Wandering Eyes

Tejano Twist is not fast early, but the sprinter is quick when it counts—in dashing to the finish. The late-running 4-year-old went from last to first in the $150,000 Ring The Bell Stakes Dec. 9 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article

The overnight purses for Golden Gate Fields' final meet are potentially set for a 25% cut due to a longstanding overpayment of the purse account, according to Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC) president and CEO, Bill Nader. The Bay Area racetrack is scheduled to race from Dec. 26 through June 9, 2024, after which, the facility is set to close permanently. The purse account, said Nader, is overpaid by some $3.1 million. “There's a pretty big overpayment that's been building,” said Nader. “They're looking to claw some of it back, but not all of it.” While the TOC is still in negotiations with 1/ST Racing and Gaming, which operates Golden Gate Fields, about the proposed cuts, such a decrease in overnight purses was a “distinct possibility,” said Nader. He added that further details should be available Tuesday or Wednesday, when the condition book would be issued. “You can increase and decrease purses pending purse generation at any point in any year, so, they're within their rights,” said Nader, who added that, as an example, Maiden Special Weights would drop from $30,000 to $22,500 under the proposed structure. “But this thing's blown out to a big number,” he said, of the purse overpayment. “Handle was down in 2023. They haven't really cut purses at all. Frankly, they wanted to cut purses last fall—we told them no, and they didn't.” Dave Duggan, Golden Gate vice president and general manager, confirmed that the track had been in discussions with the TOC to cut purses there “for quite some time.” Santa Anita's overnight purses are also scheduled to be cut around 5% for its upcoming Winter/Spring meet, underway Dec. 26, with $2 million cut from the track's stakes schedule, said Nader. Ed Mojer is currently leading trainer at Golden Gate, with around 40 horses stabled there. The anticipated cuts to Golden Gates' purses could lead to some Northern California trainers relocating elsewhere, he said. Officials for Arizona's Turf Paradise recently announced they hoped to operate a meet there from Jan. 29 through May 4, pending approval from the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. If the 25% purse cut is enacted at Golden Gate, “there would probably be some barns that move there,” Mojer said, about Turf Paradise, adding that while he would not relocate to Arizona, such a purse decrease could see him shift a significant portion of his horses south to Santa Anita. “But it's tougher to win a race at Santa Anita,” said Mojer. “I'll have to play it by ear.” When asked about the allure from other tracks to Golden Gate's current trainer colony, Nader suggested that even with a 25% cut, Golden Gate's purses would still compare favorably with Turf Paradise. The Stronach Group (TSG) announced in July that it was closing Golden Gate Fields at the end of December with the goal of increasing field size and adding another day of racing a week at Santa Anita. After pushback from industry stakeholders who argued that such an abrupt closure would pose an existential threat to the future of racing in Northern California, TSG officials left the door open to delaying the track's closure another six months. But they appeared to make such a deal incumbent upon a reshaping of the way simulcasting proceeds are allocated in the state. The rule of thumb is that proceeds from wagers made in the “northern zone” stay in Northern California to pay for purses and operational expenses, while the proceeds from wagers made in the “southern zone” stay in Southern California for the same purposes. Initially, various stakeholders in Northern California—including representatives of the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF)—voiced resistance to TSG's idea of moving these proceeds south. In September, however, California lawmakers sought enough buy-in to pass legislation that meant if Golden Gate Fields is not licensed to operate beyond July 1 next year, proceeds from simulcast wagering in the north are funneled south when there is no live racing in the northern half of the state after that date. When asked about recent turn of events involving Golden Gate Fields, Mojer appeared resigned to the situation. “I've been here for almost 50 years,” said Mojer. “I'm not too happy about it.” The post Final Golden Gate Fields Meet Potentially Set For 25% Purse Cut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Keith Asmussen recorded his 64th career victory in Saturday's opener at Oaklawn, eclipsing the total of his father, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, during his riding career. Keith Asmussen, fittingly, reached the milestone on a horse trained by his father, Hern, who won the 1 1/16-mile claiming race. “Couldn't be more excited for today and the rest of the meet,” Keith Asmussen said. Steve Asmussen rode 63 winners in 1982-1984, according to Equibase. Asmussen turned to training after he became too heavy to ride. Keith Asmussen, 25, launched his full-time riding career in late 2022 after earning a master's degree in professional accounting earlier in the year from the University of Texas' McCombs School of Business. Asmussen's younger brother, Erik, 21, made his Oaklawn riding debut in Saturday's first race and finished sixth aboard What a Country for his father. “It was awesome to get to ride with my brother,” Keith Asmussen added. The post Jockey Keith Asmussen Passes His Dad with 64th Career Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jockey Keith Asmussen recorded his 64th career victory in the Dec. 9 opener at Oaklawn Park, eclipsing the total of his father, Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen, during his riding career.View the full article

Ozara made the most of her first trip down south with a gutsy score over Milliat in the $100,000 Wait a While Stakes.View the full article

Coming off convincing stakes victories, including one against open company, Touchuponastar did exactly as expected back in against fellow Louisiana-breds, dominating the Dec. 9 Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. View the full article

Tejano Twist is not fast early, but the sprinter is quick when it counts—in dashing to the finish. The late-running 4-year-old went from last to first in the $150,000 Ring The Bell Stakes Dec. 9 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article

Like many TDN readers, I use online betting for playing the races. I had used one online site for a few years and felt that I needed another site that offered more “rewards”, thus I signed up for DRF.com bets. Nice rewards and free past performances as you accumulate “points.” Imagine my surprise to find out that I cannot place bets at Churchill Downs, Turfway, Fairgrounds and any other track that Churchill owns. And I cannot watch online live video either. Now, I don't know what the squabble is between DRF and Churchill, but it's unfair to the horse player. Another example of how the “big boys” really don't care much about the small bettors like myself and tens of thousands of others. So, what is the problem, DRF and Churchill? I'm sure we would like to hear why this is. So, DRF and Churchill, fix this ASAP. Give us horse players big and small a break. There are a lot of online betting sites now, easy to change if you are unwilling to make the fix. Sincerely, Joseph S. Bertino Jr. Guilderland, NY The post Letter to the Editor: Joseph S. Bertino Jr. appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Brian Sheerin and Emma Berry DEAUVILLE, France — The sales at Arqana this year have largely retained their momentum, but the company was not immune to the retraction that has been present across the market for mares and foals this winter. With the clearance rate being lowered to 71% from the 78% of 2022, the turnover fell by 20% to €36,467,000, and the average was down by 7% to €227,919. Four millionaire fillies and mares featured in the opening session, compared to seven last year, but the one sector that did improve, and one which is usually the most important, was the median, which was up to €120,000 from €115,000. There was plenty of time to admire the statuesque Group 1 winner Place Du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) as she topped the sale at €4,025,000. A prolonged spell of bidding which involved Northern Farm and Coolmore saw the eventual successful bid placed online, with the buyer believed to be Zhang Yuesheng's Yulong operation. In the latest example of the tedium which is facilitated by the online bidding process, the four-year-old filly was held in the ring for 14 minutes as the hidden buyer increased their offer in increments of 25,000gns – a practice which is not usually accepted for those bidding ringside when the price is already into the realm of millions. After a round of ping-pong between a bidder in the restaurant and the Northern Farm team in the seats in the ring, the bid went online at €3.5 million, with underbidder Coolmore making a play outside up to €4 million. Bred by Ballylinch Stud in partnership with Alexis and Fan Adamian, Place du Carrousel, whose wins include the G1 Prix de l'Opera and G2 Prix Foy, was trained by Andre Fabre for Al Shaqab Racing, who bought her as a yearling for €260,000, with Ballylinch retaining a share. John O'Connor of Ballylinch Stud said, “It was a racing partnership and we thought she had done enough on the track and that it was time for her to move on to the next phase of her career. We were happy to put her in the ring. Everybody from the partnership has done well. [Lope De Vega's] fillies are in very high demand at the moment. It's not a surprise, because so many of his fillies are very good, and now his daughters are making an impressive start as a broodmare sire. He's one of those stallions who has succeeded all over the world with two-year-olds, sprinters, middle-distance horses and Classic milers. Spain to England via France Newsells Park Stud has been recruiting some select mares and foals in recent weeks, and Sibila Spain (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) became the latest addition to the broodmare band on Saturday when Jill Lamb went to €2 million to buy the Group 2 winner from Leopoldo Fernandez Pujals. The five-year-old sister to G3 Vintage Crop S. winner Master Of Reality (Ire) from a family strewn with black type was bought in the same ring for €240,000 as an August yearling. In the now-familiar colours of Yeguada Centurion, she became the first group winner for her young trainer Christopher Head in the Prix du Muguet. The mare was consigned by Haras de la Hotellerie on behalf of her owner and Newsells Park's Graham Smith-Bernal couldn't hide his delight in acquiring her. He said, “She is a lovely mare – she's beautiful. Of course, she won a Group 2 and was very tough and competitive. She was fourth in two Group 1s and we loved her. She's in foal to Dubawi and the Frankel-Dubawi cross is very good. We thought we might have had to go a bit further but we were getting close to our final bid. We're absolutely delighted.” Through Lamb, Newsells Park also signed for G2 runner-up Sparkling Beauty (Fr) (Oasis Dream {GB}) from Haras des Capucines for €450,000 [in partnership with Bertrand Lemetayer] and Dubawi (Ire) mare Galibawa (GB) in foal to St Mark's Basilica (Fr) for €360,000. Smith-Bernal added, “That's our third purchase.The first two were bought with partners and we're very happy with those. One was bought in foal to St Mark's Basilica and we got a very nice Oasis Dream mare, but that was the big one we wanted.” Channel Heads to Japan at €1.2 Million Channel (Ire), the Classic-winning daughter of Nathaniel (Ire) from a family whose luminaries include the Group 1 winners Magical Romance (GB), Alexandrova (Ire), Chicquita (Ire) and Magic Wand (Ire), may have commanded a seven-figure sum but, at €1.2 million she could end up looking to have been well bought by Katsumi Yoshida's Northern Farm. She is after all only seven, and she has fillies by Sea The Stars (Ire) and Wootton Bassett (GB) on the ground, as well as a colt by Kingman (GB), and she was offered through La Motteraye Consignment back in foal to Wootton Bassett. Indeed, the Prix de Diane winner was described by Emmanuel de Seroux, who signed for Channel on behalf of Northern Farm, as good value. He said, “There is a large choice of stallions for her. She was one of two or three Group 1 winners we were trying to buy today and she was the best value of them all. We are very happy with her price compared to some of the others. We didn't have to pay as much for the same quality. She was one of the top choices.” Completing the participation of all three Yoshida brothers in the higher echelons of Arqana's Breeding Stock Sale, French-based Japanese trainer Satoshi Kobayashi signed for the Group 3 winner Minaun (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) on behalf of Teruya Yoshida's Shadai Farm at €500,000, as well as Lightning Lady (Ire), by Kingman (GB) out of a half-sister to Lope De Vega (Ire), who was bought for €600,000 by Haruya Yoshida of Oiwake Farm. Ammerland's Leading Lights Outbid by Ammerland when the latter bought Sea The Sky (Ger) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) for a sale-topping €850,000 at the BBAG Yearling Sale three years ago, Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin operation is now the owner of the Listed winner. Anthony Stroud was determined to secure the full-sister to Sea The Moon (Ger), going to €1.25 million in pursuit while standing in the gangway alongside the team from Shadai, who ended up as underbidders. Stroud said of Lot 171, “She's a very nice filly. We nearly bought her as a yearling and were very keen on her. [She's by] Sea The Stars, we can breed her to Frankel or Dubawi. Good racehorse, it's a wonderful family and I think she will be a good addition to our broodmare band.” The Ammerland draft provided plenty of Saturday's highlights in the Arqana sale ring. Bidding online, American breeder Bobby Flay had the final say for Lady Frankel (GB) (Frankel {GB}), the half-sister to Lope De Vega (Ire), who was sold in foal to New Bay (GB) for €900,000. Lady Frankel (Lot 172) was herself a Group 3 winner and, along with Lope De Vega, her other siblings include Group 3 winner Bal De La Rose (GB) and Listed winner Lord Of The Land (Ire). Flay bought two mares at Tattersalls last week for a little over 1.1 million gns, including Final Gesture (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). Following the string of high-priced lots from the Ammerland dispersal, Lady Frankel's daughter, the aforementioned Lightning Lady (Ire), an unraced three-year-old by Kingman (GB), is heading to Japan after being bought by Haruya Yoshida for €600,000. Wildfeder (GB) (Galileo {Ire}), the winning full-sister to Arc winner Waldgeist (GB), was offered as Lot 209 in foal to Siyouni (Fr) and elicited a final bid of €450,000 from Nicolas de Watrigant. In total, the 12 horses sold from the Gestut Ammerland dispersal brought €4,002,000. Goldikova's Granddaughter to Sumbe Sumbe took the enterprising step of bringing its entire stallion roster to nearby Clairefontaine racecourse so that breeders in town for the sale could view them more easily, and one of that quintet will be the covering sire next year for the operation's latest purchase, Mirakova (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). Bought from the Wertheimer draft for €850,000, the four-year-old filly had suffered an accident which meant she retired unraced, but she has strength in depth when it comes to pedigree. Her granddam Goldikova (Ire) needs no introduction, and dam Terrakova (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) was herself pretty decent when winning the G3 Prix Cleopatre and finishing third in the G1 Prix de Diane. After signing for the filly, Sumbe manager Tony Fry said, “We'll take her home and have a think but I'd say it's likely she'll go to either Mishriff or Belbek.” He added, “These families don't come around very often so, when they do, you have to be strong. She's a lovely mare that comes from a stud that needs no introduction and produces very good horses. We're very happy.” Study Of Man's Sister to Fahrhof One leading breeding operation made a significant investment in one of the jewels of another when The Planets (Ire), a Sea The Stars (Ire) half-sister to Classic winner and young sire Study Of Man (Ire), was bought by Gestut Fahrhof at €700,000. Continuing the restructuring of the Niarchos operation, Baroda Stud offered three fillies on the family's behalf, with The Planets (Lot 121), a granddaughter of the great Miesque, being an obvious draw. Bidding opened for the three-year-old winner at €200,000 and it was Fahrhof's Stefan Ullrich who came out on top. He said, “We want to establish this family in Germany. She's very closely related to Miesque and everybody knows this family. We are looking to make our broodmare band more international and this is part of our plan in buying a filly like this. She's a winner and sound with no vices.” He added, “We had a very good partnership with the Niarchos family when we stood Maxios at the stud and we know their breeding well.” David Cox of Baroda Stud, who also consigned some of the Niarchos mares at the Goffs November Sale, said, “We've been working with the Niarchos family for over eight years now. They kept mares in Baroda Stud before we were there so they know the farm well. Maria and her family, including Electra and all the team — Alan [Cooper] and Aurelien [Voileau] — they're great people to work with. With pedigrees like this, they're just highly sought after. There were a good number of people who wanted that filly and, fair play, she sold very well. We're delighted.” He added, “It has been a credit to my team, they've done a great job with the Niarchos draft. I have really good staff and they handle everything really well for the amount of horses we had. Tattersalls and Arqana came quickly off the back of Goffs, so we have a well-oiled machine. The likes of Pauric [Gahan] and Noel [McDonnell] at home, they keep the show on the road while I am away.” Without Words Provides Boost for Longways There were emotional scenes in the early parts of the Saturday session at Arqana when Without Words (Mendelssohn), who Mick Murphy and Sarah O'Connell of Longways Stables failed to sell at the breeze-up here in May, was knocked down to Justin Casse on behalf of Joseph O'Brien for €450,000. Without Words carried O'Connell's colours to victory on her second start for trainer Francois Rohaut at Toulouse. There was a kaleidoscope of significance to the win and subsequent sale with Murphy revealing afterwards that his wife had recently been diagnosed with cancer and is due to undergo chemotherapy next week. He said, “We've had a good year but there have been ups and downs. Sarah is sick at the moment. She was diagnosed with cancer and starts her chemotherapy on Tuesday. She will be okay but she has a tough few months ahead of her.” It has been another successful year for Longways Stables on the track, highlighted by the Listed-winning and Group 2-placed graduate Flora Of Bermuda (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), and Saturday's result in the ring clearly meant a great deal. Murphy continued, “We breezed her here in May. We liked her a lot and felt we weren't getting what we deserved so we bought her back at €175,000. “I bought her in America for $85,000 and thought that she was always going to be worth that because of her pedigree alone. We liked her, took a chance to race her, and Francous did a great job with her. He thinks she is a stakes filly. Sarah didn't want to sell her.” Without Words is a half-sister Combatant (Scat Daddy), a Grade I winner for John Sadler, and Long Lashes (Rock Hard Ten), a Group 3 winner for Saeed Bin Suroor. She was consigned by La Motteraye on behalf of O'Connell and Murphy. Hawthorne Recruits Two Well-Bred Fillies For Australia Dean Hawthorne spent just shy of €1.5 million on two fillies — Mise En Scene (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) and French Bob (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) — to go to Australia. Striking first at €675,000 for French Bob, the well-bred daughter of Galileo (Ire) out of Classic winner Beauty Parlour (GB) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Hawthorne went on to snap up Mise En Scene for €800,000. He was accompanied by Grant and Tom Pritchard-Gordon of Badgers Bloodstock. On Mise En Scene, a Group 3-winning daughter of Siyouni, Hawthorne said, “Mise En Scene is a really good filly who will suit Australia. Obviously she won a Group race at Goodwood, which is a good track, and Siyouni is getting a hell of a presence in Australia through Amelia's Jewel (Aus) and Amelia's Dream (Aus). It's blood we can do a lot with in Australia. Happy to get her and we had to pay for her but she was probably one of our main targets in the entire sale.” In Brief La Motteraye Consignment was the leading vendor on the day with 12 sold for €4,367,000. Buying on behalf of the China Horse Club, Matt Holdsworth landed the regally-bred Plumage (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), a daughter of Plumania (Fr) (Anabaa {Fr}) and from a deep Wertheimer family. Holdsworth revealed that Plumage–who was sold in foal to Intello (Fr)–would likely be mated with Siyouni next year (Fr). Lot 127, a Kingman (GB) filly foal out of a half-sister to Derby winner Wings Of Eagles (Fr) (Pour Moi {Ire}), was sold by her breeder Haras de Montaigu to Frederic Sauque for €400,000. A filly foal by Too Darn Hot (GB) and her dual Listed-winning and Classic-placed dam Reine d'Amour (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) went through the ring in consecutive lots, bought by Anthony Stroud for €170,000 and €200,000. Lot 103 Too Darn Hot (GB) filly from Haras des Capucines for €170,000. The common theme of the breeding stock and foal sales in Europe this year has been the wave of support behind Pinatubo foals and mares in foal to the Darley stallion. Big things are clearly expected from Pinatubo when his first runners hit the track next year and it was interesting that Shadwell rowed in behind the stallion when buying a colt from La Motteraye for €300,000. Eddie Rosen, representing American-based owner Mike Repole of Repole Stable, signed for four horses on the day for a total of €780,000. The quartet included two mares in foal to Too Darn Hot (GB) and one to St Mark's Basilica (Fr), and the two-year-old Siyiouni (Fr) filly High Handed (Ire), who is a half-sister to Group 1 winner and producer Lillie Langtry (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}). Buy of the Day Lot 37: WATCHOUT (Fr), Golden Horn (GB) – Watchful (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) Buyer: Billy Jackson-Stops, €35,000 Vendor: Fabrice Chappet As a half-sister to the G1 Prix Rothschild and G1 Coronation S. winner Watch Me (Fr) (Olympic Glory {Ire}), this three-year-old filly already has plenty in her favour. Watchout raced just once for her owner/breeder Antoinette Tamagni but was far from disgraced in that outing. Another half-sibling, Watch Him (Fr) (Elvstroem {Aus}), has won at Listed level, and Watch Me has her first foal, the Siyouni (Fr) filly Why Not Again (Fr), to run for her next year. Watchout's third dam Sharaya (Youth) won the G1 Prix Vermeille for the Aga Khan, with the further family including the Classic winners Shawanda (Ire) (Sinndar {Ire}) and Encke (Kingmambo). Cape Cross (Ire) is already proving his worth as a broodmare sire and there's every reason to expect his son Golden Horn to be similarly effective in this sphere. In this case, seeing mares by Galileo and Darshaan (GB) on Watchout's bottom line gives extra encouragement. Best of luck to Watchout's new owner Paul McDonnell, the manager of Triermore Stud, who will be breeding from her in Ireland. The post Place Du Carrousel Clears €4.025 Million at Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Young gun Cam Hart is staying strong with Swayzee. The New Zealand Cup hero was beaten for the second successive time in the Brisbane Inter Dominion series last night, but nothing went right. Swayzee was headed-off from barrier one and shuffled to four back on the pegs in a nasty pocket. Hart never saw daylight until the last 130m and Swayzee charged home for fourth to the classy Victorian pacer Better Eclipse. Earlier, Swayzee’s stablemate Nerano underlined why he has been the “find” of the pacing series with a sparkling win in the first of the round three heats. Like Swayzee, Nerano was buried on the pegs, but Hart got him into the clear much earlier and he rocketed home to easily beat Spirit St Louis and Speak The Truth. Nerano finished the series well ahead of Swayzee on the points table, courtesy of two wins and a slashing second to Leap To Fame on opening night. But Hart didn’t hesitate before saying he would drive Swayzee in the final. That paves the way for former Kiwi horseman Jack Trainor to partner Nerano in the big one. “He mightn’t have won, but I’ve been thrilled with Swayzee’s past couple. He’s right on target,” Hart said. “Nerano is flying. He’s so fast. I said last week he’s as fast a horse as I’ve driven over 200-300m and he showed it again tonight. “I’m happy for one of my mates to pick the drive up on him.” Just as Nerano did, Better Eclipse finished the heats with two wins and a second. “He’s taken the next step. He’s the complete package now,” co-trainer and driver Greg Sugars said. “He couldn’t really cope with the hard racing back-to-back 12 months ago, but he’s thriving on it now. “He can win the final. He’ll need a few things to go right, but he’s shown before he can follow any speed and finish strongly.” Leap To Fame finished the series the only unbeaten pacer when he was never out of second gear winning last night’s third heat. Once again, his 1min55.1sec mile rate for the long 2680m trip was the fastest pacing heat of the night. “He did that well,” trainer-driver Grant Dixon said. “He had a hard run on the second night, so it’s nice to get things a bit easier this time. “He seemed to come through the hard run (last Tuesday) well and tonight really showed that. “I know he’s had some hard runs over the past few months, but we think he’s as good as we’ve had him.” In the trotting series, star Kiwi-owned mare Queen Elida returned to her sparkling best with a runaway heat win last night. Part-owners Tony Barron and Gordon McKenzie were trackside and buzzing as they greeted trainer Brent Lilley after the win. “That’s what we wanted to see,” said McKenzie, who also bred Queen Elida. “She looked really sharp tonight. Lilley added: “Chris (Alford, driver) didn’t pull the plugs, either. Each of her runs in the series has been better. “Lots of horses would be flat after a tough run like she had on Tuesday, but not her. She just bounces through it.” The most exciting and potentially important part of last night’s win was the blazing gate speed Queen Elida showed to lead easily. “That was electric, wasn’t it?” Lilley said. “She’s always had it, but you don’t want to use it unless you have to. Hopefully get a draw to use it in the final.” Queen Elida drew inside the back row (gate eight) when third to Just Believe in last year’s final. “She’s a lot tougher and more seasoned now,” Alford said. “I’m sure we can take it right up to him next week if we get a decent draw.” Just as he did last year, Just Believe completed a cleansweep of the trotting heats with an easy win last night. Despite being attacked in front by the headstrong Gus through the middle stages, Just Believe dashed away to win by almost nine metres. “He’s just an incredible horse,” co-trainer and driver Greg Sugars said. “I’m a bit lost for words. He did that in second gear. It’s amazing.” INTER DOMINION GRAND FINAL FIELDS PACING FINAL (not in barrier order): Leap To Fame, Nerano, Better Eclipse, Swayzee, Classie Washington, Pete Said So, Spirit Of St Louis, Speak The Truth, Future Assured, Kanena Provlima, Turn It Up, Our Money Rocks. Cantfindabettorman (emergency). TROTTING FINAL: Just Believe, Ollivici, Queen Elida, Plymouth Chubb, Sir Fahrenheit, Mufasa Metro, Funny Face, Adelle, Majestic Lavros, Van Sank, Gus, Thebestbourbon. Constantinople (emergency). View the full article

Jockey agent Joe Santos, aka Santos Inc., flexed his muscle on the opening-day Oaklawn Park card Dec. 8.View the full article

Online bookmakers have released their racing promotions for Sunday, December 10, including several great bonus back offers. The top Australian racing promotions for December 10, 2023, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions This Sunday use your punters Toolbox. Get Price Boosts, Bet Backs, Fluc Ups, Back Ups & Extra Nudge tools! Available to use on ANY races of your choice. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. General betting rules apply. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Saturday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd ALL Races at Sha Tin Minimum 6 runners. Fixed Odds only. Check Vault for eligibility. Limits may apply. T&Cs apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Jmac Rides at Sha Tin. Guaranteed best odds on all James McDonald Ridden Hong Kong Runners. Eligible clients only. General T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting has reviewed the top horse racing bookmakers in Australia and has unveiled exclusive thoroughbred bonus promotions and specials for Sunday, December 10, 2023. These horse racing promotions persist almost daily, showcasing the commitment of Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers. If one bookmaker lacks a promotion, rest assured that another is presenting enticing promotional offers in the realm of gallops. HorseBetting.com.au is your go-to source for the most lucrative horse racing bookmaker bonuses every day. Gain the most value out of your punting endeavours with bookie bonuses with the most competitive horse racing odds available for each race. It’s imperative to note that these thoroughbred racing promotion offers cater exclusively to existing customers. Accessing these special promotions and claiming the bookmaker’s offers requires logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For those seeking races and horses to leverage their horse betting bookmaker bonus bets, HorseBetting offers a valuable resource with its daily free racing tips. Stay informed, stay strategic, and make the most of your horse racing experience with these exclusive promotions. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Horse Racing on Sunday, December 10 will feature nine meetings in Australia. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the top bets and the quaddie numbers for the meetings at Nowra, Werribee and Sha Tin (HK). Sunday Racing Tips – December 10, 2023 Sha Tin Racing Tips Nowra Racing Tips Werribee Racing Tips Best Horse Racing Bets For December 10, 2023 Place these horse racing bets in a multi for $85.44 odds return: Sunday, December 10, 2023 Werribee – Race 2 #6 Belnera Werribee – Race 6 #14 Humming Nowra – Race 1 #6 Pretty Sassy Sunshine Coast – Race 4 #3 Starvirgo | Copy this bet straight to your betslip As always there a plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans, check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on December 10, 2023 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. More horse racing tips View the full article

Trainer Reed Saldana, provisionally suspended by HIWU this summer for the presence of the banned substance diisopropylamine in a urine sample from one of his horses, was issued a formal 24-month suspension and fined $25,000 by an arbitrator Dec. 4.View the full article

Ryan Moore was full of praise for Hong Kong after landing World's Best Jockey award.View the full article

After missing an intended start in the GII Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance S. at Santa Anita on Breeders' Cup Saturday due to a fever, the streaking marathon specialist Next (Not This Time) is currently being turned out for 45-60 days, according to trainer Doug Cowans. “This fall, we were planning on going to California, but the Sunday before he was supposed to get on the plane, he got a little temperature,” Cowans said of Next missing the 1 5/8-miles event, a race he won at Keeneland in 2022. “He was fine a couple of days later, but I tell 'ya, with flying and going out there I just said, 'Better not do it.' I scratched the whole idea. Everything had gone perfect all year and I wasn't gonna push the issue.” Perfect, indeed. Claimed by Michael A. Foster off owner/breeder Silverton Hill and trainer Wesley Ward for $62,500 at Keeneland last spring, the gelded 5-year-old has found his calling in the marathon division. He's won five out of his last six starts either on or just off the lead, including the GII Brooklyn S. going 1 1/2 miles at Belmont Park June 10, the Birdstone S. going 1 3/4 miles at Saratoga July 27 and the GIII Greenwood Cup S. going 1 1/2 miles in the slop at Parx last time out Sept. 23. He's won his last two starts by a combined margin of a whopping 36 3/4 lengths. “He'll go back into training Jan. 1,” Cowans said. “We're pointing towards either the ($200,000) Temperence Hill S. (at Oaklawn Mar. 29) or the Isaac Murphy (Marathon S. at Churchill Downs).” He continued, “Everybody in the barn is excited. He brings a little bit of a different type of energy with his specialty of running in these marathon races. These kind of horses don't come along too often. He's a unique horse. Me and my assistant have both checked in on him at the farm once a week and he is doing great. We're excited to get him back in here in about three weeks.” Next, one of 13 graded winners for Not This Time, was produced by the multiple stakes-placed Awesome Again mare Bahia Beach. The post Temperence Hill or Isaac Murphy Up ‘Next’ for Streaking Marathon Man After 45-60 Days Off appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-GP, $70K, Msw, 2yo, 1mT, 2:34 p.m. ET. I SEE YOU LOOKIN (City of Light) makes his first start Sunday for trainer Todd Pletcher. The $400,000 Keeneland September Sale grad is a half-sister to MGSP Lady Aces (Constitution), who was purchased for $200,000 at Keeneland November last year by the China Horse Club. Dam Economy of Motion (Pleasantly Perfect) is herself a half to MGISW Paradise Woods (Union Rags). Digging deeper into this extended female family, we find this debut runner's third dam is a half-sister to MGSW Mr. Greeley (Gone West). TJCIS PPS 8th-GP, $70K, Msw, 2yo, f, 1mT, 3:33 p.m. ET. Hill 'n' Dale homebred and Josie Carroll trainee Royal Ascot (Justify) will look to get her dam off to a winning start as a broodmare. Second dam Chicquita (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), winner of the G1 Irish Oaks and runner-up in the G1 French Oaks, is a half-sister to Irish Group 1 winner and globetrotting turf specialist Magic Wand (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). TJCIS PPS The post Sunday Insights: Son Of City Of Light Debuts Over Gulfstream Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A winner of the G1 Prix de Diane, CHANNEL (IRE) (Nathaniel {Ire}–Love Magic {GB}, by Dansili {GB}) (lot 215) was knocked down for €1.2 million on the bid of Katsumi Yoshida/Narvick International during the first day of Arqana's Vente d'Elevage. In foal to Wootton Bassett (GB), the granddaughter of G1 Cheveley Park S. heroine Magical Romance (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) was consigned by La Motteraye Consignment. The seven figure mark has been broken again at the #VentedElevage as CHANNEL (lot 2⃣1⃣5⃣), Prix de Diane (Gr.1) winner in foal to #WoottonBassett @coolmorestud was sold to Katsumi Yoshida/ Narvick International by @La_Motteraye for €1,200,000. pic.twitter.com/zvgsukZWas — ARQANA (@InfoArqana) December 9, 2023 The post Katsumi Yoshida And Narvick International Snap Up Channel For 1.2m At Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Old Friends in Georgetown, Kentucky welcomed Godolphin's GI Travers S. hero Alpha (Bernardini) on Friday, Dec. 8, the retirement farm said in a release Saturday. Bred by Darley in America, Alpha was trained by Kiaran P. McLaughlin and owned by Godolphin his entire career. He finished with a record of six wins and $1,815,667 in earnings over 22 starts, which included the first dead heat in the Travers since 1874. Alpha began his stud career in 2015 at Sequel Stallions in New York, before moving to Haras Bagé do Sul in Brazil in 2019. He returned stateside and arrived in Florida Nov. 29, where he completed quarantine. Shipping to Kentucky, the recent retiree was inspected to ensure he was in good condition and then sent to Old Friends. “While Alpha was small in stature, he was big in heart,” said Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA. “He was a Saratoga specialist, winning multiple graded races there during his career. He became the second Travers winner for our stable, with his sire, Bernardini, being the first. But it's also special being able to facilitate his return to Kentucky and Old Friends.” The post Travers Hero Alpha Comes To Old Friends appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fasig-Tipton has added two late entries to its December Digital Sale. Bidding for the December Digital Sale opened this past Thursday and runs through this coming Tuesday, Dec. 12. The pair of additional entries are: Por Que No (Hip 309): Five-year-old mare won the Boiling Springs S. at three on her way to career earnings of nearly $150,000. Her dam, Cryptic Message, was a multiple stakes winner and graded stakes placed earner of $533,677. Offered pregnant to Constitution carrying her first foal, she is consigned by Burleson Farms, agent. Breeze Easy (GB) (Hip 310): Four-year-old daughter of Bated Breath was a winner and multiple stakes placed at two in England. Transferred to the U.S., she placed in two stakes at three, including the GIII Soaring Softly S. at Belmont. A half-sister to group stakes winner Artic Sound, she enters the sale off an allowance win over the turf at Fair Grounds Dec. 8. Consigned as a racing/broodmare prospect by St. George Sales, agent. These entries may now viewed online. Bidding closes this coming Tuesday, December 12 at 11 am eastern. Prospective buyers may register to bid by visiting digital.fasigtipton.com. The post Stakes-Winning Broodmare, Graded Stakes-Placed Winner Added to Fasig-Tipton December Digital Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

As 2023 draws to a close, the TDN is asking industry members to name their favorite moment of the year. Send yours to suefinley@thetdn.com “For me personally, National Treasure winning the Preakness! It was my third win in my favorite race of the year. My favorite racing moment outside of my stable was watching Jena (Antonucci) win the Belmont S. Pure joy! Loved seeing it.” –Sol Kumin The post What Was Your Favorite Moment of 2023: Sol Kumin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frankel (GB)'s Sibila Spain (Ire) (lot 204) was another mare to reach seven figures at Arqana on Saturday, bringing €2 million from Newsells Park Stud while carrying her first foal by Dubawi (Ire). Consigned by Haras de l'Hotellerie, the bay won the G2 Prix du Muguet and is a full-sister to group winner and Group 1-placed Master Of Reality (Ire) (Frankel {GB}). The duo are out of L'Ancresse (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}), a listed winner who ran second in the G1 Irish Oaks and the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. She, in turn, is a full-sister to G1 Prix Saint-Alary winner Cerulean Sky (Ire). Another top lot at the #VentedElevage as @jlambbloodstock & @newsellspark went to €2,000,000 to secure Group winner SIBILA SPAIN (lot 2⃣0⃣4⃣) in foal to #Dubawi @DarleyEurope. She was consigned by @l_hotellerie. pic.twitter.com/i9jxoHBJ5L — ARQANA (@InfoArqana) December 9, 2023 The post Sibila Spain Brings Two Million Euros From Newsells Park Stud At Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Angel of Empire (Classic Empire), a powerful winner of this spring's GI Arkansas Derby and a rallying third as the favorite in the GI Kentucky Derby, has returned to training at WinStar Training Center and is expected to rejoin trainer Brad Cox at either Fair Grounds or Oaklawn Park within the next month. The Albaugh Family Stables colorbearer was given a freshening after concluding his six-race sophomore campaign with a dead-heat fourth-place finish in the GI Belmont S. June 10 and a close third-place finish in a roughly run renewal of the GII Jim Dandy S. in the slop at Saratoga July 29. Angel of Empire was also a come-from-behind winner of the GII Risen Star S. at Fair Grounds Feb. 18. “The Triple Crown is a big ask to get through all those races and he never really had a break since he started,” Albaugh Family Stable's General Manager Jason Loutsch said. “We try to listen to our horses. After the Jim Dandy, he came back and you could tell he had enough. We did the right thing–we obviously would've liked to press on and make the Breeders' Cup–but we gave him some time and thought that he could have a really big 4-year-old season. We're excited to get him going. I think he'll be one of the top handicap horses next year if he continues to go forward. He's doing really well right now.” Angel of Empire, one of four graded winners for young sire Classic Empire, is the first foal out of the 7-year-old To Honor and Serve mare Armony's Angel, who brought $1.8 million from Katsumi Yoshida while in foal to Gun Runner at last month's Fasig-Tipton November Sale. Bred in Pennsylvania by Forgotten Land Investment Inc. and Black Diamond Equine Corp., Angel of Empire was purchased by Dennis Albaugh's operation for just $70,000 during the eighth session of the Keeneland September Yearling sale. He previously RNA'd for $32,000 as a Keeneland November weanling. “He'll get a start around March or so and we'll probably target something on (Kentucky) Derby Day,” Loutsch said. “The end goal would be to try to get to the Breeders' Cup.” Loutsch concluded, “He's such a cool horse and he tries hard every time. He deserved the time off and we're expecting a big year from him.” The post Angel of Empire Gearing Up for 4-Year-Old Campaign – ‘We’re Expecting a Big Year From Him’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Place Du Carrousel (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}–Traffic Jam {Ire}, by Duke of Marmalade) added plenty of excitement Saturday when drawing €4,025,000 from Portofino Bloodstock bidding online at the Vente d'Elevage in Deauville. Consigned by Haras de Bouquetot, the 4-year-old filly recorded her most important victory in the G1 Prix de l'Opera. The €260,000 Arqana Deauville yearling purchase hails from the family of G1 Coronation victress Lillie Langtry and Classic heroine Tuesday. The post Group 1 Winner Place Du Carrousel Lands 4.025M Euros at Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD NEWSLETTER View the full article