Wandering Eyes

Moira, the queen of Woodbine and the reigning Canadian Horse of the Year, will face one of her toughest challenges of the year in the Oct. 8 CA$750,000 E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1T) at Woodbine.View the full article

Inspiral looks to land a fifth group 1 and to possibly provide Frankie Dettori with a landmark 500th success at Newmarket in the Sun Chariot Stakes (G1).View the full article

The fleet-footed Dreamfyre, 2-for-2 sprinting on the dirt, tries a new surface and distance in the Oct. 8 $200,000 Surfer Girl Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Four-times group 1 winners who boast two editions of Deauville's G1 Prix Jacques le Marois are rare commodities, so Saturday's G1 Sun Chariot S. is all the richer for the presence of Cheveley Park Stud's Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) who could be Frankie's 500th Newmarket winner if all goes to plan. First, they will have to master one of those big improvers that Andre Fabre has aimed at his favourite track, and Baron Edouard De Rothschild's Mqse De Sevigne (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) showed distinct appetite for battle in both Deauville's race named in honour of the owner-breeder's family and the G1 Prix Jean Romanet. Fortunately for Inspiral, the autumn damp has been delayed and the Gosdens' filly has ideal conditions as she returns to the course and distance of her Fillies' Mile success two years ago. “She's in good form and the ground will suit. Softer ground can dampen her finish, but I think the ground on Saturday will be perfect,” Cheveley Park's managing director Chris Richardson said. “I think the French filly is the one we've got to be worried about, but if you're not in you can't win, so let's hope Frankie can work some more magic.” This is unlikely to be Inspiral's grand finale, however. “She's obviously lightly-raced, so we can see after Saturday whether Mrs Thompson will consider the Breeders' Cup option as her swansong, or indeed whether she might stay in training next year, which hasn't been decided yet,” Richardson added. Andre Fabre said of Mqse De Sevigne, “I don't think the ground is too much of a concern, maybe over this distance it might be a bit sharp for her but she has done well over this distance before. She will go for the Breeders' Cup [Filly And Mare Turf] after this.” With two 16-1 winners in the last four years, this is never an open-and-shut case and St Albans Bloodstock's Heredia (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) is exactly the kind of progressive type which this late-season race favours. Her wins in the Listed Dick Hern S. at Haydock in August and G3 Atalanta S. at Sandown last month saw her back to the form of her success in Royal Ascot's Sandringham H. last year and she showed she handled faster ground there. “Richard Hannon has been really pleased with her since Sandown, she has bounced out of that race,” the owners's racing manager Richard Brown said. “We took our time and said we would only do it if you were completely happy and Richard says she has never been better, so we're happy to take a chance.” Lupini Waits On Ground For Kitty Rose Staffordstown Bid… One of Irish racing's big stories of 2023, the Natalia Lupini-trained unbeaten filly Kitty Rose (GB) (Invincible Army {Ire}) is one of the main attractions on Saturday's Curragh card. Impressive when stamping her class on an up-to-scratch renewal of Leopardstown's Listed Ingabelle S. last month, she will line up for the G3 Staffordstown Stud S. if the ground is suitable according to her handler. “She has been in good form and she's ready to run, the only thing is we're monitoring the ground as we had a lot of rain yesterday and today,” Lupini said of the revelation, who is set to be re-opposed in the mile contest by the Ingabelle runner-up Content (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Newtown Anner Stud Farm's Cork maiden winner Unreasonable (Ire) (No Nay Never). “We'll just have to keep a close eye on the ground as she probably doesn't want it too soft, so we're not going to run her on very soft ground. She seems to have stepped up a gear in her work since Leopardstown and everything looks good apart from the weather, unfortunately! The current owners are thinking this will be her last run of the year. She's a big filly and she will definitely benefit from a winter break.” The post Newmarket: Inspiral Ready for Marquise Sun Chariot Showdown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Long-term Thoroughbred Breeders' Association chairman Julian Richmond Watson will step down following eight years at the helm. He announced the news during the TBA's Annual General Meeting at the Jockey Club Rooms in Newmarket on Friday. Philip Newton will become chairman of the TBA with immediate effect, while Kate Sigsworth will become deputy chairman. Newton has been on the board since 2012, while Sigsworth joined in 2020. James Crowhurst will continue as a co-opted trustee for a second term to support the TBA's work on equine health and welfare. In addition, Will Kinsey was named to the board of trustees and Tom Blain will return to the board for a second term, the duo having filled vacant positions determined by an election. “Bold decision-making intended to arrest the decline in racing's fortunes is essential if we are to move forward,” Richmond Watson said when addressing members and trustees, both past and present. “The TBA is a member of the Thoroughbred Group and will work wherever possible to advance the position of those involved with horses, their ownership and welfare. “Of course, prize-money is the key to unlocking so many of these issues. Prize-money is not high enough in this country, and the obvious discrepancy between what the betting industry pays to the sport and how much the participants receive must be addressed, so that the income coming into racing is fairly shared.” Richmond Watson is the longest-serving chairman since the office was introduced in 1962, and he has also served as a trustee for 12 years. On the specific issues facing breeders he added, “We have to focus on these ourselves. There is very little understanding of breeding within racing and the supply of racehorses is taken far too much for granted. It is up to the TBA to make sure our issues are constantly brought to the fore. “There is an enormous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes and, as shown by Brexit and Covid, contacts developed along the way are vital when we need to be in touch with the important decision-makers. “The carry-over from Brexit continues, and while we have had successes with the Treasury on VAT for temporary imports into this country, our trading partners in Ireland and France have still to sort this issue, so that transport and inspection-post issues, as well as increased costs, are still to be resolved. “We have also seen recent positive steps made with the Migration Advisory Committee adding three stud roles to the Shortage Occupation List in their recent report and we must now continue to lobby government for this to be formally sanctioned.” The Annual General Meeting also included the approval of the minutes of the previous AGM, re-election of the auditors, and the confirmation of membership fees for 2024. The 2022 Annual Report was formally launched and can be viewed here with highlights including: Commissioning of the Economic Impact Study, the findings of which were published in January 2023. Ongoing positive impact of the Great British Bonus scheme (GBB) managed by the TBA on behalf of the industry with a 16.3% increase in median value of British bred fillies reported since scheme launched in 2020. Continued development of TB-ED, the TBA's online platform, and on the recruitment and retention of employees on stud farms with 67% of students enrolled in the E2SE programme remaining employed in the industry. Launch of TBA Access membership. Richmond-Watson said, “Evidence-based strategies have been at the heart of the TBA's work since the initial study in 2014, providing a sound basis for areas of focus in our work to support breeders and the industry as a whole. The results of this study will lead to some re-alignment of plans to ensure we continue to work on activities that deliver the greatest positive impact to our sector.” Other presentations during the AGM included one by incoming chairman Philip Newton on implications from the Economic Impact Study and next steps, as well as an introduction to the TBA's Stud Farm Carbon Calculator by Victoria Murrell, the TBA's Equine Health and Welfare Manager and Sarah Wynn and Sola Samuel from ADAS who are developing the software, and which is due to launch in November 2023. Richmond-Watson said, “We have been through some interesting times but hopefully I leave you in good order, but of course with plenty to do. And Philip Newton, thank you for being such a supportive and challenging deputy chairman. “We have worked incredibly well together, and I wish you all the best as you take the TBA forward.” The post Julian Richmond Watson Steps Down As Chairman Of TBA During The Annual General Meeting appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Three Chimneys Farm's Sharp Azteca (Freud), winner of the GI Cigar Mile at Aqueduct and one of the top freshman sires of 2022, has been sold to Japan to stand stud at Shizunai Stallion Station in 2024, the Japanese Racing Association announced Friday. The move is subject to his passing quarantine restrictions. A leading sire of 2-year-olds last year, Sharp Azteca is responsible for progeny like Tyler's Tribe and Sharp Aza Tack. The post Sharp Azteca Sold To Japan’s Shizunai Stallion Station appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

No matter whether it is April or October, if it's Keeneland, then you know a Wesley Ward 2-year-old who sets sail for a maiden voyage has a chance to sparkle. Royal Slipper (Uncle Mo) certainly did that on opening day Friday afternoon when the juvenile filly won impressively as a newly-minted 'TDN Rising Star'. Breaking along the fence, Royal Slipper shot to the lead and quickly opened up a distinct advantage up the backstretch. As fellow firster Loveland (Munnings) gave chase into the far turn, the Ward trainee continued to dictate the pace and moving effortlessly into the lane, she motored home under a hand ride to win over her opponent by 4 3/4 lengths. Out of an extended female family which includes GII Thoroughbred Club of America S. victoress Fioretti (Bernardini), Street Sense S. hero South Bend (Algorithms) and GI Santa Margarita S. heroine Fault (Blame), the winner is a full to Bast, MGISW, $852,200. Her dam Laffina (Arch) has continued to visit Uncle Mo, producing a yearling colt, foaling another May 6 and visiting him for next year. Royal Slipper is Uncle Mo's 15th named 'TDN Rising Star'. 2nd-Keeneland, $99,588, Msw, 10-6, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.58, ft, 4 3/4 lengths. ROYAL SLIPPER, f, 2, Uncle Mo 1st Dam: Laffina, by Arch 2nd Dam: St Lucinda, by St. Jovite 3rd Dam: Majestic Nature, by Majestic Prince Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $56,575. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. O-Michael B. Tabor; B-Chelston (KY); T-Wesley A. Ward. #1 Royal Slipper wins on debut in gate-to-wire fashion in R2 at Keeneland for trainer Wesley Ward with @ljlmvel in aboard! This 2-year-old filly is a FULL sister to MGSW Bast! #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/QyVWf0yxQM — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) October 6, 2023 O-Michael B. Tabor; B-Chelston (KY); T-Wesley Ward. The post Uncle Mo’s Royal Slipper Fits As A New ‘TDN Rising Star’ At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Gerry Dilger Equine Scholarship Foundation would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to all its supporters that have contributed to the charity that assists young people starting off in the bloodstock business. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, the foundation commenced its activities just three years ago in memory of County Clare native Gerry Dilger whose Dromoland Farm specialized in successful sales pinhooks and an elite breeding operation with great partners that produced consecutive Kentucky Derby winners Nyquist (Uncle Mo) and Always Dreaming (Bodemeister). However, Gerry was equally renowned as a nurturer of young people who found their way to Dromoland and gained so much life and work experience. The foundation was established by the Dilger family and friends to continue his teaching for the next generation and in a short period of time has awarded eighteen scholarships and three bursaries to students from around the world. Our partner schools in Ireland include University College Dublin, University of Limerick, CAFRE, KIldalton College and the Irish National Stud. We were delighted to recently announce that Luis Ettedgui and Grace Hamilton were awarded scholarships to the Irish National Stud. Luis, a Venezuelan native, and a graduate from the University of Kentucky's Equine Science and Management program has experience working at Stonerside, Juddmonte, with Brad Cox and is currently working in Australia with Godolphin. Grace, originally from South Carolina is a University of Kentucky senior majoring in Equine Science and Management and minoring in Business. She has worked in many areas of the business including Coldwater Farm, Blandford Stud, Godolphin at Jonabell Farm and Marette Farrell, agent. The board was very encouraged this year with the quality of applications for its various programs and will be announcing soon other award winners including the recipients of the Kentucky Thoroughbred Farm Experience Scholarship. In a change of format for this particular scholarship, the awardees will be placed for one year with Springhouse Farm in Lexington and Hunter Valley Farm in Versailles. The board also extends its thanks to all participants and organizers of the second foundation golf tournament which takes place Tuesday, Oct. 10 at Houston Oaks in Paris. Our first year was such a success that we will once again have a full turnout of twenty-nine teams of four. Further details of the charity's work and programs can be found here. The post Gerry Dilger Equine Foundation Awards Pair Of Scholarships appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer has entered Muth and Wine Me Up in the American Pharoah Stakes (G1), named for the horse Baffert trained to win the 2015 Triple Crown.View the full article

Clipper Logistics' Group 1 winner Fallen Angel (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) will not be seen on a racecourse again this season and instead will target a Guineas next spring, according to Joe Foley, racing manager for the owners. The imposing three-for-four Karl Burke trainee won her Haydock debut in May, ran second at listed level at Sandown in July and then rattled off victories in August's G3 Sweet Solera S. and the G1 Moyglare Stud S. at the Curragh in September. She was under consideration for next week's G1 Fillies' Mile. “I'd say she is unlikely to run again this year and will just head straight for a Guineas next year,” said Foley. “We were always planning to give her just four runs this year. If she hadn't won the Moyglare we would have targeted the Fillies' Mile, but she's already a Group 1 winner at two now and she's a big filly with lots of scope for next year, so we don't want to interfere with that. “We've decided to let her off and give her a break, so she's not going to run in the Fillies' Mile and she was never going to a Breeders' Cup this year.” Burke will be in charge of determining if the filly will have a prep run before the 1000 Guineas. Foley added, “We'll see how she goes [for a prep] and leave that to Karl. Going straight to the Newmarket Guineas was the original plan, but that could change.” The post Fallen Angel Will Bypass Fillies’ Mile And Head “Straight For A Guineas” appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Appleby will turn to Star of Mystery in Sunday's six-furlong contest. The Godolphin homebred will be making her North American debut following a sixth-place finish in the Lowther Stakes at York.View the full article

The Association of Racing Commissioners International released a report and accompanying press release Oct. 6, claiming that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's first year of operations had a questionable effect on equine breakdowns. View the full article

Nations Pride carries the Godolphin banner back to Woodbine to contest the Canadian International Stakes (G1T), facing a diverse field from both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border.View the full article

The $250,000 Beldame Stakes (G2) did not attract many entrants, but it did land a filly who has the looks of an up-and-coming star in Randomized.View the full article

An unexpected explanation at the beginning of Oct. 3 meeting of the New York State Gaming Commission further muddied the waters on a pair of wagering incidents over each of the last two summer meets at Saratoga.View the full article

Juddmonte announced Oct. 6 that defending Eclipse champion Elite Power, winner of the 2022 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), will take up stud duty upon retirement after competing in this year's 40th edition of the Breeders' Cup Sprint.View the full article

Horseshoe Indianapolis hosted the fourth annual Grayson Grass Challenge throughout the month of August to benefit Grayson-Jockey Club Equine Research and made a $9.6k donation as a result. “We just completed our fourth year hosting this event and the handicappers involved raised a record amount for Grayson,” said Eric Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. “Grayson came to us a few years ago about partnering on a promotion and this special contest emerged as a result. We are elated to donate a total of $9,674.60 to Grayson this year and truly thank all the handicappers who donated their time for this promotion.” Eight handicappers were given a $500 bankroll to spread out over five weeks of turf racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The individuals lent their expertise on various wagers and raised a total of $3,174.60, adding to the $6,500 donation from Horseshoe Indianapolis that included the bankrolls. Scott Ehlers, representing Daily Racing Form, earned the most money with a total of $785.20 followed by Rachel McLaughlin of Horseshoe Indianapolis with a tally of $646.80. Dan Tordjman of America's Best Racing was a close third with $633.20. Other handicappers who contributed to the cause included Ellis Starr (Equibase), Brian Arrigoni (Horseshoe Indianapolis), Jenna Otten (Caesars Entertainment Racing-Scioto Downs), and Nick Luck (NBC). “We recognize the health and well-being of horses is so important, and anything we can do to assist is vital to the racing industry,” said Jamie Haydon, President of Grayson Jockey Club Research Foundation. “We currently have 40 projects at 16 universities working to better understand the health of horses and allow horses of all breeds to live healthier lives. We are very appreciative of this partnership with Horseshoe Indianapolis, and this would not be possible without the commitment from management to host this event annually.” Grayson-Jockey Club Equine Research is the leading source of private funding for equine medical research, assisting all disciplines of equine performance and wellness since 1940. More than $40 million has been assigned so far through more than 426 projects at 45 universities internationally. The post Horseshoe Indy Makes Donation To Grayson Jockey Club Equine Research appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Veteran trainer Larry Demeritte stayed vigilant through the very end of last year's Keeneland September Sale, taking a close look at every yearling going through the ring during the final session. With less than 20 hips to go, when most buyers were long gone and many consignments were already packed up, he raised his hand on Hip 4146. Coming in with a winning bid of $11,000 for the son of Exaggerator, Demeritte signed the ticket for his longtime client Harry Veruchi. “I stay at the sale and look at every horse that goes through the ring because I only have so much money that I can spend,” Demeritte explained. “There was not much not to like about this horse. When you look at him he's a well-balanced horse, not too much defect to him at all. When I saw him I said, 'Well, if he has the heart to go with everything else he's got going for him, he could be a nice one.'” The colt was named West Saratoga-not after the racing town in upstate New York, but for the street in Colorado that Veruchi grew up on-and it soon became apparent that the young grey had as much potential as Demeritte had initially hoped. With the help of his longtime exercise rider and mentee Dante, Demeritte broke West Saratoga at his base at the Thoroughbred Center off Paris Pike. “From day one I told Dante that this guy was smart,” Demeritte recalled. “That's what you like to see in a good racehorse is that intelligence. Sometimes you get on one and they get timid around other horses, but he always wanted to be the leader of the pack.” Demeritte was undeterred when West Saratoga drew post 1 in three of his first four starts this year and still had yet to find the winner's circle. He finally got the trip he was looking for on Aug. 5 going a mile at Ellis Park when he claimed the lead early and stayed there, defeating next-out winner Generous Tipper (Street Sense). From there it was on to the GIII Iroquois S., where this time the juvenile came from off the pace to draw clear in the stretch, besting favored Risk It (Gun Runner) by just under two lengths. “All week long we were saying that they had to run really well to beat this horse because he come out of the race he won so good and was ready to move forward,” Demeritte said. “We had all the confidence in the world. A lot of times–and I think most trainers do this–we size up the horses in the paddock and see how they act. He was so much more mature and he showed a lot of class about him.” While it was a monumental victory in Demeritte's career, this wasn't his first graded stakes win. He proudly points out how his old trainee Memorial Maniac (Lear Fan) holds a track record at Arlington Park from his win in the 2010 GIII Stars and Stripes Turf S. Even so, the Iroquois score might be the horseman's most notable career win as West Saratoga became the first point earner on the road to the 2024 GI Kentucky Derby. Winner's circle for the GIII Iroquois S. | Coady This Saturday, West Saratoga returns to the starting gate for the GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity. With a nine-horse field that features 'TDN Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) and GI Hopeful S. runner-up Timberlake (Into Mischief), West Saratoga drew post 5. Despite 20-1 morning line odds, West Saratoga's conditioner could not be more confident as he makes a rare Grade I race appearance at his home track. “I love my horse a lot,” Demeritte said. “I wouldn't trade him for any horse in the race. There's a horse [Timberlake] in there that beat him before and that horse could be moving forward also. We're not worrying about who else is there. Once we take our horse into the race, if we do the best we can do at this stage of the game–win, lose or draw–I could handle it.” “I like training this horse because he doesn't have too many bad days,” he continued. “When we breeze him in the mornings, he's excited and feels good about himself. He eats a lot and that's what you like to see because when a horse is getting to their peak they back off the tub a little bit, so he's showing that he still has some room for improvement.” Demeritte learned many tricks of the training trade from his father, who was a trainer in the Bahamas. From a young age, Demeritte showed a passion for horses and he soon followed in his father's footsteps. He was a leading trainer in the Bahamas for two years before moving to the U.S. with the goal of someday making it to the GI Kentucky Derby. Decades after saddling his first starter here and with a stable of less than a dozen horses, Demeritte might just be on his way to overcoming his long odds. “I still might not get there because it's a long way off, but I'm a praying kind of person and the Lord controls our footsteps so whatever he blesses me with, I'm comfortable with my career in the horse game,” he explained. “Hopefully I'll be blessed enough to go on to the Derby.” Demeritte has had to overcome more than his fair of challenges. Over 20 years ago he was diagnosed with cancer and was given five years to live. Six years ago, he again was diagnosed with cancer in the form of multiple myeloma and given six months to live. “I'm still here,” he said with a wide grin. “I'm just going day by day, trying to do what God asks me to do. Sometimes you go through hardships. I remember I would get so frustrated because I don't see the love for the horses like I have. I never get bored, even for as long as I've been in the game, so I try to encourage young people in the game to love it.” The idea of earning a Grade I at Keeneland, a track that has been like his second home for decades, brings yet another bright smile to Demeritte's face. “It would mean so, so much, you know? But it's not the end of the world. You know what's more important to me? I thought it was so cool after I won the Iroquois, I had people like Pat Day, Jacinto Vasquez and Jean Cruguet call me. These guys rode for me over the years and I think a lot of them. Besides, I have so many friends that it's like I'm doing it for a whole group of people, not just me. They were so happy for me and that made it all worth the while.” The post From Final 20 Hips of Keeneland September, West Saratoga Takes on Breeders’ Futurity appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Defending Eclipse Champion Elite Power (Curlin), winner of last year's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, will take up stud duty upon retirement after defending his title at Santa Anita next month, Juddmonte Farm said in a press release Friday morning. Bred by Alpha Delta Stables, the chestnut colt consigned by Lane's End was sold to Juddmonte for $900,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Out of MGSW Broadway's Alibi (Vindication), his dam was runner-up in the GI Kentucky Oaks. Sold as a broodmare for $2.15 million, she hails from the family of champion 2-year-old filly Eliza (Mt. Livermore). Elite Power's stakes debut came in the GII Vosburgh S. last year when he won by 5 3/4 lengths. After his win in the Breeders' Cup, his 2023 campaign started in Saudi Arabia where he annexed the GIII Riyadh Dirt Sprint. Back stateside for his next start, he won the GII True North S. and followed that up with a victory in the GI Vanderbilt H. To date, the Juddmonte colorbearer has amassed earnings of $2,735,711. The post Champion Sprinter Elite Power To Retire To Juddmonte After Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ascot Racecourse will host the 20th anniversary celebration of the Thoroughbred Industry Awards, set to be held on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024. ITV Racing's Ed Chamberlin will host the festivities for the first time since 2020. The awards, sponsored by the British Horseracing Authority and sponsored by Godolphin, hounours and celebrates the skill, passion and dedication of the remarkable individuals who care for the horses. There are six award categories–Leadership Award, Dedication Award, Rider/Racing Groom Award, Stud Staff Award, Community Award (in recognition of Rory MacDonald), and David Nicholson Newcomer Award. “We are delighted that the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards ceremony will be held at Ascot Racecourse and that Ed Chamberlin has again agreed to host the celebrations,” BHA Chief executive Julie Harrington said. “Ascot is an iconic venue, renowned for quality both on and off the track–it's the ideal setting for our 20th anniversary and we are proud and very grateful that Ascot Racecourse Supports joins us as a formal partner.” Nick Smith, Director of Racing and Public Affairs at Ascot Racecourse, commented, “It's a privilege for Ascot Racecourse to host the 2024 Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards and celebrate the 20th anniversary. People are the heart and soul of this industry and we are very lucky to have so many talented, dedicated, hard-working and enthusiastic employees that help keep this industry thriving, so it is only right we celebrate the best our industry has to offer.” The post Ascot Racecourse to Host TIA Awards, Chamberlin Returns to Host appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Arena Racing Company (“ARC”), Doncaster Racecourse and Qatar Racing have partnered this year to sponsor the G1 Kameko Futurity Trophy, the organisations announced in a joint statement on Friday. The one-mile event, worth £200,000, is the final Group 1 of the British Flat season and is set to be contested on Saturday, Oct. 28. A total of 66 entries remain, including Aidan O'Brien's unbeaten G1 National S. winner Henry Longfellow (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). “We are delighted to be able to support the 2023 Kamkeko Futurity Trophy, a race that consistently provides one of the highlights of the Flat season by whetting the appetite for the following year's Classics,” David Redvers, Qatar Racing's bloodstock and racing manager and owner of Tweenhills, said. Recent Futurity Trophy winners Kameko (Kitten's Joy) and Magna Grecia (Ire) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) both went on to victories in the G1 QIPCO 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket, and this year's G1 Betfred Derby, G1 Irish Derby and G1 Irish Champion winner Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpmn}) is the Futurity Trophy's reigning champion. “Qatar Racing continue to be tremendous supporters of British Racing and we are delighted to secure their support of what is one of the highlights of the season at Doncaster,” David Leyden Dunbar, Group Director of Commercial Strategy and Partnerships at ARC, said. “Kameko will always have a special connection with the race as 2019's renewal, run at Newcastle Racecourse and won by Kameko, remains the only British Group 1 race to be run on an artificial surface. Our thanks go to them and the entire team at Qatar Racing for their support.” For tickets to the Kameko Futurity, visit the Doncaster website. The post ARC, Doncaster Racecourse, Qatar Racing Announce Futurity Trophy Partnership appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Under the toughest of spotlights, the industry's collective eyes often turn to the stuff under foot. At least, that's what trainer Mark Casse did in a widely-shared TDN Q&A. “I think we really, seriously, need to look at more synthetic tracks,” Casse said, triggering yet another cavalcade of commentary on the conceived benefits and blights of synthetic surfaces. “I believe in them. I believe they've got plenty of data to back that up.” Former TDN writer Lucas Marquardt followed it up with an analysis of race-day fatality data through The Jockey Club's Equine Injury database. Marquardt calculated how from 2009 through 2022, there were 6,036 fatal injuries from 3,242,505 starts on dirt in North America. That's a rate of 1.86 fatalities per 1000 starts. On synthetics, there were 534 fatal injuries from 482,169 starts, a rate of 1.11. That's a 68% difference. “Put another way, had dirt tracks matched the safety of synthetic tracks during that stretch, there would have been 2,437 fewer fatalities,” Marquardt wrote. The state with arguably the deepest-albeit most contentious-relationship with synthetic surfaces is California, which mandated in 2006 the switch from dirt to synthetic surfaces at its four major tracks. The state reversed course a few years later in the face of broad dissatisfaction with the decision. It's no easy story to tell, riven by tales of cost-cutting and skirted corners, ill-chosen materials and drainage problems. Some point the finger, at least in part, at the failure of industry leaders to adequately study the efficacy of different materials before putting the new surfaces down. Since then, California's relationship with synthetic surfaces has grown even more complicated, thanks to Del Mar's dirt track consistently proving among the most statistically safe nationwide-dirt or synthetic. Nevertheless, Del Mar's experiences haven't been replicated state-wide. In 2021, California's fatality rate on the dirt (1.51) was more than twice the synthetic rate (0.73), according to Marquardt's calculations. In 2022, it was more than three times larger (1.44 vs. 0.41). This issue promises to remain a prominent one for the near future. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority recently announced that it is establishing a blue-ribbon committee to “work toward the study and ultimate introduction of more synthetic surface options in Thoroughbred racing.” Among a fleet of promises, The Stronach Group (TSG) announced that it intends to replace the dirt training track at Santa Anita with a synthetic alternative. Given the state's flip-flopping history with different surfaces, the TDN asked several long-time California-based trainers this question: Given the re-ignited debate on synthetics and all its accompanying arguments, should California mandate once again the replacement of its dirt surfaces with synthetics? Eoin Harty “Of course. I don't think they should even have to mandate it. I should think that somebody should show some f*&^ing leadership for a change and do the right thing. Instead of looking down, looking up, looking sideways and dancing around the issue, we need to address the elephant in the room: That we're in a position basically brought on by ourselves.” “I think the time for hand-wringing and regurgitating old cliches about needing more data, more science, blah, blah, blah-that time has come and gone. No more committees, just do the right thing and put down synthetics. It's time to get on the right side of history. There won't be a Mulligan on this one.” Note: Harty later explained the curse reflected the gravity of the situation. John Shirreffs “I like to tell the story of Tiago, who had won the Santa Anita Derby. In his four-year-old year at Del Mar, I had his exercise rider work him a half [mile]. He breaks off the half mile pole, the horse goes a 16th of a mile and pulls himself up, doesn't want to work.” Trainer John Shirreffs | Benoit “I tell the rider, 'don't worry, Mike Smith will be here tomorrow. He gets along with him really well.' Break Tiago off again, goes about a 16th of a mile, pulls himself up and refused to work on that synthetic track.” “After Zenyatta won the G1 Clement Hearst S., she refused to gallop around the [Del Mar] racetrack. She'd go about two thirds of the way around then just stop and refuse to go. The only thing we could do is walk her to the nearest gap and take her off the track.” “Zenyatta and Tiago were both big, strong horses that really ran hard. Those type of horses really did not like synthetic tracks. I think that if you just look at how long it takes horses to adjust to the synthetic tracks when they first go in, all you do is find horseshoes on the outside of the track because they're all grabbing themselves. Their feet stop so quickly in it. Synthetic tracks only get bearable as they get older. When they first go in, they're really sticky and tough on horses.” “As you've seen in the statistics in California, our breakdowns are really reduced. So, I don't think synthetics are the answer. Synthetics are a nice alternative. I mean, it'd be great to have a synthetic track here on the training track because you can't use the main track when it's wet. So, maybe they'd let us use a synthetic track when it was wet.” Richard Mandella “I think Santa Anita has the right idea to put it on the training track here to learn more about it, and hopefully it will be waterproof to train through the winter. I would take one step at a time.” Leonard Powell “I think the option of having a synthetic track to train on is very good. But to mandate to have all racing on synthetic, I don't think that's a necessity.” “The notion of a bad step has been proven incorrect. We've found out through a lot of studies, when it comes to injuries, it's not a one-day, one-time thing. It's an accumulation of the pounding from the training, day-in, day-out. So, having the option to have a synthetic to train on would help that, and would lessen the number of catastrophic injuries on dirt on race-day. And it could be very useful on rainy days.” “However, synthetics are always called all-weather tracks. But they're not really all-weather tracks. They're bad-weather tracks-they're good tracks in bad weather. In Europe, they've had problems with them in the summer months, like we had here. When it's hot and sunny, those tracks are not that good.” John Sadler “If you put synthetic tracks back in here, you have to have all the tracks in the country on synthetics. You can't go half and half. That doesn't work. You can't train on synthetic and expect to do well on dirt. You can't train on dirt and expect to do well on synthetic.” John Sadler | Benoit “If you go back to when we had synthetics in California, I did very well on it. I could live with one surface nationwide. But because I can train on what you give me, it doesn't mean I prefer that. Not necessarily.” “I would prefer good dirt. I think it's preferable for these horses. Why? Well, for one, they need a lot of upkeep. They need to be replaced. They need to be refreshed. They're expensive to maintain. And anybody that tells you they're not expensive to maintain is–I don't think they're being truthful.” “There are other arguments. Are there really fewer fatalities [on synthetics]? Stats probably show that. But is that the real number, if you also look at [career ending] injuries? You don't know, right? It's hard for me to just take one study number and say, 'okay, that's all there is.' It doesn't work like that.” “What I'm trying to say it's very nuanced. You'd have to give time for the breeders to adjust. You'd have to give time for people to purchase the right horses to adjust. A lot of what we did here wasn't well planned out. We did it and then lived with the consequences.” Carla Gaines “Let me start by saying I am not that well-educated on the various types of synthetic tracks. I know there have been improvements on them since they were mandated here in California in 2006.” “Santa Anita is installing a synthetic surface here on our training track this fall and with the expected increase in rainfall this winter that would give us an alternative place to train the horses when the main track is sealed. It would also be a nice option for our grass horses as we do not have grass workouts here.” “But for racing, I would have no interest in it. We as trainers are held responsible for every single injury. The spotlight is on us-rarely the surfaces we train on and race over. Instead of getting rid of dirt tracks, let's keep a closer eye on them, and try very hard to improve them. As one old timer told me once, 'we can put a man on the moon, why can't we figure out dirt?'” Doug O'Neill “I love the fact they're putting it on the training track. At Santa Anita you'll have all three surfaces. And when we get the rainy weather, you can train on a synthetic. If we had weeks of crazy weather, you could potentially run on synthetic.” “But to replace the main track dirt for synthetic, I would be anti that. Just wouldn't want to replace the dirt.” “We've had a pretty good sampling with Hollywood Park and Santa Anita and Del Mar all being synthetic at one time. It had its little perks during rainy season. But all in all, not a good experience for me.” “They're really good in inclement weather, which a lot of the world has, as opposed to Southern California. So, I just don't think they're good for Southern California tracks.” The post Second Stab At Synthetics In California? The Trainers’ View appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

At a public meeting Oct. 3 of the New York State Gaming Commission, Chairman Brian O'Dwyer addressed concerns regarding wage issues involving prominent horse trainers and highlighted a partnership with the New York State Department of Labor to readily identify any licensees that are subjects of labor wage-related investigations, the commission said in a press release early Friday morning. New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “We remain dedicated to ensuring that hardworking New Yorkers receive wages they rightfully earned. I thank the New York Gaming Commission for helping to protect workers by holding horse trainers accountable and ensuring a level playing field for all.” Chairman O'Dwyer's prepared comments included: “Last month, I directed our Horse Racing & Pari-Mutuel Wagering Division to examine the matter of licensed trainers owing significant back-pay to workers, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in H2-B back wages. Most trainers and workers at New York State's racetracks comply with the law. But when we learn of trainers not paying workers, we hold them accountable.” “For example, a trainer was recently ordered by the U.S. District Court to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in back wages, fines and penalties. This is not the first time that this trainer and his stable have been ordered to pay back wages, damages and fines due to federal labor law violations. Accordingly, the Commission requested the trainer provide appropriate employment records as part of its review. The Commission also requested the trainer explain why he believes he continues to meet New York State's standards for licensure. We are reviewing his response.” “To promptly identify any licensees engaging in bad labor practices, we've forged a partnership with the NYS Department of Labor so that the Commission is notified when complaints regarding a trainer's business practices spur an investigation. This bridges the regulatory gap so that when we learn of trainers engaged in practices that shortchange their employees, we can consider action regarding the trainers' licensure.” “This should be fair warning to all. Just as we expect equine athletes to be treated with dignity and respect, so too we expect all who work in the industry to be treated with dignity and respect.” “I thank the Department of Labor and Commissioner Roberta Reardon for continuing to partner with us to protect the thousands of workers who take care of racehorses.” Chairman O'Dwyer concluded with: “I can assure you and the general public that the Commission does not take those types of violations lightly.” Click here for a video of his comments. The post NYS Gaming Commission Chair Calls For Trainer Accountability On Employee Wage Issues appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Conor Norris has joined the Darley stallions nominations team at Dalham Hall Stud as nominations sales executive. Norris has most recently worked as assistant trainer to Marco Botti in Newmarket and has gained international experience of the breeding industry during his time working with the yearlings at Arrowfield Stud in Australia, and a season of foal prep at Whitsbury Manor Stud. Having completed the BHA Graduate Development Programme, he has also worked with his family's Norris Bloodstock breeding and consigning operation, and served stints with GBRI, Jockey Club Estates and Britbet. “I consider it a huge privilege to have been given the opportunity to work for Darley in the Nominations team, working with the highest-profile, quality stallions on offer in Europe,” Norris said. “I am very much looking forward to meeting breeders and assisting with their mating plans.” The post Conor Norris Joins Darley Nominations Team appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was 50 years ago, a Wednesday in late October and Eddie Maple was spending his day riding at Aqueduct. It was supposed to be just another routine day at the track. But then the seventh race happened. The stewards disqualified Ron Turcotte's mount and handed him a five-day suspension for careless riding. In those days, there were no appeals, no dragging things through court. The suspension started immediately, which meant that Secretariat would need a rider for what would be his final career race, the 1973 GII Canadian International at Woodbine. Eddie Maple was just 24 at the time and was light on experience when it came to riding in major races, but he thought he had a chance to get the mount on Secretariat. Trainer Lucien Laurin had called on him to ride Riva Ridge when he faced Secretariat in the Marlboro Cup Invitational H. and he retained the mount for the GII Stuyvesant H., which Riva Ridge won. “I had had some luck with other horses in the stable,” Maple said. “But to ride this horse? I didn't know. There were a lot of hats in the ring.” He was a bit nervous, but he didn't have to wait long. Within a day of Turcotte's suspension, Laurin announced that Maple would have the ride in the Canadian International. “Eddie has done extremely well with our Riva Ridge,” said Laurin. “We've been pleased with his work. So we decided that after he rides Riva Ridge in New York on Saturday in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup H.) that he fly to Toronto to appear with Secretariat in Canada.” “When I found out I was so delighted,” Maple said. “I couldn't believe I was going to get the opportunity to ride what was maybe the greatest horse of all time. It was very exciting.” He was already a big fan. “I watched this horse his whole career,” Maple, now 74, said. “As a 2-year-old he was the perfect horse and he improved on that every step of the rest of his career. By that I mean, you start with a well-bred horse with good conformation. After he won the Derby, that race to me was the knockout punch. He let everyone know they were going to be in a tussle any time they raced him the rest of the year. He just seemed to build on his pedigree, his conformation. He got bigger, stronger. Mentally, he didn't waste any energy. I had only been riding seven years at the time but you could just watch him run and say this is some horse.” Maple caught a flight to Toronto after finishing sixth on Riva Ridge in the Gold Cup and hunkered down to prepare for the International, to be run on a Sunday. Then he got a call from Turcotte, who was already in Toronto and preparing to work with Eddie Arcaro on the television broadcast of the race. “The night before, I landed in Toronto and went to the hotel,” Maple said. “Ronnie called me up said why don't you come down to my room and we could talk. He told me don't worry. This horse will get you a position, he won't be rank. If he does get rank that would be the time to let him do a little something. But try to lay second or third. He was nothing but encouraging.” Maple was in a no win situation. If he won it would be because anybody could have won aboard one of the greatest horses ever. If he lost it only could have only been because Maple screwed it up. But he said he was confident he was up for the job. “I really didn't feel a lot of pressure,” he said. “I was always meant to handle that kind of stuff. I'm not saying I wasn't excited and I didn't get some goose bumps in the time leading up to the race. I had already ridden in a couple of Kentucky Derbies. I just felt I didn't have to be the greatest jockey in the world to give this horse a good ride because he was that good.” Secretariat | Keeneland Library On a miserable day in which it was cold and sleeting, the race unfolded much like Turcotte had predicted it would. Canadian star Kennedy Road took the lead under Avelino Gomez with Secretariat tracking him in second. Midway down the backstretch, Kennedy Road was starting to tire and Maple knew it was time to see what Secretariat had. “I had one horse in front of me,” Maple said. “I knew I was on Secretariat and could let the party begin whenever I wanted to. I had it in my mind to keep that horse on the front in front of me as long as I could. At about the five-eighths pole that horse started to drift out. We started making up ground. Gomez attempted to bring that horse back to the inside, but he started stopping and Secretariat started to get rolling. At the half-mile pole, I let him sneak on a little bit. Like Ronnie said, if he gets a little too strong let him get into his stride. We had a half-mile left and Kennedy Road was done. It was just a matter of who was going to show up and run the race of their lives to beat this horse. But I knew at the half-mile pole it was pretty much all over.” Secretariat kept pulling farther and farther away from the competition. He was 12 lengths in front at the eighth pole but Maple let him cruise through the final furlongs. He won by 6 1/2 lengths. “I felt a certain amount of pressure,” Maple told reporters after the race. “I mean I've ridden in big races before, but this horse here, he's a little special. It was his last race and everything. But, heck, the race was as easy as pie. I noticed when we were warming up that the turf was kind of slippery, and that was the only worry I had. But he got hold of it real good.” Maple, a Hall of Famer, retired in 1998. He won 2,896 races, including 217 graded stakes, captured a pair of GI Belmont S. and was for years, the go-to rider for Woody Stephens. He says winning the Canadian International is among his top three accomplishments in racing. Today, he is enjoying retirement in Bluffton, S.C. and caring for two corgis and a cat. His family was dealt a setback when his wife Kate suffered a stroke in 2019. “She's doing alright,” he said. “She doesn't have use of the right side of her body but she gets around on a cane.” The Woodbine Entertainment Group has invited Maple to be its guest at this year's edition of the International, which will be held on Sunday. It's been 50 years, but the memories are still fresh in Maple's mind. Even if it's just for one race, when you ride maybe the greatest horse who ever lived in his final career start, that's something you never forget. The post Fifty Years Ago, With Eddie Maple Aboard, Secretariat Wrapped Up His Career In The Canadian International appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article