Wandering Eyes

With so many horses congesting the dressing rooms before the Breeders' Cup, the stage felt undeniably empty last weekend. Few, even so, will have been too intrigued by a French-bred Grade III winner over 12 furlongs of grass. After all, Venencia (Fr) (Recoletos {Fr}) was bred from a mare meanwhile sold for just €17,000. Yet there won't be another page quite like this one, full of quirks and quality, in the Keeneland November Sale. Two things leap out straightaway. One is that damsire and grandsire are by full brothers. That kind of strategy is always fascinating, suggesting a wholesome regard for mares, and here achieves duplication of one of the greatest females in the story of the breed. (Interestingly, something similar lies behind Venencia's sire: his granddam is by Fairy King, while his own sire is out of a Sadler's Wells mare.) The other standout is Venencia's third dam, Northern Trick (Northern Dancer). And when you put that Classic winner and Arc runner-up next to the legend who produced the brothers in Venencia's third generation–none other than Miesque–it becomes immediately clear that this pedigree is largely the work of Stavros Niarchos and family. While one or two programs may have lasted the course even more resoundingly, notably one that has just delivered homebreds to win the premier prizes of the European autumn on consecutive weekends, arguably none has injected the international breed with more charisma. Miesque was its masterpiece. And, unlike so many of the great female runners, she matched her racetrack brilliance with a commensurate legacy. Here we will note only its proliferation through stallions. Her first foal was the global influence Kingmambo, while her daughters included the dam of Study Of Man (Ire) and second dams of Real Steel (Jpn) and Karakontie (Jpn). Kingmambo's full-brother could not quite match his success, perhaps feeling the burden of a supremely unimaginative name. But Miesque's Son only missed the G1 Prix de la Foret by a head, and did come up with a couple of elite runners. Miesque's Approval landed the GI Breeders' Cup Mile, 18 years after Miesque won her second; and Whipper, though falling just a length short of doing the same, won three Group 1s between six and eight furlongs. Whipper also pulled rank on his younger sibling Divine Proportions (by his sire's far more successful and expensive brother) when second and fourth respectively to Dubawi (Ire) in the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois. Though a $4,000 yearling, Whipper showed all the sprinter-miler dash so characteristic of the Niarchos program, from Nureyev onwards. And while he achieved only marginal success in a nomadic stud career, his son Recoletos emulated both Miesque and Kingmambo as winner of the G1 Prix du Moulin in 2018. Recoletos also finished runner-up in the Marois to Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), granddaughter of Miesque's dual Classic winner East of the Moon (Private Account). Recoletos was retired at €8,000 and one of the more interesting mares in his debut book was Sign of Life, by Kingmambo's son Lemon Drop Kid out of Northern Trick's daughter Onda Nova (Keos). Sign of Life had shown only a little ability in a light career, and was culled from the Niarchos program. She was bought for just 8,000gns at Tattersalls by the trainer of Recoletos, Carlos Laffon-Parias. (Whose wife, by the way, is niece of Miesque's jockey!) Bar a first cover by The Gurkha (Ire), Sign of Life was sent to Recoletos annually until sold to Haras des Evees at Arqana in December 2022. She might have been expected to bring more than €17,000, her first Recotelos foal having won on debut at Chantilly 11 days previously. But that performance evidently brought its own reward, with the filly sold to continue her career in North America. Her name is, of course, Venencia. Having won a stakes for Chad Brown and narrowly missed a Grade I podium in a stint at Woodbine, last weekend she won the GIII Dowager Stakes at Keeneland on her first start for Brendan Walsh. She is a timely first Group/graded winner for Recotelos, relaunching next spring at the fine town of Pau in the lee of the Pyrenees; and a timelier yet update for her yearling half-brother by Zelzal (Fr), who goes under the hammer [314] at Arqana Wednesday. Whatever these may yet contribute to Venencia's page, one curiosity remains: the appearance of the forgotten Keos as sire of what proved to be Northern Trick's final foal. The son of Riverman won four Group sprints and was half-brother to the dam of Hector Protector and Bosra Sham (both by Woodman), but his stud career proved a sad oddity. He spent a single spring at Hermitage Farm, during which he covered the 19-year-old Northern Trick, back where she was foaled. (She had been bought by Niarchos as a yearling, co-bred by Warner L. Jones and William S. Farish III.) Keos then returned to Europe where he mustered only around 20 foals, at low fees, prior to his premature death. Unsurprising, then, that Northern Trick should have given him his best runner: Onda Nova, winner of the listed Prix Imprudence and now granddam of Venencia. But the reverse is also true, far more expensive covers having field to prompt Northern Trick to emulate Miesque as a dam of runners. Yet time would eventually reveal her second foal Lingerie (Shirley Heights) as founder of another tremendous Niarchos family, notably as dam of the top-class runners/producers Light Shift (Kingmambo) and Shiva (Jpn) (Hector Protector). So these seams of gold sometimes just run so deep that they take a little more time to reach–and, happily, a little less money. Barnes Keeping The Dream Alive No such short cuts available in the case of Barnes (Into Mischief), with a $3.2 million price on his head. Yes, nowadays there are places where you can clear even that kind of investment on the racetrack. But ultimately he needs to work out by becoming a stallion. And, having been by no means the only horse to misfire round Parx on his previous start, his eight-length rout of some fair operators in the GIII Perryville Stakes last weekend puts him right back in the game. His price as a Saratoga yearling was plainly divided between his physique and a family that extends through third and fourth dams who both won the GI Ballerina Stakes. First, in the 1993 running, came Spinning Around (Dixieland Band). Homebred by George Steinbrenner's Kinsman Farm, her contribution to its future was cruelly curtailed when struck by lightning along with her Capote colt in 1999. She was just 10. Fortunately, she had bequeathed two fillies. One, by Kingmambo, was sold to South America where she produced elite runners in Argentina, Peru and Ecuador. The other was millionaire Dream Supreme (Seeking the Gold), who equaled the 5.5f track record at Saratoga on debut and returned the following summer to win the Ballerina, seven years after her dam. Dream Supreme's third foal was Majestic Warrior (A.P. Indy), who also had his big Saratoga moment in the GI Hopeful Stakes. Admittedly he faced only three rivals and the two big favorites punched each other to a standstill. Nor did his stud career make him seem any more substantial a talent, but it appears that his full sister may now be leaving a mark. A.P. Dream won a maiden and proved a useful allowance filly before entering production, where her foals include Royal Ascot runner-up Wind Chime (Distorted Humor). But her last daughter showed nothing in just two starts for Jeff Drown and Don Rachel, who bought All American Dream (American Pharoah) privately after she had been retained even at $775,000–much the highest bid of the auction–at Fasig-Tipton in October 2018. Whatever she cost, and however disappointing on the track, All American Dream has proved a spectacular investment. Barnes is her first foal, and this summer her daughter by Flightline brought $1.1 million through the same Indian Creek consignment at Saratoga. Some high stakes being played, one way or another, but things are working out better than they did for Maimonides (Vindication) in 2007. Remember him? He cost $4.6 million as a yearling and it was his duel with Ready's Image (More Than Ready) that set up the Hopeful for Majestic Warrior. There was a forlorn attempt to salvage something from Maimonides at stud, but right now their trainer is presumably rather happier with the way Barnes could still work out. Medaglia d'Oro | Darley Old Gold Quits On A High A footnote like this barely does justice to the retirement of one of the most remarkable stallions of our times. But at least we made due acknowledgement, not so long ago, of the Indian summer being enjoyed by Medaglia d'Oro. His tremendously glamorous physique has adapted to every demand. Yes, he has had plenty of turf action. But as a son of El Prado (Ire), he has done something beyond the late Kitten's Joy as a conduit to North American dirt for Sadler's Wells. If we are belatedly witnessing somewhat increased traffic between the gene pools, either side of the water, Medaglia d'Oro has served as a crucial crossover influence during an era of cramped horizons. He leaves the stage with his legacy continuing to expand, through the likes of Violence (four sons of his own at stud) and Bolt d'Oro. Young stallions out of his daughters, meanwhile, include National Treasure, Prince of Monaco and Olympiad. The stallion who started out with Rachel Alexandra was already 22 when siring his current sophomores, including Grade I winners Good Cheer, Nitrogen and East Avenue. So the fact that the old boy retained the gusto to cover 56 mares this spring means that he may yet have a chapter or two to add to a quite wonderful saga. The post Breeding Digest: Miesque Mirror Does The Trick appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by TTR AusNZ The Herald Sun has reported that Racing Victoria's most senior veterinary officer, Dr Grace Forbes, has lodged a formal “Application for an order to stop bullying” with the Fair Work Commission, alleging she was “pressured and coerced” into clearing international horses considered at “high risk of catastrophic injury” to race. According to the Herald Sun, Dr Forbes, Racing Victoria's general manager of veterinary services since 2014 – alleges that senior executives, including chief executive Aaron Morrison and integrity boss Jamie Stier, urged her to be “flexible” in her application of the state's veterinary safety protocols. In her submission, seen by the publication, she claims the repeated requests to be “flexible” amounted to a demand that she act unethically and at odds with her commitment to equine welfare. “The repeated request of me to be flexible suggests that I should be unethical, which is at odds with my commitment to advocate for the horse,” Dr Forbes was quoted as saying. It reports that Dr Forbes raised concerns that permitting high-risk horses to race could lead to serious or fatal injuries and that her stance caused tension with senior management. She alleges she was later removed from her role overseeing international veterinary assessments and took personal leave citing “psychological and emotional exhaustion.” Dr Forbes also reportedly accused prominent international figures, including Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien and Melbourne Cup-winning owner Nick Williams, of applying direct pressure to Racing Victoria leadership to “soften” veterinary standards to allow more leniency for overseas runners. “I have no doubt that Mr Aidan O'Brien applied direct pressure to Racing Victoria leadership to soften the standards… to make the Veterinary Safety Protocols 'flexible', even if that meant risking catastrophic injury to horses,” Dr Forbes stated in her submission, according to the Herald Sun. It reports that Racing Victoria “strongly refutes” the allegations, describing them as inaccurate and disparaging. A spokesperson for the governing body told the publication: “Equine welfare is of the highest priority to Racing Victoria, which is why we've spent A$45 million on equine welfare programs, initiatives and resources since 2017… The protocols continue to set a global standard and we will not compromise these.” The veterinary protocols were introduced in 2021 following the death of Anthony Van Dyck in the 2020 Melbourne Cup – the seventh fatality in eight years, six of which involved European-trained horses. The new measures include compulsory pre-travel and pre-race CT or PET scans for all international entrants. Since those protocols came into effect, no fatalities have occurred during the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The recent removal of Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup favourite Sir Delius – after scans indicated a “heightened risk of injury” – indicate that the rules continue to be applied without regard to a horse's profile or connections. A Fair Work Commission hearing on Dr Forbes's application is expected to be held later this year. The post Racing Victoria’s Chief Vet Alleges Pressure To Clear High-Risk Horses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Westerberg and Coolmore's Sugar Island (Dubawi) was a well-beaten ninth of 10 in this month's G1 Fillies' Mile and bounced back in style to make all for an impressive success in Tuesday's one-mile G3 Staffordstown Stud Stakes, formerly known as the Silken Glider Stakes, at the Curragh. The win extended Aidan O'Brien's record haul in the contest to 13. “She's a big, galloping filly who stays very well and Wayne [Lordan] gave her a lovely ride,” commented Ballydoyle's Chris Armstrong. “She had a very good run at Doncaster in a Group 2 and last time, in Newmarket, it just didn't work out on quick ground, so we just put a line through it. She's a filly with a touch of class and it's lovely to get that stakes victory for her. She looks like a perfect middle-distance filly and, hopefully, she progresses nicely over the winter. We could bring her back for an Oaks trial next year.” The 5-1 chance, who had previously run third in September's G2 May Hill Stakes, broke well for an early lead and remained on the front end throughout. Rowed along passing the quarter-mile marker, she kicked clear approaching the final furlong and was ridden out in the closing stages to comfortable account for Thundering On (Frankel) by 2 3/4 lengths. Sugar Island (Dubawi) leaves her Fillies' Mile run behind with victory in the Group 3 Staffordstown Stud Stakes for @waynemlordan and @Ballydoyle @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/vaHiRf1crc — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 21, 2025 Pedigree Notes Sugar Island is third of four foals and one of three winners produced by a winning full-sister to Group 1-winning distaffers Minding (Galileo), Tuesday (Galileo) and Empress Josephine (Galileo) as well as G3 Derrinstown Stud 1000 Guineas Trial victrix Kissed By Angels (Galileo). Minding, in turn, is the dam of G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes hero Henry Longfellow (Dubawi). Sugar Island is a granddaughter of G1 Coronation Stakes and G1 Matron Stakes heroine Lillie Langtry (Danehill Dancer). The March foaled bay's dam Heaven On Earth (Galileo), who was bred to Justify this year, has already produced G3 Give Thanks Stakes runner-up Mother Nature (Justify) and has a yearling filly by Wootton Bassett to come. Tuesday, Curragh, Ireland STAFFORDSTOWN STUD STAKES (SILKEN GLIDER STAKES)-G3, €72,600, Curragh, 10-21, 2yo, f, 8fT, 1:43.68, hy. 1–SUGAR ISLAND (IRE), 128, f, 2, by Dubawi (Ire) 1st Dam: Heaven On Earth (Ire), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Lillie Langtry (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire) 3rd Dam: Hoity Toity (GB), by Darshaan (GB) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. O-Westerberg, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B-Westerberg; T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Wayne Lordan. €36,000. Lifetime Record: GSP-Eng, 5-2-0-1, $74,615. *1/2 to Mother Nature (Ire) (Justify), GSP-Ire & SP-Fr. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Thundering On (GB), 128, f, 2, Frankel (GB)–Thundering Nights (Ire), by Night Of Thunder (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O/B-Shapoor Mistry; T-Joseph O'Brien. €12,000. 3–Ice Dancer (Ire), 128, f, 2, Wootton Bassett (GB)–Lugnaquilla (Ire), by Galileo (Ire). 1ST BLACK TYPE; 1ST GROUP BLACK TYPE. O-Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier; B-Coolmore; T-Aidan O'Brien. €6,000. Margins: 2 3/4, 4 3/4, 2 3/4. Odds: 5.00, 6.00, 7.50. Also Ran: Cameo (Ire), Stars Will Shine (Ire), Caught U Sleeping (Ire), Ifweonlyhavelove (Fr), La Fogata (Ire). The post Record 13th Silken Glider For Aidan O’Brien as Sugar Island Makes All in Curragh Feature appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner Economics has been retired from racing. Stud plans for the son of Night Of Thunder are pending. A winner of the G1 Irish Champion Stakes in 2024, the Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa runner dominated the G2 Dante Stakes for William Haggas earlier that year. The G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano was added to the colt's win column next before his hard-fought tally in the Irish Champion. “He had everything you look for in a top-class racehorse — athleticism, temperament, and an extraordinary will to win,” said Haggas. “His performance at Leopardstown was one of the most thrilling I've witnessed, it's hard to believe we could have had a horse of this calibre so close to Baaeed. He retires with our deepest admiration and is certainly one of the best colts we've had.” Jake Warren, bloodstock and racing advisor to Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, added, “Economics showed us on numerous occasions how brilliant he was, in particular when defeating a seasoned field of Group 1 winners, including Auguste Rodin, in the Irish Champion Stakes last year where he rightfully secured his place as one of the highest rated mile-and-a-quarter colts in the world. “His page is very strong, he's by Night of Thunder who's breaking records on the track and in the sales ring and out of an exceptionally tough Group 2-winning race mare. He's an incredibly good-looking horse with a tremendous step so I'm sure breeders will be very interested in him as I have no doubt he'll produce very attractive, easy moving, commercial offspring. “We haven't decided on where he'll stand just yet, we've been taking calls, but options are still open at this stage.” The son of dual G2 Prix de Pomone heroine La Pomme d'Amour (Peintre Celebre) was bred by Copgrove Hall Stud and sold to Hazelwood Bloodstock for 42,000gns as a Tattersalls December foal from the draft of Baroda Stud. Sent through the same ring for the 2022 October Sale, he brought 160,000gns from Highclere Agency during Book 2. Tom Marquand, who partnered Economics in six of his seven starts, said, “He was simply brilliant, when you pressed the button he just went through the gears effortlessly. His Irish Champion win showed what he was capable of against some of the very best mile-and-a-quarter colts in the world.” The post Group 1 Winner Economics Retired, Stud Plans Pending appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With less than two weeks before the Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup, no changes occurred in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll Oct. 21.View the full article

Economics, one of the 2024 season's standout stars with an impressive victory in the Irish Champion Stakes (G1), has been retired from racing.View the full article

Cheveley Park Stud's Estrange will remain in training and on the hunt for a Group 1 victory, according to managing director Chris Richardson. The consistent grey daughter of Night Of Thunder finished second to Kalpana (Study Of Man) in Saturday's G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. Prior to that effort, she won the G3 Lester Piggott Stakes and then the G2 Lancashire Oaks this year. She ran second to Minnie Hauk (Frankel) in the G1 Yorkshire Oaks in August and Ascot was her first run back for trainer David O'Meara. Connections removed Estrange from Arc contention after she scoped dirty in the leadup to the Paris showpiece. Richardson said, “It [Saturday] was another Group 1 placing and we look forward to 2026 – that's the plan. She's pretty lightly-raced really, so she deserves to be allowed to continue dazzling the punters on the racecourse with her intriguing colour. “This year was against us weather-wise, maybe conditions will be different next year and we'll maybe target the Arc again. Let's hope there's more to come from her.” The post Estrange To Stay In Training In Pursuit Of Top-Level Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Alex MacIntyre has been appointed the new operations and guest experience director of Newbury Racecourse. Previously, he served for over 13 years at the Saracens Rugby Club. MacIntyre said, “I am hugely excited by the opportunity to join the team at Newbury Racecourse and support the ongoing success and growth of the venue. As the racecourse continues to evolve as one of the UK's premier destinations for racing and events, I'm eager to play a part in building on its strong heritage while helping to drive forward new initiatives that enhance the experience for visitors and stakeholders alike.” Shaun Hinds, CEO for Newbury Racecourse, added, “I am delighted that Alex will be joining us here at Newbury. He brings tremendous experience and skills honed whilst at Saracens and has an all-encompassing knowledge of stadium operations learned during a time where there has been an incredible shift in how customers' expectations and demands have changed alongside the need for venue operators to constantly evolve and enhance their customer proposition.” The post Alex MacIntyre Joins Newbury Racecourse As New Operations And Guest Experience Director appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Breeders' Cup teams for Aidan O'Brien and Francis-Henri Graffard are taking shape, with both set to send strong representation to the two-day event at Del Mar on October 31 and November 1. Leading the Ballydoyle cavalry is Minnie Hauk, winner of the Oaks, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks and runner-up in the Arc. The daughter of Frankel is training toward the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf. “Our races have been nicely spaced out this year and she came out of the Arc well; everybody seems happy with her so that's what we're thinking at the moment,” said O'Brien. G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes fourth Bedtime Story (Frankel) is possible for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. O'Brien reported, “She ran well, very happy. She'd probably have preferred a stronger pace but ran very well. She definitely could go for the Fillies and Mares Turf, that's what we're thinking, maybe.” The GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf is the likely next port of call for G1 Dewhurst Stakes second Gstaad (Starspangledbanner). “Yes, at the moment, that's what we're thinking [for Gstaad],” he said. “He came out of the Dewhurst well. We think the fast ground in a mile will suit him.” Other Ballydoyle horses with their eyes on Breeders' Cup riches include dual Group 1-winning filly Precise (Starspangledbanner) for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and The Lion In Winter (Sea The Stars) for the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile. O'Brien could also send True Love (No Nay Never) for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Graffard Could Have Giant Impact At BC Although his potential Breeders' Cup team numbers just three, French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard is likely to continue his banner year, this time abroad. Leading the Graffard trio is Goliath (Adlerflug), who recently won the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden, and was successful in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2024. He has been supplemented by John Stewart's Resolute Racing for $200,000 to try his hand in the Breeders' Cup Turf. Graffard said, “John Stewart is very keen to run him, the horse is well and if John is happy, we can go, and I'm happy to take the horse there.” “[The fast ground is] not ideal, but I think the track is very tricky; you need a lot of luck in running. The horse is in very good form, and I think I am getting him back to his best form. He seems very happy, so if he travels well and we have a bit of luck, he can run a big race.” Currently leading the French trainers' standings, Graffard won the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Daryz (Sea The Stars) at the beginning of the month. He has yet to win at the Breeders' Cup from five attempts, with his Malavath (Mehmas) second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf his best showing so far. He said, “I keep trying, but it's a very tough meeting, and maybe I didn't bring the right horses at the time, but it will come.” G1 Prix de Moulin de Longchamp hero Sahlan (Wootton Bassett) holds an entry in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile for Al Shaqab Racing, while another bound for California from the Graffard yard is Gezora (Almanzor). Only 13th in the Arc, the G1 Prix de Diane heroine is pointing to the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Graffard added, “The Arc didn't go her way. She didn't have a great draw, and she found herself way too far back; it was really hard to come from behind there. I think we can draw a line on her performance in the Arc; she's better than that. “I think that Del Mar shouldn't be a problem for her; all will depend on the field. She's a great filly.” The post Minnie Hauk Leads O’Brien Breeders’ Cup Team; Goliath Anchors Graffard Trio appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars SOUTH STAR - R8 (5) Was impressive when running second first up and he can go one better here Jay Rooney SILVER SPURS - R7 (8) Looks set to go one better than last start with the aid of the inside draw Owen Goulding IVY LEAGUE - R8 (9) Latest trial was eyecatching and ended last season with a huge run Phillip Woo SILVER SPURS - R7 (8) In good form and may never be headed from gate one Shannon (Vincent Wong) SUPER SIXTY - R1 (2) Made late ground last time out and can triumph...View the full article

Survie, runner-up by a head in the G1 Prix de Diane, will be offered during the Sceptre Sessions at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale from December 1-3. She will sell as lot 1723 on Tuesday, December 2. The daughter of Churchill will be consigned by co-trainers Nicolas Clement and Frauke Hermans on behalf of owners China Horse Club International and Gerard Augustin-Normand. A winner of the G2 Prix de Malleret at three, the four-year-old was third in the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes, second in the G1 Prix Jean Romanet and fourth in the G1 Prix Vermeille this year. She currently holds a Timeform rating of 114. Out of the listed winner and G2 Prix de Royallieu-placed Sotteville (Le Havre), this is the family of G1 Champion Stakes winner King Of Steel and Australian champion Contributer. Clement said, “We are consigning a jewel. She has been the star of the stable and was just beaten a head in a French Classic. She is a top-of-the-ground filly who has been very consistent throughout her career, being Group 1 placed on three occasions including in the Pretty Polly and Prix Jean Romanet. She is one of the very best fillies in Europe and whether to breed or race, I'm sure she'll make somebody happy. We'll be sad to see her go.” Added Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony, “Survie is a very attractive, high-class race filly who could easily have won the Prix de Diane. She offers buyers an opportunity to buy not just an outstanding racehorse to race on, but also a filly who looks an exceptional broodmare prospect. We are honoured to be asked to offer her in the Sceptre Sessions at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale where she joins a growing cast of top class race fillies and broodmares.” The post Prix De Diane Runner-Up Survie To Be Offered At The Sceptre Sessions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With reporting 85-90% complete for the 2024 season, 1,099 covered 27,180 mares in North America which resulted in 17,103 lives foals in 2025, the Jockey Club announced Tuesday. The reporting of live foals of 2024 is down 3.4% from last year at this time when The Jockey Club had received reports for 17,700 live foals of 2024. In addition to the 17,103 live foals of 2025 reported through October 13, The Jockey Club also received 1,887 No Foal Reports for the 2025 foaling season. Ultimately, the 2025 registered foal crop is projected to reach 17,300. The number of stallions declined 6.9% from the 1,181 reported for 2023 at this time last year, while the number of mares bred declined 3.3% from the 28,104 reported for 2023. The full 2025 breeding statistics are available alphabetically by stallion name through the online Fact Book on The Jockey Club website. Kentucky annually leads all states and provinces in terms of Thoroughbred breeding activity with Kentucky-based stallions accounting for 61.4% of the mares reported bred in North America in 2024 and 66% of the live foals reported for 2025. The 16,686 mares reported bred to 204 Kentucky stallions in 2024 have produced 11,288 live foals, a 2.7% decrease on the 11,605 Kentucky-sired live foals of 2024 reported at this time last year. The number of mares reported bred to Kentucky stallions in 2024 decreased 2.2% compared to the 17,056 reported for 2023 at this time last year. California ranked second in mares bred with 1,507 mares producing 980 foals, a decrease of 6.3%. Out of the top ten, only two states showed an increase year over year. New York came third overall at 1,185 mares and 704 foals reported, an increase of 4.8% and New Mexico also increasing marginally with 446 mares and 239 foals showing a 0.8% increase. The biggest drop went to Maryland who reported 499 mares and 302 foals for a 12.2% decrease. Florida also saw double-digit decreases at 1,330 mares and 700 foals with a 10.5% drop. Internationally, 272 progeny were born by stallions standing in North America but foaled aboard led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with 57 foals followed by Japan at 45 and the Republic of Korea at 40. The report also includes 66 mares bred to 20 North American stallions on Southern Hemisphere time. The post Foal Crop, Stallions Decline In 2024 Jockey Club Breeding Stats appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Curragh's opening six-furlong maiden featured the Group 2-placed Go Just Do It (Kingman), but there was a surprise in store as Ballydoyle's newcomer Trojan Warrior (Wootton Bassett) emerged best. Always travelling strongly for Wayne Lordan, the 13-2 shot looked booked for second as that 6-4 favourite took off in the lead approaching the final furlong but found a surge to overwhelm the Futurity Stakes third late on and win by 1 1/2 lengths. The winner is the second foal out of the smart Monday (Fastnet Rock), the Listed Ingabelle Stakes winner connected to the stellar performers Misty For Me (Galileo) and Fasliyev. Drama! Trojan Warrior (Wootton Bassett) is from the family of Misty For Me and rallies for an unlikely debut success for @waynemlordan and @Ballydoyle @curraghrace pic.twitter.com/Sb1WL7ctSL — Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 21, 2025 – The post Another Exciting Prospect For Ballydoyle As Trojan Warrior Strikes On Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aussie invaders Keayang Zahara and Jilliby Ballerini have made their presence felt in the latest Renwick Farms Dominion Trot rankings. Fresh from running one-two in the Group 1 Bill Collins Sprint at Melton, the two Margaret and Paddy Lee-trained stablemates are now sixth and seventh on this week’s leaderboard. The pair were highly impressive on Saturday night, clearing out from what was a stacked line-up. Last year Keayang Zahara was a dominant winner of all three starts on this side of the Tasman. She now has career record of 17 wins from 18 starts and is now a $2.50 favourite with the TAB to win the Dominion. Jilliby Ballerini meanwhile has climbed six places from 13th on the back of her latest performance. She is the second favourite for the Dominion at $3. The Lees have not made final decisions as to who, if either, of their star trotters will make the trip to Christchurch. Other movers this week include the Nathan Williamson-trained Hidden Talent who has gone from 18th to 15th following a big third in last week’s Group 3 Dark Horse at Invercargill. After finishing second in Friday’s Canterbury Classic at Addington, Don’t Stop Dreaming has moved up two places to seventh in the rankings for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup. Hayden and Amanda Cullen-trained stablemate Vessem was fourth in the same race, and has improved five places to 15th. Tellingly, that puts him inside the cut-off for the $1m feature. A winner at Alexandra Park on Friday night Jeremiah also gets a big upgrade this week. The Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan-trained four-year-old is now at 22nd, up seven spots. The rankings are updated weekly in the build up to IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup day at Addington on Tuesday, November 11 with the final rankings to come out following the Kaikoura Cup meeting on Monday, November 3. Rankings here View the full article

The first horses have been announced for the two $500,000 slot races at Addington Raceway on Show Day (November 14). And they won’t be a surprise to anyone. Top three-year-old trotters Tarragindi and Meant To Be have been confirmed for the Majestic Horse Floats THE ASCENT while the Hill Lee and Scott THE VELOCITY will feature pacing stars Marketplace and Got The Chocolates. The pair clashed at Addington earlier this month with the Robert and Jenna Dunn-trained Got The Chocolates prevailing by a neck. But Marketplace, rated as a potential superstar by many, is the $1.75 favourite in the TAB markets to win THE VELOCITY, with Got The Chocolates the second elect at $3.50. In THE ASCENT Tarragindi, who was bred and is trained by Phil Williamson and raced by wife Bev, has won four from 10 while Meant To Be, last year’s star trotter in the 2YO ranks, has won nine from 13 overall and opened his latest campaign with a second to Habibti Pat at Addington last Friday night. The TAB currently has Meant To Be at $4.20 and Tarragindi at $9. The next announcement regarding horses for both races is expected later this week. 2025 will see the second edition of THE ASCENT and THE VELOCITY after they were taken out by Australian superstar Keayang Zahara and Better Knuckle Up last year. View the full article

Each year leading into the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup, IRT has a race night at Addington and in recent times, we have used it to celebrate the many different heroes associated with the great sport of harness racing. We’ve used it to acknowledge legends of our industry – both horse and human – and last year we gave thanks to the Unsung Heroes of the game, those who put in the hard yards behind the scenes such as the stable hands and the volunteers that ensure trial days and race days and nights proceed without a hitch. This year, IRT is excited to be acknowledging the outstanding efforts of those in the Harness Racing media – the people penning the news stories and standing in front of the camera or, working behind it – to bring you the outstanding harness racing coverage that we experience week in and week out. The people who’s passion for the sport goes beyond their different media roles and to add something different to the mix, we have set them a challenge! And, there is one hero of the equine kind that we want to pay a special tribute to, and that is Bettor’s Delight. From August 2009 through to August 2024, Bettor’s Delight boarded a plane each and every season to head to Woodlands Stud where he has carved out his place in history becoming one of the most successful standardbred stallions of the modern era. Now permanently domiciled in New Zealand, we thought it was only fitting to honour him with a race and thank Woodlands Stud for their tremendous support of IRT. This year, each of our media personalities and the team from Woodlands Stud will receive a $300 betting voucher (courtesy of IRT and Entain) to spend as they wish on their race, with all funds earned (and hopefully there is plenty!) going to the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust. IRT New Zealand’s Richard Cole says, “as the world’s leading equine air freight company, IRT has pioneered global travel for horses with horse welfare always at the forefront of our minds. We are the Official Horse Welfare Partner of Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ) and we wanted to do something a little bit different with our racenight leading into the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup and, we thought that raising funds for the Horse Ambulance Trust was a great fit. “Hopefully the media team can generate some fun and interest with their bets on Friday night and we can raise some much-needed funds to assist the Horse Ambulance Trust in continuing to provide the outstanding service they do across all equine sectors.” Those attending the race meeting on Friday 24th October will be able to donate directly to the Horse Ambulance Trust with collection buckets in place at all entrances and for those that can’t attend who would like to make a donation, you can do so by clicking here to go directly to the Horse Ambulance Trust Give a Little Donation page. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton The hopes of Leap To Fame contesting the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup look to rest on a race at Melton on Saturday night. Trainer-driver Grant Dixon swung a surprise today by putting the champion pacer the final field of six runners for a 2240m free-for-all. And the plan is to run and then decide on the NZ raid. Leap To Fame has passed two major “check points” since his slightly below par third in last Saturday night’s Group 1 Victoria Cup. It was the first time in almost two years he has been beaten twice in a row. The rising seven-year-old has pleased Dixon with his demeanour and appetite since last Saturday night’s race. More crucially, a precautionary blood test taken yesterday came back all clear this morning (Tuesday). But there is one last hurdle to clear. “I’m going to do one more blood (test) with him Thursday before committing to the Saturday night race,” Dixon said. “If that’s good, then we’ll race again this week.” While he will face just five rivals on Saturday night, they include eight-time Group 1 winner Catch A Wave (gate five) and giant-killer Bulletproof Boy, who stunned everyone when he ran down Leap To Fame in the Smoken Up Sprint last Saturday week. Leap To Fame will also start from the outside draw (six) with Catch A Wave in five and Bulletproof Boy four. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk For local trainer Brent White the Harness 5000 is literally on his back door step. “There’ll be no float fees that day,” he says. Based at Ashburton Raceway the father-son combo of Brent and Tim White are looking forward to December 21. “It’s a good concept and if we can get some money going back to our owners – why not?” Harness 5000, featuring 12 $60,000 finals, is for trotters and pacers whose sire stood for an advertised retail service fee of $5,000 or less in the breeding season of conception and to be eligible horses must compete in at least five race day starts between July 3 – December 9,2025. All races will be over 1700 metres. White could have as many five runners there : Randel Huston P (Peak), Major Doosie (Majestic Son), Snooowgood (Marcoola), Bettor Go Vinnie (Vincent) and Stealers Wheel (A Rocknroll Dance). Right now Major Doosie (pictured above) is the top ranked qualifier in the 3YO Trotting Colts and Geldings category and White reckons the four race winner could be well suited to the series. “Last year he wasn’t that far behind the good ones Tarragindi and Meant To Be,” says White, “and this is a major target for him pre Christmas.” It’s a similar story with Snooowgood, a winner of one from seven. Her last start was a second at Oamaru last Sunday. She is 11th in the 3YO Trotting Fillies rankings. “She is just below the top three-year-olds and this concept works for horses like her.” “It’s more the top two inches with her,” says White, “she does have a good turn of foot.” Randel Huston P meanwhile is tracking well for December. The six-year-old had three wins in August and has had eight overall and is third in the 5YO and older Trotting Entires and Geldings. “Randel Huston P has always offered a bit but hasn’t delivered a lot sometimes but he has got into a nice vein of form.” “He’s competitive, he’s got good gate speed and he has a good short course record.” Of their other runners Better Go Vinnie is eligible in the 3YO Pacing Colts and Geldings. He’s currently fifth while Stealers Wheel (4YO Pacing Entires and Geldings) has only had one start in the qualification period and may not be able to get to the five start threshold. Every week the Harness 5000 tracker is updated. It shows how any horses have become eligible for the series. The “168” on the tracker signifies correlation to the maximum number of horses that can compete on the day, based on 12 races of 14 horse fields. Right now the figure is well past that at 230, an increase of 18 in the past week. It is anticipated that around 350 horses will be in the mix come December, though this figure could fluctuate. So far the biggest categories are for the 5YO and older Entires and Geldings. There are currently 490 trotters and 48 pacers. To see the latest Harness 5000 leaderboard click here View the full article

The final day of NZB’s 2025 Ready to Run Sale Breeze Ups saw a further 202 two-year-olds gallop down the home straight at Te Rapa Racecourse. Held over two consecutive days on the same turf track, Day Two of the Breeze Ups had a Soft 5 track rating, with an average time of 10.93. An early shower in the day was followed by strong winds of up to 7.4 m/s (26.7 km/h). Expert bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo, who has had a lot of success with Group One winners out of NZB’s Ready to Run Sale, was on course at Te Rapa for the Breeze Ups. “I’m trying to buy an athlete. Movement is everything in a racehorse in my opinion. “If they’ve got a bit of size and scope and they’re well conformed, a good temperament does help, but it’s all about movement for me.” NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook was delighted with the conditions over the past few days. “I’m pleased we moved the Breeze Ups back a week, that has enabled us to gallop these youngsters on a consistent turf surface across the two days, which is in fantastic order thanks to the Waikato Thoroughbred Racing team.” “The strong wind proved the most challenging factor this year, particularly on the second day. However, we do display the wind speed and direction for each lot, so buyers can take the blustery conditions into account when viewing the breeze up videos.” “We are delighted with the caliber of horse that’s been on display over the past two days. The quality we have seen is a credit to the expert preparers who present these two-year-olds to such a high standard.” “We can now look forward to getting them up to Karaka for the Sale in November.” Breeze Up Highlights 184 two-year-olds breezed up across the course of the first day, with an average time of 10.88 recorded, while on Day Two, 202 two-year-olds breezed up for an average time of 10.93. The overall average time across the two days combined is 10.91. Day One conditions were mostly fine with wind increasing in the evening up to 5.9 m/s (21.2 km/h). Day Two conditions were mostly windy, with gusts of up to 7.4 m/s (26.7 km/h) Lot 110, a Bivouac gelding, was the quickest overall, breezing up in 10.27 for Riversley Park on Day Two (Tuesday). Lot 371, a colt by Written Tycoon, and Lot 387, a gelding by Home Affairs, were the fastest on Day One (Monday), recording 10.36. Both on account of Prima Park. The official 200m Breeze Up time for each lot can be found on NZB’s website alongside the weather conditions, track conditions and wind speed experienced during each lot’s gallop. The Breeze Up footage will be available to view on NZB’s website by Friday 24 October, followed by the full program aired on Trackside in New Zealand and Racing.com Australia. View today’s Breeze Up times here. The 2025 edition of NZB’s Ready to Run Sale is set to take place on Wednesday 12 & Thursday 13 November at the Karaka Sales Centre. Buyers wishing to attend the 2025 Ready to Run Sale can enquire about accommodation options and travel assistance by emailing travel@nzb.co.nz. For more information about the Sale, contact NZB’s Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones +64 27 274 4985 Kane.Jones@nzb.co.nz or any of the NZB team here. View the full article

The Hong Kong Jockey Club has unveiled a huge overhaul of its facilities at Sha Tin racecourse as it continues to invest in world-class infrastructure for its elite horses and riders. The upgrades have been focused in two areas, with newly renovated stables and upgraded training facilities for jockeys being the focal points. For the riders, the centre of excellence has seen a huge overhaul that furthers the club’s commitment to jockey development. “Over the past five years, we’ve established a...View the full article

Zac Purton will be aiming to tick off another milestone on his way towards a landmark 2,000 Hong Kong winners when he pairs up with Horsepower in the Class Two Longines Cup (1,000m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The 42-year-old has had little time to slow down since winning the Group One The Everest (1,200m) on Ka Ying Rising at Randwick last Saturday, as he returned to Sha Tin the next day to boot home a double and leave himself one win shy of 1,900 in Hong Kong. Things do not slow down...View the full article

Following his pleasing third placing in last Saturday’s A$5 million Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) at Randwick, trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley have decided to head south with Pier (NZ) (Proisir) to test his talent in Melbourne. The Group One winner has been a model of consistency since he landed in Australia in May, placing in the Gr.3 BRC Sprint (1350m) before winning the Listed The Wayne Wilson (1600m) in Brisbane. Following a spell he then ventured south to Sydney where he placed in the Gr.2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) first-up before running fifth in the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), but Darryn Weatherley said he was too highly strung that day, which affected his performance. “His behaviour on the day in the Epsom, he was a little bit on the toe and he was quite agitated,” Weatherley said. The Matamata horseman said his gelding was the polar opposite heading into the King Charles. “With the two-week back-up into the King Charles, it just worked perfectly, he was a different horse altogether,” Weatherley said. “He was in a better frame of mind and he paraded like a Group One horse, whereas in the Epsom he was a little hot under the tail and he dislodged Ethan Brown when he got on him. He kind of had a run before the race, whereas the other day at Randwick, even though there was a 50,000-strong crowd and there was a lot of atmosphere, he was right in the zone and raced accordingly.” Pier proved himself more than capable in the star-studded line-up and beat some class animals to snare third place. “I was stoked, I couldn’t have been happier,” Weatherley said. “It was the best of the best with Pride of Jenni, Fangirl, Mr Brightside and Ceolwulf, who won it last year and this year. “He was up against it, but we are very proud to see that he wasn’t out of his league at all and he is well and truly up to it, so that was cool.” Weatherley said Pier has come through the race in fine fettle and they have now set their sights further south to Melbourne, where they are eyeing a couple of elite-level targets at Flemington on Champions Stakes Day. “He appears to have pulled up very well from the race on Saturday and he is booked to go on a float to Melbourne next Tuesday,” Weatherley said. He is weighing up between the Gr.1 Champions Mile (1600m) and Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m), with the latter’s extra distance proving more alluring to Weatherley. “We will probably nominate for both races and see what one looks more suitable,” he said. “At this stage, I am leaning toward the 2000m race. “The other day he was headed halfway up the straight by Pericles and we thought he was going to run fifth and then he fought back to run third. Ethan Brown got off and said he is screaming out for 2000m, and he can’t wait until he gets that far.” Meanwhile, Weatherley has arrived back in New Zealand to watch the stable’s promising three-year-old Bulgari (NZ) (Hello Youmzain) contest The George Abernethy & Associates 1150 at Te Aroha on Wednesday. The son of Hello Youmzain colt won on debut as a juvenile, but has failed to fire in his two starts this preparation, running sixth in both the Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m) and Gr.2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m). “Bulgari was a bit of a headscratcher at Te Rapa, I thought he would go a better race,” Weatherley said. “He was ridden beautifully by Sam (Weatherley) in the Hawke’s Bay Guineas, the gap presented itself at the top of the straight and he went to poke his head through and never finished it off. “We were scratching our heads as to whether he is just a sprinter or perhaps the heavy track got to him. Tomorrow will be a wait and see. Looking at the Hello Youmzain’s, they might just be sprinters. I am hoping the 1150m tomorrow he will turn his form around. “I am really happy with the condition of the horse, he looks fantastic. I got back from Australia yesterday and I worked with him this morning. I was on Mali Ston and worked along beside him and he is very bright in himself, his coat looks fantastic, and I am looking forward to a bold showing.” View the full article

Leading trainer Mick Price says he would happily scratch Cox Plate hopeful Globe (NZ) (Charm Spirit) if he is not 100 per cent fit for Saturday’s weight-for-age championship. The Group One star is under an injury cloud heading into Saturday’s feature and Price declared he would be taking no risks with his Might And Power Stakes winner. “He had to do a sleip test. It’s a video of their action. RV contacted (Michael Kent) Junior late yesterday and said on half of the test, the horse wouldn’t pass. I’ve contacted the owners and let them know,” Price told Racing.com “He’s down the beach this morning. They’ll come Thursday, have a look at it. They usually … say ‘we might come Friday, we might leave it to Saturday morning’. “The horse does have an irritation in the off front fetlock. If that horse is not right, I’m not happy with him, I’m not going to run him. “We X-rayed it. It’s bone clean, but the joint capsule has an irritation where it attaches to the bone. It’s more a soft tissue thing. “On Saturday morning if the horse is not 100 per cent, he won’t run.” View the full article

Yulong’s become a behemoth in racing, but very rarely do they open their doors to the public. Michael’s in Victoria for a unique look at their work, to chat with some of the key players, and he gets a surprise from a couple of special foals. Plus, we look ahead to the Cox Plate. Guerin Report – S2 Ep.8 Ft. Yulong View the full article

Cambridge trainer Chris Wood has had a high opinion of That’s Gold (Lucky Vega) for some time, and he is hoping he can realise that potential when he attempts to break through for his maiden win in Wednesday’s Donaghys Moxipor (1150m) at Te Aroha. The son of Lucky Vega had seven starts for Wood as a juvenile, running fourth in the Listed Counties Challenge Stakes (1100m), and Wood is hoping he has more luck with the gelding as a three-year-old. “He showed me a lot last time in, things just didn’t go his way,” Wood said. “He has got plenty of ability, he is a good mover, so hopefully things fall into place.” That’s Gold trialled earlier this month where he was runner-up in his 850m heat at Te Awamutu, and Wood believes his charge is on song to perform first-up. “He is nice and bright, and he has trialled up well,” Wood said. “He has had a bit of practice and knows what he is there for. It is quite a nice little maiden field, but I expect him to run a race.” All going to plan, Wood has some lofty ambitions with That’s Gold this season. “We will set him for the big three-year-old races if he is going good enough,” he said. “That will be my aim.” Wood will also head to Te Aroha with Emmy Dazzler (NZ) (Embellish) and What A Yarn (NZ) (What’s The Story), who will contest the Donaghys Tasman TIM (1600m) and Donaghys Butch Coombe Memorial Cup (1400m) respectively. “Emmy Dazzler has been running well consistently,” Wood said. “She has got Sienna Brown (stable apprentice jockey) on and gets four kilos off, so I expect her to be very competitive. “Her last couple of starts have been on the poly, but she has raced well at Te Aroha previously. I think she will be a nice each way bet. “What A Yarn trialled up nice and has worked well since. I expect a bold race fresh-up.” Meanwhile, Wood is looking forward to heading to Te Rapa on Monday with Canheroc (NZ) (El Roca), who will have his final hit-out over 2400m before heading to Christchurch next month to contest the Gr.3 Martin Collins 162nd New Zealand Cup (3200m). “He went a good race last-start at Rotorua (when fourth in the Staphanos Classic, 1950m),” Wood said. “It was a bit of a slowly run race and we had to go a little bit earlier than what we wanted. He worked as good this morning as he has worked this time in and I think he will be very competitive there. “From there it is on to the New Zealand Cup. I don’t think we will run both days, he just needs the one run into the Cup. He is booked on the second flight going out of Auckland, so everything going right he will just be down there for the Cup.” View the full article