Wandering Eyes

Race 6 THE BOLTHOLDER MAIDEN 2000 RITA BONITA (E Nicholas) – Co-trainer Mrs. T Keegan advised Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of mare, however, in her opinion RITA BONITA may not have suited the Good 4 track conditions and could benefit from more rain effected footing. T Keegan further advised the mare has now been sent for a spell and will return to race day early autumn. The post Matamata Racing Club, Wednesday, 24 January 2024 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Racing official Victor Escobar has been appointed New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) Steward, NYRA announced late Thursday afternoon. The former Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission (OHRC) State Steward, where he'd been since 2021 and where he had played a central role in the implementation of Category 1 rules at Remington Park, Escobar will join NYRA Feb. 16. As OHRC Steward, Escobar was also responsible for public communication with the betting public immediately following stewards' decisions. He has also served as State Steward for the New Mexico Racing Commission and as an Association Steward at Rillito Park. In 2023, Escobar was selected by the Racing Officials Accreditation Program (ROAP) as the first American steward to participate in the International Stewards Education Program, a three-week immersion in the United Kingdom designed to facilitate international harmonization amongst stewards and judges. The NYRA Board of Stewards is comprised of three officials who collectively officiate races and adjudicate disputes at all NYRA tracks. The Board includes the New York State Gaming Commission Steward, The Jockey Club Steward and the NYRA Steward. Escobar, the son of retired jockey Victor Escobar Sr., succeeds Brook Hawkins, who has been the primary NYRA Steward since 2019. The post Victor Escobar Succeeds Brook Hawkins as NYRA Steward appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The post NHC Prayer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund Advisory Committee met Feb. 1 to discuss monetary allotments to the state's spring meetings at Keeneland and Churchill Downs.View the full article

Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie will begin the 2024 Thoroughbred Racing Season April 18 and conclude July 14. The season will encompass 41 race days, featuring 21 stakes worth a total of $2.8 million.View the full article

Maryland was one of the breakout states in the American Horse Council's report on the economic impact of the national horse industry, released Jan. 31.View the full article

Seven months after learning they were one of a handful of racehorse rehoming and animal rescue organizations bequeathed a large sum of money by owner Nancy Messineo, the California Retirement Management Account (CARMA) have received the “significant gift” and are in the process of figuring out how to best use it. “We received this gift the end of last year right before Christmas,” said Lucinda Lovitt, executive director of the non-profit founded 15 years ago to raise money for the state's fleet of retired racehorses. “It's timely in the sense that we have this big shift coming in California,” Lovitt added, alluding to the planned closure of Golden Gate Fields in June. “It gives us some flexibility and freedom to meet the needs where they are or where they will be.” Messineo, who died in June at the age of 74 after a long battle with cancer, left CARMA, the Wild Horse Sanctuary, Red Bucket Sanctuary, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Thoroughbred Charities of America sums totaling roughly three-quarters of her estate. Messineo's gifts came as a welcome surprise to these organizations, but didn't surprise those who knew her well. “She just loved animals,” said Bruce Sands last June, of his close friend, a long-time racehorse owner. While CARMA is still in the process of deciding how to deploy the funds, Lovitt said that Messineo had specified in her will for the money to be used in the organization's placement program. In short, that program acts as a bridge to funnel a retired racehorse toward the right aftercare organization–to prevent, for example, a horse with the skills for a fruitful second career from going to a lifetime retirement sanctuary. “We're providing a service for our horsemen and we're providing a service to our aftercare partners because we're making sure that they're getting horses that fit their program,” said Lovitt. CARMA's placement program comes with caveats. The owners must have participated in California's CARMA purse contribution program. The horse must have raced or worked at a CHRB (California Horse Racing Board)-licensed track or training center in the last six months. And the horse must be a gelding, filly or mare. Lovitt declined to specify the amount gifted but stressed its impact on the organization. “Right now especially, it's really wonderful to have this safety net,” she said. The post Messineo Windfall for Use in CARMA Placement Program appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Purses for maiden special weight (MSW) races are projected to remain unchanged for the third straight spring at both Keeneland Race Course and Churchill Downs. Track executives disclosed the pre-condition book figures during the Feb. 1 Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund (KTDF) advisory board meeting. Keeneland expects to write $100,000 MSW races for 3-year-olds and older horses, with 2-year-olds competing for $80,000, according to Gatewood Bell, Keeneland's vice president of racing. Continuing a condition that Keeneland tried last fall, Bell added that there will also be four maiden-auction races written for $70,000, one for each sex going both short and long. Back during Keeneland's 2021 spring meet, the comparable MSW purse levels were $79,000 and $60,000 for older and juvenile races, respectively. Keeneland's $100,000 and $80,000 levels have been in effect since 2022. Churchill's MSW races for older horses will remain at the $120,000 purse level this spring, according to Ben Huffman, the track's vice president of racing. He did not state an amount for 2-year-old races. In the spring of 2021, Churchill carded two levels of MSW money. For the lead-in week to the GI Kentucky Derby, the purses were $115,000. After that, MSW races were written for $100,000. In 2022, Churchill's MSW purses for older horses got raised to $120,000 for the spring meet. The purse levels stayed that way in 2023, even after Churchill's corporate ownership opted to move the remainder of the meet to another Kentucky track in its portfolio, Ellis Park, in the aftermath of 12 equine fatalities that occurred in the first six weeks of the Churchill season. Bill Landes III, the chairman of the KTDF advisory committee, who represents the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders (KTOB) association on the KTDF board, briefly addressed both Keeneland and Churchill about potentially increasing those MSW purse levels in the future. “If things come good for you, we would be amenable to any hike or anything you could afford us,” Landes said. Braxton Lynch, who also represents the KTOB on the KTDF board, suggested that any available purse money would be better spent on upping the amounts carded for allowance races. “As much as Bill likes to focus on the MSW numbers, [and] I think we're really lucky to be where we are on the MSW numbers, if we ever got a chance [to] put [a purse] increase somewhere, I'd love to see a bigger gap between MSW and allowance, with allowances going a little higher. They become so much harder to win that I think there should be a little more reward there.” KTDF board member Rick Hiles, who serves as the president of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent & Protection Association, agreed with Lynch. “I've been saying for years there should be a bigger gap between maidens and the non-winners of two or 'a-other-than' [allowance conditions].” The KTDF is funded by three-quarters of 1% of all money wagered in the state on both live Thoroughbred races and historical horse race gaming, plus 2% of all money wagered on Thoroughbred races via inter-track wagering and whole-card simulcasting. On Thursday the KTDF advisory committee approved the recommendation of allotment requests that the Churchill and Keeneland purse estimates were based on, but the full Kentucky Horse Racing Commission still has to vote on final approval of the funding. The post For Third Straight Spring, MSW Purses at Keeneland and Churchill Projected to Remain Level appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, Alan Carasso takes a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Saturday running at Kyoto and Tokyo Racecourses: Saturday, February 3, 2024 4th-KYO, ¥11,850,000 ($81k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1800m AIR SAMSARA (c, 3, Nyquist–Yuzuru, by Medaglia d'Oro) is the latest to the races out of this stakes-winning dam, whose daughter Yuugiri (Shackleford) pieced together a very productive 4-year-old season in 2023, winning the GII Thoroughbred Club of America S. ahead of a gallant runner-up effort behind repeat champion Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. The family has served these breeders very well, as Yuzuru's half-sister Nokaze (Empire Maker) has bred five winners from five starters–all in Japan–including Group 2 scorer Air Almas (Majestic Warrior) and Air Fanditha (Hat Trick {Jpn}), a two-time listed stakes winner. The colt's third dam Angelic Song (Halo) was a full-sister to Devil's Bag, Saint Ballado, et al. B-Sekie & Tsunebumi Yoshihara (KY) 5th-TOK, ¥11,850,000 ($81k), Newcomers, 3yo, 1600mT RAINBOW TOPAZ (JPN) (c, 3, Ghostzapper–Lady Dyna, by Tapit), a $125,000 in-utero purchase at Keeneland November in 2020, is a maternal grandson of Dr. John Chandler's Dynaforce (Dynaformer), a stakes winner and Group 2-placed in France for Andre Fabre and later winner of the GI Beverly D. S. and GI Flower Bowl S. while under the care of Bill Mott upon her repatriation to the U.S. The dam of English SW & GSP Aljezeera (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Dynaforce is kin to 12 winners out of Aletta Maria (Diesis {GB}), including MGISW Cetewayo (His Majesty), GSW & GISP Bowman Mill (Kris S.), SW Ntombi (Quiet American) and De Aar (Gone West), the MGSP dam of three-time graded winner and multiple Grade I-placed Willcox Inn (Harlan's Holiday). B-Yuki Dendo The post Yuugiri Half-Brother Kicks Off Career at Kyoto appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maryland was one of the breakout states in the American Horse Council's report on the economic impact of the national horse industry, released on Jan. 31. The total economic impact of the industry grew 38% between 2017 and 2022, from $2.1 billion to $2.9 billion. In addition, the industry's direct contribution to Maryland's GDP grew by 40.5% between 2017 and 2022. The industry is responsible for 28,434 jobs, and horse industry wages total more than $1.24 billion. The survey, conducted in 2023 by the American Horse Council, determined that Maryland contains over 717,000 horse enthusiasts, or about 30% of the population, with a total horse population estimate of 92,749. More than 37,000 Thoroughbreds live in Maryland, making them the most populous breed in the state. “The horse industry is a vital part of Maryland's economy and Maryland's landscape,” says Cricket Goodall, executive director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association. “Horses provide both job opportunities and the environmentally beneficial green space that are essential to Maryland's productive future. We are proud that Maryland has more horses per square mile than any other state in the country.” The post Economic Impact of Maryland Horse Industry Grows to $2.9 Billion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brigette Solomon Quantity and quality are the order of the day on the grass at Hawera this afternoon. The Hawera Harness Racing Club received strong nominations resulting in 11 races, with the two feature races of the day attracting quality horses with good depth of form. The Taranaki Steelformers Stratford Cup Handicap Pace (Race 10 – 4.49pm) looks very open and features a field of consistent performers, several who already have a country cup or two to their name. From the South Island, trainers Michael House and Matt Purvis, each have one horse competing. The House runner, Johnny Mac, was a winner in the Westport Cup two starts ago and starts this assignment off the 10 metre line. The gelding will be driven by Wilson House, and the father and son House team are proving a formidable combination in the Central Districts. Purvis’ runner, Smoke On The Water, is yet to win a race on the grass but finished second in the Reefton Cup on December 30. “He came through his West Coast trip well and really stepped up to the Country Cup races there,” says Purvis. “He travelled up here well, his work’s been super and he doesn’t lose much of his speed on the grass.” Meanwhile from Cambridge, Nicky Chilcott’s two starters warrant respect. The lightly raced mare Idolou has her first start on the grass with a 10 metre handicap. The Sweet Lou mare was a winner at her first three starts before being unplaced in the Group 1 Queen Of Hearts. “We freshened her after her last start and she seems bright and well,” says Chilcott. “She’s had a bit of stand start practice at home and I can’t see the grass track worrying her as she is beautifully gaited.” Village Rebel is Chilcott’s other runner starting off the back mark of 30 metres, driven by stable Junior Driver Leah Hibell. At his last two starts the gelding won the Wairarapa Cup and Otaki Cup in good style and is currently the fixed odds favourite at $5.50. “He loves the grass but being a 2100 metre race it will be a tough ask when giving 30 metres at the start,” says Chilcott. “I expect he’ll go a good race but it’s a strong field with a few horses that wouldn’t surprise if they won.” The feature trot of the day is Race 9, the Auto Super Shoppe Hawera Handicap Trot (4.16pm) over 2100 metres. Off the front line is Run Forest Run for Cambridge trainers Andrew and Lyn Neal, a winner of his last two starts at Cambridge Raceway, the most recent on January 7. “We’re really happy with him, his work’s good and he’s in good form,” says Neal. “It’s his first time racing on grass but he’s had a practice run and we’re expecting a forward showing from him.” Also off the front is The River Boy for Clevedon trainer Matthew White. While unplaced in his most recent starts, he was a strong winner at Alexandra Park two starts ago and doesn’t lack ability. “We’ve treated some minor issues on him and his work over the past week suggests he’s back on track,” says White. “It will be his first time on the grass but I think he’ll appreciate the big roomy track.” Romeo Foxtrot, trained and driven by David Butcher, is the sole back marker off a 20 metre handicap. A last start winner at Cambridge Raceway on January 19, the gelding will be making his grass track debut. “It will be hard for him off 20 metres but with a few on the unruly in front we might get a good run through and hopefully an easy trip,” says Butcher. Today is the first of two days at Hawera, with racing continuing on Sunday. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Don’t give up on The Falcon just yet. That is the advice from regular driver Gerard O’Reilly as the rugged pacer heads to Addington tonight in what looks an ideal race. The seven-race winner of $165,000 meets a few horses who are well short of those marks in Race 6, the 1980m mobile for intermediate pacers. The best version of The Falcon is better than intermediate, with his strongest form last season very consistent with occasional trips to open class, like when he was seventh in the New Brighton Cup. He has had his issues too, with a breathing problem in the spring possible triggered by pollen that curtailed his racing then. The Falcon returned with a below par effort at Motukarara in late December but he wouldn’t be the first horse to get to far back in a big country cups field and struggle to get into the race. “He has trialled since and he was a lot better, running on well for third,” says O’Reilly. “I think Geoff and James (Dunn, trainers) are a lot happier with him and I think we will see him come back to something like his best in the next few starts.” Tonight looks a good race for the six-year-old but O’Reilly warns he may not launch the tough son of Bettor’s Delight at the start so tempo could be a factor. The race could prove to be tactical, with plenty of early speed and two of the biggest players there could be the Dalgety pair of Watermelon Sugar and Fernetti. “I’d rate Watermelon Sugar the slightly better chance this week,” says co-trainer Cran Dalgety. “He went two good races on the circuit whereas Fernetti galloped away in the Cup up there and had a hard run so he might still be on the way back up after a quiet time.” While the main pace is very even the open trot tonight should be Oscar Bonavena’s to lose after his stunning last few months of 2024, with his only real danger being if he was to be slow early and a freegoer like Smokin Bandar got an uncontested lead and sprinted a 56 second last 800m. But all things being equal, Oscar should continue on his winning way. The other highlight of the night is the last race which sees some smart three-year-olds headlined by unbeaten filly Moments Like These (R9, No.8) but she takes a decent step up in grade and her $1.70 opening quote looked short compared with the $4.20 for stablemate Major Hot. O’Reilly has the handy Bettor Be Sharp in the same race and expects a far better run than last start and suggests the five-year-old is worth following. View the full article

The Feb. 3 Toboggan Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct Racetrack has drawn a field of seven older horses for the seven-furlong dirt test with Murray among the key players.View the full article

D. J. Stable and Robert Cotran's Hades has Joe Orseno looking back at his highly successful training career, and at the same time, dreaming about what the future may bring.View the full article

1st-OP, $115K, Msw, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 1:30 p.m. ET. Under the baton of Ken McPeek, MIDSUMMER MARCH (Mendelssohn) debuts for Walking L Thoroughbreds. The dark bay initially sold to Sycamore Hall for $280,000 at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale before hammering down for $425,000 during the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Sale, which was the highest priced yearling for her sire in 2022. Bred by David Fennelly's Mountmellick Farm, the filly is out of GIII Torrey Pines S. winner Munny Spunt (Munnings), who sold for $340,000 at Fasig-Tipton Winter Mixed Sale in foal to Justify, subsequently died but not before foaling a colt named Just Munny. Midsummer March's dam is a half-sister to MGSW Blues Street and GSP Beale Street, both by Street Cry (Ire). Also set for her first start is Cypress Creek Equine's Off the Lam (Curlin). Trained by Fausto Gutierrez, the homebred is out Argentinian multiple group stakes winning mare Sarasota (Arg) (Luhuk), who is responsible for GII Honeymoon H. heroine Sarah's Secret (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) and GI Carter H. victor Salutos Amigos (Salute the Sarge). TJCIS PPS 2nd-GP, $89K, Msw, 3yo, 5fT, 12:39 p.m. ET. With the same Hard Spun-Speightstown cross as GI Breeders' Cup Sprint champ Aloha West, firster Refuel makes his inaugural trip to the post for Repole and St. Elias. A $550,000 Keeneland September buy, the chestnut was the second-highest priced Hard Spun yearling in 2022. The Todd Pletcher trainee is out of SW Quick Flip who went to Spendthrift Farm for $230,000 at the 2017 Keeneland November Sale. At the time, she was carrying GSW/GISP Following Sea (Runhappy), who incidently was third to Aloha West at the Breeders' Cup. The dam of GSP Gimmick (Into Mischief), Quick Flip is a half-sister to MGSP/SW Qahira (Cairo Prince) and MGSP/MSW Factor It In (The Factor). TJCIS PPS The post Friday Insights: Mendelssohn Filly Steps To The Rostrum For Oaklawn Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Dr. Mick Peterson and Dr. Wayne McIlwraith This year marks 15 years since the Racing Surfaces Testing Lab (RSTL) was founded by an engineering faculty member at the University of Maine and an orthopedic surgeon from Colorado State University. The non-commercial material testing lab emerged out of the 2006 Grayson-Jockey Club Welfare and Safety of the Racehorse Summit at the urging of Dennis Moore of Hollywood Park and Dan Fick of The Jockey Club. Initially located in one stall of a two-car detached garage in Orono, Maine, the independent non-profit was made possible by donations from The Jockey Club, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Churchill Downs Inc., The New York Racing Association, California Association of Racing Fairs and Oak Tree Foundation. The RSTL in 2023 has little in common with that modest start. Now located in Lexington, Kentucky, the RSTL is in a 3,400-square-foot building on a 1/4-acre lot. The fenced lot is filled with vans and trailers that performed more than 70 pre-meet inspections at 53 racetracks in 2023. The lab no longer just performs standard tests but develops tests in collaboration with the University of Kentucky and racetrack operators, researchers, and graduate students from Europe, Latin America, and Australia. Fifteen years ago, surface standards for horse racing in the United States lagged behind other racing jurisdictions and sports. Today, thanks to a combination of federal legislation and a unique gift, horse racing in the United States has the potential to become an international model for safety and consistency across sport surfaces. The beginning of the shift started with a 2019 gift from The Jockey Club which enabled the RSTL to take over existing on-site testing and the maintenance database. The single set of equipment previously available for pre-meet inspection had been based in Maine and later in Lexington to serve all racetracks in the United States. The gift provided funding for equipment to be located in Lexington as well as on the West Coast. With this equipment, the RSTL could perform pre-meet testing at racetracks across the United States and respond quickly if concerns arose. Laboratory material testing was modernized with new equipment, which allowed critical testing to be performed in less than an hour instead of over several days. The existing database was replaced by a new system hosted by The Jockey Club, which started the RSTL on a path to more comprehensive data storage and provided a modern interface for the racetracks to enter maintenance data. The timing could not have been more auspicious. Demand was poised to far outstrip the testing capabilities that existed prior to receiving the gift from The Jockey Club. When the HISA Safety Regulations went into effect in July 2022, pre-meet inspection, material testing and daily measurements were required at all covered racetracks. As a result of these regulations, the Maintenance Quality System protocols developed over the previous decade had become more than suggestions followed by a few of the most progressive racetracks. Using the new equipment, pre-meet inspections were immediately implemented by the RSTL for HISA. Today, after only one and a half years, test data is available from all covered racetracks. Updated information infrastructure from The Jockey Club forms the backbone of a system that feeds data to HISA in real time. Epidemiological models of horse injuries can now begin to include quantitative racetrack surface data. Work remains. Dirt, turf and synthetic racetrack surfaces need continuous improvement. Complete daily monitoring of the tracks exists at only a few racetracks. Real-time race surface data is needed by superintendents and researchers. However, the data infrastructure and regulatory framework is in place. New information can be fed to racetrack maintenance personnel. The commitment of the RSTL is unchanged. The design of equipment and testing protocols are all publicly available and subject to peer review. Data from the tracks is widely shared among other racetracks. No other racing jurisdiction and very few other sports have combined research with transparency to build surfaces that are consistent, from day to day, and throughout the United States and Canada. Michael “Mick” Peterson, Ph.D. is the Director of the Racetrack Safety Program and Professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Kentucky. He is also the Executive Director and a co-founder of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory. Wayne McIlwraith is the founding director of the Orthopaedic Research Center, a University Distinguished Professor in orthopaedics and holds the Barbara Cox Anthony University Chair in Orthopaedic Research at Colorado State University. The post Letter To The Editor: Racing Surfaces And Testing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Feb. 3 Toboggan Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct has drawn a field of seven older horses for the seven-furlong dirt test with Murray among the key players.View the full article

Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie will begin the 2024 Thoroughbred Racing Season on Thursday, Apr. 18 and conclude on Sunday, July 14. The season will encompass 41 race days, featuring 21 stakes worth a total of $2.8 million. The richest day of the meet, Lone Star Million Day, will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 with over $1.2 million in purses. Six stakes have been scheduled, including the GIII $400,000 Steve Sexton Mile for three-year-olds and up and the 1 1/16-miles $300,000 Texas Derby. The full 2024 Lone Star Park Racing Calendar is available on the Lone Star Park website or by clicking here. The post Lone Star Meet to Feature 21 Stakes Worth $2.8 Million appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

This day 2nd February in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Hong Kong horse racing news 12 months ago Doubles for Purton, Ho, Shum and Yiu as Man looks to Centenary Sprint Cup Seeking elite success with Lucky Sweynesse in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin this weekend, Manfred … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Sandown racing preview & quaddie tips | February 4, 2023 What Sandown Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Saturday, February 4, 2023 First Race … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Randwick best bets, top odds & quaddie | Saturday, February 4 What Randwick Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, February 4, 2023 First Race … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Randwick-Kensington best bets & quaddie tips | February 3, 2023 What Kensington Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Friday, February 3, 2023 First Race … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Sant full of praise for star NT jockeys Todd and Wiseman Jarrod Todd and Sonja Wiseman have made a serious impact on the NT racing scene and look set to battle … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Saturday’s Eagle Farm best bets & quaddie | February 4, 2023 Saturday metropolitan racing in Brisbane returns to Eagle Farm with a very competitive nine-race program. See our best bets and … Read More Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | February 2, 2023 Horse Racing on Thursday, February 2 will feature five meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Moonee Valley racing tips & best odds | Friday, February 4 HorseBetting.com.au’s tipping expert brings you the best bets and top odds for the eight-race meeting at Moonee Valley on Friday, … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Lonhro Plate to feature several high-priced yearling purchases A number of expensive yearlings are expected to step out in Saturday’s Listed Lonhro Plate (1000m) at Royal Randwick, including … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago 2022 Inglis Millennium runner-by-runner preview & betting tips HorseBetting’s Nicholas Lloyd brings you his runner-by-runner preview of the $2m Inglis Millennium at Randwick this Saturday, along with his … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Caulfield racing tips & top value bets | Saturday, February 5 HorseBetting’s Victorian form analyst brings you his best bets and quaddie numbers for the nine-race card at Caulfield on Saturday, … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago The Candy Man connections opt for retirement over comeback Queensland’s favourite grey has been retired this morning, with Barry Baldwin confirming that The Candy Man has run his last … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | February 2, 2022 Five horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections here at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Spratt doesn’t want a lot for Christmas Top jockey Sam Spratt has a simple wish for the next 12 months as she comes back from injury – … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Te Rapa distance test for in-form 3YO Classic hope Dark Destroyer will have two upcoming chances to convince connections he has the right credentials for a crack … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Ipswich racing tips, value bets & top odds – Wednesday 3/2/2021 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the best odds, value bets and quaddie numbers for Wednesday’s race meeting at Ipswich Turf Club in … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Sir Dragonet’s Return Depends On Track Ciaron Maher couldn’t be happier with his Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet and he will enter him for the Orr … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Sandown horse racing preview & betting tips – Wednesday 3/2/2021 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the best odds, value bets and quaddie selections for Wednesday’s race meeting on the Hillside track at … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Millennium Favourite Lands Perfect Draw Profiteer is an odds-on favourite for the Inglis Millennium after drawing perfectly while some of his major rivals will need … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Randwick-Kensington racing tips & value bets – Wednesday 3/2/2021 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the best odds, value bets and quaddie selections for Wednesday’s race meeting on the Kensington course at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Cunningham honoured by Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association Curraghmore’s Gordon Cunningham has been acknowledged by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (ITBA) with the Wild Geese trophy, an award … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago More ahead for impressive Riccarton winner Promising two-year-old Mozzarella could have booked a trip north for a juvenile feature later this month after her impressive victory … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Punt Drunk: Peters goes full boomer over Perth lockdown The Punt Drunk team take a look at the latest headlines to come out of the racing world, including Bob … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Williams pair on target for Group One assignments Promising three-year-olds Slave To Love and Il Affare provided trainers Peter and Dawn Williams with plenty of encouragement ahead of … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Probabeel set for Melbourne campaign opener Quality galloper Probabeel will kick off her summer campaign in Melbourne this Saturday when she contests the Group 3 Geoffrey … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 3 years ago Bary back to his best Back in full swing after being sofa-bound for three months, it’s onwards and upwards for astute trainer John Bary. The … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Alligator Blood ready to head to Melbourne Top Queensland three-year-old Alligator Blood has had a final public hit-out before heading to Melbourne, winning a Sunshine Coast trial … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Lindsay Park assembling Diamond arsenal With three runners already in contention for the Blue Diamond Stakes, Lindsay Park will look to add to that number … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Group Two Light Fingers likely for Funstar Flight Stakes winner Funstar is likely to resume in the Light Fingers Stakes ahead of a Group One clash with … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Orr Stakes plan for Alabama Express Three-year-old colt Alabama Express is in line to take on the older horses at weight-for-age in the Group One C … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Rubiton Stakes aim for Sartorial Splendor After missing out on a run at Caulfield, Sartorial Splendor is set to begin his campaign in the Rubiton Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Kilcoy turns back the clock The Kilcoy Race Club will turn the clock back when it hosts its first Wednesday meeting in 50 years … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Sitarist overcomes scare to feature in big treble for Parsons After a touch-and-go few days, emerging staying mare Sitarist headed to Wingatui and was part of a super Saturday for … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Tom Marquand cleared of broken bones Tom Marquand has been cleared of any broken bones after a fall at Randwick but will need to pass a … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Red letter day for Comignaghi and Parsons team The combination of John & Karen Parsons and rider Tina Comignaghi completed a clean sweep of the stakes races at … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Five in a row for Prise De Fer Exciting up-and-comer Prise De Fer extended his winning sequence to five with another supreme performance in Saturday’s Group 3 Powerworx … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Blanket finish to Oaks Prelude The judge at New Plymouth had his work cut out on Saturday when less than half a length separated six … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago El Gladiador all the way in Guineas upset For the second time in four years, John and Karen Parsons have turned a Gore failure into an upset triumph … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Baker Forsman filly takes Taranaki juvenile feature A powerful finishing burst carried lightly raced filly Bonita Aurelia to her first career victory when she downed the favourites … Read More Australia horse racing news 4 years ago Ben Looker suspended for a month Jockey Ben Looker has been suspended for a month after being found guilty of a handling charge at the Gold … Read More Ireland horse racing news, United Kingdom Horse Racing News 4 years ago Honeysuckle extends record at Leopardstown Honeysuckle has maintained her unbeaten record in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown ahead of Cheltenham … Read More United Arab Emirates horse racing news 5 years ago Bouresly’s Treasured Times Tops Competitive Abu Dhabi Feature The Thoroughbreds take centre stage at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club on Sunday when the maximum field allowed of 14 … Read More Hong Kong horse racing news 5 years ago Derby hopes eclipsed as Good Standing finally blossoms Six BMW Hong Kong Derby hopefuls set out to establish their Classic claims in the Beas River Handicap (1600m) at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Owners preparing to transfer Weir horses Owners of horses trained by Darren Weir are preparing to move them on amid uncertainty about his future as he … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Patience pays dividends for Ingeegoodbe The decision to let Ingeegoodbe have an early low-key preparation has paid off with his win at Eagle Farm … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Three in a row for Tin Hat in G3 Manfred Tin Hat has completed a winning hat-trick, leading throughout in the Group Three Manfred Stakes at Caulfield … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Caulfield treble for Maher-Eustace stable Feature race wins to Bons Away and Loving Gaby have formed part of a winning treble for co-trainers Ciaron Maher … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Alizee and Shinn combine to win Expressway Comeback jockey Blake Shinn has ridden Godolphin’s star mare Alizee to victory in the Group Two Expressway Stakes at Rosehill … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago No place for jiggers, says trainers’ boss Australian Trainers’ Association chief executive Andrew Nicholl says the rules of racing are clear when it come to the possession … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Loving Gaby stamps her Blue Diamond claims Loving Gaby has moved to third favourite for the Blue Diamond Stakes after an impressive win in the Group Three … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Rules allow nominations for Weir gallopers Racing Victoria says Darren Weir can nominate horses for races ahead of his adjourned show cause hearing … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Harrison wins again for trainer Meagher Jockey Tegan Harrison cemented her association with trainer Chris Meagher, producing a clever ride to win on Divine Dice at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Meet Mr Taylor breaks Eagle Farm record Speedy gelding Meet Mr Taylor has maintained his unbeaten record by breaking the Eagle Farm 1000m record … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Amercement adds her name to Slipper hopes Godolphin filly Amercement has staked claims for a Golden Slipper berth with her win in the Widden Stakes at Rosehill … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Gollan in no rush with promising Garibaldi Trainer Tony Gollan is in no rush to get smart Garibaldi to Sydney despite his easy debut win at Eagle … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago McLaren starts road to the Golden Slipper Peter and Paul Snowden have unveiled Golden Slipper prospect McLaren at Rosehill where he has won the Canonbury Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Second Bullet wins over 2400m at Caulfield The Danny O’Brien-trained eight-year-old Second Bullet has notched his 11th career win at his 57th start, handling a step up … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Lucas Cranach support pays off for Huddy Owner Linda Huddy’s liking for sire Lucas Cranach paid off when Get Stuck In won at Eagle Farm … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Mystyko makes it a hat-trick at Caulfield The connections of Mystyko are dreaming big after the gelding made it three straight wins with a determined victory at … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Queensland to wait on Weir hearing outcome Queensland officials will wait until Darren Weir’s show cause hearing in Victoria is completed before deciding whether to take any … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Horses moved from Weir stables amid probe The career of leading racehorse trainer Darren Weir is in limbo with owners moving horses pending an inquiry into devices … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Positive signs for jockey Nyssa Burrells Apprentice jockey Nyssa Burrells has passed a post-traumatic amnesia test as she recovers from head injuries suffered in a fall … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Gear change designed to focus Fiesta for Widden Stakes The Chris Waller-trained Fiesta and Performer can make significant strides towards the Golden Slipper when they return from spells at … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Chris Munce to be Johnny on the spot at Doomben Trainer Chris Munce will run three-year-old Johnny Whitesox in city class at Doomben where he will meet equally promising Rancho … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago River Bird can prove herself in Widden Stakes River Bird can showcase her Golden Slipper credentials when the Jason Coyle-trained filly runs in the Widden Stakes at Rosehill … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Crystal Spirit & Crystal Dreamer chase Caulfield stakes double Half-brothers Crystal Dreamer and Crystal Spirit will chase a stakes double for Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra in sprint races … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Hartnell to run in CF Orr Stakes Hartnell will have the first start of his preparation in the Group One C F Orr Stakes at Caulfield … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Expressway Stakes field reduced to six Global Glamour still leads the Expressway Stakes market with the field reduced to six for the Group Two sprint … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Ennis Hill on path towards Blue Diamond Ennis Hill is chasing victory in the Chairman’s Stakes at Caulfield to shore up a start in the Blue Diamond … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago O’Rourke looks beyond Golden Slipper with colt Catanzaro Catanzaro has Golden Slipper form in his pedigree but trainer Edward O’Rourke feels the colt will thrive after the world’s … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Rain to help Stella Ombra at Doomben on Saturday Rain has taken the cut out of the Doomben track which which is a boost to the chances of talented … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Apprentice Amless Bohorun gets start in Dunedin Gold Cup A lack of senior jockeys at Wingatui on Saturday has given apprentice Amless Bohorun an unexpected black type opportunity. The … Read More Horse Racing News 6 years ago Doomben full form & tips for Saturday February 3 DOOMBEN is back this Saturday and we’re excited about what’s on offer in Queensland. There’s a full nine race card … Read More Horse Racing Tips 6 years ago Rosehill tips & full form for Saturday, February 3 IT is Group 3 Expressway Stakes (1200m) day at Rosehill and a huge nine race card awaits punters. We’ve gone … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Black Caviar foals Oscietra & Prince Of Caviar trial at Flemington Oscietra and Prince Of Caviar, the first two of Black Caviar’s foals, have had jump-outs at Flemington … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Beau Mertens excited for Snitty Kitty return Beau Mertens is unbeaten from two rides on Snitty Kitty and will be out to snare another stakes win on … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Moonee Valley Friday night market movers, February 2 MOONEE Valley is back under lights and the Friday night card is generating a lot of buzz ahead of the … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Liam Birchey to train on in Queensland Liam Birchley can train in Queensland for the time being until a charge against him in Victoria is resolved … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tiffani Brooker to step up as senior rider Premier Brisbane apprentice Tiffani Brooker will compete as a junior rider for the final time at Doomben … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Distance only concern for Travimyfriend in G3 Taranaki Cup Stakes performer Travimyfriend will be heading into unfamiliar territory when he runs at New Plymouth on Saturday. The consistent five-year-old … Read More Australia horse racing news, New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Hastings winner Sacred Day headed toward ATC Derby Cambridge trainer Tony Pike took six runners south to Hastings on Thursday and was rewarded when taking out half of … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Canterbury Friday night market movers, February 2 CANTERBURY’S Friday night fixture returns and we cannot wait, and neither can the punters. There might be a full day … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago QRIC undecided over racing ban on Liam Birchley horses The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission is monitoring Racing Victoria’s prosecution of Queensland-based thoroughbred trainer Liam Birchley under the Australian Rules … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Townsville market movers for Friday, February 2 TOWNSVILLE is back this Friday and the punters have a rock-solid eight races to look forward to. Horse Betting has … Read More Market Movers 6 years ago Canberra market movers for Friday, February 2 THE nation’s capital hosts eight races this Friday and the punters have placed their wagers early in the piece to … Read More United Arab Emirates horse racing news 6 years ago Emirates Airline holds strong claims over Al Ain Thoroughbred 2200m race Racing at Al Ain on Friday is highlighted by a 1600m handicap for which just seven have been declared but, … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News 6 years ago No winners for Criquette Head-Maarek in final races Criquette Head-Maarek has sent out her final runners as a trainer at Chantilly … Read More United Arab Emirates horse racing news 6 years ago Jungle Cat wins G2 Al Fahidi Fort at 4th Dubai World Cup Carnival meeting Thursday’s fourth meeting of the 2018 Dubai World Cup Carnival was highlighted by the US$250,000 Group 2 Al Fahidi Fort … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Japanese star to stand at Arrowfield Stud Japanese star Maurice will join the Arrowfield Stud stallion roster for the southern hemisphere season … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Guineas hopes step out in Manfred Stakes A number of Australian Guineas hopefuls will step out in the Manfred Stakes at Caulfield including Sandown Guineas winner Morton’s … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Vic administrators applaud Everest concept Racing administrators in Victoria see the new $10 million race The Everest as a positive for Australian racing globally … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Goodwood Cup upgraded to Group One status The Goodwood Cup, often used as a Melbourne Cup lead-up, has been upgraded to Group One level … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Group One line up for Cranbourne trial Five Group One winners are set to trial over 800m in the opening heat of 22 trials at Cranbourne … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago A look at jockey Darren Gauci’s career A snapshot of Darren Gauci’s career as a jockey in the lead-up to his final meeting at Caulfield … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Gauci set for final meeting as a jockey Darren Gauci will ride competitively for the final time at Caulfield before retiring from the saddle to begin a new … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Guest of Honour back to near best Group One performer Guest Of Honour will have his first start for Matt Dunn with the trainer buoyed by his … Read More Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago Manfred Stakes betting at Caulfield with form, odds and free tips PUNTERS love betting on quality thoroughbreds and there’s plenty of them in action across nine races at Caulfield on Saturday … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Formality to press her Blue Diamond claims Lindsay Park will have two representatives in the Chairman’s Stakes, an important lead-up to the Blue Diamond Stakes … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Smith bides his Time to target G2 Breeders Newcastle trainer Ben Smith could score the biggest win of his career if lightly raced mare In Her Time can … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Harness Racing: Purdon says Vincent can still win Victoria Derby EXCITING New Zealand colt Vincent will have to prove his budding superstar title when he lines up in Saturday night’s … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Meadow being set for possible Oaks double Promising filly Meadow resumes at Eagle Farm to begin a preparation aimed at the Australian Oaks and Queensland Oaks … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 7 years ago Shea Eden confident with Ocean Embers ahead of Bow Mistress VICTORIAN punters got a good look of the potential Ocean Embers possesses when it won the Group 3 Cockram Stakes … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Greg Bennett to join Aquis Farm Respected Scone trainer Greg Bennett is to hand in his licence and take up a position with Aquis Farm … Read More Horse Racing Tips 7 years ago Hobart feature racing form, odds and free tips, Friday February 3 HOBART hosts two major races this Friday with the Listed Tasmanian Derby for three-year-olds and the Group 3 Bow Mistress … Read More Horse Racing News 7 years ago Maher secures high-profile talent at 2017 Karaka Yearling Sales VICTORIAN trainer Ciaron Maher made headlines earlier this week after acquiring the pure white colt by ShamExpress. The striking yearling … Read More View the full article

The Tampa Bay Stakes (G3T) and Endeavour Stakes (G3T), bookend events on the Feb. 3 program at Tampa Bay Downs, look similar but have a big difference.View the full article

Spendthrift Farm has acquired the breeding rights to MGISW National Treasure (Quality Road– Treasure, by Medaglia D'oro), last year's GI Preakness S. hero and a thrilling winner of Saturday's GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream. “National Treasure is the kind of stallion prospect we all look for because he possesses every quality that excites you about his potential to become an important sire,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift general manager. “He was precocious enough to place in a very good Breeders' Cup Juvenile, he's an American Classic winner at three and now a leading older horse at four. National Treasure is fast, has tremendous heart, and he's a very good-looking colt with exceptional sire power and pedigree. We are thrilled to partner with the 'Avengers' team on his future stallion career, and we wish them the best of luck on what could be a special year ahead for National Treasure.” Campaigned by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan, National Treasure earned a 105 Beyer Speed Figure in the Pegasus. “He's just going to get better and better,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “And he's a fighter. That's a huge quality you want to see in a horse.” National Treasure, a $500,000 yearling purchase at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, began his career at two with a debut victory at 6 1/2 furlongs over subsequent GISW Practical Move (Practical Joke) at Del Mar. He finished runner-up to Cave Rock (Arrogate) a month later in the GI American Pharoah S. at Santa Anita, before traveling to Keeneland and running a good third behind 2-year-old champion Forte (Violence) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. As a 3-year-old, National Treasure became his sire Quality Road's first Classic winner with a victory in the Preakness over GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic). He completed his sophomore season with a narrow defeat when runner-up by a nose to Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita, earning a 107 Beyer for the performance. “National Treasure is an exceptional colt and his tenacity and appetite for racing are immense,” said Tom Ryan of SF Racing. “Winning the Preakness was epic, and his performance in the Breeders' Cup, where he laid his body on the line against the Horse of the Year, showed that we have a serious horse on our hands.” Ryan continued, “National Treasure's efficiency at a high speed is one of his weapons. He's very light on his feet. His Pegasus running style brought on a new dimension that gives him options going forward. He's a beautiful, streamlined specimen. We think breeders will love him, and his pedigree is well-rounded and deep, giving him a chance to become a household name for Spendthrift. We are extremely proud of him.” Out of the Medaglia d'Oro mare Treasure, National Treasure hails from a deep family that has been developed through generations by his breeder Peter Blum, who first raced National Treasure's sixth dam Mono in the mid-1960s. An earner of $3,322,000 to date, National Treasure's next start has yet to be determined. The post National Treasure to Stand at Spendthrift Farm Upon Retirement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association today announced the resignation of Frank Gabriel, who has served as senior vice president of racing operations since 2022. Andrew Offerman will succeed Gabriel. View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — It was two years ago that Park Paddocks played host to arguably one of the strongest-ever editions of the Tattersalls February Sale, with a new record median (10,000gns) and the second-highest turnover (5,849,100gns) and average (17,833gns) featuring among the headline statistics. Those lofty figures owed much to a significant Shadwell draft which included the top two lots during the opening session, just a few months on from the announcement that the operation was to be downsized. Much has happened in the intervening period and any fears that Shadwell might be heading for a full-scale exit from the sport have since been well and truly allayed. In fact, the operation has arguably been more successful than ever in the last couple of years, certainly on the racecourse where the likes of Baaeed (GB) and Mostahdaf (Ire)—both now firmly ensconced at Shadwell's new stallion base at Beech House Stud in Newmarket—have achieved notable success. Still, there remains the odd nugget to be mined for those looking on enviously from the outside, as Thursday's opening session at the February Sale again showed with the 11-year-old mare Taqaareed (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), one of a seven-strong Shadwell draft in 2024, taking top billing when selling to Jill Lamb on behalf of Childwickbury Stud for 200,000gns. Successful in a Kempton maiden on the second of her three runs for John Gosden, Taqaareed has made a promising start to life as a broodmare with two winners from two runners, but it was her pedigree, as a full-sister to G1 Oaks and G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. winner Taghrooda (Ire), which really sold her to Lamb. Furthermore, she is carrying to champion two-year-old Pinatubo (Ire). “She stood out really,” Lamb explained. “She's a full-sister to a champion, she's a lovely model and she's in foal to a champion whose yearlings were very well received. We tried very hard to buy a foal by him last year and we could not get one. “This foal is closely related to Tafreej (Ire) (Shamardal) who was 90-rated—it is all quite encouraging. It was a bit more than we were planning to spend and that was definitely our last bid!” The significant sums that changed hands at the 2022 February Sale, when the opening session alone featured no fewer than five six-figure lots, are unlikely to be matched this year if the early evidence is anything to go by, but there was at least one more notable purchase from one of the sport's powerhouses as the Juddmonte-consigned Retort (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) sold to Sackville Donald for 125,000gns. A dual winner in France when trained by Francois Henri-Devin, latterly winning a Conditions race at Chantilly on his first start as a three-year-old, Retort is from one of Juddmonte's most decorated families as a grandson of the blue hen Hasili (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}), as well as being a full-brother to the G2 Prix de Sandringham winner Obligate. “We have had a bit of luck for Highclere—we bought the subsequent Group 1 winner Durston (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) for the team,” said Alastair Donald when revealing whose colours the colt will be carrying when he continues his career in Australia. “This is a neat, bonny horse who goes on all ground and he is by Frankel. He is a proper horse, rated 90 and on the up. You need a versatile horse for Australia and I think he will stay a little bit further. Most of the family are milers but looking at his racing style he might get ten furlongs and there is good money at every distance in Australia. He will be going to Annabel Neasham and I think Harry [Herbert] will have no problem selling the shares quite quickly.” Four-year-old filly Lady Bullet (Ire) (James Garfield {Ire}) was twice Listed-placed when trained by Alice Haynes. That was enough to catch the attention of James O'Mahony who, operating under the banner of Springwell Stud, went to 62,000gns to secure the half-sister to Listed winner Ever Given (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) as part of a new venture for the family. “We will get her home and make plans, but she has her black type now and she will be retired to stud,” said O'Mahony. “We are usually trying to make fillies with black type but sometimes you have to buy them! We will send her to a proven stallion, but it is undecided who yet. “She has been bought for Knocktoran [the farm the O'Mahony family bought last autumn]. We have not done much with the farm yet. We are going to foal the mares at home and then move them over—the plan is to run Springwell as the farm and the new farm as the stud. “A lot of good racehorses have been produced around there and it is 250 acres. Places like that just don't come up very often—you could be a lifetime waiting for that sort of opportunity.” From a smaller catalogue than in 2023 the clearance rate dropped by 10% to 70%, with 100 lots being sold for a total of 1,407,000gns (-38%) at an average of 14,070gns (-12%) and a median of 7,000gns (+8%). Trade focuses solely on horses in training through the second and final session at Tattersalls, which begins at 10am. The post Taqaareed Heads Tattersalls February Sale at 200,000gns appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Over 150 people turned out to support the annual Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) Awards on Wednesday at the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket where the racing and equestrian communities honoured the accomplishments of former racehorses in their new careers. With Richard Phillips and Ashleigh Wicheard acting as the hosts, Goldream, who retired from racing in 2018 having amassed over £500,000 in prize money, emerged as one of the big winners on the night. The Sir Peter O'Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR Community Impact Award, recognises individuals, partnerships, or organisations making noteworthy contributions to people's lives through their involvement with former racehorses. The deserving winner, New Beginnings with Goldream, stood out amongst the nominations, showcasing their remarkable impact on the community. Goldream, now York Racecourse's Equine Ambassador, has shown a kind and intuitive nature, significantly impacting the lives of the elderly and young children locally. Kevin and Pam Atkinson, joint founders of New Beginnings, expressed their pride in Goldream's positive impact, stating, “Remy [hos pet name] stands as the epitome of a versatile racehorse, he seamlessly adapted to his new life after racing with a remarkable blend of grace and kindness, bringing joy and pleasure to all those he encounters.” The Jockey Club RoR Horse of the Year Award was claimed by Que Sera, a former racehorse based in Oxfordshire, owned and ridden by Jo and Ben Hales. Que Sera's journey from a short racing career to becoming a versatile champion in various disciplines captured the hearts of the RoR community. An emotional Jo Hales commented, “Owning and retraining Que Sera has been a privilege. Beyond his remarkable versatility and gentle temperament, he's a true family member. He graciously allows my children to climb aboard effortlessly, showcasing his sensitivity and willing attitude.” The evening's other elite winners included Wonga Swinger and Tori Thomas, RoR Elite Showing Champions; Don Stefano and Megan Brown, RoR Elite Eventing Champions; Celtic Silver and Sara Cork, RoR Elite Hunting Champions; Badalona Breeze and Chris McKenzie, RoR Elite Polo Champions; Fair Duchess and Jane Phillips, RoR Elite Dressage Champions; and More Salutes and Amanda Hamley; RoR Elite Endurance Champions. The post Big Turnout For RoR 2024 Awards Ceremony appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Selections for Hawera today. Head to www.tab.co.nz to place your bet! Race Aaron White Commentator Race 1 12.01pm 13 Keep It Klassy 1 Mr Monty 3 Lightning McQueen 5 That’s Entertainment Race 2 12.35pm 6 Slainte 2 Johnny Who 1 Taylad To Use 9 Alana Race 3 1.09pm 7 Sharkntatties 8 Lord Delmar 5 Savarna 2 Shirley Bassey Race 4 1.45pm 3 Dom Toretto 1 Challenger 9 Lamarli 2 Resurrection Race 5 2.21pm 8 Micky Wade 1 Perun 6 Sheza Mermaid 4 Morere Race 6 2.46pm 10 Caulfield 2 Avenger 3 The Mighty Sully 7 Smokinhotcheddar Race 7 3.18pm 7 Norvic Charlie 1 Jazzy Styx 8 Messenger Buoy 2 Barbarossa Race 8 3.51pm 11 Santanna Mach 2 Uncle Drew 5 Bettor Grunter 7 Greater Good Race 9 4.16pm 2 The River Boy 11 Romeo Foxtrot 1 Run Forest Run 9 Del Shannon Race 10 4.49pm 13 Village Rebel 3 Idolou 5 Smoke On The Water 9 Bad Medicine Race 11 5.16pm 2 Prince Miki 4 Super Duper Dude 3 Maleficence 7 Franco Hoffman View the full article