Wandering Eyes

Leading trainer Johnny Murtagh has identified the leading juvenile prospects that he is looking forward to unleashing this season but spoke out about the increased levels of frustration that trainers are facing when it comes to hanging on to their big-name stars due to what he describes as stagnant levels of prize-money in Ireland. The Group 1-winning handler has called on Horse Racing Ireland, who announced a €1.4 million increase to prize-money [to €69.4 million] for 2024 in the latest budget, not to rest on its laurels. Murtagh, who runs Daamberdiplomat (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) and Final Voyage (Ire) (Camacho {GB}) in valuable all-weather contests at Lingfield and Newcastle respectively on Friday, explained that, with the rising costs that have come with running a busy training yard, he needs to clear €1 million in prize-money per season. He also called for a €100,000 race to be run in Ireland on a weekly basis throughout the Flat season and labelled some of the purses on offer for the feature races at the Curragh and Naas in the opening weeks of the new season as “not good enough.” The Curragh-based handler said, “We should have a 100-grand race every week in Ireland. Look at the Group 3 Devoy Stakes at Naas the other day–that should be a 100-grand race but the winner got €23,600. The Group 3 Gladness Stakes at the Curragh was the same–the winner got just over €40,000. That's no good. How can we keep the best horses in Ireland with that sort of prize-money? If it keeps going the way that it is, we won't have those horses in Ireland.” Murtagh added, “Take horses like Final Voyage and Daamberdiplomat, who I run at Newcastle and at Lingfield on Friday, for example. There is nothing for those horses at Dundalk. The prize-money in England is going up. The way they are going, they'll be looking down on us. “There are a lot of 50-grand races on the Flat in England now. Look at the prize-money at Newcastle, Lingfield and even Chelmsford on Friday and compare that to the final meeting of the year at Dundalk. There's no comparison. Not only that, they have the Racing League and many other valuable handicaps over in Britain. It's not the same in Ireland. HRI shouldn't be resting on its laurels.” Murtagh sent out 41 winners domestically in 2023 and cleared the €1 million mark. In fact, he has earned over €1 million in each of the past four seasons in Ireland but admitted that he may be forced to travel horses more in future if prize-money levels remain the same on home soil. He continued, “I'm looking at where the prize-money is now. Before, it wouldn't pay you to travel over to Britain. Nowadays, you have to travel for the prize-money. We need to stop telling ourselves how great we are in Ireland. It's very frustrating that we are buying horses to sell them in Ireland now. It shouldn't be the case that when, a horse reaches a certain level, it makes more sense to move him on because he can't win even close to what is being offered by the foreign market. “When you come across a horse rated 100, for example, you should be thinking, 'brilliant, I have a horse capable of paying his way for the owners this year,' but it's not the case at all. As I said, there should be a 100-grand race in Ireland every week. The prize-money just isn't good enough.” Just four juveniles made up last year's tally of 41 winners. That number was down from 14 in 2022, eight in 2021 and seven in 2020. In an effort to boost his juvenile stats for this season, Murtagh returned to the yearling sales last year and added roughly 20 youngsters to the team on spec, most of which have now been sold. He explained, “I didn't buy any yearlings a couple of years ago-just trained what was sent to me-and we only had four two-year-old winners last season as a result. I went and bought 20 two-year-old types at the yearling sales last year and I have most of them sold by now. The sweet spot used to be between 20 and 50 grand but it's getting harder and harder to buy those nice horses now. “We have a nucleus of people who support us every year. Fitzwilliam Racing used to buy between eight and 10 yearlings every year but they didn't shop last year so we had to go out and find a few more people.” He added, “It's been difficult. Most of the big owners have their own agents that they like to use. I rarely get orders. I go out and buy the horses on spec and, when you are spending your own money, you approach the sales differently. I think I only had three orders to go and fill at the yearling sales last year. The rest I bought myself and got sold afterwards.” When shopping the yearling sales, Murtagh says that he has certain criteria that he tries to fill when recruiting future runners to the stable. He explained, “We buy an early type who might take us to Royal Ascot, a filly who could win a maiden or get placed in a maiden and then get sold on to America, and then the back-end middle-distance horse who might be good enough for Australia in time. The main thing you're looking for is a horse that you might be able to trade on. Listen, that's the only way you can survive in this business in Ireland. It's terrible when you have to buy horses to sell them. We're becoming a nursery for abroad and that's the problem.” The Aga Khan, for whom Murtagh enjoyed some memorable days in the saddle for, remains a loyal supporter with seven juveniles in training at Fox Covert stables and reportedly more on the way. However, Murtagh explained that, along with the illustrious Aga Khan pedigrees that the stable has the luxury of working with, there are many recruits to the yard that have been less obvious. He said, “We have seven two-year-olds for the Aga Khan in training at the moment and there are still a couple more to come in. There is a Wootton Bassett (GB) colt out of Tanaza (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who goes well, while they also have a nice Footstepsinthesand (GB) colt here as well.” Murtagh added, “I like shopping at the yearling sales because it keeps your eye in. We don't even look at what the horses are by any more. We try to look at every single horse if we can because Lord Rapscallion (Ire), he was by Alhebayeb (Ire), Champers Elysees (Ire) by Elzaam (Aus) and Create Belief (Ire) by Awtaad (Ire). If you are looking at the page first, rather than the model, you won't be able to buy them.” Colts Oasis Dream (GB) colt out of Its A Given (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}) Bought by: Johnny Murtagh/Linehan Bloodstock for €40,000 at Goffs Orby Book 2 Owner: Paddy Woods Comment: This fella is tough, sharp and hardy. He looks ready to go. He may want fast ground so we will need to wait for the ground to dry up. Ardad (Ire) colt out of Sugar Hiccup (Ire) (Refuse To Bend {Ire}) Noel Hartley Bought by Johnny Murtagh / Linehan Bloodstock for €50,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale I haven't had an Ardad before but Eddie [Linehan] was keen to get one as he said he's a sire who gets very good two-year-olds. This lad is sharp and fast. He looks a typical two-year-old type and is exactly what we wanted to have to go to war with this year. Study Of Man (Ire) colt out of Kesarina (GB) (Medicean {GB}) Bought by ATS Racing for €40,000 at the Goffs Orby Part 2 Sale Tony Smurfit A nice colt for the second half of the season. Paddy Twomey has a very nice horse by Study Of Man, Deepone, the winner of the Beresford last year, and he could be a nice horse in the making. Zoustar (Aus) colt out of Abbakova (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}) Bought by FCS Bloodstock/Linegan Bloodstock for £72,000 at the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale I have had a bit of luck with the stallion. We had Young Champion (Ire), which he is known as in Hong Kong, finish second in a Listed race at Naas for us before being sold out there. This lad reminds me a bit of him. Fillies Unnamed Blue Point (Ire) filly out Ridge Ranger (Ire) (Bushranger {Ire}) Bought by FCS Bloodstock / Linehan Bloodstock for 215,000gns at Book 2 at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Wellspec This filly was bought on behalf of Welspec, who also had Malacanne (Ire) (Raven's Pass) with me. She is the first Blue Point I have trained and we were delighted to get her. Blue Point did unbelievably well last year. She's very sharp and is showing us plenty. Hopefully she'll be out by May. Mehmas (Ire) filly out of Under Offer (Ire) (Bated Breath {GB}) Mark Dobbin Bought by Johnny Murtagh/Linehan Bloodstock for €150,000 at the Goffs Orby Book 1 She is a half-sister to Basil Martini (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), who was a Listed winner for Joseph O'Brien. Again, she should make a sharp two-year-old and is coming along nicely with the early bunch. She probably won't be a five-furlong filly but maybe six furlongs could suit her well and she should be out soon. She's owned by Mark Dobbin who is a good supporter. Kodiac (Ire) filly out of Castellated {GB}) Mark Dobbin Bought by FCS Bloodstock / Linehan Bloodstock for 165,000gns at Book 2 at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Another filly owned by Mark Dobbin, she came from Tally-Ho Stud and we like her a lot. I haven't had many by the sire but we're looking forward to this one. Havana Grey (GB) filly out of Freckles (GB) (Arakan) Bought by Johnny Murtagh/Linehan Bloodstock/Nick Bradley Racing at the Goffs Orby Sale Book 2 for €85,000 Nick Bradley has a very nice Havana Grey filly with me. She's probably one of my sharper fillies. Hopefully we'll get her out before the end of April. Nick saw her first-it was him who put her to me. He told me he was out at 50 grand and then when I bought her, he said he'd take half of her. I couldn't leave this filly behind me at the sales. I just kept bidding on her and I'm delighted we have her now. Nick had two horses with us last year and both of them won. In fact, I think every horse he has had with us has won. He's pretty shrewd at picking them out and hopefully this can be another. Belardo filly out of Shelannga (Ire) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) Aga Khan I have more fillies than colts this year and this is a nice one from the Aga Khan. I haven't had many Belardos in the past but this filly goes particularly well. She is showing plenty but we're not going to rush her. She is taking all of her work really well. We have a lovely Too Darn Hot filly for the Aga Khan as well and they are just a couple that are showing the right signs at the moment. Inns Of Court (Ire) filly out of Wild Mix (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) Bought by Johnny Murtagh/Linehan Bloodstock for €50,000 at the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale Tony Smurfit This is a half-sister to Noel Meade's good filly, Caught U Looking (Ire) (Harzand {Ire}), who did very well last year. This is a very big filly and she will be out in the back-end of the season but she is a fine filly. Ten Sovereigns (Ire) filly out of Enharmonic (E Dubai) Bought by Johnny Murtagh/Linehan Bloodstock for €70,000 at the Goffs Orby Sale Michael O'Flynn They don't give stallions a long time to make a name for themselves these days but I'd have to say I'm a fan of Ten Sovereigns and I'm looking forward to this filly. She'll be out in the second half of the season. Raven's Pass filly out of Seschat (Ire) (Sinndar {Ire}) Bought by Syndicates Racing for €22,000 at the Goffs Orby Book 1 Sale Syndicates Racing She is backward-she's a big girl. I think Jack [Cantillon] has all the shares sold in this filly and she's nice. The post ‘We Need To Stop Telling Ourselves How Great We Are – Prize-Money Isn’t Good Enough’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1-winning jockey Dane O'Neill has announced his retirement from the saddle. The 48-year-old's decision has been hastened by injuries sustained in a race fall last July at Wolverhampton, from which he has still not fully recovered. During a career spanning three decades, O'Neill took his first rides in 1992, working for Richard Hannon Sr and later as stable jockey for Henry Candy. In 2012 he was appointed second jockey to Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum's Shadwell operation. In Sheikh Hamdan's colours he won the inaugural Commonwealth Cup on Muhaarar (GB), while his most recent Group 1 wins came aboard Danyah (Ire) and Alfareeq (Ire) in Dubai. “I've given it a good go but unfortunately it is just not healing,” said O'Neill of his fractured T6 vertebra. “There's quite a significant gap between the vertebrae and there was damage to the other vertebra as well. It's filled in a little bit, but not enough and it is mainly filled with scar tissue, so it wouldn't take another impact. “But on a positive note, because I broke seven ribs as well, once I healed and it stabilised, I've never really suffered any pain and I'm leading a normal life, so I've got to be thankful for that. “I got 32 years out of it, so while it isn't the way I wanted to end it, it's a good chunk of time. I was watching some old races back the other day and there's only John Egan still going now.” Reflecting on some of the top horse he partnered during that time, O'Neill continued, “I rode Battaash before he got a bit more sensible, I had the early pleasures of him! He was exceptionally fast. I rode some fast horses but he was freakishly fast. In the early days, it was just a case of hang on and set him off in the right direction. Don't fall out with him and you'll win. He was different. “Winning the first Commonwealth Cup on Muhaarar came at a nice point in my career for Shadwell and that day he came of age, it was nice to give something back to Shadwell and repay that faith. Unfortunately, I didn't get back on him! “I rode Mostahdaf before he hit the heady heights he went on to achieve but another horse I didn't have a long association with was when Mohaather won the Summer Mile for Marcus (Tregoning). “He was very good. He was probably the best I rode because when I rode Baaeed he was at a different stage of his career. That day I rode Mohaather, he was exceptional.” The post Injury Forces Retirement of Dane O’Neill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With heavy rain forecast for this weekend, Santa Anita has canceled live racing on Saturday, Mar. 30 and Sunday, Mar. 31, the track said in a Thursday release. According to the National Weather Service, rain is expected to arrive in the area Friday evening and remain throughout the weekend. A makeup card will be added next Thursday, Apr. 4, with entries to be taken this coming Saturday. The racing that day will include both the GIII Wilshire S., which was scheduled for Saturday, and the GIII American S. that was set to be run this Sunday. In addition to Thursday's card, Santa Anita plans to run extra races Friday through Sunday. All races in the condition book for this weekend will be offered back next week. As a result of the cancellations, no Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 wagers will be offered this weekend. 1/ST Racing was scheduled to seed Saturday's Coast-to-Coast pool with an additional $100,000. That will now take place with the Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 on Sunday, Apr. 7. The popular Easter Egg Hunt, the largest in the San Gabriel Valley, that was scheduled for Sunday, will take place in the Santa Anita infield on Sunday, Apr. 7, while the infield carnival will be offered all four days next week–Thursday through Sunday. Next weekend's Santa Anita Derby card will be drawn on Wednesday, Apr. 6. The post With A Forecast Of Heavy Rain, Santa Anita Cancels Weekend Live Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Repeat winners are rarities on the Dubai World Cup Program and Sibelius has the chance to join those ranks if he can overcome a talented international field in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) March 30.View the full article

Two days after Classic prospect Narkez (Fr) brought up an 11th TDN Rising Star for Siyouni (Fr), White Birch Farm's unbeaten filly Louise Procter (Fr) made it a dozen for the Aga Khan's star sire when dazzling at Chantilly. Coming into Thursday's Prix du Belvedere off the back of two juvenile wins at Saint-Cloud and Deauville spaced apart in May and December, the Jean-Claude Rouget-trained granddaughter of Anabaa's Creation (Ire) (Anabaa) travelled easily with two behind early. Set alight by Cristian Demuro approaching two out, the 2-1 favourite who is G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches-bound swamped Godolphin's Vertbois (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) a furlong later en route to an authoritative three-length success. Last year's Criterium d'Ete winner Jasna's Secret (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), who had started favourite for the G1 Cheveley Park S. only to disappoint when last seen, was a further length behind in third. Louise Procter, a €360,000 Arqana Deauville August graduate, joins the likes of St Mark's Basilica (Fr), Sottsass (Fr), Paddington (GB) and Tahiyra (Ire) as she adds to her sire's TDN Rising Star tally. She is the third foal out of the Chelsey Flower S. winner Create A Dream (Oasis Dream {GB}), whose second is last year's California Derby runner-up Phosphorescence (Fr) (City Of Light). The aforementioned Anabaa's Creation, who captured the Listed Prix Isonomy before placing in the G1 Prix Saint-Alary in this country, was also runner-up in the GI Clement L. Hirsch S. She is a half-sister to the G3 Prix Cleopatre winner Leo's Starlet (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), whose full-sibling Starlet's Sister (Ire) is the dam of the Arc hero Sottsass himself, the champion turf female Sistercharlie (Ire) (Myboycharlie {Ire}), the multiple group and graded-stakes scorer and GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf and GI Flower Bowl S. runner-up My Sister Nat (Fr) (Acclamation {GB}) and another notable Siyouni in the G1 Hopeful S. runner-up Shin Emperor (Fr). Create A Dream also has the 2-year-old filly Say Yes To Dreams (Ire) again by Siyouni and a yearling son of Dark Angel (Ire) to come. Classic contender! Siyouni filly Louise Procter has French Classic entries and makes a blistering return to action in the Du Belvedere Stakes at @fgchantilly for Cristian Demuro and Jean-Claude Rouget… pic.twitter.com/jlA9ryIeSl — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) March 28, 2024 The post Louise Procter Makes It A Dozen TDN Rising Stars for Siyouni appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The ease and wealth of information available to today's veterinarians might be unimaginable to the veterinarians before who only could document their work on paper. The change is helping to protect horses.View the full article

Godolphin's Ancient Wisdom (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) looks likely to use the Qipco 2,000 Guineas as a stepping stone to the Betfred Derby, according to trainer Charlie Appleby. He said, “Ancient Wisdom won the Futurity on very soft ground and has been held in high regard from very early in his career. “After getting beaten at Ascot he progressed physically, as you would expect from a Dubawi.” Ancient Wisdom won four of his five starts last year, landing the G3 Autumn S at Newmarket prior to his Group 1 triumph. A return to the Rowley Mile for the first Classic of the season appears the favoured option ahead of the G2 Dante S., a traditional Derby trial, which takes place at York on May 16, just over two weeks before Epsom. Appleby continued, “It's possible there will be slow ground for the Guineas, and we will take a look at that with the view that a mile and a half will prove his forte. “If I waited for York and the ground was soft, there's not much time left until Derby to put things right should they go wrong, and it would be a more ambitious route to take.” Appleby also issued an update on the unbeaten filly Dance Sequence (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), winner of the G3 Oh So Sharp S. on her second start last season. He said, “Dance Sequence has done well. William [Buick] sat on her the other day and was delighted. We will take her to the Nell Gwyn and then the English Guineas.” The post Appleby’s Dubawi Double Heading to the Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There’s enough evidence in Pride Of Jenni’s (Pride of Dubai) pedigree to suggest the star mare can run out a strong 2000m in Saturday’s Australian Cup, according to her breeder. Trelawney Stud’s Brent Taylor has watched in awe as the daughter of Pride Of Dubai has emerged as a bonafide star this season via Group One wins in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) and Champions Mile (1600m) last spring, as well as the All-Star Mile (1600m) at her most recent start. Pride Of Jenni’s family is one that Taylor and his wife Cherry have been curating over several generations at the famed New Zealand thoroughbred nursery. It began with the purchase of Success Express mare Real Success after a brilliant racing career that yielded three Stakes wins between 1600m and 2000m. From Real Success, the Taylors bred and raced Queensland Oaks winner Vouvray (NZ), by Zabeel, and her daughter Sancerre (NZ), by O’Reilly. Sancerre won four races out to 2200m and was tried at Group One level in the 2014 Queensland Oaks (2400m), although it’s her deeds as the dam of Pride Of Jenni that have surpassed anything she did on the track. Taylor is bullish that Pride Of Jenni can continue her winning run in Saturday’s A$3 million weight-for-age classic at Flemington. “It’ll be interesting to see how she (Pride Of Jenni) gets on over the 2000m on Saturday,” Taylor said. “Certainly the pedigree further back says she will see a strong 2000m out on her ear. “But horses are individuals, so we’ll see how she gets on of her own account. “We won the Queensland Oaks with a mare called Vouvray out of the family. “Pride Of Jenni’s dam Sancerre actually ran in the Queensland Oaks as well but it turned out she was more of a sprinter and far more effective over 1200m and 1400m.” The decision to send Sancerre to Coolmore Stud’s then-first season sire Pride Of Dubai for her debut mating has proved an inspired one, although Taylor admits it’s not a formula he’s traditionally followed. A brilliant juvenile who won the Blue Diamond and the Sires’ Produce at two, Pride Of Dubai has steadily established himself as one of the country’s premier stallions via the deeds of his versatile stock that, as well as Pride Of Jenni, includes G1 winners Bella Nipotina, Dubai Honour and Desert Lightning (NZ). Taylor said Pride Of Jenni was a standout from her earliest days, prompting the decision to send her to Australia to sell via Segenhoe Stud’s draft at the 2019 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale in Sydney. “We don’t normally go to first-season stallions but, having been to Coolmore to see the horse as an individual, we were very taken with him,” he said. “He was a very good racehorse and we liked the pedigree cross – it’s one we’ve replicated using Per Incanto here in New Zealand. “We thought she was a very good individual from an early stage and we selected her to sell in Australia. “We sell the majority of our yearlings in New Zealand, so to hit the radar to sell in Australia they have to come up on style, type and pedigree. “She was a really good type – she was medium size with good length, good quarters and nice bone, so she was an attractive-looking filly.” Sancerre’s career at stud has been littered with misfortune but Taylor is optimistic that a yearling filly out of the mare can live up to her big sister’s reputation. “She’s (Sancerre) not the greatest breeder but we’ve got a very nice Per Incanto filly, which we’ve kept,” he said. “She’s a yearling and currently at the breakers at the moment. “There’s quite a nice three-year-old by Per Incanto in with Tony Pike called Awatere (NZ) – he’s won from only a handful of starts and looks a very progressive horse. “She’s back in foal to Hello Youmzain.” View the full article

Daqiansweet Junior (NZ) (Sweet Orange) has contested the past two Melbourne Cups and will chase another start in the race at Flemington on Saturday. The Roy Higgins (2600m) offers the winner a ballot exemption into this year’s Cup, one of four staying races run at Flemington that has ‘win and you’re in’ status. Trainer Phillip Stokes expects Daqiansweet Junior to again make this year’s Cup field but wants to take any uncertainty away by scoring on Saturday. “He got into the Cup pretty comfortably last year,” Stokes said. “He should be OK again, but if you don’t have to take the chance it makes the programming easier if we’re going that way.” Daqiansweet Junior ran sixth to Gold Trip in the 2022 Melbourne Cup before improving one position behind Without A Fight last year. Stokes has Daqiansweet Junior on a limited autumn campaign with only one more run after Saturday planned before concentrating on the Cup in November. Daqiansweet Junior has had one run since last year’s Cup, finishing fifth in the Australian Cup Prelude (1800m) at Flemington on March 9. “I thought his first-up run was the best he has put in for a long time,” Stokes said. “He bounced, put himself there, and only got beaten a bit under four lengths which is probably a ‘PB’ for him. “He goes to the Roy Higgins second-up in good order, and then hopefully peaking third-up in the Sydney Cup.” Stokes said Daqiansweet Junior had a four or five-week spell but was doing some light exercise at the trainer’s farm during his break. The gelding kept an amount of residual fitness which Stokes said was the reason he was able to send Daqiansweet Junior to The Roy Higgins second-up and then onto the Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick on April 13. “He had a good break,” Stokes said. “He was up at the farm, and we kept him ticking over, doing a bit of swimming and stuff like that. “He kept a lot of that residual fitness, so that is why he is second-up at that trip.” View the full article

Hezdarnhottoo (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) credited Elsdon Park with their first winner produced off the Matamata-based farm since it was established in 2022. Leading from start to finish at Randwick, the two-year-old colt was having just his second race day appearance after finishing third on debut at the same track a fortnight ago. Ridden by Tommy Berry, Hezdarnhottoo was untroubled during the Toyota Forklifts Hcp (1100m), scoring a comprehensive win by a margin of one and three-quarter lengths. Bred by Elsdon Park’s Lib and Katrina Petagna, Hezdarnhottoo races out of the Bjorn Baker stable and was purchased by Baker in partnership with Clarke Bloodstock for $170,000 out of Elsdon Park’s inaugural 2023 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 draft. The son of Too Darn Hot is the third winner from as many to race for the stakes-placed Savabeel mare Rosa Carolina who raced in Petagna’s familiar blue, yellow and apple green racing colours. “He’s a lovely colt, a bit raw,” stable representative Luke Hilton said. “He jumped in the air at the start the other day. To Tommy’s credit he didn’t drive him mad, he let him find his feet and he worked to the line well.” “He jumped well today, and Tommy took the race by the scruff of the neck. He had a nice colt with wraps on it behind him today.” Elsdon Park’s General Manager Kerrie Cox said the win was an exciting milestone as they continue to build the farm’s brand. “He was actually the first horse ever branded with the Elsdon Park cipher so he has one over one on his offside shoulder, which is special- we even have a video of him being branded to mark the occasion” she said. “He was a real standout as a young horse so it’s great to see him go on and perform on the track. It’s not easy to get a city win as a two-year-old, especially in Sydney. By all accounts the stable has a high opinion of him. “It’s a great advertisement ahead of us taking our first consignment to Sydney next month with three beautiful yearlings, highlighted by our I am Invincible filly out of three-time Group One winner Lucia Valentina.” Rosa Carolina was covered by State Of Rest last spring while Roger James and Robert Wellwood went to $220,000 to secure her Almanzor yearling filly when consigned by Elsdon Park at Karaka 2024. View the full article

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — The final day of the Keeneland September Sale is one where you blink and you miss it. It's a leaner session to begin with numbers-wise and the action is fast….as in, lightning fast. It's a real meat-and-potatoes sort of way to wrap up two exhausting weeks of trade. But, on rare occasions, there are diamonds in the rough to be found. Just ask Nadir Khassanov and while you're at it, talk to the people at Mulholland Springs. On Friday, Sept. 24, 2021, Khassanov, a bloodstock agent from Kazakhstan, paid $12,000 for hip 3831, a chestnut colt with three white socks and a big baldy face who very much resembled his sire California Chrome, who had since departed these shores for Japan. For a horse on day 11 of the sale, the February foal had a fair amount of black-type on his page. His dam Little Emily (Castledale {Ire}) was a stakes winner of better than $132,000 and was kin to a pair of stakes horses, including a solid black-type producer. “I think I would have given up to $20,000 for it, it's just that the prices for California Chrome foals fell that year, and I managed to buy Kabirkhan,” Khassanov explained. “There were some minor flaws, but I liked his conformation and I was a fan of California Chrome.” Mulholland Springs's John Henry Mulholland thought Khassanov was getting a bargain. “Good-looking colt. Very athletic and carried himself with class,” he said. “Not a thing wrong with the colt. If it had been Book 3 or 4 and the market was hot on California Chrome, he brings $100,000. Just one of those things where the commercial market goes cold and it's the last day of the Keeneland September Sale.” So, the colt was off to Kazakhstan to race in the colors of Tlek Mukanbetkaliyev. By now, you've probably seen the video–a three-horse race in which Kabirkhan beat Sky Indy (Sky Mesa)–purchased by Khassanov for $10,000 during Session 10 of the September Sale–by about three lengths at a very sloppy Almaty Racecourse in Kazakhstan's most-populous city. The victory was worth the equivalent of about $350. This is INCREDIBLE! Watch KABIRKHAN make his debut at Almaty Hippodrome in Kazakhstan in 2022…and then watch his runaway G1 win in the Al Maktoum Challenge at Meydan @RacingDubai last night! pic.twitter.com/Z6jKSZtLwp — World Horse Racing (@WHR) January 27, 2024 Two more wins followed at Almaty, including a local Group 1 over 1600 meters, and by the time 2023 had rolled around, Kabirkhan was moved to Russia. There he ran his undefeated streak to eight in the Kabardino Balkaria Derby, good for a $12,000 payday, but he tasted defeat for the first time in $113,000 Russian Derby when beaten by Hero Mo (Mo Town) last September. Russian-based horses have recently left their mark in Dubai, with Azure Coast (Street Sense) winning the 2022 G3 UAE 2000 Guineas as well as Tuz (Oxbow), who took out this year's G3 Al Shindagha Sprint and is not without his chances in this weekend's G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. So it was not entirely shocking to see Kabirkhan transferred to the care of perennial leading trainer Chief Stipe Watson in the Emirates. “We Kazakh equestrians have long dreamed of getting to Dubai, and then such a magnificent horse as Kabirkhan turned up, and we decided to try it,” Khassanov said. “At the moment, he is the most famous horse in Kazakhstan, we all love and support him.” Beyond the agent's wildest dreams, Kabirkhan became arguably the story of this year's Dubai Racing Carnival, turning the tables on Hero Mo in a 2000-meter handicap before following up with another impressive victory in the G1 Al Maktoum Challenge on two weeks' rest. “We really believed in him,” Khassanov insisted. And now he has the opportunity to do something even more special in Saturday's G1 Dubai World Cup against a field that includes defending champion Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits) and GI Santa Anita H. hero Newgate (Into Mischief). “We are considered the third favorites in the race and I will cheer and support him, I think we have a chance to write our name in the history of the Cup,” Khassanov said. “I am very proud of him and wish him only victory.” The post Kabirkhan Helps Put Khassanov, Kazakhstan On The Map appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Australian Cup Day 2024 Where Flemington Racecourse – 448 Epsom Rd, Flemington VIC 3031 When Saturday, March 30, 2024 First Race 12:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Group 1 racing in Victoria wraps up for another season as the Australian Cup (2000m) headlines a stacked 10-race meeting at Flemington on Saturday afternoon. Perfect conditions will greet punters, the track is rated a Good 4, and the rail sticks to its true position for the entire circuit. The action from Flemington is set to commence at 12:15pm AEDT. Keep reading for HorseBetting’s free race-by-race preview of Flemington races. Race 1: Handicap (1100m) Rich Fortune returns to the Flemington straight having finished 2.4 lengths off Imperatriz in the Group 1 Black Caviar Lightning (1000m) two starts ago. She was last seen finishing last in Group 3 company at Rosehill, but with a return to Victoria, it should see her return to the winner’s stall for the first time in over a year. The four-year-old mare will stalk the speed throughout, and armed with a strong turn of foot, Rich Fortune should prove a touch too classy for her rivals in the opener. Selections: 4 RICH FORTUNE 7 GIRL 3 MEGAMEA 2 LEMPICKA Best Bet Race 1 – #4 Rich Fortune (2) 4yo Mare | T: Jerome Hunter | J: Damian Lane (54kg) +210 with Neds Race 2: BM78 Handicap (1100m) Big Watch has strung together consecutive victories down the Flemington straight, and at a big price with horse racing bookies, he can continue that winning sequence. The Mike Moroney-trained sprinter drops back to the 1100m after saluting over 1200m on March 2. No doubt Midtown Boss is a deserved favourite, but armed with a strong finish, Big Watch can absorb the pressure set in the early-middle stages, and with a strong finish can cause an upset. Selections: 4 BIG WATCH 3 MIDTOWN BOSS 13 FLYING ON A LIMB 14 SCULLY Best Value Race 2 – #4 Big Watch (6) 4yo Gelding | T: Mike Moroney | J: Celine Gaudray (a1.5) (59.5kg) +1600 with Playup Race 3: Handicap (1600m) Having his ninth start of the campaign, the rock hard fit El Soleado looks a great play as he steps back in class to the 1600m. The Robbie Laing-trained middle distance runner was outclassed in Group 2 company last time out when defeated by 3.2 lengths behind the likes of Campionessa, Vow And Declare and Gold Trip. With plenty of speed drawn underneath, Craig Williams will look to stalk the speed throughout, and when the gaps come at the top of the straight, El Soleado should have no issue in putting the race away in a couple of strides. Selections: 9 EL SOLEADO 5 FRANKIE PINOT 3 WILD PLANET 7 ARRAN BAY Race 4: Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1200m) Ameena has been breathtaking his her first two careers starts, winning by a combined 6.3 lengths at Bendigo and then Caulfield. The Tassort filly managed to lead from barrier to box in arrogant style last time out when winning under hands and heels. Mark Zahra will likely dictate the race from barrier one and try to hold the rail. As is the case in most juvenile races down the straight, rail in-running is key and with a cheap sectional or two, Ameena should prove too slick for her rivals in the Group 3 Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes. Selections: 4 AMEENA 3 TOBEORNOTTOBE 8 YES LULU 2 FLATTERED Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes Race 4 – #2 Ameena (1) 2yo Filly | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Mark Zahra (56kg) +120 with Dabble Race 5: Listed Ata/Bob Hoysted Handicap (1100m) Back from a brief nine-week freshen up, the Grahame Begg-trained Katsu looks to have found the right race to return a winner in. The classy sprinter faded late in Listed company on January 26 when finishing two-lengths off subsequent Group 1 winner Queman. With a stack of speed engaged, Jordan Childs will have the son of Mikki Isle settled on the heels of the leading pack throughout. When asked for an ultimate effort, Katsu has a strong finish under his bonnet, and he looks the right play. Selections: 6 KATSU 9 SANS DOUTE 7 WHAT YOU NEED 4 NAJEM SUHAIL Race 6: BM80 Handicap (2000m) Sea What I Sea has been nothing short of sensational in his three runs this campaign, winning with plenty hand at all three starts. The son of Sea The Stars was last seen putting 3.8 lengths on rivals on the Heath track at Caulfield, and if he produces a similar performance at Flemington, he looks the goods. Blake Shinn will need a touch of luck from barrier seven, but if the breaks come their way, Sea The Star should continue his rise through the grades in style. Selections: 12 SEA WHAT I SEE 6 SIR ATLAS 7 ARISTONOUS 1 LAUDING Race 7: Listed Sunline Classic (1100m) A purse of $500,000 is on the line in the Listed Sunline Classic (1100m), and based off his classy first-up win, Hedged looks a great play at a nice price. The three-year-old gelding has always oozed class, and based on what he did first-up at the track and trip, he looks ready to strike second-up. He beat subsequent Stakes winner Gumdrops in that performance, and a repeat effort will have him in the finish when the whips are cracking. He will need to go to a new level considering the rivals he faces, but at a quote of $8.50, Hedged is hard to go past. Selections: 6 HEDGED 11 ESTRIELLA 2 I AM UNSTOPPABLE 3 STRETAN ANGEL Race 8: Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) The Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) has attracted one of the best fields in recent times. Eight of the nine runners are previous Group 1 winners, headlined by Mr Brightside and Pride Of Jenni. Cascadian will be looking to spoil the party and defend his Australian Cup crown from 12 months prior, whilst track specialist Atishu will look to blouse her rivals. Click here for HorseBetting’s free preview of the 2024 Group 1 Australian Cup. Race 9: Listed Roy Higgins (2600m) Win, and you are in to the 2024 Melbourne Cup (3200m), that is what is on offer for the winner of the Listed Roy Higgins (2600m). Kiwi raider Mark Twain produced a strong finish in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) when giving the on-pace runners a massive start, before unleashing a strong finish on an Ellerslie track that tends to disadvantage backmarkers. With just 55kg on his back, Michael Dee will have the son of Shocking settled towards the rear of the field once again, but if he can replicate his turn of foot shown in Group 2 company last time out, Mark Twain can blow his rivals away on his return to Australia. Selections: 13 MARK TWAIN 6 DAQIANSWEET JUNIOR 3 DUNKEL 5 GLENTANEOUS Race 10: BM84 Handicap (1400m) Rheinberg was impressive first-up from a spell at Ballarat when nosed out late after needing to pass a pre-race vet track at the barriers on March 11. The five-year-old gelding was having his first start since October 1, and based on his four consecutive wins last campaign, he looks a clear on top selection in the Flemington finale. Celine Gaudray hops on board claiming 1.5kg, and if the pair can find a spot with cover in the first six upon settling, Rheinberg has a bit of class about him, and should prove too hard to hold out. Selections: 2 RHEINBERG 9 GOLDEN PATH 6 GRINGOTTS 3 DASHING Next Best Race 10 – #2 Rheinberg (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Celine Gaudray (a1.5) (60kg) +360 with Bet365 Flemington free Saturday quaddie tips Flemington quadrella selections Saturday, March 30, 2024 1-2-3-5-6-13 1-2-7-8 3-5-6-11-13 2-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Veteran trainer looking to add to his enviable overseas record at Meydan on Saturday night: ‘It’s all about finding the right one’View the full article

The Grey Goose pictured following her win in the $200,000 Southern Mile Final (1600m) at Wingatui earlier this month. Photo: Tayler Strong The connections of The Grey Goose had a healthy payday when the daughter of Reliable Man took out the $200,000 Southern Mile Final (1600m) at Wingatui earlier this month, and they are hoping she is on target for another. The Jo-Ann Gordon-trained four-year-old gained a golden ticket into next month’s $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600) at Riccarton with her last start victory and will head to Riverton on Friday to see if she is up to the mark. “She needs to put on a good show before we go to Christchurch,” Gordon said. “If she is disappointing then she will just go to the paddock, you wouldn’t go up there unless you were in with a pretty good show.” The Riverton track was rated a Heavy 10 on Thursday morning and Gordon said that will be to her mare’s liking. “It looks like it is going to be a Heavy 10 at Riverton on Saturday, so that will mean they don’t go quick early, so she should find it easier to keep a bit closer to the field,” she said. “She seems to run on any track and the wonderful thing she has got is that very good turn of foot. “She is as bright as a button and enjoying the rain. I am happy with her going into the race, but it is a step-up in class.” That step-up in class is Gordon’s major concern ahead of Saturday, labelling 11-win mare Emanon as their biggest threat under the set weights and penalties conditions of the race. “With them all being on the same weight, I think Emanon will be very hard to beat. But we still expect The Goose to go a good race,” she said. A Gavelhouse.com graduate, The Grey Goose has won four of her 12 starts to date and nearly $180,000 in prizemoney, but Gordon expects there is more to come from her mare. “I think the owner paid $2,000 for her as a weanling off Gavelhouse. We had the half-sister (Mother Goose) that we really liked but she got hurt in the paddock. He has had a very good return on his $2,000,” she said. “She is a really nice horse and she is just that much stronger this year. In my opinion, she will be a better horse next year because she is just not quite there yet. “She goes well over a mile, but I think in time as she gets stronger again, she is going to be better suited to 2000m, especially on the firmer tracks.” Horse racing news View the full article

Voyage Bubble goes through his paces at Meydan Racecourse. Aiming to secure a second major success at Meydan Racecourse, Ricky Yiu believes Voyage Bubble has the class and preparation to strongly contend in the HK$39 million G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) on Saturday (March 30). Yiu arrived in Dubai to news 2023 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and 2024 Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) winner Voyage Bubble would jump from barrier one under Mickael Barzalona, with fellow Hong Kong contender Straight Arron in gate 12 for Brenton Avdulla. “It’s a good draw. With the big, roomy track here, you save a lot of ground,” Yui said at Meydan. “It’s definitely an advantage to have a good draw here with the big, wider turn. “I’ll leave it to the good jockey. He (Voyage Bubble) is fine, he seems to be enjoying himself and he’s adapted really well. We give him a bowl of feed and he finishes it in three minutes. Everything is in the right place.” Narrowly beaten by Hong Kong middle distance champion Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on February 25, Voyage Bubble will have his first start over 1800m since finishing sixth in the 2023 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) at Sha Tin. Yiu entrusted the final stages of Voyage Bubble’s Dubai Turf preparation to his son Eric and work rider Britt McDonald and is impressed with the gelding’s progress. “He’s doing really well, the feedback has been positive,” Yiu said. “When he first arrived, he lost about 35 pounds and then in a few days’ time, he was back on his normal weight – he was eating up – and he’s been working the left-handed way, not the Hong Kong way, and he’s coped with it really well. “He’s had a good preparation and he’s not putting a step wrong.” Yiu hopes Barzalona can provide his stable’s first Group 1 in Dubai since Amber Sky landed the Al Quoz Sprint under Joao Moreira in track record time of 56.21s in 2014, when the race was previously run over 1000m. “European jockeys do well in Dubai, he (Barzalona) knows the track,” Yiu said. “This horse has been travelling between Hong Kong and Conghua and with the temperament he’s got, he doesn’t have any problem travelling.” Voyage Bubble and Straight Arron will face 14 international rivals, including Lord North, who is bidding for a fourth Dubai Turf victory. John & Thady Gosden’s flagbearer will jump from barrier 11, Japanese star Do Deuce has drawn four for Yutaka Take, Charlie Appleby’s Measured Time starts from five and Danon Beluga steps away from gate 10 for Moreira. California Spangle drew barrier five in the HK$11.7 million Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) for Tony Cruz and Brenton Avdulla, while Sight Success will begin from gate 12 for John Size and Ryan Moore. Godolphin’s Star Of Mystery has drawn eight for Frankie Dettori, Casa Creed has barrier six and Diligent Harry will start from two, while last year’s winner Danyah has gate seven. Horse racing news View the full article

Trainers Shaune Ritchie and Colm Murray have always had plenty of time for Pearl Of Alsace and they are hoping she can fulfil her Group One potential at Ellerslie this weekend. Bred and raced by Sir Peter Vela, the daughter of Tavistock has come a long way in just 12 starts, winning her first five outings, including the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m), and subsequently added a further two victories to her tally. She placed in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings last September, but her connections believe she has an elite-level win in her and are hoping she can do it on Saturday in the Gr.1 NZEA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). She takes winning form into the race, having taken out the Royal Descent Stakes (1600m) at Trentham earlier this month, and her trainers couldn’t be happier with her ahead of her weekend assignment, “She has only had 12 starts so she is the rookie of the field against the other mares who are pretty experienced,” Ritchie told Trackside NZ. “She is a high-quality mare and is a Group One mare in waiting, and I hope for our sake that it is this weekend. “I don’t think we can get her in better order. She has got a great record second-up and she had a nice, soft kill first-up, so she has bounced away and improved off that.” Meanwhile, stablemate Nepheti will be looking to get her preparation back on track in the Barfoot & Thompson 1400. The Charm Spirit filly won two of her first four starts before running seventh in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) at Ellerslie earlier this month, and her trainers are hoping stepping back in distance will benefit the three-year-old. “The big question mark is stepping back from 2100m in three weeks,” Ritchie said. “She failed to see out that last couple of hundred (metres), so we have kept her nice and fresh. We haven’t done a lot of work with her, she had a week off and just had a couple of quiet gallops. She seems to be at her best around that mile mark. “We have got a high-quality horse, we are just hoping the 1400m suits her better than a staying trip. Trying to get her to an Oaks didn’t work at all. “ She seems to be keen in her races, she jumps and gets out there and she will relax through the middle part. “She is on trial to perhaps go to Christchurch for the mile down there (Listed NZB Insurance Stakes, 1600m) or if she hits the line really well we might chance our arm at 1800m (Gr.3 Auraria Stakes) in Adelaide. I guess we will get all of our answers on Saturday.” View the full article

The connections of The Grey Goose had a healthy payday when the daughter of Reliable Man took out the $200,000 ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m) at Wingatui earlier this month, and they are hoping she is on target for another. The Jo-Ann Gordon-trained four-year-old gained a golden ticket into next month’s $350,000 Southern Alps Challenge (1600) at Riccarton with her last start victory and will head to Riverton on Friday to see if she is up to the mark in the Bupa Care Services Francolin Stakes (1400m). “She needs to put on a good show before we go to Christchurch,” Gordon said. “If she is disappointing then she will just go to the paddock, you wouldn’t go up there unless you were in with a pretty good show.” The Riverton track was rated a Heavy10 on Thursday morning and Gordon said that will be to her mare’s liking. “It looks like it is going to be a Heavy10 at Riverton on Saturday, so that will mean they don’t go quick early, so she should find it easier to keep a bit closer to the field,” she said. “She seems to run on any track and the wonderful thing she has got is that very good turn of foot. “She is as bright as a button and enjoying the rain. I am happy with her going into the race, but it is a step-up in class.” That step-up in class is Gordon’s major concern ahead of Saturday, labelling 11-win mare Emanon as their biggest threat under the set weights and penalties conditions of the race. “With them all being on the same weight, I think Emanon will be very hard to beat. But we still expect The Goose to go a good race,” she said. A Gavelhouse.com graduate, The Grey Goose has won four of her 12 starts to date and nearly $180,000 in prizemoney, but Gordon expects there is more to come from her mare. “I think the owner paid $2,000 for her as a weanling off Gavelhouse. We had the half-sister (Mother Goose) that we really liked but she got hurt in the paddock. He has had a very good return on his $2,000,” she said. “She is a really nice horse and she is just that much stronger this year. In my opinion, she will be a better horse next year because she is just not quite there yet. “She goes well over a mile, but I think in time as she gets stronger again, she is going to be better suited to 2000m, especially on the firmer tracks.” Gordon will also line-up last start placegetter Sutherland in the Ashford Motor Lodge Christchurch Porakino Handicap (2147m) and No Bouquet in the Forde Winders Shearing/Riverton Butchery Fairfax Handicap (1200m). “No Bouquet went to the jumpouts on Monday and trialled really well,” Gordon said. “Initially I was going to put her in the 1400m on the Monday, but I just felt with the wet track it is just going to be too far for her. “She came home really well over 1000m at Invercargill with no real pressure. She seems to race well at Riverton so she should be a good show. “Sutherland looks the obvious thing on paper (in his race), but he hasn’t liked Riverton in the past, he has been quite disappointing there. “Last start her went huge and only went down by one length in the Open staying race. You would think in a 65 2147m, and he does run on a wet track, he would be okay. The only question mark with him is the Riverton track.” Looking ahead to Riverton’s Easter Monday meeting, Gordon will line-up David Moss in the Flippin’ Fresh Fish/TNT Morris Dairies Longwood Handicap (2147m) and Chuggatai in the TRENZ Homes/MacAulay Motors (1600m). “David Moss had his first crack over 2000m at Gore last time. He was coming home nicely but got badly interfered with about 70m out from the post. He finished two lengths off the winner and it was a nice enough run. He goes well at Riverton,” Gordon said. “Chuggatai has been given a short spell and is coming back up fresh. We have changed the way we train him, he works off the lead and it seems to be working for him, and we are hoping to see improvement from him on Monday.” View the full article

Australian Group Two winner and multiple Group One performer Hilal will commence stud duties at Mark and Jane Corcoran’s Grangewilliam Stud at Waitotora this spring. The impeccably bred son of Fastnet Rock was prepared predominantly by Team Hawkes in a career that spanned three seasons. Bred and raced by Emirates Park, Hilal boasts victories in the Gr.2 Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) and A$1 million Bondi Stakes (1600m) at three, but his elite talent was noticeable from the outset. Hilal debuted with a Kensington maiden win over 1100m in February of his juvenile year, when defeating King Of Sparta before finishing runner-up in the Gr.2 Skyline Stakes (1200m). After a close-up seventh in the Gr.3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m), Hilal handled a rise in grade with aplomb, finishing second to Anamoe in the Gr.1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). He was also runner-up in the Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) when narrowly beaten by Captivant, with Converge back in third. As a spring three-year-old Hilal excelled on good ground when winning the Stan Fox Stakes and Bondi Stakes. During his autumn campaign he was beaten a neck by nine-time Group One winner Anamoe when second in the Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and finished third behind Converge and Anamoe in the Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m). The entire again proved he was right up with the best when fourth in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at four, again chasing home champion Anamoe, with Fangirl and Profondo filling the minor placings and Group One winners Hinged, Icebath, Forbidden Love and Mo’Unga trailing him home. By Fastnet Rock, sire of a remarkable 43 individual Group One winners to date, Hilal is out of the blue-blooded Encosta de Lago mare Salma, who has also produced the South African stakes winner Trojan Harbour (Harbour Watch) and the Queensland Listed winner Salateen (I Am Invincible). Salma is an unraced daughter of Group Three winner Salameh, a half-sister to Emirates Park’s Group One winner and sire Al Maher. Hilal stems from the family of Dancing Show, most famous for the Shantha’s Choice branch responsible for Group One winners such as Redoute’s Choice, Manhattan Rain and Shoals, the latter by Hilal’s sire Fastnet Rock. Hilal will stand at an introductory fee of $7,500+GST, with a limited number of lifetime breeding rights also available at $15,000+GST. “We’re delighted to secure Hilal for stud duties and believe he will prove a strong addition to the New Zealand stallion ranks,” Mark Corcoran said. “He has a fantastic pedigree and was a high-class racehorse who matched it at the elite level over three seasons. “The fact he was a precocious sprinter-miler by a champion sire and out of a mare by a champion sire and broodmare sire really appeals. “I’d encourage breeders to go back through his race record and look at the calibre of horses he not only competed with but defeated. He’s an imposing type with a great turn of foot and was probably a bit unfortunate to be the same vintage as Anamoe, who we know was a champion. “At $7,500+GST, he represents terrific value for breeders who are going to be the beneficiaries of the many positives in the New Zealand racing and breeding industry right now.” The TAB NZ-Entain strategic partnership has already resulted in significant prizemoney increases in New Zealand this season, with prize money up by $20.3 million to $90.8 million or 29 percent. Further boosts have already been earmarked for the coming seasons, with the new summer racing calendar to feature an increase of $12.7 million in total stakes over the next two seasons, including races like the NZB Kiwi (1500m), the Southern Hemisphere’s richest 3YO race, which has inaugural prizemoney of $3.5 million next year. “Hilal is an ideal horse to target a number of the new inducements in New Zealand,” Corcoran said. “His progeny should suit the NZB Kiwi and the Karaka Million 3YO (1600m) and a host of other targets.” Breeding rights have been used successfully to help garner long-term commitment for new stallions and Corcoran revealed that Emirates Park have retained breeding rights in Hilal and will be supporting the horse. “Emirates Park don’t stand stallions themselves anymore and although they have a fair bit of the family, they are keen to support him,” Corcoran said. “He was a particular favourite of the family and that is why they retained him to race. “We are offering a limited number of breeding rights, which allows the owner to send two mares each season for the first four breeding seasons and one mare per year thereafter. “We’d like to think those that help give Hilal the right launching-pad for his career in the breeding barn get rewarded in the longer term. “He has all the right attributes to be a successful stallion.” View the full article

Awapuni raider Belclare (NZ) (Per Incanto) will attempt a rare feat when she heads to Ellerslie to defend her title in Saturday’s Gr.1 NZEA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). There have been no back-to-back winners of the prestigious fillies and mares’ feature since it was elevated to Group One status in 2002. Belclare produced a career-best performance in last year’s edition of the Breeders’ Stakes, which was run at Pukekohe. The daughter of Per Incanto burst to the lead in the straight and left a quality field in her wake, scoring by three lengths over subsequent Group One winner Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel). That Group One triumph capped a highly successful season for Belclare, who had previously won the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and Listed Wairarapa Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). Rain-affected tracks have been a frequent stumbling block for Belclare in her six-year-old season, but the high point came when she won the Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m) at Ellerslie in late January. That was her only career start so far at northern headquarters, and it improved her right-handed record to three starts for two outstanding Group wins. Belclare heads into this year’s Breeders’ Stakes on the back of an unplaced finish in last month’s Gr.1 Otaki-Maori WFA Classic (1600m), but she has since scored a trial win over Papa Surf (NZ) (Dalghar) and Lantern Way (NZ) (Satono Aladdin). “I think we can definitely put her last-start performance down to the wet track at Otaki that day,” trainer Lisa Latta said. “All of her best form is on dry ground, and as soon as it gets too wet, she really doesn’t perform at all. “But she’s had a great few weeks since that race. She won a trial earlier this month, then had another jumpout last week just to keep her up to the mark. She went really nicely in both of those.” Belclare will be ridden by Sam Spratt, whose five previous mounts on the mare have produced victories in the Breeders’ Stakes and Westbury Classic, along with a strong-finishing fourth in the Gr.2 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) in the spring. The TAB rates Belclare a $7.50 fourth favourite for the Breeders’ Stakes behind La Crique ($3.30), Pearl Of Alsace ($4) and Mustang Valley ($5.50). “She goes well with a bit of space between her runs, and I think she’s had the right sort of build-up to this race,” Latta said. “She seemed to like that new track at Ellerslie when she ran in the Westbury there. “I think she’s going into this race in similar sort of shape to when she won it at Pukekohe last year. I couldn’t be happier with her. She’s drawn to get a nice run.” Latta also has six entries for the Easter Monday meeting at Otaki, including last-start winner Jestin Case (NZ) (Rageese) and a promising three-year-old filly on debut named Whooshka (NZ) (Per Incanto). “Jestin Case won really nicely fresh and is probably the best of my chances at that meeting,” Latta said. “Another one I quite like is the first-starter Whooshka, who’s shown a bit of ability in her jumpouts and trials.” View the full article

Quality performer Fashion Shoot (NZ) (Savabeel) has yet to win beyond 1400m, but the in-form mare’s camp is confident she can go the distance at Ellerslie on Saturday. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared representative will step up to a mile in the hands of Opie Bosson in the Gr.1 NZEA New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m), having produced a flawless dress rehearsal. Fashion Shoot defeated dual elite level winner Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) last time out at Tauranga and, despite a 3kg weight shift in favour of her race rival, another top showing is expected from the six-year-old. She will spearhead a quartet of runners at the meeting with Bosson to also partner Puketiro (NZ) (Savabeel) and I Choose You (I Am Invincible) in their undercard assignments while Vinnie Colgan will be aboard She Turns Heads (Headwater). “Fashion Shoot is in really good form and thriving on her racing. This is the time to have a crack at the trip,” Bergerson said. “She’s drawn out a bit but she’s better ridden cold so it shouldn’t make too much of a difference. “She always tries her heart out and the key is to get her to settle. If she gets the splits, then I’m sure she can give it a good shake. “The two favourites (La Crique and Mustang Valley) will be very hard to beat but we are happy with our mare.” Fashion Shoot has the tidy record of seven wins, including the Gr.3 Canterbury Stakes (1400m) and 14 placings from 31 starts and a Group One credit will significantly boost her future broodmare value. Stablemate Puketiro, also a daughter of Savabeel, hasn’t raced since November but is forward to return to action in the Fiber Fresh Handicap (1200m). The winner of four of her seven starts, the four-year-old has trialled at Tauranga and Taupo ahead of her return. “She’s always been above average and can get a bit fiery at times, but this time around she is going well,” Bergerson said. “Hopefully, she will run well and we can get her to that Listed race (City of Napier Sprint, 1200m) at Otaki in a few weeks’ time.” I Choose You will bid for two wins on the bounce in the Entain-NZB Pearl Series Final (1400m) after successfully resuming at Trentham earlier this month. “She won really well and seems to be settling a lot better now,” Bergerson said. “She was stakes placed as a two-year-old in the Eclipse Stakes (Gr.2, 1200m) and we’ve always thought highly of her, but she has been a bit disappointing since her two-year-old year. “Her work at home has been super this time around and her galloped well on Tuesday so hopefully she can continue on from that first-up win.” She Turns Heads is a consistent filly and makes strong each way appeal in the Barfoot & Thompson Handicap (1400m). “She’s had 13 starts for a win and 10 placings so it was good to see her finally break through at Matamata and she ran well again at Tauranga,” Bergerson said. “She has drawn wide (9), but we will ride her cold so it shouldn’t make any difference and hopefully she can put her hand up again.” View the full article

Darwin apprentice Jade Hampson celebrates victory in the 2023 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) aboard Write Your Name. The eight-year-old gelding, the reigning Horse of the Year in Alice Springs and Darwin, starts in the $40,000 Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) at Pioneer Park on Saturday. Picture: Nikki Westover Photography There are early signs that this year’s Alice Springs Cup could attract one of the best fields in many years. Several Cup hopefuls will feature in an outstanding $40,000 Chief Minister’s Cup (1600m) at weight-for-age level at Pioneer Park on Saturday. It’s the feature race on Day 3 of the Alice Springs Turf Club’s Cup Carnival and the winner will no doubt assume favouritism for the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 7. Neil Dyer’s Hettinger could not have been more impressive when he debuted in the NT last year, with the five-year-old gelding saluting in Alice Springs, Darwin and Katherine. The son of I Am Invincible was always returning after winning the Katherine Cup (1700m) by 7.5 lengths, and he was a first-up winner back in the Red Centre on March 17 in the St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m). Write Your Name, the reigning Horse of the Year in Alice Springs and Darwin, won the 2023 Alice Springs and Darwin Cups, but with trainer Dick Leech now serving a 12-month suspension, the eight-year-old gelding has been switched to the Gary Clarke stable. The son of Written Tycoon, who won four straight during the ASTC Carnival last year, failed to impress in SA during the spring, but was a first-up winner over 1200m in open class back at Pioneer Park on March 2. Kerry Petrick’s Venting, the 2022 NT Derby (2050m) winner, has been in splendid form since returning from a spell in November with three wins and three minor placings from six starts. Star Witness’ five-year-old gelding was third in the St Patrick’s Day Cup (BM76). Kym Healy’s Taipan Tommy, an eight-year-old gelding, starred during last year’s Alice Springs Cup Carnival with three wins and a second from four starts before claiming the Tennant Creek Cup (1600m). The son of Dark Valley won first up in Alice on March 17 over 1400m (0-70), and come Saturday, his shares will soar should he prevail, as he is backing up after winning over 1400m (BM76) on Wednesday (March 27). Ray Viney’s Quizzle, a five-year-old gelding by Sizzling, is stepping up in grade, but it’s hard to fault his consistency in the Alice with five wins and nine minor placings from 17 starts. Terry Gillett’s That’s Justified, the nine-year-old gelding by Reward For Effort, debuted seven years ago, and in 62 Alice Springs starts, his record stands at 20 wins and 24 minor placings. Quizzle was a last-start winner over 1600m (0-64) three weeks ago, while it was on 2023 Alice Springs Cup Day (April 30) when last That’s Justified saluted over 1600m (BM76). “It’s a high-quality six-horse Chief Minister’s Cup field and I couldn’t settle on a winner with confidence, perhaps Hettinger or Write Your Name if forced to make a choice,” said a fellow NT trainer. “With Century Fox, Boom Boom Sweet, Desert Lass, Chris Nash’s Son Of Bielski, Garret Lynch’s Shiny Rock, and Michael Hickmott’s Oath Of Omerta, Exalted Fire and Lake’s Folly missing on Saturday, it should be a tremendous Alice Springs Cup field.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Alice Springs Races Where Pioneer Park Racecourse – Stuart Highway, Connellan NT 0870 When Saturday, March 30, 2024 First Race 1:06pm ACST Visit Dabble The Chief Ministers Cup (1600m) headlines a strong eight-race meeting at Alice Springs on Saturday afternoon. 65 runners have accepted for the card and despite 185mm of rain since March 23, it is expected to be fine late in the week with the slight chance of rain come race day. The rail will be in its true position, and it will be a good dirt surface for Day 3 of the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, commencing at 1:06pm ACST. BEST BET: Kikuyu Kikuyu is in terrific form as he aims for his third straight win. The five-year-old gelding returned from a spell in November and in seven starts his form didn’t necessarily grab the headlines with two seconds over 1100m (0-58) on December 17 and 1000m (BM64) on January 14. The son of Crowded House has suddenly clicked into gear with victory over 1200m (0-58) on February 24 and 1000m (0-64) three weeks ago. You should always treat the opposition with respect, but the former Victorian will take some stopping. Best Bet Race 5 – #2 Kikuyu (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Kerry Petrick | J: Paul Denton (59kg) Bet with Bet365 NEXT BEST: Vanderland Having raced in Queensland, NSW and Victoria, Vanderland has found a new home in the Red Centre. Returning from a spell in December, Vanderland had three starts for Cranbourne trainer Smiley Chan and managed a third over 1000m (BM58) at Hanging Rock on New Year’s Day. The son of Vancouver made an unflattering debut at Pioneer Park on February 24 when eighth over 1000m (0-64). He returned a month later and wasn’t far behind Kikuyu over 1000m (0-64) when finishing second before a last start third over 1100m (0-66) two weeks ago. Vanderland boasts far better form than his opposition. Next Best Race 2 – #2 Vanderland (3) 6yo Gelding | T: Will Savage | J: Ianish Luximon (a2) (60kg) Bet with Neds Saturday Alice Springs quaddie tips – 30/3/2024 Alice Springs quadrella selections Saturday, March 30, 2024 2-3-6 1-3-4-5-8 4-6-7-9 1-3-5-6 Horse racing tips View the full article

Hugh Bowman hops aboard Pierre Ng’s galloper for the first time in Sunday’s Class Two United Alumni Handicap (1,600m)View the full article

What WA Oaks Day Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, March 30, 2024 First Race 12:29pm AWST Visit Dabble The Group 3 WA Oaks will headline the nine-race program at Ascot this Saturday afternoon. With no rain forecast across the weekend in the Perth area, the track is expected to stay in the Good range for the whole day. After racing in the +12m position on Friday, the rail will be moved to the +5m position for the entire circuit on Saturday. The opening race on WA Oaks Day is scheduled to jump at 12:29pm AWST. WA Oaks Tip: Own The Queen Own The Queen will be seeking her fifth straight win in the feature event at Ascot, coming off another strong win in the Listed Natasha Stakes over 2200m on March 16. The Justine Elkins-trained filly has won all three starts this preparation and has beaten six of her nine rivals that she will face in the WA Oaks throughout that run. With another patient ride from Troy Turner, this daughter of Awesome Rock will be able to round up the leaders early in the straight and run away with a valuable Group 3 victory. WA Oaks Race 8 – #1 Own The Queen (9) 3yo Filly | T: Justine Elkins | J: Troy Turner (55.5kg) +115 with Dabble Best Bet at Ascot: Wubin Gold After suffering her first defeat of her career two starts back, Wubin Gold ran home from midfield to run away with a strong victory over 1400m on March 16. The Colin Webster-trained filly stepped up to 1400m and open age company for the first time previously, and she passed the test with flying colours. This daughter of Shooting To Win has drawn a nice barrier (5), and with Troy Turner sticking in the saddle, expect Wubin Gold to settle behind the speed before getting to the middle of the track to let down with her blistering turn of foot late. Best Bet Race 6 – #8 Wubin Gold (5) 3yo Filly | T: Colin Webster | J: Troy Turner (55kg) +110 with Playup Next Best at Ascot: Rupert’s Empire Rupert’s Empire returned to form with a victory at this track and trip on March 16, as the Simon Miller-trained gelding settled three-wide without cover on the speed but had too much speed for his rivals. This son of Winning Rupert has drawn barrier four, and Jordan Turner should be able to push forward and hold a position close to a hot speed. If Turner can get this guy into the three-wide running line before the final turn, Rupert’s Empire should be able to replicate his last start victory with superior speed in the final 300m. Next Best Race 7 – #8 Rupert’s Empire (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Simon Miller | J: Jordan Turner (56.5kg) +500 with Picklebet Best Value at Ascot: Solar System Although Solar System was hailed as the winner on the line, the Chris & Michael Gangemi-trained gelding was beaten by a narrow margin first-up at this track and trip. This three-year-old gelding led the field up to the home turn and was clearly headed at the 200m mark, but he kicked back to retake the lead before being nosed out on the winning post. From barrier five on Saturday, Brad Parnham can push forward and settle outside the leader before applying pressure from the 600m mark. If Solar System shows the same fight in the concluding stages, he will prove hard to run down late. Best Value Race 3 – #10 Solar System (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris & Michael Gangemi | J: Brad Parnham (54kg) +900 with Neds Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, March 30, 2024 4-9 4-5-8-9 1-4 2-3-5-10-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Cascadian passed the age and acid test to claim back-to-back Group 1 Australian Cups at Flemington. View the full article