Wandering Eyes

Regarding the Great White Way fiasco: The stewards made a huge mistake! We all make them. It happens in football all the time! When it happens there are no calls to remove the Commissioner. As in this situation, there should be no calls to remove Jockey Club leadership. What is needed is to look at the Stewards box. Stewards involved should be interviewed, past decisions reviewed and what we need is industry-wide implementation to improve the process. Possibly a fourth person “in the booth” might help when a foul occurs. Evaluation of current requirements, education, improved training, age requirements, cognitive skills, etc. Whatever blame rests 100% with the stewards in this case! –Jerry Bilinski DVM, former New York Racing Chairman The post Letter To The Editor: Dr. Jerry Bilinski On the Great White Way DQ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Pleasant Acres Stallions welcomed to its roster GISP Simplification (Not This Time), who will stand the 2024 season for $6,500, the Florida farm said in a release Thursday. “We are pleased to bring a talented son of Not this Time into our stallion barn at Pleasant Acres Stallions,” said Director of Stallion Services Christine Jones. “Simplification is a hometown hero for all of us in Florida and we are certain breeders will benefit from breeding to this Champion Horse-of-the-Year, Florida-bred, graded stakes winner.” Bred by France and Irwin Weiner and owned by Tami Bobo, as a juvenile Simplification broke his maiden by an impressive 16 3/4 lengths at Gulfstream Park. The Antonio Sano trainee began his 3-year-old campaign with a front-running four-length victory in the Mucho Macho Man S., then finished as the runner-up in the GIII Holy Bull S. Next, he won the GII Fountain of Youth S., finished third in the GI Florida Derby and was fourth in the GI Kentucky Derby. At four, he placed third in the GII WinStar Gulfstream Park Mile S. and fifth in the GIII Ghostzapper S. before he retired with career earnings of nearly $900,000. The son of Not this Time is out of the Candy Ride daughter, Simply Confection, who was named 2022 FTBOA Broodmare of the Year. The new stallion joins the likes of Bodexpress (Bodemeister), Doppelganger (Into Mischief) and Gunnevera (Dialed In) at the 220-acre farm located just northwest of Ocala. The post Florida Horse Of The Year Simplification Arrives At Pleasant Acres For Stud Duty appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With War Like Goddess scheduled to race next year at age 7 and Just F Y I set to embark on a 3-year-old campaign, owner George Krikorian can look forward to much in 2024. Even late 2023. View the full article

Craig “The Whale” Thompson is back with his best for Invercargill View the full article

Jonny Turner’s selections for Invercargill. Race Jonny Turner Racing Journalist Race 1 3.36pm 8 Hot Saucy Betty 9 Bill Bootit 16 Joeking Race 2 4.12pm 2 Bowlem Over 1 Scruffy 13 Nek Delight 10 Durrant Race 3 4.44pm 4 Moonlite Dream 8 Aint No Angel 13 Kikorangi Blue 7 Tayla Me Race 4 5.16pm 7 Bring On The Muscle 10 Imperial Man 9 Pyramid Mystic 14 Aroha Kenny Race 5 5.54pm 4 Treacherous Baby 1 Mallory Maguire 7 Ruby Roe 6 Always Ticking Race 6 6.34pm 10 Oscar Bonavena 9 Majestic Man 7 Smokin Bandar 4 Aveross Majesty Race 7 7.02pm 1 Amore Infida 8 Treacherous Gall 9 Takeitout Race 8 7.39pm 8 Beach Ball 9 Self Assured 2 American Me 7 Mossdale Ben Race 9 8.07pm 4 South Seas Rock 10 Pinseeker 14 Jimmy James Maguire 13 Deceptive Lee Race 10 8.32pm 1 Ultimate Weapon 5 Munroe’s Mate 10 Dawson 9 Northview Sweet Race 11 8.59pm 10 Rise Up N Dance 1 Millwood Indie 11 Rakamurph 13 Point Break View the full article

Shelley Mann will be stepping down from her role as Executive Director of the Lexington-based Secretariat Center effective Dec. 29, the non-profit said in a release late Wednesday. Mann joined the organization in 2020 and has played a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission to prepare off-track Thoroughbreds for successful post-track careers. During Mann's tenure, the organization experienced growth in both reach and impact. Outgoing president of the board Dr. Holly Schmitt said, “We are immensely grateful for the tremendous impact Shelley has had on The Secretariat Center. Her passion has left an indelible mark on our organization, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.” The Secretariat Center is now actively searching for a new executive director to build on the organization's successes and lead it into the next chapter. Lewis Prewitt, President at Prewitt Management Consultants, LLC, is assisting with the search. The post Secretariat Center Executive Director Departs 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 Echo Zulu winning the GI Ballerina S. She put on an impressive performance. I've always been a fan of hers. She's a hell of a horse. Exceptionally fast and a generational defining talent. –Clay Scherer, Bloodstock Agent The post What Was Your Favorite Moment Of 2023: Clay Scherer appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hamad Al Jehani snapped up juvenile colt Handsome Chap (Ire) (Camacho {GB}) (lot 13) for £42,000 to top the ThoroughBid December Sale on Wednesday. Out of a Johannesburg half-sister to American stakes winners Malibu Light (Capote) and Lyin Goddess (Boston Harbor), the colt has finished second twice in a pair of Wolverhampton seven-furlong races in November and December. He was consigned by Harry Eustace Racing. Second on the leaderboard was the John Reddington, Ltd.-consigned Grass's Jet (Ire) (Jet Away {GB}) (lot 11), who was knocked down to Dan Astbury for £21,000. The son of Emily's Belle (Ire) (Insatiable {Ire}) was placed in a point-to-point in four starts so far. CEO of ThoroughBid, James Richardson, said, “Getting a good price for a nice 2-year-old like Handsome Chap and seeing it sell overseas is a brilliant example of how the online sales industry can benefit a lot of people. Racing across the Middle East is growing year-on-year and it's great to be able to provide a shop window for owners and trainers over there. “It's been another successful sale, with a good mix of Flat horses, jumpers, as well as mares-in-foal all selling well, and we're looking forward to 2024.” The post Handsome Chap Tops ThoroughBid’s December Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities has released volume 11 of IFHA Quarterly, its newsletter produced in partnership with the Japan Racing Association.View the full article

Friday marks the first edition of the Festive Friday card at Meydan, featuring two group races, three listed races and AED4.5 million in prize-money across the nine-race stand. Returning to the scene of his 2023 G2 Godolphin Mile victory is Isolate (Mark Valeski), who will step out in the AED1-million G2 Al Maktoum Mile for trainer Doug Watson. Tyler Gaffalione will fly in for the race from the States. “That was a great day and he's moving better this year than he did last year,” said trainer Doug Watson, who also runs Golden Goal (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), winner of this race in 2022. “They do a nice job out at Sheikh Rashid [Bin Humaid, owner]'s farm and he had a good summer off and came back looking a million dollars. “We've worked him a few times over at Meydan–he loves going over there. There might be Saudi [Cup meeting] plans but we'll see how he runs here first.” Royal Mews (Fr) (Siyouni {Fr}) is one of nine rivals signed on, and he will be ridden by Tadhg O'Shea. “We're really looking forward to having Royal Mews back,” said Ryan Tongue, Racing Manager for owners Deva Racing of the three-time winner. “Isolate is the one to beat, but Tadhg O'Shea worked Royal Mews last week in blinkers for the first time and apparently he worked very well.” Already in action this season is Road Bloc (Street Sense), who was third in a 1200-metre race at Sharjah on Nov. 26. “He needed his first run and he's working very well at home,” said owner Sayed Hashish. “The draw is not ideal but we believe he will appreciate the distance.” Godolphin & Shadwell Out In Force In Al Rashidiya Seven of the 11 entrants of the G2 Al Rashidiya will bear either the royal blue of Godolphin or the blue with white epaulettes of Shadwell. Charlie Appleby sends out Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Ottoman Fleet (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), and Highland Avenue (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), and he is gunning for his fourth title in five years in the 1800-metre grass affair. Not to be outdone, is fellow Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who is already a six-time winner of this race. His Real World (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), a multiple group winner who was placed twice at Group 1 level last year, will break from stall seven. G1 Jebel Hatta hero Alfareeq (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is one of three in the race for Shadwell, and holds pride of place, as he is the chosen mount of retained jockey Jim Crowley. The duo will leave from stall two. Friday's Supporting Card High On Class A trio of listed races anchor the supporting card, among them the AED500,000 Listed Ertijaal Dubai Dash over the minimum trip of 1000 metres on grass. The youthful Mischief Magic (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), a winner of the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint in 2022, squares off with desert veterans Equilateral (GB) (Equiano {Fr}), and Miqyaas (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Johnny Murtagh sends the progressive 4-year-old filly Ladies Church (GB) (Churchill {Ire}) into the fray, as well. She ran second ot Miqyaas in the G2 Blue Point Sprint in February. “Miqyaas is doing well,” said Abo Bakr El Hefnawy, assistant trainer to Rashed Bouresly. “He raced once on dirt to be ready for this race.” This season's G1 Al Quoz Sprint winner Danyah (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) makes his return on Friday in the 1400-metre Listed Business Bay Challenge on grass. His task is not the easiest, as among his 15 foes is GI Summer S. victor Mysterious Night (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby. Rounding out the listed races is the Entisar S., conducted over 1900m on dirt. Bhupat Seemar saddles a pair of horses, including Western Symphony (Ire) (Shamardal) and Walk Of Stars (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). “Godolphin thought Walk Of Stars was good enough to run in the Epsom Derby as a 3-year-old so he is a very exciting horse to have,” said Seemar. “We're going to experiment with Western Symphony and try him over the 1900m. His pedigree suggests he has a chance of getting in, albeit he is a Shamardal, because there is a lot of stamina on the dam side.” The post Inaugural Festive Friday Draws International Cast At Meydan 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 Nakayama Racecourse. The feature of the weekend is Sunday's fan-voted G1 Arima Kinen, the preview for which will appear in Saturday's TDN: Saturday, December 23, 2023 6th-NKY, ¥13,720,000 ($96k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800m BLUE WHIRL (c, 2, Arrogate–Ignite, by Jump Start) is the first foal from a stakes-placed half-sister to MSP Instructor Kunu (E Dubai) and MSP Belial (Tritap) and looks to become the 15th winner from 17 Japanese starters for his sadly departed stallion. A $90,000 purchase as a weanling by McMahon and Hill out of 2021 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Fall Sale, the dark bay colt was led out unsold on a bid of $140,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. Takeshi Yokoyama, who will finish third in this year's Japanese jockeys' premiership, has the riding assignment. B-The New Hill Farm (NY) The post NY-Bred Firster Looks To Give Arrogate Another Japanese Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Transatlantic travellers will have to mind their suffixes when the first foals and yearlings of Mutasaabeq start appearing. 'Our' Mutasaabeq – note his (GB) suffix – is a son of the Irish National Stud's long-serving and influential Invincible Sprit (Ire) and has just retired to the National Stud in Newmarket. In America, the other Mutasaabeq of the same vintage was bought by Shadwell for $425,000 and is by Into Mischief. Winner of the GII Bourbon S. and placed in the G1 Hopeful S., he is about to embark on his first season at stud at Pleasant Acres Stallions in Florida. But let's return to Shadwell's homebred Mutasaabeq (GB). His seven wins, including three Group 2s, from 17 starts tell of an honourable racing career for Charlie Hills. Not one at the absolute highest echelon, but admirable and consistent nonetheless, conducted over four seasons, during which he showed a distinctive love of Newmarket's Rowley Mile. Perhaps that was ingrained in his DNA, because Mutasaabeq is out of the record-breaking 1,000 Guineas winner Ghanaati (Giant's Causeway). Her half-sister Rumoush (Rahy) won the Listed Feilden S. at the track before running third in the Oaks, and half-brother Mawatheeq (Danzig) was beaten only half a length by Twice Over (GB) in the G1 Champion S. when it was still run at its rightful home of Newmarket. It doesn't stop there, of course, because this is Shadwell's signature family, which blossomed for Sheikh Hamdan after his purchase of Ghanaati's granddam Height Of Fashion (Fr) (Bustino {GB}) from the late Queen more than 40 years ago. Height Of Fashion's celebrated offspring include the stallions Nashwan, Unfuwain and Nayef, as well as Ghanaati's dam Sarayir (Mr Prospector), who also had a fondness for the Rowley Mile, where she won the Oh So Sharp S. Go back another generation from the multiple group winner Height Of Fashion and you find another 1,000 Guineas winner, Queen Elizabeth II's Highclere (GB) (Queen's Hussar {GB}). There is yet another one, King George VI's Hypericum (GB) (Hyperion {GB}), two generations back again. Recent recruits to the global stallions ranks who share this family are the brothers Baaeed (GB) and Hukum (Ire). In short, Mutasaabeq is regally bred in every sense of the word. “Mutasaabeq was raced by Shadwell, so we're very grateful to Sheikha Hissa to be able to have the opportunity to purchase a horse of his calibre,” says the National Stud's head of bloodstock Joe Bradley. “He was incredibly well performed, has a sensational pedigree, and for us, placing him at the right price point was was key to everything.” That price is £6,500, and Mutasaabeq joins the stud at a time when expectations are high. Lope Y Fernandez (Ire), who had 40 of first foals sell for an average just shy of £22,000, roughly two and a half times his fee, has his first yearlings on show next year, while the first foals of Stradivarius (Ire) will start to appear from next month. Mutasaabeq, who is rising six, did all of his racing between 7f and 8.5f, winning his only start at two – at Newmarket, where else? – and then landing a conditions race on his three-year-old debut before bouncing straight into the 2,000 Guineas, in which he finished midfield. His four-year-old season was speckled with group placings until he landed the G2 Al Basti Equiworld Joel S., a race he returned to win this year for the second time, having kicked off his final season in training with victory over Goldolphin's Classic winner Native Trail (GB) in the G2 Bet365 Mile. Bradley says, “I think his record really speaks volumes for the horse. Invincible Spirit is such a sensational stallion that gets plenty of two-year-old winners. But really, I think if you look at profiles of his progeny, they always train on and that's vital to what we're doing here, and to the industry as a whole, to have that longevity. “He was a two-year-old winner who really came to the fore as an older horse. At four in the Joel Stakes, he made all that day, which became a trend in his races this year. On a seasonal debut in the Bet365 Mile Group, he beat Group 1 performers that day by three lengths. That was a sensational performance, if you look back on it. “And to be able to finish his racing career with a group victory is something that that really stood out to us. His highest rating this year is 120, so he's really proved that he's one of the best colts of his generation.” The National Studs of England and Ireland are both more than just stallion and boarding farms. Both are centres of excellence when it comes to providing tailored education for those wanting to work in the bloodstock industry. In Newmarket, the training courses have been reimagined of late in order to adapt to changing working practices. That includes a shift in the calendar for the 'Level 3' Stud Management and Sales Consigning course, which takes place over 26 weeks. Anna Kerr, the chief executive officer of the National Stud, explains, “One of the biggest shifts in the last 18 to 24 months has been that we are consciously trying to make the education programme more flexible for people, because we are living in a world where there is a requirement to be more flexible. Previously our diploma students were leaving in June and would be going straight to the yearling prep and quite a few of them wouldn't have had done yearling prep before coming to us, which is quite a crucial part of the handling. So we moved the start date of the course forward to mid-September and it now runs to mid-April. The students come in, their learning curve is quite steep, but we always see that when students immerse themselves in the environment, they learn so quickly.” She continues, “They all did paid work placements at the yearling sales or foal sales this year. Some employers were a bit nervous initially, but once they saw the calibre and the the standard that they were bringing, they were in very high demand then for December. A couple of them got offers to go to Goffs as well. “The feedback has been really positive. When the students come in, they're not just mucking out for six months, they're immersed in that whole excitement of the sales season and seeing what the end product is and then going on and really having their skills honed during the breeding season. We're really pleased with how it's going thus far.” There is even greater flexibility in the eight-week 'Level 2' Entry to Stud Employment Course, run in conjunction with the TBA, and after which students are guaranteed a paid placement with a stud over six to nine months. “With Level 2, there isn't a dedicated start date for that in the same way that there was previously,” says Kerr. “So people can come in to that course any time. Again, that's working well. It's just so that if someone comes to us and wants to enrol in something you're not saying, 'Okay, that's great, come back to us in October.' You're actually saying, 'Yeah, you can start tomorrow.' We can get them in and get them going quite quickly. “They work alongside the stud team, and there'll always be about three or four students at a time. When we had big groups of 15 to 20 coming through the attrition rate was high, but once you can get them through the training, the retention is very solid within industry. It's about 81% retention for the last five years of our graduates.” She adds, “And all the qualifications are deliverable in the workplace. If there are employers who want to upskill their workforce, they can register with us and the training can be delivered in the workplace so they don't have to lose their staff to a residential course. “We need people and we need to develop the workplace culture so that they're being looked after in the right way.” Another new venture for the National Stud, or rather a return to previous ways, is its investment in a select number of broodmares. “We want to be supporting our own stallions,”says Kerr, who recently bought the Le Havre (Ire) mare Sacred Valley (Fr) for the National Stud at Goffs for €52,000. “We feel that we not only need to support our stallions, but we also need to be British breeders. They're not only our customers, but also our community. And with the number of British breeders contracting, we think it's ever more important that the National Stud is helping. We need active breeders. “Last year we bought four and a half new mares, one in partnership with MyRacehorse.com. Our plan is just that each year we would buy at least one mare to support our stallions. Sacred Valley is in foal to Saxon Warrior and she'll be going to Mutasaabeq.” The aforementioned mare owned in partnership with MyRacehorse is Blackbird Power (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who is one of the 120 mares in the first book of Stradivarius. “She's carrying a colt and she's due reasonably early. We should have three Stradivarius foals at the stud so we're extremely excited by that,” Kerr notes. The collective excitement building up to Blackbird Power's first foal is likely to be greater than any other imminent arrival in the country as there are 1,000 micro shareholders involved in the mare. “The last Saturday of every month we have a My Racehorse tour. Joe does them and he loves it,” says Kerr. Joe is likely to be very busy indeed when 1,000 owners are clamouring to see the mare's Stradivarius foal in January, but what a fantastic way to spread the excitement of breeding racehorses. The post Mutasaabeq: So Good They Named Him Twice appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Authorized, the brilliant Derby-winning son of Montjeu who has made his name as a leading jumps sire through the exploits of Tiger Roll, Nichols Canyon and I Am Maximus, is set to return to Ireland where he will stand at Ger O'Neill's Capital Stud in County Kilkenny. O'Neill revealed on Thursday that a deal has been struck with the Jockey Club of Turkey, where Authorized has stood since 2020, to bring the 19-year-old back to a jurisdiction where his stock is in most demand. Dual Grand National and multiple Cheltenham festival winner Tiger Roll has advertised the prowess of Authorized over jumps with great distinction but the 2007 Derby hero is more than just a one-hit wonder. Stayers' Hurdle scorer Nichols Canyon and this year's Irish Grand National victor I Am Maximus have also done their bit to add to the reputation of Authorized over jumps. Those results have carried over to the sales ring, where three-year-old stores by Authorized averaged over €90,000 this year, and O'Neill is convinced the move to bring the stallion back to Ireland on the eve of his 20th birthday will represent good news for National Hunt breeders. Speaking on the Nick Luck Daily Podcast, O'Neill said, “We're delighted to announce that we have secured Authorized and bought him back from Turkey. He's just gone into quarantine now and he'll be back to stand with us here at Capital Stud in the new year. He [Authorized obviously won the Derby himself and is a very famous horse. Through his progeny, he's really starting to leave a legacy with Tiger Roll and I Am Maximus both Grand National winners.” O'Neill added, “[His success is] probably from a lot of Flat mares, not National Hunt mares, his statistics are unbelievable. He's 65% runners to winners and his progeny at the sales are really sought after. He's averaging 100,000 for his geldings this year at the store sales. He's really sought after by all of the best trainers and everybody wants to have an Authorized. “I am the last seven or eight months trying to buy him. The Jockey Club of Turkey have never sold a stallion. It has been a long process and we have built up the reputation. We gave a lot of money for him. He's an older horse and is turning 20 so it's a big risk. A few of us got together and put the money up. I suppose we were thinking with our hearts as much as our heads on this one as we really wanted to have him home.” Authorized will stand alongside fellow recent recruits Triple Threat and Castle Star along with Mirage Dancer, Hunting Horn and Alkumait at Capital Stud in 2024. The post Derby Winner And Tiger Roll’s Sire Authorized To Stand In Ireland Next Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Andrew Forsman has departed Macedon Lodge after winning a competitive tender process for boxes at Flemington. The Kiwi trainer, who began utilising Bruce Dixon’s facility earlier this year, was one of three tenants at the famous property alongside Liam Howley and Chris Waller. “At our peak we had similar numbers at Macedon, and we won’t be full all the time, but it’s nice to have a box or two free if we think there’s a suitable race for a horse from New Zealand,” Forsman said of the 13 boxes. “Macedon is a brilliant facility, but it wasn’t like for like (to Cambridge) and a few of the younger horses struggled a little bit. “But previously we’ve used Flemington a few times before for our hit-and-run missions, and it has worked well and more similar to Cambridge. “We are thrilled to be able to get them. There were a few other applicants, I understand, so it’s an opportunity we have to grab with both hands and hopefully make it work.” Forsman said half-brothers Mr Maestro (NZ) (Savabeel) and Riproar (NZ) (Charm Spirit) had remained in Australia and would be amongst the first horses to use the Flemington boxes, while Saint Bathans (Maurice) and Mr Mojo Risin’ (NZ) (Ocean Park) had returned home after the spring. Stable star Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will line up on Boxing Day in New Zealand for the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) after an eye-catching first-up run. View the full article

The Mark Walker stable will be looking for some luck to fall their way when Rhetorical (NZ) (Snitzel) heads to Moonee Valley for the second time. A three-year-old filly, Rhetorical takes on older horses in the Moonee Ponds 3039 Traders Handicap (1000m) on Saturday. The contest is a benchmark 64 grade race, and Walker’s assistant-trainer Ben Gleeson said Rhetorical looks well suited after a luckless Australian debut on December 8. “She probably should have won,” Gleeson said. “She was a little bit tardy away and Mick (Dee) went for the rails run. She’s only a little filly and she couldn’t quite barge her way out. “Looking at the head-on, I thought she was pretty game. She was copping it from both sides, and other than that she should have won.” Rhetorical has won two of her nine starts to date but has been placed in Stakes company in New Zealand along with finishing fourth in a Listed race before coming joining Walker’s team at Cranbourne. While Rhetorical has placed at Stakes level, her Australian rating remains low. The filly gets into Saturday’s 1000m dash with 57.5kg and will have the services of Damian Lane. “She’s got Stakes form back in New Zealand although her rating here is quite low, but she’s a filly that we brought over with the idea of stepping her through her grades,” Gleeson said. “Some of the races back home possibly haven’t been at the highest Stakes quality but knowing that we thought she could come over here and quite easily win races like 64’s, 70’s etcetera. “And if she can get her confidence up and wins a couple of nice races, then a better race might come around, whether that might be in a lower grade Stakes race. “Mick is back home in New Zealand at the moment, so you cannot find a better in-form jockey than Damian at the moment, so we’re happy to have him on.” View the full article

He is yet to finish out of the placings and boasts a decision over a subsequent Group One winner, but the lightly raced Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) still needs to convince his trainer he should remain a colt. It is one of the main reasons Joe Pride is running the three-year-old in an off-season benchmark race at Randwick on Saturday, keen to see how Ceolwulf handles the occasion, along with ensuring his fitness isn’t lagging come the autumn. “We’re giving him a summer prep because he went ‘shinny’ (shin sore) in the spring and I thought it was going to be a long time going to the autumn without a prep,” Pride said. “I wanted to test his ability to remain a colt as well, so I’m just giving him this little summer prep.” Ceolwulf showed significant promise at his initial preparation, placing on debut at Canterbury before breaking his maiden in midweek grade at Warwick Farm. Stepped quickly up to stakes level, he finished runner-up to Encap in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) at Rosehill in September and behind him in third was Tom Kitten, who progressed to claim the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes six weeks later. Pride is hoping that black-type performance proves a reliable measuring stick as he plots a course towards the Sydney autumn carnival with Ceolwulf. “He ran second in the Ming Dynasty and he split Encap and Tom Kitten, so it was a good effort at his third start in a race,” Pride said. “I’m kind of thinking to myself that if he goes really well, he could be a Randwick Guineas type of horse. “That run in the Ming Dynasty tells me he’s not too far off the best of his generation, so why not? “I don’t think he’ll run a trip, as in 2000-metres plus, but I think he will be a pretty sharp miler.” Ceolwulf has drawn barrier three for Saturday’s TAB Handicap (1300m) and will be partnered by Tyler Schiller, the young hoop taking his season tally of city wins to 36 with a Warwick Farm double on Wednesday, three behind premiership pacesetter Nash Rawiller who isn’t riding at Randwick. Pride confirmed Ceolwulf will only have one or two runs over the summer before being freshened for his autumn tilt. View the full article

The rain in Sydney this week has been a welcome arrival for trainer John Thompson as he prepares to saddle up With Your Blessing (NZ) (Vadamos) on Saturday. With Randwick rated in the soft range on Thursday, Thompson is looking towards the weekend with some optimism. “Hopefully this rain stays around. I’ve got three runners on Saturday and they’re all wet trackers,” Thompson said. “They’re horses that have been running well on good tracks, but a soft track will help them.” With Your Blessing drops back to benchmark company in the Precise Air Handicap (1100m) after being beaten less than two lengths behind Recommendation (Shalaa) in the Listed Razor Sharp Stakes (1200m). Prior to that he was an emphatic winner at Kembla Grange on Gong Day, and while Thompson says the slight distance drop isn’t ideal, the horse has continued to please him. “He went up to stakes grade and he didn’t disgrace himself, he was only beaten a length-and-a-half,” Thompson said. “He’s back in grade and he’s back in distance, which I hate doing, but that was the option, and he’s looking for rain. “He won at Kembla well on the heavy, then on the firm track the other day he was OK, but softer conditions will enhance his chances.” View the full article

David Eustace, who started his training career in partnership with Ciaron Maher in Australia, is set to move to Hong Kong where he will train under a solo licence. In a statement released on Thursday, Eustace said, “I am delighted to announce that I will be joining the Hong Kong Jockey Club for the 2024/25 season. I look forward to working with CMR [Ciaron Maher Racing] until the end of January, after which my attention will turn to Hong Kong and the season approaching.” The 32-year-old became co-trainer with Maher in 2018 having moved to Australia four years earlier. Maher is Australia's leading trainer by number of winners, with bases in Ballarat, Cranbourne, Pakenham and Balnarring in Victoria and another stable in Sydney. British-born Eustace grew up in Newmarket where his father James trained from the historic Park House Stables. In 2021 James Eustace handed over the training business to his eldest son Harry, who from next year will lease Godolphin's Highfield Stables, with his burgeoning string having outgrown his home yard. In a statement released in conjunction with Eustace, Maher said, “This is a bittersweet announcement. Bitter, because it will be difficult to replace someone with David's skills, work ethic and all-round contribution. Sweet, because it's a fitting reward for David and at the same time gives CMR an opportunity to evolve and develop.” Eustace added, “As Ciaron has said, it's a bittersweet day. Obviously I am thrilled to be offered the position in Hong Kong. It has always been a dream of mine since I was a boy. It's exciting and a challenge I will relish, however I will miss being part of this extraordinary operation.” Eustace's uncle David Oughton trained in Hong Kong for almost 20 years, with his major flagbearer being the Global Sprint Challenge Champion and dual Group 1 winner Cape Of Good Hope (GB). The post David Eustace to Train in Hong Kong appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Caspar Fownes targets Hong Kong’s most prestigious race with his Group Two-winning import: ‘Realistically, it appeals most for him in terms of distance’View the full article

For almost as long as he can remember, David Eustace has craved an opportunity to train in Hong Kong. As of next season, a dream becomes reality for the well-travelled young Englishman, who boasts strong family links to the city’s racing community. As the nephew of former Hong Kong-based horseman David Oughton, Eustace’s formative horse racing memories were filled almost as much by his uncle’s globe-trotting exploits as those of his Newmarket-based father, James, who was also a trainer. “My mother Gay is David Oughton’s sister and as a nine or 10-year-old, I was aware of David training over in Hong Kong and thought that it would be an amazing experience to train there eventually and it has genuinely been something in the forefront of my mind since then, really,” Eustace, 32, said. “I remember Mum getting faxes from David when they had a winner in Hong Kong. That was the only way of communicating it. I remember Precision winning a Group 1 in Hong Kong and I was very young. So, Hong Kong was always there with winning photos in the kitchen in Newmarket. “It’s a great honour to be invited to train in Hong Kong. There are limited spots and there’s fierce competition, which certainly excites me. I think it’s a rare opportunity for someone probably of my age to be able to go there and hopefully have a long and successful career – that’s certainly the aim.” Having grown up in England’s racing heartland – alongside his brother Harry, who is now also a trainer in his own right – and working for his father, Eustace quickly embarked on a string of global forays but there was always a lingering ambition – to train in Hong Kong. “It was just a dream then, but I was very keen to visit (Hong Kong) and I was lucky enough get the opportunity to travel with Dad’s best horse and sprinter War Artist, who ran in the international races and I travelled him over when I was 18 in 2009,” he said. “I got to do it again with Roger Varian when I brought his horses to Australia and Farraaj, who ran in the Hong Kong Cup in 2014. Farraaj was actually ridden by Andrea Atzeni, who is a good friend of mine and a very good jockey and I look forward to hopefully catching up with him in Hong Kong. “In 2014, I stayed on for an extra two weeks and did a couple of weeks at the track with Caspar Fownes and David Hall at the track and got a bit of a feel for the place.” A desire to gain more international experience saw Eustace return to Australia, where he worked for Peter Moody, Peter and Paul Snowden and then ultimately with Ciaron Maher. “I spent a year with Peter Moody and then another year with Peter and Paul Snowden the year Capitalist won the Golden Slipper and that was fantastic. After that, Ciaron got in touch and I started working with him in 2015,” Eustace said. Since joining forces with Maher as a co-trainer in August 2018, Eustace has shared in 30 Group 1 triumphs, including the 2022 Melbourne Cup with Gold Trip, among more than 1,500 winners overall. Maher and Eustace won last season’s Australian trainers’ premiership with 347 wins and lead this season’s standings from Chris Waller. Among other things, the pair credits the use of sports science and data collection as an integral part of their success. Eustace plans to make full use of Conghua’s world-class facilities and sports science methodology after he settles in Hong Kong and establishes his stable. “I hope to bring a varied style of training with experiences from the UK, experiences from Australia and with an emphasis on using sports science and data to enhance a horse’s training, longevity and careers in Hong Kong,” Eustace said. “Communication, whether it be with Jockey Club itself, or with owners, is very important and I intend for it to be absolutely first-class – that’s what I hope to bring to the table along with youth and vibrancy. “I also understand I am heading one of the most competitive racing jurisdictions in the world and that’s exciting.” The Hong Kong Jockey Club Executive Director, Racing Mr Andrew Harding welcomed Eustace’s licensing and is confident the Englishman will complement Hong Kong’s world-class trainer cohort. “David Eustace brings a unique skill set as well as extensive experience for a trainer of his age,” Mr Harding said. “He has worked with and learned from some of horse racing’s finest trainers around the world and with his understanding of sports science coupled with established training methods, I look forward to watching David’s career flourish in Hong Kong. “Importantly, while he has achieved such conspicuous success during his time in Australia, his knowledge and experience of racing in the UK is also of great value to Hong Kong racing, which has always blended talents from around the world, and will help with the sourcing of horses from Europe to complement our world-class level of racing.” View the full article

Ascot Park trainer Sally McKay couldn’t be happier with her quality sprinter Henry Hubber (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle) ahead of the Listed Property Brokers – Ray Kean Hazlett Stakes (1200m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day. It will be the five-year-old gelding’s second tilt at stakes level, having placed in the Listed Stewards’ Stakes (1200m) at Riccarton last month. He was subsequently runner-up over 1400m on his home track earlier this month and McKay said he has continued to progress since that outing. “I am thrilled with him, he is coming along really well.” McKay said. “That (Steward’s Stakes placing) was a huge thrill and he has worked on really well. I was happy with his run at Invercargill the other day, he was still finding the line. That was 1400m, which he hasn’t achieved up until now.” The son of Rip Van Winkle will jump from barrier two with Daniel Bothamley aboard and McKay said she would have liked to have drawn further out to suit his racing pattern. “The draw is the downer,” she said. “He is a back runner and needs a bit of room. It is nice to draw two, but at some stage he is going to have to work his way out into the open. “But I couldn’t be happier with him, he has got to be a big hope.” The Hazlett Stakes has been a great form race for the Gr.1 JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) and McKay is hoping her charge can add his name to the honour roll. “He is nominated for the Telegraph and is 17th in order of entry at this stage. We will keep that on the agenda and Boxing Day will tell us what we do,” she said. “I would be quite keen to have a go at it because he handles all types of going and we know Wellington can get on the soft side, which is a plus for us. “If we don’t do that then we will be looking at the local premier meeting at Wingatui (on February 3). There will be something there for him.” Meanwhile, McKay will head to Gore on Sunday with a quartet of runners and she believes Almanzor mare Zircon (NZ) is her biggest hope in the White Robe Lodge Maiden 1200. “Zircon is probably my best chance,” McKay said. “She went well fresh-up at Cromwell and she was only on the way up, so I am hoping she has improved with that. Her work has been very good.” McKay will also line-up Lucks In (NZ) (Super Easy) in the Forest Lodge And Hokonui Honda Maiden 1335, and Fire ‘N’ Reign (NZ) (Tivaci) and La Opcion (Choisir) in the Advance Agriculture Rating 65 1335. View the full article

Well-performed stayer No Compromise (NZ) (Pins) will bid to add a home Group One title to match his Australian efforts when he opens the third stage of his career on Boxing Day. The son of Pins will take aim at Tuesday’s Gr.1 Cambridge Stud Zabeel Classic (2050m) with Ryan Elliot booked to guide the seven-year-old’s fortunes. He began his career from the Waverley base of Bill Thurlow, who trained the gelding for brother Grant and sister-in-law Patricia to win twice before he relocated to Chris Waller’s champion stable. No Compromise claimed a further five victories, including the Gr.1 The Metropolitan (2400m) and signed off with a midfield finish in the Gr.2 The Ingham (1600m) at Randwick earlier this month. “He will fly in on Sunday and run in the Zabeel Classic and then come back here,” Bill Thurlow said. “It’s all go and he was only 3.7 lengths off them over a mile in The Ingham so that’s pretty good form. He’ll be forward enough to run a good race, there’s no doubt about that. “He’ll come back down to the farm and spend a few days in the paddock after the Zabeel and then we’ll map out a plan for him going forward.” While No Compromise made his mark at the elite level across the Tasman, he was paying the price for his success. “He has probably met his mark in Australia, he was up in the weights in pretty strong company and maybe it will be a little bit easier for him here than over there,” Thurlow said. “We think he can be competitive in the summer and then maybe look at the Livamol (Gr.1, 2040m) later next year.” No Compromise is a half-brother to multiple Group One winner Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park) and Group One performer Benaud- (Reliable Man). He was purchased out of breeder Curraghmore’s draft at Karaka in 2018 for $40,000, which has proved to be a blue-chip investment, with his earnings having surpassed $1.15 million. Thurlow will also have a major Boxing Day interest at the Otaki meeting where he will be represented by the progressive Frank The Tank (NZ) (Burgundy) in the Vets On Riverbank Handicap (1400m). The son of Burgundy, who will be ridden by Bridget Grylls, has twice been successful from five appearances and has won an open trial since he accounted for a Rating 65 field at Trentham in October. “I’m really happy with him and he had a nice jump-out and then went well in his trial. He seems to have come up very well,” Thurlow said. Frank The Tank holds a nomination for the Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic ($1 million, 1600m) at Ellerslie on January 27. “It’s a bit of a dream obviously, but it is for four-year-olds only and he would probably have to win a couple between now and then to make it into the race,” Thurlow said. “If he did put his hand up and won two or maybe one and did get in, then we would probably have a crack. “It would be a very, very strong field and so it should be for that money. The owners are supportive of it and keen so if he does run well over the next month we’ll have a go.” View the full article

Molly Bloom (NZ) (Ace High) asserted her dominance last month when storming to victory in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m), and the glamour filly will return to chase Northern spoils in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) on Boxing Day at Pukekohe. The daughter of Ace High was nothing short of sensational in the $500,000 fillies’ feature at Riccarton, coming from near-last to sail past quality opposition in Impendabelle (Impending) and Tulsi (The Autumn Sun), the latter among several key race rivals in the Eight Carat Classic. “We brought her home from Riccarton and she had a quiet week in the paddock, being able to fly home for the first time this year certainly saw her recover quicker,” said Scott, who trains the filly in partnership with Lance O’Sullivan. “We’ve been very pleased with her training leading into the race, her body weight indicates she hasn’t got away on us.” Molly Bloom will have the undeniable advantage of Blake Shinn aboard at Pukekohe, the top Victorian hoop partnering a number of Wexford’s key hopes on the card during his New Zealand visit. “We believe it’s another step-up for her in a strong field, but we have the aid of Blake who is obviously a very good jockey,” Scott said. “We’re hoping she can put in a similar performance to what she has all season, which should take her close to being very competitive.” Scott also highlighted the chances of stablemate Grail Seeker (NZ), the daughter of Iffraaj coming off a close-up second to Just As Sharp (NZ) (Swiss Ace) in the Listed Trevor & Corallie Eagle Memorial 3YO (1500m) earlier this month. “She just got run down in the shadows of the post at Te Rapa, and we believe she is a filly that’s up to this class,” he said. “With a senior rider (Joe Doyle) going on and a bit more of a patient ride, she can be right there in the finish. We certainly think she’s not out of the race at all.” Wexford’s eye-catching colts Geriatrix (Almanzor) and Monday Melody (Snitzel) will contest a sharp line-up in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) earlier on the card, with Shinn and Doyle respectively in the saddle. A son of Almanzor, Geriatrix finished on strongly in fourth last-start behind race-rival Zabmanzor (NZ) (Almanzor) in the Gr.3 Elsdon Park Wellington Stakes (1600m), following two scorching home-straight performances earlier in his campaign. “Having Blake on will certainly help, we think he’s up to this calibre of race, but he just needs things to go his way in the race,” Scott said. “We raced a bit close down there last time (at Otaki), but he’s a strong finisher and if he can relax from an awkward draw (10), there’s certainly a good gallop in him.” Monday Melody broke maiden status in September when beating subsequent stakes-winning fillies in Glamour Tycoon (Written Tycoon) and Still Bangon (NZ) (Satono Aladdin), before finishing back behind the major players in the Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m). “He’s had a quick freshen since the Sarten, he’ll wear blinkers for the first time and if there is a shower of rain or two around, that will certainly aid his chances a lot. He could come on with fresh legs from a good gate (6),” Scott said. While Monday Melody will don the famous Hermitage Thoroughbreds colours, Geriatrix will represent many of the same owners as Uderzo (NZ), the son of Vadamos contesting the Barfoot & Thompson 1400. Uderzo was electric over the 1200m first-up at Tauranga building a 6-1/4 length winning margin, before a keen run in transit saw him finishing a similar distance behind class acts in Mercurial (NZ) (Burgundy) and Bonny Lass (NZ) (Super Easy) last-start. “His first-up win was really good, but he just lacked a bit of luck last-start. Things just didn’t quite go his way, he got a wee bit wide and getting a nice run from the cosy draw on Tuesday should see him really finish strong,” Scott said. “We think he’s up to this class of horse in the Open grade, so he’s probably benefitted from his first two runs. He should be pretty close.” With their leading three-year-olds contesting the Group events, Wexford will also prepare capable understudies in Tanganyika (NZ) (Ace High) and Grande Gallo (NZ) (Belardo) in the SkyCity 1400. A fellow progeny of Molly Bloom’s sire Ace High, Tanganyika demonstrated his promise with a victory on debut, before finishing third behind a quality performer in Snazzytavi (NZ) (Tavistock) last start. “Tanganyika’s going well, but he’s drawn a pretty tough gate in 18. He’s continued to train on and maintained good bodyweight through the campaign, but he’s just going to need a lot of luck from that gate,” Scott said. “He’s a horse with a good lot of ability, and he should be competitive with the right run.” Grande Gallo returns to her winning 1400m trip and will reunite with Sam Spratt after making the journey South for the Guineas, the Belardo filly finishing back in the field after over-racing in a testing mile. “She’s another that has come away from Riccarton, things didn’t really go her way down there and she got a bit fired up with the blinkers on. We’ve taken them off, and being back in distance and class she’s going to be a lot more competitive,” Scott said. View the full article

Gifted performer Aquacade (NZ) (Dundeel) has bounced back from a last-start hiccup and is on target to execute a long-term plan when she steps out at Pukekohe Park on Boxing Day. Lance Noble will be chasing a special victory with the five-year-old in the Gr.1 Zabeel Classic (2050m), sponsored by the mare’s breeders and owners Cambridge Stud. Noble is the private trainer for farm principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay and the weight-for-age feature has been a long-term target for the daughter of Dundeel. Two runs back, Aquacade was a dominant winner of the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2050m) before she was a beaten favourite when fourth in the Gr.3 Counties Cup (2100m), after which the reason for her below par showing became evident. “It wasn’t a bad run with topweight (59kg), but it was just a bit flat for her so we got her vetted out the next day,” Noble said. “We scoped her and she had a bit of mucus in her lungs and a viral thing going on so we treated that and she seems back to her best. “I hate excuses, but there was a legitimate one and she’s bounced back and her work has been great. “Since the beginning of the season, we have aimed her at this Group One. She’s won a Group Two and a Group Three and we’re a breeding farm so this is so important.” Aquacade is one of five strong Boxing Day chances for Noble, with the team to be partnered by Vinnie Colgan after the suspension of regular rider and Jockeys’ Premiership leader Warren Kennedy. “I feel for Warren because he has put a lot of work into these horses,” Noble said. “We’re very fortunate to get someone of Vinnie’s ability to ride them all, he is in great form and he’s got the big race temperament and he’ll do a great job for us. “Vinnie came out and rode work here on Tuesday with Warren, who gave him a few insights into the horse and that was great.” Talented Embellish filly Luberon (NZ) will run in the Gr.2 Shaw’s Wire Ropes Auckland Guineas (1400m) off the back her fifth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m). “She went a pretty bold race considering she was three wide for a lot of it and probably just didn’t stay the mile with the run she had,” Noble said. “She’s dropping back to 1400m, which might be her best distance at this stage, but it is a super strong race, they all are as you would expect on one of these days. “Unfortunately, she has drawn the outside (12) which won’t make it easy, but she is very well and we’ve been happy with her work.” Fellow three-year-old About Time (NZ) will face the toughest test of her brief career when the daughter of American Pharoah runs in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m). “She’s an interesting runner and very lightly raced. She ran into a good one (About A Girl) when third at her first start and then her win was super,” Noble said. “I thought her run in the Listed race (Eagle Memorial, 1500m) for third was again very good and it was her first time racing that way around. She got a little bit lost up the straight and hit the line well.” Flamebird (NZ) (Shooting To Win) was a most recent course and distance winner and will attack the Barfoot & Thompson Handicap (1400m) from the minimum (54kg). “It’s her first time in open company and has a light weight and her record at Pukekohe is strong, as was her last start win, and she looks nicely placed,” Noble said. Pierro mare Dazzled (NZ) has recent wins on the course and at Tauranga to back her claims in the Majestic Horse Floats Handicap (1200m). “If Dazzled can replicate her form from her last three starts, and I don’t see any reason why she can’t, she’s got to be a good chance,” Noble said. View the full article

What Sha Tin Races Where Sha Tin Racecourse – Tai Po Rd, Sha Tin District, Hong Kong When Saturday, December 23, 2023 First Race 1pm HKT (4pm AEDT) Visit Dabble With the festive season fast approaching, the Hong Kong racing schedule takes a shift, starting with a rare Saturday meeting lined up at Sha Tin this weekend. With the rail moving to the C position to go along with pristine Good 4 conditions, it should be a terrific day for all participants. The first of 10 races will get underway at 1pm local time. Best Bet: Cotton Fingers Cotton Fingers has placed in two of three Hong Kong starts and appears ready to go one better than his runner-up performance last time. It came at this track and trip when settling in behind an airborne I Give on November 26 as the runaway leader chalked up his fifth straight win. He gets a nice swing in the weights on his key rival, and with the booking of James McDonald bolstering his chances from barrier two, Cotton Fingers should be in the finish once again. Best Bet Race 8 – #2 Cotton Fingers (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Chris So | J: James McDonald (58.5kg) Bet with Neds Next Best: The Heir The Heir has caught the eye in his two Hong Kong starts to date and now gets to the 1400m for the first time. The son of Impending has been closing off with vigour over 1200m but was no match for Galaxy Patch, who looks a Group-level galloper in the making. The four-year-old is drawn awkwardly in barrier 11, but with his get-back pattern, it shouldn’t be an issue. Provided there is a genuine tempo, The Heir should get the last crack at his rivals. Next Best Race 10 – #6 The Heir (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Vincent Ho (56kg) Bet with Bet365 Next Best Again: Nicholson Returns Nicholson Returns heads back to Class 4 company with a rating of 57 and should appreciate a step up to 2000m. He has had no luck with barriers this preparation — including his latest effort at Sha Tin on December 10, where the gelding by Iffraaj was forced to lob towards the rear of the field from stall 11. Zac Purton picks up the assignment this time, and with an economical run all but assured from barrier two, Nicholson Returns can close off best to score in the opener. Next Best Again Race 1 – #2 Nicholson Returns (2) 5yo Gelding | T: David Hall | J: Zac Purton (61kg) Bet with Unibet Hong Kong Saturday quaddie tips – 23/12/2023 Sha Tin quadrella selections Saturday, December 23, 2023 1-2-8-10 2-3-8-10 3-4-7 1-2-5-6-14 More horse racing tips View the full article