Wandering Eyes

The total prize-money at Ascot Racecourse in 2024 will increase to £17.5 million, the racecourse announced on Wednesday. This marks a 3.9% increase on 2023's total of £16.8 million. Royal Ascot's prize-money has been raised to an even £10 million, with no races contested at less than £110,000, up from £100,000. All Group 1 races at the iconic stand will be worth £650,000, an increase of £50,000 per race. The affected races include the King Charles III S. (formerly the King's Stand S.), the St James's Palace S., the Gold Cup, the Commonwealth Cup, and the Coronation S. Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said, “We are pleased to be delivering these prize-money increases in 2024 against a backdrop of uncertainty and an unprecedented number of negative headwinds for the industry. The financial impact on all facets of the industry is already being acutely felt. “It is, however, crucial for Royal Ascot to maintain its position on the global stage at a time when participants at home and abroad have so many alternative lucrative options away from Britain. “Whist the main increases have been made to the Royal Meeting to enable us to get to £10 million for the first time, we have made increases in other areas of the programme as well. “These include increases to fit with the new Premier fixture structure, including at the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, where there is a particular focus on maintaining full fields. “Importantly, no race at Ascot will be run for less than in 2023 including at our Core (non-Premier) fixtures. This is in spite of a reduction in central funding to this element of the programme, which has therefore required further increases in executive contribution.” The post Ascot Prize-Money Increases to £17.5 Million Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

New York Governor Kathy Hochul made it official that the 2024 Belmont Stakes Program will be moved to Saratoga Race Course next year, she said in tweet Wednesday morning. The statement read, “With the modernization of Belmont Park underway, hosting the third leg of the Triple Crown at America's most historic track is a win for horse racing and the Capital Region economy!” The stakes week will shift upstate, since a massive renovation of Belmont Park is currently underway. Members of @sagaftra & @WGAEast have ratified fair contracts & I'm directing relevant state agencies to fast-track approvals & permitting on film & TV projects. This will help thousands of professionals get back to work creating the made-in-New York productions we're proud of. — Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 6, 2023 The post Belmont Stakes Officially Shifts to Saratoga in 2024, Run at 1 1/4 Miles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

One of the five Texas Preview Stakes on Saturday, Feb. 17 has been renamed to honor executive David E. Hooper, who passed away May 29 following a battle with cancer, Sam Houston Race Park said in a release Wednesday. The 88-year-old had an extensive career in the horse racing industry, which included serving as executive director of the Texas Thoroughbred Association from 1997-2012. Hooper held several regulatory positions, including executive secretary of the Illinois Racing Board and he was a steward in eight states. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Pete Pedersen Award from the Racing Officials Accreditation Program, and served as coordinator and lecturer at the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program. “Dave did an incredible job for our association and working with him was a pleasure,” said TTA's Mary Ruyle. “He always looked forward to Texas Champions Day at Sam Houston Race Park and celebrating the growth and excellence of Texas racing.” The post Sam Houston To Honor Executive David Hooper With Race appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Junior Alvarado, Alex Birzer, Julien Leparoux, Edwin Maldonado and Rodney Prescott were selected as finalists for the 2024 George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award, 1/ST Racing said in a release Wednesday morning. Presented by Santa Anita Park, the Woolf Award, which itself is a replica of the life-sized statue which adorns Santa Anita's Paddock Gardens area, is determined by a vote of jockeys nationwide. It can only be won once. The winner of the 75th annual prize will be announced in February. Named in honor of the legendary late jockey George “The Iceman” Woolf, this year's list of nominees were all prominent in various regions, ranging from California to the Midwest, Florida and New York. Best known as the regular rider of Bill Mott's two-time GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile hero Cody's Wish (Curlin), Junior Alvarado immigrated to America from Venezuela in 2007, established a permanent base in New York in 2010 and has 2082 wins to his credit through Dec. 3. Alex Birzer is a five-time leading rider at Prairie Meadow in Des Moines, Iowa and a four-time leader at The Woodlands near Kansas City. Through Dec. 3, the son of a trainer has amassed 3,826 wins. French native Julien Leparoux established a mark of consistently at Keeneland Racecourse. He has 2,956 wins through Dec. 3 and was voted Eclipse Champion Apprentice as well as Eclipse Champion Jockey. Unusually tall for a jockey at five feet, eight inches, Columbus, Ohio native Edwin Maldonado has been a regular on the Southern California circuit since 2010. He has pocketed 1,532 career winners through Dec. 3. Rodney Prescott is the Hoosier State's all-time leading rider and has been a consistent top 10 rider at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Prescott has 4,112 career wins through Dec. 3. Javier Castellano took home last year's Woolf Award. The post 75th George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award Finalists Named appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Toshi Onikubo believes Hiroyasu Tanaka’s young galloper represents Japan’s top shot at extending its streak of Hong Kong International Races successesView the full article

The NSW government has unveiled a tightly wrapped proposal which could convert a major Sydney racecourse into a new metro station, entertainment precinct and space for up to 25,000 homes, effectively creating a mini city. View the full article

What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King St, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Friday, December 8, 2023 First Race 6pm AEDT Visit Dabble The summer series of racing continues at Canterbury Park on Friday night with a competitive eight-race program set for decision. The rail moves out +4m for the entire circuit, and with sunny skies forecast across the region in the lead-up, the track should be rated a Good 4 for the evening. The opening race is scheduled to get underway at 6pm AEDT. Best Bet: Monte Kate Monte Kate returned to trackwork at Warwick Farm on November 8 for the Robert & Luke Price barn, leading all the way to score by 2.5 lengths. She then went on to salute once again at Kembla Grange on November 27, revelling in her front-running role to win by 1.3 lengths. Adam Hyeronimus takes the reins for her debut, and with similar tactics in mind, Monte Kate will be attempting to make every post a winner. Best Bet Race 3 – #3 Monte Kate (6) 3yo Filly | T: Robert & Luke Price | J: Adam Hyeronimus (58.5kg) +800 with Neds Next Best: Newfoundland Formerly trained in Ireland by Joesph O’Brien, Newfoundland will make his Australian debut for the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott yard. The lightly raced five-year-old only had eight starts prior to his arrival — most recently on on July 1 at Curragh, where the son of Deep Impact failed to stay over 3200m. His two jump-outs suggest Newfoundland will be ready to go first-up, and with the stable happy to kick off the campaign at 1900m, we’re happy to follow him into this BM72 contest. Next Best Race 4 – #3 Newfoundland (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Tim Clark (58kg) +650 with Bet365 Best Value: Captain Furai Captain Furai impressed at the barrier trials after undergoing a gelding operation, cruising through the wire at Randwick on November 28. The three-year-old took a sit in behind the speed, and Kerrin McEvoy asked the question, Captain Furai obliged to secure a runner-up finish. This guy might not be the finished article just yet, but we’re happy to find out as he makes his debut in the opener — and we’re getting great odds with the top racing betting sites. Best Value Race 1 – #2 Captain Furai (8) 3yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Kerrin McEvoy (58.5kg) +1000 with Unibet Canterbury Friday quaddie tips – 8/12/2023 Canterbury quadrella selections Friday, December 8, 2023 2-4-8-9 1-4-7-9-11 2-3-4 1-2-8-10-12 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Legendary Irish trainer is the only handler with runners in all four of Sunday’s Group One events at Sha Tin’s marquee meetingView the full article

What 2023 Northerly Stakes Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, December 9, 2023 Prizemoney $1,500,000 Distance 1800m Conditions Weight For Age 2022 winner Amelia’s Jewel (1) | T: Simon Miller | J: Patrick Carbery (50kg) Visit Dabble The 48th edition of the Group 1 Northerly Stakes will headline a huge nine-race card at Perth’s Ascot Racecourse this Saturday afternoon. Five of the last 10 editions of the Northerly Stakes have been won by three-year-olds, while eight of the last 10 have been won by locally trained runners. With only three interstate horses accepting for the $1.5 million feature, the West Australian domination is likely to continue. Northerly Stakes 2023 odds Zaaki from the Annabel Neasham yard is the clear market elect at +140 with online bookmakers. The only other runner that is marked in single figures is the last-start Railway Stakes runner-up Alsephina (+650). Both the three-year-olds in the field, A Lot Of Good Men (+900) and Zipaway (+1000), are considered good chances, while 2023 Railway Stakes winner Bustler (+1000) sits on the fourth line of betting. Northerly Stakes 2023 speed map Marocchino, Zoumon and Zaaki appear to be the only natural leaders engaged in the Northerly Stakes, and they should be able to settle in the first three. From inside to middle barriers, Alsephina, Bustler, Dom To Shoot and Be Optimistic should be able to find nice spots better than midfield. A Lot Of Good Men, The Velvet Queen, Forgot You and Mojo Rhythm will settle towards the rear of the field before attempting to swoop down the outside late. Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2023 Northerly Stakes. Northerly Stakes 2023 preview & form A Lot Of Good Men comes into the Group 1 Northerly Stakes off the back off a barnstorming finish in the Group 2 WA Guineas, where he was beaten by a long neck on the line. The Trevor Andrews-trained galloper has been crying out for more distance, and after such a strong performance over 1600m last start, he appears ready to step up to 1800m in his fifth run this preparation. The son of A Lot will only have to carry 52kg due to the three-year-old weight allowance, and he has drawn perfectly in barrier eight for Chris Parnham. With a solid tempo expected, this colt should be able to settle just worse than midfield and find the outside on the home turn to let down with his explosive turn of foot. Although he hasn’t won in four starts this preparation, Zaaki brings in the best form with his fourth in the Champions Stakes and sixth in the Cox Plate. The Annabel Neasham-trained runner is short enough at +140, but he has earned that quote in what seems to be a weak Northerly field. The four-time Group 1 winner may well get things run to suit out in front, so we won’t be losing on the race if he wins. The Grant & Alana Williams stable has prepared Alsephina to the minute to tackle both the Group 1 Railway Stakes and Northerly Stakes this campaign. William Pike couldn’t have given her a better steer in the Railway, but the heavily backed favourite ran into a better horse on the day. From barrier six on Saturday, Pike should be able to have this daughter of Star Turn in a perfect stalking position to produce her at the 300m mark and finish strongly once again. Dom To Shoot was the eye-catcher in the concluding stages of the Group 1 Railway Stakes, flashing home from the back of the field to finish third. The Sean & Jake Casey-trained gelding has finished among the placings in both starts this campaign and appears ready to peak. However, Jarrad Noske will have to be at his very best to navigate a clear path from barrier one. Northerly Stakes 2023 selections & best bets Selections: 16 A LOT OF GOOD MEN 1 ZAAKI 11 ALSEPHINA 5 DOM TO SHOOT $100 betting strategy $25 Each-Way A Lot Of Good Men (#16) @ +900 & +210 with Neds $50 win Zaaki (#1) @ +140 with Betfair More horse racing tips View the full article

Te Akau Racing are hoping they can whet their appetite for Group racing at Trentham on Saturday with a couple of entrees at New Plymouth and Riccarton earlier in the week. New Zealand’s leading stable will take three runners to New Plymouth’s Thursday meeting where former top juvenile Fellini and Stella Splendida will be looking to return to winning form in the Bunnings New Plymouth LTD 1200. Fellini, a placegetter in last year’s Karaka Million 2YO (1200m), is fresh-up and readied for his mid-week assignment with three trials, while Stella Splendida is second-up following an unplaced effort over 1000m at Tauherenikau last month. “They are both talented enough on their day and meet a very winnable race, it is down to five runners now,” Bergerson said. “It will be good to see them run well and get a bit of confidence and we can make some more serious plans from there.” More Than Ready filly Mitre Peak is set to make her debut in the Taranaki Associated Cleaners 3YO (1100m) and Bergerson is looking forward to getting a line on the Fortuna Syndicate-raced filly. “She showed us a little bit early on but has just taken a little bit of time, and she will probably benefit from the run,” Bergerson said. “She has drawn a nice enough alley (5). There aren’t very many 1000 or 1100m maidens, so it looks like a nice race to kick her off in. “We can then make a plan following tomorrow’s run.” Looking ahead to Riccarton on Friday, in-form mare Elegant Lady will lead the stable’s southern charge in the Probuild Scaffolding Rating 75 (2100m). The daughter of Highly Recommended strung together three runner-up results before winning over 2000m at Riccarton last month, and Bergerson is hoping for a repeat performance this week. “Elegant Lady looks really well placed,” he said. “She is coming off a last start win and has gone the right way since.” Bergerson is also excited about the prospects of Sorcha in the RJ Begg Oral Surgery Rating 75 (1400m). “I really like Sorcha, she strung together two impressive runs on the synthetic back a couple of months ago, and I thought her run on Cup Day was really good,” he said. “It is a massive drop in class and she is another one Hunter (Durrant, Riccarton stable foreman) is really pleased with.” Te Akau will have five representatives at Riccarton, with leading northern hoop Warren Kennedy engaged to ride four of the quintet. “Warren is riding in fantastic form,” Bergerson said. “He is going to go down to ride the team, which is a massive positive and a massive help. We are forming a really good relationship with him and he has been a massive part of our success, so I am thrilled to have him on.” View the full article

Black-type winning stayer Ess Vee Are will return to New Zealand tracks on Saturday at Pukekohe, with trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley hoping to commence a path towards key Cup races this summer. The son of Shocking featured among the most promising stayers last season when placing behind Aquacade in the Dunstan Feeds Stayers Championship Final (2400m), and was duly rewarded for his consistency when claiming the Listed New Zealand St Leger (2600m) at Trentham in March. Darryn’s son Sam guided Ess Vee Are to his black-type victory and will be back in the saddle when the five-year-old contests the Dunstan Horsefeeds Championship Qualifier (2100m) this weekend. “He’s doing well. He could be a little bit vulnerable not having run for some time and going into a 2100m, but his work has been satisfactory and we’re happy with him,” Darryn Weatherley said. The Weatherleys had sent Ess Vee Are to Australia in search of further spoils this spring, however, the unsuitable tempo saw him unable to show his staying prowess across the Tasman. “I felt in Aussie things just didn’t go his way, he didn’t settle or eat that well,” Weatherley said. “His two runs, although they looked ordinary on paper, when you went through the sectionals he ran pretty good races. The staying races in Australia are run a bit differently to ours, they go quite hard early, pull them up to go slowly in the mid-stages and sprint on the corner. “They cantered around then sprint home in 34 seconds, he can’t possibly run home in 31 from the back and that’s what he’d have to do to beat them. They weren’t terrible runs even though he got no chocolates. “His best runs have been when the speed has been on throughout the race. When he won the St Leger, Sagunto was a strong leader so there was genuine pace. Ess Vee Are just keeps chipping away and gets over the top of them.” Turning their focus to a new preparation, the five-year-old’s performance on Saturday will determine whether they look to the Gr.3 Queen Elizabeth ll Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day and the Gr.3 NZ Campus For Innovation & Sport Wellington Cup (3200m) later in January. “Those are high up in our plans, but obviously he’s got to go well enough on Saturday to warrant those plans continuing,” Weatherley said. Arby, a younger half-brother to stablemate Ess Vee Are, will also resume at Pukekohe in the Stella Artois Championship Qualifier (1400m), after culminating his three-year-old campaign with a midfield finish in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m). Prior to his one-run Australian stint, the son of Proisir had produced an impressive victory under Sam Weatherley in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m), while also weighing in on two other occasions at black-type level at three. “His work has been really good, his trials have been nice and he’ll go a really honest race on Saturday,” Weatherley said. “I’m not saying he can win it, but he’ll go nicely fresh and without earmarking anything in particular, there’s some really nice races over summer for him, if he comes up. “He’s drawn a nice alley (1) so he’ll probably end up midfield or a space or two beyond that. “With both runners we’re hoping the track dries up a bit, it’s a Heavy8 at the moment (Wednesday) and we’re hoping it’ll come back to a Soft6 or better. If Arby is hitting the line strong, we’ll be happy.” View the full article

Te Akau Racing are never short of quality juveniles, and New Zealand’s leading stable is hoping to unearth a few more at Trentham this weekend. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will line-up three fillies in the Gr.2 Mode Technology Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), with the hope of gaining some valuable black-type for their future breeding careers. Australian yearling purchases Captured By Love (Written Tycoon) and Dream Of The Moon (All Too Hard) both take last start victories into the race, with the former installed as a $5 second favourite by TAB bookmakers behind the Andrew Forsman-trained Red Sea (NZ) (Pierata) at $3.50, with Dream Of The Moon sharing the third line of betting at $5. Captured by Love, who was purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for A$525,000 earlier this year, made the perfect start to her racing career when winning on debut over 1000m at Tauherenikau last month. While her trainers believe she will be better with time, they are hoping they can snare some early black-type with her on Saturday. “Captured by Love is a really nice filly we paid plenty of money for and she is developing into a beautiful filly,” Sam Bergerson said. “She was a little bit green in her first start, but we think she has gone the right way, and she is definitely going to improve off that debut win. “Opie (Bosson) rode her on Tuesday and was really stoked.” Dream Of The Moon was purchased at the same sale by Ellis for A$160,000 and has also made a good early impression on her handlers. Entrusted to the care of Hunter Durrant, Te Akau’s Riccarton stable foreman, over the spring, Dream Of The Moon had three starts at the Christchurch track, winning her last outing over 1000m last month. “Dream Of The Moon has been based down in Christchurch and we gave her a quiet break following her impressive last start victory,” Bergerson said. “Hunter has been really happy with how she has been going. She worked well on Tuesday and she is travelling up tomorrow (Thursday). “She seems pretty straight forward, she has got a great brain and is handling it all really well, so we thought why not have a crack at some black-type while she is in good form, and then she will go for a break.” While Dream Of The Moon and Captured by Love are ineligible for the TAB Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie next month, their new stablemate Donna Chiara (NZ) (Belardo) is, and she will be chasing both black-type and a berth in the rich feature this weekend. Purchased by bloodstock agent Bruce Perry out of Little Avondale Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bbloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft for $90,000, Donna Chiara did her early education with Cambridge trainer Sam Logan before transferring to Te Akau’s care. She will race in owner Lib Petagna’s colours on Saturday and Bergerson is looking forward to getting a line on the stable’s new acquisition. “We haven’t had her for long, but she is a lovely filly to deal with,” Bergerson said. “Sam Logan has done a super job with her and she has been really straightforward since she has been in our stable. “She worked with Captured By Love on Tuesday on the course proper at Matamata and her work was really solid. “She has drawn out in a sticky gate (8), but hopefully she can get a nice enough run in transit. “It is a bit of a throw at the stumps, but it is a really good chance to get some valuable black-type early on in her career.” Donna Chiara opened as a $12 winning chance with TAB bookmakers. View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – 1 McPherson St, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Friday, December 8, 2023 First Race 6:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Moonee Valley Racing Club will host another night meeting this Friday night, with eight competitive races set down for decision. Warm and dry weather is forecast for the rest of the week in Melbourne, so the track should firm up to a Good 4 rating by the time racing kicks off at 6:15pm. The rail will be in the +5m position for the entire circuit. Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Setosa At her second career start, the Phillip Stokes-trained Setosa went around at Ballarat on November 6 and broke her maiden in fine style. The three-year-old filly settled behind the speed and let down with a strong finishing burst to bring up a dominant 2.3-length victory. Zac Spain rode her on that day, and with him sticking aboard, expect this daughter of Capitalist to settle in a similar position from barrier five. With even luck, Setosa should be able to replicate that previous win and record back-to-back victories. Best Bet Race 3 – #3 Setosa (5) 3yo Filly | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Zac Spain (57.5kg) Bet with Picklebet Next Best at Moonee Valley: One Last Kiss After being narrowly beaten at Sandown over 2100m on her last start, One Last Kiss from the Dan O’Sullivan stable will drop back slightly in distance to 2040m fourth-up. This four-year-old mare has finished in the top two in all three runs this preparation, including a tight victory over 1600m at Ballarat on November 6. In her latest start, the daughter of Toronado settled behind the speed and let down in the final 200m to drive at Sea Speedwell, just missing in a photo finish. Harry Coffey has ridden this girl in her last three races, and with him sticking again, expect One Last Kiss to go one better. Next Best Race 4 – #5 One Last Kiss (5) 4yo Mare | T: Dan O’Sullivan | J: Harry Coffey (58.5kg) Bet with Dabble Best Value at Moonee Valley: Moon And Back Moon And Back returned from a 22-week spell with a credible third-place finish behind Scuderia and Mamaragan at this track and trip on November 3. Taking a lot of benefit from that tough run, she should be nearing peak fitness for this. From barrier two, John Allen will be able to settle midfield off the fence and get into the three-wide running line from the 400m mark. With even luck and clear galloping room in the straight, Moon And Back will be hitting the line hard. Best Value Race 7 – #4 Moon And Back (2) 5yo Mare | T: Andrew Noblet | J: John Allen (60kg) Bet with Bet365 Friday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley races Moonee Valley quadrella selections Friday, December 8, 2023 3-4-5-10 2-3-7-8 2-4-5-6 1-4-5-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Aidan O’Brien (right) at the LONGINES Hong Kong International Races. Aidan O’Brien is expecting a box-office encounter in Sunday’s (10 December) HK$36 million Group 1 Hong Kong Cup (2000m) as his Group 1 star Luxembourg tackles home-town hero Romantic Warrior. The Irishman was one of those to suffer travel delays but made it in time to see his four Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) challengers set foot on the Sha Tin all-weather course for a routine canter on Wednesday morning. For Luxembourg, who has an Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes on his CV over 2000m and was only beaten by his exalted stablemate Auguste Rodin in the same race in September, it is a first experience outside Europe. “He was second in the Irish Champion Stakes and then he had a foot bruise, this was a race we had our eye on with him,” O’Brien said. “It’s going to be great, hopefully we have him right and well and hopefully we’ll be able to gauge those mile and a quarter races all over the world. We’re looking forward to it.” Asked about taking on the defending champion and recent Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m) hero, O’Brien said: “He’s obviously a very good horse, Romantic Warrior, we totally respect every horse and he is very good. “It’ll be interesting. I think it’ll be a nice race to watch and it’ll be an even-run mile and a quarter I’d imagine. Hopefully he’ll run well.” O’Brien’s other high-profile ambassador is Warm Heart, bidding to provide him with a fourth HK$24 million Group 1 Hong Kong Vase (2400m). The three-year-old filly is an authentic star, narrowly denied a third straight top-level win in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (2000m) and expected to be suited by a step back up in trip. He confirmed that Ryan Moore is intending to make a very light 117lb, having been absent from the track for a couple of weeks after a fall in Japan. “His first rides back after Japan are this evening but he seemed in good form,” O’Brien said. “He always got on very well with her and I think he’s looking forward to it. “She has a nice weight pull, she’s well in and is a very consistent filly. It looks like she’s a little bit better maybe at a mile and a half, Rachel [Richardson] rides her out and she’s very happy with her. She looks very well.” O’Brien also cast his eye over Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) runner Aesop’s Fables and Mile contender Cairo, who are likely to continue to operate in tight formation as a quartet in the rest of their exercise. “They’ll keep doing a little bit more,” O’Brien said. “It’s Wednesday now and we’ll build it up.” More horse racing news View the full article

Ess Vee Are will resume on New Zealand soil at Pukekohe this Saturday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Black-type winning stayer Ess Vee Are will return to New Zealand tracks on Saturday at Pukekohe, with trainers Darryn and Briar Weatherley hoping to commence a path towards key Cup races this summer. The son of Shocking featured among the most promising stayers last season when placing behind Aquacade in the Stayers Championship Final (2400m), and was duly rewarded for his consistency when claiming the Listed New Zealand St Leger (2600m) at Trentham in March. Darryn’s son Sam guided Ess Vee Are to his black-type victory and will be back in the saddle when the five-year-old contests the Dunstan Horsefeeds Championship Qualifier (2100m) this weekend. “He’s doing well. He could be a little bit vulnerable not having run for some time and going into a 2100m, but his work has been satisfactory and we’re happy with him,” Darryn Weatherley said. The Weatherleys had sent Ess Vee Are to Australia in search of further spoils this spring, however, the unsuitable tempo saw him unable to show his staying prowess across the Tasman. “I felt in Aussie things just didn’t go his way, he didn’t settle or eat that well,” Weatherley said. “His two runs, although they looked ordinary on paper, when you went through the sectionals he ran pretty good races. The staying races in Australia are run a bit differently to ours, they go quite hard early, pull them up to go slowly in the mid-stages and sprint on the corner. “They cantered around then sprint home in 34 seconds, he can’t possibly run home in 31 from the back and that’s what he’d have to do to beat them. They weren’t terrible runs even though he got no chocolates. “His best runs have been when the speed has been on throughout the race. When he won the St Leger, Sagunto was a strong leader so there was genuine pace. Ess Vee Are just keeps chipping away and gets over the top of them.” Turning their focus to a new preparation, the five-year-old’s performance on Saturday will determine whether they look to the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth ll Cup (2400m) on New Year’s Day and the Group 3 Wellington Cup (3200m) later in January. “Those are high up in our plans, but obviously he’s got to go well enough on Saturday to warrant those plans continuing,” Weatherley said. Arby, a younger half-brother to stablemate Ess Vee Are, will also resume at Pukekohe in the Stella Artois Championship Qualifier (1400m), after culminating his three-year-old campaign with a midfield finish in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m). Prior to his one-run Australian stint, the son of Proisir had produced an impressive victory under Sam Weatherley in the Group 3 Manawatu Classic (2000m), while also weighing in on two other occasions at black-type level at three. “His work has been really good, his trials have been nice and he’ll go a really honest race on Saturday,” Weatherley said. “I’m not saying he can win it, but he’ll go nicely fresh and without earmarking anything in particular, there’s some really nice races over summer for him, if he comes up. “He’s drawn a nice alley (1) so he’ll probably end up midfield or a space or two beyond that. “With both runners we’re hoping the track dries up a bit, it’s a Heavy8 at the moment (Wednesday) and we’re hoping it’ll come back to a Soft6 or better. If Arby is hitting the line strong, we’ll be happy.” More horse racing news View the full article

Nash Rawiller and Cepheus streak clear to claim the Group 2 Shannon Stakes. (Photo: Racing NSW) The Group 2 Ingham Stakes (1600m) is the headline act this Saturday at Royal Randwick, with a capacity field of 20 set to duke it out over $2 million. Formerly known as the Villiers Stakes, the winner earns ballot exemption from the Group 1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) in the following autumn. The Matthew Dunn-trained Cepheus leads the field as top weight, with the seven-year-old gelding yet to be seen since finishing runner-up in The Big Dance (1600m) at this course on November 7. Nash Rawiller is set to take the reins once again, but he is sure to have his hands full with the son of Sea The Stars drawing barrier 19. Detonator Jack will be searching for back-to-back wins after proving too strong in The Gong (1600m) at Kembla Grange a fortnight ago, while the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace barn will also have Cranbourne Cup winner Charterhouse in the mix. It’s no surprise to see the Chris Waller yard bring a strong contingent of six, with Hinged, Osipenko and Waterford all needing to improve from winless campaigns so far. The John O’Shea-trained pair of Kirwan’s Lane and Lion’s Roar ran into the Ingham quinella last year and will be looking to replicate that feat this weekend. The 2023 Ingham Stakes is the first leg of the Randwick quaddie and is set get underway at 4pm local time. Ingham Stakes 2023 field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Cepheus Matthew Dunn Nash Rawiller 19 60kg 2 Detonator Jack Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jason Collett 15 58kg 3 King Magnus Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Thomas Stockdale 20 58kg 4 Vilana James Cummings Adam Hyernonimus 6 58kg 5 New Mandate Chris Waller TBC 17 57.5kg 6 Osipenko Chris Waller Tim Clark 24 57.5kg 7 No Compromise Chris Waller TBC 21 57kg 8 Rustic Steel Kris Lees Sam Clipperton 1 56.5kg 9 Surf Dancer Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott TBC 23 56.5kg 10 Attractable Sara Ryan Regan Bayliss 3 56kg 11 Kirwan’s Lane John O’Shea Joshua Parr 2 56kg 12 Dark Destroyer John O’Shea TBC 10 55.5kg 13 Hinged Chris Waller Zac Lloyd 7 55kg 14 Charterhouse Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Tyler Schiller 7 55kg 15 Excellent Proposal Michael Freedman TBC 12 55kg 16 Communist Michael Freedman Rachel King 9 54.5kg 17 Phearson Brad Widdup TBC 11 54kg 18 Waterford Chris Waller Tommy Berry 13 54kg 19 Lion’s Roar John O’Shea Tom Sherry 5 53.5kg 20 Age Of Kings Chris Waller Kerrin McEvoy 8 53kg 21 Williamsburg (1E) Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou TBC 4 53kg 22 Military Expert (2E) Annabel Neasham Reece Jones 14 53kg 23 Loch Eagle (3E) Kris Lees Dylan Gibbons 22 53kg 24 Foxy Cleopatra (4E) Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Craig Williams 18 54kg More horse racing news View the full article

Orchestral will contest the Group 3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m) at Pukekohe on Saturday. Photo: Race Images Roger James and Robert Wellwood will have a strong hand to play in Saturday’s age group feature at Pukekohe, with gifted fillies Orchestral and Sudbina to go head-to-head. The Cambridge trainers are well-served in the three-year-old department and had also nominated the unbeaten December for the Group 3 Bonecrusher Stakes (1400m), but he will be saved for another day. Orchestral hasn’t raced since she was unplaced in her resuming run in the Group 3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m) at Hastings, but another break has served the daughter of Savabeel well. “We’re not sure if it was the firm track and the 1200m that tripped her up that day, so we put her out and she’s grown a bit,” Wellwood said. “I still think that with a bit more time she will be even better as she goes further. It will be good to see her over 1400m and she’s had a jump-out in preparation, although she will take good improvement.” The lightly tried Orchestral finished runner-up on debut in the Avondale Classic (1200m) last season behind the highly regarded Just A Floozie, with the subsequent Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Molly Bloom third. She then broke her maiden five weeks later with a tidy display at Hastings. “If she was to run well on Saturday she would probably go to the fillies’ race (Group 2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic, 1600m) on Boxing Day,” Wellwood said. “Hopefully, she could then go to the Karaka Million (1600m), but it’s all step-by-step.” Bred by Barneswood Farm, Orchestral has an impressive pedigree and sold accordingly with James and Wellwood going to $625,000 to secure the Haunui Farm-offered youngster at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale. The filly is out of the O’Reilly mare Symphonic, a multiple winner and stakes performer, from the family of the Group One winners Daffodil, Aegon and Atishu. Almanzor’s daughter Sudbina, co-bred and part-owned by Haunui, was a Taupo winner two runs back before she finished a close sixth in the Group 2 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m). “She looks a talented filly and worked nicely earlier this week and she probably has quite of bit of improvement in her as well,” Wellwood said. “We still need to learn a bit more about her and where we want to be distance wise. She’s a half-sister to Fix so she might not go that much further, we’ll just see what happens and take it from there.” Meanwhile, December won both of his trials before a successful debut at Tauranga last month and three weeks later kept his perfect record intact with an age group success at Wanganui. “We’ll wait with him, he’s had a bit thrown at him and it’s only his first prep,” Wellwood said. “He will run on Boxing Day in the Auckland Guineas (Group 2, 1400m) and he looks a very good horse. He hasn’t put a foot wrong and he’s still got plenty to learn. “It will be good to see him up to 1400m and then we’ll make a decision whether we head to the Levin Classic (Group 1, 1600m) or not.” More horse racing news View the full article

Te Akau Racing co-trainer Sam Bergerson. Photo: Trish Dunell Te Akau Racing are hoping they can whet their appetite for Group racing at Trentham on Saturday with a couple of entrees at New Plymouth and Riccarton earlier in the week. New Zealand’s leading stable will take three runners to New Plymouth’s Thursday meeting where former top juvenile Fellini and Stella Splendida will be looking to return to winning form in the New Plymouth LTD 1200. Fellini, a placegetter in last year’s Karaka Million 2YO (1200m), is fresh-up and readied for his mid-week assignment with three trials, while Stella Splendida is second-up following an unplaced effort over 1000m at Tauherenikau last month. “They are both talented enough on their day and meet a very winnable race, it is down to five runners now,” Bergerson said. “It will be good to see them run well and get a bit of confidence and we can make some more serious plans from there.” More Than Ready filly Mitre Peak is set to make her debut in the Taranaki Associated Cleaners 3YO (1100m) and Bergerson is looking forward to getting a line on the Fortuna Syndicate-raced filly. “She showed us a little bit early on but has just taken a little bit of time, and she will probably benefit from the run,” Bergerson said. “She has drawn a nice enough alley (5). There aren’t very many 1000 or 1100m maidens, so it looks like a nice race to kick her off in. “We can then make a plan following tomorrow’s run.” Looking ahead to Riccarton on Friday, in-form mare Elegant Lady will lead the stable’s southern charge in the Rating 75 (2100m). The daughter of Highly Recommended strung together three runner-up results before winning over 2000m at Riccarton last month, and Bergerson is hoping for a repeat performance this week. “Elegant Lady looks really well placed,” he said. “She is coming off a last start win and has gone the right way since.” Bergerson is also excited about the prospects of Sorcha in the Rating 75 (1400m). “I really like Sorcha, she strung together two impressive runs on the synthetic back a couple of months ago, and I thought her run on Cup Day was really good,” he said. “It is a massive drop in class and she is another one Hunter (Durrant, Riccarton stable foreman) is really pleased with.” Te Akau will have five representatives at Riccarton, with leading northern hoop Warren Kennedy engaged to ride four of the quintet. “Warren is riding in fantastic form,” Bergerson said. “He is going to go down to ride the team, which is a massive positive and a massive help. We are forming a really good relationship with him and he has been a massive part of our success, so I am thrilled to have him on.” More horse racing news View the full article

Captured By Love will contest the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at Trentham on Saturday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Te Akau Racing are never short of quality juveniles, and New Zealand’s leading stable is hoping to unearth a few more at Trentham this weekend. Trainers Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson will line-up three fillies in the Group 2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), with the hope of gaining some valuable black-type for their future breeding careers. Magic Millions yearling purchases Captured By Love and Dream Of The Moon both take last start victories into the race, with the former installed as a $5 second favourite by bookmakers behind the Andrew Forsman-trained Red Sea at $3.50, with Dream Of The Moon sharing the third line of betting at $5. Captured by Love, who was purchased by Te Akau Racing principal David Ellis for A$525,000 earlier this year, made the perfect start to her racing career when winning on debut over 1000m at Tauherenikau last month. While her trainers believe she will be better with time, they are hoping they can snare some early black-type with her on Saturday. “Captured by Love is a really nice filly we paid plenty of money for and she is developing into a beautiful filly,” Sam Bergerson said. “She was a little bit green in her first start, but we think she has gone the right way, and she is definitely going to improve off that debut win. “Opie (Bosson) rode her on Tuesday and was really stoked.” Dream Of The Moon was purchased at the same sale by Ellis for A$160,000 and has also made a good early impression on her handlers. Entrusted to the care of Hunter Durrant, Te Akau’s Riccarton stable foreman, over the spring, Dream Of The Moon had three starts at the Christchurch track, winning her last outing over 1000m last month. “Dream Of The Moon has been based down in Christchurch and we gave her a quiet break following her impressive last start victory,” Bergerson said. “Hunter has been really happy with how she has been going. She worked well on Tuesday and she is travelling up tomorrow (Thursday). “She seems pretty straight forward, she has got a great brain and is handling it all really well, so we thought why not have a crack at some black-type while she is in good form, and then she will go for a break.” While Dream Of The Moon and Captured by Love are ineligible for the Karaka Millions 2YO (1200m) at Ellerslie next month, their new stablemate Donna Chiara is, and she will be chasing both black-type and a berth in the rich feature this weekend. Purchased by bloodstock agent Bruce Perry out of Little Avondale Stud’s 2023 New Zealand Bbloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft for $90,000, Donna Chiara did her early education with Cambridge trainer Sam Logan before transferring to Te Akau’s care. She will race in owner Lib Petagna’s colours on Saturday and Bergerson is looking forward to getting a line on the stable’s new acquisition. “We haven’t had her for long, but she is a lovely filly to deal with,” Bergerson said. “Sam Logan has done a super job with her and she has been really straightforward since she has been in our stable. “She worked with Captured By Love on Tuesday on the course proper at Matamata and her work was really solid. “She has drawn out in a sticky gate (8), but hopefully she can get a nice enough run in transit. “It is a bit of a throw at the stumps, but it is a really good chance to get some valuable black-type early on in her career.” Donna Chiara opened as a $12 chance with bookmakers. More horse racing news View the full article

Three of Post’s seven-strong panel think Kiwi superstar James McDonald will either take out Wednesday night’s competition on his own or tie for firstView the full article

Four-time Group One-winning speedster’s owner, John Fairley, ran British free-to-air television broadcaster’s coverage of his favourite sportView the full article

Race 1 DOUG QUALTROUGH CONTRACTOR MAIDEN 2200 CRYSTAL FALLS (C Barnes) – Marsh Racing Trainer Assistant Mr. R Mildon advised Stewards, the mare was transported to Cambridge Equine Clinic where she required stitches to the right hind leg. R Mildon further advised CRYSTAL FALLS has now been placed on box rest for three months and from there will then be sent for a spell. Race 5 RECREATIONAL SERVICES MAIDEN 1200 GAME DUKE (G Lahoud) – Co-trainer Mr. S Ritchie reported to Stewards, that on Friday 1 December GAME DUKE underwent a veterinary examination which showed no signs of lameness or any other obvious abnormalities. S Ritchie further advised it is the stables intention to continue with the gelding’s current preparation and may also look to nominate GAME DUKE for the Matamata RC meeting on Friday 22 December. Race 6 CAPISTRANO LODGE MAIDEN 1200 I’MUNSTOPPABLE (J Doyle) – Co-trainer Mr. A Scott advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of the filly, and it is their intention to carry on with I’MUNSTOPPABLE’S current preparation, where they may nominate her for the Matamata RC meeting on Friday 22 December. The post Racing Te Aroha, Wednesday, 29 November 2023 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Ted Van Heemst Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, December 23, 2023 Location: Ascot Racecourse – Perth, Western Australia Prize Money: $250,000 Distance: 2100m The Ted Van Heemst Stakes is a Group 2 race that is held at Ascot Racecourse for horses aged three-years-old and older, run under weight-for-age conditions. Since the inaugural running of the Ted Van Heemst Stakes in 1914 (when it was known as the Grandstand Plate), the race has been run over 2400m most years, but was shortened to 2100m from 2008 onwards. The shortening of the Ted Van Heemst Stakes race distance was due to the Perth Cup coming back in distance to 2400m, so the 2100m distance would set up as an ideal lead up race. Five horses have won the Ted Van Heemst Stakes multiple times, with Regal Power (2019 & 2021) recently joining Old Cobber (1997 & 1999), Gay Balkan (1939 & 1940), Maple (1927 & 1928) and Eracre (1925 & 1926). Notable winners of the Ted Van Heemst Stakes include: Marocchino (2022), Regal Power (2019 & 2021), Truly Great (2020), Pounamu (2017), Elite Belle (2014), Ihtsahymn (2013), God Has Spoken (2011), Old Cobber (1997 & 1999), Gay Balkan (1939 & 1940), Hyperion (1935), Maple (1927 & 1928), Eracre (1925 & 1926) and Eurythmic (1920). 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes Betting Odds 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes odds are currently unavailable. Best Ted Van Heemst Stakes bookmakers All of our top horse betting sites have odds for the Ted Van Heemst Stakes. Most of the Perth Summer Carnival races have markets opened well in advance and the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes is no exception. The top online bookmakers in Australia with Ted Van Heemst Stakes betting can be accessed via several different means, including via horse betting apps, telephone betting and via their websites. It is a straight-forward process signing up and betting at Ted Van Heemst Stakes bookmakers, with things like Visa, Mastercard, Paypal and Apple Pay the most popular way people fund their bookie accounts. The only real caveat is that you will have to prove your identity, before you have full access to your account. Latest Ted Van Heemst Stakes News Ironclad to live up to name for Clarken in Van Heemst Stakes Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 12 months ago Despite being happy with Ironclad’s consistent preparation so far, South Australian trainer Will Clarken just wants a win. And he … Read More Ted Van Heemst Stakes 2023 Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes field is released. Previous Ted Van Heemst Stakes Field 2022 Ted Van Heemst Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Trap For Fools Grant & Alana Williams Joseph Azzopardi 6 59kg 2 Platoon Neville Parnham Steven Parnham 7 59kg 3 Marocchino Lou Luciani Troy Turner 8 59kg 4 Ironclad Will Clarken Brad Rawiller 2 59kg 5 Dom To Shoot Sean & Jake Casey William Pike 11 59kg 6 Bad Wolf Ashley Maley Shaun McGruddy 1 59kg 7 God Has Chosen Donna Riordan Clint Johnston-Porter 5 59kg 8 Notorious One Chris & Michael Gangemi Laqdar Ramoly 12 59kg 9 Brother Paddy Coreen Maynard Shaun O’Donnell 9 57kg 10 Steinem Ciaron Maher & David Eustace John Allen 3 57kg 11 Chilli Is Hot Graeme Ballantyne Jason Whiting 4 57kg 12 Jadavi Ian Shield Beaux Banovic-Edwards 10 57kg 2022 Ted Van Heemst Stakes result 1st – Marocchino (+550) 2nd – Steinem (-333.33) 3rd – Ironclad (-200) Recent Ted Van Heemst Stakes results 2022: Marocchino leads all the way Marocchino (+550) from the Lou Luciani stable has led every step of the way in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes, picking himself up off the canvas to claim his maiden Group 2 success. After jumping well, Troy Turner pushed forward and found the front ahead of Trap For Fools (+3000), Ironclad (+290) and Steinem (+120). With very little change throughout the 2100m contest, Marocchino got away with some cheap sectionals mid-race, which forced John Allen on Steinem to make a move at the 600m mark. As the field rounded the home turn, Allen and Turner went for their mounts and even though Steinem headed the leader, Marocchino kicked back to score by a long-neck. 2021: Regal Power justifies very short quote Regal Power capped his comeback campaign in style with an effortless victory in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes. Fresh from his win in the Group 1 Kingston Town Classic, Regal Power justified the long odds-on quote of -500 to claim his second Ted Van Heemst. Jockey Patrick Carbery made a sweeping move out wide from near last to hit the lead early in the straight and Regal Power shot clear to score by 1.75 lengths. Platoon (+1800) ran on strongly for second ahead of Cockney Crew (+1900), who held on for third. 2020: Truly Great wins effortlessly in Ted Van Heemst Stakes The Grant & Alana Williams-trained star Truly Great has more than justified his -222.22 quote, after destroying his rivals in the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes. The son of Dundeel made it six wins from his last seven starts with the easy victory, as he defeated Trap For Fools (+270) by 1.75 lengths with Platoon (+1100) a further half-length back in third. William Pike settled the five-year-old gelding in the middle of the pack, before peeling out wide to make his run at the top of the home straight. Once Pike pushed the button, Truly Great took over at 150m mark and careered away to win in dominant style. 2019: Regal Power claims Ted Van Heemst Stakes in fine style Regal Power continued his Perth Summer Carnival dominance by claiming the Group 2 Ted Van Heemst Stakes to go along with his Group 1 Railway Stakes victories two starts prior. The son of Pierro was sent around at -153.85, and for his followers, there was never a worry, as William Pike settled the favourite on the outside of runners and had a clear running the entire trip. As Spiritual Warrior (+4000) and Gatting (+320) started to struggle at the front, Pike released the brakes slightly and Regal Power ran straight past them at the 300m mark and was eased down with 100m to go, recording an effortless 2.3-length victory. Ted Van Heemst Stakes winners Ted Van Heemst Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2022 Marocchino Troy Turner Lou Luciani 2021 Regal Power Patrick Carbery Grant & Alana Williams 2020 Truly Great William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2019 Regal Power William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2018 Galaxy Star William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2017 Pounamu Patrick Carbery Alan Mathews 2016 Perfect Reflection William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2015 Delicacy William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2014 Elite Belle William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2013 Ihtsahymn Steven Parnham Fred Kersley 2012 Mr Moet Daniel Staeck Adam Durrant 2011 God Has Spoken Steven Parnham Neville Parnham 2010 Colour Correct Paul Harvey Ross & Clint Price 2009 Lords Ransom Jason Whiting Peter Morgan 2008 Gilded Venom Patrick Carbery Steve Wallace 2007 Cats Fun Damien Oliver Michael Grant 2006 Daka’s Gem/Scenic Shot Patrick Carbery/Damien Oliver Alan Mathews/Daniel Morton 2005 Early Express Jason Whiting Peter Giadresco 2004 Free At Last Troy Turner Alan Mathews 2003 Celtus Peter Knuckey Lindsey Smith 2002 Bold Mirage Troy Turner Alan Mathews 2001 Never Blue Paul Harvey Ross Price 2000 Old Money Alana Williams Lindsey Smith Ted Van Heemst Stakes winners pre-2000 Ted Van Heemst Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Old Cobber 1998 Jack Daniels 1997 Old Cobber 1996 Beau Heed 1995 Dark Ksar 1994 Sugar Raegala 1993 Palatious 1992 Mr Raku 1991 Mirror Magic 1990 Ideal Centreman 1989 Tawrrific 1988 Saratov 1987 Arcolad 1986 Haulpak’s Image 1985 Amber’s Double 1984 Phizam 1983 Haulpak’s Image 1982 Nicholas John 1981 Brechin Castle 1980 Yashmak 1979 Regimental Honour 1978 Meliador 1977 Farranfore 1976 Tropical Chief 1975 Tropical Chief 1974 Battle Heights 1973 Fade 1972 Piping Lane 1971 Aubella 1970 Nauprius 1969 Jolly Aster 1968 Special Reward 1967 Hilney 1966 Royal Coral 1965 Royal Coral 1964 Rack And Ruin 1963 Cygnet Star 1962 Bay Count 1961 Little Empire 1960 England’s Dust 1959 Sparkling Blue 1958 Zaicia 1957 Tribal Ring 1956 Vestment 1955 Melton Prince 1954 Coronate 1953 Moderniste 1952 Myolian 1951 Kingsman 1950 Dhostar 1949 Lady Lucia 1948 San Sanatra 1947 Kalamunda 1946 Lord Treat 1945 Smithie 1944 Race Not Held 1943 Race Not Held 1942 Race Not Held 1941 Gay Prince 1940 Gay Balkan 1939 Gay Balkan 1938 Maikai 1937 Battery Gold 1936 Yaringa 1935 Hyperion 1934 D’Artagnan 1933 Gloaman 1932 Taisho 1931 The Dimmer 1930 Runabout 1929 Hint 1928 Maple 1927 Maple 1926 Eracre 1925 Eracre 1924 Lilypond 1923 Jolly Cosy 1922 Brilliant Sunshine 1921 Bobaris 1920 Eurythmic 1919 New Tipperary 1918 Bardeur 1917 Mistico 1916 High Rock 1915 Corstep 1914 Radnor View the full article

Zaaki will start as the clear favourite in Saturday’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes at Ascot. The final Group 1 of the calendar year will be run and won at Ascot Racecourse this Saturday afternoon, with a full field of 16 runners set to do battle over 1800m in the Northerly Stakes. The Annabel Neasham-trained Zaaki headlines the field as a clear +140 favourite with online bookmakers in the $1.5 million race. Having failed to record a win during the spring on the eastern seaboard, the son of Leroidesanimaux will looking for another Group 1 success in a relatively weak edition of the Northerly Stakes. After finishing second in the Group 1 Railway Stakes last start, Alsephina (+650) from the Grant & Alana Williams stable is the only other runner in single figures with the top betting sites. The daughter of Star Turn has drawn well in barrier six and will retain the services of Western Australia’s top hoop, William Pike. Bustler (+1000) was an impressive winner in the Railway Stakes, defeating Alsephina by a length, and will be looking to improve on his fifth-place finish in this race last year. Five of the last 10 editions of the Northerly have been won by three-year-olds, and the top two from the Group 2 WA Guineas, Zipaway (+1100) and A Lot Of Good Men (+1000), will be out to improve that record. Zoumon (+1400) and Forgot You (+2000) have also made the trek across the Nullarbor in search of a maiden Group 1 win. Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott have engaged the retiring Damien Oliver to ride Zoumon, meaning the last Group 1 ride of his decorated career will be aboard the five-year-old gelding. Northerly Stakes 2023 field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Zaaki Annabel Neasham James McDonald 10 59kg 2 Trix Of The Trade Colin Webster Troy Turner 7 59kg 3 Zoumon Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Damien Oliver 15 59kg 4 Marocchino Lou Luciani Jason Whiting 3 59kg 5 Dom To Shoot Sean & Jake Casey Jarrad Noske 1 59kg 6 Forgot You Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Paul Harvey 13 59kg 7 Casino Seventeen Grant & Alana Williams Shaun McGruddy 16 59kg 8 Mojo Rhythm Mitchell Pateman Holly Watson 4 59kg 9 River Rubicon Steve Wolfe Alan Kennedy 9 59kg 10 Bustler Neville Parnham Brad Parnham 5 58.5kg 11 Alsephina Grant & Alana Williams William Pike 6 57kg 12 Searchin’ Roc’s Jim Taylor Jason Brown 12 57kg 13 The Velvet Queen Darren McAuliffe Patrick Carbery 11 57kg 14 Be Optimistic Luke Fernie Clint Johnston-Porter 2 57kg 15 Zipaway Neville Parnham Steven Parnham 14 52kg 16 A Lot Of Good Men Trevor Andrews Chris Parnham 8 52kg More horse racing news View the full article

A panel about racetrack closures in the prime afternoon time slot on the first day of Tuesday's Global Symposium on Racing hosted by the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program (RTIP) in Tucson had the potential to be a somber and eulogistic affair, but it did yield some interesting back-and-forth when the discussion turned to how the industry might best stem the tide of Thoroughbred venues going dark for good. The topic “Land For Sale. How Will Race Track Closures Impact the Industry's Long-Term Sustainability?” elicited some of the commonly debated plights facing the industry, such as the decline of the foal crop, the fierce competition for the thinning horse (and horse owner) population, how to shore up field sizes, and the emergence of so-called “super” trainers and multiple-owner partnerships. The panelists largely agreed those practices are consolidating the remaining equine assets into the hands of too few entities, but each speaker had a slightly different take on how to best deal with those woes. Bill Nader, the president and chief executive officer of the Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC), didn't shy from rhetorically asking what he termed as “the hard question” about racing in the state that he represents. California is facing outsized upheaval because of the planned 2024 closure of Golden Gate Fields, right on the heels of a 10-year span that also saw top in-state tracks Hollywood Park and Bay Meadows slide off the Thoroughbred grid. “What's the best path forward, and can California support two circuits?” Nader postulated before following up with the TOC's perspective. “We know we have the [Northern] fairs, that's a given,” Nader said. “And we have Southern California. But can we support two circuits, knowing what we know?” in terms of the above-referenced downward trends. Nader continued: “One avenue would be to look at something new [as a flagship track] in the north. [Plus] there is no alternative [revenue stream from gaming to fund purses], which makes it really hard, because we're doing it the old-fashioned way, pari-mutuel wagering only, sort of one arm tied behind your back… “If there's something in the north that we think is viable and can really form a good business case, that would be option one. If not, then we have to redirect to suitable opportunities in the south, and make use of our assets at our racetracks at not only Del Mar and Santa Anita, but also Los Alamitos. “If the foal crop can rebound, and we can get some positive momentum, maybe we can stay a little bit close to even” in terms of nationwide track closures, Nader said. “It's really important that California stay strong, that we keep supporting [it],” Nader said. “Our owners are big players at the Keeneland sale and many of the major yearling sales. [So] in terms of understanding the worth and the value of what everybody brings, less racing may not be the worst thing if we can improve the product and make it better for the people who bet on the races, because that triggers the handle, and that drives the engine.” Nader explained that for Californians, it can be difficult to see other iconic, nationally important tracks, like Belmont Park and Keeneland, planning substantial long-term facility upgrades while grand places like Santa Anita and Del Mar are more focused on the year-to-year survival of their underlying state circuit. “That's great that they're leveraging that [financial] advantage to make their venues better, no problem with that,” Nader said. “But I want everybody to be reminded how important California is. California doesn't have those [secondary revenue] advantages…. In terms of expectation management, we're okay, but we still want to escalate to the next level…. I think for the rest of the country, everybody should recognize [how] important California is to the rest of the country: Racing, breeding, history, tradition.” Smaller tracks weren't left out of the discussion. Phil Ziegler, the president of Emerald Downs in Washington, made the observation that all too often the big-name track closures get the headlines, while it is often the disappearance of the smaller venues, like county fair race meets, that quietly erode the sport from the bottom up. Chris McErlean, the vice president of racing for Penn Entertainment, Inc., whose Thoroughbred track holdings include Penn National in Pennsylvania, spoke candidly about how well-intended racing executives in Penn's home region of the mid-Atlantic unintentionally contribute to the very problems they're trying to fix. This includes, McErlean said, giving big-outfit trainers “unlimited” stall allotments or writing so many conditions that races either become hard to fill or go with too few entries to be appealing to bettors. “We do that out of convenience, [and] that's kind of self-perpetuating. That's kind of what works, but it's probably not the right thing to do,” McErlean said. McErlean talked about how difficult it can be for a racing executive to deny alleged “super” trainers stall space and dominance across race conditions knowing that if they clamp down, that trainer will just move on to the next track down the road that will be more accommodating. “I think we've hurt ourselves that way, and it just becomes more difficult to bring that genie back into the bottle once you let it go,” McErlean said. “I've been involved in the mid-Atlantic for maybe 25, 30 years,” McErlean continued. “Tracks always work together very well there. But every year the discussion is, 'Let's coordinate race dates' or 'We need to coordinate race dates, it makes sense.' And it never happens. So, yeah, we're our own worst enemies. “But at the end of the day, we run our individual businesses. We're not a league,” McErlean said. “We compete against each other [and] it's difficult to do those changes [because] we can step out and make the right choices, and then everybody else keeps doing what they're doing, and then we end up being the net loser. People want to cooperate. It's just very difficult to be able to actually pull the trigger…. In theory it sounds good. In practice, it's just much more difficult to execute.” Craig Fravel, the executive vice chairman of 1/ST Racing and Gaming, whose portfolio of tracks includes Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, and the to-be-closed Golden Gate, underscored a focus-on-owners mantra. “We do have to make sure that owners are sustained in a more profound manner, that they're engaged, and that they have, you know, a fighting chance to make some money,” Fravel said. “It's a game of hope. We don't want to fool them into thinking that this is a [can't-miss] investment in Microsoft in 1978. But we do want to give them hope, and we want to make sure they're well-treated… “If we're going to try to change things, we're going to have to try things,” Fravel said. “We're going to have to do things that are new and different and sometimes make us uncomfortable.” The post U of A Symposium: Trying to Find a Way Forward Amid Track Closures appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article