m have now produced two powerful victories, and that stamina and strength shone through for a $26 upset in Saturday’s time-honoured $500,000 feature. Ridden by his New Zealand Cup-winning jockey Sam Weatherley, Mahrajaan enjoyed a perfect run in fifth along the rail as the expected leader My Maebelline Girl (NZ) (Shamoline Warrior) set a solid pace out in front. The field packed up coming down the side of the track and approaching the home turn, and Weatherley was able to get away from the rail and into clear air on the outside of My Maebelline Girl, Good Oil (NZ) (Dalghar) and Whangaehu (NZ) (Proisir). Good Oil produced a strong kick at the top of the straight to take command, but Mahrajaan moved through his gears and launched an irresistible finish wider out on the track. He swept to the lead at the 50m mark and edged ahead of a brave Good Oil to win by three-quarters of a length. The lightly raced Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) flashed home for an eye-catching third. “It’s special,” Weatherley said. “It’s an iconic race and I’m thrilled to win it. “Shaune is a real genius. He went to the UK and sourced this horse. He backed himself and backed his judgement, and we won the New Zealand Cup with him in November. “People wrote him off after his lead-up runs. He doesn’t like wet ground, and I thought his Avondale Cup run was pretty good the other day. “But he’s the best two-mile stayer in the country by a mile. He’ll just stay all day. “We had a beautiful run, and I know it sounds cocky, but I just knew he would not get beaten. He just travelled so sweetly. All he needed was a run, and he came out in the straight and gee he let down well.” Mahrajaan has now had 20 starts for five wins, six placings and more than $600,000 in stakes. Recognising that Mahrajaan thrives at the beach, Ritchie and Murray took the opportunity to send the chestnut north to spend the week at Ruakaka. “We’ve spent the last week up at the beach,” Murray said. “It worked really well when we were down in Christchurch in the spring. He just loves it and it’s a great way to get the miles into his legs. “He’s just a dead-set two-miler. You know he’ll show up when he gets up over that distance. It’s just fantastic to get this result for a great bunch of owners. It’s just brilliant. “The Melbourne Cup (Gr.1, 3200m) is the dream, and that’s the race that he was bought for. We will go to Aussie with him now, probably Brisbane first, and we’ll see what happens. We know he can win over two miles, that’s for sure.” It was a coveted first Auckland Cup win for Ritchie, whose grandfather Merv won the race with Apollo Eleven in 1973. “I grew up spending a lot of time around Ellerslie and this is a race I’ve always wanted to win,” he said. “Mahrajaan is just a lovely horse. He’s had a lot of travel all over the world, but he’s just a little beauty. “I’m delighted to get this win for this group of owners. Many of them have supported my stable for a number of years now, and their support means a lot.” View the full article

Four months after his triumph in the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton, Mahrajaan (Kitten’s Joy) earned himself a special place in New Zealand racing history by adding Saturday’s Gr.2 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie. Mahrajaan became only the third horse to ever win the New Zealand Cup and Auckland Cup in the same season, and the first to do so in more than six decades. The other members of this exclusive group are Lochiel (1887-88), Cuddle (1935-36) and Stipulate (1962-63). The American-bred Mahrajaan was recruited by co-trainer Shaune Ritchie from the 2022 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale at Newmarket in the United Kingdom, where he was bought for 75,000 guineas. That purchase paid off a year later when the son of Kitten’s Joy outstayed his opposition in the New Zealand Cup in Christchurch on November 18. Ritchie and his training partner Colm Murray then set their sights on the Auckland Cup, but Mahrajaan slipped below the radar after being unplaced in his two lead-up runs – 13th in heavy ground in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup (1800m) and 12th in the Gr.2 Avondale Cup (2400m). But Mahrajaan’s two starts over the ultimate distance of 3200m have now produced two powerful victories, and that stamina and strength shone through for a $26 upset in Saturday’s time-honoured $500,000 feature. Ridden by his New Zealand Cup-winning jockey Sam Weatherley, Mahrajaan enjoyed a perfect run in fifth along the rail as the expected leader My Maebelline Girl (NZ) (Shamoline Warrior) set a solid pace out in front. The field packed up coming down the side of the track and approaching the home turn, and Weatherley was able to get away from the rail and into clear air on the outside of My Maebelline Girl, Good Oil (NZ) (Dalghar) and Whangaehu (NZ) (Proisir). Good Oil produced a strong kick at the top of the straight to take command, but Mahrajaan moved through his gears and launched an irresistible finish wider out on the track. He swept to the lead at the 50m mark and edged ahead of a brave Good Oil to win by three-quarters of a length. The lightly raced Mark Twain (NZ) (Shocking) flashed home for an eye-catching third. “It’s special,” Weatherley said. “It’s an iconic race and I’m thrilled to win it. “Shaune is a real genius. He went to the UK and sourced this horse. He backed himself and backed his judgement, and we won the New Zealand Cup with him in November. “People wrote him off after his lead-up runs. He doesn’t like wet ground, and I thought his Avondale Cup run was pretty good the other day. “But he’s the best two-mile stayer in the country by a mile. He’ll just stay all day. “We had a beautiful run, and I know it sounds cocky, but I just knew he would not get beaten. He just travelled so sweetly. All he needed was a run, and he came out in the straight and gee he let down well.” Mahrajaan has now had 20 starts for five wins, six placings and more than $600,000 in stakes. Recognising that Mahrajaan thrives at the beach, Ritchie and Murray took the opportunity to send the chestnut north to spend the week at Ruakaka. “We’ve spent the last week up at the beach,” Murray said. “It worked really well when we were down in Christchurch in the spring. He just loves it and it’s a great way to get the miles into his legs. “He’s just a dead-set two-miler. You know he’ll show up when he gets up over that distance. It’s just fantastic to get this result for a great bunch of owners. It’s just brilliant. “The Melbourne Cup (Gr.1, 3200m) is the dream, and that’s the race that he was bought for. We will go to Aussie with him now, probably Brisbane first, and we’ll see what happens. We know he can win over two miles, that’s for sure.” It was a coveted first Auckland Cup win for Ritchie, whose grandfather Merv won the race with Apollo Eleven in 1973. “I grew up spending a lot of time around Ellerslie and this is a race I’ve always wanted to win,” he said. “Mahrajaan is just a lovely horse. He’s had a lot of travel all over the world, but he’s just a little beauty. “I’m delighted to get this win for this group of owners. Many of them have supported my stable for a number of years now, and their support means a lot.” View the full article

Classy New Zealand-bred mare Lekvarte collected her second stakes win of the season with a brilliant late burst in Saturday’s A$250,000 Gr.3 Mostyncopper Aspiration Quality (1600m) at Randwick. The five-year-old was sent out as a warm favourite for the fillies and mares’ feature on the strength of her recent form, which included a win in the Gr.3 Belle of the Turf Stakes (1600m) at Gosford two starts back and a strong finish for fifth in the Gr.2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on February 24. But Lekvarte’s hopes looked forlorn for a large part of Saturday’s race. She was slow to leave the starting gates and dropped out the back of the 17-horse field, then came up behind a wall of horses in the home straight. But jockey Tommy Berry weaved a way through and Lekvarte did the rest, accelerating superbly and charging home down the middle of the track to win by three-quarters of a length. “No matter how much I try and wake her up in the barriers, she just flops out,” Berry said. “So she doesn’t really give herself a chance in the early stages of her races. But when you’ve got a mare that can let down like she does, it opens up a lot of doors. “I was in the middle of the ruck in the straight and didn’t know where we were going to go, but I just banked on her ability and had to ride her patient. I knew I had a horse with a better turn of foot than anyone else in the race. “It’s great to do it for the owners, who are good friends of mine and have been waiting to get a horse like this for a long time, so it’s awesome.” The Joe Pride-trained Lekvarte has now had 27 starts for eight wins, five placings and A$756,430 in stakes. By Westbury Stud stallion Reliable Man, Lekvarte is out of the black-type Encosta de Lago mare Plumm, who was runner-up in the Gr.3 Adrian Knox Stakes (2000m) for Grahame Begg. The talented grey was sold as a yearling through the Westbury Stud Book 1 draft at Karaka in 2020, knocked down to BK Racing & Breeding in conjunction with Andrew Williams Bloodstock for $210,000. View the full article

With apologies to Monty Python, we bring you the view from Rathmullan Beach, by the inimitable Patrick Cooper, as he muses country life in an election year for Ireland Imagine the horror of it. The Flat season is almost upon us and you wake up one morning and realise you have misplaced your jockey. You know the routine. Car keys.. I know I just had them in my hand…Raybans…I know I left them beside the keys…cap, raincoat and shoes, I know I left them inside the back door. Ever growing frustration, swearing, stomping, retracing steps, back upstairs, what did I come up here for? Outside for a look in the car and finally relief when all are gathered together and you can leave the building. But no jockey. You know he will turn up, but after a day or two and still no sign there comes the growing realisation that you need a replacement. Now these teak tough and talented little lads and lassies are hard to come about. Where to start? You could ask Kia the way to the shop or you could look at the jockeys' table, but either way you know you can't afford the one you want. How about narrowing it down geographically? Number one criterion is of course size. That rules out South Sea Islanders, shopping malls, and the Dutch, who are supposedly the tallest race on earth. We need to find a lasting solution and too many these days are undone at their height by their height. So small folk it is. I've got it: Lilliput. Published in 1726, Gulliver's Travels was written anonymously by Jonathan Swift, Dean of St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin and one of the great political satirists of any age. He once published a perfectly serious article on how Irish peasants might sell their children to the rich as food, even going so far as to give their optimum age to be eaten for nutritional purposes. Upon landing in Lilliput, Gulliver is first restrained, but then taken into their hearts by the little Lilliputians. Everything goes swimmingly until he refuses them world domination and they turn nasty. Probably best avoid them. Actually, I'm going to let you into a little secret. I know exactly where to go: Rathmullan, Co Donegal. Where? Are you mad? Rathmullan is a small seaside village in North Donegal on the shores of Lough Swilly, which is a sea fjord separating the Inishowen peninsula from Malin Head. Rathmullan Pier sits at the southern end of a two- or three-mile beach, depending on the tide. It has acted as a local training centre for as long as I have been going there. Four of Ireland's current crop of jockeys learnt their trade on Rathmullan Beach. Twice Champion apprentice and Richard Fahey's number one Oisin Orr; his brother Conor, who plies his trade over jumps; Luke McAteer, who rides for Jim Bolger, and another dual champion apprentice and probably Ireland's next superstar, Dylan Browne McMonagle. Go on to YouTube and look at Five Stone of Lead. It's worth five minutes of anyone's time. Dylan Browne McMonagle, age 15 at the Dingle Derby | Racingfotos So how do you get there and where to stay? The latter is easy. Rathmullan House Hotel, which sits a hundred yards from the beach, has been in my wife's family since the early 1960s. It is a haven of tranquility where a couple of Bangladeshi brothers make magic with the produce of the cold waters of the North Atlantic. How to get there? It is exactly three hours from Dublin Airport. By car you head north on the N1 following the signs for Derry. Donegal was cast adrift when the island of Ireland was partitioned in 1920. It has no railway and had pretty much no infrastructure of any sort until relatively recently, and it's still fairly rudimentary. You will cross the border at Auchnacloy in to 'The Occupied Territories'. At that point Derry ceases to exist and you must follow the signs to Londonderry which is apparently the same place. You have now exported yourself from the EU in to the utopian land of milk and honey that is post-Brexit Britain. You re-enter the 'Free State' at Lifford. Without the Northern Irish Protocol, if you had brought a horse with you and were intending to bring it back, you would have had to physically produce 44 separate pieces of paper at the borders. Northern Ireland has two racecourses Downpatrick and Down Royal. Although both are situated in a foreign country with a separate currency they are run under the auspices of the Irish Regulatory Authorities and prize-money, which is provided by the government in Dublin, is paid in euros not the local currency sterling. Gaelic games know no border. We have an all-island rugby team, but two separate soccer teams. There is a lot to Northern Ireland that defies logic. Rathmullan has its own little place in Irish history. As a country we have never fought a war or won a rebellion. However, we do glorious defeats well. After all, they produce a better class of ballad. Now I am going to tell you a story of a dastardly deed and a plan so cunning that you will understand at last how the small wet island of Britain conquered the world. In 1597 Red Hugh O'Donnell, the 16-year-old son of a rebellious chieftain, was having a drink in the local hostelry in Rathmullan when he was joined by a couple of strangers. After numerous gregarious gargles he was asked if he would like a couple more free pints on their ship anchored in the Swilly. Upon boarding the vessel, he was promptly kidnapped and imprisoned in Dublin Castle. How did the English figure out an Irish teenager would fall for such a devious plot? Red Hugh escaped four years later and headed off to Spain to try and garner support for another rebellion. Unfortunately he died in Valladolid in 1602. To this day the locals still parade an empty coffin through the streets on the anniversary of his death. A couple of years ago with huge excitement, à la Richard III in his Leicester car park, a skeleton was found in a city street which was proclaimed to be the remains of Red Hugh. A little like being told your finding of a two-armed skeleton was probably not the authentic Lord Nelson, it was pointed out the real Red Hugh had lost two toes during his escape and this poor soul was fully endowed with all ten. Bubble burst and the search goes on. Rathmullan House Hotel However, it was the Flight of the Earls in 1607 that has given Rathmullan its lasting 15 minutes of fame. Another glorious defeat (cue ballads) resulted in Red Hugh's brother Rory and Hugh O'Neill, the two great Earls of Ulster, fleeing to continental Europe with 90 followers to bring their grievances to the Pope and the King of Spain and raise yet another army for yet another rebellion. Their luck went from bad to worse in the Alps when the donkey that was carrying all their money fell down a ravine and was lost. They never returned to Ireland. During the Napoleonic wars three Martello towers were built on the Swilly to deter invading French. The one beside the pier in Rathmullan now serves as a lovely little museum to the 12th century Abbey as well as being the Flight of the Earls centre. A 'correction' is a long way from a crash. Barefoot and pregnant, we fled from London to Rathmullan in 1991 after the financial meltdown and bloodstock bloodbath of the late 1980s. Isolated but never backward, village life rocked to a different rhythm. Owned by Luke McAteer's grandparents, the White Harte was central. Gerry and Mary kept Philip Morris profits at an artificial high for many a year. They also sold the papers, but not much before 10am which is when they arrived on the bus from Letterkenny. There was only ever one copy of the Racing Post which local fish broker Michael Boyce allowed me to read in return for which I was expected to find him a suitable horse for the Dingle Derby every year. Angela ran the post office and along with taxi driver John Kelly knew all that was needed to be known. A third in a handicap hurdle in Sligo was celebrated wildly in the White Harte, while future Don Quixote-like forays against the bookies were never dimmed by reality. Straight out of Leprechaun central casting, Francie was the barman in the Cellar Bar in the hotel. He would sit on his hunkers behind the bar puffing on his pipe and, provided you were prepared to listen to the one about Delhi and Londondelhi, could pull a mean pint. Pat Patton sold the finest spring lamb in the county and Jim Morrison was both the bin man and local sulky-driving champion. His wife Betty was in charge of breakfast at the restaurant in Rathmullan House pursuant to which Jim's champions developed a taste for left over stale bread. Wednesday was the dreaded May Day because on Thursday my mother-in-law's cleaner May would come and it was deemed unacceptable for an Irish country lady to have the house anything but spotless upon the arrival of their cleaning lady. Tom McLaughlin was the local trainer and the other of Luke's grandfathers. A scallywag would be an apt description. He also provided hirelings for those wishing to go for a more leisurely ride on the beach. Thoroughbreds or battys, you were as likely to end up atop one as the other. A third in a handicap hurdle in Sligo was celebrated wildly in the White Harte, while future Don Quixote-like forays against the bookies were never dimmed by reality. Not much has changed. The wonderful Trish McAteer runs the White Harte. Tom is gone, but his brother sells the finest chips on Rathmullan Pier. Emily still bosses the hotel and the mighty Maurice, whom I am assured speaks English, keeps the gardens immaculate. Jim Barker's petrol pump has been made redundant by the ubiquitous service station, but he still runs the bus to the 'Sectarian Derby' which would be a more appropriate moniker for the Old Firm clash between Rangers and Celtic in Glasgow. Regatta week in August is the social highlight of the year. 'No problem' is the answer to all requests. 'Donegal Time' pays only passing lip service to Greenwich Mean Time and the car park at the pier is still a hive of activity in the not-so-early mornings as local trainers unload their charges and leg up the next youngsters aiming to emulate those four young men who have made it. Fifty per cent of the five million people who live in the Republic now live in the Greater Dublin catchment area. The rest of the country is empty and emptying. Yet here we have a small seaside village producing four professional sportsmen. Four professional sportsmen earning themselves a living in one of the toughest professions of them all. Down in Moone, Jessica Harrington employs 60 or 70 people and through the drip system keeps the local economy oiled. The next biggest employer in Moone outside of Church and State (school) is the charity shop which employs no one. Who knows how many the O'Brien family employ in Piltown, or the Mullins family in Bagenalstown, or indeed the Magnier family in Fethard. But you can be sure that if the Industrial Development Agency, which is Ireland's state body in charge of procuring foreign investment, had found these kind of jobs they would be shouting from the rooftops. We are badly in need of voices with gravitas inside Dáil Éireann (Irish government). We have an increasingly Dublin-centric press with little understanding of racing and a political class for whom the countryside is but for two weeks a year. In this year of elections we need to remind them that there is a wonderful way of life outside the M50 and it needs looking after. The post And Now For Something Completely Different appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A captivating battle unfolded in the 2024 Randwick Guineas, with Celestial Legend emerging victorious in a close finish. Celestial Legend wins the 2024 Randwick Guineas on way to the Doncaster Mile in April. Photo: Steve Hart. The Chris Waller-trained favourite Militarize, ridden by James McDonald, appeared destined for victory but was ultimately denied by a determined showing from Celestial Legend. Celestial Legend, expertly guided by Kerrin McEvoy, displayed remarkable grit throughout the race. He was forced to work hard early on, positioned wide and towards the back of the pack. Despite this tactical challenge, McEvoy orchestrated a perfectly timed finishing kick in the straight. Celestial Legend surged past tiring rivals and engaged in a thrilling duel with Militarize in the final stages. In a display of pure heart, Celestial Legend edged out the favourite by a narrow half-head margin. Cafe Millenium, a longshot at $71, also entered the fray in the final strides, putting in a valiant effort to finish a close third. This victory marks a significant turning point for Celestial Legend. He has now won back-to-back autumn races, culminating in this prestigious Group 1 win. His next target is likely to be the Group 1 $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m) back at the same track and trip on April 6th, a race perfectly suited to his current form. “A mile will do me,” Bridge said. “If he pulls up well, I’ll run him in the Doncaster.” All three podium finishers have positioned themselves as contenders for the upcoming Rosehill Guineas. Despite being all but ruled out by his trainer, Celestial Legend currently leads the all-in betting at $5 through Ladbrokes, while Militarize remains a threat. Cafe Millenium, despite his impressive late run, sits further back at $26 looking the early value. Celestial Legend’s win echoes the achievements of The Autumn Sun in 2019, who completed the Hobartville Stakes – Randwick Guineas double. 2024 Randwick Guineas Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 3 CELESTIAL LEGEND Les Bridge Kerrin McEvoy 11 56.5kg $3.60 2 1 MILITARIZE (NZ) Chris Waller James McDonald 0.1L 4 56.5kg $2.20F 3 10 CAFE MILLENIUM John O’Shea Tom Marquand 0.24L 7 56.5kg $71 4 2 TOM KITTEN James Cummings Nash Rawiller 0.97L 8 56.5kg $7 5 4 ENCAP Gary Portelli Jason Collett 1.14L 10 56.5kg $12 6 9 CEOLWULF (NZ) Joseph Pride Sam Clipperton 1.3L 1 56.5kg $20 7 8 DUCASSE Michael Freedman Tyler Schiller 1.36L 9 56.5kg $51 8 6 LES VAMPIRES Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Adam Hyeronimus 1.57L 2 56.5kg $19 9 5 GANBARE Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 1.69L 5 56.5kg $26 10 11 COSMIC LAD Edward Cummings Chad Schofield 3.4L 6 56.5kg $151 11 7 FUKUBANA Matthew Dunn Tommy Berry 9.42L 3 56.5kg $31 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Celestial Legend Edges Out Militarize in Thrilling 2024 Randwick Guineas Battle appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Lady Laguna defied the odds to claim a stunning victory in the 2024 Canterbury Stakes at Royal Randwick. Lady Laguna wins the 2024 Canterbury Stakes in an impressive upset. Photo: Steve Hart. Ridden by a strategic Tyler Schiller, the Annabel Neasham-trained mare outlasted a strong field that included the highly anticipated return of The Everest champion Think About It. In her first win at Randwick after seven attempts, Lady Laguna capitalized on her peak fitness level. Fresh off a string of victories, including the $1 million Magic Millions Fillies & Mares race and the Group 3 Southern Cross Stakes, she proved her class against elite competition. “No horse deserves it more than her,” Neasham told the media after securing her ninth Group 1 success as a trainer. “She’s an iron-woman. She’s so tough. “We were a little bit further back than I wanted to be but it was a beautiful ride by Tyler and I’m just so over the moon that she’s a Group One winner. And to win for OTI and the team is just so special.” Schiller expertly guided Lady Laguna throughout the race, opting to sit behind the leaders and conserve energy. This calculated approach proved decisive as Lady Laguna unleashed a powerful finishing kick in the straight. Taking advantage of her fitness edge, she surged past the tiring Joe Pride-trained Think About It in the final stages to secure a dominant one-length victory. “It (winning a second Group 1) feels as good as the first time,” Schiller said. “I actually thought she was going to get rounded up late but she just kept kicking and she was strong for the 1300 (metres). “She’s not a renowned 1300-metre horse but she was too good for them there. “She’s come out of some good Group Two races, not the best formlines for this but just the turn of foot she’s had in her last three starts I think held her in good stead. “I always thought Think About It might have been a little bit touchy at the 1300, just with his prep going forward. “He’s looking to get out in trip so I was just hoping he would be a little bit dour. When I cruised up past him at the 100 I thought it was going to be a little ding-dong battle and she put them away very well.” This win marks a significant rise for Lady Laguna, who has now triumphed in four of her last five starts. Chris Waller‘s smart mare Espiona finished third, rounding out the Canterbury Stakes trifecta. 2024 Canterbury Stakes Results Finish No. Horse Trainer Jockey Margin Bar. Weight Penalty Starting Price 1 7 LADY LAGUNA Annabel Neasham Tyler Schiller 6 57kg $11 2 1 THINK ABOUT IT Joseph Pride Sam Clipperton 1.25L 7 59kg $2.35F 3 6 ESPIONA Chris Waller James McDonald 1.35L 2 57kg $2.45 4 3 COAL CRUSHER Joseph Pride Adam Hyeronimus 2.49L 5 59kg $13 5 2 PERICLES James Cummings Tom Marquand 2.94L 1 59kg $9 6 5 MALKOVICH Bjorn Baker Joshua Parr 4.87L 4 59kg $41 7 4 BANDERSNATCH Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jordan Childs 5.2L 3 59kg $51 8 CALL DI Joseph Pride Nash Rawiller 0 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au. The post Lady Laguna Upsets Favourites in 2024 Canterbury Stakes Thriller appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Brad Widdup and Kerrin McEvoy combined with Tintookie (+340) in the final race at Randwick on Saturday, securing victory in the Group 3 Weona Girl Quality (1200m). The daughter of Winning Rupert had put together a consistent preparation so far, finding the frame in three of her four starts, finally getting the opportunity to add black-type racing to her resume. The Brad Widdup stable has placed her beautifully since winning first-up and found the perfect setup for success on Saturday. She was given a perfect steer by Kerrin McEvoy as he landed her in the one-one position throughout the contest, relishing the strong tempo supplied by Byron Belle (+10000) and Eagle Nest (+1200) in the early stages. It allowed McEvoy to get the ideal run in transit, while the likes of C’est Magique (+600), Wee Nessy (+850) and Rainbiel (+650) were left chasing a long way from home, unable to cut into the margin as Tintookie bolted clear with the prize. 2024 Wenona Girl Quality Replay – Tintookie Brad Widdup gave a glowing appraisal of his mare in the aftermath, speaking to the forgive effort she supplied last Saturday when three wide without cover the trip. “It’s great. Full credit to all my staff back at home. It’s been a great day and it’s their reward,” said Widdup. “It was hard to watch last week, I tell you, but it’s nice to watch this week. “She landed in a great spot. That’s the benefit, Kerrin knows her. She began well and she was good under the weight. “With her, I didn’t do a lot. Some you have got to keep an eye on and have to do something, but she was pretty straightforward. And, last week was only a gallop.” Kerrin McEvoy was quick to thank the stable for keeping him aboard on Saturday after a luckless effort last Saturday before speaking to the class of his mount. “I didn’t give her one of the best of rides last week, and thanks to Brad (Widdup) for putting me back on and backing her up,” said McEvoy. “It was a good call. She was able to get a better start today and utilise the draw. She travelled well throughout and was able to kick and give a nice finish coming home. “She was down on the limit with 53 kilos, getting a nice weight pull off a few of those better performed mares but she’s improving all the time.” Horse racing news View the full article

Lekvarte ridden by Tommy Berry has taken out the Group 3 Aspiration Quality at Randwick. Photo: Racing NSW The Joseph Pride-trained Lekvarte (+320) has bolted back into the winners’ enclosure in stylish fashion, storming over the top to claim the Group 3 Aspiration Quality (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday. The daughter of Reliable Man had produced three wins on the trot to kick-off the campaign before a minor let-up prior to the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) left her chasing a long way from home over an unsuitable trip. Getting back to the 1600m was always going to be favourable, and thanks to a patience steer from Tommy Berry, Lekvarte was back to her scintillating best. A pair of outsiders strolled to the lead, as Podium Queen (+8000) and Little Mix (+1800) cruised along to lead them up at a moderate tempo, with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Osmose (+600) gaining the economical run of the race just in behind. Rebel Rama (+8000) looked to cause a major upset when shooting up the inside running rail, while the likes of Premise (+5000) and Thalassophile (+500) were doing their best work late. The leaders were all sitting ducks for Lekvarte in the end, who proved too strong for the girls, with Osmose running into a clear second, while Rebel Rama and Premise would be left fighting out the last spot in the minor money. 2024 Aspiration Quality Replay – Lekvarte It was all about the five-year-old mare in the end, as she continues to build on an already glowing resume for the Joseph Pride camp. “She raced through the summer but just had the three runs and I gave her a freshen up to come back and her run the other day was exceptional,” said Pride. “The punters worked that out, she started favourite today but that was a good win. “She really sprouted wings coming through the centre of them and that’s the way she’s racing now, as a five-year-old she’s really started to hit her straps as a racehorse. And who knows, they might want me to race her on for another 12 months yet. “The way she’s going, she still seems to be improving which is not totally unusual in a horse her age, but I’m really happy with her. “I contemplated, because her run was really good the other day, going to the Coolmore Classic next week but I don’t think we would have got a run in it. “Who knows, we might be able to back up yet. But this looked the right race for her.” Tommy Berry spoke to the instructions he received pre-race and was able to allow the mare clear air when necessary in the home straight. “Joe (Pride) has always thought she’s a better horse getting to the outside, and she probably is,” said Berry. “So Joe might have been saying a few other words, I reckon, coming to the 600m but his instructions were pretty simple today – just get her to the outside. “But she just never steps away brilliantly and no matter how much I wake her up in the gates, she’s like, I’m not going anywhere yet, just wait til I’m ready.” Lekvarte is listed as a +1600 chance in the Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) next Saturday at Rosehill. Horse racing news View the full article

Celestial Legend ridden by Kerrin McEvoy takes out the Group 1 Randwick Guineas. Photo: Racing NSW The Les Bridge-trained Celestial Legend (+270) has fought off Militarize (+120) and Cafe Millennium (+7000) to secure a gritty victory in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on Saturday afternoon. The son of Dundeel had to do it the hard way as opposed to his relatively soft victory in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago, sitting three wide without cover throughout the 1600m, still proving too good for his rivals in the shadows of the post. He was favoured in some regards, thanks to a genuine tempo throughout the trip, with the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott pair of Les Vampires (+1800) and Ganbare (+2500) leading into the home bend. Fukubana (+3300) pushed forward as well, allowing the back markers to come into play as the leading trio began to fade with 300m to go. The favoured pair of Celestial Legend and Militarize appeared set to fight it out, throw in a late charge by Cafe Millennium, and punters were in for a grandstand finish. Militarize loomed large on the inside, while Cafe Millennium looked like swamping the pair of them late, but it was Celestial Legend and Kerrin McEvoy who would prove victorious in the end, fending off all challengers to secure Group 1 glory in the famous colours of Classique Legend. 2024 Randwick Guineas Replay – Celestial Legend Les Bridge was on course to praise his now Group 1 winning colt, and seems to think there is still more to come, perhaps in the form of a Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) tilt. “He never got on the track (today),” said Bridge. “It was amazing. I think he’s the best horse I’ve had and I’ve thought so for a while but I’ve been frightened to even admit it to myself. But he’s fantastic. “If he pulls up well, I’ll run him in the Doncaster. Bridge briefly spoke about the relationship he and the McEvoy family have as well. “Well, his family has got Classique Legend. And there’s a really close bond between the lot of us. It’s special. That’s all I can say.” Kerrin McEvoy gave full credit to his mount in his post-race assessment and spoke to the toughness of his colt to fight despite the torrid trip. “He was great,” said McEvoy. “It’s a dream for Les (Bridge) and for (owner) Bon (Ho). Les has really loved this horse for a while. It’s been well documented and he did a great job, the horse. “It worked out fine early but then the pressure went on and then I lost my cover and I thought OK, I’ll just try to slide forward and be in front of J Mac (James McDonald) and then he muscled me out of the way on the corner and I had to just regroup and balance him. “He was tough the last furlong because I had to ask him for that extreme effort and he put his head out and dug deep. It was a lovely win, first time up to the mile.” Celestial Legend is now on the second line of betting at +500 with most online bookmakers for the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 6. Horse racing news View the full article

Lady Laguna ridden by Tyler Schiller takes out the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick. Photo: Racing NSW Lady Laguna (+1000) has produced a boil over to claim victory in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes on Saturday afternoon, storming over the top to claim the $750,000 prize. She had put the writing on the wall throughout the campaign, with a hat-trick of victories holding the Annabel Neasham-trained mare in good stead heading into the event but suffered a minor hiccup last start, finishing second behind Zougotcha in the Group 2 Millie Fox Stakes (1300m) a fortnight ago. A faster run 1300m seemed to do the trick for the daughter of Overshare, who continues her rise through the grades, culminating in Group 1 success for the first time on Saturday. All the talk was surrounding the return of the Joesph Pride-trained Think About It (+140) heading into the weekend, along with Espiona (+140) hopping on the float back to Sydney after an impressive first-up performance in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington first-up. Both ended up jumping towards the rear of the field, with Think About It making a mid-race move with 600m to travel, it gave jockey Tyler Schiller the perfect opportunity to check off the back of the Everest winner with 400m to go, putting them away stylishly in the concluding stages. Think About It lost no admirers holding onto the runner-up position, while a fast-finishing Espiona would have to settle for a third-place finish. 2024 Canterbury Stakes Replay – Lady Laguna Lady Laguna was simply too good in the end, and Annabel Neasham was on course to discuss the dominant win of her talented mare. “No horse deserves it more than her,” said an elated Neasham. “She’s an iron-woman. She’s so tough. “We were a little bit further back than I wanted to be but it was a beautiful ride by Tyler and I’m just so over the moon that she’s a Group 1 winner. And to win for OTI and the team is just so special. “She’s just very straightforward. She’s always a happy, sound horse. “I didn’t gallop her on Tuesday because in the back of my mind I had the Coolmore Classic for next week as well, so I thought we’ll just keep her fresh because she’s been up a long time. And that’s the beauty with her, you don’t have to do a whole lot with her. “She’s an absolute star.” It was the second Group 1 success as a jockey for Tyler Schiller as he spoke to the gravity of the victory for himself and how the race unfolded for his mount. “It feels as good as the first time,” said Schiller. “I actually thought she was going to get rounded up late but she just kept kicking and she was strong for the 1300 (metres). She’s not a renowned 1300-metre horse but she was too good for them there. “I would have loved to have actually stayed in behind Bandersnatch or be in advance of him early, he was a bit of a fly in the ointment but it gave me a lovely run in transit. “And once I pulled into the lane I just had to travel her up the rise and she was too strong for them late.” Horse racing news View the full article

Champion jockey is adamant John Size’s consistent performer will relish dropping back to seven furlongsView the full article

A return to the scene of his greatest win has worked wonders for He’s A Doozy, who burst back into form with victory in Saturday’s The Hits Autumn Cup (1600m) at Trentham. The Wellington track has always brought the very best out of the Zacinto gelding, whose 10 previous visits to Trentham had produced five wins including last season’s Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) and Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m). But the current season had been a fruitless one for the six-year-old, finishing no closer than fourth in his six appearances before Saturday’s $50,000 open handicap. That all changed at Trentham. He’s A Doozy was assigned a testing 62kg topweight, but dropped to 59kg with apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll’s 3kg claim. He jumped awkwardly and settled at the rear of the seven-horse field in the early stages of the race, then slid forward into fifth just before the end of the back straight. The leader Marroni rolled off the fence at the home turn and Lawson-Carroll seized his opportunity, driving through the inside and hitting the lead with 200m remaining. Duncan Creek and Sumi gave their all to try to run him down, but He’s A Doozy kept kicking and held on gamely to win by a short head. Trainer Lisa Latta paid $70,000 to buy He’s A Doozy as a yearling at Karaka in 2019. His 30-start career has now produced eight wins, four placings and $505,425 in stakes. “He’s a good horse and it’s a real relief to see him back in winning form today,” Latta said. “He loves it around Trentham, he was given a good ride and won the race really nicely “There’s not a lot of options around for a horse like him at this time of year, but we might look at the Awapuni Gold Cup (Gr.2, 2100m), which is at Trentham this year (on April 6). We’ll probably look to give him a trial in between to keep him up to the mark.” He’s A Doozy was the third winner on the Trentham card for Lawson-Carroll and the second for Latta. That trainer-jockey combination also teamed up to win the Graham’s Painters 1000 with highly talented three-year-old Platinum Attack, who has now won all of his last three races in succession. “He’s a very promising horse and is just doing everything on raw ability at the moment,” Latta said. “He hit the front a long way out today, so it was a good, tough effort to keep going and get the win.” View the full article

An inch perfect front running ride by Irishman Joe Doyle paved the way for outsider El Vencedor to upset the applecart in the Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie. Despite a consistent form-line with a win and three placings along with a last-start fourth in the Gr.1 Otaki-Māori Weight For Age Classic (1600m), the five-year-old son of Shocking was overlooked by punters as he closed at $21 on the Fixed Odds market. All the smart money was on class four-year-old mare Legarto ($1.20) who had taken out the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at her last start. Those investments looked well placed early in the piece as Ryan Elliot settled her beautifully in third as she stalked El Vencedor and Doyle, who set up a tidy pace in front. Approaching the home corner, it was evident that El Vencedor was travelling sweetly in his first start beyond 1600m, however Legarto had him in her sights as she switched off the rail and set out to bridge the three-length margin the leader had established with 300m to run. Despite making ground steadily, Legarto couldn’t pull back El Vencedor who kicked strongly for Doyle and powered to the line to win by half a length with Ladies Man finishing resolutely for third, albeit four lengths in arrears of the first two. Trainer Stephen Marsh, who had two races earlier taken out the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m) with Velocious, was a little lost for words as he contemplated what his charge had just achieved. “Legarto is such a great mare and you never take her cheaply, but I loved the way he got to the front under a bit of pressure then got a couple of cheap sectionals,” Marsh said. “He was galloping beautifully in front and coming into the straight I saw Legarto come off the bridle just as we were starting to climb into it. “I thought geez we could be a chance here, and he kicked well and galloped nice and true which was beautiful to see. “He has got better and better with each run, and this is great for his breeders and owners Mark Freeman and David Price as they own the mare, and it is just awesome all around. “Two Group Ones in a day is just surreal.” Doyle wore a massive smile as he accepted congratulations for his performance on the brave winner. “That is just fantastic, and this is a race with a lot of history,” he said. “Stephen’s horse (El Vencedor) was so tenacious, and I’m absolutely thrilled. “We agreed before the race that the only chance we had was if we could get relaxed in front, so I let him slide forward and when we hit the rise, I let him fill his lungs and he was as tough as anything and got me home.” Freeman and Price bred the gelding from their O’Reilly mare Strictly Maternal and he is the younger brother of their Gr.2 Brisbane Cup (2200m) winner Chocante, while he is also a half-brother to Hong Kong Derby winner Sky Darci. The win took his career earnings beyond the $636,000 mark with seven wins and thirteen placings from 31 starts. Runner-up Legarto also significantly boosted her career earnings with the runner-up cheque of $83,250, added to a whopping $500,000 bonus as the inaugural winner of the $650,000 summer series that was introduced this year by Entain Australia and New Zealand in association with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing. The series ran across four races between January and March, rewarding the series winner with a $500,000 bonus for accumulating the most points from contesting either the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) at Trentham on January 20, or $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27. Having finished runner-up in the Aotearoa Classic before taking out the third leg of the series, the Gr.1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa last month, Legarto went into the decider as a clear series leader with 20.5 points and her runner-up finish saw her collect the lion’s share of a much sought after prize. View the full article