Wandering Eyes

Piaggio strikes at Caulfield for Celine Gaudray. Photo: Colin Bull Six-year-old gelding Piaggio landed a breakthrough metropolitan victory for trainer Greg Eurell when successful at Caulfield on Saturday. Ridden by Celine Gaudray, Piaggio sat outside eventual runner-up Montather for the majority of the contest, before pulling away from his rivals inside the final furlong to score by half a length. A son of Vespa, Piaggio commenced his career with trainers Johno Benner and Hollie Wynyard in New Zealand, where he placed in the Group 3 Taranaki Classic (1200m) as a two-year-old before being sold to Hong Kong. After five unsuccessful performances in Hong Kong where he raced as Good Health, Piaggio was sent to Eurell, where he has returned to form, winning three of his nine starts for the Cranbourne conditioner, with a further three placings. “It was a bonus what he did (when finishing second) first-up this time in over 1400m. He was up for the fight and probably indicated from that run that he was heading in the right direction to have a good prep,” Eurell said. “There is not a lot of him. He is only a little horse, but he has got a big heart. “I think a mile is probably the optimum trip at this stage but a bit deeper into the prep he might get over a little bit further but we will sit around the 1600m for now. “It’s his second preparation with us and the horse is absolutely enjoying life and we are happy to keep racing him. Being in Hong Kong didn’t really suit him and he is happy to be here.” More horse racing news View the full article

Alice Springs apprentice Ianish Luximon celebrating after winning the Darwin Turf Club’s feature race at Fannie Bay on Saturday aboard the Phil Cole-trained four-year-old mare Tubthumper. Picture: Caroline Camilleri (Darwin Photography Professionals) Darwin trainer Phil Cole secured the feature at Fannie Bay on Saturday, but fellow trainer Gary Clarke landed a treble. Cole, who had two wins for the day, celebrated when Darwin Guineas winner Tubthumper ($4.40) made it back to back wins when she basically led throughout over 1200m (BM76). Returning from a four-month spell on December 1, Tubthumper ($14), ridden by Alice Springs apprentice Ianish Luximon, posted a narrow upset win against decent opposition over 1200m (BM75). The four-year-old mare faced quality yet again on Saturday and although little separated the seven runners for the duration of the contest it was Tubthumper, with Luximon as the pilot, who would go on to seal victory and make it five wins from seven starts since arriving from Queensland. The daughter of Zoustar, who won the Guineas (1600m) in July, misbehaved in the barriers, but led with 200m to go before overcoming courageous stablemate El Magnificence ($9.50), who eye-balled Tubthumper for a major portion of the race, by half a length. El Magnificence was second behind Rising Sphere over 1000m (0-70) eight days ago, while Cielo D’Oro ($4.60) – second behind Tubthumper two weeks ago – powered home from the rear after sitting five deep to be 1.3 lengths adrift in third place thus making it a Cole trifecta. Angela Forster’s Volatore ($8.50), returning from a 10-month break after three wins from 14 starts in Victoria, was making his NT debut and impressed with an eye-catching fourth. Cole’s other win was achieved with four-year-old mare Fly Nice ($1.14 fav), partnered by ever-reliable apprentice Emma Lines, who made it two straight with the former Victorian galloper prevailing by 2.7 lengths over 1100m (Class 2). The daughter of Impending, third in her first two Darwin starts, found a gap along the fence approaching the home turn a fortnight ago before saluting over 1200m (Class 2). Lines employed similar tactics on Saturday, although the rails run appeared once leaving the back straight. After sharing the lead with Wolf Queen passing the 700m, Fly Nice edged clear at the 400m and once turning for home it was all over with Dick Leech’s Gold Is Luming and Kerry Petrick’s fast-finishing Flash Fiorente, both starting at $31, filling the minor placings. For the third straight meeting, Clarke won the opening race when Tanaawol ($1.75 fav) also made it back to back wins by rolling Forster’s Spielberg ($8.50) and Peter Stennett’s New Enterprise ($2.70) by 2.2 lengths over 1300m (0-64). Missing the start in a five-horse field, Tanaawol – making only his second NT start after racing in Victoria and SA – settled third behind the leaders New Roman and New Enterprise before making ground at the 400m. Turning for home and with 350m to go it was a three way go before six-year-old gelding Tanaawol raced clear to seal victory after getting the cash over 1200m (BM54) on November 18. Jarrod Todd rode the son of Savabeel before ending the day with three winners after saluting aboard Clarke’s pair Prince Ruban ($2.05 fav) over 1300m (0-58) and Henestrosa ($6) over 1200m (BM54). Prince Ruban, a six-year-old gelding by Pride Of Dubai, was having his fifth start back in Darwin after a brief Victorian campaign during the year and despite jumping from the inside gate he looked vulnerable in fourth place passing the 500m. Having to swing four deep once turning for home, Prince Ruban swooped at the 100m to make it seven wins from 24 starts in the Top End by toppling Tom Logan’s likely prospect Queen In The North ($8.50) and Patrick Johnston’s Ankle Rolex ($3.80) by 1.2 lengths. Henestrosa, a five-year-old gelding by Written Tycoon, again proved how hard he is to catch when he leads after beating Chole Baxter’s To The Point ($2.70 fav) by a length with Kerry Petrick’s Real Divine ($8.50), who finally ran a decent race in Darwin, third. Jumping from a wide gate, Henestrosa was in front by the 1200m before becoming the fourth horse on Saturday to seal back-to-back wins. Trainer Jason Manning ended a drought stretching back to July when four-year-old gelding Bon’s Pride ($2.15 fav), who debuted at Fannie Bay on Melbourne Cup Day, picked up his first win at the third attempt by decimating his rivals by 8.2 lengths over 1300m (0-58). More horse racing news View the full article

Damien Oliver ended his career in style, winning The Damien Oliver Gold Rush aboard Munhamek. (Morgan Hancock/Racing Photos) Damien Oliver capped off his illustrious career with a remarkable triple triumph, notching three wins in his final three rides at Ascot. The legendary jockey showcased his skill one last time, expertly guiding Nick Ryan’s Munhamek to victory in the $1.5 million Damien Oliver Gold Rush. Exiting the saddle with a total of 3189 victories, Oliver’s career concluded in spectacular fashion. Overcoming a challenging draw of 17, Munhamek faced adversity, but Oliver strategically manoeuvred his mount back on the rail, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to his racing journey. In the pivotal moments of the race, Ripcord and Clint Johnston-Porter seemed poised for victory, but Oliver, with his trademark precision, created openings. Munhamek responded with a powerful late surge, prompting an exuberant victory salute from the racing legend. 2023: The Damien Oliver Gold Rush Replay – Munhamek Reflecting on the momentous win, Oliver expressed, “Dreams do come true, aye. That was unbelievable.” Acknowledging the relief and the overwhelming reception from the Ascot crowd, he described the race as “death or glory at the top of the straight.” Ryan, Munhamek’s trainer, expressed his astonishment at Oliver’s performance by saying, “Mate, I’m speechless. What a ballsy ride – could you have scripted it? I don’t know. They talk about racing Gods – he is a God.” Oliver’s earlier victories aboard Devine Belief and Magnificent Andy added to the day’s spectacle. In the seventh race, he delivered a flawless ride on Devine Belief, followed by a close-run triumph with Magnificent Andy. The latter, trained by longtime friend Stephen Miller, impressed with its ability to overcome a topweight of 61.5kg. Expressing his joy for the victories, Oliver said, “Great to get a winner for SJ [Stephen Miller]. We go back a long way, he’s a great fella and a great horseman, and wonderful to get a winner for him.” Miller, emotional after the races, remarked, “One of my best days at the racetrack – words can’t describe it. He’s a jet. He’s a jet.” More horse racing news View the full article

Darwin apprentice Jade Hampson celebrates victory in the 2023 Alice Springs Cup (2000m) at Pioneer Park in April aboard the Dick Leech-trained Write Your Name. Picture: Nikki Westover Photography It’s official, the 2024 Alice Springs Turf Club’s Cup Carnival has been revamped. The possibility of rescheduling the Red Centre’s showpiece event was discussed at the Thoroughbred Racing Northern Territory board meeting in August during the Darwin Cup Carnival. Changes have since been endorsed with the Carnival – which will accommodate five meetings at Pioneer Park – starting on Sunday, March 17 and culminating with Alice Springs Cup Day on Sunday, April 7. Historically, Cup Day was the first Monday in May. It was following the TRNT board meeting that Andrew Maloney, the ASTC Chairman, wrote to Alice Springs trainers advising them of the proposed remodelling of Cup Carnival. “The decision made was based upon all the feedback received from trainers, including taking into consideration the previous concerns of Alice Springs trainers about the long break over the December and January period and to enable NT trainers to better target the Alice Springs and Darwin Carnivals,” Maloney said. Previously, Day 1 of the Carnival never had a feature race, but that’s now changed with the $35,000 St. Patrick’s Day Cup (1600m). The Day 2 feature on Saturday, March 23 is the $50,000 NT Guineas (1600m), but there’s also the Open Handicap (1900m) and Lightning Handicap (1000m). Winners of the Guineas and Open Handicap are exempt from the ballot for the $110,000 Alice Springs Cup (2000m), while the winner of the Lightning is exempt from the ballot for the $100,000 Pioneer Sprint (1200m). Day 3 on Easter Saturday – March 30 – will accommodate two weight-for-age events – the $40,000 Chief Ministers Cup (1600m) and a 1200m race for the sprinters – both winners qualifying for the Alice Springs Cup and Pioneer Sprint. The Pioneer Sprint is on Day 4 – Saturday, April 6, while the Alice Springs Cup and $35,000 Queen of the Desert (1200m) for the fillies and mares takes place the following day on Day 5. Since 2020, the Cup and Sprint were held on Day 5 on the Sunday. Up until 2019 and before Covid-19, the Sprint took place on the Saturday – two days before Cup Day. The Queen of the Desert was part of Cup Day, but in 2022, it became the Day 4 feature on the Friday. Eight races have been scheduled for Cup Day in 2024, with $325,000 up for grabs. The other six races will each have a purse of $30,000. The reaction was mixed when the ASTC changed their Carnival format in 2020, so it will be interesting to see how Sprint Day on Saturday and Cup Day on Sunday is received next year. Tony McGovern, the interim ASTC general manager, agreed that only time will tell if the new format proves a success adding that there had been a mixed response by bringing the Carnival forward. “First of all, it gives the three-year-olds that run in the Guineas the chance to have a break and then attack the Darwin Guineas and NT Derby,” he said. “In the past, those horses have had two or three runs in Alice and if they had a let up it was for a short period of time – it’s been difficult for them to back up.” The big lead up races in Darwin start in June with Cup Carnival commencing in July. The Alice Springs Cup now forms part of the “Triple Crown” in the NT with the winner of Central Australia’s biggest race in line to pick up a $100,000 bonus with victory in the Chief Ministers Cup (1600m) and Darwin Cup (2050m) at Fannie Bay. Before this year, victory in the Darwin Guineas, NT Derby and Darwin Cup formed the “Triple Crown” – only Brinney (1989) and Ventilago (1996) achieved the feat. Another new concept introduced during the 2023 Darwin Cup Carnival was the “Darwin Double” with a $50,000 bonus on the table with victory in the Guineas and Derby. That has also attracted the interest of Red Centre trainers, so with adjustments to the Alice Springs Cup Carnival now in place local horses will have additional rest before heading north. “The pre-Carnival meetings and lead up races have all been moved forward a month,” McGovern added. “Racing starts early in January and then it’s weekly from February 10. “Further to the Saturday and Sunday format, it’s now a four-day extravaganza. “You’ve got the Racing Minister’s Reception and Cocktail Party, as well as the Cup and Sprint draw on Thursday night. “There’s the Let’s Talk Racing Luncheon, Tried Horse Sale and Calcutta on Friday. “It leaves Saturday and Sunday free for racing – Ladies Day this year is on Saturday. “The other aspect in 2024 compared to past years – where at least one event took place at Lasseters Casino – is that every function during Carnival will be held at Pioneer Park. “We can utilise the facilities where plenty of money has been spent over the years, including the air-conditioned marquees.” More horse racing news View the full article

Online bookmakers have released their racing promotions for Sunday, December 17, including several great bonus back offers. The top Australian racing promotions for December 17, 2023, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Sha Tin All Races Same Race Multi 3+ Leg Bonus Back If 1 Leg Fails Place a 3+ leg Same Race Multi bet on any race at Sha Tin (HK) this Sunday and if 1 leg of your multi fails, get up to $50 back in Bonus Cash. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo BoomBet Daily Race Returns Use your daily Race Returns to back a runner in ANY RACE you want* and if your horse doesn’t win but finishes in the specified positions, you get your stake back as a bonus bet. 18+ Gamble responsibly. Can be used across any race and code unless specified in customer’s BoomBox. Fix odds, win bets only. Max bonus $50. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Sha Tin – Races 1 & 2 Double Winnings Double your winnings in Races 1 & 2 at Sha Tin on Sunday Max Winnings $50. First fixed win bet only. Paid in bonus cash. T&Cs apply Login to PickleBet to Claim Promo Sunday Bonus Back 2nd on ALL RACES at Sha Tin Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Check Vault for eligibility. Limits may apply. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Have a crack at JMAC Guaranteed best odds on all James McDonald ridden Hong Kong runners. Eligible clients only. General T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting has reviewed the top horse racing bookmakers in Australia and has unveiled exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions and specials for Sunday, December 17, 2023. These horse racing promotions persist almost daily, showcasing the commitment of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. If one bookmaker lacks a promotion, rest assured that another is presenting enticing promotional offers in the realm of gallops. HorseBetting.com.au is your go-to source for the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses every day. Gain the most value out of your punting endeavours with bookie bonuses with the most competitive horse racing odds available for each race. It’s imperative to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers cater exclusively to existing customers. Accessing these special promotions and claiming the bookmaker’s offers requires logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to leverage their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting offers a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Stay informed, stay strategic, and make the most of your horse racing experience with these exclusive promotions. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Frontrunning Wynstock exchanged bumps in the stretch with Stronghold and survived an inquiry to win the $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) Dec. 16. He gave Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record-extending 14th victory in the race.View the full article

The Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini Internacional, the most prestigious race in South America, is the first Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In race of the 2024 season.View the full article

Frontrunning Wynstock exchanged bumps in the stretch with Stronghold and survived an inquiry to win the $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) Dec. 16. He gave Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert a record-extending 14th victory in the race.View the full article

Wynstock (c, 2, Solomini–Timberlea, by Flatter), one of three entered for Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert in Saturday's GII Los Alamitos Futurity, survived a stewards' inquiry and lit up the board at 13-1. Stronghold (Ghostzapper) was second; heavily favored 'TDN Rising Star' Coach Prime (Quality Road) was third. Ridden for speed from his rail draw in the scratched-down field of five, Wynstock showed the way through fractions of :23.53 and :47.90. Racing under pressure at the top of the stretch, he dug down gamely after bumping with Stronghold near the sixteenth-pole and forged clear late to take it by 3/4 of a length. The final time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:43.53. Wynstock becomes the first graded winner and second stakes winner on the afternoon for his freshman sire (by Curlin), who was home first in the 2017 Futurity before being disqualified to third. This is the eighth win in 10 years for Baffert in the Los Alamitos Futurity. Wynstock broke through at third asking with a runaway wire-to-wire maiden win in his two-turn debut going a mile at Santa Anita last time Oct. 15. Sales history: $50,000 yrl '22 KEESEP; $700,000 2yo '23 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 4-2-0-0. O-Allred, Edward C. & Liebau, Jack; B-Empire Equines, LLC (NY); T-Bob Baffert #2 WYNSTOCK ($29.40) and jockey @FreytheF comfortably led the field for 3/4 of a mile then battled #3 Stronghold down the stretch to win the G2 Los Alamitos Futurity for trainer @BobBaffert and owners Edward “Doc” Allred and Jack Liebau. pic.twitter.com/HZS2VtKenY — TVG (@TVG) December 17, 2023 The post Another ‘Wyn’ for Baffert in Los Alamitos Futurity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

They braved an arctic Nakayama night in their thousands and were serenaded to the strains of 'Music of the Night' as Equinox was given the starry sendoff his abundant talent deserved in a retirement ceremony following the end of racing Dec. 16.View the full article

Seizing upon an opening on the inside entering the second of two turns, War Campaign took command and captured the $200,000 Tinsel Stakes Dec. 16 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article

Two-year-olds Antonio of Venice and My Shea D Lady took home the top prizes in their respective divisions in the rich New York Stallion Series stakes Dec. 16 at Aqueduct Racetrack,View the full article

Raise Cain is headed west to compete in the $300,000 Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park Dec. 26, opening day of the track's winter/spring meet. View the full article

Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) and O'Connor (Chi) (Boboman) each turned in works Saturday morning at Palm Meadows towards an intended appearance in the $3-million GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational S. Owned by Daniel Alonso, Skippylongstocking won this year's GII Charles Town Classic and was last seen finishing third to Cody's Wish (Curlin) in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Nov. 4. The soon-to-be 5-year-old covered a half-mile in :49.40 (20/64). O'Connor, campaigned by Mike Iavarone and partners, was a sound fourth in last year's Pegasus and is arguably in better form this season, having taken out Keeneland's GII Fayette S. Oct. 28. The Southern Hemisphere 6-year-old also went four furlongs Saturday, stopping the clock in :49.45 (22/64). Also on the Palm Meadows tab was Ny Traffic (Cross Traffic), who went a half in :49.50 in preparation for the Dec. 30 GIII Harlan's Holiday S. The post Joseph-Trained Pegasus Hopefuls Gear Up appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Heavy rain and high winds and a forecast calling for worsening conditions caused Gulfstream Park to cancel its final three races Saturday, including the $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes.View the full article

Godolphin's homebred Nash leads Risk It, Track Phantom, and five other juveniles in the $100,000 Gun Runner Stakes Dec. 23 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.View the full article

Heavy rains and high winds combined with a forecast indicating that conditions would only worsen forced the cancellation of Satuday's final three races at Gulfstream Park outside of Miami. The $100,000 H. Allen Jerkens S., which had already been transferred to the Tapeta track, has been rescheduled for Sunday, Dec. 24 and will be redrawn. The Christmas Eve program will also feature the running of the $125,000 Via Borghese S. for turf females. Live racing is expected to resume Sunday at Gulfstream, with a first post of 12:10 p.m. ET. The post Weather Forces Cancellation Of Final Three at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Adam Hamilton Nathan Purdon stood amongst the crowd at a packed Albion Park as local hero Leap To Fame smashed the track record for the biggest win of his career in last night’s Brisbane Inter Dominion. With Purdon’s stable star Akuta bound for Australia in a few weeks, he got to size-up his major rival. Leap To Fame is “very likely” to chase the Group 1 Hunter Cup at Melton in early February and that’s Akuta’s first big Aussie target. “That was great to watch …. the crowd … the atmosphere,” Purdon said. There were so many layers to Leap To Fame’s dominant win, headed by redemption over his older half-brother Swayzee from the only previous clash in the Group 1 Blacks A Fake at the same track and distance back on July 22. And the fact subsequent defeats, albeit mighty runs, in the TAB Eureka and Victoria Cup has spurred some doubters around the hype on Leap To Fame. But they were silenced as the Albion Park crowd erupted on the home bend when trainer-driver Grant Dixon “cut the ribbons” and went for home with an unassailable lead. Leap To Fame powered to a 10.6m win over much-improved Victorian raider Better Eclipse, who was superbly driven by Greg Sugars, with Swayzee fighting on very bravely for a close-up third. Leviathan owner Kevin Seymour, for so long the lifeblood of Queensland harness racing and such a steely individual, was completely overcome by emotion. As he stood to speak at the presentation, he broke down as he tried to explain how it was a lifetime thrill. “To win this race, here in front of our hometown crowd and Grant and Trista (Dixon) … I just means so much. I’m lost for words,” he said. Later, Seymour said: “I’ve said before, this is the horse Kay and I have been in the game 50 years waited for. “I’ve had some wonderful horses and won some big races, but this is as good as it gets for so many reasons.” Dixon, a champion of the sport but largely in his own Queensland backyard, said an Inter Dominion win was the ultimate. “I’ve had so much success, but have felt I’d missed out on one of those really big races on the national stage,” he said. “To get it, especially here in front of friends, family and a hometown crowd. It doesn’t get much better. “And to share it with Kevin and Kay, who have been such great supporters for such a long time … incredible.” Much debate circled around what would happen at the start with Swayzee drawn three and Leap To Fame out in five. It was Future Assured who blasted out best and just did enough to cross Swayzee, which then enabled Leap To Fame to work forward and get the lead. It changed the race and reversed the roles from the Blacks A Fake where Swayzee led. Dixon put the foot down with scorching splits of the last mile in 27.8, 28.7, 27.2 and 27.5sec. The 1min53.5sec mile took 0.3sec off the track record. Trainer Jess Tubbs said running second “felt like a win.” “We’ve come some far in 12 months and were beaten by a champion. I’m thrilled and proud of him. And Greg drove him incredibly well,” she said. Swayzee’s effort to burn early then sit parked in those times was enormous, especially after his busy schedule as a result of winning last month’s NZ Cup. “It was a mighty run. I just couldn’t quite hold-out Future Assured and that was crucial,” driver Cam Hart said. “He’s just so brave. He kept coming and coming. It was a mighty run.” Polished Grand Circuit performer Spirit Of St Louis ran another wonderful major race for fourth. Just Believe heading to NZ? The odds are firming dual Inter Dominion-winning hero Just Believe will head to New Zealand instead of Sweden next year. While co-trainer and driver Greg Sugars stopped well short of declaring a decision, he said: “the NZ slot race is certainly a very attractive option and money-wise, a smart option.” Then it was back to savouring the moment of Just Believe creating Inter Dominion history. The rising eight-year-old is the first trotter to clean sweep two successive Inter Dominions by winning all three heats and finals both years. And he did it after a lengthy stint in Sweden during the year. “To come back and go to another level is quite incredible,” Sugars said. “He’s just the perfect racehorse and makes us look good as trainers and drivers.” But that’s downplaying the work to get him back with just one lead-up run after his Swedish stint. “I’m excited and a bit emotional,” Sugars said, “it’s just been such a big year for us with so much travel and this horse means so much to us.” Sugars’ wife and co-trainer, Jess Tubbs, added: “I counted up and Greg’s been away six months of the year. It’s been a crazy year, but moments like this make it all worthwhile.” Just as he did last year, Just Believe sat parked outside the leader to win. This time it was Musafa Metro, who fought on well for second, with star Kiwi-owned Queen Elida made good ground in a slowly run race from midfield for third. But Just Believe toyed with his rivals, ripping home in closing splits of 55.8 and 28sec flat to win without being extended. For Sugars, it was his third successive driving win in the race after scoring on Maori Law in 2021 and now Just Believe the past two years. Throw in finishing second in the pacing final on Better Eclipse and it was a night to remember. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Despite being training partners and husband and wife, Colin and Julie DeFilippi will go head to head in the Rangiora Summer Cup on Sunday. The DeFilippi stable will have a big hand in the grass track feature when starting the favourite Here’s Herbie and the well-supported Heza Sport. As well as training the pair, the DeFilippis also own their two starters, with Julie the owner of Here’s Herbie while Colin races Heza Sport. Here’s Herbie was a runaway winner of the recent Geraldine Cup, and he looks hard to beat on Sunday when stepping back out on grass. “He seems to have come through the run well,” Colin said. “I have heard plenty of experts say they think their horse has come through its run well, but you don’t really know until you get to the race.” “But he seems pretty good; his work has been good, and he likes the grass, so we are hopeful he will go another pretty good race.” Heza Sport comes into the Rangiora Summer Cup after disappointing in the Group 3 Summer Cup at Addington on Grand Prix Day. After taking on top-level horses, the pacer looks well placed to give his form a boost. “He has only won seven races, but over the last 18 months, he has had to race the good ones just about every start,” DeFilippi said “Sunday’s field doesn’t look as strong; it is certainly a drop in class for him.” Though he couldn’t match it with Beach Ball, DeFilippi is hoping for better from the pacer he owns and trains on Sunday. “He went ordinary last start; he pulled up, which is not like him, so I got him scoped.” “He was a late nomination; I only put him in when I saw they weren’t going to have a full field.” “But he has worked OK this week, and I have been happy enough with him.” Though Heza Sport’s record on grass tracks is three starts for no placings, DeFilippi is certain the horse handles grass tracks. “It is just the way it has worked out; early on he got a bit of a funny run, he was in and out, and I wasn’t sure whether he went bad or whether it was the grass.” “But after that, he ran a really close sixth behind Here’s Herbie, and he made up good ground, so he definitely handles the grass.” Sunday’s feature will be a tester for Heza Sport’s chances of starting in the Group 1 Ascot Park Hotel Invercargill next week. With a strong performance, the pacer is likely to head south. View the full article

The American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced Dec. 16 its listing of domestic graded and listed stakes races for 2024, with more races downgraded than upgraded. View the full article

Berkeley City Council could vote on an ordinance that, if passed, would essentially lead to the premature closure of Golden Gate Fields and throw into question the near-term future of the Northern California horse colony, workforce and training colony, the latter already buffeted by 25% cuts to the track's purses. The Bay Area racetrack is scheduled to race from Dec. 26 through June 9, 2024, after which the facility is set to close permanently. The proposed ordinance–which makes the claim that confining a horse to its stall for the majority of the day is akin to animal abuse–would make it illegal to keep a horse stabled for more than 10 hours a day and requires every horse access to a minimum of one-half acre of pasture turnout. There are currently around 1200 horses stabled at Golden Gate, with nearly 290 grooms, hotwalkers and other stable employees living there, according to Dave Duggan, Golden Gate vice president and general manager. Though tweaked in places, the revised language closely resembles the original ordinance introduced earlier this year by Berkeley City councilmember Kate Harrison, who is currently running to be Berkeley Mayor. On Nov. 12, the city council's Health, Life Enrichment, Equity, and Community Committee unanimously voted to send the item to the nine-member Berkeley City Council for a formal vote. According to Harrison, the ordinance will be heard by the City Council in January and would need a majority vote to pass. The first Berkeley City Council meeting after winter recess is on Jan. 16. It's currently unclear if the ordinance, if passed, would go into effect immediately or after a period of time. California Thoroughbred Trainers (CTT) president Eoin Harty wrote in a statement that as proposed, the ordinance would seriously impinge upon the ability of the horsemen and women of Golden Gate to properly care for their horses. “If enacted, this measure would not protect the welfare of horses but, in fact, be detrimental to them as horses in enclosures outside of stables may suffer greater risks to their health and safety,” wrote Harty. “Stables have been honed over thousands of years to allow horses to remain social while protecting them from injury caused from other horses as well as self-inflicted harm. This ordinance would also negatively impact the large numbers of people whose own livelihoods depend on racing,” Harty added. “It's not something to be taken lightly,” said California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) executive director Scott Chaney. According to Chaney, the proposed ordinance has some “serious legal problems” in terms of Berkeley's legal jurisdiction to impose such a mandate. The nine-page proposed ordinance states that the legislation is designed to govern “only those areas not already directly covered by State and Federal laws. It specifically focuses on a limited set of conditions to supplement the existing regulatory framework.” It also claims that, as a charter city, Berkeley has the authority to “establish regulations and the jurisdiction to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare by establishing safeguards for horses as long as they do not conflict with or duplicate state and federal law.” But horse racing in California is regulated by the CHRB and by the federal government through the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), explained Chaney. “That area's been pre-empted by state and federal government, and so, I don't believe, at least preliminarily, that it would survive a legal challenge,” said Chaney. The proposed ordinance–which is specifically focused on horses “Held, Owned, Used, Exhibited, or Otherwise Kept for Racing or Other Sport, Entertainment or Profit”–makes several glaring misrepresentations of the Thoroughbred racing industry. The ordinance appears to make the erroneous suggestion that Thoroughbred racehorses, on average, live to only three to five years of age. “Many fatalities in horseracing are euthanizations after horses suffer catastrophic injuries, cutting their lives unnaturally short,” the ordinance states. “When CBS Bay Area reported on the most recent horse death at GGF in May of this year it cited the fact that 'live into their 30s, but the average age of is [only] three to five years old.'” The ordinance also states that “horse deaths continue to rise at the horse racing tracks within City limits.” According to the Jockey Club Equine Injury Database, race-day equine fatalities are declining nationwide. Last year saw the lowest statistical equine fatality rate since 2009, when record keeping began–1.29 fatalities per 1000 starts. When it comes to Golden Gate Fields, the track's equine fatality rate has been consistently below the national average since 2017. Last year, the rate was 0.56 fatalities per 1000 starts–a number less than half the national average. The proposed ordinance marks just the latest turbulence faced by the horsemen and women of Golden Gate Fields–which opened in 1941–as it lurches towards its official end. The Stronach Group (TSG) announced in July that it was closing Golden Gate Fields at the end of December with the goal of increasing field size and adding another day of racing a week at Santa Anita. After pushback from industry stakeholders who argued that such an abrupt closure would pose an existential threat to the future of racing in Northern California, TSG officials left the door open to delaying the track's closure another six months. But they appeared to make such a deal incumbent upon a reshaping of the way simulcasting proceeds are allocated in the state. The rule of thumb is that proceeds from wagers made in the “northern zone” stay in Northern California to pay for purses and operational expenses, while the proceeds from wagers made in the “southern zone” stay in Southern California for the same purposes. Initially, various stakeholders in Northern California–including representatives of the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF)–voiced resistance to TSG's idea of moving these proceeds south. In September, however, California lawmakers sought enough buy-in to pass legislation that meant if Golden Gate Fields is not licensed to operate beyond July 1 next year, proceeds from simulcast wagering in the north are funneled south when there is no live racing in the northern half of the state after that date. In recent years, Golden Gate Fields has found itself the target of animal rights activists. In March of 2021, protestors disrupted racing by running onto the track before lying in a circle with interlocking pipes. The protestors belonged to animal rights organization, Direct Action Everywhere, which had sought to shut Golden Gate Fields down for good. Alan Balch, CTT Executive Director, wrote in a statement that CTT is concerned about the negative impact the Berkeley ordinance will have on horse welfare, mirroring Harty's comments. “We are working with all segments of equestrian sports to educate legislators about horse safety, and we look forward to meeting with Berkeley's elected leaders to discuss this ordinance,” wrote Balch. Balch added: “Relying on the good faith of the Berkeley City Council and leadership, CTT believes this is a matter requiring the facts about good horsemanship and horse care–not just for horse racing but all horses–to be brought to their attention.” The post Berkeley City Council Ordinance Could Close Golden Gate Early appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Multiple group winner Speak In Colours (GB) (Excelebration {Ire}–Maglietta Fina {Ire}, by Verglas {Ire}) has been retired and will stand at Haras des Fontaines for €1,900 next year. The Jour de Galop reported the news on Saturday. Bred by Scuderia Archi Romani, the half-brother to G1 Nassau S. heroine Lady Bowthorpe (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) won a total of six stakes over a six-year career, and was also third in the 2019 G1 Prix de la Foret. He won the G3 Phoenix Sprint S. in 2018, the G3 Renaissance S. in 2019, and the G2 Greenlands S. and G3 Ballycorus S., both in 2020. After changing hands for 22,000gns out of the 2021 Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale, he made several more starts. The grey 8-year-old's record stands at 36-8-5-4 and $512,719 in earnings. His dam won four times in Italy and England, and is from the family of stakes winners Pie In Your Eye (Spend A Buck), Pie's Lil Brother (Roar) and Monsagem (Nureyev). The last-named horse was third in the G1 Prix Jean Prat. Another on the move to Fontaines is listed hero Master's Spirit (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}–Lavayssiere, by Sicyos). Produced by Bouzid Chehboub and Kamel Chehboub's breeding programme, the four-time group-placed 12-year-old will stand for €1,600 as a dual purpose sire. His eldest foals will be 3-year-olds of 2024. The post Speak In Colours Retires To Haras Des Fontaines appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced on Dec. 16 its listing of domestic graded and listed stakes races for 2024, with more races downgraded than upgraded. View the full article

1st-AQU, $85K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 12:20 p.m. ET. Charles Matses homebred GATE SONG (Arrogate) makes her first start for trainer Ned Allard. Out of SW Shannanies Song, she counts as half-siblings GII Summertime Oaks runner-up Bellamentary (Bellamy Road), GII Swale S. hero Favorable Outcome (Flatter), Dubai Group 3 stakes winner Mouheeb (Flatter) and GIII Fantasy S. runner-up Beguine (Gun Runner). Also making her first start is Robert Evans homebred Reconcile (War Front) for trainer Linda Rice. The gray filly's dam is a half-sister to GIII Comely S. heroine Raging Sea (Curlin), while third dam GSW Welcome Surprise (Seeking the Gold) is a half-sister to Horse of the Year A.P. Indy (Seattle Slew). TJCIS PPS 8th-GP, $70K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 3:33 p.m. ET. Down in Hallandale, Whisper Hill Farm homebred Tapit's Starlet (Tapit) will make her debut. The Ralph Nicks trainee is a half-sister to GIII Lexington S. runner-up Unbridled Honor (Honor Code). A $1 million purchase by Whisper Hill at the 2011 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, dam Silvery Starlet is a half-sibling to GI Cigar Mile champ El Corredor (Mr. Greeley) and GI Haskell Invitational H. victor Roman Ruler (Fusaichi Pegasus). Kuldeep Singh Rajput's Gandharvi Racing has Urgence (Into Mischief) set for her inaugural run. Trained by Brendan Walsh, the $575,000 Keeneland September buy is out of SP Divine Elegance (Uncle Mo), who went for $750,000 to Breeze Easy at the 2018 Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed Sale while in foal to Tapit. Urgence's extended female family includes MGISP Standard Deviation (Curlin) and GI Kentucky Oaks victress Believe You Can (Proud Citizen). TJCIS PPS 6th-OP, $115K, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/16m, 3:50 p.m. ET. Another homebred debuting is Ken McPeek trainee Common Defense (Karakontie {Jpn}), whose female family includes MGSW Fearless (Ghostzapper). Under third dam MGISW Aldiza (Storm Cat) we find the dams of MGISP Lone Sailor (Majestic Warrior) and GIII Peter Pan S. champ Timeline (Hard Spun). TJCIS PPS The post Sunday’s Racing Insights: Well-Related Daughter Of Arrogate Makes The Races At Aqueduct appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of 429 graded stakes races–down from 440 in 2023–and four fewer top-level events will be contested in 2024, the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association announced following its two-day grading session Dec. 14 and 15. The Committee reviewed 970 overall with purses of at least $75,000 and also assigned listed status to a further 213 races. Some 10 races were upgraded from their previous status–one new Grade I and nine Grade Iis. Four new Grade III events were also listed. Fourteen new listed raced and two new listed/restricted races were upgraded from non-listed black-type status. The Franklin-Simpson S. at Kentucky Downs is the lone new Grade I for 2024, while the Carter H., the Man o'War S., the Beverly D. S., the United Nations S. and Hollywood Gold Cup each lost its elite-level grading. Nine races were upgraded to Grade II, four races received an upgrade to Grade III, 14 races were upgraded to listed status and two races were awarded listed/restricted status. Ten races were downgraded from Grade II to Grade III, 15 were downgraded from Grade III to listed status and 13 races were downgraded to non-listed black-type. In 2024, a total of 93 Grade I races will be staged, 137 at the Grade II level and 199 Grade IIIs. Click here for the 2024 U.S. graded and listed stakes listing. Upgraded Stakes Grade II to Grade I Franklin-Simpson S., Kentucky Downs Grade III to Grade II Intercontinental S., Belmont Park Charles Town Oaks, Charles Town Locust Grove S., Churchill Downs Pegasus World Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Gulfstream Valley View S., Keeneland Music City S., Kentucky Downs Fantasy S., Oaklawn Saratoga Oaks Invitational, Saratoga Troy S., Saratoga Listed to Grade III Unbridled Sidney S., Churchill Downs Giant's Causeway S., Keeneland Perryville S., Keeneland Kentucky Cup Classic, Turfway Park Downgraded Stakes Grade I to Grade II Carter H., Aqueduct Man o'War S., Belmont Beverly D. S., Colonial Downs United Nations S., Monmouth Hollywood Gold Cup, Santa Anita Grade II to Grade III Forty Niner S., Aqueduct Hill Prince S., Belmont at Aqueduct Vosburgh S., Belmont at Aqueduct Sheepshead Bay S., Belmont at Aqueduct Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance S. at BC host site Penn Mile S., Penn National Californian S., Santa Anita Goldikova S., Santa Anita Royal Heroine S., Santa Anita Prioress S., Saratoga Grade III to Listed Bay Shore S., Aqueduct Fall Highweight H., Aqueduct La Jolla H., Del Mar Golden Gate H., Golden Gate Fields Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint S., Gulfstream Smile Sprint S., Gulfstream Sugar Swirl S., Gulfstream Swale S., Gulfstream Smarty Jones S., Parx BWI Invitational Turf Cup, Pimlico Iowa Oaks, Prairie Meadows Remington Park Oaks, Remington Desert Stormer S., Santa Anita Kona Gold S., Santa Anita Schuylerville S., Saratoga The post Fewer Graded Races, Net Loss Of Four Grade I Events For 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article