Wandering Eyes

H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) winner One in Vermillion, injured while training in New Mexico in the fall, was euthanized in Arizona Feb. 2 due to laminitis, according to owner Jonathan Kalman.View the full article

In a gutsy statement win, Godolphin homebred Comparative battled on the lead to secure her first graded stakes score in the 1 1/16-mile $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park Feb. 2.View the full article

TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack provides his analysis for Saturday's quartet of GI Kentucky Derby prep races. GIII Holy Bull S. – Last year's jaw-dropping GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) finds a perfect landing spot to launch his sophomore season versus seven overmatched rivals. Not worth trying to beat him here, even if he's closer to 1-9 than his 3-5 morning-line quote. I can't see him defeating the recently crowned 2023 champion 2-year-old, but how about Domestic Product (Practical Joke) to complete a cold exacta at a price? His maiden win two starts back in his two-turn debut at Aqueduct last fall was impressive enough to give him a pass for his no-show seventh in the GII Remsen S. in the mud last out. Training well for Chad Brown and the blinkers come off for this. Selection: #7 Fierceness (3-5). GIII Southwest S. – Just couldn't resist taking a swing on a longshot closer in a wide-open race that seems destined for a pace meltdown. The lightly raced Common Defense (Karakontie {Jpn}) ran very well to finish second behind his Ken McPeek-trained stablemate and subsequent GIII Lecomte S. longshot third Lat Long (Liam's Map) in his Oaklawn Park course-and-distance debut Dec. 17. He ran to the money and kicked home beautifully in Oaklawn's short stretch to graduate next out going a mile Jan. 13 and was a supplemental entry here. Common Defense is bred to run all day (his third dam is GISW Aldiza) and he should offer plenty of value in by far the best wagering event of the four prep races on tap Saturday. Last out stretch-running GIII Street Sense S. winner Liberal Arts (Arrogate) also makes plenty of sense here; and will also be using wise-guy horse Awesome Road (Quality Road) despite the very tough draw. Selection: #8 Common Defense (15-1). GIII Robert B. Lewis S. – 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist) looked like a complete monster in his first two starts sprinting for Bob Baffert last term, including a runaway stalk-and-pounce win in the seven-furlong GIII Bob Hope S. last out Nov. 19. No reason to think anything can get near him here either in his first try off the bench in this first test around two turns. Good luck seeing anything near that 4-5 morning-line quote! Selection: #6 Nysos (4-5). GIII Withers S. – Speed Runner (Gun Runner), a useful third going seven furlongs on debut, took a major step forward with a game maiden victory at the Big A over this same course and distance for Todd Pletcher while making his route debut last time Dec. 8. The half-brother to GI Blue Grass S. winner and GI Belmont S. third Brilliant Speed (Dynaformer) should work out an ideal trip beneath Jose Lezcano from his rail draw. Deserving favorite Lightline (City of Light), a rallying second from far back behind unbeaten Southwest contender Carbone (Mitole) going a mile at Oaklawn, should appreciate the additional real estate for Brad Cox. Uncle Heavy (Social Inclusion) is an interesting longshot to consider for underneath shipping in off a better-than-it-looks win in the Wait For It S. versus state-breds at Parx. Selection: #1 Speed Runner (5-1). The post Handicapping the Kentucky Derby Preps: Holy Bull, Robert B. Lewis, Southwest & Withers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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The Tampa Bay Stakes (G3T) and Endeavour Stakes (G3T), bookend events on the Feb. 3 program at Tampa Bay Downs, look similar but have a big difference.View the full article

With more than two inches of rain in the forecast Feb. 4, Santa Anita Park has announced the eight-race Sunday program has been canceled and that a pair of graded stakes will be rescheduled for Feb. 10.View the full article

Veteran exercise rider and former jockey Arturo Mares died after sustaining severe neck and brain injuries during training hours Jan. 27 at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

With a forecast that calls for more than two inches of rainfall Sunday, officials at Santa Anita Park have preemptively canceled live racing scheduled for that afternoon. The program was to feature the GIII $100,000 Las Virgenes S. for 3-year-old fillies and the GIII San Marcos S. for older male turf horses. Those two races have been rescheduled for next Saturday, Feb. 10, with the races to be redrawn Wednesday, Feb. 7. Saturday's forecast calls for no such inclement weather and racing will go on as planned. Four graded contests are carded, headed by the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. for 3-year-old males. The GII Santa Monica S., GIII Thunder Road S. and GIII Megahertz S. are part of a program that kicks off at 12:15 p.m. PT. Those four events are part of the 1/ST Racing Tour and also includes the Listed Swale S. and GIII Holy Bull S. from Gulfstream Park. All of the 1/ST Racing Tour races will be shown on Peacock and CNBC. The post Forecast Rains Force Cancellation of Sunday Racing at Santa Anita; Stakes Rescheduled appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I read the Jan. 31 article regarding Jeffrey Englehart. While sympathetic to Mr. Englehart's situation, it is apparent there are many misconceptions concerning the two-year-old sale process. As a seller of two-year-olds and an executive member of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Board of Directors, I have intimate knowledge of the efforts made by OBS and the policies created for a healthy auction environment. I would like to shed some light on these efforts. Similar to racing, our medication policies have evolved over time creating a safer environment for horses and buyers alike and those policies are reviewed and updated annually. The two-year-old sales are the most tested segment of the auction industry. We conduct testing at all our under tack shows and also provide buyers the opportunity to request testing at the time of purchase. In the last four years, more than 1,100 horses have been tested at our under tack shows, resulting in just two positive tests for the bronchodilator, Clenbuterol. Those horses were scratched from the sale and their sellers suffered sanctions. On the track, we have firm rules regarding the use of a riding crop. Outriders are tasked with policing the under-tack show and a veterinarian is present observing every horse before and after their performance. In addition, all equine participants in tack shows are identified by a professional identifier before setting foot on the track. Our young racing prospects perform on Tapeta, one of the safest surfaces in North America. Our graduates perform at the highest levels of the sport year in and year out, in almost every country that hosts Thoroughbred racing. Independently compiled statistics clearly show that graduates from two-year-old sales race more often, have longer careers with a higher percentage of wins, stakes wins and graded stakes wins than any other source of young prospects. The OBS board is sympathetic to Mr Englehart's plight and understand the predicament with which he is faced. There are new and unanswered questions resulting from the timeline of hair testing that need to be addressed industry-wide. However, to suggest that the use of Clenbuterol is 'rampant at two-year-old sales' could not be further from the truth. The OBS Two-Year-old sale protocols can be viewed here. Two-Year-Old Sale statistics can be viewed here. Respectfully yours, Nick de Meric. The post Letter to the Editor: Nick de Meric appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) winner One in Vermillion, injured while training in New Mexico this fall, was euthanized in Arizona Feb. 2 due to laminitis, according to owner Jonathan Kalman.View the full article

SF Bloodstock will send 15 mares to Lane's End's Quality Road this spring, according to a post on X from Tom Ryan, SF's managing partner. The news comes fresh off National Treasure (Quality Road)'s win in the $3 million Grade I Pegasus World Cup on Saturday. National Treasure is a 2020 colt from Treasure. “During the 2023 season, SF Bloodstock had 12 mares IN FOAL to him at Atlas Farm,” Ryan said in the post, “and we plan to exceed that number this spring. If he starts the 2024 season how he finished his last season, his fertility will be well within the industry standard.” National Treasure propelled Quality Road to the top of the leading General Sire list with earnings of $2.6 million. He has sired two graded stakes winners in 2024, including three-year-old Track Phantom in the GIII Lecompte Stakes at the Fair Grounds. “He's a great sire from every aspect,” Ryan continued. “A great sales sire. Versatility across surfaces. He has sired champion colts and fillies. Now, his Pegasus-winning son, City of Light, is also taking off with a champion in his 2nd crop. National Treasure is an excellent example of what he can deliver. A top-class racehorse that can carry speed around two turns.” The mares include Grade II winner Frolic's Dream, whose Quality Road yearling colt sold for a $650,000 at Saratoga in 2023; Canadian champion femaile sprinter Hazelbrook; Bourbonesque, the dam of Grade I winner Mongolian Groom and whose Quality Road filly sold for $525,000 as a yearling in 2023; Grade III Ontario Matron winner Kate's Kingdom; Pretty Milanova, a daughter of American Pharoah out of multiple Grade I producer Maryinsky (Ire); and True Style, a half-sister to Forestry. The post SF Bloodstock to Send 15 Mares to Quality Road appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Repole Stable's newly crowned Eclipse Award winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) is set to make a much-anticipated sophomore debut in Saturday's GIII Holy Bull S., and–realistically–the homebred may not require his very best to make a victorious return to action. Brilliant as he was in breaking his maiden by better than 11 lengths at first asking in Uncle Mo-esque fashion over the summer at Saratoga, he was equally disappointing when beaten a long ways from home in the GI Champagne S. Those who quickly jumped ship were made to feel the sting of that decision when Fierceness returned a whopping $35 when romping by 6 1/4 lengths in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, good for a 105 Beyer. Of his seven rivals, only New Jersey-bred Sea Streak (Sea Siren) has earned a figure within 10 points of Fierceness's debut 95, so barring something unforeseen, he should take this first of two programmed preps on the road to the Kentucky Derby. “By bringing him back in the Holy Bull we get good spacing to the Florida Derby and like the five weeks from the Florida Derby to the Kentucky Derby,” said trainer Todd Pletcher, whose previous Holy Bull winners include Algorithms (2012) and Audible (2018). “Knock on wood, everything's gone according to plan so far and hopefully continues to go that way. He's had some super breezes leading up to this, and we're super excited about getting him started.” Candidates for the minors include D J Stable's undefeated rail-drawn Hades (Awesome Slew), an eight-length allowance winner in Florida-bred company Dec. 31 and trying two turns for the first time; and Otello (Curlin), also unbeaten in two starts and a latest half-length winner of the one-mile Mucho Macho Man S. Jan. 1. Nysos Figures A Handful In Lewis Speaking of undefeated colts, Baoma Corp.'s 'TDN Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist) will take all the beating as he looks to give trainer Bob Baffert an eighth victory in the last 10 runnings of the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. and a record-extending 12th overall. The May foal traded at odds north of 6-1 for his six-furlong debut at this track Oct. 21 and he made light work of nine others, graduating by 10 1/2 lengths in 1:08.97. The bay was a comparatively generous 20 cents on the dollar in a four-horse renewal of the GIII Bob Hope S. at Del Mar Nov. 19 and those that swallowed the skinny odds walked away happy, as did those that took the 11-10 about the exacta over Stronghold (Ghostzapper). The latter returned to be second to GIII Southwest S. entrant Wynstock (Solomini) in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity Dec. 16 and adds blinkers here for Phil D'Amato. Baffert is taking the eyewear off 'TDN Rising Star' Coach Prime (Quality Road), who turned in a remarkable performance to break his maiden first time long at Del Mar Nov. 1 before finishing third in the Futurity last time. Coach Prime cost $1.7 million at Keeneland September in 2022. Maycocks Bay Heads West For Southwest As much as Fierceness stands out in the Holy Bull, Saturday's GIII Southwest S.–easily the richest of the day's four Triple Crown preps at $800,000–shapes as a much more wide-open contest. Eclipse Award-winning owner and breeder Godolphin sent out champion Essential Quality (Tapit) to win the 2021 Southwest S. en route to the Triple Crown, and Sheikh Mohammed's operation has the potential favorite here in the form of Maycocks Bay (Speightstown). A maiden winner at second asking in the Parx slop on Pennsylvania Derby day last September, the chestnut made no impact in his two-turn debut when a distant sixth at the Fair Grounds Nov. 23, but added Lasix last time and took a rained-off route by 10 3/4 lengths Jan. 7. Plenty will take a contrarian approach to the 3-1 morning-line favorite and many will land on Liberal Arts (Arrogate). The gray, arguably still under the radar and lightly regarded on the morning line at 8-1, has improved from start to start, with a good third in the GIII Iroquois S. Sept. 13 before racing away to a 2 3/4-length success in a sloppy renewal of the GIII Street Sense S. at Churchill Oct. 29. The Southwest maps at an above-par pace and it would be surprising if that did not eventuate, given the presence of the speedy 'TDN Rising Star' Carbone (Mitole), GII Los Alamitos Futurity winner Wynstock (Solomini), Springboard Mile hero Otto the Conqueror (Street Sense) and the aforementioned Maycocks Bay. Looking for a longshot alternative? There are worse choices than Common Defense (Karakontie {Jpn}), a debut second to subsequent GIII Lecomte S. third Lat Long (Liam's Map) here Dec. 13 ahead of a visually impressive graduation Jan. 13. His figs are light, but the race flow could really flatter his style. Schwartz Homebred Rates 'Grande' Chance In Withers Take Charge Indy rejoined the WinStar stallion barn in 2020 after a successful stint in South Korea, and the foals from that crop performed well in 2023 to the tune of 22 individual winners. Barry K. Schwartz's El Grande O was one of two to succeed at stakes level, rolling home to best his fellow Empire-breds in the Bertram F. Bongard S. and Sleepy Hollow S. during a busy eight-race campaign. The dark bay will look to carry his speed around two turns for the first time in Saturday's GIII Withers S. at Aqueduct, having finished second to the sidelined Drum Roll Please (Hard Spun) in the Jerome S. over the one-turn mile Jan. 6. Though far less experienced, Lightline (City of Light) is the 8-5 favorite on David Aragona's morning line. A $600,000 KEESEP acquisition by Albaugh Family Racing, the Brad Cox trainee overwhelmed a field of maidens at Horseshoe Indianapolis in September and has since run second to the well-regarded Stretch Ride (Street Sense) at Keeneland in October and to Carbone last time at Oaklawn. “I'm happy with what we've seen from him to start his career. He ran a good race at Oaklawn last time and maybe got a little far back. It's a short stretch in a mile race,” said Cox. “He kind of didn't get as involved as we thought, but at the end of the day, I thought he got a lot out of it and it sets him up well for the Withers.” Mission Beach (Curlin) was a debut winner in three starts for Bob Baffert and recently validated odds of 2-5 to take a first-level allowance sprinting at Laurel for Brittany Russell Dec. 22. Sophomore Stakes Dot Holy Bull Undercard Three other age-restricted graded stakes and one listed stakes are carded Saturday afternoon in support of the Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park. The races are distributed evenly on the dirt and the turf and arguably the most appealing of the quartet is the Swale S. With morning-line favorite Bentornato (Valiant Minister) expected to come out in favor of a start in the G3 Saudi Derby in three weeks' time, the money could come for Legalize (Constitution), who ships in from New Orleans for Cherie DeVaux off a victory in the Sugar Bowl S. The filly counterpart, the GIII Forward Gal S., drew a field of seven, and the most interesting of the entrants is Gary Barber's Witwatersrand (Connect), who broke her maiden at first asking at Woodbine Sept. 1 and promptly topped the Fasig-Tipton October Digital Sale on Gary Barber's bid of $230,000. Second in the Glorious Song S. five days later, she stretched out to win the GIII Mazarine S. Nov. 4. Witwatersrand needs to prove she can handle a dirt track, but her Palm Meadow breezes are positive enough. Grass runners owned or co-owned by Repole figure prominently in the afternoon's two graded events on that surface. In the GIII Sweetest Chant S., Life's an Audible (Audible) looks to improve on her running-on second in the Jan. 6 Ginger Brew S., with stiff competition in the form of Milliat (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), a slow-starting neck second in the Wait A While S. on U.S. debut Dec. 9. Oisin Murphy carries the Qatar Racing colors. In the GIII Kitten's Joy S., 'TDN Rising Star' Agate Road, campaigned in partnership with St. Elias Stable, tries to make amends for a pace-compromised second to Tocayo (Always Dreaming) in the Jan. 6 Dania Beach S. First World War (War Front) was a first-out winner at Kentucky Downs and returns to the turf after finishing narrowly runner-up in the Mucho Macho Man. The post And So It Begins: Fierceness Makes Seasonal Debut In Holy Bull appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin horses won four of the five turf races on the Feb. 2 program at the Dubai World Cup Carnival, previewing some potential stars for the summer season in Europe and the United States.View the full article

The Washington community continues to mourn the loss of longtime owner and breeder Howard Hammer, who died Nov. 23 at age 103.View the full article

The Feb. 4 Hong Kong Classic Mile is the first of three races in the series that culminates with the Hong Kong Derby.View the full article

Ocala Stud celebrated a significant achievement when Fierceness (City of Light) became the second GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner in a row to graduate from their breaking and training program, following hot on the heels of fellow Repole Stable standout Forte (Violence) in 2022. Newly crowned as champion 2-year-old male, Fierceness makes his much-anticipated sophomore debut on Saturday in the GIII Holy Bull S., but he won't be the only starter representing Ocala Stud. Hades (Awesome Slew), who is two for two for trainer Joe Orseno, was bred and raised at Ocala Stud before he sold to D.J. Stable as a 2-year-old. Like everyone tuning into the early Kentucky Derby preps this weekend, Ocala Stud's David O'Farrell is familiar with the anticipation that always comes around this time of year. “It's the most exciting time of the year in this business once you get to the Derby prep races and see the potential of these young 3-year-olds,” he said. To have two promising graduates in the same starting gate for the first leg of Florida's road to the Kentucky Derby makes this season all the more sweet. Ocala Stud and the O'Farrells have been affiliated with Hades's female family for several generations, going back to his third dam Grade I winner and producer Pretty Discreet (Private Account). His dam The Shady Lady (Quality Road) never made it to the racetrack, but all four of her foals of racing age are winners including Devious Dame (Girvin), who sold as a 2-year-old for $240,000 and went on to win the 2022 Astoria S. Hades is from the second crop of Ocala Stud's own Awesome Slew, a multiple graded stakes winner by Awesome Again who was the leading first-crop sire in Florida in 2022. O'Farrell said that Hades was as straightforward as they come from the time he was foaled, on through the breaking and training process and at the sales, where he brought $130,000 at the OBS April Sale. “He never had any issues and was good-minded,” he explained. “You never really know what the level of talent is until you get close to the sale, but he performed beautifully at OBS, sold for a nice price, went to a good home and the rest is history.” Breaking his maiden on debut for D.J. Stable and Robert Cotran, Hades went on to win a state-bred, seven-furlong contest at Gulfstream on Dec. 31 by eight lengths. The gelding earned a 84 Beyer Speed Figure for that effort. Hades has a full-brother pointing for the upcoming OBS April Sale as well as a yearling half-sister by Girvin. The Shady Lady is in foal to Ocala Stud sire Win Win Win this year. With Paco Lopez aboard, Hades drew the first position for Saturday's Holy Bull, but of course he'll have to contend with overwhelming favorite Fierceness, who has been training at Palm Beach Downs since his Breeders' Cup victory. A second-generation homebred for Repole Stable, Fierceness was among just the second crop of horses that Ocala Stud has trained for Repole. “He was another one that kind of quietly went through the program,” O'Farrell explained. “He was medium sized and never grabbed your attention, but also didn't do anything to get your attention in a bad way. Sometimes those are the best ones. By the last two or three weeks when we started breezing him a little bit, he was doing extremely well.” Ocala Stud's list of 2023 graduates for Repole Stable also includes 'TDN Rising Star' Agate Road (Quality Road). Owned in partnership with St. Elias Stable, the winner of the 2023 GII Pilgrim S. runs just before the Holy Bull on Saturday in the GIII Kitten's Joy S. Hades gets a second straight win for trainer Joe Orseno and owners D.J. Stable and Robert Cotran | Ryan Thompson “When you train horses for Repole, you're really spoiled because there are so many nice horses,” said O'Farrell. “Agate Road is no different. He went out in a Repole set and was as nice as anyone in the set.” O'Farrell said that this winter they have 12 Repole horses at their farm's training center. Also among the year's Kentucky Derby hopefuls, Ocala Stud is represented by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm's Locked (Gun Runner), the winner of the 2022 GI Breeders' Futurity who finished third in the Juvenile, as well as Born Noble (Constitution), who had an eye-popping maiden win for St. Elias Stable and West Point Thoroughbreds on Dec. 30 and returns to the starting gate on Saturday at Gulfstream. It's a loaded group of promising Ocala Stud graduates and odds are good that plenty more accolades are in the farm's future as the year continues. “It really comes down to the owners sending us nice horses,” O'Farrell explained when asked about Ocala Stud's recent accomplishments. “We have a great group of clients and it starts with the horse. We're blessed to be able to train so many nice, well-bred horses. We have an unbelievable staff that has been with us for a long time. Our trainer George Burrows has been with us over 40 years. Many of his assistants and foremen and exercise riders have been with us for over 30 years.” It's the best-and busiest-time of the year at Ocala Stud as foals are hitting the ground, the breeding shed doors are about to open and the countdown is on for the first 2-year-old sale in just a few weeks. Plus, the farm's stallion roster features three young sires who will be represented by their first foals this year. “We have a couple of Roadsters on the ground and they're really nice, so we're off to a very good start there,” O'Farrell reported. “We're waiting on the first Colonel Liam in the next 10 days or so and Gretzky the Great has one coming in the next few days. We're excited The post Ocala Stud Well Represented in Holy Bull and Beyond appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Owner Staton Flurry now holds a minority interest in the unbeaten Carbone, who makes his stakes debut in the Southwest Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds Feb. 3 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article

8th-Meydan, AED500,000, Cond., 2-2, NH & SH 3yo, 1600mT, 1:36.11, gd. Godolphin celebrated their fourth winner of the day bearing the royal blue, as LEGEND OF TIME (GB) (c, 3, Sea The Stars {Ire})–Kissable {Ire} {G1SP-Ire, SW & GSP-US, $225,919}, by Danehill Dancer {Ire}) drew off to win the Jumeirah Guineas Presented by Lincoln Nautilus by two lengths on Friday. The penultimate race of the day over 1600 metres on turf, the race marked the third win in four starts for the Charlie Appleby trainee. Content to track the first flight glued to the inside, the bay dropped a few lengths behind on the backstretch as a withering pace was set up front by Azna (Ire) (Shalaa {Ire}) and Musical Act (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) while shadowed by Shamrock Glitter (Fr) (Shalaa {Ire}). Shifting gears and with dead aim on the leading trio by halfway, Legend Of Time edged steadily closer with 500 metres to run. Swung out to produce his bid as Musical Act and Shamrock Glitter traded blows in the straight, the winner surged quickly past all comers to win easily. Athan (Arg) (Orpen) rallied strongly to take second with Shamrock Glitter hanging on for third, 4 1/4 lengths back. A winner at Haydock in September, he was fifth in the G3 Tattersalls S. later that month and made his 3-year-old bow a winning one when defeating Shamrock Glitter locally on Jan. 5. A half-brother to stakes winner and GI American Oaks third Amandine (GB) (Shamardal) and the G1 Prix de Royallieu heroine Loving Dream (GB) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Legend Of Time has a yearling half-sister by Night Of Thunder (Ire) still to come. G1 St Leger/G1 Racing Post Trophy winner and sire Brian Boru (GB) (Sadler's Wells) is under the third dam, the G3 Park Hill S. victress Eva Luna (Alleged). Sales history: 150,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-0, AED512,002. Click for the ERA chart and video. O-Godolphin. B-Lordship Stud & Sunderland Holding, Inc. (GB). T-Charlie Appleby. The 3yo son of Dubawi doubles up at Meydan with a rousing success in the Jumeirah Guineas Presented by Lincoln Nautilus Four winners on the card for @godolphin and Charlie Appleby, and a treble for William Buick #DubaiCarnival pic.twitter.com/ZJrqUhEIdS — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) February 2, 2024 The post Sea The Stars’s Legend Of Time Much The Best In Jumeirah Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The initial races nominated as part of the Goffs €50,000 Bonus Series for horses purchased at last year's Goffs Orby Book 1 and 2 Sales have been released along with the publication of the Flat programme for 2024. The bonus series carries a maximum prize fund of €500,000 and will see up to 10 bonuses of €50,000 paid to the winning connections of a diverse programme of juvenile races throughout Ireland this year. The Goffs €50,000 Bonuses, part of the Goffs Two Million Series, is open to two-year-olds who were catalogued in the 2023 Goffs Orby Book 1 and Orby Book 2 Sales and were declared eligible by Goffs by payment of the qualification fee. The first races with opportunities to win will be held from March 18, at the Curragh, to early June, at Listowel. The remaining races will be published along with the release of the Flat programme by Horse Racing Ireland later in the year. Goffs chief Henry Beeby said, “The Goffs €50,000 Bonuses have been assigned by Goffs with the support of Horse Racing Ireland to give as many opportunities to win as possible, while ensuring that both early and later maturing types have a balanced chance to contend. “Goffs Two Million Series was a huge hit with buyers and helped drive the vibrant trade enjoyed at last year's Orby Sale which bucked market trends. We look forward to seeing those graduates compete for these valuable bonuses right from the start of the season, culminating in a spectacular Goffs Millions Day at the Curragh on the eve of this year's Orby.” Each race will appear in the Provisional Summary as a 'GOFFS €50,000 BONUS SERIES' race and a note will also appear in the relevant Racing Calendars. The series will conclude on Goffs Million Day at the Curragh on Saturday 28th September and, in the event that all ten bonuses have not been won, the outstanding amount will be added to the Goffs Million and Goffs 500 prize money. Goffs Two Million Series is headed by the Goffs Million, Europe's richest race for juveniles, which will be run over seven furlongs at the Curragh. Meanwhile, on the same card, the Goffs 500 of €500,000 will take place over six furlongs. Entries for the Goffs Million and Goffs 500, which offer prize money to 10th place, close on 1 May. Entry will be to both races and connections must only declare their preferred race at declaration time. The post First Batch Of Goffs Two Million Series Races Published In Provisional Summary appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After two annual events at Santa Anita Park beginning in 2022, the Horse Racing Women's Summit is accepting applications to join their Marketing & Communications Committee as a volunteer, the organization said in a release Friday. The ideal candidate should be passionate about advancing the position and role of women in racing. A background in a marketing and/or communications role is desirable. This individual will be a key contributor to planning and promoting HRWS events. For more information or to apply, send a resume and cover letter to Shona Rotondo, HRWS Executive Committee Member, Marketing & Communications Lead, shona@myracehorse.com. The post Women’s Summit Seeks Marketing & Communications Committee Applicants appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Already a winner of one of the valuable handicaps that make up the Bahrain Turf Series back on Dec. 8, Victorious Racing's Isle of Jura (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) negotiated the hike into black-type company with aplomb, winning Friday's $150,000 Listed Crown Prince's Cup with a fair bit of authority. Immediately dropped out to the tail, Isle of Jura was given a quiet ride by Callum Shepherd, as the commonly owned Rollajam (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) galloped them along in advance of American Flag (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). The pacemaker had run his race fully 600 metres from home, as American Flag inherited the lead under a full head of steam entering the straight. But Isle of Jura worked his way into the clear and found plenty inside the final furlong before stretching away to win for the first time at stakes level. Lucander (Ire) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}), who defeated Isle of Jura by a nose in another Bahrain Turf Series race over course and distance Dec. 29, finished third. The Godolphin team of Local Dynasty (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}, Charlie Appleby) and local King's Cup hero Passion And Glory (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}, Saeed bin Suroor) were never dangerous, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively. “I just love the way he has grown up since he's been here, he now relaxes very well and he'll give himself every chance of getting further,” the winning jockey commented. “Being over here, it's really made a man of him. “This horse means a great deal to George and I. We have always taken this horse very seriously and for him to do that in front of his owners on home soil is really special, we're delighted.” Added Scott: “He's a lovely horse and he's clearly improving. He's bred to be a good horse and the sky is the limit with him, although we will just enjoy today first. It's well documented that [Victorious principle] His Highness Shaikh Nasser has been a huge supporter of mine and to repay him in this way is so exciting.” Isle of Jura began his career for his breeder and Appleby, finishing unplaced in a Wolverhampton novice in November 2022 before changing hands for 150,000gns at last year's Tattersalls Ascot March Sale. For this trainer, the bay was victorious in handicap company at Newbury July 21 and eight days later at Newmarket. The well-related Isle of Jura, a 62nd worldwide black-type winner for his sire, is out of a daughter of French listed-winning 2002 G1 Pouliches runner-up Firth of Lorne (Ire) (Danehill), whose son Master of the Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) led home a Godolphin 1-2 in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Mile. She is also the dam of the stakes-winning and G1 St James's Palace S. second Latharnach (Iffraaj {GB}) and Etive (Elusive Quality), a listed winner in Germany. This is also the family of Just Fine (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), popular winner of the G1 Metropolitan H. at Randwick last September. Falls of Lora is also represented by a 2-year-old Night of Thunder (Ire) colt and a yearling colt by Dubawi. International raiders stole the show in the 1200-metre The Hawar Cup, as the Michael Owen co-owned and Hugo Palmer-trained Roman Dragon (GB) (Heeraat {Ire}) beat out Brazen Bolt (GB) (Brazen Beau {Aus}) from the barn of John and Sean Quinn by a half-length. “We're absolutely delighted,” said the former England striker, who campaigns the 5-year-old with Nick Hughes. “He has got speed to burn, but we often think he's better round a turning track than a straight track, so today is a lovely surprise. We thought beforehand Box To Box (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) would be in the first three and this horse would be in the last three, but it happened the other way round!” Box To Box was down the field in the Anchorman Cup, the afternoon's other BTS event over 1800m, a race won by former local champion Ecosystem (Ire) (Al Rifai {Ire}). Owen continued: “Me and Nick own the horse; I bred him and we've owned him all his life. It's my first time here and I am really enjoying it. My old boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, stood here not so long ago having won the big race, the Bahrain International Trophy [with Spirit Dancer {GB}], so it's clearly a lucky spot.” CROWN PRINCE'S CUP SPONSORED BY CEBARCO-Listed, $150,000, Sakhir (Bahrain), 2-2, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:03.01 1–ISLE OF JURA (GB), 126, g, 4, New Approach (Ire)–Falls of Lora (Ire) (GSW-UAE, SW-Eng, $246,417), by Street Cry (Ire). 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. (£150,000 HRA '23 TATMAR). O-Victorious; B-Godolphin; T-George Scott; J-Callum Shepherd; $90,000. Lifetime Record: 9-4-1-0, $167,164. *Full to Cascadian (GB), MG1SW-Aus, G1SP-Fr, $5,925,891; half to Albahr (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), GISW-Can, SW-Eng, $236,981. 2–American Flag (Ire), 126, g, 5, Sea The Stars (Ire)–Sequester (GB), by Selkirk. 1ST BLACK-TYPE. (125,000gns HRA '22 TATAUT). O-Al Adiyat Racing; B-Bjorn Nielsen; T-Allan Smith; J-Gerald Mosse. $30,000. 3–Lucander (Ire), 126, g, 7, Footstepsinthesand (GB)–Lady Sefton (Ire), by Oratorio (Ire). 1ST BLACK-TYPE. (€26,000 Wlg '17 GOFNOV; 28,000gns Ylg '18 TATOCT). O-Nigel Jones & Paul Bowden; B-Mr John Connolly; T-George Baker; J-Pat Cosgrave. $18,000. Margins: 3 3/4, HF, 1. Also Ran: Zagato (GB), Local Dynasty (Ire), Passion And Glory (Ire), Sovereign Spirit (GB), Duc de Kent (Fr), Rollajam (Ire). Click for the Bahrain Turf Club result. The post Isle of Jura Miles Best In Crown Prince’s Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Owner Staton Flurry now holds a minority interest in the unbeaten Carbone, who make his stakes debut in the Southwest Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds Feb. 3 at Oaklawn.View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — The 91-rated Clearpoint (GB) (Ardad {GB}) bucked the trend of a number of the more expensive lots sold on Friday at Tattersalls and is to remain in the UK to continue his racing career. The four-year-old will switch stables from Charlie Fellowes to Simon Hodgson, who bid 75,000gns on behalf of PCF Racing for the four-time winner. The sprinter (lot 338) is entered for Sunday's Listed Kachy S. at Lingfield. Hodgson said, “He has been bought for John Whelan of PCF Racing. I don't know if we will run on Sunday, we will need to chat about it. John is a big supporter of his trainers and he has lost some good sprint handicappers so has been looking to replace them. This was the only horse we had on the list today that we felt was worth having a look at. John is in his 80s and he loves going racing.” If Hodgson does decide to send his new charge to Lingfield on Sunday, Clearpoint would be a fitting winner of the race named in memory of Kachy (GB), who, like Clearpoint himself, was bred by Fiona Denniff, who was seen chatting with the Hampshire-based Hodgson after he had signed for the horse. It was a relatively quiet final day of the February Sale. The promising wildcard Billy Webster (Ire) didn't meet his reserve, and a handful of horses behind Clearpoint exceeded the 50,000gns mark, with several of them off to race in the Middle East. Of those, First Encore (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), offered as lot 280 from Ed Walker's stable, was bought by agent JD Moore for 62,000gns. “He is for trainer Hamad Al Jehani in Qatar,” said Moore of the 81-rated three-year-old. “He has the recent Qatar Derby winner Jeff Koons in his stable and he has been very lucky at Tattersalls. [The horse's] form is rock solid, he looks progressive with a lovely profile and he has been very well produced by Ed Walker and his team.” The biggest change in this sale from last year's edition was the fall in clearance rate. In recent years the trade for horses in training even at the lower end of the market had picked up notably but this trend did not continue over the last two days. The second-day clearance rate of 77% was an improvement on the opening session, and overall it settled at 73%, down from 84% in 2023. The average and median were both up slightly on last year, at 14,315gns (+3%) and 7,250gns (+4%) respectively. From a smaller catalogue, there were 98 fewer lots sold than in 2023 which naturally led to a downturn in the aggregate, which was 2,863,000gns (-31%). “The sale-topping 200,000 guineas Shadwell broodmare Taqaareed and the 125,000 guineas Juddmonte colt Retort were the obvious highlights of the 2024 Tattersalls February Sale. Taqaareed is the second-highest price at this fixture since 2018 and Retort is the third-highest-priced colt in training ever sold at the Tattersalls February Sale, with both of them demonstrating the sustained domestic and international demand for quality breeding stock and horses in training,” said Tattersalls chairman Edmond Mahony at the close of trade. “As ever the overseas contribution has been notable. Buyers from throughout Europe and the Gulf region have been out in force, the 125,000 guineas colt Retort is heading to Australia and North African buyers have again been conspicuous. Domestic British and Irish buyers, both Flat and National Hunt, have been the mainstay of the sale, but the smallest February catalogue since 2014 has unsurprisingly produced turnover some way short of last year's impressive figure and the clearance rate, while eminently respectable, has not matched the customary market-leading levels that we would aspire to at sales of this nature. Nevertheless, the average and median have both held up well with small increases in both categories, and the National Hunt fraternity has a rare and immediate opportunity to look forward to, with the outstanding Andy and Gemma Brown Dispersal taking place this coming Monday, 5th February at Tattersalls Ireland.” The post Clearpoint to Stay in UK After Heading Final Day at Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Papineau (GB) (Singspiel {GB}), the winner of the 2004 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot for Godolphin and Saeed Bin Suroor, has died at the age of 24. The half-brother to Derby runner-up Silver Patriarch (GB) was bred by the late Peter Winfield and bought at the Tattersalls December Sale as a foal in 2000. An accomplished stayer and winner of five of his nine races, Papineau's work in his long retirement was arguably even more important. A Godolphin Lifetime Care Ambassador, he was initially rehomed and retrained as a dressage horse, competing in both affiliated dressage and Racehorse to Riding Horse show classes. In 2016, Papineau joined Godolphin's pre-training facility at Hamilton Hill as a hack and was exemplary in his behaviour when leading out the yearlings each morning. How won the Newmarket Hacks' Class during the Sir Henry Cecil Open Weekend and twice travelled to Deauville for the Au-Dela des Pistes G1 Champions' Parade. He also supported the launch of the Godolphin Beacon Project, a joint venture between Godolphin, Newmarket Academy and the education charity Racing to School, meeting many of the school's pupils. In his full retirement from hack duties he retired to Woodditton Stud, just outside Newmarket, where he was looked after by stud rroom Geraldine Jones and her daughter Megan. In his later role in equine-assisted therapy he visited Newmarket Hospital and East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) several times. Saeed bin Suroor said, “Papineau was a pleasure to train, and his Gold Cup win at Ascot was a very special day indeed. His achievements after his racing career are something that the whole team should be incredibly proud of.” Liam O'Rourke, Director of Stud, Stallions and Breeding added, “Papineau was a horse who did even more for others, both within and outside of our industry, in his retirement as he did throughout his career. He was much loved and will be much missed.” The post Gold Cup Winner and Godolphin Ambassador Papineau Dies at 24 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article