Wandering Eyes

The National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) has launched #LoveofTheHorse, a social media promotion in conjunction with the 53rd annual Eclipse Awards. The promotion encourages fans and enthusiasts to share photos of themselves that demonstrate their connection and love of the equine. Participants are encouraged to use the hashtags #LoveOfTheHorse and #EclipseAwards and tag NTRA on Facebook, X and Instagram. The NTRA will share many of the contributions and a few will be featured during the Eclipse Award ceremonies Thursday, Jan. 25 from The Breakers Palm Beach, hosted by Britney Eurton, Acacia Courtney Clement and Nick Luck. The post NTRA Launches #LoveOfTheHorse Campaign On Social Media appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last year's Saudi Cup (G1) hero and 2022 Dubai Turf (G1) winner, Panthalassa, bowed out of a glittering racing career in a ceremony at Nakayama Racecourse Jan. 8.View the full article

Having been announced as one of the newest members of the stallion roster at Darley Japan, Palace Malice remained in a rich vein of form with his young progeny, as US-bred Noble Roger was given a perfect steer by Yuga Kawada to take out Monday's G3 Shinzan Kinen at Kyoto. It was the sire's second pattern winner in the last month, adding to the success of the American-conceived, but Japanese-foaled Jantar Mantar (Jpn) in the G1 Asahi Hai Futurity. Looking to build on a smart debut victory going a mile at Tokyo Nov. 12, the $70,000 OBS April juvenile settled back in the field as they went a good gallop on the pointy end. Slipped a bit of rein on the turn, Noble Roger crept into contention while securing a clear, albeit deep, run around the turn and had every conceivable chance five wide into the lane. Popped the question by Kawada in the straight, Noble Roger responded in kind, outfinishing favored Ecoro Bloom (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) to score comfortably. Water Licht (Jpn) (Drefong) was up for third at cricket-score odds. “It was quite difficult at times, but I think it was a race that showed his high level of ability,” Kawada told Netkeiba. “I was able to find a spot in the middle of the pack and built the race from there. Everyone has been using the inside [of the track] since opening day, so I deliberately chose the outside here. I am glad this horse has become a stakes winner.” The 14-year-old Palace Malice, winner of the GI Belmont S. over a mile and four furlongs and the GI Metropolitan H. going eight furlongs, is now the sire of 12 black-type winners, six at the graded/group level. Everett Dobson's Candy Meadows purchased Noble Roger's dam for $180,000 as a foal at the 2014 Keeneland November Sale and raced her to a pair of victories and three placings in black-type company. Noble Ready is a full-sister to Grade II winner Zindaya, the dam of the outstanding multiple graded stakes-winning 'TDN Rising Star' Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), Godolphin's 3-year-old filly Regal Gallery (Ire) (Frankel {GB})–a 450,000gns TATOCT yearling–and a 2-year-old sister to Carl Spackler that made the same amount from A.C. Elliott, agent, at Tattersalls last October. Noble Ready is a half-sister to Western Aristocrat (Mr. Greeley), who won the 2011 GI Jamaica H. in New York for Jeremy Noseda and is now a leading sire in India. Noble Ready is the dam the 2-year-old colt Sock It to Me (Violence), a $50,000 purchase at last year's Keeneland September Sale, and was sold to Saudi Arabian interests for $25,000 in foal to Mystic Guide at last year's Keeneland November Sale. 父の仕事始めを控えまた新たに 孝行息子がその名を上げる#ノーブルロジャー#川田将雅#シンザン記念 父パレスマリスは2024年度から日本で供用。同産駒にジャンタルマンタル。https://t.co/NckxvYYsye pic.twitter.com/IpuaSsT3B2 — netkeiba (@netkeiba) January 8, 2024 Monday, Kyoto, Japan NIKKAN SPORTS SHO SHINZAN KINEN-G3, ¥78,230,000, Kyoto, 1-8, 3yo, 1600mT, 1:34.50, gd/fm. 1–NOBLE ROGER, 126, c, 3, by Palace Malice 1st Dam: Noble Ready (MSP), by More Than Ready 2nd Dam: Aristocratic Lady, by Kris S. 3rd Dam: American Dynasty, by Quiet American 1ST STAKES WIN, 1ST GROUP WIN. ($70,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR). O-Normandy Thoroughbred Racing; B-Candy Meadows LLC (KY); T-Tatsuya Yoshioka; J-Yuga Kawada; ¥41,651,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, ¥48,851,000. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Ecoro Bloom (Jpn), 126, c, 3, Daiwa Major (Jpn)–Sugar Shock, by Candy Ride (Arg). (¥84,000,000 Ylg '22 JRHAJUL). O-Masatoshi Haramura; B-Northern Farm; T-Yukihiro Kato; J-Christophe Lemaire; ¥16,186,000. 3–Water Licht (Jpn), 126, c, 3, Drefong–Water Peony (Jpn), by Victoire Pisa (Jpn). O-Masato Yamaoka; B-Fushikida Farm; T-Hiroshi Kawachi; J-Hideaki Miyuki; ¥10,093,000. Margins: 1.1/4, HD, HF. Odds: 3.90, 1.80, 206.60. Click for the JRA chart. The post Noble Roger Rolls Home For Red-Hot Palace Malice In Shinzan Kinen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital will conduct its upcoming annual Client Education Seminar, catering to professionals and enthusiasts in the equine industry, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at the Fasig Tipton Sales Pavilion in Lexington, KY. Registration is free and open to the public. Now in its 37th year, the Rood & Riddle Client Education Seminar remains committed to delivering comprehensive, evidence-based medical insights tailored to the equine community. The seminar lineup features a range of speakers and topics covering key areas of equine healthcare. Dr. Katie Garrett will discuss Diagnostic Imaging Options, while Dr. Daniel Devis will shed light on Laser Therapy and What to Expect. Dr. Charlie Scoggin provides an exclusive look inside the Rood & Riddle In Vitro Fertilization Lab, and Krista Lea, UK Forage Extension Program, shares expertise on Mitigation Strategies for Tall Fescue in the Broodmare. Additionally, Dr. Liz Elzer will provide guidance on Rib Fractures in Neonatal Foals, Dr. Hannah Chenail will discuss Geriatric Colic versus Mature Colic, Dr. Colton Thacker will cover An Update on Sesamoiditis, and Dr. Craig Lesser will provide valuable insights into Chronic Abscesses. Dr. Woodrow Friend, Director of Marketing of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, stated, “Rood & Riddle takes pride in sponsoring this ongoing educational forum, offering our valued clients and friends a platform for continuous learning and development.” Refreshments will be served from 5-6 p.m., followed by presentations from 6-8 p.m. RSVPs to the event (not required, but helpful) by Monday, Jan. 15. For more information and to register, go to the Rood & Riddle Website, www.roodandriddle.com/ce/. The post Rood & Riddle To Host Client Education Seminar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There is an undertone of negativity surrounding horseracing these days, almost all of which is generated by its participants and followers, and greatly exacerbated by the increasingly unpleasant arena that is social media. Where once Twitter was fun and we all gained excellent insight into trainers' yards and, for some, their sense of humour, now X marks the spot at which we should perhaps consciously uncouple from twits and trolls. Let's get out more. And where better to start than by hitching a ride on the stallion trails? This Friday marks the tenth anniversary of the two-day ITM Irish Stallion Trail which was started in response to the rising popularity of Normandy's La Route des Etalons, which made its debut in 2011 and this year takes place on January 20 and 21. A recent house move by my old Pacemaker boss Julian Muscat meant that I was gifted a huge pile of Stud & Stable magazines dating back to the 1960s. I've always held firmly to the belief that time spent reading is never time wasted, and only daily deadlines have dragged me away from this pile which has so far been a source of delight and education in equal measure. After all, the best way to avoid present unpleasantness is to bury oneself in the past. It's not only a great diversion, but also a reminder that the problems we face now are not that much different to those faced 50 or 100 years ago. Open up any edition of the Bloodstock Breeders' Review and you're likely to find someone bemoaning the fact that stallions are covering too many mares, though too many 50 years ago was 60 instead of 40. There may well be some grave-spinning at the current book sizes. In the May 1968 edition of Stud & Stable, at the price of seven shillings and sixpence and with a rather nice cover painting of Lord Leverhulme on a hunter surrounded by mares and a lurcher, there can be found a report by Michael Ross on what was perhaps the first unofficial 'route des etalons'. Ross's tour of Normandy was a bit more of a beano than this correspondent's has been in recent years. He spent a whole week driving around with two pals, visiting 32 studs and inspecting 66 stallions. Impressive. Some of those mentioned are now no longer in operation as Thoroughbred studs but, comfortingly, a good number of them live on. We hear of Mme Couturié's Haras du Mesnil, where the French Guineas winner Blue Tom (Fr) had recently taken up duties alongside the farm's most famous resident and fellow Classic winner, Right Royal (Fr). These days, Couturié's grandson Henri Devin and his wife Antonia keep the Mesnil name in lights and they have recently taken charge of the G1 Champion S. winner Bay Bridge (GB) to stand alongside the popular Doctor Dino (Fr). Ross also calls in at Haras de Mortrée, which he describes as “one of the principal vendors at Deauville each year”. He is shown around by the young stud manager Antoine Bozo. Sound familiar? Bozo, who later managed Haras du Mézeray and died in 2020 at the age of 83, was the father of Henri Bozo of Ecurie des Monceaux, which can also be described as one of the principal vendors at Deauville each year. I can almost hear you thinking “get to the point”, so let's try. This Friday and Saturday 37 farms in Ireland will throw open their doors to visitors, with 156 stallions on show, from the properly established to the up-and-coming, and of course the latest intake, which includes Paddington (GB), Good Guess (GB), Pyledriver (GB) and Native Trail (GB). If you've missed Authorized (Ire), sire of the wonderful Tiger Roll (Ire), since he left Britain for France then Turkey, he has recently been repatriated to the land of his birth and you can call in to see him at Capital Stud, one of Ireland's newest stallion operations. It is certainly worth checking out the informative Irish Stallion Trail pages on the ITM website to plan your route. Registration is suggested, and is compulsory for visitors to Coolmore, and not all studs are open both days. You will find opening hours under the listing for each stud. They say that there is no point getting older if you don't get a little wiser. I don't have an abundance of wisdom to impart generally but as a veteran of stallion trails I would say that less is more (and by that I don't necessarily mean when it comes to the generous hospitality on offer). When these initiatives first started I took the view that I had to try to see as many studs as possible all in one weekend. Big mistake. Approach this weekend as if it's merely part one: you can always return next year. Study the map and try to pick a few within reasonable proximity to each other so you can properly appreciate not just the stallions, but also the farms and their surrounding countryside, chatting with fellow visitors, and of course the aforementioned hospitality. In previous years I have toured with Nancy Sexton in Ireland and Alix Choppin in France, and far be it from me to question my dear friends' navigation skills but we spent an awful lot of time attempting to find Ballylinch Stud and Haras de Bonneval respectively. Let's just say we had them surrounded. The time wasted negotiating three-point turns in country lanes in Co Kilkenny in particular happened to be in the year that the stallion trail coincided with the Bacchanalian gathering otherwise known as the ITBA Awards. The long hours on the road, culminating in a dram or two of Maurice Burns's whiskey during our last port of call at Rathasker Stud, meant a shamefully early departure from the dance floor, though in our defence the dancing at the ITBA Awards never really starts until the wee small hours at the earliest. If you manage to see Workforce (GB), Waldgeist (GB) and Sottsass (Fr) in Ireland this weekend, in France a week later you can view the latest winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Ace Impact (Ire), who drew plenty of visitors during Arqana's Breeding Stock Sale in early December. He is the most expensive new stallion in the country and is bound to ensure that Haras de Beaumont remains busy during the route des etalons, which includes 20 studs and 97 stallions. The French TBA has compiled another excellent website with a full list of farms and stallions, as well as that all-important map. Depending on which studs you would like to visit there is often quite a bit of driving to be done, but even in gloomy January a tour through Calvados country and beyond does wonders to lift the spirits. Back on that first official route des etalons in 2011, Elusive City topped France's list of stallions at a covering fee of €15,000. It is not simply this initiative which has helped to revive the French breeding industry, though it is easy to believe that it has helped. That was also the first year Siyouni (Fr) stood on the Aga Khan Studs roster, at an introductory fee of €7,000. Now he's top of the pops and commands the lofty nomination price of €200,000. They were shrewd breeders who backed him in the early days. Guessing who will follow in his wake is all part of the fun of being involved in the breeding industry. So let's leave the naysayers to their doom-scrolling and take to the great outdoors to see if we can narrow it down ourselves with some important research on the stallion trails. The post Hitch Your Wagon for the Stallion Trails appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maggie Sweet has been named the new chief operating officer of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), the Saratoga-based operation announced Monday. “We are thrilled to welcome Maggie Sweet to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation as our new Chief Operating Officer,” said Patrick H. Mackay, Chairman of the Board of Directors at TRF. “Maggie's desire to support equine welfare, coupled with her extensive leadership experience, will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our organization. Her skills and enthusiasm align seamlessly with our commitment to providing a dignified retirement for these magnificent animals.” Sweet served the Todd Pletcher Racing Stables in a variety of roles for over a quarter-century, most recently as its COO, a position from which she stepped down in September 2023. As COO, Sweet will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, implementing strategic initiatives, and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders and donors. “I am honored to join the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and be part of an organization that is making a significant impact in the lives of retired racehorses,” said Sweet. “I look forward to working with the talented team at the TRF and contributing to the ongoing success of their vital mission.” The post Sweet Named COO of Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Coolmore team went to $1.6 million to secure the broodmare prospect Prank (Into Mischief–Callingmissbrown, by Pulpit) (hip 77) during Monday's first session of the Keeneland January sale. The 4-year-old bay, a half-sister to GI Belmont S. winner Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo), was tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' following a scintillating debut victory at Saratoga in 2022, but was injured and never raced again. She was consigned to the sale by Gainesway, which campaigned her in partnership with LNJ Foxwoods and StarLadies Racing. The post Coolmore Goes to $1.6 Million for Broodmare Prospect Prank appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The third annual 'Art of Racing', an annual partnership between 1/ST, the Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) announced the launch of its 2024 program Monday. The 'Art of Racing' commemorates the Preakness S., and beginning Monday and continuing through Mar. 11, artists nationwide may submit their original, two-dimension visual art celebrating the second leg of the Triple Crown. In the past two years, more than 300 entries from 19 states have been received each depicting different elements of Thoroughbred racing as reflected in the Preakness. The public is encouraged to take part in the open voting phase from Mar. 12 to Mar. 26 to cast their vote for their favorite piece of art. The winning artist will be awarded a $4,000 prize and two tickets to Preakness 149 on Saturday, May 18. In addition, their work will be reproduced on a curated collection of Preakness 149 merchandise that will be available for purchase online and onsite during Preakness weekend. Proceeds from merchandise sales will be directed–for the third consecutive year–to the Park Heights Renaissance, a non-profit organization pursuing employment opportunities and affordable housing for Park Heights residents. “As we kick off the third-annual Art of Racing competition, we're thrilled to invite artists nationwide to capture the Preakness Stakes through their unique perspectives,” said Audra Madison, Director of Marketing, Maryland Jockey Club. “Once again, we look forward to blending artistic achievement with the vibrant world of Thoroughbred horse racing.” The winner of last year's competition was Justin Johnson, a Baltimore-based artist, whose original illustration titled “The Face of Victory” was selected from among the 207 total submissions. The post 1/ST, MJC Announce ‘Art of Racing’ Contest appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Sandown Hillside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, January 10, 2024 First Race 3:40pm AEDT Visit Dabble Racing returns to the Hillside track at Sandown on Wednesday afternoon, where a competitive eight-race program is set down for decision. With persistent rain across Melbourne’s south-east, we will be racing on a rain-affected track for the meeting, with the track a Soft 6 at the time of acceptances. The rail sticks to the true position, with action set to commence at 3:40pm AEDT. Best Bet at Sandown: Silver Waves Silver Waves has returned with two minor placings to begin her campaign, and on Wednesday we anticipate it will be third time lucky for the Caravaggio mare. The four-year-old mare looks well equipped to handle wet tracks, with a win and three minor placings to her name on rain-affected decks. She worked home nicely from the rear of the field at Caulfield last time out, and with the long straight of the Hillside track at Sandown at her disposal, she should take a power of beating. John Allen will look to have Silver Waves settled just worse than midfield, but with a strong finish under her bonnet, Silver Waves will prove too hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 4 – #7 Silver Waves (9) 4yo Mare | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: John Allen (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best at Sandown: Awash Awash is deep into his first campaign, but at career start nine, he looks well-placed by the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace barn. The four-year-old gelding was a touch unlucky at Moonee Valley on December 23, when he was beaten a long neck behind Flash Feeling over the 1600m, having been denied a run at the 500m mark, before being forced into open air to be narrowly denied a victory. Barrier eight on Wednesday should see the son of Merchant Navy settled midfield with cover in the moving line, meaning luck should be taken out of the equation. With a strong finishing burst, Awash can return to the winner’s stall. Next Best Race 7 – #7 Awash (8) 4yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Celine Gaudray (a1.5) (60.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Best Value at Sandown: Berry Bubbly We were with Berry Bubbly when the four-year-old mare finished fourth at Moonee Valley on December 30, and we’re happy to give her another chance on Wednesday. The four-year-old mare was only swamped late at The Valley after being softened up early on over the 1000m. She sticks at the 1000m, a trip she seemingly thrives at, and from barrier seven, she will look to cross the field under Carleen Hefel. With even luck, we’re confident Berry Bubbly can salute at a nice price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #1 Berry Bubbly (7) 4yo Mare | T: Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock | J: Carleen Hefel (a1.5) (61.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Sandown Hillside Wednesday quaddie tips – 10/1/2024 Sandown Lakeside quadrella selections Wednesday, January 10, 2024 1-3-4-8 2-3-9-10 7-9-12 1-3-7-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Wiremu Pinn following his win aboard Dolphin Skin in the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m) at Flemington. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Wiremu Pinn will be a welcome addition to the New Zealand jockey ranks, with the talented hoop returning to his homeland after a stint riding in Melbourne. Initially heading across the Tasman in June last year for a three-month period to test the water, Pinn made an instant impact in the Victorian riding ranks and elected to stay on for what he intended to be a permanent move. Pinn’s partner Tayla Mitchell soon joined him in Melbourne after securing last season’s New Zealand apprentice jockey premiership, with the dream of also riding in Melbourne. However, it has proven difficult for Mitchell to attain a license and the couple decided to return to New Zealand where they can both pursue their riding careers. “Tayla had been over with me for five or six months and really struggled to get her license. She is passionate about the sport and she loves raceday riding. The move back was more to support her,” Pinn said. “It was a tough decision, I had been going pretty well over there and had some great support from some big stables. “It was a good learning experience. Getting to meet new people and see the different tracks really taught me a lot. I think I have taken my riding to that next level, but I still have a lot to learn. I am happy with my progress.” Pinn had several highlights in Australia, headed by his victory aboard the New Zealand-bred Dolphin Skin in the Listed Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m) at Flemington in July. “Winning a stakes race at Flemington as an apprentice was my biggest thrill,” he said. “It is hard enough getting rides over there being an apprentice, let alone a stakes race, so it was a big thrill. Riding a treble on a Saturday was another big highlight.” While Pinn has moved back to New Zealand, he may not be completely lost to Australian racing, with the 25-year-old rider keen to spend some time back across the Tasman over the colder months. “I would like to go over every winter if possible. I am not a big fan of the winter here in New Zealand,” he said. Pinn didn’t let the dust settle when he arrived back in New Zealand on Sunday night, heading to Ellerslie on Monday morning to get a feel for its new StrathAyr track, with racing set to return to the Auckland venue this coming Sunday. “I just finished riding gallops at Ellerslie this morning and it is in great order, it is like a carpet,” he said. “They have done a really good job with it, so I am looking forward to getting back there and riding races.” With the growth of prizemoney and the lure of the upcoming Karaka Millions meeting at Ellerslie, Pinn is excited to be back racing in New Zealand. “It is awesome. They have done a great job with the industry boosting the prizemoney. You can’t do anything without money so it’s great,” he said. “I am looking forward to the Karaka Millions meeting, it is like the Melbourne Cup of New Zealand, everyone wants to be there and it is a great meeting to ride at. I can’t wait. “Hopefully I can get some rides up there, that would be good. Galloping on the track this morning, it is like a carpet, so there will be no excuses.” Pinn and Mitchell will be looking to base themselves in Matamata, but Pinn said it’s a case of ‘have saddle, will travel’ for the couple. “I have missed home, so it is good to be back,” he said. “It is good to be home and to see my son and spend some time with him and see all of my mates. “We are going to have a look at some houses in Matamata. We wanted to live in Cambridge but there is not much on the market at the moment. It is only 20 minutes from Cambridge, so I can drive there each morning. “Australia taught me to work a bit harder. All the big jockeys are there (track) every morning, so whoever needs me I’ll show up.” New Zealand racing fans won’t have to wait long to see Pinn back riding at a New Zealand track, with the soon to be Matamata-based jockey set to ride Beautiful Spirit at his new home track on Wednesday. “I have got one ride at Matamata and we will go from there. Chris McNab will be doing my rides,” he said. More horse racing news View the full article

Tuesday’s meeting at Stony Creek has been abandoned. (Ross Holburt/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria (RV) has announced the unfortunate abandonment of Tuesday’s Stony Creek meeting due to the persistent impact of wet weather. The track has endured 40ml of rainfall in the past 24 hours, leading to surface water accumulation on the track and flooding in critical areas such as the mounting yard and float car park. Given the continuous rain expected until late evening, the decision was made to abandon the meeting. Although transfer options were explored, none were considered suitable under the circumstances. For horses initially entered in the Stony Creek races, there’s an opportunity to nominate for alternative races at Wangaratta (Thursday), Pakenham (Thursday), Hamilton (Friday), Cranbourne (Friday), Flemington (Saturday), and Woolamai (Saturday). Nominations must be submitted by 5pm today. In response to the altered schedule, RV’s Racing Operations team has carefully reviewed the program. At this stage, no additional races are deemed necessary. However, they remain prepared to divide races across meetings from Thursday to Sunday if the need arises, ensuring all horses have an opportunity to secure a start. More horse racing news View the full article

Impendabelle will be vying for Group One glory in Saturday’s Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Impendabelle came ever so close to picking up a maiden Group One crown at Riccarton last November, and Tony Pike is hoping the filly can go one better in Saturday’s Group 1 Levin Classic (1600m). Excusing her last-start seventh behind Pendragon in the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) on Boxing Day, the daughter of Impending has been ultra-consistent through her three-year-old campaign and was only caught by Molly Bloom in the final strides of the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) the start prior. With Group Two victories in the Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and the Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) already to her credit, Impendabelle heads into the Trentham three-year-old feature an ominous chance as an +900 equal fifth-favourite, with Mary Shan topping the Futures market with horse racing betting sites at +250. “She’s probably a little bit the forgotten about horse, she’s in great form and she’s proven at Group One level. I think she can run extremely well on Saturday,” Pike said. “She’s bounced through the Auckland Guineas really well. It probably wasn’t Kozzi’s (Asano, jockey) best work up there, she got a long way back which wasn’t ideal, and went to that slower inside part of the track, but her closing sectionals were some of the best in the race,” Pike said. While several possible Levin Classic race rivals are heading straight to the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m), Pike opted to give Impendabelle an opportunity for elite-level success at Trentham with a broodmare future in mind. However, the Cambridge horseman hasn’t ruled out an appearance in the $1.5 million spectacle at Ellerslie a fortnight later. “She’s a valuable filly and getting a Group One would continue to enhance that,” he said. “She’s come through Pukekohe well and it probably wasn’t an overly hard run, so we’re hoping to get that Group One with her on Saturday and if she pulled up well we would possibly consider running in the Karaka Million 3YO two weeks’ later. That would be the end of her preparation.” Pike’s stable will also be represented in the headline event on the card, with Not Guilty having her first top-flight start in the Group 1 Telegraph (1200m). The five-year-old has proven to be somewhat of a straight-track specialist over recent campaigns, with multiple placings down the Trentham dogleg, including in the Listed Lightning Handicap (1200m) behind race-rival Maria Farina in March. A daughter of Not A Single Doubt, Not Guilty broke her stakes-level bridesmaid’s streak with a classy Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) victory down the Riccarton chute in November, and heads into Saturday’s feature off the back of a fifth-placed run behind Imprevu at Pukekohe on Boxing Day. “Her run at Pukekohe was probably better than the placing suggested,” Pike said. “She went a long way back from the barrier draw, went to the inside, which was the slower part of the track, and made up really good ground late.” Pike’s last triumph in the time-honoured Telegraph came in emphatic style with Sacred Star in 2015, and he has faith that Not Guilty can put in a strong bid when the mare contests the likes of Dragon Leap and Bonny Lass. “She is proven down the straight at Trentham, obviously it is a step-up to Group One company, but she is a valuable mare who is very well-bred and has a stakes win to her name,” he said. “She galloped really well at Ellerslie this morning and she definitely has the ability to at least gain a Group One placing, which would further enhance her broodmare value.” More horse racing news View the full article

Trainer Michael Pitman will hold a strong hand at Reefton on Tuesday. Photo: Trish Dunell Michael and Matthew Pitman will be represented by a big team of runners at Tuesday’s Reefton meeting and the prospect of a drying track will be welcomed by their feature race contender. The stable accepted with a quartet in the Reefton Cup (1400m), but the father-and-son combination’s hopes are likely to rest solely with Golden Harvest. The Ghibellines seven-year-old has a mixed form line, although he hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck in more recent times and is most effective on good ground. “I’ll probably only run Golden Harvest at this stage. He just wants a decent track and it’s a long time since he got one,” Michael Pitman said. “He was very unlucky on the first day at Cromwell and then didn’t back up, so we’ve waited for this meeting with him.” Golden Harvest did make one appearance between times at Ashburton where he began awkwardly from a wide gate and wasn’t a factor after that. “It’s really hot here and I’m expecting the track to come back and that will give him his chance in what will only be a small field,” Pitman said. The winner of four races, with a third placing in the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) also to his credit, Golden Harvest will be ridden by the in-form Kylie Williams and has the benefit of the inside gate. “We’ll probably have 23 runners throughout the day, obviously eight of those I inherited from the late Paul Harris,” Pitman said. Williams will also be aboard Zoulander and they are expected to be a formidable combination. The Zoustar gelding, who doesn’t always help himself with tardy beginnings, got home late over 1100m at Greymouth last week to finish runner-up behind stakes winner Illicit Dreams. “I think Zoulander will be a very good chance in race six and I also think Epee Beel is a strong chance in race eight as well,” Pitman said. Epaulette filly Epee Beel will step out as a fresh runner on the West Coast circuit. She was a last-start sixth on heavy ground at Wingatui on Boxing Day and will have the services of Tina Comignaghi. Pitman is also bullish about starting the day on a good note with Benji’s Boy and Ocean Light. “The two horses in the first race are better than maidens, and they will carry on with it,” Pitman said. “Ocean Light was unlucky again the other day and I’ve put my apprentice (Abdul Najib) on and claim 3kg, so we’ll see what happens.” The Ocean Park three-year-old finished third at Kumara on Saturday while Benji’s Boy was also a last-start placegetter at Kurow on New Year’s Eve Day and will be partnered by Lee Callaway. More horse racing news View the full article

What Warwick Farm Races Where Warwick Farm Racecourse – 2 Hume Hwy, Warwick Farm NSW 2170 When Wednesday, January 10, 2024 First Race 2:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble Warwick Farm is the destination for metro racing on Wednesday afternoon, with a competitive seven-race program set down for decision. The rail sits in the true position the entire circuit, and although there’s some predicted showers in the lead-up, we don’t expect the rating of the course to change from the Good 4 listed at the time of acceptances. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 2:20pm AEDT. Best Bet at Warwick Farm: Pure Alpha Pure Alpha did everything but win on debut at Randwick on Boxing Day and must be considered one of the better performances on the program. The son of Ardrossan peeled out at the top of the straight but appeared to hit a flat spot with 250m to go before smashing through the wire, just running out of time behind the well-rated Franz Josef. The top two cleared out on their respective rivals, and both seemingly have plenty of upside. Sam Clipperton has the task of gaining an economical run from barrier 10, and provided he can slot in for cover, watch for Pure Alpha to be bounding over the top to score. Best Bet Race 2 – #1 Pure Alpha (10) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Sam Clipperton (59.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best Warwick Farm: Age Of Sail Age Of Sail is a European import handed over to the Kris Lees barn and we’ve been impressed with his two jump-outs upon arrival. His latest piece of work at Wyong on December 15 particularly caught the eye, as the Frankel gelding travelled comfortably along the inside running rail. The booking of Nash Rawiller shows intent from the stable to suggest this guy is wound up to kick-off his campaign, and although he may want further in the future, we see no reason why Age Of Sail can’t pick up a win in this event along the way. Next Best Race 5 – #2 Age Of Sail (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Kris Lees | J: Nash Rawiller (60kg) Bet with Bet365 Best Value at Warwick Farm: Mr Kennedy Mr Kennedy bombed the start completely first-up at Randwick on December 26, swiftly ending his chances of victory. He was never in contention towards the rear of the field, tacking on to the fellow back markers, producing some of best closing sectionals of the race. He cut down the margin to 3.4 lengths in the closing stages and suggested he’s worth forgiving heading into this second-up contest. Expect a change of tactics to lead this time, and with some urging from Tom Sherry on Wednesday, we should see a much-improved version of Mr Kennedy. Best Value Race 4 – #8 Mr Kennedy (7) 7yo Gelding | T: Richard Litt | J: Tom Sherry (55.5kg) Bet with PlayUp Warwick Farm Wednesday quaddie tips – 10/1/2024 Warwick Farm quadrella selections Wednesday, January 10, 2024 2-8-9 1-2-4-8 1-6-9-10-11 1-9-10-11-13 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Horse Racing on Monday, January 8 will feature three meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Moruya. Monday Racing Tips – January 8, 2024 Moruya Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For January 8, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $59.16 odds return: Monday, January 8, 2024 Moruya – Race 1 #4 Lerinka Moruya – Race 8 #5 Missile Leader Cairns – Race 4 #6 Cosmic Legend Tamworth – Race 2 #12 Lady Brulee | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on January 8, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

What Taree Races Where Manning Valley Race Club – Racecourse Dr, Taree NSW 2430 When Tuesday, January 9, 2023 First Race 1:50pm AEDT Visit Dabble Country racing heads to Taree on Tuesday afternoon, where a quick-fire seven-race program awaits punters. The rail moves out +3m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with some scattered showers predicted in the lead-up, we expect the current Soft 5 rating to hold true prior to the opening event at 1:50pm AEDT. Taree Best Bet: Bestower Bestower made a good first-up impression at Newcastle on December 16 and looks prepared to strike second-up for the Kris Lees barn. The son of Contributor took a sit mid-field before powering through the wire over the 1200m, suggesting the three-year-old will appreciate the immediate step-up in trip to the 1400m in this event. Darryl McLellan should get the opportunity to sit much closer throughout the journey from gate three, and provided Bestower has taken improvement from that first-up effort, he will be hard to hold out. Best Bet Race 4 – #4 Bestower (3) 3yo Filly | T: Kris Lees | J: Darryl McLellan (57.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best At Taree: My Mum’s Toyboy Trainer Brett Dodson may have a handy type in the form of My Mum’s Toyboy as she heads to Taree on the back of an eye-catching first-up maiden success. The gelding by Kobayashi had no choice but to sit wide without cover at this course and distance on December 24, however, still proved too strong for his rivals, careering away with the prize by a length. He looks to be a progressive type, and despite this race having more depth, we’re convinced My Mum’s Toyboy can dispatch his rivals once again. Next Best Race 5 – #4 My Mum’s Toyboy (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Brett Dodson | J: Zac Waddick (57.5kg) Bet with Dabble Best Value At Taree: Freya’s Moment After a disappointing effort last start at Wyong on December 23, Magic Stella gets the winkers reapplied in the opening event. The daughter of Grunt appeared to run without focus on that occasion, becoming detached from the main group in the concluding stages. Her form prior to that behind the likes of Speed Of Light and Storm The Ramparts reads well for this, and with barrier one to aid her on her journey, watch for Magic Stella to be a major player to kick off the Taree card. Best Value Race 1 – #3 Magic Stella (1) 3yo Filly | T: Denim Wynen | J: Lee Magorrian (58kg) Bet with PlayUp Taree Tuesday quaddie tips – 9/1/2024 Taree quadrella selections Tuesday, January 9, 2024 1-4-8-12 3-4-5-6 1-4-5-9-11 1-7-8-9-10 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Whizz Kid steams to victory at Sha Tin. Celebrating his third victory as a trainer in the Group 3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (1000m), Tony Cruz deflected credit for the success to jockey Harry Bentley after the Englishman crowned his comeback to riding with an upset win on outsider Whizz Kid at Sha Tin on Sunday. Starting at +2400, Whizz Kid (115lb) upstaged Invincible Sage (115lb) and Packing Treadmill (117lb) to provide Bentley with his first Group race triumph in Hong Kong less than a week after the lightweight rider returned to competition after serving a two-month suspension for improper conduct. Cruz, who previously won the HK$4.2 million feature with champion sprinter Silent Witness in 2004 and 2005, praised Bentley’s display after the Briton allowed Whizz Kid to stride forward and sit outside Victor The Winner before taking a lead he would never surrender, clocking 56.86s – more than a second outside of standard time. “He’s been a great horse for the stable, but I must give the credit to Harry Bentley. He rode a perfect race. I told him to jump and go with the flow, and he did exactly that,” Cruz said after replacing blinkers with a visor on the five-year-old gelding. “I’ve been trying everything on him and that’s the only thing that works. It worked today. He’s a healthy horse and has never been a headache. He’s honest and he’s easy to train. “I thought Happy Valley was his track, but with the programme, I had no option but to go for this race. Otherwise, there’s nowhere else to go. I gambled on it, tried something different and it turned out good.” Cruz said he would “give Bentley more opportunities in my stable. He’s very natural, he’s got good hands and like I said to him today to ‘go with the flow’, he did exactly that. I reckon we haven’t seen the best of him yet in Hong Kong. “This horse is as honest as you can ever get, but it’s how the jockey rides him that’s most important,” Cruz said. Bentley was elated post-race after returning last week to race riding, but having to wait until today’s feature to score – before capping his afternoon by sealing a double atop Blue Marlin for Douglas Whyte. “I’m delighted, first day back here at Sha Tin, to get a double,” Bentley said. “Firstly, getting my first Group win here in Hong Kong was great and great to partner up with Blue Marlin again – he’s been a great horse for me. “This is the fourth time I’ve won on him, third time this season. He’s been plagued by a few bad draws but I’ve been the fortunate person to step in when he comes back to a nice draw. “He’s a tough horse who has run only a few days ago (1 January) – fair play to the trainer and from a personal point of view it’s great to be back.” Helios Express strengthened already strong Four-Year-Old Classic Series claims in spectacular style with dominant win under Hugh Bowman. “This horse excites me. I just sat on him in the one trial recently over 1200m on the dirt and he didn’t quite give me the feel he gave me today but the writing was on the wall – he’s got an excellent record and John has looked after him nicely,” Bowman said, pointing to the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) on February 4. “There’s a sense of timing about him for the Hong Kong Classic Mile next month. He’s an exciting horse.” Bowman finished with a double after earlier teaming with David Hall’s Hong Kong Hall. “I think his experience meant a lot today. Putting himself in the right place got him the win. He’s a big strong horse and hopefully, he can keep improving,” Hall said. Aoraki Summit, who is eligible for the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, swept to an impressive win, triumphing by 3.25 lengths for Frankie Lor and Andrea Atzeni. “I think he is still good in Class 3. He is still improving and later on I think he can handle a little bit further, like 1600 metres because he’s by Tavistock,” Lor said. Taking his seasonal tally to 19, Atzeni completed a double aboard Size-trained Fast Buck. Caspar Fownes struck with Capital Delight when the Capitalist gelding surged from last to score by a head for Vincent Ho. Angus Chung extended his strong season with victory aboard Me Tsui-trained Beat Hollow before Jerry Chau’s brilliant front-running ride on a willing Special Hedge enabled the pair to narrowly snare the Class 4 Tsui Lok Handicap (1800m). Ellis Wong joined Chung and Chau in the winners’ list when the 10lb-claiming apprentice guided Ricky Yiu’s Pleasant Endeavor to victory. More horse racing news View the full article

Start your working week with a gallop into thrilling horse racing promotions! Saddle up for a multitude of exhilarating offers from top-tier bookmakers, giving your betting experience an extra kick on January 8th. Check out these top Australian racing promotions for January 8, 2024: Top Horse Racing Promotions BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo BRAND NEW Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Uncover the Secret Behind Horsebetting.com.au’s Bonus Offers HorseBetting.com.au diligently scours through Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers to unearth exclusive bonuses for January 8, 2024. These ongoing promotions showcase the dedication of top bookmakers. In the world of horse racing bets, when one bookie isn’t in the spotlight, another trots forward. Rely on HorseBetting.com.au as your guide to daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Boost your winning potential with competitive odds and exclusive promotions tailored for loyal customers. Access these offers easily by logging into each bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to make the most of your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

After 130 lots went through the virtual ring, including stallion nominations, mornings on the gallops, paintings, and memberships to various syndicates, over £70,000 was raised in the Racing For A Reason Online Charity Auction, announced ThoroughBid on Monday. The sales topper was the donation from Capital Stud consisting of a nomination to NH sire Triple Threat (Fr), which sold to Richie Cleary for £3,750, but nominations to Dawn Approach (Ire) (£3,000); Ocovango (GB) (£2,750); Shaman (Ire) (£2,500); and Inns Of Court (Ire) (£2,250) saw lively bidding as well. A two-year membership to the Byerley Indians Racing Syndicate sold for £1,700 while a yard visit to Willie Mullins proved most popular with a £700 bid. “I never imagined, when starting up Racing For A Reason, that it would ever grow to this scale. To see the online auction raise over £70,000 was staggering and I can't thank everyone enough for their involvement,” said Simon Besanson, the auction orchestrator. “It's fantastic to be able to donate over £35,000 to both the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, and very well-deserved.” The post Racing For A Reason Auction Raises Over £70,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

An online community meeting for members will be hosted by the Board of Directors of the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (MTHA) on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the reports recently released on behalf of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA). The MTROA has been examining options for the future of the Thoroughbred racing and breeding in the state, specifically facilities and operating models. The reports are to be considered by the Maryland General Assembly, which begins its 2024 legislative session Jan. 10. MTROA Chair Gregory Cross and Alan Foreman, a member of the Board of the MTROA, will make presentations and field questions from attendees. Registration is required. Join-in instructions will be provided by email following registration. Read T.D. Thornton's Week In Review for further analysis. The post MTHA To Host Community Meeting On MTROA Reports appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

I think we can all agree that Juddmonte both know what they are doing and have an eye on the bottom line. Last year they had two Group 1-winning Frankel colts with stud potential. Both have similar profile dam-lines and both are good-looking colts. One was rated seven pounds superior to the other. You can't get in to the winner of the less-than-vintage renewal of the 2,000 Guineas, the 119-rated Chaldean, at Banstead Manor, meanwhile the 126-rated Irish Derby winner Westover was quietly shuffled off to Japan without a whimper of protest, and I would suspect at a fraction of the price Prix du Jockey Club winner and his Arc conqueror Ace Impact is being syndicated for in France. Juddmonte know they would hardly get a Flat mare to Westover and certainly not at £25,000 because he is a 12-furlong horse and Flat breeders aren't interested, but the Champion two-year-old and Guineas winner is a hugely attractive proposition. We can also assume that Juddmonte believe that Chaldean is the better stallion prospect and they would prefer to use him for their own mares rather than Westover, who was by far the better racehorse. The Prix du Jockey Cub is without any doubt the preeminent stallion-making race for middle-distance horses in Europe. The reason is simple. It is a 10.5-furlong race and a proven success in the stallion-making business since it became so. St Mark's Basilica and Ace Impact are the next two in line. Westover is just the latest example of an Irish Derby winner unwanted by the European breeders. Certainly Juddmonte must think so. Shorten the Irish Derby. Patrick Cooper, BBA Ireland Do you agree or disagree with this view? Please let us know your thoughts by emailing emmaberry@thetdn.com. The post Letter to the Editor: A Tale of Two Frankels appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Anfield or Old Trafford it isn't, but that didn't stop Premierisation coming to Plumpton, a National Hunt track at the foot of the South Downs more easily associated with farmers, pensioners and Brighton sharps on country forays than marketing resets. The second track to stage a Premier fixture in a two-year trial of 170 meetings each season, dear old Plumpton didn't need labels to tell you how good it is. In the most valuable race since racing began here in 1888, a 5lb claimer called Joe Anderson found himself hanging from his horse's neck after a bad mistake, rode a circuit with no irons, finally hooked his feet back in and then thundered up the hill to win the new £75,000 stayers' hurdle on Transmission. It was a miracle ride. The Plumpton crowd fell in love with Anderson, who could make a living in rodeos. Premierisation is on a debut tour of British racing, picking out sellable, mass market meetings and adorning them with prize-money, banners and high hopes for the sport's future. Racing is playing catch-up here. There is a Premier League of darts, an Indian Premier League in cricket and Premierships scattered across professional sport. The use of a tag to bestow mystique on sporting events reflects trends in society, where seductive designations appeal to our social climbing. Premier accounts. Flex-Plus savings. Platinum clubs. And special-entry levels in short-term airport car parks that enable you to skip a whole flight of stairs to get to departures. It's the cachet, you see. The message it sends about you. And in case anyone thought racing would simply swallow these trends by Premierising only Cheltenham, Ascot and Newmarket, Plumpton became the first 'gaff track' to be invited behind the velvet rope, with a card that featured an 86% increase in prize-money for Sussex National raceday, from £105,000 last year to £195,000. Give them better runners and a prize-money injection and the crowd swells, the excitement grows, and the nectar-like local Harvey's Ale runs out even quicker than usual in the racecourse bars. As a Plumpton regular for 40 years, I motored down Sussex lanes half proud for the course and half in trepidation that Premierisation might compromise its character. Much as non-league football is a haven from the money mania of the Premier League, so Plumpton trades on its picturesque setting and authenticity. On Monday afternoons, mostly, a familiar cast of characters greet winners with murmurs of approval or resignation. This is National Hunt racing's heartland, and nobody ever expected to see it reclassified as 'Premier' sport, which is meant not as an insult but a compliment. The undemonstrative but hardcore Plumpton crowd knows what it wants on a cold January Monday, and none of it corresponds to what you might call glamour. But they know their horses. Give them better runners and a prize-money injection and the crowd swells, the excitement grows, and the nectar-like local Harvey's Ale runs out even quicker than usual in the racecourse bars. Plumpton's management are skilled at looking after the regulars while also trying to entice the uninitiated. Premierisation is largely about focusing attention on the top end while rebranding the rest as the sport's 'core' (in football, they call that the second-tier 'Championship.') Sundays are considered ripe for plunder, which is why Plumpton was followed by a scrubbed-up evening card at Wolverhampton, with £160,000 spread across eight races. Of the 1,468 fixtures in 2024, 170 are Premier. The launch could charitably be called low-key. Cheltenham kicked it off on New Year's Day without plastering itself in logos. At Plumpton the tannoy announcements made frequent reference to the course's first Premier event but it felt like any other Sussex National day. Unlike newcomers, aficionados don't need to be told what they're watching. From the directors' box a thoroughly enjoyable day was observed by Plumpton's joint-owner, Peter Savill, who also happens to be one of the prime movers behind Premierisation. And here's an irony. Savill, who has held secret talks with major players to improve the Premierisation concept, told the Nick Luck podcast recently that all his horses are now trained in France and Ireland. Why, Luck asked. “Prize-money,” Savill replied. At Plumpton, Savill's son Tom told me they have an interest in a horse trained by Charlie Johnston. Otherwise, Savill snr has voted with his feet while also doubling back with a mission to rescue British racing from its broken business model. A £90million funding boost over five years is an ambitious target, if labelling and higher prize-money are not backed up by better marketing and improved racecourse facilities. An overlooked part of racing's great survival debate is that the experience offered by many racecourses has not changed in 30 years. In other sports, what you might call infrastructure investment is far more conspicuous. Dated catering, too few toilets and a lack of comfortable places to sit are unlikely to appeal to a generation not inclined to tolerate a 1980s ambience. Was Plumpton's jump into the big time a success? You bet it was. But I doubt whether many attended just because someone called it a 'Premier' meeting. They went because Plumpton has charm and always draws a big Sussex National day crowd. Maybe Joe Anderson's ride on Transmission was an allegory for racing. You can be hanging on for dear life but recover and still come through to win. Dressing up 170 meetings a year may set off a rebirth. In its very earliest days, though, it seems to lack conviction. The theory will need supporting evidence. The post Plumpton Goes Premier as BHA Experiment Makes Unconvincing Start appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges eager for more emphasis to be put on the sporting aspect of the city’s favourite pursuitView the full article

Trainer also sends around Sword Point and Happy Together in Happy Valley’s only Group raceView the full article