Wandering Eyes

9th-Fair Grounds, $57,000, Msw, 2-13, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:45.53, ft, 3/4 length. PRETTY ANA (f, 3, Quality Road–Quiet Giant {GSW, $405,389}, by Giant's Causeway), a half-sister to leading young sire Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), Horse Of The Year, Ch. Older Dirt Male MGISW-USA, G1SP-UAE, $15,988,500, dug down gamely to earn her diploma at second asking here. Pretty Ana was previously third, beaten 5 1/4 lengths, as the even-money favorite after an eventful trip over this same course and distance on debut Jan. 18. Favored at that same price once again this time, the Three Chimneys homebred broke on top and took the field of nine to the backstretch. She was hounded by Mischievousness (Maximus Mischief) through a half mile in :49.23 and appeared to be in deep water as that one looked to be going the better of the two approaching the quarter pole. Mischievousness enjoyed a narrow advantage in the stretch, but Pretty Ana battled back gamely along the inside to turn back that foe and win by 3/4 of a length. Quiet Giant, a half-sister to Horse of the Year Saint Liam (Saint Ballado) and GISW Funtastic (More Than Ready), produced a colt by Quality Road in 2023. She was not bred for the 2024 season. The Quality Road x Giant's Causeway cross is also responsible for GSW Friar's Road. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $39,920. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O/B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen. The post Pretty Ana, a Half-Sister to Gun Runner, Game in Fair Grounds Maiden Breaker appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rich Fortune ridden by Craig Williams winning the 2023 Kevin Hayes Stakes. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Rich Fortune is gearing up to face off against some of Australia’s top sprinters, as trainer Jerome Hunter has given the green light for his 84-rated mare to tackle Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning (1000m). Despite not securing a victory since her triumph in the Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1100m) a year ago, the allure of a small field has enticed Hunter to pit his four-year-old against formidable rivals like Imperatriz, Bella Nipotina, and Private Eye. In an interview with Racing.com, Hunter conveyed his rationale, stating, “You can’t win the raffle without a ticket.” “We are fit, and I wouldn’t say a lot of those horses are 1000-metre specialists and are looking for a bit further, and if there is lots of speed on, it would definitely suit my horse.” Recalling insights from jockey Craig Williams, who rode Rich Fortune in the Kensington Stakes, Hunter shared, “Craig Williams said when he rode her in the Kensington Stakes she was very keen and he said, ‘You really need a very fast run race for her to settle and run on.’ I guess you couldn’t pick any faster race than the Lightning.” “We’ll be the rank outsider no doubt. Hopefully, they are having a bad day and we are having a good day.” This candid assessment underscores the determination and optimism driving Hunter and Rich Fortune as they prepare to tackle the Lightning and aim for a triumphant performance amidst tough competition. Horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Wednesday, February 14 will feature five meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and provided free quaddie tips for the meetings at Doomben & Randwick-Kensington. Wednesday Horse Racing Tips – February 14, 2024 Doomben Racing Tips Randwick-Kensington Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For February 14, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $51.40 odds return: Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Doomben – Race 4 #12 Autora Doomben – Race 6 #1 Prime Asset Randwick-Kensington – Race 2 #6 Chateau Miraval Randwick-Kensington – Race 4 #1 Xidaki | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 14, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Rue De Royale is Blue Diamond Stakes-bound. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Rue De Royale appears poised to make a bid for the prestigious Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) following his impressive runner-up performance behind Fully Lit in the Inglis Millennium (1100m). Initially considering a campaign in Sydney after the weekend’s endeavours, co-trainer Calvin McEvoy revealed a change in plans, emphasising the strong likelihood of targeting the $2 million Melbourne feature. In an interview with Racing.com, McEvoy expressed his inclination towards aiming for the Blue Diamond. “I’m tempted to run him in the Blue Diamond,” said Calvin McEvoy, who trains in partnership with his father Tony. “He ran so well but a race like the Millennium is very tough to win first-up, especially when you’re up against hard-fit horses from Gai Waterhouse’s stable.” “He’s at home, he’s back in Ballarat and there are a couple of options with him. “He can go a month between runs into the Todman in Sydney and focus on the Slipper, or we go two weeks into the Diamond and think about the Slipper after that. “That is what we’re leaning towards at the moment.” Following his return run, Ru De Royale is a -666.67 hope for the Blue Diamond Stakes on February 24 with top horse racing bookies. Horse racing news View the full article

Paul Preusker’s Steparty has been ruled out of the autumn. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Steparty, a notable dual stakes winner, will be absent from the upcoming Group 3 CS Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington this Saturday. This decision comes as his connections have chosen to give the colt a well-deserved break, intending for him to make a comeback later in the year. With an impressive track record of five victories out of seven starts, Stepartry’s most recent performance saw him secure third place in the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) on a Good 4 track surface towards the end of last month. Trainer Paul Preusker, known for his strategic acumen, is said to prefer steering clear of fast racing surfaces for the time being. This decision reflects the careful consideration and long-term planning undertaken by Stepartry’s team, prioritising the colt’s welfare and future success in the competitive realm of horse racing. Horse racing news View the full article

Group winner Mazzolino has been retired. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Time has been called on the racing career of Savabeel’s Group-winning daughter Mazzolino. The Waikato Stud-bred and owned mare was prepared at Cambridge by Stephen Marsh and was successful on three occasions, including the Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m) and placed a further five times at stakes level. In foal to Super Seth, Mazzolino also ran fourth in this season’s Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) and signed off with a midfield finish in the Group 1 Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) last weekend. The four-year-old is a sister to the two-time Group One winner Atishu with their dam the No Excuse Needed mare Posy, a sister to Daffodil who won three times at the elite level in the farm’s colours. “She has done a great job and did us proud, she’s going to be a very good addition to the Waikato Stud broodmare band,” Marsh said. His association with the premier Matamata farm will continue at Taupo on Wednesday when Sweetpea will represent them in the trainer’s own race, the Marsh Racing Maiden (1200m). Another daughter of Savabeel, the filly was light heartedly named after Marsh by stud principal Mark Chittick. “That’s my nickname and Mark was being cheeky, I did laugh about it,” he said. “She did trial up really nicely at Taupo as well.” She will be ridden by Courtney Barnes while Marsh will also be represented by Arrowette, Lerado and Billy Lincoln. “Arrowette has finally drawn a gate (two) and she’s needed a couple of runs to get her up to full fitness and it looks a nice race for her,” he said. “Lerado should run well, it’s been a little while between runs but I thought Arrowette should be able to put her hand up in that race.” Warren Kennedy rides the Cambridge Stud-bred and raced Arrowette and Opie Bosson is booked for Lerado and Billy Lincoln. “If Billy Lincoln had drawn a better barrier, I would have been more confident but all four are realistic chances,” Marsh said. The stable will have black type contenders at Ellerslie on Saturday, including a strong hand in the Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m). “We’ll have Merchant Queen, who ran second to Crocetti last time out, Moet Down who won very well last start and Tossuforit who has been going very well, so they are three live chances,” Marsh said. Merchant Queen had won her first three starts before finishing runner-up in the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy (1200m) and Moet Down broke her maiden in style at Te Rapa last month. Tossuforit was a game seventh in the Almanzor after racing wide without cover and had previously finished fourth in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m). Horse racing news View the full article

On Wednesday, February 14, various horse racing bookmakers have unveiled their racing promotions, featuring a range of enticing bonus back offers for horse racing enthusiasts. The top Australian racing promotions for February 14, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Randwick Kensington Races 1-4 Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd Back a runner in races 1-4 at Randwick this Wednesday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. Fixed Win bets only. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Doomben All Races – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back If 1 Leg Fails Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Doomben this Wednesday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Ballarat Races 1-4 Bonus Back 2nd & 3rd Get your stake back in bonus bets. Limits apply. General T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Place a 4+ leg multi, if one leg fails Bonus Back up to $50 Applies to your first eligible 4+ leg multi each day. Paid in Bonus Cash Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Ballarat All Races – 25% Boosted Winnings Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Cash Bet. Max Bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd R1-3 at Randwick Kensington & Ballarat Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Promotional Limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed Odds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has meticulously assessed the premier horse racing bookmakers in Australia, revealing exclusive bonus promotions and specials tailored for thoroughbred enthusiasts on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. These horse racing promotions are a regular feature, exemplifying the unwavering commitment of Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers. If one bookmaker happens to lack a promotion on a given day, rest assured that another is stepping up with enticing offers within the realm of gallops. For your daily dose of the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses, HorseBetting.com.au stands as the ultimate destination. Maximise the value of your punting endeavours with bookie bonuses boasting the most competitive horse racing odds for every race. It’s crucial to emphasise that these thoroughbred racing promotions are exclusively designed for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to leverage their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Stay well-informed, adopt strategic approaches, and enhance your overall horse racing experience by capitalising on these exclusive promotions. More horse racing promotions View the full article

A promising matchup of local standouts Alpine Princess and West Omaha against dominant Golden Rod Stakes (G2) victress Intricate looms in the Feb. 17 Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course.View the full article

JAL Racing's Doncho (g, 3, Mo Town–Sassy Redhead, by Henny Hughes) backed up his big figure debut win with another eye-catching performance for trainer Michelle Lovell, this time for 'TDN Rising Star' honors in an optional claimer in the Big Easy on the Mardi Gras Tuesday program. The even-money favorite forced the issue from an outside second, poked his head in front approaching the quarter pole and blasted off for home to win by an impressive 4 1/2 lengths while stopping the clock for six furlongs in a very sharp 1:09.52. Cats By Five (Audible) was second. The 3-year-old gelding earned a 94 Beyer Speed Figure in a front-running, five-length debut score at odds of 21-1 at Fair Grounds Dec. 30. Doncho, a $32,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $72,000 OBS June bullet breezer (:9 4/5), is the first 'TDN Rising Star' for young sire Mo Town. The 2016 GII Remsen S. winner and 2017 GI Hollywood Derby winner also received the 'Rising Star' nod in his second career start. Doncho's unraced dam Sassy Redhead, a $14,000 RNA most recently at the 2019 KEENOV sale, is also represented by a 2-year-old filly by Lord Nelson. Sassy Redhead was bred to Idol for 2024. This is the extended female family of GISWs Madcap Escapade (Hennessy), Mi Sueno (Pulpit) and Dubai Escapade (Awesome Again). 7th-Fair Grounds, $58,000, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($100,000), 2-13, 3yo, 6f, 1:09.52, ft, 4 1/2 lengths. DONCHO, g, 3, by Mo Town 1st Dam: Sassy Redhead, by Henny Hughes 2nd Dam: Sass Me, by Carson City 3rd Dam: Sassy Pants, by Saratoga Six Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $66,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV and for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-JAL Racing; B-Susan Young (KY); T-Michelle Lovell. *$12,000 RNA Ylg '22 KEEJAN; $32,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $72,000 2yo '23 OBSOPN. Wow! A star could be in the making as #6 DONCHO ($4) was impressive again in race 7 at the Fair Grounds and is now 2 for 2 in his young career. The 3yo son of Mo Town was ridden by @jaimetorresjcky and is trained by @MichelleLovell. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/1ro4nZYU8D — TVG (@TVG) February 13, 2024 The post Mo Town’s Doncho Earns ‘TDN Rising Star’ Badge at Fair Grounds appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa., announced the cancellation of its 10-race Feb. 13 card due to a winter storm. View the full article

George Baker will make a quick dash from Bahrain to St Moritz this weekend as he prepares Cumulonimbus and Cemhaan for their course debuts in the feature race Feb. 18.View the full article

Pace will play a strong role in deciding victory in both graded stakes for older horses at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots Feb. 17, the $250,000 Mineshaft Stakes (G3) and $175,000 Fair Grounds Stakes (G3T).View the full article

George Baker will make a quick dash from Bahrain to St Moritz this weekend as he prepares Cumulonimbus and Cemhaan for their course debuts in the feature race Feb. 18.View the full article

An equine doping investigation, which began after a raid near Monasterevin in Co Kildare in November of 2021, has now concluded, RTE Sport reported on Tuesday. Products that were not licenced for equine dispensation in Ireland were found at the site of the raid among other items. A statement issued the day after the raid described the operation of searches and seizure of products “as part of an ongoing investigation into equine doping”. A case file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after a period of intelligence sharing with both international and Irish agencies. The investigation was conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The DPP has yet to rule on whether there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal proceedings. “Regarding enforcement actions arising the specific operation highlighted, the department's investigation is now concluded, and a case file has been submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions,” a DAFM statement issued in response to queries about the status of the investigation read in part. Hair and blood samples were taken from racehorses at the yard before they were allowed to leave the premises by Irish Horse Racing Board chief veterinary officer and head of anti-doping Dr. Lynn Hillyer. All the samples tested negative for prohibited-at-all-times substances. The statement continued: “With regard to the query on wider equine doping activities, while the department, for operational reasons, does not comment on ongoing investigations or provide details of investigating officers, a central function of the department is to strategically support agencies and other relevant bodies to investigate non-compliances, or incidents across the agri-food industry. “In this context, the department works closely with other national agencies/bodies, including An Garda Siochána and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board, in the investigation of equine related alleged offences. The department also engages with other international enforcement authorities, as necessary, in this regard including the sharing/receiving of intelligence.” The post Kildare Doping Investigation Concludes, Case File Sent to DPP appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed), who had been scheduled to run in the G2 1351 Turf Sprint at King Abdulaziz Racecourse Feb. 24, didn't make Tuesday's flight overseas after a fever last week forced him to miss a workout, reports the DRF. Owned by Lee Einsidler and Mike Francesa, the multiple Grade I winner finished runner-up in the race in 2022-23. “He's been under tack for some light exercise, but his bloodwork wasn't completely normal yet,” Mott told DRF Tuesday. “It was just a week ago that he developed a fever. It hasn't been enough time. He could get sick from the flight and we don't want one halfway across the world and have him sick.” According to Mott, the 8-year-old may be shipped to Dubai for the G1 Al Quoz Sprint Mar. 30. He finished fifth on Dubai World Cup Day in 2022. The post Casa Creed to Miss Saudi Sojourn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2023 California-bred Horse of the Year will be announced at the CTBA Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 12 at Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia, CA. The finalists for Horse of the Year are (in alphabetical order) Ceiling Crusher (Mr. Big), Kings River Knight (Acclamation) and The Chosen Vron (Vronsky). For ticket information for the Awards Dinner and Annual Meeting, click Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner | CTBA or contact Christy Chapman at Christy@ctba.com. Other Cal-bred champions to be recognized at the banquet: Champion Two-Year-Old Male – Yo Yo Candy, bred by Checkmate Thoroughbreds, owned by Happy Tenth Stable and trained by Daniel Velazquez. Champion Two-Year-Old Female – Grand Slam Smile, bred by owners Mr. & Mrs. Larry Williams and trained by Steven Specht. Champion Three-Year-Old Male – One in Vermillion, bred by Richard Barton Enterprises, owned by Jonathan Kalman, trained by Esteban Martinez. Champion Three-Year-Old Female – Ceiling Crusher, bred by Harris Farms, owned by Wonderland Racing Stables, Todd Cady, Tim Kasparoff and Ty Leatherman, trained by Doug O'Neill. Champion Older Male – The Chosen Vron, bred by Tiz Molly Partners, owned by Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker & Richard Thornburgh, trained by Eric Kruljac. Champion Older Female – Closing Remarks, bred by owner Harris Farms, trained by Carla Gaines. Champion Sprinter – The Chosen Vron, bred by Tiz Molly Partners, owned by Eric Kruljac, Robert Fetkin, John Sondereker & Richard Thornburgh, trained by Eric Kruljac. Champion Turf Horse – Closing Remarks, bred by owner Harris Farms, trained by Carla Gaines. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Earnings – Grazen, property of Nick Alexander. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Number of Winners – Stay Thirsty, property of Terry Lovingier. Champion Sire of California Conceived Foals by Turf Earnings – Grazen, property of Nick Alexander. Champion Sire of California Conceived 2-Year-Olds by Earnings – Stay Thirsty, property of Terry Lovingier. Trainer of the Year – Eric Kruljac. Broodmare of the Year – Lutess, owned by Connie & Mike Pageler. Champion Breeder of California Foaled Thoroughbreds by Earnings – Richard Barton Enterprises. CTBA Hall of Fame – Russell Drake, Clay Murdock, Soviet Problem, Tribal Rule. The post HOTY to be Announced at Annual CTBA Awards Dinner Mar. 12 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Assistant trainer Nikki Kaye was not exactly thrilled when she learned that Fire King (Palace Malice) was joining her barn. According to her best friend, jockey Madison Olver, the 2-year-old was appropriately named. Olver rode for Christophe Clement in the mornings and knew that Fire King had a big attitude and a major stubborn streak. The colt lived up to that reputation when he arrived at Jose Camejo's barn at Aqueduct. “He comes in and he's just shiny, gorgeous and muscular, but he was so mean,” Kaye recalled. “He didn't want anyone to come near him.” At this point Fire King was unplaced in three starts. What could Camejo and Kaye try that hadn't worked for a top operation like Clement's? Gelding him was the first step, but as Kaye watched Fire King in the mornings, she noticed how sensitive he was in the mouth. In the bay's fifth career start early last year, she and Camejo removed most of his equipment and put him in a simple rubber bit. They told jockey Manny Franco not to mess with his face during the race. Fire King took the lead early and won wire to wire in a New York-bred maiden claimer on Jan. 8. Kaye prepares to give her good friend Madison Olver a leg up before Fire King runs fourth at Aqueduct on 2-9-23 | courtesy Nikki Kaye While Fire King was working toward that maiden win, he started to come out of his shell. “At first he would hide in the back of the stall with his ears pinned back,” said Kaye. “I started to entice him to come to the front of the stall. I would give him balls and salt rocks and he started to come forward. Clement obviously does a fantastic job, but I only had 10 horses at this point so I was able to hang out with him all day every day. He became the biggest beggar and you had to pay the treat toll every time you walked by. He started doing goofy things. He would pick up his polos and wrap them around his head. He would destroy his toys. You couldn't walk by with a baseball hat or it was gone. He was just so quirky.” Kaye wasn't the only one who fell in love with him. She posted a video to TikTok showcasing a day in the life of Fire King and to her surprise, it received 330,000 views and over 62,300 likes. Nicknamed 'Fuego' by his groom Julio, Fire King continued to amuse his social media following through his hat-stealing exploits, an obsession with his “emotional support jolly ball,” and his ongoing efforts to win over his stablemate, an Into Mischief filly who “cost 400,000 carrots.” “I had no idea it would take off,” Kaye admitted. “I really did it to show people what kind of life racehorses had. It enlightened so many people to the sport who had a negative connotation with it before, but then realized that these horses are treated like kings.” Kaye answered questions from viewers like if Fuego ever got turned out and how they could tune in for his next race. She showed footage of Fuego relaxing in his ice boots, getting a massage and rolling around in the round pen–all things that aren't worth a glance for track regulars, but are beyond fascinating to those on the outside looking in. Fuego's fame grew even on the backside. “Everyone would come in the barn to see him and give him treats because he was this popular guy,” Kaye said. “Even Javier Castellano came and was like, 'Oh my God, my kids are watching him on TikTok.' I took a picture of him and Fuego thinking, 'Are you kidding me? This guy just won the Kentucky Derby and he wants a picture with this claimer.'” One day, the steady stream of videos with Fuego came to an end. Fire King had been claimed. He bounced from the Meadowlands to Mountaineer to Mahoning Valley, oftentimes making weekly starts but never getting to the winner's circle. Kaye kept in touch with the gelding's connections, letting them know that she had a home ready for him when his racing career was over. On the day before Christmas Eve, she got a call from his trainer at Mountaineer. He was planning on sending the horse to Puerto Rico unless Kaye could offer up the same amount of money and have him picked up in the next 24 hours. Fire King's co-breeder Lucas Stritsman had kept in touch with Kaye throughout the gelding's time in the Camejo barn and after. When he heard the news, he offered to pay the amount in full. Fire King is special for Stritstman as well, being the first horse Stritsman ever bred and named after his father, who started up their family's fireplace company. Fire King raced in Stritsman's Corms Racing Stable silks throughout his time with Clement and Camajo. “It's been an adventure for sure,” Stristman said of the journey with the gelding. “I was talking to Nikki the whole time he was with Camejo. She would send me pictures and you could tell she was in love with that horse, which was great because as an owner you know he's getting taken care of. I couldn't be happier that he ended up in the right place and with the right person.” Finding a van driver that could get a horse from West Virginia to Kaye's home in New Jersey the day before Christmas Eve proved to be a challenge. After dozens of inquiries sent out and one failed attempt with a driver who committed but never showed, Kaye finally landed a van. Fuego arrived at his new home on Christmas Eve morning. From the trailer, Fuego checks out his new home | courtesy Nikki Kaye “It was the best Christmas gift,” said Kaye. “He looked like he hadn't had a bath in three months, but the second the trailer arrived he had his head out the window with his ears up.” Kaye had just adopted her first horse. Even though her experience in the equine industry doesn't extend all the far back, for her it was a dream come true. Kaye first got involved in racing in 2018, when she took on the role of assistant director of marketing at Monmouth Park. Her interest quickly sparked and she spoke with a trainer there, admitting that she had no experience with horses or racing, but he offered her a job anyways. She worked from four to eight every morning on the backside and then from nine to five on the front side. Her passion for racing blossomed and she eventually landed a full-time job with Jose Camejo. She worked for him for several years, spent another stint with Danny Gargan, and then returned to Camejo to run his barn at Belmont. “I'd never had my own string of 30 horses and that was when HISA was coming in so I was trying to learn all these new rules, but we did well. Those 60-hour weeks were so worth that minute and 20 seconds of pure happiness and joy after a win. I owe so much to Jose and to Danny and Carol Fisher [assistant trainer to Gargan]. I wouldn't know anything without the three of them.” Kaye recently took a step back from racing for a job as the Marketing Director at a large orthopedics company on the East Coast. The offer to utilize her two master's degrees was too good to turn down. Even so, she doesn't plan on leaving the sport any time soon and hopes to get involved in a bigger way again eventually. She is currently working on a dissertation for her journalism degree examining the overall impact media has on society's perception of horse racing and she's now taking on another task of educating the public on Thoroughbred aftercare now that Fuego has returned to social media. Followers were enthusiastic about his reappearance as they were introduced to his new home and saw him trotting placidly around a riding ring. Fuego's latest success was accurately predicted the winner of the Super Bowl. “There were so many people happy that he was back, people that were wondering where he was,” Kaye said. “I gave him a lot of time off for the first two months. We did a lot of manners and groundwork. He's super intelligent to the point where he is almost too smart for his own good. He's very nosy and curious, but he has been an angel with me on his back.” Kaye has seen both the good and the ugly sides of horse racing and she has had her heart broken once before with a horse she hoped to adopt one day. When she was with Camejo at Monmouth, her favorite horse was Grade III winner Chublicious (Hey Chub), who had a similar personality to Fuego but tragically broke down at the quarter pole with Kaye looking on. “I wanted to take Chublicious when he was done but it didn't work out, so I think that Fuego came into my life for a reason. He was happy as a racehorse, but it was different. Now he doesn't have to be competitive and he can just relax. They call him lazy all the time at the farm.” Kaye said that she eventually hopes to travel to Kentucky with Fuego for the Thoroughbred Makeover, competing in either hunters or competitive trail. “It is so special to have a horse that I have such an amazing bond with,” she explained. “He is still his quirky self. He reminds me of a toddler that walks up and pokes you. We're taking our time to learn a second career and he has a spoiled life. All he does is eat, play with toys and run around his paddock all day, but he would go to battle for me, that's for sure.” And so the horse with one maiden claiming win from 17 lifetime starts was never meant to make headlines as a racehorse, but the role he'll play as an ambassador for the sport will hopefully continue long after his final start. The post Fuego the Viral Claimer Lands his Forever Home appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

El Catolico, now 3, broke his maiden on second asking at Camarero in Puerto Rico last October. For his career, the Kentucky-bred colt is 3-1-2 from six starts and has banked $59,519.View the full article

The 4-year-old son of Quality Road is pointed toward the $20 million Saudi Cup Feb. 24 after edging Senor Buscador by a neck in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1). View the full article

Twice second in graded stakes behind a pair of Bob Baffert trainees in Southern California, Stronghold pursues opportunity in New Mexico Feb. 18 against seven 3-year-old rivals in the $400,000 Sunland Park Derby.View the full article

Just 11 weeks remain until the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) and fans will have the fourth of six opportunities Feb. 16-18 to wager on Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager that features a wide-open cast of 39 3-year-olds.View the full article

George Baker will make a quick dash from Bahrain to St Moritz this weekend as he prepares Cumulonimbus and Cemhaan for their course debuts in the feature race Feb. 18.View the full article

Trainer Sarah Delany was scheduled to be released from a Houston, Texas hospital Tuesday after undergoing spinal surgery due to an injury suffered at Delta Downs Wednesday morning. Delany, who trains alongside her husband Benny Martinez, was injured Wednesday morning at Delta Downs when she was kicked by a horse in the back of her neck, according to family friend and client Brian Poppenberg. The local Lake Charles hospital sent her via CareFlight to Houston, where she underwent emergency surgery. “This morning I spoke with her husband Benny, and she is being released to go home to today,” said Poppenberg via email to the TDN. “Benny has family that will be staying with Sarah 24/7 and a nurse will be at their home every other day, as she navigates the process of recovery. She is only able to walk, talk, sit, and sleep. In my conversation with Benny, and after talking to Sarah, he will continue taking care of the barn, with the help of some new hires to assist in everything Sarah does.” A Gofundme page has been started for Delany to raise the needed funds for her care. Poppenberg said that Darley had offered a season to Mystic Guide to be auctioned off with all monies raised to go to Delany's care, and that details regarding that auction will be forthcoming. “Huge thanks to them for stepping up,” said Poppenberg. “Please continue to help Sarah and Benny, through this long road.” Sarah Delany's Gofundme page may be accessed here. The post Sarah Delany to Leave Hospital, Long Road Ahead appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Byron King's Top 12 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Spendthrift Farm.View the full article

Just 11 weeks remain until the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) and fans will have the fourth of six opportunities Feb. 16-18 to wager on Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager that features a wide-open cast of 39 3-year-olds.View the full article