Wandering Eyes

Cranbourne Turf Club. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos) The racing scene in south-east Victoria is about to undergo a transformation with the merger of Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) and Pakenham Racing Club (PRC). This merging of the two clubs, approved by their members on Monday evening, has been hailed as a game changer by Andrew Jones, Chief Executive of Racing Victoria (RV) and Scott Whiteman, Chief Executive of Country Racing Victoria (CRV). “We commend Cranbourne Turf Club and Pakenham Racing Club members for approving this merger,” said Jones. “The combined club offers members two tracks for the price of one. Trainers can realise a future where more facilities and options are available to them. “And club leaders can drive economies of scale across racing, training, customer services, commercial operations, finance, administration, gaming and property. “Everyone is a winner today. “This is an historic moment for Victorian racing and one that solidifies Melbourne’s south-east Super Club as a racing and training powerhouse. Whiteman also acknowledged the role played by Racing Victoria, led by Andrew Jones and his team, in making this dream a reality. “This is a great outcome for Victorian racing, and we are delighted that the members have endorsed the merger of the two clubs,” said Whiteman. “It has been tremendous to work closely with each club as they have grown to become a Super Club in Melbourne’s south-east. “Whilst we have long held a dream that these clubs could merge into a powerhouse, it would not have been possible without the support and awareness of the long-term benefits from Racing Victoria, headed by Andrew Jones, his management team and the Board. “Everyone involved with the Cranbourne and Pakenham Racing Clubs should feel proud today.” The club will have a portfolio organising more than 60 race meetings annually across three tracks: Cranbourne, Pakenham Turf and Pakenham Synthetic. All these tracks are equipped for night racing. With its ability to accommodate over 1,500 horses in training and contributing to 30% of all starters in Victoria, this club is poised to become a powerhouse in the industry. This consolidation is expected to bring about cost savings and benefits for all parties involved. As the Cranbourne Turf Club (CTC) and Pakenham Racing Club (PRC) diligently navigate through the processes, the future of racing in Melbourne’s south-east looks promising. The direct collaboration between the Super Club and Racing Victoria (RV) on matters related to funding, operations, and programming will further enhance the region’s racing landscape. This significant merger represents a chapter for racing that cements Melbourne’s south-east as a top-tier destination for both horse racing and training. More horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Tuesday, December 19 will feature two meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meeting at Terang. Tuesday Racing Tips – December 19, 2023 Terang Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For December 19, 2023 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $29.80 odds return: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 Terang – Race 7 #3 Deeling Aces Terang – Race 4 #14 Rebellious Hope Scone – Race 6 #6 Bangetta Scone – Race 7 #11 Leopardi | 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 December 19, 2023 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Online bookmakers have released their racing promotions for Tuesday, December 19, including several great bonus back offers. The top Australian racing promotions for December 19, 2023, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions This Tuesday check out your Neds Toolbox. In your Neds Toolbox you will find Bet Backs, Price Boosts, Back Ups and much more. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo 10% Boosted Winnings for ALL Races at Scone & Terang Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH up to $100 (including SRM). First fixed win bet only. Paid in bonus cash. T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting has reviewed the top horse racing bookmakers in Australia and has unveiled exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions and specials for Tuesday, December 19, 2023. These horse racing promotions persist almost daily, showcasing the commitment of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. If one bookmaker lacks a promotion, rest assured that another is presenting enticing promotional offers in the realm of gallops. HorseBetting.com.au is your go-to source for the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses every day. Gain the most value out of your punting endeavours with bookie bonuses with the most competitive horse racing odds available for each race. It’s imperative to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers cater exclusively to existing customers. Accessing these special promotions and claiming the bookmaker’s offers requires logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to leverage their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting offers a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Stay informed, stay strategic, and make the most of your horse racing experience with these exclusive promotions. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Premier Racedays, an undertaking by British Racing to market and promote racing's best racedays, will launch with the New Year's Day fixture at Cheltenham, the first of some 170 such programs to be staged in 2024. Premier Racedays is part of a two-year series of changes with the aim of growing British racing by 'increasing engagement among new and existing customers, improving revenues across all areas of the industry, promoting investment in the sport through the recruitment and retention of owners, and encouraging the best horses to be bred, trained and raced in Britain.' Premier Racedays will be supported by marketing and promotional suppoer, racecourse marketing spend and plans for a national promotional campaign, pending the submission of an application to the Horserace Betting Levy Board in line with the body's funding criteria. Premier Racedays through 2024 will also see the introduction of innovation in the fan experience on an ongoing basis, for those attending on racecourses, betting, and watching on broadcast. Over 90% of Premier Racedays are to be broadcast across ITV and encompass the majority of racing's best and most popular racedays. The key areas of innovation include customer promotion, broadcast innovation, customer experience, a digital content strategy, promotion of horse racing's equine and human athletes and betting, to offer a variety of incentives around Premier Racedays. Significant work is also in development to improve the ownership experience both on and off-course, with initiatives to be rolled out in 2024. “British racing's stakeholders unanimously agreed the way to grow our sport is to better showcase and sell our best racing. The pilot of Premier Racedays is the start of this process,” said Joe Saumarez Smith, chair of the British Horseracing Authority. “Due to the way that our sport is structured, the first priority for the sport was to put the building blocks in place in the form of the changes to the fixture list and race programme and secure the improved funding of prize money. There is little point trying to sell Premier Racedays if the product is not, in fact, Premier. “I am grateful to everyone who has been involved in the ongoing development of these plans, including those directly involved in the sport and our partners in broadcast, the media and betting”. The post Premier Racedays To Kick Off at Cheltenham Jan. 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York division of the Racetrack Chaplaincy of America administers in immeasurable ways to the needs of the tight-knit community of backstretch workers at New York Racing Association tracks.View the full article

Trainers with fewer than 20 horses in their stables are eligible to earn points as their horses compete in overnight races at Aqueduct Racetrack. Trainers with the highest points can earn bonuses after the sprint meet ends.View the full article

A share in Haras de Colleville stallion Galiway (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) was purchased by the Broadhurst Agency's Laurent Benoit for €160,000 to be the top-priced offering during Arqana's final online sale of the year Tuesday, Dec. 19. The rising 13-year-old is the sire of 14 black-type winners, eight at group level, including G1 Champion S. and G1 Prix Jean Luc Lagardere hero Sealiway (Fr) and Sunway (Fr), victorious in the G1 Criterium International. Galiway is also the sire of Vauban (Fr), a Group 3 winner on the flat and a jumps horse of considerable talent. A share in Sealiway, whose first foals are due next season, was knocked down to France Turf International for €56,000, while a breeding right in Cracksman (GB) (Frankel {GB}), sire of G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact (Ire), was sold to Ladyswood Stud for €50,000. Following over 200 bids, seven of the eight breeding rights and stallion shares were sold for a total of €383,000 (outside of the sealed bid). The post Galiway Share Tops Final Arqana Online Sale For 2023 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien's dual top-level American turf winner Bolshoi Ballet has been retired from racing and will stand under the Coolmore National Hunt banner at The Beeches Stud.View the full article

Jockey Manny Franco has won three NYRA circuit meet titles this year and is closing in on a fourth with a lead in the Aqueduct fall meet standings. View the full article

Michael Costa may be a new name to some European readers, but he is not new to success. The Australian trainer has switched his home of Surfers Paradise for the stunning views of the Dubai skyline. A life-changing move, both personally and professionally, he flew his wife Melanie and four children 12,000km across the Indian Ocean and for the last 18 months has been based at Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's private stable of Jebel Ali. It must be said that he has made an eye-catching start: with 19 wins from 60 runs so far this season, Costa is currently the leading trainer in the region. He is set to saddle five runners at Meydan's meeting this Friday. Head-hunted by the sheikh's racing manager Mohamed Al Shehhi, he is highly respected in his homeland. In the words of Australian Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller, “Michael Costa gets improvement out of any horse he's given.” Costa previously studied Equine Acupuncture and spent time as a steward before starting training the hard way from scratch. Famed for having an enviable strike-rate, he was also known for getting the best from his team and placing his horses well. His stable star, Phobetor (Aus) (Dream Ahead), won the 2021 G2 Missile S., a highlight to Costa's CV and the perfect way to end that chapter of his career. The move to a different country has reshaped the trainer's professional trajectory. When based at the Gold Coast, Costa primarily purchased from horses-in-training sales to sweeten horses up for improvement via a change of scenery before strategically placing them for syndicate ownership. Going from mostly syndicating to now working exclusively for Sheikh Ahmed, much adapting has taken place. Expanding from six afternoon staff to 76 full-time staff members is just one difference that illustrates the magnitude of training for such a prominent owner. He says, “The fact that we've hit the ground running this season is all due to the staff's determination and positive outlook over the summer which has put us in this position of the horses performing so well. “Being a trainer in Australia you have to wear many hats: you're selling, you're marketing, you're doing all these things, whereas in this role you're more usually pointing the people in the right direction and the hard work is done by the staff. We've got a great team.” Costa continues, “The biggest hurdle that trainers have to face in Australia, and I'm sure it's the same in other parts of the world, is owners' communication, accounts and staffing issues, and those three things are now completely lacking in my role. My role is about finding the best horses that we can and getting the greatest outlook, as well as managing my team. “I treat this operation as if it still my own business. We're not going crazy at the sales. We've only purchased one horse in Book 1 so far. The rest has all been below the average and just buying good physicals, and that filters through to how we operate, with no excess, and with efficiency. “I'm still in the mode of running my own business as I did in Australia, but I'm just very lucky that I don't have to spend as much time on chasing accounts and those sorts of things. That puts me in a very lucky position to do what most trainers get involved in it to do, and that's because they love the horse. So I've managed to get back close to the horse and now I go home smelling like a horse and that's what it all about.” For Costa, last year was very much a fact-finding mission. He had to get to know all the horses for starters, as well as his new facilities, from dirt tracks, to the traits in the European pedigrees of some of his horses. Costa and his team found their feet quickly and managed to bring 13 winners home, which was more than the previous four seasons combined for the Jebel Ali stable. This injection of fresh ambition, along with significant investment in horseflesh, is all part of Sheikh Ahmed's rejuvenation of Jebel Ali. Plans include a new grandstand along with using more of the desert land that surrounds the racecourse and training stables to better effect, including planting more trees. The revival mission is well underway and starting to reap rewards. As a modern-day trainer with global ambitions, Costa has every corner covered when it comes to recruiting horses, from buying yearlings and having agents in a variety of countries looking out for any early potential and sourcing exciting prospects such as Mawthog (NZ) (Echoes Of Heaven {Aus}), who was noticed when winning a trial at Ruakaka. Another is Homebrew (Street Sense), a lightly-raced listed winner in the US for Brad Cox, while Carolina Reaper (NZ) (Vespa {NZ}) won a Group 3 at Pukekohe Park in New Zealand. These are just three examples that were all privately purchased, and they have joined a good mix of battle-hardened older horses who know the walks of Jebel Ali well. Then there are the annual picks from Sheikh Ahmed's European-based horses who bring strong form. This year they include Newbury maiden winner Lajooje (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) and last year's G2 Vintage S. winner Marbaan (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). As the temperatures rose for the UAE summer, Costa conducted an international shopping spree, starting from the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney to the United States for the breeze-ups and horses-in-training sales. A number of trainers in Dubai have more horses than he does. Jebel Ali holds 70, and of those boxes is home to a past successful homebred in Morshdi (GB) (Slip Anchor {GB}), who is now 25 and long retired. He was quite the jet-setter back in his prime, taking the G1 Derby Italiano before finishing second to Galileo (Ire) in the G1 Irish Derby. Costa's attention to detail has prompted some major upgrades to facilities at Jebel Ali. The changes include grass pens, an equine swimming pool, two treadmills, a spa, plus an arena with some poles and jumps, which can be hugely beneficial to the horse's mind with getting them to think and use themselves in a completely different way than when galloping around a track. Costa was temporarily joined by his fellow Australian, jockey James Orman, who flew over to kick the first six winners home before Irishman Ben Coen took over as retained first jockey for the season. “The season we are in now is about getting back Dubai dominance,” he says. “Once our yearlings come in and start to filter through for year three and onwards we will start to look at travelling horses more abroad. With the way that the two-year-olds have hit the track so far and the way we are rebuilding in the stable from the ground up, the two-year-olds turning three will be the best opportunity for our horses to travel, so we are just getting into the crunch time now of coming into the better races, and we will know shortly what will travel.” So if all goes to plan, we could be seeing more of Michael Costa and his team on the world stage. He continues, “Initially the first season I was just looking at what the other successful trainers in the UAE were doing, and their approach was a lot of form horses and a lot of breeze-up horses. What I wanted to do was ask the question – you get all these internationals arrive, and while we do get some UAE horses who are competitive on the big night, it is dominated a lot by the international horses, and there are not a lot of UAE horses who travel. So the question I asked myself was, 'Why is this?' The simple answer we came up with was that we've got to be buying the same horses that Chad Brown is buying, or William Haggas is buying, or the prominent trainers. “His Highness's approach was to go to buy yearlings of varying types from Australian speed to European stamina to the dirt horses. Ultimately we just look for an athletic horse and a fast horse, and we've got the beauty of running on the dirt or the turf. Ultimately we want a fast horse first, and if they win a Group 1 on the turf we're not going to be worried, or if they win a Group 1 on the dirt then that's great as well. I've spent some time with a few very good agents in the US, and everyone has their own idea of what makes a good dirt horse, but I think you can over-complicate it. You're just looking for an athletic horse and if you start there then the rest should fall into place.” The post Costa Living the Dream After Switch from Australia to Dubai appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bolshoi Ballet (Ire), the dual Grade I-winning son of Galileo (Ire) and Alta Anna (Fr) (Anabaa), has been retired from racing to join Coolmore's National roster. He will stand at the McCarthy family's The Beeches Stud in Co Waterford. Having been named a 'TDN Rising Star' when breaking his maiden at Leopardstown at two, Bolshoi Ballet, bred by Lynch Bages and Rhinestone Bloodstock, then emulated his sire, as well as Yeats (Ire) and High Chaparral (Ire), when winning both the G3 Ballysax S. and G3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial the next season. Following a seventh-place finish in the Derby at Epsom, he bounced back to win the GI Belmont Derby, earning the highest Beyer Speed Figure of any turf horse in North America last year. He closed out his career with another Grade I success at Saratoga, recording an easy win in the Sword Dancer S. this August. “Bolshoi Ballet is an exceptional looker and walker, extremely genuine and clean-winded,” said his trainer Aidan O'Brien. “He had the class to win a Grade I over a mile and a quarter and also stayed a mile and a half well.” Robert McCarthy of The Beeches Stud added, “I was very taken with Bolshoi Ballet when we went to see him at Ballydoyle earlier in the year. He's a super-looking horse with real presence about him, a great colour, plenty of size and a very good walk. I have no doubt that breeders will be impressed when they come to see him.” Bolshoi Ballet's fee will be announced in the coming days. The post Bolshoi Ballet Retires to The Beeches Stud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As 2023 draws to a close, the TDN is asking industry members to name their favorite moment of the year. Send yours to suefinley@thetdn.com. There are so many great moments from 2023. It really is hard to choose. I would say that from a “Taylor Made” perspective it has to be selling the highest-priced yearling in North America. The Curlin colt out of the legendary Beholder was raised and prepped beautifully by the team at Spendthrift. Having the opportunity to represent Spendthrift on a horse of that quality was a blessing for our whole Team! The post What Was Your Favorite Moment of 2023: Mark Taylor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As 2023 comes to a close, we're looking forward to starting fresh in 2024. For me, the end of the year often brings with it time for personal reflection. I think about what went well, what didn't, and where I can do better in the future.View the full article

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

Championship-leading trainer likes how his hat-trick-seeking, front-running course debutant maps in the Class Two Saturn Handicap (1,650m)View the full article

The Ricky Yiu-trained miler recorded the campaign’s widest winning margin two weeks ago when he won by four and three-quarter lengths at Happy ValleyView the full article

In-form Christchurch mare Live Drama (NZ) (Ghibellines) will head across the Cook Strait this week to try and snare some northern spoils. The daughter of Ghibellines will tackle Saturday’s Gr.2 Bramco Granite & Marble Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m) at Trentham and trainer Lance Robinson believes she is up to the task. Live Drama will head into the weekend in a fresh state, having spent some time in the paddock following New Zealand Cup Week at Riccarton last month where she was runner-up in the Gr.3 Canterbury Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and fifth in the Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m). “She went terrific over Cup week and backed up in the Stewards where I felt she was a bit unlucky,” Robinson said. “She got buffeted the whole race and carried a big weight (57.5kg). I thought her Stewards run had a lot of merit, especially backing up off a 1400m run. “She has had a nice little freshen-up since then and she is very well. This race fits in really well into her program. 1400m at weight-for-age really suits her and hopefully she will run well.” A seasoned traveller, Live Drama will head north later this week and will jump from barrier nine in the 13-horse field. “She will travel up on Thursday morning. She has done a bit of travelling now so that won’t worry her,” Robinson said. “There is a scratching, so she comes into nine which isn’t too bad, she gets back a little bit off pace. She will get a bit of room from there and I don’t see the draw being a problem.” Robinson will continue to chase stakes glory next week at Wingatui on Boxing Day where he will have a two-pronged attack in the Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Hazlett Stakes (1200m) with Avaquinella (NZ) (Proisir) and Adannaya (NZ) (Niagara). “They are really well, they have come through Cup Week in good order and they are in great shape. It is a good field, but I am sure they will be competitive,” Robinson said. They will be supported on the undercard by Diagon Alley (NZ) (Charm Spirit) in the ODT Southern Mile Qualifier (1600m) and Forever Babe (NZ) (Per Incanto) in the Nellies Restaurant & Bar (1200m). “Diagon Alley has been racing well without any luck in her three starts down here. She steps up to a mile and back to a 65 rater, she should be hard to beat,” Robinson said. “Forever Babe went terrific the other day on the synthetic and has improved off that.” While looking forward to tackling stakes targets later in the week, Robinson is excited to head to Ashburton on Wednesday where he will be represented by Aerial Blue (Air Force Blue) in the Robinson Racing/Yong Chew Memorial (1400m) and Zappolino (NZ) (Ghibellines) in the Stackhouse Farming/Norm & Lee Anne (2200m). “Aerial Blue is racing really well and should be very competitive,” Robinson said. “Zappolino is up in grade a little bit, he ran third in a 60 rating the other day. Hopefully with the claim it brings him into the race. “They both should run well.” View the full article

Regally-bred mare Manifique (NZ) (Savabeel) will get her chance to continue her family’s stakes legacy when she heads to Trentham on Saturday to tackle the Gr.3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup (2300m). The daughter of Champion New Zealand stallion Savabeel is out of four-time Group One winner Shez Sinsational (NZ) (Ekraar), and will be looking to emulate the deeds of her half siblings Sinarahma (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and House of Cartier (Alamosa) as black-type performers. Manifique has established a strong record to date, having won four of her 15 starts, including her last two outings, and has earned her first tilt at black-type this weekend. “She has really come of age now. She has never been the biggest Savabeel but she has always had the pedigree and ability, but just needed a bit of time really,” trainer Peter Didham said. “There were some other options (for her first stakes assignment), but we just thought you could get in on the minimum (53kg) in the Manawatu Cup. it is a well-known race and is sponsored by one of my owners and good friend’s Paul Humphries and his partner. “It is a Group race and she seems to go well at Wellington. It ticked a few boxes.” Didham has taken it quietly with the five-year-old mare since her last win at Trentham on December 9 and is confident she will put in a good showing this weekend from barrier eight. “She has been great and had a nice gallop this (Tuesday) morning on her own over 1000m and I was very pleased with her work,” he said. While Didham believes she is a natural two-miler, he will be keeping her to middle distances for the immediate future, with an eye to emulating her dam’s Auckland Cup (3200m) heroics next season. “We just want to get her through this race. She won’t be running two miles this season, that might be a target for next season,” he said. “There are some really nice stakes races now, we are really pleased with the way stakes have come on. We just want to start slowly, get some black print this weekend and go from there.” Didham is also looking forward to lining up exciting stablemate Fashion Icon (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) in the Tui Backing A Winner Since 1889 (1200m). The three-year-old daughter of U S Navy Flag has won her last three starts and will be looking to continue that trend this weekend before a well-deserved break. “We don’t know what her level is yet,” Didham said. “She was going to go to the paddock and I just thought this was another nice race before she has 10 days in the paddock. Then we have to decide where we are going with her.” Belluci (NZ) (Per Incanto) is another mare that has been in good form for Didham, winning fresh-up at Tauherenikau last month before runner-up at Wanganui. She bypassed Trentham last week with a niggle and Didham is pleased they held off in favour of Saturday’s Manawatu ITM 1100. “The ideal race with her was last week over 1300m, but she had a bruised heel and was a tiny bit off, so we decided to wait a week with her,” Didham said. “From gate one I imagine she will be hitting the line strong.” Moon Money (NZ) (Per Incanto) will round out Didham’s quartet of runners in The Pavemasters 1400. “She has been building nicely,” Didham said. “She won nicely at Taupo and she has had no luck since. There are a couple of good runners in there, but she will be a definite top four chance.” Looking to Otaki on Thursday, Didham will have a trio of representatives, including Glorafilia (NZ) (Zed) in the First Yearlings By Hello Youmzain (1600m), Giannis (NZ) (Time Test) in the Vets on Riverbank (1600m), and debutant Hasbulla (NZ) (Vespa) in the Vale Peter McKenzie (1200m). “Glorafilia has been working really well but has a horror draw at 16, but that is Michael McNab’s job to worry about,” Didham said. “Giannis goes okay but needs to improve a little bit in the mile maiden. “I have got a filly called Hasbulla that has won two trials. She has a tricky draw of 12, but we have got to run, she has been in and out and drawn wide a couple of times, so we are going to have a go on raceday. View the full article

It’s been a tough couple of years for Group One-winning stayer Ocean Billy (NZ) (Ocean Park) and breeder-owner-trainer Bill Pomare, but the tide is turning and the son of Ocean Park is set to resume racing at Te Rapa on Saturday. The Rotorua pair were sent on a whirlwind trip following the now eight-year-old’s victory in the 2021 Gr.1 Auckland Cup (3200m), with Pomare setting his sights on fulfilling a lifelong dream and chasing Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) success. He subsequently entrusted Ocean Billy to the care of leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller who campaigned him in Melbourne later that spring where he finished ninth in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and 23rd in the Melbourne Cup. While unsuccessful, Pomare enjoyed fulfilling his dream of competing in a Melbourne Cup, but the wheels would soon come off further Australian aspirations when Ocean Billy sustained a tendon injury in Sydney last February. The gelding returned to New Zealand after initial treatment in Australia and underwent several months of rehab before an unsuccessful two-race campaign late last year. Pomare elected to give his pride and joy a lengthy spell and he has enjoyed his year-long hiatus from racing, which will come to an end this Saturday in the Print House Mile (1600m). “I am looking forward to it. It has definitely been a long wait, but everything seems to be pretty spot on at the moment,” Pomare said. “He had bowed a tendon in Australia. We brought him home and the tendon went back to a spot I was happy with, so we started working him. He was doing everything fine, but we probably kicked off a bit early. We kicked off when the tracks were still wet, which wasn’t a good move because with a tendon that is repairing, the last thing you need is a wet track. “He struck those wet tracks, which antagonised the tendon again, so I turned him right out and gave him a good spell. He had a lot of care and attention and was in a hill paddock. “We have got several rolling hills on our property and I think climbing up and down those hills are as good as anything (for rehabilitation). The farrier is attending to his feet to support his tendons better and his feet look good. He used to have a fair bit of toe on him, but we got that taken back so he rolls over a bit easier. Things like that have probably helped him to stay sound and be happy in his work. “The tendon has come really well and hardened up and we have had a trial and a few decent hit-outs and things seem to be really good with him.” Pomare said Ocean Billy has developed a lot of size and strength in his period away from racing. “He is quite a different horse. He is a heck of a lot stronger and he has really bulked up,” Pomare said. “He spends a lot of time rearing and bucking around the paddock. We knew he felt pretty good, we just had to control it all, keep him in one piece and get him through it. He has done that well. He is certainly acting like his old self, but he is carrying quite a lot of bulk now, he is a solid horse.” In his first-up assignment, Ocean Billy has been lumbered with 62kg, so Pomare has engaged four-kilogram claiming apprentice jockey Ngakau Hailey to ease his load. “He needs this and the mile is probably ideal for him,” Pomare said. “I will use a four-kilo claimer on him and take as much weight off his back as I can. 62kg is not a good weight to be putting on him but he is a big, strong horse and for the first couple of races we will look after him a bit as far as weight goes and hopefully they don’t hit us as hard (with weight) the whole way through.” Pomare has his eyes on the Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie in March, and while it doesn’t hold the elite-level status it did when won by Ocean Billy two years ago, he would dearly love to win it again. “We have got to start and get him running so we can get him ready for those staying races,” he said. “The Auckland Cup is the main target. He goes pretty well up that way and the new track should suit him because he likes a better track.” Pomare is also looking forward to next month’s New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sales at Karaka where he will offer Ocean Billy’s full brother through Waikato Stud’s draft, who will go through the ring as lot 669. “Annabel Neasham bought his full-brother this year (for $140,000) and I have his other full-brother going to the sales next month,” Pomare said. “He is a very nice-looking colt. “He (Ocean Billy) has got a half-brother by Noverre who is a beautiful colt. She (Cool Storm, dam) does leave nice foals. We are going to have one more shot at getting her in-foal this year, she is going to Super Seth.” View the full article

Betty Spaghetti’s (Stratum Star) impressive run of form during her spring preparation has connections focussing on northern targets for the four-year-old. The Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong-trained mare has been unbeaten in her last three appearances and will step out at Ashburton on Wednesday to warm up for sterner challenges. Betty Spaghetti has been freshened since her last victory and Samantha Wynne will be reunited with the daughter of Stratum Star when she makes her open grade debut in in the McCrea Painters and Decorators Trainers’ Challenge (1300m). “She is a really handy mare and every question we’ve popped at her she has answered it,” Furlong said. “She has been going so well and has had a freshen-up after Cup Week and the aim is to get her up to Wellington on January 13. She’ll run at Ashburton just to make sure everything is in order.” The Gr.3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) is the first goal with others to follow, depending on her performance. Connections will also consider a crack at the Remutaka Classic ($350,000, 2100m) the following Saturday at Trentham while another more lucrative option lies further afield. “She’s got a nomination for the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic ($1 million, 1600m) at Ellerslie,” Furlong said. “We’ll just see how she goes on the first day at Wellington, it’s a bit wait and see at the moment as to how far we go.” Betty Spaghetti broke her maiden last season and then performed well in stronger company, finishing runner-up behind subsequent Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Romancing The Moon (NZ) (El Roca) in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m). She subsequently finished in behind the major players at Listed level in the NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) and the Warstep Stakes (2000m) to round off her three-year-old campaign. “She is very consistent, tries hard and is very tough. She’s got the right attitude for it,” Furlong said. The stable has also been pleased with the progress of Tommy Shelby (NZ) ahead of the Tivaci gelding’s debut at Ashburton in the Ideal Racing & Edge Racing Maiden (1200m). “He’s had a couple of trials and had a jump-out at Ashburton on the grass in preparation and we do like him. We’ll get a line on him on Wednesday,” Furlong said. Barnmate Pierrogrine (NZ) (Pierro) will step out in the Carston Racing Remembering Megan Maiden (1400m) and a line can be put through his most recent unplaced run at Riccarton where his chances were extinguished by a riderless horse. “He was put out of contention so it didn’t really end on a good note, we’ve freshened him and it’s a starting pint for him,” Furlong said. The stable’s representation will be completed by Mister Goldie (NZ) (Almanzor), who also had little luck last time out, in the Hinds Ridge Maiden (2200m) and Kudos De Sothys (NZ) (Darci Brahma), who resumes off a break in the EGL Pastoral/Winslow Farms/Mid Canterbury Pastoral Handicap (1400m). View the full article

By Jonny Turner After his scintillating Group Three victory on Grand Prix Day, it is clearly an advantage for Beach Ball heading into the Group One Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill Cup. The pacer heads south for trainer Brendon Hill and driver Ricky May after running away from his rivals to win the Summer Cup Free-For-All, crucially beating his main Invercargill Cup rival in Self Assured. Self Assured now faces the big task of turning around that defeat, which came off level marks from behind the mobile, while giving Beach Ball a 10m head-start. That puts the Mark and Nathan Purdon stable in the unusual position of being on the back foot heading into the Invercargill Cup. But there is sure to be a legion of punters willing to back the trainers to have the star pacer ready to fire on his trip south. Self Assured was plain by his very high standards on Grand Prix day, but just one start prior, the former New Zealand Cup winner produced a scintillating performance to win his second Group One New Zealand Free-For-All. The handicaps for the Group One Invercargill Cup don’t just add to the intriguing battle between the two favourites. Third behind Beach Ball on Grand Prix Day and fourth in the New Zealand Cup, American Me gets a crucial head-start from the front line. Mossdale Ben also gets a head-start on Self Assured, but he starts on level marks with Beach Ball from the 10m mark. The Hope team has kept the pacer fresh since his handy fourth behind Self Assured in the New Zealand Free-For-All. Mossdale Ben showed he was right up for the staying test of 3200m at Group One level when fourth across the post in the New Zealand Cup, before being relegated back to sixth. Several middle-grade horses have been elevated into the Invercargill Cup to bolster the field with the inclusion of Tact McLeod providing plenty of intrigue. The pacer will leap up in grade to tackle an open class Group One feature in just his fifth start. And to make it even more of a test, Tact McLeod will have his first standing start in the process. But after showing outstanding talent in his short career, the horse does look capable of delivering a surprise or two and running a cheeky race. View the full article

Kazushi Kimura earned his third consecutive Woodbine jockey crown courtesy of 161 wins over the 2023 meet.View the full article

Leading trainers with no horse fatalities in the 2020-2022 seasons share their methods, emphasizing early diagnostics and time off when needed.View the full article

Second-season trainer’s phenomenal numbers make him the man to beat in the championship, even at this early stage of the campaignView the full article

Reeves Racing's Brick Ambush was disqualified Dec. 16 from second to last. Owner/breeder Dean Reeves filed an appeal of the decision, hoping to get a better explanation about the call from the stewards.View the full article