Wandering Eyes

Shadwell has announced the fees for its five-strong roster of stallions, with the six-time Group 1 winner Baaeed standing for the reduced sum of £55,000 in 2026 – when he will be represented by his first two-year-old runners. “The roster is headed by Baaeed, the highest-rated racehorse in Europe for over a decade and who stands as a fitting tribute to Shadwell's dedication to the Thoroughbred,” read a statement from Shadwell. “Supported by many of the world's leading breeders, Baaeed has already covered three outstanding books of mares. His first yearlings were offered this year and included sales of €800,000 and 625,000gns etc., reaffirming his status as one of the most exciting stallion prospects of the modern era. At his fee of £55,000, Baaeed offers breeders the opportunity to be part of something truly special.” This season, Baaeed covered 165 mares at a fee of £65,000 at Beech House Stud in Newmarket, where he is joined by Mohaather and Mostahdaf. Mohaather will stand for £10,000 (from £15,000) next year, after first-crop son Big Mojo provided him with a breakthrough Group 1 success when winning September's Haydock Sprint Cup, while Mostahdaf's fee has been dropped to £9,000 (from £12,500) ahead of his first foals being sold in the coming weeks. At Derrinstown Stud In Ireland, Minzaal remains unchanged at €12,500, while Awtaad has had his fee increased slightly to €8,500 (from €7,500). “Minzaal's first yearlings were also offered this year and they generated some exceptional prices, including soaring up to 550,000gns and 450,000gns etc., at an average of almost 6-times his first-season fee,” the Shadwell statement said of the former Owen Burrows trainee. “Having captured the Group 1 Sprint Cup as a four-year-old and the Group 2 Gimcrack Stakes as a juvenile, Minzaal combines speed, precocity and Group 1 consistency across three seasons. With all the boxes ticked for an Irish commercial stallion, Minzaal looks to follow in the footsteps of his sire Mehmas and grandsire Acclamation at his unchanged 2026 fee of €12,500.” It continued, “Awtaad has enjoyed a remarkable year. Ethical Diamond's track record breaking success in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf builds on the multiple Group 1 successes of Anmaat and Anisette. “His 2025 roll of honour also includes new stakes scorers Waterford, Naomi Lapaglia and Thalara, as well as two stakes performing two-year-olds and a Royal Ascot double. He continues to prove himself a consistent source of top-class performers at a value fee.” The post Baaeed Heads Shadwell Roster for 2026 at Reduced Fee of £55,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A bright future is being tipped for Sibling Rivalry (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) after she broke through for her maiden win in the Harcourts Monarch (1150m) at Te Aroha on Tuesday. The three-year-old daughter of Satono Aladdin was fair away, but jockey Craig Grylls got busy on her early, driving her forward to sit outside leader Van Damme. Van Damme set a good tempo up front, with Sibling Rivalry keeping him company throughout, and turning for home the pair had opened up a good margin on their rivals and looked fully in control of the race. Sibling Rivalry stuck her head out in front at the 250m and continued her forward momentum, and was able to hold off the fast finishing Deprive to win by 1-1/2 lengths. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson had been pleased with her early progress, having won her first two trials before finishing in a dead-heat for second alongside the well-regarded Ashoka behind subsequent Group One winner Well Written in a 800m heat at Ellerslie in September. Sibling Rivalry went on to finish fourth on debut over 1000m at Taupo last month, and her connections were pleased to see her bounce back in good fashion at Te Aroha. “It was a good ride of Craig’s to get her forward outside the leader and she quickened up nicely in the straight to win well,” Walker said. “It’s great to see her in the winner’s circle so early in her career and she won with enough authority to suggest she can go on with it from here. “It’s been tough getting the horses ready, through a wet spring, but she’s found winning form and should take good confidence out of it.” Sibling Rivalry is out of five-win mare Justlikemysister, a half-sister to stakes winner Wazawatsyn, the dam of Group Three performer Wewillrock. She was offered through Kaha Nui Farm’s New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft last year where she was purchased by Te Akau principal David Ellis for $220,000. View the full article

The results of showpiece races throughout the spring have delivered notable pedigree updates to the catalogue for this week’s NZB Ready to Run Sale at Karaka. The highest-profile pedigree update belongs to Lot 248, who can now be described as a half-brother to a Group One winner during the 2025 Melbourne Spring Carnival. Offered by breeder Barry Donoghue’s BMD Bloodstock, the Ace High colt is a half-brother to Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit), who triumphed in the A$1m Group One Might And Power Stakes (2000m) at Caulfield on October 11. It was the first Group One victory for Globe, who was a $22,000 yearling purchase from Karaka 2020 and has earned A$1.2m from a 15-start, six-win career. Lot 159 is a half-brother to another Victorian galloper who scaled new heights this spring – Von Hauke (NZ) (Savabeel). The six-year-old claimed the biggest win of his career in the A$400,000 Group Two Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley on the Cox Plate undercard on October 25. One of New Zealand’s most exciting young talents has provided a significant boost to the pedigree of Lot 179. The colt by Russian Camelot is a half-brother to the dam of Well Written (Written Tycoon), who debuted after the catalogue went to print and has been a breathtaking winner of all of her three starts to date. The most recent of those was a scintillating performance in Saturday’s $600,000 Group One New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Lot 35 is a half-brother to talented Hong Kong galloper Raging Blizzard (NZ) (Per Incanto), who finished second in last month’s Group Two Premier Bowl (1200m) and Group Three National Day Cup (1000m). Lot 299 is a half-brother to the top-class mare La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos), who has added another two Group One placings to her impressive CV in the Group One Proisir Plate (1400m) and Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) during New Zealand’s Spring Carnival. The 2025 Ready to Run Sale will take place at the Karaka Sales Centre from 10am (NZT) on Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 November. View the full article

Trainers Kevin and Stephen Gray are excited for what the summer has instore for Silent Is Gold (Star Turn) following his pleasing trial win over 850m at Foxton on Tuesday. A stakes performer in Singapore, the son of Star Turn came to New Zealand with Stephen Gray when racing ceased in that jurisdiction, and resumed in his adopted homeland in January following a 10-month break. He made an instant impact in New Zealand, placing in three races before winning over 1350m at Wanganui in April. Stephen Gray has been pleased with the way he has returned this time in and he was buoyed by his trial following an extended spell. “We gave him a good spell after his last campaign, so he was a little bit fatter than usual, but I thought he trialled well and he has come up well,” Gray said. “We will be looking at the sprints around the New Year. The biggest problem for him is he gets a bit of weight, so we have got to find something that pushes his weight down a bit. “He will have another jumpout in a couple of weeks and then we will go to the races somewhere.” Stablemates Hard Too Think, Cooper and Top Of The Pack also won their trials over 1000m. “Hard Too Think was coming up really well last year and then he had a little chip we had to take out of his fetlock joint,” Gray said. “It was unfortunate because he had two good runs back and then he went a little bit lame, so we took the chip out and he has had eight months to recover. “He did trial very well, he is a very good galloper, so if he can get his form back, I am sure we will pick up a nice race around New Year’s. “Top of The Pack is a nice Ace High filly that we like that won well and Cooper was really good.” Gray also has high hopes for unbeaten four-year-old Microphone gelding Dazz, who placed in his 1000m heat. “I have got a lot of time for him, he is a nice horse,” Gray said. “He had one start for one win last year and he was meant to be sold to Hong Kong, but the deal fell through.” Meanwhile, Gray is looking forward to heading to Waverley on Friday with a seven-strong team. Five-win mare Idyllic (No Nay Never) will commence her campaign towards some black-type targets in the Moore Markham – Waverley (1200m) where she will be met by stablemate Cosentino, who will also be presented in a fresh state. “Idyllic has done really well and she will improve,” Gray said. “She will head to the Levin Stakes after this, she won that last year, and we would like to head up to Ellerslie after that to try and get a bit of black-type with her. “She trialled quite well and she galloped well this (Tuesday) morning, but she might just want a run to bring her on. She loves those tight-turning tracks, so she will run a good race. “Cosentino (NZ) (El Roca) is a lovely, promising horse too. He won the final of the poly (championship). We have just had to slow him down a bit mentally, he was getting a bit wound up as the poly racing can wind them up because they have got to run fast. I think he will need the run, but he is a very promising horse.” Gray is also upbeat about the chances of Toronto in the Bull Pen Powder – Brendan Attrill (1200m) and Exaggeration in the TRACMAC (1400m). “Toronto is a very promising horse,” he said. “Exaggeration is a lovely horse and he has got really good poly form. On the grass I think he is going to get a mile to 2000m. He has had a couple of trials but he might just need a run.” Looking ahead to Sunday, Gray will take three runners to Waipukurau, including So We Go (NZ) (Embellish), a full-brother to Group One performer Luberon, in the Waipawa Butchery Maiden (1200m). The son of Embellish disappointed when finishing last over 1200m on debut at Waverley in September and Gray is hoping for an improved performance fresh-up. “So We Go is a horse we really like a lot,” he said. “He has shown so much promise. “He was really disappointing at Waverley first-up. He just got shuffled back and I think he lost his way. We are going back to 1200m fresh-up.” Gray is also expecting a strong showing from Loose Jewels (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) in the Remember “Jooky” Three-Year-Old Maiden (1600m) following his fresh-up placing over a mile at Woodville earlier this month. “Loose Jewels was also disappointing on the same day (at Waverley in September), but he went a really good race at Woodville, and I like him a lot,” he said. “I think he is going to be a lovely mile to 2000m horse and I think he will be hard to beat.” View the full article

James McDonald gave a glowing report on Romantic Warrior after reuniting with the champion galloper at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning, while the superstar jockey also confirmed he will ride Galaxy Patch and Fast Network at the crucial November 23 meeting. Set to start his latest Hong Kong riding stint at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, McDonald rode Romantic Warrior in a track gallop with stablemate Romantic Thor and the Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained star felt as good as ever as he prepares to...View the full article

Luke Ferraris is hoping a good night at Happy Valley on Wednesday can strengthen his claim to a coveted spot at the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) next month. The 23-year-old is enjoying a sterling campaign and is currently level on 13 wins with Hugh Bowman in second in the jockeys’ premiership, although he is narrowly behind him on countback by virtue of second-place finishes. Only one of the pair will be able to claim a spot in the IJC on December 10 after the Jockey Club...View the full article

The Florida Gaming Control Commission asked a Florida state court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Gulfstream Park seeking a decoupling of its racing license and slot machine permit.View the full article

Canterbury galloper Matscot (NZ) (Haradasun) will aim to break a streak of visitor success in the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) when he takes his second shot at the feature on Wednesday at Riccarton Park. The eight-year-old went close to winning last year’s edition, missing the top spot by a head to Central Districts raider Kopua. A sought-after prize, the $250,000 race has been won by North Island contenders for the past six runnings and Matscot is right in contention to change that trend again this year, currently rated a $12 hope with fellow Riccarton gelding Sir Albert on top at $4.60. He comes into the race this year in a similar vein of form, having finished a strong third behind Sir Albert in the Listed Sothy’s Spring Classic (2000m) with the 59kg topweight on his back after failing to handle the conditions in the Gr.1 Howden Insurance Mile (1600m) at Te Rapa. “He didn’t handle the track at Te Rapa at all but he ran very well in the Spring Classic, particularly carrying that weight,” said Alan Reeves, who trains in partnership with Sharon Robertson. “He found the line with a bit of purpose which was great to see, it was a good run going into the mile. “He’s come back from 2000m before so we know what to do with him, he’s been out to Brian Court’s for five days the water walker for a freshen up, he loves it out there. It’s like a holiday for him while still getting some exercise in. “Yogesh (Atchamah) galloped him on the course proper on Saturday and he went really nicely, he loves to have a bowl around there. He’s all ready to go.” Jockey Joe Doyle will continue his association with the son of Haradasun and they will jump from the outside barrier of 14, which hasn’t deterred Reeves. “It’s great to have Joe on him again, he knows him really well now which is good as he’s quite a quirky horse, he still does a few things wrong,” he said. “I see he’s drawn the outside but that probably suits him, he can have a bit of room and stay out of trouble.” While he hasn’t shied away from travelling their homebred Group One performer over the past couple of seasons, Reeves is looking forward to competing close to home on Wednesday. “It’s lovely to run at home as the owners and Sharon can watch him, it would be great to win one around here as he does a lot of travelling up north with the weight he gets down here,” he said. “Sharon’s not very well, so it would be nice for Harvey to go a big race for her. Time will tell.” View the full article

Mystic Park (NZ) (Ocean Park) produced a career-high performance during last year’s New Zealand Cup carnival, and he’s primed to rise to another level on his home turf on Wednesday. Riccarton trainers Michael and Matthew Pitman produced him to claim the Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) 12 months ago and this time the son of Ocean Park has the Gr.3 TAB Mile (1600m) in his sights. Mystic Park has got home strongly for minor placings in his last two outings, and five of his seven wins have come on his local course. “He’s got a great record at Riccarton, and he’s only ever had the one start at a mile and ended up in front and he was a young and immature horse in those days,” Michael Pitman said. “This is the race we’ve been looking at this prep, rather than the Stewards. He gets in with a good weight (56.5kg), he won the Stewards with 59kg.” Pitman has been delighted with Mystic Park’s build-up toward the main event on the second day of the carnival with Daniel Stackhouse answering the call to come over from Melbourne to ride for the stable. “We’ve very happy with his preparation, his work has been really good and in both runs this time in he’s hit the line hard,” Pitman said. “I believe we’ve got a very good rider on board and he’s drawn six, just where we wanted him to.” Another son of Ocean Park in Ocean Light (NZ) (Ocean Park) is also in fine condition for the Wuhan Jockey Club Premier (2000m). The dependable five-year-old has three victories and four placings from his last seven appearances. “He’s by my favourite stallion, if you put the two together and had a look at them and came back five minutes later you wouldn’t know which one’s which,” Pitman said. “He’s a lovely horse and has been racing really well, he’s another one we can’t fault.” Stephanie Murray Mortgages Premier (1800m) contender Charbano (NZ) (Vespa) is also a strong each-way chance for the stable. He has been around the mark in recent outings, including a most recent third over the course and distance. “He’s been going really good races without a lot of luck, he went massive last start and he’s a horse that looks suited to a bit further now,” Pitman said. “He’s drawn badly, but Stackhouse is on so that’s a positive.” Meanwhile, two-year-old The Graduate (NZ) (Ferrando) will be the third member of her family to step out for the stable when the Ferrando filly follows in the footsteps of winning full siblings El Vacquero and Guissepe Ferrante. “She’s still a bit weak and the Walker-Bergerson horses are always the ones to beat every time they come here, so I’d be happy with a top four or five run,” Pitman said. View the full article

With numbers continuing to surpass the 2024 standard, Monday's seventh session of the Keeneland November Sale closed out another day of strong trade, highlighted by a gross of $234,253,000, up from $181,460,500 generated one year ago. Average through seven sessions increased 25.34% to $141,886, while the median showed a sharp rise, up 40.35% to $80,000 this year. The RNAs to this point decreased from 470 in 2024 to 424 this term. Conversely, session 7 saw RNAs rise to 58, increasing from 49 one year ago, while 259 head drew an aggregate of $8,444,500, down from $8,464,600 generated for 278 head sold in 2024. Heading the day's activity, Repole Stable extended to $475,000 for Hip 2313, Whitethorn, a recently-placed 3-year-old daughter of Not This Time. Whitethorn was the lone purchase on Monday for Repole Stable, the session's leading buyer. “We had to fend off some serious players [to get her], so we were happy to buy her,” said agent Jacob West. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency acting on behalf of breeder Juddmonte, the dark bay is out of Cognitive (Uncle Mo), already responsible for Juddmonte's dual stakes winner Show Card (Into Mischief). Repole Stable also secured Cognitive (Hip 349)–in foal to Elite Power–for $500,000 in Book 2. “She was a lovely filly,” said West. “We are obvious fans of the pedigree. We feel that she has some major upside and it only helps to control her future.” Under the care of Michael McCarthy, Whitethorn finished third in her career debut going 8 1/2 furlongs at Churchill Downs in September before coming home runner-up–beaten 1 3/4 lengths to American Pearl (Gun Runner)–in a one-mile test at the Louisville oval on Nov. 5. “We bought her mother earlier in the sale and part of the appeal to the team and to Mike was that we knew she had a current filly on the track showing promise,” said West, explaining the purchase. “We already own the factory so to speak so we just bought the product.” According to West, the filly will head to trainer Todd Pletcher. Hailing from a prolific female line, third dam Turbo Dream (Unbridled) is responsible for dual Grade I winner Dream Rush, herself the dam for Grade I-winning Dreaming of Julia, who in turn produced two-time champion Malathaat. Julia Shining and Dream Pauline also stem from the Dream Rush pipeline. Through seven sessions, Repole Stable purchased seven head for total expenditures of $2,575,000 while averaging $367,857. The median was $475,000. Also included among Repole's November purchases–GSW Mo' Green (Uncle Mo, i/f to Vekoma) (Hip 496) who brought $550,000 in addition to Gate to Paradise (Arrogate) (Hip 789), another $500,000 buy for the team. Responsible for Monday's topper, Taylor Made Sales Agency was the session's leading consignor with sales of $1,141,500 for 25 horses. Leading Monday's weanling action, a colt by first season sire Gunite brought $160,000 from Louis Dubois, buying for Wesley Ward. Offered as Hip 2485, the colt was consigned by Wasabi Ventures Sales. Out of Itgetsgreaterlater (Justify), the chestnut colt is from the family of Grade I winner Cupid, in addition to GSWs Heart Ashley and Ashley's Kitty. The Keeneland November Sale resumes Tuesday at 10 a.m. The post Repole Nabs Not This Time’s Whitethorn for $475K at KEENOV Monday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On the Nov. 10 episode of BloodHorse Monday, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Aron Wellman on racing Journalism in 2026, National HBPA's Eric Hamelback on the Nov. 15 Claiming Crown, and Horseshoe Indianapolis' Eric Halstrom on Veterans Day.View the full article

9th-Tokyo, ¥21,610,000 ($140,357), Allowance, 2yo, 1400m, 1:23.2, gd. SATONO VOYAGE (JPN) (c, 2, Into Mischief–Jolie Olimpica {Brz} {Horse of the Year, Ch. 2yo Filly & G1SW-Brz, Ch. Turf Female & GSW-Can, MGSW & GISP-US, $460,507}, by Drosselmeyer), a debut second in a 1200-meter test at Hanshin June 14, set a juvenile course record when graduating by 10 lengths at Niigata in a slick 1:10.80 Aug. 9. Favored at 70 cents on the dollar, Satono Voyage broke alertly and was content to let the other speed go on with it, settling ahead of midfield down the back. Patiently handled on the turn by Mirai Iwata, the bay split rivals once into the long Tokyo straight, confronted the long-time leader at the furlong grounds and powered clear to take it by five lengths. The Apr. 3 foal is the first produce from his dam, Brazil's Horse of the Year and champion of her generation at two in 2019 and acquired by the late Rick Porter's Fox Hill Farm to her continue her career in this country with Richard Mandella. The chestnut earned her keep with three victories at the graded level in North American, including the GII Nassau Stakes at Woodbine that earned her a Sovereign Award as Canada's champion turf female of 2021. She was also runner-up to champion Rushing Fall (More Than Ready) in the COVID-delayed running of the GI Coolmore Jenny Wiley Stakes in 2020. Purchased by Shimokobe Farm for $675,000 at Fasig-Tipton November in 2021, Jolie Olimpica was put in foal to this leading sire and was exported to Japan. Barren to Triple Crown winner Contrail (Jpn) for 2024, the mare foaled a colt by dual Horse of the Year Equinox (Jpn) on Feb. 12 of this year. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $133,368. O-Hajime Satomi; B-Shimokobe Farm; T-Hiroyasu Tanaka. 東京第９レース #オキザリス賞 (２歳１勝クラス、ダート1400m)は #岩田望来 騎手騎乗の #サトノボヤージュ が６番手から抜け出し、マジッククッキーに５馬身差を付けました。 勝ちタイムは、コースレコードに０秒１差まで迫る１分23秒２、上り３ハロン36秒８(稍重馬場)。… pic.twitter.com/FjH0T9sEww — 『優駿』編集部 (@YUSHUN_Magazine) November 9, 2025 The post Into Mischief’s Satono Voyage Stays Unbeaten On Dirt at Tokyo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Emma Berry, European editor at Thoroughbred Daily News, is among the writers shortlisted for the 2025 HWPA Derby Awards, which take place at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Monday, December 1. Berry is nominated in the Specialist Writer of the Year category, along with Bill Barber and Alan Sweetman from the Racing Post and Laura Joy from European Bloodstock News. The shortlist for the Racing Writer of the Year features three previous winners in Lee Mottershead, bidding for a fourth victory, Peter Thomas, who lifted the trophy in 2022, and last year's victor Patrick Mullins. They are joined by a fourth Racing Post writer in David Jennings. The shortlist for Broadcaster of the Year features three former winners; Lydia Hislop, John Hunt and Nick Luck. The trio are joined in the final five by Adele Mulrennan and Rishi Persad. As well as having nine wins as Broadcaster of the Year to his name, Luck is bidding to be named Reporter of the Year for the third time in four years. He is joined on the shortlist by Bill Barber, Jack Keene of The Sun and Jon Lees of The Mirror (Online). The post TDN’s Emma Berry Among Four in Running for HWPA Specialist Writer of the Year Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland's Horses of Racing Age, slated to begin Wednesday, Nov. 12 at noon ET, has 216 catalogued entries including the latest supplement in Grade III-placed Crevalle d'Oro (Constitution), the auction house announced Monday. The daughter of Constitution, consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, was third in the GIII Selene Stakes in Canada and came a half-length short of hitting the board last out Nov. 1 in Del Mar's GIII Goldikova Stakes in a blanket finish for the minors. The winner of that race, MGSW & GISP Special Wan (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}), changed hands last week during the Fasig-Tipton November sale for $1.3-million to Japan's Northern Farm. An earner of nearly $328,000, Crevalle d'Oro has hit the board 10 times in her 18-race career. A half-sister to SW Valuation Metric (Munnings), the filly hails from the female line of SW The Administrator (Afleet), whose daughters and granddaughters went on to black-type winners or producers themselves–the tally sitting at no less than nine runners. She was also the dam of GI Kentucky Derby runner-up Nehro (Mineshaft). The November HRA Sale catalogue, following the removal of outs, includes 136 racehorses of which 30 are black-type performers and 16 are graded stakes/stakes winners. A lightly raced group of horses (71 have made six or fewer lifetime starts), 35 are winners since Aug. 1 of this year, and 42 are NW1X eligible. Most horses in the auction are stabled at Keeneland in Barns 20-26 with some horses offered remotely from their training locations. The online catalogue may be found here with enhanced options available for viewing, and a print catalogue with Equibase past performances is available at the Keeneland Sales Pavilion. The post Crevalle d’Oro Supplemented to Wednesday’s Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The dual Group 1-winning juvenile Vandeek will stand for the unchanged fee of £15,000 (October 1, Special Live Foal Terms) at Cheveley Park Stud in 2026. A half-brother to this year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero Gstaad (Starspangledbanner), the son of Havana Grey covered 161 mares in his debut season at Cheveley Park, including 34 full- or half-sisters to Group 1 or Group 2 winners. Matthew Sigsworth, Cheveley Park's bloodstock manager and head of nominations, said, “We were delighted that Vandeek was so well supported by many of Europe's leading breeders in his first season and we very much look forward to seeing his first foals next year. As always, I invite breeders to contact me directly to discuss their mares' mating plans for 2026.” Meanwhile, Cheveley Park confirmed that Ulysses has recently been acquired by SAB Allevamento di Besnate and will continue his stud career in Italy. The post Vandeek Unchanged at £15,000 as Ulysses Departs Cheveley Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin One man may hold to the key to today’s $1m IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington. There will be 15 high class pacers from 11 different stables and two countries in our greatest harness race over 3200m but what Carter Dalgety chooses to do in a few crucial seconds around the middle of the race could determine the outcome more than just about anything else. Dalgety drives New Zealand’s leading hope Republican Party, trained by his parents Cran and Chrissie, who have craved a New Zealand Cup win since they were kids. This is their chance. Republican Party has been clearly the best pacer in New Zealand this spring with three crushing victories in fast times and on all three occasions he has held his top speed to the line. That is crucial in a New Zealand Cup, where the searing speed over the long trip means the Addington home straight is no place for those who flinch. There is plenty of class among local rivals like Akuta, Merlin and We Walk By Faith in particular but on his form of the last year, and even more so this spring, Republican Party’s best has the Kiwis covered. So what is the problem? Well, it is actually there are two of them and one of them is the harness racing sun that puts everything else in his shade: Leap To Fame. The Queensland champion returns to New Zealand where he won the Race By Betcha in April for a race of the same monetary value but worth so much more. His trainer-driver Grant Dixon has always wanted to win a New Zealand Cup, a race of near mythical allure to the best Australian trainers. Leap To Fame has proved almost unbeatable, apart from a few occasions when below his best, when he has been able to lead. He has beautiful manners so while his mid-front line standing start position will be a mental test for him today he should be no worse than midfield when everybody sorts themselves out. But he is likely to be behind Republican Party as the Kiwi pacers do this big field, standing start stuff all year around. If Dalgety secures that tactical advantage, after his spring form, it would seem logical he can head towards the lead inside the first lap. Soon after could come the moment that decides this New Zealand Cup. If Republican Party is in front and Dixon comes looking for control of the race Dalgety has two options: hand him the front or leave him parked. Give the lead way and he is almost guaranteed being towed into second with the tiny hope he runs past Leap To Fame. Leave the Aussie hero parked and he increases his chances of beating him but also copping pressure that leaves them both vulnerable late, including to the other Aussie in the race, Victoria Cup winner Kingman. This time last year there would have been no decision to make. Republican Party was clearly inferior to Leap To Fame and he probably still is. But that gap may have closed. Republican Party has gained a harder edge, constant battles have become frequent wins. And after two recent defeats in Melbourne you could suggest Leap To Fame may have lost a percentage point or two of dominance. He is still the best horse in this race but no longer wears an undentable suit of armour. A former First 15 rugby star, Dalgety is not one to be intimidated by those bigger and stronger than him, so his first thought is, if he gains an advantage, keep it. “The biggest advantage in racing is being on the marker pegs, especially at Addington on Cup Day, so if we can get to the front I won’t be handing up,” he says. “I know what a great horse Leap To Fame is, he is a champion, and there are plenty of other very good horses in his race but if we end up in that position and hand up, we probably concede defeat. “Our horse has never been better. He is flying and has improved since Ashburton [last start]. “Dad has been waiting all his life to train a Cup winner and we may never get a chance like this again so we won’t give it away and if Leap To Fame, or anything else, can come from outside us or behind us to win then they are just too good.” If that most likely of Cup scenarios plays out then Republican Party’s chances increase, Leap To Fame’s slightly reduce, and rivals like Kingman, Merlin, Akuta and We Walk By Faith all get a larger glimmer of hope. And we could get the gift of a vintage New Zealand Cup. Michael Guerin’s Cup selections : 1 Leap To Fame 2 Republican Party 3 Kingman 4 Akuta View the full article

By Michael Guerin Australian reinsman Jason Lee admits the mystery horse of New Zealand Cup day comes with a risk. So he warns punters Jilliby Ballerini is no good thing even as the surprise $2.80 favourite in today’s $400,000 Renwick Farms Dominion at Addington. While die-hard harness fans may have seen Jilliby Ballerini starring in Victoria recently well over 90 per cent of New Zealand harness racing fans would never have seen her race. Here is the snapshot: Four-year-old mare trained by the same stable as champion youngster Keayang Zahara, used to be a bit erratic but looks calmer now. And can run like the wind. But Jilliby Ballerini has also only had one career standing start, which she won, today is her first 3200m race and she has never even been out of Victoria until last week. “To be honest, I thought she was a bit short,” admits Lee. “Make no mistake, she is good enough to win otherwise she wouldn’t be coming over and she is really fast. “Like I don’t think Zahara could sit parked outside her over the short trip and beat her. “But she is going to need to be a quick learner cause she will never have seen a front line like she will on Tuesday and the hard run 3200m. “So I realise this has its challenges.” If Jilliby Ballerini steps cleanly and can stay handy, especially on a moderate tempo, her young legs may too fast for the old boys and she could do something spectacular. But her $2.80 favouritism is hard to comprehend. While she has had the wood on Inter Dominion champion Arcee Phoenix recently there is a lot of been-there, done-that about the latter and his $9 is the best each way value of today’s entire meeting because if he leads he will take enormous pegging back. There is enough to like about Mighty Logan, Rowe Cup winner Bet N Win and Queensland trotter Gus to suggest they could all win without stunning which leaves us the two old heroes of New Zealand trotting in Oscar Bonavena and Muscle Mountain. Both are majestic examples of the trotter when their bodies and minds are in sync, blessed with turbo-charged motors but cursed with the dents that come from going too fast for too long. If the Canterbury sun warms their old muscles today, they step away and are put to sleep until their rivals get weary they could do something dazzling in the last 400m so don’t let anybody talk you out of backing them. So often the Dominion, our greatest trot, has been won by equine giants who have stomped around Addington mercilessly. Today’s Dominion doesn’t have one of those. So it might come down to who can handle the pressure, cover the least ground and, ultimately at the end of 3200m, wants it the most. View the full article

It’s here! Today is IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup day, the country’s biggest race day. There are 13 races, starting at noon, with the day’s two biggest races, the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot at 4.37pm and the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at 5.53pm. So to help you navigate the day here are some tips and selections. HOW TO TACKLE NZ CUP DAY By Michael Guerin 1: The Cup, Republican Party (R12, No.5): The little fella isn’t the best horse in the race but I’m not sure there is any value in taking $1.6 for the champ Leap To Fame, unless of course you want to say you backed him the day he won the Cup, which he probably will do. But Republican Party could get out to $5 or more because of the name recognition for Leap To Fame and Aussie punters love for Kingman and Luke McCarthy. If you end up getting $5.50 or even $6 Republican Party you are getting each way odds about a pacer who can win, and shouldn’t miss a place. Or you could be really cunning and take around $2.50 him to finish Top 2. 2: The Dominion: Arcee Phoenix (R10, No.4) One of my favourite races of the season but also a race with doubts around the leading contenders for one reason or another. Victorian mare Jilliby Ballerini could be special and smash them but has only had one standing start and would never have seen anything like today, either on or off the track. The good old boys of New Zealand trotting Muscle Mountain and Oscar Bonavena can both win and either could do it in style but they may also be a length or two down on their peak of yesteryear. Bet N Win and the talented but erratic Gus have to cop second line draws while Mighty Logan can win but was only average last time. By a process of elimination the best each way bet is Arcee Phoenix. He has proven he can travel and win, has handled Cup Day before and has won the Inter over 3157m mobile. So the big Victorian look a top each way bet at $9. 3: Sires’ Stakes Final, Jumal (R8, No.3): Lets get the easy stuff out of the way, not that a $200,000 Sires’ Stakes Final should be easy. But Jumal has been brutal on his rivals and from barrier 3 has a heap of ways to win this and not many ways to lose this. The mini multi-anchor for the day. 4: Nevele R Final, Arafura (R9, No.5): Her Ashburton heat win was a real statement and she has a good shot at getting the lead down the straight the first time, especially as it could be stablemate Winelight (2) in front. But regardless of who leads it is hard to imagine they would park this tough filly and leave them themselves vulnerable for the swoopers. Her price is short enough but hard to make a logical case to back something else. 5: Junior Free-For-All, Wag Star (R6, No.1): Has been going well without any luck in the best open class races and drops back a level here. Has gate speed and the all-important marker pegs draw so those working wider will find him hard to get around him. He is a good each bet even though Chase A Dream’s best is better. Selections : Greg O’Connor (Trackside) R1 Hoof It Hagrid, Massive Merc, Holly Highlander, Tu Tangata R2 Spirit Downunder, Scrunch, Patiro, Burnham Girl R3 He Aint Fakin, Donna’s Boy, Yosemite, One Ova Da Line R4 Secret Agent Man, Taketheplunge, Tact Teva, Kotare Kelso R5 The Present Maker, Ready Set Jet, Dreams Pat, Muscle Sass R6 Wag Star, Chase A Dream, Hadron Collider, The Surfer R7 Bounce N Beyond, Zoltan Boscik, Confessional, Empire City R8 Jumal, Fugitive, Sonofamistery, Zeus Lightning R9 Winelight, Arafura, Duchess Of Kent, Celestial Sea R10 Arcee Phoenix, Mighty Logan, Jilliby Ballerini, Muscle Mountain R11 Sideshow Bruce, It’s Tough, Double Jeopardy, Magician R12 Leap To Fame, Republican Party, Akuta, We Walk By Faith R13 J T Boe, Radha, Berrettini, Esmeralda NZ Cup Day special – Six of the Best These horses have had the preparations and current season campaigns to suggest they should be highly competitive on NZ’s biggest harness occasion of the year. Race 4 : 1.22pm – Tact Teva (3g Lather Up – Tact Hayley Jane) Tr. S & A Telfer Freshened since getting no favours in the listed Sophomore behind Greased Lightning (17/10/25) after racing wide in the open over the last 700m. Still only 6L from the winner on a 1:57MR on that occasion. Start before that accounted for several of his ‘cup day’ rivals (3/10/25) with some aplomb. Nice trial for second behind Always Dreaming at the ‘cup’ trials. Will need to do some work from his second line draw but as the winner of three of his 9 starts, has shown himself to be above average and this field looks well within his grasp. Leading stable sure to have him primed for a big run. To place a bet in this race click here Race 6 : 2.12pm – Wag Star (5g Sweet Lou – Sunny Two Shoes) Tr. C Ferguson Standing start manners let him down in his quest to get a start in the ‘big race’ but far from disgraced often running on belatedly from average trips, the last two races especially behind one of the cup favourites in Republican Party. Hard to make ground from the rear when your rivals are running home in sub 56secs. Three starts ago was a very meritorious second in the Methven Cup behind Rakero Rocket. The racing ‘gods’ have given him the No 1 draw in the Junior FFA on Tuesday and he can definitely play a part in the finish based on recent efforts. Has been domiciled at the Todd racing stables in recent times. Represents attractive E/W value To place a bet on this race click here Race 8 : 3.22pm – Jumal (2c Downbytheseaside – Beaudiene Blinkz) Tr. S Reid Unbeaten in six race day starts and his last start in particular (10/10/25) was truly massive where he beat most of these cup day rivals on a tough trip. Back at the trials late October and in the cup day trials with more winning turns to keep him up to the mark. Goes into the Sires’ Stakes final (Group 1) with the distinct advantage of drawing very handy on the front line over his key rivals and expected to lead. Whether he hands to any rival is questionable and remains a very strong chance to remain unbeaten. Punters have to decide how to ‘play the punt’ with the Reid runner offering microscopic returns on the tote. To place a bet on this race click here Race 9 : 4.03pm – Duchess Of Kent (3f Art Major – Galleon’s Honour) Tr. L Pearson Very smart filly beaten just once in her last 8 ‘public’ appearances (including trials) and only went down by a narrow margin to Arafura on a 1:54MR at Ashburton (27/10/25), her first raceday start since late August. Cops a 2nd line draw for the $200k Nevele R Group 1 final but not as bad as it looks and likely to get through soon after the start as directly behind potential pacemaker Winelight. No doubt the Cullen threesome the hardest to beat but expecting a ‘fitter’ horse to take the track on Tuesday and a real contender to take out the major prize To place a bet on this race click here Race 12 : 5.53pm – Leap To Fame (6h Bettor’s Delight – Lettucereason) Tr. G Dixon The winner of a staggering 58 races from 73 starts with another 13 placings to his name, this Aussie pacer is unquestionably the best pacer currently in Australasia. Any kiwi cynics should go back and take a look at his Cambridge win earlier in the season where he powered away from his rivals. While having little standing start experience, he seems a sensible type and with a handy front line draw he should at least get away on terms with his rivals. He also seems to lack electrifying speed and more often than not turns his races into staying contests, something that should stand him in good stead over the 3200m. From any angle, he remains the one to beat. To place a bet on this race click here Race 13 : 6.33pm – Esmeralda (4m Always B Miki – Lauragrace) Tr. G O’Reilly Three runs back this campaign after a successful winter time with her latest effort (24/10/25) full of merit behind Its Tough after being forced to sit parked for a good way. Prior to that was a very good third behind Franco Sinatra on a 55.8 last 800m. Trainer has two in the race and has chosen to drive Esmeralda from her widish draw. TAB odds seem attractive because of that one factor but tightest assessed horse in this field (along with Radha) and with some luck in the running, she looks real E/W value in the ‘getout’ stakes To place a bet on this race click here Betting information : There will be guaranteed $10,000 First 4s on all races and a guaranteed $50,000 Late Quaddie (starting on Race 10 at 4.37) The popular Out The Gate team (Guy Heveldt, Brendon Popplewell and Mitch James) will be in action. To get involved click on the QR code and the best of luck. To see the TAB’s Runner By Runner Guide in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup click here To see the TAB’s Tips and Preview for Cup day click here View the full article

Ballylinch Stud has released the 2026 fees for its five stallions, with Lope De Vega receiving an increase in price to €200,000 following another successful year with Group 1 performers such as Carl Spackler, Almaqam and Jonquil. “Lope De Vega reaffirmed his position as the world's leading stallion in 2025, once again topping the global tables for the number of worldwide stakes horses, a title he also achieved in 2024,” said Ballylinch managing director John O'Connor. “His remarkable consistency and versatility across continents continue to inspire confidence in breeders and buyers alike, which is reflected in his outstanding sales results. As in 2025, he will again cover a strictly limited book of mares in 2026.” Lope De Vega covered 144 mares at a fee of €175,000 in 2025, while his Prix du Jockey Club-winning son, Look De Vega, was among Europe's busiest Flat stallions in his debut season at Ballylinch. “It has been especially gratifying to see Lope De Vega's Classic-winning son Look De Vega receive such a warm welcome from both Irish and international breeders,” O'Connor said of Look De Vega, whose fees remains unchanged at €20,000. “In his first season at stud, he covered an exceptional book of 195 mares and his excellent fertility ensures he will have a large first crop of well-bred foals. He has been given every opportunity to succeed – indeed, perhaps the best start of any stallion to stand at Ballylinch, even surpassing the early support received by his own sire, Lope De Vega.” For the fourth consecutive year, New Bay will stand at €75,000, having been represented by his fourth individual Group 1 winner when Bay City Roller ran away with Sunday's Grosser Preis von Bayern, while his Queen Elizabeth II Stakes-winning son, Bayside Boy, also remains unchanged at €12,500. Bayside Boy will be represented by his first two-year-old runners in 2026. Completing the roster is Make Believe, who has had his fee increased to €10,000 (from €8,000). The sire of two new Group 1 winners in 2025, he represents “a genuine opportunity to breed a high-class performer at an accessible level”, according to O'Connor. He added, “At Ballylinch Stud, our roster combines proven stallions and emerging young sires with exceptional promise. We look forward to working with our clients to achieve continued success on the racecourse and in the sales ring.” The post Lope De Vega to Stand for Career-High €200,000 as Ballylinch Stud Releases Fees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Elite Power, the only son of Curlin to receive Eclipse Awards in consecutive season and whose first foals have been very well-received at this year's weanling sales, will stand the 2026 breeding season for a fee of $35,000, live foal stands and nurses, at Juddmonte's Kentucky nursery. Elite Power has covered some 360 mares in his first two years at stud, his first book having included five champions and better than 25 elite-level winners or producers. A colt from the family of GI Preakness Stakes winner Seize the Grey (Arrogate) fetched $550,000 from Glen Hill Farm on the second day of the Keeneland November Sale during which 15 youngsters sold for an average of over $185,000. Twelve of the 15 were knocked down for seven-figure pricetags. 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Mandaloun (Into Mischief) will command a service fee of $10,000 LFSN. The GI Kentucky Derby and GI Haskell Stakes hero was represented by his first crop of yearlings in 2025, with a close relative of champion Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) selling to Pin Oak Stud for $1 million at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale. The post Well-Received Elite Power To Stand For $35K at Juddmonte In 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kalpana's sire Study Of Man is set for a fee increase to £35,000 after the Lanwades Stud resident enjoyed another excellent year. Once again, Kalpana flew the flag for the Prix du Jockey Club winner when landing the Group 1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes for Andrew Balding and Juddmonte Farms. Meanwhile, Sea The Moon, the sire of five Group 1 winners, has been set at £20,000. Bobby's Kitten, who stood for nine years at Lanwades Stud, does not appear on the roster. The post Study Of Man To Have Stud Fee Increased To £35,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Retired jockey Trevor McCarthy is joining the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) as a jockeys' wellness consultant, a newly created position that is dedicated to advancing the health, safety and overall well-being of riders. “Trevor's first-hand understanding of life in the saddle and his genuine commitment to jockey well-being make him an invaluable addition to our team,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “His insight and experience will strengthen our ongoing efforts, alongside Jockeys' Guild, to develop programs that support the overall health and safety of riders across the country.” McCarthy, the son of veteran reinsman Michael McCarthy, began riding racehorses at the age of nine and became one of the leading jockeys on the Maryland circuit. He won numerous riding titles at Pimlico and Laurel and won his first Grade I with Highland Chief in the 2022 Man O'War Stakes. He retired in August 2024 from the saddle with 1,871 winners, his mounts having earned better than $76 million. “I'm honored to join HISA and contribute to an organization that is focused on supporting riders and making the sport safer for everyone involved,” said McCarthy. “After a lifelong career as a jockey, I know how important it is to have resources that meet both the physical and mental demands of this profession, and I'm eager to help strengthen those supports and resources for my fellow riders.” In his new role, McCarthy will collaborate with HISA's Racetrack Safety Committee, Horsemen's Advisory Group and Medical Advisory Committee to enhance communication, education and wellness initiatives for active riders. Drawing from his perspective as a recently retired jockey, he will help HISA better address the challenges riders face both on and off the track. The post Retired Jockey McCarthy To Join HISA As Wellness Consultant appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Simon Crisford has hailed Choisya as “an absolute pleasure and a real joy to have in the stable” ahead of her appearance at the forthcoming December Mares Sale at Tattersalls. The daughter of Night Of Thunder is set to be one of the star attractions when Park Paddocks plays host to the second of the two Sceptre Sessions on Tuesday, December 2. An eight-time winner from 23 career starts, Choisya registered her career high when winning April's GI Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland, a victory which sets her apart from every other daughter of the champion sire-elect to be offered at public auction. “The extraordinary thing about this filly is that she will be the first Grade I-winning daughter of Night Of Thunder ever presented at sale,” said Crisford. “It's a unique moment, not only for this filly but for Night Of Thunder, too. “I think she is [typical of Night Of Thunder's stock]. We've got a few Night Of Thunders and I always think they start off a little bit slowly but continue to improve and just get better and better with time.” Certainly, the latter comment applies to Choisya, who began life in handicaps from a BHA rating of just 84 in early-2023. It then took her until the August of her four-year-old campaign to make the breakthrough in stakes company, running out a comfortable winner of Haydock's Listed Dick Hern Stakes, before taking her form to another level entirely when making her Dubai debut early this year. “She really surprised us,” Crisford said of Choisya's exploits in the Middle East, which yielded consecutive Group 2 victories in the Cape Verdi Stakes and the Balanchine. “When we got her to Dubai, she absolutely loved training on an oval, flat track. It was going to be interesting to see what level of form she could achieve at Meydan – and she was an absolute revelation. In both races, the Cape Verdi and the Balanchine, she was utterly dominant and her training continued to improve.” He continued, “We felt that she deserved to have a chance in North America. We took her to Kentucky to see how she would perform against the very, very talented North American fillies. Of course, she then won that race [the Jenny Wiley], which was fantastic. It proved that what she had achieved in Dubai was absolutely no fluke whatsoever. “She continued to have a very good summer campaign, actually, but we decided not to race her back in Europe. She should have finished third in the [GI] Diana [Stakes] and she was then placed in her last Grade I effort [when third in the First Lady Stakes], so she's been a thoroughly consistent and admirable racemare.” Crisford who, along with son Ed, trained Choisya for owner Mohammed Al Nabouda, admitted that he will be sad to lose the stable's beloved globetrotter, but pride is the overwhelming emotion as she embarks on the next phase of her career. He summed up, “She's been an absolute pleasure and a real joy to have in the stable. Obviously, we'll be very sorry to see her go, but the time is now right and I think she'll let down into a fantastic mare. “Of course, she's still got racing ahead of her, if that's what people wanted to do. She's a very sound filly and she could race on. But, on balance, she'll be a super mare for somebody. She exceeded all of our expectations and maybe now is the right time for her to be presented for sale.” The post Night Of Thunder’s Choisya to Provide “Unique Moment” at Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Stud has confirmed 2026 fees for its five-strong stallion roster, headlined by new resident Diego Velazquez at £17,500. By Champion sire Frankel, Diego Velazquez's race record boasts multiple Group 2 victories and a Classic placing in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains before capturing the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois in commanding fashion this summer. A 2.4million Book 1 yearling, he also boasts a stellar pedigree, out of two-year-old Listed-winning mare Sweepstake (Acclamation), making him a three-parts brother to Group 1 winner Broome and multiple Group winning and Group 1 placed Point Lonsdale. Dual Royal Ascot winner and European Champion Sprinter Bradsell was very well received in his first season, covering 130 mares and his fee remains unchanged at £10,000 (Live Foal). His first book included Group winners Ebony Flyer, Maureen, Please Sing and Shumoos as well as the dams of Group winners Happy Power and Raasel. Lope Y Fernandez completes 2025 as Leading British First Season Sire with 18 individual winners led by Group 3 performer Isle Of Fernandez and Listed placed Spanish Waltz. His first two-year-olds have progressed throughout the season and include debut winners Chill Y Flama, Sahara Magic and Ray Mon Dough who will be targeted for the Classic trials next spring. Backed by exceptional support in his first four years at stud, he will be represented by over 100 two-year-olds in 2026 and remains competitively priced at £6,000 (1st October SLF). Seven-time Group 1 winner Stradivarius' first yearlings delivered in the sales ring with a total average of £55,000, increasing to 72,000gns across Books 1 and 2. His fee remains unchanged at £10,000 (Live Foal) and his first two year olds will be in training with John & Thady Gosden, William Haggas, Joseph O'Brien, Andrew Balding, Owen Burrows etc. Building on his stellar strike rate of winners to runners Rajasinghe rewarded owner-breeder Phil Cunningham with two big Saturday winners in Two Tribes (International Stakes at Ascot and the Stewards Cup at Goodwood) and Run Boy Run (Ayr Gold Cup) and was rarely out of the results pages this year. The son of Choisir still holds the course record for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and will stand at £3,000 (1st October SLF) for his eighth season at stud. General Manager Joe Bradley commented, “Our stallion roster for 2026 offers real choice and value for breeders at every level. Rajasinghe and Lope Y Fernandez are making a mark with their progeny on the track, and Stradivarius has had fantastic results in the sales ring. We were delighted with the reception Bradsell received last year, and he has let down beautifully coming into his second season. Diego Velazquez adds another dimension as a son of Frankel with elite Group 1 form, proven toughness, and an exceptional physical to match. His addition underlines the depth and quality we're building at the National Stud and we look forward to welcoming visitors to the stud during the December Sales.” The post Diego Velazquez To Stand For £17,500 As The National Stud Announces Stud Fees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Irish diaspora in the Bluegrass has lost one of its foundation stones with the death last Sunday of Roger (“Roddy”) O'Byrne, who presided for many years at McCarthy's Bar in downtown Lexington. O'Byrne, together with co-proprietor Peter Kiely, made their bar an institution not just for local horsemen but for the international bloodstock community. During an era when phoney “themed” bars round the world sought to exploit the national tradition of good craic, O'Byrne created a little piece of home for those compatriots of his own generation who served as pathfinders for the many to have followed since. The racing memorabilia adorning the walls of McCarthy's are not generic cultural symbols but the personal record of a colorful life, full of laughter and achievement. O'Byrne remained devoted to family and friends during his brave fight against the illness that has finally claimed him, back in his homeland. On both sides of the water, many will now be raising the kind of toast that he would have appreciated, and those in Lexington have the opportunity to do so after the livestreaming in McCarthy's of his funeral on Tuesday at 7 a.m. Refreshments will be provided after the Mass. That is a challenging hour even for his diehard customers, some of whom may find it easier to persevere overnight than to start at dawn! But like any good officer, he would not expect anything of his men that he would not be prepared to do himself…. McCarthy's Bar has evolved over the years and its popularity with college students nowadays has made some of the old hands feel their age. But the bar remains a haven for horsemen of every flag during sales and race meetings, having long served as the hub of the Irish expatriate community in moments of crisis, commiseration or celebration. O'Byrne hosted many a fundraiser for those in need; and it was here that another lamented compatriot, Gerry Dilger, chose to watch a second consecutive Dromoland Farm graduate win the GI Kentucky Derby in 2018. O'Byrne was among many in his family, from Kilmacthomas in Co. Waterford, to have made their mark on the Thoroughbred industry. One of his brothers, Demi, served Vincent O'Brien as veterinarian before becoming integral for many years to the Coolmore scouting team; and another, John, found triple Group 1 winner Rip Van Winkle (Ire) for the same interests at a yearling sale in Italy. And the Lodge Stud, run for the past 17 years by John's son Timmy, has been responsible for educating a long line of elite jumpers for J.P. McManus. Unsurprising, then, that O'Byrne was himself no mean judge of a horse. He sold McManus one fondly remembered by many in Danny Connors (GB), bought for just 1,500 gns before winning a Leopardstown bumper under Mr. W.P. Mullins in 1989. Switched to Jonjo O'Neill for his new owner, he was colly delivered by Mark Dwyer to win the 1991 Coral Golden Hurdle at Cheltenham. And only last April O'Byrne could celebrate the Grand National success of Nick Rockett (Ire), who had started out winning a Curraghmore point-to-point in his own silks. Nick Rockett was named for the uncle of the Kilmacthomas publican and was a second Grand National winner to have been traded by O'Byrne, following Miinnehoma (GB), who won the 1994 running after being found for just 5,800gns as a 3-year-old. Short odds, surely, that the parting glass for O'Byrne may produce a partnership to name a horse in his honor, too. Besides Demi and John, O'Byrne is mourned by his other siblings Jim and Mary, and countless others related by blood or friendship. The post Horsemen From Lexington To Waterford Mourning Roddy O’Byrne appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article