Wandering Eyes

Destructive, a three-time winner, topped the Tattersalls Online May Sale which concluded on Thursday. Sold as lot 21, the 4-year-old son of More Than Ready made 76,000gns on the bid of Deva Racing Dubai from the draft of Fitzroy House. “We are delighted to have purchased Destructive online today,” said Deva Racing's Ryan Tongue of the gelding, who had finished fourth in the Listed Al Bastakiya at Meydan this winter. “He won three of his last four starts and is on a mark of 97, which is perfect for a Dubai campaign. He will head to dual champion trainer Bhupat Seemar who does an excellent job with these types. He stays a mile and could be a future [G2] Godolphin Mile horse. I love that he already has experience in Dubai where he ran very well at three. There will be lots of options for him over there.” G3 Horris Hill Stakes hero Orne (Acclamation) was purchased by Northgate Lodge Stud for 50,000gns. Part of the Clarehaven Stables consignment, the G2 Sandy Lane Stakes second went through the ring as lot 52. Also sold for 50,000gns was lot 82, Thereyare (Jet Away), to Dan Astbury and Stockton Hall. The Churchland Stables-consigned point-to-pointer has been placed in one run at Ballysteen and is from the same family as Group 3 winner and sire Big Bad Bob. Overall, 58 lots sold (65%) from 89 offered for a gross of 576,100gns. The average was 9,610gns and the median was 5,000gns. A total of five lots made 30,000gns or more. The post More Than Ready’s Destructive Tops Tattersalls Online May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Spend a morning on the gallops with Ralph Beckett and you could end up with more than just the natural shot in the arm that comes with observing racehorses at close quarters in the English springtime. Barns full of bluebloods. Well, that's a given now, particularly on the back of a pretty spectacular 2024. Sunshine is not always a given, but on this fine morning it has been turned to full beam, lighting up the rolling turf which envelopes this haven on the edge of Salisbury Plain. Bluestocking, last year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner, has stepped out of that verdant spotlight but behind her remains the Irish Oaks winner You Got To Me, Breeders' Cup winner Starlust, and that old warrior Kinross, with the durability of a steeplechaser and the speed to mix it at the best Flat tracks around the world. Behind these generals come the troops whose metier is yet to be established. Their progress up the ranks will depend on the keen oversight of the man charged with their education. At Kimpton Down, every day is a school day, and not just for the horses. In the 15 years since Beckett and his wife Izzy bought the property from the family of Toby Balding and moved from Whitsbury, the trainer has set about learning the ways in which he can best adapt the turf and woodchip gallops at his disposal for the honing of young Thoroughbreds. Even unwitting journalists are given a lesson in agronomy while waiting for third lot to appear over the brow. Beckett doesn't just provide education for others. His searching mind spurs him on, when time allows, to pay visits to colleagues in the training ranks to see what nuggets he can extract from them. “I try to spend a morning in Newmarket with a trainer every year. I'm always fascinated by what other people do,” he says. In February he had a mini-tour of Ireland, visiting Henry de Bromhead, Willie Mullins, Aidan O'Brien and Jim Bolger. “Henry is a very good pal of mine, from my time with Arthur Moore, so that was terrific,” Beckett continues. “And I really enjoyed going to Closutton and then Coolmore, and to Jim Bolger's as well. If people want to come and spend a morning here, I'm always open to seeing people, because you always pick up something from somebody somewhere, don't you?” When the initial entries for the Derby were published in February, Beckett had 12 colts entered. That has been revised to six after the initial scratchings on May 6, and he has 10 fillies remaining in the Oaks, in which he last year saddled four runners. These are not Ballydoyle-like quantities but, still, this represents a significant amount of firepower to be aiming towards Epsom in a bid to add the Derby to his victories in the Oaks (twice), Irish Derby, Irish Oaks and St Leger. Early-closing races can allow owners to dream awhile, but with each confirmation stage there is an expensive decision to be made, and a judgement by the trainer as to the degree of latent talent harboured within each horse. “Often you'll come into the start of the year with a mile two-year-old maiden winner with the right pedigree, in that he or she looks like he or she will stay primarily. And as long as their work is up to scratch in a broad sense, I'll make a decision on whether I think they'll handle it psychologically,” Beckett explains. “Whether they'll manage for me to run them in a trial first up and then go on from there. And if we don't think they're going to cope with that for whatever reason, then we go a different route. And often, of course, as you are cranking horses up, bits can fall off as well. And so that decision can be taken out of your hands. “For example, there's a couple of three-year-old fillies, That's Amore, by New Bay, won a Newbury maiden, and Revoir, by Study of Man, who won a Nottingham maiden at the back end. Both of them I have no problem about running in the trials. They'll both cope with it and then if we have to cut our cloth a different way in the coming months, that's fine.” Experience, too, provides its own form of education. “There'll be others that over the years, and you're looking back, you've run something in a trial and it ran okay,” he continues. “And then you've run in the Oaks because you thought it'd cope, and it didn't, because it couldn't go around Epsom. So the heavy-topped ones or the heavy-shouldered ones I'm less inclined to roll the dice with than I would've been previously.” Revoir, bred by Julian Richmond-Watson at Lawn Stud, is from the family which gave the trainer his first Oaks winner, Look Here, back in 2008. That filly's half-sister Look So has also provided the stable with the G1 Prix Royal-Oak winner Scope and is the granddam of Revoir, who still races for her breeder, the former TBA chairman and long-time supporter of Beckett. “We always majored in middle-distance or staying fillies, and part of that was thanks to Look Here,” Beckett says. “For me, I enjoy training Starlust and Kinross as much as I enjoyed training Talent and Simple Verse. But it's terrific, if I've become known for training that type. It's not a perception that I necessarily sought. It is one we ended up with. “But I'm delighted that people want to send that type of horse to us. Because the more you do it with that type of horse, the more straightforward it becomes, perhaps. And presumably for some owners there's a comfort in knowing that we have plenty of that type.” Arc winner Bluestocking faces the cameras | Scoop Dyga For some years, Beckett, in partnership with bloodstock agent Alex Elliott, ran a race-to-sell investment syndicate The Lucra Partnership. Runners included the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes winner New Mandate, but the expansion in numbers in his stable has brought this to a pause. “We have wound Lucra up for the time being, but we'll do it again,” he says. “It wasn't for lack of interested parties. It was just more just the way the yard's gone in the last couple of years – we probably had around 120 horses at that time. “But we really enjoyed doing it, because there was a goal there, and it didn't matter whether the horse had run twice or 10 times, it was a case of getting it to the point where we could then take an offer for the horse. I really enjoyed doing it and Alex is very good at buying that type of horse. We had 10 partners in that particular outfit who absolutely had a great time doing it. We had plenty of action on the racecourse and it was a big part of why we're training the number of horses we are now, there's no doubt about that. And I'm grateful for that.” Kimpton Down and a back-up yard at Lambourn, where Beckett first started training, house around 200 horses in training. In tandem with success for the owner with a more commercial imperative, the trainer's results for owner-breeders have also spurred this growth, including last year's Arc victory for Juddmonte's Bluestocking among five Group/Grade 1 victories for the stable in 2024. The year-round international and all-weather racing programme has changed the way that modern-day Flat yards operate, but Beckett did at least find pause to reflect on a year that culminated in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint victory of Starlust at Del Mar, some 16 years after Muhannak had become his first winner at the meeting. It was recently announced that the son of Zoustar will take up stud duties in Australia after running in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot. Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan celebrate victory in Del Mar | Racingfotos “During the winter we don't run very many horses from the beginning of December on purpose, and I think during the winter I was able to look back and enjoy it,” Beckett says. “My family enjoyed it as well, and I'm really pleased about that. That, for me, was the bit I remember most about it, in that they were there and were part of it.” Happy with his lot, he is not, however, shortsighted when it comes to the general state of the racing industry. Forthright in his views on how British racing, and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) in particular, could do better, Beckett has served his time as president of the National Trainers' Federation (NTF), often speaking up in support of his colleagues. “We've lost 17% of trainers since 2010,” he says. “It's always been tough at the bottom, we know that, but there has to be a mid-range. There seems to be a loss of the people training between 40 and 80 horses. There were plenty of people who were making a good fist of it and coming up with good horses from time to time. Part of the reason the sport works is because a good horse can come out of anywhere. And once that stops, we lose some of our identity. And we've lost enough of it already, frankly.” He continues, “I'm incredibly fortunate. I'm very aware of that. When I started as president of the NTF, I felt that I wasn't going to sit on the fence. I was going to say exactly what I thought all of the time and then when I finished doing it, I'd know that I'd done my best for everybody, not just for the bit that suited me. “I thought that was really important, that Ollie Pears in North Yorkshire and Rebecca Menzies and the guys down in the West Country, nobody could say, 'Well, he was just looking after himself.' William Haggas, Mark Johnston and John Gosden before me, who are all still involved, they all took that view as well. They did their best for everybody and I admired them for it.” The BHA remains in a state of flux, with acting chief executive Brant Dunshea having replaced Julie Harrington, who left in December 2024, and David Jones installed as interim independent chair following the death of Joe Saumarez Smith in February. Lord Allen of Kensington will become the new BHA chair from June 1. Beckett says that he would like to see more radical changes. “The political side of it, I find that the problem is that everything comes from the top, and it does in any organisation. But the fact is that the people at the top don't know what they're doing, and because they don't know what they're doing, the last thing they're going to do is actually appoint somebody who does know what they're doing because then they get shown up even more. “And it's got to the point now where John Ferguson is doing his best on the BHA board, but he's been shouting in a gale for two or three years, and Luca Cumani for three years before that. Both men have been worn down by it and I don't blame them. “The BHA executive came up with an idea of cutting 300 races from the programme about three years ago and Julie Harrington and Joe Saumarez Smith, who I trained for, torpedoed their own executive's initiative. And at that point, the BHA, under the current arrangement, was effectively finished, because how can you ask your own executive to do something and then throw it under a bus because, in Julie's words, 'it was so divisive'? It was only divisive because the racecourses didn't want it.” Beckett continues. “I'm not optimistic until the board changes. It must change. And once we stop being run by [Arena Racing Company CEO] Martin Cruddace, then I'll start being optimistic about it. “My own view is that the Jockey Club needs to leave the RCA [Racecourse Association] and go and stand next to the BHA. Now, I'm not confident about both these things happening, but one of them could. The Jockey Club could have it in them to go and back the BHA, and that's what they should be doing.” Despite his impassioned views, Beckett maintains that there is just one thing that drives him on, a quarter of a century after he first set out his stall as a trainer. “Nice horses,” he says. “I'd love to train another Epsom Classic winner – that goes without saying. It would perhaps be my primary objective because I haven't had one for 12 years. So I would dearly love to find another one, but having good horses is really my only objective. Finding them is the hard part.” The post Ralph Beckett’s School of Life appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bidding on the Fasig-Tipton Digital May Sale, which includes a catalogue of 127 entries, is now open and will close Tuesday beginning at 3 p.m. “This is a very strong and diverse catalogue, with exciting offerings in a variety of categories,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “We have nearly 50 horses of racing age from the sport's leading stables, including a stakes winner and graded stakes performers. Also on offer are the continuance of a major stable's reduction, a dispersal, quality breeding stock, 2-year-olds in training, yearlings, and a close relation to last weekend's GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty.” Offerings in the online auction include horses of racing age from DJ Stable, Godolphin, R.S. Evans, Runnymede Farm, SF Racing, et al, Stonestreet Stables, Three Chimneys Farm, Wathnan Racing, Winchell Thoroughbreds, and WinStar Farm, as well as the continued reduction of Merriebelle Stable and the dispersal of the late Ralph Kinder. Also included in the auction are 2-year-olds in training by Charlatan, Girvin, Gun Runner, Hard Spun, Practical Joke, and Yaupon, and yearlings by Golden Pal, Good Magic, Oscar Performance, and Yaupon. Others on offer include: There Goes Harvard (Will Take Charge) (hip 17), winner of the 2022 GI Hollywood Gold Cup and this year's GIII San Marcos Stakes, who is selling as a stallion prospect; Piedra Preciosa (Maxfield), a 2-year-old filly who won her May 3 debut at Horseshoe Indianapolis; Ifurhappynuknowit (hip 30), a 9-year-old full-sister to the dam of GI Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), in foal to Elite Power and selling with her 2025 Vino Rosso colt; and Lionel (hip 122), a 3-year-old colt who won his debut by 9 1/2 lengths May 4 at Laurel Park. The entire catalogue can be viewed here. The post Bidding Open on Fasig-Tipton Digital May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dave Rodman, announcer at Maryland's racetracks since 1991, has been named recipient of a Special Award of Merit for his contributions and positive impact on the racing industry. Rodman will be presented with the award at the May 15 Alibi Breakfast at Pimlico Race Course. A native of New Orleans, Rodman worked as a deejay at various radio stations before calling his first race at Jefferson Downs in 1981. He moved to Louisiana Downs in 1985 before becoming the track announcer for the Maryland Jockey Club, calling races at Pimlico, Laurel Park, Timonium and Colonial Downs. “It's a great honor to receive this Award of Merit and to be part of the great tradition of Maryland racing for 35 years, including the 150th Preakness,” Rodman said. “I appreciate the support of Maryland racing fans who come to the track on a regular basis. They love the game as much as I do.” Past recipients of the Special Award of Merit include Hall of Fame trainers D. Wayne Lukas and King Leatherbury, Hall of Fame jockeys Jerry Bailey and Ramon Dominguez, Jim McKay, Chick Lang, and Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance and Beyond The Wire. The post Dave Rodman Honored with Award of Merit appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Kristen Manning & Dane McLeod/TTR AusNZ It was a spectacular affair at the Inglis Chairman's Sale where Group 1 mares stole the show. TTR AusNZ was there to hear what the buyers and sellers had to say about the atmosphere at a special Inglis Riverside evening. At A Glance The Inglis Chairman's Sale of 2025 saw 96 lots catalogued with 77 sold, compared to a smaller catalogue in 2024 with 59 of 88 lots finding new owners. The aggregate was A$54,430,000 compared to last year's A$35,335,000 with the difference due to the larger catalogue in 2025 and a higher average across the board. The average was up to A$706,883 from A$622,946 in 2024, while the median stayed static at A$400,000. The sale topper at A$4.2 million was the multiple Group 1 winner Bella Nipotina (Pride Of Dubai) sold by Ciaron Maher Racing to Longwood Thoroughbred Farm. This compares to last year's sale topper of A$3.4 million for She's Extreme (Extreme Choice). Spending A$9.4 million for three lots, Tom Magnier was the biggest buyer, whilst Ciaron Maher Racing was the leading vendor with eight lots selling for A$12.77 million. The leading sire was I Am Invincible with nine lots sold averaging just over A$1 million for an aggregate of A$9.8 million. Three of the top 10 lots were by I Am Invincible. Fourteen mares sold for seven figures – up from nine in 2024. Hutch Astounded by How Successful the Sale Was Bella Nipotina's A$4.2 million sale sets a new record top price for the Inglis Chairman's Sale, shooting straight past the A$3.6 million paid for Nimalee (So You Think) in 2023, and seeing her join Sunlight (Zoustar) as the third-most expensive mare to ever sell in the Southern Hemisphere behind Imperatriz (I Am Invincible) and another Inglis graduate Milanova (Danehill). The Ciaron Maher-offered 7-year-old, as the reigning G1 The Everest winner and the only mare to ever do so, was sold to her breeder and part owner Michael Christian of Longwood Thoroughbred Farm, who bought out his fellow owners in the mighty mare. Bella Nipotina was one of many incredible results on an extraordinary evening of Chairman's action, where the sale achieved a Southern Hemisphere mares sale record average of A$706,883, eclipsing last year's record average by 18%, with a healthy clearance rate of an outstanding 87%. The current gross at close of sale of A$54.43 million is a Chairman's Sale record, over A$9.5 million higher than the previous record set in 2023. Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch was astounded by just how successful tonight's sale was. “This sale is about celebrating the careers of elite fillies and mares and having their merit recognised in a commercial environment, while also creating an occasion that allows for special memories to be made,” Hutch said. “It's hard to imagine how the night could have worked out much better than it did tonight – there was an incredible buzz in the auditorium and the sale was full of energy, which in turn captivated the audience of buyers and other attendees. “We were afforded an incredible opportunity with the support that we were given for the sale with quality stock, but the results have been overwhelmingly positive. “Our team has worked incredibly hard in building up this sale and the fruits of their efforts are very much in evidence tonight, whether it is the bloodstock department in their work canvassing vendors and buyers, or the marketing department in everything they do to ensure that the sale itself is a special occasion. “It's just been such a fun night, not only as a horse sale, but as an event and I would be lying if I said that I wasn't excited by what we might be able to achieve with the sale in 12 months time! “We now focus on tomorrow, the Australian Broodmare Sale will wrap up a great week of action here at Riverside and there are more quality buying opportunities on offer.” Sebastian Hutch | Inglis Bella Nipotina: an Emotional Sale There was considerable theatre to the selling of the four-time Group 1 winner Bella Nipotina with auctioneer Jonathan D'Arcy declaring that “ladies and gentlemen it is my pleasure to welcome to Riverside, Bella Nipotina.” “Her name is etched in history,” he noted as bidding opened at A$1 million. From there it was slow going with silence in between bids, which gradually made their way up to the A$4.2 million it took Longwood Thoroughbred Farm's Michael Christian to buy out partners in his pride and joy. It was six years ago that Christian's Saconi Thoroughbreds took Bella Nipotina to the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, remaining in the ownership after she sold for A$80,000. As the winner of over A$20.8 million, she is the second highest prize money earner in Australian history, giving Christian the means to buy out his fellow owners. It was an emotional Christian who talked about his beloved mare in the aftermath of the sale. “I am feeling elated. It was always going to be tough to secure her, there were serious people involved in the bidding.” “I am very proud, very excited to be taking her home. It's a whole new chapter now and I am looking forward to the next 10, 12 years. “Hopefully in that time, we can produce some beautiful horses and have a lot more fun. It is very exciting for my family, everyone is going to be happy,” he said, noting that his wife Siobhan Miller had stayed at home. “With all the emotions involved, the thought of her possibly not coming home; she didn't want to put herself through it!” he explained. “It has been an incredible journey that she has led us on and it is a great thrill to be able to bring her home back to where it all started.” Trainer and vendor Ciaron Maher was also happy, declaring it “such a fitting result for her and her connections, it is fantastic that she go back to the farm where it all started for her.” “I said to the owners, when it starts to go quiet that's when it gets exciting and that is exactly what happened!,” he said. “It was fantastic having the opportunity to train her, to see her scale the heights she did; she was so tough.” Maher added that a number of his staff had made the trip to Sydney. “They felt that connection with her and it has been a special night.” Christian said he had not yet decided who Bella Nipotina would visit. “We will do a bit more work, there are probably three or four we have in mind, we will work through that.” The only mare to win the G1 Everest, Bella Nipotina is out of the placed Star Witness mare Bella Orfana (who sadly died last year), a three-quarter-sister to Hallowell Belle (Starcraft), who was a winner at Group 2 and Listed level. America Beckons for Amelia's Jewel Amelia's Jewel (Siyouni) saw out a big night in grand style with a prolonged bidding battle won by Coolmore Stud's Tom Magnier. “We are delighted to get her,” he said of the A$3.8-million mare, who did such a great job winning 10 of her 24 starts, amassing over A$4.1 million in stakes. “We will get her an airline ticket,” Magnier continued, “the plan is for her to go to Justify, we think that is the right thing for her.” The mating certainly looks good on paper with Justify boasting a great record with mares boasting a strain of Siyouni's high achieving sire Pivotal; four winners from six runners including the G1 Prix de la Foret winner Ramatuelle and the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes winner Statuette. And his recent G1 2000 Guineas winning son Ruling Court is out of a mare with a strain of Lomond, noting that that stallion – Amelia's Jewel's fourth damsire – is a half-brother to Seattle Slew who features in Justify's pedigree as well. And he loves Danehill with 13 of his stakes winners having his presence including the Group 1 gallopers Opera Singer and Aspen Grove; and Amelia's Jewel is 3 X 4 Danehill. Describing Amelia's Jewel as “a household name, a very good mover, a quality mare,” Magnier said that “she is the kind of mare you dream about having.” Amelia Park's homebred is a half-sister to the R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas winner Bosustow (Blue Point) out of stakes-placed Bumbasina (Canford Cliffs) who foaled a full-sister last spring, and was subsequently served by Zoustar. “I have never been to a sale with an atmosphere like tonight,” said a thrilled Peter O'Brien representing Amelia Park. “All the right buyers were here and the price, well that's a lot of money! “Speaking for the Walsh family, they could not be happier. It's great that she is off to Coolmore, she is going to be bred to the best stallions and when she comes back to Australia, we will be able to visit her.” Amelia's Jewel | Inglis Deserved Respect for Tiz Invincible Part of a big night for Coolmore with Tom Magnier on the ground seeking out quality mates for the stud's highly rated Wootton Bassett, Tiz Invincible (I Am Invincible) was, like Bella Nipotina, sold by Ciaron Maher Racing. “We are very lucky to have got her,” Magnier said of his A$2.8 million purchase, noting that “she is a very good looking mare”. “And we are fortunate to have a stallion like Wootton Bassett, and we will be sending our best mare to him.” Ciaron Maher was delighted, and said, “Tiz Invincible has already done it on the track, and with her pedigree and the type she is, I thought she would make a splash. “The owners have all got here so it is pretty special. And I think it is fitting for these mares, such high quality racehorses, to be seen off in this sort of fashion, getting the respect they deserve.” Astute Bloodstock's Louis Le Metayer, part of the group who purchased Tiz Invincible as a yearling for A$550,000 at the 2022 Easter Sale, was another pleased by the sale. “It is a huge result, we are very happy for the owners who bought shares with us,” he said. The winner of the G2 Furious Stakes, the G2 Tea Rose Stakes, and the Listed Rosebud Handicap, Tiz Invincible has a pedigree of the highest calibre; her winning dam Amuletum (New Approach) being half-sister to the nine-time Group 1-winning young stallion Anamoe. A granddaughter of the G1 Australasian Oaks winner Anamato (Redoute's Choice), Tiz Invincible is a 4-year-old and still lightly raced only having raced only 17 times. Her 2-year-old full brother Navy Pilot, also a member of the Ciaron Maher stable, has Group 1 aims over the Queensland winter carnival. All the Good Judges Were on Estriella Coolmore Stud was again in action seeking out mares for Wootton Bassett, spending another A$2.8 million to secure a second mare from the stellar draft of Ciaron Maher Racing; the Group 3 and Listed-winning sprinter Estriella (I Am Invincible). “We saw her in the barn two days ago,” Tom Magnier said of the mare he admired from the start. “All the right people liked her, all the good judges were on her. We have some really good people coming into this mare with us, great supporters of the farm.” “She will keep going to Wootton Bassett for as long as he keeps coming back, but first there is the option of her going back into training.” Last seen finishing close up in the G1 Robert Sangster Stakes a couple of weeks ago, Estriella is still lightly raced having won five of just 15 starts. “No decision has been made, but we will have a chat with Ciaron, we may see what she can do in Queensland,” Magnier said. Bred by Arrowfield and GSA Bloodstock, Estriella is a half-sister to the G1 NZ 2000 Guineas runner-up Love Poem (Snitzel) out of a full sister to Pierro. She was purchased by Maher for A$750,000 as an Easter yearling. Lizze Was Too Darn Popular In the ring immediately after Tiz Invincible was the talented 3-year-old Too Darn Lizzie (Too Darn Hot), and this time Ciaron Maher was acting as buyer rather than seller. He went to A$2.4 million for the bay who was a member of the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable, and is looking forward to seeing what she can accomplish as she continues to mature. “I have seen her on the racetrack but I inspected her only once, I didn't want to show my hand too much!” he laughed. “She is a quality horse, already a great race filly. I think she still has furnishing to do. She has had a reasonably busy time. There is the lure of Queensland but maybe I will just let her fill out and come back next season.” Yarraman Park's Matt Scown was happy with the sale of the G2 Thousand Guineas Prelude winner, noting that “to be able to present a mare like her for Watership Down is a great thrill and to get that result is really exciting.” “She was our busiest horse as you can imagine with her profile and her looks,” he said. “She was flat-out, but handled it, she is an amazing filly and I am really looking forward to seeing her race on. “She's got a huge pedigree and I thought she'd be one our most sought after mares and, given that, the price was no real surprise.” It's been a big week for Too Darn Lizzie's family, her weanling full-brother selling for a record-breaking A$775,000 whilst her dam Enbihaar (Magnus) also sold on Thursday evening, purchased by Z Zhijun for A$1.6 million. The post Bella Nipotina Tops Chairman’s At A$4.2m, Justify Beckons For Amelia’s Jewel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Juddmonte's group winner Zanzoun has been withdrawn from the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches after sustaining a setback in morning training, according to racing manager Barry Mahon. “She was a little off after exercise this morning, John and Thady called to say after she cantered they weren't happy with her and she looked a little tight behind,” said Mahon. “When you are not in peak condition, you can't be heading off to the races, so we will have to sit and wait and diagnose whether it is muscular or something a bit more–and when she tells us she's ready, we will make a plan then. “This only all unfolded at 7 a.m. this morning, so we will just have to wait and see what comes out during the next couple of days.” The daughter of Dubawi has won her two most recent starts, a Southwell maiden in November and the G3 Nell Gwyn Stakes at Newmarket in her 3-year-old bow on April 15. The Gosdens and Juddmonte will still be represented in the French Guineas on Sunday, with Detain (Wootton Bassett) set for the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains. Another Juddmonte colt, Andrew Balding's G3 Greenham Stakes hero Jonquil (Lope De Vega) is also set to contest that Classic. Group winner Field Of Gold, trained by the Gosdens, ran a fast-finishing second in last Saturday's G1 Betfred 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. Mahon added, “We sort of said we wouldn't fully discuss plans until after Sunday and we had said [listed winner] Cosmic Year (Kingman) would go to the Irish 2,000 Guineas after winning the King Charles II Stakes and that still looks the main target for him. “But Field Of Gold, no, we said we would sit down with John and Thady after France on Sunday once we've seen how the other horses run. The owners will be there and we will all discuss it and come up with a plan.” The post Juddmonte’s Zanzoun Knocked Out Of French Guineas With A Setback appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SIDR Pharma, a source of organic healing products for horses, has launched its Equine Allies Program aimed at supporting Thoroughbred rescues, rehabilitation centers, and rehoming organizations. Each month, the company will select a non-profit as its Featured Ally to receive 5-10% of Equine Allies product profits, along with dedicated promotional support. The program also offers tiered discounts on SIDR Pharma's equine recovery and wellness products to selected partner rescues. The application is open to all 501(c)(3) equine rescues, rehab centers, and rehoming programs across the U.S. For more information, or to apply, visit www.sidrpharma.com/pages/equinealliance. The post SIDR Pharma Launches Equine Allies Program to Support Aftercare Efforts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hong Kong's star sprinter Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) has moved up the Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings to sit in a joint second at 126, after the latest round of rankings were released on Thursday. Now a winner of 12-straight after his victory in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize, he shares that mark with fellow Hong Kong wunderkind Romantic Warrior (Acclamation). Japan's Forever Young (Real Steel) remains the leader at 127. After the first Classics of the season, G1 2000 Guineas hero Ruling Court (Justify) is among the top 10 at 121, the same number given to GI Kentucky Derby victor Sovereignty (Into Mischief). The former defeated the 120-rated Field Of Gold (Kingman) and Guineas third-place finisher Shadow Of Light (Lope De Vega) (119). In the Louisville showpiece, Sovereignty beat Journalism (Curlin) (119) by 1 1/2 lengths. Japan's Tastiera (Satono Crown) is a newcomer to the rankings with a mark of 120 after winning the G1 QEII Cup in Hong Kong. Several horses are tied at 119–G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) scorer Museum Mile (Leontes), G1 Prix Ganay winner Sosie (Sea The Stars), American Horse of the Year and GI Apple Blossom Handicap heroine Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), and Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock), successful in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Australia. For the complete rankings, please visit the IFHA website. The post Hong Kong’s Ka Ying Rising Moves Up To Joint-Second In Longines WBRR appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After reading “Enough Already. It's Time to Fix the Triple Crown” by Bill Finley, I must say I find myself not only disappointed by Mr. Finley's attitude, but also shocked by how he misconstrues and ignores the facts. In 2019, Bill Mott was planning to run Country House in the Preakness. Mott actually said, “We're leaning toward the Preakness, since he is the Derby winner and we don't want to pooh-pooh the Triple Crown. We want to support that.” But two days later, Country House was coughing, placed on antibiotics, and out of the race. This was not a decision to skip the race because it came two weeks after the Derby. Country House was so ill in fact that it led to complications which had him in and out of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, he eventually developed laminitis, and was retired without ever racing again after the Derby. At the time of the running of the 2021 Preakness, Medina Spirit was still the official Derby winner. The split sample test result didn't even come back until early June. Medina Spirit did run in the Preakness, finishing third. As Mandaloun was not at the time of the running of the 2021 Preakness a contender for the Triple Crown, there was no deliberate snub of the Triple Crown series. It is worth noting that Mandaloun also did not compete in the Belmont Stakes. Yes, not running Rich Strike in the Preakness was a deliberate decision on the part of his connections. Until this year, he was the only Derby winner whose connections deliberately made the decision to skip the middle leg of the Triple Crown since a huge bonus to run in the Jersey Derby instead lured away Spend A Buck in 1985. (To refresh Mr. Finley's obviously poor memory, Grindstone did not compete in the Preakness in 1996 only because a knee injury ended his racing career.) So the reality is it's been 40 years since Spend A Buck, and in that time the only horses deliberately skipping the Preakness are Rich Strike and Sovereignty. Two horses, not four, and those in 2022 and 2025 as Pimlico itself literally falls down around us, held together with chewing gum, twine, and baling wire. (Alright, chewing gum and twine are likely an exaggeration, but baling wire definitely is not.) So one must ask the legitimate question of if trainers and owners are actually skipping decrepit Pimlico and the exaggerated bad reputation of the Park Heights neighborhood in which it sits, using the two weeks between races as a polite excuse. Yes, exaggerated. I live 3.3 miles from Pimlico according to Google Maps, and despite being an elderly and disabled white female who walks with a cane, I have never once been afraid when in Park Heights whether at Pimlico, the Dept. of Motor Vehicles office, shopping, or anything else. Yet I constantly come across comments from people not residing in the Baltimore metro area about how they are afraid to come to Pimlico, often from young men who otherwise put on quite the macho front. Though there has been much in the news about the ongoing revitalization of the Park Heights neighborhood, all the changes for the better there have been completely ignored by the racing community at large. Even when discussing the fact that after the 150th Preakness, the current Pimlico will be demolished to make way for a new, modern Pimlico racing ignores the fact that the neighborhood is in the process of being rebuilt as well. The Triple Crown is already in the process of being fixed. Just not in the way Mr. Finley wants. In 2027, there will be a brand new Pimlico and a brand new Park Heights neighborhood. Give them a chance before trying to change anything else. I believe everyone will be pleasantly surprised by the positive effect those changes will have on the Preakness field. Diane Hain Pikesville, Maryland The post Letter to the Editor: New Pimlico Could be Triple Crown ‘Fix’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Already responsible for the winners of the G3 Chester Vase, Listed Cheshire Oaks and Listed Dee Stakes, Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore combined with Illinois in Thursday's G3 Ormonde Stakes to complete the quadruple of Chester's black-type events on the first two days of the May Festival. Sent off the 6-5 favourite having his first start of the season under a penalty, last year's G2 Queen's Vase winner and G1 St Leger and G1 Grand Prix de Paris runner-up enjoyed a lead from Al Qareem until taking over two out. Sent on from there, the half-brother to the Arc heroine Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}) stayed on to secure a 1 1/4-length success. Ormonde Stakes Dee Stakes Cheshire Oaks Chester Vase A clean sweep of Stakes titles for Aidan and Ryan at @ChesterRaces so far… pic.twitter.com/qB1TVuRoOj — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 8, 2025 The post O’Brien And Moore Stay In Control With Illinois In The Ormonde appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Discover Newmarket is celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2025 with the release of five one-off, Anniversary Tours. From meeting the legendary racehorse Frankel, to taking breakfast with renowned trainer Sir Mark Prescott, these extraordinary experiences are destined to enchant racing and horse lovers alike. The exclusive Anniversary Tours are now available to bid for in a silent auction running until May 19th at 10 a.m. To bid on the items please click here or to learn more about Discover Newmarket, please visit their website. The post Discover Newmarket Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Unique Tour Offerings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wootton Bassett has surpassed Redoute's Choice and Extreme Choice as the most expensive stallion to ever stand in Australia, after Coolmore announced on Thursday that his 2025 fee has been set at A$385,000 (inc GST). A published fee of A$330,000 (inc GST) was the previous record, first set by Redoute's Choice when he stood at Arrowfield Stud in 2007 and 2008. Earlier this year, Newgate Farm announced that Extreme Choice would match that fee in 2025, a significant increase on the A$275,000 (inc GST) he stood for in 2024. Wootton Bassett returns to Australia having made an excellent start with his first crop of two-year-olds bred in the Southern Hemisphere, headed by G1 Golden Slipper runner-up Wodeton and State Visit, who filled the same position in the G1 Inglis Sires'. That first crop was conceived when Wootton Bassett stood for a fee of just A$71,500. “Wootton Bassett is the hottest stallion in the world at the moment and he is already making an undeniable mark on the breed in Australia,” said Coolmore Australia's Tom Magnier last month, confirming the son of Iffraaj's return to Jerrys Plains. “What is most exciting about him in an Australian context is that he has 100 unraced two-year-olds from his first crop and every trainer we speak to seems to have a good one. We're just excited to have him back again, as we see him as a champion sire of the future in Australia.” In Europe, Wootton Bassett is responsible for 11 Group winners from his first crop bred at Coolmore's Fethard base. They are now three-year-olds and include the top-level winners Camille Pissarro, Henri Matisse, Tennessee Stud and Twain, with the first-named pair due to appear in Sunday's Poule d'Essai des Poulains at ParisLongchamp. The post Wootton Bassett to Stand for New Australian Record Fee at A$385,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien trainee Mount Kilimanjaro (Siyouni) needed every yard of Thursday's Listed Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes and continued the Ballydoyle maestro's dominance of this year's Chester Cup meeting with a seventh win in eight renewals, and a record-breaking 12th overall, in the extended 10-furlong contest. Last year's Criterium d'Automne winner and G1 Criterium International runner-up broke well and settled in fifth passing the judge first time, but slipped to sixth at halfway. Coming under pressure with a quarter-mile remaining, the even-money favourite was under a full Ryan Moore pump thereafter and stayed on relentlessly to collar the hitherto undefeated High Stock (Dubawi) by a neck in the dying strides. Long-time leader Great David (Ribchester) fared best of the remainder and finished 2 3/4 lengths adrift in third. “It was a great ride by Ryan and he was very patient,” said Paul Smith. “I think the pace was very honest, Ryan didn't panic and the horse quickened up well and showed a nice attitude. As we've always said, they learn so much here and it's almost like they have two races in one. He'll come forward again from this, so we're delighted with him. I think he'll go for a Derby of some sorts, either Epsom or the French Derby was mentioned as well. There's options for him and we'll just see how the trials go and juggle them and see where they all go.” Kevin Buckley added, “I thought this fella showed a great turn of foot and I suppose it gives us the option of either going to Epsom or going to France with him. It was a good performance and Ryan was very complimentary. I was impressed and it makes it a record of Dee Stakes wins for Aidan with 12.” Mount Kilimanjaro is the latest of two foals and lone scorer out of the dual Grade III-placed Decorating (Galileo), herself kin to four black-type performers headed by dual Grade I-winning sire Coil (Point Given) and GI Hollywood Derby hero Chiropractor (Kitten's Joy). The April-foaled bay's second dam Eversmile (Theatrical) is a half-sister to multiple Grade I-winning US champion Possibly Perfect (Northern Baby) and G3 Horris Hill Stakes-winning sire Makhlab (Dixieland Band). Left it late! Mount Kilimanjaro gets up on the line to take the Listed Dee Stakes at @ChesterRaces for Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien… pic.twitter.com/2mwcDb9V5B — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 8, 2025 Thursday, Chester, Britain BOODLES RAINDANCE DEE STAKES-Listed, £100,000, Chester, 5-8, 3yo, c/g, 10f 70yT, 2:12.89, gd. 1–MOUNT KILIMANJARO (FR), 128, c, 3, by Siyouni (Fr) 1st Dam: Decorating (MGSP-US, $132,768), by Galileo (Ire) 2nd Dam: Eversmile, by Theatrical (Ire) 3rd Dam: Avasand, by Avatar 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. (€420,000 Ylg '23 ARQDOY). O-Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; B-Glen Hill Farm LLC (FR); T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Ryan Moore. £56,710. Lifetime Record: G1SP-Fr, 6-2-1-2, $285,860. 2–High Stock (GB), 128, c, 3, Dubawi (Ire)–Proserpine, by Hat Trick (Jpn). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Sheikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum; B-Rabbah Bloodstock Ltd (GB); T-Andrew Balding. £21,500. 3–Great David (GB), 128, c, 3, Ribchester (Ire)–Prussian (GB), by Dubai Destination. 1ST BLACK TYPE. (25,000gns RNA Ylg '23 TATOCT). O/B-Yerbol Zhaxylykov (GB); T-James Tate. £10,760. Margins: NK, 2 3/4, 3 1/4. Odds: 1.00, 2.75, 25.00. Also Ran: Calla Lagoon (GB), Mirabeau (GB), Hott Shott (GB), Isambard Brunel. The post Siyouni’s Mount Kilimanjaro Provides Aidan O’Brien With Record-Breaking 12th Dee Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A BH Daily edition of What's Going On HereView the full article

As the dust settles beneath the Twin Spires, America's Best Racing takes an updated look at the Equibase standings for horses, jockeys, trainers, and owners.View the full article

The post Equine Podcasts appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

While Zac Purton is coasting to an eighth jockeys’ title and John Size is sitting pretty in the trainers’ premiership, the final Group One of the season should be a cracker and there is change afoot in riding ranks.View the full article

Greg Sugars’ funeral will be live streamed at Addington Raceway on Monday afternoon (May 12). The funeral will be held at Melton just outside Melbourne, starting at 2pm NZT. The service will be live streamed via thetrots.com.au and on the big screen at Spectators Bar and Bistro at Addington Raceway. It will be open from noon on Monday so that his friends and many in the wider harness racing community on this side of the Tasman can pay their last respects. A very popular figure, both here and in Australia, Sugars died suddenly, aged 40, in Sydney at the end of last month. He had a stellar 2024 highlighted in this country by his Auckland Cup – Rowe Cup double with Better Eclipse and Just Believe at Alexandra Park last May. He had more than 4000 lifetime wins, including 71 Group 1s. Could anyone intending to be at Spectators please email brooke.henderson@addington.co.nz so the venue has an idea of numbers attending. Food and drink will not be provided but will be available for purchase. View the full article

Presenter-driver-trainer Brittany Graham knows a thing or two about racing on both sides of the Tasman and now that the Queenslander is working for Trackside in this country she’s (reluctantly) agreed to write a weekly column. Why are so many races too close to call? By Brittany Graham What is it with all the dead heats that seem to be happening in this country? The latest was at Cambridge on Tuesday when Power N Glory and Beta Prepare couldn’t be separated in the first of the night, the Dunstan Horse Feeds Mobile Pace. And that got me thinking .. does it happen more these days or is it just perception because every time there is a dead heat it is a bit of a notable event and gets a bit of chatter going. Well the answer is that dead heats are well and truly more commonplace in 2025 than they have been historically. From August 1, 2024 there have been 13 dead heats in this country. It’s an extraordinary number. And they are happening everywhere, from Invercargill to Auckland. There have been nine in 2025 alone. Compare that to the six they had in the 2023-2024 season and just 3 in 2022-2023. The highest number of dead heats in the last decade (before this year) was 7 in 2018. And to emphasise the point even more the average since the 1999-2000 season is 3.5. Numbers of dead heats per season (August 1 – July 31) over the last handful of years are : 2017 2 2018 7 2019 6 2020 1 2021 5 2022 3 2023 3 2024 6 2025 13 It also begs the question – why? Is it the programming, is it the style of racing, is it the quality of horses, is it the quality of the tracks? Or is just a random occurrence? Or is it all of these and more? I don’t have the answers but it is interesting. P.S. thanks to Ollie Partridge the data analyst at HRNZ for his help with this! View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Despite having the toughest of trips, Miki Bennett produced a powerhouse performance to highlight last night’s meeting at Addington. Driven by Nikita Burton, the Always B Miki five-year-old was last at the 800 in the Ladies’ Night 13 June Book Now Junior Drivers Mobile Pace. But Burton was unphased. She launched at the 600 metres and was forced five and six wide around the home turn before overhauling the leaders to win by nearly two lengths. Miki Bennett covered the last 800 in 57.7, the last 400 in 28.6. Jack Tar and Social Distancing, who had also been back in the field, did well to fill the minors with the favourite and early pace-setter Gladys Greenland fading to eighth. “Credit to the horse – he went huge,” said Burton to Harness Unhinged’s Nigel Armstrong post race, “I kinda had to keep on going and hope for the best.” Trained by Steve and Amanda Telfer, it was Miki Bennett’s fifth win in 35 starts though he had failed to finish top three in eight starts since his last win at Oamaru last September. “He dug so deep and he did it quite easy in the end. He pricked his ears at the line,” said Burton. Employed by Stonewall Stud, Burton is in her first year of driving. It was her fourth win in 33 starts. Robbie Close also had a great night with three wins. He drove Lily’s A Star and Hes Santas Excuse to give John McDermott a training double both at double figure odds. He also won with Monarch Prince for John Howe. “John’s had a good night tonight, he doesn’t mind lining them up and he deserves all his success,” Close said post race. McDermott was similarly in praise of Close’s efforts. “It was a brilliant drive by Robbie – a top drive.” View the full article

After 13 months off the scene, Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young’s stable stalwart Forgot You (NZ) (Savabeel) will make his return to the races on Saturday at Caulfield. After most recently racing in March last year, the dual Group Two winner is set to line up in the Thoroughbred Club of Australia Handicap (1400m). “He did a suspensory ligament, he’s been at Lee Evison’s, he’s obviously rehabbed him,” Busuttin said. “Touchwood, at the moment, he’s looking good.” Forgot You has had two jumpouts leading into his comeback run on Saturday, which will also be his first start as a gelding. “Given that he needed time off, we decided to geld him, so he’s come back as a gelding this time,” Busuttin said. “Off the scene for 12 months, 1400m, we just want to see him hit the line, but I think he’s in for a good prep. “I’m looking forward to seeing him back at the races.” Beyond Saturday, Busuttin noted that the Brisbane Winter Carnival could be an option for Forgot You, while an 1800-metre Benchmark 100 at Sandown in a fortnight also looms as a logical second-up target for the son of Savabeel. Bred by Waikato Stud’s Garry Chittick, Forgot You is out of the winning O’Reilly mare Simply You (NZ), a three-quarter sister to stakes-winners Escadaire (NZ) (O’Reilly), Bonny O’Reilly (NZ) (O’Reilly) and Group Two winner Rare Insight (NZ) (O’Reilly), dam of Gr.1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) winner Steps In Time (Danehill Dancer). Simply You is a daughter of multiple Group One winning sprinter Glamour Puss (NZ) (Tale of the Cat). Forgot You was purchased by Busuttin Racing for A$330,000 at the Sydney two-year-old sale after being prepared by Ohukia Lodge on behalf of Waikato Stud. View the full article

Mapperley Stud has announced Champion son of Galileo – Armory will stand for a fee of $10,000+gst this season. Armory will be standing his 4th season at stud in 2025 and has been heavily supported by New Zealand breeders since his arrival covering 350 mares across his first 3 seasons. “Breeders were attracted to his elite Gr.1 form as a 2 year-old, where he won the Gr.2 Futurity Stakes and Gr.3 Tyros Stakes before placing in 3 Gr.1 contests including a 2nd to Champion 2 year-old Pinatubo” “Breeders also like to see horses train on and that’s exactly what he did – his run in the Cox Plate as a 3 year-old was enormous and proved he was among the elite middle distance horses in Australasia. He continued to prove himself at the highest level against the best weight-for-age horses in the world” On the back of his gallant 2nd in the Cox Plate, Armory was crowned Champion 3 year-old in Ireland and Europe and achieved a timeform rating of 122 in his classic season. His performances at Gr.1 level as a 4 year-old earnt him the Champion Older Horse in Ireland title and another season with a timeform rating of 122. “We have been thrilled with the level of support shown by New Zealand Breeders, he’s got great numbers on the ground and it was really encouraging to see that his first crop have found good homes and he will have a good representation in both New Zealand and Australia” added Davison “There is a fantastic opportunity to breed to him this year, with a big crop of 2 year-olds to run next season, he could be on the upward spiral by the time your foal arrives next year” Profondo, who stands at Windsor Park Stud, also bolsters Mapperley Stud’s stallion ranks with the Group One winning son of Deep Impact covering full books in his first 2 seasons at stud “Profondo was an instant hit with breeders and his popularity continued into his 2nd season where he covered another fantastic book of mares,” Davison said. “We absolutely love his foals and you can see why breeders were eager to breed to him again last season, and we very much expect the same to happen again this year” Profondo was a standout individual from the start topping the Magic Million yearling sale when he sold for $1.9 million. A brilliant debut winner over 1400m, he reached racing’s elite level winning the Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes at only his 3rd career start. “We are very excited about his future, he has it all ahead of him. He’s the full package – outstanding physical, by the world conquering Deep Impact and an elite Gr.1 win next to his name” View the full article

Iconic Southern nursery White Robe Lodge has kept things simple for breeders this season with their stallion roster of three – Alflaila, Ancient Spirit and Ghibellines – all to stand at $7,000+GST. New addition Alflaila has been positively-received with the well-related multiple Group Two winner providing breeders with access to the highly sought-after Dark Angel sire-line. “It’s great timing with Dark Angel being the Champion Sire of Britain and Ireland last year and with his sire-son Harry Angel being one of the most exciting stallions across the Tasman,” White Robe Lodge’s Jack Stewart said. “We have had a very good initial response to breeding rights and also early bookings.” The Taieri Plains stud farm has been buoyed by the early feedback on the stock of Ancient Spirit, with the eldest by the dual Group Two winning son of Invincible Spirit just two-years-old. “He is going great,” Stewart said. “He’s had a few trial winners and we have had great reports from trainers from the ones that are in work, so it’s a case of so far so good.” Proven sire Ghibellines completes the roster, best represented by Group One winner Smokin’ Romans, who has added the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) and last week’s Listed Warrnambool Cup (2350m) to his tally this season, with his career earnings now A$2,329,265. Fellow Ghibellines gelding Palmetto has enjoyed another strong season in Australia for John Sargent, with the recent Listed Canberra Cup (2000m) winner now up to A$1,423,429 in career earnings. “He’s had two stakes winner across the ditch, he’s had a great season in New Zealand with horses like Lofty’s gift and he’s sitting third on the Premiership for winners,” Stewart said. “He’s just doing a good solid job for us. He leaves winners every week either side of the Tasman and he stands at such great value.” View the full article

Marotiri Molly will aim to complete her season on a high note at Arawa Park on Saturday, taking on her own sex in the Gr.3 Rotorua ITM Stakes (1400m). Prepared by Matt Dixon at Foxton, Marotiri Molly has conquered all before her since opening her preparation in late August, winning four of nine races including the Gr.2 Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), and placing behind gun mare La Crique in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders Stakes (1400m). After running a creditable fifth-equal in the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) in January, Dixon had one final target for his mare in the weight-for-age feature, where she is back on even terms with her rivals after carrying topweight in her lead-up run, the Listed City Of Napier Sprint (1200m). Despite the hefty impost, Marotiri Molly was characteristically game, running a close-up fourth behind Slipper Island, Pier and Tomodachi. “I always knew she was going to be pretty vulnerable in that race with the weight she had to carry,” Dixon said. “She was giving four-and-a-half (kg) to Pier and six (kg) to the other two so I thought it was a huge effort to finish only a length from them.” “She’s just been ticking over since then. She likes to get on with things in her gallops, she goes pretty hard. “She’s certainly ready for another race, that’s for sure.” As planned, Marotiri Molly is more than likely to be making her final six-year-old appearance on Saturday when she jumps from the ace draw. “We’ll see what happens on Saturday, but she was always going to have a pretty light autumn,” Dixon said. “She won’t be slogging through the mud and I want to give her a bit of a let-up, before targeting the spring. “This race was the one we were looking at, the 1200m at Trentham was the lead-in to Saturday’s race so being a weight-for-age, it suits her a lot better these days. She’s come through the grades very quickly and all of a sudden she’s shot up over 100 rating, but makes things a bit difficult outside of weight for age races. “I’m very proud of her and where she’s come from, and where she has got to.” View the full article

It may have not been the result he was after, but Andrew Campbell was pleased with Croupier’s run at Eagle Farm last Saturday, and will press on towards his intended feature targets. Following two wins in New Zealand, Croupier made his Australian debut over a mile at the Brisbane track last weekend where he finished fourth in the hands of former New Zealand-based jockey Mark Du Plessis. “I thought it was a good run, maybe he (Du Plessis) should have hooked him out wide instead of going to the rail,” Campbell said. “I don’t think a horse won on the rail all day except for the last, so it probably wasn’t the best place to be. The big horse he is, he got held up at a vital stage too. “He has only been beaten three-quarters of a length, so we are over the moon, and that is why we are still here.” The three-year-old son of Ace High has pleased Campbell with the way he has come through the run, and he is now looking forward to heading to Doomben next Saturday to contest the Gr.3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m) before returning to Eagle Farm later this month to tackle the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m). “Croupier came through his run extra well,” Campbell said. “I gave him a little gallop this (Thursday) morning and he galloped really nice. We are hoping to go to the Rough Habit Plate next Saturday, providing he makes the field. I couldn’t be happier with him.” Meanwhile, stablemate Hayworth is set to make her debut at Trentham on Saturday in the Ladies Man 2YO (1200m). Bought out of Highline Thoroughbreds’ New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft last year for $30,000, the daughter of Ace High will race in the colours of stable stalwart Tommy Heptinstall. “We had sold her brother Caracas overseas, and he went really well. Unfortunately, he broke down, but he’s still Group Two placed,” Campbell said. “We bought her as insurance. She was a nice, big, strong filly by Ace High that was going to take a bit of time, as they do.” Hayworth is on the fourth line of betting for the opening race of the eight-race card at $6, and while hopeful of a positive result, Campbell is realistic about her chances and said it is more of an educational run before heading for a spell. “She is going well, she’s not really a two-year-old though, we are just going to give her one run, and to lob into the money would be good,” he said. “She’s a capable horse and she is going to make a really nice three-year-old. Win, lose or draw, we’ll give her a nice six weeks out and get her ready for the spring.” View the full article