Wandering Eyes

Five-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown and Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher each posted 32 wins at Saratoga Race Course to share the H. Allen Jerkens training title at the 40-day meeting that ran from July 10 through September 1.View the full article

The Guerin Report’s back and there’s only one way to return … with Opie Bosson. Michael sits down for a deep chat with the legendary jockey to find out why he retired and why he’s back. And Michael has some news on the Great New Zealand Steeplechase and the Proisir Plate. Guerin Report – S2 Ep.1 Ft. Opie Bosson Pt.1 View the full article

The Jomara Bloodstock bred and raced Geneva (NZ) (Time Test) is primed for a bold showing in Saturday’s Listed Sir Colin Meads Trophy (1200m), according to trainer Kylie Hoskin. After winning on debut over 1100m at Te Rapa in May, the son of Time Test had a freshen-up over winter and resumed with a fourth placing when a short-priced favourite in last month’s Gr.3 Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on an unsuitable Heavy9 surface at Ruakaka. He subsequently galloped at Ellerslie last Thursday and Hoskin is excited about his prospects in Saturday’s three-year-old feature at Ellerslie, which was rated a Soft5 on Tuesday morning. “He has come through that run at Ruakaka no problems, it was just way too wet for him and he just went up and down,” Hoskin said. “He went to Ellerslie and had a gallop on Thursday and galloped really well for Matt Cameron (jockey). “He will ride him in the Colin Meads on Saturday, and we are expecting a much better performance on a better surface.” Stablemate Quality Time (Amaron) also pleased at Ellerslie last Thursday when winning his star-studded 1100m trial, beating the likes of multiple Group One winner El Vencedor. “He went really well, I was absolutely rapt with him,” Hoskin said. “To beat that quality of horse is really good. “We are looking at the Open 1400m at Ellerslie on the 20th with him and then maybe the Matamata Cup (Listed, 1600m) if the weather was good. If he keeps coming up the way he is, there is also the TAB Mile (Gr.3, 1600m) at Riccarton, which might be right up his alley as well.” Meanwhile, Hoskin will head north to Ruakaka on Wednesday where she will be represented by two runners, including promising three-year-old Oratia Beauty (Too Darn Hot) in The Homestead Sports Bar & Bistro 1200. The daughter of Too Darn Hot was runner-up on debut over 1200m at Pukekohe in June and readied for Wednesday’s assignment with a runner-up trial performance over 1150m at Waipa last week. “She had a short break after her first start at Pukekohe and then we trialled her last week at Waipa and she went very nicely,” Hoskin said. “It would have been nicer to draw in a little more than that (10), but she drew out a bit in her trial as well and Michael (McNab, jockey) ended up getting her into a nice spot, so hopefully he can do something similar. “He likes her, so it’s great to have him back on.” If she performs up to expectations on Wednesday, a tilt at the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (1400m) at Ellerslie later this month could be on the cards. “We are looking at the 1400m fillies race on the 20th at Ellerslie,” Hoskin said. “She would obviously need to put her hand up tomorrow, but I think she is a filly with plenty of ability, so I do think she will find herself in a nice race somewhere this season.” She will be joined on the float trip north by stablemate Fun Never Sets (NZ) (Proisir), who will kick off her spring preparation in The Warkworth Inn 1400. “She has just drawn an awful barrier (13) again,” Hoskin said. “We have been trying to get her to the races for a couple of meetings now, but it is either raining or she has a horrible barrier. “We are likely to start her tomorrow, but she is going to need the run and is probably not going to get much luck from out there.” View the full article

A member of one of New Zealand racing’s most famous and successful families has died, with the recent passing of Tony (Anthony) Dennis, aged 86. Dennis, twin brother Ray and their younger siblings Martin and Joe, established a formidable training and breeding operation and were based at Woodlands, near Invercargill, for more than 60 years until their retirement from training at the end of last year. The brothers enjoyed spectacular success with their charges instantly recognisable as carrying the prefix ‘The’. “It was unbelievable, they never had big numbers and achieved so much from the opposite end of the country to where the centre of it all is,” said Dennis’ son Robert, also a successful trainer in his own right. “To continue to do it for decades was so impressive.” Among their leading flagbearers was the Gr.1 Penfold Chardon Mile (now TAB Classic) winner The Twinkle, while The Dimple and The Fantasy were the stakes winners of a combined 34 races. “Dad was a farmer first and for him, training and breeding was a hobby,” Dennis said. “It was pretty much a common-sense approach, combined with a stockman’s eye for a horse.” The breeding side of their operation included the three-time top-flight winner and Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) runner-up The Phantom. His brother The Phantom Chance triumphed in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m), while The Jewel won the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and trained on to claim the Gr.1 Waikato International Stakes (2000m). The Oaks Stud resident sire The Chosen One was another elite level winner who also placed in the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m). “They would always have lengthy round table discussions about the decisions they made for both breeding and racing,” Dennis said. “It was all about what was best at the time and what worked best for them and the horses.” He’s A Doozy (Thorndon Mile) and The Perfect Pink (1000 Guineas) were two more recent homebred Group One winners for the family. The brothers’ achievements across both sectors were recognised at the 2015 Horse of the Year Awards when they were presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Racing Award. Tony Dennis is survived by wife Sharon and children Mark, Gavin, Lucinda, Robert and Hayden and grandchildren. A Requiem Mass will be celebrated in St Theresa of Lisieux Church, 40 Perth Street, Invercargill on Thursday, September 4 at 1pm, with a private interment at Woodlands Cemetery to follow. Messages can be sent to 47 Forbes Road, RD1, Woodlands or to Tony’s tribute page at frasersfunerals.co.nz/tributes where a livestream link will be available. View the full article

It was another memorable meet at Saratoga, which ended its 2025 season Monday having generated paid attendance exceeding one million fans for the 10th straight year. However, that wasn't enough to avoid a small decrease in all-sources handle. The total handle at the meet was $791,129,471, off just a tick from 2024's handle of $803,806,984. Total on-track average daily handle was virtually even with 2024 figures, $19,778,237 versus $20,610,435. “Saratoga is special in many ways, but it is the enthusiastic support from fans and horseplayers that transforms this historic venue into a summer long celebration of the sport,” said David O'Rourke, NYRA President and CEO in a statement. “We thank each and every fan who visited Saratoga Race Course throughout the season, and all those who watched and wagered from home thanks to the expansive television coverage on FOX Sports. NYRA applauds the owners, trainers and jockeys for participating here in New York, and the members of the backstretch community whose dedication and skill are the backbone of racing.” The fans and bettors definitely turned out for the two biggest days of the meet. A record $49,651,341 was bet on the GI Whitney Stakes card. On the GI Travers card, $54,309,929 was wagered. That was the third highest amount ever wagered on a single day in the history of the summer meet. NYRA ran 420 races this year at Saratoga as compared to 412 last year. Mother Nature was reasonably cooperative as 33 races came off the turf versus 45 last year. Despite not riding on closing day because he was banged up in the spill that took place in Sunday's GI Jockey Club Gold Cup, Irad Ortiz Jr. was the leading rider at the meet with 59 wins. His brother, Jose, was second with 55. Flavien Pat was next with 42. Irad Ortiz Jr. is expected to ride Thursday at Kentucky Downs. This was Ortiz's fourth straight riding title at the primary Saratoga meets. “It's his ability, but also his mentality–he wants to win every race,” said Ortiz Jr.'s agent Steve Rushing. “He's so competitive. He's an all-around rider. “He's had an amazing meet, for sure,” Rushing added. “You want to win any meet you're competing in, but Saratoga is extra special.” The leading trainer title was shared by Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown, both of whom had 32 winners. It was Brown's fifth straight training title and the first for Pletcher since 2020. Linda Rice was third at the meet, with 24 winners. Pletcher had two winners Monday, including the GI Hopeful Stakes with Ted Noffey (Into Mischief). Brown had one winner on the card, knotting things up in the last race of the day. “I'm happy to salvage a tie with Todd and hat's off to his team–they just had an outstanding meet,” Brown said. “I'm really proud of my team. The highlights of the meet were the Diana [won with Excellent Truth] and the Whitney [won by Sierra Leone]–particularly the Whitney. Here's a race we'd never won before, and the Diana is a race that's been so important to my career [record 10th win]. Winning those two races was really at the top of the list.” Pletcher added, “A great finish to the meet, and I'm very proud of the whole team and all the work they've done. It's great to see it pay off and the horses were running well. It was exciting to watch. Chad and his team do a great job and they're tough to beat at any meet, especially this one.” Mike Repole's Repole Stable earned the owners' title with 14 wins, notching their first title at a NYRA meeting since taking the 2021 Aqueduct winter meet in a tie with Michael Dubb. Repole last won the owners' title at Saratoga from 2010-12 and was New York's leading owner in 2009. “Winning at Saratoga is always special, but winning 14 races and having Mike win leading owner for the fourth time at such a prestigious meet is truly incredible,” said Danielle Bricker, assistant racing manager for Repole Stable. “None of this happens without a true team effort from Repole Stable; trainers, jockeys, backstretch workers, and all of the farms. Everyone plays such an important role. We're so grateful for the fans who cheered our horses on every step of the way this meet. As Mike always says, 'think big, dream bigger!'” Repole Stable completed the meet with a 61-14-11-8 record and $1,123,270 in earnings. Klaravich Stables finished second with 11 wins while Flying P Stable was third with nine wins. The unofficial horse of the meet was clearly Sovereignty (Into Mischief), who locked down his hold on the 3-year-old male divisions with wins in the GII Jim Dandy and the GI Travers. Honorable mention goes to New Jersey-bred start Book 'em Danno (Bucchero) won who three stakes at Saratoga this year. However, his first, the GIII True North Stakes, took place at the Belmont Stakes-at-Saratoga meet in early June. He then went on to win the GII Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes and the GI Forego Stakes during the primary Saratoga meet. From a safety standpoint, the meet did not end well. Black Silver (Slumber {GB}) was euthanized after pulling up in Saturday's second race. Black Silver was the fifth equine racing fatality of the meet and the second of the Labor Day weekend as fellow first-time starter Catchy (Medaglia d'Oro) was also euthanized on Friday after suffering an injury during her gallop out. Live racing returns to New York on Thursday, Sept. 11 when the 32-day fall Belmont at Aqueduct meet kicks off. Forty-five stakes worth $9.45 million in total purses and will include four Grade I's and five Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifiers. The post Final Saratoga Numbers Dip Slightly: Ortiz Jr., Repole Top Meet, Pletcher and Brown Tie 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 on Sept. 1 concluded the 2025 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, which generated paid attendance exceeding 1 million fans for the 10th consecutive year. View the full article

Los Alamitos Race Course's six-day September season will take place Sept. 12 through Sept. 21 and feature two $175,000 stakes.View the full article

In his stakes debut, Spendthrift Farm's Ted Noffey moved toward the front entering the stretch and drew off late for a decisive victory in the $300,000 Hopeful Stakes (G1) Sept. 1 at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

On the Sept. 1 episode of BloodHorse Monday, track announcer Larry Collmus recaps the Pacific Classic (G1) and previews closing weekend at Del Mar. Adrian Beaumont explains the process of bringing European horses to Kentucky Downs, and more.View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Tuesday, September 2. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for September 2, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions 10% Winnings Boost! – Scone Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Bet Boost | Tuesday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Tuesday. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% winnings in cash Max Payout $2000. Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds win bets on Australian thoroughbred races only. Excludes boosted, multi, live and bonus bets. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Odds Drift Protector | If Your Horse Drifts, You Get The Bigger Price Only available on Australian Horse Racing Fixed Price Win bets placed from 8am AET the day of the race. Eligible customers. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Copycash – Get Copied. Get Paid. Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any Race. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your Multi loses by a specified number of legs. Fixed odds only. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting! Bet and win up to 4th place. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for September 2, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

Pin Oak Stud's STARS AND STRIDES (c, 3, American Pharoah–Holiday Blues, by Ghostzapper) capped a memorable Saratoga meeting for his owner, trainer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado, slicing through at the fence in upper stretch and powering home to take Monday's Listed Saranac Stakes. A narrow, but highly impressive debut winner in a seven-furlong maiden on the Belmont Stakes undercard June 7, the $475,000 Keeneland September graduate was a distant seventh of 11 trying winners for the first time going the same distance on July 19. That prompted a move to two turns and the grass, and the decision paid immediate dividends when the bay scooted home to score over a mile at a juicy 9-1 back on Aug. 7. Favored at 17-10 to negotiate this hike into stakes company, Stars and Strides found his way into the box seat soon after the start as the New York-bred Leon Blue (Mo Town) cut out the running from Sir Barton Stakes hero Crudo (Justify), also making his first start on the grass, through a half-mile in an easy :49.47. Under a snug hold entering the turn, Stars and Strides was right on the heels of the leaders on the swing for home, went for a run inside of Leon Blue when that one vacated the inside and kicked on smartly to defeat the rail-rallying Magic Pathway (Quality Road). Asbury Park (GB) (Frankel {GB}) was produced wide into the stretch by Flavien Prat and rallied belatedly to just miss second. Jim and Dana Bernhard's Pin Oak Stud also won the GI Saratoga Derby with World Beater (Oscar Performance) and the Birdstone Stakes with GIII Belmont Gold Cup winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Parchment Party (Constitution) during the meet. Alvarado and Mott, of course, teamed with Sovereignty (Into Mischief) to win the GII Jim Dandy Stakes and GI DraftKings Travers Stakes. Sales history: $160,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $475,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 4-3-0-0. O-Pin Oak Stud; B-Four Pillars Holdings LLC (KY); T-Bill Mott STARS AND STRIDES gets his first stakes win in the Saranac Stakes with @JuniorandKellyA aboard for trainer Bill Mott. pic.twitter.com/CUJDibx9wc — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) September 1, 2025 The post American Pharoah Colt Stars and Strides Surges Home In the Saranac appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some 48 hours after 'TDN Rising Star' Tommy Jo (Into Mischief) stamped her authority on the GI Spinaway Stakes, Spendthrift Farm's 'TDN Rising Star' TED NOFFEY (c, 2, Into Mischief–Streak of Luck, by Old Fashioned) followed suit in Monday's closing-day feature, the GI Hopeful Stakes, sponsored by the Lexington nursery. The $650,000 Keeneland September yearling, named in honor of Spendthrift's Ned Toffey, came from midpack to graduate by 1 1/2 lengths, but authoritatively, over 6 1/2 furlongs Aug. 2, but was no better than the third wagering choice in the Hopeful behind California shipper and 'TDN Rising Star' Buetane (Tiz the Law) and Romeo (Honor A.P.), winner of the Bashford Manor Stakes. Ted Noffey flew the gates from the outside stall, but came back to John Velazquez to prompt a moderate early pace from second behind Soldier N Diplomat (Army Mule). The gray colt eased up alongside the front-runner approaching the quarter pole and when asked to sprint, opened up at will to score by six lengths. Buetane, a $1.15-million OBS April breezer and named a 'Rising Star' off a handy debut score at Del Mar Aug. 3, was three wide not far from the speed, but was outmoved into the stretch and clawed his way past 'Rising Star' Curtain Call (Tiz the Law) for second. Final time for the seven-furlongs was a slow-early, fast-late 1:22.35. Ted Noffey is the 27th Grade I winner for the all-conquering Into Mischief and the colt is the fourth Hopeful winner for trainer Todd Pletcher. Sales history: $650,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Spendthrift Farm LLC; B-Aaron & Marie Jones (KY); T-Todd Pletcher BIG performance from TED NOFFEY as he stays a perfect 2-for-2 and powers home in the Grade 1 @spendthriftfarm Hopeful with @ljlmvel up for trainer @PletcherRacing! pic.twitter.com/7bWp0rH0Pk — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) September 1, 2025 The post Into Mischief’s Ted Noffey Leads ‘Rising Star’ Trifecta In Spendthrift Hopeful appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saratoga Race Course offered more racing than ever in 2025 as the reconstruction of Belmont Park led to a total of 49 spring/summer dates at the Spa. And for NYRA, there were about a billion reasons to feel good about it. View the full article

For the second year in a row, a yearling out of Washington champion Bella Mia from the Griffin Place consignment has topped the Washington Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (WTBOA) Summer Yearling and Mixed Sale, which was held Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the WTBOA Sales Pavilion at Emerald Downs. This year's topper is a filly by Straight Fire (Hip 53), who was purchased by Patrick Neary, of Rancho Palos Verdes, California on behalf of Hard Five Inc. Last year's sale topper, Lead the Charge (Take Charge Indy), has already placed in two stakes, while the mare's first foal, Ship Cadet, is a Saratoga stakes winner of over $235,000. Blue Ribbon Farm sold the highest-priced colt for $67,000. Offered as Hip 69, a colt from the final crop of three-time leading Washington sire Conveyance, was purchased by Chief Stipe and Nancy McPhee's Q Stable. The January foal is out of 2014 Washington champion sophomore filly Find Your Spot. The daughter of Nationhood has already produced 2024 Washington champion 3-year-old filly Chai and SP Forty Smooches. Also bringing a $67,000 final bid was Hip 17, purchased by trainer Andy Mathis. A part of the seven-horse offering from Terry and Mary Lou Griffin's Buckley-based Griffin Place, the Grazen filly is out of 2018 Washington champion older mare No Talking Back (Flatter). Griffin Place, who has sold the sale topper for themselves or clients 10 times since 2005, was the leading consignor for the August venue. In their own name they sold five yearlings for a $267,500 gross and $53,500 average. As agent, Griffin Place sold three other yearlings for $56,500 gross and a $18,833 average. A total of 72 yearlings went through the sales ring with 51 selling for a $735,400 gross, $14,420 average and $5,750 median. While the number sold remained the same as last year, both the gross and average rose 7.6%, while the median dropped 47.8% from 2024's $11,000 figure. The post Straight Fire Filly Tops WTBOA Summer Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – After the pictures were taken in the winner's circle and after he did his interview with Acacia Clement for the Saratoga Live broadcast, trainer Tom Amoss did a little dance before heading out. Happy? Oh, yeah, Amoss was all of that. He had just watched his 2-year-old colt Oscar's Hope (Twirling Candy) romp home to a 5 3/4-length win in the first race, a $100,000 maiden special weight, on closing day at Saratoga Race Course. This was a meet to remember for the 63-year-old Amoss, who said he has never had a Saratoga summer like this one. Oscar's Hope, owned by longtime client Michael McLoughlin, gave Amoss his ninth win of the season. In 32 starts this year, he also had seven second- and two third-place finishes. “In terms of results, ever since I have been coming to Saratoga, this is the best one ever,” said Amoss, who began his training career in 1987. “This is one meet I won't forget because I know this does not come around often, especially for a trainer like myself. I am a bit of a fringe player when I come up here and this year, I have been able to make an impact, which is exciting.” Three of Amoss's wins have come in $100,000 maiden special weights. He also won with Big Dom (McKinzie) on Aug. 16 and It's Our Time (Not This Time) on Aug. 23, Travers Day. It's Our Time broke his maiden by a whopping 17 3/4 lengths. Last year, Amoss won six races during the Saratoga meet; the year before he won five. Amoss picked out Oscar's Hope at the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale and he went for $150,000. As he always does, Amoss relied on observations and input of his team of Bret Sumja, Chris Richard and Ron Faucheux. All of them have had training experience and Amoss puts his full trust in them. “We look at the horses we recognize and know we've got to live with this horse a year from now,” Amoss said. “I think we make a great team.” Oscar's Hope, Amoss said, is named for one of McLoughlin's grandchildren. “Mike has been a loyal client of mine for over 20 years,” Amoss said of McLoughlin, who spends much of the year living in New Orleans. “I can't wait to call him right now. I know winning at Saratoga is a special moment for him.” Oscar's Hope began his career at Saratoga on Aug. 9 and broke from the rail in a $100,000 maiden special weight. The 7-5 favorite, Oscar's Hope and jockey Jose Ortiz went to the lead, but got caught in the stretch by Golden Tornado (McKinzie) and was beaten by 3 1/4 lengths. Amoss went into Monday's race with confidence because of that first start. The public agreed as he was sent off as the overwhelming 3-5 favorite in the six-furlong race. “I told Jose [Ortiz] that he had a race under his belt, and I knew he would rate because he has done it well in practice,” Amoss said. “We were much more relaxed with this position [four post] and I told him to just let him run and that is what he did.” Oscar's Hope ran the six furlongs in 1:10.76 and returned $3.36, $2.38 and $2.10. The post Saratoga Maidens Presented by Keeneland: Oscar’s Hope Puts a Capper on Best Saratoga Meet Ever for Amoss appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wednesday, Baden-Baden, Germany, post time: 13:11, 152ND RENATE & ALBRECHT WOESTE – ZUKUNFTS-RENNEN-G3, €55,000, 2yo, 7fT Field: Advantage (Ger) (Pomellato {Ger}), Commander's Intent (Fr) (Victor Ludorum {GB}), Gostam (Ger) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}), Nitaro (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Perito (Ger) (Time Test {GB}), Seguro (Ger) (Romanised {Ire}), Voitton (Ger) (Best Solution {Ire}), Zuender (Ger) (Amaron {GB}). TDN Verdict: Baden-Baden's 'Grosse Woche' continues with the first of Germany's four pattern-race contests for juveniles. Hella Sauer two-for-two trainee Zuender sets the standard and makes his black-type debut coming back off wide-margin wins here in May and at Munich last month. Gostam defeated previous winner Seguro by four lengths over this trip at Munich in his only start to date and holds solid claims. So does the undefeated-in-two Voitton, who outpointed Henk Grewe stablemate Perito at Cologne last month. Nitaro accounted for subsequent winner Rue Michel Ange in his Cologne debut last month and should not be discounted. Victorious Racing's Doncaster nursery winner Commander's Intent ships in for the George Scott stable, while Slovakian challenger Advantage, who ran third over six furlongs at Bratislava in both prior starts, adds a touch of spice to the international flavour. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete field. The post Black-Type Analysis: Two-Year-Olds Take Centre Stage at Baden-Baden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Facing plenty of racing dram this past weekend, trainer Todd Pletcher confirmed that GI Pacific Classic and GI Jockey Club Gold Cup winners Fierceness (City of Light) and Antiquarian (Preservationist), respectively, came out of their races in good order and will train up to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar. The Gold Cup was marred by an incident soon after the start, where Pletcher-trained Mindframe (Constitution) swerved, dropping Irad Ortiz Jr. and was ultimately collared by the outrider. “[Antiquarian] is doing excellent, very good,” Pletcher said of the Gold Cup scorer. “I thought that was a great performance. He is steadily improving. I thought that was his best race to date. He is kind of learning how to polish a race off, so we are very happy for him. We'll train up to the Classic.” As for Antiquarian's less fortunate stablemate, Pletcher added, “He's excellent, he seems fine,” Pletcher said. “We got lucky that he's unscathed. An unlucky race, but lucky that he is OK.” He added, “We are just happy he came out of the race [Sunday] well. We'll regroup and come up with a plan for him.” Saturday's Pacific Classic had its own share of drama when Fierceness veered toward the temporary rail but recovered to win with ease over GI Preakness and Haskell winner Journalism. “He came back well. He will ship back here on the third and we'll point him for the Classic as well,” Pletcher said. “To simply overcome the start alone, and that mistake he made there that we felt might leave him with no chance, he recovered to run a big race. We are proud of him.” Pletcher has a trio of contenders for the Classic, which he won in 2019 with Repole Stable and St. Elias Stables' Vino Rosso. “We feel good about that now, but it is 60 days away,” Pletcher said. Hopefully, everything stays in order.” The post Pletcher Team Update, Antiquarian and Fierceness Head to Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

According to agent Steve Rushing Monday, Irad Ortiz, Jr. escaped serious injury and all tests came back negative after the rider was from his mount Mindframe (Constitution), who swerved to avoid the wayward Phileas Fogg in Sunday's GI Jockey Club Gold Cup. According to the NYRA track note's team, Ortiz Jr. was cleared to ride, however, opted to take a few extra days. He had been slated to ride in all 11 races on closing day at Saratoga Monday. “I want to thank everyone for all the calls and texts and well wishes,” said Ortiz Jr. on X Monday morning. “I plan on taking a few days off and return to riding on Thursday at Kentucky Downs.” Following the incident, the rider was taken to Albany Medical Center. He was released later in the evening. The post Ortiz Jr. Escapes Serious Injury, Scheduled to Return Thursday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association (TBA) held its 108th Annual General Meeting on Monday, September 1, with chairman Philip Newton confirming the TBA's support for an independent Board at the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). “Charles Allen has a big job in front of him,” Newton said of the BHA's new chair. “The industry needs to recognise he doesn't have a silver bullet and cannot do this on his own. “The TBA will provide support, reasoned and considered counsel and give Charles Allen every opportunity to deliver the job he has been appointed to do.” Newton warned of the difficult crossroads at which the sport finds itself, referencing sustained pressures on betting turnover, racecourse attendances and audience engagement, as well as the continuing decline in the foal crop. He emphasised the need for a transformational funding solution, evidence-based action, a robust commercial arm and greater alignment across the industry to safeguard the future of both British breeding and racing. Whilst acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by breeders, Newton also highlighted key areas of progression for the sector, including the publication of the 2026 fixture list in August and the injection of £4.4 million in prize-money, with £3.2 million being directed towards developmental races to encourage the racing and development of young talent in Britain. The TBA's key priorities for 2026 were discussed with two formal presentations, with the first of those focusing on the need for greater alignment between the TBA, BHA and Racehorse Owners Association (ROA). Meanwhile, deputy chair Kate Sigsworth presented on the TBA's ongoing commitment to the welfare of the Thoroughbred and continued investment into veterinary research; surveillance of infectious diseases; and studies to explore genetic diversity. Newton closed his speech by thanking outgoing chief executive Claire Sheppard for her unwavering commitment and dedication to the role over the last eight years, saying, “The TBA and the wider industry has been so very fortunate to have had Claire Sheppard's dedication and expertise at the helm for the past eight years. “She has championed the interests of the breeding sector with determination and persistence, navigating challenges in a complex stakeholder and political environment. I, and the TBA Board, would like to thank her and wish her all the best in the future.” Other departures revealed at the AGM include those of Sam Bullard, who steps down from the Board of trustees after two terms of office, and Anita Wigan, who leaves the Board after seven years of services. Julian Richmond Watson will also step down from his position as honorary president of the TBA. Elsewhere, the appointment of Colm Donlon as a co-opted trustee was approved, while Matt Prior will continue as a co-opted trustee for a second term. To read the TBA's 2024 Annual Report, which was formally launched at the AGM, click here. The post TBA Pledges “Support” and “Reasoned and Considered Counsel” to Lord Allen at AGM appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Champion mare Via Sistina capped an extraordinary 2024-25 campaign with the title of Australian Racehorse of the Year, announced Aug. 31 at a ceremony at The Star in Brisbane.View the full article

Following a dramatic edition of the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 30, contenders emerged in good order and will begin making plans for the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 1 at Del Mar.View the full article

Tom Pedulla offers takeaways from a pair of $1 million marquee events, the Pacific Classic (G1) Aug. 29 at Del Mar and the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, plus other Labor Day weekend races.View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Dual IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup winner Swayzee will face a serious first-up challenge in the $150,000 Group 1 Len Smith Mile at Menangle (Sydney) next Saturday night. Sure he’s the best horse in the race, but the seven-year-old is first-up since April, not as well suited to sprinting as he is staying and faces some fit and firing rivals. Swayzee, who looked sharp winning a Menangle mile trial in 1min49.9sec last Wednesday, hasn’t started since finishing fourth in the Group 1 Nullarbor at Gloucester Park on April 25. In contrast, key rivals like Catch A Wave, Max Delight, Sure Thing Captain, Eye Keep Smiling and The Janitor and Kingman have all won brilliantly in the past week or so. And all have raced superbly in Menangle sprint races previously. Champion mare Eye Keep Smiling showed she was ready for the biggest test of her career when she brilliantly won first-up from a short break at Menangle last night. It was her 11th successive win and, despite sitting parked, she scorched a 1min49.9sec mile and easily held off her rivals to win by 1.9m. The closing splits were 54.5 and 27.3sec. She will be one of two runners for Luke McCarthy, who had the untapped Kiwi-bred four-year-old Kingman worked superbly between races at Menangle over the weekend. Kingman, who showed loads of talent for Emma Stewart, has raced three times for McCarthy for two wins and a second. Another Kiwi-bred, Chantal Turpin’s The Janitor, turned heads with a powerhouse first-up win at Albion Park. First-up for six weeks, The Janitor sat parked outside Inter Dominion runner-up Speak The Truth and crushed him in a 1min51.2sec mile rate for 1660m. Speak The Truth, who will also tackle the Len Smith with stablemate Sure Thing Captain, will be fitter for the run and does fly at Menangle. Despite the absence of Leap To Fame, the depth of the Len Smith will be outstanding. Old marvel Max Delight looked superb when second (and hard-held) behind Swayzee in last Wednesday’s Menangle trial. The enigmatic but gifted Catch A Wave returned to his very best form winning at Melton last Saturday week. Remember, he’s won a Miracle Mile at Menangle and also won last year’s Len Smith. Then there’s the high-class and in-form Captains Knock. Today’s barrier draw will be important, but given the depth of the race and presence of Swayzee, it’s sure to be a truly run contest. In staying races, Swayzee’s rivals often surrender the lead to him rather than try and go toe-to-toe with the mighty stayer. But, in sprint races, rivals will be a lot more likely to keep him out, especially first-up. It’s going to be a heck of a race. View the full article

Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook T. Smith's Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), who finished second in a problematic edition of the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup, will train up to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, according to trainer Chad Brown. The GI Whiney winner, who tried to avoid fallen Irad Ortiz Jr. just steps out of the gate, traveled in last–18 lengths off the pace–before making a wide run down the lane to finish 1 1/2-lengths behind winner Antiquarian. “Thankfully, Irad looks like he escaped anything serious, and our horses came back OK,” Brown confirmed on Sunday morning. “Sierra Leone went quite wide in the stretch. It was a very challenging trip, but I'm very proud of the horse that he persevered, stayed with it and still ran a pretty remarkable race.” He added, “He got his final prep in for the Breeders' Cup Classic and hopefully he has an uninterrupted, healthy couple months leading up.” Last season's champion sophomore colt, who will try to defend his title in the Classic, is expected to remain in Saratoga for the upcoming month. The colt will stand at Coolmore's Ashford Stud at the conclusion of his racing career. “He'll stay here for the month of September and then by October I expect him to move down to Belmont and follow the plan I used last year,” Brown said. “He's been ultra consistent his entire career and I'm hopeful he goes out in his last race as he has in all his races–consistent. He shows up every time. He's never been off the board.” The post Sierra Leone to Train Up to Breeders’ Cup Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A record-breaking 27 trainers in Newmarket will open their doors to the public during this year's Henry Cecil Open Weekend, which takes place on September 20-21. They include the likes of William Haggas, Roger Varian, George Boughey and James Fanshawe, while this year also sees the introduction of two autism-friendly yards, in collaboration with Autism In Racing: Ross Burdon and David Simcock. Before the yards open at 9am on Sunday, September 21, visitors are invited to watch some of Newmarket's best horses in action on Warren Hill, an event sponsored by Tattersalls. Meanwhile, Sunday afternoon sees a full schedule of events for all the family to enjoy, including the Amo Racing Personality Showjumping Competition, the Baker McVeigh Shetland Pony Grand National and the Parade of Retired Racehorses, kindly sponsored by Al Shaqab. Ticket holders can also visit the National Stud, the British Racing School, the Injured Jockeys Fund rehabilitation centre – Peter O'Sullevan House, the National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket Equine Hospital, Jockey Club Rooms and Tattersalls. Last year, £89,196 was raised for the chosen charity partners. This year, the Henry Cecil Open Weekend, in its continued support for both the local community and the racing industry, will donate all money raised to the Newmarket Housing Trust and its long-term charity partner, Racing Welfare. Tickets cost £15 when purchased in advance and £20 on the day, with no fee for children under the age of 16. For further information and a full schedule, click here. Malton Open Day Returns on Sunday Details of Racing Welfare's annual ARC Malton Open Day on Sunday, September 7 have also been announced, with 11 of Malton's leading yards set to open their doors. Tim Easterby and Richard Fahey feature among the trainers who will welcome visitors, along with Mick and David Easterby, Craig Lidster, Suzzanne France, Adrian Keatley, Ollie Pears, John Wainwright, Sara Ender, Ivan Furtado and Mike Sowersby. Attendees are encouraged to take advantage of a discounted combined ticket offering, which enables them to visit the yards in the morning and then enjoy an afternoon of racing at York Racecourse's Sky Bet Sunday Series, in association with the YorkMix Family Entertainment Zone. Tickets for the Malton Open Day are priced at £10, or £20 for a combined ticket to York Racecourse, while children under the age of 18 can attend for free. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in advance here, with all funds raised on the day going directly to Racing Welfare. The post Henry Cecil Open Weekend Returns with 27 Trainers Set to Welcome Visitors appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article