Wandering Eyes

There come some lofty expectations when you win a six-furlong race by eight lengths and garner a 106 Beyer figure to start your year, but Whatchatalkinabout (Dialed In) proved they were warranted when he fought off simultaneous challenges to win the GIII John A. Nerud Stakes. A stakes winner as a juvenile, he was gone over a year from that New York Breeders' Futurity and resurfaced last October to run second against optional claimers at this venue. He was denied by a neck Nov. 30 at that condition, but broke through last out Jan. 16 when he rolled away from the field to return to the winner's enclosure in style. On the back of that effort, the betting public hammered him down to even-money favoritism and right from the jump, the race was on. Pushing along Silver Slugger (Cairo Prince) as they dueled through splits of :21.89, and four furlongs in :44.84, the pair was clear of the traffic when 2-1 second choice Anarchist (Distorted Humor) went wrong passing the half-mile marker. As that one was guided to the outside fence to be attended by the veterinary team, Surveillance (Constitution) had inched up through the bend to make it three in a line as they swung for home and the race was on. As they challenged him from both sides, Whatchatalkinabout refused to yield and got his head down on the bob over Silver Slugger on the rail. Surveillance was a neck back in third. In regards to Anarchist, trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill released a statement which read, “Anarchist injured his right front while racing in the GIII John A Nerud Stakes today at Aqueduct. He will have surgery at Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists tomorrow morning. Currently, the prognosis for a long and happy life off the racetrack is good.” The statement continued, “We are extremely grateful for Joel Rosario. He displayed incredible horsemanship in getting Anarchist pulled up so quickly. We also greatly appreciate the NYRA veterinary staff for their immediate response. We're grateful to Anarchist's owner Angelo Freda for always putting the health and safety of the horse, first.” “He's a good horse, talented,” said trainer Wesley Ward. “He ran a gutsy race. I was proud of him. That horse on the inside [No. 2, Silver Slugger] ran a big one and also the grey horse on the outside [No. 4, Surveillance]–to be in the middle of those two and for him to gut through it really showed something.” “I was supposed to ride him last time and we scratched at the gate [Grade 3 Commonwealth on April 8 at Keeneland],” said jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. “He was much better at the gate. That helped, we broke so good, he put me right in the race, and after that I was closer than I thought, and I go from there.” “He was game at the end. He felt the outside horse [No. 4, Surveillance] and fought. Then the inside horse [No. 2, Silver Slugger] came back, and he fights back and by the time we hit the wire, he had his head in front. He was game, he was fighting.” New York-bred WHATCHATALKINABOUT wins the Grade 3 John A. Nerud Stakes with @iradortiz aboard for trainer Wesley Ward. pic.twitter.com/BMpN7qJMku — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) May 10, 2025 Pedigree Notes: Whatchatalkinabout is the most accomplished for his dam by far, and is Super Savvy's second multiple winner behind elder brother Prince James (Tiznow), who has 10 pictures on his wall. They have an unraced 3-year-old half-brother Super McKinzie (McKinzie) as well as a juvenile half-brother named Hamilton's Reason (Sharp Azteca). The mare, a daughter of GSW & GISP Don't Forget Gil (Kafwain), has a 2025 colt by Maxfield at foot. Said second dam is not only placed at the elite level, but is a half-sister to a multiple Grade I winner as Sweet Reason (Street Sense) appears beneath the third dam as well. That sister was purchased by Japanese interests and claims SW & MGSP-Jpn Diastima (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) as her first offspring. She has two active runners in 2025 as daughter Sympatheia (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is on a four-race win streak and 3-year-old Ho O Atman (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) recently ran fifth in a Group 3 contest. This is the immediate female family of G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen victor Zenden (Fed Biz). Saturday, Belmont At The Big A JOHN A. NERUD S.-GIII, $169,750, Belmont The Big A, 5-10, 4yo/up, 6f, 1:09.03, ft. 1–WHATCHATALKINABOUT, 118, g, 4, by Dialed In 1st Dam: Super Savvy, by Super Saver 2nd Dam: Don't Forget Gil, by Kafwain 3rd Dam: Livermore Leslie, by Mt. Livermore 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($38,000 RNA Ylg '22 FTKFEB; $82,000 Ylg '22 FTKOCT). O-Ice Wine Stable; B-Newtownanner Stud Farm (NY); T-Wesley A. Ward; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr. $96,250. Lifetime Record: 7-4-2-1, $335,328. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Silver Slugger, 118, g, 5, Cairo Prince–One More Wild Ride, by Wildcat Heir. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($35,000 Wlg '20 FTKNOV; $90,000 Ylg '21 FTKOCT). O-Victoria's Ranch; B-Frankfort Park Farm (KY); T-Juan Carlos Avila. $35,000. 3–Surveillance, 124, g, 8, Constitution–Majorelle, by Mizzen Mast. ($40,000 Wlg '17 KEENOV; $25,000 Ylg '18 KEESEP). O-Winning Move Stable; B-Kendall E. Hansen, M.D. Racing, LLC (KY); T-Linda Rice. $21,000. Margins: HD, NK, 2 1/4. Odds: 1.00, 12.30, 8.20. Also Ran: Full Moon Madness, O'Conner Sunset, Anarchist. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Whatchatalkinabout Fends Off Challenges On All Sides, Takes John A. Nerud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

'TDN Rising Star' Hill Road (Quality Road), a longshot third in last fall's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar, rallied from far back to get up for a well-timed victory at odds of 2-1 in the GIII Peter Pan S. at the Big A. The Rick Dutrow, Jr.-trained duo of McAfee (Cloud Computing) and favored 'Rising Star' Captain Cook (Practical Joke) were second and third, respectively. Hill Road made one previous start this term, finishing third while making his first start for Chad Brown in the GIII Tampa Bay Derby Mar. 8. Saturday, Belmont At The Big A PETER PAN S.-GIII, $200,000, Belmont The Big A, 5-10, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:49.22, ft. 1–HILL ROAD, 118, c, 3, by Quality Road 1st Dam: Exotic Notion (SP-Arg), by Lemon Drop Kid 2nd Dam: Paris Notion, by Dehere 3rd Dam: Fabulous Notion, by Somethingfabulous 'TDN Rising Star'. 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($350,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Amo Racing USA; B-Lynch Bages LTD & Camas Park Stud (KY); T-Chad C. Brown; J-Flavien Prat. $110,000. Lifetime Record: 5-2-0-2, $336,496. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–McAfee, 118, c, 3, Cloud Computing–Sataves, by Uncle Mo. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($40,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Black Type Thoroughbreds, Swinbank Stables LLC, Judy B. Hicks and Scott C. Rice; B-Judy Hicks (KY); T-Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. $40,000. 3–Captain Cook, 120, c, 3, Practical Joke–Pow Wow Wow, by Indian Charlie. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($410,000 2yo '24 KEENOV). O-St. Elias Stable; B-Marylou Whitney Stables, LLC (KY); T-Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. $24,000. Margins: 3/4, HF, 2HF. Odds: 2.05, 7.70, 1.45. Also Ran: Surfside Moon, Vassimo, Uncaged, Happily Delusional, Brereton's Baytown, First Pitch. Scratched: Lordship. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. What a finish! HILL ROAD comes flying late to earn his first stakes win in the Grade 3 Peter Pan Stakes with Flavien Prat aboard for trainer Chad Brown! pic.twitter.com/LiXvLtUO6g — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) May 10, 2025 The post ‘Rising Star’ Hill Road Runs Down Dutrow Duo in Peter Pan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The second ticket to Ascot on the afternoon was handed to Sandal's Song (Mendelssohn–Sandal, by Munnings), who made his debut a winning one in the Royal Palm Juvenile at Gulfstream Park. With the filly version going earlier on the card, the colts got their opportunity to earn a spot in a starting gate during the Royal Meeting, plus a $25,000 stipend for the trip. Tabbed at odds of 7-1 here, the George Weaver trainee tracked the pace which was laid down by favorite Squire (Leinster). The chalk looked in command, but Sandal's Song rolled late and got his picture taken in the end. The final running time was :56.30. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: $80,000 '23 KEENOV; $75,000 '24 FTKOCT. O-Dew Sweepers LLC; B-Hunter Valley Farm & Tony Hegarty (KY); T-George Weaver. SANDAL'S SONG ($17.80) made his first start a winning one in the $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Stakes at @GulfstreamPark. The Mendelssohn (@CoolmoreAmerica) colt is trained by George Weaver and @LPanici had the ride. The 2YO gets an entry to @Ascot with this victory! pic.twitter.com/x2YeK1uhBR — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 10, 2025 The post Mendelssohn’s Sandal’s Song Wins Royal Palm Juvenile And Trip To Ascot appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ed Seltzer, Beverly Anderson and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing's LOVE CERVERE (f, 3, Into Mischief–Panther Strike, by Black Minnaloushe) had several rivals to pass entering the final furlong of Saturday's inaugural Take The A Train Stakes at Aqueduct, but took flight and motored home down the center of the track to become the 174th stakes winner for her all-conquering sire while giving trainer Christophe Clement and jockey Joel Rosario a sweep of the afternoon's black-type contests on the grass. A latest fifth as the favorite in the Sanibal Island Stakes at Gulfstream Park Mar. 29, Love Cervere broke a bit inward, but was void of early speed and settled near the tail of the field behind just a moderate early pace. Shuffled back to last on the turn, the bay filly came widest for the drive and leveled off beautifully in the final eighth of a mile to just touch off the rail-rallying Hey Bertie (Kantharos). Lifetime Record: 3-1-1-0. O-Ed Seltzer, Beverly Anderson & Reeves Thoroughbred Racing; B-Ed & Beverly Seltzer (KY); T-Christophe Clement. LOVE CERVERE earns her first stakes win in the inaugural Take The A Train Stakes! That makes two stakes wins on the day for @JRosarioJockey and trainer @clementstable. pic.twitter.com/ojgYftgLUf — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) May 10, 2025 The post Into Mischief Filly Love Cervere Powers Home in Take The A Train appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hollie Doyle praised Hayley Turner after surpassing her former weighing-room colleague as the winningmost female jockey in Britain following her 1,023rd victory on Brindavan at Ascot Racecourse May 10.View the full article

The $169,750 John A. Nerud Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack was short on competitors, but not on drama. Three sprinters battled to a photo finish, with Whatchatalkinabout narrowly prevailing over Silver Slugger and Surveillance.View the full article

By Mike Love Ashburton trainer Laurence Hanrahan is not expecting the world from his two runners at Ashburton today – but does expect good runs. In Race 1, the Ashburton Trotting Club Members Mobile Pace Elite Styx ($7.50FF) will step out for what is her first run in the Hanrahan colours with Gerard O’Reilly to drive. Elite Styx has not raced since running third at Addington back in January when trained by Grant Payne, but has won a trial for Hanrahan since then on April 22. “I have had her a while now,” says Hanrahan. The six-year-old Betting Line mare won five from 47 starts for previous trainer Greg Payne before the move. “She’s won a trial but didn’t break any records. “She will definitely benefit from the run. It’s a good starting point for a new campaign.” Other chances in the event include the fresh up $1.95FF favourite Music Mistress and Tim Williams for trainers Steve and Amanda Telfer, while second favourite Tact Teena ($5.00FF) for trainer Mark Jones, driven by Samantha Ottley will be right in the fight. Race 6 will see the junior drivers in action in the Newlands Auto Electrical Mobile Pace over 1700m with Bautista ($6.00FF) for Olivia Thornley and Hanrahan. The four-year-old Art Major gelding has been racing very well this campaign, but today looks to be his biggest test to date – drawn the outside of the frontline over 1700m. “It definitely won’t be easy,” said Hanrahan. “1700m around Ashburton is hard with a big long straight. So we may let the fireworks happen and wait for our shot at them.” Other chances in the event include race favourite Rockingood ($3.00FF) for driver Seth Hill, driving for father Brendon Hill, who is facing the rise in class from maidens for the first time, while Carbon ($6.50FF) for Nikita Burton will look to keep the in-form Telfer stable on track. Race 1 is set to go at 11:34am. View the full article

Morplay Racing's 'TDN Rising Star' Shisospicy remained unbeaten in three starts in turf sprints, streaking away through the final sixteenth of a mile to post a decisive and impressive victory in Saturday's GIII Mamzelle Stakes at Churchill Downs, her first success at the graded level. An all-the-way winner of the Limestone Stakes at Keeneland on Apr. 11, Shisospicy was one of the first to break the line, but Dreamaway (Flameaway), who ran on nicely to round out the exacta over ground that was still retaining some moisture after those heavy early-April rains in Fayette County, was ridden aggressively by Joe Bravo and outfooted the favorite to the front, covering the first couple of furlongs in :21.72 over this much sounder surface. The gray filly was working hard to stay on top, with Shisospicy hounding her every move, and when Jose Ortiz said go, the response was instantaneous, as she widened at will to solidify her position at the top of this specialist division. Kilwin, a good fourth after covering stacks of ground from the outside post in the Limestone, closed stoutly at the fence for second on Saturday, while Mechaya flew home down the center to round out the triple on her seasonal debut. “In her last start the ground was soft and today the track was a lot better for her,” said winning trainer Jose D'Angelo, who ruled out a shot at the G1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. “In her last workout, I tried to relax her a little bit and close. She was able to do that today–relax and close hard. Our plan now is to go to Saratoga with her.” Added Morplay's Rich Mendez: “Our goal is always to have fun and this was a lot of fun. We knew after the Limestone we had a lot of confidence with her moving forward. She's run so well in all of her starts. Her performance today really solidified that.” Having graduated by better than 16 lengths on debut to earn 'Rising Star' honors at Gulfstream Park last October, Shisospicy was placed in the Nov. 30 Fern Creek Stakes at Churchill and in the Jan. 4 Mockingbird Stakes at Oaklawn before trying her hand on the turf. A wire-to-wire winner back at Gulfstream Feb. 5, she made all the running in the Limestone, holding off Dreamaway by a half-length, with a similar margin back to Abientot (Not This Time) in third. Pedigree Notes: Shisospicy is the fifth winner at the graded level for her Spendthrift-based stallion. The winner's dam was a $90,000 purchase by Mitole owners Bill and Corinne Heiligbrodts out of the 2017 OBS January Sale and was never out of the money in her seven career appearances. The second of two winners produced by Mischief Galore, Shisospicy has a 2-year-old half-brother by the Heiligbrodts' Yaupon, who was a $75,000 KEENOV weanling turned $175,000 FTKOCT yearling, and her foal of 2024 is a filly by the same stallion. Mischief Galore was most recently covered by Early Voting. Back-to-back stakes wins for Shisospicy in the G3 Mamzelle at @ChurchillDowns! @jose93_ortiz was aboard for trainer @JFDAngelo. TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/Tc1s5ZL4Gp — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 10, 2025 Saturday, Churchill Downs MAMZELLE S.-GIII, $224,625, Churchill Downs, 5-10, 3yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 1:01.46, fm. 1–SHISOSPICY, 120, f, 3, by Mitole 1st Dam: Mischief Galore, by Into Mischief 2nd Dam: Maren's Melody, by Unbridled's Song 3rd Dam: Maren's Meadow, by Meadowlake 'TDN Rising Star'. 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($100,000 Ylg '23 KEEJAN; $200,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL; $300,000 RNA 2yo '24 OBSAPR). O-Morplay Racing LLC; B-Bill & Corinne Heiligbrodt (KY); T-Jose Francisco D'Angelo; J-Jose L. Ortiz. $129,820. Lifetime Record: 6-4-1-1, $415,370. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Kilwin, 118, f, 3, Twirling Candy–Spanish Star, by Blame. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($225,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $575,000 RNA 2yo '24 KEECHA). O-BBN Racing LLC; B-Gilder-Schwarz Farms LLC (KY); T-George R. Arnold II. $42,200. 3–Mechaya, 118, f, 3, Liam's Map–Malibu Rainbow, by Malibu Moon. 1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($70,000 RNA Ylg '23 KEESEP; $60,000 Ylg '23 OBSOCT; $150,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Doubledown Stables, Inc.; B-Maple Lane Farm (KY); T-James P. DiVito. $21,100. Margins: 4 1/4, 2 1/4, HF. Odds: 1.40, 3.04, 26.60. Also Ran: Dreamaway, Laurice, Bunratty Manor (Ire), It Ain't Two (GB), Civetta, Abientot, Mighty Eriu (Ire), Bonne Fille, Anakarina, Stay Classy. Scratched: Hey Bertie, Lovely Emma, Me Governor, Serving Time (GB). Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post Mitole’s ‘Rising Star’ Shisospicy Stays Perfect on Lawn in Mamzelle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Though Lexington, Kentucky is commonly known as the 'Horse Capital of the World,' serving as a central hub for the Thoroughbred industry, there are many who live in the area that have no knowledge of how multi-faceted the world of horse racing truly is. In an effort to bridge that gap, first-year trainees on the Godolphin Flying Start (GFS) course—currently based in Lexington—coordinated with leaders across the greater equine industry to host a “Thoroughbred Industry Day” for the Leadership Lexington group on Thursday, May 8. Spanning eleven months, Leadership Lexington is a leadership development program for professionals in the greater Lexington area that consists of ten informative day-sessions that help broaden perspectives and provide an increased understanding of the community, signature industries, and public issues. May's day-session was entirely focused on the Thoroughbred industry, one of Lexington's most prominent industries with a storied history in the city. Following an outing spectating morning training at Keeneland, Leadership Lexington's group of 45 attendees sat in on a panel entitled 'Thoroughbred Industry Education, Workforce & Community Engagement.' The discussion was hosted by Greg Harbut, Ed Brown Society and Kentucky Horse Racing Commission; Kara Heissenbuttel, Keeneland; Laurie Mays, Kentucky Chamber of Commerce; Annise Montplaisir, Amplify Horse Racing; Frank Taylor, Stable Recovery; Clark Williams, Ed Brown Society; and moderated by Hallie Hardy of Horse Country. After receiving an overview of the local Thoroughbred industry, the group ventured out to experience it firsthand as they traveled to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, the Kentucky Horse Park and Secretariat Center, Spy Coast Farm, and Spendthrift Farm. It was during these visits that they not only witnessed the intricacies of breeding, raising, racing and safely retiring a racehorse, but also gained perspective on how vital the equine industry is as a whole to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. With a wealth of newfound knowledge under their belts, the Leadership Lexington group returned to Keeneland's sales pavilion where they participated in a hands-on Thoroughbred sale simulation. “As a graduate of both the Godolphin Flying Start program and Leadership Lexington, it was exciting to host the Flying Start group here at Keeneland and have them help us show the community of Lexington just what happens at the sales pavilion and the impact it has, which is broad,” said Dean Roethmeier, Keeneland's Director of Sales Operations. “We're always excited to have people out to the races, but it's really fun to open the doors here at the sales and show everybody a peek behind the curtain at just how much goes into each of these moments in the sales ring.” Under the guidance of prominent industry members Liz Crow, Kenny McPeek, Danny Mulvihill, Gavin O'Connor, Tom Ryan, and Jonny Smyth, participants were given a brief overview of what it takes to not only host a live Thoroughbred auction, but work it through the perspective of a consignor, agent, and buyer. “I think it's eye-opening to see all of the intricacies that go into the horse industry that you wouldn't normally see. I come to Keeneland once a season, but that's not all there is. There's so much more to it,” said David Urekew, Plant Manager of Graham Packaging and a member of the 2024-25 Leadership Lexington class. As they made their way around the Keeneland sales pavilion, sale rings and surrounding barns, the participants learned about what it takes to get a horse ready for a sale, which included opportunities to pet and groom the horses while also hearing firsthand about the process behind evaluating a horse prior to bidding. Industry leaders, serving as mentors for the group, explained the basics in regards to conformation, pedigree, and reading through a pedigree page in a sale catalog. From there, each group was given the opportunity to participate in a mock auction of six horses with the industry mentors guiding them through the fast-paced bidding process. A group of six track ponies and retired racehorses served as stand-ins for prominent Thoroughbreds previously sold at Keeneland, though Brother in Arms (War Front)—originally sold for $2.9 million at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale—represented himself. The third foal out of 2012 GI Kentucky Oaks winner Believe You Can (Proud Citizen) is now happily retired and enjoying life as a riding horse, owned by Mulvihill's daughter, Grace. “The biggest takeaway from my experience was to see not only how invested Keeneland is in the Thoroughbred industry, but the actual surrounding community. It's amazing to know that this isn't just a racecourse generating revenue, it's all about the experience you get out of it,” said Steven Pickarski, Financial Services Manager of Kentucky League of Cities and a member of the 2024-25 Leadership Lexington class. Working alongside GFS graduates Conrad Bandoroff, Sam Bussanich, Hallie Hardy, Dean Roethemeier, and Caroline Wilson, the group of 12 GFS trainees spent four months planning and constructing an all-encompassing experience to allow the group of Leadership Lexington participants to fully immerse themselves in the Thoroughbred industry. “Of the four teams, we had a multimedia team, that's our team, so we were in charge of the digital side of things such as filming on the day, preparing the presentation that was shown, and covering any media aspects. There was also a stage management team that kept us all on track, and a material team that produced our catalog, along with any other information that was distributed. The fourth team handled the industry members, meaning they were in charge of reaching out to people to invite to the event, which was really successful. We were really grateful for them to all turn up and give their time to us and to Leadership Lexington as well,” explained GFS trainee Megan Bulbia. Though a laborious process, the event itself proved more than worthwhile as another example of industry members working together, in an effort spearheaded by GFS trainees and alumni, to bridge the gap between those within horse racing and those outside of it. “I think it's really special. It's so nice to see a fresh perspective of the industry through other people's eyes and also to explain our experience, describing what the industry actually has to offer and how important it is to the local and global economy. Seeing how people resonate with that, especially from Lexington…it was nice to be a part of that,” concluded Bulbia. The post Godolphin Flying Start Trainees Host Leadership Lexington for ‘Thoroughbred Industry Day’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Zarigana will start an overwhelming favorite for the first French fillies' classic, the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas, G1) May 11, although some might argue her price is hard to justify based on her last two starts. View the full article

Newmarket has been and gone, and the Curragh is still to come, but it is the turn of Longchamp to provide the next chapter of the European classic season May 11, starting with the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French Two Thousand Guineas, G1).View the full article

A dual grade1 winner a year ago, LSU Stables' Far Bridge continued a sharp start to his 5-year-old season by cruising to a comfortable length victory in the $388,000 Man o' War Stakes (G2T) May 10 at Aqueduct Racetrack.View the full article

Leinster extended his early lead over the freshman sire class when his 2-year-old daughter Lennilu gave the first-crop stallion his first stakes winner in the $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes May 10 at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

With an automatic berth and a $25,000 travel stipend to one of six juvenile races at the upcoming Royal Meeting at Ascot, Lennilu (Leinster–Lulu's Pom Pom, by Pomeroy) scooped up the prizes in the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. The 4-5 choice here blazed out of the blocks and dueled with Wesley Ward trainee Satisfied Mind (First Samurai) up the backstretch. With her rival tough to handle around the far turn, Lennilu shifted into high gear, got the jump on the rest of the field into the lane and won by five lengths over Bibi Dahl (American Pharoah). The final running time was :58.99. The score by Lennilu handed her first crop sire his first black-type. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. Sales History: $23,000 '24 OBSWIN. O-Dunne, Amy, Dunne, Caitlin, Miley, Brenda, Wilkinson, Jean, Hoffman Family Racing LLC, Tranquility Lake Farm LLC, Harrington, Maury and Harrington, Christopher K.; B-Helen Barbazon & Joseph Barbazon (FL); T-Patrick Biancone. LENNILU ($3.60) won with ease in the $100,000 Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes at @GulfstreamPark. She stamped her ticket to @Ascot for trainer Patrick Biancone (@andie_biancone) and jockey @luissaezpty. Congrats to the connections of the 2YO Leinster (@PleasantAcresSt) filly. pic.twitter.com/MNYQ2a43GL — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 10, 2025 The post Leinster’s Lennilu Punches Ticket To Ascot In Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With continued heat advisories in the region, and a forecasted high of 98 degrees Saturday, officials at Santa Anita Park have instituted a series of safety measures for people and horses. With the weather reaching a scorching 100 in some places and Sunday calling for 91 degree heat before the temperatures return to the low 70s Monday, racing officials have included in the heat protocols ice buckets and hoses throughout the grounds for convenient access. Riders will be legged up in the saddling barn and horses will go directly to the track afterwards. The post parades will also be shortened. The first post for Sunday's nine-race Mother's Day card is 1:00 p.m. PST. The post Coping with High Heat, Santa Anita Institutes Safety Protocols appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

River Thames and Gosger recorded breezes May 10 in preparation for the $2 million Preakness Stakes (G1) May 17 at Pimlico Race Course, and another leading 3-year-old, Sandman, joined the prospective lineup.View the full article

Zarigana will start an overwhelming favorite for the first French fillies' classic, the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas, G1) May 11, although some might argue her price is hard to justify based on her last two starts. View the full article

Hollie Doyle enjoyed another landmark victory when claiming the outright record for most winners by a female rider in Britain by striking on Brindavan at Ascot. Doyle had moved alongside Hayley Turner at Chelmsford on Thursday and took the lead on her own with win number 1,023 on the Sean Woods-trained 8-1 chance in the Carey Group Handicap. She told Sky Sports Racing, “It's good and, like I've said in the past, I've got to kind of pinch myself to believe that I've done this well. It's a great milestone to have reached and I'll keep kicking.” Asked to name the pick of her many highlights so far, Doyle opted for her Prix de Diane success aboard Nashwa. “It probably would be my first Classic on Nashwa in Chantilly,” she added. “That was special.” Paying tribute to Doyle, winning trainer Woods said, “We don't get to use her much but obviously today I asked her to get a lead and everything went like clockwork. She's a great asset to the sport.” The post Hollie Doyle Becomes Britain’s Most Prolific Female Jockey appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Returning to the scene of his victory in last year's GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, LSU Stables' 'TDN Rising Star' Far Bridge (English Channel) stamped his authority on Saturday's GII Man o' War Stakes at Aqueduct, defeating his chief market rival Anglophile (English Channel) by a deceptively easy margin. The prohibitive favorite was given a dig away from the stalls by Joel Rosario to open up his early options, but when longshot Decanter (Kitten's Joy) and Capture the Flag (Quality Road) elected to go on with it, Far Bridge was able to slot in from a midfield third to enjoy the shortest way around. Continuing to stalk the top two in hand from a few lengths in arrears down the back of the track, Far Bridge was asked for an early run to take a gap at the fence four furlongs out and make the Man o' War a test of stamina. Held together on the swing for home as Anglophile was finding his best stride from the back, Far Bridge responded when asked, pinched a break and was never in danger as Anglophile closed inches to complete a middle-distance 1-2 for the late English Channel. “Very tactical, short field. Joel [Rosario] rode a great race,” said trainer Christophe Clement, winning the Man o' War for the first time since Gio Ponti (Tale of the Cat) successfully defended his title in 2010. “The plan was the two [horses] on the inside were slow and the speed was on the outside–work it out, field of five, it can't be that difficult. He did it, well done. “To train, he has never been an issue, but in his races, he seems to be more mature [this year]. Going up the inside, he has the rail and if he has the rail to help him, he's always good. It's when he's in the middle of something [there can be an issue], but when he's on the rail, no problem.” Clement said that the GI Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes on the Belmont undercard at Saratoga June 7 would be next on the agenda for Far Bridge, who could be joined by stablemates Carson's Run (Cupid) and/or fellow 'Rising Star' Deterministic (Liam's Map). Third to the late Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in last year's Manhattan, Far Bridge was a disappointing ninth in the GII United Nations Stakes, then was enterprisingly ridden to make all the running en route to an 8-1 surprise in the GI Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes back at the Spa in August. Up by a half-length to defeat two-time defending champion War Like Goddess (English Channel) in last year's Turf Classic, the bay was ninth to Rebel's Romance (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf and returned to action with a neck success in the 12-furlong GIII Pan American Stakes at Gulfstream Mar. 29. Pedigree Notes: The late English Channel has now sired the winners of three of the last six runnings of the Man o' War–Channel Maker in 2019 and Channel Cat in 2021. Far Bridge is one of just two winners from three to race from Fitpitcher, a granddaughter of the talented Pleasant Temper, whose 12 victories included a front-running score in the 1999 GIII Ballston Spa Breeders' Cup Handicap at Saratoga. Fitpitcher sadly passed away in 2021. The cross of champion turf horses English Channel and Kitten's Joy has resulted in 35 individual winners, six of those at the black-type level, including the aforementioned Channel Cat and fellow graded stakes winners Spooky Channel, English Bee and Admiralty Pier. Saturday, Belmont At The Big A MAN O' WAR S.-GII, $388,000, Belmont The Big A, 5-10, 4yo/up, 1 3/8mT, 2:17.24, gd. 1–FAR BRIDGE, 124, h, 5, by English Channel 1st Dam: Fitpitcher, by Kitten's Joy 2nd Dam: Teenage Temper, by A.P. Indy 3rd Dam: Pleasant Temper, by Storm Cat 'TDN Rising Star'. O-LSU Stables; B-Calumet Farm (KY); T-Christophe Clement; J-Joel Rosario. $220,000. Lifetime Record: MGISW, 16-8-3-2, $2,142,980. Werk Nick Rating: A+++. *Triple Plus* Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Anglophile, 118, h, 5, English Channel–Trustmore Lovemore, by Kitten's Joy. O-Michael Thomas Paradis; B-Upson Downs Farm & Louie W. Wright (KY); T-Brian A. Lynch. $80,000. 3–Padiddle, 118, g, 5, Empire Maker–Belle Chaussee, by Giant's Causeway. ($205,000 Wlg '20 FTKNOV; $250,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Imaginary Stables; B-Frankfort Park Farm (KY); T-Fernando Abreu. $48,000. Margins: 1, 5, 5 1/4. Odds: 0.30, 4.30, 12.00. Also Ran: Capture the Flag, Decanted. Click for the Equibase.com chart and the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Back-to-back stakes wins for FAR BRIDGE! He wins the Grade 2 Man o' War Stakes with @JRosarioJockey up for trainer @clementstable. pic.twitter.com/tZsEVJmtG8 — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) May 10, 2025 The post Far Bridge Leads Home English Channel 1-2 in the Man o’ War appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mother’s Day is of course an opportunity to say thank you to those nearest and dearest to us all. Harness racing has many mothers who are involved in the sport in many different capacities. Today we look at one of those Mums whose own daughters are carrying on the family tradition. Team Tomlinson (and the Fords) – “we are all close” By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk 2025 marks the first Mother’s Day when Amanda Tomlinson hasn’t actually had any children living at home. “We are empty-nesters,” she says. Tomlinson is part of a multi-generational harness racing family. Her father Ken Ford’s had over 200 winners since the early 1990s including training back-to-back Dominion winners Marcoola and Amaretto Sun. Amanda has been around horses most of her life and officially joined her father in partnership in 2021. She has also had 65 wins as a driver since her first with Midnight Invasion at Motukarara in 2006. Amanda and husband Mark Tomlinson have three children, with Sheree and Kerryn well-known in the sport while their youngest Zane has “gone in a different direction”. He has a master’s degree in climate change and sustainability and works for ANZCO Foods in Christchurch. “When Zane moved out around Christmas that was the first time that Mark and I have actually ever lived in a house just by ourselves,” says Amanda. When the couple got married in the late 1990s they moved in with Amanda’s parents Ken and Dianne Ford. By the time they’d completed their own house a few minutes down the road at West Melton near Christchurch Sheree had already been born. Sheree (above) is now 26, and was followed by Kerryn (25) and Zane (23). Sheree (307 driving wins) lives just down the road from “the Ford farm”. Both Amanda and her are there every day while trainer-driver Kerryn (145 driving wins) works for Brad Williamson in Oamaru. Sheree made history when Amaretto Sun won the Dominion – at 19, she was the youngest ever driver and first female to win New Zealand’s most prestigious trotting feature. “They are all great kids. The girls are strong minded, Zane is more like his dad, pretty laid back,” says Amanda. “We are all close and you’d struggle to get into an argument with Zane, he’s very placid,” says Sheree. “We had a great upbringing … Mum was very invested whether it was ponies or coaching school sports or dance and netball.” “Plus she ran Kidz Kartz just about entirely by herself.” “She was very competitive. She was competitive then and she is competitive now.” In saying that Sheree reckons her mum has changed a bit over the years. “She was strict enough when we were kids, I’d say she’s probably a little more relaxed now.” So now that the kids have gone, what changes? “The house is a lot easier to keep tidy!” says Amanda. In terms of Mother’s Day Sheree says traditionally it’s fallen on race days and it’s usually celebrated with “a box of chocolates and a lotto ticket”. Today though Amanda is not heading to the races at Ashburton and has plans with her own Mum. “She makes morning tea for us (at the stables) every day and not just for one or two – sometimes there a dozen people there.” “So I’ll be taking my mum out for tea.” View the full article

Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 16:25, EMIRATES POULE D'ESSAI DES POULAINS-G1, €650,000, 3yo, c, 8fT Field: Ridari (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}), Sahlan (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Selenien (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Misunderstood (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Dos Mukasan (Fr) (Golden Horde {Ire}), Aomori City (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Reach The Sky (Fr) (Calyx {GB}), Detain (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Jonquil (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Heybetli (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}), Zarraf (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Henri Matisse (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Luther (GB) (Frankel {GB}), TIpinso (Fr) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Houquetot (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Serengeti (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Ballydoyle look to get off the mark in the 2025 Classics and will be buoyed by the news on Friday that Henri Matisse has received a highly favourable draw in six for this turning test. Kept back for this following his success in the G3 Ballylinch Stud Red Rocks Stakes in March, the experienced son of Immortal Verse has all boxes ticked with Ryan Moore on board despite the presence of last year's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Camille Pissarro. Drawn in 15, that stablemate will have to navigate the crowd to overcome a terrible post position, but at least he is a hold-up merchant and Christophe Soumillon clicked on him here on Arc day. Another Irish challenger to do well in the draw is the G1 Futurity Trophy and G2 Beresford Stakes winner Hotazhell, but he has a length to find on Henri Matisse on their G2 Futurity Stakes meeting last summer and will need to be sharp to win this on his seasonal bow. First and second in the course-and-distance G3 Prix de Fontainebleau, Ridari and Sahlan have fared contrastingly with the draw and that has probably killed the chance of the latter, while Juddmonte's G3 Greenham Stakes winner Jonquil has a tricky stall in 12 so Oisin Murphy will be in full analysis mode in the lead-up. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 17:05, EMIRATES POULE D'ESSAI DES POULICHES-G1, €550,000, 3yo, f, 8fT Field: Mandanaba (Fr) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Zarigana (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Ghoufrann (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Shes Perfect (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Godspeed (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Exactly (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Merrily (No Nay Never), Daylight (Fr) (Earthlight {Ire}), Mimos (Fr) (City Light {Fr}), Better Together (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Heavens Gate (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Celestial Orbit (GB) (No Nay Never). TDN Verdict: Francis-Henri Graffard has the draw gods to thank for the mercy shown to his star duo Zarigana and Mandanaba and their showdown greatly enhances this renewal. Preference is for the former, who bids to erase the memory of her painful course-and-distance defeat in the G1 Prix Marcel Boussac on Arc day with her stablemate perhaps more one for the Diane next month. Better Together represents the G3 Prix Imprudence form and she will love this mile, while the main Ballydoyle hopes Exactly and Bedtime Story are fascinating contenders. Exactly was bang there with Zarigana at the end of the Marcel Boussac and could just have improved more, while the latter was only fifth there as she staged a meek retreat into the shadows having looked champion material earlier in the season. Few will ever forget her sensational Royal Ascot display last June, when the thought of Ryan Moore not even choosing her for a Pouliches would have been unimaginable and from stall nine she will be hunted around by Colin Keane in what could be the start of a process of re-education. Outside Godspeed is not out of things, having impressed with her effort behind Zarigana in the G3 Prix de la Grotte, while Ollie Sangster looks to get heavily involved in a second fillies' Classic in the space of eight days with the classy Celestial Orbit. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Hoppegarten, Germany, post time: 14:00, COMER GROUP INTERNATIONAL 54TH OLEANDER-RENNEN-G2, €130,000, 4yo/up, 16fT Field: Lordano (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Alpenjager (Ger) (Nutan {Ire}), Flatten The Curve (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Sir Siljan (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}), Waldadler (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Atlantica (GB) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Enfranchise (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Nastaria (GB) (Outstrip {GB}) and Partnun (Ger) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Multiple Group winner Lordano is back up to a staying trip, having looked more than comfortable in this sphere when dominating the 15-furlong G3 Silbernes Pferd in 2023. French challenger Sir Siljan is an unexposed stayer from a stable that has to be respected on their German forays. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 14:33, AUGUSTE RODIN COOLMORE PRIX SAINT-ALARY-G2, €130,000, 3yo, f, 10fT Field: Audubon Park (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Jones (Fr) (Elarqam {GB}), Flaming Stone (GB) and Gezora (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}). TDN Verdict: Just four in this former Group 1 which now takes on more of the guise of a Diane trial, but it's a tight affair. Audubon Park didn't achieve anything out of the ordinary on the formbook despite winning Saint-Cloud's Listed Prix Rose de Mai by four lengths, but she hails from a Wertheimer family that seems to get top-class middle-distance fillies year upon year. Flaming Stone split this card's leading G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches hope Mandanaba and Gezora in the G3 Prix Vanteaux here last month and is probably the one to beat on that evidence. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 13:58, PRIX DE SAINT-GEORGES-G3, €80,000, 3yo/up, 5fT Field: Keran (Fr) (Blue Point {Ire}), Kylian (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Zorken (Fr) (Goken {Fr}), Ponntos (Ire) (Power {GB}), Ciao Pa' (Fr) (Shamalgan {Fr}), Lesslepasser (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), Pradaro (Fr) (Penny's Picnic {Ire}), Mgheera (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) and Electric Storm (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Ponntos bids for a third renewal, having conquered in 2022 and last year, but has the progressive mare Electric Storm to contend with as well as The Aga Khan Studs' unexposed Keran. He gave the impression when second in the Listed Prix Cor de Chasse at Deauville last month that he has a lot more to give. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Leopardstown, post time: 15:30, CASHEL PALACE HOTEL DERBY TRIAL STAKES-G3, €60,000, 3yo, 10fT Field: Acapulco Bay (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Purview (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Rock Of Cashel (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Tennessee Stud (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Delacroix looks the obvious one here, based not only his smart 2-year-old form but also on his course-and-distance G3 Ballysax Stakes success which has been boosted by the two stablemates he had in arrears. At this rate, it is almost inconceivable that Ballydoyle could lose one of these but if there is one who can put something in the spokes it is Joseph O'Brien's Tennessee Stud. Closely matched with the favourite on last year's formlines, the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud winner is joined by fellow Westerberg colour-bearer Acapulco Bay, an intriguing back-up for Ballydoyle who we haven't seen anywhere near the best of yet. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, Leopardstown, post time: 14:20, AL SHIRA'AA RACING 'MUTAMAKINA' STAKES-G3, €36,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 7f 53yT Field: Elinor Dashwood (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Vera's Secret (Ire) (Epaulette {Aus}), Vespertilio (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Bella Isabella (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Chantez (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Easy Mover (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Fiery Lucy (GB) (Without Parole {GB}) and (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: This sees the return of the hardy campaigner Fiery Lucy, who brings the most exciting form to the table having been fourth when last seen in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Last year's Listed Ingabelle Stakes winner Chantez faces a quick turnaround following her disappointing effort in Monday's G3 Athasi Stakes, while the fact that Dermot Weld asks a fairly big question of his Cork maiden winner Bella Isabella can only be a positive given how intimately connected he is with her esteemed family tree. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Delacroix Continues on the Derby Trail appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article

Breezing Saturday morning over the Belmont Park training track, 'TDN Rising Star' GISP River Thames (Maclean's Music) put in another half-mile move in advance of his anticipated start in the GI Preakness Stakes May 17 at Pimlico. In company with MSP Trust Fund (Practical Joke), the New York-bred went a half-mile in :48.25 (9/37) with exercise rider Fernando Rivera in the irons. He began the work to the outside and just off of his workmate and ended it along the rail and at least a length in front. Trainer Todd Pletcher said he clocked the gallop out in 1:01 and 1:15, and was happy with what he saw from his charge. “He went very well, in hand throughout,” said Pletcher. “He put in a nice half-mile in 48 [seconds] and change. He galloped out around the turn strongly and looked good. They followed the instructions perfectly.” He continued, “We are happy with his condition. He has bounced out of the Blue Grass well. He has been training consistently here. He has put on a few pounds, so we are happy with the way he is coming into [The Preakness].” River Thames will be looking to claim Pletcher's first victory in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown. The conditioner is a two-time Derby and four-time Belmont Stakes winner. “I'd love to check that box, we will give it a try.” Gosger gets the Green Light for Preakness after Keeneland Work Working in company with Godolphin's Paris Lily (City of Light), who is being pointed to Friday's GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, Gosger (Nyquist) and the filly breezed five furlongs in 1:00.60, making the pair's move the fastest of 14 at the distance at Keeneland that morning. Carrying the colors of the late Harvey A. Clarke, the grey will attempt to collect his third straight win after he claimed the GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes Apr. 12 at the venue. “He worked really well,” Walsh said. “He worked good; so, we're a go. I think he's ready to take a step forward again off the last race.” Walsh will be trying for his first Preakness win with Gosger's entry. Heart of Honor Set to Clear Quarantine Earlier, On Track Tuesday G2 UAE Derby runner-up Heart of Honor (GB) (Honor A.P.) is now set to clear quarantine at Churchill Downs Sunday and will make his first appearance on track at Pimlico Tuesday after vanning over the day prior. Trainer Jamie Osborne has earlier confirmed his daughter Saffie Osborne will have the Preakness mount. The elder Osborne has sent prior runners who competed in the UAE Derby to the States and enjoyed great success, but a win on the Triple Crown trail would be a first for Heart of Honor's connections. The post Preakness Updates: River Thames Breezes at Belmont, Brendan Walsh Green Light Gosger appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In a sport built on speed and stamina, the people behind the scenes rarely stop moving. And for the horsewomen who are also mothers, the pace is even demanding—but so is the purpose. They're used to remarks like, “I don't know how you do it all,” “Do you ever sleep?” and “You're like superwoman!” “I'm definitely not superwoman,” Tessa Walden responded when that last one was posed to her. “Being a stay-at-home mom is probably even harder than being a working mom. But I do think moms are kind of unsung heroes. I have a new respect for mine while I'm doing this, let's put it that way.” By “doing this,” Walden means raising a 2-year-old son and a 6-month-old daughter with her husband, trainer Will Walden, while also working as an assistant for Brad Cox Racing Stable. She oversees tasks like nominations and payroll and helps out during morning training. Walden also runs her own digital consignment business, Evergreen Equine. A younger version of herself never would have imagined being where she is now. “I did not want to be a mom at all,” Walden admitted. “All I wanted to do was ride horses. I felt like I wouldn't be able to do my job with kids. It's a struggle enough without kids, so I really didn't think it would be possible to have a family and do the job at the level I was doing it. Work has just always been really important to me.” Walden knows the reality that oftentimes the racing industry is less than accommodating for new moms, but looking back now, she considers herself lucky to have had a positive experience. “I thought that if I had a child, I would be fired, literally,” she said. “But that couldn't have been further from the truth.” Still, the transition came with challenges. Walden was back at the barn about a week after having her first child and she stayed in her full-time assistant role until the birth of her daughter last year. Her role has since shifted more toward the office, but she is still on the backside at Keeneland or Turfway Park most mornings, legging up a rider or watching breezes with her daughter Hailey tucked snug in her carrier. Walden doesn't consider herself a role model, but she hopes that her story, along with others like hers, can serve as a source of inspiration. “Being a mom in racing to me means creating an example for other women that they can do it,” she said. “They can have a family and still be involved in the industry in whatever way they want.” Sophie Doyle had always assumed that motherhood would mark the end of her career as a jockey. She found out she was pregnant just two weeks after riding in the Breeders' Cup and struggled with the thought of stepping away at the peak of her career. But a few months after having her daughter Emilie, Doyle felt the pull of being back in the saddle and she started exercise riding for her husband Chris Davis. Together, they managed to work out a schedule for Emilie's feeding and naps around morning sets. Last year, Doyle had the chance to return to race riding. “It was nice to be able to come back and just enjoy it and have fun and have your daughter there on the sidelines cheering for you,” explained Doyle. “It was something that I can't believe that I ever said I would never do. I don't know why I ever doubted myself.” Just this week, Doyle rode Chambourcin (Copper Bullet) to a maiden win at Churchill Downs for John Ennis, one of the trainers who encouraged her return to the saddle. Oftentimes, Doyle and her daughter hang out in between races in the women's jock's room. Since Doyle usually has the space to herself, crayons and stuffed animals are scattered amongst jockey silks and riding crops. Mare and foal at Mill Ridge Farm | Katie Petrunyak While Emilie enjoys the racing scene now, Doyle admitted that there was an adjustment period for both mother and daughter when she picked up her tack again. “With most jockeys being males, kids usually want their mom the majority of the time so it's okay when they take them away from their dad so they can go and take care of their job,” said Doyle. “When you've got a daughter wanting her mom who has to go into their profession, I can tell you there were a few hairy moments in the Belterra paddock. It took a few months for her to understand that her mom needs to go and do her job right now, but she got into enjoying watching me go out and ride and cheering for me on the sideline. I remember one day I was in the starting gate at Belterra and I could hear Emilie saying, 'Go Mommy! Come on Mommy! You gotta win this!' I started getting teary-eyed and said to myself, 'Alright, you've gotta be a jockey now Mom.'” Jordan Hattaway is the owner of Hattaway Farms, a full-service boarding facility that offers foaling, breaking, prepping and rehabbing, and she is also an exercise rider for Eddie Kenneally. Two years ago, she had her son Jude. “At first my husband and I were like, 'How are we going to do all of this and have a baby?'” she recalled. “But honestly, he kind of just fit into our lives. I'm not going to say it was seamless–there has been a lot of trial and error and a lot of having to get creative– but I'm still able to do all the same things I was doing before, just with a little bundle of joy running around with me.” While Hattaway meets with the vet and checks on mares, Jude plays with his baby chicks. When she oversees an afternoon breaking session, her son hangs out with his pony Pongo or zooms around the indoor riding arena between sets. “Ultimately I think that it's really fun to be able to bring your child around with you,” she said. “I think watching a little boy love animals, love the farm and love the track and watching him have such a happy, fun childhood is really rewarding. Being able to be there with him for most of it is really cool.” Walden and Doyle often visit Hattaway at her farm, hanging out together as their children play in the green grass and open air. They say it's all part of the community that makes it work. Around every mother in racing is a web of support—fellow moms and horsewomen, barn friends, partners, mentors—who help make the impossible feel manageable. “Yes, it's challenging,” reflected Hattaway. “But it is so rewarding at the same time.” The post Moms In Racing: Shaping the Sport On and Off the Track appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sorcerer's Silver (Good Magic), a 3-year-old colt who suffered a sesamoid injury on the Kentucky Derby day undercard is recovering from surgery at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, according to a story posted on the NBC Lexington affiliate website on Friday afternoon. Pulled up by jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. halfway through the third race, the dark bay trained by Dale Romans was transported to Rood & Riddle in Lexington. “The problem with the sesamoid injury is, they don't show much,” said Rood & Riddle's Dr. Larry Bramlage. “Sesamoids are the two little bones in the back of the horse's fetlock joint where when they move and up down, they're the bones that support their weight. They're sort of like our kneecaps only in reverse.” After a three-hour fusion surgery Monday, X-rays showed Sorcerer's Silver was doing well, even though his racing days are over. “He's gonna live 25 years,” Dr. Bramlage said. Owned by West Point Thoroughbreds and Domeyko Taylor, the colt debuted a winner at Gulfstream Park Feb. 1 and then cleared an optional claimer over the same surface Mar. 27. The post Sorcerer’s Silver Undergoes Successful Surgery At Rood And Riddle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article