Wandering Eyes

'TDN Rising Star' Timberlake (Into Mischief), fourth as the favorite in last Saturday's GI Arkansas Derby, will not be pointed to the GI Kentucky Derby, according to a report in Daily Racing Form. The GI Champagne S. winner and GII Rebel S. winner is currently ranked fifth with 81 points for the Kentucky Derby. “Based on the performance over the weekend, we are not going to run in the Kentucky Derby,” trainer Brad Cox told DRF. “We are thinking about cutting him back in distance.” Cox added, “He came out of it in good order, very sound, and ships back to Churchill Downs today. We still feel it's in his best interest not to try a mile and a quarter in four and a half weeks.” The post No Kentucky Derby for Timberlake appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Check out this week’s Box Seat with hosts Greg O’Connor and Michael Guerin. View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of March 25-March 31View the full article

Hronis Racing's Tapalo, the El Camino Real Derby runner-up and pointed to the April 6 Santa Anita Derby (G1), is among nine 3-year-olds made eligible to compete in the 2024 Triple Crown with a late $6,000 payment that was due April 1.View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), winner of the GII Risen Star S. Feb. 17, is the 2-1 morning-line favorite in a field of 11 3-year-olds entered for Saturday's 100th running of the $1-million GI Toyota Blue Grass. Tyler Gaffalione has the mount on Sierra Leone and will exit from post 10. Dornoch (Good Magic) (post four), a full-brother to GI 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, is the second choice on the morning line at 3-1. Trained by Danny Gargan, Dornoch enters off a front-running victory in the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth S. at Gulfstream Mar. 2. Dornoch defeated Sierra Leone by a nose in the GII Remsen S. “That's a good spot,” Gargan said. “He came out of the three hole in the Fountain of Youth and the Remsen. He will come out of there running and make his way through.” Third choice on the morning line at 7-2 is Just a Touch (Justify), who enters off a runner-up effort in the GIII Gotham S. at Aqueduct Mar. 2. Florent Geroux has the mount from post position 6. The Toyota Blue Grass offers 200 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby on a 100-50-25-15-10 scale. Here's the field for the 100th running of the @Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on Saturday, April 6! pic.twitter.com/RmbtAvmLWJ — Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 2, 2024 The post Sierra Leone Installed as 2-1 Morning-Line Favorite for Blue Grass appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tom Pedulla is interviewing prominent horsemen as they travel the Road to the Kentucky Derby (G1). This installment features Dennis Albaugh, whose Iowa-based Albaugh Family Stables has reached the Kentucky Derby with remarkable regularity.View the full article

Hronis Racing's Tapalo (Tapiture), the El Camino Real Derby runner-up and a contender in Saturday's GI Santa Anita Derby, leads a cast of nine 3-year-olds that were made eligible to compete in the 2024 Triple Crown with a late $6,000 payment that was due Monday. Trained by John Sadler, Tapalo is expected to enter Saturday's Santa Anita Derby. The nine late nominees (pending late mail): Hronis Racing's Tapalo; Tri Star Racing & Cimarron TTT's Awesome Ruta (Mendelssohn); Lewis Family Racing Stables' Celtic Contender (Irish War Cry); Ten Strike Racing, Four Cornerss Racing, Broadview Stables, Cory Moelis Racing and Jeremy Sussman's D Day Sky (Omaha Bech); Travin Stables' Evening News (Nyquist); Vicente Stables' Le Dom Bro (Mucho Macho Man); John Parker's Lonesome Boy (Nationhood); Average Joe Racing Stables and Dan Wells' Mugatu (Blofeld); and Gelfenstein Farm's Secret Chat (Union Rags). In total, there are now 354 eligible 3-year-olds to compete in the Triple Crown series which consists of the $5-million GI Kentucky Derby, $1.5-million GI Preakness S. and $1.5-million GI Belmont S. Any horse not nominated during the early or late phases can become Triple Crown eligible through a supplemental nomination payment due at the time of entry for each Triple Crown race: Kentucky Derby ($200,000 for all three Triple Crown races or $50,000 for the Kentucky Derby only), Preakness ($150,000) and Belmont ($50,000). The post El Camino Real Derby Runner-Up Tapalo Leads Nine Late Triple Crown Nominees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Caretaker trainer Cran Dalgety admits Thursday night will be a big learning curve for Aussie raider Rock N Roll Doo. The former Victoria Cup and Len Smith Mile winner opens his NZ campaign from a back row draw in the star-studded $60,000 McMillan Equine Feeds Pacers Flying Mile at Cambridge, against the likes of Don’t Stop Dreaming and Merlin. It’s a key race, just eight days out from the $1m Race by Grins, also at Cambridge. “He hasn’t been here long, but he’s a big, raw, rubber-neck sort of fella and we’re going to learn a lot more about him in this race,” Dalgety said. “I’ve been chatting a lot with Mick (Stanley, trainer) and he’s told me about his quirks, but the ability is obviously there. “I’d be pleasantly surprised if he came out and won this week, but, equally, he should run well on his form before leaving Aussie and what we’ve seen here so far. “I like the draw, two-out on the back row. He’ll be in the running line without doing any work and you can’t say that for quite a few others draw wide on a track where the first bend comes up really quickly. “It’s a hard race to read, but there’s no shortage of nice horses in it. “We’re just looking forward to getting him to the races and seeing where we sit. “The main reason we’re going this week is to find out more about him and then we can tinker with anything we might need to before the big one the week after.” Owner Brendan James confirmed Anthony Butt had booked to drive Rock N Roll Doo in his NZ races. Butt has driven him at his past three Aussie runs, including a close second in the Group 1 Lighthorse free-for-all – basically a Miracle Mile consolation – at Menangle on March 9. “He’s been here about a week and settled in well,” Dalgety said. “Now it’s time to find out more about where we sit with him.” Rock N Roll Doo won the Group 1 Len Smith Mile on September 2, last year and backed-up to add the Maryborough Cup 13 days later. But the big, rangy pacer has been winless in 10 starts since. For James, returning to NZ comes with mixed emotions. Rock N Roll Doo had an unsuccessful NZ Cup campaign in late 2022 and then landed the “Aussie Lads” slot in last year’s Race By Grins before health issues and form slump saw his trip aborted. “We’re thrilled he got a slot (Barrett Homes) this year and there’s definitely some unfinished business,” James said. “We’ve also got the option to stay for races like the Taylor Mile, Messenger and even the Auckland Cup if we’re happy with him over there.” To see the Flying Mile field click here View the full article

What Gosford Races Where The Entertainment Grounds – 4 Racecourse Rd, West Gosford NSW 2250 When Thursday, March 4, 2024 First Race 1:25pm AEDT Visit Dabble Provincial racing in New South Wales on Thursday heads to Gosford, where a seven-race meeting awaits punters. A fair amount of rain is forecast for raceday in the area, but with the track starting as a Good 4 at the time of acceptances, the track should get to a Soft 7-Heavy 8 come the opening event. The rail sticks in its true position, with action commencing at 1:25pm AEDT. Best Bet at Gosford: Sicilian Form lines do not read much better than what the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Sicilian brings to the Gosford finale. The three-year-old filly was beaten 1.7 lengths by Charm Stone in Group 3 company in the spring, and finished 1.5 lengths off the classy Estriella at the Gosford 1100m when first-up last campaign. This is obviously easier, and at a $5 quote with horse racing bookmakers, if Sicilian can hold the rail and lead from barrier one, she looks a great bet in the last. Best Bet Race 7 – #2 Sicilian (1) 3yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Adam Hyeronimus (61kg) +400 with Picklebet Next Best at Gosford: Impulsivity Peter & Paul Snowden’s Impulsivity has hardly put a foot wrong in three runs this time, registering a win and a third in decent company. The three-year-old filly sprinted sharply at Newcastle over 1200m on March 8 to get the job done, and a repeat effort can have her featuring in the finish once again. Last campaign, she wasn’t beaten far behind the likes of Nadal and Makarena, and if Impulsivity is anywhere near her best, it should be more than good enough to salute over 1200m. Next Best Race 5 – #4 Impulsivity (5) 3yo Filly | T: Peter & Paul Snowden | J: Tom Sherry (60.5kg) +350 with Bet365 Next Best Again at Gosford: Royal Standard James Cummings’ Royal Standard caught the eye without threatening, and his first-up run in close to a year was much the same. The three-year-old gelding made up a stack of ground from the rear of the field over 1300m, so the step-up to the mile second-up looks ideal. The small field of eight should suit the son of Dundeel perfectly, and if Zac Lloyd can have him within four-lengths of the lead on the home turn, Royal Standard has shown enough to suggest he can blouse his rivals late. Next Best Again Race 1 – #4 Royal Standard (5) 3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Zac Lloyd (58.5kg) +400 with Neds Gosford Thursday quaddie tips – 4/4/2024 Gosford quadrella selections Thursday, April 4, 2024 1-3-4-6-7 2-4 2-4-6 2-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

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

By Francis LaBelle, courtesy Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation Celestial City learned how to be a racehorse by continually proving himself against top competition. Each time he raced, he showed that the lessons he was learning were taking hold. Celestial City became a graded stakes winner, but just when his promising career was finally taking flight, he sustained an injury that ended his days as a racehorse. Now, he has a new home and a new purpose. On February 12, Celestial City joined the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation's (TRF) herd at the Lowell Correctional Institution for Women in Ocala, FL. He will provide vocational training in equine care and stable management as part of the TRF's Second Chances Program. The TRF is the nation's oldest and largest Thoroughbred rescue organization. Forty years ago, the TRF started Second Chances at the Wallkill Correctional Facility in New York. The idea was that inmates would learn how to take care of horses and maintain the stable and grounds, while the horses got daily, supervised care. Many Second Chances graduates have gone on to find careers as farriers, veterinary technicians, and even farm managers. Since its start in 1984, Second Chances has expanded to several states. TRF expanded to Lowell in 2002 and has since added a Second Chances Youth Program located near the women's prison. Both the women's and youth programs have achieved deserving praise for helping horses and people find better lives. At five years old, Celestial City is the youngest member of the TRF's national herd, half of which are 20 years or older, and average a stay of 15 years. Unlike the majority of other horses, Celestial City had a standout pedigree, terrific connections, and every reason to succeed. A son of Uncle Mo, Celestial City's racing education was the responsibility of Hall of Fame trainer Claude “Shug” McGaughey. Under McGaughey's management, Celestial City had a record of 3-2-2 from 10 starts and earnings of just under $350,000. Two years ago, Celestial City came up short in a pair of stakes races at Saratoga Race Course. Both times, Celestial City's efforts were encouraging. He was figuring out racing while McGaughey was figuring him out. Then in late October of 2022, Celestial City overcame a stumble at the start and posted a 2 1/4-length victory in the GII Hill Prince S. at Aqueduct. There was plenty of reason to be optimistic about Celestial City's 2023 racing season. “He was doing well, and we gave him a blowout,” McGaughey said. “He was on the training track at Belmont and he fractured his right-hind ankle. He had surgery, and he would look like he was doing good, but then he would have a setback. We finally decided to pull the plug and not race him anymore.” Celestial City's ankle was operated on by Dr. Patty Hogan, a noted veterinary surgeon who works with Thoroughbreds and Standardbreds. She is also a staunch advocate of aftercare for racehorses and encourages owners to include an aftercare plan for each horse they race. McGaughey had such a plan already in place. Since Celestial City had his early racing education at Niall Brennan Stable in Ocala, he was assured a safe landing after he could no longer race. Niall Brennan and his wife, Stephanie, have developed racehorses since they went into business 33 years ago. In 2009, they started their own non-profit Thoroughbred aftercare program, Final Furlong Horse Retirement, to make sure that any horse that had been in their care for any length of time would find a decent home and, perhaps, a new career. While most of McGaughey's retirees join Final Furlong, Stephanie had her own plan for Celestial City. As a TRF board member since 2022, she felt that Celestial City would be a perfect fit at TRF's Second Chances at Lowell. “The inmates would learn how to 'let down' a racehorse and down the line, he will be a great horse for their riding program,” Stephanie said. While TRF and Final Furlong are independent of one another, the chance to work together for the good of a horse will always be accepted. “Later on, if Celestial City gets adopted, his connections will know that he is guaranteed a lifetime placement with TRF,” she added. “So, if circumstances should change, he can always come home to TRF. That is a huge selling point. Very few aftercare programs offer that safety net.” Celestial City wasted no time in winning over everyone over at Lowell. “The women are used to working with much older horses,” Stephanie said. “Along comes Celestial City and he is young, slick and fit. They were excited to meet him and they have taken good care of him. Now, they are helping him get used to being around other horses.” “That shouldn't be a problem. He has always been such a cool horse.” The post A Quick Study on Track, Celestial City Now Teaches at Lowell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This day 4th April in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Wanganui racing tips, quaddie picks & value bets | April 6, 2023 The New Zealand thoroughbred meeting on Thursday is being held at Wanganui, and HB’s Lance King has picked out his … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Pakenham best bets & quaddie tips | Thursday, April 6 A competitive eight-race card will be held at Pakenham on Thursday night. HorseBetting’s James Herbert presents his best bets and … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Wyong racing tips & quaddie picks | Thursday, April 6 See our best bets, value picks and quaddie selections for Thursday’s races at Wyong, with odds from Australia’s top online … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Follow Files: Star WA filly the horse to beat in The Quokka In this week’s Follow Files, we have found three horses that are worth following next start after impressive runs on … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Queensland Derby an option for Andalus Group One performer Andalus may get another chance at Derby glory as he settles into his new home in Australia … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Happy Valley racing preview & best bets | Thursday 6/4/2023 Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley, this time for a rare Thursday evening meeting of nine races served up … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Oaks contender puts Wallace back in the game The autumn emergence of gifted staying filly Pennyweka has presented Jim Wallace with an opportunity to return to the main … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Doyle commits to full New Zealand season for 2023-24 Irish jockey Joe Doyle is heading home after breaking through for his first Group One win, but he’ll be back … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 4, 2023 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 12 months ago Pukekohe feature a possibility for Desert Lightning Quality three-year-old Desert Lightning may be given another chance to add to his three-year-old record after his effort in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Standalone Saturday set to return to Scone Cup Carnival The premier event in New South Wales country racing is just around the corner, with the Scone Cup Carnival set … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 4, 2022 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections here at … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 2 years ago Wellington claims Group 2 Sprint Cup Richard Gibson will attempt to crown Wellington’s season in familiar fashion by chasing victory in the Group 1 Chairman’s Sprint … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 2 years ago Back in business, Golden Sixty steams to victory in Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy He came, he saw and he silenced doubters with an unanswerable burst of speed. Golden Sixty flattened rivals at Sha … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Mr Maestro a highlight in mixed day for Baker-Forsman As he made his way home from Palmerston North on Sunday morning, trainer Murray Baker was reflecting on some mixed … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Weatherley achieves personal goal at Awapuni Sam Weatherley went into the 2021/22 racing season with two major goals. One was to ride the winner of a … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Hawkesbury betting preview, tips & top odds | Monday, April 05 Horsebetting.com.au brings you the Easter Monday betting preview for Hawkesbury races on April 05, 2021. See all of tipping expert … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Sandown Hillside betting tips & best odds | Monday, 05/04/21 Horsebetting’s Victorian tipping expert James Herbert brings you the betting preview for the Sandown Hillside races held on Easter Monday, … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Gawler betting tips , top odds & quaddie picks | Monday, April 05 Horsebetting.com.au brings you South Australia’s race meeting held at Gawler & Barossa Jockey Club on Easter Monday, April 05. See … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Doomben betting preview, tips and top odds | Doomben | April 05 Horsebetting’s tipping expert Nicholas Lloyd brings you the betting preview for the Doomben Racecourse on Easter Monday, April 5th. See … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Pike keen on stakes assignment for Sacred Option Promising filly Sacred Option may have booked a place in the Group 3 Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Punt Drunk : Another Saturday in Sydney, another leader’s track HOrsebetting.com.au brings you all the horse racing new and issues around Racing Australia including in Easter Saurday racing at Rosehill … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Henderson has high hopes for Atullibigeal Although he playfully describes the talented two-year-old with the hard to pronounce name as “a bit of a clown”, trainer … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Lindsay Park hopes to build on Shadwell wins After the Shadwell Stud win of Minhaaj at Caulfield, Lindsay Park will be out to add to that success at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Local runner takes out Riverton Cup Trainers Kelvin and Aimee Tyler enjoyed a red-letter day on their home track at Riverton on Saturday, winning three races … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Course specialist shines in Awapuni Gold Cup Awapuni has been the happiest of hunting grounds for Beauden, who returned to his favourite track on Saturday for a … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Group One glory for On the Bubbles Jamie Richards and Te Akau Racing’s total dominance of New Zealand two-year-old racing rolled on with a richly deserved Group … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Shadows Cast back to his best with feature victory Venerable eight-year-old Shadows Cast turned back the clock as he gave his rivals weight and a beating when taking out … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago McEvoy warming to Aegon in Doncaster Fresh from his G1 win aboard Hungry Heart in the Vinery Stud Stakes, Kerrin McEvoy is turning his attention to … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | April 4, 2021 Easter Sunday racing around the country sees seven horse racing meetings being held around the country today. Our racing analysts … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Class rises to the top in Victoria Handicap A big weight and wide draw has not been enough to stop Mr Quickie from taking out the Group 3 … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Yao Dash earns Doncaster Mile berth Lightly-raced gelding Yao Dash has booked his spot in the Doncaster Mile with a dominant all-the-way win at Rosehill … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Sir Dragonet set for Queen Elizabeth Stakes rematch Sir Dragonet was back to his brilliant best to claim the G1 Tancred Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Hang Man pounces to claim Easter Cup Hang Man has staged a last-to-first victory to claim the Group 3 Easter Cup at Caulfield … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Hungry Heart eats up her Vinery rivals Hungry Heart has come with a sweeping run to claim her first G1 win in the Vinery Stud Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Evie has a Tint of Oaks about her Lipp eyeing big targets with Tycoon … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Smith to target Championships with Nimalee With the recent retirement of multiple Group One winner Fierce Impact, Nimalee is emerging as Matt Smithâ€s next carnival horse … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Trip south pays off for connections of Najmaty Najmaty has stepped from a maiden win in Sydney to claim the Listed Redouteâ€s Choice Stakes at Caulfield … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Quick Thinker provides Baker with fifth Derby Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman have done it again. Their names are synonymous with Derby success and the … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Champagne Stakes an Option for classy juvenile Cambridge trainer Tony Pike was pleased with the efforts of classy juvenile Not An Option after he ran on late … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Nettoyer wins Group One Doncaster Mile Nettoyer has burst out late to win the Group One Doncaster Mile by half a length at Randwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Rubisaki continues winning run in PJ Bell Rubisaki has continued on her winning way this season with an impressive victory in the Group Three PJ Bell Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Emotional win for Tony Gollan at Doomben Get Stuck In has provided trainer Tony Gollan with an emotional win in honour of his father Darryl, who died … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Exasperate continues good Caulfield form Trainer Matthew Brown will keep a watch on the weather forecast before deciding on whether to turn Exasperate out for … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Nature Strip trounces TJ Smith rivals Enigmatic sprinter Nature Strip has given his TJ Smith Stakes rivals a galloping lessen, streeting a class field in a … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Quick Thinker wins Group 1 Australian Derby New Zealand visitor Quick Thinker has taken out a thrilling Australian Derby to give his co-trainer Murray Baker his fifth … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Diamond Effort extends winning run to four After extending her unbeaten run to four in the campaign, Diamond Effort will have an enforced break after her latest … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago King’s Legacy wins Group 1 Sires’ Produce King’s Legacy has overhauled Prague to win the $500,000 Group One Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Ancestry brings up hat-trick at Caulfield Making full use of an inside barrier draw, Ancestry has scored an easy win at Caulfield and notched a hat-trick … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Raheen House secures Sydney Cup berth Trainer Kris Lees will have at least two Sydney Cup runners with Raheen House joining Mustajeer in the Group One … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Colette impresses in Adrian Knox victory The James Cummings-trained Colette has raced to an impressive victory in the Adrian Knox Stakes and moved to favouritism for … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Blinkers help Tumbler Ridge win at Doomben The addition of blinkers has helped two-year-old Tumbler Ridge return to winning form at Doomben … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Forever Free adds Caulfield win to record Following a debut win at Ballarat, Forever Free has handled the wet ground at Caulfield to keep her record intact … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 4 years ago Hot King Prawn ready to rise in Sunday’s Group 2 Sprint Cup The John Size-trained Hot King Prawn (123lb) is looking to stamp his authority on Hong Kong’s sprint ranks in Sunday’s … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Gracie Belle wins Country Championship The Matt Dunn-trained Gracie Belle has prevailed in a tight finish to the Country Championship Final at Randwick, beating Al … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 4 years ago Beauty Generation and Waikuku primed for Chairman’s Trophy clash Beauty Generation showed last time out that any ‘has-been’ talk was premature but when the champ takes on Waikuku in … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Staying in Brisbane pays off for Ilwendo Sydney trainer Matt Smith’s decision to leave Ilwendo in Brisbane has proved correct, with the gelding scoring an easy win … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Tulloch Lodge and Clark a winning Entente Improving Tulloch Lodge three-year-old Entente has led throughout for Tim Clark to win the Group Three Carbine Club Stakes at … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Larry Cassidy continues winning run Multiple Group One-winning jockey Larry Cassidy has shown he’s lost none of his ability with a win on Kusama at … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Doubtland dominant in Kindergarten Stakes Doubtland has made it two wins from as many starts with a dominant performance in the Group Three Kindergarten Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Bobbing cleared to run after syringe found Racing NSW officials have taken evidence from trainer Bernie Kelly before clearing Bobbing to run in the Country Championship Final … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Qld racing doyen Darryl Gollan dies A doyen of Queensland racing, Darryl Gollan, has died aged 76 after a long illness … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Virtual National to bring some cheer to UK A virtual Grand National will be broadcast throughout England in the absence of one of the world’s greatest steeplechase races … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago ATC Foundation funds for drought relief Thoroughbred participants in the worst drought-affected areas of NSW have started to receive funds from the Australian Turf Club Foundation … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Fast facts about the ATC Australian Derby A look at the Australian Derby – the blue riband for three-year-olds … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Dwyer down to one starter at Caulfield Henry Dwyer will rely on Order Of Valour as his sole runner at Caulfield with other options preferred for stablemates … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Trainer Chris Munce turns back the clock Chris Munce is set to celebrate the anniversary one of his best wins as an apprentice jockey when he saddles … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago McNeil hoping to star in Doncaster Mile Victorian jockey Jye McNeil is hoping to land his first Group One win when he rides leading contender Fifty Stars … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Makybe Diva’s daughter wins at Geelong Divanation, the sixth foal of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, has won for the second time from only four … Read More Horse Racing Tips 5 years ago Day 1 of The Championships – tips & betting strategy at Randwick Day one of The Championships is upon us and we have four huge Group 1 races on an already stacked … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Redzel poised to regain sprint crown Punters have been warned to disregard Redzel’s failure in The Galaxy with trainers Peter and Paul Snowden expecting him to … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Sadler trio set to run from barrier three Trainer John Sadler finds it hard to believe his three Caulfield runners will start from the same barrier in their … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Bowman dreaming of another Doncaster win Hugh Bowman has one Doncaster Mile in the bag thanks to Winx but he would dearly love another win in … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Sydney Cup possible for Rondinella Cambridge trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood haven’t completely closed the door on quality mare Rondinella lining up in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Chieftain ticks the right boxes: Alexander Archie Alexander says there are a number of factors in Gallic Chieftain’s favour ahead of the Chairman’s Quality at Randwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Castelvecchio to upset juvenile bluebloods A host of Sydney’s highest profile trainers will saddle up runners in the Sires’ Produce Stakes but Richard Litt is … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Desleigh Forster can break Weetwood hoodoo Brisbane trainers’ chances to win the Weetwood Handicap for the first time this century have fallen to Eagle Farm trainer … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Underwhelming gallop from Auckland Cup winner Waverley trainer Bill Thurlow took Group 1 Auckland Cup (3200m) winner Glory Days to Wanganui for a gallop between races … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Global Exchange has sense of timing: Maher Global Exchange will be out to continue his unbeaten preparation in the Group One Australian Derby which has been a … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Frankely Awesome out of Australian Derby Trainer Kris Lees has ruled favourite Frankely Awesome out of the Australian Derby but says she will be ready for … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Australia on radar for Wheeler jumper Macklemore Talented jumper Macklemore proved far too good for the opposition when winning the Ray Stevens & Heather Tasker Memorial Jumpers … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Pakistan Star “a normal horse” into G2 Chairman’s Trophy Paul O’Sullivan is not getting carried away ahead of Pakistan Star’s first start for his stable in Sunday’s (7 April) … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Nakeeta Jane to run in G1 Coolmore Legacy Three-year-old filly Nakeeta Jane is set to contest the Group One Coolmore Legacy Stakes over 1600m at Randwick rather than … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Beauty and talent a potent mix for Volpe Veloce Matamata trainer Graham Richardson is grateful that Volpe Veloce has the ability to match her good looks. And so are … Read More United Arab Emirates horse racing news 5 years ago Good Contact heads Thursday Al Ain feature Racing at Al Ain Racecourse on Thursday is a seven-race card which begins with the sole Thoroughbred contest, a 1400m … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Stakes double would be ‘Sinsational’ for Sharrock Allan Sharrock will chase black-type at two venues this week with family members of one of his best racehorses, Shez … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Star Luck keeps Lor’s dirt track record rolling at Sha Tin To call Frankie Lor the dirt track king would be to ignore his ever-broadening scope of accomplishments in only his … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Barefoot to continue Guineas pattern Talented filly Barefoot looks set to continue the pattern of class horses winning the Toowoomba Guineas … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Roaring Lion to stand at Cambrdige Stud Star European horse Roaring Lion is to shuttle to New Zealand’s famous Cambridge Stud for the southern hemisphere breeding season … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Gelagotis pumped for Levendi in Derby Trainer Peter Gelagotis believes Levendi has the right attributes to give the stable a first win in the Australian Derby … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago In Her Time ready to take on Redzel in TJ In Her Time can move closer to securing a slot in The Everest with a compelling performance in a TJ … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Hawkesbury tips & form for Thursday, April 5 HAWKESBURY is racing this Thursday and the punters have a great eight race card to wager upon. Interested in having … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Kementari eyes second G1 in Doncaster Mile James Cummings says running third to Winx in the George Ryder Stakes has set up Kementari for more Group One … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Senchel’s Voice in upset Ipswich win Trainer Mark Webb and owner Alan Newcombe have produced their second upset juvenile winner in three days with Senchel’s Voice … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Sircconi ready for Bendigo Guineas assault After two Cranbourne barrier trials, trainer Peter Morgan says Sircconi is ready to tackle the 1400m of the Bendigo Guineas … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Benalla tips & full form for Thursday, April 5 BENALLA is back this Thursday and we’re confident of tipping a number of winners at the rural Victorian town. Curious … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago True Excelsior chasing Randwick stakes win After a last-start win at Moonee Valley, dual stakes-placed filly True Excelsior will make her first Sydney appearance in the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Callow returns to Victoria with Sale win After a stint in NSW, Noel Callow has returned to Victoria landing a first-up win on Hollywood Vine at Sale … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Dee with lightweight chance in Doncaster Fresh from his third Group One win of the season, jockey Michael Dee will try to add the time-honoured Doncaster … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Oohood out to break through in G1 Sires’ After five placings, including the Blue Diamond and Golden Slipper, Oohood is favourite to break through for her first win … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 6 years ago Moore hoping for an improvement from Helene Paragon In a season of general disappointment for John Moore, Helene Paragon ranks amongst the biggest letdowns. A dual Group 1 … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Skye Bogenhuber gets Rudy Cup ride Top local jockey Skye Bogenhuber gets the chance to cap her homecoming by winning the Toowoomba Cup on Rudy … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Brisbane campaign kick starts at Bendigo Brisbane Cup aspirations for Hardham begin over 1600m in the Listed Golden Mile at Bendigo … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Sale firmers & drifters for Wednesday, April 4 SALE is Victoria’s mid-week meet and the punters have shopped early at the rural township. Horse Betting provided the betting … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Two in-form Derby chances for major NZ player The focus of an international thoroughbred operation with a major New Zealand presence will centre on Sydney this weekend. Lang … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Wyong market movers for Wednesday, April 4 WYONG returns this Wednesday and a strong eight race card awaits punters. Horse Betting has delivered tips for the entire … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago El Issa to ride Amanaat in Weetwood A mixture of factors has led trainer Ben Currie to book Bob El Issa to ride Amanaat in the Listed … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago McDonald ready ahead of race day return A return to riding trackwork and trials has a reinvigorated James McDonald fizzing about his raceday comeback next month. “It … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Furdson’s hopes of firm track for progressive 4YO Any improvement in the conditions at New Plymouth will boost the chances of consecutive wins for Virtuoso Lad. The lightly-raced … Read More Australia horse racing news, United Kingdom Horse Racing News 6 years ago Ebor receives prize money boost York racecourse has announced Sky Bet as the new sponsors of the Ebor Handicap, which will have a substantial prize … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Buoyant first day of Easter Sale Four yearlings have fetched $1 million or more on the first day of the Easter Yearling sale in Sydney … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Winx on song for autumn finale Winx has eight rivals as she bids for her 17th consecutive win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Trial puts Abbey Marie in Coolmore picture A Cranbourne barrier trial win has shown trainer Mick Kent that Abbey Marie is over her latest problems … Read More Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago Quaddie tips for Thursday, April 6 races at Pakenham THE regular Pakenham quaddie returns in the opening week of April after last week’s heartbreak. We managed to snare two … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Palentino retired to stand at Sun Stud The Darren Weir-trained Palentino, winner of the 2016 Australian Guineas and Makybe Diva Stakes, has been retired to stud … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Godolphin raiders to make Cup statement The latest European-based stayers brought to Australia by Godolphin are set to force the issue in Saturday’s $2 million Sydney … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Winx primed for Queen Elizabeth glory after ideal barrier draw WINX has remained steady in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes betting market after drawing an ideal gate for the what has … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Sequoia Lady on Australasian Oaks path Trainer Jason Warren has Australasian Oaks ambitions for Sequoia Lady and the filly will be out to confirm those plans … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Waterhouse, Bott at centre of inquiry Training partners Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will front a stewards inquiry over the substitution of horses in a public … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago The 5 greatest fast-finishing wins in thoroughbred racing history LET’S face it, when it comes to horse racing there are few things more thrilling then witnessing a runner come … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Nurse Kitchen chases Australian Oaks glory After two Sydney carnival Group One placings, David Brideoake is hoping Nurse Kitchen can go one better in the Australian … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Moroney looks for Hurry to bounce back Trainer Mike Moroney believes Hurry has Group class ability and is hoping the filly shows that when she chases a … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Country trainer down to one at Sandown Country trainer Paul Preusker will rely on Danehill Downs in the Le Pine Funerals Handicap at Sandown … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Winx draws barrier three in Elizabeth Winx is destined to start the shortest-priced favourite in Queen Elizabeth Stakes history … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Eight rivals for Winx in Queen Elizabeth There will be eight horses taking on champion mare Winx in the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Fields due for Day 2 of The Championships Winx will be the headline act at Randwick for the second day of The Championships … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Walker out with possible head injury Jockey Michael Walker has been ruled out of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes ride Criterion with a possible head injury … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Walker out with possible head injury Jockey Michael Walker has been ruled out of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes ride Criterion with a possible head injury … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Dee I Cee to continue to Sydney Cup Gai Waterhouse has told stewards she intends to pursue the Sydney Cup with Dee I Cee despite his disappointing last-start … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Silent Sedition out to press Oaks claims Silent Sedition will chase her third straight win this campaign when she steps up to 1600m at Sandown with apprentice … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Buffering to miss Royal Ascot Trainer Robert Heathcote has decided not to take Buffering to Royal Ascot after he races in Hong Kong, preferring to … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Buffering to miss Royal Ascot Trainer Robert Heathcote has decided not to take Buffering to Royal Ascot after he races in Hong Kong, preferring to … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Awesome Rock arrives in Sydney Australian Cup runner-up Awesome Rock has settled into Sydney to prepare for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes but o-trainer Troy Corstens … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Queen Elizabeth betting suspended Uncertainty over whether Winx will run in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes has forced stewards to order bookmakers to suspend betting … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Oaks distance made for Diamond Trainer Bruce Cross is one person not surprised by Diamond Made’s Adrian Knox Stakes win and he is looking forward … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Boban dies after paddock accident Multiple Group One winner Boban, forced into retirement as a bleeder, has died after a paddock accident … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Contributer and Complacent to stand in NZ Godolphin’s Group One winners Contributer and Complacent, both recently retired because of injury, are to stand at Mapperly Stud in … Read More View the full article

Turfway Park Racing & Gaming concluded its memorable 50-day winter/spring meet March 30, boasting a solid 17.1% increase in all-sources handle and awarding competitors $18.8 million in prize money.View the full article

Leo Kahl's 'First Turn' has been named the winner of Preakness: The Art of Racing, a nationwide art competition celebrating the unique elements of the Preakness S. and Thoroughbred horse racing. The winning artwork was announced at an honorary ceremony in the Brown Center at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Senior Advisor of Arts & Culture for the City of Baltimore Tonya Miller Hall was in attendance, representing Mayor Brandon Scott. MICA dignitaries, Park Heights's City Council representatives and 1/ST RACING leadership also attended the announcement alongside participating artists. The submission deadline for the third annual competition was Mar. 12, at which point the public was encouraged to visit preakness.com/the-art-of-racing to peruse the digital gallery and cast a vote for their favorite work of art. The top 10 vote-getters were then judged by a panel that included elected officials, community leaders and art professionals to select the winner. “My objective was to capture the colors, excitement and festive mood of Pimlico Race Course and the Preakness S.,” said Kahl. “I chose the loose and romantic medium of watercolor to depict this scene as it best depicts the movement and drama of the day.” Kahl received a $4,000 prize and two VIP tickets to Preakness 149. His work will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 149 merchandise that will be available for purchase online and onsite during Preakness weekend. Proceeds from the sale of merchandise will be used to advance the activities of Park Heights Renaissance as it pursues affordable housing for families and provides employment opportunities to people of Park Heights. “The platform given to rising artists, both amateur and professional, who have entered Preakness: The Art of Racing competition over the past three years underscores the vibrancy of the Preakness S. and its unique cultural footprint,” said Audra Madison, Director of Marketing, Maryland Jockey Club. “It brings me joy to see the diverse array of artwork entered into the competition each year, and I hope community members share the same sense of celebration.” The post Leo Kahl Wins Preakness Art Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racing analyst and reporter Christina Blacker has joined the board of directors of Light Up Racing, an organization formed to enhance the public perception of the Thoroughbred industry. “I am grateful to be a part of Light Up Racing's mission,” Blacker said. “It is one that is very close to my heart and one I've put a lot of time and effort into over the years. Horse racing is a beautiful sport filled with equally beautiful, deeply caring and hard-working individuals, but is not actually what we, as a collective, are currently being portrayed as. It is a difficult assignment to be sure, but I am fully committed. “This is an industry-wide problem and should be met with an industry-wide approach. A lot of important and necessary work is being done at the highest levels, but all of us possess the ability to have a positive effect, and it is our duty to not stand by and leave it to others. Highlighting the good being done, and the good that already exists, is something each of us can take part in.” Blacker, who currently serves as a host, analyst and reporter with FanDuel TV, began her broadcasting career in 2004 and has worked with HRTV, TVG, and NBCSports. She is also a Keeneland Sales representative, a spokesperson for Equibase “Race Lens,” a pivotal figure in digital creation and ambassadorship for MyRacehorse, in addition to co-founding “I Am Horse Racing,” a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying the voices of the sport's unsung heroes. “Christina Blacker's credibility within the industry, coupled with her unparalleled media expertise, makes her an invaluable asset in our mission to enlighten, engage, and evolve the narrative surrounding horse racing,” said board chairman Price Bell. “Christina has a proven track record of, not only illuminating the sport's finest aspects, but also addressing its challenges with integrity and insight. We are very excited to have her as part of the team.” The post Blacker Joins Light Up Racing Board appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

BH Interview: Lenny PineauView the full article

The final pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager will run from April 4-6. Repole Stable's Florida Derby (G1) winner Fierceness was tabbed as the solid 7-2 favorite.View the full article

Owned by Abbondanza Racing, Medallion Racing, and Ike and Dawn Thrash, Turnerloose won the 2022 Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G2). She hasn't found the winner's circle since but has found herself hitting the board in four of her 11 subsequent starts.View the full article

All-sources handle rose 17.1% during Turfway Park's Winter/Spring meet which concluded Saturday. In total, more than $170 million was wagered at the meet, nearly $25 million more than 2023. A total of $18.8 million in prize money, including funds from the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund, was distributed across 438 races at the 50-day meet. With two additional racing days from the 2023 meet, Turfway Park saw an increase of 152 starters. “Our successful season at Turfway Park would not be possible without the support of all owners, trainers, jockeys and horseplayers,” said Chip Bach, general manager at Turfway Park. “The racing product at Turfway Park has continued to thrive, thanks to the continued investments from Churchill Downs Incorporated and our dedicated staff here at Turfway Park.” Jockey Luan Machado was a dominant force in the rider standings throughout the Winter/Spring Meet, tallying 62 wins from 289 starts. Machado's win total was 25 more than runner-up Gerardo Corrales and his mounts earned $2.3 million. This was Machado's fourth leading rider title at Turfway Park. Trainer Eric Foster notched his first title at Turfway Park, winning 15 races from 86 starts. Foster finished one win ahead of Brad Cox and three in front of Juan Cano and John Ennis. Foster's horses banked $837,777 in purse money while winning at 17%. Christina Estvanko and Margo Scott led all owners with eight wins. The partnership's horses made 37 starts while earning $176,177. The post All-Sources Handle up at Turfway Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fifty-eight entries for the Betfred Oaks on May 31 have been revealed, led by last season's champion juvenile filly Opera Singer (Justify). The G1 Prix Marcel Boussac winner remains the market leader despite the recent announcement by her trainer Aidan O'Brien that she may miss the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket following a minor setback in training. Her stable-mate Ylang Ylang (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is also among the 13 fillies to have been entered from Ballydoyle. Irish trainers Noel Meade, Jim Bolger and Dermot Weld have one entry apiece while Paddy Twomey has entered Purple Lily (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) and One Look (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). Ralph Beckett has the strongest representation among the British-based trainers with nine fillies engaged at this stage. These include the maiden winner Treasure (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), owned by the King and Queen. Britain's champion training partnership of John and Thady Gosden, which won last year's Oaks with Lady Bamford's Soul Sister (Ire), has five entries, including Cheveley Park Stud's Regal Jubilee (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is currently third-favourite for the fillies' Classic. Making Dreams (GB) (Make Believe {GB}), the winner of Monday's G3 Prix Penelope at Saint-Cloud, is one of four entries for Karl Burke. She races in the colours of Nick Bradley Racing, the syndicate which fielded the 2021 Oaks runner-up Mystery Angel (Ire). The sole French entry for the race is the Group 3-placed Dare To Dream (Fr) (Camelot {GB}), who is trained by Chantilly-based Irishman Gavin Hernon. Friday's card for the Betfred Derby meeting includes the G1 Coronation Cup, which could see a rematch between the first two home in last year's Derby, Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and King Of Steel (Wootton Bassett {GB}). The reigning Coronation Cup champion Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) is also among the 23 entries, which include the St Leger winner Continuous (Ire) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) and German Horse of the Year Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}). The post Opera Singer Heads Oaks Entries; Stellar Selection for Coronation Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stable Recovery is a rehabilitation program in Lexington, Kentucky that provides a safe living environment and a peer-driven, therapeutic community for men in the early stages of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Along with going to 12-step meetings and support groups, residents attend the School of Horsemanship at Taylor Made Farm to learn a new vocation in the Thoroughbred industry. The School of Horsemanship is a project that was created by Taylor Made two years ago and has since seen over 100 men go through the program. Many of those graduates have gone on to pursue a career in an equine-related field. Spy Coast Farm, Brook Ledge, Hallway Feeds, Will Walden Racing, Rood & Riddle, WinStar Farm and Godolphin have recently partnered with Stable Recovery as the program looks to expand its reach throughout Lexington. In this month's installment of TDN's series, 'The Road Back,' we introduce you to graduate William Jackson, now the house manager for Stable Recovery. When crossing the threshold into Stable Recovery's house on Hummingbird Lane in Lexington, a true feeling of 'being home' washes over you. The sound of conversation and laughter fills the air as staff and residents make their way through the house while an assortment of dogs wag their way into the mix. And there in the front office on the right, seated at the desk across from me, is William Jackson. The 46-year-old man with the kind eye and constant smile shares his life story with a calm that speaks to his character, spoken with a reverent tone of voice that reflects where he's been and how far he's come in his lifetime. As he talks, the realization of how poignant this introduction and this conversation is settles in the room. Because less than two years ago, after decades of witnessing death and living on the brink of it, Jackson's heart stopped after an overdose. “In September of 2022, I lost the house, the nice truck I had, we had all of the utilities turned off, and I was damn near about to go to jail. Then, I ended up getting hit by that car and later, overdosing in the room in that trailer,” recalled Jackson. He had hit rock bottom. And it was the result of a life that revolved around one constant: drug use. Born in Springfield, Mo., Jackson spent his early years primarily in the company of his mom, since his stepdad had been sent to prison early on and his five older siblings were much further ahead in their lives, all off on their own. By the time he was in fifth grade, they had relocated to Corbin, Ky., to live near the rest of his extended family. “Most of my family, all my uncles and aunts and everyone, used a lot of drugs and drank. All the men drank beer all the time and most of my aunts were taking pills and smoked marijuana. I remember my cousins were doing it, too, they were a little older than me. And one of my cousins even grew some pot with his father. That was what they did,” said Jackson. “By the time I was 11, I was taking pills and smoking marijuana and drinking on the weekends. I started out just doing a little bit of everything.” Growing up, the tragedy that Jackson experienced only perpetuated his dependence on using drugs as an escape. “When I was 12, my sister committed suicide. That was pretty traumatic. And then, it was the next year I guess, I remember walking in the house and finding my grandmother dead. I was the one who found her.” The loss of a close friend in high school, and later the loss of his girlfriend, only darkened his outlook on life. “I had lots of little things that kept me angry, confused, and mad at the world. But I always felt like doing drugs was wrong. It was bad and I wanted to do the right thing. I always did good in school and I wanted to please people, but all this stuff kept always pushing me towards all of that other stuff,” said Jackson. By the time he was 27, he'd already married and divorced his first wife, who sadly overdosed and passed away a year after their marriage ended. From there, Jackson went back home to live with his mom and eventually picked up drinking. “I was an alcoholic for about 13 years. Pretty heavy. I could drink at least 3/5 of a bottle of hundred-proof a day by myself. That all led to me being diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. They gave me a year to live,” said Jackson. “It scared me, so I decided to quit drinking. By this time, I had already met my second wife, I was married again, and she went with me to Alcoholics Anonymous for a while. But I only went for about three months.” William Jackson becomes a Legacy of Stable Recovery. Pictured: Tyler Harris, Josh Franks, Christian Countzler, Ashton Becker, Carrol McCromick, William Jackson, and Dan Pride | Stable Recovery Though he'd saved his liver, Jackson continued to pursue other avenues in his drug use, turning to buying and using Suboxone before eventually caving to the enticement of heroin by the time he was 41. There seemed to be no end to the lows in his life, the many holes that he couldn't pull himself out of, until he dug the deepest of all that fateful night in September of 2022. A deadly mix of a Xanax bar laced with Fentanyl and a small dose of heroin in the early hours of the morning led to him collapsing on the floor, the sound waking his wife in the other room. She called 911 and held Jackson as he laid there, foaming at the mouth, his body eerily still. And after minutes that felt like hours, first responders arrived on the scene and revived him. From there, Jackson decided to redirect his breaking point into a turning point, as he went to the hospital for treatment and later went to a Stepworks Recovery Center. “I had so much guilt, shame and remorse. I just wanted it to be over, I wanted it to be done. This was the first time I'd ever been in treatment or anything like this. It was the worst. There was just so much stuff happening. It was so bad and I was just crying, at wit's end, and I was just done. I was ready to die,” said Jackson. But it was there in the recovery center that he found a pamphlet for Stable Recovery. In one of those moments where one might question how heavy the hand of God truly is, Jackson felt a dream had been fulfilled with the opportunity to get back out on a farm. “My dream was to work on a farm again. It just so happens that when you're in Stable Recovery, you're on the farm taking care of horses, driving tractors and doing all this stuff. It's like God sent me this perfect place and completely changed my life,” said Jackson. Despite his addiction to drugs and alcohol throughout most of his life, and the health issues that arose because of that, he never missed a day of work. He was a carpenter by trade and had spent over 20 years building houses. And though he'd been hesitant to enter the program due to his strong need to return home to his family, he knew that Stable Recovery was the best thing for him, for all of them. “One of the best things my wife ever did for me was call and say, 'You're not coming home.' Once I got here, it just changed my life. It saved my life. I spent a year on the farm, taking care of the horses, taking care of babies. I helped foal out 80 babies last year. I found peace on the farm, just out in the fields, in the quiet with the horses,” said Jackson. “Then slowly, as I was making better decisions and doing the right thing, people [in my life] started talking to me again. My wife would talk to me a little bit and then she'd started coming to see me. And my daughter would always visit.” Now 17 months sober, Jackson serves as the House Manager for Stable Recovery, a role he took on a few months ago. The job entails overseeing the houses that the men in the program live in, which can involve anything from handling paperwork to driving the men to the farm for work or staying up late with a program participant who just needs someone to listen. Though the horses and the tranquility on the farm soothed his soul, Jackson has realized that being a mentor and friend to those in the program is his true purpose. “My wife and kids would call it an 'astronaut job,' because we were coming in here and you can't even imagine a place like this. Especially when we think of the shape that we're in as despicable addicts. We have the worst opinion of ourselves when we're out there, but to be able to come in here and have somebody trust you and to be a part of the farm, it's hard to believe. It gives you such an unfair advantage almost compared to other treatment centers because you come here and it's just like a dream, and then all you have to do is do things right,” said Jackson. Though the drug use was detrimental from a health standpoint, the biggest burden to Jackson was the regret and guilt he lived with as a result of his addiction. It wasn't until he arrived at Taylor Made that he finally had the chance to process, reflect and heal. “I just wanted do what was right and I was always doing something wrong. I always felt guilty for using and drinking. When you first come in, even though the guys are like you, you're so uncomfortable with yourself at first that you can't open up. You don't even trust them or yourself at first,” he said. “But when you can go out there in that field and be with the mommas and the babies, and all you have to be is genuine and care about them, it's amazing how they open up and love you. “It's a growing experience between you and the horses. At first you go in there and it's just like it is with anybody else, you're uncomfortable, scared, and awkward for a while. But you spend time with them and before you know it, it's crazy how much you can fall in love with them and how much they depend on and trust you. It's unbelievable what it does for you. It brought me a peace that I hadn't had in years, a feeling that I remembered when I was a child, but barely. I never thought I'd see it for many years.” William Jackson and family | Stable Recovery Since taking on this position with Stable Recovery, Jackson has received certifications as a peer support specialist and a supported employment specialist, while continuing to take classes and participate in webinars on topics such as peer support. Though it comes with plenty of responsibility, Jackson truly believes that the job has fulfilled him in a way that he never thought possible. It is the reason he chose a job in the house over one he'd been offered on the farm. “It just seemed like it would have been selfish of me to go [that route]. If I took that [job] for a house and a truck, I would have been sick again in my heart and soul. Not because of anything anybody said or thought, but in my heart, it would have made me sick because I want to give back and help the guys,” said Jackson. “It's a mutual respect [with the guys] where they love me and we love each other. It's a great house. The guys, even the hard ones that come in, they end up opening up and fall right into it, too. If you can last and you don't leave pretty quick, you end up being a part of the family and it's amazing. I get that same kind of love here as I did on the farm with the horses. “This is my best medicine, to be right here helping the guys and interacting with them every day. It's the best thing that I can do. It's going to keep me alive and keep me sober.” As Jackson speaks, you can feel the aura of selflessness that shimmers around him. He traveled the road not many make it back from and not only paved a new one for himself, but now does that for others every day. Stable Recovery gave him the tools and the time, but Jackson dug the foundation and built his own house of healing. “I'm truly blessed to be able to come in here and use the pain that I've felt to be able to help a man move on with his life and start over. I wake up thankful every day. It's crazy how wonderful that feels, right?” To learn more, or to donate to Stable Recovery, visit stablerecovery.net/. The post The Road Back: After 46 Years, William Jackson Finds Solace in Stable Recovery appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wednesday's top tips from the Post's racing teamView the full article

Following his dominant victory in Saturday's GI Curlin Florida Derby, Fierceness (City of Light) has been installed the 7-2 morning-line favorite for the sixth pool of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager. Catching Freedom (Constitution), winner of the GII Louisiana Derby, is 8-1 on the morning line, while Forever Young (Jpn) (Reel Steel {Jpn}), winner of the G2 UAE Derby, is 10-1. The pool, which opens Thursday, closes Saturday at 4 p.m.–prior to the day's three major Derby prep races. Pool 6 will feature $2 Win and Exacta wagering. Fans can wager via www.TwinSpires.com, along with simulcast and ADW outlets from around the country. The post Fierceness Favored in Derby Future Pool 6 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Backside Learning Center will host its third annual Derby Handicapping Social at the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Apr. 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The event features a Kentucky Derby 150 handicapping seminar with a panel of the industry's top experts: FanDuelTV's Caton Bredar, Churchill Downs' Joe Kristufek, and FanDuelTV's Gabby Gaudet, with NBC's Donna Barton Brothers moderating. In addition to handicapping, the event serves as a social hour to mingle with owners, trainers and connected leaders in the Thoroughbred industry and also includes a bourbon raffle with complimentary hors d'oeurves and drinks. The event is free with a suggested donation at the door. Learn more at: bidpal.net/blcderbyhandicapping24. The Louisville-based Backside Learning Center is a nonprofit organization providing support and resources in a safe, welcoming environment to the diverse community of racetrack workers and their families. The post Backside Learning Center Hosts Handicapping Social appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Newmarket training ranks will be boosted by the addition of leading Qatari trainer Hamad Al-Jehani, who is to set up with a “small number” of horses owned by Wathnan Racing, the operation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Al-Jehani, who will continue to train in Qatar over the winter, will be based in the lower yard at Tom Clover's Kremlin House Stables. The deal has been negotiated by Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock, who has been responsible for buying a number of horses for Wathnan Racing in recent seasons, including the Gold Cup hero Courage Mon Ami (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who was one of two Royal Ascot winners for the operation last season. Now 35, Al-Jehani is a former international show jumper who was a member of the Qatari national team. He has been training since 2013 and notched his first winner in Qatar the following year. Having started out with three racehorses, he now has a string of 80 in Doha and is leading the Qatari trainers' championship on 53 winners, including the Qatar Guineas winner Lil' Frank (GB) (Frankel {GB}), whom he bought from the Tattersalls July Sale last year for 52,000gns. He also saddled the former John and Thady Gosden-trained Jeff Koons (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) to win the Qatar Derby in December for Wathnan Racing. “I am excited to have the chance to train in Newmarket,” said Al-Jehani. “It's an amazing opportunity for me to work in this historic training centre. I have been attending the sales in Newmarket for many years and have long been an admirer of the world-class facilities. I'm really looking forward to getting started.” Olly Tait, adviser to Wathnan Racing, added, 'Hamad's had a brilliant first season training Wathnan horses in Qatar and we are delighted to be giving him this experience. Alban de Mieulle, who also trains for Wathnan in Qatar, takes a number of horses to France in the summer and had great success with [dual Listed winner] Bolthole last year. It would be wonderful if Hamad can do something similar in Newmarket.” Al-Jehani will be assisted at Kremlin House by Tommy Allen, who has spent the past three years assisting Classic-winning trainer George Boughey. Boughey said, “I am obviously very sorry to lose Tommy after what has been a hugely successful three years together. But he is leaving very much with our blessing. It's a great chance for him and I've no doubt he will be an enormous asset to Hamad Al-Jehani. Henry Morshead has worked with me and Tommy for the past season and will take over his place.” During 2023, Wathnan Racing had horses with a variety of trainers in Europe, including John and Thady Gosden, Ralph Beckett and Eve Johnson Houghton in Britain and Carlos and Yann Lerner and Christophe Ferland in France. The post Top Qatari Trainer Al-Jehani to Set Up in Newmarket for Wathnan Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article