Wandering Eyes

Jockey Ken Shino, who won 2,542 races during a career that began in 1987, has been sentenced to six years in prison after a jury found that he struck and injured a pedestrian in Hot Springs, Arkansas in 2021 and then left the scene of the accident. According to the Hot Springs Sentinel-Record, the jury deliberated for about an hour before finding Shino, 56, who listed Des Moines, Iowa as his address, guilty of leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury or death, and deliberated for another hour before recommending the maximum sentence of six years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The incident took place on Feb. 14, 2021. Shino turned himself in to Hot Springs police on Dec. 7, 2021 after a warrant had been issued for his arrest. He was released later that same day on a $10,000 bond and pleaded not guilty to the charge on April 18, 2022. According to the Sentinel-Record, Shino's attorney filed a motion to dismiss, arguing the victim “was intoxicated with a blood alcohol level of .30 and a presumptive positive test for cannabinoids upon drug testing performed at the hospital.” The motion also noted another vehicle was possibly the one that hit the victim based on one of the 911 calls. Deputy Prosecutor Brock Price told the paper that Shino never made any statement to police after his arrest and did not testify at trial. Price said that his defense was basically that “while it's his truck in the video and he was driving, he did not hit the victim, but the video made it clear he did.” Police later found a vehicle matching the one caught on video showing the accident in a public parking lot. Shino was identified as the owner of the truck and detectives were also able to determine from the video that he was the person driving the truck at the time of the accident. As far as the victim's condition, Price told the Sentinel-Record, “He's good; he had skull and facial fractures, intracranial hemorrhaging, and some contusions and abrasions, but he healed up. He says he still has some lingering pain and back spasms, though.” Shino last rode in 2016. In 2000, he set a record-winning seven straight races on a card at Fonner Park. He had eight wins total on the day. In 2020, he was inducted into the Nebraska Thoroughbred Racing Hall of fame. The post Retired Jockey Ken Shino Sentenced to Six Years for Hit-and-Run appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Game of Silks players are experiencing their first major Thoroughbred event this weekend when the Breeders Cup World Championships are held Nov. 3. View the full article

Mostahdaf became the first horse in 15 years to complete the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1), Juddmonte International (G1) double in the same season. View the full article

Following months of heavy rain, the New York Racing Association will reduce the number of turf races offered at the Aqueduct Fall Meet. A total of 13 races will be moved to the main track from Nov. 9 through 19, which covers the final eight days of the current condition book. There will be a reduction of two turf races (races four and nine) on the 9th, three on the 10th (two, three and five), one on the 11th (race four) and 12th (race nine), three on the 16th (one, eight and nine) and one each on the 17th (race five), 18th (race four) and 19th (sub two). The post NYRA Reduces Aqueduct Turf Races appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2024 Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course students have been selected, the Irish National Stud (INS) announced on Thursday. Once again, the course was highly oversubscribed. The Class of 2024 comprises students from 10 countries including Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, Uruguay, and the United States of America. The Class of 2024 are as follows: Luke Bleahen (Ireland), Kayla Bracken (USA), Brady Betlamini (Canada), Gwen Browne (Ireland), Mikey Cooke (Ireland), Cillian Cosgrave (Ireland), Luis Ettedgui (Uruguay), Wyatt Goodin (USA), Amber Gray (Australia), Jamie Griffin (New Zealand), Grace Hamilton (USA), Orla Hassett (Ireland), Ian Hyland (Ireland), Caitlin Jourdan (South Africa), Paul Kehoe (Ireland), Luke Kevin (Ireland), Shane Loughnane (Ireland), Cathal Mariga (Ireland), Henrique Marquez (Brazil), Eliza McCalmont (UK), Darcy McGrath (Australia), Tadhg McGuinness (Ireland), Mark Moloney (Ireland), Kate Molony (Ireland), Tara Murphy (Ireland), Lola Queck (Germany), Brooke Ward (Australia), and Alice Wilkinson (New Zealand). Anne Channon, INS education manager, said, “The standard of applications this year was very impressive and after an extensive selection process we chose 28 candidates who I am confident will use this opportunity wisely to develop their knowledge and further their careers in the Thoroughbred Industry.” The post INS Thoroughbred Breeding Management Course Class Of 2024 Revealed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Walter “Buster” Gordon, the longtime head stallion groom at Spendthrift, passed away Oct. 25 after a long illness. A Gofundme page has been established for his family, and is accessible by clicking here. “Buster never met a stranger and all of us loved him during his many years as head stallion groom at Spendthrift Farm,” reads his Gofundme page, set up by Gregory Clarke. “In addition to being a brilliant horseman, he could throw a mean snowball. He's a permanent part of our memories of Spendthrift. “Unfortunately, his illness took a heavy financial toll on him and his family. One of the many ways you can honor his memory is to help his dear wife, Virginia, with Buster's funeral expenses. All funds will be turned over to Virginia. Please keep the entire Gordon family in your prayers.” The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. and the funeral will begin at 12 noon at Hawkins-Taylor Funeral Home, 425 Race Street, Lexington, KY 40508. Gordon worked under legions of Spendthrift heads, including Wesley Combs, Brownell Combs, and John Williams. Williams submitted the following tribute to Gordon. Great guy, and one of the `characters' from that bygone era “When I became farm manager, Buster was one of only four of the original stallion grooms that stayed on in that capacity. Many quit, or had to be let go. We filled the vacancies (thanks to Dr. Michael Osborne's enormous help) with guys from Ireland, France, England and Wales. I can only imagine how shocking this all was to those four great Black guys upon the arrival of this European invasion! All stud grooms had four stallions to care for. As I recall, Buster had Pretense, Sham, Cornish Prince and Bold Hour. Without a doubt, Sham was Buster's favorite. Whenever Sham had a mare booked for that session, upon entering the breeding shed Buster would shout out “WHO'S YOUR GROOM, SHAM?!” He was so proud of the gleaming coat Sham always had due entirely to the immaculate grooming Buster gave him to showcase his work with his favorite horse. One day Penny Tweedy was scheduled to visit the stallion barn. I told Buster about the visit from the owner of Sham's nemesis, and asked him to have Sham in top show shape. When Penny arrived, I asked if she would mind having her picture taken with Buster and Sham. She happily agreed, and Buster led Sham out to the center of the Nashua Motel. I asked Penny to stand at Sham's shoulder as Buster proudly held the horse. I told Penny that I had promised Sham and Buster that I would make sure Sham finally had a head and neck in front of HER! Buster burst out with his signature belly laugh, and we all joined in on the fun. There are many good memories of those exciting days in the late 70's and early 80's at Spendthrift. Buster Gordon certainly contributed to them.” Padraig Campion submitted the following tribute: –John Williams A Tribute to Walter “Buster” Gordon “I first met Buster Gordon at the Spendthrift stallion barn in 1979. I was straight off the boat and was described by John Williams as `all hair and zits.' My first job at Spendthrift was as swing groom at the stallion barn, basically to cover the strings of whoever was off that day. My favorite string to do was Buster's. All his horses were well-behaved, and easy to groom and handle. Buster taught me and all the guys that worked in the stallion barn in the seventies, eighties, and the nineties the tricks of the trade. These alumni are successful horsemen not only in the U.S., but in Ireland, England, France, Australia, and New Zealand. He showed me how to put a chain in Raise A Native's shark-like mouth (quickly). He showed me how to put a stallion ring on Slew (gently). Many times I used Buster's methods to clean up a dirty horse for a last-minute breeding session or show. Buster was always called into service when the legendary photographer Tony Leonard came to shoot his flawless conformation shots. Buster could get the toughest horse to stand up in a perfect pose. Another lesson Buster gave me was how to stop Exclusive Native from bolting when turning him out. He was always on the lookout for the Irish lads on the morning after St Patrick's Day, knowing that we were all a bit seedy. Don't get me wrong: it wasn't all work advice. He knew where the best pork chops were available for lunch (the IGA supermarket on North Broadway). The best beer was a cold Stroh's by a long shot and he even had me smoking Kool cigarettes (I stopped smoking the next year). Buster was devoted to his beloved Sham. One morning, Sham was breeding a grey mare named Alert Princess. During the deed, Alert Princess decided to reverse and continued this maneuver from the front of the shed to the back of the shed. Sham, being a gentleman, stayed to his task and backed his hind end into the tiny bucket room, where Buster was standing. There was barely enough space for one in there, so it was very overcrowded with three. Sham and the mare completed their mission, and all concern was for Buster. However, he was not to be seen. Buster appeared at the breeding shed door unscathed having jumped through the small half-open window. He was not a small man and the mystery of how he got through that narrow opening remains. In the early eighties, John and blacksmith Beach Faulkner designed a steel cooker equipped with propane tanks. Buster started cooking his mash (a secret recipe) each morning, stirring throughout the day and by feed time the stallions were squealing, whinnying and hollering for their mash. The Spendthrift stallions shone in all seasons and never wore blankets. In heaven's version of the Nashua Motel, Mickey, G Man, Caro, Raise A Native, sons Majestic Prince, and Exclusive Native, grandson Affirmed, Sham, Cornish Prince, The White Pony, Lord Avie, Tobin and Slew are excited about feed time. Because the food just got better in heaven.” –Padraig Campion The post Spendthrift’s Buster Gordon Passes Away; GoFundMe Established for Family appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland has added three horses, including recent Fall Meet winner Halmstad (Nyquist), to its Horses of Racing Age Sale, which brings the single-session auction catalogue set for Friday, Nov. 17 at noon ET to 303, the organization said in a release Thursday morning. Halmstad (hip 4302) scored a 3 3/4-length maiden special weight victory at Keeneland Oct. 27 in his third lifetime start. Consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent, the 3-year-old gelding is a half-brother to SW Spycraft (Discreet Cat) and is out of Sugarcraft, by Bernardini. The other supplements are: Gordon Gekko (Quality Road) (hip 4301) who finished fourth in his lone start. He is the first foal out of Chilean Horse of the Year Wow Cat (Chi) (Lookin At Lucky). The 2-year-old colt is consigned by ELiTE, agent. Luna Patina (Malibu Moon) (hip 4303) out of GSW Solo Survivor (Pleasant Tap). The 2-year-old filly is consigned by Buck Pond Farm (Douglas S. Arnold), agent. Additional supplements will be considered until the day of the sale. Print catalogs for the auction are now available for pickup at Keeneland's Welcome Center, with an accompanying supplemental catalog to be printed prior to the sale. The post Trio Supplemented To November Horses Of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The UK Department for Business and Trade's UK Sports Economy Trade Mission launched at a Welcome Reception hosted by His Majesty's Consul General in Los Angeles, Emily Cloke, on Wednesday evening. The event was held at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia, California. Led in partnership with Ascot Racecourse, Great British Racing International, The Jockey Club and UK Tote Group, the trade mission represents the first time the British racing industry has collaborated on a large-scale international event with the support of Government demonstrating the value of racing to the UK economy driving exports and inward-investment. Julie Harrington, CEO of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) spoke to an audience of 150 global representatives from across the industry including racehorse owners, breeders, bloodstock agents, racecourses, investors and wider sports-related companies such as UK Tote Group's Chairman, John Williamson and Chief Executive, Alex Frost. The 13-strong trade delegation of UK-based companies taking part in the mission include Control Risks, Dizplai, Duralock, GVS EQ, International Venue Management (IVM), Keyflow, Shires Equestrian, STATSports, The Racing Manager, Total Performance Data (TPD), TurfTrax, Two Circles and Weatherbys. The USA sports market is expected to be worth £83 billion in 2023, with a pipeline of major international sporting events over the next decade including the World Cup, Rugby World Cup and the LA Summer Olympics, where the UK can add major value. The delegation will attend the second edition of the World Tote Association (WoTA) Forum, which UK Tote Group co-chairs alongside ATG, on Nov. 2 at Le Méridien Pasadena Arcadia Hotel. The final two days of the programme will be spent at the 40th running of the Breeders' Cup World Championships from Nov. 3-4, where the delegation will have access to a dedicated networking area within Santa Anita Park. Minister for Exports Lord Offord said, “The UK is home to some fantastic businesses across the sports industry, so I am delighted we are partnering with major industry players on the first horse racing trade mission at the Breeders' Cup. “The racing industry supports 20,000 jobs in the UK directly, and the Breeders' Cup gives us the opportunity to showcase the UK's expertise on a global stage, helping to create exciting export and investment opportunities.” Julie Harrington, Chief Executive, BHA added, “I'm delighted to be involved in this landmark trade mission representing the British racing industry at the Breeders' Cup. Whether it be through premium international race meetings where our best horses compete, or the transfer of quality young bloodstock between our nations, the American market has been, and continues to be, important for British racing and we hope the trade mission will be an important step in attracting further US investment into Britain.” The post UK Sports Economy Trade Mission Launched At Welcome Reception Ahead Of The Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shin Emperor (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}), the full-brother to G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Sottsass (Fr) and €2.1-million topper at the 2022 Arqana August Sale, will make his much-anticipated career debut in an 1800-metre newcomers' event Saturday afternoon at Tokyo Racecourse. Bred by Ecurie des Monceaux, the chestnut carries the colours of prominent and big-spending owner Susumu Fujita and is under the care of trainer Yoshito Yahagi. Takeshi Yokoyama will be in the saddle. An Apr. 30 foal, Shin Emperor is related to six winners from as many to race from Starlet's Sister (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), whose produce includes the American champion turf female and GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf heroine Sistercharlie (Ire) (Myboycharlie {Ire}), who was a Group 3 winner in France and second in the 2017 G1 Prix de Diane; as well as My Sister Nat (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), also a winner at Group 3 level in France before annexing a pair of Grade III races in the U.S. while finishing runner-up in the 2021 Filly & Mare Turf, ironically behind the Yahagi-conditioned Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}). “I will take him to Japan and I hope he will win the Japanese Derby, then I hope to bring him back to France later,” Yahagi told TDN's Emma Berry and Brian Sheerin following his purchase. Sistercharlie and My Sister Nat each raced for Peter Brant in the States, and it was on behalf of the art connoisseur's White Birch Farm that Michel Zerolo's Oceanic Bloodstock paid €340,000 for Sottsass (Fr) at Arqana August in 2017. Turned over to Jean-Claude Rouget, Sottsass won his maiden at second asking as a juvenile and blossomed at three, with his major victory in the G1 Prix du Jockey Club, before closing the season with a gallant third behind Waldgeist (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and three-peat seeking Enable (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in that year's Arc. His second elite-level success was achieved in the G1 Prix Ganay in June 2020 and he proved a nails-tough winner of the Arc that October, defying testing underfoot conditions to score by a neck. Sottsass's first yearlings were well-received at Arqana this summer, including a colt that was purchased by top Japanese trainer Mitsu Nakauchida for €525,000. 【２歳馬写真Check】 シンエンペラー　牡（父Siyouni・母Starlet's Sister）ゼッケン556、仏・Ecurie Des Monceaux生産＝栗毛#新馬戦 #矢作厩舎#２歳馬通信 pic.twitter.com/ouYvcAOkzs — 競馬エイト栗東班【２歳馬通信】 (@2saiba_keiba8) November 1, 2023 The post Sottsass Full-Brother, Arqana Topper Shin Emperor Unveiled at Tokyo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Home for Jason Servis for the next four years will be Federal Prison Camp Pensacola. Sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to using banned, performance-enhancing drugs on his horses, Servis reported to the Florida prison Wednesday. The prison is 175 miles west of Tallahassee, opened in 1988 and has a population of about 460 inmates. Notable residents included disgraced former NBA referee Tim Donaghy, Congressman Chris Collins and Billy Walters, a professional sports gambler convicted of insider trading. But FPC Pensacola, a minimum-security facility, is, perhaps, best known for being for one the country's “cushiest” prisons. In 2009, Forbes rated the nation's prisons and listed Pensacola second on its list of “America's 10 Cushiest Prisons.” “If you've got to do time, you may as well do it off the Gulf of Mexico,” Forbes wrote. “Pensacola's prisoners also tend to have better jobs and recreational choices due to the proximity of a large naval base.” Prominent defense attorney Allan Ellis, who annually publishes a “Federal Prison Guidebook,” told the Buffalo News, “These federal prison camps are much better to be at that than other federal prisons.” In a 2016 blog posted by former Pensacola inmate Kenneth Flaska, Flaska described his day, which included making coffee, watching CNN, reading, doing Soduko puzzles, checking his email, reading the Wall Street Journal , talking to his wife on the phone and exercising. Flaska wrote that the meals were “not bad by prison standards.” Pensacola's recreation department offers intramural sports programs, weight training and fitness, racquetball, bocce ball, horseshoes and hobbies and crafts. The rec department also sponsors a movie program, with a new film being shown once a week. Inmates are required to have a job. Depending on that position, they are paid between 12 and 40 cents per hour. Servis will be served three meals a day, breakfast at 5 a.m, lunch from 10:45 to 11:45 and dinner from 4:30 to 5:30. 'Lights out' is at 10:30 p.m. Visitors are allowed on Saturdays, Sundays and on Federal holidays. He was sentenced on July 26 by judge Mary Kay Vyskocil in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Four years was the maximum sentence that Vyskocil could have levied against Servis for the guilty pleas on two counts, one a felony, one a misdemeanor. The former trainer has a home in Jupiter, Florida. The post Servis Begins His Sentence At “Cushy” Prison appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Martin Collins, the manufacturer of Polytrack (PSF) all-weather racing surfaces from the Martin Collins Group, has been named the new sponsor of the “Polytrack Challenge” for a period of three years until 2026, France Galop announced on Thursday. Held on fibresand, the “Polytrack Challenge” was presented by France Galop and the Cote d'Azur Racing Association on Oct. 10. The first even in the contest is scheduled for Deauville Racecourse on Sunday, Nov. 5. The two finals in the Intermediate/Classic category and the Speed/Mile category will beheld on Jan. 27 and Feb. 11, respectively, at Cagnes-sur-Mer Racecourse. “France Galop is proud to welcome Polytrack, a brand from the Martin Collins Group, as a partner of the new challenge held on Polytrack tracks (PSF),” said Henri Pouret, deputy managing director at France Galop. “The Polytrack tracks installed by this specialist in all-weather surfaces are used by over 30 racecourses worldwide, including Deauville and Cagnes-sur-Mer in France, which both host stages of the Polytrack Challenge.” The post Polytrack Is The Sponsor Of A New All-Weather Challenge In France appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Colin Keane retains the title of Irish Champion Jockey, his fourth in succession and fifth overall, Horse Racing Ireland announced on Thursday. Joining Keane on the podium will be Aidan O'Brien and Sue Magnier, who also retain their titles of trainer and owner, respectively, while Jamie Powell is favoured to earn the Irish Champion Apprentice title. Keane earned his championship by riding to an unassailable lead in late August. He celebrated group wins aboard Zarinsk (GB) (Kodiac {GB}) on three occasions. In addition, he also rode Group 3 winners for Aidan O'Brien, Michael O'Callaghan, Willie Mullins, Henry de Bromhead and Noel Meade. Keane is followed by Billy Lee, who was runner-up last year, and former two-time champion apprentice Dylan Browne McMonagle was third. Powell's best win was in the Dubai Duty Free Summer Fillies H. at the Curragh on Aussie Girl (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) for Fozzie Stack. Powell also captured the valuable Irish Stallion Farms EBF 'Habitat' H. on James McAuley's Tawaazon (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}). He also struck up a rewarding partnership with the Mick Mulvany-trained Fratas (Ire) (Fracas {Ire}), winning races at the Galway festival, Leopardstown and Tramore. Third to Browne McMonagle in 2022, he currently holds a four-race lead for his title with 28 winners throughout the season which wraps at the Curragh on Sunday. Aidan O'Brien earned his 26th Irish Champion Trainer crown. He saddled Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) to victories in the G1 Irish Derby and G1 Irish Champion S.; Paddington (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) to a score in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas; Savethelastdance (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) won the G1 Irish Oaks; Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) took the G1 Gold Cup; and finally Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) landed the G1 National S. Magnier defeated fellow Coolmore partners Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Georg von Opel's Westerberg Ireland for her Irish Champion Owner crown. Suzanne Eade, CEO of HRI, said, “Our horses campaigning competitively on the international stage reflects so well on our racing and breeding industry and on Ireland itself. In the coming days, the Breeders' Cup and Melbourne Cup present the opportunity for Irish-trained horses to shine once again and as we count down to those meetings, I congratulate our 2023 champions and thank everyone who contributed to another wonderful season.” The post Colin Keane Takes Fifth Irish Champion Jockey Title 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, we take 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. Group 1 racing takes the week off in Japan, giving leading riders Christophe Lemaire and Yuga Kawada an opportunity to make the trans-Pacific trip to the Breeders' Cup, but plenty of action to be witnessed all the same: Saturday, November 4, 2023 4th-TOK, ¥13,720,000 ($91k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1600m ASSURBANIPAL (c, 2, Arrogate–Georgie's Angel, by Bellamy Road) is the latest to the races from the 2011 GIII Schuylerville S. victress whose biggest claim to fame thus far is this colt's full-brother Cave Rock, named a 'TDN Rising Star' when graduating by six lengths at first asking two days before this year-younger sibling sold to Tom McCrocklin, agent for Champion Equine, for $700,000 to top the 2022 Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Sale. Cave Rock would go on to add the GI Del Mar Futurity and GI American Pharoah S. before settling for second in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, and those efforts helped assure that Assurbanipal would be one of the star turns at OBS March, where he fetched $1.05 million from Katsumi Yoshida (breeze video). Joao Moreira takes the call. Longford Farm acquired Georgie's Angel for $75,000 with this colt in utero at Keeneland November in 2020. Also debuting here is $125,000 KEESEP grad American Runner (Gun Runner), a son of Uruguayan champion 3-year-old filly Acqua Fresh (Uru) (Ecclesiastic). B-Kathleen Schweizer (NY) 5th-KYO, ¥13,720,000 ($91k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1600mT LA LA MONSTRE (c, 2, Mitole–Speightstastic, by Speightstown) was the third-priciest of 105 yearlings reported as sold in 2022 (121 ring) for this first-crop sire (by Eskendereya) when hammering for $390,000 at the Keeneland September sale. Cove Springs acquired this colt's dam, a full-sister to MGSW & GSP Bayerd and half to MSP Sphene (Bodemeister), for $65,000 at Keeneland November in 2017, and the mare's current yearling, a colt by Not This Time, made $725,000 from Repole/Spendthrift at this year's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale. B-Cove Springs LLC (KY) DEFERLER (f, 2, Mendelssohn–Heavenly Romance {Jpn}, by Sunday Silence) is out of a dam that upset Zenno Rob Roy (Jpn) in the 2005 Tenno Sho (Autumn) and has since gone on to be an important producer for North Hills, accounting for the likes of MGSW/MG1SP Awardee (Jungle Pocket {Jpn}), MSW Amour Briller (Smart Strike) and Lani (Tapit), winner of the G2 UAE Derby and later placed in the GI Belmont S. B-North Hills Co Ltd (KY) 11th-TOK, Keio Hai Nisai S.-G2, ¥72m ($480k), 2yo, 1400mT Just hours before the commonly owned Jasper Krone (Frosted) takes his place in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, JASPER NOIR (c, 2, Frosted–Funny Bay, by Medaglia d'Oro) makes his black-type debut here. A $35,000 KEENOV weanling turned $280,000 OBSMAR breezer, the chestnut, who is out of a half-sister to MGSW Stanford (Malibu Moon), exits an easy front-running maiden-breaking victory over 1200 meters at Niigata Oct. 15 (video, SC 1). B-Nina Theodora Camperlengo (KY) The post Cave Rock Full-Brother Debuting at Tokyo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A memorandum of agreement, with an eye toward improving the Thoroughbred industry through collaboration, has been signed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) and the International Thoroughbred Breeders' Federation (ITBF), the two organisations announced on Thursday. The global leaders for Thoroughbred racing and breeding will work together on matters of mutual interest which impact the breeding industry. Through a dedicated working party of senior officials that represents members' interests from around the world, the two federations will meet regularly to discuss ideas, share information, provide expert advice, and develop policy on breeding matters. “This will prove to be a positive development for the future of Thoroughbred breeding and racing globally,” said IFHA chair Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges. “Breeding and racing are intertwined in every aspect of the equine value chain, and with the importance of welfare at every stage of a Thoroughbred's life, it is important that we work together in harmony. I look forward to everything that we can achieve together in the years ahead.” ITBF chair Kirsten Rausing said, “ITBF warmly welcomes this collaborative foundation stone between our two organisations, upon which we can build further. A fully functioning working relationship between our inextricably connected industries is the basis for ensuring a secure and successful future for the Thoroughbred breed and the sport of horse racing.” The post IFHA And ITBF Sign Memorandum To Collaborate On Breeding Issues appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Group 1 winner Bradsell (GB) (Tasleet {GB}) has been scratched from the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint by trainer Archie Watson. A winner of the King's Stand S. this term, the Victorious Racing runner was due to be ridden by Luke Morris, as his regular rider Hollie Doyle is serving a suspension. Europeans are still strongly represented in the Santa Anita affair, however, as G1 Nunthorpe S. hero Live In the Dream (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}) is still signed on, as is Aesop's Fables (Ire) (No Nay Never). The post Bradsell Scratched From BC Turf Sprint appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As has become customary, Dubawi (Ire) heads the list at Darley's Dalham Hall Stud, where his fee will remain unchanged in 2024 at £350,000, making him the most expensive stallion in Europe. The champion sire covered 137 mares this spring, in a year in which he was represented by nine Group/Grade 1 wins on the track. One of those came in the Lockinge S., won by his son Modern Games (Ire), who joins him at stud in Newmarket at a fee of £30,000 after notching a total of five top-level wins, including in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in 2021 and last year's Breeders' Cup Mile. Another of Darley's sons, Night Of Thunder (Ire), remains at the head of the Kildangan Stud roster and his fee is also unchanged at €100,000. The sire of 30 individual juvenile winners this year, Night Of Thunder is also represented by the brilliant sprinter Highfield Princess (Fr), who secured another Group 1 victory in the Prix de l'Abbaye. He covered 170 mares this year. Of Darley's other new stallions for 2024, Triple Time (GB), the Group 1-winning son of Frankel (GB) is introduced at £10,000, while the former European champion 2-year-old and Irish 2,000 Guineas winner Native Trail (GB) will stand in Ireland at €17,500. Cracksman (GB) was responsible for the top-rated horse in Europe this year in the unbeaten Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact (Fr), and his fee is unchanged at £17,500, while Teofilo (Ire), represented by Group 1 winners in Australia, Canada and Germany in 2023, is also unchanged at €30,000. Blue Point (Ire), who is set to be the champion first-season sire of 2023, has sired 41 individual winners to date, including G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Rosallion (Ire). Another of his sons, the G2 Flying Childers winner Big Evs (Ire), is favourite for Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Blue Point's fee has risen from €35,000 to €60,000 after covering 190 mares this year. Too Darn Hot (GB) has also had a fee increase, from £40,000 to £65,000, with his first-crop runners having included seven black-type performers, headed by G1 Moyglare Stud S. winner Fallen Angel (GB). Too Darn Hot was sent 157 mares this year. Sam Bullard, Darley's director of stallions, said, “The young stallions on the roster are our future and they continue to make compelling viewing. With the two most successful freshmen in 2023, it is exciting to have Pinatubo (Ire), Ghaiyyath (Ire) and Earthlight (Ire) with 2-year-olds next year, we are so lucky to be standing these horses.” Darley's full list of European fees: DALHAM HALL STUD, UK Dubawi (Ire) £350,000 Too Darn Hot (GB) £65,000 Palace Pier (GB) £45,000 Pinatubo (Ire) £35,000 Modern Games (Ire) £30,000 Farhh (GB) Private Cracksman (GB) £17,500 Triple Time (GB) £10,000 Harry Angel (Ire) £10,000 Iffraaj (GB) £10,000 Masar (Ire) £10,000 Perfect Power (Ire) £10,000 Territories (Ire) £10,000 KILDANGAN STUD, Ireland Night Of Thunder (Ire) €100,000 Blue Point (Ire) €60,000 Teofilo (Ire) €30,000 Ghaiyyath (Ire) €25,000 Native Trail (GB) €17,500 Space Blues (Ire) €16,000 Earthlight (Ire) €15,000 Naval Crown (Ire) €10,000 Raven's Pass €7,500 HARAS DU LOGIS, France Victor Ludorum (Ire) €15,000 Cloth Of Stars (Ire) €5,000 The post Darley Fees Released as Dubawi and Night Of Thunder Remain Unchanged appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shadwell homebred Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}–Handassa {GB}, by Dubawi {Ire}), a dual Group 1 winner, will stand at Beech House Stud next season after a final start in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf on Saturday, the operation announced on Thursday. He will join the Shadwell UK roster which is relocating permanently to Newmarket. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, the dark bay won five of his first six starts at three, including the G3 Darley S. At four, both the G3 Gordon Richards S. and G3 September S. went his way, and he also ran second twice more–in the G3 Brigadier Gerard S. and in Royal Ascot's G2 Hardwicke S. It was as a 5-year-old that the son of Handassa really shone, taking the G2 Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia in February, before a close fourth in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in Dubai a month later. His final two starts were won by a combined five lengths, with the G1 Prince Of Wales's S. going his way at Royal Ascot, and then he secured the G1 Juddmonte International at York in August. His current record features 10 wins in 16 starts with earnings of $3,000,193. Stephen Collins, European bloodstock manager for Shadwell, said, “Shadwell are delighted that Mostahdaf will retire to the newly refurbished Beech House stallion complex in Newmarket. He has all the attributes to become a successful stallion. “Mostahdaf was an outstanding winner of both the Group 1 Prince of Wales's S., the highest-rated winner of the race since Dubai Millennium in 2000, and the Group 1 Juddmonte International S. at York in the same year. A truly remarkable historic double achieved by only two horses in the last 50 years. “He possesses a pedigree packed with natural speed being closely related to two champion Group 1 winning sprinters. Mostahdaf demonstrated his incredible turn of foot by winning over seven-furlongs on debut and winning three races at a mile at three before being stepped up in trip. “A quality, well balanced, imposing individual, with an athletic walk, he should prove very popular with breeders.” Out of the listed winner Handassa, Mostahdaf is a half-brother to the high-class Nazeef (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who won the Sun Chariot S. and Falmouth S., both Group 1 races. Under his third dam are the pair of Group 1-winning sprinters and sires Pastoral Pursuits (GB) (Bahamian Bounty {GB}) and Goodricke (GB) (Bahamian Bounty {GB}). Angus Gold, racing manager for Shadwell, said, “Mostahdaf has been a top-class horse for the last three seasons, from showing his speed when winning five of his six races as a 3-year-old between seven furlongs and a mile; he then displayed his clear versatility and ability over further. “Mostahdaf never missed a day's training and was a thorough professional throughout his career; his enthusiasm for his work, together with his outstanding physique and speed, should make him a very attractive prospect for breeders.” John Gosden said of the 128-rated 5-year-old, “Mostahdaf has always been a pleasure to train. Sound and always positive and generous in his work. His action is superb and fluent with a high cruising speed and electric acceleration. A horse who has been very consistent throughout his career.” A fee for Mostahdaf and the rest of the UK roster will be announced in due course. Formerly Shadwell's UK stallion base, Nunnery Stud will remain a private base for the foaling of all of Shadwell's mares vising UK-based stallions. The post Mostahdaf Bound For Beech House Stud In 2024 As Shadwell UK Roster Relocates appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's G1 Derby winner Adayar (Ire) (Frankel {GB}–Anna Salai, by Dubawi {Ire}) will join Hukum (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) at Darley Japan for stallion duty in 2024, Darley announced on Thursday. Fees for the G1 King George-winning duo will be revealed later. The first horse to win the Derby and the King George in the same year since his paternal grandsire Galileo (Ire), Adayar was retired in July. The bay broke his maiden by nine lengths at Nottingham at second asking at two for Charlie Appleby, and was group-placed prior to winning the 2021 Derby at Epsom before adding the King George in his next start. In two starts at four, he was second in the G1 Champion S., and resumed this term with a victory in the G3 Gordon Richards S. in May. After a third-placed run in the G1 Prince Of Wales's S. at Royal Ascot, he concluded his career with a second in the G2 Princess Of Wales's S. at Newbury in July. Overall, he earned $2,553,575 and boasts a record of 13-5-4-1. A full-brother to the stakes winner Military Order (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Adayar is out of G3 Prix de la Grotte winner Anna Salai, who also ran second in the G1 Irish 1000 Guineas. His dam is a half-sister to stakes winners Iguazu Falls (Pivotal {GB}) and Advice (GB) (Seeking The Gold), who both placed at group level. He is also kin to G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner National Defense (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), among others. Hukum, a full-brother to the brilliant miler Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) won nine stakes races for his owner/breeder Shadwell, including the 2023 King George and the G1 Coronation Cup at Epsom. His female family features Shadwell blue hen Height Of Fashion (Fr) (Bustino {GB}). Harry Sweeney, president of Darley in Japan said, “We are really excited to be able to stand two brilliant stallions in Japan, Derby winner Adayar by Europe's leading stallion Frankel, and King George winner Hukum by Sea The Stars. We hope that these excellent bloodlines will not only succeed in Japan, but also spread to Europe and the rest of the world. We look forward to welcoming you to view these stallions.” The post Derby Winner Adayar Joins Hukum At Darley Japan Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple Group 1 winner and Classic winner Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}–Mirabilis, by Lear Fan) has been sold and will stand at Yushun Stallion Station in Japan next year, his owner/breeder Juddmonte announced on Thursday. The Irish Derby hero will be syndicated and a fee will be announced later. Trained by Ralph Beckett, Westover won on debut at Sandown in August of 2021 and was listed-placed later that year. At three, he won the G3 Bet365 Classic Trial and was a good third in the G1 Derby prior to running off with the Irish Derby by seven lengths. Kept in training at four, he was second to the current Longines World's Best Racehorse Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic this March and ran second in the G1 Coronation Cup in June. Back in the winner's circle in the G1 Grand Prix de Saint Cloud in July, he would finish his career with a narrow second in the G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth S. and fill the same position in the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. An injury sustained in the latter race resulted in his retirement in October. His record stands at 13-4-6-1 and $4,064,813 in earnings. “Given his tremendously consistent race record, along with his beautiful conformation and pedigree, he is sure to make a successful contribution to the Japanese breeding industry,” Juddmonte said in a statement. A full-brother to G3 Darley Club S. winner Monarchs Glen (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Westover is out of GIII Churchill Distaff Turf Mile S. heroine Mirabilis, who also won at stakes level in France, was second in the G3 Prix Miesque and G3 Prix du Pin and took third in the G1 Prix de la Foret. Second dam Media Nox (GB) (Lycius) claimed a pair of grade/group stakes in California and France, and then threw dual Group 1 winner Nebraska Tornado to the cover of Storm Cat. The post Irish Classic Winner Westover To Yushun Stallion Station In Japan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer optimistic we are yet to see the best of his galloper, who steps up in trip for Sunday’s featureView the full article

Trainer Chris Waller is tipped to take out the Group 1 $2 million Victoria Derby (2500m) for a third time with the master horseman saddling-up Saturday’s favourite Riff Rocket. Riff Rocket is the three-year-old to beat in the 2023 Victoria Derby this weekend at Flemington. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. Waller won the VRC Derby in 2014 with Preferment and was also successful in the feature race on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival last year with Manzoice. On Saturday he has his consistent American Pharoah gelding Riff Rocket jumping from a favourable barrier five draw with the talented James McDonald retaining the ride. McDonald has ridden the horse for his two latest starts when a 5.5 length winner at the track in the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) before a narrow loss as the beaten odds-on favourite in the Group 1 Caulfield Classic (2000m) on October 21. Back at Flemington now and fitter for his first Group assignment the up-and-comer is expected to relish the extra distance and sits top of Victoria Derby betting at $2.45 and firming at Ladbrokes. Close second favourite at current Victoria Derby odds of $3.90 is the Ben, Will & JD Hayes-trained Apulia also drawn well in barrier three. J Mac and Mark Zahra will partner Gold Trip and Without A Fight respectively as two of the best backed stayers in next Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup field and could also be fighting out the finish in the Derby. Zahra partners Fiorente colt Apulia who is bred to stay being a son of a former Melbourne Cup winner and who brings in the confidence of a last start win. After an eighth to Riff Rocket in the Super Impose the galloper finished fourth in the Caulfield Classic and then raced again when showing his class with a two length Group 2 Moonee Valley Vase (2040m) win last Saturday. He now races for the third straight Saturday and is rock hard fit for his grand final. Despite a capacity VRC Derby field just one other runner is at single-figures for the win with Verdad at $7.50 in gate four with Jye McNeil in the saddle. Untapped Justify gelding Verdad is trained out of Cranbourne by Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock and is after his second win at career start number five. He is a dual Group 2 runner-up having finished second best in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes and Group 2 Vase with a credible sixth at a big price to Griff in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in between. Others at a more generous quote but still being kept relatively safe in the markets include the Andrew Gluyas-trained Air Assault ($14) and the upset Caulfield Classic winner Sunsets ($14) for Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young out in gate 16. The Penfolds Victoria Derby is set to run as Flemington Race 7 at 4:20pm (AEDT) on Saturday’s nine-race, all-Group event program. 2023 Victoria Derby Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Probable Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 242×12841 APULIA Ben, Will & JD Hayes Mark Zahra 3 57kg 88 2 1262 VERDAD Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Jye McNeil 4 57kg 76 3 x6551x4413 AIR ASSAULT Andrew Gluyas Ben Allen 6 57kg 74 4 17×1212 RIFF ROCKET Chris Waller James McDonald 5 57kg 80 5 4×5251241 SUNSETS Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young John Allen 16 57kg 80 6 2569×80772 MAKE A CALL Peter & Paul Snowden Ms Jamie Kah 15 57kg 64 7 23116 GOLD BULLION (NZ) Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Opie Bosson 13 57kg 70 8 78×13 GATES Peter G Moody & Katherine Coleman Luke Nolen 14 57kg 70 9 1203 KOSGEI Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Blake Shinn 12 57kg 64 10 01054 BULAWAYO Pat Carey & Harris Walker Ms Celine Gaudray (a) 7 57kg 63 11 3×4214 SACRED EAGLE Symon Wilde Jordan Childs 2 57kg 63 12 7×4311 ROGUERY Lloyd Kennewell & Lucy Yeomans Billy Egan 1 57kg 66 13 9612 MERCANTE Nigel Blackiston Damien Oliver 11 57kg 63 14 417 TO BE FRANK (NZ) Ciaron Maher & David Eustace Jamie Spencer 10 57kg 63 15 24431 WARIALDA WARRIOR John Ramsey Darryl McLellan 9 57kg 60 16 5×32525 TOKYO RUN (NZ) Dean Mirfin 8 57kg 59 Table Credit: Racing Australia. The post Victoria Derby 2023 Field & Odds Update: Riff Rocket Tipped To Win appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

Trainers Ken Rae and Krystal Williams are hoping Illicit Dreams can get her Gr.1 Barneswood Farm NZ 1000 Guineas (1600m) preparation back on track at Ashburton on Sunday in the Juice Signs (1400m). The daughter of Vancouver was eased down in the concluding stages of the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m), finishing last in the 10-horse field last start, with a post-race veterinary examination putting the performance down to dehydration. “We got her bloods done and she was quite dehydrated that day,” Williams said. “With all the severe winds that we had down here, we ended up with no power or water for three days, so we couldn’t bring them into the boxes. “She didn’t drink as much from the trough, she is quite fussy. Hopefully she has come right and will improve on what we saw last time.” Illicit Dreams has pulled through the run well and Williams has been pleased with her work in the lead-up to her weekend assignment. “She galloped well today (Thursday),” she said. “Jason Laking has been riding all of her gallops for me and he is happy with her. He knows her very well, he has been riding her right through.” Illicit Dreams has drawn barrier 11 and Williams is hoping the wide gate will help jockey Tegan Newman find cover to help settle the three-year-old filly. “She is just going too hard at the start and we would like to see her settle a bit more and show us we are heading in the right direction for the Guineas,” Williams said. “This race will tell us whether she carries onto that.” Williams will also line-up evergreen galloper The Buffer in the Agraforum Growing Innovation (1600m). He has once again been lumbered with 62kg, but will get some weight relief courtesy of apprentice jockey Danika Wilson’s four-kilogram claim. “Last start at Riccarton was a bit tougher for him,” Williams said of the gelding’s unplaced run in the Coupland’s Bakeries Mile Trial (1400m). “It is a bit tricky now with the weight he carries and the fields he comes up against. This field is a bit weaker and hopefully the mile will be better for him. “We would like to get him back to the country meetings. I am not sure whether he will start over 2000m for Cup Week yet. We will just play it by ear as he has had a lot of racing already.” Williams’ team will be rounded out by Proisir filly Zlatna in the Gary McCormick Transport (1600m). “She is a progressive type. She needs more ground and is still quite immature and green,” Williams said. “Jasmine (Fawcett, jockey) seems to like her and thinks she has got ability. We are just trying to get a win with her and get her up over more ground.” View the full article

Frankie Lor concedes a significant rise in the handicap ratings leaves Money Catcher (NZ) (Ferlax) with a difficult challenge when the gelding attempts to post consecutive wins in the HK$4.2 million Gr.3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse Handicap (1800m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (5 November). Money Catcher carried only 115lb last season in downing Beauty Joy (135lb) and Senor Toba (127lb) to claim the 2022 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse, but the six-year-old’s advance to a mark of 117 from 93 at the start of last season will see him shoulder 135lb this weekend. Attempting to become the first galloper to secure consecutive Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse wins since Viva Macau, who triumphed under Darren Beadman in 2007 and the following year for Zac Purton, Money Catcher faces a formidable assignment, according to Lor. “Last year, he carried 115 pounds. This year, he carries 135 pounds, so the difference is 20 pounds – which is quite a bit. But, anyway, he’s in good form. The only worry is the weight,” Lor said. “Last season, we always had light weights and it was easier but this season, like this coming Sunday, he’s carrying a big weight so maybe it’s going to be a little bit different. But, anyway, he’s still in good form.” Frankie Lor has 12 wins for the 2023/24 season. Photo: Hong Kong Jockey Club Encountered (128lb), Senor Toba (128lb), Straight Arron (125lb), Running Glory (123lb), Tourbillon Diamond (119lb), Super Sunny Sing (118lb), Nimble Nimbus (115lb), Champion Dragon (115lb) and La City Blanche (115lb) complete the field. To start from barrier three under Alexis Badel, Money Catcher will attempt to build on his fifth behind California Spangle when resuming in the Gr.2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) on 15 October. “First-up, he ran well. It was only 1600 metres, but he ran well. It was a bit short for him, so 1800 metres or 2000 metres should be best for him,” Lor said. Third in the 2022 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) behind Romantic Warrior and California Spangle, Money Catcher proceeded to his best season so far last term with a pair of Group 3 triumphs, the second in the G3 January Cup Handicap (1800m) at Happy Valley. Money Catcher is among the entrants for the HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on 10 December. The Ferlax gelding ran third in the elite contest last season behind Romantic Warrior and Japan’s Danon The Kid. “In December, I think he’ll only carry 126 pounds, so we’ll will see,” Lor said. Sunday’s (5 November) 10-race card at Sha Tin starts with the Class 5 L’Oreal Paris Handicap (1400m) at 1pm. View the full article

Wrote To Arataki will be trainer Matthew Williams’ first Derby Day runner. Warrnambool trainer Matthew Williams will break new ground when he saddles his first runner on Victoria Derby Day at Flemington. Williams has been training horses for more than 20 years and Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote), who runs in the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday, will be his first starter on the opening day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival. “We used to go to Derby Day when we were kids with my uncle,” Williams said. “So, to finally have a runner there, having been training for 20 something years and not having a runner on Derby Day, it will be good. “It’s not easy to get one good enough.” Wrote To Arataki will be having her first start at 1600m when she steps out on Saturday. Williams said he has been hesitant to try the mare at the trip, but jockey Dean Yendall is confident she will handle it. Yendall knows what it takes to win the Empire Rose having won it on I Am A Star (NZ) (I Am Invincible) (2016) and aboard Shoals the following year. “She has a bit of a high head carriage on her, and she looks like she will be too keen, but Dean says she is not that keen when riding her,” Williams said. “I’m backing his judgement there and it’s a Group One race. She’s five runs into the prep now, so it’s the right time to try and if it doesn’t work, then we don’t do it again. “Being her first time to the mile, we want to ride her for a little bit of a sit, so she might be second pair back or third pair back, or something like that. “We just want to find a bum and put her to sleep early. She has been switching off much better with the earmuffs, so we’re hoping she switches off on Saturday and runs a strong mile.” Wrote To Arataki has gradually worked her way through the grades and was successful in Group Three company during the autumn. Williams kicked her off with a placing at Caulfield in September and in her three subsequent efforts, Wrote To Araktaki has a win, in the Gr.2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, a third at Flemington and a disappointing second-up fading 12th behind Amelia’s Jewel at Flemington. “The only race she didn’t finish off and looked a bit weak was three runs ago at Flemington when they went too hard up front,” Williams said. “But she’s so honest if she gets sectionals to suit.” By Wrote, Highview Stud’s Group One winning son of High Chaparral, Wrote To Arataki is out of the multiple winning Align mare Galloping Gerte. She was bred by Noelene Bishop, who along with husband Bill, is good friends with Highview Stud’s Brent Gillovic. Wrote To Arataki finished third in her only trial in New Zealand for former trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne before her private sale to the Williams stable through bloodstock agent Phill Cataldo. View the full article

Chris Waller has put blinkers on Kovalica (NZ) (Ocean Park) to sharpen him up for a slight distance drop. The Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) came under serious consideration for Kovalica, but his performance in the Gr.3v King Charles III Stakes (1600m) convinced connections the $10 million Golden Eagle was the right target. The Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) winner was one of the few horses to make headway from back in the field, coming from last on the corner to finish fifth behind stablemate Fangirl (Sebring). That 1600m effort has proved the determining factor in resisting the temptation to step Kovalica up to 2040m in last Saturday’s Cox Plate and instead fit him with blinkers for a Golden Eagle (1500m) assault. “Had he not sprinted as hard as what he did in the King Charles, the Cox Plate would have been the logical race to go to,” trainer Chris Waller’s racing manager Charlie Duckworth said. “But the fact he was reeling in older weight-for-age stars, and that he’s only four once …. the Cox Plate is still going to be there for him next year.” Waller won the inaugural Golden Eagle with Kolding, who like Kovalica was raced by Neville Morgan and sported the prominent owner’s blue and white colours. But they aren’t the only commonalities the horses share. Both are by Ocean Park, both won the Queensland Guineas the previous winter and like Kolding, Kovalica will tackle the Golden Eagle fourth-up and off the back of a Group One mile run at Randwick. Duckworth can make cases for all of the stable’s runners but says Kovalica’s fast finishing second in the Epsom Handicap (1600m) and his King Charles Stakes effort make him Waller’s top seed. “He pretty much has to be,” Duckworth said. “Despite only running second and fifth, you couldn’t have asked more from any horse in his last two runs.” The commitment of jockey Tommy Berry has also been a confidence boost. Berry has been retained for the Golden Eagle mount after riding Kovalica last start and hasn’t missed an opportunity to sit on his back since. “Tommy has come in and galloped him on the Saturday, Tuesday, (last) Saturday and again on Tuesday. “He is putting the hard yards in and he has got bags of faith in the horse.” Kovalica ($10) will lead a five-pronged Golden Eagle bid for Waller, although he has been a market drifter since landing gate 16 at Tuesday night’s barrier draw. His barn mates fared better with Rediener drawing three, Osipenko and Vienna Princess alongside each other in barriers eight and nine respectively, while Age Of Kings will jump from gate 11. View the full article