Wandering Eyes

The New York Gaming Commission issued a statement Friday regarding the controversial disqualification of Brick Ambush (Laoban) in the Feb. 16 Great White Way S. at Aqueduct that was meant to bolster the argument that the stewards made the right call, but it included a photo that could be construed as doing the exact opposite. The TDN and other news outlets received an email from New York Gaming Commission Director of Communications Brad Maione that included six screen shots from the race taken at the point where there was contact and horses were steadied. One of the shots included arrows pointing to four jockeys, Ruben Silvera, Manny Franco, Junior Alvarado and Jose Lezcano. Alvarado was aboard Brick Ambush, who, though disqualified after crossing the wire second and placed last, appeared to be free of the trouble while racing outside and clear of the horses who were bothered. The arrow pointing to what was supposed to be Alvarado's mount was instead The Big Torpedo (Big Brown), who was ridden by Javier Castellano. When the TDN notified Maione that there was an error concerning the identification of the horses and their riders, he sent a new version of the original statement that fixed the mistake. However, with Alvarado now properly identified, the pictures offered no evidence that he was at fault. The second version of the statement included the following explanation: “Please note the first screenshot in the previous version incorrectly identified the riders on specific horses. Please disregard those reference screenshots. Corrected versions are attached and included below. The narrative remains unchanged.” The disqualification set off a controversy that has yet to die down and the consensus in the sport is that, for whatever reason, the stewards simply DQ'd the wrong horse by mistake. Many believe that the horse that caused the bumping and deserved to come down was actually the race winner, Antonio of Venice (Laoban). Great White Way S. second image | NYSGC The statement made the case that the stewards carefully reviewed the race after the decision was made to disqualify Brick Ambush and that they stood by their decision. The stewards officiating the race were Braulio Baeza, Jr. (N.Y.S. Gaming Commission), Juan Dominguez (The New York Racing Association, Inc.) and Samantha Randazzo (The Jockey Club). “The three Stewards' attention was focused on the field as it arrived near the quarter-pole, where several horses converged and were in close contact,” the statement read. “As evident in the below/attached screenshots, horse Brick Ambush (#12), ridden by Junior Alvarado, came up on three horses that were crowded together–Antonio of Venice (#1) ridden by Manuel Franco, The Big Torpedo (#7) ridden by Javier Castellano, and Solo's Fury (#11), ridden by Jose Lezcano–and made disruptive contact. The Stewards were concerned that Castellano's contact with the other horses and their riders could have impacted the results of the race.” According to the statement, the stewards examined six separate camera views of the area of concern and conducted telephone interviews with Franco, Castellano, Lezcano and Alvarado. Castellano told reporters after the race that he attempted to claim foul, but the stewards have said they were unaware that he wanted to file an objection. “After review of the footage and interviews with the jockeys, the Stewards unanimously concluded that Alvarado's movement of Brick Ambush to the inside at quarter-pole pole caused a chain reaction that impacted the race. Accordingly, the Stewards disqualified Brick Ambush for interference,” the statement continued. Alvarado was hit with a three-day suspension for careless riding. “The following morning, all four jockeys were required to participate in a film review of the race and discussed the event with all three Stewards,” the statement continued. “At the conclusion of the review, State Steward Baeza issued a 3-day careless riding suspension to Mr. Alvarado, to be effective January 1 through January 5, 2024. Mr. Alvarado accepted the penalty and declined to appeal.” The post New York Gaming Commission Issues Update On Great White Way Stakes DQ, But Only Adds To The Confusion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Mt. Brilliant Family Foundation has signed on once again as the presenting sponsor for the Thoroughbred Charities of America's upcoming 34th Annual Stallion Season Auction to be held Wednesday, Jan. 3 through Sunday, Jan. 7, the non-profit said in a release Friday. “We greatly appreciate the continued support of Mt. Brilliant,” said Erin Halliwell executive director of TCA. “The Stallion Season Auction is vital to our organization as it allows us to make grants to qualified organizations across the country. Mt. Brilliant's support of the auction and TCA are a testament to their strong commitment to our mission of assisting Thoroughbreds and those who care for them.” The online version of the auction opens at 9 a.m. ET Jan. 3, runs through 4 p.m. ET on Friday, Jan. 5 and will offer nearly 200 seasons to stallions standing in 14 states and Canada. Click here to view the online seasons. While the majority will be offered during the online auction, several seasons will be sold in the live event on Sunday, Jan. 7 at Harper Hall in Lexington, Kentucky. Those include Cody's Wish, Elite Power, Life is Good, Constitution, Nyquist, Quality Road, Flightline, Forte, Good Magic and Taiba. Bidders or their authorized agents may attend the live auction or they can email ehalliwell@tca.org to register online or by telephone. A silent auction will also be offered. All non-season items will be available via online bidding. Click here for tickets and more information. The post Mt. Brilliant Family Foundation Sponsors TCA’s Stallion Season Auction Again appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The bred-in-the-purple Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}–Minidress {GB}, by Street Cry {Ire}) gave the boys in blue their eighth AED850,000 G2 Al Rashidiya winner when drawing off to win by 3 1/4 lengths in the 1800-metre grass contest on Friday. One of two group races on the nine-race Meydan card, the Al Rashidiya featured 10 rivals for the lightly raced 3-year-old, who was receiving a break in the weights. Part of the early pace discussion, the near-black colt was keen and tugging as he tracked Wirko (Ger) (Kingman {GB}) down the backstretch. Buick finally had him relaxed next to Goemon (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), and that duo moved up to challenge Wirko on the far turn. Those two went on with it with 550 metres to travel, with Measured Time edging ahead before storming home a 3 1/4-length victor. Erzindjan (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) closed up the inside to run second, 3/4 of a length ahead of Godolphin's Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). Flawless in his first three starts for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin at Kempton in February and August, and at Newmarket on Aug. 25, Measured Time lost his unbeaten tag with a second-place finish in the Listed Floodlit S. back on the Kempton all-weather on Nov. 6. Pedigree Notes Measured Time became the 135th stakes winner and 92nd group winner for his Juddmonte sire with his score on Friday. Other Frankel's to excel in the desert include G1 Jebel Hatta winner Dream Castle (GB), who also won the Al Rashidiya; and With The Moonlight (Ire). The much-missed Street Cry (Ire)'s daughters have foaled 150 stakes winners to date, with this colt his 83rd Pattern race winner. His Minidress (GB), second in the Listed Height Of Fashion S., is the dam of UAE top-notcher Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), a winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, G1 Grosser Preis von Berlin, and G1 Preis von Europa; and the stakes-placed Petticoat (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). Her latest is a weanling colt by Dubawi (Ire). A grandson of G3 Musidora S. and G3 St. Simon S. victress and G1 Oaks placegetter Short Skirt (GB) (Diktat {GB}), Measured Time is also kin to Group 1 winners Asakusa Den'En (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) and Victoire Pisa (Jpn) (Neo Universe {Jpn}), as well as their dam, the multiple graded winner Whitewater Affair (GB) (Machiavellian), who was second in the G1 Yorkshire Oaks and third in the G1 Irish St Leger. Young sire Cappella Sansevero (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), a winner of the G3 Round Tower S. and third in the G1 Phoenix S., is also part of this clan. Boom! Measured Time dominates the Group Two Al Rashidiya @Godolphin have now won this race EIGHT times on the spin 2023: Valiant Prince 2222: Desert Fire 2021: Zakouski 2020: Barney Roy 2019: Dream Castle 2018: Benbatl 2017: Promising Run pic.twitter.com/HgJl5MUCXJ — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) December 22, 2023 The post Frankel Colt Has Measure Of His Rivals In Al Rashidiya appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Racing for a Reason online charity auction, hosted by Thoroughbid, will run from Jan. 1-7 starting 9am that first day, and 100% of the proceeds will be donated equally between the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. On offer are yard visits with some of the top racing operations in the UK and Ireland, stallion nominations to the likes of Inns of Court (Ire) and Dawn Approach (Ire), and membership to the Byerley Indians Syndicate. The last was created to increase awareness of the disappearance of two of the three Male Trial lines–Byerley Turk and Godolphin Arabian. Stallion nominations including flat and National Hunt sires and of the 37 trainers who donated a yard visit, notable additions include Nicky Henderson, Henry de Bromhead, and Lucinda Russell, among others. A total of 123 lots will go up for bidding and the collection can be found here. Buyers must have a registered account with Thoroughbid if they wish to partake. “We cannot thank ThoroughBid enough for hosting the Racing For A Reason online charity auction. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to those who so generously donated lots for the auction itself,” said Sinead Gillespie, the National Fundraising Lead for the Irish Cancer Society. “The Irish Cancer Society receives only 5% of its funding from the Government, so it's because of fundraising efforts like the Racing For A Reason online charity auction, that we can provide free services and supports, to ensure nobody in Ireland faces cancer alone.” Gillespie added: “Your generosity provides free information, vital services like our Freephone Support Line 1800 200 700, patient travel, Night Nursing and funds ground-breaking cancer research to support people affected by cancer across the country. On behalf of those who benefit from this support, thank you.” The post Thoroughbid Hosts Racing For A Reason Online Charity Auction appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-GP, $70K, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 12:39 p.m. Returning to the track for his second start after being disqualified from second at Monmouth Aug. 6, WONDERFINN (Justify) enters off back-to-back bullet works Nov. 13 (four furlongs in :48 1/5 {1/14}) and Nov. 20 (three furlongs in :36 2/5 {1/11}). The 2-year-old is out of a full-sister to trio of prolific Galileo siblings led by G1 Tattersalls Irish Two Thousand Guineas winner Magician (Ire) along with GSW Apple Betty (Ire) and SW/GISP Outstanding (Ire), herself the dam of MGSW Masteroffoxhounds (War Front). Making his debut, My G (Medaglia d'Oro) brought $400,000 from Spendthrift as a yearling at the Saratoga Select sale last year. Dam Perfect Note, herself a $800,000 FTKNOV broodmare buy, is out of MGISW Music Note (A.P. Indy), making her a half-sister to G1 Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup hero Mystic Guide (Ghostzapper). This is also the family of French G1SW Musical Chimies (In Excess {Ire}). The Todd Pletcher trainee fired a bullet of his own Dec. 16, going five furlongs in 1:00 2/5 (1/8). TJCIS PPS The post Saturday Insights: Gulfstream Maidens Headline Pre-Christmas Action appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

ISOLATE (h, 5, Mark Valeski–Tranquil Song, by Unbridled's Song) gave trainer Doug Watson the first two home in the AED1-million G2 Al Maktoum Mile at Meydan on Friday. The bay settled in a tracking second in a good rhythm under Tyler Gaffalione, before taking over on the backstretch. It was all over but the singing at that point, as he strolled home the easiest of winners, with stablemate and G2 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 winner Golden Goal (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) running second, 3 1/2 lengths back. Celtic Prince (GB) (Shamardal) got up for third, another 2 1/4 lengths behind. The final time for the 1600m over a fast surface was 1:37.21. A winner of the Tale of the Cat S. by six lengths at Saratoga last August, Isolate ran second by a nose in the Louisville Thoroughbred Society S. in September prior to packing his bags for the desert. He filled the runner-up spot in both the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint in February, and the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal in March, prior to his Dubai World Cup night heroics in the G2 Godolphin Mile. Sales history: $70,000 Wlg '18 KEENOV. Lifetime Record: MSW & GSP-US, 16-8-5-2. O-RRR Racing, Inc. B-Woodford Throughbreds (FL). T-Doug Watson Wow … Isolate, last seen winning the @godolphin Mile on Dubai World Cup Night, makes a wonderful return under @Tyler_Gaff Doug Watson's five-year-old was simply operating on another level in the Group Two Al Maktoum Mile …#DubaiCarnival | #FestiveFriday pic.twitter.com/Q6osNOw2Vq — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) December 22, 2023 The post Easy As Holiday Pie For Isolate In Al Maktoum Mile appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A partnership to encourage international initiatives and working practices between the Japanese and British and Irish horseracing industries was announced by press release on Friday. The creation of the Joint Cooperation Committee is to serve as a formal platform for members within the British and Irish horseracing industries to engage with their counterparts in Japan via the Japan Racing Association. It will consist of agreed representatives from key shareholders in the respective territories including the BHA, HRI, Racecourse Media Group (RMG), and principal courses Jockey Club, York, Ascot, Goodwood, and Leopardstown. The group's earliest groundwork includes a variety of schemes, and marketing and media initiatives to promote Japanese horses and connections travelling to Great Britain and Ireland, and vice versa by raising awareness of those markets among domestic participants, media, bettors, and fans. Another hope is to create a direct regulatory partnership which will perform its duties but not cut across pre-existing arrangements. Ultimately, the goal is to further internationalise the sport of horse racing and support the breeding industries. “I am delighted that the horse racing organisations in Britain and Ireland with their history, tradition, quality and innovation, have now united to form the Joint Cooperation Committee with the Japanese Racing Association,” said JRA Chief Executive Officer, Masayoshi Yoshida. “It is an important and significant step for the JRA, and Japanese horse racing. We will be working together more strongly than ever before to achieve further development in all areas. I look forward to working hand-in-hand to create the future of horse racing together.” Joe Saumarez-Smith, chairman of the new Joint Cooperation Committee as well as the chair of the British Horseracing Authority, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with the JRA and are hugely grateful for their significant support. The creation of this Committee is the next step in our relationship, as we further pool our knowledge and insight, and combine our considerable marketing and media assets. This can only lead to increased participation in each other's racing, resulting in deeper fan engagement, and increased and new revenues.” Horse Racing Ireland's CEO, Suzanne Eade, shared the enthusiasm of her counterparts for the future of the new committee. “Ireland looks forward to being a full and active partner with Britain and Japan in the Joint Cooperation Committee to share our collective wisdom and progress our shared objectives of increasing participation and engagement.” The post Joint Cooperation Committee Formed by Japanese, British and Irish Racing Industries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As 2023 draws to a close, the TDN is asking industry members to name their favorite moment of the year. Send yours to suefinley@thetdn.com I have been fortunate to experience many wonderful days racing, but NEVER I have EVER heard a crowd response like when the two Queens of National Hunt racing, HONEYSUCKLE and Rachael Blackmore, returned to the Cheltenham winner enclosure the after the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (The David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle) in March of this year. The place was packed 20 deep, it went wild, it was electric, you did not want it to end and then you wanted to bottle it up to use again and again. Thanks HONEYSUCKLE and Rachael. –Geoffrey Russell The post What Was Your Favorite Moment Of 2023: Geoffrey Russell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Midwestern sage, Mark Twain espoused, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Nothing could be more apropos when considering joining a Thoroughbred racehorse partnership. Getting started is the hardest part for most prospective owners. The world of Thoroughbred racing can seem as inaccessible as the Churchill Down's Turf Club on Derby Day. The good news is joining a partnership makes getting started easier. In the first part of this series, we provided basic information such as investment levels, tax considerations and the entertainment value partnerships offer. In Part 2, we will provide insights into the experiential considerations that can make your personal journey into ownership more valuable. Owning More That 5% You should always begin by considering what is going to be financially comfortable for you. If your investment level is below $1,000, your focus should be directed toward micro-share opportunities like MyRacehorse, Wasabi Venture Stables, or a racing club at your local racetrack. These vehicles offer participation for as little as a couple hundred dollars and generally offer less than 1% interest in a horse. Micro-share partnerships rarely present any financial windfalls, but do give you the excitement of participation and a friendly conversation starter at your next social event. They also make great gifts for a horse lover in your life. If you are comfortable in investing $1,000 or more, look for an opportunity where you can buy in for at least 5%. Truth be told, percentages have their privilege in Thoroughbred ownership. We all know that 5% of a $10,000 claimer is quite a bit less than 5% of a $1 million yearling. What you may not know, there are significant benefits of being at least a 5% partner. Owning 5% means that most racing jurisdictions will require you to become a licensed owner. Once you are licensed, you now have access, and access is where the real fun begins. Trainer observing morning workouts | Coady Photography With a state-issued owner's license, you typically will have access to the stable area and your horse. Watching morning workouts, spending time in and around a functioning training operation, and gaining insight into how the stable area operates are a handful of the most fascinating activities an owner can experience. Feeding carrots and treats to your horse can be worth the price of your investment alone. On race day, you will have access to the paddock area to see your horse prepare to head out to the racetrack. The paddock is where you can interact with your jockey, trainer and other partners. Most racetracks also offer owner privileges like free admission, free programs, reserved seating areas and invitations to special events. These perks are part of your return on investment and an enticing incentive to own at least 5% of a racehorse and becoming a licensed owner. The Partnership Personality You are now at the point where you are hungry to get started. Do not make the mistake of buying the proverbial sizzle of a partnership… you want the steak. What a partnership portrays in advertising or by the general partner may not be what is served. You need to learn about the partnership's personality, in other words, where the meat is. How does the partnership communicate with its owners? How often does the partnership send out updates on horses? Do they use social media, e-mail, or other platforms? What level of input will you have? Some general partners are great at taking input, others prefer to remain focused and rely on their own experience and skills. If you are a person that likes to socialize, do not hesitate to ask what events, or get togethers, are typically planned. Talk to current partners and get their feedback while simultaneously gaining a sense of whom you will be sharing the experience. Part of your return on investment are the relationships you develop. Simply make sure you get the steak and not just a bunch of sizzling mushrooms.* Geography Most partnerships run their horses at specific racetracks or on a circuit. You need to determine if you are ok with watching your horse race on the computer or if you want to go to the racetrack and enjoy watching your horse race live. There are racetracks that are great for bringing friends and family with you and others that do not make the greatest first impressions. California racing | Benoit Where you live or where you are willing to travel is important in how immersed you can get into ownership. Living in Missouri does not mean you should not own a racehorse, it just means you may have to travel more vs. someone that lives in Southern California. Conversely, if you are solely interested in a financial return on your investment or are allergic to hay and hate the smell of manure, seeing your horse in person may not matter. The bottom line is: know where your horses are most apt to race and determine it if falls in line with what you are seeking. The Mission There are partnerships for breeding, buying yearlings, pinhooking, buying two-year-olds, claiming, and everything in-between. What is best for you is a choice. Start by asking yourself if you like action or if you are willing to be patient and potentially end up with a Kentucky Derby horse. Most new owners benefit from getting involved in a claiming partnership first. With these partnerships, you can make your investment one day and be at the races to watch your horse run within weeks. Typically, new owners start in a claiming partnership, move to buying into unraced younger horses, then yearlings and down the road becoming part of a breeding opportunity. All are available to you with partnerships and you will be learning and becoming more adept along the way. The Cherry On Top An area that has become especially important to new owners coming into the sport, and rightfully so, is aftercare. Prospective new partners should ask, “What will happen once our horse is done racing? Can we still follow our horse after it retires?” Do not hesitate to ask these questions about any partnership you are looking to get involved in. Some partnerships have aftercare programs in place, some have aftercare organizations they work with, and others unfortunately have no answer to this question. When you buy a Thoroughbred racehorse, you will discover an intrinsic connection to the horse, it is inevitable. Making sure you participate in a partnership that cares for their horses after their racing career is over is to be applauded and supported. Wonder Wheel | Sara Gordon The path to becoming a Thoroughbred racehorse owner has never been easier. Partnerships have led the way in making ownership more accessible to everyone that loves horse racing or horses. Finding the right partnership for you is a process, a process that hopefully has been made simpler by knowing what to ask, what to look for, and what really matters to you personally. Note: a mushroom is a term in racing is often referred to an owner who is kept in the dark and fed manure. The post Finding The Right Syndicate For You-Part 2, Presented By Taylor Made Partnerships appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-Meydan, AED210,000, Cond., 12-22, 1400m, 1:24.64, ft. MANAMA GOLD (f, 2, Star Guitar–Charged Cotton, by Dehere), who attracted plenty of hype prior to this first start, ran to her billing and emerged a 2 1/2 length winner at Meydan. Kept off the fence as Frost At Dawn (Frosted) made the running, the Louisiana-bred was keen to go on rounding the bend and Adrie de Vries had his hands full keeping her content. She tackled the leader at the head of the straight, and ground determinedly past her 250 metres from home, before going on to win a shade cozily. It was the second win on the card for de Vries. Originally sold for $100,000 as a Keeneland September yearling, the chestnut caught the eye of Oliver St Lawrence after breezing a furlong in :10 1/5, and was knocked down for $200,000 out of the OBS April Sale. Charged Cotton, who won the All Brandy S. at Laurel, has already foaled the stakes-placed Sethamee Street (Street Sense), and multiple stakes winner Ova Charged (Star Guitar), who was second in the GIII Victory Ride S. at Belmont Park. Her latest is a weanling filly by Not This Time. Sales history: $100,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; and $200,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, AED126,000. Click for the ERA chart & video. O/T-Fawzi Abdulla Nass. B-Brittlyn, Inc. (LA). *1ST-TIME STARTER. Adrie de Vries @AbdullaNass_ The dynamic duo snare an early double on the card with Manama Gold, who excels on debut in the Storm Coaster presented by EMAAR conditions stakes Ignore the Star Guitar filly at your peril this season ..#DubaiCarnival | #FestiveFriday pic.twitter.com/RIePaPzM8Z — Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) December 22, 2023 The post Star Guitar Filly Plays A Merry Tune At Meydan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the recent retirement of the world's top-rated racehorse Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) and with Triple Tiara heroine Liberty Island (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) spelling with destinations unknown for 2024, Sunday's G1 Arima Kinen is missing its top two votegetters. But the 2500-metre event, which easily attracts the largest single-race betting in the world on an annual basis, is certainly not lacking for quality. While Equinox is not back to defend his title, a good deal of how to solve the contest from a pari-mutuel perspective goes through him. Do Deuce (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}) is one of four runners pressing on to the Christmas Eve feature from the G1 Japan Cup, where Equinox had four lengths on Liberty Island. In the estimation of many, the 4-year-old–one of just two horses to finish ahead of the reigning Horse of the Year, in his case in the 2022 G1 Tokyo Yushun–would have been the one to beat in the G1 Dubai Turf in March, but was scratched and missed seven months. The bay was disappointing when seventh behind Equinox in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) in October and fell a bit short of expectations when only fourth in the Japan Cup. His connections still have not lost faith. '[Jockey Yutaka] Take rode work last week and, as I'd thought, they really looked good together,” said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi. “Take said the horse had moved really well as usual. This will be his third start of the fall season but I don't think he's tired at all. I'd say he has improved quite a bit and there is no need for more work. Equinox is out of the picture now and I think any horse has a chance.” DO DEUCE fast work yesterday that has the shrewds talking, number 62 in the white with Yutaka Take on board, 11.0 last 1F Goes to the G1 Arima Kinen on 24th Worked with classy 3yo filly HARPER who is also going to the Arima Kinen, she closed in 11.2https://t.co/UFfl3sd0w6 — Graham Pavey (@LongBallToNoOne) December 14, 2023 Do Deuce is one of three Derby winners in the race, joining 2021 hero Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) and Tastiera (Jpn) (Satono Crown {Jpn}). The former was a cracking third to Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf Nov. 4 and was an intended runner in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase two weeks ago, but was a vet scratch. In spite of his obvious quality, the 5-year-old is no better than a 50-1 chance ante-post. Tastiera dropped a narrow decision to the sometimes mercurial Sol Oriens (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) in April's G1 Satsuki Sho before turning the tables in the Derby. He exits a second–with Sol Oriens third–in the G1 Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger) over 3000 metres Oct. 22. No fewer than six fillies and mares feature in the 16-strong field, but two most-fancied have drawn the widest gates in a race that is run around three turns at Nakayama. Through Seven Seas (Jpn) (Dream Journey {Jpn}) put a bit of a scare into Equinox when flashing home for second in the G1 Takarazuka Kinen in June, after which it was announced that she'd be programmed for the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. A highly creditable fourth to Ace Impact (Ire) (Cracksman {GB}), she is capable if able to work out out a trip from barrier 15. Drawn widest is the oft-unlucky Stars on Earth (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}), who was unfortunate not to complete the 2022 Triple Tiara and looks to snap a frustrating streak of placings, including a latest third in the Japan Cup. Her late sire is also responsible for Titleholder (Jpn), a pacesetting ninth in this last year. Win Marilyn (Jpn) (Screen Hero {Jpn}), victorious in the 2022 G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup and an outstanding fourth to Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Nov. 4, makes the final start of her career and is the longest price at north of 115-1. Adding further intrigue are the half-brothers Justin Palace (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), winner of the G1 Tenno Sho (Spring) over 3200 metres and third in the Tenno Sho (Autumn), and Iron Barows (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}), who punched his ticket to this with a victory in the G2 Stayers S. going 3600 metres of this course Dec. 2. The pair are half-brothers to recent Darley Japan import Palace Malice (Curlin). The post Arima Kinen An Early Christmas Feast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's top tips from the Post's analystsView the full article

Hong Kong racing legend believes last season’s Champions & Chater Cup third ‘could be a different horse’ in Saturday’s 2,000m feature race at Sha TinView the full article

Australian jockey aims to take it slow and steady in his comeback from the injuries he sustained at Sha Tin on November 11 when he fell from TuchelView the full article

Trainer believes Hong Kong’s winter weather may pose a problem to his sprinter at Sha Tin on Saturday when he bids for a sixth consecutive victoryView the full article

Some of New Zealand’s biggest races will be seen live and free on the screens of Racing.com in January thanks to a partnership between Entain New Zealand – the operators of New Zealand’s TAB – and the leading racing broadcaster. Feature races from four meetings will be broadcast on Racing.com showcasing the best of New Zealand thoroughbred racing. The broadcast deal includes feature races from the Levin Classic and Telegraph Handicap meeting on January 13 at Trentham, the Thorndon Mile and Wellington Cup meeting at Trentham on January 20, and the iconic Karaka Millions meeting on January 27 at Ellerslie. The lucrative Karaka Millions card includes the Karaka Millions 3YO and the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic – both of which are ‘win and you’re in’ races for the All-Star Mile. A twilight meeting at Ellerslie on 14 January, highlighting the return of racing to headquarters after a major refurbishment of the track, will also be broadcast on Racing.com. “New Zealand racing is thriving right now, and we’ve seen their best horses continue to come to Victoria and compete at the top level,” Racing.com Media CEO Peter Campbell said. “This collaboration will give Racing.com viewers a glimpse of New Zealand’s established stars, and the next big names emerging from New Zealand. “Adding these premium selected races from New Zealand in January to our Victorian and South Australian racing coverage will continue our ongoing efforts to provide Racing.com’s audiences with premium racing coverage on any screen, or any device they choose to watch with. “It also helps strengthen our existing partnership with Entain New Zealand, who actively promote and showcase our world-class Victorian racing to our cousins across the ditch. It’s a great win for us all.” Cameron Rodger, Entain Managing Director – New Zealand, welcomed the opportunity to enhance the reach of New Zealand’s elite level of thoroughbred racing through Racing.com. “We’re very lucky to operate a quality broadcasting operation in Trackside that will be able to work with Racing.com to really shine a light on the best there is in New Zealand racing,” Rodger said. “The two feature meetings at Trentham are always fantastic. It’s exciting to have racing back at Ellerslie, and this year’s Karaka Millions meeting is going to be massive. “With these four meetings being shared with Australia, we’re sure Racing.com viewers will gain a new perspective on New Zealand racing.” View the full article

In-foal mare Mazzolino already has that motherly glow according to trainer Stephen Marsh, and he is hoping she can translate that into Group One success at Pukekohe on Boxing Day. The Waikato Stud-bred and raced four-year-old is a full-sister to Go Racing’s multiple Group One-winner Atishu, and they would dearly love to get a Group One result with their mare before her raceday retirement. The Group Three winner came close when fourth in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) in March but will get another opportunity on Tuesday in the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m). “She is in-foal to Super Seth. She is working great and has almost got a glow on,” Marsh told TAB NZ. “I liked her run (for fourth) in the Wanganui Cup (Listed, 2040m) and she has bounced out of it super. “We trialled her up at Ellerslie the other day and I think she is going super, and blinkers have been applied. “It is certainly a step up. It is a nice, even field without it being over the top. I think she is up to it.” A race prior, stablemate Glamour Tycoon will be shooting for a hat-trick of wins in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m). The daughter of Written Tycoon was a last start victor of the Listed The O’Learys Fillies Stakes (1340m) at Wanganui and Marsh said she is taking a power of confidence into her Boxing Day assignment. “Two starts ago we took her up (to Ruakaka) where we were hoping to get a confidence boost. She did that and went down and won the O’Learys race well,” he said. “Her work has been good, she is going great and I think the couple of wins have really boosted her. “The step up to a mile is a bit of a question mark, but if you can get a mile I think that opens up a few more doors, whether that’s up here for the Karaka Mile or go down for the Levin Classic. “I think it is probably one of the best Eight Carat’s I have seen for a while, which is great. Prizemoney is up and racing is starting to become great again, it is good to see.” Marsh will also have a two-pronged stakes representation in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) with Sinhaman and Tossuforit. “Sinhaman has had a week in the paddock, his bloods were out a little bit, but his work has been good. He will improve with the run but he is going really well and is a worthy contender,” Marsh said. “Tossuforit ran really well last start for second and potentially could have won. She is going great.” View the full article

Cambridge trainer Tony Pike has elected to pit his handy filly Impendabelle against the boys at Pukekohe on Boxing Day. A last start runner-up in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), Impendabelle will bypass her own sex in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) in favour of dropping back to the more favourable 1400m of the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas. Pike has been pleased with the way she has returned from her southern venture and said she has enjoyed some downtime ahead of her resumption next Tuesday. “Coming back in trip we decided to go against the boys in the Guineas rather than the Eight Carat. We have got plenty of depth in our three-year-olds this year, which is good to see,” Pike told TAB NZ. “She has come back from Christchurch in great order. She had 10 days in the paddock when she got home. “She had an exhibition gallop with Not Guilty at Tauranga last Friday and I was really pleased with her work.” The daughter of Impending will also have the addition of blinkers to help sharpen her for her fresh-up run. “I have decided to put the blinkers on coming back in trip for the Auckland Guineas. She tends to get a bit wayward when she hits the front and Kozzi (Asano, jockey) has copped a couple of suspensions because of that,” Pike said. “Her work with the blinkers on Friday was exceptional.” Depending on the outcome of Tuesday’s race, Pike is weighing up between the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Levin Classic (1600m) at Trentham on January 13 or the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27 with his filly. “We will see how she pulls up after the Auckland Guineas to see whether she runs in the Levin Classic or alternatively head straight to the Karaka Million Mile. There is a chance she could do both,” he said. “I think those three races will be enough for her this preparation and if she holds her form then we might pick out one or two races in Sydney heading into the autumn.” View the full article

Robbie Patterson will head to Trentham with a strong contingent on Saturday, which will be led by last start Group winner Puntura. The six-year-old gelding broke through for this maiden stakes victory in the Gr.3 Coupland’s Bakeries Mile (1600m) at Riccarton last month and will be vying to make it back-to-back Group wins in the Gr.2 Bramco Granite & Marble Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), for which he is a $5 joint favourite. “It was a fantastic result,” Patterson said. “He hadn’t had much luck this time around and didn’t have much luck in races over in Aussie, so it was great for the owners.” The son of Vespa had a freshen-up following his return north and was fitted for Saturday’s assignment with a 1000m trial at Foxton on Tuesday. “We have been happy with Puntura since the Coupland’s. He had a bit of time off and has done well, so I gave him a trial to tighten him up,” Patterson said. “With a clean break out of the gates and getting himself into a forward position, I think they will know he is there. He is very well and when he is like that, he is pretty spot on.” Puntura will be supported on the undercard by exciting stablemates The Hottie in the Noel Eales Memorial Cup 1600 and Sinbin in The Pavemasters 1400. The Hottie has won her last two starts, including first-up over 1400m at Trentham earlier this month, and Patterson is expecting a similar performance this weekend. “She went super and she has improved since then. She was always going to tighten up, she was carrying a lot of condition that day,” he said. “I am very happy with her. Going forward I can see her going to a stakes race pretty quickly. The Anniversary (Gr.3, 1600m) on the 13th (of January) will probably be her first taste and then we have got the Taranaki Cup (Gr.3, 1800m).” Patterson is also excited about the prospects of four-year-old mare Sinbin. The daughter of Derryn has won and placed twice in her three career starts to date, and Patterson wouldn’t be surprised if she doubled her win tally on Saturday. “I would be very surprised if she isn’t right in the thick of it. She can run very quick sectionals. If she can do that over 1400m, which I think she will do, she is going to take a fair bit to peg back,” he said. Stakes targets are also in the offing for Sinbin, but Patterson said that won’t be until her next preparation. “She is pretty exciting,” he said. “She is probably one of the fastest ones I have had, but I won’t overtax her this time in. “We might come into something fresh like the Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (Gr.3, 1400m) in October. That is the long-term goal with her, we are just trying to get black-type with these mares.” View the full article

With more than a dozen runners on Saturday and a similar number again on Boxing Day, the Te Akau Racing team is barely going to have a chance to catch their breath over the Christmas long weekend. Boxing Day has played a key role in the tangerine juggernaut’s incredible success in recent seasons. Trainer Mark Walker saddled a winning treble at the Pukekohe meeting last year, and his predecessor Jamie Richards came away with four wins in 2021 and five in 2020. Walker and training partner Sam Bergerson hold a strong hand again in 2023, headed by Campionessa, who is rated a $2.50 favourite for the Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m). The Contributer mare was a two-time second placegetter at Group One level last season, chasing home Sharp ‘N’ Smart in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m) and Prowess in the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2050m). Well below her best in two early spring appearances in September, Campionessa has roared back to top form with back-to-back wins in the Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) and Gr.2 Cal Isuzu Stakes (1600m) in her last two starts. “She really seems to have got her confidence and her groove back,” Bergerson said. “She was awesome in the Cal Isuzu at Te Rapa. It looked like an ideal race for her, and she delivered. “She’ll have one last gallop on Saturday morning, with Opie (Bosson) coming to ride her. “She’s got a nice draw (gate four). It’s going to be an interesting race, with a few different form lines coming together, but we couldn’t be any happier with her. She’s bouncing around at home.” Campionessa will be joined in the Zabeel Classic field by stablemate Prise De Fer, who has already run in three races this month including second placings in the Gr.3 Eagle Technology Stakes (1600m) and the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m). “The Waikato Cup was a bit of a throw at the stumps, but he ran another really good race that day,” Bergerson said. “He’s thriving on racing. He’s eight now but seems to be in really good form. He clearly loves his racing, and we’re happy to continue racing him for as long as that’s the case. “We’ve kept him a little bit on the fresh side. He’ll just have a little run along on Saturday morning, which should be all he needs. He’s going to be the fittest horse in the field, and it’s massive to get a world-class jockey like Blake Shinn.” Te Akau also holds a strong hand in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m), with Tokyo Tycoon and Quintessa sharing $5 second favouritism behind the $3.50 market leader Zabmanzor. Tokyo Tycoon and Quintessa both resumed from a freshen-up in the Wentwood Grange 3YO (1200m) at Te Rapa on December 16, where they produced strong finishes to place behind the all-the-way winner Pendragon. “Obviously we would have liked to get the win with either of those two horses that day, but Niranjan Parmar rode a great race in front on the winner,” Bergerson said. “We were very happy with the performances by both of our horses. Quintessa’s sectionals were fantastic. “They’re both looking for a bit further now, so the step up to 1400m is going to suit them. Switching back to set weights is another big plus. It’ll suit Tokyo Tycoon a lot better than the 58.5kg he had to carry last time.” Walker and Bergerson will also chase Boxing Day black type in the South Island, with Millefiori and Kai contesting the Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Hazlett Stakes (1200m). “They’re two mares who are very capable on their day and deserve a shot at some black type,” Bergerson said. “There’s a bit of moisture in the track at the moment (Soft6), which isn’t a problem for either of them. “Kai goes into the race in good form. She’s unfortunately drawn the outside, but she gets in with a nice light weight. “Millefiori is a seven-time winner, so it would be great to add some black type to her pedigree page if we can.” Meanwhile, Te Akau’s Trentham contingent on Saturday includes Group One-winning mare Romancing The Moon in the Gr.2 Bramco Granite & Marble Manawatu Challenge Stakes (1400m), along with lightweight runners Fierce Flight and Leaderboard in the Gr.3 Humphries Construction Manawatu Cup (2300m). “Romancing The Moon is a really tough mare,” Bergerson said. “She loves racing and thrives off it. She had a busy season as a three-year-old and handled it really well. “She ran a top race for third at Te Rapa the other day and wasn’t beaten by a big margin. She’s come through it in good order and has shown that she can travel well, so we’re pretty happy to back her up this weekend. “Peter Didham’s horse looks hard to beat in the Cup (Manifique), but I think our two are a couple of nice lightweight chances. Fierce Flight in particular was very good last week in testing ground. He’s stayed down there in Palmy since then and by all accounts is looking great. “He found some really good form around this time last year and raced well through the summer and autumn, so we’re hoping to see him do something similar again this time around. He gets in with a nice light weight and has a good strong rider in Craig Grylls.” View the full article

A year is a long time in racing and in 2023 the connections of Pennyweka experienced it all. The daughter of Satono Aladdin took her seventy-strong The Galloping Wekas Jazweka Syndicate on a whirlwind ride in autumn, winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Trentham before crossing the Tasman to claim the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick. But the wheels came off their fairytale ride in spring when she finished 13th in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and seventh in the Gr.3 Metric Mile (1600m) at Awapuni a month later, which would prove to be the last outing of her racing career. “After her last run at Manawatu in the mud and the slush, she didn’t recover quite as well as we expected her to. After a while we scoped her and she was found to have an epiglottic entrapment, which got ulcerated and very enlarged,” said trainer Jim Wallace, who bred Pennyweka in partnership with his brother Les. “We sent her through to the Waikato Equine people who did a surgical procedure which they expected to take care of it, but it wasn’t as successful as we would like it to be. “She couldn’t race to the level that she had before so the decision was made in consultation with the vets to call time. “She has been a good mare and won a couple of Group Ones and had a couple of Group placings, so she has got plenty of good credentials as a broodmare.” Pennyweka retires as the winner of three of her 12 starts and more than $1.1 million in prizemoney, with her Oaks victories being supported by placings in the Gr.2 Lowland Stakes (2100m), Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m), and Gr.3 Desert Gold Stakes (1600m). Pennyweka’s win in the New Zealand Oaks was particularly sentimental for the Wallace family, who had gathered to celebrate the life of Madeleine Wallace, the late wife of Jim and Mary’s son David, at Ardsley Stud, and a day after Jim and Les’ mother, Margaret, died. “The day at Trentham in itself was really special because of the circumstances surrounding it with the family, that was an absolute magic day,” Wallace said. Initially not intending to head across the Tasman with his charge, Wallace quickly changed his mind a couple of days after Pennyweka’s New Zealand Oaks victory, and he is glad he did. “I had declined the opportunity to make the second payment for the (Australian) Oaks before she ran at Wellington because I thought win, lose or draw she probably would have had enough,” he said. “On the Monday following (her New Zealand Oaks win) she had a bit of a trot around and the girl that rides all the work for me, Vania Mason, came back and said she was better that day than she was on Friday. “After a couple of days, we had a consult with the syndicate, made the payment, went to Sydney and the rest is history. “Any time you can take something over to Australia is great. It had been a long time since I had one good to go. It was really satisfying.” Wallace also enjoyed the atmosphere her sizeable syndicate brought to her races. “They were magic,” he said. “I didn’t have a lot to do with the syndicate, my sister-in-law (Janine) runs those syndicates and she does a wonderful job with them. We had them all here the day after we got back from Australia. They were a fantastic group to deal with, they were so enthusiastic. They are all devastated with the news, but racing is a fickle business.” The focus will now turn towards her future broodmare career, but Wallace said he and Les have yet to decide whether to breed from her themselves or accept one of the many offers on the table from several interested international breeders. “We haven’t discussed that (future) as such yet,” he said. “There has been a huge amount of interest in her from commercial breeders throughout Australasia and further afield, but we will worry about that in the New Year. Les is away, so when he comes back we will have a sit down and talk about it and make some decisions.” While the curtain has come down on the racing career of Pennyweka, the Wallaces still have plenty to look forward to from her family. “We have got a half-brother going to the Karaka sales and the mare is safely in-foal to Satono Aladdin again, so there is a bit to look forward to,” he said. Pennyweka’s half-brother will go through their Ardsley Stud draft at Karaka as lot 483, and Wallace said he is a more impressive type than his Group One-winning sibling. “Looking at him physically, he is a much better type than she is. She is a pretty plain mare than can run like hell,” Wallace said. “He is a very nice colt and is a strong, powerful and correct animal. Indications are that he should be able to run, he is a really nice horse.” With the year quickly coming to an end, Wallace is taking the time to reflect on the highs and lows it has brought, and the thrill a homebred mare has brought to him, his family, and her sizeable syndicate. “It has been a great ride,” he said. View the full article

As the sun sets on the Australian racing calendar for 2023, punters face a heart-stopping challenge in the final Group 2 race of the year: the Ted Van Heemst Stakes at Ascot Racecourse in WA. Buckle up, fans, for this Saturday’s showdown in Perth promises a nail-biting finish. Zoumon is narrow favourite to salute in Perth’s Ted Van Heemst Stakes 2023 on Saturday in WA. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. Six formidable steeds converge on the 2100m track, all primed to claim the coveted $300,000 prize. With most runners boasting single-figure odds, predicting the victor is no easy feat. Zoumon, a five-year-old son of Zoustar five-year-old trained by the powerhouse duo of Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, currently takes pole position as the top elect at $3.10 through Ladbrokes. This Grafton Cup and Caloundra Cup double champion might be searching for his first win this preparation, but his class and recent form, including a runner-up finish in the lucrative Five Diamonds and a credible performance in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes, speak volumes. With Rachel King in the saddle from barrier six, Zoumon boasts an additional edge. But don’t discount veteran Numerian, the $3.50 second favourite trained by Annabel Neasham. While this eight-year-old hasn’t graced the winner’s circle since June last year, his pedigree and past achievements, including a fifth in the Caulfield Cup and a Melbourne Cup appearance, speak for themselves. His recent Group 1 placings in the Australian Cup and Doomben Cup earlier in the year solidify his credentials. For local pride, keep an eye on Casino Seventeen ($4.40) from the stables of Grant & Alana Williams, and the Lou Luciani-trained Marocchino ($4.60). Darren McAulliffe’s The Velvet Queen ($8.50) might be an outsider, but her rails draw could change the game. With such tight odds and experienced campaigners ready to battle, the 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes promises a thrilling finale to the Perth Summer Racing Carnival. Will Zoumon reign supreme, or will a seasoned contender snatch the crown? Tune in at 3:43 pm AWST on Saturday to find out! 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 426256×947 NUMERIAN (IRE) Annabel Neasham Clint Johnston-Porter 2 59kg 109 2 5x2111x029 ZOUMON Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Ms Rachel King 6 59kg 108 3 1x10x01787 MAROCCHINO Lou Luciani Troy Turner 3 59kg 110 4 5912×80907 STARTRADE Daniel Morton Brad Parnham 5 59kg 99 5 12311×3420 CASINO SEVENTEEN Grant & Alana Williams Jarrad Noske 4 59kg 97 6 1211x2x690 THE VELVET QUEEN Darren McAuliffe Patrick Carbery 1 57kg 98 Table Credit: Racing Australia. This page and the written content within it were partially generated using AI or automated technology and edited and verified by our editorial team. The post Perth Cup Hopefuls Clash in 2023 Ted Van Heemst Stakes Field of Six appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

As the racing slows down over the Christmas period, the team at Punt Drunk are also off to the paddock for a couple of weeks to enjoy a few brown lemonades. However, before we go, we thought we would take a look back at some of the more eye-catching moments of 2023. Keep an eye on HorseBetting during next week for our best racing moments, but this one is a bit of a tongue-in-cheek way of farewelling 2023, you know, the Punt Drunk way! A Raging Pole is always a winner Let’s go all the way back to January, when race-caller Mitch Manners produced one of the more rib-tickling moments this year. We declared that the call should go into the race-calling Hall of Fame, where he would be joined by several of Australia’s best. But how many are in there for a Raging Pole on the Gold Coast? We suggest not many… Mitch Manners calls home Raging Pole Here’s to one last thrust, Mitch! Barrier draw stuff-up Perth has been the scene for some of the best racing moments in recent weeks, especially with how Damien Oliver finished his career. However, the inaugural running of The Quokka (1200m) earlier in the year began with an A-grade stuff-up at the barrier draw. How hard is it to do a manual barrier draw? It started with the sixth horse selected, which was supposed to be runner number five, Massimo, but instead MC Brittany Taylor made an honest mistake and announced Uncommon James, who was number four. So the barrier draw continues on until marble four is picked out of the barrel. Brittany realises the number four horse is Uncommon James, who has already been identified as horse five and allocated barrier 10. The result meant the entire barrier draw had to be redone. It’s not like the race is worth $4 million or anything… Let’s hope they have their proverbial together before the 2024 edition. Remember when Racing Victoria wanted to ‘mic up’ jockeys? We are all for innovation to enhance racing, Racing Victoria’s idea to ‘mic up’ jockeys and have an ear piece back to the trainer during the race takes the cake as the worst notion of 2023. In an interview on Racing.com, Racing Victoria CEO Andrew Jones compared jockeys speaking to trainers mid-race to what Formula 1 drivers experience when driving at 300km/h talking to their pit crew. Now, at a stretch we can see the comparison, but there is one big difference: they are driving a vehicle, jockeys are on top of an animal. Thankfully, the idea was canned and we can all move on now. Craig Williams getting booted from Giga Kick Now, we are not for taking pot shots, but in hindsight we believe Craig Williams did nothing wrong in the Giga Kick saga and the connections of the Clayton Douglas-trained sprinter got it all wrong. ‘Willow’ was given the flick after Giga Kick’s failure in the McEwen Stakes (1000m) first-up at Moonee Valley, when superstar sprinter Imperatriz embarrassed him at a course and trip that was never going to suit the 2022 Everest champion. Giga Kick’s connections saw red and blamed it all entirely on Williams, sacking him for James McDonald. Giga Kick would not be seen again during the spring, as he picked up an injury during his McEwen run. Imperatriz, on the other hand, would go on to win three straight Group 1 races, which would appear to suggest Giga Kick was just beaten by a better horse. What made the decision 10 times better was that Williams would go on to win the Giga Kick Stakes (1300m) aboard Bella Nipotina to perhaps get the last laugh. About Punt Drunk Welcome to Punt Drunk – our weekly column covering all the latest horse racing and punting controversies, dramas and headline news. Have a story or gripe or issue that just grinds your gears? Just hit us up in the comments or contact us page and our jaded, punt hardened Punt Drunk staff will give it the Punt Drunk treatment it deserves. Don’t expect pleasantries or typical racing media fanboy gloss from Punt Drunk – we’re on the punt and we don’t have time to bullshit; the next is about to jump… If you have any stories that you want our Punt Drunk Team to cover or just want to say G’day send us a message on: More horse racing news View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners La Trice Classic Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, January 1, 2024 Location: Ascot Racecourse – Perth, Western Australia Prize Money: $150,000 Distance: 1800m The La Trice Classic is a Group 3 race that is held at Ascot Racecourse for fillies and mares, run under set weight and penalty conditions. The race is named in honour of La Trice, who was the first horse to win the Karrakatta Plate and Railway Stakes double in 1967/1968. La Trice also won back-to-back Winterbottom Stakes in 1970 & 1971. Since the inaugural running in 2003 of the La Trice Classic, the race was classified as a Listed race until 2013 before being upgraded to group 3 level from 2014 onwards. Notable winners of the La Trice Classic include: Alsephina (2023), Dance Music (2021), Perfect Jewel (2020), Ideal Image (2016), Elite Belle (2014), Belle Bizarre (2006) and Fortune Streak (2003). 2024 La Trice Classic Betting Odds 2024 La Trice Classic odds are currently unavailable. Best La Trice Classic bookmakers All of our top horse betting sites have odds for the La Trice Classic. Most of the Perth Summer Carnival races have markets opened well in advance and the Group 3 La Trice Classic is no exception. The top online bookmakers in Australia with La Trice Classic betting can be accessed via several different means, including via horse betting apps, telephone betting and via their websites. It is a straight-forward process signing up and betting at La Trice Classic bookmakers, with things like Visa, Mastercard, Paypal and Apple Pay the most popular way people fund their bookie accounts. The only real caveat is that you will have to prove your identity, before you have full access to your account. Latest La Trice Classic News Alsephina continues winning ways in La Trice Classic Australia horse racing news 12 months ago The Grant & Alana Williams-trained Alsephina has capped off a stunning campaign with a win in the Group 3 La … Read More La Trice Classic 2024 Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2024 La Trice Classic is released. Previous La Trice Classic Field 2023 La Trice Classic field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Jadavi Ian Shield Holly Watson 9 58kg 2 Solaia Darren McAuliffe Clint Johnston-Porter 5 57.5kg 3 Alsephina Grant & Alana Williams William Pike 4 56.5kg 4 Pat’s Got Sass David Harrison Natasha Faithfull 3 56.5kg 5 Sentimental Queen Hayden Ballantyne Lucy Warwick 2 56.5kg 6 Playing Marika Stephanie Bakranich Steven Parnham 6 55kg 7 The Velvet Queen Darren McAuliffe Chris Parnham 8 55kg 8 Gunmetal Grey Ross Price Joseph Azzopardi 1 55kg 9 Alimentaria Tara Itzstein Brad Parnham 7 55kg 2023 La Trice Classic result 1st – Alsephina (+115) 2nd – The Velvet Queen (-1000) 3rd – Playing Marika (+180) Recent La Trice Classic results 2023: Alsephina holds on to claim La Trice Classic Grant & Alana Williams and William Pike combined with Alsephina (+115) to take out the Group 3 La Trice Classic. Pike settled the favourite at the rear of the field with her biggest rival in the betting, The Velvet Queen (+230), settling behind her and following her every move. Rounding the home turn, Pike released the brakes on his classy mare and she let down to take the lead at the 150m mark. The Velvet Queen flew home late to challenge but ran out of time to pick up the winner and finished second ahead of Playing Marika (+1100). 2022: Beret proves too classy in La Trice Classic Beret (+135) brought up her fourth straight win for the preparation by claiming the Group 3 La Trice Classic at Ascot. Clint Johnston-Porter gave the race favourite a peach of a ride behind the speed and allowed her to build momentum before the home turn. As the leaders started to struggle, Beret took over at the 200m mark, while Playing Marika (+1200) burst out of the pack to run home into second place ahead of the fast-finishing Real Charisma (+1600) in third. 2021: Dance Music leads all the way Brad Rawiller produced a daring front-running ride aboard the Simon Miller-trained Dance Music (+290) to claim the Group 3 La Trice Classic. Rawiller took off in the lead and led by a massive six lengths on her rivals turning into the home straight. Although the leader slowed considerably in the final 200m, she had built a big enough margin on Naughty By Nature (+280) and Chantrea (+250) and held on to win, with those two runners filling the placings. 2020: Perfect Jewel gets a perfect Pike ride William Pike produced a perfect ride on Perfect Jewel (+320) as she finished off strong down the outside to claim the Group 3 La Trice Classic. The Adam Durrant-trained mare settled in the second half of the field and received an economical run along the rail before Pike got her moving towards the outside of the field. Royal Strata (+2000) and Aconite (+2500)appeared as though they would challenge in the final 200m, but it would be Perfect Jewel who would clear out late and record an easy 1.8-length victory. La Trice Classic winners La Trice Classic Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2023 Alsephina William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2022 Beret Clint Johnston-Porter Adam Durrant 2021 Dance Music Brad Rawiller Simon Miller 2020 Perfect Jewel William Pike Adam Durrant 2019 Celebrity Dream William Pike Adam Durrant 2018 I’m Feeling Lucky Lee Newman Lindsey Smith 2017 Race Not Held 2016 (Dec) Cosmic Storm William Pike Grant & Alana Williams 2016 (Jan) Ideal Image Glenn Smith Adam Durrant 2015 Vampi Lass Alan Kennedy Ben Pearce 2014 Elite Belle Damien Oliver Grant Williams 2013 Mabel Grace Troy Turner Adam Durrant 2012 Race Not Held 2011 Rosie Rocket Shaun Meeres Justin Warwick 2010 Tranquility William Pike Adam Durrant 2009 Impressive Jeuney Shaun O’Donnell Darren McAuliffe 2008 (Dec) Sky Drama Brad Rawiller Michael Lane 2008 (Jan) Russian Playmate Peter Knuckey Adam Durrant 2007 Keyton Grace Peter Knuckey Adam Durrant 2006 Belle Bizarre Mark Forder Rod Bynder 2005 Urban Chill Shaun McGruddy Robert Matthews 2004 Kentiara Shaun O’Donnell Paul Harvey 2003 Fortune Streak Patrick Carbery Neville Parnham View the full article

The disqualification of Forte from his win of the Hopeful Stakes (G1) is on hold following the entry of a temporary restraining order in a New York court Dec. 21. View the full article