Wandering Eyes

Journalism's trainer Michael McCarthy has pledged to donate a portion of any Derby winnings to Win Place Home, a 501(c)(3) aftercare organization based in Southern California that retrains and rehomes off-track Thoroughbreds.View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 04/30/2025 Licensee: Candalario Villamar, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Sky Cloud, who won at Turf Paradise on 3/20/25. Date: 04/29/2025 Licensee: Juan Arriagada, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Zatip, who finished last at Tampa Bay on 3/22/25. Date: 04/29/2025 Licensee: Jorge Farias, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Trichlormethiazide–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Modera, who finished fifth at Los Alamitos on 3/16/25. Date: 04/25/2025 Licensee: Colleen O'Hagan, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Isle of Skye on 3/19/25. Date: 04/24/2025 Licensee: Darien Rodriguez, trainer Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Apr. 25; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $2,500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Everdoit, who won at Tampa Bay on 3/19/25. Date: 04/24/2025 Licensee: Jose Salinas, trainer Penalty: 60-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Apr. 25; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $5,000. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violations for an Intra-Articular Injection Within Fourteen (14) days of a Post-Time on Zoomster on 6/9/23. Date: 04/24/2025 Licensee: Benjamin Bealmear, veterinarian Penalty: 4-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Apr. 25; a fine of $4,165. Admission. Explainer: For the possession of Adenosine Triphosphate (“ATP”) for an event dated 10/3/24. This is a possible violation of Rule 3214(a)–Possession of Banned Substances. The case resolution can be read here. Date: 04/24/2025 Licensee: Christophe Clement, trainer Penalty: None. Charges dismissed. Explainer: Clement's legal team “identified sufficient possible problems and deficiencies in the testing that cast some doubt about the scientific reliability of the testing that resulted in the [adverse analytical finding].” This case relates to what had been an alleged Flunixin overage–a controlled substance (Class C)–in in a sample taken from Gal in a Rush, who finished third in the G2 Presque Isle Downs Masters S. on 9/20/24. The lab in question is the Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology Research Laboratory. More specifically, the case arbitrator found problems with the lab's “lack of an independent quality control sample,” as well as an “internal standard recovery” procedure that was “inconsistent.” A more detailed account of the case resolution can be read here. Pending ADMC Violations 04/30/2025, Steve Manley, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Thirsty Natalie on 4/1/25. 04/30/2025, John Alan Williams, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Hopkinsville on 4/1/25. 04/30/2025, Christopher Keller, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Gold Dart, who finished fifth at Colonial Downs on 3/15/25. 04/29/2025, Fausto Gutierez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Quatrocento, who won at Tampa Bay on 3/28/25. 04/28/2025, Nicholas Vaccarezza, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Military Cruiser on 3/28/25. 04/28/2025, Ramon Aguayo, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Lidocaine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Salagadoola, who finished second at Tampa Bay on 3/26/25. 04/28/2025, Patrick Ashton, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Max Forward Speed, who finished second at Parx Racing on 3/4/25. 04/28/2025, Shannon Simpson, trainer: Pending violation for the possession of Pitcher Plant Extract–Adenosine Triphosphate (“ATP”), metabolase, Pengamine 250, Aminotonic, Solucion CS Pisa–for an event dated 2/5/25. This is a possible violation of Rule 3214(a)–Possession of Banned Substances. 04/25/2025, Kelli Martinez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Charter Oak, who won at Will Rogers on 4/1/25. 04/25/2025, Shane Meyers, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Holidays Army Brat, who won at Mahoning Valley on 3/24/25. 04/25/2025, Royce Pulliam, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Johanny on 3/23/25. 04/25/2025, Megan Fadlovich, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Ivory Sky, who won at Mahoning Valley on 3/19/25. 04/24/2025, Tareq Moubarak, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Betamethasone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Rocky Seas, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 2/16/25. Violations of Crop Rule Fanduel Sportsbook and Horse Racing Scott Bethke–violation date Apr. 26; $250 fine, one-day suspension The post Weekly National Regulatory Rulings, Apr. 24-30 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — It felt more like the July Sale at Park Paddocks as May got off to a blistering start with record-breaking temperatures. The trade was warm enough in the ring, too. Though the figures for the Guineas Breeze-up Sale didn't rise quite as swiftly as the mercury, the returns were decent, with the 79% clearance rate being up three points on last year, while the median of 30,000gns represented a rise of 11%. The 5% dip in average was the one negative marker, with the turnover lifting slightly, to 5,045,500gns for 126 juveniles sold. Now, it is widely known that figures on any sales company's website don't always give a fully accurate picture of the market, with various deals struck with trainers or private transactions taking place after the close of play. Generally, though, the breeze-up sector appears to have held up well so far this year against a backdrop of global financial uncertainty, with demand for relatively precocious two-year-olds remaining undimmed. The Middleham Park Racing team stated their intended participation at this sale in yesterday's TDN, and they were true to their word, with the operation's Tim and Tom Palin and Mike Prince having a notably productive five minutes when signing up lots 250 and 252 – daughters of Calyx (GB) and Havana Grey (GB) respectively. The Havana Grey half-sister to the dual Australian Group 3 winner Future History (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) from Jerry Horan's Ballynure Park Stud had clocked the fastest time during the previous day's breeze on lively ground at the Rowley Mile, and it took a bid of 100,000gns from Prince to secure her. She will be trained in Yorkshire by Mick and David Easterby. The Calyx filly had also been among the five fastest breezers, and she will also head north, to Richard Fahey's stable, after being bought from her breeder Albany Stud for 155,000gns. She is out of Lamsa (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), who is already the dam of four winners from five runners. It was a result which brought Albany's Paul Commins to tears. “We never entered her in a foal or a yearling sale,” he said. “Everything has always been so easy for her, she has never come off the bridle at home. “After her breeze we were quietly confident and knew that we had done okay. We were hopeful of a good time and it was better than expected.” The Commins family bought the filly's dam for just 3,200gns at the July Sale back in 2016. Paul, 2o, who runs the farm with his father Don, added, “The second she was born my father said she was fast. He fell in love with her and almost lived in her stable. “I really do think she is good and I have been saying all week she is an Ascot filly.” Tom Palin did not disagree with the assessment and immediately nominated a Royal Ascot target. “We bought her from Albany Stud, so let's hope she wins the race of the same name in six weeks,” he said. “She was an obvious one really, she has a lot of size and substance, timed well and ticked all the boxes. We had to stretch a bit more than we wanted, but this sales season has been very hard to get stuck in, so you have to be a bit punchy on the ones you want.” Jerry Horan was thrilled that the Middleham Park team kept punching when his Havana Grey filly took to the ring two lots later. An 18,000gns purchase at October Book 2, she brought just over five times that amount just over six months later. Horan said, “She's a very fast filly, straightforward, and she's going to a top-class home. When I bought her she had a haematoma but once that opened and cleared out she just turned inside out. I'd like to thank the team – Jack, Stephen, Sinead and Jody – at Capital Stud for preparing her.” Knockgraffon Leads the Way Stevie Byrne of Knockgraffon Stables was responsible for two of the early leading lots, with Jono Mills of Rabbah Bloodstock going to 150,000gns for a colt by Ten Sovereigns (Ire), and Tessa Greatrex signing for a first-crop daughter of Lope Y Fernandez (Ire) at 92,000gns. The Ten Sovereigns colt (lot 237), whose granddam Long Lashes (Rock Hard Ten) won the G3 Sweet Solera Stakes, was bred by Michael Downey. “Michael has been a great client for us over the years,” Byrne said. “The horse has taken everything here like a champ and did a savage breeze. “We don't clock them at home, but his work at home has always been very good and it was a pleasant surprise to see him go so well. We are just delighted that it all fell into place for Michael.” With four lots sold for a total of 362,000gns, Knockgraffon Stables ended the day on a high as leading vendor. GS Bloodstock On Song for Breeder Noel O'Callaghan The trainer/jockey team of Sean Davis and Gary Halpin, whose ventures in the breeze-up sphere are made under the name of GS Bloodstock, had a result to remember on Thursday when selling a Mehmas (Ire) colt on behalf of breeder Noel O'Callaghan for 145,000gns. The son of Orange Blossom (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), from the family of G3 Cornwallis Stakes winner Good Vibes (GB), was bought online by Adam Driver on behalf of Omar Esmil Ghrghar. “Noel O'Callaghan has breeze-up horses with us every year. He's a massive supporter, Davis said. “This is a very nice horse and I am delighted that he has rewarded his breeder. He was a brilliant horse to do all winter and he clocked a very good time. We were kind of excited about him and I just hope he goes on and is lucky for his new owner. “The Mehmas [horses], they have great minds and they are athletes. He was very easy to train all winter, a professional, he made our job easy.” GS Bloodstock has sold six two-year-olds so far this season and the duo has another 15 to sell. As well as preparing horses to breeze, Davis also celebrated his first winner as a trainer in March, with his second winner coming along very quickly that same night. “I've eight horses in training and hopefully we'll have a few more once the summer gets going,” he added. Japan Pinhook Blows Hot for Tradewinds Lot 294, a colt from the first crop of the Gestut Etzean resident Japan (GB), became one of eight six-figure lots of the session when sold to KGS for 110,000gns. A €32,000 purchase by Tradewinds Stud and Paragon Bloodstock at the BBAG Yearling Sale, the colt, named Protagonist (Ger), is out of the Camacho (GB) mare Passcode (GB), a half-sister to German champion two-year-old Pomellato (Ger) (Big Shuffle) and Italian St Leger winner Parivash (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}). Shane and Alex Power of Tradewinds may well be making a return trip to Baden-Baden come September as the other member of their Guineas consignment, a filly by Sottsass (Fr), also came from the BBAG sale. Sold as lot 182 for 75,000gns to Megan Nicholls, the daughter of Amerique (Ger) (American Post {GB}) was a €22,500 yearling. Coulsty Cracker for Correa Brothers Ilson and Anderson Correa, who trade under the name of Anderson Bloodstock, have been in the breeze-up business for just two seasons but experienced the kind of result all pinhookers dream of when turning a €3,000, s yearling into a 115,000gns breezer. “I'm very happy, what more can I say?” Said Anderson Correa, who moved from his native Brazil to Mullingar three years ago. “We will be reinvesting – each year we try and improve.” It is a second six-figure lot for the brothers, who sold a colt by King Of Change (Ire) at last year's sale for 120,000gns. The Coulsty filly, out of the five-time winner Pacolita (GB) (Paco Boy {Ire}) was bought by Stroud Coleman Bloodstock. Golden Touch It was another good breeze-up sale for Eddie Linehan of Lackendarra Stables on the whole but his exploits with lot 185, a gorgeous filly by first-season sire Nando Parrado (GB), was deserving of high praise. Bought at the Goffs Premier Yearling Sale for just £16,000, the Nando Parrado filly turned a tidy profit for the Cork-based handler when selling to Ross Doyle for 75,000gns. Linehan said, “Very happy with that. She's gone to a really good home in Richard Hannon and hopefully she can do very well for her new connections. She's as nice a filly as we've had in a while so hopefully she can show it on the track. It's a brilliant result.” From the same draft, Doyle and Hannon also bought lot 266. The first foal of the unraced Mandaza (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) had been picked up by Linehan at the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale for £40,000. The family has received a boost of late as his third dam, the treble Group 1 winner Mandesha (Ire) (Desert Style {Ire}), has an exciting Classic prospect in her final foal, Mandanaba (Fr) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), one of the favourites for the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches on May 11. Talking Points By Brian Sheerin If you are not first, you're last, or so it can seem sometimes in this breeze-up game. Regardless of what people say, the clock does dictate plenty. However, there are lots of examples of horses who are not bred to blow up the clock and finish down the time sheet but still turn out to be pretty darn good on the racetrack, with Derby runner-up Ambiente Friendly (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) being the most obvious recent example. Perhaps lot 228 could be something similar. A Dark Angel (Ire) colt out of an unraced Golden Horn (GB) mare from a good Ballymacoll Stud family, he posted one of the slowest breezes on Wednesday, but bloodstock agent Richard Ryan knows the time of day and clearly spotted the potential in the fine, big colt who is surely going to benefit for time and a trip. He is understood to be going into training with George Boughey and will be given every chance to fulfil his potential in that stable. Sire-power has undoubtedly become an increasingly important factor for vendors to get paid, as we saw at the Craven and in Doncaster, where the majority of the big-ticket lots were dominated by the progeny of either Mehmas (Ire) or Havana Grey (GB). The results were more evenly spread here with nine different stallions featuring within the top ten lots sold. Shirley Anderson-Jolag made history in November by becoming the first female auctioneer at Tattersalls and her burgeoning career on the rostrum reached a new high on Thursday when she sold a Saxon Warrior (Jpn) filly for 80,000gns to Guillermo Arizkorreta, the Spanish champion trainer who enjoyed another Classic victory in Madrid on Sunday with Octans (Spa) (The Grey Gatsby {Ire}). Anderson-Jolag has gone from strength-to-strength in a short space of time and it should only be a matter of time before she is selling horses north of six figures. The big question coming into this sale was just how well the middle market was going to hold up. The fact that 42 horses sold for 50,000gns or more, which is three more than went through the ring at this sale last year, would suggest that things are holding up at pretty much every level on the breeze-up circuit this season. This was another encouraging sale. Royal Ascot Contender Headlines HIT Session The horses-in-training section was headed by the 90-rated Veblen Good (Ire) (Starspangledbanner (Aus)}), who returned home to his own stable on Thursday evening after his trainer Karl Burke struck the winning bid at 110,000gns. Veblen Good carried Noel O'Callaghan's silks to victory at Wolverhampton back in October and chased home the highly-regarded Strong Warrior (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}) last month. From a deep Mountarmstrong Stud family that goes back to Commonwealth Cup winner Anthem Alexander (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Veblen Good might well chart a similar path towards that Group 1 at the royal meeting. He was the only six-figure lot to go through the ring during the horses-in-training section, where many of the key figures dropped when set against last year's catalogue, which included a dispersal of John Dance's horses. The 1,442,700gns turnover was down 30% on last year's trade despite 24 more horses being offered while the median was down 60% to 8,750gns and the average by 46% to 16,776gns. The clearance rate was 91%, which was down by 3% on last year. The Chairman Reflects Commenting on the day's trade at the close of play, Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said, “The momentum from the recent, record-breaking Craven Breeze-up Sale has been well and truly carried into the Guineas Breeze-up and Horses-in-Training Sale, which has seen a record number of 50,000-guinea lots and a record-equalling median for the breeze-up section. Buyers continue to be drawn to a sale whose recent results include three individual Group/Grade 1 winners and 42 Group or Listed performers since 2022 – arguably making it the best value breeze-up sale in Europe. “We have welcomed a diverse and international group of buyers to Tattersalls – a hallmark of our sales at Park Paddocks. This follows promotional visits in recent months to America, Australia, Bahrain, Dubai, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Malaysia, Norway, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Sweden in conjunction with our extensive network of overseas representatives.” He added, “We now look forward to the Tattersalls July Sale, Europe's leading midsummer sale, which offers buyers an enticing mix of top-class horses in training and high-quality breeding stock on the eve of the July Festival at Newmarket Racecourse.” The post ‘Breeze-up Momentum’ Carried Through to Tattersalls Guineas Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Oaklawn will dramatically alter its 2025-2026 racing schedule, moving to more four-day weeks while greatly reducing its January footprint, after its request for 64 racing dates (Dec. 12-May 2), was unanimously approved by the Arkansas Racing Commission Thursday morning in Little Rock, the track said in a press release on Thursday. Oaklawn will open a week later and again close Kentucky Derby Day. The Hot Springs oval is scheduled to race nine days in December–Friday, Saturday and Sunday–before its first of 10 scheduled four-day race weeks (Jan. 1-4). Expanded race weeks are the result of the track returning Thursdays to its schedule. The racing calendar evolved into a mostly Friday-Sunday format after the track extended its season into May in 2019 and began opening in December in 2021. Under Arkansas law, Oaklawn is capped at 68 live racing dates each year. The new racing schedule was endorsed by the Arkansas division of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. After racing Jan. 1-4, Oaklawn will be dark until Jan. 30, the last of six scheduled dates for the month. The track will then shift to mostly four-day race weeks (Thursday-Sunday) for the remainder of the season. The post January Mostly Dark As Oaklawn’s New ’25-’26 Schedule Approved appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Trainer Brendon Hill has no concerns about Arthur Shelby stepping up in grade at Addington tonight. Because he knows where the exciting pacer is heading. Arthur Shelby has won three of his four starts and was brave beating Trump Card in a R50-60 race at Addington last Friday. He moves into R58-69 grade in the Share The Dream With Woodlands Stud Mobile Pace (8.35pm) against the likes of Xlendi and Radha tonight but Hill says the son of Bettor’s Delight isn’t finished winning yet. “I am not saying he will win this week but he is definitely heading to a better grade than this,” he told HRNZ. “I have had horses like Dalton Bromac, who won 10 races, and I think this horse is in his class. “He may have to try something different this week as he has barrier 1 and while he won his maiden from that draw trying to lead all the way in this grade could be harder. “Whether he can do that I don’t know, or whether he even trails then re-takes.” That decision will ultimately lie with Hill’s 19-year-old son Seth, who has driven Arthur Shelby in all three of his wins and with 13 victories this season is already ahead of the total he won for the whole of last term. “Seth is driving really well and we are proud of him,” says Hill. “He has been a big part of this horse’s success with those wins earning him four ratings points instead of eight.” Even with the discounts Arthur Shelby, named after the character in Peaky Blinders, looks headed to the verge of open class so punters could do worse than take his $2.10 tonight. “He is getting better all the time. Last week I gave him his first serious heat training over a mile and he worked like a good horse.” Meanwhile, Hill says his stable star Renegade will contest the Superstars at Addington next Friday and he is working back from New Zealand Cup day with the big pacer. “We gave him his chances in those country cups races so he could tell us whether he is going to mature into a good standing start stayer in time for something like the Cup. “Hopefully in the spring we will know whether we have a Cup horse of a Free-For-All horse.” Tonight’s trotting feature is the TK Plastering About Now Handicap for the female trotters and after her easy last start win in Sires’ Stakes Aged Classic, Nellie Doyle has to be the one to beat. She downed Rowe Cup contender Mighty Logan that night and her improvement curve still appears to be on the up for trainer Tim Trathen. View the full article

Friday Night Lights will be stacked with Group racing at Alexandra park tonight, highlighted by the Rowe Cup and the Roy Purdon Memorial. Mighty Logan “can win” Rowe Cup By Michael Guerin The man who knows how to win Rowe Cups is starting to believe his next one might come sooner than expected – like at Alexandra Park just after 9.30pm tonight with Mighty Logan. John Dunn reined Sundees Son to win Auckland’s biggest trotting race in 2019 and 2021, only Covid canning the 2020 Cup costing him a likely treble. Tonight he returns to Alexandra Park with Mighty Logan, who is no Sundees Son just yet but probably won’t have to be. The heavily-backed trotter led and won the Anzac Cup last Friday when gifted a front line advantage over key rivals Oscar Bonavena and Muscle Mountain and he gets the same tonight as the big two fared poorly in the random draw. Add to that the potential fitness doubts over Bet N Win, who missed that lead-up race last Friday, and all of a sudden Mighty Logan becomes the horse to beat in the Rowe Cup. “It is getting to the stage where he has to have a good chance,” says Dunn. “He has the manners and if he settles handy that gives him a big advantage over Oscar and Muscle Mountain. “We all know how good Bet N Win is but he missed a race last week which isn’t easy when you are racing over 3200m so a lot has gone right for us that hasn’t for other horses.” Dunn says Mighty Logan always had the potential to be a Cup winner but his improvement coupled with others disadvantages means his time may come sooner than expected. Still, he is a nine-win horse up against some more proven stars so will need to produce the same level of performance as last Friday to complete the double. Either Oscar Bonavena or Muscle Mountain could win without surprising while Bet N Win is talented enough and could sit handy on the markers doing no work, the usual path to 3200m glory at Alexandra Park. Earlier in the night Dunn will partner Ya Rite Darl (R7, No.6) in the Woodlands Trotting Oaks against her own stablemate Frazzled and favourite Habibti Pat. Habibti Pat was the best of the three in the Derby last Friday but if Ya Rite Darl can use her gate speed to cross to the lead that will be a huge help. The stable also has a handy filly in Cool For Cats (R8, No.1) in the Delightful Lady Final and her tactics could be crucial as if she leads then Australian visitor Ripples could get the race-winning trail but if she doesn’t hold the lead it becomes advantage to Alecto. Good draw enhances We Walk By Faith’s chances in the Roy Purdon Memorial By Michael Guerin Don’t let We Walk By Faith’s lack of standing start form put you off taking the best odds in tonight’s $100,000 Roy Purdon Memorial at Alexandra Park tonight (8.55pm). Because dig a bit deeper and there is more to his one start, one miss record from behind the tapes as he goes into a race where standing start manners will be crucial. Tonight’s race, named in honour of the Godfather of New Zealand harness racing, is a 2200m stand but with four of the biggest names starting off 10m, which could prove extremely difficult if the front markers step and run hard. The toughest to catch would be We Walk By Faith, who came from near last to win the Taylor Mile two starts ago starting off level marks with tonight’s rivals so he is beautifully placed starting in barrier 1 on the front line. Whether that proves a gift or a curse will depend on if he can begin safely or quickly, and get a marker pegs run while others like Republican Party, Chase A Dream or stablemate Don’t Stop Dreaming have to come wide. “I think he can begin quickly,” says co-trainer Hayden Cullen, who with wife Amanda is in the best form of his career. “He has only had the one stand and I know he only finished fifth but he was off a 30m handicap by himself at Cambridge and once they began he had nothing to race so just mucked around. “He was safe but not fast and ended uo being last most of the way and never really got into it. “But it wasn’t his manners that cost him and being a good pacer I think he can use his draw this week so the stand doesn’t bother me.” On his Taylor Mile win and fourth as the only horse coming wide in last Friday’s Messenger, if We Walk By Faith leads or trails free-goers like Sooner The Bettor or Rakero Rocket, he will be the horse to beat. The Cullens also have the enigmatic Don’t Stop Dreaming in the race and while Hayden opts for We Walk By Faith as their better hope Don’t Stop Dreaming, like all those on the 10m mark, could win if the race gets turned on its head at the start. “He was good last week and didn’t have a hard run, which should suit him this time, and he can go close but of course that might depend how the race is run.” Republican Party looks the best placed of the pacers on the 10m mark as he is a great beginner and has been in wonderful form so he if can step quick enough to gain an advantage over some of the front markers, then the complexion of the race might change. That will also be the case for Mo’unga, although he is the horse who looks unluckiest to be back on the 10m mark while what Chase A Dream does tonight is anybody’s guess. On a night with so many big trot races the juvenile pacers have their autumn finals with Alecto (R8, No.2) looking to have a major advantage in the draws over unbeaten Australian filly Ripples (9), who beat her last Friday but raced erratically. In the boys’ final Fugitive (R6, No.6) looks the most advanced but Andretti (4) should be a big improver on last Friday. The Cullen team also have high class filly General Jen taking on the older horses in Race 2 and she prepares for the Sires’ Stakes Final next Friday. View the full article

2nd-Churchill Downs, $108,750, Msw, 5-1, 2yo, 4 1/2f, :52.59, ft, 1 3/4 lengths. MERCILESANIHILATOR (c, 2, Audible–Gadabout, by Bodemeister) looked in all sorts of trouble heading for home, but got his second wind in the final furlong to give this owner, trainer and jockey Jareth Loveberry their second straight success in as many days with a debuting 2-year-old beneath the Twin Spires. Sassy C W (Yaupon) became a new 'TDN Rising Star' in the fillies' equivalent exactly 24 hours prior. Sent off at odds just shy of 6-5, the April foal was hard-ridden and locked up early with chief market rival Moonlight Beauty (Hootenanny) and the two raced away from their rivals through a quarter in :22.22. The early exertions appeared to exact a toll, as Captain Gabe (Instagrand) and Distorted Song (Maclean's Music) were zeroing in three and four wide, respectively, as Moonlight Beauty began to retreat. Captain Gabe edged in front approaching the eighth pole, but Loveberry kept after the rail-skimming Mercilesanihilator and they re-rallied to score by 1 3/4 lengths. Blinging It Back (Volatile) raced far back to the stretch, but flashed home while racing greenly to just miss second money, then flew past the leading duo on the gallop out. A $40,000 acquisition as a short yearling at Keeneland January in 2024, the winner was hammered down to these connections for $330,000 at this year's OBS March Sale after breezing a furlong in :10 flat. Like Sassy C V, Mercilesanihilator was consigned to the sale by Jimbo and Torie Gladwell's Top Line Sales as agent. Tommy Wente's St. Simon Place acquired Gadabout, a half-sister to GIII Virginia Oaks winner Blind Date (Not For Love) and MSW Sales Tax (High Yield), for $82,000 in foal to McKinzie at the 2021 Keeneland November Sale. The mare is also responsible for a yearling full-sister to Thursday's winner and she was most recently covered by Into Mischief's son Life Is Good. Sales history: $40,000 Ylg '24 KEEJAN; $330,000 2yo '25 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $69,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Patricia's Hope LLC; B-St Simon Place LLC & Brandon Stocks (KY); T-Larry Rivelli. #7 MERCILESANIHILATOR ($4.34) wins a lively Race 2 at Churchill Downs. @jareth16 up for Larry Rivelli on the juvenile son of @WinStarFarm Audible. pic.twitter.com/HyFh5ckMXQ — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) May 1, 2025 The post Audible Colt Mercilesanihilator Fights Back Bravely To Debut a Winner appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

VALENTINIAN (Into Mischief) marks his return following a third-place effort going 8 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 9. A solid3 1/4-length victor in his career debut at Tampa Mar. 1, the $1.5 million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select yearling graduate is reunited with Hall of Famer John Velazquez, who was also in two last time out. Todd Pletcher trains the son of GI Spinaway heroine Rachel's Valentina (Bernardini), herself a daughter of Classic winner and champion Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro). Also trying to bounce back from a last-out loss, Tiz Secure (Maximum Security) earned TDN Rising Star status when winning his debut by 4 3/4 lengths in a six-furlong text at Santa Anita Feb. 22 before having to settle for fourth going a mile in the grassy Pasadena Stakes at that venue Mar. 9. Trained by Bob Baffert, the son of MGISW Tough Tiz's Sis (Tiznow) gets blinkers on for this return to the main track. Baffert is also represented by fellow TDN Rising Star Goal Oriented (Not This Time), who took his career debut by 3 1/4 lengths at Santa Anita Apr. 6. A $425,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, the dark bay is out of MGSW Bizzy Caroline (Afleet Alex). Flavien Prat gets the call. Sorcerer's Silver (Good Magic) beat up on fellow Florida-breds in both prior starts, including the most recent a seven-length score sprinting at Gulfstream Mar. 27 and will face open company and a route of ground for the first time here. Irad ortiz Jr., aboard for both prior starts, returns on the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic graduate. The post Friday’s Insights: Into Mischief’s Son Out of Rachel’s Valentina Returns on Derby Undercard appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Princess Attitude in Lexington. Frankel Filly Graduates At Keeneland Watts Humphrey, Jr.'s Princess Attitude (Frankel {GB}) ran out a one-length winner at Keeneland for trainer Victoria Oliver on April 24 (video). Making her fifth start, the filly was bred by Bryant H. Pursuit of Success III in Kentucky. Out of multiple graded winner and multiple Grade I-placed Keertana, herself by GI Breeders' Cup Turf hero Johar, the filly was a $400,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase by Humphrey. A half-sister to GIII Palm Beach Stakes hero Ticonderoga (Tapit), Princess Attitude has a yearling half-sister by Into Mischief and a weanling half-brother by Charlatan. A $1 million Keeneland January graduate, Keertana is a half-sister to the similarly classy Snow Top Mountain (Najran), and the late GII Buena Vista Stakes heroine Diversy Harbor (Curlin), who was second in the GI American Oaks. Juddmonte's Frankel has now sired 34 winners from 68 U.S. runners (50%). A baker's dozen have won stakes, with four Grade I winners sprinkled among them, including Lake Victoria (Ire), who runs in the G1 Betfred 1000 Guineas on Sunday. (13) Princess Attitude victorious in the ninth at Keeneland! (5) Halstyn Rose checks in second and (11) Scarletta Carpetta gets third. pic.twitter.com/73AZJtXhOc — Keeneland Racing (@keenelandracing) April 24, 2025 Kentucky Flavour To California Kentucky Gal (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}) won at Santa Anita for trainer Phil D'Amato on April 27 (video). The 4-year-old filly is owned by CYBT, Anthony Gemignani, Saul Gevertz, Michael Nentwig and Ray Pagano. The €8,500 buy-back at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale in 2022, the dark bay also did not meet her reserve when passing through that ring again for €10,000 during the Sapphire Sale later that year. She made six starts in Ireland, good for two wins, with the final victory for trainer Anthony Mullins in the colours of Olive Walsh last July. The first winner for her dam, the unraced Hold Me Now (Bernstein), Kentucky Gal has a 3-year-old half-brother by Camelot (GB). Hold Me Now is a half-sister to Grade II winner and three-time Grade/Group 1-placed sire Antonius Pius (Danzig), the duo out of G1 Yorkshire Oaks winner Catchascatchcan (GB) (Pursuit Of Love {GB}). Coolmore's Churchill is responsible for 10 winners from 22 runners (45%). His best in the States is GII Valley View Stakes heroine Poolside With Slim (Ire). Repeat Winners Jungle Peace (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) eked out a narrow win in the GIII Senorita Stakes at Santa Anita on April 27 (video). Trained by Phil D'Amato, the 3-year-old filly is owned by CYBT, McLean Racing Stables, Jerry McClanahan, Michael Nentwig and Jeremy Peskoff. Newstead Stables' Laurelin (Ire) (Zarak {Fr}) captured the Memories Of Silver Stakes at Aqueduct on Sunday for trainer Graham Motion (video). She won her debut during the Belmont at the Big A meeting in October and currently holds an entry for the G1 Coronation Stakes during Royal Ascot. Cheyenne Stables' Ozara (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) added the Monroe Stakes to her ledger at Gulfstream Park on April 26 (video). The Christophe Clement trainee was winning for the fifth time in 10 starts. Kelsey Danner saddled Brindi (Ire) (No Nay Never), who won Woodbine's Star Shoot Stakes on April 26 (video). It was the first stakes victory for the Robert Evans runner. Rispoli Returns To Santa Anita And Guides Jungle Peace To Victory In Sunday's Grade III Senorita Stakes For 3-Year-Old Fillies Sprinting About 6 ½ Furlongs On The Hillside Turf Course pic.twitter.com/y6Galv6qnp — Santa Anita Park (@santaanitapark) April 28, 2025 The post Making Waves: Princess Reigns At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and Mohegan Sun have agreed on a multi-year partnership resulting in the return of Mohegan Sun as an official casino partner of Saratoga Race Course and the presenting sponsor of the GII Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, the track said via a release on Thursday. The Jim Dandy is a nine-furlong route for sophomores scheduled on Saturday, July 26. The race is the traditional local prep for the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes set for Aug. 23. In addition to their continued sponsorship of the Jim Dandy, the Mohegan Sun brand will be displayed prominently on-track during the five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga, the July 4th Racing Festival as well as throughout the 40-day summer meet. Mohegan Sun will also be featured within the FOX Sports show Saratoga Live. “While many casino and entertainment destinations no longer feature a Race Book, Mohegan Sun is proud to still have a dedicated venue of our own with the latest betting tech and top-notch guest service, “said GM of Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook & Race Book Brad Bryant. “That's a big reason why we're so grateful for our partnership with NYRA and to once again and to be a major sponsor for the upcoming $500,000 Jim Dandy presented by Mohegan Sun! Live horse racing consistently features excellent competition and were thrilled to be a part of Belmont at Saratoga June 7!” The post NYRA And Mohegan Sun Renew Deal Along With Jim Dandy Sponsorship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NBC Sports coverage of Kentucky Derby weekend will kick off Friday, at 1 p.m. with their Kentucky Oaks show on USA Network and Peacock. Saturday, the races on the early Derby Day card will also be televised on NBC and Peacock, starting at noon. At 2:30, coverage switches to NBC. The 2025 “Run for the Roses” marks NBC Sports' milestone 25th presentation of the Kentucky Derby –a show which has grown markedly since NBC's initial 90-minute broadcast in 2001. NBC Sports' Derby Day coverage features 10 races across 7.5 hours–five hours on NBC and Peacock on Saturday. Over the two days, NBC Sports will present 17 live races from Churchill Downs. Telemundo Deportes will present live coverage of the 151st Kentucky Derby, beginning Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET on Universo, and streaming on the Telemundo app. The on-air talent for the show includes Mike Tirico, Randy Moss, Jerry Bailey, Steve Kornacki, and Nick Luck. Donna Brothers returns as the only member of the team to cover all 25 of NBC's Kentucky Derbies. Features are planned on D. Wayne Lukas, Mike McCarthy, Martin Garcia, and Tirico will interview Bob Baffert, who is going for a record seventh Derby win. Eleven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles will give the iconic 'Riders Up' call for the Kentucky Derby. Click here for the complete schedule and more details. The post Kentucky Derby Day Highlighted by 7.5 Hours of Coverage on NBC, Peacock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) winner Five G saw her path to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) come up a day short May 1 when she was scratched from Friday's 1 1/8-mile test for 3-year-old fillies at Churchill Downs.View the full article

The final installment of the annual ABR series features Umberto Rispoli, who will get a leg up from trainer Michael McCarthy on Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner and expected Kentucky Derby (G1) favorite Journalism.View the full article

Haras d'Etreham resident Victor Ludorum (GB) (Shamardal) became Europe's latest first-crop sire to get off the mark when his Adam West-trained daughter Viva La Skids (Fr) pounced late in the Thursday's six-furlong Prix Royal Hampton at Saint-Cloud to defeat 11 rivals on debut. Occupying a position off the tempo towards the rear for the most part, the 77-2 outsider made relentless headway under pressure out wide inside the final quarter-mile and inched ahead in the dying strides to defeat Kalkara (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}) by a neck. Prix Royal Hampton Saint Cloud – Classe 3 – 2 ans – 1200m – Bon Souple (3.3) – 12 Pts – 30 000 € Viva La Skids (f) Fabrice Veron (Victor Ludorum (gb) @DarleyAus – Mandoline (Ire) par Muhaarar (Gb) Adam West R.Deacon Ecurie Biraben pic.twitter.com/Jrym1eU0Fi — French and International Horse Racing (@Vincenzo0612) May 1, 2025 The post Freshman Sire Victor Ludorum Off the Mark With Viva La Skids at Saint-Cloud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GII Gulfstream Park Oaks winner Five G (Vekoma) will not contest Friday's GI Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, according to Daily Racing Form. Trainer George Weaver told DRF's Dave Grening, “This is the type of race where you've got to be 110% and we don't feel like she is.” A four-length winner in her second career start while facing New York breds at the Big A last fall, the Gatsas Stables-owned filly won this season's Cash Run Stakes in addition to finishing second behind fellow Oaks contender Quietside (Malibu Moon) in Oaklawn's GIII Honeybee Stakes Feb. 23. The post Five G Scratched From Kentucky Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A year after recording a historic double with Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in the GI Kentucky Oaks and Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the GI Kentucky Derby, jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr. is coming back for more. The native of Lafayette, Louisiana will pilot the stretch-running GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner Burnham Square (Liam's Map), a live contender for trainer Ian Wilkes in Saturday's Kentucky Derby, and the Kenny McPeek-trained GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes runner-up Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) in Friday's Kentucky Oaks. The aforementioned reigning Horse of the Year and 'TDN Rising Star' Thorpedo Anna will also be in action with Hernandez, Jr. in the irons, headlining the GI Fasig-Tipton La Troienne on the Oaks undercard. Just one of eight jockeys to sweep the Oaks and Derby and the first since Calvin Borel did so with Rachel Alexandra and Mine That Bird in 2009, the nation's 2004 outstanding apprentice jockey and 2024 Mike Venezia Memorial Award winner chatted with TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack as the first Saturday in May approaches. Q: A year has passed now since your monumental weekend winning both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. Has it begun to sink in yet? BH: We stay so busy traveling and riding all over the place that we never really took the time for it to sink in. But with Derby week coming back around–you're doing all these interviews and everything–it's starting to sink in now. After the Derby, we got back real late that night. Neither my wife or I could sleep because we were just so excited about what happened in the 24-hour span. You always dream of winning a race like the Derby–we've been fortunate enough to win big races in the past–but winning the Oaks and the Derby was a completely different elevation. Between having the toast with the Governor right after the race in the Derby Museum and all that stuff, it's definitely gonna be memorable, that's for sure. Q: What were your expectations heading into this weekend with Thorpedo Anna and Mystik Dan last year? BH: We were really confident in Thorpedo Anna. When she went in and won like she did on Friday, I think it just kinda made going into Derby Day just that much easier. It made it to where everything was real nice and smooth and that's a testament to Kenny (McPeek) as well. There was no pressure in the Derby and that makes all the difference in the world being a rider when there's not that pressure on you. We were able to let Mystik Dan find his way and give him the right trip. It was all meant to be just the way things developed from the post-position draw all the way to him winning. Q: How much did winning the Derby and Oaks change your life? BH: I don't think it changed our lives that greatly. The next morning, I still had to get up and go help (wife) Jamie clean stalls at the barn (at our farm) and do all that stuff (laughs). I guess if it's changed anything, we're just a little more recognized now (Editor's Note: Hernandez, Jr. was featured in the popular new Netflix series 'Race for the Crown'). It opened up a few different opportunities. And we've gained some better horses. I think that's the only thing that's changed about us. Q: Is there any way to top that now? You've already won a Breeders' Cup Classic with Fort Larned for the same connections of Burnham Square. How does this impact your goals and outlook moving forward? BH: Once you win races like the Oaks and Derby, it tends to put it in the back of your mind, you want to do it every year. We're just trying to hope for a repeat and hopefully give these horses two good trips and go from there. It would be really awesome to be able to win the Derby for the Whithams and Ian (Wilkes) just because they were the people that gave me my first opportunity in Grade I races. To be able get them a Derby, that would be the ultimate goal. Q: What were your impressions of Burnham Square after riding him for the first time in the Blue Grass? Burnham Square, with Brian Hernandez, Jr. up, working for the Kentucky Derby | Horsephotos BH: He impressed me because he was able to make such a long, sustained run. I got him in the clear midway down the backside, and, just past the five-eighths pole, he started to make up ground and pick up those horses. For him to make that long of a run and run down East Avenue–a Grade I winner–it showed that he's looking to become an even better horse. He's not the type of horse that we can force into doing something early in the race. He's gonna have to leave there and travel and get his legs under him, then come with his run. I was fortunate enough to ride his mother and a few others of the family as well. Q: Trainer Ken McPeek announced on Twitter that Take Charge Milady's foot abscess has healed. You rode her for the first time in the Ashland, a very good second. What were your impressions of her? BH: She was impressive in the Ashland. I had worked her a couple of weeks before that down in New Orleans. She was training at Oaklawn all winter, then he sent her to New Orleans to train. She worked really well and we were going into the Ashland thinking she had a big chance. Even in the Ashland, if we'd been able to get a little better trip around the second turn, I think we would've made it a whole lot closer on La Cara. Q: It will be a real treat for the Oaks crowd to see Thorpedo Anna race in the La Troienne. What's this ride been like with her? BH: She's that once-in-a-lifetime racehorse. Especially now, each race that she goes into, she's 1-9, or she's the heavy favorite. So, there's always that added pressure of people having the target on your back. She just goes out there and does what she needs to and puts them away. She goes out there and shows her dominance is the best way to put it. She runs the heart out of horses. It's been a fun ride, that's for sure. Brian Hernandez, Jr. celebrates as Thorpedo Anna captures the 2024 Kentucky Oaks | Horsephotos Q: It's obviously a huge weekend coming up now. What does it mean to you to be in the spotlight on these big days? BH: That's what we worked so hard for all these years. You want the opportunities in these Grade I races and these big weekends. That's why 20 years ago I left Louisiana and moved here to Kentucky hoping for that chance to ride these big horses in big races. It's what we get up for every morning. Right after this year's Derby, the 2-year-olds will start coming in and we'll start looking for horses for next year's Oaks and Derby. The post Jockey Brian Hernandez, Jr.: ‘Once You Win Races Like the Oaks and Derby, You Want to Do it Every Year’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thirty-five years after Carl Nafzger won the Kentucky Derby (G1) with Unbridled, his former assistant Ian Wilkes has Burnham Square primed to shine on the First Saturday in May. View the full article

Francis Graffard trainee Vadinska (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) delivered an impressive debut performance in Thursday's Prix Fourire at Saint-Cloud and earned a TDN Rising Star badge after registering a 10-length success in the one-mile debutantes' heat. The January-foaled bay, who lined up as the 4-5 favourite here, broke from the outside stall and tracked the leading duo from a position three lengths off the tempo through the initial fractions. Inching closer rounding the home turn, she cruised to the front on the bridle in early straight and lengthened clear in style inside the final quarter-mile to easily outclass Ampola (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) by 10 lengths. The further they went, the further she went clear! Vadinska is out of a half-sister to the high-class Vadeni and runs out a super impressive winner on debut at Saint-Cloud! pic.twitter.com/iuZgUPYLjO — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 1, 2025 The post Aga Khan Studs Blueblood Vadinska Routs Rivals in TDN Rising Star Display at Saint-Cloud appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

He’s won Caulfield Cups, a Cox Plate and a Melbourne Cup, and now Ciaron Maher has won his hometown Cup thanks to Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) staving off the late charge from Torranzino (NZ) (Tarzino) to land the 2350-metre Warrnambool feature on Thursday. The 2022 Turnbull Stakes winner lumped the topweight of 59kg to victory, leading throughout for star jockey Ben Melham. “It’s fantastic,” Maher said. “What a fantastic ride by Ben, he really understands this horse really well, he’s had some nice wins on him.” A rising nine-year-old, Smokin’ Romans has now won 11 of his 47 race starts and earned more than $2.3 million in prizemoney. “He’s been phenomenal,” Maher said. “He’s getting on a bit now; we change it up a bit for him. I can’t thank the team enough, he goes everywhere, he’s been hanging out at Ballarat the last couple of days but he’s normally down at Cranbourne, so a big thanks to them.” Melham was celebrating his second win in the Warrnambool Cup, 15 years after capturing the race on Hissing Sid. It was also the second leg of a double for him on Day 3 of the May Racing Carnival. “I wanted to lead on him because of the big weight,” Melham revealed. “It was just the weight that brought him back to the field going over the line. He had to go a nice-enough gallop just to make sure that nothing whipped around him mid-race. “It was a good, tough win in the end, he’s obviously a Group 1 winner, he’s got a bit of class. He mixes his form a little bit, but he does tend to go well for me.” View the full article

NEWMARKET, UK — Galopin Des Champs, you say? He was yesterday's news. Today, and for the next few days at least, it's all about the Guineas. And what better way to start a day bursting with warmth and shiny promise from dawn than by watching the favourite for the Betfred 2,000 Guineas stride up Warren Hill not once but twice. Field Of Gold (Ire), in partnership with John and Thady Gosden's talented apprentice Luke Catton, had two short, easy canters on Thursday morning. His main work is done, a lot of those finishing touches for his appearance in the Classic line-up having been made during his convincing win in the G3 Craven Stakes a fortnight ago. “He's tightened up from the Craven and he's woken up a bit too; he's sharp in his work,” says Thady Gosden, after keeping close tabs on the colt through his binoculars from the top of the hill. Field Of Gold's sire Kingman (GB) was once a member of the powerful Gosden string. His sole defeat in eight starts came, narrowly, in the 2,000 Guineas of 2014 when he was second to Night Of Thunder (Ire). What a vintage renewal that turned out to be, and those two old sparring partners loom large this year, with Night Of Thunder being responsible for Godolphin's 1,000 Guineas favourite Desert Flower (Ire). Kingman, of course, would go on to atone for that one reversal in spectacular fashion by rolling through the Irish 2,000 Guineas, St James's Palace Stakes, Sussex Stakes and Prix Jacques Le Marois. Those are big shoes to fill. Gosden continues, “Last year as a two-year-old he was still quite unfurnished and he looked like he would mature into a lovely three-year-old, which he has done. Of course he ran fourth in the Lagardere on Arc day when the ground was a bit soft for him, but he's really matured as you want to see this year. He's a strong colt now and he has a wonderful mind. He's such a laidback character and he's not really too worried about much.” Field Of Gold won't have to worry about finding the ground too soft on the Rowley Mile this weekend as Newmarket has not had even a hint of rain since the overnight deluge just before the Craven meeting. As Saturday's declarations closed at 10am, only 10 colts were confirmed to stand their ground against the favourite. Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is the sole Ballydoyle representative and also making the trip across the Irish Sea will be Scorthy Champ (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) for Joseph O'Brien, and the Jessica Harrington-trained Green Impact (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). Godolphin will be represented by last season's champion two-year-old Shadow Of Light (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) and Ruling Court (Justify), both trained by Charlie Appleby, and by Saaeed Bin Suroor's Tornado Alert (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). Their fellow Newmarket trainees Benevento (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko) will become the first Guineas runners for trainers Raphael Freire and James Owen respectively, both of whom were out on Warren Hill overseeing their strings as Field Of Gold was in action. We heard about the colourful Guineas history of Phil Cunningham in yesterday's TDN, and his Yah Mo Be There (GB) (Mohaather {GB}) carries the hopes of Richard Spencer, while Hugo Palmer, a Newmarket trainer when he won the 2,000 Guineas back in 2016, returns to his old stomping ground from Cheshire with Seagulls Eleven (Ire), a son of that winner of nine years ago, Galileo Gold (GB). Thady Gosden continues, “Obviously it's a very deep race. It's the Guineas and it's always going to be. There are some pretty serious contenders coming over from Ireland and also from down the road at Charlie's. They are horses with exceptional form, some of them have run already this year and some haven't. It's going to be a tough one, for sure.” He adds of Field Of Gold, a foal purchase by Juddmonte from his breeders Bobby and Honora Donworth of Roundhill Stud, “He's got a good miling pedigree but he relaxes so well that you think that he might be able to stay further possibly. It's fantastic to have a Juddmonte-owned colt, by Kingman, back here at Newmarket for the Guineas and hopefully he can run a good race for the family.” Harry Davies will remember the days of Hugo Palmer's Galileo Gold all too well. He may have been only 11 years old at the time, but his mother Angie Shea was a long time lieutenant at the Palmer stable and Davies was riding out there before he was even tall enough to tack up a racehorse. He's grown a bit now, and is being given the chances his talent and dedication deserve, including a first ride in the 2,000 Guineas aboard the Gredley family's Wimbledon Hawkeye. The pair finished second to Field Of Gold in the Craven. For Davies, Newmarket born-and-bred, this is a big deal. “I always grew up watching the Guineas and I think I have been to every meeting since I was very young, so to have a ride is a big thing,” he admits. “It's very exciting to pick up the ride on Wimbledon Hawkeye. When I found out that I was riding him in the Craven it was very exciting and he ran a nice race to finish second. The winner is leading the market, so he's got to find three lengths on form. He feels really well. He doesn't really do that much at home, he's quite lazy in his work, but he's feeling amazing.” Harry Davies, 20, has his first Classic ride | Emma Berry Davies adds of the colt, who is also entered in the Derby, “The mile is probably his minimum now and at Newmarket in the Craven he probably got a little bit outpaced at one stage but stayed on well up the hill. A mile and a quarter is probably where I see him, but a mile and a half is the question that we will be asking him at some stage.” Davies has already ridden a stakes winner for the Gredleys and Owen this season, having won the Listed Nottinghamshire Oaks aboard Ambiente Amigo (GB) ) (Postponed {Ire}) on Tuesday. He also had a taste of Epsom when winning the Blue Riband Trial for his regular stable of Simon and Ed Crisford with Sea Scout (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). “I always wanted to be a jockey but it was apparent very early that I was getting tall, so I have had to work hard to keep my weight down. I am very lucky to be in the position I'm in, to have some good support and to have a ride in the Guineas,” he says. “It's all a little bit of a whirlwind sometimes but I'm just trying to keep my head down.” The post Juddmonte’s Field Of Gold to Face Ten in 2,000 Guineas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A rare star that emerged from Evangeline Downs, Coal Battle has the support of the Louisiana Industry behind him when he runs in the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs May 3.View the full article

Horse Country, Ireland's premier immersive equine tourism experience, was launched at the Punchestown Festival on Wednesday. Supported by Fáilte Ireland, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI), Kildare and Tipperary County Councils, Horse Country offers 15 visitor experiences that immerse guests in the world of Thoroughbred horses, including access to the yards and training operations of Aidan O'Brien (Tipperary), Johnny Murtagh (Kildare) and Jessica Harrington (Kildare). These globally-recognised trainers are opening their yards exclusively to Horse Country visitors, offering behind-the-scenes access and opportunities to see the training regimes and facilities for the equine athletes in their care. Visitors can also enjoy exclusive access to renowned stud farms like Kildangan in County Kildare and Coolmore in County Tipperary to explore the very beginning of a Thoroughbred's journey and witness firsthand the life cycle of these incredible animals, from newborn foals to future champions. Cathal Beale, Horse Country chairman and CEO of the Irish National Stud & Gardens, said, “Through my role in the Irish National Stud & Gardens, I see firsthand how the interest in Thoroughbred horses and racing significantly drives tourism in Kildare. “We are delighted to launch Horse Country today and excited to see this unique immersive equine tourism product further increasing domestic and international tourism while showcasing our world-renowned racing and breeding industry.” For more information on the various experiences available, visit www.horsecountry.ie. The post Horse Country to Offer Tours of World-Renowned Yards and Studs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

More than a quarter of this year’s Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) field line up this Sunday.View the full article

Kiwi-bred jumper Duke Of Bedford (NZ) (Tavistock) scored a memorable double at Warrnambool on Thursday when taking out the Grand Annual Steeplechase (5500m) for trainer Andrew Bobbin. The son of Tavistock was a popular four-length winner of the Brierly Steeplechase (3450m) at the Victoria track just two days prior, and was duly backed into $3.60 favouritism by punters. Jockey Arron Lynch replaced William McCarthy aboard the six-year-old gelding in the Grand Annual, and he rode him like he stole him, opening up several lengths early on against his rivals, which he maintained throughout, earning a comfortable 12-length victory in the finish. Post-race Bobbin admitted to feeling a bit nervous throughout the running, fearing Lynch may have pushed the button too early on his charge, but he needn’t have worried, and he hailed the gutsy ride. “I was watching him go around and I thought, ‘gee Lynchy, what are you doing?’ But he just kept finding and finding,” Bobbin said. “I thought ‘we are going to stop here soon’, but when they came down the hill that second time, he only had to get over them. What a ride? And what a confident ride? “Every jockey tells me that he might look like he is doing too much, but he’s just cruising, he is doing it so well. “This was a bonus today, the Brierly was the goal, and the way he did that today he might have undersold his ability.” With victory, Duke Of Bedford became the 23rd horse to complete the Brierly-Grand Annual double. He was bred by Blandford Lodge’s Graham and Helen-Gaye Bax, and is out of winning Fastnet Rock mare Miralago, a half-sister to the dam of Group One winner Danzdanzdance. “I have had that family for years and it goes way back to an English mare called Polly Soleil that I bought more than 30 years ago,” Graham Bax said. “I have bred a lot of good mares out of that family, including (multiple Group One winner) Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel), (Group Two winner) Silky Red Boxer (NZ) (Casual Lies), Danzdanzdance, (stakes winner) Le Gai Soleil (NZ) (Tavistock), there’s a lot of good horses from that family. “It is a super family that has been performing for Blandford Lodge for a long time.” Duke Of Bedford was offered as at Inglis’ 2020 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale where he was purchased by STC Syndications for A$45,000. He went on to win one race for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young before he transferred to Andrew Bobbin’s Stawell barn, for whom he has added another seven victories to his tally, culminating in his Brierly-Grand Annual double. View the full article

What Hawkesbury Gold Cup Day Where Hawkesbury Race Club – 1 Racecourse Rd, Clarendon NSW 2756 When Saturday, May 3, 2025 First Race 11:20am AEST Visit Dabble The $250,000 Hawkesbury Gold Cup (1600m) is one of a trio of Group 3 features on Saturday’s 10-race program on the northwestern fringe of Sydney. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with more scattered showers forecast in the lead-up, punters can expect the surface to maintain its Heavy rating. The Hawkesbury races on May 3 are set to commence at 11:20am local time. Hawkesbury Gold Cup Tip: My Oberon It was a non-event for My Oberon first-up in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 19. He worked through the line alright, however, and brings some elite form into this Group 3 contest. He got to within a half-length of Fangirl second-up last preparation, and if he can do something similar here, My Oberon will seem a big price at the $15 with Neds as they turn for the judge. Hawkesbury Gold Cup Race 8 – #1 My Oberon (9) 8yo Gelding | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: Joshua Parr (60kg) Hawkesbury Crown Tip: Belclare Belclare made a smart return for the Bjorn Baker barn in the 2025 All Aged Stakes, leading throughout the journey before tapping out in the final furlong to go down by three lengths. It was a definite pass mark for the seven-year-old, leaving the suggestion she can win something slightly easier. The Group 3 Hawkesbury Crown (1300m) fits that billing perfectly, and with a clean jump from barrier 14, Belclare will give this lot something to chase down. Hawkesbury Crown Race 7 – #1 Belclare (14) 7yo Mare | T: Bjorn Baker | J: Nash Rawiller (60kg) Hawkesbury Guineas Tip: Pisces Pisces has been hampered by poor barriers in back-to-back starts. The son of Frosted was the flashing light on both occasions, however, and appears set to peak third-up in the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m). Expect Kerrin McEvoy to sit handier to the speed from gate five, and with Pisces set to gain the run of the race, this guy represents terrific each-way value at $19 with horse racing bookmakers. Hawkesbury Guineas Race 6 – #1 Pisces (5) 3yo Gelding | T: James Cummings | J: Kerrin McEvoy (58kg) Best Bet at Hawkesbury: Aerodrome Aerodrome impressed on debut at Warwick Farm on April 16, showing a good turn of foot to hold out Hidden Motive as the pair cleared out by five lengths. Punters can follow the top two with trust, and with the way Aerodrome kicked late, the 1400m should be no issue. Expect Regan Bayliss to take luck out of the equation and lead throughout the journey, and provided nothing wants to get involved in a speed battle early, this guy should take plenty of chasing late. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Aerodrome (5) 2yo Gelding | T: Michael Freedman | J: Regan Bayliss (58.5kg) Next Best at Hawkesbury: Black Run Black Run did enough on his Australian debut to suggest he’s worth following into this second-up assignment. The French import whacked away to get within 2.5 lengths of Poppin’ Champagne at Warwick Farm on April 16 but was outsprinted over the 1600m. The 1800m should be ideal second-up, and provided they make this a genuine staying contest, expect Black Run to be fighting out the finish this time around. Next Best Race 5 – #5 Black Run (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Annabel & Rob Archibald | J: Braith Nock (a2kg) (58kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Hawkesbury Hawkesbury quadrella selections Saturday, May 3, 2025 1-2-6-12-16 1-2-3-4-12 1-2-4-9-10 3-4-6-7-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article