Wandering Eyes

The 2023 shortlist nominees for the Sports Personality of the Year were revealed by the BBC on Tuesday. The winner will be announced during alive broadcast live from Media City in Salford on Tuesday, Dec. 19, with presenters Clare Balding, Gary Lineker, Gabby Logan and Alex Scott looking back at the year of sport on BBC One and iPlayer from 7 p.m. local time. The contenders are as follows: Stuart Broad (Cricket) Frankie Dettori (Horse Racing) Mary Earps (Football) Alfie Hewett (Wheelchair Tennis) Katarina Johnson-Thompson (Athletics) Rory Mcllroy (Golf) In existence for seven decades, the awards allow the public to decide who its sporting heroes are. Votes can be cast by phone or online on the evening of Dec. 19, with the number to call for each contender revealed during the programme. For further information about the awards please visit the BBC website. The post 2023 BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Shortlist Revealed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Longtime Thoroughbred horseman and Indiana native Tim Glyshaw has been named the new Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (IHBPA) executive director, according to a Tuesday press release from that organization. Glyshaw assumes his new position beginning Feb. 1. He will fill the position vacated by current executive director Brian Elmore, who is retiring after serving six years at that job. “We are very fortunate to find someone like Tim who has such a vast knowledge of the business to replace Brian Elmore,” said Joe Davis, the president of the IHBPA. “Brian has been very valuable to our organization, and his retirement leaves a big void for us,” Davis said. “So finding someone to fill that position was a big task. Tim not only has experience from the perspective of a trainer, he is also an accomplished businessman. Meshing those two skills together will be a huge asset for us.” Glyshaw, a native of Evansville, is a graduate of Indiana University with a degree in education. After teaching for two years, he made the move into Thoroughbred horse racing, working for Trainer Robert Holthus before branching out on his own in 2004, racing primarily in Kentucky and Indiana. “It's been wonderful training, but I think it's time to pursue other options,” said Glyshaw. “The executive director position will allow me to still be involved in racing and hopefully do some good things for the members in Indiana. Brian has done so well and I'm eager for him to teach me about this position over the next few months. I'm very fortunate to have such a great mentor as I transition into this position. “I still have nine horses in training,” Glyshaw continued. “Four of those are with Deerfield Farm, who has been with me from the start. We are currently stabled at the Churchill Downs Training Center and racing at Turfway. As we get closer to February, I'll know when my last start is as a trainer before I step into my new role with the IHBPA.” Glyshaw will transition into his new role as the IHBPA Executive Director in early 2024 alongside Elmore, who will phase out following the first quarter of the year, according to the press release. The post Glyshaw Named Indiana HBPA Executive Director appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The four-day Arqana Vente d'Elevage concluded on Tuesday, with four fillies and mares making €1 million or more, and 668 horses (77%) marked as sold for a gross of €47,135,000. Overall, the average was down 8% to €70,561, however, the median rose to €20,000, an increase of 16% off of 2022's mark. The sale was topped by Group 1 winner Place Du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) at €4.025 million from leading buyer Portofino Bloodstock. Taking just Tuesday's trade into account, 109 lots sold (79%) for a gross of €581,500. The day's average was down 5% to €5,335, while the median increased by 14% to €4,000. Tuesday's top lot was lot 919, the Kingman (GB) mare Crispina (GB). From the family of stallions Cityscape (GB) and Bated Breath (GB), the Haras d'Annebault-consigned 6-year-old was sold in foal to G1 Deutsches Derby hero Laccario (Ger) and brought €52,000 from SARL Trotting Bloodstock. A named filly foal, Laskaria (Fr) (Laccario {Ger}), was the day's dearest foal, changing hands for €25,000 from the draft of Haras d'Annebault. Richard Venn Bloodstock bought the April foal on behalf of Paola Beacco Bd. La Motteraye Consignment was the leading vendor, offering 39 mares, fillies and foals for a gross of €4,971,000, including Channel (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}) for €1.2 million. Arqana President Eric Hoyeau and Executive Director Freddy Powell said, “In a record-breaking year, the 2023 edition of the Vente d'Élevage has concluded with very good results. With four fillies and mares making over €1 million, including an historic top price of over €4 million, turnover from the December sale exceeded €45 million for the second time. Driven by buyers from all over Europe, as well as from the United States, Australia, Japan, India, Turkey and France, demand remained buoyant. The middle market segment also remained strong, with a high level of activity both internationally and domestically. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our vendors, as well as the buyers who once again turned out in force. We would also like to thank all our teams, in the yards, the stud farms and in the offices, for their involvement during this great marathon that is the Vente d'Elevage. As this marks the end of the sales year, we wish everyone a very happy holiday season.” The post Solid Results As Curtain Falls On 2023 Arqana Vente d’Elevage appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thoroughbred trainers Dale Romans, John Sadler and Shug McGaughey, plus racing and bloodstock manager Gavin Murphy, have joined the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA)'s Horsemen's Advisory Group, the HISA Authority announced via press release Tuesday. The advisory group is a body of racing industry participants formed by the HISA Authority last year to provide formal feedback to the Authority 's executive team and Standing Committees on the implementation and evolution of its Racetrack Safety and Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) regulations. The four new members will replace outgoing Horsemen's Advisory members Rick Gold, Rick Schosberg, Donnie Von Hemel, and the late Frank Jones. Romans is an Eclipse Award-winning trainer from Louisville, Kentucky. He races in Kentucky, New York and Florida, and is a member of the board of directors while also serving as the vice president of the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. Sadler is a California-based conditioner who has been training since 1978. In addition to training multiple Eclipse Award champions, Sadler was previously president of the California Thoroughbred Trainers and a member of the board of the Thoroughbred Owners of California. McGaughey is a New York- and Florida-based Hall-of-Fame trainer and a native of Lexington, Kentucky. Historically the private trainer for the laureled Phipps Stable, McGaughey brings decades of experience as a top horseman to the Horsemen's Advisory Group. Five of McGaughey's trainees have been inducted into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame. Murphy, originally from Queensland, Australia, is the head of SF Bloodstock, an internationally recognized investment fund, with breeding and racing operations in the U.S., Australia, and Europe. A longtime industry stakeholder, Murphy was previously employed at Soros Fund Management, has served on the board of directors of the Breeders' Cup, and has a significant involvement with top Australian stud farm, Newgate. The full list of the Horsemen's Advisory Group members can be found here. The Group has 19 members with a wide variety of viewpoints from across racing. Its membership includes trainers, owners, veterinarians, backstretch employees and representatives of racing offices and aftercare initiatives. “I am grateful to Rick Gold, Rick Schosberg, Donnie Von Hemel, and the late Frank Jones for their dedication to improving HISA's Racetrack Safety and ADMC programs,” said the HISA Authority's chief executive officer, Lisa Lazarus. “Their feedback has been integral to HISA's evolution as we work to create a fair and safe playing field for the sport. We look forward to collaborating with the new horsemen joining our group and benefitting from their years of hands-on experience in the Thoroughbred industry.” The post Four New Members Join HISA Horsemen’s Advisory Group appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The British Horseracing Authority is considering whether to limit the number of horses a trainer can run in major handicaps, the Racing Post reported Dec. 12.View the full article

Churchill Downs has announced a new partnership with the British Jockey Club and Ascot Racecourse to offer a program where horses competing during Kentucky Derby week could receive an entry and travel incentive for races at Epsom and Royal Ascot.View the full article

Turf writers Dick Jerardi, Paul Moran, and John L. Hervey have been selected to the National Museum of Racing's Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor, the museum announced via press release Tuesday. Jerardi grew up in Baltimore and graduated from the University of Maryland with a journalism degree and a minor in history. He attended his first GI Preakness S. in 1973 and became immersed in the game by frequenting the betting windows at Pimlico, Bowie, Laurel, and Timonium almost daily from 1977 to early 1985. He began authoring freelance articles about horse racing for the Baltimore News American and was the racing writer for Sports First, a Baltimore paper dedicated exclusively to sports that lasted just a year beginning in 1983. In February 1985, Jerardi was hired as the horse racing writer for the Philadelphia Daily News and became a fixture on the national scene. He covered every Triple Crown race from 1987 through 2017 and nearly every Breeders' Cup during the same period while writing more than 7,000 stories for the paper during 33 years there, mostly about horse racing. Jerardi's favorite experiences in racing were from 2004 through 2006, when three horses with Philadelphia connections—Smarty Jones, Afleet Alex, and Barbaro—won five of seven Triple Crown races. In 2006, Jerardi won the Eclipse Award for his series on Barbaro. He has won the Red Smith Award for GI Kentucky Derby coverage five times and is a three-time winner of the Joe Hirsch Award for best Breeders' Cup story. In 2007, Jerardi was chosen by the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters as the winner of the Walter Haight Award for career excellence in turf writing. Jerardi is co-host of Let's Go Racing, a 30-minute weekly horse racing television show that has been on the air in the Philadelphia market for more than 30 years. He also wrote a weekly column for Daily Racing Form for 20 years and was a charter member of the Beyer Speed Figure team that was first assembled in the mid-1980s and continues to this day with the Beyers appearing in the Form for the past three decades. Moran (1947 ̶ 2013) was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and graduated from the University at Buffalo. He served in Vietnam and the Middle East as a sergeant in the Air Force before beginning a distinguished career in sports journalism, primarily known for his prowess as a racing writer. Moran covered his first Triple Crown races in 1973 during Secretariat's historic run and continued to cover the series without interruption for the next 35 years. He wrote for the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel from 1975 to 1985 then joined the staff at Newsday on Long Island, N.Y., where he worked until 2008. Moran won two Eclipse Awards while at Newsday. He also won the Red Smith Award for his Kentucky Derby coverage, as well as the Associated Press Sports Editors Award from the American Society of Newspaper Editors in 1990 and the Distinguished Sports Writing Award from the New York Newspaper Publishers Association in 1992. Moran semi-retired to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., in 2008, but continued to write for various outlets, including ESPN.com. He also worked six Saratoga meetings for The Associated Press. After a three-year battle with cancer, Moran died in November 2013. The following summer, a group of Moran's friends and colleagues scattered his ashes in the Saratoga Race Course infield near the grave of Go for Wand, as per Moran's wishes. Hervey (1870 ̶ 1947), a native of Jefferson, Ohio, was described by The Thoroughbred of California as “the dean of American turf journalists.” He began writing about Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing around the age of 16. Raised in a horse-centric family, Hervey developed a considerable knowledge of the art and science of horse breeding. While still a teenager, Hervey put that knowledge to good use when he was hired by William Fasig to work in his sales organization, the Tipton Company of Cleveland (later becoming the Fasig-Tipton Company), and soon he was writing articles for a variety of turf journals. Hervey became editor of The Trotting Horse in 1892. He also provided racing coverage for the Chicago Tribune in the 1890s and became one of Daily Racing Form's first contributors, remaining an occasional correspondent for the Form until his death. In 1912, Hervey became editor for The Thoroughbred Record. It was during this period that Hervey, who used the pen name “Salvator” in honor of the Hall of Fame racehorse, became widely regarded as one of America's foremost authorities on all aspects of racing and breeding. The Jockey Club hired Hervey to research and document American racing's history in a multi-edition work, Racing in America. Hervey was so well thought of in harness racing that he was posthumously inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame in 1962. The John Hervey Awards for excellence in harness racing journalism are named in his honor. The post Jerardi, Moran, Hervey selected to National Museum of Racing’s Media Roll of Honor appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A field of 12 Japanese-bred 2-year-old colts descends on Kawasaki Racecourse Wednesday evening for the $490,090 Listed Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun, a 1600-meter contest that serves as the second of four legs on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby. A total of 42 Derby points are on the line, to be awarded to the first five finishers on a scale of 20-10-6-4-2. Aigle Noir (Jpn), a son of Eclipse Award winner Bricks and Mortar, looks for his fourth win from five starts overall and will try to remain undefeated on the dirt in the process. Fourth on turf debut at Hanshin in June, the dark bay graduated over 1700 meters at Kokura Sept. 2 and narrowly prevailed in a Tokyo allowance Oct. 14, defeating Amante Bianco (Jpn) (Henny Hughes). Aigle Noir stepped up to stakes company last time, besting the re-opposing Satono Phoenix (Jpn) (Henny Hughes) in the Listed Hyogo Junior Grand Prix Nov. 22 (see below, SC 7), while Amante Bianco further flattered the form with a handy success in the Cattleya S., the first of the Japanese Kentucky Derby points races at Tokyo three days later. Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) was purchased for ¥98 million ($720,603) as a yearling at the JRHA Select Sale and is flawless in his two starts to date. A son of GII Santa Ynez S. victress Forever Darling (Congrats) and from the family of Japanese Horse of the Year Zenno Rob Roy (Jpn) (Kris S.) , the Yoshito Yahagi trainee opened his account with a stylish four-length victory in an 1800-meter newcomers event at Kyoto Oct. 14 and was the facile winner of the Listed JBC Nisai Yushun at Mombetsu when last seen Nov. 4 (see below, SC 3). Ryusei Sakai rides the narrow second ante-post favorite. Godolphin homebred Nasty Weather (Jpn) (Pyro) is also two from three on the dirt, while Seltsam (Jpn) (Henny Hughes)–a distant third to Aigle Noir and Satono Phoenix last time–is the lone group winner in the field, having upset the G3 Hakodate Nisai S. on the turf back in July. None of the participants from the Cattleya S. presses on to this test, meaning that the winner takes over at the top of the standings. The series continues with the Listed Hyacinth S. at Tokyo Feb. 18 and the Fukuryu S. (allowance) at Nakayama Mar. 23. The post Dozen Juveniles Line Up For Kentucky Derby Points Race in Japan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs on Tuesday announced a new partnership with the British Jockey Club and Ascot Racecourse to offer a program where horses competing during GI Kentucky Derby week could receive an entry and travel incentive for races at Epsom Downs and the Royal Ascot meeting. “This is a really special partnership that will give owners and trainers a great opportunity to run in some of our marquee races during Kentucky Derby week and, in exchange, they could receive entries into some of Europe's most prestigious turf races,” Gary Palmisano Jr., the executive director of racing for Churchill Downs Inc., said via press release. “This partnership will give owners and trainers based in Europe a good initiative to bring some of their top horses over to experience Kentucky Derby week. Not only is this a great opportunity for connections based in Europe but this will give our owners and trainers here in North America a shot to compete on the international stage,” Palmisano said. Two races on Kentucky Derby Day will offer horses an entry and travel incentive to run at Royal Ascot in mid-June: The winner of the GI Old Forester Turf Classic S. will receive a berth to either the G1 Queen Anne S. or the G1 Prince of Wales's S. Earlier on the Kentucky Derby Day program, the winner of the GII Twin Spires Turf Sprint S. will receive an entry to the G1 King Charles S. “We are very excited to be working with Churchill Downs and the UK Jockey Club on this exciting new initiative,” said Nick Smith, the director of racing and public affairs at Ascot Racecourse. “We were very pleased to play our part hosting the Churchill team at Royal Ascot last year, with the Kentucky Derby trophy on display as they built up to this important 150th running of the world's greatest dirt race. We have a rich modern history of American runners at Royal Ascot and their success always adds hugely to the meeting. With NBC covering the event all week, the Saturday on the main network channel, hopefully this new link up of races will add a new dimension to their and ITV's coverage.” Three-year-old turf specialists in the GII American Turf S. and GII Edgewood S. can receive their entry to either the G1 Betfred Derby or G1 Betfred Oaks at Epsom Downs. The winner of the American Turf will receive an entry and travel stipend to compete in the Betfred Derby, while the winner of the Edgewood will receive the same benefits for the Betfred Oaks. “We're delighted to develop these links with races at the Kentucky Derby Meeting in its 150th year,” said Matt Woolston, the assistant racing and international racing director at The Jockey Club. “A trip to Churchill Downs is one that should be on the bucket list for every racing fan, the world over…These historic races already have an international reputation, and we want to welcome more and more international runners in the years to come.” In return for the above incentives for horses on Kentucky Derby weekend, a runner from both the Prince of Wales's S. and Queen Anne S. will receive an entry and a travel incentive to run in the GI Arlington Million S. in mid-August at Colonial Downs. In addition, a runner from the G1Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket's July Festival will also receive an entry and travel incentive to run in the GI Beverly D. S. on the same day as the Arlington Million. The post Churchill, Ascot & Epsom Announce International Stakes Incentive Partnerships appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 56 members of the France Galop committee met Dec. 12 and elected Guillaume de Saint-Seine as the new president of France Galop for a four-year term that starts immediately.View the full article

Dandy Man (Ire), the classy sprinter from the sole crop of Mozart (Ire), has died at Ballyhane Stud at the age of 20. As hardy as he was talented, Dandy Man was bred by Noel O'Callaghan at Mountarmstrong Stud from the G3 Molecomb S. winner Lady Alexander (Ire) (Night Shift), who is also the dam of G2 Queen Mary S. victrix Anthem Alexander (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). He raced for five seasons, winning six of his 30 starts, initially for Con Collins in Ireland, then for his daughter Tracey, before he was bought by Godolphin and continued his career under the care of Saeed Bin Suroor. Already the winner of the G3 Palace House S. before switching to the Godolphin blue, Dandy Man added another Listed win to his two previous Listed victories in Ireland, and he was fourth, beaten a length, in the G1 King's Stand S. He had also been second in that same race behind Miss Andretti when trained by Tracey Collins, as well as finishing third in the G1 Nunthorpe S. Dandy Man spent his entire stallion career at Joe Foley's Ballyhane Stud, and he has been represented by the Group/Grade 1 winner Peniaphobia (Ire), La Pelosa (Ire) and River Boyne (Ire). The latter now stands in Ireland at Tara Stud. Further group winners include Dandalla (Ire), Mooniesta (Ire) and this year's G3 Pride S. winner Novus (Ire). Paying tribute to the horse who served 15 consecutive seasons on the Ballyhane roster, Foley said, “Dandy Man had been a great friend to so many people, starting with Con and Tracey Collins, and especially to all of us here at Ballyhane. “It was very hard to say goodbye to him, and we are grateful for all that he has given us over the years he has been here with us. He was like a member of our family. “I would also like to add a special word of gratitude to breeders who used him over the years.” The post Ballyhane Stalwart Dandy Man Dies at 20 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

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

The stellar racing career of dual Group One winner Prowess (NZ) (Proisir) is over. The daughter of Proisir developed a foot issue and has undergone treatment at a rehabilitation centre, however, a veterinary examination spelled the end to her racing career, with a focus now turning towards a breeding career for New Zealand’s reigning Champion Middle Distance horse. “The mare has developed a foot issue following her return from Australia,” vet Greg Quin said in a statement. “Initially the mare showed signs consistent with a mild foot bruising. She appeared to respond well to management changes and returned to the stable with a view to return to work. Due to persistent signs of some increased heat in the left fore foot, and very low-grade discomfort she transitioned to a local rehabilitation centre. “As signs of increased heat in the left front foot, survey radiographs were obtained. These showed that there has been a shift in her pedal bone position consistent with laminitis over the last few weeks. Due to the degree of changes present in the left foot, the mare will require a period of specialist farriery treatment and rehabilitation. “Once changes of laminitis have developed to this degree, it is very uncommon for horses to return to the stresses of racing. “Her response to treatment will be monitored closely over the next weeks and months and the current aim is to restore her foot to a condition that will set her up for a breeding career.” Purchased by trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood out of Hallmark Stud’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale for $230,000, Prowess went on to win eight and place in three of her 12 starts and accrued more than $1.5 million in prizemoney. She won her sole start as a juvenile before returning to win first-up at three before placing in the Gr.3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and Gr.1 New Zealand Bloodstock 2000 Guineas (1600m) in the spring. On New Year’s Day she won the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) at Pukekohe before returning to the South Auckland track later that month to claim the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m). She continued her winning ways in the Gr.2 David and Karyn Ellis Fillies Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa a month later before claiming her first Group One in the Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2050m) at weight-for-age. Australia was beckoning the talented filly and she was able to show her talent across the Tasman when claiming the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill by 3-1/4 lengths. Prowess had an injury-plagued start to her four-year-old preparation, which curtailed plans to tackle the Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), however, after a runner-up result in the Gr.3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Hawera, she was still able to make the undercard at The Valley’s Cox Plate meeting where she took out the Gr.2 Crystal Mile (1600m). She ended her spring campaign at Flemington in the Gr.1 Champions Stakes (2000m) where she posted her first unplaced result of her career when finishing sixth behind Kiwi-bred mare Atishu. James and Wellwood are disappointed to lose Prowess from their racing team but are looking back fondly on what has been a stellar racing career. “We are devastated to lose her, but you do look at the record she had and the good times we had. You have just got to be stoked to have been involved with her,” Wellwood said. “Fortunately, the owners made the most of each and every run, they enjoyed it all. They had some great times with friends and family and made some really good new connections. “A lot of people don’t get to experience a horse like her in a lifetime, so I am very fortunate to have been involved.” Wellwood said there were many highlights in her racing career, with her debut win feeling just as significant as her later successes. “Her first win was a huge thrill. She won so well and especially with horses you buy yourself, it is always vindicating when they come out and show ability,” he said. “The Karaka Million was touted to be the best of the best three-year-olds and she delivered, and to go on and win two Group Ones, including one in Australia, was incredible. “To come back as a four-year-old to win the Crystal Mile was great. The owners had 30 to 40 mates over in Melbourne, so they all got to enjoy that. “She did some incredible things in a short career. There were a lot of special moments with her.” Attention will now shift to a breeding career with Prowess, with Wellwood hoping some of her progeny come into his care to train. “The silver lining is the fact that we have still got her. Going forward, she should have a good broodmare career,” he said. View the full article

Guillaume de Saint-Seine will succeed Edouard de Rothschild as president of France Galop following his successful election by the members of the France Galop committee. His four-year term starts today. With a background in the financial sector, Saint-Seine, 62, is based in Paris and has bred and owned racehorses for nearly 35 years. He became a member of the France Galop committee in 2015 and was a member of its board between 2016 and 2019. An interview with the new president will appear in TDN Europe in the coming days. The post Guillaume de Saint-Seine Elected President of France Galop appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After soaking up international week as a spectator, apprentice jockey is confident his Happy Valley book boasts some strong winning chancesView the full article

The iconic TAB Karaka Millions raceday will become even bigger with New Zealand Bloodstock (NZB) joining forces with Entain to introduce an additional $400,000 in available bonuses for horses offered at the 2024 National Yearling Sales Series at Karaka. The $200,000 New Owners Bonus will be won by the first horse across the finish line in the $1m TAB Karaka Millions 2YO that has 50% or more of the ownership being held by first-time owners. Aimed to introduce newcomers to the thrill of racehorse ownership, new owners can purchase a yearling at the fast-approaching yearling sales at Karaka in January and be racing for $1.2 million only a year later. “We’ve been hugely encouraged by the surge in interest in racing and horse ownership since we entered the New Zealand racing scene earlier this year,” Entain Managing Director – New Zealand Cameron Rodger said. “The New Owners Bonus is a tremendous chance for Kiwis who haven’t owned a horse before to join in on the thrills of racing a thoroughbred and enjoy even more success if their yearling sales purchase performs well in the 2025 TAB Karaka Millions 2YO.” The $200,000 Book 2 Bonus will be won by the first horse across the finish line in the $1.5m TAB Karaka Millions 3YO that was offered in NZB’s Book 2 Sale in January 2024. Book 2 has been a happy hunting ground for Karaka Millions contenders over the years and this bonus will highlight the quality that comes out of the Book 2 Sale. This bonus will start with the 2026 edition of the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO when the 2024 yearlings are three-year-olds. Both bonuses will be introduced for horses offered at Karaka 2024, giving buyers an opportunity to target these bonuses when buying at Karaka in January next year. “Book 2 at the NZB sales has been a great source of outstanding thoroughbreds over the years including Sharp ‘N’ Smart, Legarto and Roch ‘N’ Horse, proving that stars can come from all levels of the sales,” NZB Managing Director Andrew Seabrook says. “This Book 2 Bonus will be up for grabs for any Book 2 graduate in the 2026 TAB Karaka Millions 3YO, so it could be a supercharged payday if a product of the Book 2 sale claims the victory in 2026, and a great bonus if the graduate beats their fellow Book 2 alumni home, even if they don’t win.” View the full article

A tilt at Group One glory at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day now awaits Sacred Satono (NZ) (Satono Aladdin) following his comfortable 1000m trial win at Ellerslie on Monday. The son of Satono Aladdin comfortably took care of his four rivals and gave co-trainer Grant Cooksley plenty of confidence heading into a potentially lucrative summer campaign. “He just had an easy trial, a bit of a blowout, and did what he had to do,” said Cooksley, who trains in partnership with Bruce Wallace. The four-year-old entire won the Listed Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe last month and Cooksley is hoping he can take that form into the Gr.1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at the South Auckland track on January 1. “He is a lot stronger this year and he went great last time,” he said. “He will go to the Railway and then we will work it out. He will more than likely go to 1400m after that and then the mile (Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic) on Karaka Million night.” Cooksley was also pleased with stablemate Gino Severini’s trial, finishing third in his 1400m heat. The 10-year-old gelding continues to belie his age, winning the Gr.2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) last start and is being set to tackle the Gr.2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) on New Year’s Day. “He went for a canter around and did what he had to do (on Monday). He will probably go to the mile at Pukekohe on the first,” Cooksley said. “He is really well and he is still enjoying it (racing). As soon as he stops enjoying it he will be retired.” Cooksley was impressed with Ellerslie’s new StrathAyr surface and is looking forward to racing returning to the Auckland venue from January 14. “They had jumpouts the other day and the grass is a little bit longer now. A little longer and it will be fine,” he said. “It will be good to get back racing there, it is the place to be.” View the full article

Cambridge trainers Ben and Ryan Foote will take three fillies south to Trentham on Saturday to contest the Gr.3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m), but their biggest quandary is trying to find enough jockeys. With meetings also at Ascot Park and Te Rapa on Saturday, Ben Foote said securing riders for their mounts has become increasingly difficult. “We have three fillies going to the Eulogy, but I have only got one jockey at this stage, Foote said. “There are three meetings on the same day, so we are really going to struggle for riders. It’s the same every year on this day with the three meetings and it just makes it so hard.” While his jockey search continues, Foote couldn’t be happier with Charmer (NZ) (Charm Spirit), Chica Mojito (NZ) (Zacinto) and New Millennium (NZ) (Charm Spirit) ahead of Saturday. Charmer has finished runner-up in all four of her starts this season, including the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki last month, and Foote is hoping she can shed that bridesmaids tag this weekend. “Charmer ran second behind that smart one (Zabmanzor) of Roger’s (James, trainer) at Otaki last start in that Group Three. She hit the line strong and has got to be a good chance on Saturday,” he said. Chica Mojito also takes stakes form into the race, having finished seventh in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton last month. “Chica Mojito went super in the One Thousand Guineas, but I think the bad draw stopped her from running in the top three. She is a pretty decent horse,” Foote said. The Windsor Park Stud-bred and raced New Millennium will round out the stable’s trio, and heads into Saturday in winning form. “New Millennium is a big, strong horse that won well last start at New Plymouth, so she deserves her chance,” Foote said. “They are three nice fillies going forward.” View the full article

Perth’s Ascot Racecourse hosts the final Australian Group 1 race of 2023 with the Annabel Neasham-trained veteran, Zaaki, heading the Northerly Stakes field and betting markets. Zaaki is firm favourite in Northerly Stakes 2023 betting to win the final Group 1 Australian race of the calendar year. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos. A talented line-up of summer hopefuls faces off in this year’s Group 1 $1.5 million Northerly Stakes (1800m) including nine-year-old Zaaki who heads west for the first time. The multiple Group 1 winning import has been kept fresh since his brave fourth when only two lengths beaten in the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival – a race the good old boy had won the previous two years running. He has been competitive in plenty over his spring prep without winning and the quality of his rivals drops notably in a winnable edition of the Perth Summer Racing showdown for the $10.8 million earner. The latest Northerly Stakes odds online at Ladbrokes have Zaaki on top at $2.60 with James McDonald aboard from barrier 10. Occupying the second line of the markets at $6 is top local hope Alsephina in barrier six with the ‘Wizard of the West’ William Pike in the saddle. The in-form Star Turn mare comes from the star stables of Grant & Alana Williams. The father-daughter duo has won three of the past five editions of the Northerly Stakes (formerly known as the Kingston Town Classic). They saddle-up another livewire hope in 2023 with five-year-old Alsephina who boasts an impressive Ascot track record (9:6-3-0). She was on fire winning six on the trot last campaign. This prep she has had three starts for three straight second placings in the traditional Northerly Stakes lead-up races. At her latest on November 25 the mare was a length off Bustler in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m). She is rock hard fit now fourth-up and ready to fire getting up over the 1800m that she won the Group 3 La Trice Classic over here back on New Year’s Day. Rounding out the single-figure fancies is the early market mover Bustler with Neville Parnham’s Railway Stakes champ backed in from $9.50 to $7 at time of publish. He is looking to become just the fifth horse to complete the Railway Stakes – Northerly Stakes double and gets his chance from gate five with Brad Parnham aboard. Damien Oliver meanwhile will make his swansong Group 1 appearance in the Northerly with the retiring hoop looking for a fairy tale upset aboard the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott-trained Zoumon ($23). The Zoustar five-year-old is drawn wide out in gate 15 but has genuine claims at the title. He enjoyed a big winter that included taking out the Caloundra Cup – Grafton Cup double, and he was last seen running a neck back second in Sydney’s $2 million The Five Diamonds (1800m) over this distance at Rosehill. Also looking potential double-figure value drawn one closer in gate 14 is Parnham’s Group 2 WA Guineas winner Zipaway ($15) in on just 52kg. The Northerly Stakes 2023 is set to run as Ascot Race 8 on Saturday. 2023 Northerly Stakes Field & Barriers No Last 10 Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight Penalty Hcp Rating 1 1x217x3264 ZAAKI (GB) Annabel Neasham James McDonald 10 59kg 120 2 1316x0x984 TRIX OF THE TRADE Colin Webster Troy Turner 7 59kg 106 3 65x2111x02 ZOUMON Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Damien Oliver 15 59kg 108 4 11x10x0178 MAROCCHINO Lou Luciani Jason Whiting 3 59kg 111 5 5x31823x23 DOM TO SHOOT Sean & Jake Casey Jarrad Noske 1 59kg 107 6 30×7629310 FORGOT YOU (NZ) Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Paul Harvey 13 59kg 103 7 112311×342 CASINO SEVENTEEN Grant & Alana Williams Shaun McGruddy 16 59kg 97 8 11751×3515 MOJO RHYTHM Mitchell Pateman Ms Holly Watson 4 59kg 92 9 5×23176557 RIVER RUBICON Steve Wolfe Alan Kennedy 9 59kg 92 10 x60113x751 BUSTLER Neville Parnham Brad Parnham 5 58.5kg 111 11 111111×222 ALSEPHINA Grant & Alana Williams William Pike 6 57kg 106 12 1x0180x180 SEARCHIN’ ROC’S Jim Taylor Jason Brown 12 57kg 96 13 41211x2x69 THE VELVET QUEEN Darren McAuliffe Patrick Carbery 11 57kg 98 14 46×2632191 BE OPTIMISTIC Luke Fernie Clint Johnston-Porter 2 57kg 90 15 243×1141 ZIPAWAY Neville Parnham Steven Parnham 14 52kg 86 16 14x21x7532 A LOT OF GOOD MEN Trevor Andrews Chris Parnham 8 52kg 8 Table Credit: Racing Australia. The post Northerly Stakes 2023 Field & Odds Update: Zaaki Clear Favourite appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article

In Extasy will contest the Bramwell Bate Lawyers Handicap (1200m) at Hastings on Wednesday. Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A lack of suitable options has forced Cody Cole’s hand with unbeaten mare In Extasy to resume at Hastings on Wednesday, despite a wide barrier. The in-form Matamata trainer will rely on jockey Matthew Cameron to work his magic aboard the daughter of Exosphere from the outside gate (12) in the Bramwell Bate Lawyers Handicap (1200m). The five-year-old is one of a quartet of runners for Cole at the Hawke’s Bay meeting where he will hope to add to his recent Central Districts tally after a winning double at Trentham on Saturday with Kind Thoughts and La Verite. “There’s not much else for her, I don’t think Te Rapa will suit her so we’ll suck it up see what happens,” Cole said. “Whatever she does she will improve plenty, it’s been a long time between runs but she is forward enough to give a good account if Matt can get some luck with her. “She’s a lovely mare with plenty of ability, although she’s had her fair share of issues. It’s been one thing after another, but nothing really major.” Bred by Cole’s mother Lou and raced with Social Racing, In Extasy was a debut winner at Rotorua and following a lengthy break was successful at Tauranga last autumn. “She shied at the winning post and still won so there’s certainly plenty of ability there, she’s just got to keep learning to be a racehorse,” Cole said. “She’s not going to go through life unbeaten, she’s not professional enough yet to keep stringing them together.” Cole will also be represented by Four Square Pete in the Betta Asbestos Consultancy Maiden (1400m), Born Ruler tackles the HB Saracens Maiden (1600m) and Kai Moana will step out in the Betta Property Compliance Maiden (1200m). “He’s (Four Square Pete) quite a nice staying horse by Zed and is going to improve a fair bit with time,” Cole said. “He’s got a good group of owners and they really want to get a horse to the Derby (Group 1, 2400m) and he’s probably one who could be a chance of getting there. “He’s definitely got ability and he trialled nicely at Taupo, he wasn’t screwed down and did it the hard way after being three wide in the open.” Tarzino filly Born Ruler had little luck when unplaced at her New Plymouth debut last month. “It was no fault of Joe Doyles, one came back on her and dragged her back and when she did get going she got held up again,” Cole said. “There’s was a bit of merit in her run and her work has been really good. I quite like her chances, even though she has drawn out a bit and hopefully Matt (Cameron) can overcome that.” Cole’s other representative is the Sweynesse mare Kai Moana, also to be partnered by Elliot, and she finished fifth at Rotorua on Sunday. “She’s going to back up and still wants to do a fair bit wrong, but there’s some ability there,” Cole said. More horse racing news View the full article

What Caulfield Races Where Caulfield Racecourse – 22 Station St, Caulfield East VIC 3145 When Thursday, December 14, 2023 First Race 3:20pm AEDT Visit Dabble The Melbourne Racing Club will host a one-off twilight meeting at Caulfield Racecourse this Thursday afternoon, with an eight-race card kicking off at 3:20pm AEDT. Warm and dry weather is forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, so expect the track to stay in the Good range for the whole program. The rail will be out in the +10m position for the entire circuit, which will play favourably to on-speed runners. Best Bet at Caulfield: Socks Nation Socks Nation was very impressive when she broke her maiden last start, winning by 5.8 lengths over 1500m at Sandown. The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained filly crossed the field to take the lead and ran the race to suit herself. This daughter of Sioux Nation steps up slightly in distance to 1600m and in grade to Benchmark 64 level, but with her front-running racing pattern, look for Socks Nation to push forward and attempt to replicate her last-start victory. Best Bet Race 6 – #11 Socks Nation (9) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher & David Eustace | J: Declan Bates (56.5kg) +100 with Neds Next Best at Caulfield: Masterful Masterful was a little unlucky last start, as he had to wait behind weakening horses before getting to the outside to run on into third place. Two starts back, the five-year-old gelding proved too good in Benchmark 70 grade, defeating River Noire in the final stride to claim his second win. Carleen Hefel’s 1.5kg claim will only help this son of Deep Field, bringing the weight down to 59.5kg. From barrier one, Masterful can find the box seat before peeling off the leaders’ backs to let down with a strong finish. Next Best Race 4 – #1 Masterful (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Enver Jusufovic | J: Carleen Hefel (a1.5) (61kg) +320 with Picklebet Best Value at Caulfield: Pocket Size On debut at Ballarat, Pocket Size ran home from the back of the field to finish third over 1000m on November 23, beaten half a length by Morning Bright. The Bill Papazaharoudakis-trained filly was doing her best work through the line, suggesting the extra 100m on Thursday will suit. From gate seven, the daughter of Swear can settle midfield off the rails, and with Will Price retaining the ride, he will get her out and rolling on the home turn. If Pocket Size can produce another blistering turn of foot in the final 300m, she will play a prominent role in the finish. Best Value Race 1 – #7 Pocket Size (7) 3yo Filly | T: Bill Papazaharoudakis | J: Will Price (56kg) +900 with Dabble Thursday quaddie tips for Caulfield Caulfield quadrella selections Thursday, December 14, 2023 2-4-6 10-11 2-3-6-7 2-4-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip More horse racing tips View the full article

Cambridge trainer Ben Foote. Photo: Trish Dunell Cambridge trainers Ben and Ryan Foote will take three fillies south to Trentham on Saturday to contest the Group 3 Eulogy Stakes (1600m), but their biggest quandary is trying to find enough jockeys. With meetings also at Ascot Park and Te Rapa on Saturday, Ben Foote said securing riders for their mounts has become increasingly difficult. “We have three fillies going to the Eulogy, but I have only got one jockey at this stage, Foote said. “There are three meetings on the same day, so we are really going to struggle for riders. It’s the same every year on this day with the three meetings and it just makes it so hard.” While his jockey search continues, Foote couldn’t be happier with Charmer, Chica Mojito and New Millennium ahead of Saturday. Charmer has finished runner-up in all four of her starts this season, including the Group 3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) at Otaki last month, and Foote is hoping she can shed that bridesmaids tag this weekend. “Charmer ran second behind that smart one (Zabmanzor) of Roger’s (James, trainer) at Otaki last start in that Group Three. She hit the line strong and has got to be a good chance on Saturday,” he said. Chica Mojito also takes stakes form into the race, having finished seventh in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton last month. “Chica Mojito went super in the One Thousand Guineas, but I think the bad draw stopped her from running in the top three. She is a pretty decent horse,” Foote said. The Windsor Park Stud-bred and raced New Millennium will round out the stable’s trio, and heads into Saturday in winning form. “New Millennium is a big, strong horse that won well last start at New Plymouth, so she deserves her chance,” Foote said. “They are three nice fillies going forward.” More horse racing news View the full article

Sacred Satono winning the Listed Counties Bowl (1100m). Photo: Kenton Wright (Race Images) A tilt at Group 1 glory at Pukekohe on New Year’s Day now awaits Sacred Satono following his comfortable 1000m trial win at Ellerslie on Monday. The son of Satono Aladdin comfortably took care of his four rivals and gave co-trainer Grant Cooksley plenty of confidence heading into a potentially lucrative summer campaign. “He just had an easy trial, a bit of a blowout, and did what he had to do,” said Cooksley, who trains in partnership with Bruce Wallace. The four-year-old entire won the Listed Counties Bowl (1100m) at Pukekohe last month and Cooksley is hoping he can take that form into the Group 1 Sistema Railway (1200m) at the South Auckland track on January 1. “He is a lot stronger this year and he went great last time,” he said. “He will go to the Railway and then we will work it out. He will more than likely go to 1400m after that and then the mile (Elsdon Park Aotearoa Classic) on Karaka Million night.” Cooksley was also pleased with stablemate Gino Severini’s trial, finishing third in his 1400m heat. The 10-year-old gelding continues to belie his age, winning the Group 2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) last start and is being set to tackle the Group 2 Rich Hill Mile (1600m) on New Year’s Day. “He went for a canter around and did what he had to do (on Monday). He will probably go to the mile at Pukekohe on the first,” Cooksley said. “He is really well and he is still enjoying it (racing). As soon as he stops enjoying it he will be retired.” Cooksley was impressed with Ellerslie’s new StrathAyr surface and is looking forward to racing returning to the Auckland venue from January 14. “They had jumpouts the other day and the grass is a little bit longer now. A little longer and it will be fine,” he said. “It will be good to get back racing there, it is the place to be.” More horse racing news View the full article

Dual Group 1 winner Prowess has been retired. Photo: Trish Dunell The stellar racing career of dual Group 1 winner Prowess is over. The daughter of Proisir developed a foot issue and has undergone treatment at a rehabilitation centre, however, a veterinary examination spelled the end to her racing career, with a focus now turning towards a breeding career for New Zealand’s reigning Champion Middle Distance horse. “The mare has developed a foot issue following her return from Australia,” vet Greg Quin said in a statement. “Initially the mare showed signs consistent with a mild foot bruising. She appeared to respond well to management changes and returned to the stable with a view to return to work. “Due to persistent signs of some increased heat in the left fore foot, and very low-grade discomfort she transitioned to a local rehabilitation centre. “As signs of increased heat in the left front foot, survey radiographs were obtained. These showed that there has been a shift in her pedal bone position consistent with laminitis over the last few weeks. “Due to the degree of changes present in the left foot, the mare will require a period of specialist farriery treatment and rehabilitation. “Once changes of laminitis have developed to this degree, it is very uncommon for horses to return to the stresses of racing. “Her response to treatment will be monitored closely over the next weeks and months and the current aim is to restore her foot to a condition that will set her up for a breeding career.” Purchased by trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood out of Hallmark Stud’s 2021 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale for $230,000, Prowess went on to win eight and place in three of her 12 starts and accrued more than $1.5 million in prizemoney. She won her sole start as a juvenile before returning to win first-up at three before placing in the Group 3 Soliloquy Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in the spring. On New Year’s Day she won the Group 2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) at Pukekohe before returning to the South Auckland track later that month to claim the Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m). She continued her winning ways in the Group 2 Fillies Classic (2000m) at Te Rapa a month later before claiming her first Group 1 in the New Zealand Stakes (2050m) at weight-for-age. Australia was beckoning the talented filly and she was able to show her talent across the Tasman when claiming the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill by 3-1/4 lengths. Prowess had an injury-plagued start to her four-year-old preparation, which curtailed plans to tackle the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), however, after a runner-up result in the Group 3 Taranaki Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) at Hawera, she was still able to make the undercard at The Valley’s Cox Plate meeting where she took out the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m). She ended her spring campaign at Flemington in the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) where she posted her first unplaced result of her career when finishing sixth behind Kiwi-bred mare Atishu. James and Wellwood are disappointed to lose Prowess from their racing team but are looking back fondly on what has been a stellar racing career. “We are devastated to lose her, but you do look at the record she had and the good times we had. You have just got to be stoked to have been involved with her,” Wellwood said. “Fortunately, the owners made the most of each and every run, they enjoyed it all. They had some great times with friends and family and made some really good new connections. “A lot of people don’t get to experience a horse like her in a lifetime, so I am very fortunate to have been involved.” Wellwood said there were many highlights in her racing career, with her debut win feeling just as significant as her later successes. “Her first win was a huge thrill. She won so well and especially with horses you buy yourself, it is always vindicating when they come out and show ability,” he said. “The Karaka Million was touted to be the best of the best three-year-olds and she delivered, and to go on and win two Group Ones, including one in Australia, was incredible. “To come back as a four-year-old to win the Crystal Mile was great. The owners had 30 to 40 mates over in Melbourne, so they all got to enjoy that. “She did some incredible things in a short career. There were a lot of special moments with her.” Attention will now shift to a breeding career with Prowess, with Wellwood hoping some of her progeny come into his care to train. “The silver lining is the fact that we have still got her. Going forward, she should have a good broodmare career,” he said. More horse racing news View the full article

In a new initiative to highlight those that help keep our sport going Harness Racing New Zealand has decided on a new monthly award for its breeders and owners. All owners and breeders who win a race during the month will be eligible, with a random number generator selecting the two winners. Trophies will be sent to both winners each month. October’s inaugural winners were Benjamin Young, a co-owner of Sailor Boy, and Gavin Turner, who bred, trains and races Sir Monty. And the winners for November are (owner) Matt McEwan, who’s part of the Loyal Travelling Reserves syndicate that race Manhattan, and (breeder) Macca Lodge in Northern Southland for breeding Captain Starlight. Matt McEwan was selected after Manhattan won the Bob McArdle Sires’ Stakes Southern Mares Classic on Show Day at Addington (November 17). It was her 10th career win. “It was a dream come true for a lot of the Syndicate to win a big race,” says McEwan, “sadly I wasn’t there as I live in Wellington but to see the guys really getting into it was so good to see.” “The cheese cutters were out in force which was great to see.” “Manhattan is the only horse I have now but I have had a couple of very small shares in others. Loving every minute of it and look forward to see what happens in the future.” McEwan has had a share in the mare right from the start. “The original crew was about 40 odd people …. but over time it’s come down to the now Loyal Travelling Reserves of just 14. We are all from different walks of life. The horse has brought us together and meant some new friendships and good times on track. We are in it for the long haul and really enjoying the ride.” One of Southland’s premier breeding establishments, Macca Lodge was selected as Breeder of the Month after Captain Starlight (pictured above) won for trainer Allan McVicar at Invercargill on November 29. The five-year-old gelding is by highly successful sire and 2008 New Zealand Cup winner Changeover, who won 29 races in his career and stakes of $2.4m, and out of three-race winning Falcon Seelster mare Hot Toddy. Set on around 250 hectares near Riversdale Macca Lodge has been operating since 2008. It was set up by Brent and Sheree McIntyre and their son Caine is now also a proprietor. It is the New Zealand base for sires such as Fear The Dragon, Tiger Tara and En Solitaire plus “local hero” Lord Forbes. Among his progeny has been Louies Girl, a highly promising two-year-old filly who has won three from seven for Craig Ferguson. She has also been Group placed with a third in Sunday’s Group 1 Ace of Diamonds on Grand Prix Day at Addington. Macca Lodge will also be selling five Downbytheseaside and Fear The Dragon colts at next February’s NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales in Christchurch. View the full article