Wandering Eyes

A Gr.1 Queensland Derby mission is on the radar for trainer Cliff Brown with last Saturday’s Caulfield winner Rogan (NZ) (Super Seth). Under jockey Patrick Moloney, Rogan finished well from back in the field to narrowly win Saturday’s 2000m handicap for three-year-olds. It was a second career win, at his ninth start, and first city success for Rogan, who is by Super Seth and is a half-brother to stakes-winning stablemate Von Hauke. “He’s a natural young stayer horse and he was really pleasing (yesterday),” Brown said on Sunday. “I thought he did a good job.” Rogan was sent out a $31 chance in Saturday’s race, but Brown felt the gelding had been going well, having won a Kilmore maiden over 1600m two starts ago before running fourth at Cranbourne, in a 2025m race won by Hurricane Georgie, in what was his first try beyond 1600m. The Mornington-based trainer said the gelding appears to have come through Saturday’s win in “really good” fashion. “He ate up last night, so he’ll probably head up to Brisbane and he might run in the Derby up there,” Brown said. The Queensland Derby is at Eagle Farm on May 31 over 2400m, and Brown said he was unsure yet whether Rogan would have a lead-up in Brisbane should he head to the Derby. “Pat Moloney said he’d get a mile-and-a-half easy,” Brown said. While Rogan pressed his claims for a Queensland Derby campaign at Caulfield, stablemate Scintillante (NZ) (Savabeel) finished fourth in Saturday’s Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) at Morphettville which was won by the Phillip Stokes-trained filly Femminile. Scintillante could get another chance at a Derby, with Brown saying Queensland is also an option for him. “I thought he was tremendous,” Brown said of Scintillante’s SA Derby run. “As (jockey) Billy Egan said, it was stop-start, he over-raced a little bit, but he was really good late. “He was still closing, so I thought he was great. “He might go up to Brisbane as well. We’ll just see how he does.” Brown has Queensland plans for Rogan’s half-brother Von Hauke (NZ) (Savabeel), with the trainer pinpointing the Listed Bernborough Handicap (1600m) at Doomben as a planned next target for the five-year-old gelding, who was a close fourth in the Listed Bendigo Golden Mile (1600m) at his most recent start on April 12. “He was very unlucky that day, but he’s been really good since,” Brown said. “He’ll have a trial next week and he’ll go to Brisbane too. “There’s a mile race on the 17th (May) and he’ll look to run in that.” View the full article

BH Interview: Michael ShiffmanView the full article

Saracen Horse Feeds has been honoured with a King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade. Saracen Horse Feeds is one of 197 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King's Award for Enterprise. The company is a family-owned horse feed manufacturer, now in its fifth generation. Operating from Aylesford, Kent in England, it manufactures and sells a comprehensive range of innovative, nutritionally sound horse feeds across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. John Rawdon-Mogg, Joint Managing Director, commented, “Our export sales have always been a vital part of our business and the key to our success has been the strong partnerships that we have forged with our international distributors. The last few years have been particularly challenging with Brexit and Covid, but through these criseses we have grown even stronger together through hard work and partnership.” The King's Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King's desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country. The post Saracen Horse Feeds Acknowledged With A King’s Award For Enterprise appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fitzwilliam Sports, a Dublin-based independent bookmaker making its first foray into UK sponsorship, has been announced as a new title partner of the 2025 Goffs London Sale. It will join returning title partner Privat 3 Money, a pioneer in premium digital finance, for this year's event. The 2025 Goffs London Sale will take place on Monday 16 June on the eve of Royal Ascot. It remains the only auction in the world where buyers can purchase a horse declared to run at the Royal Meeting just 24 hours later. One of the principals behind Fitzwilliam Sports is prominent Irish owner, Paul Byrne, who has unearthed a number of leading National Hunt horses, including Grand National winner Noble Yeats. He has also become an increasingly important part of JP McManus's racing operation in recent years. Byrne said, “Fitzwilliam Sports is delighted to partner with Goffs as the new sponsor of their London Sale. There's a distinct crossover between our clients and attendees of the London sale and we look forward to entertaining many familiar faces on the evening while also making some new acquaintances.” Henry Beeby added, “Fitzwilliam Sports speak our language when it comes to tailored service, discretion and a high-touch client experience – all values that mirror the ethos of the London Sale.” The post Paul Byrne’s Fitzwilliam Sports Announced As Title Partner For Goffs London Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rashabar, who had been no bigger than 12-1 for Sunday's Poule d'Essai des Poulains at ParisLongchamp, is set to miss the French Classic, according to trainer Brian Meehan. The winner of last year's G2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot posted a fine reappearance run to finish second in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury last month. However, he is now being re-routed to the Irish 2,000 Guineas after Meehan reported his charge to be “not 100%” after spiking a temperature recently. Meehan said, “Unfortunately Rashabar will miss the Poule d'Essai des Poulains this Sunday. He spiked a temperature a couple of days ago and subsequent bloods have shown he is not 100%. As always in these situations it is better to be cautious and we will now aim for the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh.” The post Rashabar Will Miss French Guineas With Meehan Saying Stable Star “Not 100%” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A new 2YO pacing Colts and Geldings race has been added to Addington’s meeting on Friday, May 16. The addition has been made after the 2YO race scheduled for this Friday (May 9) was abandoned. The May 16 race will provide an opportunities for the two-year-old males to race before the Group 1 Welcome Stakes on Addington’s Premier night on May 23. It will be run over 1980m (with PBD winning stakes using the track grid), and a stake of $17,000. View the full article

HRNZ has extended the grace period for ownership transfers of yearlings purchased at the 2025 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales. Buyers now have until 5pm on Friday, May 9 2025 to submit their initial transfer of ownership free of charge. Initially the cut-off date was Friday, May 2. After May 9, the normal $85 fee will apply. Even if ownership hasn’t been finalised, a transfer must still be submitted. You’re encouraged to list the nominated purchaser from sale day if final details are pending. The transfer form, along with a free name change form, was emailed by NZ Bloodstock once payment was completed. If you haven’t received these, please contact: grant.inglis@nzb.co.nz. Submit your completed paperwork via email to mark@hrnz.co.nz or by post to Harness Racing New Zealand, PO Box 459, Christchurch 8140. Questions? Contact Mark on mark@hrnz.co.nz or call 03 964 1191. View the full article

Trainer Andrew Bobbin joined Michael Felgate on Racing Pulse on Tuesday to chat about Duke Of Bedford’s double at The ‘Bool. Andrew Bobbin reflects on Duke Of Bedford’s incredible week at Warrnambool – Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate – Omny.fm View the full article

Trainer Dan Meagher is set to unveil the second highest horse he brought back from Singapore in a 1400m contest at Caulfield. Meagher elected to keep Lim’s Saltoro (NZ) (Shamexpress) in Melbourne for a 1400m benchmark 100 contest at Caulfield on Saturday rather than make the eight-hour journey to Adelaide to contest the Gr.1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on Saturday. The trainer also had his star Trelawney Stud bred galloper Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) entered over in Adelaide but has decided to wait a little longer before unveiling him. Meagher said he would have preferred a 1200m contest for Lim’s Saltoro to commence his Australian campaign but believes the five-year-old has done the work to be run well on Saturday. “He’s had three trials and jump-outs, and I took him away for two of them,” Meagher said. “You have to remember he has not done that before, travelling and then raceing so I thought it was pretty important for him to do that, and I think he got a lot of benefit out of it. “He’s going super. He’s a very good horse and I have no doubt he will measure up here, but I just don’t know at what level. “It’s a learning curve on Saturday. He’s got a great record, but where does that line up here.” Lim’s Saltoro had a look at Caulfield when trialling on the Heath track on April 10 before running second in a Moe jump-out on April 28. “I trialled him at the Caulfield Heath, and he went terrific,” Meagher said. “He’s had three goes at 1400 metres, for two wins and a second, and first-up after six months or so, I probably would have preferred 1200 or 1300 metres, but he’s had the trials, so we’ll see.” Lim’s Saltoro will be joined by Lim’s Ida who, like his stablemate, raced in Singapore but was prepared by Steven Burridge. Meagher said Lim’s Ida had been competitive against Lim’s Saltoro and Lim’s Kosciuszko in Singapore, but he will get a better guide as to where he stands in the peaking order in Australia. “He’s an older horse that I need to place pretty well to win, but he seems to be going pretty well,” Meagher said. “I haven’t got any gear on him. I want to see how he shapes up and then I’ll get serious with him.” Meagher said Lim’s Bighorn and Arentee would also run in a benchmark 84 race over 1200m on Saturday. View the full article

Westbury Stud have announced the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value. With three new stakes winners this season to date, the successful young stallion Tarzino will head the stallion roster at Westbury Stud in 2025 at a fee of $25,000 + GST. Tarzino sired his third classic winner from just four crops of racing age when his son Willydoit scored an emphatic victory in the Gr.1 Trackside NZ Derby on Champion’s Day at Ellerslie and is quickly establishing himself as the new ‘classic’ sire in the New Zealand stallion ranks. Willydoit became the second Derby winner for Tarzino after Jungle Magnate won the SA Derby in 2022, while Tarzino has also produced the classic winner Gypsy Goddess, winner of the 2022 Queensland Oaks and placed in the ATC Oaks. Tarzino’s success continues to grow at a strong rate, and among his three new stakes winners this season are Torranzino, an impressive win of the MRC Easter Cup Gr.3 and the Chris Waller trained Kadavar, winner of the Christmas Cup and unbeaten in 4 starts over 2400m. Immediacy, a Group 2 winner at three has been successful in his last two starts in Melbourne while Crouch was placed in the WRC Wellington Cup Gr.3, Tomadachi stakes placed in the Listed WRC Lightning Handicap over 1200m and the promising stayer Titicaca taking out the $350,000 WRC Remutaka Classic. Tarzino will again be joined by the established sires El Roca and Swiss Ace, internationally accomplished Reliable Man, and the multiple Group 1-producing son of High Chaparral in Redwood and the younger stallion Ferrando. Westbury Stud remains committed to offering breeders a range of proven sires at exceptional value, supported by a strong on-farm and sales-based support program. “We are very proud of the ongoing achievements of our stallion roster, and these fees reflect our commitment to offering high performing stallions at value fees, while maintaining the highest standards in service and support for breeders.” General Manager Russell Warwick said. The racetrack success of the horses we breed, and that of our stallions in general, is a priority allowing breeders to achieve success in both the sales ring and at the winning post. Westbury’s sires continue to play a key role in shaping the future of Australasian racing.” Tarzino (Tavistock – Zarzino): $25,000 El Roca (Fastnet Rock – Rubimill): $10,000 Redwood (High Chaparral – Arum Lily): $10,000 Reliable Man (Dalakhani – On Fair Stage): $10,000 Swiss Ace (Secret Savings – Rapid Serve): $5,000 Ferrando (Fast ‘n’ Famous – Rio Nugget): $5,000 View the full article

Foxton trainer Gail Temperton scored a popular result at Hawera on Tuesday when taking out the quinella in her local cup, the Foxton New World Foxton Cup (2100m). Group Three performer Royal Flower (NZ) (Proisir) was dropping back from stakes grade after placing in the Gr.3 Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2050m) last month and was sent out a $4.40 second favourite at the mid-week meeting. She duly delivered for punters, scoring a half-length victory over stablemate Never Look Back (NZ) (Shocking), and Temperton was over the moon to get the quinella in the colours she inherited from her father, Norvil Temperton. “I thought the two horses were fabulously ridden, both jockeys brought them home very nicely,” Temperton said. “It means a lot to me. My Dad trained on the Foxton track and my colours are handed down from him, so to do that and think of him means a lot to me.” Temperton said the result was also a tonic for her partner Stanley Alexander, who she bred and races the pair with under their Taikorea Thoroughbreds banner. “We bred them both and it’s terribly rewarding for Stan and I,” Temperton said. “Stan is currently a little bit disabled, having had an accident and broken a bone, but he will be thrilled about this.” Both horses were offered through Rich Hill Stud’s 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 2 Yearling Sale draft, but were unwanted, and Temperton took great satisfaction in getting Tuesday’s result. “They both went to the Karaka sales and neither of them got a bid,” she said. “Royal Flower was last in Book 2, and everyone has pretty much gone home by then. To get this result when you couldn’t get a bid for two horses you bred is very rewarding.” Temperton has a soft spot for Royal Flower, but said she does have her quirks. “She is lovely,” Temperton said. “She is a handful, she always goes down early (to the start). It’s not that she’s naughty, she is just keen to go out and these other fellas just want to go around and round the birdcage, and she wants to get on with it.” After winning a high weight at Woodville last week, Never Look Back was destined to commence his jumping career at Wanganui on Sunday, but those plans could be shelved off the back of his current run of form. “He has really gone up a notch this year,” Temperton said. “I don’t know whether he will be going jumping on Sunday or not, we will have to see what he has to say about the matter.” View the full article

Group Three performer Oneira (NZ) (Contributer) will have her first appearance at the races in eight months when she heads to Ellerslie on Wednesday. The talented daughter of Contributer was a debut juvenile winner and finished fourth in the Listed Futurity Stakes (1400m) before making an impression at three when placing behind subsequent Group One winner Quintessa and Chantilly Lace in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m). That Gold Trail was run in early September in 2023 and Oneira has raced just three times since, her most recent showing an eighth at Matamata last September before being ruled out over the summer with injury. She indicated she was back on track with a bold trial at Pukekohe seven days ago, and her trainer Cody Cole has selected the Yourride 1100 as her first-up assignment. “She’s super, I’m really happy with her,” he said. “This is a nice race that will suit her, she’ll be open to a bit of fitness improvement but if we can see the real Oneira, they’ll know she’s there. “I think those shorter course trips are to her liking still, we’ve tried to push her out a little bit further as a three-year-old and it didn’t really work out. “Maybe she could go further once we get up and racing this preparation, but I would probably guess to say she’ll stick around that 1200m mark.” Joining Oneira at the midweek meeting is promising maidener Bannen (NZ) (Swiss Ace), a four-year-old who finished runner-up in his first three starts before finishing seventh at Trentham, a result explained by several factors. “He got a bit of an illness after his run down there at Wellington, he had a temperature when he got home so I gave him a bit of a quiet time and freshened him up,” Cole said. “Prior to that run, his form was good, and he just got taken on in front at Wellington with blinkers on for the first time. That softened him up completely. “He may have been coming down with that too, but he’s got good upside there and he’s still figuring the game out. Things haven’t really clicked yet, but he’s got enough ability to overcome that at the moment.” The Gerry Harvey-owned son of Swiss Ace will contend with a wide barrier draw in the Auckland Co-Op Taxis 1400. Later in the week, Cole will head to Arawa Park with Renovations (NZ) (Ardrossan), a well-performed filly aiming to complete her season on a high note. Renovations has been absent from the winner’s circle this term but made a real account of herself in strong company, placing behind Leica Lucy in the Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m), alongside fourth placings in the Gr.3 Gold Trail Stakes (1200m), Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m) and Listed Oaks Prelude (1800m). Her swansong contest at three will likely be the Van Dyks 1400, instead of heading down to Wanganui for a Pearl Series event on Sunday. “I’m really happy with her, she’s done a great job this season and performed well in some pretty strong races,” Cole said. “She’ll look to stay up here at Rotorua at this stage, then she’ll more than likely be heading for a spell. “She’s worked really well this (Tuesday) morning and I think she’ll run another good race, she’s a very honest filly and always seems to put a good run in.” Lightly-raced mare Part Time Lover (NZ) (Swiss Ace) is another Cole runner making an awaited return to the races, having had five starts for a win and three placings before requiring a bone-chip removal early this season. The five-year-old trialled at Pukekohe last week behind Tristar, indicating she is ready to run a race fresh-up. “She had a chip in her fetlock that had to be taken out at the end of last preparation, we’ve just been bringing her up quietly and waiting on the soft tracks for her,” Cole said. “She’s got good upside and has furnished into a nice mare, so if she can run up to her work, they’ll know she’s there on Saturday too.” With just under three months remaining in the current season, Cole is hoping to add further success to his career-best tally, currently sitting on 28 winners and over $1 million in stakes earnings. That figure was boosted significantly over the past 10 days, with five winners including his Te Rapa victor, well-bred filly Astoria Brooke (NZ) (American Pharoah). The Rating 65 contest was the Trelawney-bred and owned filly’s second win, while she made a good account of herself when sixth in the Gr.2 Eight Carat Classic (1600m) back on Boxing Day. “It was a super performance in a big, strong field at Te Rapa,” he said. “She’s only a three-year-old and taken a bit of time to mature up, but she was out of my first stakes winner and it looks like she’s got a bit of the ability that her dam had as well. “We’re just going to see how she is in the next few days, I’m pretty open-minded and if she goes to the paddock, she’s done a good job. If she’s bouncing through it well enough, we’ll push on. “We’ll pop a saddle back on her tomorrow and make that call.” View the full article

Top rider hopeful concept can breathe fresh life into racing, should it come to fruition.View the full article

The National Racing Bureau now has its own dedicated email and phone accounts. The hotline is 0508 BUREAU = 0508 287328 and the email is : bureau@hrnz.co.nz The bureau has been in operation since Monday, April 7. It is a centralised system overseen by HRNZ that streamlines the nomination, acceptance and field release process for the sport across the whole county. Trainers should nominate and manage drivers via the HRNZ Website or app. View the full article

Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate. In an exciting move, NZB is pleased to announce a fitting new sales format, ensuring that the quality of the 100th National Yearling Sales catalogue is in line with the momentous occasion. Book 1 will be conducted across two full days, composed of approximately 580 horses. Book 2 will immediately follow with a further 290 yearlings the following day. While a third session will also be re-introduced with up to 200 yearlings catalogued to sell on the Thursday. To be known as the Karaka Summer Sale, the day prior will be utilised as an inspection day. “Our goal is to assemble the very best lineup of yearlings, validating our annual yearling harvest as the flag bearing sale for New Zealand breeders with the cream of the crop on offer,” commented NZB’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook. “While the condensed Book 1 and Book 2 will be full days of selling, the format will be highly advantageous from an international buyer’s perspective. They want to be away from home for as little time as possible during what is an extremely busy sales calendar. “The introduction of the third session is to ensure we have a complete offering for both vendors and buyers, boosted by some attractive sales terms and a $200,000 Karaka Millions bonus.” “The 100 year anniversary is truly an exciting occasion. We are thrilled to be celebrating such a milestone on behalf of the wider industry, and are looking forward to producing one of the best catalogues seen in New Zealand.” Entries for the National Yearling Sales Series open in June, while details for the National Online Yearling Sale are in discussions with timing of that session to be confirmed shortly. For more information about Karaka 2026, call Bloodstock Sales Manager Kane Jones on +64 27 274 4985 or email kane.jones@nzb.co.nz. KARAKA 2026 SALE SCHEDULE BOOK 1: Lots 1 – 580 Day One: Sunday 25 January Day Two: Monday 26 January BOOK 2: Lots 581 – 871 Tuesday 27 January KARAKA SUMMER SALE: Lots 878 – 1000+ Thursday 29 January View the full article

Former Hong Kong galloper Rise Companions (Capitalist) will have his second start in New Zealand at Ellerslie on Wednesday, and trainers Simon and Katrina Alexander are hoping to see a more relaxed horse at the Auckland venue. He was a bit green in his debut outing at Pukekohe last month when runner-up over 1200m, and his handlers will apply ear covers on Wednesday ahead of the Trackside.co.nz 1400. “He got himself a little bit stirred up last time, a bit full of himself, he gets a bit overwhelmed with it all,” Katrina Alexander said. “It would be nice to give him a second crack and see if his manners can improve a bit from his first start.” The son of Capitalist won an 1100m trial at Ellerslie in March, and the Alexanders are looking forward to returning to the track this week. “We are pleased that we are going back to Ellerslie with him,” Alexander said. “I don’t think he will go much deeper into the season, just with the tracks and what we have seen from him galloping at home. “Hopefully he can put a nice performance together and we can get a line on him and put him aside and bring him back for the new season.” “He has worked well, he is a natural galloping horse.” A A$110,000 yearling purchase in Australia, the now four-year-old entered the care of Hong Kong trainer Danny Shum, but didn’t race in the competitive racing jurisdiction, having been withdrawn from his debut race after sustaining a tendon injury, and subsequently headed to New Zealand where he joined the Alexanders barn. He has been a work in progress, but Alexander believes Rise Companions has plenty of ability and is looking forward to seeing his progression on the track. “He is pretty raw, but is very much a natural galloper, he is a very powerful horse,” she said. “I think he is going to show a preference for the better ground, but we will get a line on him at Ellerslie. If he can continue racing there that would be great, but we will just see how tomorrow goes.” Rise Companions has plenty of support ahead of Wednesday, currently sitting a $2.50 favourite with TAB bookmakers. Looking ahead to the weekend, Alexander will head to Rotorua on Saturday with a trio of runners, and she is welcoming the wet forecast. “It will be interesting to see what this weather does,” she said. “I hope it rains, but I hope we don’t get huge amounts. “We have got Major Major (NZ) (Pins), Acapelago (NZ) (Belardo) and Vadanova (NZ) (Vadamos) going around at Rotorua and they will appreciate wet tracks.” Meanwhile, Alexander said stable star La Crique (NZ) (Vadamos) is enjoying her spell after her Australian autumn campaign was curtailed with a foot issue. “I was out there with the farrier last week and she looks tremendous,” Alexander said. “She is doing very well and the farm commented that the more mature she gets mentally, the easier she is to spell. She seems very relaxed and chilled out and is looking good. “She went out on top because she didn’t get that last race in, so she has immediately done well, which is good to see. We are trying to give her six weeks and at this stage she is halfway through that.” View the full article

Oaklawn continues to deliver a world-class racing experience, marked by competitive fields and champion performances. View the full article

Twelve of the world's leading flat riders, including Irad Ortiz Jr., Flavien Prat, and Frankie Dettori have joined forces to create a global jockeys' league that is expected to launch across the sport's most prestigious racing venues early next year.View the full article

Thorpedo Anna last year also won the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) and was second in the Travers Stakes (G1). The seventh-place finish May 2 was her first time outside of the top two in 13 career races. She finished 8 1/2 lengths behind Raging Sea.View the full article

A decision on whether there will indeed be a Triple Crown bid in 2025 should come in the next day or two, according to Michael Banahan, director of bloodstock for Godolphin, owners of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Sovereignty.View the full article

On the May 5 episode of BloodHorse Monday, Louie Rabaut and Sean Collins react to the results of the 151st Kentucky Derby (G1) and hear from winning connections Michael Banahan, Junior Alvarado, and Bill Mott.View the full article

While the New York Thoroughbred racing industry eagerly awaits the expected Fall 2026 re-opening of Belmont Park, one of the circuit's oldest stakes also sits on hold. View the full article

The Oaklawn Park live racing season wrapped up last Saturday, and it delivered with strong numbers across the board, with over $56-million in purses distributed over 621 races, the track announced Monday evening. With an average of 10 races a day, and a daily purse distribution of $903,338, the racing remained competitive with an average of 9.32 starters per race. The average daily handle surpassed $6.73-million while the meet handle reached well north of $417-million. Participation from horsemen remained strong, too, as 2,030 individual horses made at least one start with the group totaling 5,788 jumps between them. Eighty jockeys and 186 trainers competed at the venue this year. The 2024-25 leaders were a salty group as Steve Asmussen and End Zone Athletics Inc. (Karl Broberg) tied for the leading owner title with 14 wins each. D.J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds, and CJ Stables led all owners with purse earnings of $1,168,000. Steve Asmussen stood alone in the trainer rankings as he collected his record-extending 14th Oaklawn title by winning 46 races, good for purses totaling over $5-million. Francisco Arrieta claimed his second riding title–his first outright–by winning 65 races. The number of trainers and jockeys to earn over $1-million during the season rose, tallying 13 of the former and 16 of the latter. Of the noteworthy milestones reached during the racing calendar, Arrieta earned his 1,000th career victory; Keith Asmussen secured 100 Oaklawn victories; trainer Jinks Fires reached 1,500 career wins; trainer Tom Van Berg earned win 300; jockey Walter De La Cruz hit 1,400 career wins; and Ricardo Santana Jr. joined the 2,000 win fraternity, among others. “It's incredible what we accomplished this season,” said Wayne Smith, general manager of Oaklawn. “Even after losing four Saturdays to weather, we ended up just 10 races shy of last year. That kind of resilience shows the passion of our horsemen, the dedication of our team, and the unwavering support of our fans. It really was something special.” The post Oaklawn Park Wraps 2024-25 Season Strong in Key Metrics, Meet Leaders Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In the wake of this year's Kentucky Derby win by Sovereignty, I think it is important to recognize the quiet but profound legacy of one of racing's great horsewomen and enthusiasts–Betty Moran. Sadly, Mrs. Moran passed away in 2020, but I have to feel that this year's Kentucky Derby winner, whose mother she bred, is testament to years of her racing and breeding at the top end of the thoroughbred world. Mrs. Moran bred and/or raced many outstanding race horses including Belmont and Jockey Club winner Creme Fraiche, champions Unique Bella, Russian Rhythm, and Hard Spun, along with English Grand National winner Pappilion. Mrs Moran's breeding theory was simply to breed the best to the best, and she rapidly developed one of the best small broodmare bands in U.S. history. Long before Sovereignty surged down the stretch at Churchill Downs, Mrs. Moran made a bold move in the purchase of his granddam, Mushka, as a three-year-old for $2.4-million. She was a tall, leggy and stunning dark bay mare who would go on to win the GI Spinster at Keeneland and run second, beaten by only a head, in the GI Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic earning $850,000 that year. After retiring, Mushka would produce four foals for Betty's Brushwood Stables including a Bernardini filly which she kept, and three other foals that would be sold for more than $3.5-million. One was of those a gorgeous, scopey filly sold as a yearling to Darley who would name her Crowned. The rest is history. Crowned's first three foals where all by Into Mischief. The second of these a tall, beautiful colt to be named Sovereignty. Oddly, both Mushka and daughter Crowned would have spotty foaling records, but what they produced mattered. This also continued the great legacy of Sovereignty's fourth dam, Lakeway, who was bred and owned by accomplished horseman Mike Rutherford. Lakeway went on to become a foundation mare for Mike's Manchester Farm, and was followed by generations of outstanding horses blessed with her beauty and elegance, to include Sovereignty. I was honored to advise my great friend Betty Moran for more than 30 years. She was a prolific philanthropist and talented horsewoman who would be on top of the world following this year's Derby. On her behalf, congratulations and good luck to Darley and Mike Rutherford. Congratulations to you too, Betty! Your devotion and contributions to racing and horses paid off… again. Reiley McDonald The post Letter to the Editor: The Legacy of Betty Moran appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a brief break, the highly-popular Metro Trotting and Pacing Series is back. The first heats of the latest series, worth $20,000, will be held for both gaits as part of the Magness Benrow and IRT Sires’ Stakes Finals night at Alexandra Park on Friday night. A second round of heats will be held on May 23. The series is for horses rated up to and including R54 and/or horses with up to two lifetime wins. Heat wins will be penalty free with the first four home in each automatically qualifying for the $35,000 Final to be held on Friday, May 30. There will also be further series over the next two months, culminating in the Finals on Friday, June 27 and Friday, July 25. The Metro series is a key part of the Look North strategy launched last year to reinvigorate racing in Auckland and Cambridge. The last round of Heats and Finals was held in March with Eyre I Will, trained by Jeremy Young, taking out the Trotters Final with Brian and Gareth Hughes training the quinella in the Pacing Final with Runkle Crunch and Carrera Hombre. To see the Trotters field for Friday night click here To see the Pacers field for Friday night click here View the full article