Wandering Eyes

NBC Sports commentator Randy Moss, whose career in racing has spanned nearly 45 years, will deliver the keynote address at the 2023 Global Symposium on Racing Dec. 5. Seen working events like the Triple Crown series and the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Moss will take a retrospective look at his career in the industry and share his insights on the future of the sport. The Global Symposium on Racing is hosted by the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program and will be held in Tucson, AZ from Dec. 4-6. The post 2023 Global Symposium On Racing Welcomes Randy Moss As Keynote Speaker appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Only moments after going to $3 million for GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock) at Tuesday's Fasig-Tipton November sale, John Stewart was back in action, picking up Queen Caroline (Blame–Queens Plaza, by Forestry) for another $3 million. The 10-year-old Queen Caroline is the dam of champion, GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner, 'TDN Rising Star', and recent Spendthrift retiree Forte (Violence). After not producing a live foal the past two years, Queen Caroline was bred to Horse of the Year Flightline Feb. 24 and is believed to be in foal. From the same family as Breeders' Cup winner Folklore (Tiznow) and Japanese champion Contrail (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Queen Caroline was consigned by Bluegrass Thoroughbreds Services, agent for South Gate Farm LLC as hip 171. South Gate's Amy Moore had purchased her as a yearling at the 2014 Keeneland September sale for $170,000 and campaigned her to multiple listed black-type victories. Watch Hip 171 QUEEN CAROLINE sell for $3,000,000 at The November Sale! Queen Caroline's first foal is last year's #EclipseAward Champion 2YO Male Forte and she is in foal to Horse of the Year and @BreedersCup champion Flightline.#FasigNovember @LanesEndFarms pic.twitter.com/hES4KKtjIK — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) November 7, 2023 The post Forte’s Dam Fetches $3M from John Stewart appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bobby Flay's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock–White Hot {Ire}, by Galileo {Ire}) fetched $3 million from John Stewart at Tuesday's renewal of Fasig-Tipton's November Sale. The 4-year-old filly, consigned by Elite, agent as hip 168, was mated Apr. 20 to four-time leading sire Into Mischief and is believed to be pregnant and carrying her first foal. Pizza Bianca is out of the unraced mare White Hot, who is a half to G1 Epsom Derby winner Pour Moi (Montjeu) and additional MGSW & MG1SP Gagnoa (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), as well as a full-sibling to GSW & G1SP Dawn Patrol. Hip 168 PIZZA BIANCA i/f Into Mischief sells for $3,000,000 at The November Sale! Congrats to the connections: B: Gavin O'Connor, agt for John Stewart C: @EliteRaceSales, agt#FasigNovember @spendthriftfarm pic.twitter.com/MbWTnkV0Z3 — Fasig-Tipton (@FasigTiptonCo) November 7, 2023 The post John Stewart Snaps Up Pizza Bianca for $3M appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mike Repole went to $6 million for triple Grade I winner Nest (Curlin–Marion Ravenwood, by A.P. Indy) at Tuesday's Fasig-Tipton November sale to buy out his partners, who campaigned the reigning champion 3-year-old filly for the partnership of Repole Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and Michael House. Consigned by Highgate Sales, agent II as hip 163, Nest is a full-sister to GI Santa Anita H. winner and Taylor Made stallion Idol, whose first foals will be born next year, and a half-sister to 2023 Jockey Club Derby Invitational S. Lost Ark (Violence). Winner of the 2023 GII Shuvee S., Nest captured the GI Alabama, GI Ashland, and GI Coaching Club American Oaks in 2022. She's earned more than $2.1 million and sold as a racing or broodmare prospect. #FasigNovember: Just like the star she is, champion NEST (Curlin) brings the hammer down at $6 million. pic.twitter.com/JMSML9Ru7L — TDN (@theTDN) November 7, 2023 The post Repole Buys Out Partners in Nest for $6 Million at Fasig-Tipton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aquacade on her way to another stakes victory in the Group 3 Balmerino Stakes (2050m) at Pukekohe on Tuesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) Cambridge Stud and their private trainer Lance Noble celebrated a memorable afternoon at Pukekohe on Tuesday with a clean sweep of the feature events and a winning undercard double. Gifted staying mare Aquacade claimed the Group 3 Balmerino Stakes (2050m) before Habana followed her winning lead to triumph in the Listed Fulton Family Stakes (1500m). Their stablemate About Time had started the ball rolling, while Flamebird was a decisive winner. The familiar Cambridge Stud colours of Brendan and Jo Lindsay went close to making it five for the day when the Graham Richardson and Rogan Norvall-prepared Snazzytavi finished a close second. Gifted staying mare Aquacade added winning momentum to her quest for a Group One victory when she doubled her stakes tally on the course. The daughter of Dundeel gave connections a fright before the Balmerino Stakes when she had to pass a veterinary check, but it was all plain sailing thereafter with the short-priced favourite comfortably accounting for her rivals. Aquacade made impressive progress last campaign with three wins on the bounce including the Group 2 Avondale Cup (2400m) at Pukekohe. She then finished fourth in the Group 2 Auckland Cup (3200m) before a break and returned last month to finish runner-up behind star performer Legarto in the Listed Matamata Cup (1600m) and had no trouble going one better on Tuesday. “To win like that in her first start at weight-for-age was great, we’re very happy,” Noble said. “We are deliberately not trying to send her too far too soon, we’ll keep her legs nice and fresh for 2000m and she’s showing a bit more dash than last prep. “The Zabeel Classic (2000m) is the target for her and a Group One in New Zealand would be terrific. “I’m not sure what happened at the start, it makes your heart skip a beat when something like that happens but she’s a really good mare.” Aquacade lobbed along in midfield and one off the fence before rider Warren Kennedy peeled three wide before the turn. They challenged 300m from home and asserted their superiority in the closing stages to have a length and a-half on Aromatic at the post with Gino Severini third and defending champion Defibrillate the best of the rest. “We had a little bit of a scare when she kicked out and got her leg caught, but the boys at the gate did a good job and fortunately she didn’t take any skin off,” Kennedy said. “She’s definitely a lot stronger this time and smarter.” Kennedy said he had no concerns during the running with Aquacade always travelling well. “She just cruised around and when she hit the front she loafed a bit, she really enjoyed her day out.” A daughter of the unraced Irish-bred Sea The Stars mare Forest Of Seas, Aquacade has now won times and posted a further five placings from her 15 appearances. Also partnered by Kennedy, Habana was a deserved victor in the Fulton Family Stakes following his luckless resuming run for third in the Group 3 Sweynesse Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa. “He came through that well, he’s a lot stronger this year than he was last year and his record at Pukekohe is really strong,” Noble said. Habana has now won five races on the course and also finished runner-up on the course in last season’s Group 3 Easter Handicap (1600m). Kennedy also rode About Time while Vinnie Colgan was aboard Flamebird. More racing news View the full article

Jockey Damian Lane and promising War Decree three-year-old Warmonger. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Talented three-year-old Warmonger scored a game victory in the Listed TAB Trophy (1800m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day for trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. The Kiwi import is a son of War Decree and sports the colours of OTI Racing who purchased the youngster after a dominant 800m trial victory at Ashburton in April for original trainers Shane Kennedy and Anna Furlong. The progressive gelding has now won two of his three starts for his new connections and showed a superior turn of foot on Tuesday, coming from back in the field off a sedate tempo to narrowly land the spoils from a game Queen Of Dragons. Co-trainer Michael Kent Jnr was delighted to get a good winner for syndication giants OTI Racing on a feature day. “We love OTI. We’ve got a big team for them and a win on Cup Day is worth times ten,” he said. “It was a very good win by the horse. I thought Blake (Shinn on Natural Deduction) tried to steal it. They were going 13 to the furlong and he nicked away in the straight.” Kent Jnr said Warmonger had improved a lot since his last-start victory. “When he won at Mornington, he spotted them two lengths at the furlong and won by three. He had a very wooly coat and since the run he’s come out of it and his coat bloomed, his work improved, and he has been a horse on the up. “We thought the big track at Flemington and rise in distance would suit, and it did. “He’s a typical Kiwi horse who improves with time. I’m not sure what his best distance is yet. HIs sister was placed in a Guineas in New Zealand.” The Cranbourne conditioners will now ponder a start in the A$175,000 Cranbourne 3YO Stayers Classic (2025m) on their home-track on November 25, or freshening the youngster for the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) on December 2 at Caulfield. Winning jockey Damian Lane was impressed with the victory as Warmonger triumphed in spite of the slowly-run race. “When the speed came out of the race, he got his head up and it got a bit awkward and it took me a little bit to find a rhythm. Then we took off a long way from home and he was chasing,” Lane said. “It was all a little bit the wrong-way around but we got there in the end and he pleasantly surprised me. I thought he won a moderate race at Mornington last start and I was hoping more than expecting that he would step up to this level. He has acquitted himself well.” The black-type victory is another fillip for the exploits of young War Front stallion War Decree, who stands at Gus and Bianca Wigley’s Inglewood Stud. War Decree’s oldest crop are now four-year-olds with his leading performer to date the Group 2 Lowland Stakes (2100m) winner Val Di Zoldo, while Group Three placegetter Luvnwar and strong maiden winner Sugar remain contenders for the sire in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). Out of the winning Savabeel mare Princess Sapphire, Warmonger was bred by Kevin Hickman and sold as a yearling for $75,000 before being presented at last year’s New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale by Prima Park. Riccarton trainer Shane Kennedy went to $165,000 to secure the youngster, having prepared his Almanzor half-sister Blue Solitaire to finish third behind Legarto in last year’s Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). More racing news View the full article

Forgot You returned to winning form in the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) at Flemington. Photo: Bruno Cannatelli Patience has been rewarded for the connections of the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Forgot You. The five-year-old entire by Savabeel came with a well-timed run under Blake Shinn to score a comfortable victory in the Listed Furphy Plate (1800m) at Flemington on Tuesday, returning to the winner’s circle for the first time since landing the Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) just over two years ago. Off the scene for the best part of 18 months with a tendon injury, Forgot You had been building to a win, with an eye-catching performance for third in the Group 3 JRA Cup (2040m) at his most recent outing. A strong tempo was set by eventual third-placegetter Sibaaq, with Forgot You and runner-up Warning settling near the rear of the field and relishing the hot speed. “When he broke down, he broke down badly,” Trent Busuttin said. “Everyone has done a fantastic job with him and these colours (Ozzie Kheir-owned) know how to win. “In his first three runs he was probably still fat. He’s a five-year-old bull that had been off the scene basically 18 months. “While he was going well, he was still racing himself into fitness.” Forgot You is now likely to have a quick turnaround and a trip to Sydney, with Saturday’s A$2 million Five Diamonds (1800m) at Rosehill, a race restricted to five-year-olds, on the radar. Winning jockey Blake Shinn paid homage to the stable for getting the horse back to his best. “We’ve got to give a lot of credit to Trent and Natalie. They’ve done well to get him back and place the horse nicely,” Shinn said. “This was an obvious race for him to get the horse back winning. I know that is easier said than done but the horse was building up to something nicely. “He had the race in his keeping a long way out and he was quite dominant in the end, it was a good effort. “They were going very fast and a lot of the horses came off the bridle a long way out, and so did I. But I was trying to keep a fair bit in the tank and save him for as long as possible. “The horse in front of me took me into the straight for as long as I needed to and when I asked him for a bit of an effort his stamina kicked in and his class and that got him over the line. Bred by Waikato Stud’s Garry Chittick, Forgot You is out of the winning O’Reilly mare Simply You, a three-quarter sister to stakes-winners Escadaire, Bonny O’Reilly and Group Two winner Rare Insight, dam of Group 1 Coolmore Classic (1500m) winner Steps In Time. Simply You is a daughter of multiple Group One winning sprinter Glamour Puss. Forgot You was purchased by Busuttin Racing for A$330,000 at the Sydney two-year-old sale after being prepared by Ohukia Lodge on behalf of Waikato Stud. More racing news View the full article

Joe Doyle drives Antrim Coast to victory at Pukekohe on Tuesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) An impressive training effort by Stephen Marsh saw the Cambridge trainer commence Melbourne Cup Day at Pukekohe in style, preparing a freshened Antrim Coast to victory. Showing promise early in his three-year-old season, Antrim Coast broke maiden status in Heavy 9 conditions at Te Rapa in August before being sent for a brief spell and was rated a third-favourite with horse racing bookmakers in a compact but competitive Pukekohe field. The seven starters broke in a muddling fashion, with Antrim Coast among the better at the hop slotting one back on the fence trailing Leroy Brown, while both of the fancied colts in Cannon Hill and Geriatrix were leisurely away, the latter travelling ungenerously for Warren Kennedy at the tail. Joe Doyle guided Antrim Coast patiently around the home turn and eventually found clear air on the rail at the 200m, the son of Roc de Cambes responding to his urges and found a strong turn-of-foot to stretch a three-quarters-of-a-length clear at the post to Geriatrix, who scorched home late to edge out a solid Cannon Hill. “I was very lucky, the horse in front of me wanted to get off the rail the whole way around and it was just a case of waiting for the split,” Doyle said. “Fortunately I had the horse to go through it.” Marsh had prepared the gelding for Tuesday’s contest with a trial at Matamata in October followed by an exhibition gallop, and was pleased to see the freshen-up pay dividends. “We’d done enough with him (in August), he’s a big strong horse and we thought he needed a little break,” he said. “We’re hoping to turn him into a derby horse, he’s a lovely horse with a great temperament so we have plenty to work with. “He’s a horse I really like, we’re hoping to get him ready for probably my favourite race in the Lucia Valentina at Otaki, so that will be his next mission.” The Group 3 Lucia Valentina Wellington Stakes (1400m) was named in honour of a former star in the Marsh stable, the Savabeel mare winning the three-year-old Otaki feature under his care before she relocated to Kris Lees’ Newcastle stable. Lucia Valentina blossomed across the ditch and went on to claim multiple Group Ones in Australia, including an electric victory in the 2016 edition of the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m). More racing news View the full article

Andrea Atzeni continues to build momentum. Jockey Andrea Atzeni has hit the ground running in Hong Kong and his strong early season form, which he hopes to maintain, has seen him rewarded with a booking in each of the three Group 2 races on November 19 at Sha Tin. The experienced Italian rides Duke Wai in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m), Healthy Happy in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) and Glorious Dragon in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m), with the races serving as traditional lead-up contests for the HK$118 million Hong Kong International Races on December 10. “I’m very happy – things are going very well actually. It’s a little bit of a surprise, I must admit, I was hoping to do well and get a few winners on the board but to ride 10 winners already is more than I thought I would achieve at this stage of my stint,” Atzeni said. Duke Wai finished third in the HK$5.35 million Group 2 Premier Bowl Handicap (1200m) on October 22, while Healthy Happy made all to land the HK$4.2 million Group 3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) upon resumption on September 25. Glorious Dragon returns after being well beaten in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) last March at Meydan in Dubai. Atzeni will ride all three gallopers in races for the first time on Sunday week. “Healthy Happy – he was a Group 3 winner last start. He’s a forward-going horse. It does look like a strong race but he has some fitness on his side,” Atzeni said. Pierre Ng trains both Duke Wai and Glorious Dragon, while his other entrant Super Wealthy teams with jockey Luke Ferraris in the BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint. Having banked 10 wins from 88 rides, Atzeni has maintained a steady flow of winners; he’s collected two doubles and has eight wins since mid-October. He takes eight rides out of a possible nine on Wednesday night (8 November) at Happy Valley. “It’s going great and it’s nice to get regular winners, I’m picking up good rides and the quality is improving. I’m also lucky I can do light, I can ride 115 pounds,” Atzeni said. Among his midweek book, Atzeni pairs with Goko Win for trainer Dennis Yip, while his earlier mounts are Soaring Tower, Tsuen Wan Glory, G One Excellent, Amazing Boy, Round The Globe, Beauty Missile and Grateful Heart. Coming up against Atzeni and Goko Win in the finale is Son Pak Fu, armed with jockey Jerry Chau. Chau and Son Pak Fu won four consecutive races last season and finished second first-up on rain affected ground at the Valley last month. “He is my favourite horse. I was a bit worried going up to Class 2, whether he got a light weight and I couldn’t ride him but luckily I can make the weight to stick with him. I know him well, I think he has the quality to be competitive in Class 2,” Chau said. Chau has ridden the Fighting Sun gelding in each of his 15 starts for trainer Benno Yung. He’s been assigned 119lb this week. “First-up, with top weight, luckily it rained which is good for him but he went really, really well. I’m happy with his form this season,” Chau said. Rewarding Together (135lb), Majestic Star (132lb), Nordic Dragon (130lb) Campione (125lb), Eason (124lb), Bundle Of Charm (122lb), Ima Single Man (122lb), Power Koepp (119lb), Reward Smile (119lb) and Xponential (119lb) also feature. The two-time winning Sweet Briar made an eye-catching return this season with jockey Lyle Hewitson, finishing third behind Lightning Bolt and Reward Smile, respectively. The five-year-old chases redemption over Lightning Bolt (133lb) this week. The Francis Lui-trained Sweet Briar will carry 121lb from gate nine. “I thought he did a good job there first time. He got a bit unbalanced on the final turn which meant that they flushed him out pretty easy but he found his feet again and fought on towards the line. “We have an awkward barrier to work with but he’s a versatile horse and he has a bit of tactical speed too, so we’ll work it out and give him as good a run as possible,” Hewitson said. More racing news View the full article

Horse Racing on Wednesday, November 8 will feature four meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Kyneton & Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday Racing Tips – November 8, 2023 Kyneton Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For November 8, 2023 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $476.82 odds return: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 Kyneton Race 9 – #9 Toronto Terrier Grafton Race 7 – #1 Babayka Launceston Race 7 – #3 Sir Simon Port Lincoln 1 – #7 My Boy Jett | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on November 8, 2023 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

The 2022 Canadian Horse of the Year Moira (Ghostzapper–Devine Aida, by Unbridled's Song) fetched $3 million to the phone bid of DM Racing, an anonymous racing partnership, to lead the early results of the broodmare and racing prospect section at Tuesday's Fasig-Tipton November sale. Moira was the winner of the fastest Queen's Plate in history last year and was last seen finishing third in Saturday's GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf behind Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, agent, consigned the Canadian champion, who was bred by Adena Springs in Ontario and raced for Madaket Stables LLC, SF Racing LLC, and X-Men Racing. The Kevin Attard trainee, sold as hip 156, has earned more than $1.4 million and has five black-type wins to her credit. A half to stakes winner Jungle Cry (Animal Kingdom) from the family of GISW Hymn Book (Arch) and Data Link (War Front), Moira sold as a racing or broodmare prospect. The post $3 Million for Canadian Champion Moira to DM Racing at Fasig-Tipton appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Mark Zahra has revealed the extent of the celebrations he enjoyed after steering Without A Fight to victory in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup. View the full article

Highlighting the early swath of weanlings on offer at Fasig-Tipton's November Sale Tuesday, Shadwell emerged at the forefront, purchasing a pair of fillies, including Hip 62, a daughter of Munnings for $500,000. Consigned by St George Sales, the Ontario-bred foal–bred by Narola and Anderson Farm–is out of Grade III winner Summer in Saratoga (Hard Spun). Out of MSW Diversa (Tabasco Cat), the 7-year-old mare, a $630,000 purchased by Anderson Farms at Fasig-Tipton at this venue in 2021, is a daughter of GI Vanity S. heroine Love Theway Youare (Arch). “She was just a beautiful Munnings, I have never seen a Munnings like that, so we are happy with her,” said Shadwell's Jonny Smyth. “I spoke Sheikha Hissa [Al Maktoum] and made some budget decisions, so we were happy to get her.” Back in action later in the session, Smyth–bidding from inside the pavilion–extended to $400,000 for Hip 109, a filly by Gun Runner. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, the dark bay is a daughter of Classofsixtythree (Include). The 10-year-old mare is also responsible for GSW and GISP Gunmetal Gray (Exchange Rate) and Grade III-scorer Sixtythreecaliber (Gun Runner). “She is a nice, leggy filly,” he said. “She was a beautiful mover as well.” Offered at Keeneland January in 2019, Classofsixtythree had failed to meet her reserve at $385,000 while carrying Sixtythreecaliber. Of Shadwell's purchases Tuesday, Smyth added, “Both are from beautiful families, so they have some nice residual value.” Commenting on the overall quality of the weanlings on offer at Fasig-Tipton Tuesday, he said, “It's a nice group. Fasig has put together a nice group of weanlings. We've had a few on our list and we were very happy to get them.” Active both in the sales arena and the racetrack both domestically and abroad this season, Smyth indicated there was also plenty to look forward to on the farm as well. “It's been an exciting year. We have [Six-time Grade I winner] Malathaat [Curlin] on the farm and she is in foal to Into Mischief,” he said of the two-time champion. “We're looking forward to what she will produce. And it's also been a phenomenal year in Europe, so we're very happy with the entire program overall.” The post Shadwell at the Fore of Early Weanling Action with $500K Munnings Filly appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wicked Halo's stock, which arguably was already pretty high, climbed even higher after Yuugiri's runner-up finish in the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1).View the full article

Gun Runner's dual grade 1-winning millionaire Gunite has retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore America's Ashford Stud for 2024.View the full article

Gunite (Gun Runner–Simple Surprise, by Cowboy Cal), a two-time Grade I winner and runner-up behind champion Elite Power (Curlin) in Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint at Santa Anita, has been retired from racing and will stand at Coolmore America's Ashford Stud for 2024. His fee has been set at $35,000. The Winchell Thoroughbreds homebred, trained by Steve Asmussen, defeated the aforementioned two-time Breeders' Cup Sprint winner in this summer's GI Forego S. at Saratoga. Gunite also won the GI Hopeful S. during his 2-year-old season and the GII Amsterdam S. at three, both at Saratoga. His loaded resume also includes a close second to Elite Power in this summer's GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt H., a runner-up finish in the 2022 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial S. and a third-place finish in this year's G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen. “Gunite is extremely important to horse racing in the current climate,” Asmussen said. “He was Gun Runner's first starter for us in April of his 2-year-old year and ran six times in his juvenile campaign and won the Grade I Hopeful at Saratoga. He then travelled to California to work with the brilliant Echo Zulu because he is the only thing that I had that could be comparable company for her, and he won four stakes races at Churchill, Keeneland and Saratoga. As a 4-year-old he then travelled to Saudi Arabia, Dubai and competed at the highest level and returned to the U.S. to beat his rival Elite Power in the Grade I Forego S. at Saratoga. He is a very special horse to race at the level he has for as long as he has and do it consistently.” Owner/breeder Ron Winchell added, “Like many of the Gun Runners, Gunite got better and better throughout his racing career and gave us many great days. We also raced his first and second dams and they were both stakes winners at Saratoga. Gunite has retired sound and I very much look forward to supporting him at stud.” “He was unusual in that he was top class at two, three and four, he was one of the best sprinters in the country and had top Beyer figures of 108 at both Saratoga and Churchill,” said Ashford's Director of Sales Charlie O'Connor. “He's a very good-looking horse and we can't wait for breeders to see him.” Gunite retires with a record of 21-9-8-2 and earnings of $2,493,009. The post Gunite Retired to Ashford; Stud Fee Set at $35k appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two-time GI Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Elite Power (Curlin–Broadway's Alibi, by Vindication) has arrived at Juddmonte Farm in Lexington, Ky, and will be available for inspection during the farm's annual open house, which gets underway on Wednesday, Nov. 8 and continues through the last day of the Keeneland November Sale on Thursday, Nov. 16, the farm announced on Tuesday. The open house will get underway daily at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 3:00 p.m. Elite Power, who was retired after his second consecutive Breeders' Cup win on Saturday, will stand for a fee of $50,000, live foal, and joins 2021 GI Kentucky Derby winner Mandaloun (Into Mischief), who will stand his second year at Juddmonte in 2024 for a fee of $20,000, live foal. The post Elite Power Arrives at Juddmonte, Available For Inspection During Farm’s Open House appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade I winner Lexitonian (Spightstown) will stand the 2024 breeding season at Calumet Farm for a fee of $7,500, live foal, after spending his first two years at stud at Lane's End, the farm announced on Tuesday. The 7-year-old stallion, who won the 2021 GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. and finished second in the GI Bing Crosby S., was bred and campaigned by Calumet Farm. Lexitonian joins Keen Ice (Curlin), Oxbow (Awesome Again), Hightail (Mineshaft) and Channel Cat (English Channel) at $7,500. Bal A Bali (Brz) (Put It Back), Bravazo (Awesome Again), Ransom the Moon (Malibu Moon), Real Solution (Kitten's Joy) and True Timber (Mineshaft) will all stand for a fee of $5,000, live foal. Big Blue Kitten (Kitten's Joy), Hence (Street Boss), Mr. Z (Malibu Moon) and Producer (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) are all listed as private for 2024. The post Calumet Sets Lexitonian’s Fee at $7,500 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Champion sprinter Muhaarar (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who has moved to Haras du Petit Tellier for the 2024 breeding season, will stand for €14,000, co-owner Haras des Capucines announced on X. Now owned by Shadwell and a consortium of French breeders including Haras des Capucines, and Haras de Saint-Pair, the bay is managed by Capucines Bloodstock, with Eric Puerari taking point. The 11-year-old's year was highlighted by the victory of his son Marhaba Ya Sanafi (Ire) in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains. That runner would go on to place third in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club. Since the start of the year, he is responsible for nine stakes winners, with other three other Pattern horses among in G2 Princess Of Wales's S. hero Israr (GB) and two-time graded winner Motorious (GB) and G3 Bengough S. hero Annaf (Ire). In total, Muhaarar has sired 24 stakes winners, half of them at group level. His other Group 1 winner is G1 British Champions Fillies & Mares S. heroine Eshaada (GB). He bred 124 mares at Haras des Faunes in 2023. The post Classic Sire Muhaarar’s Fee Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Grade I winner Zandon (Upstart–Memories Prevail, by Creative Cause) has been retired and has arrived at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky ahead of stallion duty in 2024, the farm announced. The dark bay will stand for $12,500 stands and nurses and will participate in Spendthrift's “Share the Upside” program on a limited basis for a fee of $15,000 for two years. “We are excited about Zandon and the ability to offer a Grade I winner with his physical through our Share The Upside program. He's what they should look like,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift general manager. “You won't find many Grade I winners in town that look and move the way he does. He's a big, classy individual with a beautiful, smooth gait, which is likely why he was able to remain so sound through the rigors of competing against the best of his generation for two straight years. We believe breeders are really going to like him, and we invite them to come out and see for themselves.” Bred by the late Brereton Jones, the dark bay brought $170,000 as a Keeneland September yearling and was put into training with Chad Brown. A winner of his Belmont debut, the Jeff Drown runner was also second in the GII Remsen S. as a juvenile and was third in the GII Risen Star S. in his 3-year-old bow. A winner of the GI Blue Grass S., he was favored in the GI Kentucky Derby and would go on to place third in May of 2022. Throughout the rest of the year, he would add three more graded placings in the GII Jim Dandy S., GI Travers S., and the GI Pennsylvania Derby. He rolled a trio of twos in his first three starts this term, in the GIII Westchester S., GI Metropolitan H. in June, and in the GI Whitney S. at Saratoga in August. The GII Woodward S. went his way in October, and he was retired after a start in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic with a record of 14-3-6-3 and $2.2 million in earnings. The second foal and one of three winners for his unraced dam, Zandon is a half-brother to Panamanian Champion 2-Year-Old Colt Sol Principe Gris (Summer Front). His dam is a half-sister to MGSW and MGISP Cairo Memories (Cairo Prince), as well as the SW Cariba (Cairo Prince). Under the third dam is Grade II winner Hello Liberty (Forest Camp), who was second in the GI Acorn S. Spendthrift announced in September that Zandon would join Taiba (Gun Runner) and Arabian Lion (Justify) as new stallions at their Kentucky base in 2024. The post GISW And Classic-Placed Zandon Retired To Spendthrift Farm appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the Breeders' Cup wrapping up an action-packed weekend at Santa Anita, all eyes turn to Lexington for the nation's preeminent breeding stock sales. Keeneland's November sale gets underway Wednesday, and as has become the custom, offers an enticing selection of mares and foals over the course of its five-book run. “For the long-term plan, we are trying to get the quality is there for the buyers we are recruiting, Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “We spend many months throughout the year meeting our potential customers and current clients. When you look at that effort this year, the strong Middle East presence and the Japanese that are coming over her in greater numbers than ever before. We want to make sure that is something we are constantly doing. It is our job to create as good a marketplace as possible for the stock we have on the grounds. I think we're making real traction in that regard.” Among the headliners in this season's catalog is Puca (Big Brown) (Hip 191), carrying a full-sister to GI Kentucky Derby winner Mage (Good Magic), and Grade I winner Dalika (Ger) (Pastorius {Ger}) (Hip 223), in foal to 2022 Horse of the Year Flightline. “Keeneland is excited that Case has chosen us to offer these two exceptional broodmares in Book 1 of the November Breeding Stock Sale–and mark the debut of Case Clay Thoroughbred Management,” said Lacy. “While at Three Chimneys Farm, when it was owned by his family, Case oversaw the sale of a large number of million-dollar-plus broodmares over many years, including the great Take Charge Lady here at Keeneland in 2004. Along with this experience at the top end, he has an extraordinary amount of connections and relationships with domestic and international buyers.” In addition to appearing on Puca's page, Flightline, an undefeated earner of over $4.5 million, is also listed as the covering sire of Grade I winner/graded producer Centre Court (Smart Strike) (Hip 213), and graded winners Another Broad (Include) (Hip 180) and Lady Scarlet (Union Rags) (Hip 338). He was bred to a limited book of 152 mares in his first season at stud, and will be represented by 10 in-foal mares at Keeneland November. Flightline made headlines at Keeneland's November sale last year when a fractional share in the champion brought $4.6 million. “You have a stallion that gained a lot of focus because of what he did on the track and also finished off his career here at Keeneland. We were fortunate enough to sell that fractional interest here and this year we offer some very high-quality mares in foal to him. That is a great continuation. We're very excited about the mares, it is a select group and it's not over-flooding the market. It is going to gain serious attention, not just from domestic buying base but also from the international breeders as well because he is a fascinating stallion.” Also making an appearance with their first in-foal mares are a trio of champions Corniche (Quality Road), Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music), Epicenter (Not This Time), and GI Preakness and GI Belmont S. winners Early Voting (Gun Runner) and Mo Donegal (Uncle Mo). Caravel | Sarah Andrew Among the mares certain to garner plenty of attention during Book 1 is 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint heroine Caravel (Mizzen Mast) (Hip 210), consigned by Hunter Valley Farm. The 6-year-old, a half-sister to MSW Witty (Great Notion), won three of six starts this term, including the GI Jaipur S. Bolstered by her recent form, Chilean Group 1 winner Le Da Vida (Chi) (Gemologist) (Hip 41) enters this off a third-place effort in last weekend's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. Sold as a racing or broodmare prospect, the 6-year-old mare is consigned by Greenfield Farms. Also among mares to watch in this year's catalog, GI American Oaks heroine Rhea Moon (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) is offered as Hip 101 from the Gainesway consignment, in addition to Grade I-producing Ack Naughty (Afleet Alex) (Hip 246), who sells in foal to Into Mischief. The dam of the late GI Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move (Practical Joke) is consigned by Sequel Bloodstock, agent for Chester and Mary Broman. “We have a lot of nice individuals. Obviously, we have Caravel. She was one we had in the sale last year and she's back this year. We've had a few defections like Zeezee Zoomzoom (dam of Caravel). They just felt they wanted to hang on a little longer, which is fine. What is good in a healthy market and is difficult in November is that sometimes feel like they don't need to sell because they had a good yearling market. We have some really nice stock in here, very high-class mares that people are attracted by. “Midnight Bisou last year was a nice late addition that really stood out. I think this year, there is a broader range of high-quality stock and Grade I winners and producers. “We're looking at long term. We're looking to build a solid foundation as we go forward. We're more focused that the whole structure of our sale's process is developing. That we are moving forward year over year.” A bevy of sires also enter the stage with their first weanlings, highlighted by GISWs Yaupon (Uncle Mo) (46) and GISW Silver State (Hard Spun) (37), in addition to Horse of the Year Knicks Go (Paynter) (27) and champion and Classic scorer Essential Quality (Tapit) (10). Last year's sale was topped by champion older dirt female Midnight Bisou (Midnight Lute), who brought $5.5 million from Katsumi Yoshida. On Day 1 in 2022, a total of nine head brought seven figures or more, in addition to Flightline's fractional share. The initial session generated $68.53 million in gross revenue (including post sales) for 142 horses sold. Launching its nine-day run Wednesday, the sale begins with 250 head catalogued on its opening day, with bidding commencing at 1:00p.m. The remaining eight sessions start at 10:00 a.m. The November sale concludes with a single-session Horses of Racing Age Sale Nov. 17. The post Keeneland November Kicks Off Marathon Run appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cody's Wish, winner of the Nov. 4 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), finished ahead of Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) winner White Abarrio in the final standings of the @NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll released Nov. 7.View the full article

Here's The Thing, a collection of 26 essays penned by Godolphin Ireland managing director Joe Osborne, will be launched at Woodbine Books, Kilcullen, County Kildare at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. The book covers a wide range of topics, while its subtitle, “Stories of challenge, recovery and redemption” reinforces the varied subjects ranging across history, politics, sport and everyday life. Illustrated by County Kildare-based Declan Considine just like Osborne's previous book Poise And Stride that was published in 2020, the book will be available for €25 plus postage at Woodbine Books. All proceeds from the sale of Here's the Thing will go to support Cuan Mhuire Addiction Treatment Centres which includes the centre in Athy, County Kildare. Cuan Mhuire's mission is to provide an environment in which people who feel rejected and dejected because of their addictions become aware of and learn to deal with the underlying problems relating to these addictions and discover their uniqueness, goodness, giftedness and their real purpose in life. The work Cuan Mhuire has been doing since 1966 has given hope and support to tens of thousands of individuals and their families. Osborne said, “Godolphin is supporting a Horse Racing Ireland/Equuip initiative to raise awareness of Cuan Mhuire's services within the Thoroughbred industry in Ireland and I hope this book can aid that effort. I also hope that Here's the Thing encourages people to help Cuan Mhuire and to offer hope to those struggling with addiction.” Gerry McElroy, CEO of Cuan Mhuire, added, “We are extremely grateful to Joe Osborne of Godolphin Ireland for highlighting Cuan Mhuire by donating the proceeds from the sale of this wonderful book. The book's stories are about life's challenges and recovery which is in line with Cuan Mhuire's Residential Rehabilitation programmes through which we support people and their families through their journey of addiction.” The post Here’s The Thing: New Book Of Essays By Joe Osborne To Launch On Nov. 14 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The third annual National Racehorse Week, from Sept. 9-17 in the UK, has been deemed a success after a record number of open days and community events, Great British Racing (GBR), who funds the initiative alongside the Racing Foundation and Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB), announced on Tuesday. Over 15,000 free places were made available across the seven days across the country for the public to come and experience a day in the life of a racehorse. From training facilities and studs, to aftercare and rehoming centres, 209 different events took place showcasing the care and attention racehorses receive every day. The week provided a platform to create a lasting impact on those who are not familiar with racing or who don't have the opportunity to get close to a horse in everyday life. In research undertaken after the week had finished, 94% of people said the experience had left them with a better understanding about and a positive impression of welfare. And 92% of attendees who were new to racing said their opinion had been positively changed about the lives racehorses lead. There were also a total of 60 dedicated community events focused on outreach, a 300% uplift from last year. These events were supported by Racing Together and Racing to School with more than 3,000 people from schools, charities, urban equestrian centres and community groups getting involved with behind-the-scenes access to racing facilities. The events included: Paul Nicholls hosted a special visit for Dame Kelly Homes Trust beneficiaries, NHS and Emergency Service workers Ian Williams hosted members of the RMF Group, an organisation that offer industry focused training courses to ex-offenders, veterans, the homeless, and residents who are long-term unemployed Jo Foster took racehorse Sigurd to eight community events including schools, care homes and to charities like Mind and dementia groups Aftercare centres including New Beginnings, HEROS, BTRC, Greatwood and Yorkshire retraining and rehoming centre took their retired racehorse ambassadors out to schools and care homes Dan Skelton and Oliver Greenall & Josh Guerriero hosted children with serious illnesses from the Barrie Well's Trust Box4Kids initiative Godolphin, Ben Case and Dave Loughnane hosted urban equestrian centres including Summerfield Stables from Birmingham, Park Lane Stables from London, and Park Palace Ponies from Liverpool. Rod Street, CEO Great British Racing, said, “National Racehorse Week creates a unique opportunity for the British Racing industry to unite and showcase to the public the high levels of care that our equine stars receive throughout their entire lives. It also allows racing to open its doors and welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the joy of getting close to a racehorse. “There are so many highlights from the week, but the ones that stand out for me include the significant increase in young people attending open days this year, especially those aged between 10-14 years, and the impact we had on visitors. Our research shows that 94% of people who came to an open day now have a positive impression of equine welfare, and 92% of those who were new to racing or not regular racegoers said their opinion had been positively changed by the experience. This shows the power of what racing can achieve when it comes together. “We must thank everyone involved in this special week for showing off the very best of British racing and hopefully helping to inspire a new generation of racing fans.” The post National Racehorse Week, In Third Year, Deemed A Success appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The World Pool season has ended with a 24% year-on-year turnover increase to HK$7.4 billion, the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) announced on Tuesday. The largest globally commingled horse racing pools created and powered by the HKJC, the World Pool started and finished the year at Flemington Racecourse in Australia. In total, there were 222 races–up from 154 races in 2022–in eight countries. World Pool was active in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Australia for the first time and expanded its imprint with extra races from the UK and Ireland. Cox Plate Day in Australia amassed HK$60 million in bets and was one of the top five World Pool highest single-race turnovers. The G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee S. at Royal Ascot, set a new single race turnover record at HK$66.2m. King George Day at Ascot saw the biggest jump in turnover for a UK or Irish raceday, rising from HK$253m to a new record of HK$287m, an increase of over 13%, while 2,000 Guineas Day as well as days one and three of Royal Ascot also posted year-on-year increases. Dubai World Cup night saw the second highest growth, with turnover up from HK$280m to HK$315m this term. Michael Fitzsimons, executive director, wagering products of the HKJC, said, “World Pool was created to unite the world's best racing events and provide racing fans with a value product that has never been seen before. “We are absolutely delighted with how World Pool has performed in 2023. We've not only seen records broken and growth in countries where World Pool was already in operation, but a very promising reception in new jurisdictions too. “We'd like to thank all of our partners around the world for their commitment and passion in helping us to grow World Pool. This is just the beginning.” The post World Pool Year-On-Year Turnover Increases By 24 Percent To HK$7.4 Billion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article