Wandering Eyes

Mr Brightside will kick off his autumn campaign in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes on Saturday. (Photo: George Sal/Racing Photos) The Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes will headline the 10-race meeting at Caulfield on Saturday afternoon, with nine runners accepting for the first Group 1 since the turn of the year. Four of those nine combatants have already won Group 1 races, while seven have placed at the top level. It was recently announced by Racing Victoria that the C.F. Orr Stakes would be one of the eight qualifying races for the revamped All-Star Mile, which means the winner of this year’s race will lock in a start for the $5 million race. Mr Brightside will kick off his autumn campaign on Saturday, and he has opened as a -125 favourite with online bookmakers. The Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained galloper will be seeking to add another win at the highest level after he added the Makybe Diva Stakes and Memsie Stakes to his resume last spring. Ciaron Maher and Declan Bates will combine with Pride Of Jenni (+500), who returns from a spell after an outstanding Melbourne Cup Carnival where she became the third horse to win back-to-back Group 1 races during Cup Week at Flemington. Fresh off his win in the Group 2 Australia Stakes at Moonee Valley first-up, Veight (+600) from the Tony & Calvin McEvoy yard will seek his maiden Group 1 success at the fourth time of asking. Rounding out the runners under double figures is the James Cummings-trained Pericles (+650), who is returning from a break after his second-place finish in the Golden Eagle. The C.F. Orr Stakes will be race nine on the Caulfield program and is scheduled to jump at 4:55pm AEDT. 2024 CF Orr Stakes Final Field Odds correct as of February 7, 11:45am AEDT. 1. Mr Brightside (4) T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes J: Craig Williams W: 59kg F: x2221 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Bullbars Dam: Lilahjay (NZ) -125 -625 2. Pericles (5) T: James Cummings J: Mark Zahra W: 59kg F: x2311x Age: 4YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Street Boss (USA) Dam: Accessories (GB) +650 +100 3. Munhamek (9) T: Nick Ryan J: Blake Shinn W: 59kg F: 103×8 Age: 8YO Color: Brown Sex: Gelding Sire: Dark Angel (IRE) Dam: Cadenza (FR) +1700 +240 4. Bustler (6) T: Neville Parnham J: Steven Parnham W: 59kg F: 44157 Age: 4YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Playing God Dam: Cosmah Domination +5000 +700 5. Buffalo River (1) T: Mike Moroney J: Celine Gaudray W: 59kg F: 3×014 Age: 8YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Noble Mission (GB) Dam: Fashion Insider (USA) +3300 +400 6. Ayrton (8) T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) J: Jamie Kah W: 59kg F: 10671 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Gelding Sire: Iffraaj (GB) Dam: Odessa (NZ) +2000 +280 7. Atishu (7) T: Chris Waller J: Michael Dee W: 57kg F: x1202 Age: 6YO Color: Brown Sex: Mare Sire: Savabeel Dam: Posy (NZ) +1000 +150 8. Pride Of Jenni (3) T: Ciaron Maher J: Declan Bates W: 57kg F: x1162 Age: 6YO Color: Bay Sex: Mare Sire: Pride Of Dubai Dam: Sancerre (NZ) +500 -133.33 9. Veight (2) T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy J: Damian Lane W: 55.5kg F: 1×525 Age: 3YO Color: Bay Sex: Colt Sire: Grunt (NZ) Dam: Neena Rock +600 -111.11 More horse racing news View the full article

Top End trainer with Son Of Bielski after one of the gelding’s three wins at Fannie Bay in October 2023. (Photo: Caroline Camilleri/Darwin Photography Professionals) Darwin trainer Chris Nash, refreshed after spending time with family in Adelaide over the festive period, welcomes back the impressive Son Of Bielski at Fannie Bay on Friday. The seven-year-old gelding, who won three straight races in October, lines up over 1100m in 0-76 grade. Nash has eyed the $40,000 St Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m) on March 16 with Son Of Bielski, and should he make a serious impact there, it’s off to the Red Centre for the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) on April 7. When he arrived from South Australia, the son of Dissident finished fifth in a Benchmark 54 over 1100m in September before wins over 1300m at BM54 and 0-64 level, and over 1600m against 0-70 class. “I was always aware that Son Of Bieliski had ability, so when he popped up on the market I bought him,” Nash said. “I think he will find those horses a bit sharp on Friday; however, he’s work has been sensational and he might surprise fresh. “Just look for him to be closing the race off well and taking a bit of fitness benefit out of it. “He’ll have another run and then into the St Paddy’s Cup — that’s the race I’ve tagged for him. “Depending on how he goes there, especially with changes to the Alice Springs Cup Carnival, it’s a quick turnaround before the Alice Springs Cup on April 7. “He’d obviously have to win or run a slashing St Paddy’s Cup to justify going to Alice.” After nine New Zealand starts for a debut win and four minor placings, Son Of Bielski continued to race for former legendary Darwin trainer Stephen Brown, who is based near Seymour. In 13 Victorian starts, the gelding was placed on three occasions before he was sent to SA, where he had eight starts for Murray Bridge trainers Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea. That included two wins at Morphettiville Parks over 1550m against BM62 opposition last June before saluting over 1400m in 0-64 class in July. Nash owns the horse and after proving competitive in Victoria he decided to send him to SA before relocating to the Top End. “I wanted Will to give him a bit of a test in town first and he won two Saturday races,” Nash said. “Rather than bringing him straight to Darwin, I gave Will a call to see whether he’d like to try him in Adelaide first, which he did. “That proved a successful exercise and then I was ready for him to come to me.” Nash’s impressive sprinter Ideas Man won three straight in September after finishing second in the $135,000 Palmerston Sprint (1200m) in early August. Ideas Man might win the Palmerston this year and perhaps the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m) in Alice Springs on April 6 if he heads south, but right now Nash is excited about Son Of Bielski. “He has ability and found his niche really quickly up here,” he said. “He’s not your typical Darwin sort of horse, he settles off the speed a bit and works into his races. “He probably wants that 1600m trip, but he was good enough in those lower grade races to win a couple of shorter races.” Meanwhile, Nash’s six-year-old gelding Mr Have A Chat makes his NT debut on Friday in the same race as Son Of Bielski. I’m All The Talk’s son had 18 starts in Victoria for Cranbourne trainer John Price for three wins and four minor placings before having 16 starts in SA for Goolwa trainer David Jolly for two wins and five minor placings. He had three starts in late 2023, and in his final appearance for Jolly, the gelding finished fifth over 1200m in a BM64 event at Morphettville on December 30. “I tried to buy him a while ago, I’m pretty good mates with David Jolly,” Nash said. “I rang David and the horse wasn’t for sale, but it obviously planted the seed with him that it would be suited up here. “I was happy to get a call off David a couple of months ago to say that he thought it was the right time to send the horse to Darwin. “I didn’t buy him and he remains in the same ownership group, Grand Syndicates, which are quite a big syndication. “This will be their first Darwin runner, so hopefully we can get off the mark with a winner. “He’s ready to go and he’s had a few runs in Adelaide, so he came to me very fit. “I haven’t trialled him, but he’s had a good gallop on the track. “I’m not concerned about his fitness because I’ve got him after a couple of runs into a prep.” More horse racing news View the full article

The 89th running of the Longacres Mile headlines a 21-race stakes schedule worth $1.15 million for Emerald Downs at the 55-day meeting from May 4 to Sept. 15.View the full article

Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper), the Eclipse Award-wiinning Champion Female Sprinter of 2022 and 2023, who sold for $6 million at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton November Sale, will be retired and bred to Not This Time, according to a press release from John Stewart's Resolute Farm. Goodnight Olive earned $2.196 million on the racetrack, winning nine of 12 races while never finishing out of the money. She won back-to-back runnings of the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. Following her Breeders' Cup win, Goodnight Olive returned to Payson Park in Florida under the guidance of trainer Chad Brown, where she was set to race in 2024. Instead, the decision was made to retire her. Chad Brown expressed mixed emotions about her retirement. “Olive had a legendary career on the track, and she has been a fixture at Payson Park for the last four years,” he said. “I can't wait to see her career continue as a broodmare at Resolute Farm.” Gavin O'Connor, General Manager of Resolute Farm, said, “We purchased Olive at Fasig-Tipton as a broodmare prospect and had hoped to continue her racing career. At the end of the day, these athletes are used to performing at the highest level and unless Chad and his team thought she could continue to compete at that level we always knew this was a likely path for her. She really doesn't have anything else to prove. We are so thankful for the opportunity to play a part in such a wonderful horse's career.” Noel Murphy, the newly appointed farm manager at Resolute Farm, and former farm manager for Helen Alexander at Middlebrook Farm said, “Olive is settling on our farm in Midway with some good company. Esteemed Breeders' Cup champions Caravel and Pizza Bianca are in adjoining paddocks. Every day when I go to the barn, I am amazed by the presence of the incredible mares on our farm such as Puca, Queen Caroline, Goddess Pele, and many other high-quality mares joining these three Breeders Cup champions.” “After months of meticulous research and decision-making, the team believes this pairing holds immense potential to produce a standout racehorse with an exceptional pedigree have already produced some great racing horses like Epicenter and the 2023 Eclipse winner Up To The Mark,” said Chelsey Stone, Resolute Breeding Director, of the mating to Not This Time. “The Taylor family and the team at Taylor Made Farm are exactly the type of partnership we want to have in the industry. Last year we purchased fellow broodmare Goddess Pele from them at Fasig-Tipton and a great More Than Ready filly in a private sale who we named Virgin Colada and will start her training for the track later this year. Breeding Olive to Not This Time brings the relationship full circle.” Steve Laymon of First Row Partners, who campaigned Goodnight Olive, said, “We are pleased with the team at Resolute Farm acquiring Olive and their dedication to keeping high-quality racehorses like Olive within the United States, as there is a tendency for them to be acquired by foreign buyers. Not This Time has emerged as a prominent stallion in North America and with top-quality mares like Olive I expect an exceptional racing prospect.” In 2023, Resolute Farm acquired the former Shadwell Stud property in Midway, Kentucky, and has since resumed horse operations on the farm as of January, 2024. Goodnight Olive's name is a nod to the salutation used by workers and performers at the renowned New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City, paying homage to the legendary Broadway Flapper ghost, Olive Thomas, according to the press release. The post Goodnight Olive Retires, To Be Bred to Not This Time appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LEXINGTON, KY – The Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale, which had never produced a seven-figure offering in its history, had three million-dollar mares go through the ring in an action-packed final hour of its two-day run in Lexington Tuesday. The final horse through the ring, Zetta Z (Bernardini), supplemented to the auction just Sunday, provided an exclamation point of the auction when selling for $2 million to Coolmore Stud. As expected, the dispersal of the bloodstock of the late Robert Lothenbach dominated the results sheet, accounting for the $1.3 million Bell's the One (Majesticperfection), who sold to the bid of bloodstock agent Catherine Hudson, and the $1.1 million She Can't Sing (Bernardini), who sold to Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. Eleven of Tuesday's top 12 prices were from horses from the dispersal, including the auction's top-priced short yearling, a colt by Into Mischief purchased for $650,000 by North Ocean Equine. In all, 62 horses sold for the dispersal for a gross of $8,263,000. The dispersal average was $133,274 and the median was $42,500. “It was unfortunate circumstances with Mr. Lothenbach passing, but we are very appreciative of the estate giving us the opportunity, between the digital sale and today and yesterday,” said Fasig-Tipton president Boyd Browning. “But it is also a reflection of a man who had a program that raised and raced horses the right way. He gave horses time and he used trainers who took care of the horses. He had a long-term perspective and he was in it for all the right reasons. He loved racing. And that shared passion of racing is ultimately what fuels everything that we do in our industry.” Bolstered by the dispersal, 372 horses grossed $21,687,000 for an average of $58,298 and a median of $17,000. Outside of the dispersal, Browning said the auction's results proved demand for horses remained strong. “It wasn't just on three horses,” Browning said. “Talking to the consignors across the board, the ones that sold horses for thousands of dollars or ten of thousands of dollars or hundreds of thousands of dollars, they felt like it was a very, very legitimate marketplace. Buyers, whether they had $5,000 to spend, $50,000 to spend or $500,000 to spend, found competition and found it not easy to buy horses. Which is where you want the marketplace to be. You want it to be competitive on both the buying and selling side of things. We saw that the last two days.” Browning concluded, “All in all, it's been a fantastic two days. It wildly exceeded our expectations and we normally have high expectations for ourselves and for the quality of horses we are selling. It was damn good and it feels really good to say in February it was damn good. And it was.” Coolmore Pays $2 Million for Dam of Nysos Zetta Z (Bernardini) (hip 536), added to the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed catalogue just hours after her son Nysos (Nyquist)'s tour de force victory in the GIII Robert B. Lewis S. Saturday, ended the two-day auction with an exclamation point when selling for $2 million to Coolmore Stud. “She is a beautiful mare and she completely stood out here,” said Coolmore's Adrian Wallace after signing the ticket on the mare in the back walking ring. “Obviously being the dam of such a talented young colt with his whole future ahead of him, she was a must-have. Mr. [John] Magnier and M V [Magnier] were very interested in her from the very beginning.” The 14-year-old mare, consigned by Grovendale Sales, sold Tuesday in foal to Cyberknife and will likely have a date with Triple Crown winner Justify this year, according to Wallace. “She's a wonderful mare and she is obviously in foal to a very exciting young sire,” Wallace said. “Hopefully, she will be a nice mare to add to Justify's book when the time comes.” In addition to Nysos, Zetta Z is also the dam of a now-yearling colt by Yaupon who sold to Randy Hartley and Dean DeRenzo's AAA Thoroughbreds for $450,000 at last year's Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The mare is out of Seresa's Spirit (Rahy), an unraced daughter of GI Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Unbridled Elaine (Unbridled's Song). Unraced herself, Zetta Z sold in foal to Street Sense for $35,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November sale. Three Times a Charm was the name on the ticket that day, but according to Grovendale's Chance Timm, the mare had changed hands since that auction. “She changed hands sometime last year,” Timm said, while declining to name the mare's owner. Of the mare's presence in the sale, Timm said, “James [Keogh] had been in really close contact with the owner leading up to the race, so fair credit to him. I am grateful to be his partner and to be a part of it, but James did all the heavy lifting here and we are grateful to the owners for the opportunity.” Timm added, “We were watching the Bob Lewis with a little bit different interest on Saturday, that's for sure. But it's great fun and we are privileged for the opportunity.” Zetta Z became far-and-away the highest-priced horse to ever sell at the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed sale. “I think it's hard to expect that kind of money at that sort of level for any kind of horse, but these are the types that can do that when it all lines up,” Timm said of the final price. “That's why we have horse sales, to have two people hook up and do what she did today. Any time they are at that level, it's hard to expect that. But she deserved to make that. That's the kind of mare she is.” Wallace summed up, “She looks like…well, $2 million, instead of $1 million, but she's a lovely mare.” Bell's The One Lights Up Fasig-Tipton Bell's the One (Majesticperfection) (hip 476), the brightest star in Robert Lothenbach's decades in the sport, proved the most sought-after offering of the late owner's dispersal when selling for $1.3 million at Fasig-Tipton Tuesday. Bloodstock agent Catherine Hudson, bidding while on the phone from a seat in the pavilion, signed the ticket on the 8-year-old mare on behalf of an undisclosed client. “We loved her,” Hudson said. “I bought her for a private client. He's an admirer of collector's items and we felt like she is one of them. She is a beautiful mare. We appreciate her and her racing and everything the Lothenbach family did for horse racing. We are sad the dispersal is happening, but we were very, very fortunate to be able to step up and buy her.” The hard-knocking Bell's the One, purchased for $155,000 as a Fasig-Tipton July yearling in 2017, won 11 stakes races in the Lothenbach colors, including the 2020 GI Derby City Distaff S. and earned over $2 million during her racing career. She RNA'd for $2.6 million at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton November sale and was put in foal to Flightline. The mare aborted that foal in September. Of potential 2024 mating plans, Hudson said, “We have had a lot of reports, nicking, research and haven't decided yet. We are just working on it now. We think Justify's book got closed. We are hoping they might reopen, but we will talking to a couple of the farms about it.” Hudson, who confirmed the mare would stay in the U.S., said the seven-figure price range was within expectations. “I thought I would get outbid by maybe the Japanese,” she admitted. “I had $1.2 million to $1.3 million, but I didn't think my client would go any more than $1 million.” Hudson had the client on the phone during the bidding and, asked to describe the conversation, she said, “I didn't want to know what he was going to do–I didn't want to know too much. I had a hopeful feeling he might keep going, but I didn't think he would go over $1.2 million, so I was very happy when he said go ahead with it. I think he appreciates collector's items.” She Can't Sing to Hill 'n' Dale Graded-stakes winning broodmare prospect She Can't Sing (Bernardini) (hip 485) will be joining the band at the Sikura family's Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa after selling for $1.1 million during the Lothenbach dispersal at Fasig-Tipton Tuesday. The 7-year-old mare, bred and campaigned by the late Robert Lothenbach, won four stakes during her racing career, including the 2022 GIII Chilukki S. She is out of Distorted Music (Distorted Humor) and from the family of multiple Grade I winner Music Note. “She is beautiful and obviously a very talented racehorse,” said Jes Sikura. “We are collecting a broodmare band at Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa to kind of improve on what we already have and create a new generation. [Hill 'n' Dale stallion] Curlin loves Bernardini. We thought this would be a great nick. Hopefully we will get a beautiful foal out of her.” Of the seven-figure price tag, Sikura said, “We were willing to pay a high price for something with that quality. Bernardini/Distorted Humor mare, it doesn't get better than this. She was a great racehorse. And we really thought she would fit our program. She's exactly what we are looking for.” While the 22-year-old Sikura signed the ticket on the mare, he admitted it was his father, John, who did the bidding in the back walking ring. “I was told to step back,” Sikura said with a laugh. “I didn't want to make any mistakes.” The younger Sikura signed for a Constitution short yearling at $300,000 on behalf of a pinhooking partnership during Monday's first session of the auction. He also signed for the broodmare Audrey's Time (Uncle Mo) (hip 474) at $525,000 in the name of Imaginary Partners earlier in Tuesday's session. “I am probably UK's least favorite student right now–the least classes attended student right now,” he said. “I am working on bloodstock on the farm and trying to get my own little thing going and learn as much as I can about the business. I am getting involved, selling some seasons and shares, just working on our stallions and promoting the farm.” Sikura admitted getting more involved in the racing industry became a more immediate concern once his hockey career had run its course. “I always knew I wanted to be involved at some point,” he said. “I grew up as a hockey player–not a great one–that's why I came back to Kentucky at 19. And then once I realized I was not going to be a professional athlete by 17, I started to look a lot more into the horses and enjoying it more. And now I feel like I am starting to understand it a little bit and following in my dad's footsteps, as well as other great mentors that I've been lucky enough to be around.” Logan Strikes for Into Mischief Colt Darby Dan Sales Director Renee Logan, bidding on behalf of an undisclosed client, went to $650,000 to acquire a short yearling by Into Mischief (hip 494) Tuesday at Fasig-Tipton. From the Lothenbach dispersal and consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, the bay colt is out of Distorted Music (Distorted Humor) and is a half-brother to graded winner She Can't Sing (Bernardini). He came into the ring some 10 hips after his half-sister sold for $1.1 million and some 25 hips after his dam sold for $375,000. “It's for an undisclosed buyer,” Logan said. “He's a longtime farm client who loves racing and loves to sell as well. So he might race or sell. We'll just see how things go.” Robert Lothenbach purchased Distorted Music for $190,000 at the 2011 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. She won three of eight starts in the late owner's colors and She Can't Sing was her first foal to the races. “I like the fact that he was very well-balanced and he had a beautiful walk,” Logan said of the short yearling's appeal. “He's very correct. He's a half-brother to a great filly who just brought a million, which vindicated our decision. That's why we went the extra mile.” Logan added there was extra appeal in purchasing the youngster from a breed-to-race operation. “He wasn't overly prepped,” she said. “What you saw is what he actually is. So that was another thing that I liked about him.” Of the colt's final price tag, Logan added, “If you want a nice horse, you're going to have to pay for it.” The post Fireworks As ‘Damn Good’ Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale Concludes with a Trio of $1M Mares appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The period of the quarantine of Barn 15 at Belmont has been extended by two days by the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) due to another horse in that barn, Willful Desire, developing a fever. The 4-year-old filly, trained by Gustavo Rodriguez, developed a fever on Monday. Nasal swabs and blood samples were immediately sent to Cornell University for analysis, which were returned on Tuesday afternoon as negative for EHV. In accordance with standard protocols, Barn 15 will remain under quarantine through at least Feb. 26, 21 days from Willful Desire's first symptoms. Barn 15 was first placed into quarantine on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 3 p.m. when Cure Curls, trained by Danny Gargan, presented acute neurological symptoms and was subsequently euthanized. Cornell University returned a positive test result for EHV on Sunday afternoon. The quarantine procedures are overseen by Dr. Sarah Hinchliffe, the director of NYRA's veterinary department, in consultation with the NYSGC. The 34 horses stabled in Barn 15, which is also home to stalls for Jim Ryerson along with Gargan and Rodriguez, are monitored throughout the day for fever and other signs of illness. During the quarantine period, horses stabled in Barn 15 will not be permitted to enter races or train among the general horse population. Afebrile/asymptomatic horses stabled in Barn 15 will continue to train in isolation from the general horse population throughout the quarantine. The post Quarantine Extended in Belmont’s Barn 15 Until Feb. 26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Town Cryer (inside) on her way to winning the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) at Tauherenikau on Tuesday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) A stunning display of resilience and courage in the heat of battle was on display at Tauherenikau on Tuesday as progressive mare Town Cryer claimed the Listed Wairarapa Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) in a torrid three-way tussle. The Roydon Bergerson-prepared six-year-old was one of the main fancies in the contest after finishing third in the Group 3 Anniversary Handicap (1600m) at Trentham last month. Rider Craig Grylls was content to sit outside surprise pacemaker Flower Of Wanaka during the early running before taking control of the race rounding the home bend. That lead was short-lived as she was immediately headed by Sugah Sweet while Matamata visitor Snazzytavi was also joining issue further out. The trio set down to a stirring battle as Town Cryer kicked back under vigorous riding from Grylls to reclaim the lead at the 100m and hold out Sugah Sweet by a head at the line with Snazzytavi just a long head back in third at the winning post. Bergerson paid tribute to the determination of his mare who he believes should have an even better record in recent weeks including in the Group 1 Thorndon Mile (1600m) where she was one of the many hindered by the false start to the race. “She is such a tough mare and she never knows when she is beaten,” Bergerson said. “Gryllsy said all the way down the straight she kept lifting and he thought she could have gone another 400m and still held them out. “When she got headed, I did think we might be running for the minors, but she doesn’t know when to give up and got the lead back and the win. “She has been a model of consistency in some good fields and even when she ran seventh in the Thorndon at Trentham, she should have finished closer as she picked the start brilliantly before they had to pull up and go again and that exertion probably told on her the second time around but she still wouldn’t give in.” Bergerson will now focus on the upcoming Auckland Cup Carnival at Ellerslie where the $350,000 Rangitoto Classic (1500m) for horses from stables not in the top 10 on the National Trainers’ Premiership ladder on March 2 is the first target. “She holds a nomination for the Auckland Cup (Group 2, 3200m) at Ellerslie and we are toying with starting her there as I think she isn’t really a two-miler but you need a bit of brilliance to win an Auckland Cup and she has that,” he said. “The race on the first day over 1500m for trainers not in the top 10 is also very attractive, although I’m not sure what weight she will get or whether you can get an apprentice claim. “If she can get conditions like that to suit then it is an attractive proposition. “No matter what we do I would like to pay tribute to my staff as I’ve been away at the sales and they have done a super job with all our horses and that makes life so much easier when you have good people putting in the hard yards like they do.” More horse racing news View the full article

Ruby Rocks winning the Wairarapa Cup (2050m) at Tauherenikau on Tuesday. Photo: Peter Rubery (Race Images Palmerston North) Local Opaki mare Ruby Rocks put her best foot forward as she dominated the closing stages when taking out the Wairarapa Cup (2050m) at Tauherenikau, New Zealand on Tuesday. To the cheers of the large crowd on hand, the seven-year-old daughter of Burgundy raced away to win by two lengths as she recorded the biggest win of her 40-start career. Rider Sam Weatherley was content to sit well back in the early running as tearaway pacemaker Love For All set up a torrid speed out in front. Weatherley and the rest of the field began to get urgent at the 600m and started chasing down the leader with Ruby Rocks swooping to the front around the home bend. Weatherley kept her up to the mark as she maintained a strong gallop to defeat race favourite Achieve and Lincoln Star who both battled on bravely in the run home. Trainer Roger Allen was delighted the mare he co-bred with wife Ann had bounced back from a pair of midfield efforts at Trentham where she hadn’t received a lot of luck in the running. “It was a very tough win and great to get her back on a firm track,” Allen said. “She doesn’t like it shifty and her last two starts at Trentham really didn’t suit the way the track was there. “It was also a perfect ride by Sam as he got her settled and put her in the race like we had asked him. “She seems to be thriving now at a middle distance, so I think there is a rating 75 2200m at Otaki in a couple of weeks which is where she is likely to go next.” Allen was looking forward to heading home with the mare and enjoying a cold beer and a dip in the pool after battling the stifling heat on-course. “It’s stinking hot here today so it will be good to get home, feed up then settle in for a beer and a swim,” he said. “We’ve got a few mates coming around and some who are in her ownership, so it will make for a good night. “It’s a pretty big group of owners in her including plenty of locals and some friends of my daughter from up Waiuku way so I’m sure they would all have got a kick out of the result today.” More horse racing news View the full article

Russian Emperor heads to the starting gates ahead of his barrier trial. Two-time Hong Kong Champion Stayer (2021/22 & 2022/23) Russian Emperor will ship to Doha, Qatar on Friday, February 9, in his quest to secure consecutive wins in the QAT Group 1 H.H. The Amir Trophy (2400m) at Al Rayyan for trainer Douglas Whyte. “He leaves on Friday night and he’ll have an easy day on Saturday (February 10) followed by a few nice canters across the next few days. I’ll jump on him on Tuesday morning (February 13) – he’ll have a turf gallop. “He’s been there and he’s a professional at travelling – he loves it and he’s very smart. He’ll be in the same quarantine box and same environment. I’m looking forward to getting over there,” Whyte said. Laying the groundwork for his Middle East adventure on Tuesday morning at Sha Tin in a turf barrier trial over 1600m, Russian Emperor cruised through his hit-out to finish third under jockey Brenton Avdulla in a time of 1:37.73. “That was a beautiful trial. He travelled nicely and did everything that was asked of him in the straight – he hit the line strongly and it was a nice top-off piece of work ahead of the 17th of February,” Whyte said. Romantic Warrior crossed the line first in the same exercise under jockey Hugh Bowman ahead of his HK$13 million Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) task on February 25 for trainer Danny Shum. Russian Emperor has earnt HK$47.99 million. Sired by Galileo, the seven-year-old suffered a left front fetlock injury at the end of last November. “He’s always had niggling issues and we’ve managed him carefully in the past and he seems as good as gold at the moment,” Whyte said. All three of Russian Emperor’s wins in Hong Kong have come at Group 1 level, previously claiming the 2022 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup over Golden Sixty and a pair of Group 1 Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup (2400m) triumphs in 2022 and 2023. Russian Emperor placed seventh in the HK$13 million Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) behind Voyage Bubble last month. “There’s Rebel’s Romance and Zeffiro – he ran second in the Hong Kong Vase (Group 1, 2400m). So, it’s a tougher assignment in Qatar but my horse has fresh legs and he’s in good order,” Whyte said. Israr, Point Lonsdale, Satono Glanz, North Bridge and Simca Mille are all potentials to run in the H.H. The Amir Trophy, a contest worth US$2.5 million (approx. HK$19.55 million). More horse racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Wednesday, February 7 will feature five meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and provided free quaddie tips for the meetings at Sandown, Warwick Farm and Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday Horse Racing Tips – February 7, 2024 Sandown Racing Tips Warwick Farm Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For February 7, 2024 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $105.75 odds return: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Sandown – Race 6 #5 Tahlequah Sandown – Race 7 #6 Lauding Warwick Farm – Race 1 #6 Tartaglia Warwick Farm – Race 6 #8 Stylised | 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 February 7, 2024 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

On Wednesday, February 7, various horse racing bookmakers have unveiled their racing promotions, featuring a range of enticing bonus back offers for horse racing enthusiasts. The top Australian racing promotions for February 7, 2024, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Sandown Races 1 -4 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back Up To $50 Back a runner in races 1-4 at Sandown this Wednesday and if it runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $50 in Bonus Cash. Fixed Win bets only. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Warwick Farm All Races Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back Up To $50 If 1 Leg Fails Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Warwick Farm this Wednesday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Available from approximately 8:30am local track time on race day. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Sandown & Warwick Farm Bonus Back 2nd & 3rd Get your stake back in bonus bets. Limits apply. General T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector If the price at the jump is bigger than the price that you took, we will pay you out at the bigger odds Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo 25% Boosted Winnings Sandown Races 5-8 25% Boosted Winnings in Bonus Cash. Max bonus $250. First bet only (including SRM). Paid in bonus cash. Must use available balance. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Double Winnings Happy Valley R1-2 Double Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Max bonus $50. First bet only. Paid in bonus cash. Must use available balance. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Daily Trifecta Boosts Boost your winnings on Trifectas by 10% with new Daily Trifecta Boosts. Thoroughbreds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd R1-3 at Sandown & Warwick Farm Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Promotional limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed Odds only. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au has meticulously assessed the premier horse racing bookmakers in Australia, revealing exclusive bonus promotions and specials tailored for thoroughbred enthusiasts on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. These horse racing promotions are a regular feature, exemplifying the unwavering commitment of Australia’s leading horse racing bookmakers. If one bookmaker happens to lack a promotion on a given day, rest assured that another is stepping up with enticing offers within the realm of gallops. For your daily dose of the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses, HorseBetting.com.au stands as the ultimate destination. Maximise the value of your punting endeavours with bookie bonuses boasting the most competitive horse racing odds for every race. It’s crucial to emphasise that these thoroughbred racing promotions are exclusively designed for existing customers. To access these special promotions and claim the bookmaker’s offers, log in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to leverage their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting provides a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Stay well-informed, adopt strategic approaches, and enhance your overall horse racing experience by capitalising on these exclusive promotions. More horse racing promotions View the full article

The 89th edition of the Longacres Mile headlines a 21-race stakes schedule worth $1,150,000 for Emerald Downs at the 55-day meeting from May 4 to Sept. 15. The $150,000 Longacres Mile anchors a stakes quadruple-header Sunday, Aug. 11. Billed as Championship Sunday, it co-features the $50,000 Emerald Distaff for older fillies and mares, $50,000 Muckleshoot Derby for 3-year-olds, and $50,000 Washington Oaks for 3-year-old fillies. A total of 16 stakes are scheduled on Sundays with five set for Saturdays, including the $50,000 Seattle S. for 3-year-old fillies that kicks off the June 15 stakes schedule. The track's older horse division kicks off Sunday, June 23, with the $50,000 Budweiser S., followed three weeks later by the $50,000 Governor's S. Seven stakes are slated for 2-year-olds, highlighted by the $50,000 Gottstein Futurity at a mile and 70 yards on closing day. In addition to 21 Thoroughbred stakes, Sunday, Aug. 18 features a pair of QuarterHorse stakes: $30,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship and $40,000 Bank of America Emerald Championship Challenge. Opening day, Saturday, May 4, shares a spotlight with the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. The stable area opens Friday, Feb. 23 with training getting underway Monday, Feb. 26. For more information, click here. The post Emerald Downs Releases 2024 Stakes Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dollars & Sense with Frank AngstView the full article

The Thoroughbred stakes schedule at Prairie Meadow is headed by the $300,000 Cornhusker Handicap (G3), $250,000 Iowa Derby, and $225,000 Iowa Oaks. View the full article

Beginning May 10 and continuing through Sept. 28, Prairie Meadows will feature 22 stakes totaling over $1.85 million. A total of 80 racing days will be highlighted by both Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. The season begins with 20 days of Thoroughbred-only racing from May 10 – June 15 and continues with a mixed Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse schedule of 60 race days from June 16 – Sept. 28. “Overnight Thoroughbred purses have been increased approximately 5% across the board for the upcoming 2024 season,” noted Quarter Horse Racing Secretary Chad Keller. Live racing will be offered on a Friday – Monday schedule with the following exceptions: Opening week of racing which will feature racing Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 with no racing on Sunday or Monday May 12-13 No racing on Monday, July 1 during the week leading up to Independence Day there will be a special Wednesday racing July 3, highlighted by central Iowa's fireworks display taking place after the races with post time set for 4:00 p.m. Standard post times for Friday and Saturday programs will be 6:00 p.m. while post times for Sunday and Monday programs will begin at 4:00 p.m. Special post times are scheduled for Saturday, May 18 (Preakness) and Saturday, June 8 (Belmont) at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 28 at 4:00 p.m. for the Iowa Classic. The 2024 Thoroughbred stakes schedule during the Festival of Racing on July 5 and 6 is highlighted by the $300,000 GIII Cornhusker H., $250,000 Iowa Derby, and $225,000 Iowa Oaks, the latter two for 3-year-olds anchoring the Festival. The top Iowa bred runners will take center stage during the Iowa Classic closing night card on Sept. 28 featuring all Iowa bred races for both breeds including a new addition for 2024 on the Thoroughbred schedule with the Iowa Classic Distaff Sprint overnight stake for Iowa bred fillies and mares going six furlongs with a purse of approximately $51,400. Prairie Meadows Condition Book 1 is available and features the first 14 days of racing for Thoroughbreds only from May 10 – June 3. Barn Area Opens for Horses Friday, Apr. 12 at 8:00 a.m. while training resumes Sunday, Apr. 14 (weather permitting). Stall applications for both breeds are due to the Racing Office by Tuesday, Apr. 2. For more information, click here. The post Prairie Meadows Outlines ’24 Season, Stakes Schedule appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Zetta Z (Bernardini), who was added to the Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale catalogue just Sunday, a day after her son Nysos (Nyquist) produced a dominating victory in the GIII Robert B. Lewis S., sold for $2 million to the bid of Coolmore's Adrian Wallace Tuesday in Lexington. The 14-year-old mare, consigned by Grovendale Sales, sold in foal to Cyberknife. She is from the family of Unbridled Elaine and Glitter Woman. The post Coolmore Goes to $2 Million for Dam of Nysos appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The musician, who was born Toby Keith Covel, began buying horses to race in the late 1990s. He later became a Breeders' Cup ambassador.View the full article

The 21-day quarantine currently in effect for Barn 15 at Belmont Park to control an outbreak of equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) will preclude any New York-based horses from shipping in to Laurel Park for the time being, and will have an adverse effect on field sizes for the Maryland track's two Grade III winter sprint stakes on Feb. 17. Mike Rogers, the president of the racing division for 1/ST Racing and Gaming, which owns Laurel, disclosed the ban on Belmont shippers during Tuesday's Maryland Racing Commission meeting. He specifically mentioned the General George S. and Barbara Fritchie S., both worth $200,000 and run at seven furlongs, as being affected. Two other $100,000 stakes are also on the same card. “Unfortunately, we could be affected by the EHV-1 outbreak that took place in New York right now,' Rogers said. “As of right now, we're not accepting horses from New York. So it could affect our field size, because we do have a lot of nominations from New York.” The highly contagious EHV-1 can spread during any time of the year, but the onset of winter typically brings a spike in cases nationwide. Cute Curls (Tapiture), an unraced 3-year-old filly trained by Danny Gargan, was euthanized Feb. 3 after displaying acute neurological symptoms. A New York Racing Association press release from Feb. 4 stated that 34 horses are stabled in Barn 15, which is also home to stalls for trainers Jim Ryerson and Gustavo Rodriguez. The Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC), which maintains a national database of updates and notices, reported Feb. 5 that a second filly out of Belmont's Barn 15 also spiked a fever and that “blood and a nasal swab are being submitted for PCR testing.” The EDCC report continued: “An official NY State quarantine of all horses stabled in Barn 15 at Belmont Park Racetrack was put in place on 2/4/24. Horses stabled in Barn 15 are not permitted to train in the company of the general population of horses. Horses from Barn 15 must train after the close of regular training hours. Standard biosecurity measures are in place and enforced by NYRA Security personnel with veterinary supervision.” Rogers said that “We'll take our guidance from our veterinarians before we allow [any] horses in from New York.” The post Belmont EHV-1 Quarantine Will Affect Fields For Laurel’s Top Winter Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fierceness leads 346 3-year-olds nominated to the Triple Crown after the first closing of nominations Jan. 29.View the full article

The musician, who was born Toby Keith Covel, began buying horses to race in the late 1990s. He later became a Breeders' Cup ambassador.View the full article

Graded stakes winner She Can't Sing (Bernardini) became the second seven-figure mare of the Lothenbach dispersal at Fasig-Tipton Tuesday when selling for $1.1 million to the Sikura family's Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. John Sikura did the bidding on the 7-year-old mare before handing off the ticket to his 22-year-old son Jes to sign. The post She Can’t Sing to Hill ‘n’ Dale for $1.1 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade I winning Bell's the One (Majesticperfection) brought a final bid of $1.3 million from bloodstock agent Catherine Hudson, bidding on behalf of an undisclosed client, Tuesday at Fasig-Tipton. Part of the dispersal of the bloodstock of the late Robert Lothenbach, the 8-year-old mare was consigned by Vinery Sales. She will remain in the U.S., according to Hudson, who added mating plans are still to be decided. The post Bell’s The One Brings $1.3 Million at Fasig-Tipton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. Among this week's rulings, trainer John Pimental has been handed a 15-month suspension and a fine of $10,000 for possession of banned thyroid medication, Thyro-L. Though Pimental had a prescription to administer the drug to his pony, the possession of a banned substance is classed an anti-doping rule violation under HISA. Pimental's case was resolved without a final hearing after he accepted the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) sanctions. Pimental's case was the subject of this in-depth TDN investigation last October. It details the then 68-year-old trainer's financial and professional struggles fighting a potential three-year ban and $25,000 fine. Pimental also has an outstanding case against him for a methamphetamine positive. Methamphetamine is a ubiquitous drug of human abuse that is the subject of nine other individual cases since HISA's drug control program went into effect. In nearly a half-century of training, the TDN reported, the only Association of Racing Commissioners International violation on Pimental's record was a $100 fine for once not having a foal certificate on file. In the case resolution report, HIWU lists several mitigating details in Pimental's case, including how he produced a valid prescription record for the Thyro-L, as well as a letter from his veterinarian, supporting its use in the pony, a “non-Covered Horse”; that “there is no evidence that Mr. Pimental possessed the Thyro-L for use in a Covered Horse after the ADMC Program went into effect”; that the pony for whom the Thyro-L was prescribed was “still alive and in the Pimentals' possession and care at the time the Thyro-L was found”; and that the Pimentals “openly admitted their mistake.” At the same time, “Mr. Pimental did not educate himself on the impending ADMC Program rules, he took no precautions to ensure he was not in Possession of Thyro-L once the ADMC Program took effect, and he failed to supervise the disposal of the Thyro-L in his Possession,” the report states, in justification of the sanctions. Trainer Manuel Badilla has also been suspended seven days and fined $1,000 after his trainee, Shana Madel, who finished second at Golden Gate on Dec. 26, subsequently tested positive for the anti-inflammatory, dexamethasone. Dexamethasone is a Class C controlled medication, a first offense for which comes with a possible $500 fine and loss of purse. The “case resolution” report states that this was Badilla's second Class C controlled medication violation within two years, however, leading to the increased suspension period and fine. NEW HISA/HIWU STEWARDS RULINGS The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 12/24/2023 Licensee: David Geofroy (listed as the horse's owner on Equibase) Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: For the presence of 5-Hydroxy Dantrolene-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Gran Runner. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 12/26/2023 Licensee: Manuel Badilla, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility, beginning on February 1, 2024; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Shana Madel, who finished second at Golden Gate on 12/26/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 01/03/2024 Licensee: Anthony Dutrow, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Past Tense. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 01/11/2024 Licensee: Ignacio Correas, trainer Penalty: A fine of $3,000; imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: A possible violation of Rule 3314-Use or Attempted Use of a Controlled Medication Substance or a Controlled Medication Method-on the horse, Didia. This was also a possible violation of Rule 4222-Intra-Articular Injections Within Seven (7) Days of Timed and Reported Workout. Date: 07/28/2023 Licensee: John Pimental, veterinarian Penalty: 15-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on July 28, 2023; a fine of $10,000. Explainer: For the possible possession of Levothyroxine (Thyro-L). This was a possible violation of Rule 3214(a)-Possession of Banned Substances Read more on Pimental's story here. Pending ADMC Violations Date: 12/09/2023 Licensee: Michael Gorham, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Out of competition medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Acepromazine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Tom Char. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 11/09/2023 Licensee: Steve Klesaris, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Gabapentin-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from She's Awesome, who won at Aqueduct on 11/9/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 11/20/2023 Licensee: Kari Craddock, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Methocarbamol-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Ekati's Hit, who finished second at Remington Park on 11/20/23. This was a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 01/07/2024 Licensee: Jose Delgado, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Buff Hello, who finished third at Gulfstream Park on 1/7/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 12/29/2023 Licensee: Hutch Holsapple, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged Violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Oxymorphone-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Krickle, who finished second at Turfway Park on 12/29/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3212-Presence of a Banned Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers. Date: 12/13/2023 Licensee: Darien Rodriguez, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Dexamethasone-Controlled Medication (Class C)-in a sample taken from Charlotte the Brit, who finished second at Tampa Bay on 12/13/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 12/01/2023 Licensee: Daniel Franko, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Caffeine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Misty's Cat, who won at Golden Gate on 12/1/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). Date: 10/28/2023 Licensee: Ron Moquett, trainer Penalty: Pending Alleged violation: Medication violation Explainer: For the presence of Mepivacaine-Controlled Medication (Class B)-in a sample taken from Speed Bias, who finished third in the G2 Hagyard Fayette S. at Keeneland on 10/28/23. This is a possible violation of Rule 3312-Presence of Controlled Medication Substance and/or its Metabolites or Markers (Post-Race/Vets' List). OTHER KEY RULINGS The TDN also publishes a roundup of key official rulings from the primary tracks within the four major racing jurisdictions of California, New York, Florida and Kentucky. Here's a primer on how each of these jurisdictions adjudicates different offenses, what they make public (or not) and where. NEW YORK Track: Aqueduct Date: 02/03/2024 Licensee: Marshall Gramm, owner Penalty: $2,000 fine Violation: Breach of transfer rule for claimed horses Explainer: Owner Marshall K Gramm is hereby fined the sum of $2,000 for violating rule #4038.4 Sale, transfer restricted. This for the transfering of claimed horse “Truculent” prior to the thirty days from the date of the claim. The post Weekly Stewards and Commissions Rulings – Jan. 30 – Feb. 5 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A half-sister to live Gold Cup contender Gerri Colombe (Fr) (Saddler Maker {Ire}) and a winning daughter of wondermare Quevega (Fr) (Robin Des Champs {Fr}) are some of the standouts on show at the two-day Goffs February Sale which kicks off on Wednesday at Kildare Paddocks. Princess Vega (Ire) (Beat Hollow {GB}), winner of a Tramore bumper for Willie Mullins, will be sold in foal to Walk In The Park (Ire). As well as being a daughter of the six-time Cheltenham festival heroine Quevega, she is also a half-sister to the four-time Grade 1 winner Facile Vega (Ire) and Listed bumper scorer Aurora Vega (Ire). She will be consigned by The Irish National Stud as a supplementary lot 431G. Another supplementary lot, Hermione Colombe (Fr), is sure to grab plenty of attention, being a half-sister to Gerri Colombe, who is as short as 8-1 for the Gold Cup. Trained by Gordon Elliott, Gerri Colombe has won four times at the highest level and was only narrowly pipped by The Real Whacker (Ire) in last year's Brown Advisory at Cheltenham. A daughter of Brave Mansonnien (Fr), the unraced Hermione Colombe [lot 431H] will be sold in foal to Waldgeist (GB) having already produced colt foals by Sea Moon (GB) and Night Wish (Ger). She will be consigned by Alpha Play Bloodstock. The Sale also features a five-strong draft from the Aga Khan Studs while Moyglare Stud will offer four weanlings, including a Make Believe (GB) colt out of dual Grade 1 hurdle winner Unaccompanied (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). The nine-time winner, who carried the Moyglare silks with great distinction over jumps and on the Flat for Dermot Weld, has already produced a classy performer on the level in the shape of Group 3-placed Keep In Touch (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}). Other interesting prospects include In Wood (Ire) [lot 431J], an Authorized (Ire) half-sister to Grade 1 winner Very Wood (Fr). She will be sold in foal to Diamond Boy (Fr). Meanwhile, seven-time winner Pearl Of The West (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) is just another classy broodmare prospect on offer. The sale, which has produced classy types like Twilight Jet (Ire) (Twilight Son {GB}), Bolthole (Ire) (Free Eagle {Ire}) and Yaxeni (Fr) (Maxios {GB}) in recent years, and offers a broad mixture of horses-in-training, weanlings and broodmares, gets underway at 10am. The post Broodmare Prospects Set To Take Centre Stage At Goffs February Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2023's Eclipse champion 2-year-old Fierceness (City of Light) leads a list of 346 nominations to the 2024 Triple Crown according to a Tuesday release by the Kentucky Racing Communications Office. Last weekend's GIII Holy Bull S. third is one of 20 nominees owned by Repole Stables and one of 54 trained by Todd Pletcher to lead their respective categories. A further 18 horses were nominated by Bob Baffert and Brad Cox respectively. While the total number of nominees is down from last year, there are a record 47 potential runners from Japan. Other notable nominees include: Nysos (Nyquist), Track Phantom (Quality Road), Hades (Awesome Slew), Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and Catching Freedom (Constitution). Four fillies, Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}), Gun Song (Gun Runner), Life Talk (Gun Runner) and Kopion (Omaha Beach), were also nominated. 3-year-olds can continued to be nominated to the Triple Crown via a $6,000 payment through April 1. The post Champion 2-Year-Old Fierceness Leads 346 Triple Crown Nominations appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article