Wandering Eyes

The future of New Zealand racing is set to ignite next summer, with New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), TAB New Zealand and Entain combining forces to launch the Southern Hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race – ‘The NZB Kiwi’. Sponsored by New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB), the inaugural Thoroughbred slot race will headline a major revamp of the New Zealand summer racing calendar next year. The NZB Kiwi will become one of the major highlights of a newly established ‘Champions Day’ that will feature more than $9 million in total prizemoney in year one, climbing to $10 million in year two. Held on the second Saturday of March at Ellerslie Racecourse, Champions Day will also include the Trackside New Zealand Derby and three other iconic Group 1 races, positioning the meeting as a pinnacle event on New Zealand’s racing calendar. Champions Day forms part of the new summer Thoroughbred racing calendar that will boast a series of truly world-class races and meetings, offering more than $23.8 million in stakes across 51 black-types races from January to early April. NZTR Chairman Cameron George believes the revamped summer carnival will attract the best horses, and the best jockeys, from across New Zealand and Australia, initiating a monumental phase of growth for the industry. “We will all look back on this once-in-a-generation opportunity and reflect on the period of transformation we have embarked on. We have an opportunity to change the game for our industry and its participants by embracing these changes, while sustaining the future of our sport.” “We’ll be highlighting our athletes, both horse and human, while creating a true spectacle to showcase their elite skills, on our top tracks, consistently throughout the summer period,” George said. A highlight of the summer programme will be The NZB Kiwi – a new three-year-old 1500m slot race, which will be the richest race ever held in New Zealand and will carry black-type status. Fourteen slots will be available to graduates of NZB Sales, as well as horses bred here, creating a true destination race for star New Zealand-bred horses from around the world. NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook is thrilled to be a part of the country’s richest ever race. “When we were initially approached by NZTR to be the sponsor of New Zealand’s first Thoroughbred slot race, we didn’t hesitate to give it our full support.” “We loved the concept and the direction that racing is heading in at the moment. To have such positive news just under a week out before the yearling sales at Karaka adds an extra layer of optimism to our industry. “ “We think it’s a fantastic initiative and it’s certainly an exciting time to be racing horses in New Zealand,” Seabrook said. The race will carry stakes prizemoney of at least $3.5 million in 2025, increasing to $4.5 million by 2027, making it the richest race in the Southern Hemisphere for three-year-olds. An additional $1 million in bonuses will be available each year to the three placegetters of The NZB Kiwi, if they have won one of a number of iconic New Zealand and Australian lead up races. With the bonus component, the winner of The NZB Kiwi could take home $1.8 million in total prizemoney. NZTR Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Sharrock, recognises the reputation of the New Zealand industry on the global stage. “We know that the New Zealand Thoroughbred breeding industry is world-class and, judging by the popularity of Kiwi-bred equine athletes in places like Australia and Hong Kong, so does the rest of the globe,” Sharrock said. “The NZB Kiwi gives the cream of the New Zealand-bred crop a chance to return home and take on the best locally trained horses for what will effectively be a world championship for New Zealand-bred three-year-olds over 1500m.” Lachlan Fitt, CFO and Deputy CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, commented on the strategic placement of The NZB Kiwi in New Zealand’s wider summer racing calendar. “This race is ideally placed in the calendar in early March and gives the country’s top three-year-old sprinter-milers a terrific grand final to be a part of on the same day as the Trackside New Zealand Derby.” “We expect the competition will be red hot between Slot Holders to secure one of those outstanding Kiwi-bred sprinter-milers and we look forward to participating in the innovative slot auction next month.” The new-look summer programme is also heralded by the creation of a two-day Karaka Millions Carnival. The Carnival will bookend the famous NZB National Yearling Sales Series, which attracts bloodstock buyers and industry participants from all over the globe. The Group 1 Railway, which will now be held on Day 1 of the Karaka Millions Carnival, will also form part of a new Super Sprint Series, with a $500,000 bonus for horses that perform well across the three New Zealand legs (the Telegraph Handicap, the Railway Stakes, and the BCD Sprint), as well as a number of soon-to-be-named races in Australia later in the Autumn carnival. This bonus scheme will sit alongside the Summer Middle Distance Series, which was established earlier in 2023 and will also be worth $500,000 next season. Bruce Sharrock said the goal was to take the well-established Karaka Millions race meeting and supercharge it through the creation of a two-day extravaganza, as well as the addition of a Group 1 race to the opening day of the Carnival. “We’ll be able to showcase New Zealand racing to the world with prestigious Group 1 racing, complementing the incredibly strong feature racing at our premier Ellerslie track,” he said. TAB NZ Chief Executive Officer and Chair of the TAB NZ Dates Committee, Nick Roberts, said NZTR, Entain and TAB NZ had worked collaboratively to deliver a programme that highlights New Zealand’s most glamorous events. “Today’s game-changing announcement by NZTR would not have been possible if the Minister for Racing, Rt. Hon. Winston Peters, had not established his reform programme in response to the 2018 Messara Report”, Roberts said. “Our strategic partnering arrangement with Entain has given NZTR the funding it needs to shine the spotlight on the strength of the New Zealand thoroughbred industry to Kiwi, Australian and global audiences. The new racing calendar is critical for ensuring that racing’s popularity grows to enable a thriving and sustainable domestic industry.” In total, the revised summer racing programme will see an injection of over $9 million in stakes and bonuses made available in 2025 vs current levels, climbing to an additional $12.7 million in total stakes and bonuses by 2026 during this 14-week period from 26 December 2024 through to 31 March 2025. MORE INFORMATION View The NZB Kiwi Digital Guide here. To view more information about The NZB Kiwi and the Slot Auction, visit nztr.co.nz/the-kiwi Registrations of interest for Slot Holders for The NZB Kiwi are now open, with an auction for a number of slots to be held on Tuesday 27 February at NZB’s Karaka Sales Centre. Slot Holders will be required to make a three-year commitment to The NZB Kiwi. Register your interest via email at thekiwi@nztr.co.nz. Revamped summer calendar detail (from 2024/25), including a breakdown of individual stakes increases by race and year allocated is available to view here. Key changes in the revamped summer carnival: New Year’s Day – 1 January 2025 (Ellerslie Racecourse) The Group 3 Concorde Handicap moves from Karaka Millions Day to New Year’s Day, swapping with the Group 1 Railway Stakes. The conditions of the Concorde will also be amended to SWP (from Handicap) 4 January 2025 (RACE Awapuni) Addition of the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap that will move from RACE Trentham 11 January 2025 (RACE Trentham) Addition of the Group 1 Thorndon Mile, creating a two-week gap between the Thorndon Mile and the Aotearoa Classic on Karaka Millions Day One The Group 1 Levin Classic will remain on this day, but will see its distance reduced to 1400m (from 1600m), while the Group 1 Telegraph Handicap will also retain its place on this day 18 January 2025 (RACE Trentham) Remains headlined by the Group 3 Wellington Cup, Group 3 Desert Gold Stakes and the NZTR innovation race, the Remutaka Classic Karaka Carnival Day One – 25 January 2025 (Ellerslie Racecourse) Remains as a six-race twilight meeting headlined by the $1 million TAB Karaka Millions 2YO, the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO, the $1 million Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic and the Group 2 Westbury Classic Addition of the Group 1 Railway Stakes, bringing the excitement and exposure of Group 1 racing to the Karaka Carnival Karaka Carnival Day Two – 1 February 2025 (Ellerslie) The newly-created second day of the Karaka Carnival will feature the Group 3 Almanzor Trophy, which will move back a week from its traditional date of Karaka Millions Day One of NZTR’s innovation races, The Rangitoto Classic, will move to this date from the first weekend in March A number of other black-type and feature races will be added to the Ellerslie program, with details to be announced in the coming months The Taranaki feature day will continue to be run on 1 February 2025, featuring the Taranaki Cup, Taranaki Classic and Taranaki Oaks Prelude 8 February 2025 (Te Rapa Racecourse) Addition of the Group 2 Waikato Guineas, which will move from its current mid-week location in late January. This change will improve the spacing between the Karaka Millions 3YO and the Waikato Guineas, and will see the Waikato Guineas run two weeks prior to the Group 2 Avondale Guineas on 22 February 2025 15 February 2025 (Matamata Racecourse) The Matamata meeting will move forward a week from its current date, with the program remaining unchanged. This movement will improve the spacing of the feature 2YO races at Matamata between the Karaka Carnival and the Group 1 Sistema Stakes in March 22 February 2025 (Ellerslie – Avondale Guineas) Moving back a week, effectively swapping places with the Matamata meeting. On this date, the Group 2 Avondale Guineas will now be run two weeks after the Group 2 Waikato Guineas and will retain its two week gap to the Group 1 New Zealand Derby The Group 1 Otaki WFA Classic meeting will continue to take place on this day at Otaki 1 March 2025 (Wingatui Racecourse) Becomes a newly created feature day for the South Island featuring a number of black-type races, as well as the Southern Mile Final. Further details on this program will be provided at a later date Champions Day – 8 March 2025 (Ellerslie Racecourse) Consolidation of Auckland’s two-day March carnival to create a pinnacle day of New Zealand racing, featuring four Group 1 races – the New Zealand Derby, the New Zealand Stakes, the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes and the Sistema Stakes Champions Day will also feature the newly introduced slot race, The NZB Kiwi, which will be run over 1500m for the best three-year-olds in the country. Supporting the Group 1 action on Champions Day will be the Group 2 Auckland Cup, Group 3 Sunline Vase, Group 3 King’s Plate and the Entain-NZB Insurance Pearl Series Final 23 March 2025 (RACE Trentham) New Zealand Oaks Day moves back one week from its current position, maintaining a two week gap with the New Zealand Derby. The program of the day remains unchanged View the full article

Voyage Bubble clinches his first Group 1. Voyage Bubble has sealed his ascent into Hong Kong’s elite class with emphatic victory in the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin as James McDonald anointed Ricky Yiu’s flagbearer as an emerging star. Providing Yiu with his first Group 1 triumph since Amber Sky’s 2014 Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), Voyage Bubble propelled McDonald to his sixth Hong Kong Group 1 spoil after stalking California Spangle and Beauty Eternal from third place before asserting his superiority with terminal acceleration from the 350m mark. Improving his career record to six wins and six minor placings from 15 starts and prize money of HK$41.05 million, Voyage Bubble gave McDonald his second Hong Kong Group 1 score this season after Romantic Warrior’s Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) success. “I was in a nice, controlling position where I felt like if the pace slackened – which it did – that I was in a free-rolling position and I had enough room around so that I could go when I wanted to go and it worked out perfectly,” McDonald said after Voyage Bubble downed Beauty Eternal by a length and a quarter with Beauty Joy another length away in third in 1m 33.97s. “I’m very proud of this horse. He put in a fantastic run in the International Mile (Group 1 Hong Kong Mile, 1600m, when second to Golden Sixty) and backed it up today. There’s no heir apparent to Golden Sixty but we’re happy to be the next man jogging on the spot, so to speak, and we’re probably lucky the champ wasn’t there.” Addressing Voyage Bubble’s future, McDonald said the 2023 Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) winner had a host of options. “He’s lightly-raced, he’s five, he’s at the peak of his powers. The world’s his oyster, really. They can go wherever they want to go, Australia, Dubai or Japan – I don’t know, I’ll leave that to the connections to see where he fits in against really good international competitors,” McDonald said before reconfirming he would partner Romantic Warrior in the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on February 25. While Yiu is weighing up tilts at either the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan on March 30 or the Group 1 Doncaster Mile Handicap (1600m) at Randwick in Sydney on April 6, McDonald said there were plenty of opportunities in Hong Kong for Voyage Bubble. “The beauty about Hong Kong racing is there are so many options there and with Golden Sixty being at the ripe old age he is, the baton needs to be changed eventually, and he might be the new kid on the block especially over 1400m to a mile and Hong Kong caters so well for that,” the New Zealander said. “He’s going to be a force to be reckoned with here and a flagbearer for the horses here and I’m just looking forward to seeing where he fits in, obviously being such a young, progressive horse. “The racing’s here is fantastic – so competitive and very fair – and to be lucky enough to partner such good horses, it’s an absolute privilege to be here. I enjoy coming in and as long as the Club allows me, I would be here in a heartbeat. Obviously, I’m very lucky to be falling on two very good horses in Voyage Bubble and Romantic Warrior and just see what happens next.” Yiu said he was yet to commit fully to a plan with Voyage Bubble but ruled out a tilt at the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, the second leg of Hong Kong’s Triple Crown. “I’m really happy and really happy with the horse. He’s full of talent and he keeps improving. I’ve been waiting for some years (for a horse like this),” Yiu said. More horse racing news View the full article

Luke Currie returns to the mounting yard on Mr Brightside (NZ) after winning the 2023 All-Star Mile at Moonee Valley. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) In the All-Star Mile (1600m), defending champion Mr Brightside, is set to face his longtime rival, Alligator Blood, as both horses have secured the first two wildcards for Australia’s richest mile race. These two dynamic competitors have clashed 11 times, with Mr Brightside currently leading the head-to-head battle by seven wins to four. The highlight of their previous encounters was in last year’s thrilling edition of The All-Star Mile, when Lindsay Park’s stable star, Mr Brightside, emerged victorious, making history as the first Victorian horse to claim the marquee contest. While Mr Brightside has the advantage in both the head-to-head and prizemoney standings (with $11,473,752 compared to Alligator Blood’s $8,125,525), it’s noteworthy that ‘The Gator’ holds a slightly better winning record. Alligator Blood boasts 15 triumphs, including seven at Group 1 level, showcasing his exceptional racing prowess. However, Mr Brightside has demonstrated superior performance at Caulfield, winning three times in four starts at the venue for this year’s All-Star Mile. The stage is set for an exciting showdown on Saturday, March 16, as the $4 million flagship race of Victoria’s autumn carnival returns to Caulfield, featuring a mix of wildcard runners and automatic qualifiers. Adding further intrigue, the ‘win and you’re in’ races, C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m) and Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, offer opportunities for other contenders. If either Alligator Blood or Mr Brightside wins, the runner-up secures a spot in the All-Star Mile. In the event of a quinella, the third-place finisher earns their ticket, providing even greater incentive for connections to target these prestigious Group 1 contests. The next set of ‘win and you’re in’ races will take place this Saturday (January 27) at Ellerslie during New Zealand’s lucrative Karaka Millions meeting. The winners of the $1.5 million Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) and the $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) for four-year-olds will be guaranteed a spot in the 2024 All-Star Mile, featuring a field of 16 runners. More horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Monday, January 22 will feature two meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Coffs Harbour. Monday Racing Tips – January 22, 2024 Coffs Harbour Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For January 22, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $38.68 odds return: Monday, January 22, 2024 Coffs Harbour – Race 5 #2 My Mum’s Toyboy Coffs Harbour – Race 3 #13 Cool Machine Albury – Race 2 #2 Keith Albury – Race 4 #4 Pretty Panda | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 22, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Start your working week with a gallop into thrilling horse racing promotions! Saddle up for a multitude of exhilarating offers from top-tier bookmakers, giving your betting experience an extra kick on January 22. Check out these top Australian racing promotions for January 22, 2024: Top Horse Racing Promotions Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Place a 4+ leg multi, if one leg fails BONUS BACK UP TO $50 Applies to your first eligible 4+ leg multi each day. Paid in bonus cash. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Uncover the Secret Behind Horsebetting.com.au’s Bonus Offers HorseBetting.com.au diligently scours through Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers to unearth exclusive bonuses for January 22, 2024. These ongoing promotions showcase the dedication of top bookmakers. In the world of horse racing bets, when one bookie isn’t in the spotlight, another trots forward. Rely on HorseBetting.com.au as your guide to daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Boost your winning potential with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for loyal customers. Access these offers easily by logging into each bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to make the most of your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

The Under Tack Show will showcase newly turned 3-year-olds by sires including American Pharoah, Bucchero, Classic Empire, and Constitution, as well as Khozan, Mitole, Munnings, Tapit, Vino Rosso, and Violence.View the full article

Section 141, which incorporates the controversial gambling advertising ban, remains a significant obstacle, according to Paul Hensey, chief executive of the Association of Irish Racecourses.View the full article

With aging superstar Golden Sixty sitting it out, Voyage Bubble swept to a handy victory in the Stewards' Cup Jan. 21 at Sha Tin Racecourse.View the full article

When Perry Ouzts wired the field aboard an 8-1 maiden filly named Caberneigh (Munnings) at Turfway Park last Wednesday night, the 69-year-old jockey established a milestone that garnered little notice in the racing world. The victory extended Ouzts's remarkable streak of having ridden at least one winner in a calendar year to 52 consecutive seasons. Think about the scope of that accomplishment for a moment. On Apr. 2, 1973, Ouzts, then 18, rode his first lifetime winner on just his second day as a licensed apprentice, guiding home an Ohio-bred colt named Rablue on a raw, drizzly afternoon at now-defunct Beulah Park. That first trip to the winner's circle for Ouzts occurred a little more than a month before Secretariat won the GI Kentucky Derby and then raced into immortality by sweeping the Triple Crown. How many other direct, still-on-the-track competing connections to the pre-Secretariat era endure in our sport today? Not counting owners and trainers, the answer appears to be zero. Ouzts has racked up 29 meet-leading riding titles at Ohio tracks alone, and just last August he passed David Gall to claim fifth position on the all-time winningest riders list in North America based on victories. The Jan. 16, 2024, win at Turfway upped Ouzts's career count to 7,420, making him the winningest currently active jockey on the continent. Ahead of Ouzts on the all-time wins list are Russell Baze (12,842), Laffit Pincay, Jr. (9,530), Bill Shoemaker (8,833) and Pat Day (8,803). Ouzts won't close that daunting 1,383-win gap to advance another spot on the list before his career comes to a close. But with 53,146 lifetime starts and no publicly announced retirement plans, Ouzts does have a chance at 441 more mounts to get past Baze (53,587) and claim the North American record for most lifetime starts by a jockey, according to the rankings published by Equibase. Although he's only ridden 10 horses so far this year, Ouzts's business tends to pick up considerably in the spring when Belterra Park returns to action. In the years 2021-23, he rode 592, 485 and 388 horses per season, respectively. Yes, his riding opportunities have been slowly declining, but the lifetime mounts record is still realistically within reach. Framing Ouzts's years-of-victory streak by saying he's won “at least one” race per year for 52 years does understate his productivity quite a bit. He's ridden more than 100 winners per year close to 40 times (his exact yearly totals predate Equibase's full statistics, which only go back to 1976). The only true outlier year was 2006, when Ouzts won just six races. That January he cracked four vertebrae, crushed a fifth, and suffered a compound arm fracture in a Turfway spill. Amazingly, prior to that accident, Ouzts had gone 14 years without a major injury. Doctors told Ouzts, then 51, that he was millimeters away from being paralyzed and suggested he hang up his tack for good. Ouzts was back riding 11 months later and hasn't stopped since. Unlike the four jockeys ahead of him on the North American all-time wins list, Ouzts isn't in the Hall of Fame, although his name does occasionally get brought up as a worthy, blue-collar candidate. This coming Thursday, when the sport celebrates the pinnacle of the profession at the Eclipse Awards in balmy Florida, Ouzts will be back in action under the lights at wintry Turfway, where he expects to add two more mounts to a career measured more in terms of toughness and durability than trophies. 'Phantom' Building Fandom… Don't dismiss Track Phantom's wire-to-wire, 2 3/4-length score in the GIII Lecomte S. just because jockey Joel Rosario was able to secure the lead and milk the pace. This Steve Asmussen-trained son of Quality Road is now 3-for-3 around two turns, and while his wins might lack the flash and panache of peers ranked ahead of him on the Triple Crown trail, Track Phantom is building credibility by going out and executing his speed-centric tasks without being fazed by how the competition has tried to disrupt his rhythm on the front end. Sent off at 7-5, Track Phantom broke fluidly from the outermost post in a field of six to clear rail-drawn 11-10 favorite and 'TDN Rising Star' Nash (Medaglia d'Oro). Although it initially appeared as if this maneuver might be requiring a costly expenditure of energy, when a first-quarter clocking of :24.01 lit up on the tote board, the tepid tempo allayed any fears that Rosario was asking too much too soon from his mount, who adeptly settled into a comfortable cadence at the head of the pack. Track Phantom rolled through subsequent splits of :24.35 and :24.79 with Nash edging closer, but when Rosario sensed that rival was just half a length back three-eighths out, he nudged Track Phantom to open up, and the visual at the quarter pole foretold the story of the stretch run: Track Phantom clearly had more left, while Nash was flailing under desperate urging to find another gear. Track Phantom cruised through the long Fair Grounds home straight unopposed through a fourth quarter timed in :24.86, with a last sixteenth in :6.72. The final clocking of 1:44.73 translated into a Beyer Speed Figure of 90, improving on his previous four-race Beyer arc of 74, 81, 88 and 89. Owned in partnership by L and N Racing, Clark Brewster, Jerry Caroom, and Breeze Easy, Track Phantom's “how he did it” progression rates just as highly as his “how fast” metrics. The Lecomte win now marks three straight races in which this colt has been asked to deploy his early speed while figuring out how to best fight off better-positioned rivals to his inside. 'Fame' Was Faster, Though… Track Phantom wasn't even the fastest sophomore colt out of the Asmussen barn to run 1 1/16 miles at Fair Grounds on Saturday. That 1:44.27 honor went to 10 1/4-length blowout maiden victor Hall of Fame (Gun Runner), who earned a 94 Beyer eight races earlier on the Jan. 20 card for the owner partnership of Magnier, Tabor, Smith, Westerberg, Gandharvi, and Rocket Ship Racing. Backed to 4-5 favoritism in lifetime start number two, this $1.4-million FTSAUG colt forced markedly faster fractions from the rail than Track Phantom set, with Hall of Fame spending a good portion of his backstretch journey trying to squeeze inside of a persistent 7-2 pacemaker. Also ridden by Rosario, Hall of Fame finally blasted through on the fence under mild far-turn urging, then ran up the score through the stretch while being kept to task before Rosario wrapped him up through the final 70 yards. The gaudy winning margin was likely amplified by the fact that no other runners mounted serious late-race bids. But Hall of Fame scored with such commanding authority that it's logical to think a stakes engagement is next. The post The Week in Review: Remarkable Streak Connects Ouzts to Pre-Secretariat Ear appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A day after Track Phantom (Quality Road)'s win in the GIII Lecomte S. at Fair Grounds Saturday, trainer Steve Asmussen was already looking forward to starting the 3-year-old colt in the Feb. 17 GII Risen Star S. The sophomore, who ended 2023 with a win in the Gun Runner S., will be following the same New Orleans path to the GI Kentucky Derby that Asmussen used for Epicenter (Not This Time) two years ago. Epicenter won the Gun Runner in 2021 and finished second in the Lecomte to begin his sophomore campaign. He went on to win the Risen Star and GII Louisiana Derby before finishing second in the GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. “It's easy to compare where he's at with where we were with Epicenter two years ago,” Asmussen said. “Epicenter won the Gun Runner and was second in the Lecomte, but physically he was developing at the right time. I've always felt that in the 3-year-old series at Fair Grounds, your last race isn't good enough for the next one and that's how it should be. I appreciate the timing between races and the progression of the distances. It's ideal. We came up a half-a-length short of our goal of winning the Derby with Epicenter and now Track Phantom is on the same road. I think the Lecomte was as easy on him as you could have wanted it to be, with him still getting something out of it.” Track Phantom isn't the only winner from Saturday's card in New Orleans that Asmussen is pointing to the Risen Star. Hall of Fame (Gun Runner), a $1.4-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling purchase, was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following his 10 1/4-length maiden victory Saturday. The 3-year-old's final time of 1:44.27 for 1 1/16 miles was nearly a half-second faster than Track Phantom's clocking (1:44.73) in the Lecomte. “Hall of Fame is as advertised,” Asmussen said. “As a $1.4-million yearling, he's impeccably bred and a beautiful individual with a tremendous amount of talent. I do expect him to run back in the Risen Star also. He was ridden much more aggressively [to win] on Saturday because he's playing a little catch up on a horse like Track Phantom, but the ability is there.” The post Asmussen Eyes Risen Star for Track Phantom, Hall of Fame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NYRA has canceled live racing on Sunday at Aqueduct Racetrack due to arctic temperatures forecast to impact the New York metropolitan area throughout the day.View the full article

The Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association honored the leading horses and connections in the state during the 2023 racing season at its annual awards banquet Saturday at the Indianapolis Marriott North. Horse of the Year honors were posthumously awarded to Nobody Listens (Conveyance), whose five wins from eight 2023 starts included the GIII Turf Monster S. at Parx. The Indiana-bred gelding, who tragically died in a trailer accident the day after his Turf Monster win, was also named the state's champion older bred horse. Other champions honored Saturday include: 2-Year-Old Sired Filly: The Kid Pataky (Pataky Kid); Champion 2-Year-Old Bred Filly: Ice Cold (Mitole); Champion 2-Year-Old Sired Colt: Cringe (Taprize); Champion 2-Year-Old Bred Colt: Molly's Town (Mo Town); Champion 3-Year-Old Sired Filly: Itzforever (Forever d'Oro); Champion 3-Year-Old Bred Filly: Corningstone (Kantharos); Champion 3-Year-Old Sired Colt: Doubledogjustice (Lantana Mob); Champion 3-Year-Old Bred Colt: King Ice (Keen Ice); Champion Older Sired Mare: Quick And Easy (What Now); Champion Older Bred Mare: Louder Than Words (Mr Speaker); Champion Older Sired Horse: Mr. Chaos (Turbo Compressor). Honored with Indiana Breed Development Awards were: Broodmare of the Year: Express Run; Stallion of the Year: Forever d'Oro; and Stallion Owner of the Year: Justice Farms. Kim Hammond was honored with the Hall of Distinction Award and Representative Bob Cherry was presented with the President's Award. The post ITOBA HONORS 2023 Champions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Section 141, which incorporates the controversial gambling advertising ban, remains a significant stumbling block, according to Paul Hensey, chief executive of the Association of Irish Racecourses.View the full article

Driver Penalties D Van Til | Methven 3 December (heard Ashburton 16 January); failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures; suspended 27 January – 9 February inclusive. A Fitzgerald | Ashburton 16 January; use of whip; suspended 17-21 January inclusive. A Milne | Northern Southland 18 January; careless driving; suspended 29 January – 4 February inclusive. D Butcher | Waikato Bay of Plenty 19 January; delayed the start; fined $200. C Butt | Marlborough 19 January (heard Marlborough 21 January); use of whip; suspended 22-26 January inclusive. A Cameron | Marlborough 19 January (heard Marlborough 21 January); use of whip; suspended 22-28 January inclusive. I Cameron | Marlborough 19 January (heard Marlborough 21 January); use of whip; suspended 22-26 January inclusive. J Dunn | Marlborough 21 January; use of whip; fined $300. T Walsh | Marlborough 21 January; use of whip; fined $300. Trainer Penalties G Smith | Ashburton 16 January; colour fee; fined $25. S & A Telfer | Marlborough 21 January; failed to scratch by required time; fined $200. Horse Penalties CYREN SHARD | Ashburton 16 January; laceration to pastern; veterinary clearance required. MACANDREW NAVIGATOR | Northern Southland 18 January; atrial fibrillation; veterinary clearance including ECG required and must complete trial. SAND WAVE | Northern Southland 18 January; lame; veterinary clearance required. WHAT ABOUT ME | Waikato Bay of Plenty 19 January; out of position at start; must complete mobile start trial. JUST ASK PADDY | Marlborough 19 January; fell; must complete trial. MAKE MY DAY | Marlborough 21 January; broke in running; must complete trial. Protest SONSOFTHEMERCH | Waikato Bay of Plenty 19 January; lapped on; relegated from 4th to 5th. The post 15-21 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

OPAWA ELLIOT | Southland 17 January; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. ISMAY BALE | Christchurch 18 January; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. HOMEBUSH CRICKET | Christchurch 18 January; failed to pursue the lure; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. GOLDSTAR ROMAN | Christchurch 18 January; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. General Race 10 at Auckland GRC of 21 January was declared a no-race due to the lure breaking down. The post 15-21 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Rider Penalties M Cameron | Waikato 17 January; medical clearance required (subsequently received on 20 January). L Hemi | Canterbury 18 January; careless riding; suspended 28 January – 7 February inclusive. N Hailey | Canterbury 18 January; use of whip; fined $150. B May | Canterbury 18 January; use of whip; fined $250. C Butler | Wellington 20 January; late to arrive on course; fined $100. J Doyle | Wellington 20 January; use of whip; fined $250. C Grylls | Wellington 20 January; celebratory gesture prior to winning post; fined $300. Y Atchamar | Gore 20 January; medical clearance required. J Allen | Auckland 21 January; careless riding; suspended 28 January – 7 February inclusive. C Grylls | Auckland 21 January; failed to make weight; fined $100. W Kennedy | Auckland 21 January; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalty R Cole | Non-raceday dated 18 January; failed to ride trackwork free of prohibited substance; suspended 12 December – 6 February inclusive and costs of $187.50. Horse Penalties STAR IN THE SKY | Waikato 17 January; slow to jump; must complete trial. MARMAC BOY | Waikato 17 January; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. SELVA VERDE | Waikato 17 January; late scratching on veterinary advice; veterinary clearance required. PROPER TWELVE | Canterbury 18 January; bled; stood down for 3 months and veterinary clearance required. SEVEN ELEVEN | Canterbury 18 January; lame; veterinary clearance required. GEE STRING | Wellington 20 January; reared at start; must complete trial. The post 15-21 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

With aging superstar Golden Sixty sitting it out, Voyage Bubble swept to a handy victory in the Stewards' Cup (G1) Jan. 21 at Sha Tin Racecourse.View the full article

The Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association's annual Stallion Season Auction went live at 9 p.m. Sunday on Thoroughlybred.com. The auction has dynamic endings, which will begin at 6 p.m. ET Jan. 24. There are a total of 72 seasons from 67 stallions available in the auction. The auction includes stallions standing in Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, Ohio, and California. Horseshoe Indianapolis annually hosts two stakes races restricted to 3-year-old horses sired by eligible stallions from the ITOBA Stallion Season Auction. These two races, one for males and one for females, have a purse of $100,000 each. The proceeds from this auction supports funding for scholarships, aftercare programs, and other initiatives. A percentage of proceeds from this auction is also paid back to the stallion farms. The post ITOBA Stallion Season Auction Opens appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The under-tack show for the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company's Winter Mixed Sale's Horses of Racing Age section begins Monday morning at 9 a.m. There are 75 horses cataloged in the racing age section, with hip numbers 201 through 265 in the original printed Winter Mixed Sale catalog, as well as on www.obssales.com. The supplemental catalogue, including racing age supplemental hip numbers 266 through 276, is also available on the website, as well as in print at the sales grounds. The sale begins Tuesday at noon with hip numbers one through 122, plus supplements 123-137 catalogued in the consignor preferred session. The horses of racing session, catalogued as hip numbers 201 through 265, plus supplements 266-276, begins immediately following the conclusion of the preferred session. The open session, with hip numbers 401 through 643, plus supplemental hips 644-663, will begin Wednesday at noon. The post OBS Under-Tack Show Monday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mullion (Into Mischief–Brooch, by Empire Maker), a full-brother to GI Kentucky Derby winner Mandaloun, will stand at Sequel New York in partnership with Juddmonte in 2024. The 4-year-old, nosed out of a debut win at Ellis Park in August of 2022, returned from 14 months on the sidelines to graduate by 10 lengths going one mile at Churchill Downs Nov. 5. The victory earned the well-bred colt the 'TDN Rising Star' designation and an impression 4-Ragozin Number. “Mullion is a beast to look at. He showed freakish brilliance, so much so that we were pointing him to the GI Malibu after his 10-length romp at Churchill. He was a rare talent,” said trainer Brad Cox. Garrett O'Rourke, general manager of Juddmonte USA, added, “I believe that this horse has the kind of credentials that can make him a successful stallion which is why Juddmonte is supporting him.” Mullion will be available for inspection at Sequel New York's Stallion Open House Jan. 27 at 167 Maple Lane, Hudson, NY 12534 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The post Mullion, Full-Brother to Mandaloun, to Stand at Sequel New York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Not even a blanket of snow and some icy country lanes could deter those on the annual Normandy bloodstock pilgrimage more formally known as the Route des Etalons. With plenty of new sires to show off this year, many of France's major stallion studs welcomed in breeders and members of the public during the weekend showcase which is now in its 14th year. At Haras de Bonneval, the French home of the Aga Khan Studs stallions, more than 600 people turned out on Saturday to see the quartet of stallions neatly split into established stars and freshmen, with Vadeni (Fr) and Erevann (Fr) filling the role of the latter. “We had a large number of people. I don't know if it's the place where you do a huge amount of business as such, but you see a lot of people that you don't see through the year so it's a great time to catch up and talk about the horses,” said Georges Rimaud, manager of the Aga Khan Studs. “The horses showed themselves well. Rather than people talk about them amongst themselves without seeing them, it's lovely to be able to show them to people and for them to make their own minds up. We were lucky to have very good weather – although it was very cold – but when you see a horse in the sun you can really appreciate them, so it was a very good day.” Jean-Claude Rouget was the trainer responsible for both Vadeni and Erevann, and though he was required to be on duty in Cagnes, his assistant Jean-Bernard Roth was in attendance to reminisce about the racing careers of both horses with Pierrick Moreau, best known as one of Arqana's auctioneers, who was the MC for the day at Bonneval. “We've already had a lot of bookings and when people are here to see the horses you can have a different discussion with the breeders about their mares and their matings,” Rimaud added. “It was great to have Jean-Bernard here, he's a well-known figure, and I think that added something special to the shows. At the end of the day I think we were all quite pleased but quite tired. It was very pleasant to see so many people. “We see some people who are not horse people, for example our neighbours, who are farmers next door. They are busy most of the year but it is a good opportunity for them to come in and see what we do here. “It's important to show what we do to a larger public, especially in these days when racing can sometimes be looked at unfavourably.” Through the sale of caps and wrist-warmers, the shows at Haras de Bonneval also raised money for Au Dela des Pistes, France's organisation for the retraining of racehorses. All in all I thought it was great, and I wonder, are we Brits being left behind by not having something similar? – Sara Cumani, breeder Sumbe's Haras de Montfort et Préaux was open for both days of the Route des Etalons, with manager Tony Fry battling on despite recently breaking his ankle and requiring the surgical intervention of seven screws and a plate. While he wouldn't pass the trot-up at the moment, it takes more than mere broken bones to deter the hardy Fry, who was on parade along with the farm's five stallions, who certainly were moving with a lot more fluency. “Yesterday, we had around 250 people and again today [Sunday] there has been a good steady stream of visitors,” reported Fry. “I think in a week's time we'll know how much business we have actually done but the horses seem to have been well received and it's just a wonderful opportunity to show them.” Sumbe of course has three new recruits, Angel Bleu (Fr), Mishriff (Ire) and the homebred Belbek (Fr), who were the subject of a recent TDN feature. The latter, who won the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere in the colours of his owner-breeder Nurlan Bizakov, has a bonus incentive scheme to launch him on his stud career, with the breeder of Belbek's first maiden winner set to receive €10,000 and the breeder of his first group winner in line for a €50,000 bonus. Fry added, “There are a lot of people who come on the Route des Etalons just for a day out, but that's fine, you want to encourage people to get involved, and there have been a lot of young people coming through as well, which is great.” Sara Cumani of Fittocks Stud was one of the English breeders to have travelled to France for the weekend and joined a united nations touring party which included Alix Choppin, Tina Rau and Marina Marinopoulos. It was the first time on the Route des Etalons for Cumani, who said that it had been a worthwhile weekend. “It was lovely to see the studs, the horses, to meet the people and to put faces to names,” she said. “I had my list of horses I wanted to see and we managed to see them all, which was great. “We had a really lovely time at Haras de la Hetraie. [Stud owner] Pascal Noue is a real character and I was so impressed with the horses, who looked amazing with fantastic coats. He gave us a lot of insight into stallion psychology, which was fascinating, and all his stallion handlers are women. The horses were so well behaved and Pascal said he'd always rather have women handlers over men. The condition of the horses was what really stood out, but they also offered us some lovely oysters and crepes, so all in all it was a really good visit.” The Cumanis own a mare in partnership with Henri Bozo's Ecurie des Monceaux who is heading to Galiway (GB) this year. The stallion's home, Haras de Colleville, was the final stop on the tour after two days on the road. Cumani continued, “Luca is a very big believer in knowing what a stallion does, rather than what they look like, but I think that if you spend a lot of time trying to get the physical aspects right then it is important to see them, especially when they first go to stud, rather than when they are more rounded and have let down. I certainly find it useful and I particularly wanted to see Zarak and Galiway as we are using them, and they didn't disappoint.” She added, “It was very nice to go to Haras de Beaumont and to meet Pauline Chehboub. It's always nice when you go to a farm and the principal is there, and I was taken with Sealiway. “It was also fantastic to see Haras d'Etreham, which is a beautiful farm, and I absolutely loved Hello Youmzain. He's got so much chunkiness and size, and he walks really well. I'll be very interested to follow him this year, and my fellow travellers very much liked Onesto, who is in a similar mould to Chaldean.” Cumani's final thoughts on the Route des Etalons initiative are surely shared by others. She said, “It was an interesting trip, and of course it helps enormously when you get delicious French eats on the way. All in all I thought it was great, and I wonder, are we Brits being left behind by not having something similar?” The post Oysters, a Broken Ankle and Normandy’s Finest: It Could Only be the Route des Etalons appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Make no mistake. Even a sidelined Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) remains the king of the hill among Hong Kong milers, if not the entire planet. The 8-year-old showed he still had plenty to give with a remarkable first-up performance from a terrible draw in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile Dec. 10, and the horse he beat that day, Voyage Bubble (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), showed that his effort was anything but a one-off, outlasting Beauty Eternal (Aus) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in Sunday's G1 Stewards' Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse. Having belied rough odds to cause a surprise in last year's BMW Hong Kong Derby over 10 furlongs, Voyage Bubble has been kept to the mile thus far this season, and his effort last month ensured that he'd have the target on his back Sunday. The $1.90 favourite put himself right into the early mix, as California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) set a modest tempo in advance of Beauty Eternal. When the latter pushed away from his spot at the fence, Voyage Bubble was hung out three deep at the 600 metres, but was still going well, as the longer-winded Straight Arron (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) launched a four-wide bid at the top of the straight. Zac Purton sent Beauty Eternal past the pacesetter approaching the furlong grounds, but Voyage Bubble had his measure and finished his race off slightly the better for the victory. Beauty Joy (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}) ran on decently for third. “I was in a nice, controlling position where I felt like if the pace slackened–which it did–that I was in a free-rolling position and I had enough room around so that I could go when I wanted to go and it worked out perfectly,” said jockey James McDonald, who recently completed a short-term contract in Hong Kong and was jetting in from Australia for Sunday's ride. “He put in a fantastic run in the International Mile and backed it up today. There's no heir apparent to Golden Sixty, but we're happy to be the next man jogging on the spot, so to speak, and we're probably lucky the champ wasn't there.” Trainer Ricky Yiu has given Voyage Bubble an entry for the G1 Dubai Turf at Meydan Mar. 30 and is also considering the G1 Doncaster Mile H. at Randwick at The Championships a week later. For his part, McDonald believes Voyage Bubble would not be out of his depth. “He's going to be a force to be reckoned with here and a flagbearer for the horses here and I'm just looking forward to seeing where he fits in, obviously being such a young, progressive horse,” McDonald said. Got owners!? Congratulations to the Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate after Voyage Bubble's Group 1 success… #TripleCrown | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/vZkG1iTtVb — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 21, 2024 Pedigree Notes: As previously mentioned, Deep Field is the leading sire in Hong Kong by number of winners and progeny earnings. Voyage Bubble is the stallion's second elite-level scorer in Hong Kong, joining Longines Hong Kong Sprint hero Sky Field (Aus), and fourth overall. Deep Field, who was removed from stud duties at Newgate Farm last year due to an inability to get his mares in foal, is now the sire of 16 winners overall at group level. Rahy has now been represented by 20 Group 1/Grade I winners out of his daughters. Given the sire's popularity locally, the Hong Kong Jockey Club signed for three yearlings at the recently concluded Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale for A$1.775 million, including a son of listed-placed Merited (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) for A$800,000. Torryburn Stud, also the breeders of Hong Kong Group 1 winner Hot King Prawn (Aus) (Denman {Aus}), raced the dam of Voyage Bubble to four wins from 26 starts and she has since produced seven winners from seven to race, including the Group 3 winner Diddums (Aus) and the 4-year-old gelding Seventies Hit (Aus) (Your Song {Aus}), a maiden winner at Beaudesert in Queensland Dec. 30. A half-sister to Listed Rockingham S. winner multiple Group 2-placed Bannock (Ire) (Bertolini) and Australian stakes winner Moulin (Aus) (Reset {Aus}), Raheights has not produced a foal since Seventies Hit and was most recently covered by Home Affairs (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) last Nov. 7. Voyage Bubble's third dam produced Canadian Horse of the Year Never Retreat (Smart Strike). Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong STEWARDS' CUP-G1, HK$13,000,000, Sha Tin, 1-21, 3yo/up, 1600mT, 1:33.97, gd. 1–VOYAGE BUBBLE (AUS), 126, g, 5, by Deep Field (Aus) 1st Dam: Raheights (Aus), by Rahy 2nd Dam: Laoub, by Red Ransom 3rd Dam: Lisieux, by Steady Growth 1ST GROUP WIN, 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. (A$380,000 Ylg '20 INGFEB). O-Sunshine and Moonlight Syndicate; B-Torryburn Stud (NSW); T-Ricky Yiu; J-James McDonald; HK$7,280,000. Lifetime Record: 15-6-4-2, HK$41,052,975. *1/2 to Diddums (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}), GSW-Aus, $164,688. Werk Nick Rating: C. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Beauty Eternal (Aus), 126, g, 5, Starspangledbanner (Aus)–Ithacan Queen (NZ), by Savabeel (Aus). (A$90,000 Ylg '20 INGFEB). O-Patrick Kwok Ho Chuen; B-P Raftopoulos (Vic); T-John Size; J-Zac Purton; HK$2,730,000. 3–Beauty Joy (Aus), 126, g, 7, Sebring (Aus)–Impressive Jeuney (Aus), by Jeune (GB). O-Eleanor Kwok Lai Kwan Chun & Patrick Kwok Ho Chuen; B-Impressive Racing Pty Ltd (WA); T-Tony Cruz; J-Derek Leung; HK$1,495,000. Margins: 1 1/4, 1, 1 1/4. Odds: 9-10, 23-10, 11-1. Also Ran: California Spangle (Ire), Fantastic Treasure, Straight Arron (Aus), Russian Emperor (Ire), Healthy Happy (Aus). Click for the HKJC chart, PPs and sectional timing. The post Voyage Bubble ‘Burstst’ Onto Scene In Stewards’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first thing you pick up on at David Menuisier's yard in Pulborough, West Sussex, is a feeling of calm or harmony. Veterans of training ground visits will recall stepping into authoritarian mini states, ruled by fear, or at the very least by hierarchy. A lifetime in sport teaches you one thing above all: teamwork, which sounds abstract, but really isn't, is the most vital component in success. Collective effort is born not of motivational mantras stuck on walls but the way people actually treat each other. This isn't a discussion about culture wars or hyper-sensitivity in modern workplaces – more, a study of the unifying value of manners and consideration. Togetherness is hard to build and easy to destroy. The other day an ex-footballer told me a story about a club he played for promising a bonus pot at the end of the season, but then not handing it over, even though the side had met its half of the bargain. The club pointed to a “discretionary” clause in the agreement and kept the money. The following season, the players enacted what we now call “quiet quitting.” Coincidentally – or maybe not – they were relegated. Menuisier trains at the great West Sussex yard of Coombelands, in Pulborough, from where the immortal Dancing Brave set forth for Guy Harwood. A genial, thoughtful Frenchman who learned his trade from Criquette Head and John Dunlop, Menuisier is a modern leader. Harwood was a maestro who is still thriving, in the posh car market. In his era, many of the top trainers were officer class (Major Dick Hern, Captain Ryan Price et al) – patricians, who cared deeply about their employees, but will have had little time for emotional introspection. The team dynamic in football, cricket and rugby is equally applicable to racing, where trainers, work riders, vets, farriers, admin staff and visiting jockeys come together in all weathers to form a single fighting force At Coombelands last week (look out for the full TDN interview with Menuisier), we fell into a conversation you hear in all professional sports. Sir Alex Ferguson made players excel at Manchester United not by shouting but working them out as people, then calculating how he could get what he needed from them. He could shout too, when he felt the need, but psychological manipulation was his ace card. Ferguson saw human nature through X-ray eyes. The team dynamic in football, cricket and rugby is equally applicable to racing, where trainers, work riders, vets, farriers, admin staff and visiting jockeys come together in all weathers to form a single fighting force. John Dunlop, who trained along the road in Arundel, was patrician but also enlightened. And Menuisier carried something he learned from Dunlop to Harwood's picturesque HQ. “The main thing I've tried to take from him [Dunlop] was the composure,” Menuisier says. “This man was exactly the same on a good day as a bad day. That's one thing I was always really jealous of when I worked for him because it's so hard to do. “Call it wisdom, or whatever. I think you need to get a few knocks first to build yourself an extra skin. “I think that's what I've done in my first 10 years as a trainer. Criquette Head always told me 'it takes 10 years to make a trainer.' She's probably right. Only now can I find that place of wisdom where you do accept you'll have good days and bad days. It's very important for your sanity and everyone around you. If you lose it every time you have an issue it will have an impact on your family life, it will have an impact on your staff, and it will have an impact on your horses.” A Flat racing yard in January when horses are only trotting in the icy air is unrecognisable from March, when serious work begins, or the build-up to Group 1 races, when the stable stars are hours away from their reckonings. Creative tension is healthy. Adrenaline is fuel. Accountability is essential. In a highly functioning team – in any sport – each must take responsibility for his or her actions, and for the consequences. An elite Premier League manager confides that you can tell a side is fraying when players start “doing their own thing” on the pitch. They disengage. Self-interest seeps in. The self-interest curse in racing politics is a diversion best not taken here. For now we can just enjoy Menuisier laying out the case for civility and equanimity in a trade that sends some people mad with stress. “I want peace,” he says. “I wasn't always like this. I said to my senior staff – if I don't scream my head off around the yard I don't expect you guys to do that. I want to be treating everybody with respect because we're one team here. “If any member of the team doesn't work for that team, it can't work. Speaking to people on an even keel is a sign of respect, and you expect that from other people. And you can work together. If you scream at them you put yourself not as a bully but as somehow superior to them. “I'm not saying everybody's equal. You can't be equal because you have to make the decisions, but it's so much easier to make decisions when you have a good atmosphere than a bad one.” In an impolite, polarised, tribal age, these simple thoughts on how to treat people are a balm. The post Team-Building at the Core of Menuisier’s Sussex Haven appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) has canceled live racing on Sunday at Aqueduct Racetrack due to arctic temperatures forecast to impact the New York metropolitan area throughout the day, the association said in a Sunday morning release. Aqueduct Racetrack will remain open for simulcasting on Sunday and online wagering is available via NYRABets. Sunday's feature race, the $100,000 Rego Park S., will be brought back Jan. 28 with entries to be taken Thursday, Jan. 25. Live racing is scheduled to resume Friday at the Big A. First post is 12:20 p.m. ET. Laurel Park and Oaklawn Park already canceled their Sunday programs because of winter storms. The post Arctic Cold Forces Cancellation Of Sunday’s Card At Aqueduct Racetrack appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kiwi rider comes out on top again as Wunderbar and Ka Ying Rising resume hostilities down the Sha Tin straightView the full article