Wandering Eyes

With October well-known as the month for Breast Cancer awareness, this year Arqana will partner with the François Baclesse Center, inviting all vendors/consigners to participate in a charitable challenge throughout the October Yearling Sale. Arqana will organize its own version of the 'Pink Walk' beginning Monday, Oct. 16 and continue through Friday, Oct. 20. A limited edition of the Arqana cap will also be available for purchase (boutique, customer service and restaurant) at the price of 15€. All proceeds will be donated to the François Baclesse Center. For more information, click here or contact Layla Desceliers (ldesceliers@arqana.com) The post Arqana Supports Breast Cancer Awareness at the October Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Due to inclement weather forecast late Saturday and into Sunday, NYRA has moved Sunday's $125k Glen Cove S. to Thursday, Oct. 19 and also the GIII Knickerbocker S. to Friday, Oct. 20, the track said via a tweet Thursday afternoon. Both races open to original nominations and supplements with the Glen Cove to be drawn this Saturday and the Knickerbocker on Sunday. The GII Sands Point S. is still scheduled for early on the card this Saturday before the rain arrives. Due to inclement weather forecast late Saturday & into Sunday, @TheNYRA has moved Sunday's $125K Glen Cove to Thurs. Oct. 19 (to be drawn Saturday) & the G3 Knickerbocker to Fri. Oct. 20 (to be drawn Sunday.) Both races open to original noms & supplements. — Keith-TripleDeadHeat (@TripleDeadHeat) October 12, 2023 The post NYRA Moves Sunday’s Glen Cove S. and Knickerbocker S. To Next Week With Rain Coming appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin When punters think of the biggest harness racing meetings Cambridge trainers Arna Donnelly and Matty White are probably not who first come to mind. Especially at Addington on a NZB Harness Million night, the kind of age group races usually completely taken over by mega barns like the All Stars. Yet the two Cambridge trainers, and in White’s case also as a freelance driver, find themselves with huge winning chances in three of the richest races and upset hopes in two of the others at the strongest harness meeting of the year so far. Donnelly trains Le Major, the $2.40 favourite for the $200,000 NZB Standardbred Harness Million for juvenile male pacers, her exciting youngster having reached new peaks with every start and drawn to potentially lead while the other favourites have to overcome second line draws. “It is nice to be in this position for a change,” smiles Donnelly. “Usually we find ourselves the ones with the poor draws in big races and having to chase the favourites. “I have a fit, healthy horse and I’d love to see him in front and if the others can come and beat him then at least we got our chance.” Donnelly also takes a smart three in Jolimont to tonight’s stacked Airpark Canterbury Flying Stakes and while he may not be able to beat both Merlin and Don’t Stop Dreaming he too has reached new heights so could be the smokey, especially as the big Addington track will suit. “We also have Kango back from Australia, where nothing went right for him, and I worked him on Saturday to ensure his work was good enough to make this trip. It was.” Kango might even lead the Austin Farrier Supplies open class pace but he will need to be back to his best to hold Akuta at bay as the latter was enormous in defeat fresh up and is now hot favourite for next month’s New Zealand Cup. Like Donnelly, White knows the quickest way to the winner’s circle on a major harness night is from in front. So that is where he wants to be with Paramount Kiwi in the NZB Standardbred Harness Million two-year-old trot and, maybe with a few more obstacles in his way, with Coastal Babe in the NZB Standardbred Harness Million 2YO Filies Pace. “Paramount Kiwi is a real little pro and has been very good off the gate so I’d like to be in front and rolling if we get that chance,” he says. Coastal Babe probably has more options, and may need them, in her $150,000 NZB Harness Million as she will start from barrier 7. She showed great gate speed last start to lead and then bolt in at Alexandra Park and if she can cross early she is going to take enormous running down. “That would be the ideal scenario but she also has options. She is versatile as she showed winning at Cambridge two starts back,” says White. “I know these races aren’t easy to win but I think these two are both well up to it so we just need some luck.” Addington’s big questions : R2: Is Paramount Kiwi good enough to beat the southerners? Yes but his $2.20 is too short. If he gets to $2.50 back him otherwise Look To Da Stars is better value. R5: Can Le Major lead and control the race? He should be able to and that makes him the horse to beat with Chase A Dream the cover bet. R6: Will Akuta win? Yes, unless something goes wrong. The danger should be B D Joe. R7: Is Coastal Babe the best filly in NZ? On what she has shown so far, yes. And just as importantly should have the gate speed to cross to the lead early so clear top pick. R8: Who has the better chance, Merlin or Don’t Stop Dreaming? All depends on the start. If Merlin can trail or even get off early to lead he can beat Don’t Stop Dreaming even though the latter may be the better horse. R9: Bolt For Brilliance vs Muscle Mountain, who you got? Bolt was brilliant in his comeback last week but if Muscle Mountain behaves (big IF) he might get him for raw speed. Standing start manner the absolute key to this one. View the full article

A record number of 90 entries have been catalogued for the Tattersalls Online October Sale which takes place Oct. 19 – 20. A wide range of lots are on offer from both Flat and National Hunt disciplines, including 55 horses in/out of training, 17 yearlings, 11 broodmares, three stores, a single point-to-point offering, a filly foal by Tirwanako (Fr) (Sin Kiang {Fr}) and breeding rights to Alkumait (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) and Cracksman (GB) (Frankel {GB}). The 42 horses in training are headed by the 2-year-old Beauty Thunder (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}), who was a game winner of a Roscommon maiden in August. Consigned by Ger Lyon's Glenburnie Stables, the colt boasts a Timeform rating of 87. Another smart 2-year old colt to feature is Blue Prince (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), who shed his maiden tag at York in July and boasts a Timeform rating of 86. The colt is consigned by Richard Fahey's Musley Bank Stables on behalf of Rabbah Bloodstock Ltd. No fewer than 17 yearlings are on offer by both Flat and National Hunt stallions, including the Norris Bloodstock consigned filly by Mehmas (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) out of a winning Noble Mission (GB) mare. New Approach Investments present a colt by Kuroshio (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) from the family of Group 1 winner Lady Bowthorpe (GB), and Whitsbury Manor Stud consign two fillies by Sergei Prokofiev (Scat Daddy) whose first crop have been well received at the recent yearling sales. Listed among the 11 Flat and National Hunt broodmares set to go under the virtual hammer, Night Approaching (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) who hails from the family of recent listed winner My Prospero (Ire). Another catalogued lot who makes plenty of appeal is Vedela Dream (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}), who is offered in foal to Bungle Inthejungle and is a close relation to last year's Champion European 3-year old Vadeni (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}). A pair of breeding rights are on offer-Cracksman, sire of G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Ace Impact and a breeding right to G2 Mill Reef S. winner Alkumait. For more information, visit www.tattersallsonline.com. Prospective buyers are required to join the sale ahead of the commencement of bidding from 12 noon, Thursday, Oct. 19, with bidding scheduled to close from 12 noon Friday Oct. 20. The post Record Number of Entries Catalogued for Tattersalls Online October appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frankie Dettori has abandoned his plan to retire later this year and is to extend his career indefinitely as a full-time U.S.-based jockey. He will look to riding in California this winter, where he will try to secure a mount for the Kentucky Derby. View the full article

Nutella Fella, winner of the Sept. 4 Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, is done for the year due to a hairline ankle fracture in his left hind leg, trainer Gary Contessa told BloodHorse Oct. 12.View the full article

The eighth panel of the OwnerView Virtual Thoroughbred Owner Conference held Oct. 10 featured an equine surgery video and a discussion about the video with surgeon Dr. Larry Bramlage and OwnerView's project manager, Gary Falter.View the full article

Ace Impact climbed from a three-way tie for 10th to a two-way share of second in the latest Longines World's Best Racehorse Rankings announced Oct. 12.View the full article

G2 Prix du Muguet winner Sibila Spain (Ire) (Frankel {GB}-L'Ancresse {Ire}), by Darshaan {GB}) has been added to the Arqana December Vente d'Elevage and is set to go under the hammer during the first evening of the sale Saturday, Dec. 9 when consigned by Haras de l'Hôtellerie. A winner of the Listed Prix de Liancourt at three, the Christopher Head-trained mare finished fourth in the G1 Prix Saint-Alary and G1 Prix de Diane. In the spring of her 4-year-old campaign, she went on to take her first group win in the Prix du Muguet. Offered carrying her first foal by Dubawi (Ire), the 5-year-old is out of the listed winning and G1 Irish Oaks runner-up L'Ancresse and a full-sister to group winner and G1 Ascot Gold Cup-placed Master of Reality (Ire). The well-bred mare hails from the family of Group 1 winners Cerulean Sky and Moonstone as well as Honolulu, Royal Bench, Mayhem, Memphis Tennessee and US Army Ranger. The Arqana December Vente d'Élevage catalogue will be available Monday, Oct. 30 on www.arqana.com. The post GSW Sibilia Spain Heads to Arqana December appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland has supplemented seven horses, including SW Her World (Ire), carrying her first foal by Uncle Mo, to Book 1 of the 80th November Breeding Stock Sale on Wednesday, Nov. 8, the auction house said in a release Thursday. Consigned by Paramount Sales, agent, Her World (Hip 239) is a 4-year-old daughter of Caravaggio who opened her career with a 6-length victory for trainer Wesley Ward in the 2022 Tyro S. at Monmouth Park. Third in Keeneland's TVG Limestone S. in her next start, Her World won consecutive allowance races at Turfway Park and Keeneland earlier this year. Additional supplements to the November Sale are: Hip 238 is a weanling colt by Yaupon who is a half-brother to 'TDN Rising Star' V V's Dream (Mitole), the runner-up GI Darley Alcibiades S. Consigned by Gainesway, agent, he is out of Quay, a winning daughter of Tapit; Hip 240 is a weanling filly by Essential Quality consigned by Lane's End, agent. She is the first foal out of Anukis (Pioneerof the Nile), and from the family of GISW Sean Avery (Cherokee Run); Hip 241 is the SP Badge of Silver mare Oaks Lily, who is in-foal to Olympiad. Consigned by Vinery Sales, agent, she is the dam of a weanling colt by Justify who is cataloged to Book 1 as Hip 85. Hip 242 is Excused (Aus), a 7-year-old SP daughter of Medaglia d'Oro in-foal to Constitution. Consigned by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa, she is from the family of Grade I winners. Hip 243 is stakes-placed Fearless Angel, a 3-year-old daughter of More Than Ready. A half-sister to GISP Neptune's Storm (Stormy Atlantic), she is consigned by Gainesway, agent. Hip 244 is a weanling colt by Into Mischief from the family of champion Storm Song (Summer Squall) and European superstar Order of St George (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Out of the Bernardini mare Sunshiny Day, he is consigned by Paramount Sales, agent. With a catalogue of 3,576 horses over a total of nine sessions through Nov. 16, Keeneland will continue to accept supplements to Book 1 until the auction begins. The Keeneland November Horses of Racing Age Sale will take place the following day. The post Keeneland November Sale Supplements Seven Horses appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Eric Gustavson, who with his wife Tamara Hughes Gustavson own Spendthrift Farm, has been named to Keeneland's Advisory Board of Directors, the association said in a press release Thursday. Gustavson has played a pivotal role in restoring Spendthrift Farm's position as one of the world's premier Thoroughbred breeding operations. He is also a member of The Jockey Club and Breeders' Cup Board of Directors. “We welcome Eric Gustavson to the Keeneland Board, where his business skill and marketing acumen will be instrumental as we meet the opportunities and challenges of the future,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. The post Keeneland Names Spendthrift’s Eric Gustavson To Board of Directors appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Three-time group winner Insinuendo (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}-Obama Rule {Ire}), by Danehill Dancer {Ire}) will be offered at the upcoming Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale which takes place Nov. 24-25. The 6-year-old out of Group 3-winning Obama Rule will be consigned by Rathbride Stables on behalf of her trainer Willie McCreery, who purchased her at the 2018 Goffs Orby Sale from breeders Mountarmstrong Stud for €110,000. Owned by the Deegan Racing Syndicate, Insinuendo's most recent win was in the G3 Park Express S. at the Curragh this past March, a race in which she finished second to G1 1000 Guineas winner Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) a year prior. In addition to winning the 2021 G2 Kilboy Estate S. at the Curragh and the G3 Blue Wind S. at Naas in the same season, she was a neck second to MG1SW Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) in last year's G3 Royal Whip S. at the Curragh and third behind Emily Upjohn (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in the 2022 G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares S. at Ascot. “We are thrilled to add another multiple group-winning mare to what is a simply mouth-watering catalogue for the November Breeding Stock Sale, and I extend our thanks to the connections of Insinuendo for entrusting Goffs with her sale, said Goffs Group Chief Executive Henry Beeby. “The international interest in this year's sale, which will be headed by the iconic Niarchos draft, is huge and we are proud to add Insinuendo to the top tier mares awaiting buyers at Kildare Paddocks next month.” The Goffs November Breeding Stock Sale catalogue, which will be available online Oct. 17, is headed by The Niarchos Draft of 43 regally-bred mares which includes Classic winner Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) in foal to Sea The Stars and G1 Coronation S. winner Alpine Star (Ire) (Sea The Moon {Ire}) in foal to Frankel. The post MGSW Insinuendo To Be Offered at Goffs November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frankie is coming back to America. The Italian-born superstar jockey Frankie Dettori, 52, had planned to retire at the end of the year, but pulled a U-turn Wednesday night when he told racing commentator Nick Luck that not only will he ride in 2024 but he plans to ride full-time in the U.S., beginning with the traditional opening day at Santa Anita, Dec. 26. “I want to carry on a little bit longer in California, where I had such a lovely winter,” Dettori told Luck. “The dynamic of my year has changed so much. If I wasn't riding any winners or not riding in the big races it would have made my decision much easier but at this point I'm still feeling good and I want to get it out of my system.” At the Santa Anita meet that began on Dec. 26, 2022 and ran through April 9, 2023, Dettori finished third in the rider's standings with 26 wins and won at an 18% rate. He won four stakes races. “It's terrific news for the sport, the fans, and California racing, in particular,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “I can't wait to see more of his flying dismounts from my horses in the Santa Anita winner's circle.” Dettori will again represented by agent Ron Anderson. “Things have been in the works for a while,” Anderson said. “I think he was rejuvenated coming to California last year. He is obviously very well received all over the world but he liked California and wanted to continue on. He'll be there for opening day. I'm not saying this because he's my friend, but he's a breath of fresh air. He is so enthusiastic. That's Frankie. He's a different person altogether. Last year he called me on a Sunday night. He had won three races in California. He was so excited. I had to say to myself, 'Is this the same guy who has won six Arcs or is this a kid who just won his first race?' That's the way he sounded, like a kid who had just won his first race. That's Frankie. He's just different. I'm very excited to have him back. His riding was magical while he was in California. It's all good for everyone.” Dettori is scheduled to ride in Great Britain for the final time Saturday in the Champions Day at Ascot. Afterward, he could ride in some international races outside of Europe and will be in the U.S. for the Breeders' Cup, which will be run at Santa Anita on Nov. 3 and 4. He will then return to Santa Anita for the Dec. 26 opener. Dettori told Luck that “the dream is to find a horse for the Kentucky Derby.” He has ridden in Derby just once, finishing eighth aboard China Visit (Red Ransom) in 2000. Last year, Baffert used him on a handful of 3-year-olds that were prospects for the GI Kentucky Derby, but none made it to the race. So far as what Dettori does after the Kentucky Derby, he was non-committal. When asked by the Racing Post if he might return to the U.K. following the Derby, he replied: “I accept that's a question but at the moment I can't see any further than the Kentucky Derby. My goal is to get a decent ride in that. I therefore can't answer the question yet.” However, in his interview with Luck he made it clear that he was open to riding in the U.S. past the first Saturday in May. “I want to travel, Kentucky, Florida, Saratoga, Del Mar, that's what I want to do, that's what excites me,” he said. “I'm going into uncharted waters.” The post Dettori Calls Off Retirement To Ride Full Time in U.S. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hill 'n' Dale Farms multiple leading sire Curlin will have a stud fee equal to Spendthrift Farm's Into Mischief at $250,000 LFSN, as the breeding operation published its roster for the 2024 season in a press release Thursday morning. Farm stalwart Curlin, who has defined himself as one of the most preeminent sires at stud today, had his fee raised from $225,000. The 19-year-old is the sire of five individual Grade I winners this year, including Idiomatic, Cody's Wish, Clairiere, Elite Power and Bright Future. Curlin's champion son Good Magic will stand for a 2024 fee of $125,000 LFSN. The leading second crop sire this year, Good Magic is the sire of both Kentucky Derby champ Mage and recent GI American Pharoah S. winner Muth, who sold as a 2-year-old for $2 million to Zedan Racing Stables, Inc. Army Mule enjoyed a banner year in the sales ring and on the track. In addition to siring One in Vermillion, his first-crop Grade I winner, his yearlings sold for up to $600,000. His fee is set at $25,000 LFSN. New to the roster this year is Grade I performer Loggins by Ghostzapper who will stand his first season for $7,500 LFSN. Here is a list of the complete roster with fees: Curlin — $250,000 LFSN Good Magic — $125,000 LFSN Ghostzapper — $75,000 LFSN Violence — $60,000 LFSN Charlatan — $50,000 LFSN Maclean's Music — $40,000 LFSN Army Mule — $25,000 LFSN Kantharos — $15,000 LFSN Midnight Lute — $10,000 LFSN Loggins — $7,500 LFSN Mucho Macho Man — $7,500 LFSN World of Trouble — $5,000 LFSN The post Curlin’s $250,000 Stud Fee At Hill ‘n’ Dale A Match For Into Mischief’s appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gainesway Farm named its 2024 stallion roster and their advertised stud fees for the next breeding season, the organization said in a release early Thursday morning. Three-time leading North American sire Tapit will stand for $185,000 S&N on the heels of another strong season for his offspring both on the racetrack and in the sales ring. Olympiad, a Grade I-winning son of Speightstown, will stand his second season at stud for $35,000. Breeders sent over 200 mares to be part of the 5-year-old's inaugural book. Meanwhile, McKinzie, a four-time Grade I-winning son of Street Sense, will stand for $30,000 after his first yearlings went to auction this year. Young stallions Drain the Clock (Maclean's Music), Raging Bull (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Spun to Run (Hard Spun) will each stand for $10,000. GI Belmont S. hero Tapwrit will stand for $7,500 and rounding out the roster is GI Breeders' Cup Mile winner Karakontie (Jpn) (Bernstein), whose fee will be announced at a later time. Here is the complete list of the 2024 stallion roster and advertised fees: Tapit — $185,000 Olympiad — $35,000 McKinzie — $30,000 Drain the Clock — $10,000 Raging Bull — $10,000 Spun to Run — $10,000 Tapwrit — $7,500 Karakontie — To be announced The post Gainesway Announces 2024 Stud Fees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A dark cloud has come over racing in West Auckland, with its future in doubt following New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing’s (NZTR) announcement that no further trial meetings will be held at Avondale Racecourse for the foreseeable future. There have been growing concerns relating to track safety at Avondale, which escalated following the abandonment of the Avondale Jockey Club’s (AJC) September 6 meeting due to the unsafe nature of the track. With the subsequent breakdown in communication between the two parties, NZTR decided it was in the best interests of its stakeholders to cease trials at the track and enter discussions with TAB NZ to revoke the allocation of race dates to the AJC for the current season. “Avondale haven’t really engaged since the abandonment in September. We needed to bring it to a head, we couldn’t keep going around in circles,” NZTR chief operating officer Darin Balcombe said. “We have got obligations to stakeholders in terms of race meetings and to give surety to everyone as to where they are going to trial and where they will be racing. “We have tried to make contact (with AJC) several times since the abandonment and we have had one response, which was pretty underwhelming. “We have had our regional track advisor, Jason Fulford, on course carrying out testing of the problem area. “They (AJC) unfortunately don’t have a track manager at the moment and don’t seem to want to accept any support to prepare the track. “We have got to the end of our tether, and we have got no faith that they can provide a safe racing surface, and that is why the decision had to be made. “The decision was all about a safe racing surface and we can’t have our industry participants going all the way to Avondale and have meetings called off. “Currently we can’t race any distance over 1350m there and have no surety that the club has a plan to remedy that.” NZTR are now working with the Northern programming chair and other clubs to look for alternate venues for the affected trials and race meetings. “It (decision to revoke trials and race meetings) is for the foreseeable future until we can gain some comfort and some surety that they (AJC) have the right people and practices in place,” Balcombe said. “We are in the early stages (of discussions with the TAB) and we are starting to look at what our options are as far as alternate venues.” Avondale Jockey Club has refuted its lack of cooperation with NZTR and are engaging legal advice. “The Club is going to its lawyers because NZTR’s media release of today is inaccurate regarding alleged lack of cooperation by the Club,” AJC president Tracey Berkhahn said. The Club did not want to make any further comment. Avondale’s next race meeting was set to take place on Wednesday, November 8. View the full article

As part of a “relentless focus on welfare”, the Jockey Club has announced a number of changes to the Randox Grand National, including reducing the maximum number of starters from 40 to 34. Having canvassed the views of a wide range of racing industry stake-holders as well as World Horse Welfare, the Jockey Club has settled upon five key changes to the Aintree showcase, which will be run next year on Saturday, April 13. Last year's race was delayed by 15 minutes after protestors invaded the track. One of the runners, Hill Sixteen (GB), was fatally injured after falling at the first fence, an incident his trainer Sandy Thomson said was exacerbated by the heightened tension surrounding the delay. Along with the reduction in the number of runners, the first fence will be moved 60 yards closer to the start line in order to minimise the horses' speed on approach to the fence. The start time of the race will also be brought forward in the day, and horses will no longer be led by a handler in a pre-race parade. Instead they will be released at the end of the horse walk to canter to post as is normal in other races. Other changes including lowering the height of the eleventh fence by two inches, alterations to the running rail to assist with the capture of loose horses, and further investment in the track's irrigation system. The mimimim handicap rating for runners will be increased to 130 (from 125). Nevin Truesdale, Chief Executive of the Jockey Club, said “The Randox Grand National is the most iconic race in the world and one which transcends our sport. It is part of the fabric of British sporting life alongside the likes of Wimbledon, the FA Cup and the Open golf and is loved and watched by millions of people all over the world every year. For many it is also their introduction to horseracing and I believe that a competitive, fair and safe Randox Grand National is one of the best ways of ensuring the sport continues to thrive for generations to come and remains an important part of Britain's culture and economy.” He continued, “That means our sport, like many other sports have done, needs to recognise when action needs to be taken to evolve because the safety and care of horses and jockeys will always be our number one priority. In making these changes at Aintree we are underlining our relentless focus on welfare and our commitment to powering the future of British racing.” The post Reduction in Runners Among a Package of Changes to Grand National appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Living Legends, the international home of rest for champion gallopers, is where you’ll find Andrew Clarke and several of the city’s all-time greatsView the full article

Four-year-old’s unbeaten streak came crashing down when he was the shortest-priced favourite to miss a place this seasonView the full article

Frankie Dettori attended a photo call in London on Thursday morning, posing underneath a banner saying 'Thank You Frankie' to mark his forthcoming final ride in Britain at QIPCO British Champions Day on October 21. But while this was taking place, the Racing Post published a story online with quotes from the jockey stating that his long-held retirement plans are off and that he will ride next year in America, basing himself at Santa Anita. Dettori's stated plan had been to ride at some of the major international meetings through to the end of the year after waving goodbye to Britain at his beloved Ascot. His decision to stall his retirement and move to California will not come as a surprise to many within the racing industry, but it does rather undermine the drawn out farewell tour he has been conducting in Europe throughout the season. He told Lee Mottershead of the Racing Post, “I didn't expect this year to be so successful. I feel like I still have to get it all out of my system, so the obvious choice for me is to move full-time to America because I had such a good time there over the winter. I'm going to be based at Santa Anita but I'll also do a bit of stuff on the international scene in Dubai and Saudi Arabia when available.” Dettori, who had been in tears in Deauville in the summer when French racing acknowledged his final ride at the track, admitted that he had started to rethink retirement after winning the G1 Juddmonte International aboard Mostahdaf (GB) (Frankel {GB}) for his long-term ally John Gosden. “I'm still looking forward to saying my last goodbyes at Ascot on Champions Day but then we'll move to southern California just before Christmas for our new future,” he told the Racing Post. He did not, however, rule out the possibility that he could yet reappear in Britain, the country which has been his home for 37 years. “I accept that's a question but at the moment I can't see any further than the Kentucky Derby,” he said. “My goal is to get a decent ride in that. I therefore can't answer the question yet. “In the past, American jockeys have come over to Royal Ascot to ride for people like Wesley Ward. It would all depend on how it clashes with the American calendar. I am committed to going to America and having a proper go at it there. I can't be going backwards and forwards between America and Britain like a yo-yo. That would be impossible. “I'll tackle the question of riding in Britain again closer to the time. I can't say yes, I can't say no because I don't know. We'll see.” The post Dettori Cancels Retirement Plans to Ride in America appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Promising three-year-old gelding Dulcet took an important step towards the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) when running out a ready winner at Sale on Wednesday for trainer Chris Waller. From the first crop of Brighthill Farm stallion Eminent, Dulcet had been placed in his first two starts before relishing the step up to 1740m at Sale to win by a comfortable two lengths. Winning jockey Beau Mertens was impressed with the performance of the progressive young stayer who came from last to loop the field and win going away. “He gave me a good feel. Obviously, he was the best horse in a race like that and the team gave me a bit of confidence to ride him with cover, wherever I ended up with him,” Mertens said. “He just showed his class. He tracked up right around them and had it won pretty quickly. “He ran strongly throughout and when I got past them I just wanted to keep his mind on the job so he hit the line strongly and he was doing it very easily. I struggled to pull him up a little bit so he has plenty left in the tank.” Now that maiden ranks have been cleared, a test over ground beckons for Dulcet, who is a half-brother to Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m) runner-up Let’s Karaka Deel. “The team have suggested that he is going to the Geelong Classic (Listed, 2200m) next start so on the back of that win, he should run really well,” Mertens said. “I have had a terrific association with Chris (Waller) with the minimal rides I have had for him. I have got a good strike-rate so hopefully opportunities like these can keep arising through the next couple of months and beyond.” Purchased by Guy Mulcaster and Chris Waller Racing for $250,000 as a yearling from the 2022 Karaka Book 1 Sale, Dulcet is the most expensive yearling by exciting young Frankel sire Eminent to date. The gelding is the first Australian runner for the Group One performed Eminent, while he has already sired impressive debut winner Fon Memories from his eldest crop in New Zealand. Bred by Wentwood Grange under their Llanhennock Trust banner, Dulcet is yet another highly promising three-year-old to come from the farm’s Karaka 2022 draft, with Pushy, Quintessa and Harlow Mist fellow graduates. View the full article

Te Akau Racing couldn’t have wished for a better fit at Hastings on Saturday for talented mare Romancing The Moon. The Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson-prepared daughter of El Roca will bid to continue her winning ways in the Gr.3 Valley D’Vine Restaurant Spring Sprint (1400m), in which she will carry the minimum 53kg. She will be opposed by an in-form stablemate Puketiro, who has been handed no favours with a wide gate, while their trainers are hoping for Group One honours for Aromatic when she steps out in the Livamol Classic (2040m). Last season’s Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m) winner Romancing The Moon successfully opened her preparation at Taupo last month with a powerful front-running performance. “She had a fantastic three-year-old season and she has come back really well,” Bergerson said. “Obviously, she gets in really well under the conditions and is perfectly weighted. “She only trialled okay before resuming and has taken a bit longer to get fit this time around and her first-up win was a tough effort. “She has drawn a nice gate (four) and should get a lovely run. Her work here on Tuesday on the course proper with Puketiro was really good so she’s in fine form.” Puketiro has won four of her five starts and the Savabeel mare finished strongly to claim a Rating 75 contest at Tauranga on her return from a break. “She’s lightly raced and very progressive, but she has got a niggly barrier draw so she’ll probably have to go back,” Bergerson said. “That’s going to make it really tough, but we are happy with the way she has come through her first-up run. “We thought she may have been a bit vulnerable, but she stuck her neck out and we’re happy with how she has trained on.” Aromatic will be making her third appearance at the carnival following midfield finishes in the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) and the Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (1600m). “I don’t think she’s out of it and we’ll probably go back from the barrier and hopefully Warren (Kennedy) can get some cover one off in midfield,” Bergerson said. “The step up to 2040m is key and we certainly weren’t disappointed with her first two runs at Hastings. “At the 1400m, she was strong enough through the line and then in the second leg she unfortunately got knocked over at the top of the straight. I thought she did really well to pick herself up and we can’t fault her.” The stable will also have a strong hand spearheaded by the Gr.3 Barneswood Farm Stakes (1400m) contender Viva Vienna at the Ashburton meeting. The filly has won both of her starts this campaign, including the Listed Canterbury Belle Stakes (1200m) and will be stepping up in trip for the first time. “It could be a push and you don’t really know until you have a go. Hopefully, she can get a bit of cover and relax and find the line,” Bergerson said. “The goal is the 1000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m), but if the 1400m proves a stretch we will have to reassess, but she is a really tough and speedy filly and we know she will give it her all. Another strong chance for the team is last season’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) runner-up Mehzebeen, who steps out in the Agraforum Comcat Handicap (2200m). “We had to rush her a little bit to get her up in trip and now she’s had that one over 2000m it looks a really nice race for her,” Bergerson said. “She has drawn a good gate, but she has been a touch slow away which is frustrating and letting herself down in the barriers. “Hopefully, she jumps away and gets a nice run from the draw. She hasn’t had much luck in two runs down there, so hopefully Saturday is her day.” View the full article

A day after Wolfy (NZ) (Tivaci) broke through for his maiden city success, trainer Nick Ryan knew he had had to press on to the Caulfield Guineas with Wolfy. The three-year-old scored at Flemington over 1420m on September 24, following a Sale maiden win, and Ryan was going to leave a decision on whether Wolfy started in Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) until later that week. “I was very mindful that he’s a very good colt and it was his first prep,” Ryan said. “I left the races that day saying, ‘I’ll let the horse tell me’, and it didn’t take long. “We took him to the beach on the Monday morning after he raced on the Sunday. He was bucking in the water, he’d licked the bin, so it would have been a sin not to run on Saturday. “I know how good a colt he is, and I can’t wait to see him in the autumn, but he’s put his hand up, so we’ll roll the dice.” There has been a ‘spruik’ on Wolfy from day one when he the son of Tivaci made his debut at Caulfield over 1200m at Caulfield in July, finishing second. On the strength of that, Wolfy went to Sandown and was expected to win a 1300m maiden, but was ridden out of his comfort zone, finishing sixth as a $1.80 favourite. “There were jaws on the ground everywhere that day,” Ryan said. “We picked ourselves up, we charged on. We went to Geelong and ran into a good horse of (Ben, Will & J D) Hayes’, and he hasn’t really stepped a foot wrong since that defeat at Sandown. “We learned a lot about him that day. He was on speed and still green, but we’ve picked ourselves up and hopefully he can reward us on Saturday.” Ryan took advantage of a gallop on the course proper at Caulfield on Tuesday morning. “I know he’s raced there, but Caulfield can be tricky, so another look wasn’t going to hurt him,” he said. “He’s been running good sectionals and he’s been rating quite well, but if anything, he’s been crying out for the mile. “That was my concern last time whether the 1400 metres was going to be far enough, but he picked them up quite easily.” Wolfy will be ridden by Blake Shinn who is looking for his first win in the time-honoured race. Ryan said Shinn had done a lot of the early work on the colt, even putting Wolfy through the barriers ahead of his first jump-out. “He knows the horse very well. He’s helped educate the horse, so it gives me confidence on Saturday,” Ryan said. View the full article

Trainer Phillip Stokes is taking a different approach 12 months on in his bid to have Daqiansweet Junior (NZ) (Sweet Orange) peaking for the Melbourne Cup. Stokes elected to bypass The Bart Cummings (2520m) at Flemington last week in favour of the Gr.2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. Success in The Bart Cummings would have secured Daqiansweet Junior a ballot exemption into the Melbourne Cup, but Stokes is banking on attrition and the potential of a penalty, if successful on Saturday, in rising up the Melbourne Cup ballot order. Daqiansweet Junior currently sits number 30 in the Melbourne Cup Order of Entry while he also remains in the Caulfield Cup, but at number 27 will need to win on Saturday to gain a ballot exemption if he is to take his place. “He’s still got to earn his way to the Melbourne Cup,” Stokes said. “So, we’re hoping for a bit of attrition, or if we can win on Saturday and get a bit of a penalty.” Stokes said he doubts Daqiansweet Junior would back-up in the Caulfield Cup on Saturday week if successful on Saturday, but the option remains open. Daqiansweet Junior ran sixth in last year’s Melbourne Cup carrying 53kg and drops to 51.5kg this year. Stokes said in bypassing The Bart Cummings, he felt Saturday’s Herbert Power and the three-and-a-half weeks into the Melbourne will work better for the stayer. “He had been off the scene for a while leading into this campaign,” Stokes said. “Last time, he had a lot of residual fitness all the way through from the Adelaide Cup and Sydney Cup, so I just thought the three-and-a-bit weeks into the Melbourne Cup this year would be better. “The horse is going great. “He’s still got a nice turn of foot in him, but he just needs to get up to his right trip.” With Daniel Stackhouse, who has ridden the stayer in his past two starts in the Heatherlie Stakes and Naturalism Stakes at Caulfield heading to Sydney to ride Benedetta in The Silver Eagle at Randwick, Blake Shinn takes the ride on Saturday “We won’t lose anything there,” Stokes said. View the full article

Glenn Old’s phone has been ringing red hot over the last couple of weeks after Adam I Am’s (NZ) (Almanzor) impressive maiden victory at Matamata last month, but the talented four-year-old will remain in New Zealand. A notable trader of horses, Old purchased the son of Almanzor as a yearling at Karaka for $100,000 and put together the Adam I Am Syndicate to race the horse, with co-breeders Philip and Catherine Brown, as well as Kilgravin Lodge retaining shares in the gelding. Old has taken his time with the now four-year-old, who made a statement when winning his 1200m maiden by five lengths at just his second raceday start. “I have had a lot of interest,” Old said. “We sell all of our horses, but we decided to keep this one and hopefully have a bit of fun. “It is quite exciting times. He has got a long way to go yet but he looks good. “His mother was very good, I trained her, she was a Group Two winner and Group One placed. Hopefully he is what we are after.” The Matamata trainer has been pleased with the way his gelding has come through his last start heroics and is looking forward to heading south to Hastings with him this weekend to contest the Dan D’Esposito Memorial (1400m). “We are really happy with him, he has come through it well. He hasn’t missed an oat and he is happy in his work,” Old said. “The step up to 1400m should suit and barrier two should be okay. The only concern would be if he got over racing behind a couple if he was tardy away, but he should jump better this time hopefully.” A freshen-up could follow Saturday’s $65,000 MAAT race, with Old looking towards a start in the new $1 million four-year-old mile race at the Karaka Million meeting in January, “That is why we kept him here, there is some nice prizemoney here,” Old said. “There is that $1 million four-year-old mile, if he is good enough. There is a MAAT race over a mile in February worth $350,000, so if he is not quite good enough for the Karaka Million race, he can run in that one. “We will just take one race at a time. He will probably get a break somewhere before January. If he ran well on Saturday we may give him a couple of weeks in the paddock.” While many of Old’s barn are traded offshore, he is excited to have a quality horse to race himself. “It is always nice to have a good horse to take to the races and have some fun with,” he said. “Most of the horses we race are just bread and butter. It is hard to get a good one.” View the full article