Wandering Eyes

The Midwestern sage, Mark Twain espoused, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Nothing could be more apropos when considering joining a Thoroughbred racehorse partnership. Getting started is the hardest part for most prospective owners. The world of Thoroughbred racing can seem as inaccessible as the Churchill Down's Turf Club on Derby Day. The good news is joining a partnership makes getting started easier. In the first part of this series, we provided basic information such as investment levels, tax considerations and the entertainment value partnerships offer. In Part 2, we will provide insights into the experiential considerations that can make your personal journey into ownership more valuable. Owning More That 5% You should always begin by considering what is going to be financially comfortable for you. If your investment level is below $1,000, your focus should be directed toward micro-share opportunities like MyRacehorse, Wasabi Venture Stables, or a racing club at your local racetrack. These vehicles offer participation for as little as a couple hundred dollars and generally offer less than 1% interest in a horse. Micro-share partnerships rarely present any financial windfalls, but do give you the excitement of participation and a friendly conversation starter at your next social event. They also make great gifts for a horse lover in your life. If you are comfortable in investing $1,000 or more, look for an opportunity where you can buy in for at least 5%. Truth be told, percentages have their privilege in Thoroughbred ownership. We all know that 5% of a $10,000 claimer is quite a bit less than 5% of a $1 million yearling. What you may not know, there are significant benefits of being at least a 5% partner. Owning 5% means that most racing jurisdictions will require you to become a licensed owner. Once you are licensed, you now have access, and access is where the real fun begins. Trainer observing morning workouts | Coady Photography With a state-issued owner's license, you typically will have access to the stable area and your horse. Watching morning workouts, spending time in and around a functioning training operation, and gaining insight into how the stable area operates are a handful of the most fascinating activities an owner can experience. Feeding carrots and treats to your horse can be worth the price of your investment alone. On race day, you will have access to the paddock area to see your horse prepare to head out to the racetrack. The paddock is where you can interact with your jockey, trainer and other partners. Most racetracks also offer owner privileges like free admission, free programs, reserved seating areas and invitations to special events. These perks are part of your return on investment and an enticing incentive to own at least 5% of a racehorse and becoming a licensed owner. The Partnership Personality You are now at the point where you are hungry to get started. Do not make the mistake of buying the proverbial sizzle of a partnership… you want the steak. What a partnership portrays in advertising or by the general partner may not be what is served. You need to learn about the partnership's personality, in other words, where the meat is. How does the partnership communicate with its owners? How often does the partnership send out updates on horses? Do they use social media, e-mail, or other platforms? What level of input will you have? Some general partners are great at taking input, others prefer to remain focused and rely on their own experience and skills. If you are a person that likes to socialize, do not hesitate to ask what events, or get togethers, are typically planned. Talk to current partners and get their feedback while simultaneously gaining a sense of whom you will be sharing the experience. Part of your return on investment are the relationships you develop. Simply make sure you get the steak and not just a bunch of sizzling mushrooms.* Geography Most partnerships run their horses at specific racetracks or on a circuit. You need to determine if you are ok with watching your horse race on the computer or if you want to go to the racetrack and enjoy watching your horse race live. There are racetracks that are great for bringing friends and family with you and others that do not make the greatest first impressions. California racing | Benoit Where you live or where you are willing to travel is important in how immersed you can get into ownership. Living in Missouri does not mean you should not own a racehorse, it just means you may have to travel more vs. someone that lives in Southern California. Conversely, if you are solely interested in a financial return on your investment or are allergic to hay and hate the smell of manure, seeing your horse in person may not matter. The bottom line is: know where your horses are most apt to race and determine it if falls in line with what you are seeking. The Mission There are partnerships for breeding, buying yearlings, pinhooking, buying two-year-olds, claiming, and everything in-between. What is best for you is a choice. Start by asking yourself if you like action or if you are willing to be patient and potentially end up with a Kentucky Derby horse. Most new owners benefit from getting involved in a claiming partnership first. With these partnerships, you can make your investment one day and be at the races to watch your horse run within weeks. Typically, new owners start in a claiming partnership, move to buying into unraced younger horses, then yearlings and down the road becoming part of a breeding opportunity. All are available to you with partnerships and you will be learning and becoming more adept along the way. The Cherry On Top An area that has become especially important to new owners coming into the sport, and rightfully so, is aftercare. Prospective new partners should ask, “What will happen once our horse is done racing? Can we still follow our horse after it retires?” Do not hesitate to ask these questions about any partnership you are looking to get involved in. Some partnerships have aftercare programs in place, some have aftercare organizations they work with, and others unfortunately have no answer to this question. When you buy a Thoroughbred racehorse, you will discover an intrinsic connection to the horse, it is inevitable. Making sure you participate in a partnership that cares for their horses after their racing career is over is to be applauded and supported. Wonder Wheel | Sara Gordon The path to becoming a Thoroughbred racehorse owner has never been easier. Partnerships have led the way in making ownership more accessible to everyone that loves horse racing or horses. Finding the right partnership for you is a process, a process that hopefully has been made simpler by knowing what to ask, what to look for, and what really matters to you personally. Note: a mushroom is a term in racing is often referred to an owner who is kept in the dark and fed manure. The post Finding The Right Syndicate For You-Part 2, Presented By Taylor Made Partnerships appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-Meydan, AED210,000, Cond., 12-22, 1400m, 1:24.64, ft. MANAMA GOLD (f, 2, Star Guitar–Charged Cotton, by Dehere), who attracted plenty of hype prior to this first start, ran to her billing and emerged a 2 1/2 length winner at Meydan. Kept off the fence as Frost At Dawn (Frosted) made the running, the Louisiana-bred was keen to go on rounding the bend and Adrie de Vries had his hands full keeping her content. She tackled the leader at the head of the straight, and ground determinedly past her 250 metres from home, before going on to win a shade cozily. It was the second win on the card for de Vries. Originally sold for $100,000 as a Keeneland September yearling, the chestnut caught the eye of Oliver St Lawrence after breezing a furlong in :10 1/5, and was knocked down for $200,000 out of the OBS April Sale. Charged Cotton, who won the All Brandy S. at Laurel, has already foaled the stakes-placed Sethamee Street (Street Sense), and multiple stakes winner Ova Charged (Star Guitar), who was second in the GIII Victory Ride S. at Belmont Park. Her latest is a weanling filly by Not This Time. Sales history: $100,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; and $200,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, AED126,000. Click for the ERA chart & video. O/T-Fawzi Abdulla Nass. B-Brittlyn, Inc. (LA). *1ST-TIME STARTER. Adrie de Vries @AbdullaNass_ The dynamic duo snare an early double on the card with Manama Gold, who excels on debut in the Storm Coaster presented by EMAAR conditions stakes Ignore the Star Guitar filly at your peril this season ..#DubaiCarnival | #FestiveFriday pic.twitter.com/RIePaPzM8Z — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) December 22, 2023 The post Star Guitar Filly Plays A Merry Tune At Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the recent retirement of the world's top-rated racehorse Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) and with Triple Tiara heroine Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) spelling with destinations unknown for 2024, Sunday's G1 Arima Kinen is missing its top two votegetters. But the 2500-metre event, which easily attracts the largest single-race betting in the world on an annual basis, is certainly not lacking for quality. While Equinox is not back to defend his title, a good deal of how to solve the contest from a pari-mutuel perspective goes through him. Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) is one of four runners pressing on to the Christmas Eve feature from the G1 Japan Cup, where Equinox had four lengths on Liberty Island. In the estimation of many, the 4-year-old–one of just two horses to finish ahead of the reigning Horse of the Year, in his case in the 2022 G1 Tokyo Yushun–would have been the one to beat in the G1 Dubai Turf in March, but was scratched and missed seven months. The bay was disappointing when seventh behind Equinox in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) in October and fell a bit short of expectations when only fourth in the Japan Cup. His connections still have not lost faith. '[Jockey Yutaka] Take rode work last week and, as I'd thought, they really looked good together,” said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi. “Take said the horse had moved really well as usual. This will be his third start of the fall season but I don't think he's tired at all. I'd say he has improved quite a bit and there is no need for more work. Equinox is out of the picture now and I think any horse has a chance.” DO DEUCE fast work yesterday that has the shrewds talking, number 62 in the white with Yutaka Take on board, 11.0 last 1F Goes to the G1 Arima Kinen on 24th Worked with classy 3yo filly HARPER who is also going to the Arima Kinen, she closed in 11.2https://t.co/UFfl3sd0w6 — Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) December 14, 2023 Do Deuce is one of three Derby winners in the race, joining 2021 hero Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}). The former was a cracking third to Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf Nov. 4 and was an intended runner in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase two weeks ago, but was a vet scratch. In spite of his obvious quality, the 5-year-old is no better than a 50-1 chance ante-post. Tastiera dropped a narrow decision to the sometimes mercurial Sol Oriens (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) in April's G1 Satsuki Sho before turning the tables in the Derby. He exits a second–with Sol Oriens third–in the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) over 3000 metres Oct. 22. No fewer than six fillies and mares feature in the 16-strong field, but two most-fancied have drawn the widest gates in a race that is run around three turns at Nakayama. Through Seven Seas (Jpn) (Dream Journey {Jpn}) put a bit of a scare into Equinox when flashing home for second in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen in June, after which it was announced that she'd be programmed for the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. A highly creditable fourth to Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}), she is capable if able to work out out a trip from barrier 15. Drawn widest is the oft-unlucky Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), who was unfortunate not to complete the 2022 Triple Tiara and looks to snap a frustrating streak of placings, including a latest third in the Japan Cup. Her late sire is also responsible for Titleholder (Jpn), a pacesetting ninth in this last year. Win Marilyn (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}), victorious in the 2022 G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup and an outstanding fourth to Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Nov. 4, makes the final start of her career and is the longest price at north of 115-1. Adding further intrigue are the half-brothers Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), winner of the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) over 3200 metres and third in the Tenno Sho (Autumn), and Iron Barows (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), who punched his ticket to this with a victory in the G2 Stayers S. going 3600 metres of this course Dec. 2. The pair are half-brothers to recent Darley Japan import Palace Malice (Curlin). The post Arima Kinen An Early Christmas Feast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's top tips from the Post's analystsView the full article

Hong Kong racing legend believes last season’s Champions & Chater Cup third ‘could be a different horse’ in Saturday’s 2,000m feature race at Sha TinView the full article

Australian jockey aims to take it slow and steady in his comeback from the injuries he sustained at Sha Tin on November 11 when he fell from TuchelView the full article

Trainer believes Hong Kong’s winter weather may pose a problem to his sprinter at Sha Tin on Saturday when he bids for a sixth consecutive victoryView the full article

Some of New Zealand’s biggest races will be seen live and free on the screens of Racing.com in January thanks to a partnership between Entain New Zealand – the operators of New Zealand’s TAB – and the leading racing broadcaster. Feature races from four meetings will be broadcast on Racing.com showcasing the best of New Zealand thoroughbred racing. The broadcast deal includes feature races from the Levin Classic and Telegraph Handicap meeting on January 13 at Trentham, the Thorndon Mile and Wellington Cup meeting at Trentham on January 20, and the iconic Karaka Millions meeting on January 27 at Ellerslie. The lucrative Karaka Millions card includes the Karaka Millions 3YO and the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic – both of which are ‘win and you’re in’ races for the All-Star Mile. A twilight meeting at Ellerslie on 14 January, highlighting the return of racing to headquarters after a major refurbishment of the track, will also be broadcast on Racing.com. “New Zealand racing is thriving right now, and we’ve seen their best horses continue to come to Victoria and compete at the top level,” Racing.com Media CEO Peter Campbell said. “This collaboration will give Racing.com viewers a glimpse of New Zealand’s established stars, and the next big names emerging from New Zealand. “Adding these premium selected races from New Zealand in January to our Victorian and South Australian racing coverage will continue our ongoing efforts to provide Racing.com’s audiences with premium racing coverage on any screen, or any device they choose to watch with. “It also helps strengthen our existing partnership with Entain New Zealand, who actively promote and showcase our world-class Victorian racing to our cousins across the ditch. It’s a great win for us all.” Cameron Rodger, Entain Managing Director – New Zealand, welcomed the opportunity to enhance the reach of New Zealand’s elite level of thoroughbred racing through Racing.com. “We’re very lucky to operate a quality broadcasting operation in Trackside that will be able to work with Racing.com to really shine a light on the best there is in New Zealand racing,” Rodger said. “The two feature meetings at Trentham are always fantastic. It’s exciting to have racing back at Ellerslie, and this year’s Karaka Millions meeting is going to be massive. “With these four meetings being shared with Australia, we’re sure Racing.com viewers will gain a new perspective on New Zealand racing.” View the full article

In-foal mare Mazzolino already has that motherly glow according to trainer Stephen Marsh, and he is hoping she can translate that into Group One success at Pukekohe on Boxing Day. The Waikato Stud-bred and raced four-year-old is a full-sister to Go Racing’s multiple Group One-winner Atishu, and they would dearly love to get a Group One result with their mare before her raceday retirement. The Group Three winner came close when fourth in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) in March but will get another opportunity on Tuesday in the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m). “She is in-foal to Super Seth. She is working great and has almost got a glow on,” Marsh told TAB NZ. “I liked her run (for fourth) in the Wanganui Cup (Listed, 2040m) and she has bounced out of it super. “We trialled her up at Ellerslie the other day and I think she is going super, and blinkers have been applied. “It is certainly a step up. It is a nice, even field without it being over the top. I think she is up to it.” A race prior, stablemate Glamour Tycoon will be shooting for a hat-trick of wins in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m). The daughter of Written Tycoon was a last start victor of the Listed The O’Learys Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui and Marsh said she is taking a power of confidence into her Boxing Day assignment. “Two starts ago we took her up (to Ruakaka) where we were hoping to get a confidence boost. She did that and went down and won the O’Learys race well,” he said. “Her work has been good, she is going great and I think the couple of wins have really boosted her. “The step up to a mile is a bit of a question mark, but if you can get a mile I think that opens up a few more doors, whether that’s up here for the Karaka Mile or go down for the Levin Classic. “I think it is probably one of the best Eight Carat’s I have seen for a while, which is great. Prizemoney is up and racing is starting to become great again, it is good to see.” Marsh will also have a two-pronged stakes representation in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) with Sinhaman and Tossuforit. “Sinhaman has had a week in the paddock, his bloods were out a little bit, but his work has been good. He will improve with the run but he is going really well and is a worthy contender,” Marsh said. “Tossuforit ran really well last start for second and potentially could have won. She is going great.” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike has elected to pit his handy filly Impendabelle against the boys at Pukekohe on Boxing Day. A last start runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Impendabelle will bypass her own sex in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) in favour of dropping back to the more favourable 1400m of the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas. Pike has been pleased with the way she has returned from her southern venture and said she has enjoyed some downtime ahead of her resumption next Tuesday. “Coming back in trip we decided to go against the boys in the Guineas rather than the Eight Carat. We have got plenty of depth in our three-year-olds this year, which is good to see,” Pike told TAB NZ. “She has come back from Christchurch in great order. She had 10 days in the paddock when she got home. “She had an exhibition gallop with Not Guilty at Tauranga last Friday and I was really pleased with her work.” The daughter of Impending will also have the addition of blinkers to help sharpen her for her fresh-up run. “I have decided to put the blinkers on coming back in trip for the Auckland Guineas. She tends to get a bit wayward when she hits the front and Kozzi (Asano, jockey) has copped a couple of suspensions because of that,” Pike said. “Her work with the blinkers on Friday was exceptional.” Depending on the outcome of Tuesday’s race, Pike is weighing up between the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham on January 13 or the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27 with his filly. “We will see how she pulls up after the Auckland Guineas to see whether she runs in the Levin Classic or alternatively head straight to the Karaka Million Mile. There is a chance she could do both,” he said. “I think those three races will be enough for her this preparation and if she holds her form then we might pick out one or two races in Sydney heading into the autumn.” View the full article

Robbie Patterson will head to Trentham with a strong contingent on Saturday, which will be led by last start Group winner Puntura. The six-year-old gelding broke through for this maiden stakes victory in the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton last month and will be vying to make it back-to-back Group wins in the Gr.2 Bramco Granite & Marble Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), for which he is a $5 joint favourite. “It was a fantastic result,” Patterson said. “He hadn’t had much luck this time around and didn’t have much luck in races over in Aussie, so it was great for the owners.” The son of Vespa had a freshen-up following his return north and was fitted for Saturday’s assignment with a 1000m trial at Foxton on Tuesday. “We have been happy with Puntura since the Coupland’s. He had a bit of time off and has done well, so I gave him a trial to tighten him up,” Patterson said. “With a clean break out of the gates and getting himself into a forward position, I think they will know he is there. He is very well and when he is like that, he is pretty spot on.” Puntura will be supported on the undercard by exciting stablemates The Hottie in the Noel Eales Memorial Cup 1600 and Sinbin in The Pavemasters 1400. The Hottie has won her last two starts, including first-up over 1400m at Trentham earlier this month, and Patterson is expecting a similar performance this weekend. “She went super and she has improved since then. She was always going to tighten up, she was carrying a lot of condition that day,” he said. “I am very happy with her. Going forward I can see her going to a stakes race pretty quickly. The Anniversary (Gr.3, 1600m) on the 13th (of January) will probably be her first taste and then we have got the Taranaki Cup (Gr.3, 1800m).” Patterson is also excited about the prospects of four-year-old mare Sinbin. The daughter of Derryn has won and placed twice in her three career starts to date, and Patterson wouldn’t be surprised if she doubled her win tally on Saturday. “I would be very surprised if she isn’t right in the thick of it. She can run very quick sectionals. If she can do that over 1400m, which I think she will do, she is going to take a fair bit to peg back,” he said. Stakes targets are also in the offing for Sinbin, but Patterson said that won’t be until her next preparation. “She is pretty exciting,” he said. “She is probably one of the fastest ones I have had, but I won’t overtax her this time in. “We might come into something fresh like the Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 1400m) in October. That is the long-term goal with her, we are just trying to get black-type with these mares.” View the full article

With more than a dozen runners on Saturday and a similar number again on Boxing Day, the Te Akau Racing team is barely going to have a chance to catch their breath over the Christmas long weekend. Boxing Day has played a key role in the tangerine juggernaut’s incredible success in recent seasons. Trainer Mark Walker saddled a winning treble at the Pukekohe meeting last year, and his predecessor Jamie Richards came away with four wins in 2021 and five in 2020. Walker and training partner Sam Bergerson hold a strong hand again in 2023, headed by Campionessa, who is rated a $2.50 favourite for the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m). The Contributer mare was a two-time second placegetter at Group One level last season, chasing home Sharp ‘N’ Smart in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Prowess in the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2050m). Well below her best in two early spring appearances in September, Campionessa has roared back to top form with back-to-back wins in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) in her last two starts. “She really seems to have got her confidence and her groove back,” Bergerson said. “She was awesome in the Cal Isuzu at Te Rapa. It looked like an ideal race for her, and she delivered. “She’ll have one last gallop on Saturday morning, with Opie (Bosson) coming to ride her. “She’s got a nice draw (gate four). It’s going to be an interesting race, with a few different form lines coming together, but we couldn’t be any happier with her. She’s bouncing around at home.” Campionessa will be joined in the Zabeel Classic field by stablemate Prise De Fer, who has already run in three races this month including second placings in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) and the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m). “The Waikato Cup was a bit of a throw at the stumps, but he ran another really good race that day,” Bergerson said. “He’s thriving on racing. He’s eight now but seems to be in really good form. He clearly loves his racing, and we’re happy to continue racing him for as long as that’s the case. “We’ve kept him a little bit on the fresh side. He’ll just have a little run along on Saturday morning, which should be all he needs. He’s going to be the fittest horse in the field, and it’s massive to get a world-class jockey like Blake Shinn.” Te Akau also holds a strong hand in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m), with Tokyo Tycoon and Quintessa sharing $5 second favouritism behind the $3.50 market leader Zabmanzor. Tokyo Tycoon and Quintessa both resumed from a freshen-up in the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa on December 16, where they produced strong finishes to place behind the all-the-way winner Pendragon. “Obviously we would have liked to get the win with either of those two horses that day, but Niranjan Parmar rode a great race in front on the winner,” Bergerson said. “We were very happy with the performances by both of our horses. Quintessa’s sectionals were fantastic. “They’re both looking for a bit further now, so the step up to 1400m is going to suit them. Switching back to set weights is another big plus. It’ll suit Tokyo Tycoon a lot better than the 58.5kg he had to carry last time.” Walker and Bergerson will also chase Boxing Day black type in the South Island, with Millefiori and Kai contesting the Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Hazlett Stakes (1200m). “They’re two mares who are very capable on their day and deserve a shot at some black type,” Bergerson said. “There’s a bit of moisture in the track at the moment (Soft6), which isn’t a problem for either of them. “Kai goes into the race in good form. She’s unfortunately drawn the outside, but she gets in with a nice light weight. “Millefiori is a seven-time winner, so it would be great to add some black type to her pedigree page if we can.” Meanwhile, Te Akau’s Trentham contingent on Saturday includes Group One-winning mare Romancing The Moon in the Gr.2 Bramco Granite & Marble Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), along with lightweight runners Fierce Flight and Leaderboard in the Gr.3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup (2300m). “Romancing The Moon is a really tough mare,” Bergerson said. “She loves racing and thrives off it. She had a busy season as a three-year-old and handled it really well. “She ran a top race for third at Te Rapa the other day and wasn’t beaten by a big margin. She’s come through it in good order and has shown that she can travel well, so we’re pretty happy to back her up this weekend. “Peter Didham’s horse looks hard to beat in the Cup (Manifique), but I think our two are a couple of nice lightweight chances. Fierce Flight in particular was very good last week in testing ground. He’s stayed down there in Palmy since then and by all accounts is looking great. “He found some really good form around this time last year and raced well through the summer and autumn, so we’re hoping to see him do something similar again this time around. He gets in with a nice light weight and has a good strong rider in Craig Grylls.” View the full article

A year is a long time in racing and in 2023 the connections of Pennyweka experienced it all. The daughter of Satono Aladdin took her seventy-strong The Galloping Wekas Jazweka Syndicate on a whirlwind ride in autumn, winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham before crossing the Tasman to claim the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick. But the wheels came off their fairytale ride in spring when she finished 13th in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and seventh in the Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m) at Awapuni a month later, which would prove to be the last outing of her racing career. “After her last run at Manawatu in the mud and the slush, she didn’t recover quite as well as we expected her to. After a while we scoped her and she was found to have an epiglottic entrapment, which got ulcerated and very enlarged,” said trainer Jim Wallace, who bred Pennyweka in partnership with his brother Les. “We sent her through to the Waikato Equine people who did a surgical procedure which they expected to take care of it, but it wasn’t as successful as we would like it to be. “She couldn’t race to the level that she had before so the decision was made in consultation with the vets to call time. “She has been a good mare and won a couple of Group Ones and had a couple of Group placings, so she has got plenty of good credentials as a broodmare.” Pennyweka retires as the winner of three of her 12 starts and more than $1.1 million in prizemoney, with her Oaks victories being supported by placings in the Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m), Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m), and Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). Pennyweka’s win in the New Zealand Oaks was particularly sentimental for the Wallace family, who had gathered to celebrate the life of Madeleine Wallace, the late wife of Jim and Mary’s son David, at Ardsley Stud, and a day after Jim and Les’ mother, Margaret, died. “The day at Trentham in itself was really special because of the circumstances surrounding it with the family, that was an absolute magic day,” Wallace said. Initially not intending to head across the Tasman with his charge, Wallace quickly changed his mind a couple of days after Pennyweka’s New Zealand Oaks victory, and he is glad he did. “I had declined the opportunity to make the second payment for the (Australian) Oaks before she ran at Wellington because I thought win, lose or draw she probably would have had enough,” he said. “On the Monday following (her New Zealand Oaks win) she had a bit of a trot around and the girl that rides all the work for me, Vania Mason, came back and said she was better that day than she was on Friday. “After a couple of days, we had a consult with the syndicate, made the payment, went to Sydney and the rest is history. “Any time you can take something over to Australia is great. It had been a long time since I had one good to go. It was really satisfying.” Wallace also enjoyed the atmosphere her sizeable syndicate brought to her races. “They were magic,” he said. “I didn’t have a lot to do with the syndicate, my sister-in-law (Janine) runs those syndicates and she does a wonderful job with them. We had them all here the day after we got back from Australia. They were a fantastic group to deal with, they were so enthusiastic. They are all devastated with the news, but racing is a fickle business.” The focus will now turn towards her future broodmare career, but Wallace said he and Les have yet to decide whether to breed from her themselves or accept one of the many offers on the table from several interested international breeders. “We haven’t discussed that (future) as such yet,” he said. “There has been a huge amount of interest in her from commercial breeders throughout Australasia and further afield, but we will worry about that in the New Year. Les is away, so when he comes back we will have a sit down and talk about it and make some decisions.” While the curtain has come down on the racing career of Pennyweka, the Wallaces still have plenty to look forward to from her family. “We have got a half-brother going to the Karaka sales and the mare is safely in-foal to Satono Aladdin again, so there is a bit to look forward to,” he said. Pennyweka’s half-brother will go through their Ardsley Stud draft at Karaka as lot 483, and Wallace said he is a more impressive type than his Group One-winning sibling. “Looking at him physically, he is a much better type than she is. She is a pretty plain mare than can run like hell,” Wallace said. “He is a very nice colt and is a strong, powerful and correct animal. Indications are that he should be able to run, he is a really nice horse.” With the year quickly coming to an end, Wallace is taking the time to reflect on the highs and lows it has brought, and the thrill a homebred mare has brought to him, his family, and her sizeable syndicate. “It has been a great ride,” he said. View the full article

As the sun sets on the Australian racing calendar for 2023, punters face a heart-stopping challenge in the final Group 2 race of the year: the Ted Van Heemst Stakes at Ascot Racecourse in WA. Buckle up, fans, for this Saturday’s showdown in Perth promises a nail-biting finish. Zoumon is narrow favourite to salute in Perth’s Ted Van Heemst Stakes 2023 on Saturday in WA. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. Six formidable steeds converge on the 2100m track, all primed to claim the coveted $300,000 prize. With most runners boasting single-figure odds, predicting the victor is no easy feat. Zoumon, a five-year-old son of Zoustar five-year-old trained by the powerhouse duo of Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, currently takes pole position as the top elect at $3.10 through Ladbrokes. This Grafton Cup and Caloundra Cup double champion might be searching for his first win this preparation, but his class and recent form, including a runner-up finish in the lucrative Five Diamonds and a credible performance in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes, speak volumes. With Rachel King in the saddle from barrier six, Zoumon boasts an additional edge. But don’t discount veteran Numerian, the $3.50 second favourite trained by Annabel Neasham. While this eight-year-old hasn’t graced the winner’s circle since June last year, his pedigree and past achievements, including a fifth in the Caulfield Cup and a Melbourne Cup appearance, speak for themselves. His recent Group 1 placings in the Australian Cup and Doomben Cup earlier in the year solidify his credentials. For local pride, keep an eye on Casino Seventeen ($4.40) from the stables of Grant & Alana Williams, and the Lou Luciani-trained Marocchino ($4.60). Darren McAulliffe’s The Velvet Queen ($8.50) might be an outsider, but her rails draw could change the game. With such tight odds and experienced campaigners ready to battle, the 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes promises a thrilling finale to the Perth Summer Racing Carnival. Will Zoumon reign supreme, or will a seasoned contender snatch the crown? Tune in at 3:43 pm AWST on Saturday to find out! 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 426256×947 NUMERIAN (IRE) Annabel Neasham Clint Johnston-Porter 2 59kg 109 2 5x2111x029 ZOUMON Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Ms Rachel King 6 59kg 108 3 1x10x01787 MAROCCHINO Lou Luciani Troy Turner 3 59kg 110 4 5912×80907 STARTRADE Daniel Morton Brad Parnham 5 59kg 99 5 12311×3420 CASINO SEVENTEEN Grant & Alana Williams Jarrad Noske 4 59kg 97 6 1211x2x690 THE VELVET QUEEN Darren McAuliffe Patrick Carbery 1 57kg 98 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. The post Perth Cup Hopefuls Clash in 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes Field of Six appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

As the racing slows down over the Christmas period, the team at Punt Drunk are also off to the paddock for a couple of weeks to enjoy a few brown lemonades. However, before we go, we thought we would take a look back at some of the more eye-catching moments of 2023. Keep an eye on HorseBetting during next week for our best racing moments, but this one is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek way of farewelling 2023, you know, the Punt Drunk way! A Raging Pole is always a winner Let’s go all the way back to January, when race-caller Mitch Manners produced one of the more rib-tickling moments this year. We declared that the call should go into the race-calling Hall of Fame, where he would be joined by several of Australia’s best. But how many are in there for a Raging Pole on the Gold Coast? We suggest not many… Mitch Manners calls home Raging Pole Here’s to one last thrust, Mitch! Barrier draw stuff-up Perth has been the scene for some of the best racing moments in recent weeks, especially with how Damien Oliver finished his career. However, the inaugural running of The Quokka (1200m) earlier in the year began with an A-grade stuff-up at the barrier draw. How hard is it to do a manual barrier draw? It started with the sixth horse selected, which was supposed to be runner number five, Massimo, but instead MC Brittany Taylor made an honest mistake and announced Uncommon James, who was number four. So the barrier draw continues on until marble four is picked out of the barrel. Brittany realises the number four horse is Uncommon James, who has already been identified as horse five and allocated barrier 10. The result meant the entire barrier draw had to be redone. It’s not like the race is worth $4 million or anything… Let’s hope they have their proverbial together before the 2024 edition. Remember when Racing Victoria wanted to ‘mic up’ jockeys? We are all for innovation to enhance racing, Racing Victoria’s idea to ‘mic up’ jockeys and have an ear piece back to the trainer during the race takes the cake as the worst notion of 2023. In an interview on Racing.com, Racing Victoria CEO Andrew Jones compared jockeys speaking to trainers mid-race to what Formula 1 drivers experience when driving at 300km/h talking to their pit crew. Now, at a stretch we can see the comparison, but there is one big difference: they are driving a vehicle, jockeys are on top of an animal. Thankfully, the idea was canned and we can all move on now. Craig Williams getting booted from Giga Kick Now, we are not for taking pot shots, but in hindsight we believe Craig Williams did nothing wrong in the Giga Kick saga and the connections of the Clayton Douglas-trained sprinter got it all wrong. ‘Willow’ was given the flick after Giga Kick’s failure in the McEwen Stakes (1000m) first-up at Moonee Valley, when superstar sprinter Imperatriz embarrassed him at a course and trip that was never going to suit the 2022 Everest champion. Giga Kick’s connections saw red and blamed it all entirely on Williams, sacking him for James McDonald. Giga Kick would not be seen again during the spring, as he picked up an injury during his McEwen run. Imperatriz, on the other hand, would go on to win three straight Group 1 races, which would appear to suggest Giga Kick was just beaten by a better horse. What made the decision 10 times better was that Williams would go on to win the Giga Kick Stakes (1300m) aboard Bella Nipotina to perhaps get the last laugh. About Punt Drunk Welcome to Punt Drunk – our weekly column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump… If you have any stories that you want our Punt Drunk Team to cover or just want to say G’day send us a message on: More horse racing news View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners La Trice Classic Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, January 1, 2024 Location: Ascot Racecourse – Perth, Western Australia Prize Money: $150,000 Distance: 1800m The La Trice Classic is a Group 3 race that is held at Ascot Racecourse for fillies and mares, run under set weight and penalty conditions. The race is named in honour of La Trice, who was the first horse to win the Karrakatta Plate and Railway Stakes double in 1967/1968. La Trice also won back-to-back Winterbottom Stakes in 1970 & 1971. Since the inaugural running in 2003 of the La Trice Classic, the race was classified as a Listed race until 2013 before being upgraded to group 3 level from 2014 onwards. Notable winners of the La Trice Classic include: Alsephina (2023), Dance Music (2021), Perfect Jewel (2020), Ideal Image (2016), Elite Belle (2014), Belle Bizarre (2006) and Fortune Streak (2003). 2024 La Trice Classic Betting Odds 2024 La Trice Classic odds are currently unavailable. Best La Trice Classic bookmakers All of our top horse betting sites have odds for the La Trice Classic. Most of the Perth Summer Carnival races have markets opened well in advance and the Group 3 La Trice Classic is no exception. The top online bookmakers in Australia with La Trice Classic betting can be accessed via several different means, including via horse betting apps, telephone betting and via their websites. It is a straight-forward process signing up and betting at La Trice Classic bookmakers, with things like Visa, Mastercard, Paypal and Apple Pay the most popular way people fund their bookie accounts. The only real caveat is that you will have to prove your identity, before you have full access to your account. Latest La Trice Classic News Alsephina continues winning ways in La Trice Classic Australia horse racing news 12 months ago The Grant & Alana Williams-trained Alsephina has capped off a stunning campaign with a win in the Group 3 La … Read More La Trice Classic 2024 Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2024 La Trice Classic is released. Previous La Trice Classic Field 2023 La Trice Classic field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Jadavi Ian Shield Holly Watson 9 58kg 2 Solaia Darren McAuliffe Clint Johnston-Porter 5 57.5kg 3 Alsephina Grant & Alana Williams William Pike 4 56.5kg 4 Pat’s Got Sass David Harrison Natasha Faithfull 3 56.5kg 5 Sentimental Queen Hayden Ballantyne Lucy Warwick 2 56.5kg 6 Playing Marika Stephanie Bakranich Steven Parnham 6 55kg 7 The Velvet Queen Darren McAuliffe Chris Parnham 8 55kg 8 Gunmetal Grey Ross Price Joseph Azzopardi 1 55kg 9 Alimentaria Tara Itzstein Brad Parnham 7 55kg 2023 La Trice Classic result 1st – Alsephina (+115) 2nd – The Velvet Queen (-1000) 3rd – Playing Marika (+180) Recent La Trice Classic results 2023: Alsephina holds on to claim La Trice Classic Grant & Alana Williams and William Pike combined with Alsephina (+115) to take out the Group 3 La Trice Classic. Pike settled the favourite at the rear of the field with her biggest rival in the betting, The Velvet Queen (+230), settling behind her and following her every move. Rounding the home turn, Pike released the brakes on his classy mare and she let down to take the lead at the 150m mark. The Velvet Queen flew home late to challenge but ran out of time to pick up the winner and finished second ahead of Playing Marika (+1100). 2022: Beret proves too classy in La Trice Classic Beret (+135) brought up her fourth straight win for the preparation by claiming the Group 3 La Trice Classic at Ascot. Clint Johnston-Porter gave the race favourite a peach of a ride behind the speed and allowed her to build momentum before the home turn. As the leaders started to struggle, Beret took over at the 200m mark, while Playing Marika (+1200) burst out of the pack to run home into second place ahead of the fast-finishing Real Charisma (+1600) in third. 2021: Dance Music leads all the way Brad Rawiller produced a daring front-running ride aboard the Simon Miller-trained Dance Music (+290) to claim the Group 3 La Trice Classic. Rawiller took off in the lead and led by a massive six lengths on her rivals turning into the home straight. Although the leader slowed considerably in the final 200m, she had built a big enough margin on Naughty By Nature (+280) and Chantrea (+250) and held on to win, with those two runners filling the placings. 2020: Perfect Jewel gets a perfect Pike ride William Pike produced a perfect ride on Perfect Jewel (+320) as she finished off strong down the outside to claim the Group 3 La Trice Classic. The Adam Durrant-trained mare settled in the second half of the field and received an economical run along the rail before Pike got her moving towards the outside of the field. Royal Strata (+2000) and Aconite (+2500)appeared as though they would challenge in the final 200m, but it would be Perfect Jewel who would clear out late and record an easy 1.8-length victory. La Trice Classic winners La Trice Classic Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2023 Alsephina William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2022 Beret Clint Johnston-Porter Adam Durrant 2021 Dance Music Brad Rawiller Simon Miller 2020 Perfect Jewel William Pike Adam Durrant 2019 Celebrity Dream William Pike Adam Durrant 2018 I’m Feeling Lucky Lee Newman Lindsey Smith 2017 Race Not Held 2016 (Dec) Cosmic Storm William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2016 (Jan) Ideal Image Glenn Smith Adam Durrant 2015 Vampi Lass Alan Kennedy Ben Pearce 2014 Elite Belle Damien Oliver Grant Williams 2013 Mabel Grace Troy Turner Adam Durrant 2012 Race Not Held 2011 Rosie Rocket Shaun Meeres Justin Warwick 2010 Tranquility William Pike Adam Durrant 2009 Impressive Jeuney Shaun O’Donnell Darren McAuliffe 2008 (Dec) Sky Drama Brad Rawiller Michael Lane 2008 (Jan) Russian Playmate Peter Knuckey Adam Durrant 2007 Keyton Grace Peter Knuckey Adam Durrant 2006 Belle Bizarre Mark Forder Rod Bynder 2005 Urban Chill Shaun McGruddy Robert Matthews 2004 Kentiara Shaun O’Donnell Paul Harvey 2003 Fortune Streak Patrick Carbery Neville Parnham View the full article

The disqualification of Forte from his win of the Hopeful Stakes (G1) is on hold following the entry of a temporary restraining order in a New York court Dec. 21. View the full article

The disqualification of Forte from his win of the Hopeful Stakes (G1) is on hold following the entry of a temporary restraining order in a New York court on Dec. 21. View the full article

2023 Trainer Stable Audits – completion of outstanding Improvement Notices While we appreciate that this is a busy time of year this is a reminder to trainers who have outstanding Improvement Notices from their 2023 trainer stable audits, to make sure that these are completed as soon as possible. It is important that these Improvement Notices are completed to ensure compliance with our Horse Care Rules and Regulations. If there are any issues in completing your Improvement Notices, please contact the RIB to discuss this with them in the first instance. The RIB plans to contact trainers with outstanding Improvement Notices over the summer break. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Warriors fans may have a new harness racing stable to cheer for. Because trainer Simon McMullan has based his stable colours on the New Zealand Warriors league teams jersey and they were in the winner’s circle for the first time at Cambridge on Thursday night. McMullan is a mad Warriors fan and wanted his colours to resemble they iconic blue with red, green and white V jumper and once you see the resemblance it will stick with you forever. Once the 34-year-old got the new colours the only issue was he didn’t have a horse to carry them as he is no longer a fulltime trainer. Enter great mate and former training partner Steven Reid. “I am only doing the horses part-time now as I spend a lot of time flying horses overseas for IRT,” says McMullan. “I am loving it and Richard Cole (IRT boss) has been great to me. “I have been up to Hong Kong with horses and the UK. Its a wonderful lifestyle and you’d be surprised how well the horses handled it. “We have nearly no issues, they handle things like turbulence and even the loading and off-loading really well. “So my main job as well as looking after them is making sure they get plenty of fluids and food, mainly roughage.” While he loves his new role McMullan also loves horses, and his colours, which brings us back to Reid. “Steven was training old Take The Monarch and I needed a horse to wear the colours so Reidman said I could take him over. “I also have and a maiden called Busy Canooldling, who I think will win one soon, and I work in with Reidman. “He has been great about looking after my two when I am away flying and then we work in together when I am back.” Take The Monarch is like the inconsistent Warriors of old rather than the Andrew Webster-trained side, with some doubts over how hard the eight-year-old tries. But he secured the perfect run in the hands of Tony Cameron on Thursday night to win Race 8, downing two of Luk Chin’s trotters in Voronov and Mazeppa. “It was cool to get a win in the colours, it is great seeing them out there,” says McMullan. For those who like weird coincidences, it was Take The Monarch’s first win since March 3 this year and guess what? That is the night the Warriors beat Newcastle in the opening game of their season to start their amazing renaissance year. Yes, you are right, that is a very odd. Apart from Warriors fans and a jubilant McMullan the other big winners at Cambridge on Thursday night were the Blanchard stable and the Butcher family. Trainers Peter and Vaughan Blanchard trained their 20th winner of the season when they landed a double with Patrick Mahomes (named after the American Football superstar) and Always B Stunning, so they have equaled their previous best year in 2021 with a week of the seasonn to go. And the Butchers were all cashing in on their home track, David training and driving Romeo Foxtrot to win, Zachary driving two winners and Benjamin one, with Whitfield winning at 31-1 for local trainer Rodney Frampton. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Some good old-fashioned horsemanship could be the key to Beach Ball breaking through at Group One level in the Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup on Friday. Beach Ball heads south for trainer Brendon Hill after an emphatic Grand Prix Day win in he hands of his now regular driver in Ricky May. Under Hill and May’s guidance, Beach Ball is in the early stages of turning into a standing start gem after previously being anything but from behind the tapes. With a 10m advantage of his main rival Self Assured in Southland’s second-ever Group One event, making a strong beginning as he did in the New Zealand Cup will be crucial for Beach Ball. Hill thinks the key to the horse doing exactly that will be in May’s silky smooth hands. “I think he’s a sort of one trick pony a little bit – as in Ricky’s getting an know him now and for a big horse, he’s got a really soft mouth.” “And you’ve just got to keep off the reins and keep off his mouth and give him his head and he’ll step.” “He’ll just keep getting better and better and better with that.” “ So that 10m advantage on Self Assured will come in handy if we can step.” Third in the New Zealand Cup and a brilliant Group Three winner next, Beach Ball hasn’t got to improve to win the Invercargill Cup. Hill reports that the pacer has been ticking over nicely in his work since and there’s no reason the horse won’t front with another excellent performance. “It won’t be easy, I don’t take it for granted.” “You don’t just travel down there with a $1.80-$1.90 favourite, and just rock up and win.” “I respect the other horses and this horse has to step and do things right.” Oscar Bonavena comes into the Group Three Brendan Franks Farrier David Moss Stakes in a similar spot to Beach Ball. Any harness racing fan should know the squaregaiter has been in special space over the past month, producing the best form of his career and landing two Group One titles in the process. And like Beach Ball’s trainer Brendon Hill, Mark Purdon has only seen positive signs from the trotting star leading to Ascot Park’s big day. “I will trained him on Monday and he trained really well, he’s just in the zone and he’s come through his races really well so far.” Alongside Self Assured, the Mark and Nathan Purdon stable start two more serious winning chances on Invercargill Cup Day. Treacherous Baby looks the horse to beat in Friday’s two-year-old fillies feature while Amore Infida looks a big winning threat in the Canada Stakes. View the full article

Rockstar Ronnie ridden by Chris McCarthy clears a steeple on the way to winning the 2023 Grand Annual Steeplechase at Warrnambool. (Photo by Reg Ryan/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria (RV) has officially unveiled the schedule for the upcoming 2024 jumps racing season, closely resembling the successful 2023 season. The program comprises 19 jumps meetings throughout Victoria, including six exclusively for jumps riders. A total of 41 hurdle races and 24 steeplechase races are scheduled, providing an exciting season for enthusiasts. The season kicks off on Tuesday, March 12 at Warrnambool, the most active track with six jumps meetings, and concludes with the Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat on Sunday, August 25. The renowned Warrnambool May Racing Carnival takes centre stage from Tuesday, April 30, to Thursday, May 2, featuring the state’s richest jumps race, the $400,000 Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m). Two notable programming changes aim to enhance the pattern of feature races and maximise field sizes in 2024. The Two Rivers Steeplechase (3800m) moves from the end of June back to Casterton Cup Day on Sunday, May 19. While the Australian Hurdle (3900m) and the Australian Steeplechase (3900m) at Sandown will shift to Sunday, June 2, from their previous May timeslot. In line with the ongoing decline in the wagering market and industry revenues, prizemoney levels were reviewed during the programming process. The 2024 season offers a total prizemoney pool of $4.76 million, reflecting a 3.5% reduction from 2023 and a return to the levels seen in the 2022 season. The 2024 season introduces the Adam Lindsay Gordon Series, a collaborative effort by the AJRA and Country Racing Victoria (CRV) to celebrate the rich history of jumps racing in Victoria’s western districts. Points will be allocated based on finishing positions in four heats, with the winning jockey and trainer determined on the season-ending Grand National Day: BM120 Hurdle (3400m), Hamilton, Thursday May 30 BM120 Hurdle (3500m), Casterton, Sunday June 30 0-114 Hurdle (3300m), Coleraine, Sunday August 11 BM120 Steeplechase (3600m), Ballarat, Sunday August 25 More horse racing news View the full article

Horse racing bookmakers have unveiled an array of enticing racing promotions for Friday, December 22. Among the highlights are multiple generous bonus back offers that add an extra layer of excitement to your horse racing experience. Explore these free promotions from top online bookmakers to make the most of your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for December 22, 2023, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Cranbourne Races 1 & 2 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 Back a runner in races 1 & 2 at Cranbourne this Friday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. Fixed Win bets only. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Cranbourne Races 1-4 Double Winnings Double Winnings Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Bet Only. Max Bonus $50 Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo 10% Boosted Winnings – Up To $100 Bonus Cash Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH up to $100 (including SRM) at Matamata, Devonport, Lismore & Yarra Valley. First Bet Only. T&Cs apply Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Friday Bonus Back 2nd ALL RACES at Cranbourne Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Check Vault for eligibility. Limits may apply. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Cranbourne Bonus Back 2nd & 3rd Races 1-4 Get your stake back in bonus bets if your horse runs 2nd or 3rd at Cranbourne in Races 1-4. Limits apply. Eligible clients only. General T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has meticulously assessed the premier horse racing bookmakers in Australia, unveiling exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions and specials tailored for Friday, December 22, 2023. These horse racing promotions are a consistent feature, underscoring the unwavering commitment of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. In the world of horse racing betting, if one bookmaker isn’t currently running a promotion, rest assured that another is making the most out of promotional offers. Your ultimate resource for the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses every day is HorseBetting.com.au. Gain the most value out of your punting endeavours by leveraging bookie bonuses, accompanied by the most competitive horse racing odds available for each race. It’s crucial to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers are exclusively designed for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, simply log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those on the lookout for races and horses to optimise their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Canterbury Park's request for a 54-day 2024 horse racing season, Saturday, May 18, through Saturday, Sept. 28, was unanimously approved Dec. 21 by the Minnesota Racing Commission.View the full article

Kissinger ridden by Damien Oliver wins the 2022 Pakenham Cup. (Scott Barbour/Racing Photos) Racing Victoria, in collaboration with the Pakenham Racing Club (PRC) and Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC), has announced a notable change for next year’s Pakenham Cup (2500m). Mark your calendars for the evening of March 15, 2024, as the Pakenham Cup is set to dazzle under the Friday night lights. This move comes as part of a strategic decision to enhance the prominence of night racing at Pakenham and capitalise on the success of previous events. Originally slated for a Thursday night on February 29, 2024, the Pakenham Cup underwent a schedule adjustment as part of the 2023–24 race dates. The decision to move it to a Friday evening in March stems from the recent successful merger between Pakenham Racing Club and Cranbourne Turf Club and aims to boost on-course attendance and community engagement. The $300,000 Future Stars final, Australia’s richest maiden series, will now be the main event of the Pakenham meeting on February 29. Heats will take place over seven consecutive Thursday nights starting on January 11. In light of the move from February to March for the Pakenham Cup, several programming adjustments have been implemented: The Cranbourne meeting on Friday, 15 March and Pakenham on Thursday, 14 March will switch; A $40,000 1400m maiden race will be added to the Pakenham program on Thursday, 29 February to maintain an eight race program; To assist with the progression of staying races during the Festival of Racing, the $200,000 Torney Night Cup (2500m) at Moonee Valley will move from Friday, February 16 to Friday, February 23; and To accommodate the Torney Night Cup shift, the $60,000 1600m maiden scheduled at The Valley on February 23 comes forward to February 16. More horse racing news View the full article