Wandering Eyes

Horse Racing on Wednesday, November 29 will feature four 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, Wyong & Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday Racing Tips – November 29, 2023 Sandown Racing Tips Wyong Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For November 29, 2023 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $56.16 odds return: Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Sandown Race 5 – #1 Tommy Wyong Race 3 – #3 Flying Rani Gawler Race 4 – #3 Exopipi Ipswich Race 4 – #2 Fly With You | 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 November 29, 2023 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Online bookmakers have released their racing promotions for Wednesday, November 29, including several great bonus back offers. The top Australian racing promotions for November 29, 2023, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Sandown All Races – Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back If 1 Leg Fails Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Sandown this Wednesday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Applies to first resulted 3+ leg same race multi with one losing. Availability dependent on field size. Neds T&C’s apply Login to Neds to Claim Promo Sandown Double Winnings – Races 5-8 Max winnings $50. First Fixed Win bet only. Paid in bonus cash. Must use available balance. Picklebet T&C’s apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in Races 1-3 at Sandown & Wyong Back any horse in Races 1-3 at Sandown & Wyong, finish 2nd or 3rd and get your bet back as Bonus Bets Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Fixed odds win bets only. Minimum 6 runners. Limits apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Have A Crack At JMac Guaranteed best odds on all James McDonald ridden Hong Kong runners. Eligible clients only. Offer available between 24/11/2023 to 1/1/2024, General PlayUp T&C’s apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Sandown Switch Races 1-4 – Bonus Cash back for 2nd or 3rd OR Double your winnings in bonus cash up to $50 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. Double winnings apply to win component only (excluding stake). First fixed win bet only. 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, November 29, 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

Explosive finishes are becoming a habit for Geriatrix (Almanzor), and co-trainer Andrew Scott is hopeful the eye-catching colt can produce another in Thursday’s Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki. The son of Almanzor was an impressive maiden victor at Taupo in October and recorded the fastest 600m sectional of the entire Pukekohe meeting last-start when scorching into second behind Otaki race-rival Antrim Coast. “We went to Pukekohe and he still raced with inexperience, but his final 600m was very pleasing in the way he quickened home and hit the line,” Scott said. “It gave us some confidence that he’s looking for further now. While tomorrow’s another step up for him, we’ve got good confidence that he can continue going the right way. “We’re hoping he can settle well. He’s got to learn to travel and come on from there.” Geriatrix is a $2.70 favourite with TAB bookmakers for Thursday’s feature, ahead of Antrim Coast (NZ) (Roc De Cambes) at $4.20 and Zabmanzor (NZ) (Almanzor) at $5. Scott and training partner Lance O’Sullivan have enjoyed a fruitful opening quarter of the season with their three-year-old cohort, including claiming a prized victory in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) with Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High). The impressive daughter of Ace High is one of 17 early nominations by Wexford for the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m) in January at Trentham, which Scott noted is a key target for her promising stablemate Geriatrix. “Being a colt, a Group One mile is certainly something we’d like to target with him and we’d look to get him through tomorrow before hatching a plan towards the Levin Classic,” he said. Earlier in the Otaki undercard, three-year-old gelding Smokeshow (NZ) (Contributer) will carry the feature race sponsor Lib Petagna of Elsdon Park’s colours in the Racing This Time TV On Facebook (1200m). A trio of trial victories were followed by a runner-up performance on debut in behind a short-priced favourite in Shoes, who contests black-type on Saturday in the Listed O’Leary Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui. “Smokeshow is another horse that’s just taking a wee while to get his confidence, and he came home well in the finish there last start,” Scott said. “Another trip away will certainly aid his learning, so he should race well. We’re just keeping him at the six furlongs where we think he should be very competitive.” View the full article

Sindacato (NZ) (Per Incanto) has some unfinished business in the Stella Artois 1500 Championship Final (1500m) and he will be looking to rectify that at Pukekohe next month. The now eight-year-old gelding ran third in the race two years ago for trainer Roydon Bergerson before heading to Sydney for a 12-month stint. He has returned to the care of the Awapuni conditioner and will attempt to seal his spot in the race when he heads to Wanganui on Saturday to contest the Wanganui Motors And The Dyke Family 1600. The son of Per Incanto posted a first-up win for Bergerson in April and slightly disappointed with his return this prep with two sixth placed results at Hastings. He subsequently trialled at Foxton on Tuesday, winning his 1200m heat over stablemate Town Cryer (NZ) (Tavistock) and Bergerson believes his charge his spot on for his weekend assignment. “He has always shown us a lot,” Bergerson said. “His last two runs have been a bit battling but he just needs to get his foot in the ground, if it moves around on him he is not the same horse. “He trialled well yesterday (Tuesday) and he was full of himself this morning. He pulled up very well. “He should run really well on Saturday. He has got a tricky draw (13) but we have got a good jockey (Johnathan Parkes), so he will work it out.” Sindacato will be joined in the race by stablemate Sweetjineen (NZ) (Nadeem). “She pulled up with a bruised heel after her last start. She was taken on the whole way and dropped out in the last furlong,” Bergerson said. “She has trained on really well and looks amazing. They are both good chances.” Bergerson is also looking forward to three-year-old gelding Vee Vee (NZ) (Vadamos) having his second career start in the Palamountains Animal Nutrition Maiden (1340m) after running fourth on debut at Otaki earlier this month. “I really like the horse,” he said. “He will probably start showing a lot more when he gets up to a mile or further. I think he has got a good pedigree that says he will stay. He is a very nice horse.” Great Escape (NZ) (Iffraaj) will represent the stable in the Listed The O’Leary’s Fillies Stakes (1340m) and Bergerson is hoping to snare black-type for owner-breeder Goodwood Stud. “We will have a throw at the stumps, she is a nice enough filly,” he said. “I thought her run was good the other day, she hit the line strongly. She is a nice filly going forward. “It is a tough field, but we are chasing black-type because the stud owns her. She will be a valuable filly if she can run in the first three. “She has got a good draw (2) and a good rider, no one rides Wanganui like Lisa Allpress.” Rounding out Bergerson’s Wanganui team will be Perfect Turn (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) in the Loaders Wanganui 2040 and Rheneas (NZ) (Alamosa) in the Boss Homes LTD 1200. “It will be Rheneas’ first-up run since he won on the poly,” Bergerson said. “He trialled up okay the other day and his work has been good since. He has just got a tricky draw (14), that is the trouble. We have taken three-kilos off his back (with apprentice jockey Jim Chung’s claim), which is a bit of a help. “With Perfect Turn, it is not ideal to go straight up to 2000m but we trialled him yesterday to help him get that little bit of extra fitness. I was hoping for a really good draw because he can jump and land on the speed and would be hard to beat, but he has got a bad draw (15).” While looking forward to Saturday, Bergerson has a more immediate target at Otaki on Thursday where two-year-old filly Vitaci (NZ) (Tivaci) will make her debut in the Vets On Riverbank (1100m). “She has got a lot of talent but hasn’t really got the head to control it at the moment,” Bergerson said. “We took her to the trials and she was a little bit erratic and ran wide on the corner and got a bit lost. We took her back to the jumpouts at Levin a couple of weeks ago and she couldn’t have been more impressive, she won by 10 lengths. “If she can put it all together tomorrow, she will run really well.” View the full article

A successful first campaign will draw to a close on Thursday for future Group One hope Up The Anti (Divine Prophet) when the promising three-year-old is stepped up in grade on his home track at Otaki. His form against lesser opposition suggests he’s more than capable of making his mark in stronger company and can prove that point in the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m). A well-related son of Divine Prophet, Up The Anti will spearhead a strong team for trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard at their local fixture. “He hasn’t done a lot wrong and is a no-nonsense horse who puts himself on the pace and he has a little Derby (Gr.1, 2400m) feel about him,” Benner said. With that in mind, Up The Anti is likely to head for the spelling paddock after Thursday’s assignment. “It’s probably his grand final for this preparation and he can have a couple of weeks on the grass and then hopefully set him for the Derby,” Benner said. Raced by breeders John and Di Bowbyes, Up The Anti is the first foal of the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) winner Bisou Bisou (Shaft) and has put together the tidy record of two wins from four appearances. “He’s probably the pace in the race and he gives 100 per cent and should give the race a good shake,” Benner said. Up The Anti is coming off a last-start success at Trentham and Matthew Cameron will again guide his fortunes. Younger stablemate Full Force (Cosmic Force) also looms a strong debut chance in the Vets On Riverbank 2YO (1200m) off the back of three trial wins. Ryan Elliot rode him in his latest appearance in a 900m heat at Taupo and he will take the reins on the son of Cosmic Force. “He has done nothing wrong in his trials and looks to have a fair bit of ability,” Benner said. “You never really know with these two-year-olds what you are running against until after the fact, but we’re happy with him. He gets away quickly and will make his own luck.” Pride Of Aspen (Pride of Dubai) and Colorado Silver (Puissance de Lune) will step out in the Riverbank Construction Handicap (1400m) and the UZA Bus Handicap (1300m) respectively and are considered genuine future black type contenders. The former will benefit from Lily Sutherland’s two-kilogram claim and the Pride Of Dubai mare has had two trial outings to ready her for her return. “She’ll be charging late and she’s got a good course record and first-up stats,” Benner said. Three of Pride Of Aspen’s four wins have been posted on the track and she’s also been successful three times off a break. Colorado Silver, another of Cameron’s mounts, had no luck when she was unplaced when she resumed during the Hawke’s Bay carnival. “She was knocked from to pillar to post and we had to regroup after that. She shows a lot at home and she’s ready, but has a sticky gate to overcome,” Benner said. The stable will also be represented by Bent Out Of Shape (Hellbent) and Head First (NZ) (Contributer) in the Racing This Time On TV Facebook Maiden (1200m). The former has the benefit of race day experience after his runner-up finish at the first time of asking at Tauherenikau earlier this month while Head First placed in her only trial ahead of her debut. View the full article

Cromwell holds fond memories for Lionel Dobbs and the Orari trainer is hoping that continues at their two-day meeting this weekend. “I won the Queenstown Cup down there a few years ago, which was quite exciting. I have won three races there, which I am happy with as I just train for myself,” he said. Dobbs will trek south on Thursday with his entire race team of two and he is hoping for bold showings from the pair. Well-related mare Emanon (NZ) (Burgundy) is set to contest the Catalyst Performance Clare Memorial Cup (1220m) on Friday, while four-win mare Youneverknow (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will line-up in the Alexandra New World/NZ Cherry Corp (2030m). Emanon, a half-sister to Group One darling Legarto (NZ) (Proisir), couldn’t add to her eight-win haul over New Zealand Cup Week, finishing unplaced in both the Listed Pegasus Stakes (1000m) and Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m), but Dobbs believes the drop back from stakes grade should be a huge assist for his mare this weekend. “We went up to Cup Week and all the North Islanders came down and there were some good horses there with the top jockeys, and we just couldn’t quite foot it with them,” he said. “At Cromwell she will be back in her class a bit and she should hold her own. Sanu (Toolooa) is back riding her and he has won four on her.” Dobbs is more hopeful than confident with Youneverknow, but he said he has always rated the daughter of Sacred Falls highly. “We just need a bit of luck with Youneverknow,” he said. “I have always had a lot of time for her, she is a nice horse, but she just never has the right sort of run.” Dobbs has Emanon on lease from breeder Warwick Jefferies, with the mare set to return to Jefferies at season’s end, and Dobbs is hopeful of getting a stakes result with the daughter of Burgundy before she leaves his care. While his focus is firmly on Cromwell, Dobbs has circled the Listed Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day as her next big assignment. “We will probably keep around down in the South Island. There is another couple of races coming up, including a big race down at Wingatui which could be right for her,” Dobbs said. View the full article

The Houses win – thrice Until a week or so ago Wilson House had never driven more than two winners at any one meeting. Then he bagged two trebles within days at Manawatu with Boyz Invasion, Ask Me Lazarus and Bonney Eloise winning on November 21, and then Boyz Invasion, Doctor Tim and Full Of Desire on November 23. Between the two trebles, his father Michael House won an amateur drivers’ race on November 22 at Rangiora with Beaudiene Quick Step, who he also trains. Wilson now has 27 wins for the year to be eighth in the junior drivers’ premiership, while Michael House is fourth in the trainers’ premiership with 56 wins. Isolate dies suddenly Talented trotting filly Isolate has died after experiencing unexplained health problems, including a fluctuating temperature. Despite treatment she died earlier this week. With two Group 3 wins in five starts, the Father Patrick three-year-old had shown enormous potential in her career to date for trainer Phil Williamson. Such was her ability that in her Hambletonian Classic win at Ashburton in October she set a new national record of 2:03.3 for the 1700 metres. An autopsy will be held to try and determine the cause of death. Confederate upstaged by stablemate Confederate’s winning streak is over after North America’s boom three-year-old was beaten by the so-called “big boys” at the Meadowlands over the weekend, with Allywag Hanover upsetting at big odds. Both are trained by ex-pat Kiwi Brett Pelling. Confederate won 13 from 15 this year and was on an 11-race winning streak before the weekend. His best mile rate of 1:46.2 makes him the fastest three-year-old pacer in history. He will head to stud in 2024 and had his retirement ceremony post race. He is set to be named 2023 Horse of the year. Dunn moves to third Another ex-pat Kiwi Dexter Dunn is now the third highest winning driver in North America this year. After another successful weekend he is now at 214 wins for the year with combined stakes of $10.8m. That takes him up one spot to third overall, with only Yannick Gingras ($14.7m) and Tim Tetrick ($13.5m) ahead of him. Stewart cleans up in Victoria It was only fitting Major Delight gave Emma Stewart a clean sweep of the Breeders Crown Pacing finals at Melton, Victoria on Saturday night. The powerful stable won all four finals, with Major Delight unashamedly one of Stewart’s stable favourites. She sat parked to beat classy stablemate Joyful, who is raced by, among others, high profile Kiwi trainer Cran Dalgety. Major Delight’s record is now 16 wins from 19 starts. NZSBA AGM The New Zealand Standardbred Breeders AGM will be held at Twiggers at Addington Raceway from 11 am on Sunday, December 10. It will be held prior to the massive Grand Prix day at Addington which features eight Group 1s. For more information click here Gavelhouse auction closes tonight Two-race winner Ordained is among 10 lots being offered on gavelhouse standardbred.com. The latest auctions close from 7pm tonight with Ordained currently at $2900. Another race winner Ruby Malone is also up for sale. To see the latest catalogue click here : Club News : Invercargill It will be a quickfire programme when the Fast Ten format is used for the Invercargill Harness Racing Club meeting at Ascot Park Raceway today (Wednesday, November 29). The first of nine races is scheduled for 3.56pm with the last at 6.16pm. With everything done in a tick over two hours it is an ideal midweek outing. For any queries contact : Lindsay Beer Promotions Officer Southern Harness Racing 021 351 499 Club News : Methven The Methven Christmas meeting on Sunday December 3 is rapidly approaching and the track and surrounds should be in tip top condition on the day. The feature races are the Methven Four Square and Food Store Pacer’s Green Mile and the Dancinginthedark @ Aldebaran Methven Trotters Green Mile. There is the usual myriad of entertainment including egg and spoon races, lolly scrambles, balloon man ,Father Christmas and the entertaining and hilarious ‘Babes in Barrows’. Barbecues and and picnics will be the order of the day. View the full article

Southern California shipper Two Rivers Over pressed the pace before taking command at the top of the stretch and held off late bids from Heroic Move and Red Route One to win the $300,000 Zia Park Derby. View the full article

A months-long investigation by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) Authority on a cluster of 13 Thoroughbred fatalities at Laurel Park during this year's winter and spring meets has determined that the deaths could not be attributed to any specific, obvious cause. The Nov. 28 report essentially reached the same no-obvious-fault finding that HISA announced back on Sept. 12 after it completed a separate-and similarly exhaustive-report on the 12 equine fatalities that occurred at Churchill Downs in April and May of 2023. “Based on the evidence and information available to HISA, the cluster of fatalities cannot be attributed to a singular cause,” stated the conclusion of the Authority's 237-page Laurel report. “However, HISA's review does establish that both the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (MTHA) and Maryland Horse Breeders Association expressed concerns about the consistency of the [main] track surface during March and April which led to the track inspection visits of [Dennis] Moore and [John] Passero,” the HISA report continued. “Following those visits, in late April, Laurel Park implemented changes in track maintenance practices that were designed to increase the consistency of the track surface pad and cushion. It is notable that following the track maintenance procedures that were implemented after Mr. Moore's and Mr. Passero's visits, there were no further fatalities during the spring meet. “Therefore, it would be reasonable to assume that those changes contributed to a safer surface going forward,” the HISA report stated. The causes of the fatalities were summarized as six fractures sustained in training on the dirt track; four fractures sustained in racing on the dirt track; one case of exercise-associated sudden death; one case of hindlimb cellulitis, and one traumatic injury in the barn area. Two of the incidents also caused human injuries, to a jockey and a trainer. The report spanned racing at Laurel between Jan. 1 and May 7, 2023. In March, three horses sustained fatal musculoskeletal injuries while training or racing on Laurel's dirt surface. After two additional horses sustained fatal musculoskeletal injuries while training on the morning of Apr. 8, Laurel (which is owned by 1/ST Racing), cancelled that afternoon's racing to allow for a full evaluation of the racing surface. Racing resumed on Apr. 13, and, between then and April 20, three additional horses sustained fatal musculoskeletal injuries while training or racing on the track. At that time, TDN reported that after the Apr. 20 deaths, 1/ST Racing initially announced that racing would be canceled indefinitely, then later tried to fill an Apr. 27 card that was abandoned when horsemen withheld entries. Management maintained that the track was safe, while the horsemen disagreed, at one point calling the situation a “catastrophic emergency.” The MTHA then lobbied for Passero's consultancy and inclusion in trying to optimize maintenance of the main track, which has been problematic for years. Passero used to be the superintendent for Maryland tracks several decades ago, and the horsemen had advocated for his inclusion as a consultant during the winter of 2021-22, which was when the last significant spate of equine deaths occurred over the Laurel dirt. Passero recommended some tweaks to the track and the way the surface was conditioned, and racing resumed Apr. 29. The meet ended May 7 without further fatalities, but the HISA report couldn't pinpoint for sure if the maintenance fixes that were implemented caused the reduction in deaths. Nor could it state for certain if problems with the track caused the deaths in the first place. Based on necropsies, the report stated that veterinarians were “unable to identify a singular cause for the fatalities.” Rulebreakers also didn't appear to factor into the deaths, according to the report, which stated, “HISA's review did not reveal any violations of HISA's rules by any Covered Persons that contributed directly to the injuries.” But a footnote in the report also pointed out that HISA's Anti-Doping and Medication Control drug-testing program did not take effect until May 22, more than two weeks after the conclusion of the Laurel meet. HISA's analysis of high-speed exercise analysis yielded data that “revealed that injured horses had: (i) more races per year in their career and (ii) more days between their last high-speed event and date of death.” The report added that “this is consistent with [findings from] high-speed analysis performed in connection with the Churchill Downs Report [and are] consistent with our knowledge of repetitive, overuse (fatigue) injuries in racehorses.” Although the idea of switching Maryland racing from Laurel to Pimlico Race Course was suggested during the spring fatality crisis, it never happened (1/ST Racing owns both tracks). Yet it was a different story about a month later in Kentucky after the dozen deaths occurred at Churchill, and that track's corporate parent switched racing to another in-state track in its gaming portfolio, Ellis Park, while keeping Churchill open for stabling and training. Pimlico hosted an extended meet through the spring and summer of 2021 the last time Laurel's track needed extensive repairs. After years of freeze/thaw and drainage troubles, Laurel's main track was in such bad shape in April 2021 that Laurel ceased racing on it to begin an emergency rebuild from the base up. The project was repeatedly delayed and had its scope expanded, and it ended up taking five months before racing could resume instead of the initially projected one month. When racing resumed in September 2021, the main track had no apparent safety issues. But the onset of cold weather revealed problems with seams in the base of the homestretch, then the cushion atop that layer needed substantial reworking to give it more body and depth. Eight horses died from fractures while racing or training over Laurel's main track between Oct. 3 and Nov. 28, 2021, leading to weeks-long halts in racing through early the winter of 2022. HISA mentioned in the Laurel report that a separate study on 17 fatalities that occurred at Saratoga Race Course this summer would be released “as soon as it is complete.” In conjunction with the issuance of the Churchill fatality report back in September, the Authority had also announced the formation of a Track Surface Advisory Group that is available to respond immediately when racetracks are facing an ongoing crisis. “The findings and observations noted in this [Laurel report] underscore the necessity of implementing the critical initiatives previously identified” in HISA's “strategic response” to the Churchill deaths. The post HISA: No Specific Cause for Laurel Fatalities Last Spring, Mirroring No-Fault Findings in Churchill Deaths appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Please find attached Official Notices for the following recent Regulation amendments: Minor Infringement Regulations Safety Number for Approved Tracks (Riverton) Prohibited Substance Regulations (TCO2) View the full article

Harness Racing New Zealand has seen reports highlighting the end of Operation Inca. However we are still waiting for official confirmation that the investigation has come to an end and that charges have been dropped. We are currently seeking that information and confirmation. It has been a challenging time for the industry and once we know more, we may well look to see what else is needed to support our participants and our integrity. In the interim we have no further comment as we believe there may still be outstanding matters of name suppression and judicial process to be completed. To see Michael Guerin’s story in the New Zealand herald click here View the full article

December 6, 2023 will mark 150 days until the 150th Kentucky Derby, and Kentucky Derby Museum is kicking off the Race to 150 with a free all-day celebration. The Kentucky Derby Museum will offer free admission from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Dec. 6, and the first 150 guests will receive a commemorative Race To 150 gift. The day will include a fashion contest, prizes, time capsule, kid-friendly activities, complimentary Derby treats and more. “If Kentucky can party for two weeks ahead of Derby, then we can certainly find a way to celebrate for 150 days ahead of such a momentous year,” said Patrick Armstrong, Kentucky Derby Museum President and CEO. “From families to fashionistas, historians to horse racing fans, there's something for everyone in our Race To 150 lineup. Wear your favorite Derby hats and join us at the Museum to celebrate the joy and magic of Derby!” The post Kentucky Derby Museum Kicking Off the Race to 150 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

BetMakers is pleased to introduce OneWatch, an innovative new wagering terminal monitoring and analytics tool designed to transform wagering terminal support operations from manual and reactive to smart and proactive. View the full article

For the second time this year, Tampa Bay Downs jockey Pablo Morales has been sidelined due to a freak injury. He is currently sidelined with a fractured left wrist.View the full article

Here’s this week’s Box Seat with hosts Greg O’Connor and Michael Guerin. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Two-time New Zealand Cup hero Copy That is off to Australia again, but not to race this time. The wonderful pacer missed his shot at a NZ Cup three-peat when he went sore with a knee issue and potential other concerns a few weeks before the Cup but trainer Ray Green says things are looking up. “I am more confident now that he will race again than I was when it first all happened,” says Green. “He has been walking in the cart every day and walks sound and on the one or two occasions he has got excited and gone a bit quicker, more or less by accident, he has still felt sound. “But we want to make sure and the only MRI machine we know of that works on horses while standing is at a clinic in Ballarat so Merv and Meg (Butterworth, owners) are flying him over there so he can have a full scan. “Sometimes it can be very tricky getting horses up if you have to lie them down for that sort of thing and we’d rather not take the risk. “We know he needs an operation on his knee but we don’t think it is too serious but we want to get the scan done to make sure nothing else is bothering him. “Then, if it isn’t, we can get the operation done and he can stay there for 5 or 6 weeks and come home.” Green says while the road ahead isn’t totally clear he expects Copy That to be able to get back to the races and he could even chase that third New Zealand Cup next November. “He is still only a six-year-old so if he can come back, why not another Cup? “But even if all goes well he wouldn’t be back here for 5 to 6 weeks and then would probably have that long again on the water walker. “So races like the Race by Grins and the Auckland Cup are not targets for next season but we’d be thrilled just to get him back and we think that is looking more likely.” View the full article

By Jonny Turner A familiar sight will be back at Ascot Park racecourse today, and it is not a horse or driver. It is the Koru Care Southland colours, which will return to Southland harness racing meetings starting with today’s quickfire action in Invercargill. The green and white Koru Care Southland silks were a familiar sight on Southland tracks for many seasons, especially when worn by champion reinsman Dexter Dunn. The silks were first worn by Dunn a decade ago, with a sponsor donating to Koru Care Southland at each meeting Dunn competed at. Though other drivers got behind the scheme following Dunn’s move to North America, the idea had been shelved in recent seasons. But the concept has been brought back into action following a casual conversation between Koru Care Southland chairman Chris Reynolds, trainer Clark Barron, and driver Brent Barclay. “I caught up with Clark and Brent, and we talked about the idea of bringing the colours back,” Reynolds said. “Clark was able to sort it out, and Brent will wear the colours on Wednesday.” “It is great to get them back out there.” It is hoped that the return of the Koru Care Colours will raise awareness about the concept, which will result in sponsors getting behind the cause. During its more than ten years in operation, the collaboration with the Southern harness racing industry has made a significant contribution to Koru Care Southland. Koru Care Southland is a charitable trust, best described as a group that makes dreams come true for children with different illnesses and disabilities. The organisation arranges domestic and overseas trips and experiences for Southland children facing health challenges. “Koru Care Southland has had more than 750 kids go on our trips to places like the Gold Coast and Los Angeles.” “The relationship with harness racing has been great, and the best thing is it gets our name out there.” “A lot of people will say that they saw our colours at the races, so it has been great promotion for us.” Being a non-profit organisation based on volunteer contributions, all money raised by Koru Care Southland goes directly to the children they help. Brent Barclay will wear the Koru Care Southland colours in their return at Ascot Park. And they look a big chance of making it to the winner’s circle. Barclay drives in eight of nine races and rates Sherwood Maggie as his best winning hope. Though the Brian Norman trained mare steps up in grade, she looks well-placed from a handy draw in race 7. Miki’s Beauty (race 2), Duke Of Scotland (race 4), Velocity Jet (race 6), Raknruin (race 8), and Ramblin Rover (race 9) also look like genuine each-way hopes for Barclay. Sponsors pay $250 each meeting to support Koru Care Southland when their colours are worn by a leading driver at each Southland harness racing meeting. Anyone interested in getting behind the cause can call Chris Reynolds on 0274 828 043 or contact the Southern Harness Racing office.” View the full article

By Michael Guerin New Zealand’s first Trot Slot race is confirmed and already has its first slot filled. The TAB Trot Slot will be run as expected alongside the Race by Grins at Cambridge on April 12 next year for a stake of $575,000, making it the richest trot race ever held in Australasia. It will have eight slots, most of them purchased by the connections of leading trotters so will have an old fashioned sweepstakes race feel to it. The eight slots have been taken by: TAB NZ, Aldebaran Park, All Stars Racing/ Chris Ryder, Cullen Breeding, Haras Des Trotteurs, Hidden Honey, Strike Won Racing and the Taylor St Racing Club Syndicate. Many of those are easy to link to current open class stars, with Oscar Bonavena, Muscle Mountain, Bolt For Brilliance all having their connections involved while Aldebaran Park would have the option to send Aldebaran Zeus back to the race a year after he won the open class trot there. And the first slot holder not linked to a horse didn’t take long to show their hand with TAB NZ securing wonderful mare Queen Elida to fill their slot and most likely from barrier 1 in the 2200m mobile. She is proudly Kiwi-owned by Canterbury trainer Tony Barron, part-breeder Gordon McKenzie and their families. And is trained by ex-pat Kiwi horseman Brent Lilley in Victoria. Cameron Rodger, the Managing Director – New Zealand for Entain, the operators of TAB – said Queen Elida is a perfect result for a brand-new race on the New Zealand racing calendar with her deep Kiwi roots. “She is from one of New Zealand’s great trotting families, and the owners – the Barrons and the McKenzies – hail from one of New Zealand harness racing’s great nurseries in Southland,” Cameron Rodger said. “For this first edition of the TAB Trot Slot, we really wanted to give the race a trans-Tasman flavour and Queen Elida has given us the best of both worlds, as a true-blue equine dual citizen.” Part-owner Tony Barron said Queen Elida’s owners jumped at the opportunity to partner up with Entain and TAB for the Slot Trot. “We were looking at buying a slot ourselves, but when the TAB approached us, it seemed a great fit,” he said. So many of the big names wanted for the race are as good as taken and the big question will be whether the connections of Just Believe want to return to Sweden or come across the Tasman for a race they could even start favourite in. If he comes the race will have at least six group 1 winner and the six best trotters in Australasia with two slots left to fill. With the $1million Race by Grins set to have a field with all the elite New Zealand pacers and at least one or two of Australia’s best the night will not only be the richest in New Zealand harness racing history but has the potential to be one of the strongest open class meetings here in this century. Cambridge Raceway CEO Dave Branch said it was great to have some of the key players in trotting involved from around Australasia. “For us the goal was to get the race off the ground in year one, so that like The Race by Grins, we have something to grow in future years. “This race wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Entain NZ & Australia and the slot holders who have backed this concept from the start. “We’re excited to see the negotiations begin now as to who can secure which horses, that will be a huge part of the build-up. There’s already a lot of discussion underway and we think it could be one of the best trotting fields we’ve seen in New Zealand.” While there was opportunity for 10 slot holders, the race will go ahead with just the eight runners in the first year. View the full article

With the FTC adding iron dextran to the banned substances list under HISA's ADMC Program rules, HIWU announced Nov. 28 that it will use the next 30 days as an educational period to give Covered Persons time to adapt to the new rule. View the full article

Finger Lakes, coming off a big 2022 in terms of growth of handle, enjoyed even greater success during the recently concluded 2023 race meet. Total handle increased by 18.7% to $120,541,745.View the full article

BetMakers is pleased to introduce OneWatchTM, an innovative new wagering terminal monitoring and analytics tool designed to transform wagering terminal support operations from manual and reactive to smart and proactive. View the full article

Following the Federal Trade Commission's approval to add iron dextran to the Banned Substances list under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program rules, the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) announced Tuesday that it will use the next 30 days as an educational period to give Covered Persons time to adapt to the new rule. Enforcement of the iron dextran rule will begin December 27, 2023. As a reminder, the use/attempted use, administration/attempted administration, possession, or trafficking of a Banned Substance constitutes an Anti-Doping Rule Violation under the ADMC Program. HIWU urges Covered Persons to remove iron dextran from their barns, offices, trucks, and other areas connected to their business with Covered Horses. HISA recommended the designation of iron dextran and products containing iron dextran as Banned Substances due to the substance's potential to compromise equine welfare. Questions related to iron dextran and the respective rule update should be directed to sciencesupport@hiwu.org. The post Enforcement of HISA Rule Modification Regarding Iron Dextran Begins Dec. 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Aga Khan Studs' Zarak (Fr) took pride of place in Tuesday's Arqana November Online Sale, with a share in the Group 1 sire topping the sale at €420,000. Sold as lot 1 to 53 Racing, the share was one of 15 lots offered on the day. Zarak sired his first Group 1 winner in Germany this year with Zagrey (Fr), and is also represented by group winners Haya Zark (Fr), Parnac (Fr), Princess Zelda (Ger), and Shagara (Ire). Sire-of-the-moment Havana Grey (GB), who topped the first day of the Tattersalls December Foal Sale on Tuesday, also attracted plenty of attention, with a breeding right (lot 14) selling for €310,000 to Richmond Bloodstock. The stallion has sired dual Group 1-winning juvenile Vandeek (GB) this year as well as nine other stakes winners. A share in Sealiway (Fr) (lot 7) brought €56,000 from agent Pascale Menard, while lot 2, a share in smart first-season sire City Light (Fr), hammered at €44,000 to agent Horse France. Thomas Maudet of Horse Racing Development bought a share in Goliath Du Berlais (Fr) (lot 10) for €37,000, and a half-share in Group 1-winning sprinter Wooded (Ire) (lot 11) sold to Nicole Safarowsky. Online Bloodstock paid €30,000 for a share in Zelzal (Fr) (lot 15), and the final lot to sell was lot 13, a share in Beaumec De Houelle (Fr), which went to Haras de Dodville for €15,000. Overall, eight out of the 15 lots sold for a gross of €946,000. The post Zarak Share Brings 420k To Top Arqana November Online Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Del Mar will open its 2024 summer meeting on Saturday, July 20. The start of the meet is keyed by the San Diego Country Fair conducting its popular gathering a bit past its usual finale on July 4, going forward instead to Sunday, July 7.View the full article

Saffie Joseph Jr. had good reason to celebrate when he successfully defended his Championship Meet training title over Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher last season. But a spring and early summer period proved difficult for the trainer.View the full article