Wandering Eyes

Keeneland has supplemented 12 horses to the November Horses of Racing Age sale scheduled for noon ET on Wednesday, Nov. 12, which brings the total number of offerings to 215 for the stand-alone auction, the organizer said via a Thursday press release. In the latest round of supplements are: Cheval de Guerre (Hip 4212), a 3-year-old gelding by Caravaggio who is an allowance winner. He is consigned by ELiTE, agent; Chief Liam (Hip 4211), a 3-year-old colt by Violence who won an Oct. 5 allowance at Belmont At The Big A. Consigned by McPeek Racing Stables, agent, he is out of Liam's Lookout, a winning daughter of Liam's Map. Chief Liam is from the family of Grade II winners Rush Bay and Itsaknockout; Cultivate (Hip 4209), a 3-year-old gelding by Practical Joke who in 2025 is undefeated in two races at Saratoga and Belmont At The Big A, most recently Oct. 17. He is consigned by ELiTE, agent; Golden Gamble (Hip 4208), a 3-year-old stakes-placed daughter of Laoban who scored a nine-length victory in a maiden special weight race at Churchill. McPeek Racing Stables, agent, consigns the filly, whose second dam is a half-sister to European champion Hold That Tiger and GI Belmont Stakes winner Editor's Note. Golden Gamble is out of the Bernardini mare Me and Mine; Hamunaptra (Hip 4215), a 2-year-old colt by American Pharoah who was second by a half-length in his Oct. 26 debut at Churchill in a maiden special weight race. ELiTE, agent, consigns Humanaptra, whose dam is Wampum Girl, by Exchange Rate, a half-sister to Grade I winner Bordonaro; Mo Fox Givin (Hip 4204), a winning Grade II-placed 4-year-old filly by Mo Town. Consigned by ELiTE, agent, she is out of Grade II-placed stakes winner Givine (Fr), by Blackdoun (Fr); New Magic (Hip 4213), a 3-year-old colt by Curlin who won his career debut in July. From the family of GI Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Pleasant Home and additional Grade I winner Guarana, he is out of stakes winner and Grade II-placed Magic Dance, by More Than Ready. Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, consigns New Magic; Reliable Lady (Hip 4206), a 4-year-old filly by Take Charge Indy who Oct. 29 drew off to an 8 1/2-length victory in a Churchill Downs allowance race. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, she is from the family of GISW Society Selection. Her dam is Precious Humor, by War Front; Saphira (Hip 4207), a 3-year-old daughter of American Pharoah who won her Oct. 13 debut by 2 1/2 lengths. A half-sister to GSW Bellavais, she is out of Grade III winner La Cloche, by Ghostzapper, and from the family of Grade I winners Memories of Silver and Winter Memories. Saphira is consigned by ELiTE, agent; Steel Girl (Hip 4205), a 2-year-old Uncle Mo filly consigned by Paramount Sales, agent. Out of the Verrazano mare Chelsea Market, she is from the family of Grade I winner and sire Collected; Uncaged (Hip 4210), a 3-year-old Curlin colt who won his career debut at Saratoga. Claiborne Farm, agent, consigns Uncaged, who is out of GSW Dark Nile (Pioneerof the Nile); 3-year-old colt (Hip 4214) by Honor A. P. out of Group III winner Stately (SAF) (Joshua Dancer). He is consigned by Green Hills at Elmendorf. To access the sale's online catalogue, click here. The post Keeneland’s Horses Of Racing Age Sale Supplements A Dozen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday Night Lights sees racing at Addington and Auckland tonight as the sport gears up for its biggest week of the year. Ya Rite Darl will start the night’s shortest priced favourite at Addington which will feature five more heats of the World Driving Championship while Arna Donnelly’s team could well be to the fore at Alexandra Park. Ya Rite Darl tuning up for THE ASCENT at Addington By Michael Guerin A late change of plans will see exciting trotting filly Ya Rite Darl head to Addington tonight rather than tomorrow. Which provides punters with the most obvious of multi anchors for the last meeting at the big track before its biggest day. Ya Rite Darl understandably opened $1.20 favourite for tonight’s Horses Perform Better On Betavet Trot, a race she was only thrown in to as an afterthought. “We were actually going to take her to Addington for fast work on Saturday morning instead,” says driver John Dunn. “But when I looked at the noms for this race we thought we might as well start in it. “She is a very good doing filly so it won’t do her any harm.” That means an extra race for Ya Rite Darl before she takes on the biggest race of her career, the $500,000 Ascent at Addington in a week. While she looked smart last season she has been the big improver in this grade this spring and she would only have to seem to trot throughout to win tonight. Team Dunn takes two other young trotting fillies in Petite Armour and Flying Dreams to the opening race tonight and John says the former is the better hope even after her expensive gallop last start. “That was actually my fault, I let her hit her head on the mobile and she galloped so put that down to driver error,” he admits. “I think she will trot this week and she should be fitter than the other filly (Flying Dreams) even though there isn’t much between them.” The stable has Very Majestic in tonight’s Heat 14 of the World Driving Champs with Michael Nimczyk in the sulky and while the field isn’t intimidating Dunn says she is a mare who needs the right run to win. Away from the WDC heats tonight’s other highlights include an even field of two-year-olds in Race 9 and a red hot debutante in the last race in the well-bred Transonic. Donnelly takes good chances to Alexandra Park By Michael Guerin Arna Donnelly looks set to lead what should be a good night for Waikato stables at Alexandra Park tonight. Donnelly’s New Zealand Cup dreams may be over for this year but the majority of her team are racing well and several find themselves in the right races tonight. She starts the night with the very promising filly Opa’s Girl taking on a mixture of fellow juveniles and older horses over 2200m but the way she boomed home from well back to win over 1700m last start she can win again. Donnelly has two juveniles in Race 3 including debutante Nazare who has won his last three workouts and looks perfectly drawn at barrier two in the five-horse field. His sectionals have suggested he can step straight into race night company without needing to improve much and he was opened just a $1.80 favourite, with the Cambridge trainer’s other rep Ultimate Lad a $31 chance. For a small field though there are a few moving parts to this one, with all three of their rivals having shown enough to upset the odds-on favourite without surprising. Donnelly has the much-improved Final Change in a very even Race 5 but while the three-year-old raced below his best last start his earlier form was very strong in tougher races than what he finds himself in tonight. While $2.80 favourite Words will be hard to catch if she leads any pressure would bring Final Change into the race late. Donnelly rounds out her night with the free-going Dragonstone in the main trot and while off 10m over 2200m if she steps as quickly as she can she could still have a shot at leading and being hard to catch. He will be driven by David Butcher who not only had winning chances with Hooray Henry and You Little Beauty in tonight’s main pace but also a strong book of drives. Butcher pilots talented little trotting mare Miss Bebe who returns in Race 4 and while she should improve with tonight’s race having only had one workout to prepare, she will be a winner before long. Her trainer Rodney Frampton lines up a very promising filly in Soul Artist in the last race on the card. The well-bred daughter of Art Major has won three of her four public outing and the only time she has been beaten was by a subsequent multiple race winner in Tytate back in March. So between Donnelly, Butcher, Frampton and a few others the Waikato looks set to be in for a good night north of the Bombays. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Blair Orange is very much the driver to watch as the World Driving Championship heads to Addington for the first time tonight. The New Zealand rep is currently in fourth place in the WDC at the halfway stage after having a win and two placings at Cambridge on Wednesday night. He is on 68 points, with Canada’s James MacDonald leading the way on 98. He is also on 2999 career wins, needing just one more to become the fourth member of the 3000 club, joining Tony Herlihy, Maurice McKendry and Ricky May. On Friday Orange looks to have plenty of chances. In the four WDC heats he has three three highly-favoured runners. His drives in WDC heats 11-14 are : Always A Menace ($2.40) in Heat 11 (6.21pm) Switch On ($10) in Heat 12 (6.53pm) Major Torque ($1.75) Heat 13 (7.24pm) Sandfly Bay ($2.80) Heat 14 (7.54pm) At one stage Orange was paying $15 to win the WDC – he is now into $3.20. The Dutch connection at Addington tonight There’ll be dual Dutch delight if the very Irish-sounding Just Ask Paddy can win at Addington tonight. The Gold Ace gelding lines up in Heat 13 of the World Driving Championship (7.24pm). Representing the Netherlands in the WDC Jaap van Rijn will drive the $9 fourth favourite in the Stevie and Maree Harcourts Hornby WDC heat – not that the Dutch connection ends there. Just Ask Paddy was bred by retired Marlborough-based vet David Sim and is raced by him and his Dutch wife Anke. “We’ve been married 48 years,” says Dr Sim, “and that is the first horse she’s been in – the first one she’s had a share in.” And it’s been a pretty successful partnership so far. Just Ask Paddy has won three races from 27 starts, the latest of them at Addington on October 1 in an amateur drivers’ race. “He’s certainly exceeded expectations,” says Sim. Sim is a stablehand for Just Ask Paddy’s trainer Tony Thomas and does a lot of work with his horse. “He’s having a ball with that horse,” says Thomas. “And it’s great how that Dutch connection has come about – it’s just the luck of the draw really.” Van Rijn is seeking his second win this WDC. He was a big winner at Kaikoura when It’s Tough dominated his heat on Monday. WDC Meet and Greet There will also be a Meet and Greet with the WDC drivers at Addington this afternoon, starting a 3.45pm. The drivers will do a signing session and there will also be a parade with the first race going at 4.55pm. WDC Leaderboard (after 10 heats) : James MacDonald (Canada) 98 Gary Hall Junior (Australia) 85 Michael Nimczyk (Germany) 69 Blair Orange (New Zealand) 68 Santtu Raitala (Finland) 62 Mats Djuse (Sweden) 57 Giampaolo Minnucci (Italy) 54 Pierre Vercruysse (France) 51 Jaap van Rijn (Netherlands) 51 Brett Beckwith (USA) 46 View the full article

8th-CD, 120K, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/16m, 4:25 p.m. Whisper Hill Farm, along with partners Three Chimneys Farm and Resolute Racing, are surely thinking of roses as SILVER SHOT (Gun Runner) debuts at Churchill Friday. Mandy Pope went to a near sales-topping $2,200,000 to secure the son of Princesa Carolina at Keeneland September last year, a price second only to the $5,000,000 paid for the Curlin son of Cavorting (also to Whisper Hill). Princesa Carolina, a SW/GISP daughter by Tapit and out of MGISW Pure Clan, is already responsible for 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Muhimma (Munnings), winniner of the GII Demoiselle and placed in the GI Central Bank Ashland. Silver Shot's yearling full-brother one-upped him at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga Sale earlier this year, selling to Zedan Racing for $2,900,000. Steve Asmussen trains this 5-1 morning-line shot with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard. TJCIS PPS 4th-GP, 56K, Msw, 3yo/up, f, 6f, 1:48 p.m. Whisper Hill has another noteworthy runner Friday with Plum Perfect (American Pharoah) making her belated debut as a 4-year-old. Mandy Pope paid $4,200,000 to secure the filly's dam, GI Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty, at Keeneland November in 2012. She lines up inside 3-year-old Traviesa (Speightstown), a $650,000 Keeneland September yearling grad out of an unraced half-sister to two-time Eclipse Champion Covfefe (Into Mischief) and GSW/MG1SP Albiano (Harlan's Holiday). She debuts in this spot for Bass Stables and Cheyenne Stables from the Todd Pletcher barn. TJCIS PPS The post Friday Insights: Pricey Son Of Gun Runner Debuts At Churchill appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Drexel Hill, runner-up in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), returns to the starting gate for her first race since the Run for the Lillies in the $300,000 Mother Goose Stakes (G2) Nov. 8 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

The respective King's Plate winners from 2023 and 2024, Paramount Prince and Caitlinhergrtness, swing back into action in separate CA$150,000 graded stakes races Nov. 8 at Woodbine.View the full article

A total of eight wildcards have been added to the Arqana Autumn Sale catalogue. The trio of Flat performers are led by Group 3 winner Columbus (Oasis Dream) (lot 342), who is rated 111 and from the family of Group 1 winners Coronet (Dubawi) and Aussie Rules. G3 Prix Perth third Chibitty (Zelzal) (lot 355) is a three-time winner this season, while listed winner Tipinso (Victor Ludorum) (lot 365) is a grandson of Group 1 winner Molly Malone (Lomitas). For the National Hunt sphere are five more wildcards led by Tiznit (Saint Des Saints) (lot 366), a winner on debut over fences and a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Juntos Ganamos (Martaline). Debut hurdle winner Kermanshah (Persian King) is lot 368. The sale runs from November 17-20, two days after the Arqana November Yearling Sale. The post Group 3 Winner Among Eight Arqana Autumn Wildcards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Claiborne Farm has released the stud fees for multiple Grade I winners and newly-minted stallions, Mindframe (Constitution–Walk of Stars, by Street Sense)–set at $50,000 LFSN–and Johannes (Nyquist–Cuyathy, by Congrats), who checks in at $10,000 LFSN and is eligible for the farm's new “Breed Twice, Breed for Life” incentive program, according to a press release from the breeding operation. Mindframe was the only older horse in America to win two Grade I races in 2025, highlighted by a statement victory in the GI Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs, where he bested Eclipse Award winner Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), GI Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan (Goldencents), and G1 Dubai World Cup winner Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}). He earned a 105 Beyer Speed Figure in the Stephen Foster, marking his fourth of five-career triple-digit Beyers. Owned by Mike Repole and Vinnie Viola, Mindframe's versatility was on full display during his determined victory in the seven-furlong GI Churchill Downs Stakes, a race in which he beat eight graded stakes winners, including Grade I winners Nysos (Nyquist), Book'em Danno (Bucchero), and Mullikin (Violence). The son of Constitution is also classic-placed, finishing second by a half-length in the 2024 GI Belmont Stakes in just his third career start. He retired with over $2,000,000 in earnings. Johannes, one of North America's elite competitors on the turf, is the highest-earning son for his elite sire. The 6-time graded stakes winner retired with earnings of $1,298,359 under trainer Tim Yakteen. In total, Johannes posted nine career victories, eight of those in stakes company, and six against graded stakes competition. Johannes | Benoit Photo A nine-length maiden special weight winner sprinting six furlongs in 1:08.47 as a 2-year-old at Santa Anita Park, Johannes then kicked off his sophomore campaign with dominant victories in the Baffle Stakes and the Pasadena Stakes. Johannes, a homebred for Joe and Debby McCloskey, jumped to another level at four, where he started the season with a breakthrough graded victory in the GIII American Stakes at Santa Anita, running the mile in 1:32.08. From there, he posted Beyer Speed Figures of 100 or greater in six of his next seven starts, beginning with a victory in the GI Shoemaker Mile. His resume also includes victories in the GII Eddie Read Stakes, GII City of Hope Mile Stakes twice, and GII San Gabriel Stakes. The release also states that breeders will have an opportunity to earn a lifetime breeding right to Johannes through Claiborne's new “Breed Twice, Breed for Life” incentive program. Owners that breed a total of two mares to Johannes during the first two breeding seasons, have two live foals, and pay two stud fees on or before the due date will earn a lifetime breeding right. Space is limited. For more information, breeders are encouraged to contact Claiborne's Stallion Seasons and Bloodstock Manager, Jacob West, at jacob@claibornefarm.com or 859-987-2330. The post New Additions To Claiborne Farm Roster Have Stallion Fees Set appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Haras d'Etreham has announced the fees for its roster of seven Flat stallions, which is led by Hello Youmzain at €25,000, down from €40,000 last year. The line-up is bolstered by the introduction of Lope De Vega's Group 2-winning son Beauvatier, one of four new stallions announced in France to date for 2026, who will stand his first season at €7,000. Classic winners Persian King and Metropolitan are advertised at €15,000 and €12,000 respectively, while City Light, Onesto and Victor Ludorum are all priced at €10,000. “We are proud to present a diverse and complementary group of stallions, combining top-level performance with outstanding pedigrees,” said Etreham's Nicolas de Chambure. “These horses offer breeders exceptional opportunities for their breeding plans in 2026.” The post Beauvatier Joins Etreham Roster at €7,000; Hello Youmzain Now €25,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bleary-eyed buyers might well have thought the ever-expanding sale season had finally gotten the better of them when they saw a spotted pony racing star by Zarak being offered under the hammer at Osarus on Friday. However, fear not, had you contemplated checking yourself into the nearest clinic, because you haven't gone completely cuckoo. The filly in question goes by the name of Judith Leyster and, according to Georges Rimaud, who spent 25 years at the helm of the French division of the Aga Khan Studs, the six-year-old resembled something closer to a circus pony rather than a racehorse when she was born. That hasn't stopped her stringing a host of wins together on the pony racing circuit, giving credence to that old saying, 'an ounce of breeding is worth a tonne of feeding'. The six-year-old is out of an unnamed Irish-bred that Rimaud says looks similar to an Appaloosa. That mare was one of the first that Zarak, now the sire of multiple Group 1 and Classic winners, covered at Haras de Bonneval upon the completion of his racing career in 2018. Judith Leyster was gifted by the Aga Khan Studs to the Poneys au Galop and she will be sold in order to raise funds on behalf of the association. She has become something of a sensation, too. Not least for the fact that she is by Zarak, who has become one of the most important stallions France has to offer, but she is borderline unbeatable as a pony racer. On top of all that, she is pretty easy to spot, given her striking white body and brown spots. Rimaud recalled, “This is a pony out of a nurse mare we had on the farm. In Ireland, they call them batty mares, or you can call them nurse mares or foster mothers. We used to keep a few of them on the farm to get the younger stallions used to covering mares. We tried Zarak on these batty mares and, while I can't remember exactly, this could well have been the first ever mare that he covered. So be it, he got her in foal, and as the regulations state in France, you need to declare who the stallion is for the passport, health papers and the rest. Zarak didn't even have a book of mares at this point so little did we know what was going to come next.” He added, “The dam, Janny, was one of these mares that we got from the hills or God knows where! If I remember correctly, she, like most of the foster mares, was multi-coloured – she looked like an Appaloosa. I don't even know if she had papers. There is nothing more random than this!” The Osarus sales description states that multiple winner Judith Leyster will be sold only to a good home. She is also reported to be trained around cross-country courses and the proceeds of her sale will be reinvested within the Poneys au Galop organisation. Rimaud, who retired from his role within the Aga Khan Studs last year, said he found the whole story rather amusing but stated his pleasure at seeing one of the gifted ponies thriving away from her birth place at Haras de Bonneval. He said, “Ponies race against other ponies and I think they are categorised by their size. Maybe this filly has a bit of speed because of her stallion but she seems to have done well. I understand that she may have done other things besides racing. All of these foals from the foster mares, we tend to give them away to a good home, and it's great to see them thriving. We raise them quite well, as one should do, and they are actually all hand-reared until we feel that they are ready to be sent out. I can remember giving a couple of them away for pony racing and Judith Leyster was obviously one of those. She is making the news now because she is speedier than the rest of the other ponies!” Rimaud added, “I think it's funny more so than anything else and hopefully she might make a bit of money. I can assure you, she did not look like a racehorse when she was born – she looked more like a circus pony!” The post ‘Nothing More Random Than This!’ – Pony Racing Star By Zarak To Sell At Osarus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Qatar Racing's 2,000 Guineas hero Kameko will stand for a reduced fee of £15,000 at Tweenhills Farm and Stud next year, with the G1 Sussex Stakes winner Lightning Spear joining him on the roster at £3,000 (from £5,000). In 2025, Kameko covered 136 mares at a fee of £20,000, having been represented by 14 winners from his first crop of juvenile runners in Europe in 2024, including the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes winner Wimbledon Hawkeye and Qatar Racing homebred New Century, who was successful in the GI Natalma Stakes at Woodbine. This year, Wimbledon Hawkeye gained a second Pattern-race victory when winning the GII Nashville Derby Invitational Stakes, while other notable performers for the son of Kitten's Joy have included American Gal, a Listed winner and runner-up in the G3 Valiant Stakes, and G3 Sirenia Stakes scorer Five Ways, one of seven individual winners from his second crop of juveniles in Europe. The post Promising Young Sire Kameko to Stand for £15,000 at Tweenhills in 2026 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

For some who breed and race Thoroughbreds, the decreasing foal crop is regarded as a bellwether for a business in decline. Yet, a clear-eyed look that goes beyond numbers–and the efforts to turn them around–offers an important reminder: North American Thoroughbred breeding and racing still has real strengths. But to ensure its future we need strategic, collective action to strengthen the sport and keep it vibrant for generations to come. Industry collaboration is the only path to revitalizing Thoroughbred production. Understanding the Foal Crop Decline In 1950, arguably the sport's heyday, the North American foal crop was 9,095. In the succeeding years it rose steadily, hitting its peak in 1986 at 51,296. Then things changed. The Tax Reform Act of 1986 took away many tax breaks that spurred investment in breeding. More recently, the 2008-2009 recession exacerbated the situation as credit markets that serviced the Thoroughbred industry dried up. By 2008, the foal crop was 35,274, and it steadily declined by 50% over the next 17 years, a time which saw a massive increase in casino gaming across North America as well as the legalization of sports betting in most states. The projected 2024 annual North American foal crop is 17,300, down 14.5% since 2020, but as noted, it hasn't been sudden. Smaller foal crops and tougher economic times have led to fewer tracks, fewer race dates, and smaller fields, creating the largest impact in the once thriving regional breeding and racing markets. Regional racetracks and sales companies that depend upon the lifeblood of local horses have been forced to dramatically scale back or shutter altogether. Without a thriving network of regional markets as independent ecosystems for locally produced horses, demand for racehorses is further depressed. A Global Challenge Recently compiled data by the International Stud Book Committee covering 2015-2024 from Thoroughbred-producing countries show double-digit declines in foal crops across several nations, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, and Uruguay. Turning to Britain and Ireland, according to a recent analysis by The Racing Post: “Another worrying decrease in the foal crop has been confirmed as the number of live foals registered with the General Stud Book in Britain and Ireland took its most significant year-on-year dip for a decade and a half.” These figures underscore that the challenges and pressures facing Thoroughbred production are global, not confined to any one country or region. One Mission, Two Jobs The Jockey Club's mission is keeper of The American Stud Book; as such, its first job is to ensure the integrity of the breed through horse registration, accurate pedigree and racing data collection, and reliable reporting on trends. It also works to make the sport stronger. Over the past 30 years, The Jockey Club has developed several for-profit companies serving various aspects of the industry. Profits from these businesses have enabled it to invest more than $100 million back into the industry, supporting 100+ initiatives including horse and rider safety and welfare, promotion and marketing, aftercare, and research. Recently, The Jockey Club backed three initiatives directed at growing the foal crop. First is the Mare Incentive Program, which waives registration fees for foals from specific mares that had not been bred recently. This program provides a resource for stallion managers to find these mares, and waiving registration fees provides a financial incentive to bring the mares back into production. Already, 205 such mares appear on the 2025 Reports of Mares Bred–a promising start. Second was the result of a concerted, year-long effort to make 100% bonus depreciation for horse purchases permanent, enabling owners to write off a horse's full cost in the year of purchase from investment income, making investing in new bloodstock more attractive. Working with National Thoroughbred Racing Association President Tom Rooney and others, the industry lobbied in Washington, D.C., to give breeders a concrete reason to invest again. The third program is the Breeder Organization Workshop, co-hosted by the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, to be held next week in Louisville, Kentucky, to encourage state and provincial breeder associations to consider creative measures to increase Thoroughbred horse production across North America, including combining regions to make state-bred races more attractive. The Road Ahead Even with these initiatives, the horse racing industry continues to face real challenges, including tax policy shifts, economic ups and downs, and new tastes among fans. Fixing them will take teamwork from everyone–breeders, owners, tracks, and government–but we can do it together just like we did on 100% bonus depreciation. There are at least three critical areas on which to focus: Tax Policies and Industry Lobbying: recognizing that government is our partner. Advocate for tax policies that encourage breeding investment and wagering. The 100% bonus depreciation proves that smart tax policy drives real results. Push for permanent favorable treatment and leverage the impact that Thoroughbred breeding and racing have on jobs and ancillary businesses. There is a bill before Congress focusing on enhancing tax policy in support of ownership and another to aid in the deductibility of wager losses. Commonsense changes like these should be championed by all members of the Thoroughbred ecosystem. Grow the Fan Base. Expand national marketing and branding efforts, such as America's Best Racing, to grow the fan base, promote the on-track experience, and increase wagering. Leverage the best of the sport, the Triple Crown, Breeders' Cup, and the race meets that draw the largest crowds, to create more opportunities for the broadcast and streaming of racing content and further lean into social media and the power of influencers. We can't stand pat while other sports leagues, entertainment, and sports betting grow. Strengthen Safety, Welfare, and Integrity Standards. Organizations such as the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, and Thoroughbred Incentive Program protect horses and the sport's reputation, and while they continue to evolve, they are working and making a difference. Public confidence drives long-term growth, and these organizations serve as pillars for that growth. A Shared Responsibility for the Future The decline in the Thoroughbred foal crop is not the result of a single factor. It reflects a complex interplay of tax policy shifts, economic crises, industry consolidation, emerging competitors, and changing consumer behavior. These are challenges faced by many industries–and they are not insurmountable. The Jockey Club remains committed to being part of the solution. Through rigorous data collection, it provides the insights needed for informed decision-making. Through strategic investments, it works to expand the sport's economic base and fan engagement. And through collaboration, it seeks to unite stakeholders around a shared vision for the future. –Everett R. Dobson is the Chairman of The Jockey Club of America. The post Open Letter: The Declining Foal Crop And The Road Ahead appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

No Nay Never heads the Coolmore roster for 2026 at €100,000, while the G1 Coral-Eclipse and G1 Irish Champion Stakes winner Delacroix, a son of Dubawi and champion racemare Tepin, has been introduced at €40,000. Only the late Wootton Bassett has sired more individual Group-winning juveniles in Europe this year than No Nay Never, whose standout two-year-olds have included the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes heroine True Love and the G2 Norfolk Stakes winner Charles Darwin. The G1 City Of York Stakes scorer Never So Brave was another notable performer for the son of Scat Daddy, who stood for €125,000 in 2025. Delacroix, who was also beaten just a nose in the G1 Futurity Trophy as a juvenile, is one of three new additions to the Coolmore stallion ranks, along with two multiple Group 1-winning sons of Wootton Bassett in Camille Pissarro and Henri Matisse, who have been introduced at €30,000 and €20,000, respectively. Henri Matisse had stable-mate Camille Pissarro back in third when lowering the track record at ParisLongchamp with his success in this year's Poule d'Essai des Poulains, having previously made the breakthrough at the top level when winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. The six-time winner is out of the G1 Coronation Stakes and G1 Prix Jacques le Marois heroine Immortal Verse, whose other star progeny include the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes and G1 Prix Jean Prat scorer Tenebrism. Similarly, Camille Pissarro is a sibling to a Group 1 winner in the Commonwealth Cup hero Golden Horde. He registered his first top-level victory in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at two and later followed his third-place finish in the Poulains with a Classic victory of his own in the Prix du Jockey Club. “Obviously, it was a major blow to lose Wootton Bassett the month before last, but we're extremely fortunate to have his sons, Camille Pissarro and Henri Matisse, retiring for the coming season,” said David O'Loughlin, Coolmore's director of sales. “These are his only two sons to have won Group 1 races at both two and three years, and both boast exceptional pedigrees and physiques to match their classic-winning prowess. “Also new for 2026 is Delacroix, arguably the best-looking son of Dubawi ever to retire to stud and a fantastic racehorse out of a brilliant racemare.” The significant movers include Starspangledbanner, who will command a career-high fee of €60,000 (from €45,000 in 2025), having been represented by a pair of leading two-year-olds in recent months, namely the dual Group 1-winning filly Precise and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf hero Gstaad. Sioux Nation will also stand for an increased fee of €37,500 (from €30,000), while Australia is back up to €15,000 (from €10,000) after supplying this year's Derby winner Lambourn and Coronation Stakes heroine Cercene, among others. Like Starspangledbanner, Europe's champion sire of 2024, Camelot, will command a fee of €60,000 (from €75,000), along with the European champion two-year-old and Derby winner City Of Troy, who stood for €75,000 when debuting at Coolmore Stud this season. Other notable adjustments include small decreases for City Of Troy's fellow newcomers in 2025, namely dual Derby hero Auguste Rodin, who is down to €27,500 from €30,000, and Henry Longfellow, who will stand for €12,500 (from €15,000). Meanwhile, St Mark's Basilica, who is responsible for 17 individual two-year-old winners from his first European crop in 2025, including the Prix Marcel Boussac scorer Diamond Necklace, remains at €40,000. O'Loughlin added, “We have been very mindful of the market in setting our fees, ensuring our roster continues to offer outstanding quality, choice and value with stallions to suit every mare and breeder.” The post No Nay Never Leads Coolmore’s 2026 Roster at €100,000, Delacroix Introduced at €40,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The issue of computer assisted wagering (CAW) is not new and it is clearly time that it be revisited given the extent to which it has grown. Bettor concerns are valid and the question has always been whether anyone, large or small, is given an unfair advantage that is not available to anyone else. Phrases and words like “racketeering,” “pool-rigging enterprise,” and “insider bettors” conjure up images of insider trading and criminal activity which, if proven, could then warrant criminal prosecution and make those convicted ineligible for a racing license. The effect of using such language will not be positive for a sport struggling to survive in a highly competitive environment. After reading the lawsuit filed on behalf of a Colorado bettor who alleges federal felony racketeering charges, my initial reaction is he has a high bar to clear in order to prove what is claimed is illegal. The growing reliance on computer programs, algorithms, and artificial intelligence in almost every aspect of our lives is ubiquitous as our technological evolution is fast and furious. The issue for public policy makers in racing is the same as it is for the financial markets: can everyone have access to the same information upon which to make a decision on an investment or a wager? Are the large CAW customers doing anything different from the large institutional investors who scour the markets for opportunities and sometimes wait until the closing minutes of the market to make a move? Is it improper for a racetrack to commit a portion of their takeout revenue to reward large customers for doing business with them? How is this different from discounts for large customers in any other business? The challenge for regulators and lawmakers is the adequacy of existing policies regarding stop betting and pool closure as well as total odds transparency. Do all betters have access to the same information and can they choose to purchase programs to scour the landscape seeking opportunities to make single or multiple bets? Can they pool their wagers in the same way investors pool investments in a mutual fund? Can they hire someone to manage their wagers in the same way investors pay a management fee to a brokerage house to manage their trading? Perhaps a greater question lies in the extent to which computers are taking the traditional fun out of wagering on horse races where handicapping was a talent developed individually through an understanding of statistics: probability, bloodlines, past performance, analysis of competition, and personal experience usually expressed as one's “gut.” When computers do what humans historically have done, what does this do to the sport? In a world where robotics seem to be the next frontier, one must ask what's next, robot jockeys and horses? We already have HHR. To criminalize the racetrack companies for finding new ways to generate revenue, in my opinion, is not the answer. Handle keeps the sport going and the challenge for all is, `where do we go from here?' Policymakers, both public and private, need to listen to the concerns of the players and take a new look to achieve a balance where fans do not feel cheated or taken advantage of. –Ed Martin is the President of the Association Racing Commissioners International. The post Letter To The Editor: CAW – Time For A New Balance? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland, in partnership with Cross Gate Gallery of Lexington, Kentucky, will present the 13th annual Sporting Art Auction on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, at 4 p.m. ET in the Keeneland Sales Pavilion, the host said via a Thursday press release. The 2025 collection features 206 lots showcasing a range of fine sporting art and American painting as well as sculptures. The auction is open to the public and click here to access the online catalogue. The post 13th Annual Sporting Art Auction At Keeneland Set For Nov. 13 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

OwnerView has named influencer and content creator Griffin Johnson as their 2025 New Owner of the Year, the organization said in a press release on Thursday morning. The award, sponsored by 1/ST RACING, was given to Johnson because of his work with America's Best Racing. The social media star became a part-owner in GISW Sandman (Tapit) with West Point Thoroughbreds and in 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Ewing (Knicks Go). As an ambassador for the sport, Johnson exposed millions of young people to horse racing. His behind-the-scenes videos with Sandman reached more than 200 million people and generated more than 35 million views. A video feeding JOURNALISM this summer in honor of the Breeders Cup Classic running in one week.. I really love this horse & will be rooting for him pic.twitter.com/AAFopBuslG — Griffin Johnson (@lmgriffjohnson) October 25, 2025 The post Griffin Johnson Awarded 2025 New Owner Of The Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) has announced the line-up for its annual Forum at Tattersalls on Thursday, November 27. Entitled Building Bloodlines; Broodmare Evaluation and Purchase, it will take place on the 'dark day' of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, starting at 5pm. Free to attend, the event will examine the process of buying a mare and building foundation bloodlines, with consideration of pedigree, racing form, physical attributes and setting a budget. The expert panel will be hosted by Gina Bryce and consists of Newsells Park Stud general manager Julian Dollar, TBA deputy chair Kate Sigsworth, bloodstock consultant Jocelyn de Moubray, and bloodstock agent Arthur Dobell. A Q&A session will follow. Naomi Mellor, chief executive of the TBA said, “We are really looking forward to hosting our annual forum at Tattersalls with an expert panel assembled to discuss the subject of building bloodlines and the purchasing process of buying a broodmare, which we hope will really appeal to both our existing membership and anyone thinking about taking those first steps into breeding. “We are particularly pleased to be opening up this event to both ROA members as well as ITBA members. A big part of the TBA's agenda next year is to develop our future pipeline of breeders and provide engaging opportunities and events for both our members, but also new entrants and enthusiasts alike to exchange knowledge, ideas and importantly ask questions. “Our thanks to Tattersalls for providing us with the stage and to all our panellists for giving up their valuable time.” Complimentary mulled wine and sausage rolls will be served, with the event set to end at 6.45pm. While attendance is free, pre-registration is required via this link. The post TBA To Host Building Bloodlines Forum at Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The G2 Flying Childers Stakes winner Aesterius will become the latest son of Mehmas to join the stallion ranks and has been retired to Bearstone Stud for the 2026 breeding season. He will stand at a fee of £6,500. Bred by Sean Maguire and owned by Wathnan Racing, Aesterius also won the G3 Prix d'Arenberg at Longchamp and Sandown's Listed Dragon Stakes, as well as finishing runner-up in the G3 Molecomb Stakes during a busy juvenile campaign in 2024. A £380,000 breeze-up purchase by Richard Brown of Blandford Bloodstock, he was trained by Archie Watson. Speaking on behalf of Wathnan Racing, Brown said, “Aesterius is a gorgeous looking colt with brilliant speed and a willing attitude. With his proven class, temperament and sire Mehmas's record for producing top juveniles, he looks every inch an exciting young stallion prospect.” Bearstone Stud owner Terry Holdcroft added, “We're delighted to welcome Aesterius to Bearstone Stud. He's exactly the type of horse breeders are looking for—early, fast, tough, and by one of the most reliable sources of two-year-old speed in Europe. His race record speaks for itself, and he's an exciting addition to our roster.” The post Aesterius Joins Bearstone Stud at £6,500 Fee appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Matthew Prior, an associate director of Tattersalls since the beginning of 2024, has been appointed to the new role of managing director. Prior joined Tattersalls in the bloodstock sales department in 2012 and has developed into a senior member of the Tattersalls management team, combining yearling inspections and horse recruitment with the position of head of sales at Cheltenham. He has also represented Tattersalls on a number of industry committees, as well as sitting on the Board of Tattersalls Ireland since 2021. “It is an enormous privilege to be appointed managing director of Tattersalls, a company with such a proud history and tradition,” said Prior. “I am fortunate to work alongside a team of exceptional talent and dedication and I look forward to working with Edmond Mahony and the Tattersalls Board along with everyone across the business to uphold the values of integrity and excellence that define Tattersalls.” He added, “I remain committed to serving the best interests of our clients, both vendors and purchasers, whose trust and support continue to underpin Tattersalls' enduring success.” Prior's fellow associate directors Harvey Bell and Jason Singh have also been promoted to the Tattersalls Board as sales director and marketing director, respectively. Tattersalls Ireland Board member Tammy O'Brien will also be joining the main Board, with the new appointments scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. Bell, who also joined Tattersalls in 2012, takes on the role of sales director after overseeing sales coordination for a number of years, as well as auctioneering and undertaking yearling inspections. Jason Singh joins the Tattersalls Board having held the position of marketing manager for more than 20 years after starting with Tattersalls in 2000. Meanwhile, O'Brien served as racing manager with Coolmore for 20 years, before taking on the role of Tattersalls international client relations and strategic development manager in 2017. She was appointed to the Tattersalls Ireland Board in 2023. Edmard Mahony, who will continue in his role as chairman of both Tattersalls and Tattersalls Ireland, said of the new appointments, “All four of the newly appointed Tattersalls Board members, Matthew Prior, Harvey Bell, Tammy O'Brien and Jason Singh, are already hugely respected individuals within the global bloodstock industry and we are fortunate to be able to bring four such dedicated and experienced individuals onto the Tattersalls Board simultaneously. “Matthew Prior has consistently demonstrated all the attributes to take on the new role of managing director and he will be ably supported by his fellow Board members, all of whom share a deep and abiding commitment to the continued success of Tattersalls.” The post Matthew Prior Named Managing Director as Tattersalls Appoints Four New Board Members appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shanwah will set out on what trainer Douglas Whyte hopes is a path to the Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) when he has his first start in the city at Sha Tin this Sunday. Third behind Aeliana and Firm Agreement in April’s Group One Australian Derby (2,400m) at Randwick when trained by Ciaron Maher, Shanwah makes his Hong Kong debut in the Class Two Santa Monica Handicap (1,400m). “He raised the flag with his third in the Australian Derby and we persevered and fortunately enough we got him,” said Whyte...View the full article

Talented mare First Chorus (NZ) (Ghibellines) ran out a strong winner of the TCL Trophy (1700m) for trainer Lindsay Smith under a perfect ride from a wide draw (15) by Jamie Mott. Sporting the colours of Spicer Thoroughbreds, First Chorus powered away from her opposition to score by a length and a half to record her third victory from seven starts. The four-year-old daughter of Ghibellines had previously been runner up at Geelong off a month between runs and had come on in fitness on Thursday. “The speed was on and Jamie did slot in, it was a great ride,” Smith said. “I told him before the race if he won it, it would be a great ride and take all the accolades, but it wasn’t a bad training effort either! “No doubt she’ll get to 2000m at some stage. Maybe this time next year, she might be in a Matriarch (Gr.2, 2000m) or something like that.” Mott said earlier in the mare’s career he thought she was somewhat limited in ability but she has continued to raise the bar and improve. “Lindsey has done a great job with her. She’s built through the grades slowly and each run she’s got better and better,” he said. “We took her to Geelong last time off a bit of a break and knew she needed a run. She knocked up late. “She had a nice tick over trial. Fred Kersley gave her a little trial in between and topped her fitness up. “I got a beautiful spot from the barrier and travelled great and was going to be hard to beat from there. “She’s had a massive preparation and she’ll continue to get better and better, too. “She’s a horse who will have a nice future.” First Chorus was bred by Dean Lawrence with his mother-in-law, Diana Duff-Staniland and Paul Duffus. First Chorus is a full sister to seven-time winner Bellini Miss (NZ) (Ghibellines), with the pair out of the winning O’Reilly mare Broadway Miss. She was purchased privately by Brad Spicer of Spicer Thoroughbreds, who has a long-standing relationship with Mott. “We were really confident until the barrier came out but to Jamie’s credit, it was a huge ride,” Spicer said. “She can go to the paddock now and come back bigger and better next time around. “I’m a bit of a fan of the stock of Ghibellines. We had the full sister, Bellini Miss, and when she started showing a bit I went and sourced a full sister, and she looks like she is going to be better.” View the full article

Darryn Weatherley is feeling the pride of a father as he gets set to line-up the horse he co-bred, co-owns and co-trains on one of Australia’s biggest days of racing. Pier (NZ) (Proisir) carries the silks of well-known Australian owner Ozzie Kheir, but he remains a family pet in the Weatherley family, who have doted on the gelding since he was a foal. A Group One winner at three, Pier has been a test of patience for his conditioners in recent years, having one start in 18 months before returning in April where he was runner-up in the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m), which sealed his ticket across the Tasman, where he would have a memorable and rewarding next six months. He began his Australian raid in Queensland where he placed in the Gr.3 BRC Sprint (1350m) before winning the Listed The Wayne Wilson (1600m). Following a spell in the warmer climes of the Sunshine State, Weatherley met Pier in Sydney this spring where he placed in the Gr.2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m), was a game fifth in the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), and was outstanding when running home for third in the Gr.1 King Charles III Stakes (1609m) at Randwick on Everest Day. Weatherley, who trains Pier in partnership with his daughter Briar, then shifted his sights further south to the Melbourne Cup Carnival. The Matamata trainer has an itch to step his gelding out over 2000m, and that will be scratched on Saturday in the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. “It was a huge run last start,” Weatherley said. “There were some pretty good horses behind him and he fought like a tiger. His trip to Melbourne has been good and I think he has improved further from Sydney. “You have got a dual Cox Plate (Gr.1, 2040m) winner in Via Sistina in the field, but I really believe he deserves his spot in the field, and she will know he is there.” The Waikato horseman is enjoying the atmosphere in Melbourne during its biggest week of the year, and he said he couldn’t be any prouder of his horse heading into the biggest test of his career. “It is like having a son in the Rugby World Cup final or the 100m final at the Olympics,” Weatherley said. “He is racing against the best of the best. I am proud of the horse who has put me in this position and it’s good to be here. “It is a pretty cool place to be at the moment, it is a very vibrant week.” Weatherley couldn’t be any happier with the way Pier’s Australian campaign has gone and he is grateful for the hospitality shown by his hosts in each state, as well as his team back home while he has been campaigning their stable star. “He has been here since May, he has only had the one airfare,” Weatherley said. “He has had five starts thus far and earned A$600,000, so it has been a pretty cool trip. “I don’t know how many flights I have had to and from New Zealand, but it has been a fair few, I could just about fly the plane myself. “The people I have stayed with – Brisbane with Barry Lockwood, Sydney with Richard Collett and Melbourne with Andrew Forsman – they have been absolutely fantastic, and I have enjoyed my time. “I am very pleased to have Briar in partnership, who is doing the hard yards at home while Pier and I are enjoying the festivities over here.” Pier will jump from barrier six and will have the services of regular Australian rider Ethan Brown aboard. While Via Sistina dominates the Champions Stakes market at $1.70, bookmakers have plenty of respect for Pier, rating the Kiwi gelding a $12 fourth favourite behind Tom Kitten ($9.50) and fellow Ozzie Kheir runner Light Infantry Man ($11). View the full article

The unreserved dispersal of highly respected horseman Hec Anderton’s estate has led to five members of an enormously successful South Island family being up for sale on gavelhouse.com. All five descend from the mainland marvel Princess Mellay (Mellay), whose 18 wins included the New Zealand Oaks (2400m) and two editions of the New Zealand Cup (3200m). Princess Mellay went on to be a significant influence at stud, with five winning foals headed by the 19-race winner and triple Group One winner Prince Majestic (NZ) (Noble Bijou). Countless other descendants have made their mark on the big stage, including Auckland Cup (3200m) winners Roger That (NZ) (Shinko King) and Trav (NZ) (Almanzor), Wellington Cup (3200m) and dual New Zealand Cup winner Blood Brotha (NZ) (Danzighill), Group Three winner and Group One New Zealand Derby (2400m) placegetter King Johny (NZ) (Seasoned Star), and other Group winners such as De Montfort (NZ) (Random Chance), Parthesia (NZ) (Raise The Flag), Prince Oz (NZ) (O’Reilly), Ranger (NZ) (Random Chance) and The Bandette (NZ) (Noble Bijou) among others. In fact, one of the five horses currently being offered from this family is herself a member of this stakes-winning list. Loftys Gift (NZ) (Ghibellines) had 35 starts for eight wins, six seconds and $259,090 in stakes. She won the Listed Dunedin Gold Cup (2400m) and was runner-up in the Group Three South Island Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). Loftys Gift is being offered in foal to White Robe Lodge’s exciting new stallion Alflaila. “Hec Anderton, my grandfather Brian’s brother, passed away recently and he owned half of these five horses that are up for sale,” White Robe Lodge’s Jack Stewart said. “So they’re being sold to dissolve that partnership. “These horses are all from a very good family, going back to Princess Mellay. It’s a prolific family that’s produced a lot of quality horses and a huge number of winners over a number of years. “Loftys Gift is set to be particularly sought after, being a stakes-winning and Group-placed mare, and we’ve just scanned her and had a positive to our new stallion Alflaila. I think a stakes-winning mare in foal to a first-season stallion should have a lot of appeal.” But Loftys Gift is not the only one with notable credentials. Anticipate (NZ) (Ghibellines), a four-time winner from 24 starts, is a half-sister to Blood Brotha and the dam of Loftys Gift. Anticipate gave birth to her first foal last month. Anticipate. Photo: Supplied “Anticipate showed some good ability on the track and has just recently foaled a colt by Ancient Spirit,” Stewart said. “So this is a great opportunity for someone to buy a promising young broodmare with a colt foal at foot. “A couple of the others being sold still have the potential to do more on the racetrack. Patraine (NZ) (Almanzor) has won a couple of races and I don’t think she’s reached her mark yet, so there’s a bit to look forward to with her, while De Pazzi (NZ) (Almanzor) has had only four starts so far and has had a fourth. She’s just taken a bit of time.” Patraine and the unnamed mare being offered as Lot 6 are both sisters to the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) and Tasmanian Oaks (2100m) winner Parthesia. This five-strong dispersal is part of a 25-lot catalogue for the latest gavelhouse.com fortnightly auction, with bidding on the first lot closing at from 7pm (NZDT) on Monday 10 November. View the full article

Brett Crawford is optimistic Encountered will continue his top form in Sunday’s Group Three Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (1,800m), but the South African handler has one slight reservation for his first runner in a Hong Kong Group race. Fresh from bagging his first Happy Valley winner courtesy of Speedy Smartie on Wednesday night, Crawford hopes to celebrate a more significant first when Encountered takes on the likes of Group One performer Beauty Joy and Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) heroes Cap Ferrat and...View the full article

by Jessica Martini & Christina Bossinakis LEXINGTON, KY – The Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, which opened with a strong Book 1 session Tuesday, continued its momentum with the first of two Book 2 sessions with strong demand for both mares and foals Wednesday. “It was outstanding,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said of Wednesday's session. “Coming off yesterday, it was really positive across all the metrics. And I think we improved the position today. The gross was up 61% over last year, the scratch rate was down, and our clearance rate was up to 78%. It was really healthy across the board.” For the session, 235 horses sold for $47,382,000. The average of $201,626 was up 37.66% from last year's Book 2 opener and the median rose 12.50% to $225,000. The auction had its 18th seven-figure offering when the Raging Torrent Syndicate bid $1.3 million to acquire the 5-year-old broodmare Anywho (Medaglia d'Oro) from the Grovendale Sales consignment. “The mares were very strong,” Lacy said. “Anybody looking for a quality mare really had to step up and pay.” Lacy continued, “I think it's a bullish market. It feels like people are very aggressive going for what they want. There is more of an eagerness, an enthusiasm for breeding–and it's a domestic demand primarily, which is very encouraging. There are a lot of new people getting in the game and there are a lot of breeders who felt like they needed to refresh their broodmare bands. The breeders recognize that mediocrity is not rewarded. Quality is what they are looking for and they are focusing in on. And when quality gets rewarded, it incentivizes breeders to keep stepping up their programs. I think that's only [good] for the gene pool and for the industry as we move forward.” Tony Lacy with trainer Brendan Walsh | Keeneland The competition for weanlings remained fierce Wednesday, with 104 weanlings selling for an average of $176,923 and a median of $150,000. At the corresponding session a year ago, 86 weanlings sold for an average of $126,279 and a median of $90,000. “The weanling market was extremely strong,” said Keeneland Senior Director of Sales Operations Cormac Breathnach. “We nearly doubled the number of six-figure foals from the corresponding session last year. If you look at the $300,000 and up foals, there were 17 today. There were seven in the session last year. And those 17 today are by 13 different sires. There is depth to the market and that bodes well, both in the range of what's available, but also the buyer base. That's the most rewarding part of all.” A pair of weanlings by first-crop sires shared top honors during Wednesday's session, with a filly by Cody's Wish bringing $550,000 from Hartley/DeRenzo Thoroughbreds early in the session matched later in the day by a colt by Elite Power purchased by Glen Hill Farm. The Keeneland November sale continues through Tuesday with sessions beginning daily at 10 a.m. Bolt d'Oro's Anywho Snapped Up for $1.3 Million Continuing its robust spending in Keeneland's Book 2 opener, the group listed as Raging Torrent Syndicate dug in for another seven-figure purchase on Wednesday when extending to $1.3 million for MGSP Anywho (Bolt d'Oro). The ticket was signed by Paul Curran representing Ace Stud. Entering stud at Lane's End, Raging Torrent won the GI Malibu Stakes, GI Hill 'n' Dale Met Mile and G2 Godolphin Mile. Hip 290, consigned by Grovendale, was sold in foal to Not This Time. “Well, it's just really cool,” said Grovendale's James Keogh. “It's always lovely to sell a horse for a million dollars. And, you know, she was a lovely, lovely mare, and she came from a tremendous female family, and she was just impossible to fault.” “To sell a horse for a million dollars, but to bring a mare in here and sell it at Keeneland, it's life changing for people like my wife and I. It's just a fantastic day.” After the Ring with @JamesBKeogh on the $1.3 million sale of Anywho in foal to Not This Time #KeeNov pic.twitter.com/GcuNeIUZoN — Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) November 5, 2025 The daughter of SP Fancy and Flashy (Zensational) is a half-sister to Grade III-placed Wipe the Slate (Nyquist). Anywho was bred in Kentucky by Brookfield Stud. Campaigned by Hronis Racing and trained by John Sadler, the 5-year-old was retired with a trio of wins and earnings of just under $250,000. During her career, she also finished third in the GIII Rancho Bernardo Stakes and in her sole start in 2025, in the GIII Las Cienegas Stakes at Santa Anita. “She is obviously a well-raced filly and the covering sire was very popular with us,” said Curran. “We have bought a couple of mares covered by Not This Time. He is just a phenomenal stallion. He seems to be the real deal in the sense that going from a very small fee to where he is now at $250,000 is a testament to him.” Outlining what the team is looking for to visit their new stallion, Curran said, “We are trying to support our new stallion Raging Torrent and she is going to go to him. We are trying to pick up a couple of nice mares with some nice covers to them and she fit the bill. “She is a nice high-profile mare to send to him. We are trying to get some quality mares to him with some runners on the ground and she is perfect for that.” We really liked the Medaglia d'Oro broodmare line as well, that was a factor as well. I think she'll suit Raging Torrent very well. We're pleased we got her.” Book 2 fireworks! Anywho, a mare by Bolt d'Oro and in foal to Not This Time delivers $1.3 million in the ring early in the day. Consigned by @grovendalesales, purchased by Raging Torrent Syndicate. pic.twitter.com/nKa3ktAQF7 — Keeneland Sales (@keenelandsales) November 5, 2025 Raging Torrent Syndicate's other purchases on Wednesday include hip 260, Very Scary (Connect), who brought $625,000 and was also a member of the Grovendale consignment. The Raging Torrent Syndicate was the leading buyer on Wednesday with two purchases generating $1.925 million. Through the first two days of selling at Keeneland, the operation led all buyers with five purchases totaling $5,225,000.–CBoss Green Knows Who's Ticket Bloodstock agent Finn Green, bidding on behalf of an undisclosed client, went to $750,000 to acquire the 4-year-old broodmare Who's Ticket (Quality Road) (hip 267) from the Taylor Made Sales Agency consignment Wednesday at Keeneland. The bay mare, in foal to Practical Joke, is a daughter of champion Take Charge Brandi (Giant's Causeway). Her second dam, Charming (Seeking the Gold), produced Omaha Beach, and third dam Take Charge Lady (Dehere) produced champion Will Take Charge. It was a family Green got to see up close when he served as racing manager for 2013 GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Mucho Macho Man. Who's Ticket | Keeneland “I stepped into the receiving barn at Santa Anita in 2013 for the Breeders' Cup with Mucho Macho Man and Will Take Charge came in,” Green recalled. “So we go all the way back to that point with this family. You don't get many Grade I-producing mares that repeat in multiple generations. So pedigree is very important to the client.” The mare, bred by Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings and Three Chimneys Farm, was purchased by Glen Hill Farm and Three Chimneys for $450,000 as a weanling at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November sale. She was followed into the Keeneland ring Wednesday by her first foal, a colt by Munnings bred by Three Chimneys and Glen Hill, who sold for $450,000 to Glen Hill Farm. Of plans for the mare, Green said, “[The client] may even go to New York with her. But she will come back to a Kentucky stallion.” @JessMartiniTDN Thirty Year Farm Enters the Fray with 750K Medaglia d'Oro Buy Thirty Year Farm made it on the board Wednesday with Golden Ghost (GB) (Medaglia d'Oro), purchased for $750,000 during the second day of selling at Keeneland. Offered as hip 413, the 4-year-old was consigned by Taylor Made Sales on behalf of the D J Stable Curated Reduction. Taylor Made Sales led all consignors Wednesday with 31 head amassing $8.165 million. Also on top through two days of selling, the agency sold 60 horses for $27,205,000. Bidding from the far end of the main pavilion, the operation's Matt and Kristen Esler were accompanied by their advisor, Edgewood Farm's Carson Asbury. Golden Ghost | Keeneland What was the initial attraction to the filly? “Did you get a look at her?” Thirty Year Farm's Matt Esler asked with a laugh. “She is a really good-looking mare–definitely checked those boxes. We are bullish on Not This Time. I think she'll be a really nice broodmare.” The English-bred filly, in foal to Not This Time, is out of G1 Prix de l'Opera heroine Villa Marina (GB) (Le Havre), a half-sister to dual Australian Group 1-winning Huetor (Fr) (Archipenko). “Medaglia d'Oro is an A+ cross with [Not This Time],” explained Esler. “We've had some success with Medaglia d'Oro in the past, so that definitely factored into [the purchase].” Thirty Year Farm has been gradually increasing its number of residents since the couple secured the tract of land in Saratoga, just under five miles from Saratoga Race Course, eight years ago. Since the purchase, the Eslers have been focused on developing a blueprint that is tailor-made to their program. “We don't try to re-invent the wheel,” said Esler. “We look for proven mares or mares with great pedigree and we are always looking for physical traits of performers.” Facing stark competition for younger race fillies and mares at this season's November sales has proven anything but easy to fill orders for most operations. “We had a harder time buying this year than we've had in the last few years out of this sale,” Esler admitted. “We thought it was an 'us' thing. It's obviously not.” He continued, “This year, we've had a bit of a youth movement. We have gotten away from some of the older mares and this year, they are all on the younger side. We'll also see if we can't make [race fillies/broodmare prospects] ourselves. “Overall, we want great bloodlines and for them to have good, solid first dams.” Thirty Year Farm made its first-ever purchase at Fasig-Tipton's November Sale, securing Yanira (More Than Ready), a half-sister to Classic-producing mare Puca (Big Brown) and GISW Finnegan's Wake (Powerscourt {GB}), for $575,000. The bay mare is in foal to Good Magic.–CBoss 'Something Special': Cody's Wish Weanling Demand Continues at Keeneland Weanlings from the first crop of Horse of the Year Cody's Wish continued to be in demand in the sales ring at Keeneland Wednesday. Randy Hartley went to $550,000 to secure a filly by the Darley stallion (hip 257) on behalf of Tom Durant. The filly was bred by John Ferguson's Natalma Bloodstock, which purchased her dam, Union Maiden (Union Rags), for $250,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. She was consigned by Lane's End. Hip 257 | Keeneland “We are seeing something special in the Cody's Wishes,” said Hartley. “We really wanted to try to buy one and we've gotten outbid on a few and didn't get one. I felt like this filly was the best one left, for us anyway. So we were going home with her.” Cody's Wish had four weanlings sell for an average of $416,250 at Monday's Fasig-Tipton November sale. Through two sessions of the Keeneland November sale, seven weanlings by Cody's Wish have sold for an average of $256,429. The stallion stands at Darley for $60,000. “They just have substance to them,” Hartley said of Cody's Wish's first-crop weanlings. “They have got the hips, the minds, you can just tell they are born with it. It's not like they are putting it on them. And he was such a special racehorse. I bought his halter for $5,000, so surely I can buy a filly. We stretched a little bit, but she has some pedigree.” Hartley continued, “We are looking for fillies for Tom to race and that, down the road, he can make broodmares.” Of the competitive weanling market, Hartley said, “The market is setting the prices, so it's hard to be surprised, but yes, I am surprised. There are fewer babies here because the yearling market was so good. I feel like a lot of people are hanging on to stuff. But if you pay a lot here, and you come back to sell, there are going to be a lot of horses that we didn't see here that you are going to be up against. “So as pinhookers, we haven't bought much to pinhook yet. We are going to try to find some here in like Book 4,” Hartley added with a laugh. @JessMartiniTDN Elite Power Colt Tops Glen Hill's Weanling Haul Wednesday Glen Hill Farm bypassed the competitive yearling market in September in favor of the foal market in November and, while the going wasn't much easier, the Bernick family's operation walked away from Wednesday's session of the Keeneland November sale with four weanlings. Leading the group was a colt from the first crop of champion Elite Power (hip 505) who was purchased for $550,000 from the Grovendale Sales consignment. Hip 505 | Keeneland “My mom, Carol Bernick, decided she wanted to have some colts and hopefully target some big races,” Craig Bernick said. “We looked in September 2024 and we couldn't get near a horse, so we bought five foals last year. I just sort of bought what I wanted. Every horse I bid on, I bought. So I thought we would do the same thing this year, but I guess everyone had the same idea this year. We couldn't get near any of the horses yesterday. But we liked four horses today and we were fortunate to get them. We are excited about all four of them.” Hip 505 is out of Mrs. Postman (Pioneerof the Nile), a daughter of Grade I winner Miss Shop (Deputy Minister) and a half-sister to Tin Type Gal (Tapit). The weanling was bred by William Humphries and Altair Farms, who purchased Mrs. Postman for $50,000 at the 2022 Keeneland November sale. The mare's first foal, a filly by Jackie's Warrior, sold for $210,000 at this year's Keeneland September sale. “The Elite Power is a really racy colt from a great family,” Bernick said. “The more we looked at him, the more we liked the horse. It was a little more than we were hoping to pay, but maybe not so much more than we expected after everything that has happened.” Also Wednesday, Glen Hill purchased a colt by Munnings (hip 268)–whom they had co-bred with Three Chimneys Farm–for $450,000; a colt by Street Sense (hip 474) for $375,000; and a colt by Yaupon (hip 420) for $180,000. @JessMartiniTDN McCauley Mare Has the Right Foundation Nate McCauley's Foundation Bloodstock was one of the most prolific buyers at the Keeneland January sale earlier this year, purchasing 15 young mares for $670,500 with the intention of putting them in foal and returning them to the sales ring this fall. The plan worked to perfection at Keeneland Wednesday when Will Take Holiday (Will Take Charge) (hip 269) sold for $335,000 to Old Tavern Farm. McCauley had purchased the unraced 6-year-old mare, a half-sister to Grade I winner Trikari (Oscar Performance), for $52,000 in January. She sold Wednesday carrying her first foal after visiting Twirling Candy ($60k) this spring. Keeneland “When I saw her in January, I thought she was really nice,” McCauley said of Will Take Holiday. “She had good substance and size. But you could tell that maybe there was still improvement left in her. I have great respect for that family. I had owned it once before. And I have great respect for Trikari. I thought he would come back and have an even better year than it turned out he did. And there was a 3-year-old sister that Mike Maker had who broke her maiden impressively at Gulfstream. Unfortunately, something happened to her after that, so we didn't catch that update.” Of the decision to send the mare to Twirling Candy, McCauley said, “Twirling Candy is one of my favorite stallions, but you have to be careful what you breed to him. He wants substance and size from the mare. And she had both of those in spades. And he's done really well with [Will Take Charge's sire] Unbridled's Song, so that cross was fantastic. She was perfect for the Twirling Candy play.” McCauley said Will Take Holiday's $335,000 price tag Wednesday, “exceeded my expectations, but at the same time, I thought she was well-bought.” Of the difference in the market from January to November, McCauley said, “To me, this is a more competitive market than January and that helps. What we try to do is find value with the maiden mares and find value with the stallions we are breeding them to. And then we hope that that adds up to a more expensive package than what we have invested in them. And when you have a really good market on top of it, that's when you have results like this.” McCauley expects to be back in action reoffering more members of his January purchases over the next week at Keeneland. “We RNA'd one at Night of the Stars and sold her after,” McCauley said. “They are a great group. And of course, they are here to sell. We have really conservative reserves. Every year we have 90%-plus clearance rate. There are going to be some that we will lose a little bit of money on and that's ok. But as a whole, I feel good about them.” @JessMartiniTDN The post Anywho, Yet Another Million-Dollar Mare, Paces ‘Bullish’ Keeneland November Book 2 Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article