Wandering Eyes

The 2025 Thoroughbred racing season draw to a close May 14 with the last of a 28-day racing season that saw an increased average field size and strong competition across the board. Mister Omaha, a 3-year-old son of Omaha Beach, was named the 2025 horse of the meet at the Claremont, Oklahoma, oval with a four-length victory in the six-furlong Welder Stakes (NBT) in March and an 18 1/4-length romp in the Will Rogers Downs Handicap (NBT) over a mile on Kentucky Derby day May 3. His trainer Joe Offolter took home honors as the leading trainer of the meet with 14 wins from 67 starters, while Bryan Hook, owner and breeder of Mister Omaha, was the meet's leading owner with a mark of 10-13-4 from 48 starters and earnings of $276,000. Alfredo Triana, Jr. was the leading jockey with 27 wins from 164 rides, six better than Richard Eramia and Elvin Gonzalez. “One of the biggest positives this season was how spread out the wins were across the board,” said John Lies (pronounced Lees), racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. “We didn't see only two or three big barns dominating the winners' circle–almost every one won more than a few races. Even the trainer division was contentious from day one and went right down to the last race in determining the season's leader. “Mister Omaha is one to watch as he steps up to take on graded stakes outside of Oklahoma this year,” added Lies. “His win in the Will Rogers Handicap was a cut above the typical stakes-winning performances we expect in Claremore. Overall, it headlined our most shining moments in the stakes and handicap divisions this year.” The post Increased Average Field Size, Plenty of Competition Highlight Season at Will Rogers Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Claiborne Farm and Lane's End Farm will return as the co-sponsors of the Former Broodmare division at the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium Oct. 8-11 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. The Former Broodmare division offers a competition avenue at the Makeover for recently retired broodmares to compete alongside the traditional retiring racehorse division in all 10 offered disciplines. Broodmares are pinned and recognized separately, competing for their own pot of $10,000 in prize money. “At Claiborne, we've always believed in supporting the full journey of a horse–from the foaling barn, to finish line, to retirement,” said Claiborne president Walker Hancock. “Supporting the Former Broodmare division is an extension of that commitment, helping ensure these mares have the visibility and opportunity they deserve as they begin a new chapter of their lives.” Added Lane's End's Bill Farish: “Lane's End is proud to once again sponsor the Former Broodmare division at the Thoroughbred Makeover, and support the Retired Racehorse Project's tireless efforts to raise the profile of aftercare, showcasing the diverse talents of the off-the-track athlete. The concept of a broodmare division is a unique opportunity, giving more mares purpose, and helps to highlight their abilities beyond their breeding career.” The 2024 class of former broodmares at the Makeover included 20 mares registered for competition, with an average age of 10. While close to half of the class was retired from breeding for reasons unknown to the participating trainers, about a third of the class retired due to reproductive issues, rather than advanced age or lack of success of offspring either commercially or on the track. The Former Broodmare division is also supported by Maryland Horse Breeders Association. Eligible broodmares will have produced a foal or have been bred in the 2023 breeding season or after, as reported by The Jockey Club, and need to have had one lifetime start or published work. They may not have had prior shows or competitions before December 1, 2024, when training for the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover opened across all divisions. Late applications are still being accepted through June 27 for the 2025 Thoroughbred Makeover; learn more about the Former Broodmare division, eligibility requirements and the Thoroughbred Makeover at TheRRP.org. The post Claiborne, Lane’s End Return as Co-Sponsors Of TB Makeover Former Broodmare Division appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horse racing frequently talks about the importance of fan building, ownership development and growing our workforce. But imagine if the leading organizations in Thoroughbred racing truly joined forces to invest in tomorrow's fans, workforce, and owners. That's exactly what the golf industry did in 1997. The USGA, LPGA, Masters Tournament, PGA of America, and PGA TOUR collaborated to launch First Tee, a youth development non-profit with a mission to make golf accessible and affordable for all children. The USGA alone committed $3 million in the program's first three years–an amount equivalent to $6 million today. First Tee now reaches over 3.1 million youth annually through 150 U.S. chapters and international affiliates. Their programs don't just teach golf–they build character, promote healthy choices and foster lifelong connections to the sport. A 2015 survey found that 90% of First Tee alums are lifelong golfers. That's what strategic, unified investment in education looks like–and why it works. Most major sports are already doing this: The NHL and NHLPA run Future Goals, a STEM program that uses hockey to teach science and math; The NBA supports Jr. NBA and Math Hoops, blending basketball with life skills and academic learning; The NFL runs programs like Character Playbook, NFL FLAG, and Youth Education Towns–and promotes this work to millions during Super Bowl commercials. It's time racing caught up. Other equine sports are getting the message. This spring, the United States Polo Association awarded a $1- million grant to Work to Ride, a Philadelphia non-profit that uses equine sports to create education and opportunity for youth. The grant will fund a major facility expansion, helping the program serve more students and broaden the reach of the sport of polo. Meanwhile, the Thoroughbred industry–fragmented and without a national governing body–has yet to fully embrace youth education as a funding priority. Even for leading organizations, it's easy to take the stance of “it's not our job” or to believe that giving a little is enough. Since early 2023, I've served full-time as the Executive Director of Amplify Horse Racing, a Kentucky-based 501(c)(3) non-profit founded as the national youth arm of the Thoroughbred industry. We provide opportunities for young people from all states to engage through education, mentorship, and career development. We pair students with mentors both virtually and in person, host immersive events, visit classrooms and create behind-the-scenes experiences that make careers in racing tangible and attainable. Our virtual outreach includes educational social media, a podcast, a website rich with blog content and industry resources, and an upcoming video series. We're developing a high school curriculum aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Career & Technical Education. We strive to make the Thoroughbred industry as accessible and inclusive as possible for all youth, regardless of where they live or their prior experience with horses. In 2024 alone, our tiny team of three paid employees–along with incredible support from passionate individuals who volunteer their time–reached over 28,000 people through school presentations, mentorship, community outreach and racetrack events. We accomplished this on a modest budget, using our personal vehicles to transport equipment, signage and all the tools needed to deliver programming across multiple states. Several organizations are doing essential work to engage youth and young adults at the regional level. But the reality is this: Amplify Horse Racing is the only organization taking a unified, national approach to educate and connect young people with entry-level pathways into the sport. What's needed now is coordinated investment. We're doing the work, but we can't do it alone. To make our programming more efficient and accessible as we expand nationwide, we launched the IMPACT Campaign. This campaign supports curriculum development and the creation of classroom-ready materials that educators can easily integrate into their teaching. It will also enable us to establish regional chapters and grow partnerships, offering more localized opportunities for youth to engage with the industry and access valuable resources. Ultimately, the campaign will allow us to deliver consistent, high-quality programming to urban and rural communities–including those without direct access to racetracks or farms. It will expand our reach, increase efficiency and provide educators with better tools to bring horse racing to life in their classrooms. Let's be clear: horses and horse racing are not going to magically appear in schools. Someone has to write the curriculum, make the calls, coordinate the tours, attend the career fairs and build the trust of educators. That someone is Amplify. And we need your help to ensure we are as successful as First Tee. If we want young people to choose a future in horse racing–as stewards, veterinarians, grooms, owners, fans and more—we must meet them where they are. Supporting Amplify isn't charity–it's strategy. Because without the next generation, there is no future. So, do something for youth today. Share this message with industry organizations and their boards. Introduce us to someone who should hear it. I'd love to connect and share more about our programming and the impact Amplify is making–you can reach me directly at annise@amplifyhorseracing.org. Donate. Let's amplify the future of horse racing–together. The post Letter To the Editor: Annise Montplaisir, Amplify Horse Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was announced on Monday that Tattersalls will continue as the title sponsors of the prestigious Irish Guineas Festival at the Curragh from 2026 until 2028. The partnership ensures that the Irish 2,000 Guineas, Irish 1,000 Guineas and Tattersalls Gold Cup will offer total prize-money of at least €500,000 each. “Tattersalls have been longstanding supporters of Irish racing and the Curragh Racecourse, having sponsored the Tattersalls Gold Cup since 1985 and the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Irish 1,000 Guineas since 2013 and 2015 respectively,” said Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony. “The Tattersalls Irish Guineas Festival is one of the great weekends of racing within the European Flat scene and these sponsorships reflect Tattersalls' enduring support of Irish racing and breeding. Tattersalls are proud to extend our association with this flagship sponsorship to 2028 and we now look forward to an outstanding weekend of racing and to working with the Curragh Racecourse for the next three years.” The post Tattersalls Extend Irish Guineas Festival Sponsorship to 2028 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

To adapt Shakespeare on Cleopatra: “age cannot wither him, nor custom stale his infinite variety.” To be enjoying an Indian summer like this, however, Medaglia d'Oro has had to stem what often proves an inexorable tide once a stallion enters the evening of his career. For the ageism so common among breeders can be self-fulfilling. Any stallion still operating at 26 must have shown an unequivocal prowess over the years. That being so, however, he will typically have produced fashionable sons to erode his own market share. And once enough people buy into the prejudice against older sires, you get a chicken-and-egg effect. First it will show in his books, both in quality and quantity; and then, guess what, his results will dwindle accordingly. And then everyone can shake their heads and say: “There you go, just like I said. These older stallions all lose their pep.” That's not to deny that these horses can run into legitimate issues, notably diminishing fertility. But they will be managed accordingly, and the fact is that Medaglia d'Oro was already a venerable 22 when siring his current sophomores. These include not just the unbeaten GI Kentucky Oaks winner Good Cheer, but East Avenue, a Grade I winner at two foiled by just a nose at the same level this spring. Nitrogen won the GII Edgewood Stakes on the Oaks undercard, while Ballerina d'Oro had earned her own Oaks place winning the GIII Gazelle Stakes. That these horses are likely to keep thriving, moreover, was underlined on Derby day when the 6-year-old Spirit of St Louis won his second elite prize of the year in the Turf Classic. Yet Medaglia d'Oro, sire of 29 Grade I winners and 99 graded stakes winners, has been standing the last couple of years at $75,000, down from $250,000 in 2019. “When a stallion starts to get older, you need to keep ahead of the demand,” explains Darley sales manager Darren Fox. “You try to keep them just the right side of good value. The worst thing you can do is try to maintain a falsely high fee. Fall into that trap, and you find yourself having to do foal shares and/or accepting weaker mares. And then you're just going to accelerate the downslide. “The market's looking for any clue that they might be cooling down. The first hint of that, they'll flee. It's hard for a stallion to survive a sub-par book of mares at that stage of his career. So you price them to maintain demand, and quality, so that they can keep coasting forward and extend their career as long as possible.” And that's just what the Darley team has done with Medaglia d'Oro. “When he was dropped from $150,000 [in 2022], we could very easily have stopped at $125,000,” Fox remarks. “But at $100,000 we made him a no-brainer. You want to leave people an easy decision.” That creates a virtuous circle, in that those supervising his book are still able to choose, not beg. If numbers are going to be finite, anyway, how much better if you can remain selective. Last year Medaglia d'Oro was confined to 88 mares, his first two-figure book, and this time round it will have been considerably fewer. “We obviously worked with a much smaller book,” Fox says. “But the numbers feel right, both the fee and the book. Given how hot he has been, we reached capacity quite early. That was fine. He's not a horse we were going to overface at this stage. Michael Banahan [director of bloodstock] looks at everything–the fertility, the physicality, the libido–and sets a number.” That fertility is understandably beginning to ebb: the last documented yield, from 101 mares covered in 2023, was 63 live foals. By the same token, breeders will want to hurry while stocks last. Indeed, last winter we awarded gold on a TDN Value Podium. “It's fair to say that the fertility has stair-stepped down, the last few years,” Fox acknowledges. “He was just over 50% last year. But we've always said, at his age and stage, that every year is a bonus. That's been our philosophy–and we've had a lot of bonus years.” For however long he can remain active, then, the horse's managers and clientele need to work together. Let's say you would love one more Medaglia d'Oro filly, eventually to join your broodmare band. You're going to need a bit of luck, obviously–and it may have to be earned. A one-night stand might not suffice. “He's there all season long, of course, but you might need to stay the course,” says Fox. “Given that fee, relative to his performance, people will know that going in. They'll be more than happy to give a mare the three shots to try and get that pregnancy. It is what it is. Obviously his fertility is not what it was a few years ago. But we're happy with how he's performing for his age.” Critically, the libido is still there. That will make his own views very legible, when it comes to deciding his future. “There's never a formula,” Fox says. “They will tell you, and you just look for all the clues. Physically, he's still telling us, 'Bring it on!' Graham Lovatt, our stallion manager, says that he's one of the strongest horses in the breeding shed. “Our goal, at an open house, is to stand the stallion up in that center circle. But Steve Clarke–who has retired before the horse!–always said that he had to start putting the brakes on halfway down the lane, otherwise he'd overshoot the landing spot. The physicality is certainly not lacking. He walks like he's going places, a man on a mission.” And that physicality, of course, is founded in one of the most celebrated physiques around. At Keeneland last September, in fact, Medaglia d'Oro made his 56th seven-figure sale at auction. That $1.35-million colt actually brought things full circle as brother to a Horse of the Year out of their sire's debut crop. Rachel Alexandra's 20-length success in the 2009 Oaks was followed, in the 2011 running, by Plum Pretty; but the fever that sidelined Songbird in 2016 and a half-length miss by Wonder Gadot in 2018 meant that Medaglia d'Oro had to wait for Good Cheer to match the 19th century record of King Alfonso with a third Oaks winner. Those names once gave Medaglia d'Oro a reputation as a filly sire, but his elite winners have since virtually evened out: 14 male, 15 female. In terms of surface, similarly, he divides 13 on dirt against 16 on turf. And that “infinite variety” has very much become a hallmark, a vital factor in his legacy. As a son of El Prado (Ire), he has done something beyond the late Kitten's Joy as a conduit to North American dirt for the Sadler's Wells branch of the Northern Dancer dynasty. Perhaps he has been helped, in doing so, by damsire Bailjumper–giving his own sire Damascus an imprint on the breed that has otherwise proved disappointingly marginal. Bailjumper, of course, stood here at Jonabell. “And it's funny,” says Fox. “Philip Hampton, another of our stallion grooms who's retired but who spent all his working life here, said that Medaglia d'Oro's dam Cappucino Bay looked a lot like Bailjumper. And Albert and Joyce Bell from Montana, who bred and raised Medaglia d'Oro, once showed me a picture of Cappuccino Bay at 29 years of age. Now, it was the summer, she was dappled out. But if they'd said, 'What do you think of our 19-year-old mare?' I wouldn't have argued with them, she was that youthful.” While we may finally be entering a new era in transatlantic traffic, Medaglia d'Oro has served as a crucial crossover influence during a period when versatility and geographical reach were more cramped. Alongside his dirt Classic winners he has given us an Australian turf sprinter, Astern (Aus); the Hong Kong cash machine, Golden Sixty (Aus); a lightning juvenile, Bolt d'Oro; and a rare Grade I winner on both dirt and turf, Mshawish. “Remember that El Prado won the Beresford on 'Curragh soft' ground,” Fox says. “So for Medaglia d'Oro to be the elite dirt horse he was, he was just a phenom. In 17 starts, he was first or second in 15–and 14 were triple-digit Beyers! He ran 120, 119, 118, two 117s. But it explains why he's so even, turf and dirt, because he's a perfect blend.” Seeking the best of both worlds, you can end up with the worst of one. But this horse has been the grail: a physique that supported brilliance, and replicates. And his legacy only continues to grow. Young stallions out of his daughters include National Treasure, Prince of Monaco and Olympiad, while Violence is extending a male line through four sons of his own at stud. Violence's calling card seems to be speed, so again there's that variegation. The opportunities of another sprinter, Fast Anna, were tragically curtailed–but he still left us a Horse of the Year in 2024. And the filly who got closest to Good Cheer in the Oaks was by Bolt d'Oro. But the big hope, at Jonabell, is that East Avenue can someday enter the contest for the succession. “East Avenue is another with a lot of speed,” Fox notes. “He ran a good eighth in the Derby and there's definitely another big one in him. He's out of a Ghostzapper half to Cody's Wish, with a physique you would drool over, so it would be great if Medaglia could pass the torch. For any farm, there's a lot of pride in finding your own heir, the way Street Sense has carried Street Cry (Ire)'s legacy forward. And you do see a lot of his pop in East Avenue. Coming up with a good son for our program, at this stage of his career, it's great timing, a little poetic even.” But Medaglia d'Oro is not done yet. As Fox notes, it was only at 19 that he reached his peak fee. “That makes his story a little unique,” he says. “Not many elite stallions wait until that kind of age to hit a quarter-million [dollar stud fee]. Yes, he has stair-stepped down in recent years–but from such a great height, and so late in his career, that his career can continue playing out differently from most.” There's plenty of fresh blood in the Darley stallion barn, with a Derby winner to follow, but there's no doubt who remains the senior pro. “To me, one of the big common denominators with all the stallions in our barn is that they're smart,” Fox says. “You get different types, different sire-lines, but they have the mental aptitude and that's what separates them. Because talent on its own isn't enough if they can't withstand the rigors of racing and training. Medaglia d'Oro epitomizes that, and his progeny have that same intelligence. “Trainers love seeing them come into the barn. And typically whatever they show you in the mornings, they will show in the afternoons. They're just classy horses that want to do their job. And that's him. He's a pleasure to be around, a gentleman, and just the pride of the barn.” The post Old Gold Burnished For Latest Medals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last term's G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe runner-up Aventure (Sea The Stars) had confirmed her wellbeing at ParisLongchamp last month and continued in similar vein with a comfortable win in Monday's G2 Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud. Fresh off a 2 1/2-length success in the G3 Prix Allez France at the capital's Bois de Boulogne venue, she settled into a smooth rhythm for most of this 10 1/2-furlong test. Cruising forward on the bridle in the straight, the 2-5 favourite quickened smartly to wrest control from last term's G1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) heroine Erle (Reliable Man) and familiar foe Survie (Churchill) approaching the final furlong and kept on strongly under mild urging in the closing stages to register a 1 1/4-length success from the latter. Arc runner-up Aventure shows she still has all that class with a cosy success in the Group 2 Prix Corrida at Saint-Cloud! She's a top price 16/1 for this year's Arc… pic.twitter.com/UVWge9rH3x — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 19, 2025 The post Arc Runner-Up Aventure Too Good For Prix Corrida Rivals appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

Colin Keane says that he is delighted to have been chosen to partner Field Of Gold in Saturday's Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh. John and Thady Gosden have gone with the Irish champion jockey rather than Kieran Shoemark, who partnered the Juddmonte-owned colt to finish second in the 2,000 Guineas. Keane has already tasted Classic glory in the famous Juddmonte silks, having won the Irish 2,000 Guineas on Siskin for Lyons in 2020 and when he was booked by Ralph Beckett for Westover in the Irish Derby in 2022. “I'm delighted to be asked to ride him, he looks a very good ride going into the race, I'm very much looking forward to it,” said Keane. “The Juddmonte colours are those that growing up watching racing, you know who they are. I've been very fortunate to win two Classics wearing them and a couple more Group Ones and I'm just delighted to be asked to ride the colt at the weekend. “Winning the Irish Guineas a few years ago for Ger was one of my best days. It's such a huge race and Juddmonte hadn't long been in the yard, he was their first Group One together. “To get a horse of Siskin's calibre very early on was very special and for him to then go and win a Classic was very special, it was a brilliant day.” The post Juddmonte And The Gosdens Turn To Keane For Field Of Gold Ride In Irish Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Donnacha O'Brien has revealed that impressive Group 3 Athasi Stakes heroine Atsila will be supplemented for the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Tuesday entries stage. Atsila did not make her debut until April this year when winning at Bellewstown before taking a massive step forward when landing the Athasi Stakes at the Curragh. “The plan is to supplement her on Tuesday for the 1,000 Guineas,” O'Brien said. “Her form looks strong. To be fair to Barry [Fowler, owner] he is game for anything. It was my fault that I didn't have her in the race in the first place but he's more than happy to supplement and take a chance. I think she's entitled to be in the race.” O'Brien also plans on being represented in the Tattersalls Irish 2,000 Guineas by Comanche Brave after he pushed Henri Matisse close on his seasonal return. That form was boosted when Henri Matisse did the business in the French 2,000 Guineas. “He is working very well and I think he'll probably outrun his odds,” O'Brien continued. “He's not a big horse but he's always worked like a very good horse. We're going to give him a chance in the Guineas. “We could end up going back to seven [furlongs] for the Jersey at Ascot. He's working very well so I'm happy to let him take his chance.” Stable star Porta Fortuna, a multiple Group 1 winner last year, is on course to return in the Lanwades Stud Stakes. “She's going to go to the Lanwades. She's in good form. She put on plenty of weight. Everything has gone smooth with her but she's probably taken a bit longer to get fit this year. She's probably going to take the run and then go to Ascot but she's in great form so I'm looking forward to getting her back on track.” O'Brien also mentioned that Falling Snow, by Justify out of Winter, would miss the 1,000 Guineas but should be back in the second half of the season. The post Donnacha O’Brien To Supplement Atsila For Irish 1,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer praying for some rain to help his Classic Cup (1,800m) winner measure up at the elite level.View the full article

Jockey hopeful the six-year-old galloper will spend his retirement on his property.View the full article

By Michael Guerin New Zealand’s chances of having a serious Inter Dominion pacing contender this winter could be finalised at a quiet Pukekohe trial meeting on Tuesday. That is if any horse can be termed a serious contender going to Queensland to take on local champion Leap To Fame on his home track at Albion Park. The Inter Dominions move to July this year and revert to two rounds of heats on July 5 and 12 into the July 19 pacing final for A$1million. The stake increase will go some way to helping return the credibility of the series but the reality is most of New Zealand’s best pacers simply aren’t good enough to even make the trip. Merlin and Don’t Stop Dreaming are both in the paddock and not even nominated for the series while Republican Party is but won’t be going unless something happened to rule Leap To Fame out of the series. “That is why we are leaving him in for now but basically he won’t be going unless some major names, most obviously Leap To Fame, come out,” says driver Carter Dalgety. “And even then that would need to happen soon because after this week he would have been spelling too long to get him back up and fit enough for the series.” While horses like Pinseeker and Beach Ball, who has transferred to Sydney trainer Luke McCarthy, could start in the series the only Group 1-winning contender New Zealand still has is Chase A Dream. He has become the great enigma of New Zealand harness racing, wonderful some weeks but woeful others. The four-year-old doesn’t have to go down the traditional Inter Dominion path as trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon have accepted an invite to the Rising Sun on the first night of the carnival and if he wins that Three and Four-Year-Old race he will basically be invited straight into the Inter Final two weeks later. The problem is nobody, not even one of the greats of all time in Mark Purdon, knows what to expect from Chase A Dream. He was supposed to race at Alexandra Park last Friday but was too highly rated compared with his rivals so wasn’t allowed to start, so he heads to the Pukekohe trials on Tuesday along with stablemates Rubira and Akuta. Akuta has not raced in this country since 2023 because of a tendon injury. That trial is set to go at 11.45am. “At this stage Queensland is still on,” Purdon says of Chase A Dream. “He’d obviously need to trial ok and if he does he will be on a plane with Oscar Bonavena and Rubira on Sunday.” That would see the trio land in Sydney and go by road to Brisbane in the hope of gaining consistent racing leading into the series. “We are still keen to take him and Oscar will be going as this is possibly his last season and it is a big stake [A$500,000] for the trotters. “Rubira was one of our better three-year-olds until he got hurt in a trackwork incident but he will go with the two open class boys and race in the Derbies.” Purdon knows just how awesome Leap To Fame is as Chase A Dream finished second to him in his stunning Race by Betcha win at Cambridge before the latter’s form fell off a cliff. “We are hoping he can get to Queensland and get into at least one easier lead-up race away from Leap To Fame so maybe we can get his confidence back up,” says Purdon. “We toyed with the idea of not going but we still think he is good enough to be there.” Oscar Bonavena may have taken loyal punters on a rollercoaster ride this year but the Inters could be his last shot at big-time glory, especially with doubts over trotting series favourite Keayang Zahara, who is drifting to turn up in Brisbane. If the young superstar doesn’t head there then Oscar Bonavena and Rowe Cup winner Bet N Win look two of the few realistic chances in the series alongside TAB Trot winner Arcee Phoenix and highly talented Victorian mare Susan Is Her Name. While Republican Party is long odds to go to the pacer’s series his juvenile stablemate Fugitive looks certain to get a slot in the A$500,000 Ladbrokes Protostar on July 12 especially if he wins the Welcome Stakes at Addington this Friday. View the full article

Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) was proud to represent the harness racing community at the 2025 Australasian Equine Industry & Management Association (AEIMA) Animals in Emergencies and Disasters Conference, held at Massey University’s Large Animal Teaching Unit on May 9-10. The conference brought together a wide range of equine professionals — from veterinarians and scientists to welfare advocates and racing officials — to explore current challenges and innovations across the industry. HRNZ’s representative was Education and Animal Care Manager Natalie Gameson. The conference included hands-on, scenario-based training which gave the team direct insight into what it takes to respond effectively and safely to incidents involving horses during racing and equestrian events. A key message from the emergency response training was simple yet powerful: Plan collaboratively, prepare for different situations and be ready to respond. It reinforced the need for continued collaboration across all areas of the industry to ensure that horses receive the best possible care when it matters most. While we’ve made good progress, there’s still more to learn — and HRNZ is committed to being part of that ongoing improvement. Moving forward, HRNZ will continue its collaboration with the Racing Integrity Board, NZ Horse Ambulance Trust, and NZTR to ensure our practices continue to meet evolving welfare standards. This may include reviewing race day protocols, refining emergency response strategies, and advocating for resources that support horse wellbeing. At HRNZ, we know our horses are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s through training, emergency response, or long-term welfare initiatives, we are committed to ensuring that harness racing remains a sport that puts the welfare of the horse first. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk More than half a century after his first success, veteran Methven-based trainer Terry May was back in the winner’s circle at Rangiora yesterday. The 92-year-old combined with Slyx in the Anne Thompson Pacers Graduation Final, with the Terror To Love three-year-old having his first win at start number three. To make it even better this was a family affair – the horse was driven by son and Hall of Famer Ricky May, and bred by Ricky’s wife Judy. “It was a big thrill no doubt about that,” Terry May says, “it’s been a long time.” His last winner was with another son of Terror To Love, also bred by Judy May, called The Terrorfier at Addington in 2022. It’s 50 years since his first win on his own account. That was with Deeside at Forbury Park on September 12, 1975. According to HRNZ records he also had 62 in partnership with his father Clarrie between 1969 and 1975. Clarrie, who was a blacksmith, started out training in the 1940s while his brother Leonard May trained from Kumeu between 1952-85. Clarrie’s sons, Terry, Leo and Clive then followed them into the sport, with Ricky becoming the third generation to get involved. So was May senior confident about his chances yesterday? “No – not in that field,” he laughs. Drawn one the second row Slyx had an extraordinary run in the Final. Ricky May found himself five back the pegs mid-race before getting some much-needed luck. “I was down the end of the back straight and they all pulled off the fence and I got a run down the inside.” Ricky May says. He found himself in the trail around the home turn and then scooted up the passing lane to win by a length. “It was a good time too,” says May. Slyx cut out the 2600 metre mobile in 3:13.22 Terry was among the May clan on course to enjoy the moment. “He still helps me out every day on the farm”, Ricky May says, “he keeps pretty fit.” May was also quick to credit his good mate Brendon Hill for the work he’d done with the horse at his Swannanoa stables in North Canterbury. “He (Slyx) had a problem with getting grit in his face – he just didn’t like it and I could only work him by myself at Methven on the grass.” “So he’s been with Benny the last couple of weeks and working with the other horses he got used to it.” May recorded a double at Rangiora with the Joseph Gray-trained Louis winning the Road Metals – Oamaru Mobile Pace. It was his third win in six starts and his fourth overall. May, the third most successful driver ever in this country, now has 3174 wins dating back to the late 1970s, with only Tony Herlihy (3707) and Maurice McKendry (3420) ahead of him. View the full article

Nominations close tomorrow (Tuesday) for the Harness 5000 Maiden Series that gets underway at Timaru this Sunday (May 25). The Series is for non-winners whose sire stood for an advertised service fee of $5,000 or less in the breeding season of conception. Sunday’s series opener will be worth $12,000 for 3YO and older pacers. The first four place-getters are guaranteed a place in the $15,000 Final at Addington on Friday, June 13, if nominated. A second harness 5000 heat will be held at Ashburton at their King’s Birthday weekend on Sunday, June 1. Ashburton also held a Harness 5000 race in February, won by the Graham Court-trained Hilarious Love. For more information on the Harness 5000 Series contact matthew.peden@hrnz.co.nz View the full article

The closing date for nominations for the Entain Industry Excellence Awards has been extended through to 5pm on Wednesday (May 21). Originally nominations were going to close yesterday (Sunday, May 18). Winners of the nine awards categories will receive $10,000 with finalists in each category receiving $2,000. The supreme winner will receive an extra $5,000 on top of their $10,000 category win, and a $5,000 educational package. These awards, for the under 40s, are designed to recognise the future leaders and rising stars of New Zealand’s racing codes. Last year harness racing was represented by two winners, Jo Ferguson (nee Stevens) and Chanelle Dickie. The awards ceremony will be held on June 29,2025. Click here for more information View the full article

By Jonny Turner Lil Whip’s eight-length annihilation of her opposition at Ascot Park on Sunday has earned her a feature race night tilt at Addington. The mare led and never gave her rivals a look-in, powering to an emphatic win for trainer Tyler Dewe and driver Brad Williamson. The victory completed a winning double for the four-year-old, who scored in a tougher grade in her last start at Winton. Lil Whip’s excellent form will now see her head to Addington, though Dewe is still weighing up which race to target. “We’ll see how things pan out. She could go in the Heather Williams Memorial, or there is a rating race on the night too.” “Both are 1980m mobiles, and she loves the mobile.” Dewe attributes his mare’s great recent form to three factors. Firstly, her ability, but also the work he and his team have done on her feet, as well as her love of being in front. “We’ve been working on her feet, which are now as good as we’ve ever had them.” “She’s a lovely mare with quite a lot of ability, but she hates the grit in her face.” “That’s why she loves being in front.” “Hopefully, she can get better at racing in the field, because I actually think she is faster than she is tough.” Lil Whip is raced by Eastern Southlanders Graham Hand and Jeff Rankin. Dewe was especially thrilled to deliver a timely win for the former. “Graham’s mother, Karen, passed away early in the week.” “It has been a tough week for him and his family.” “Brad wore a black armband for Karen, and it was great that the horse was able to get the job done for her.” Lil Whip’s victory marked another win for the trainer since his move to train at Winton late last year. After working on establishing his facilities near Central Southland Raceway, the trainer is excited about the future. “We have great facilities, and we’re training on the best track in New Zealand, in my opinion.” “We have a nice team coming through — we secured three horses at the yearling sales this year, and they all broke in really nicely.” “Graham is in all three of them as well.” Dewe also produced Share A Dream to run second at Ascot Park, with the pacer likely to head to Addington next week too. View the full article

Astoria Brooke (NZ) (American Pharoah) has inherited a number of qualities from her dam Astor, most importantly her talent on the track, which was evident with back-to-back victories at Hawera on Sunday. A filly by American Pharoah, Astoria Brooke is prepared by Cody Cole, just as Astor was when she delivered the Matamata horseman his first stakes victory in the Listed Mufhasa Fasttrack Stakes (1300m) in 2018. Astor (NZ) (Iffraaj) was subsequently bred from by Trelawney Stud, who entrusted her daughter with Cole for breaking in. “I broke her in for Brent and Cherry (Taylor) and she was quite hard work both mentally and physically, she was quite unsound back then,” Cole said. “She was initially meant to be heading to Australia, but because of her issues they opted to leave her with us and send another over to Peter Moody. “It was really kind of them to do so, then she was late scratched in the gates at Matamata early on, so she’s not been straightforward. “She’s going the right way now which is good, because I’ve always had a lot of time for her.” Astoria Brooke has found her place on the track, with two wins prior to Sunday’s Rating 75 contest including a last start victory over Monday Melody (Snitzel) earlier in May. In the hands of Craig Grylls, the filly settled in fourth as Bay Express (NZ) (Shamexpress) set a strong tempo in the testing conditions at Hawera. The field were all well and truly off the bit turning for home and Astoria Brooke travelled better than most, finding her momentum and keeping up a strong gallop to salute by three quarters of a length to McKhan (NZ) (Mongolian Khan). “We were pretty confident she could run a bold race, my only reservation was that she’d been up a while and she’d had a couple of unlucky runs after her run in the Eight Carat (Gr.2, 1600m),” Cole said. “It was nice to get a win at Te Rapa and after she came through that so well, we thought we would press on for one more and hopefully get her in a nice position in the rating points for the spring. I think she’s well capable of looking at some better options. “Astor was very hard work to train herself, that was probably one of the reasons she ended up with me as well. But they both have a will to win and even Craig got off yesterday and said she’ll make the grade, she wasn’t really copping the track, but she gave her all to get over the line in front. “That’s definitely a trait they both share.” Astoria Brooke is off for a deserved spell and the same fate likely lies ahead for stablemate Old Bill Bone (NZ) (Swiss Ace), who continued his enviable record when powering late to win a competitive Manuka Doctor (1200m) at Ellerslie on Saturday. Old Bill Bone had never finished out of the first two in five starts and faced his toughest task to date in the Rating 75 contest, where Reptak (NZ) (Shocking) ripped into his work and strung the field out down the back straight. Watching on from Trentham, Cole thought his charge was out of contention when under pressure at the 600m, but he was pleasantly surprised to see the son of Swiss Ace charge over the top in an exciting finish. “I thought at the 600, ‘we can’t win here’, he was off the bridle and chasing,” Cole said. “But when he got balanced up and Ryan (Elliot) asked him, he really quickened up quite nicely. “He just seems to find a way to get himself right in the finish.” With just six starts now under his belt, Old Bill Bone is a late-maturing horse and Cole believes he has plenty of upside heading into next season. “He was just immature physically and took a lot of time to put it together, and mentally, he’s still just really figuring it out in his last few runs,” he said. “I haven’t talked to Russell Warwick from Westbury (Stud) yet, but looking at the programme, there doesn’t seem to be anything suitable at Ellerslie for him and that would probably be the only place we would get a decent track. He’s not a horse you can back-up or race too often either. “It’s more than likely that he’ll head to the paddock now and look towards the spring.” Out of a Postponed mare Simplicity, Old Bill Bone is a full-brother to stablemate St Giles, a winner of his last two starts. Looking ahead to the new week, Cole is hoping to continue an outstanding run of form that has him currently placed within the top 10 on the trainer’s premiership with a career-best of 33 winners. His contenders this week will include Group performer Renovations after she came through her latest success at Wanganui with flying colours. “We’re going to give Renovations one more run, she’s come through Wanganui absolutely bouncing out of her skin and the weather looks good this week, so we’re going to keep her in,” he said. “She’ll head to the three-year-old 1400 at Te Rapa, Rareza will most likely head there as well in the Rating 75 1400m. “We scratched The Nomad over the weekend and he’ll head to New Plymouth on Saturday.” View the full article

In an exciting step for the Club’s future, the Matamata Racing Club (MMRC) is proud to unveil plans for a significant expansion of its racehorse training facilities – an investment that promises to boost not only the Club’s training capacity but also the strength and sustainability of New Zealand’s thoroughbred industry. The Club’s acquisition of the neighbouring Valachi Downs property has enabled it to explore expanding its current training facilities, addressing growing demand and supporting not only the Club’s financial position but also the broader growth of the New Zealand racing industry at this crucial time. This development will transform the landscape of local racing, with the proposed construction of up to 20 state-of-the-art barns designed to accommodate up to 250 more horses. These new facilities will complement the existing stabling infrastructure, which already caters to approximately 150horses. “This is more than just an expansion. It’s a vote of confidence in our trainers, our horses, and the future of New Zealand racing,” says MMRC General Manager Regan Donnison. “We’re responding to real demand and positioning ourselves—and our region—as a key contributor to the national industry moving forward.” MMRC has long been a cornerstone of New Zealand racing, home to many legendary trainers and the launchpad for countless equine champions. In the 2023/24 season alone, horses trained at Matamata won 45 individual stakes races, including a remarkable 40% of all Group 1 races run in New Zealand. The current season is also shaping up to be a strong one for Matamata trained thoroughbreds, with a dominance of some key spring & summer majors including the inaugural running of the $3.5M NZB Kiwi. The Club’s on-course training facility is already one of the busiest in the country, servicing around 40 trainers and up to 850 horses monthly. Its amenities, including multiple training tracks, a swimming pool, schooling fences, weighing scales and other modern aids including customised jumpout gates, have made it a preferred destination for trainers at all levels. This next phase of development will ensure Matamata remains at the forefront of the industry for years to come, while strengthening the Club’s ability to continue investing in its facilities with the goal of achieving world-class standards in the near future. Andrew Scott, co-trainer of Wexford Stables, welcomed the move, saying: “It’s great to see a local club taking a progressive approach. If all goes to plan, their proposed facilities will be a real asset to the industry — creating more opportunities for people to train on track, in line with a growing trend across Australasia. There’s still a way to go before it’s fully realised, but it’s a strong step in the right direction.” And the Club’s ambitions extend beyond infrastructure. MMRC’s vision is firmly focused on supporting a vibrant and sustainable future for the entire racing community. By providing affordable, purpose-built stabling solutions and encouraging collaboration between racing clubs and trainers, MMRC is actively working to secure the long-term sustainability of racing in the Northern region and beyond. Expressions of interest for leasing barns in the new development are now open, with flexible sizing aimed at accommodating a wide range of trainers, from established operations to up-and-coming professionals. “This project is about growth, opportunity, and making sure we’re doing everything we can to support our trainers and the industry at large,” Donnison said. “We’re incredibly excited about this next chapter of Matamata’s racing story.” For more information or to express your interest, contact Regan Donnison at regan@matamataracingclub.co.nz. View the full article

Knights Realm (NZ) (Castledale) missed out on a maiden stakes scalp by the barest of margins at Trentham on Saturday in the Listed Rangitikei Cup (1600m), which has only enhanced trainer Clinton Isdale’s thirst for success. The five-year-old son of Castledale had been runner-up in five of his previous seven outings, and with just 53kg on his back, punters supported him in their droves, sending him out a short-priced $2.30 favourite. He looked ominous throughout, sitting outside pacemaker Bradman (NZ) (Pins), but at the business end of the race, he was pipped at the post by a nose, with Francee (NZ) (Iffraaj) taking the victory in a close three-way finish. While proud of his charge’s consistency and pleased with the way he has come through his weekend run, Isdale admitted he is getting tired of the taste of silver. “He has come through the run really well, I am just a bit gutted that he has run second again,” the Cambridge trainer said. “I had to look twice at the result, I thought he had got it on the line.” After attaining black-type with his weekend result, Knights Realm is now on a path towards winter riches following a run closer to home later this month, with a small freshen-up planned in the interim. “He will probably go to Te Rapa in two weeks for an open handicap, put the blinkers on him and drop back to 1400m,” Isdale said. “He will go out for a two week freshen-up and then head to the Opunake Cup (Listed, 1400m), with the ultimate aim being the Winter Cup (Gr.3, 1600m).” Meanwhile, Isdale will head to his local synthetic meeting on Wednesday where he has two guaranteed runners, with Novak (NZ) (El Roca) on the ballot for the Pride’s Ezifeed 2000. Mahoe (NZ) (Alamosa) will be first-up in the Waipa Earthworks 1550 following a South Island summer campaign, while Mirabella (NZ) (Sweynesse) will be trying to replicate her winning feat from two starts back in the TAB 970. “Mahoe has come back from the South Island. He is consistent and likes the poly,” Isdale said. “He has had two nice trials leading into it and he will be thereabouts knocking on the door. “Mirabella loves the poly, she trialled up well on it the other week. She will be a nice chance. View the full article

Emma-Lee Browne says they will likely take a little bit of time to savour Basilinna’s (NZ) (Staphanos) Listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes (2800m) win before looking to lock down the right pathway for the mare to this year’s Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). Basilinna earned herself a ballot exemption into this year’s Melbourne Cup with her victory in Saturday’s Andrew Ramsden at Flemington in rain-affected conditions. “I think it’s everything we all dreamed about, so it’s a massive result for the team,” Browne said on Sunday of qualifying Basilinna for the Cup. Browne, who trains at Pakenham in partnership with husband David, confirmed the mare would head for a spell now she has gained the golden ticket into the Melbourne Cup, as they aim towards a dream tilt at the famous race on the first Tuesday in November. “She will go to the paddock now,” Browne said. “I think we’ll just enjoy it for a week or so before sitting down and really getting a plan together about how we can get her there as best we can, where she’s hopefully right at her peak. “We’ll just enjoy it for a week, and she can go out to the paddock and enjoy a well-deserved spell. “I think we’ll do a bit of research into it, speak to a few people that have obviously done it well and make a bit of a plan from there. But we’re just kind of enjoying it at the moment.” Browne said Basilinna, who finished third in the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington during her three-year-old season in the spring of 2023, had come through Saturday’s win in super fashion. “She loves that distance and because she enjoys running over that distance she always pulls up super afterwards,” Browne said. “The (Soft) track conditions were perfect for her, she got through it really, really well. And we’re just over the moon with how she’s pulled up.” View the full article

Francee’s (NZ) (Iffraaj) victory in the Listed Rangitikei Gold Cup (1600m) was of special significance for Haunui Farm on a number of fronts. Not only was it a first stakes victory for the homebred and raced Iffraaj mare, it also brought back memories of a successful association and coincided with stud managing director Mark Chitty’s university reunion. Trained by Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson, the well-related Francee added black-type performance to her pedigree and ensured she will be a valuable future addition to the Haunui broodmare band. She is a daughter of the former top performer Calveen (NZ) (Canny Lad), who won 10 races including the Gr.1 Easter Handicap (1600m) and a further four events at Group Two level. “It was a wonderful result and the long association we had with Don McLaren made it even more special,” Chitty said. “We had a good working relationship and owned some mares together and on Don’s passing we purchased his mares off the family. “Calveen was one of them and sent her to Iffraaj and elected to keep the filly that is Francee, so it was very satisfying. “We had to put Calveen down earlier this year, she had got to a fair age, and this is her first stakes winner, she did have a stakes performed mare (Miss Delveen) previously.” Haunui is also breeding from Francee’s winning half-sister Hi Gorgeous (NZ) (Savabeel). “She’s a Savabeel mare and she’s got a Hello Youmzain filly and is back in foal to him,” Chitty said. Francee is now a four-time winner and her immediate future has yet to be confirmed. “She’s been up for a fair while and we’ve found our level, she’s a rising six-year-old so we’ll let the dust settle and then think about it,” Chitty said. “I’d like to pay special credit to the team at Te Akau and their vet Ronan Costello because in August 2023, I arrived off a plane in Sydney and got a call from Mark Walker to say the mare was a bit off. “It was getting toward the start of the breeding season and maybe we wanted to think about mating her, but we worked with Ronan and got her back to the track so, thanks to his good work, Saturday was very rewarding. “She had pulled up sore after working and I’ve got veterinary experience and talked through things with Ronan, who did all the work, and she came right and the rest is history.” Also a vet, Chitty was on Saturday at a Massey University reunion and proved to be a popular figure after Francee’s victory. “A few of the boys lined their pockets late in the day, so it was great,” he said. “There were 25 of us and it was good fun, the stars aligned, and we might have consumed one or two more than we should have.” View the full article

Firenze Flavor emerged victorious in the three-way photo finish as only a pair of noses separated the top three finishers in a thrilling edition of the Honeymoon Stakes at Santa Anita Park. View the full article

The Amazing Mizzen (Mizzen Mast) has earned 'retirement for life' at Old Friends via her victory in Race 2, the Old Friends Purse, at Pimlico Saturday, May 18, the organization announced via press release Sunday afternoon. Claiming victory as a 44-1 longshot, the grey will have an automatic entry at Old Friends upon her retirement or pensioning, should she require it. The Old Friends Purse benefits Old Friends and its 'Old Friends for Life' retirement program. If The Amazing Mizzen joins the farm in Georgetown, Kentucky, she will be accompanying three other 'Old Friends for Life' retirees–Next Shares, Kalamos, and Get Western. Two other winners of the Old Friends Purse, MGSP Desvio (Yoshida {Jpn}) and SW Be Better (Uncle Mo), are still racing. “Today has been a special day for Old Friends in Maryland on Preakness Day,” said John Nicholson, president and CEO of Old Friends, who handed out the winner's trophy Saturday. “We are so grateful to Pimlico for making the Old Friends Purse possible and for giving Thoroughbred Aftercare such a large platform.” “[Saturday's] race was very exciting! We congratulate the connections of The Amazing Mizzen on her impressive upset victory. A place awaits her at Old Friends when the time comes.” The post The Amazing Mizzen Earns ‘Retirement for Life’ at Old Friends via Old Friends Purse at Pimlico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In what came down to a blanket finish in the GIII Honeymoon Stakes at Santa Anita, Firenze Flavor (Liam's Map–Summer Escape, by Giant's Causeway) won the bob and got to the winner's circle on Sunday. As a 7-1 choice here, Firenze Flavor watched as favorite Jungle Peace (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) set the pace from the bell through the top of the lane. The leader began to tire in the final jumps and that allowed both Firenze Flavor and Miso Phansy (Karakontie {Jpn}) to get into the game. A blanket finish and ensuing photo showed the Paddy Gallagher trainee scored her first graded victory of her career. Miso Phansy was the runner-up and Jungle Peace finished third. The final running time was 1:49.91. Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-0. O/B-Oda Racing and U.S. Equine (KY); T-Paddy Gallagher. Three horses were practically inseparable at the wire in the $100k Honeymoon Stakes (G3) at @SantaAnitaPark, but the photo showed FIRENZE FLAVOR ($17.40) on top! This is the first graded win for the 3YO filly by @LanesEndFarms' Liam's Map. Patrick Gallagher trains, @DraydenV up. pic.twitter.com/E6ScOU1myB — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 18, 2025 The post Honeymoon Stakes Thriller As Firenze Flavor Wins Photo At Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article