Wandering Eyes

Dual Australian Champion Sire Fastnet Rock (Aus) (Danehill) has been pensioned from stallion duty, Coolmore Australia announced. Bred by Linley Investments, the son of Piccadilly Circus (Aus) (Royal Academy) would go on to race for an ownership group and trainer Paul Perry. His best days on the racecourse were in 2005, where he won the G1 Lightning S. and G1 Oakleigh Plate in succession. Named both Australian Champion Sprinter and Champion 3-Year-Old Colt that year, Fastnet Rock retired to stud with a mark of 19-6-7-2 and $1,312,623 in earnings. As a stallion, he was even better, earning Australian titles in 2012 and 2015. Internationally, he has sired 193 stakes winners (122 group). Of those, 43 have been at the highest level, as he spent many seasons shuttling from his Coolmore Australia base to Coolmore Stud in Ireland. Some of his best progeny have been fillies Avantage (Aus), an nine-time Group 1 winner in New Zealand, and four-time Group 1 winners Mosheen (Aus) and Atlantic Jewel (Aus). In the Northern Hemisphere, Fastnet Rock has sired the likes of three-time G1 Prix de la Foret heroine One Master (GB), dual hemisphere Group 1 winner Via Sistina (Ire), and G1 Champion S. and G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup victor Fascinating Rock (Ire). As a broodmare sire, the 22-year-old has left 113 stakes winners (71 group). An even dozen of his daughters' foals are Group 1 winners anchored by decorated sprinter/miler Santa Ana Lane (Aus) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), and fellow top-level winners Zougotcha (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}), G1 Yorkshire Oaks victress Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), and current Hong Kong star Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). “Fastnet Rock has been a once-in-a-lifetime horse, and we are immensely grateful for the incredible journey he has taken us on. I hope he will enjoy a long and happy retirement here at Jerrys Plains,” said Coolmore's Tom Magnier. “His legacy will endure for generations to come, and we look forward to seeing his influence continue to shape the future of the sport. His son Acrobat (Aus) was the fastest 2-year-old ever at Randwick over 1000m and if his first foals are anything to go by, we'll be hearing a lot more about him in the future.” The post Champion Sire Fastnet Rock Pensioned At Coolmore Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

HONG KONG, CHINA — According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the city's weather forecast agency, about 230 millilitres of rain had fallen between the first of the year and Apr. 25. Of that amount, fully 200 mls have been recorded since the first of this month and the vast majority of that has occurred this week, as rain–at times heavy enough to completely obscure the top of the Sha Tin straight course–thunder and lightning have been just this side of relentless. The considerable precipitation has the connections of Hong Kong's three leading lights for Sunday's FWD Champions Day meeting a little concerned, maybe even more than a little. Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) is Hong Kong's three-time defending Horse of the Year and will try to win the G1 FWD Champions Mile for a record-extending fourth straight time in what many believe will be the final start of a truly remarkable career. After overcoming the 14 hole and belying a 224-day absence to win the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile for a third time last December, his lead-up to Sunday's race has been sub-optimal, including an injury scare that cast a fair amount of doubt on his very participation. He's been away for 139 days this time and has the underfoot conditions to deal with from gate seven, with Vincent Ho at the controls for the 31st time in his 31 starts. “The barrier draw isn't a worry, only the weather will be,” said trainer Francis Lui. “Now, he's very professional and he looks after himself. I think his condition has come up just in time.” Golden Sixty shows one race on rain-affected ground, a third to the at-home Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the 2000-metre G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup in 2022 when he was routinely ridden further back in the field. It's an effort that is best taken with a grain of salt. Middleham Park Racing LX's Brave Emperor (Ire) (Sioux Nation) is one who would appear to enjoy easier conditions, as he is a perfect four-from-four on tracks listed as soft or heavy. The four-length winner of the G2 Vittoria di Capua in bottomless ground in Milan last November, the bay gelding showed he handles a sounder surface when holding out Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road) in the $500,000 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Cup in Qatar Feb. 17. Trainer Archie Watson said in the immediate aftermath of that performance that the Champions Mile was the plan, and Arc-winning rider Luke Morris is looking forward to the challenge. “He's had a nice break since Qatar and once we knew he could perform on a fast surface, the Champions Mile was always on the radar, so he's been prepared perfectly. We've got him exactly where we want him,” Morris said. Other logical challengers are Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), runner-up in the Hong Kong Mile and next-out winner of the G1 Stewards Cup, and Galaxy Patch (Aus) (Wandjina {Aus}), who is down in trip after just missing in the BMW Hong Kong Derby over 10 furlongs. California Spangle In The Same Boat…or Ark There are a few similarities between Golden Sixty and California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), who looks to add Sunday's G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize to previous elite-level conquests in the Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup and the Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai. Each has drawn barrier seven in a field of 11 and like the champ, the underfoot conditions give connections some cause for pause. “We will have to see, but I am not very confident and I prefer a good track,” trainer Tony Cruz said. “You have got to know where you are because (on) a good track, we all know he can perform and we don't want a wet track to gamble on.” Despite heavy rains earlier in the week at Happy Valley, the Wednesday evening meeting was held over 'good' ground and depending on the timing of rain over the weekend, the quick-drying Sha Tin could ride quicker than anticipated. “This track really is amazing compared to any track in the world,” Cruz said. “No matter how much rain there is, it can turn out to be a very good track, still.” California Spangle | HKJC Though California Spangle is well clear on ratings, the two horses closest to him have form over easier ground. Moyglare Stud-bred Mad Cool (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), eighth to the sidelined Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) in the G1 Longones Hong Kong Sprint in December, makes the short ship after narrowly saluting in the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in yielding ground last month. Victor the Winner (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) was a pacesetting third in that contest, three lengths adrift, and will be put into play early from gate two by Derek Leung. Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) jets in for the ambitious George Boughey, with something to find with the race favourites. Winner of the G3 Prix Texanita at Chantilly last May, the 4-year-old was a close third in the G1 Sprint Cup at Haydock in September. She was last seen finishing in the last third of the field and well beaten in the G1 British Champions Sprint S. Oct. 21. “She's got some form on softer going but, ideally, we'd have wanted it on the quicker side,” her jockey Harry Bentley commented. “Ideally, we'd jump and sit close to the pace, if we can sit in a box-seat position we'd be very happy.” 'Honour' Takes Different Path Into QE II When Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride of Dubai {Aus}) arrived into Hong Kong for last year's G1 FWD QE II Cup, it was on his way back home after a pair of cracking victories in Group 1 company in Australia. While he covered himself in glory when third to Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and Prognosis (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), he comes into this event off a visually impressive three-length success in the Listed Magnolia S. over the Kempton all-weather Apr. 1. Dubai Honour's win in Australia's version of the Queen Elizabeth came over easy ground, and connections wouldn't mind the current weather pattern to hold on through the weekend. “The rain keeps coming down, so that's kind of the thing we're most excited about,” said exercise rider Issy Paul. “He's coming here a lot fresher, which is a big benefit. He feels great.” Dubai Honour | HKJC Romantic Warrior looks for his third straight QE II after once again winning the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup and G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup. James McDonald is on another hit-and-run mission this weekend for owner Peter Lau. “We have never raced on yielding or soft before, so we don't know if it will be good or bad,” Lau told South China Morning Post. “We are concerned but fingers crossed.” Prognosis has a bad habit of breaking slowly, and he'll want to be as close to perfect on Sunday, as there is little margin for error. That said, when things go his way, he is a top-class individual and his five-length romp in the G2 Kinko Sho at Chukyo six weeks ago makes him a proper threat. Three of the last 10 runnings of the QE II have been taken by 4-year-olds exiting a win in the BMW Hong Kong Derby–including Romantic Warrior in 2022–as they try to prove their mettle against unrestricted and world-class competition. Massive Sovereign (Ire) (Sioux Nation) has a chance to join a list that also features Vengeance of Rain (NZ), Designs on Rome (Ire) and Werther (NZ), and while leading jockey Zac Purton knows it won't be easy, he's also not willing to trade places with anyone. “Obviously a massive job when he comes out of a Derby, so it's a good test for him to see where he is at and that's the exciting part about this stage of the season,” the Australian said. “Coming through the Derby he has gone against racing against 4-year-olds here in Hong Kong to going against some of the world's best.” The post Golden Sixty’s Reign At The Mercy Of The Rain appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Eclipse and Sovereign Award winner Channel Maker (English Channel), who now resides at Old Friends Farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, is among the Thoroughbred inductees to the Class of 2024, the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame said in a release late Wednesday. Across six categories–Male and Female Horse, Builder, Jockey, Trainer and Veteran–a 20-person election committee voted on the list of finalists. Channel Maker was a stalwart multiple grade I stakes winner who amassed almost $4 million in earnings over 56 career races–46 of which were graded North American ones. The gelding was retired to Old Friends late last year by owners Adam Wachtel of Wachtel Stable, Gary Barber, R. A. Hill Stable and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing. Joining the 9-year-old in the Hall of Fame will be Canadian Horse of the Year and MGISW Starship Jubilee (Indy Wind), racehorse owner and breeder Glen Todd, jockey Patrick Husbands, Channel Maker's original trainer Danny Vella and senior steward Richard Grubb. The induction ceremony will take place Wednesday, Aug. 7. Details concerning ticket information will be released in early May. The post Channel Maker Among Class Of ’24 Canadian Hall Of Fame Inductees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nominations are now open for stable staff to ride in one of four charity races as part of Betfair Racing Staff Week (June 22-28), Racing Welfare announced on Friday. The four race dates are: Ayr Racecourse – Saturday 22nd June – Distance: Six furlongs Chepstow Racecourse – Monday 24th June – Distance: One mile two furlongs Newbury Racecourse – Tuesday 25th June – Distance: One mile Nottingham Racecourse – Thursday 27th June – Distance: Six furlongs Racing Welfare's corporate fundraising and events manager Clare Kingston said, “If you've ever dreamt of riding in a race, now is your chance. We have the opportunity for up to 48 members of stable staff to experience the ultimate thrill of riding in a race and I'd encourage any trainers to consider whether they have members of staff they'd like to put forward–it's not limited to one member of staff per trainer. These races always prove extremely popular and I'm sure this year will be no different so please get your entries in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.” Last year's renewals during Racing Staff Week collectively raised more than £70,000. To nominate, please visit the Racing Welfare website. The post Nominations Open For Quartet Of Stable Staff Races During Racing Staff Week appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last seen winning the G3 Zetland S. in commanding fashion at Newmarket in October, Godolphin's Arabian Crown (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}–Dubai Rose {GB}, by Dubai Destination) furthered his Derby claims with a return win in Friday's G3 Sandown Classic Trial. Sent off the 5-6 favourite for the 10-furlong blue riband prep, the €600,000 Arqana Deauville August graduate was quickly to the fore under William Buick and already held a clear advantage at the top of the straight. Never seriously troubled from there, one of the key Derby hopefuls for Charlie Appleby maintained the gallop to score by 3 1/4 lengths from Macduff (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Appleby's assistant Alex Merriam said, “He has got to be in the Derby mix now and obviously there are a few other irons in the fire, but I suppose he has to be the main one at the minute. We'll see how he comes out of the race and if he goes anywhere, it will probably be Chester–the Dante is a bit close to Epsom. I think experience-wise, as you can see there, he's quite professional already. We've not had a Dubawi win the Derby yet, but fingers crossed we will get there eventually.” William Buick was impressed. “He is very straightforward and he showed that last year. He just kept on improving last year, so let's hope he can keep doing the same. Charlie was very keen to go forward today but we were also very happy to sit off the pace if there was a strong pace. As it turns out, he has a big stride and he likes to use it and he changed gear two and a half out and attacked the hill, so it was a very nice performance.” Ralph Beckett said of Macduff, “He's a very straightforward horse and Rossa [Ryan] felt he had enough in the tank to tackle the winner, but the ground just counted against him. He does have a sort of fast-ground pedigree, so that ties in. We'll see how he trains in the next few weeks and Barry [Mahon] is not keen to rule out Epsom and neither am I. We'll see how he trains in the coming weeks and how the trials go and then see how we feel about it.” Pedigree Notes Dubai Rose, who captured the Listed Kolner Stuten-Trophy as well as the Swiss Derby over a mile and a half, is also responsible for the dual G2 Prix de Royallieu winner and G1 Prix Vermeille third The Juliet Rose (Fr) (Monsun {Ger}), Dubawi's listed-winning Everest Rose (GB) and the dual listed-placed Pocketfullofdreams (Fr) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). She is kin to the G2 Pretty Polly S. winner Hanami (GB) (Hernando {Fr}), whose progeny include the G2 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial and G3 Ballysax S.-placed Regent Street (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Among Dubai Rose's other half-siblings is another German listed scorer in Hernando's Soho Rose (Ire), who produced the G1 Prix de Royallieu heroine Sea La Rosa (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and her G2 Great Voltigeur S. and G3 Bahrain Trophy-winning full-brother Deauville Legend (Ire), as well as the group 3-placed Dean Street Doll (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Her 2-year-old colt Orageux (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) was sold to Blandford Bloodstock for €660,000 at last year's Deauville August Sale. Some seriously smart horses have taken the @bet365 Classic Trial over the years – might we have just seen another Premier League performer in @godolphin's Arabian Crown? He looks a right prospect… pic.twitter.com/IzEoNOA7Ns — Sandown Park (@Sandownpark) April 26, 2024 Friday, Sandown, Britain BET365 CLASSIC TRIAL-G3, £85,000, Sandown, 4-26, 3yo, 9f 209yT, 2:12.61, g/s. 1–ARABIAN CROWN (FR), 129, c, 3, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Dubai Rose (GB) (SW-Ger), by Dubai Destination 2nd Dam: Russian Rose (Ire), by Soviet Lad 3rd Dam: Thornbeam, by Beldale Flutter (€600,000 Ylg '22 ARAUG). O-Godolphin; B-GB Partnership (FR); T-Charlie Appleby; J-William Buick. £48,204. Lifetime Record: 5-4-0-1, $139,761. *1/2 to The Juliet Rose (Fr) (Monsun {Ger}), MGSW & G1SP-Fr, $554,634. Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Macduff (GB), 129, c, 3, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Present Tense (GB), by Bated Breath (GB). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Juddmonte; B-Juddmonte Farms Ltd (GB); T-Ralph Beckett. £18,275. 3–Remaadd (Ire), 129, c, 3, Gleneagles (Ire)–Oojooba (GB), by Monsun (Ger). 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum; B-Godolphin (IRE); T-William Haggas. £9,146. Margins: 3 1/4, HF, HD. Odds: 0.83, 5.50, 8.00. Also Ran: Portland (Ire), Under The Sun (GB), War Rooms (Ire), Dunstan (Ire), Prince Rasam (GB). Scratched: Matsuri (GB). The post Dubawi’s Arabian Crown In Command In The Classic Trial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A bumper field has been declared for Sunday's G1 Tenno Sho (Spring), with 18 runners set to do battle over the 3,200-metre distance at Kyoto Racecourse. The race is run over a longer trip than any other Group 1 in the JRA calendar and staying was typically the name of the game last year when Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) ground his rivals into submission with a dominant performance under Christophe Lemaire. Justin Palace is a notable absentee from this year's line-up, but the likes of Deep Bond (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) and Silver Sonic (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) are back for more having finished second and third, respectively, 12 months ago. Stamina certainly won't be an issue for either horse, though both need to bounce back from below-par efforts in the G2 Hanshin Daishoten last time. T O Royal (Jpn) (Leontes {Jpn}), on the other hand, looked better than ever when winning that race by five lengths, identifying himself as a leading contender as he tries to improve on his third-place finish in the 2022 edition of the Tenno Sho (Spring) when it was run at Hanshin. “He was raring to run in the Hanshin Daishoten and the jockey had a lot of horse under him the whole way,” said Atsushi Obayashi, assistant trainer to Inao Okada. “When he urged him on T O Royal responded with some very solid running. “Everything about his prep has gone smoothly. The competition will take a step up but there's nowhere this horse comes up short. He has come into his own now. He has ample stamina and with the condition he's in presently I think he has ample chance. I'm really looking forward to the race.” The placed horses from the Hanshin Daishoten, Warp Speed (Jpn) (Drefong) and Blow The Horn (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}), are in opposition again, but it's a couple of four-year-olds who appeal as potentially the biggest dangers to T O Royal on Sunday, namely the Classic winners Durezza (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) and Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}), both horses owned by Carrot Farm Co Ltd. Tastiera enjoyed his day in the sun when winning last year's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) at Tokyo, but he was later no match for Durezza when the pair met in the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) at this track. Durezza ran on willingly in the closing stages to win by three and a half lengths and Tomohito Ozeki is cautiously optimistic of an improved showing on Sunday following his runner-up finish in the G2 Kinko Sho at Chukyo last time. “The Kikuka Sho really took a lot out of him, so his second place in the Kinko Sho was in part due to the time needed to get him back to his best,” said Ozeki. “He's still immature physically, too soft in places, too tight in others, so we had to prepare him for the race while being careful he doesn't tense up. “On April 17 he worked under Keita Tosaki and alongside another horse. That horse could move so it was a good hard workout. He should have improved after that–he is definitely improving as he heads toward the Group 1. I can't say the distance is welcome, but with the way he's looking now, I think he'll be able to handle it.” On Tastiera, who finished down the field on his return to action in the G1 Osaka Hai at Hanshin, trainer Noriyuki Hori said, “Looking at his condition and his body, I still can't find a reason for him losing his last race. Looking at his last result, I can't really say how he'll do. I'll just keep my thinking cap on as we head in to this race.” Of the rest, the consistent Chuck Nate (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) isn't one to underestimate following his last-time-out victory in the G2 American Jockey Club Cup at Nakayama, while Savona (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) was only sixth in the Hanshin Daishoten but has some good efforts at Kyoto to his name, including when pushing Blow The Horn all the way in the G2 Nikkei Shinshun Hei H. here in January. The post T O Royal Bids For First Top-Level Success In Tenno Sho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kenny Alexander, the owner of Honeysuckle (GB) (Sulamani {Ire}), has donated a specific set of racing colours which will be offered as part of the Goffs Punchestown Sale next week, the sales company announced on Friday. Signed by Rachael Blackmore, Henry De Bromhead and Alexander, the silks were worn by Blackmore in all of Honeysuckle's major races, including her four Cheltenham Festival victories and nine Irish Grade 1 wins. The silks are offered to support the ChildVision indoor equine therapeutic centre named in memory of Jack De Bromhead, which will be built this year. The catalogue for the Punchestown Sale, which takes place immediately after racing on May 2, will be limited to 24 lots and released on Monday. For more information, please visit the Goffs website. The post Honeysuckle Silks To Be Offered At Goffs Punchestown Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland has supplemented the 2-year-old Cheval de Guerre (Caravaggio) to Friday evening's April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET., the auction house said in a release early Friday morning. Consigned by Kenneally Racing, agent, the colt will sell as Hip 135 from Barn 18. The first foal out of Champagne Diet, a winning daughter of Declaration of War, the gray is from the family of multiple Grade I winners Winter Memories (El Prado {Ire}) and Memories of Silver (Silver Hawk). On the turf at Keeneland in race 2 on Thursday, Cheval de Guerre was the runner-up in his debut to Into Diamonds (Into Mischief). Click here for the online catalog and here for full-sale form figures for the 135 horses in the catalog. #12 Into Diamonds wins on debut in R2 at Keeneland under @iradortiz for trainer Mark Casse! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/JT48XkkBMK — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 25, 2024 The post Juvenile Cheval De Guerre Supplemented To Keeneland April Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Classic prospect Making Dreams (Ire) (Make Believe {Ire}) headlines a pop-up sale conducted by Arqana Online from 3-5 p.m. on May 3. Already a winner of the G3 Prix Penelope by six lengths on Apr. 1, the three-time 2-year-old winner carries an entry for the G2 Prix Saint Alary on May 12, as well as for the G1 Oaks at Epsom on May 31. Trained by Karl Burke, the filly is currently rated 100. Bred by Morera Partnership, Making Dreams cost 33,000gns at the 2022 Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale. Her dam is stakes-placed Sweet Dream (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), and her granddam is the G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Sweet Stream (Ity) (Shantou). This is the extended family of Group 2-winning stayer Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}). For more information on the pop-up sale, please visit the Arqana website. The post Arqana Pop-Up Sale For Classic Prospect Making Dreams appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Peter O'Reilly has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association, the ITBA announced on Friday. He takes over from interim CEO Pat Keogh. Currently on the board of the AIRO, O'Reilly is a small breeder and a longtime member of the ITBA. O'Reilly enjoyed a long career in the financial services industry, before starting his own business. He will be supported in his new role by the ITBA team of Danielle Deveney and Hannah Marks. “I am really looking forward to working with Irish Breeders and with the team at the ITBA,” said O'Reilly. “I hope to be able to deliver support and success to Irish breeders and to drive forward the ITBA with the help of its dedicated Council and committee members.” Cathy Grassick, chairman of the ITBA, said, “On behalf of the ITBA Council, I am delighted that Peter O'Reilly has accepted this position to represent and support the breeders of Ireland. I look forward to working with Peter and wish him the very best in his new role. While this is an exciting appointment for the ITBA it is also tinged with sadness as this position was held by the late Una Tormey, our previous ITBA chief executive who was so dedicated in her work. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank interim CEO Pat Keogh for his excellent work and support in his time with the ITBA.” The post Peter O’Reilly New Chief Executive At ITBA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kris Lees will be represented in A$775,000 The Archer for the third year in succession and he is hoping to use that experience to advantage. Lees will start Australian Bloodstock gelding Ucalledit (NZ) (Zacinto) in the 1300m slot race at Rockhampton on Sunday when he is banking on the addition of blinkers helping the backmarker take up a more prominent position in the run. The first two editions of the race have been won by horses racing close to the speed, Emerald Kingdom (Bryannbo’s Gift) in 2022 and Alpine Edge (High Chaparral) 12 months ago, a statistic Lees has held back of mind. “It’s a little tricky. In a perfect world you’ve got a horse that races on speed because despite the big run in, they don’t make a lot of ground,” Lees said. “That’s a little contradictory with Ucalledit because he gets back off the speed, but that’s why I’ve put blinkers on. We’re hoping to nullify that.” Lees had two runners in the corresponding race last year, Animate (Animal Kingdom) (sixth) and Gem Song (Your Song) (ninth), while 12 months earlier Gem Song finished fifth and Ventura Ocean (Raven’s Pass) seventh. Ucalledit will be chasing his first win since last year’s Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) but he hasn’t been far away in some handy form races, including when fourth to stablemate Rustic Steel (Deep Field) in the Gr.3 Newcastle Stakes (1400m) two starts ago. He has been given a week to settle into Queensland and has continued to please the stable. “He had his main gallop on (Wednesday) morning, and he worked well,” Lees said. “He’s ready to go. “He has been up there for a week, so he is pretty seasoned from that perspective.” Dylan Gibbons will ride Ucalledit in The Archer (1300m), the horse faring well in the draw with barrier three. He is a $12 chance, with fellow NSW-trained galloper Strait Acer (Headwater) heading betting as a $2.40 favourite. View the full article

The Road, presented by Gainesway and Darby Dan FarmView the full article

When Society Man runs in the Kentucky Derby (G1), his co-owner, Anthony Melfi of GMP Stables, and Gary Gullo, Melfi's stable manager, will fondly be thinking of people who played a hand in bringing the two men to Louisville for their first Derby.View the full article

Outgoing Racing Victoria CEO Andrew Jones. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria’s CEO, Andrew Jones, has stepped down from his position. The announcement of his resignation came on Friday, with Aaron Morrison, currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, slated to step in as the interim CEO. Jones explained his decision, stating that his resignation aligns with the forthcoming appointment of a new RV chairman. Speculation points to former AFL CEO Gil McLachlan as the likely candidate for the chairmanship, with interviews scheduled as part of the selection process within a fortnight. Should McLachlan assume the role and accept it, Racing Minister Anthony Carbines is anticipated to make two additional board appointments. Reflecting on his tenure, Jones remarked, “Having served under two Chairmen, my resignation makes way for the new Chair and Board to select a new CEO to take Racing Victoria forward into the future.” He expressed gratitude to his RV team for their dedication over the past two years, highlighting achievements such as securing over $2 billion in future racing funding, enhancing schedules, establishing a dedicated media business, implementing world-class equine welfare policies, and facilitating increased support for jockeys and trainers. Additionally, Jones noted the significance of the first major club merger in decades. Jones emphasised the importance of expanding the sport’s fanbase for long-term sustainability and conveyed his best wishes for Racing Victoria’s success under new leadership. Acting Chairman Mike Hirst praised Jones for his innovative approach, stating, “He challenged the industry to be more ambitious, and to rethink everything from programming and prizemoney distribution, to growing the fanbase and participant and equine welfare.” Hirst acknowledged Jones’s significant contributions to sustaining an industry that supports over 25,000 jobs across the state. In closing, Hirst, as the outgoing chairman, echoed Jones’s sentiments, extending his best wishes to the board and the incoming CEO under the guidance of new leadership. Horse racing news View the full article

What Hong Kong Champions Day 2024 Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Sunday, April 28, 2024 First Race 12:45pm HKT (2:45pm AEST) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, where a bumper 10-race program awaits punters for Champions Day. Three mouth-watering Group 1’s share top billing for the meeting, with the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m), Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) and Group 1 QEII Cup (2000m) assembling quality gallopers from all over the globe. The rail is in the A position for throughout the entire circuit, and although some heavy rain is forecast across the region, the excellent drainage should have the surface no worse than the Soft range. All the action for Champions Day is scheduled to get underway at 12:45pm local time. Race 1: Class 4 Handicap (2000m) The David Hall-trained Gold Tack is a 15-start maiden heading into the weekend, but his latest effort at Happy Valley on April 17 should have the son of Preferment set to peak. He launched late to miss by less than a length on that occasion, suggesting the five-year-old is ready for a step up in journey. The Sha Tin circuit should be ideal, and when asked for the ultimate effort by Alexis Badel, watch for Gold Tack to make strong inroads to give followers an early winner. Selections: 12 GOLD TACK 4 MISTER DAPPER 6 REACH GOAL 7 SHARPEN BRIGHT Race 2: Class 3 Handicap (1600m) Stunning Peach is an intriguing French import making his Hong Kong debut in Class 3 company and didn’t miss the frame in his five European starts. Since being acquired by the Tony Cruz barn the son of Wootton Basset has caught the eye in all three barrier trials, particularly his most recent piece of work, only being headed in the shadows of the post by Romantic Warrior in a 1600m jump-out at Sha Tin on April 9. He draws to get a soft run from stall two, and with leading hoop Zac Purton aboard, Stunning Peach has the class to get the job done first up. Selections: 1 STUNNING PEACH 7 VOYAGE SAMURAI 8 HELENE WARRIOR 3 STAR MAC Next Best Race 2 – #1 Stunning Peach (2) 3yo Colt | T: Tony Cruz | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Neds Race 3: Class 4 Handicap (1200m) Lucy In The Sky hammered the line in his most recent start at this course and distance behind King Miles on April 14. He sustained a run down the centre of the course from near last, giving the impression that the son of No Nay Never is ready for a third-up assault. Karis Teetan will need to slot in for cover from barrier eight, but provided he can get an economical run, Lucy In The Sky can go one better in this Class 4 sprint. Selections: 3 LUCY IN THE SKY 1 DIVANO 14 GANGNAM STAR 2 LIFELINE EXPRESS Race 4: Class 4 Handicap (1400m) Rubylot gets out to the 1400m for the first time and should appreciate the step up in trip after chasing gallantly behind Full Credit last start on April 7. He was no match for the winner on that occasion, but finished best of the rest, hitting the line with vigour under Hugh Bowman. He should be able to take a closer sit behind the speed this time, and with James McDonald taking the reins, Rubylot appears perfectly placed to secure his second career victory. Selections: 1 RUBYLOT 4 CIRCUIT FIERY 13 LUCKY FIONN 5 GENEVA Best Bet Race 4 – #1 Rubylot (2) 3yo Gelding | T: David Hayes | J: James McDonald (61kg) Bet with PlayUp Race 5: Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) Victor The Winner returns to Hong Kong after a gritty performance in the Group 1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen (1200m) at Chukyo on March 24. He finished third on that occasion on yielding conditions, fading in the concluding stages. His previous win prior in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) was sensational when leading all the way to score, and with a return to his favoured course and distance a major positive, Victor The Winner will look the winner a long way out in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize. Selections: 3 VICTOR THE WINNER 6 HOWDEEPISYOURLOVE 5 INVINCIBLE SAGE 9 MUGEN Chairman’s Sprint Prize Race 5 – #3 Victor The Winner (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Danny Shum | J: Derek Leung (57kg) Bet with Dabble Race 6: Class 3 Handicap (1400m) Formerly known as Pushy, Australian import Top Gun kicks off his Hong Kong campaign in this wide-open Class 3 Handicap. He appeared to have a stack of ability before being transferred to the Frankie Lor barn, with his career highlight to date a runner-up finish in the Listed Dulcify Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 30. His trials have set him up to be figuring first-up, and although he needs to overcome barrier 14, Top Gun might simply be too classy for this lot. Selections: 3 TOP GUN 11 KA YING VICTORY 13 SUNLIGHT POWER 7 NORTHERN BEACHES Best Value Race 6 – #3 Top Gun (14) 3yo Gelding | T: Frankie Lor | J: Karis Teetan (58.5kg) Bet with Bet365 Race 7: Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) It could be the last time we see one of Hong Kong’s greatest step out, as Golden Sixty prepares to claim his fourth straight Champions Mile success. He was breathtaking when taking out the Group 1 Hong Kong Mile (1600m) on December 10, with the eight-year-old destroying his rivals on his way to secure his tenth Group 1 victory. Age simply doesn’t seem to be wearing him down, and provided he can replicate his latest effort, Golden Sixty can continue to add to his historic resume. Selections: 1 GOLDEN SIXTY 2 VOYAGE BUBBLE 9 GALAXY PATCH 3 BEAUTY ETERNAL Champions Mile Race 7 – #1 Golden Sixty (7) 8yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Vincent Ho (57kg) Bet with Neds Race 8: Group 1 QEII Cup (2000m) Although Romantic Warrior must be considered the one to beat, the Japanese raider Prognosis warrants plenty of respect. The son of Deep Impact was far from disgraced in a luckless effort in the Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) on December 10, crowded for room at a crucial stage, still getting within a length of his key rival. He’s since picked up an easy kill at Chukyo in the Group 2 Kinko Sho (2000m) on March 10, clearing out to score by five lengths. It remains to be seen if he can turn the tables, but with the price available with online bookmakers, Prognosis gets the nod. Selections: 4 PROGNOSIS 1 ROMANTIC WARRIOR 11 MASSIVE SOVEREIGN 3 HISHI IGUAZU QEII Cup Race 8 – #4 Prognosis (5) 6yo Horse | T: Mitsumasa Nakauchida | J: Yuga Kawada (57kg) Bet with PlayUp Race 9: Class 2 Handicap (1400m) Get the dartboard out for the penultimate because this one is wide-open. The David Hall-trained Atullibigeal was unsuited to the sit-and-sprint in his most recent outing at Sha Tin on April 14, finishing a modest fifth in the field of seven over 1200m, Getting back to his favoured 1400m journey should be ideal for the son of Street Boss, and with a genuine tempo expected throughout, watch for Atullibigeal to be launching over the top in the concluding stages. Selections: 3 ATULLIBIGEAL 9 OUTGATE 2 THE GOLDEN SCENERY 12 SUPREME LUCKY Race 10: Class 3 Handicap (1200m) The final race is a Class 3 for the sprinters, where the Francis Lui-trained Hasten Delight will be searching for back-to-back wins. The gelding by Star Turn showed a scintillating turn-of-foot, putting his rivals away with 200m left to travel. He appeared to have plenty left in the tank after extending under Hugh Bowman, and provided the lightly raced four-year-old has taken a step forward from that performance, Hasten Delight can send punters home with a winner. Selections: 1 HASTEN DELIGHT 6 GRACIOUS EXPRESS 4 GUSTOSISIMO 8 FULL CREDIT Sha Tin free Sunday quaddie tips Sha Tin quadrella selections Sunday, April 28, 2024 1-2 1-2-3-4-11 2-3-5-6-7-8-9-10-12-13 1-2-3-4-5-6-8 Horse racing tips View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Graeme Rogerson is hoping to see his distinctive red, blue and green colours feature prominently at Te Rapa on both of the next two Saturdays. Team Rogerson will be represented by three runners at the Hamilton track this weekend. Seven days later, unbeaten two-year-old Domain Ace (NZ) (Swiss Ace) will shoot for his second black-type win in a row in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1400m). “I think we’ve got a nice team in at Te Rapa tomorrow, and then I’m looking forward to running Domain Ace in the stakes race there next weekend,” Rogerson said. “He’s quite an exciting horse, I really like him.” Team Rogerson won last year’s edition of the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes with Solidify (NZ) (Redwood), who kicks off the stable’s Te Rapa contingent this Saturday with a run in the Aon Insurance Brokers 3YO. The Redwood gelding placed in the Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) in late September. After mixed results through the late spring and summer, he has shown promising signs with placings in both of his last two starts including last Saturday’s Gr.3 Championship Stakes (2100m). “I’m happy with how Solidify is going at the moment,” Rogerson said. “He ran a good, honest race for second in the Championship Stakes the other day. He’s very well and is going into this weekend in good order. He likes Te Rapa, he’s won twice there before, and I’d expect him to be competitive. A bit of the cut out of the track suits him. “I’m not sure whether he’s a true stayer or if he’s better suited to sticking around a mile. We’ll see how he goes this weekend before working out what we do with him next. We could look at the Rotorua Cup (Listed, 2200m) in a couple of weeks, or we could find some more 1600m races like this for him. We’ll see.” Zorro’s Revenge (NZ) (Ferrando) will make the second start of his career in Saturday’s Cambridge Raceway 2YO. A first-crop son of Rogerson’s Group One-performed sprinter Ferrando, Zorro’s Revenge made his debut with a fifth over 1100m at Te Rapa on April 14. “I quite like him,” Rogerson said. “He was wide without cover the other day and did a few things wrong, but he still hit the line well. I’d expect him to improve.” Waikato Stud homebred Savacat (NZ) (Savabeel) will shoot for back-to-back Te Rapa wins in Saturday’s Cambridge Equine Hospital (2400m), having won a Rating 65 event over the same course and distance two wweks ago. “I think she’s a big, strong mare who’s getting better with racing,” Rogerson said. “I just hope the track’s not too wet. If the conditions are similar to the other day, she should be a very good chance again.” Savacat is a well-related daughter of Savabeel and the stakes-winning mare Donna Cattiva (NZ) (Captain Rio), who is a full-sister to Group One winner Il Quello Veloce (NZ). View the full article

Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are heading into Saturday’s meeting at Te Rapa with the fixed-odds favourites for both of the thoroughbred mecca’s traditional flagship races. This meeting was staged by the Cambridge Jockey Club until last year’s merger with the Waikato Racing Club and Waipa Racing Club to form Waikato Thoroughbred Racing. It features both of the black-type races formerly run under the Cambridge name – the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) and the Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). James has previously tasted success in both races, winning the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes with Shees Flawless (NZ) (Fully Fledged) in 2015 and teaming up with Wellwood to take out the Travis Stakes in 2022 in a career finale for Group One-winning mare Two Illicit (NZ) (Jimmy Choux). The Kingsclere Stables team will attempt to replicate that latter result on Saturday with Apostrophe (NZ) (Tavistock), who the TAB rates a $1.75 favourite for what is likely to be her final career start in the Travis Stakes. The daughter of Tavistock was bought by James and Wellwood for $60,000 as a yearling at Karaka in 2019, and she has turned that into more than $228,000 from a 20-start career that has produced six wins and five placings. Apostrophe has enjoyed a career-best campaign as a six-year-old this season. After making a big impression with a Rating 75 victory at Hastings in the spring, she graduated to black-type class with second placings in photo finishes to the Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) and Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (2000m). She stretched out beyond 1600m for the first time in the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2100m) at Trentham on April 6, where she finished powerfully from off the pace to win going away by two and a half lengths. “I’d say that there’s every possibility that this will be the last race of her career,” James said. “It was very pleasing to see her get that first Group win last start. All the way through her career, she’s given us the impression that getting up over ground would really suit her, but until this season we haven’t quite got to the point of a campaign with her where we’ve felt she was strong enough. “This time in, her runs over a mile were very promising and she was showing us that she was ready to go further. We finally had the chance to give her that opportunity at Trentham last start, and it was a very convincing win. “Everything has gone to plan with her since then. She doesn’t take much work and is fit and ready for Saturday, where Masa (Hashizume) will ride her again.” James and Wellwood also have strong representation in the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes, where December (NZ) (Shamexpress) is rated the $4.20 favourite and Irish Legacy (I Am Invincible) is fourth favourite at $8. December was a smart winner over 1200m in his first two starts in November, then stepped up to 1400m and finished eighth in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas on Boxing Day. The Shamexpress gelding was an eye-catching sixth behind Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto) in the Gr.3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) in late January, then returned to the winning groove with a convincing performance at Taupo on March 8. “December’s form is very good generally, and he’s pleased us in the lead-up to this race,” James said. “I think being on the fresh side helps him, and he should be well suited to a track like Te Rapa.” Irish Legacy boasts world-class pedigree credentials, being by superstar sire I Am Invincible out of the multiple Group One-winning Savabeel mare Shillelagh (NZ). She was a dominant debut winner at Taupo in February, beating subsequent three-race winner Billy Lincoln (NZ) (Belardo) by two and a half lengths. Irish Legacy stepped into stakes company with a flying finish for third in the Gr.3 Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) in her second career start, then finished eighth in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). “The wet track was no friend to Irish Legacy at Trentham last time, but her runs prior to that had been very promising,” James said. “She’s shown a fair amount of ability. Her Achilles heel is that she hasn’t been great out of the barriers. “It’s a strong field on Saturday, so they’ll both need to be at the top of their game.” View the full article

Notable black-type performances in both New Zealand and Australia on ANZAC Day may have set the tone for a big trans-Tasman weekend for Andrew Forsman. The Cambridge trainer won Thursday’s Listed ANZAC Mile (1600m) at Otaki with Mr Mojo Risin’ (NZ) (Deep Field), then finished third in the Listed ANZAC Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington with promising two-year-old Yaldi (NZ). The son of Ardrossan had been a two-length winner at Pukekohe in his only previous start. “It was a really good day yesterday and I’m very happy with how the team’s going at the moment,” Forsman said. “I’ll have a chat with the Jomara Bloodstock team about where we go next with Mr Mojo Risin’. There’s not a whole lot of options coming up for him in New Zealand, so we might look at taking him back to Australia. “Yaldi will fly back home to New Zealand next week. It was very much a hit-and-run mission for that one race yesterday, and I think it served its purpose really well.” At Te Rapa on Saturday, Forsman will be represented by Mary Shan (NZ) (Almanzor) and Koheroa (I Am Invincible) in the Gr.3 Inglis Sales Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), followed by White Noise (NZ) (El Roca), Saint Bathans (Maurice) and Devastate (NZ) (Vadamos) in the rescheduled Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m). Later in the afternoon, last-start Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) runner-up Positivity (NZ) (Almanzor) will contest the Gr.1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville. The Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes will be the first appearance in almost three months for Mary Shan, whose four-length maiden win in October was followed by a string of quality performances against elite three-year-old company. The daughter of Almanzor finished second in the Gr.2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), second in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), fourth in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) and a last-start fifth in the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). “She’s had a nice few weeks in the paddock and has come back in really good order,” Forsman said. “She hasn’t trialled, but she went well in a recent exhibition gallop. “We’ve always been treating this race as mainly just a run to get her going, and I think the wide draw (gate 16) is going to make it very hard for her over 1200m. She’s clearly going to have to get back from there. If the track is playing evenly, hopefully she can make a bit of a run at them in the straight. “There’s a thought of taking her to Brisbane after this, but no decisions have been made on that yet. We’ll work out a plan once we’ve got this resuming run out of the way.” Koheroa has been green in his four-start career so far, but was a stylish maiden winner at Tauranga in January and was narrowly beaten by Platinum Attack (Santos) in his most recent start at Trentham on April 6. “He’s been doing a few things wrong but has plenty of ability,” Forsman said. “He’s still big and raw. He’ll get his head around things with a bit more racing. That’s partly why we’ve been keeping him to 1200m so far. With a decent tempo on, he’s got a better chance to relax in the running. “He’s certainly got the ability to be right in the finish on Saturday if he gets a bit of luck and does things right.” The Easter Handicap was meant to be run at Ellerslie last Saturday, but the meeting was abandoned after a horse slipped in the previous race on the card. The Easter was relocated to Te Rapa, where White Noise has previously been a winner while Saint Bathans and Devastate have both placed. “They’ve all performed at the course previously, although in Saint Bathans’ case, it was back when he was a younger horse,” Forsman said. “I probably would have preferred the race to be run right-handed at Ellerslie for him. “Devastate has the ability to put himself on the speed and he should be pretty comfortable around Te Rapa. White Noise has won there before, albeit on a more rain-affected track than he’s likely to strike this weekend. “I think this little bit of rain that we’re getting in the Waikato today should be a help for all three of them, and they’re all in good order.” Forsman also gave a glowing report about Positivity’s build-up to the Oaks in Adelaide. “Everything’s gone great with her,” he said. “She left Flemington last night and arrived in Adelaide this morning,” he said. “It’s not easy coming out of an Oaks preparation at home with some hard racing, then dropping back to 2000m for a Group One race in Australia like this. But she seems to be thriving and handling everything really well at this stage.” View the full article

HONG KONG, CHINA — Follow this, if you will. A filly bred in America and purchased for a very reasonable sum as a yearling is exported to Ireland, punches above her weight at the races and is sold to Australia for her second career. A few years after her arrival, she is covered there by a notable successful Northern Hemisphere shuttle stallion, makes trips through the sales ring in Australia and New Zealand and goes on to become arguably the best animal to ever look through a bridle in Hong Kong. The bloodstock world really is a small place, isn't it? Most everyone has followed the career of Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro), who makes what could be the final start of a history-making career in Sunday's G1 FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin Racecourse. Fewer would be aware that his dam Gaudeamus (Distorted Humor), bred in Kentucky by Manganaro LLC, was nurtured through the early portion of her career by the legendary Jim Bolger, who acquired the daughter of the stakes-placed Leo's Lucky Lady–herself by 1977 American Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew–for just $60,000 through the late Richard Galpin's Newmarket International agency at the 2005 Keeneland September Sale in Lexington. “Well, it was purely pedigree first,” Bolger explained earlier this week when asked what attracted him to the filly, whose sire has been represented just two years earlier by GI Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide from his first crop to race. Indeed, there was plenty to recommend the filly's catalogue page from a European perspective. Gaudeamus's granddam was Konafa (Damascus), runner-up in the G1 One Thousand Guineas in 1976, who excelled in the breeding shed, accounting for Proskona (Mr Prospector), winner of group races in France and Italy; Keos (Riverman), a three-time group scorer and thrice placed in Group 1 company in France as well as a Group 2 winner in Germany; and, perhaps most significantly, Korveya (Riverman), a Group 3 victress in France and later the dam of Group 1 winners Bosra Sham (Woodman, champion), Hector Protector (Woodman, champion) and Shanghai (Procida). Korveya would go on to top the 1998 Keeneland November Sale on a bid of then-record $7 million while carrying to Woodman. “I got somebody to look at her and the report was good, so we decided to go ahead with it,” Bolger said of Gaudeamus. “As they say, she ticked all the boxes and she was a very good-looking mare. She had just about everything. There's nothing you would want to change about her. And she had a temperament to go with all the physical characteristics. We were happy with the price.” Gaudeamus (Gow-day-AH-mus), which loosely translated means 'let us rejoice,' was a quick study, Bolger said. “Well, we had her broken when she got home around sometime in October, and by January she was well muscled up and she looked like one that could be early,” he explained. “If memory serves, we ran her early in May and she won first time out.” Gaudeamus carried Kevin Manning to a one-length debut win over 19 other rivals going six furlongs in yielding ground at Naas in May 2006 and won a listed stakes over seven at the Curragh at the end of June. A close fourth in the G3 Anglesey S. in her first try at group level, she defeated Dimenticata (Ire) (Danetime {Aus}) for a career high in the G2 Debutante S. at Leopardstown. The latter would go on to finish runner-up to the Bolger-conditioned Finsceal Beo (Ire) (Mr Greeley) in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas the following spring, with Gaudeamus well down the field in eighth in the penultimate start of her career. “I never really got her where I wanted to get her to as a 3-year-old,” Bolger said. “She didn't manage to win as a 3-year-old, but we felt she'd done plenty as a 2-year-old.” Taking Money Off The Table As successful a breeder as he is a trainer, Bolger could easily have retained Gaudeamus for his broodmare band, but ultimately decided to let her go for reasons 'purely financial.' “When you're getting battered every day by billionaires, somebody like me has to generate some revenue,” he reasoned. After a fair bit of back and forth, Bolger struck a deal with Sheamus Mills, a young bloodstock agent from Australia. Mills said that the mare's appeal was very clear. “I've always been a big fan of Distorted Humor as a broodmare sire influence–in fact that whole Forty Niner sire line holds interest for me,” Mills explained. “He had a good influence on the Australian market from fairly limited exposure [as a shuttle stallion]. “Combine that with Gaudeamus being a Group 2-winning 2-year-old and she was a fairly obvious one for the Australian market who love speed and precocity.” And talk about making your mark. Gaudeamus was Mills's very first purchase after going out on his own. “I was ahead of the times as there was little interest in importing racing prospects in those days–something that became so commonplace shortly after I returned to Australia,” Mills said. Jim and Jackie Bolger | Racingfotos Bolger recollected: “He [Mills] just came looking for her. We eventually agreed on the price. I think it was a little protracted, but it worked out in the end. And certainly worked out for him, and I was delighted for her.” Bolger reported that the deal was done for €500,000, and he had every confidence that Gaudeamus could become a significant broodmare. He said: “She was the ideal type. As I said, you couldn't find fault with her. Her 2-year-old race record was good enough for any broodmare prospect.” Gaudeamus was bred to Pivotal (GB) to Southern Hemisphere time prior to her export to Australia. Having produced the listed-placed Igitur (Aus) (Helmet {Aus}) from her first few foals, Gaudeamus was purchased by Josh Hutchins Bloodstock for A$160,000 (US$123,776) at the 2015 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in foal to Medaglia d'Oro. She was led out unsold on a bid of A$75,000 at the same auction two years later, a decision that will be judged once and for all by the Australian bloodstock community in a month's time. That's when Gaudeamus, in foal to dual Group 1 winner Home Affairs (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) (lot 761), and her yearling filly by Wootton Bassett (GB) (lot 586) go under the hammer as part of the unreserved dispersal of the Hutchins family's Element Hill at the National Broodmare Sale on Australia's Gold Coast. Golden Sixty has carried the pedigree further afield, as he was hammered down for A$120,000 at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale before being resold for NZ$300,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale in 2017, where he was purchased by his current trainer Francis Lui for owner Stanley Chan. Twenty-six wins, including 10 at Group 1 level, and US$21 million in prize money later, the end–apparently–is near. Bolger, Mills Living Vicariously For his part, Bolger downplays the role he has played in the career of Golden Sixty. “It wasn't just me,” he said. “I'm always conscious when somebody comes up with a good racehorse, that there are probably hundreds of people involved all down the years, and with one of them it might not be, as it turns out, at that particular time. So just about anybody who has a hand in making or causing such an animal to be born in the first place has a huge part in it. That's the nature of the business.” Added Mills: “It's been a lot of fun watching Golden Sixty develop. The main feeling is one of nostalgia, as Jim Bolger made me work hard to get that deal done and I'll always be grateful to my client Bob Scarborough for setting me on my path, as I think I was down to my last 10 or 20 quid when the news came through the deal was done!” Bolger had the final word. “Well, I'd like to say well done to everybody involved, both in Australia and Hong Kong. Obviously, they've managed Golden Sixty brilliantly. That's no mean achievement.” The post Golden Sixty A True Global Sensation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hong Kong Derby runner-up faces his toughest test yet in Sunday’s HK$22 million contest: ‘He’s been very impressive over every distance’View the full article

What Ballarat Races Where Ballarat Turf Club – 240 Kennedys Rd, Miners Rest VIC 3352 When Sunday, April 28, 2024 First Race 1:15pm AEST Visit Dabble Sunday racing in Victoria heads to the Ballarat Turf Club, where an eight-race meeting is set for decision. A clear day is forecast, and despite the track coming up a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, the meeting looks set to be held on a Good 4 deck. The rail sticks to its true position, with the first race jumping at 1:15pm AEST. Best Bet at Ballarat: Mantua Mantua was the definition of a good thing beaten at Pakenham on April 4. He was held up for a run for most of the home straight, but once the Fastnet Rock progeny found clear air inside the final furlong, he was savaging the line to suggest he should have won. Barrier eight should mean he will see clear air whenever Ethan Brown presses the button, and once at top speed, Mantua should prove too hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 7 – #4 Mantua (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Ethan Brown (57.5kg) +170 with Bet365 Next Best at Ballarat: Le Messager The Andrew Noblet-trained Le Messager has finished second in both of his last two starts but gets his chance to bring up a long overdue triumph in the Ballarat quaddie opener. The five-year-old gelding has been narrowly defeated when racing up on speed and finding one better over 1400m at this track. Billy Egan will have the son of Headwater settled outside the lead from barrier 10, and with race fitness on his side and a touch of form, Le Messager looks a great play. Next Best Race 5 – #1 Le Messager (10) 5yo Gelding | T: Andrew Noblet | J: Billy Egan (59kg) +360 with Picklebet Next Best Again at Ballarat: Halo Phenomena Despite taking on odds-on favourite Signor Bill, Godolphin’s Halo Phenomena looks a good play at the price on offer with horse racing bookmakers. The James Cummings-trained colt will have a tactical advantage over his key rival, with the son of Exceed And Excel likely to be in the leading division. He was only gunned down late at Geelong when leading, but considering he comes to this third-up, Halo Phemoena should prove too hard to run down in the opener. Next Best Again Race 1 – #2 Halo Phenomena (8) 2yo Colt | T: James Cummings | J: Declan Bates (58kg) +250 with Neds Ballarat Sunday quaddie tips Ballarat quadrella selections Sunday, April 28, 2024 1-3-6 1-6-9-12 2-4 2-4-5-7-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Australian jockey continues his strong association with Japan in Sunday’s three Group Ones at Sha TinView the full article

What The Archer Day 2024 Where Callaghan Park Racecourse – Reaney St, North Rockhampton QLD 4701 When Sunday, April 28, 2024 First Race 12:12pm AEST Visit Dabble The $775,000 Archer will headline the eight-race card at Rockhampton as the Central Queensland Amateur Racing Club hosts its marquee raceday this Sunday. Although the track was rated a Soft 5 at the time of acceptances, it is expected that the surface will improve into the Good range before the meeting begins, with a perfect weather forecast in the leadup. The rail will be in the +2.5m position for the entire circuit, with the opening race set to jump at 12:45pm AEST. The Archer Tip: Better Get Set Better Get Set will return from a 15-week spell in the feature event on the program as the Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted-trained galloper seeks to record a valuable win at Rockhampton first-up. The stable has chosen to engage Tommy Berry, which should be seen as a big push for this daughter of Better Than Ready, who appears to be going well after two nice barrier trials in the leadup to her return. From barrier six, Berry should be able to settle in behind the speed, and with even luck, Better Get Set will be one of the strongest late in the piece. The Archer Race 7 – #11 Better Get Set (6) 6yo Mare | T: Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted | J: Tommy Berry (57kg) Bet with Unibet Best Bet at Rockhampton: Fighting Commando Fighting Commando will return to his home track, seeking back-to-back wins after the Ricky Vale-trained galloper led every step of the way to claim victory over 1500m at this track last start. This son of Fighting Sun received all the favours at the front of the field as Ashley Butler allowed the gelding to run the race at a sedate tempo. From barrier three, Butler will be able to push forward, and if no one wants to take him on, Fighting Commando can take control and attempt to replicate his most recent win. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Fighting Commando (3) 7yo Gelding | T: Ricky Vale | J: Ashley Butler (60kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Rockhampton: Honkytonk Diva Seeking a hat-trick of wins, Honkytonk Diva will compete in The Fitzroy over 1300m coming off two strong wins over 1100m first and second-up for this preparation. The Clinton Taylor-trained mare has won most of her races over 1200m or further, so after two wins over the shorter distances, it appears that this girl is in top form this time in. Justin Stanley has ridden this daughter of Under The Louvre twice for two wins, and with him retaining the ride, it is expected that he will give Honkytonk Diva every chance to win again. Next Best Race 6 – #13 Honkytonk Diva (10) 4yo Mare | T: Clinton Taylor | J: Justin Stanley (54kg) Bet with Dabble Sunday quaddie tips for Rockhampton races Rockhampton quadrella selections Sunday, April 28, 2024 1-3-8-13-14 1-4-6-13 1-3-11 2-4-14-15 More horse racing tips View the full article

Apostrophe will contest the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood are heading into Saturday’s meeting at Te Rapa with the fixed-odds favourites for both of the thoroughbred mecca’s traditional flagship races. This meeting was staged by the Cambridge Jockey Club until last year’s merger with the Waikato Racing Club and Waipa Racing Club to form Waikato Thoroughbred Racing. It features both of the black-type races formerly run under the Cambridge name – the Group 2 Travis Stakes (2000m) and the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m). James has previously tasted success in both races, winning the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes with Shees Flawless in 2015 and teaming up with Wellwood to take out the Travis Stakes in 2022 in a career finale for Group One-winning mare Two Illicit. The Kingsclere Stables team will attempt to replicate that latter result on Saturday with Apostrophe, who horse racing betting sites rate as a -133.33 favourite for what is likely to be her final career start in the Travis Stakes. The daughter of Tavistock was bought by James and Wellwood for $60,000 as a yearling at Karaka in 2019, and she has turned that into more than $228,000 from a 20-start career that has produced six wins and five placings. Apostrophe has enjoyed a career-best campaign as a six-year-old this season. After making a big impression with a Rating 75 victory at Hastings in the spring, she graduated to black-type class with second placings in photo finishes to the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) and Group 3 Cuddle Stakes (2000m). She stretched out beyond 1600m for the first time in the Group 3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2100m) at Trentham on April 6, where she finished powerfully from off the pace to win going away by two and a half lengths. “I’d say that there’s every possibility that this will be the last race of her career,” James said. “It was very pleasing to see her get that first Group win last start. All the way through her career, she’s given us the impression that getting up over ground would really suit her, but until this season we haven’t quite got to the point of a campaign with her where we’ve felt she was strong enough. “This time in, her runs over a mile were very promising and she was showing us that she was ready to go further. We finally had the chance to give her that opportunity at Trentham last start, and it was a very convincing win. “Everything has gone to plan with her since then. She doesn’t take much work and is fit and ready for Saturday, where Masa (Hashizume) will ride her again.” James and Wellwood also have strong representation in the Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes, where December is rated the +320 favourite and Irish Legacy is fourth favourite at +700. December was a smart winner over 1200m in his first two starts in November, then stepped up to 1400m and finished eighth in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas on Boxing Day. The Shamexpress gelding was an eye-catching sixth behind Crocetti in the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) in late January, then returned to the winning groove with a convincing performance at Taupo on March 8. “December’s form is very good generally, and he’s pleased us in the lead-up to this race,” James said. “I think being on the fresh side helps him, and he should be well suited to a track like Te Rapa.” Irish Legacy boasts world-class pedigree credentials, being by superstar sire I Am Invincible out of the multiple Group One-winning Savabeel mare Shillelagh. She was a dominant debut winner at Taupo in February, beating subsequent three-race winner Billy Lincoln by two and a half lengths. Irish Legacy stepped into stakes company with a flying finish for third in the Group 3 Mufhasa Stakes (1400m) in her second career start, then finished eighth in the Group 2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). “The wet track was no friend to Irish Legacy at Trentham last time, but her runs prior to that had been very promising,” James said. “She’s shown a fair amount of ability. Her Achilles heel is that she hasn’t been great out of the barriers. “It’s a strong field on Saturday, so they’ll both need to be at the top of their game.” Horse racing news View the full article

Positivity will contest the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville on Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Notable black-type performances in both New Zealand and Australia on ANZAC Day may have set the tone for a big trans-Tasman weekend for Andrew Forsman. The Cambridge trainer won Thursday’s Listed ANZAC Mile (1600m) at Otaki with Mr Mojo Risin’, then finished third in the Listed ANZAC Day Stakes (1400m) at Flemington with promising two-year-old Yaldi. The son of Ardrossan had been a two-length winner at Pukekohe in his only previous start. “It was a really good day yesterday and I’m very happy with how the team’s going at the moment,” Forsman said. “I’ll have a chat with the Jomara Bloodstock team about where we go next with Mr Mojo Risin’. There’s not a whole lot of options coming up for him in New Zealand, so we might look at taking him back to Australia. “Yaldi will fly back home to New Zealand next week. It was very much a hit-and-run mission for that one race yesterday, and I think it served its purpose really well.” At Te Rapa on Saturday, Forsman will be represented by Mary Shan and Koheroa in the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), followed by White Noise, Saint Bathans and Devastate in the rescheduled Group 3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m). Later in the afternoon, last-start Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) runner-up Positivity will contest the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) at Morphettville. The Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes will be the first appearance in almost three months for Mary Shan, whose four-length maiden win in October was followed by a string of quality performances against elite three-year-old company. The daughter of Almanzor finished second in the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m), fifth in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), second in the Group 2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m), fourth in the Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m) and a last-start fifth in the Group 2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m). “She’s had a nice few weeks in the paddock and has come back in really good order,” Forsman said. “She hasn’t trialled, but she went well in a recent exhibition gallop. “We’ve always been treating this race as mainly just a run to get her going, and I think the wide draw (gate 16) is going to make it very hard for her over 1200m. She’s clearly going to have to get back from there. If the track is playing evenly, hopefully she can make a bit of a run at them in the straight. “There’s a thought of taking her to Brisbane after this, but no decisions have been made on that yet. We’ll work out a plan once we’ve got this resuming run out of the way.” Koheroa has been green in his four-start career so far, but was a stylish maiden winner at Tauranga in January and was narrowly beaten by Platinum Attack in his most recent start at Trentham on April 6. “He’s been doing a few things wrong but has plenty of ability,” Forsman said. “He’s still big and raw. He’ll get his head around things with a bit more racing. That’s partly why we’ve been keeping him to 1200m so far. With a decent tempo on, he’s got a better chance to relax in the running. “He’s certainly got the ability to be right in the finish on Saturday if he gets a bit of luck and does things right.” The Easter Handicap was meant to be run at Ellerslie last Saturday, but the meeting was abandoned after a horse slipped in the previous race on the card. The Easter was relocated to Te Rapa, where White Noise has previously been a winner while Saint Bathans and Devastate have both placed. “They’ve all performed at the course previously, although in Saint Bathans’ case, it was back when he was a younger horse,” Forsman said. “I probably would have preferred the race to be run right-handed at Ellerslie for him. “Devastate has the ability to put himself on the speed and he should be pretty comfortable around Te Rapa. White Noise has won there before, albeit on a more rain-affected track than he’s likely to strike this weekend. “I think this little bit of rain that we’re getting in the Waikato today should be a help for all three of them, and they’re all in good order.” Forsman also gave a glowing report about Positivity’s build-up to the Oaks in Adelaide. “Everything’s gone great with her,” he said. “She left Flemington last night and arrived in Adelaide this morning,” he said. “It’s not easy coming out of an Oaks preparation at home with some hard racing, then dropping back to 2000m for a Group One race in Australia like this. But she seems to be thriving and handling everything really well at this stage.” Horse racing news View the full article