Wandering Eyes

The Arizona Racing Commission, during the Dec. 5 session, approved by a unanimous 4-0 vote a conditional opening of Turf Paradise's request for a race meet in 2024.View the full article

Turf Paradise received unanimous but conditional approval from the Arizona Racing Commission (AZRC) on Tuesday to conduct a Jan. 29-May 4 race meet. The upcoming season, however, won't be run under the auspices of the new ownership group that has been reportedly trying to buy the Phoenix track for the last two months. Instead, Turf Paradise's current owner, Jerry Simms, will still be at the helm. Simms and Arizona horsemen have had an acrimonious business relationship for the better part of two decades. But Simms vowed during the Dec. 5 “emergency” AZRC meeting that he will be sticking around for at least the next five months because his deal to sell the track to an entity known as Turf Paradise Land Trust has hit unspecified snags. The conditions attached to the licensure by the AZRC have to do with Turf Paradise either complying with or getting the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) Authority to waive its requirement that stipulates a 90-day advance notice from any track before the start of racing. In addition, the Authority still has to accredit Turf Paradise in terms of safety standards. Rudy Casillas, the deputy director of the AZRC's racing division, said that although Simms is still free to try to close on the sale of the track (which has been under consideration by at least two different buyers this year), he explained that it would be “highly unlikely” that the commission would be able to finalize its vetting process of a new licensee before the planned end of the race meet. “We have not received all of the required information from the potential new buyer as of yet, so I don't believe that there's going to be that type of [due diligence] complication impacting live race meet going forward,” Casillas said. As for the HISA hurdles, Casillas added, “I cannot speak for HISA. I can't predict what they'll do, if they waive the 90 days. We're hoping that they will…. If they don't waive the 90-day advance notice, then obviously the race meet will have to start at a later time, beyond Jan. 29.” But Casillas did add that AZRC representatives are speaking with HISA Authority executives who are in the state this week for the Global Symposium on Racing hosted by the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program in Tucson. Casillas said that in those conversations, “HISA has indicated that they will definitely try to work with the [AZRC] and move this forward.” Unlike at recent AZRC meetings where their representatives spoke at length about the confusion and chaos of trying to get the sport back on track in Arizona, no one from the Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (AZHBPA) testified during Tuesday's meeting. Simms, however, gave his side of the story, portraying himself as a savior, of sorts. “I decided to run this meet because it was just too much impact on the stakeholders, too many people's lives being disrupted,” Simms said. “And I was hoping that my deal would have moved ahead, but it's not gone ahead. So I put my retirement on the back burner and decided to do it… “We're complying with HISA. We hope to have HISA out this week [and] hopefully they won't hold us to that 90-day period of time,” Simms said. “HISA has their own criteria. And so hopefully they'll give us their approval. I [don't have] any control over that. But I will tell you, with absolute certainty, if this meet is approved and we run the meet, it will finish. Even if the track is sold, whoever buys it will have to finish it or I will finish it.” Back on Nov. 9, Simms told the AZRC that the ownership group that wants to buy the currently closed Turf Paradise was at the escrow stage of closing on the sale. Turf Paradise ended its racing season back in May with a different buyer doing due diligence to purchase the property. Then on Aug. 1, Simms announced Turf Paradise wouldn't be opening in November as scheduled for its traditional six-month meet. On Sept. 18, the months-long purported sale with the first buyer was publicly declared dead. Then 10 days later, Simms announced a new buyer had suddenly emerged with a desire to purchase the 213-acre property and save racing at the 67-year-old track. In recent years, disagreements between the Arizona racing community and Simms have roiled in the courts and at racing commission meetings. An extraordinarily long pandemic closure and prolonged fights over off-track betting privileges, simulcast signals, and how the horsemen's purse money can be used have all been topics of heated debate. Turf Paradise has also been plagued by safety issues in recent seasons, and as recently as the Oct. 12 commission meeting, Simms and AZHBPA officers sparred over whether or not extensive repairs were needed for the main track rail. But reports made at a subsequent commission meeting Nov. 9 did note progress to the facility's upkeep, such as the turf course well pump being fixed and the grass getting much-needed watering, seeding and fertilizations. A release posted on social media by Turf Paradise after the commission's vote noted that the track and AZHBPA have signed a contract that calls for Monday-Thursday racing. Horses will be allowed into the stables Dec. 18, with training to start Dec. 26. The post Turf Paradise Approved to Run ’24 Meet, Pending Sign-off by HISA Authority appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Roger James and Robert Wellwood will have a strong hand to play in Saturday’s age group feature at Pukekohe, with gifted fillies Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel) and Sudbina (NZ) (Almanzor) to go head-to-head. The Cambridge trainers are well-served in the three-year-old department and had also nominated the unbeaten December (NZ) (Shamexpress) for the Gr.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 Gr.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 (NZ) (I Am Invincible), with the subsequent Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) winner Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) third. She then broke her maiden five weeks later with a tidy display at Hastings. “If she were to run well on Saturday she would probably go to the fillies’ race (Gr.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 (NZ), a multiple winner and stakes performer, from the family of the Group One winners Daffodil (NZ) (No Excuse Needed), Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) and Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel). 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 Gr.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 (Gr.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 (Gr.1, 1600m) or not.” View the full article

Awapuni trainer Lisa Latta is hopeful she can claim the lion’s share of the $400,000 purse in Saturday’s Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m) with her triumvirate of runners. Dual Group Three winner (Belardo) has drawn the widest (12) of the three in the Trentham feature and Latta is hoping for some rain ahead of the weekend to aid his chances. “We are looking for the fire out of the ground on Saturday,” Latta told TAB NZ. “He has been up a fair while, but his run at Wanganui (over 1340m last start) was a really pleasing run (for second). He did get a slow track that day and I don’t know if we are going to get quite the same on Saturday. “He does go well if you can switch him off in behind.” Stablemate Platinum Invador (NZ) (Redwood) heads into the weekend in a fresh state, having last run in the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2050m) at Pukekohe on Melbourne Cup Day. The son of Redwood was runner-up in the Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m) at Hastings two starts back and Latta is hoping he can return to similar form from barrier seven. “I couldn’t be happier with him,” she said. “He had two weeks in the paddock after going north. He seems to go a bit better on the fresher side. The mile may be a touch short of his best, but he does go well after a freshen-up.” The winner of this year’s Gr.2 Auckland Cup (3200m), Platinum Invador will be aimed at the two-mile feature once more following Saturday’s assignment. “We are just keeping him to the weight-for-ages at the moment and we will put a nomination in for the Auckland Cup. Just because of the weights, we don’t want to give him too many runs at that top weight,” Latta said. Her’s A Doozy (NZ) (Zacinto) will round out Latta’s representation in the TAB Classic and will jump from gate five. The son of Zacinto has struggled to find form this preparation, finishing ninth in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and 11th in the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m), before failing to defend his crown in the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton last month. While disappointed with his ninth placed result, Latta said it did not reflect his performance. “I think his run was a bit better than it first looked. He ran the second fastest last 600m, there was a bit of on-speed bias that day,” she said. Her’s A Doozy tasted Group One success over 1600m at Trentham earlier this year in the Thorndon Mile, and Latta is expecting a bold showing from the gelding on his favoured track, having also had success in the Gr.3 Thompson Handicap (1600m) at the Upper Hutt venue. View the full article

Online bookmakers have released their racing promotions for Wednesday, December 6, including several great bonus back offers. The top Australian racing promotions for December 6, 2023, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Bonus Back for 2nd & 3rd at Warwick Farm Races 1-4 Back a runner in races 1-4 at Warwick Farm this Wednesday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. Fixed Win bets only. This offer applies to the first bet in the race only. Neds T&C’s apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Double Winnings at Sandown Races 5-8 Double Winnings Paid in Bonus Cash. First Fixed Win Bet Only. Max Bonus $50 First Bet Only. T&Cs apply Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Bonus Back for 2nd & 3rd at Sandown Races 1-4 Get your stake back in bonus bets. Eligible Clients only. General PlayUp T&C’s apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Bonus Back for 2nd & 3rd at Sandown & Warwick Farm Races 1-3 Back any runner in races 1-3 at Sandown & Warwick Farm. If your selected runners finishes 2nd or 3rd receive a bonus bet up to the value of your stake. Check Vault for eligibility. Fixed odds win bets only. Limits may apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Sandown Wednesday – Switch Make the Switch at Sandown races 1-4 this Wednesday. Switch lets you choose between Bonus Back for 2nd & 3rd OR Double your Winnings in Bonus Cash if your runner finishes 1st. Fixed Win bets only. Max $50 Bonus Cash. Ladbrokes T&C’s apply. Login to Ladbrokes to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting has reviewed the top horse racing bookmakers in Australia and has unveiled exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions and specials for Wednesday, December 6, 2023. These horse racing promotions persist almost daily, showcasing the commitment of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. If one bookmaker lacks a promotion, rest assured that another is presenting enticing promotional offers in the realm of gallops. HorseBetting.com.au is your go-to source for the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses every day. Gain the most value out of your punting endeavours with bookie bonuses with the most competitive horse racing odds available for each race. It’s imperative to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers cater exclusively to existing customers. Accessing these special promotions and claiming the bookmaker’s offers requires logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to leverage their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting offers a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Stay informed, stay strategic, and make the most of your horse racing experience with these exclusive promotions. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Horse Racing on Wednesday, December 6 will feature six meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Sandown, Warwick Farm and Happy Valley. Wednesday Racing Tips – December 6, 2023 Sandown Racing Tips Warwick Farm Racing Tips Happy Valley Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For December 6, 2023 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $31.98 odds return: Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Warwick Farm – Race 1 #2 Auspicious Cloud Warwick Farm – Race 5 #1 King Of Naples Sandown – Race 4 #5 Plenty Of Ammo Sandown – Race 7 #16 Who Dares | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 6, 2023 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

The Secretariat calendar series, now in its seventh year, will honor Secretariat's daughter Secrettame for the 2024 edition. The series started in 2018 with the Living Legends theme honoring the last living Secretariat sons and daughters, then transitioned to descendants of Secretariat's important broodmares in 2022. Proceeds from the 2024 calendar will benefit The Secretariat Center and Old Friends. The series has already raised more than $33,000 for equine charities through six editions. This will be the first one with The Secretariat Center as the primary beneficiary. “I've always wanted to work with The Secretariat Center, the only aftercare organization carrying the Triple Crown winner's name,” said writer and photographer Patricia McQueen. “With this calendar series likely winding down soon, it was important to make the change now. I'm thrilled that the previous calendars raised considerable funds for Bright Futures Farm, Old Friends, LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society, and Victory Alliance Ranch, all very worthy organizations.” McQueen published a book, Secretariat's Legacy, earlier this year. “The Secretariat Center believes all horses deserve care, kindness and a purpose beyond the racetrack, and the Secretariat's Legacy calendar is such a fun way to remember all that Secretariat has done, and continues to do, for the racing industry,” added Shelley Mann, Executive Director of The Secretariat Center. “We look forward to celebrating his legacy with his fans, both old and new. Thank you to Patricia for generously supporting horses, as they transition into loving homes, through proceeds from her beautiful calendars.” Secrettame, born in 1978, was a stakes winner at five after placing in the G2 Gazelle H. at three. Her first foal was the Mr. Prospector son Gone West, a Grade I winner and influential sire whose sire sons included Elusive Quality and Speightstown. Both of those also have a number of important sire sons standing currently, while Secrettame also produced MGSW and MGISP Lion Cavern, a full-brother to Gone West. As with previous calendars, the Tony Leonard Collection continues to support the series with a photo of Secretariat and Ron Turcotte taken after the Kentucky Derby. Turcotte also has autographed a limited number of calendars. The new calendars are available for $22 each, plus shipping, at SecretariatCalendar.com. The post Secretariat’s Legacy 2024 Calendar Honors Secrettame appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This event has become the highlight of Louisiana-bred racing as the best runners in the state compete for nearly $1 million in purse money.View the full article

He's 61, hasn't ridden since 2016 and recently had a knee replaced. For most, this would be the time to enjoy retirement and look back on a career that carried him to the heights of his profession. But Pat Valenzuela doesn't see it that way. He's been working horses at Del Mar and Santa Anita, says he feels good and is seriously contemplating making a comeback. “I'm a little heavy now, so I don't know if I'll be able to do the weight,” he said. “But I'm sure going to try. I'll ride somewhere, whether it's in New Mexico, Louisiana, wherever. I'll give it my best shot.” Valenzuela last rode on Dec. 8, 2016 at Fair Grounds. He then tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and after surgery he still didn't feel right. “The surgery came out ok, but there was still a lot of pain and it kept bothering me over the last four, five years,” he said. He would try to get back on horses but the pain kept resurfacing. “Last year, I was getting on horses for Neil Drysdale and I couldn't take the pain anymore. I couldn't tolerate it,” he said. Knowing that he had to try something different to combat the pain, he decided to have his knee replaced, which took place in May. He returned to the track after the operation and worked as a hotwalker for trainer Antonio Saavedra. Each day, his knee started to feel a little better. “It feels really good. I can't believe how good it feels,” he said. “There's no pain. Before it was painful to get on any horses. It's not like I have a brand-new knee, but it's a lot better than it was.” He took the next step and started galloping horses at Santa Anita and Del Mar. In addition to Saavedra, he said he has been working horses for several trainers, including Peter Eurton and Peter Miller. “I'm getting a good response,” Valenzuela said. “I'm just grateful to be able to get on any horses. Most everybody has been encouraging. I'm not hearing anything negative from anybody. I'm just trying to keep it simple and moving forward. As far as the physical fitness part of it, I think it'll will take me another month to 45 days to get ready. The weight is the most important thing. When you get older it's harder to lose weight. I weigh 128 now. I am working hard and eating light meals. Usually one meal a day. Just trying to stay away from fats and saturated fats.” Valenzuela, whose career was repeatedly interrupted by substance abuse issues, said those problems are a thing of the past and have had nothing to do with his prolonged absence from the track. Should he make it back, he'll have to answer a lot of questions, namely can a 61-year-old who hasn't ridden in more than seven years overcome all those obstacles and be successful? “We'll have to see,” he said. “I will give it my best shot. I feel really good. I feel like I'm in a La-Z-Boy with a remote control when I'm on a horse. I feel like I'm at home. Who knows? I might be better. Gary Stevens came back after having a knee replacement and look how good he did. I don't think the age will matter that much. I think it will be more about physical fitness and the horses I get to ride.” While eager to ride again, Valenzuela is not taking anything for granted. Considering his age, his lengthy absence and his checkered past, he understands that some racing commissions may have reservations about re-licensing him. He said his preference is to ride in California, but if that opportunity isn't available to him he will look elsewhere. “I've ridden all over the country but I'd love to start back in my home state in California,” he said. “That would be the ultimate. But if I can't ride in California I'll ride anywhere I can. Maybe Louisiana or New Mexico. I know I can still get a horse to the wire.” The post P. Val Eyeing Comeback appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A weanling colt by Ghostzapper (hip 29) brought the top price of the Fasig-Tipton December Mixed Sale Tuesday in Timonium when selling for $82,000 to Machmer Hall. The bay colt, bred in Maryland by Owen Kiernan and consigned by Northview Stallion Station, is the first foal out of the unraced Dance All Day (Exaggerator). The mare is a half-sister to 2021 Queen's Plate winner Safe Conduct (Bodemeister) and to stakes winner Dancing Duchess (Munnings). She RNA'd for $21,000 with this foal in utero at the 2023 Keeneland January sale. The weanling's third dam, Sararegal (Regal Classic), is the dam of Canadian champion Fatal Bullet. During the one-session auction, 148 horses sold for $1,518,100. The average was $10,257 and the median was $5,000. With 39 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 20.9%. A year ago, 172 horses grossed $3,233,600 for an average of $18,800 and a median of $10,000. The buy-back rate was 24.6%. The post Ghostzapper Weanling Tops Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Wednesday's Observations features Kalidasa, a 2.8 million gns Tattersalls October purchase. 18.00 Kempton, £6,800, Nov, 2yo, 8f (AWT) Charlie Appleby representative KALIDASA (GB) (Frankel {GB}) hit the heights at last year's Tattersalls October Book 1 fixture when knocked down to Godolphin for 2.8-million guineas. The March-foaled bay is out of dual stakes-winning G1 Prix de l'Opera third So Mi Dar (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), herself a full-sister to MG1SW sire Too Darn Hot (GB) and multiple Group 1-placed distaffer Lah Ti Dar (GB). His 10 rivals include Lordship Stud's John and Thady Gosden trainee Fighter Command (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who is out of a stakes-winning full-sister to G1 Derby hero Serpentine (Ire). 17.30 Kempton, £6,800, Nov, 2yo, 8f (AWT) Godolphin newcomer EL CORDOBES (IRE) (Frankel {GB}), who fetched a whopping 2-million guineas at last year's Tattersalls October Book 1 sale, is out of a half-sister to G1 Haydock Sprint Cup heroine Tante Rose (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}). Opposition to the Charlie Appleby-conditioned debutant includes Marc Chan's Sardinian Warrior (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), who is a son of G1 Phoenix S. and G1 Matron S. heroine La Collina (Ire) (Strategic Prince {GB}), from the John and Thady Gosden stable. 13.00 Lingfield, £6,600, Nov, 2yo, f, 8f 1y (AWT) George Strawbridge's homebred FRIENDLY SOUL (GB) (Kingman {GB}), a John and Thady Gosden trainee, is kin to six black-type perfomers headed by elite-level winners We Are (Ire) (Dansili {GB}), With You (GB) (Dansili {GB}) and Call The Wind (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Opponents include her once-raced stablemate Twin Peaks (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who is a full-sister to G1 Oaks and G1 Prix de Royallieu heroine Anapurna (GB). 12.30 Lingfield, £6,600, Nov, 2yo, f, 8f 1y (AWT) Qatar Racing's hitherto unraced KALEIDOSCOPE (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is a half-sister to G3 Athasi S. winner Lightening Quick (GB) (Frankel {GB}) out of G1 Cheveley Park S. victrix Lightening Pearl (Ire) (Marju {Ire}). The John and Thady Gosden representative encounters nine contenders in this unveiling. HOW THEY FARED 18.30 Wolverhampton, £9,950, Mdn, 2yo, 7f 36y (AWT) Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum's Robeena (GB) (Calyx {GB}), a Roger Varian-trained half-sister to last year's GI Belmont Oaks Invitational heroine McKulick (GB) (Frankel {GB}), ran on well from off the pace to finish 5 3/4 lengths behind the winner in third. The post 2.8-Million Guineas Book 1 Sensation Set For Kempton Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brian Sheerin and Emma Berry NEWMARKET, UK – A Group 1 winner out of a Group 1 winner, by one of the world's best stallions and carrying a foal by the dual champion sire. As recipes go, it has all the ingredients necessary to make a special dish, and that is exactly what the Juddmonte team decided she was when buying Teona (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) from Rabbah Bloodstock for 4.5 million gns. Northern Farm, Charlie Gordon-Watson, Jill Lamb and Coolmore all made attempts on the five-year-old G1 Prix Vermeille winner, who is in foal for the first time to Frankel (GB), but it was Simon Mockridge who outlasted them all. He said of lot 1786, “She is the best mare in the sale – a Group 1 winner out of a Group 1 winner. That's what they cost you. She's a beautiful addition and she's got a great pedigree. She's by Sea The Stars, who has made a fantastic start as a broodmare sire. He is already the damsire of four Group 1 winners. She'll fit in very well.” Mockridge continued, “There were plenty at Goffs and we tried very hard at Goffs but we got beaten on most of the great individuals there. This is a great pedigree and, as I said, a Group 1 winner out of a Group 1 winner, they're hard to find. “She's an outcross for Frankel, which is ideal. That's what we are looking for. She'll be going to Frankel [next year].” Asked if 4.5 million gns was where Mockridge expected to end up for Teona, he replied, “You always have to stretch a little bit further than you really want to but, to buy the best, that's how competitive it is. We're seeing that tonight. I did think she would make around three-and-a-half to four [million] but we had to make that extra stretch. It's something that we've learned. We try to value them but, when it comes to the moment, you've got to be a little stronger.” Via Sistina Rewards Patience of Hillens From 5,000 to 2.7 million gns: that's the story of Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) through two December Sales four years apart, and with wins in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3 races in the interim for Stephen and Becky Hillen when trained by George Boughey. Consigned on their behalf by Grove Stud, the five-year-old, out of a Galileo (Ire) half-sister to top sprinter Kingsgate Native (Ire), was sold to an online bidder who later signed as Evergreen Equine. “Surreal. It's been tremendous,” said Stephen Hillen of lot 1788. “From the day Jamie Magee broke her in, he has a lot of good stock through his hands and he rang me about February and said, 'She gets up the gallop better than anything else. She's just so big. You could breeze this.' I said, 'No, it would be the wrong thing to do, we'll race her.' “She didn't go into training until August just because the pedigree said wait. She's just a strong traveller. She walked round there like a sheep, she's just an amazing horse.” He continued, “It's a dream. I did think she'd bring two-plus. That cross is sensational. A Group 1 winner, she ran great in the Champion Stakes. She was improving all the time. It's nice now that she's retired sound. I felt that if we didn't get what we wanted for her, we'd race her, so it was going to be a celebration anyway. “I would have given a lot more for her at the time. She was a foal-share and she wasn't protected by either side. She needed a fair bit of imagination. You buy those things sometimes and most of them turn out useless but she always had something, an unbelievable walker with a big frame. I'm always patient, every trainer who trains for us would always say they're never under pressure. I may have my opinions from time to time but I'll wait and wait and wait.” Who for Lezoo? A similar mystery surrounds the purchaser of the G1 Cheveley Park S. winner Lezoo (GB), one of two seven-figure fillies from Ralph Beckett's stable. The ring may have been packed with onlookers and potential bidders, but the final bid was made invisibly, online, at 2.2 million gns. It was eventually confirmed under the name of Emmanuel de Seroux of Narvick International. He said of the Chasemore-bred filly (lot 1776), who won five of her nine starts, including the G3 Princess Margaret S., for Andrew Rosen and Marc Chan, “She is going to be kept in Europe to be bred. She was a top-class two-year-old, we were looking for two-year-old form, and she is a beautiful type.” The agent had earlier bought Helenium (GB) (lot 1750), a Frankel half-sister to G2 Coventry S. winner and Coolmore sire Calyx (GB). She sold from the Juddmonte draft for 625,000gns carrying her first foal by Calyx's sire Kingman (GB). Online bidders signing under the names of Sanctuary Lodge and Mrs A Sullivan respectively secured two more of the night's big names. Poptronic (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) (lot 1784) gave her owner/breeders David and Yvonne Blunt a major thrill when winning the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies and Mares S. on Champions' Day at Ascot, and she was sold from Karl Burke's Spigot Lodge Stables for 1.4 million gns. Crack two-year-old Relief Rally (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) (lot 1798), who has won four of her five starts for William Haggas and the ownership duo of Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, including the G2 Lowther S., sold for 800,000gns. Group 1 Winners with a touch of Cachet for Northern Farm Katsumi Yoshida's Japanese powerhouse Northern Farm has been a steady force at the December Mares Sale in recent years and, after adding last year's 1,000 Guineas winner Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) to the roster at 2.2 million gns, a private deal was brokered to add Group 1 winner Prosperous Voyage (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) to the haul. Cachet was famously bought by Jake Warren and Harry Herbert of Highclere Agency for 60,000gns from her breeder John Bourke at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-up Sale. The pair, who run the Highclere Thoroughbred Racing syndicate which has also campaigned the Irish Oaks winner Petrushka, were naturally delighted with the result. “It has been such a journey, the whole thing has been extraordinary,” said Herbert. “From Jake saying, 'Uncle H, I've found this breeze-up filly and I can't wait to show you', through to this whole process.” Warren added, “We just watched her being prepared to come into the ring and she stood like a rock and didn't turn a hair. She was so cool in the ring and she's been like that from day one. She's been an amazing filly to be part of. She's always had a special something about her and there was so much interest in her; she's been run off her feet all week. “For her owners, that's special. She was £6,500 a share, and she was such a good two-year-old as well. It's exciting, she was our first domestic Classic winner and the challenge is on, we've got to do it again now.” He added, “This is how you get access to racing. The dream is real: when you take a share in a syndicate, you can win the Guineas, you can sell a multi-million-pound horse and you can be in it competing with the best in the world. And her share-holders have achieved that.” The Northern Farm team had also signed for Galileo Gal (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) earlier in the session at 500,000gns to bring their total spend to 5,100,000gns on the day. Such visits are viewed as extremely important with a view towards keeping Japanese bloodlines fresh, according to Shingo Hashimoto, who explained how plans were still fluid for the big-name acquisitions. He said, “Of course, Cachet is the 1,000 Guineas winner and she really looked gorgeous. We felt something special from her so we are pretty excited to bring her back to Japan. She'll be covered but we haven't decided whether or not she'll be covered in Europe first or in Japan. She definitely has the speed.” On Prosperous Voyage, he added, “We are happy that we were able to buy her at the end of the day. We'll think about bringing her back to Japan or keeping her in Europe. There are some very good stallions in Europe as well. We always try to diversify the blood that we have and we don't want to put all of the eggs into the one basket. That is part of our plan.” Prosperous Voyage failed to sell in the ring initially but Northern Farm were quickest off the blocks to get a deal done privately for the G1 Falmouth S. winner. Bloodstock agent Jamie McCalmont, who manages the interests of Marc Chan, the joint-owner of Lezoo and Prosperous Voyage, credited Tattersalls for attracting a broad cohort of buyers for the Sceptre Sessions but admitted to finding the experience of selling two top-class mares an emotional one. McCalmont said, “We're very fond of both of them as they're lovely girls and have given us some great days out. It's more sad than happy I'd have to say. It's an expensive hobby owning horses in England so you have to do this unless you have stallion income coming in, and we don't have any of that.” He added, “We were looking obviously for a bit more for Prosperous Voyage and debated going to one of the top stallions with her and bringing her back here next year. But then, all the buyers are here, aren't they? Tattersalls has done a great job bringing so many different groups of people here and the market speaks for itself.” Millennium Millionaire This has been a memorable year for The Rogues Gallery who, not long after selling listed winner Rogue Lightning (Ire) Kodiac {GB}) for £1 million at the Goffs Champions Sale at Ascot, cashed in on Rogue Millenium (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) on Tuesday for 1.65 million gns. The two Rogues were trained by Tom Clover and sourced by bloodstock agent Billy Jackson-Stops for a combined figure of less than £100,000. Rogue Millennium landed the G2 Duke Of Cambridge S. at Royal Ascot earlier this season and chased home Tahiyra (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) in the G1 Matron S. at Leopardstown as recently as September. She was bought by David Lanigan and Ted Durcan on behalf of owner Scott Heider to be trained by Joseph O'Brien with the distinct aim of winning a Group 1 in 2024. Lanigan said, “I thought she was the obvious one in the sale. Mr Heider has a few horses with Joseph this year and a lot of younger horses in training as well. He was looking for a Saturday horse. He has four with Brendan Walsh and three with Steve Asmussen and has had Agartha, Brostaigh and Twilight Spinner with Joseph. We were trying to find a Saturday horse so hopefully she can go on.” He added, “They've done a great job and they gave a great report on her as well. She has been a very easy filly to train and has a lot of class so hopefully she can go on and step up to pick up a Group 1 next year. She looks like she wants a good surface and I actually thought her Matron Stakes run was one of her best performances, just by how she travelled into the race. If it worked out at some stage, perhaps Joseph could find a race for her in America.” Woodford Thoroughbreds Sign Classy Trio American trainer Will Walden has been in action over the first two days of the sale and has signed for three fillies to remain in training and switch to his stable in Kentucky. Following the purchase of Aussie Girl (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) for 380,000gns on Monday, Walden also bought the Listed winner and Group 2-placed Olivia Maralda (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) for 725,000gns, along with a second Listed-winning daughter of Kodiac, the wild card Pipsy (Ire) from Kilcarn Park at 700,000gns. All three have been bought in the name of John Sykes's Woodford Thoroughbreds. “They will come back to the US to be trained,” said Walden, the son of WinStar Farm's Elliott Walden. “Turf is the [European] strength and our weakness so we want to bring some of that strength back. We have plenty of good turf horses, but of course primarily America is known for dirt, so hopefully if these horses can be competitive here they can be competitive there.” Vigors Gets Ahead With Two Millionaires William Haggas signed for Get Ahead (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), the G1 Flying Five S. runner-up, who is a half-sister to 2,000 Guineas winner Chaldean (GB), for 2.5 million gns. However, Get Ahead will not race on as a five-year-old next season, with Haggas confirming he sourced the filly on behalf of a new British-based breeding consortium called First Bloodstock. He explained, “She is for a new syndicate and goes to Hillwood Stud to board. She will be bred this coming spring.” Charlie Vigors remained tight-lipped on the new consortium but described himself as excited to have Primo Bacio (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) and Get Ahead in the broodmare band at Hillwood Stud. He said, “It is very exciting to have such good mares as Primo Bacio and Get Ahead coming to the farm and that these top pedigrees are staying in Britain.” Get Ahead was trained by Clive Cox to win three races and chase home Moss Tucker (Ire) (Excelebration {Ire}) in that Curragh Group 1 back in September. She boasted one of the finest pedigrees in the sale, being a sister to stallions Chaldean and Alkumait (GB). Indeed, the family was once again in the news here last week when Get Ahead's little brother sold to Alex Elliott for 260,000gns at the December Foal Sale. Meanwhile, Primo Bacio was sold in foal to Frankel (GB) for 1.1 million gns. She was knocked down to Vigors and offered by owner David Ward through the Castlebridge Consignment. “She is a beautiful mare, she has lovely movement, and I loved her when I first saw her,” said Vigors. “Hopefully her progeny will be coming back here to sell as well, as she is a commercial purchase.” Living the Vida Vida Amorosa (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), originally bought for breeder Tom Lacy for €1,200, has struck gold with her first two foals, the Weatherbys Super Sprint winner Gubbass (Ire) and G2 July S. winner Persian Force (Ire). The nine-year-old mare, who is back in foal to the sire of those two, Mehmas (Ire), brought 700,000gns this time around from Charlie Gordon-Watson. The agent bought the mare on behalf of the partnership of Watership Down Stud and Andrew Rosen. “The first time we saw her we really liked her, and she's got a great breeding record. We thought she'd suit Too Darn Hot so she'll go to him next year,” said Watership Down Stud manager Simon Marsh. Gordon-Watson later went to 1.2 million gns for the Listed-winning Kodiac (GB) mare Geocentric (Ire) for the Duchess of Roxburghe, Virginia Wynn-Williams, and her son George Innes-Ker. Their breeding operation was formerly based at the family's Floors Stud in the Scottish Borders but they now keep mares at Watership Down Stud. The four-year-old mare was sold in foal to Frankel. Golden Returns for Mare and Foal Golden Pelican (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a sibling to Group 3 winners Ernest Hemingway (Ire) and Toulifaut (Ire), was bought for the American-based Pursuit Of Success for 600,000gns and will remain in Britain. The six-year-old (Lot 1729) was sold carrying her second foal by Lope De Vega (Ire). Her first foal by Kingman (GB) was sold for 350,000gns last week to Juddmonte, with both mare and foal having been consigned by Hazelwood Bloodstock on behalf of Sun Bloodstock. Unraced herself, Golden Pelican's first three dams are all group winners, with her dam Cassydora (GB) (Darshaan {GB}) having won the GIII Hillsborough S in Florida as well as the Listed Lingfield Oaks Trial. The mare will board at Chris Budgett's Kirtlington Stud. He said, “Roger [O'Callaghan] recommended her to the team especially after he saw her Kingman colt foal, who was bought last week by Juddmonte and is a lovely sort. We are very happy to have her.” Talking Points Eight different Japanese buyers have so far purchased 16 horses for almost 8 million gns during the first two days of the sale. The Australian contingent has also been busy. At least six different entities have signed for 12 fillies and mares for 3,350,000gns. How about some love for Awtaad? Based at Derrinstown Stud, the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner must be one of the best value stallions at €5,000. Not only did Awtaad produce another marvellous result when Primo Bacio sold for 1.1 million gns at Tattersalls on Tuesday, but who could forget the marvellous Sceptre Sessions he enjoyed here 12 months ago. Three mares by Awtaad sold on this day last year for a combined sum of 1.1 million gns, led by the 600,000gns Mags O'Toole spent on behalf of Plantation Stud for Mohjatty (Ire). Bobby Flay returned to the buying bench at Tattersalls, signing up Final Gesture (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) at 850,000gns and Jaaizah (GB) (Dansili {GB}) for 270,000gns. The former is a daughter of the Group 2 winner Secret Gesture (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), a sister to the Group 1 winners Japan (GB) and Mogul (GB), all three out of the late Newsells Park Stud matriarch Shastye (Ire) (Danehill). There were 12 millionaires at this sale 12 months ago compared to 10 this week. Tuesday marked the third-highest grossing day of trade ever recorded in Europe. Sea The Stars is proving to be an outstanding broodmare sire, which was evident once again this season through the achievements of Eldar Eldarov (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Big Rock (Fr) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}). Therefore, it was little wonder that well-bred mares by the stallion were in high demand on Tuesday with Sea The Stars coming out on top with 12 lots selling for 5,203,000gns. Online bidding, understandably introduced during Covid when international buyers were prevented from travelling, now serves to muddy the waters at live auctions as well as reducing the previous drama of some of the tense bidding wars in the ring. Of the 221 lots offered on Tuesday, 175 were sold, which represented a clearance rate of 79% [down 5% on last year]. The aggregate fell 11% to 48,167,000gns, the average dropped 2% to 275,240gns and the median fell 18% to 92,000gns. Buy of the Day Lot 1718 Buyer: Tinnakill, 52,000gns Vendor: Barton Sales Credit to the Cantillons of Tinnakill House Stud for sniffing out the bargain of the day, if not the entire sale. A Dubawi (Ire) half-sister to Teona, who would later go on to top the sale on 4.5 million gns, sold in foal to Baaeed (GB) to Tinnakill for 52,000gns. Given that Baaeed stands for £80,000, it's hard to see a scenario where the sister to Teona does not work out to be value at just over half that covering fee. There's every chance the Cantillons could pay for the mare with the first foal, be it a filly or a colt, and they have a lovely family to work with for the coming years with lot 1718 still a young prospect at just six years of age. The post Teona Stars at Tattersalls as Juddmonte Bids 4.5 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Who better to be the Green Group Guest of the Week Than Mr. Green Group himself, Len Green. Green joined the 'TDN Writers' Room' podcast presented by Keeneland to discuss the latest goings-on with his DJ Stable as well as to offer advice on how those in the Thoroughbred industry can best prepare for the upcoming tax season. The best horse DJ Stable campaigned in recent years was Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief), who won the 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies on her way to being named champion 2-year-old filly. She did not live up to expectations this year, going 0-for-3. But Green said that, as much as racing is a hobby to many, it should also always be considered a business. The Greens bought Wonder Wheel as a yearling at Keeneland September for $275,000 and sold her at this year's Fasig-Tipton November Sale for $3.2 million. It was, Green said, the proper business decision to make. “If you decide that you want to run this as a business, and I think it's very, very important that people see this as a business, you have to make business decisions,” he said. “And the business decisions are that when a horse is no longer a racing horse, it's time to cut bait. I might have said it's not worth taking a horse out of training after a tough campaign. Instead, wait several months and try to get her back into racing form. Maybe with other horses, it works. Now was the time to sow it as opposed to racing on. So that's the difference between people who are in this thing for a hobby and not as a business. Businesses, you make business decisions.” Green believes he knows the tax business when it comes to racing inside and out because he has owned so many horses himself and has been active in the sport for decades. “I know these things having owned 200 horses every year myself,” he said. “I know what the expense is. I know what the ratios are. I know what you're missing. Have you donated any horses? Where is this horse? Where did you buy it? Well, I bought it, but I didn't pay for it yet. It doesn't make any difference when you pay for it. It's when you take a title and when you put it in use, that's when it's deductible. Whether you use me or somebody else, you have to have someone who is knowledgeable. Someone who can look at your expenses and tell you, okay, here's the way to do it.” Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association,https://www.kentuckybred.org/https://www.nyrabets.com/ West Point Thoroughbreds, Lane's End, WinStar Farm and XBTV.com, the team of Zoe Cadman and Bill Finley reviewed last weekend's races at Aqueduct where the fare included the GII Cigar Mile H. and a thrilling rendition of the GII Remsen S., won by Dornoch (Good Magic), the full-brother to 2023 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage. The focus turned to Del Mar, where Chad Brown added to his incredible record at the seaside oval, winning two Grade I's, including the GI Matriarch S., where his quartet of starters finished one, two, three and four. Cadman and Finley also gave their take on the latest developments in the scopolamine case from the 2018 GI Santa Anita Derby, that has, at least for now, resulted in the disqualification of Justify (Scat Daddy). Click here for the podcast video, or here for the audio version. The post Len Green Joins the TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As 2023 draws to a close, the TDN is asking industry members what their favorite moment of the year was. Send your favorite moment to suefinley@thetdn.com “My favorite memory was winning my first graded stake [the GIII Herecomesthebride S.] with Danse Macabre this spring. She is a special filly to me. It was also stretching out and she showed a ton of grit to win.” -Kelsey Danner The post What Was Your Favorite Moment of 2023: Kelsey Danner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The millionaires kept coming at Tattersalls on Tuesday, and lot 1811, the Zoffany (Ire) mare Prosperous Voyage (Ire), caught the eye of Katsumi Yoshida at 2.4 million gns later in the session. A winner of the G1 Falmouth S. and G3 Princess Elizabeth S., the 4-year-old was consigned by Kimpton Down Stables. Also, runner-up in both the G1 Fillies' mile and G1 1000 Guineas, Prosperous Voyage is out of a half-sister to a trio of stakes winners, including dual Grade I winner Senure (Nureyev). Bred by Lynch Badges and Camas Park Stud, she was a €76,700 Goffs Orby graduate when secured by Badgers Bloodstock. Prosperous Voyage originally exited the ring marked as sold online to the tune of 2.6 million gns. PROSPEROUS VOYAGE sells for 2.4million gns at the #TattsDecember Sceptre Session. The G1 winner was consigned by her trainer Ralph Beckett and has been bought by Katsumi Yoshida of Northern Farm. pic.twitter.com/OsIriuQFxP — TDN (@theTDN) December 5, 2023 The post Falmouth Winner Prosperous Voyage Hammers For 2.4m Gns To Katsumi Yoshida appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Listed winner Get Ahead (GB) (Showcasing {GB}–Suelita {GB}, by Dutch Art {GB}) commanded a 2.5 million guineas final bid from William Haggas signing on behalf of First Bloodstock on the second day of selling at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale. Offered as Lot 1813 by Whitsbury Manor Stud, the half-sister to English Champion 2-year-old Chaldean (Frankel) and a full to Group 2-scorer Alkumait also finished runner-up in the G1 Flying Five S. The post Get Ahead Garners 2.5M Gns During Sceptre Sessions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The federal lawsuit initiated by trainer Bob Baffert that alleges civil extortion and defamation by two social media posters has been ordered to proceed to an “early neutral evaluation” (ENE) conference Jan. 10 that is designed to save time and money as a form of alternate dispute resolution before the case can proceed any further. However, subsequent to that Nov. 29 ENE order, Baffert's attorney, Clark Brewster, asked the United States District Court (Southern District of California) on Dec. 4 to enter a default judgment against one of the defendants for failing to file an answer to the complaint in a timely manner. Back on Sept. 27, Baffert filed a suit that asked for compensatory damages in excess of $75,000, plus an award of punitive damages “to deter similar conduct by Defendants and others” after purportedly suffering “mental anguish, anxiety, and duress Defendants have caused by virtue of their repeated threats to Baffert's business and family by means of their unlawful statements.” As Baffert's complaint put it, “This lawsuit is the response to a series of escalating threats and criminal conduct by Defendants Justin Wunderler and Daniel DiCorcia against Plaintiffs Bob Baffert and his family. Over the past several months, Defendants have urged others to engage in violent behavior toward Baffert and his family, baselessly accused Baffert of criminal conduct, and attempted to extort Baffert and his family under threats to his business, reputation, and occupational license.” Baffert's complaint stated that Wunderler “resides in Waretown, New Jersey, and is a part-time pari-mutuel Thoroughbred racing bettor. Mr. Wunderler has a substantial social media presence and following under the pseudonym 'Swifthitter.'” The complaint also stated that DiCorcia “resides in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, is a part-time pari-mutuel Thoroughbred racing bettor, and operates an apparel store called 'BarShoeLife' that sells racing-related apparel. Mr. DiCorcia also has a substantial social media presence and following under various pseudonyms related to that “Bar Shoe” handle. Baffert's complaint alleged that “[T]his escalating pattern of outrageous behavior is specifically intended to accrue more followers and personal monetary gain. Before the [GI] Belmont S. in New York, Mr. Wunderler specifically asked his followers to bring dangerous objects to hurl at Baffert and his family. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Wunderler posted a picture of Baffert's house in California and claimed that he 'slaughters horses on National TV.'” The complaint further alleged that, “Mr. Wunderler and Mr. DiCorcia engaged in a conspiracy to extort money from Baffert, sent a text message demanding a certain sum of money, with specific payment instructions for wiring money, in exchange for a promise not to release information Defendants allege is so damaging that it will end Baffert's career.” DiCorcia, according to the court's docket, filed a timely, one-page response Nov. 28 that denied Baffert's allegations and asked for the claims to be dismissed. Wunderler, however, did not file any response after being served, according to the motion filed Monday by Brewster on behalf of Baffert. That motion cited Rule 55(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which states that a party can be found in default if they fail to plead or otherwise defend themselves from a party seeking relief via lawsuit. The motion stated that Baffert “respectfully request[s] the Clerk to enter the default of Defendant Justin Wunderler for failure to plead or otherwise defend this action within the permitted time to respond.” The motion attached an affidavit of service and stated Baffert's legal team made “several attempts” to serve Wunderler personally with the complaint at his residence. “The individual served was Mr. Wunderler's mother, who confirmed that Mr. Wunderler lived at the residence,” Baffert's motion for default stated. “Plaintiffs also mailed copies of the Complaint and Summons through regular and certified mail to Mr. Wunderler. Through his various posts and discussions on the social media platform 'X,' formerly known as Twitter, Mr. Wunderler has confirmed that he is aware of the Complaint and has reviewed its contents.” The post Baffert Wants One Defendant in Defamation Suit Ruled in Default for Not Answering Complaint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first G1 1000 Guineas heroine to sell at public auction since 1988, Cachet (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) did not disappoint, bringing 2.2 million gns from Northern Farm at Tattersalls. Also, a winner of the G3 Nell Gwyn S., the Highclere Stud-consigned lot 1799 was a 60,000gns graduate of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale. Part of the Hyde Park Stud breeding programme, the Classic winner is related to GIII San Francisco Mile S. winner Whisper Not (GB) (Poet's Voice {GB}). CACHET, the first Guineas winner since 1988 to be sold at auction, sells for 2.2million gns at the #TattsDecember Sceptre Sessions. This daughter of Aclaim was consigned by Highclere Stud and is off to Japan after being bought by Northern Farm. pic.twitter.com/PhB8JRPiR6 — TDN (@theTDN) December 5, 2023 The post Northern Farm Buys 1000 Guineas Winner Cachet For 2.2m Gns At Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) has partnered with Palantir Technologies, a leading provider of artificial intelligence systems, to create a data-enabled tool to assist industry stakeholders in identifying horses at risk for injury before they race, according to a press release Tuesday morning from HISA. The tool will generate a daily report for each racetrack, flagging any horses entered in that day's races who may present potential risk factors for injury. This enables identification of at-risk horses with increased efficiency and accuracy and will inform the hands-on pre-race inspections of each runner. The new tool HISA and Palantir have developed reviews health information and historical entry data to determine whether each horse entered in a race is at increased risk for injury based on various factors. The tool accounts for such risk factors as the length of a horse's previous layoff (if any), term with current trainer, history on the vet's list and other indicators of previous injury or poor performance. The process for evaluating these records for each horse entered in a race had previously taken veterinarians an average of five hours per race. This same review can now be accomplished in a matter of minutes. “HISA continues to work with leading partners like Palantir to utilize data and technology in its mission to reduce equine injuries and fatalities,” said HISA CEO Lisa Lazarus. “Our hope is that this revolutionary technology is used to more efficiently and accurately identify horses at risk of injury as part of the screening process for determining if they're fit to race. This powerful, AI-enabled tool will streamline and automate a process that had previously taken significant time away from veterinarians' hands-on care of horses. We're excited to be working with the experts at Palantir on this and future initiatives.” “Palantir is proud to support HISA in its embrace of technology to reduce equine injuries and fatalities,” said Palantir's Head of Global Commercial Ted Mabrey. “HISA came to a Bootcamp for Palantir's Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) this fall and has rapidly scaled its implementation independently. HISA is proving that real world outcomes, in this case equine safety, can be achieved in weeks with the acceleration that AIP and boot camps provide.” “By leveraging Palantir's technology, HISA is helping to significantly reduce the time it takes to identify horses potentially at risk,” said Steve Keech, Director of Data Usage and Technology Innovation for HISA. “We look forward to rolling this tool out to all racetracks under HISA's jurisdiction. This collaboration with Palantir puts us at the forefront of sports technology, and I have no doubt this partnership will be a game-changer for the safety of equine athletes.” HISA said they expected to begin using this tool in early 2024. It will send daily reports to racetracks and regulatory veterinarians around the country that will provide them with data and resources . The post HISA and Palantir Develop AI-Enabled Tool to Help Identify At-Risk Horses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland has cataloged 1,401 horses for the 67th January Horses of All Ages Sale, which will cover four sessions from Jan. 8-11, 2024. Click here for the catalog, which features broodmares and broodmare prospects, newly turned yearlings, horses of racing age, stallions and stallion prospects. Print catalogs for the January Sale are scheduled to arrive in the mail the week of Dec. 18. “The January Sale offers a variety of breeding and racing opportunities at all levels of the market for horsemen who operate domestically and internationally,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “With a selection of quality broodmares and broodmare prospects, the auction will appeal to breeders preparing for the upcoming breeding season. The short yearlings on offer will appeal to pinhookers and end-users alike, and horses of racing age will interest owners and trainers making plans for their racing stables,” Lacy said. Each session of the January Sale begins at 10 a.m. ET. The schedule is as follows: Book 1 – Monday-Tuesday, Jan. 8-9. Book 2 – Wednesday-Thursday, Jan. 10-11. The first round of supplements to the entire sale will be announced Dec. 7. The January Sale will be livestreamed at Keeneland.com. The post Keeneland Catalogs 1,401 to January Horses of All Ages Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

During a hot run for sire Fastnet Rock at Tattersalls this week, Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}–Nigh {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) reeled in 2.7 million guineas from Evergreen Equine during Tuesday's second session of the Sceptre Sessions at Tattersalls. Consigned by Grove Stud, the 5-year-old mare, offered as Lot 1788, recorded her most important career victory in the G1 Pretty Polly S. at the Curragh. The winner of this season's G2 Dahlia S., the bay also finished runner-up in the G1 Prix Jean Romanet and third in the G1 Falmouth S. this year. VIA SISTINA sells for 2.7million gns at the #TattsDecember Sceptre Sessions This mare is by Fastnet Rock and is the winner of the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes. She was consigned by Grove Stud and has been bought by Evergreen Equine. pic.twitter.com/l9kNHOuTLB — TDN (@theTDN) December 5, 2023 The post Via Sistina Brings 2.7M Gns at Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Just two lots after Poptronic, Barton Sales' Teona (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) lot 1786 made 4.5 million gns in foal to Frankel (GB) and will join the Juddmonte broodmare band. The G1 Prix Vermeille winner and new sale topper is a half-sister to G2 Prix Hocquart winner Al Hilalee (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Charlie Gordon Watson, Anthony Stroud, and Coolmore were all involved in the bidding, but eventually bowed out. The Rabbah Bloodstock-bred made 280,000gns as a Tattersalls Book 1 yearling from Hugo Merry Bloodstock. Her dam, Ambivalent (Ire) (Authorized {Ire}) claimed the G1 Pretty Polly S. TEONA sells for 4.5million gns at the #TattsDecember Sceptre Session. This G1 winning mare by Sea The Stars is in-foal to Frankel and was consigned by Barton Sales. She has been bought by Juddmonte Farms. pic.twitter.com/KSFbhnjR83 — TDN (@theTDN) December 5, 2023 The post Juddmonte Shells Out 4.5m Gns For Standout Teona At Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Breeders' Cup issued a press release Tuesday reminding that all North American stallion nominations to the Breeders' Cup program for the 2024 breeding season are due by Friday, Dec. 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET. A $100 initial payment must accompany the nomination form at the deadline. All stallions standing in North America are eligible to be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program on an annual basis. The nomination fee is equal to the advertised stud fee, but not less than $1,000. Following the receipt of the initial $100 deposit, Breeders' Cup will send quarterly invoices to the individual nominators through the remainder of the breeding season. New stallions have 90 days from their first cover to be nominated. All foals sired by a nominated Breeders' Cup stallion are eligible for nomination to the Breeders' Cup program in their year of birth for a one-time fee of $400 by Oct. 15 or by payment of a $1,500 late fee by Feb. 28 of the following year. A Breeders' Cup stallion nominator will earn Nominator Awards when any of their progeny finishes first through fourth in a Breeders' Cup World Championships race regardless of whether or not those foals were nominated to the program. The post Breeders’ Cup Stallion Nominations Due Dec. 15 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The third millionaire of the second Sceptre Sessions at Tattersalls was G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares S. victress Poptronic (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) (lot 1784), who sold to Sanctuary Lodge bidding online for 1.4 million gns. Part of the Spigot Lodge Stables' draft, the lanky bay was bought as a horse-in-training and also landed the G2 Lancashire Oaks and G3 Hoppings S. Bred by David and Yvonne Blunt, Poptronic is a granddaughter of G2 Lowther S. heroine Infamous Angel (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). 1.4million gns for Poptronic at the #TattsDecember Sceptre Session. The G1 Champions Fillies and Mares Stakes winner is by Nathaniel and was consigned by Karl Burke who trained her. She has been bought by Sanctuary Lodge. pic.twitter.com/SgS0H5x65T — TDN (@theTDN) December 5, 2023 The post Group 1 Winner Poptronic Goes To Sanctuary Lodge For 1.4m Gns At Tattersalls appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cartier Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Lezoo (GB) (Zoustar {Aus}) (lot 1776), who won the G1 Cheveley Park S., was knocked down to Narvick International for 2.2 million gns at Tattersalls on Tuesday and could race on. Consigned by Kimpton Down Stables, the current sale topper also won the G3 Princess Margaret S. and is out of the Group 3 winner Roger Sez (Ire) (Red Clubs {Ire}). The Chasemore Farm-bred was a 77,000gns Tattersalls Book 3 yearling turned €110,000 Arqana Breeze-Up grad by Atlas Bloodstock. 2.2million gns for G1 Cheveley Park winner Lezoo at the #TattsDecember Sceptre Session. This daughter of Zoustar was consigned by her trainer Ralph Beckett and was bought by Narvick International online. pic.twitter.com/585sOtUFJ6 — TDN (@theTDN) December 5, 2023 The post Lezoo Takes The Lead At Tattersalls When Selling for 2.2m Gns To Narvick International appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article