Wandering Eyes

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, trainer Daniel Kenney has been banned18 months and fined $12,500 for possession of the thyroid drug, Levothyroxine, which HISA has listed a banned substance. Kenney's ban began on Oct. 5, 2023. In a brief explainer on the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) website, HIWU Investigators allegedly found the Levothyroxine—otherwise known as Thyro-L—in one of Kenney's tack rooms at Arapahoe Park in Aurora, Colorado on Aug. 25, 2023. The case was resolved without a hearing after Kenney admitted to the possession error, according to HIWU. In a curious chain of developments, possible sanctions have been issued against trainer Joel Gonzales, after the horse Desert Danger returned a Phenylbutazone (bute) overage, from a sample dated Dec. 6, 2023. Originally, charges were filed against Patricio Venzor, who is listed as Desert Danger's owner on Equibase. The charges were recently withdrawn against Venzor, though there's currently no explainer on the withdrawal of the charges on the HIWU website. On Jan. 22 this year, HIWU filed new charges for Desert Danger's Phenylbutazone overage against trainer Joel Gonzales. On Equibase, Desert Danger's trainer is listed as trainer Andres Gonzalez. When asked about these developments, a HIWU spokesperson wrote in an email that Venzor was listed in the HISA portal as the horse's “Responsible Person” at the time of the phenylbutazone positive. “Following the service of the Charge letter, HIWU was able to get in touch with all the relevant parties in this case and determined that Joel Gonzalez was the appropriate Responsible Person. There was no intention to specifically pursue a violation against Desert Danger's owner, which remains Venzor,” the HIWU spokesperson wrote. The spokesperson added that “it is the responsibility of the owner and/or trainer connected with a Covered Horse to ensure that the information associated with the horse is up to date in the HISA portal. In this vein, Covered Persons must contact HIWU as soon as possible should they receive a Notice or Charge that they believe was sent in error.” NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 12/27/2023 Licensee: John Kimmel, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Im Just Kiddin. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 12/06/2023 Licensee: Gerald Brooks, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Jareth, who won at Turfway Park on 12/06/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 08/25/2023 Licensee: Daniel Kenney, trainer Penalty: 18-month period of Ineligibility, beginning on October 5, 2023; a fine of $12,500. Admission. Explainer: For the possible possession of Levothyroxine (Thyro-L). This was a possible violation of Rule 3214(a)–Possession of Banned Substances. Pending ADMC Violations Date: 01/05/2024 Licensee: Carlos Gonzalez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Pre-workout intra-articular injection violation Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314—Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method—on the horse, Suertuda. This is also a possible violation of Rule 4222—Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 11/09/2023 Licensee: George Weaver, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Dantrolene—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Typhoon Fury, who won at Aqueduct on 11/09/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 12/24/2023 Licensee: David Geofroy (listed as the horse's owner on Equibase) Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of 5-Hydroxy Dantrolene—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Typhoon Fury. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 12/09/2023 Licensee: Salvador Naranjo, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the potential breach of Rule 4221—Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)—on Fever, who finished fifth at Los Alamitos on 12/9/2023. This is also a possible violation of Rule 3313—Use of a Controlled Method During the Race Period. Date: 12/06/2023 Licensee: Joel Gonzales, trainer (Desert Danger's trainer is listed on Equibase as Andres Gonzalez) Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Phenylbutazone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Desert Danger. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312—Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Violations of Crop Rule One important note: HISA's whip use limit is restricted to six strikes during a race. Santa Anita Santiago Gonzalez – violation date Jan 20; $250 fine and one-day suspension, 7 strikes The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings, Jan. 16-22 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Later in the undercard, Cyclone Mischief, who finished last in the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1), is making his second start following the Run for the Roses in the Fred W. Hooper Stakes (G3).View the full article

The winners in 10 equine and seven human categories will be revealed beginning around 7:30 Thursday evening at the 53rd Annual Eclipse Awards at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. A who's who of the American Thoroughbred industry will be dressed to the nines as the newest group of champions is announced. Of the equine divisions–as is frequently the case–the majority feature little suspense, while there exists a fair bit of intrigue and arguments to be made for multiple horses in the older dirt male division, the female sprint division, the female turf category, and, not least, for the granddaddy of them all: the statuette for American Horse of the Year for 2023. By the estimation of this writer, five horses amassed a body of work deserving of a spot on the ballot for the top prize. I am not a morning-line maker, so please no critiquing of the odds, but to follow is a highly unscientific attempt at handicapping those who could be announced as Horse of the Year finalists during Thursday's ceremonies (Ed's note: while the divisional finalists were announced a few weeks ago, the finalists for Horse of the Year were not revealed at that time). White Abarrio (Race Day, 5-2): To win the GI Whitney S. and GI Breeders' Cup Classic consecutively and in a fashion as convincingly as he did, the Rick Dutrow, Jr.-trainee got my vote for Thursday's top honors. Though he was fairly well-beaten by the candidate below in the GI Met Mile–while admittedly in receipt of six pounds–the effort was anything but a disaster, and he did turn the tables in no uncertain terms in the Whitney, when Cody's Wish was sportingly tried over a stamina-sapping nine furlongs. He's my idea of Horse of the Year, but perhaps not the likeliest winner. Cody's Wish (Curlin, 6-5): The lone blemish in the Whitney aside, and I am willing to be forgiving of it, Cody's Wish's campaign was brilliant, as he won three times at Grade I level (one more than White Abarrio) and once at Grade II. To take something of a contrarian point of view, his Vosburgh didn't exactly pass the eye (or speed) test and he was very game–if not spectacular–in defending his GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. The story is heartwarming and it sadly turned heartbreaking, but I am duty bound to judge horses' ability. Sentimentality might win the day and there were some misguided opinions that 'the story matters sometimes' and not what these athletes did on the racetrack, but I went the other direction in a category this guy may well win. Elite Power (Curlin, 8-1): One of his spectacular sire's three Eclipse winners last year and it would be a surprise if he didn't become the third back-to-back winner in the sprint division. But did he do enough to be HOTY? Probably not. The big chestnut won the season series with fellow finalist Gunite (Gun Runner) by a score of 3-1 (including the G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint) and he was dominating in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. Enormous talent who has every chance to make his mark as a stallion at Juddmonte, but no better than the distant third choice here. Up to the Mark (Not This Time, 20-1): In another year, Up to the Mark–who will be favored in the male turf division–may have had a say here, as he sensationally won Grade I races at a mile, nine furlongs and 10 furlongs, and was hardly disgraced when trying a mile and a half for the first time in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf. It is no stretch to mention him in the same breath as Bricks and Mortar and Wise Dan–he's not out of his depth there–but unlike those two, he is an unlikely winner here, though it wouldn't be a total shock if he made the final three. Idiomatic (Curlin, 50-1): She is regally bred and it would be a stretch to call her a 'rags-to-riches' story given her pedigree and connections. But it's fair to say she surprised even those closest to her in 2023, as she went from a Turfway allowance win on Jan. 4 to close an eight-for-nine season with a tough-as-nails victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. According to published reports, she remains in training as a 5-year-old in 2024. That's good news for fans, and bad news for anyone who owns anything in the Distaff division. Who knows, maybe she scoops this award at next year's ceremony. The post Eclipse Awards 2023: A Rough Morning Line For Horse of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Highlighted by the 156th edition of the GI Belmont S. on Saturday, June 8, the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has revealed the stakes schedule for the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at Saratoga Race Course from Thursday, June 6 through Sunday, June 9. The 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will include 23 stakes races with purses totaling $10.1 million, the highest purse levels and number of stakes offered since the launch of the multi-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in 2014. NYRA has increased the purse of the Belmont S. from $1.5 million to $2 million in 2024, which is the first significant increase since 2014. The 2024 Belmont Stakes will be contested at 1 1/4 miles in 2024 rather than the traditional 1 1/2 miles due to the configuration of Saratoga's main track. In addition, NYRA has increased the purse of the GI Resorts World Casino Manhattan from $750,000 to $1 million and boosted the GI New York from $600,000 to $750,000. As a result, the total purses offered at the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will exceed $10 million for the first time. NYRA has also boosted the purse of the GIII Poker from $200,000 to $350,000 and added $100,000 to the purses of the GI Woody Stephens, the GI Jaipur and the GII True North. Accordingly, the Woody Stephens and Jaipur will offer a purse of $500,000, with the True North rising to $350,000. Differences between the circumference of Saratoga Race Course and Belmont Park will require slight distance adjustments to a number of races scheduled for the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. On the main track, four races previously run at a one-turn 1 1/16 miles on the main track (Acorn, Ogden Phipps, Commentator and Critical Eye) will be run at 1 1/8 miles around two turns. On the turf, the Manhattan and New York will be contested at 1 3/16 miles rather than the customary 10 furlongs. The Jaipur and $200,000 GII Intercontinental, which saw un upgrade from Grade III status last year, will each be run at 5 1/2 furlongs rather than the customary six furlongs. The Festival opens with four stakes on Thursday, June 6 led by the $250,000 GII Belmont Gold Cup for older horses traveling two miles on the turf. The June 6 program will include the Listed $150,000 Jersey Girl for sophomore fillies sprinting six furlongs; the Listed $150,000 Tremont for juveniles sprinting 5 1/2 furlongs and the $150,000 Astoria at 5 1/2 furlongs for juvenile fillies. Friday, June 7 will feature three Grade I events among four stakes topped by the New York for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up; the $500,000 Acorn for sophomore fillies and the $500,000 Just a Game at one mile on the turf for fillies and mares 4-years-old and up. The GII Intercontinental for older fillies and mares rounds out the stakes action on the second day of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. A blockbuster Belmont Stakes Day at Saratoga awaits on Saturday, June 8 with a program to include six Grade I events among nine stakes races in total, culminating with the Belmont S. and featuring three Breeders' Cup “Win And You're In” qualifiers: the $1-million GI Metropolitan H. for 3-year-olds and up going one mile out of the Wilson Chute [Dirt Mile]; the $500,000 GI Ogden Phipps for older fillies and mares [Distaff]; and the $500,000 GI Jaipur for 3-year-olds and up [Turf Sprint]. In addition, the prestigious and historic Grade I races on Belmont Stakes Day will include the $1-million Resorts World Casino Manhattan for older horses, and the seven-furlong $500,000 Woody Stephens for sophomores. Belmont Stakes Day at Saratoga will be bolstered by the GII True North for older horses sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs; the GIII Poker for older horses at one mile on the turf and the $350,000 GII Suburban for older horses at 10 furlongs. The 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga will conclude on Sunday, June 9 when New York-breds take center stage for a special New York Showcase Day featuring six stakes exclusively for New York-breds. For the complete Belmont Stakes Racing Festival stakes schedule, visit BelmontStakes.com/schedule. The post Belmont Stakes Racing Festival to Feature 23 Stakes Worth $10.1 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In all of its first five runnings, the January grade 1 stakes at Gulfstream Park has been captured by American horses. That could change Saturday with a European filly, Warm Heart, favored in the 1 1/8-mile turf contest.View the full article

"Fashion Friday" at Meydan Racecourse offers previews of the big races on World Cup night, including the likes of Clapton prepping for the Dubai World Cup (G1) itself and Mawj auditioning for the Dubai Turf (G1).View the full article

Billy Webster (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}) (lot 275A), a winner of three of his four starts, has been added to the Tattersalls February Sale, which takes place on Feb. 1-2. Offered by George Scott's Eve Lodge Stables, the dark bay wildcard is owned by H E Redha Munfaredi and is rated 97 by Timeform off a dominant 1000-metre win at Southwell on Jan. 6. A son of the Nayef mare Some Site (Ire), he is her lone winner. His second dam is GIII Matchmaker S. winner Horatia (Ire) (Machiavellian), who foaled the G3 Pinnacle S. winner Moment In Time (Ire) (Tiger Hill {Ire}), who was third in the GI E. P. Taylor S. at Woodbine. To view the complete Tattersalls February Sale catalogue, please click here. The post Winning Profitable 3-Year-Old Joins Tattersalls February Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Elie Hennau has been appointed director general of France Galop, with Henri Pouret promoted to deputy managing director of the organisation. Pouret, who has been with France Galop for 20 years and was previously the deputy general manager, will remain in charge of racing operations and the management of racecourses and training centres. He will also represent France Galop in international matters. Hennau, a former amateur rider, has previously been president of the Fegentri organisation for amateurs. With a business background in insurance, he is currently director of the individual protection market at AXA France and managing director of its subsidiary ADIS. A statement released by France Galop on Wednesday evening read, “The Board of Directors of France Galop met in an extraordinary session this Wednesday, January 24, 2024, and validated the proposal of Guillaume de Saint-Seine, [who was] elected President of France Galop on December 12, 2023, to appoint Elie Hennau director general of France Galop. The same board also approved Guillaume de Saint-Seine's proposal to promote Henri Pouret to the position of deputy managing director.” The post Elie Hennau is New Head of France Galop appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Caulfield Races Where Caulfield Racecourse – Gate 22, Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Friday, January 26, 2024 First Race 1:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble A bumper day of feature racing awaits punters at Caulfield on Friday afternoon, with the Group 3 Manfred Stakes headlining a stacked eight-race card. The Blue Diamond Preview’s, WJ Adams Stakes and John Dillon Stakes look to be cracking support races for the Australia Day meeting, set to be run on a Good 4. The rail will stick in the true position, with public holiday racing set to get underway at 1:20pm AEDT. Keep reading for our free race-by-race preview and quaddie selections for Caulfield Race 1: BM64 Handicap (2400m) We have been with Speranzoso at his last two starts, and despite being overhauled late at Geelong, we’re confident the Clayton Douglas-trained stayer can return to the winners stall. A repeat of his win two back in BM64 grade at Cranbourne, the Siyouni progeny would put a decent gap on his rivals in this. Damian Lane will have no issue in find the front, having drawn out wide in barrier 12, and with little to no early speed drawn underneath them, the pair can dictate terms at their own leisure. Caulfield should suit Speranzoso perfecly, and we expect he will prove too hard to run down in the opener. Selections: 2 SPERANZOSO 1 PITTSBURGH PIRATE 5 NORTHERN BARRAGE 9 KENTUCKY NICK Next Best Race 1 – #2 Speranzoso (12) 5yo Gelding | T: Clayton Douglas | J: Damian Lane (61kg) +380 with Playup Race 2: BM70 Handicap (1400m) Stepping back from Listed grade, the Mick Kent-trained Eternal Flame looks to have found the perfect race to win second-up from a spell. The four-year-old mare was hitting the line nicely behind Va Via at Geelong and a repeat of that performance should be good enough to salute here. Barrier six looks ideal for the Sacred Falls mare and if Damian Lane can have her in clear air when the whips are cracking, we expect Eternal Flame to thunder home and blouse her rivals. The $2.50 on offer with top horse racing bookmakers looks an absolute steal. Selections: 3 ETERNAL FLAME 1 FRENCHMANS BAY 8 SHE’S NOTORIOUS 6 VERSILIA Best Bet Race 2 – #3 Eternal Flame (6) 4yo Mare | T: Michael Kent | J: Damian Lane (59.5kg) +150 with Picklebet Race 3: Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (F) (1000m) The Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) and considering race experience is massive in early juvenile races, we’re siding with Hayasugi. The two-year-old filly is first-up from a spell, and considering she chased home the likes of Bold Bastile, Eneeza and Arabian Summer during her initial campaign, and based on her recent Cranbourne jumpout success, she looks primed for this. We expect Jamie Kah will have her outside lead throughout the 1000m scamper, and when asked for the ultimate effort, prove too hard to run down. Selections: 1 HAYASUGI 5 MATISSE 2 BELLA CORAZON 6 MIND SHIFT Blue Diamond Preview (F) Race 3 – #1 Hayasugi (8) 2yo Filly | T: Clinton McDonald | J: Jamie Kah (56kg) +250 with Neds Race 4: Listed Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) (1000m) Much like with the Blue Diamond Preview for the girls, we’re siding with the raceday experience of Blue Stratum in the boys’ race. He threw away a win in the Group 3 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) on debut when going down to Dublin Down after taking his mind off the job when it mattered most. The two-year-old Blue Point colt was an impressive jumpout winner over 800m at Caulfield on January 16, and from barrier nine, if he can find the rail, the race may be over within the first two furlongs. As long as he does not get caught wide, we’re confident Blue Stratum can run his rivals ragged. Selections: 1 BLUE STRATUM 4 HIGH OCTANE 8 LIMAHULI 6 INNERVISIONS Blue Diamond Preview (C&G) Race 4 – #1 Blue Stratum (9) 2yo Colt | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Harry Coffey (56kg) +320 with Bet365 Race 5: Listed WJ Adams Stakes (1000m) Katsu could not have been anymore impressive when winning in Listed company at Flemington on December 20 and on his return to the Sandown 1000m, he looks hard to go past. He has two wins second-up from a campaign in as many attempts and from barrier one under Jordan Childs will be given every opportunity to keep that record intact. Najem Suhail will be the perfect ‘bunny’ for Katsu to get into the race. Despite rising 3.5kg in the weights, Katsu clearly has the most upside in the field that lines up in the Listed WJ Adams Stakes, and a repeat effort of his Flemington, should be more than good enough for Katsu to get the better of race favourite Va Via and other rivals. Selections: 2 KATSU 6 VA VIA 1 NAJEM SUHAIL 7 FOXICON WJ Adams Stakes Race 5 – #2 Katsu (1) 4yo Gelding | T: Grahame Begg | J: Jordan Childs (58.5kg) +320 with Dabble Race 6: Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) The 2024 edition of the Group 3 Manfred Stakes (1200m) is one of the best editions of the race we have seen in some time. With a majority of these looking to claim Group 1 glory over a touch further, we’re hoping Scentify can cause a bit of an upset at a nice price. He found the 1600m a touch too much for him in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at the end of last prep, but with two wins and a runner-up finish to his name at the 1200m, he looks a great each-way play in Friday’s feature. Barrier one is a touch concerning considering he will be settled towards the rear of the field. However, if the Justify colt can get a genuinely run affair, Scentify has a strong turn of foot and can prove to be the superior three-year-old in the Manfred. Selections: 5 SCENTIFY 2 STEPARTY 4 CARBONADOS 1 KING COLORADO Best Value Race 6 – #5 Scentify (1) 3yo Colt | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Ben Allen (57kg) +1100 with Betfair Race 7: Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m) Buffalo River strung together a couple of nice Stakes wins at the Caulfield 1400m during the spring, and on his return from a brief spell, the evergreen eight-year-old gelding can return a winner. Having won twice, and finished second on four occasions when fresh into a campaign, we know the occasion will not be a daunting one for the son of Noble Mission. Celine Gaudray sticks on board and from barrier two, the pair draw to do no work in an attempt to find the front. With no other speed influences in the event, Buffalo River will get it as he pleases out in front, and he looks to hard to run down in the Listed John Dillon Stakes. Selections: 2 BUFFALO RIVER 6 YONCE 5 UNUSUAL CULTURE 1 AYRTON John Dillon Stakes Race 7 – #2 Buffalo River (2) 8yo Gelding | T: Mike Moroney | J: Celine Gaudray (57kg) +450 with Unibet Race 8: BM78 Handicap (1400m) Races do not get any harder then the BM78 that ends the Australia Day program. We’ve taken the field in the quaddie, considering it is $7 the field. It’s a genuine dartboard job, we have sided with Fortunate Kiss but with zero confidence. If you are alive heading into the quaddie finale, sit back and relax. Too tough. Selections: 7 FORTUNATE KISS 11 JENNY JEROME 14 MARBLE ARCH 15 TASMAN PARK Caulfield quaddie tips – Australia Day 2024 Caulfield quadrella selections Friday, January 26, 2024 2-6 2-3-4-5 1-2-5-6 Field | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB) will conduct its annual Stallion Season Auction from Tuesday, Feb. 6 to Thursday, Feb. 8 on Wanamakers.com. The annual auction raises funds that allow the NYTB to carry on its two-fold mission of promoting New York breeding and racing and protecting the welfare of industry stakeholders. The auction has routinely attracted donated seasons from farms in the Empire State and Kentucky, including McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, Sequel New York, Irish Hill & Dutchess Views Stallions, Rockridge Stud, Coolmore America, Lane's End, Darley America, Darby Dan Farm, and additional farms. “We're extremely proud of the widespread participation and diverse quality of stallions standing in New York state and the Commonwealth of Kentucky for breeders to appropriately match their mare,” said New York Thoroughbred Breeders Executive Director Najja Thompson. New York-bred program stakeholders receive more than $60 million distributed in purse money, breeding incentives, and awards for New York-breds eligible to compete in more than 600 New York-bred races run annually on the New York Racing Association circuit and Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack. Visit nytbreeders.org to view the most current list of stallions in the auction. Contact NYTB directly at 518.587.0777 or info@nytbreeders.org to donate a season. The post NYTB Stallion Season Auction Set for Feb. 6-8 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NYRA announced the stakes schedule for the 2024 spring meet at Aqueduct Racetrack, which will feature 12 stakes worth $2.675 million in total purses, topped by the 99th running of the $750,000 Wood Memorial Stakes (G2) April 6.View the full article

Land Force (Ire), who won the G2 Richmond S. and was fourth in the G1 Prix Morny, will stand at Hedgeholme Stud for £2,500, Jake Warren confirmed to the TDN. The former Highclere Stud-based stallion's eldest foals are now 3-year-olds. Among his best runners to date is the stakes-placed Velox (Tur). A total of 130 mares were covered by the son of No Nay Never in 2023, and he had been due to stand at Highclere for £2,500 this term. The post Land Force On The Move To Hedgeholme Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA), National Turf Writers and Broadcasters (NTWAB) and Daily Racing Form announced that for the second year running, the story of Cody's Wish has been voted the FanDuel Racing/NTRA Moment of the Year based on the results of nearly 4,000 votes case via Twitter in an online poll. Cody's Wish thrilled his fans, including his late namesake Cody Dorman, with a successful defense of his title in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Nov. 4 The Moment of the Year will be recognized during the 53rd Annual Eclipse Awards Presented by FanDuel, John Deere, Keeneland and The Jockey Club Thursday at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. The 13 eligible 2023 moments were selected to illustrate the wide range of equine achievements and human emotions, as well as exceptional displays of athleticism. Voting concluded at midnight on Jan. 17. The post Cody’s Wish Wins Moment Of The Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Australian jockey lands his first victory since November and is hopeful the win of Sky Forever can help him get the ball rolling againView the full article

The Grade II, $750,000 Wood Memorial Presented by Resorts World Casino is the richest of 12 added-money events scheduled worth a combined $2.675 million for the Aqueduct spring meeting, to be held Apr. 4 through Apr. 28. NYRA has increased the purse of six stakes to be contested during the Aqueduct spring meet. Four listed events have received a $50,000 boost, including the Top Flight S., Danger's Hour S., Plenty of Grace S. and Memories of Silver S. The GIII Distaff H. and the Woodhaven S. have each been increased by $25,000, raising the purse of the Distaff to $175,000 and the Woodhaven to $125,000. Stakes action kicks off Saturday, Apr. 6, with the running of the Wood, a nine-furlong contest that serves as the final local prep for the GI Kentucky Derby four weeks later. As part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the Wood offers 200 qualifying points on a scale of 100-50-25-15-10. The fillies' counterpart, the $200,000 GII Gazelle S., also takes place Apr. 6, with 200 Kentucky Oaks points up for grabs on the same scale. Wood Memorial day will also feature the $250,000 GII Carter H., the Distaff H. and the $175,000 Listed Bay Shore S. The Listed Top Flight S. is scheduled for Saturday, Apr. 13, while New York-bred 3-year-old males and fillies take center stage the following afternoon in the Times Square S. and Park Avenue S., both part of the New York Stallion Stakes Series. Turf stakes return the weekend of Apr. 20 and 21, with the running of the Danger's Hour and the Plenty of Grace. Sophomore turf males and fillies go postward in the Woodhaven on Apr. 27 and Memories of Silver Apr. 28, respectively. Click here for the schedule. The post Wood Memorial Highlights Aqueduct Spring Stakes Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Nine new race days have been added to the World Pool calendar in the first six months of 2024, including the Newmarket fixture on Sunday, May 5 which features the G1 QIPCO 1,000 Guineas. One other race on the card will be included during a bumper weekend of action on the Rowley Mile, following on from the entire G1 QIPCO 2,000 Guineas card on Saturday, May 4 which has been a World Pool event since 2022. The other additions to the schedule include the G1 Tattersalls 1,000 Guineas and G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, both run at the Curragh on Sunday, May 26, plus five new fixtures from Australia–starting with G1 Blue Diamond Stakes Day at Caulfield on Saturday, February 24–and two from South Africa. The World Pool, the largest globally commingled horse racing pools, was created and is powered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC). In total, there will be 21 World Pool fixtures in the first half of 2024, with bettors from 28 countries able to bet into the same pools on those given days. Michael Fitzsimons, executive director, Wagering Products, at the Hong Kong Jockey Club, said, “We're excited to be continuing the expansion of World Pool in 2024 by adding new race days from Australia, South Africa, the UK and Ireland to our growing list of fixtures. “We want World Pool to be in action for the biggest races throughout the year, so it's fantastic to add two more historic Classics to our roster in 2024, with the English 1,000 Guineas and Irish 1,000 Guineas joining the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby and English 2,000 Guineas as World Pool race days.” The post Nine Race Days Added to 2024 World Pool Calendar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last year, no one seemed prepared to head to the head of the class when it came to the group of 3-year-old fillies heading to the GI Kentucky Oaks. Eclipse Award winner Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief) was defeated in her two preps for the Oaks and finished out the year at 0-for-4 before being retired. Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief) failed to live up to the considerable hype and never even made it to the Oaks. The regally bred Julia Shining (Curlin) went 0-for-2 in her preps and also failed to make the Oaks. And Tell Me Nolies (Arrogate) went on a seven-race losing streak after winning the GII Chandelier S. This year didn't get off to a good start when Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella reported that 'TDN Rising Star' Tamara (Bolt d'Oro), the beaten favorite in the Juvenile Fillies and a daughter of the great Beholder (Henny Hughes), won't make the Oaks after coming out of the Breeders' Cup with a crack in a splint bone. What's left, however, looks like a solid and deep group. Here's a look at our first Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for 2024: 1) JUST F Y I (f, Justify–Star Act, by Street Cry {Ire}) O/B-George Krikorian (Ky); T-Bill Mott. Lifetime Record: GISW, 3-3-0-0, $1,317,750. Last start: WON Nov. 3 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Kentucky Oaks Points: 40. Next Start: TBD The daughter of Justify is a pretty obvious number one. She went 3-for-3 last year, ending her season with a narrow win in the Juvenile Fillies for trainer Bill Mott and is likely to be named champion 2-year-old filly at Thursday's Eclipse Awards. The only knock on her at this point is that she's not particularly fast. On the Beyer scale, her best number was the 79 she ran in the Breeders' Cup. By way of comparison, Pretty Mischievous (into Mischief) ran a 92 when winning the Oaks last year. That she is trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott is a plus as Mott is not known for pushing his 2-year-olds. So look for this one to get even better. Mott will be seeking his first win in the Oaks. He has not mapped out a schedule for Just F Y I yet, but says it's likely she'll make her 3-year-old debut in early March. She had her first work of 2024 on Jan. 15, breezing three furlongs at Payson Park in :37.20. 2) CANDIED (f, Candy Ride {Arg}–Toni Tools, by Roaring Fever) O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Buck Pond Farm, Inc. (Ky); T-Todd A Pletcher. Sales history: $165,000 yrl '22 FTJUL. Lifetime Record: GISW, 3-2-0-1, $595,800. Last start: 3rd Nov. 3 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filles. Kentucky Oaks Points: 19. Next Start: TBD Sold for the bargain price of $165,000 at Fasig-Tipton July, she showed her class when winning the GI Darley Alcibiades S. by a length in just her second career start. “I thought it was super impressive,” trainer Todd Pletcher said of the Alcibiades win. “It's not only a lot to do for any horse, but when you factor in that she was running against some really seasoned fillies that had multiple starts like Brightwork (Outwork) and (Kenny) McPeek's filly, V V's Dream (Mitole). Those fillies had quite a bit of an experience edge on Candied. For her to stretch out from six furlongs and go to a mile and a sixteenth against those fillies in only her second start that was a tall order, and she delivered an impressive performance.” She followed that up with a good effort in the Juvenile Fillies, where she finished third, beaten just three-quarters of a length. She ran a 78 Beyer in the Juvenile Fillies and will obviously have to improve off of that. 3) JODY'S PRIDE (f, American Pharoah–Jody's Song, by Scat Daddy) O-Parkland Thoroughbreds & Sportsmen Stable; B-Mr. Steve Weston (Ky); T-Jorge R Abreu. Lifetime Record: SW & GISP, 3-2-1-0, $480,250. Last start: 2nd Nov. 3 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Kentucky Oaks Points: 15. Next Start: TBD Was one of the biggest surprises of the day when second in the Juvenile Fillies at odds of 17-1. With Flavien Prat aboard, she missed by just a neck and was gaining on Just F Y I at the end. She proved a lot that day, as it was her first start beyond six furlongs, the distance of the Matron S., which she won by 3 1/4 lengths. She is by American Pharoah and her connections evidently thought she'd turn out to be a grass horse. Both the Matron and her maiden win at Saratoga came in races that were originally scheduled for the grass. In the days leading up to entry day for the Breeders' Cup, her connections were still debating whether or not she should run in the Juvenile Fillies of in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Has had two published workouts this year, the most recent on Jan. 20 when she went five furlongs in 1:02.05. 4) INTRICATE (f, Gun Runner–Complex Analysis, by Distorted Humor) O-Bradley Thoroughbreds, Laura Leigh Stable, Scot Estes & Cambron Equine, LLC; B-LBD Stable, LLC (Ky); T-Brendan Walsh. Sales history: $200,000 yrl '22 KEESEP; $280,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 3-2-0-0, $302,180. Last start: WON Nov. 25 GII Golden Rod S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S., FG, Feb. 17. Trainer Brendan Walsh will try to win his second straight Kentucky Oaks after scoring last year with Pretty Mischievous. Like Pretty Mischievous, Intricate will take the Fair Grounds route to the Oaks. She showed little in her debut when sprinting, but was a different horse when Walsh stretched her out for a mile-and-a-sixteenth maiden at Keeneland, which she won by 3 1/2 lengths. She was even better when capturing the GII Golden Rod S. at Churchill on Nov. 25, posting an easy 5 1/4-length win. She earned an 85 Beyer in the Golden Rod, which puts her ahead of the Juvenile Fillies horses. Preparing for her 3-year-old debut, she's had two half-mile works at the Fair Grounds. 5) KOPION (f, Omaha Beach–Galloping Ami, by Victory Gallop) O-Spendthrift Farm; B-Tall Oaks Farm (Ky); T-Richard Mandella. Sales history: $270,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 2-2-0-0, $96,600. Last Start: WON Jan. 7 GIII Santa Ynez S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: GIII Las Virgenes S., SA, Feb. 10. The Mandella barn suffered a setback when Tamara was injured in the Juvenile Fillies, but they have a worthy replacement in Kopion. Like Tamara, she is owned by Spendthrift Farm. She was an easy winner of her maiden voyage in November at Del Mar and then came back to win the GIII Santa Ynez S. at odds of 1-5. In the process, she became the first graded stakes winner for sire Omaha Beach. She was the easiest sort of winner in the Santa Ynez, but faced off against only three rivals. “I love (Omaha Beach),” Mandella said after the Santa Ynez. “He was such a class horse, a good horse, and this filly (Kopion) has just been a star ever since she came back.” She earned an 86 Beyer in her win. 6) LIFE TALK (f, Gun Runner–Touchy Feely, by Bernardini) O-Repole Stable; B-Gun Runner Syndicate, Mulholland Springs, LLC & Tom Grether Farms, Inc. (Ky); T-Todd A Pletcher. Sales history: $160,000 wnlg '21 KEENOV; $335,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW & GISP, 5-2-1-1, $364,250. Last start: WON Dec. 2 GII Demoiselle S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 19. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S, FG, Feb. 17 or Suncoast S., Tam, Feb. 10. She didn't show a lot when third in the Frizette and fourth in the Juvenile Fillies, but a different horse showed up for the GII Demoiselle S. at Aqueduct. Sent off at even-money, she led every step of the way on her way to a 3 3/4-length win. You might want to downgrade that effort a bit because she hugged the rail on a day when the inside and speed dominated. Owner Mike Repole deals mainly with colts and his goal every year is to win the Derby. But his team wasn't afraid to go after a good filly prospect, plunking down $335,000 to purchase this one at Keeneland September. 7) LESLIE'S ROSE (f, Into Mischief–Wildwood Rose {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Whisper Hill Farm; B-John D. Gunther & Eurowest Bloodstock Services (Ky); T-Todd Pletcher. Sales history: $1,150,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $89,950. Last start: WON Jan. 11 AOC at Gulfstream Park. Kentucky Oaks Points: 0. Next Start: GII Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 2. A $1.15-million Keeneland September purchase by Mandy Pope's Whisper Hill Farm, Leslie's Rose has been brought along slowly by trainer Todd Pletcher. She didn't debut until Nov. 19 when she romped by 9 1/4 lengths in a maiden at Aqueduct, earning the 'TDN Rising Star' badge. Rather than rushing her into a stakes race, Pletcher picked out a Jan. 11 allowance at Gulfstream, which she won by a length, earning an 88 Beyer. Has never gone beyond seven furlongs, so will have to pass that test before climbing too high in these rankings. Has an interesting pedigree. Is by Into Mischief out of an unraced daughter of Galileo (Ire). 8) ALPINE PRINCESS (f, Classic Empire–Le Moine, by Curlin) O-Full of Run Racing, LLC & Madaket Stable LLC; B-Betz/DJ Stable/Peter Lamantia/Classic Empire Syndicate (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $190,000 yrl '22 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 5-3-0-1, $210,810. Last Start: WON Dec. 23 Untapable S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 10. Next Start: TBD. What would the road to the Kentucky Oaks be without a good Brad Cox-trained horse or two? Cox has a handful of contenders and Alpine Princess may be the best. After breaking her maiden, she ran dismally in the Alcibiades, but acted up at the gate that day. She redeemed herself with an allowance win at Churchill and followed that up with a two-length win over stablemate West Omaha (West Coast) in the Untapable S. at the Fair Grounds. West Omaha came back to score an easy win in the Silverbulletday S., also at the Fair Grounds. 9) WEST OMAHA (f, West Coast–Birthday Bash, by Medaglia d'Oro) O/B-Gary and Mary West Stables (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: SW, 4-2-2-0, $203,000. Last start: WON Jan. 20 Sillverbulletday S. Next Start: GII Rachel Alexandra S, FG, Feb. 17 or GIII Honeybee S., OP, Feb. 24. After losing to Alpine Princess, this Cox-trainee made amends when scoring an easy five-length win in the Silverbulletday. She was sent off at 9-10 odds in a six-horse race that didn't come up that strong. Cox also has Busanda S, winner Gin Gin (Hightail), who will take the New York-route to the Oaks. West Omaha ran an 84 Beyer in the Busanda. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. 10) NOTHING LIKE YOU (f, Malibu Moon–Miss Derek, by Brother Derek) O-Georgia Antley Hunt, Jeff Giglio & John Rogitz; B-Notch Hill Farm, Wolverton Mountain Farm & Spendthrift Stallions LLC (Ky); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $67,000 wnlg '21 KEENOV; $20,000 yrl '22 KEESEP; $190,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GSW, 6-3-1-0, $237,160. Last start: WON Dec. 9 GII Starlet S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 0. Next Start: TBD. The only reason this filly doesn't have any points is because when she won the GII Starlet S. at Los Alamitos she was trained by Bob Baffert. It remains to be seen whether or not she'll be transferred to another barn so that she can run in the Oaks. She's 2-for-2 in races at a mile or more and is riding a three-race winning streak. Co-owner John Rogitz purchased the filly for $190,000 at the Ocala Breeders' Sales Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. That was the third time Nothing Like You had gone through a sale. She was bought for $67,000 as a weanling at the 2021 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale and just $20,000 at the 2022 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The post The TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 For Jan. 24 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first event in the Irish Equine Veterinary Association (IEVA) CPD Series 2024, named “Stud Medicine–Following the Evidence”, will be held at Glasson Lake House, Athlone, County Westmeath on Thursday, Feb. 1. The all-day event, sponsored by Veterinary Immunogenics and supported by Molloy Veterinary, begins with registration and a welcome breakfast at 9 a.m. Speakers secured for the event include Patrick Brogan, Kevin Corley, James Gibbons, Sean Finnan, Niamh Lewis, Siobhan McAuliffe, Julie Storme, Nikki Walsh and Margaret Wilson. A wide variety of topics will be discussed. VCI points are pending. For more information, tickets, and to register, please visit the IEVA website. The post IEVA CPD Series Begins With All-Day “Stud Medicine” Event appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tim Glyshaw will conclude a chapter in his career Jan. 27 at Turfway Park, saddling his final horse as a trainer before assuming the role of executive director of the Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Feb. 1.View the full article

As we approach the opening of the 2024 breeding season, the TDN staff is once again sitting down with leading breeders to find out what stallions they have chosen for their mares, and why. Here we catch up with Larry Johnson, the owner of Legacy Farm in Bluemont, Virginia. “I'm trying to go from primarily breed-to-race to more commercial opportunities,” said Johnson. A GREAT TIME (10, Street Magician – Short Time, by Clever Trick) to be bred to Constitution A homebred stakes winner of nearly $250,000 by my homebred stallion Street Magician (Street Cry {Ire}), she is a three-quarter sister to homebred Grade I winner Victor's Cry (Street Cry {Ire}). Her first foal by Gun Runner is a just-turned 2-year-old that I will race. She is in foal to Justify, who I was fortunate to get for $100,000, and will be bred to Constitution, who I am a shareholder in. I believe he has his best days still ahead of him. ALLWEWANTFORXMAS (15, Songandaprayer- Grecian Wings, by Mr. Greeley) to be bred to Cody's Wish This MSP homebred is the dam of my Grade III winner of $400,000 Spun Glass (Hard Spun) and the stakes-placed winner of nearly $200,000 Xmas Surprise (More Than Ready). I will race her current 3-year-old by Hard Spun. Her 2-year-old by Gun Runner was a $325,000 Keeneland September Yearling. She is booked to Cody's Wish, whose record and story needs no further explanation. IN THE NAVY NOW (11, Midshipman – Looking Afar, by Broad Brush) to be bred to Maxfield A relatively rare 2-year-old purchase for Mike Trombetta and me. She is a stakes winner of $250,000 and her first foal is the now stakes-placed filly Naval Empire (Empire Maker). Her current 3-year-old sold for $200,000 at Keeneland. She has a Street Sense 2-year-old that we retained and an Omaha Beach yearling. She is in foal to McKinzie and booked to Maxfield to leverage the quality of her current Street Sense 2-year-old. NEVER ENOUGH TIME (6, Munnings – What Time it Is, by Partner's Hero) to be bred to Life Is Good A homebred daughter of Munnings, she is a multiple stakes winner of $400,000. Her first foal is a Constitution yearling. She is back in foal to him and will be bred to Life Is Good, who averaged over $400,000 as a covering sire. The potential should be limitless. PAST AS PRELUDE (13, Bernardini – Magical Meadow, by Meadowlake) to be bred to Charlatan A homebred daughter of Bernardini and a half to my homebred graded stakes winner Street Magician. She is already the dam of the MSP earner of $245,000 Continentalcongres and the stakes-quality filly Future is Now (Great Notion). She is booked to Charlatan for this year. His racing ability and pedigree speaks for itself and his first crop has averaged nearly $200,000. SKY COPPER (19, Sky Mesa – Legendary Priness, by Gone West) to be bred to Maxfield This stakes-placed mare is already the dam of Sky's Not Falling, a current stakes winner of $400,000, and two stakes horses by Street Magician. Her current 2-year-old by McKinzie was a $230,000 RNA at Saratoga this past year. She has a McKinzie yearling and is in foal to him. She is booked to Maxfield for 2024, all to leverage the Street Cry influence (that has already worked). The 2024 breeding will also be a 3×3 breeding to Caress, the dam of Sky Mesa. SPUN GLASS (7, Hard Spun – Allwewantforxmas, by Songandaprayer) to be bred to Medaglia d'Oro Spun Glass is a newly retired homebred Grade III winner of $400,000. Her first breeding will be to Medaglio d'Oro, a proven Grade I sire who gets runners on all surfaces and distances. At his current fee, he is a remarkable value. WALK OF STARS (13, Street Sense – Star Kell, by Star de Naskra) to be bred to Essential Quality Walk of Stars is a homebred stakes winner and is a half to Strike the Moon (Malibu Moon), a multiple stakes winner of nearly $700,000, and What Time It Is (Partner's Hero), the dam of MSW Never Enough Time (Munnings). Her 3-year-old by Constitution was a $600,000 Keeneland September graduate. She has already produced the stakes placed Hollywood Walk (Animal Kingdom). She has a Maclean's Music yearling and is in foal to Jack Christopher, which will produce a breeding similar to Never Enough Time. She is booked to Essential Quality for 2024 to build on the Tapit bloodline that produced her $600,000 yearling. WHAT TIME IT IS (Partner's Hero – Star Kell, by Star de Naskra) to be bred to Olympiad What Time It Is is a MSP homebred with earnings of $220,000. Her current 3-year-old by Munnings was a $280,000 Saratoga grad and is currently in training with Wesley Ward. She has already produced MSW Never Enough Time (Munnings) and is currently in foal to Charlatan. She will be bred to Olympiad for 2024. Both of these stallions have been extremely well received by the market to this point. The post Mating Plans, Presented by Spendthrift: Legacy Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan Butler, who has served 1/ST RACING AND GAMING as its Chief Executive Officer since September 2022, has been appointed the president of the organization by Belinda Stronach, the Chairwoman and CEO of 1/ST. According to a release, the expansion of Butler's role into president 'reflects and supports Stronach's mandate of continued growth in the company's racing and gaming assets.' Stronach, the daughter of Frank Stronach, has held the position of president in addition to her other roles since the introduction of 1/ST in 2020. Butler's primary focus will be on the innovation and diversification of the company's industry leading wagering and gaming assets. He will work closely with the Chief Executive Officers and leadership of the 1/ST RACING AND GAMING, 1/ST TECHNOLOGY, 1/ST CONTENT and 1/ST EXPERIENCE businesses to drive growth and performance and to achieve strategic objectives. As the CEO of 1/ST RACING AND GAMING, Butler has overseen racing operations at the tracks within the 1/ST portfolio and its training centers while endeavoring to expand the company's gaming footprint to capitalize on the future of sports wagering and gaming. Craig Fravel, Executive Vice-Chairman, 1/ST RACING AND GAMING together with Stephen Screnci, President of Racing & Business Development, 1/ST Racing and Gaming, will assume responsibility for day-to-day racing and training operations. Butler previously served as Chief Operating Officer, 1/ST RACING and as Chief Strategy Officer for The Stronach Group. The post Butler Appointed To Role of 1/ST President appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The questionnaire series continues with Group 1-winning trainer Julie Camacho in the spotlight. Proudest moment of 2023? Shaquille (GB) (Charm Spirit {Ire}) winning the Commonwealth Cup to give us our first Group 1 and our first Royal Ascot winner. What is your biggest ambition for the new year? To try and keep the yard on an upward curve. Give us one horse to follow and why? Our horse to follow is L'Ennemi (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}). We bought him at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale in October. He has a lovely profile and we were happy to secure him for 120,000gns. He has pleased us during his downtime this winter and hopefully he will give us and Martin Hughes [owner] some fun this season. And a young person in the industry to keep an eye on… Jonathan Harding at the Racing Post. We enjoy his work. Who do you think will be champion first-season sire this year? Pinatubo (Ire). And the best value stallion in Europe? Shaquille. What's the one horse you wish you'd bought in 2023? Florida (Ire) (No Nay Never). He just made a little too much for us. Biggest regret? Not buying Quinault (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}) at the sales. Biggest influence on your career? Definitely my Dad [former trainer Maurice Camacho]. If you could sit down for dinner with three people (dead or alive) who would they be and why? William Haggas and William Jarvis as they are great company. The third would be Bryan Adams for the entertainment. We saw him live at Steve Parkin's party last year and thoroughly enjoyed him. The post In The Hot Seat: Julie Camacho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Blue Rose Cen (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), the top-rated three-year-old filly in Europe last year and a Group 1 winner in both of her seasons to race, has been moved from the stable of Christopher Head to that of his fellow Chantilly trainer Maurizio Guarnieri. The news was first reported by Jour de Galop. Blue Rose Cen races in the colours of her breeder Leopoldo Fernandez Pujals of Yeguada Centurion, who, along with Head, also had the second-top-rated horse in Europe last year in Big Rock (Ire) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}), who was given a mark of 127, just a pound below Ace Impact (Ire) and Mostahdaf (Ire), in the official Longines and IFHA World rankings, which were announced on Tuesday in London. Furthermore, Yeguada Centurion also bred France's top-rated juvenile, Ramatuelle (Justify), who is trained by Head for Tony Parker's Infinity Nine Horses. “Yeguada Centurion has expressed the desire to entrust some horses to a new trainer,” Head told Jour de Galop. “This is why Blue Rose Cen joined Maurizio Guarnieri's stable. It was a real pleasure to train Blue Rose Cen for two years. She gave my team and me incredible emotions, and I hope she will do the same for her new trainer.” The Italian-born Guarnieri has taken charge of 10 horses for Yeguada Centurion, including seven juveniles. This story is being updated. The post Blue Rose Cen Switched from Head to Guarnieri appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was the late Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother who was the major supporter of National Hunt racing within Britain's Royal Family, but King Charles III and Queen Camilla could be represented at the Cheltenham Festival with both Reach For The Moon (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and Steal A March (GB) (Mount Nelson {GB}) under consideration for the March showcase. Reach For The Moon, now five, won the G3 Solario S. at two as well as finishing runner-up in the G2 Champagne S., and was at one stage considered a potential Derby candidate. Last September, he moved from the stable of John and Thady Gosden to join National Hunt trainer Jamie Snowden. Though yet to race over hurdles, the gelding has been given an entry for the G1 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle on March 12 and will be campaigned in partnership by HM The Queen and Sir Chips Keswick. He is now registered in the colours of the latter, the former chairman of Arsenal FC. Snowden said of the 105-rated performer on the Flat, “He was obviously a very good horse for John and Thady Gosden and he was a leading contender at one stage for the 2022 Derby. “He had a few little issues on the Flat hence the reason why he has ended up jumping with us as opposed to doing anything else. With a horse that has that kind of rating on the Flat, we have to give him an entry in the Supreme, but we will see how he takes to everything over the next month to six weeks. “Racing is steeped in the tradition of the royal family. The Queen Mother loved it, and the late Queen was a big supporter of the sport. It is wonderful that the King and the Queen are supporting racing as much as ever before.” He added, “We have got some nice horses for them and hopefully Reach For The Moon can fly the flag high. We are lucky to have a horse of his talent and hopefully we can do him justice.” Reach For The Moon was bred by Queen Elizabeth II, as was Steal A March, who runs in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle series qualifier at Huntingdon on Thursday. Trained by Nicky Henderson for the King and Queen, the nine-year-old missed last year's Festival with a setback. He recently returned at Newbury after a year off the track. Henderson said, “Steal A March was going to the Cheltenham Festival last year, and he was all ready for it, but he had a little issue three weeks before which was real bad luck. “He has got a run under his belt, which is a help, as he needs a huge amount of work. He is a horse that takes plenty of getting ready. The step back up in trip to three miles one (furlong) will suit him as well. “That was the plan to have Steal A March run at the Cheltenham Festival last year so let's hope we can do it this year.” The King's niece, Zara Tindall, shares her great-grandmother's love of jump racing and is on the committee of Cheltenham Racecourse as well as being patron of the Retraining of Racehorses charity. The post Royal Jumpers Being Primed for the Festival appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The pathway back to the races for sprinting star Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) is right on track according to assistant trainer Ben Gleeson. Ahead of targeting the Gr.1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) to kick off this autumn, the champion galloper had a spin around Mornington on Wednesday in a jumpout, after an exhibition gallop at Cranbourne a few days earlier. “We planned this about a month ago to get her here,” Gleeson said after Imperatriz finished a close second in the 900-metre heat. “Just a trip away from home, she’s got a few kilos to strip off. It was perfect for where we are at in the prep, Mick (Dee) just sat quietly on her and asked her to improve without letting go and she just cruised to the line under her own steam. “Mick came back in saying it was just perfect so we couldn’t be happier.” Imperatriz will have an official piece of work on February 5 at Cranbourne in a tune-up for her first-up run down the Flemington straight. “We’ll jump her out over 1000m there and that’ll be her last solid hit-out and then we’ve got a week-and-a-half ’til the race, so the timeline works out perfectly,” Gleeson said. “Touch wood, everything’s gone to plan thus far, she looks dappled up and in incredible order, once she tightens up from the two jumpouts she’ll be pretty forward for the Lightning and exactly where we need her.” Michael Dee said Imperatriz is continuing on an upwards trajectory as she gets closer to stepping out at the races for the first time since the Champions Sprint in November last year. “She seems to have come back extremely well, certainly hasn’t gone backwards,” Dee said. “She had an easy hit-out this morning and I think if I’d asked the question she would’ve won quite comfortably. “Everything seems perfect at this stage for her.” View the full article