Wandering Eyes

Dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse discusses La Cara's final work for the Aug. 16 Alabama Stakes (G1). The dual grade 1 winner went four furlongs in :49.77 under exercise rider Mary Rose Hitt Aug. 8.View the full article

After La Cara was scratched from the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) because of her barn being quarantined, Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse is doing "a little bit more" with the filly's training to prepare for the Alabama Stakes (G1) Aug. 16.View the full article

The sales scene in mid-August may usually be focussed on Arqana but just prior to France's premier yearling sale getting underway in Deauville in a week's time, there will be a unique opportunity for breeders and owners of both Flat and National Hunt persuasion to buy into some of the best families of Jean-Pierre Dubois. The sales house Auctav, now in its fourth year, holds its most prestigious sale to date on Wednesday, 13 August when it will offer 108 horses of all ages from yearlings up, to be sold from the successful owner-breeder's Haras de la Beauvoisiniere. An independent company, Auctav is itself situated on land at the nearby Haras de Bois Roussel, which is also owned by the 85-year-old Dubois and is some 90 minutes south of Deauville by road. A Group/Grade 1-winning breeder under both codes and the owner of a significant number of Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds and stud land across France, Dubois cut his teeth in the trotting sphere, in which he is still involved in France and America. In the Thoroughbred world, he has most recently been represented at the highest level on the track by last year's G1 Prix de Diane winner Sparkling Plenty, a daughter of Kingman, a stallion with whom Dubois has enjoyed notable success. But it is Sparkling Plenty's female family with which he has really become synonymous. With its origins in Germany, the family has also been associated with the formerly powerful Wildenstein breeding operation as well as Baron Georg von Ullmann of Gestut Schlenderhan, who bred Sparkling Plenty's granddam Soignee (Dashing Blade). From Soignee, Dubois bred the high-class Stacelita (Monsun), also a winner of the Prix de Diane as well as the Prix Saint-Alary, Vermeille and Jean Romanet before heading to the States to claim the Beverley D and the Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes. She has been no less of a success at stud since being purchased by Teruya Yoshida of Shadai Farm. Notably, Stacelita produced the first ever Grade 1 winner by Frankel, her daughter Soul Stirring, and she is also the dam of Grade 3 winner Schon Glanz and Listed winner Sentimental Mambo, both by Deep Impact. Dubois retained Stacelita's unraced half-sister Speralita (Frankel), now famous as the dam of Sparkling Plenty and her full-brother, the G3 Jersey Stakes winner Noble Truth, and though neither Speralita nor her yearling filly by Kingman feature in the sale, there are plenty of members of that family to pique the interest of international breeders. Indeed, nine of the 51 broodmares on offer are from this immediate family, including Sparkling Plenty's seven year-old full-sister Sofia (lot 41). She has already produced a winner to Galiway, the three-year-old Soliway, who is also in the sale (lot 82) along with her two-year-old half-brother Severac (Zarak). No fewer than 12 of the mares on offer are in foal to Dubois's own homebred stallion Chachnak, a son of Kingman, who, though not covering large books in the four years he has stood at Haras de la Gastine, has an admirable strike-rate of 15 winners from just 29 runners to date. Unusually, the dual Group 3 winner started covering mares while he was still in training, and his eldest runners, a crop of 34 foals, are now three-year-olds. Also among the covering sires of the mares included in this partial dispersal sale are Auguste Rodin, Ace Impact, Chaldean, Oasis Dream, Muhaarar, Metropolitan, and St Mark's Basilica. Soliway wins in the Dubois colours at Longchamp in July It was a deliberate decision to hold this sale before Arqana's August extravaganza kicks off a busy yearling sale season in Europe, according to Arnaud Angeliaume, Auctav's director general. “The window is very small. Monsieur Dubois sells yearlings every year in France but this year he has decided to reduce his numbers and that is why he wanted to set up this sale,” he says. “We are not in competition with Arqana but Monsieur Dubois owns the land here so it is easier for him to hold it here.” Angeliaume added, “He is keeping around 10 mares, like Speralita, and her Kingman yearling. Every year he seems to have a very good horse by Kingman.” Beyond the family of Soignee, other broodmares of note in the sale include Golden Glitter (lot 44), a daughter of Dubawi and the dual Group 1 winner Golden Lilac (Galileo), who is in foal to Earthlight, while five-year-old Isadora (Showcasing) is out of a Dansili half-sister to New Bay and is offered as lot 45. Kingman features again as the covering sire of lot 50, a Frankel half-sister to one of the stallion's earliest good runners, the Coventry Stakes winner and sire Calyx, who died earlier this year. The six-year-old mare named Helenium didn't make the track herself but on the ground already she has a yearling filly and filly foal also by Kingman. For the jumps brigade, there are the likes of Kerida, a dual-winning daughter of Martaline in foal to young stallion Jigme (lot 48), and Philadelphie, a three-year-old store filly by Kapgarde out of the Listed steeplechase winner Plaisir d'Amour (lot 73). “We have horses for everyone basically,” says Angeliaume. “Every kind of horse for every kind of person at every kind of price.” Auctav, whose name is a shortened hybrid of 'Auction Avantage', launched in 2021 on the back of the Covid-wrought disruption to the bloodstock world and initially had solely an online presence. It held its first 'live' sale in October 2023 at Haras de Bois Roussel, which has formerly been owned by Leon Volterra and the Wildenstein family and is based in Bursard in the Alencon region. Having started out selling trotters and National Hunt horses, Auctav has gradually ventured into the Flat market and will stage its first Flat-only yearling sale on September 13. The forthcoming exclusive sale for Jean-Pierre Dubois is, however, the most important marker in the evolution of the sales company. “Obviously, this is an absolute pleasure for us to hold a sale like this but it perhaps won't really sink in until everyone is here. When we can see all the people coming in, we will realise the star power of the sale,” Angeliaume says. “We are expecting a lot of visitors, especially from America and also from Japan as well. It could be the opportunity of a lifetime to get into some of these pedigrees.” He also notes, “We had a chat with Monsieur Dubois about including photos and videos of the horses but he said that he would rather see the people here, so we are not putting anything online as we'd prefer the people to come out and look at the stock. “He wants to see all of his friends and contacts, and the guys that he has worked with for a long time. We can't wait.” Inspections begin at Haras de Bois Roussel from 8am local time on Monday, and Wednesday's sale, which also has an online bidding facility, will commence at 12.30pm after a buffet reception. The post ‘Horses for Everyone’ as Auctav Gears Up for Unique Dubois Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Danon Decile, the winner of the 2024 Japanese Derby and this year's Dubai Sheema Classic, was out on the Newmarket gallops on Friday morning ahead of his intended run in the £1.25m Juddmonte International Stakes at York on August 20. The four-year-old son of Epiphaneia was last seen in action at Meydan, where he beat recent King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Calandagan (Gleneagles). Ridden by his trainer Shogo Yasuda, Danon Decile cantered on Newmarket's Warren Hill, exercising among horses trained by James Horton, whose yard he is based in while in Britain. Yasuda said, “We did travel very well, so we're very satisfied. “My training plan between the two weeks from here to York, the main thing is to take care of his mind – make him happy.” He added of the horse's next challenge over ten furlongs, “I'm not concerned for the shorter distance. I believe he's got a lot of experience from racing. I'm not worried about the drop in distance.” Danon Decile will be ridden at York by Keita Tosaki, who has been on board for his last two wins in Japan and Dubai. The post Danon Decile Arrives in UK Ahead of Juddmonte International appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article

What Behemoth Stakes Day 2025 Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Rd, Morphettville SA 5043 When Saturday, August 9, 2025 First Race 12:03pm ACST Visit Dabble Morphettville hosts a nine-race metro meeting on Saturday, August 9, headlined by the Group 3 Behemoth Stakes (1200m). Expect them to use plenty of the track as the day wears on, and make sure to watch the early 1000–1200m races for any lane bias before locking in your feature bets. The track is rated a Soft 6 with the rail out +4m from the 1200m to the winning post and true the remainder. The first race is scheduled for 12:03pm local time. Behemoth Stakes tip: Recommendation Freshened and back to 1200m in weight-for-age class, Recommendation looks ready to remind everyone why he dominated last winter. He’s been through a barrier reset in July, and his camp reports he’s back humming, while his historical pattern is a big tick; he’s unbeaten second-up and excels when allowed to stalk and pounce. With genuine speed engaged, the shape should let him camp just behind the leaders and use that short, sharp turn of foot. Feature Tip Race 7 – #2 Recommendation (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jake Toeroek (58.5kg) Best Bet at Morphettville: Gin Spirit Gin Spirit returned to SA after mixing it with the better two-year-old fillies in Melbourne, and this looks a sweet placement. She’s already a Listed winner at the track and trip (Cinderella Stakes) and is unbeaten in two runs over the Morphettville 1050m. A soft deck holds no fears and the 1.5kg claim helps offset topweight. With tactical speed to park just off them and a sharp kick, she should get every chance to bounce straight back from that Caulfield run and pick up where she left off at home. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Gin Spirit (7) 3yo Filly | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Rochelle Milnes (a1.5) (60.5kg) Next Best at Morphettville: Purfect Line Purfect Line brings the right form for this 1050m dash and looks over the odds with horse racing bookmakers. He was a brave second to Solar Mist in a heavy 0-64 last start and now draws to tag the speed and pounce. His recent figures stack up nicely in this field, and he’s handled soft going, plus the stable has engaged a strong rider in Jake Toeroek. With even luck from the midfield draw, he can settle a pair or two closer and let rip late. Next Best Race 9 – #7 Purfect Line (9) 4yo Gelding | T: Richard & Chantelle Jolly | J: Jake Toeroek (59kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Morphettville Morphettville quadrella selections Saturday, August 9, 2025 1-5-8-10 1-2-3-5 1-2-8-11-13 1-7-11-13 Horse racing tips View the full article

It proved to be a long but fruitful day for Kelly Myers on Friday, with the now Central Districts-based hoop riding home Above The Clouds to win the $100,000 TAB Polytrack Championship (2000m) at Cambridge for local trainer Ralph Manning. Above The Clouds did it tough from her wide barrier, sitting three-wide for much of the journey, but showed her class when distancing her rivals in the straight to score by 3-3/4 lengths over race favourite Spanish Lad. “She drew the outside barrier and I was going to need a little bit of luck,” Myers said. “I thought I could have got into the one-one, but Craig (Grylls, jockey aboard Spanish Lad) obviously didn’t want to go to the fence, so we had to sit three-wide. “She was handy and in a nice rhythm. When Sam Collett (jockey aboard Heart Of Gold) came around us I was able to sit in behind her and get a bit of a drag into the race. “I don’t think it would have mattered how I rode her, she won pretty easily.” The victory made the trip from Taranaki a lot easier for Myers, who has been living back on the family dairy farm for the last couple of months. Myers said she and her family are loving being back in a rural environment and they are currently in the midst of calving, which kept Myers busy before having to head north to Cambridge on Friday. “We have moved back to the family dairy farm and my husband and two kids are loving it,” she said. “We moved down at the start of June. We are not too far from Mum, and we are a lot closer to Rosie (Fell, sister), which is great. “It is a busy time for us at the moment, but we are coming to the finishing line, we haven’t got too many left to calve. “I fed calves this morning before I went to Cambridge. It is a long drive, so to win that (Polytrack Championship) made it all worth it.” Myers is coming off a pleasing season in the saddle, recording 59 wins, three at Group and Listed level, and accrued nearly $2.5 million in prizemoney, her best haul to date. “It was good,” she said. “I had quite a few quiet patches and then a few good runs. All-in-all it was a good season and hopefully I can top it this season.” Myers is hoping she can add to her season tally when she heads to her local meeting at Hawera on Sunday where she has a full book of seven rides, including two for Ralph Manning. She will partner last start winners Dancin In The Dark and Small Town Girl in the Free Court (2100m) and Jinnibegood (1600m) respectively for the Cambridge trainer, and she is confident of bold showings from the pair. “I think I have got a nice book at Hawera,” Myers said. “I am riding two for Ralph that I won on last start at Waverley, and I think Ralph is pretty happy with how they have gone on. They should be pretty competitive.” View the full article

The spring carnival build-up continued at Warwick Farm on Friday morning, where Group One winner Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) made his final public appearance before he resumes in the Gr.1 Winx Stakes (1400m). Trainer Joe Pride gave him an intentionally quiet hit-out when he trailed the field home in a 900m heat at his home track last month, but speaking before Friday’s trial session the trainer said he was content for Ceolwulf to be asked for a little more by regular rider Chad Schofield. “I don’t know if it had any bearing on his prep but I let him do a bit too much in his trials last time around so I deliberately got him out of the contest the other day,” Pride said. “But I’m happy for him to do a little bit more on Friday. “He’s been great and the Winx Stakes will be his first-up run for sure. It’s locked in.” Ceolwulf downed Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock) and Fangirl (Sebring) in his second barrier trial leading into the autumn then had a mixed carnival in which he raced competitively but didn’t quiet reach the heights he’d climbed the previous spring. With that seasoning and experience under his belt, Pride is hopeful Ceolwulf can return to the form that resulted in him claiming the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap (1600m)-Gr.1 King Charles III (1600m) double last year. Ceolwulf closed off stylishly under light riding to finish a half-length second in Friday’s 1000-metre trial, which was led and won by stablemate Private Eye (Al Maher), who trialled in preference to running in Saturday’s Gr.2 Missile Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, for which he was favourite. The A$1 million Winx Stakes is the first Group One of the Sydney season and will be run at Randwick on August 23. It is expected to attract a mouth-watering field with Chris Waller confirming Via Sistina, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) and Aeliana (NZ) (Castelvecchico) are all scheduled to resume there, while Ciaron Maher is expected to be represented by the likes of Another Wil (Street Boss), Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto) and Light Infantry Man (Fast Company). Maher’s New Zealand Derby-winning recruit Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) was among the others to trial on Friday with the gelding settling last but working through the line strongly to be beaten four lengths by Felix Majestic (Smart Missile). Group One winner and Caulfield Cup (Gr.1,2400m) runner-up Buckaroo (Fastnet Rock) made his first trial appearance of the campaign in the same 900m hit-out, finishing immediately behind Willydoit. Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) favourite Sir Delius (Frankel) had his second trial of the preparation, settling back in a five-horse trial over 1200m before working home under urging from Tim Clark to finish third, beaten a neck by the Bjorn Baker-trained Nkosi (Shamus Award). View the full article

By Jonny Turner Matthew Williamson is hoping to make up the difference on day two of the Southern Surge at Invercargill on Sunday. Day one at Winton last week was a case of close but not quite close enough for the Oamaru trainer, who racked up plenty of top-five finishes with his team. With the move to Ascot Park and some key draw upgrades, Williamson is hopeful he can land some of the boosted winning stakes on offer during the series this week. Judging by his Winton effort He’s No Romeo is in a position to do just that. The pacer raced wide throughout his Winton run after starting from a tough draw in barrier 13. But on Sunday, He’s No Romeo faces a much different prospect from barrier 4 around the tighter-turning Invercargill track. “His run at Winton was great, he didn’t get too many favours but he kept running on well.” “From a better draw this week he would have to be a nice each way chance.” “He has come through that last run quite well and we look to have a few options early, too.” Mack Pack lands the same draw he ran third from at Winton last week in barrier 7. The pacer burnt early before fighting on well to run third. While no better off this week, he’s no worse off either. “His run last week was good too, he seems to have lifted his game lately and got better with more racing.” “He can get off the gate as he showed last week, so the draw shouldn’t be too much of a worry for him.” “If he gets a bit of luck he should be a nice chance.” Draws are not so much of an issue for Majic N The Port, who will attempt to break her maiden in Sunday’s opener. What is much more crucial is her tyres staying pumped up. “She got a flat tyre last week when she ran second, so it was a handy effort.” “The manners will be the key to her, if she does everything right she’s probably as good of a chance as any in there.” Landing the ace draw should only aid the chances of Sargent Best on Sunday. The pacer got a long way off the pace at Winton, but should settle much handier this week. “He has shown when he gets the right run in this grade he’s pretty competitive, so he would have to be a top 4 show.” Flying Bird also gets the chance to land handy and boost her form for the Williamson stable on Sunday. Mighty Miki is one pacer among the Williamson squad that swings to a tough draw in barrier 14, while Mr Cash Man meets a similar field to the one he ran fifth in at Winton last week. Cody Banner looks the best chance of Williamson’s three outside drives at Ascot Park. Though the trotter is fresh up against race-hardened opposition, he has faced tougher fields in the past. To see Sunday’s fields click here View the full article

Captains Run split his more fancied rivals Jesko and West Coast in last week’s Koral Steeplechase (4250m) at Riccarton, and trainer Dan O’Leary is hoping he can go one better in Saturday’s Racecourse Hotel & Motor Lodge 150th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m). The 10-year-old gelding led the field into the home straight in last week’s feature, and he looked to have his rivals in plenty of trouble until Jesko drew level when jumping the final fence, and he continued his momentum to score by three lengths over the Marton jumper. O’Leary was thrilled with Captains Run’s performance, and he said his gelding has thrived in the interim. “We were rapt, it was a really good run,” he said. “He has come through the run very well and he has worked well this week. I think he has taken a lot of improvement out of that race. I think he is in really good order.” Captains Run has been a model of consistency over the bigger fences, winning one and placing in 10 of his 13 Steeplechase starts, including back-to-back runner-up performances in the Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m) and finishing third in last year’s Grand National Steeplechase. However, a prestige jumps title has remained elusive, something O’Leary is looking to rectify this weekend. Captains Run will be joined in Saturday’s showpiece by stablemate Te Kahu, who finished fifth in the Koral Steeplechase. It was the 12-year-old gelding’s first steeplechase test this year and O’Leary said he has taken immense benefit from the run. “In the first steeplechase (this preparation) he over raced slightly,” O’Leary said. “He has improved a lot as well this week, but he has a lot of ground to make up to be competitive.” Te Kahu has a strong jumping CV, having won four races over the bigger fences, including the Great Northern Steeplechase (6200m) and Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4800m), and placed in the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4200m) and both of his starts in Australia – the Mosstrooper Steeplechase (3500m) and WC and AC Miller Steeplechase (3800m). Captains Run is currently the third elect with TAB bookmakers for the Grand National Steeplechase at $7.50, behind Jesko ($1.65) and West Coast ($3.50), while Te Kahu is rated a $17 winning chance. View the full article

It has been a while between drinks for Mathew Gillies on Grand National Day, but the talented hoop has plenty of firepower heading into this year’s time-honoured Riccarton meeting. A decade ago, Gillies partnered Tallyho Twinkletoe to a dominant win the Hospitality NZ Canterbury 126th Grand National Hurdles (4200m), the gelding’s first major crown in a storied jumping career. Despite starting favourite, Tallyho Twinkletoe was a talent largely untapped at that stage, and Gillies recalled his surprise when he bolted clear in the straight. “He showed a lot of potential and had that raw talent, but I didn’t think he would win it so easily,” Gillies said. “He’d won at Rotorua and was quite dominant, but he was up in class and surprised me with how many gears he had. “You generally know as you’re coming into the 1000m point, and by the 600m, if you’ve still got horse underneath you, then you might be in with a chance. If you’re battling, there’s still a long way to go. “It was a great win by a very good horse.” The result was a standout for Gillies, who looked forward to heading south again after taking time away from riding in the last couple of years. “It’s a real pleasure to ride at Riccarton, particularly when you’re on a good jumper and they’re stepping their fences,” he said. “We only race there twice a year now (during National Week), which is a bit of a shame, but I’m really happy that they still have the meeting down there.” His week in Christchurch got off to the perfect start last Saturday, guiding Paul Nelson and Corrina McDougal’s hurdler Dictation to a comfortable 4-1/2 length victory in the Sydenham Hurdles (3100m). Off the back of that effort, Dictation earned equal-favouritism for the National alongside defending champion Berry The Cash, but was ruled out of the race on Wednesday afternoon through a minor injury. That left Gillies without a mount in the $100,000 feature, but he swiftly got the call-up from Tallyho Twinkletoe’s former trainer Kevin Myers to ride Happy Star. A stakes performer on the flat, it came as no surprise that Happy Star would excel over fences, and the gelding won the National in his first season of jumping in 2022. He returned to Riccarton Park the following year and carried topweight to finish second behind Berry The Cash, and after a year off the scene, the son of Fabulous only narrowly went down to Never Look Back in the Hawke’s Bay Hurdles (3000m) in mid-July. Gillies was rapt to pick up the ride on the 10-year-old and has done his homework with the assistance of Shaun Fannin, who has won four races on the gelding. “I’ve had a good talk with Shaun Fannin and spoke about the best way to ride this horse and get him jumping well, and he gave me good instructions to aid him,” Gillies said. “Shaun rode him so well a few years ago when he won the Sydenham leading up to the National. “He ran second in the National that year to Berry The Cash when carrying four kilos more, and this year, he’ll carry six kilos less than him so that’ll be a good advantage for us. “I’m really happy to be riding for Kevin as I was a stable rider for him ten years ago. I’m really looking forward to it.” Later in the day, Gillies will reunite with the Nelson/McDougal stable aboard Nedwin, who tackles the Racecourse Hotel and Motor Lodge 150th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m), off the back of a fourth-place finish in the Koral Steeplechase (4250m). A top-class hurdler, Nedwin recently stepped into the steeplechasing role and impressed Gillies with his progress throughout Saturday’s event, which was won by Jesko. “He was only having his third steeplechase start so he was a little bit green, but by halfway through the race, he was really loving his work and stepping his fences,” he said. “He was making up ground at most fences, so he learned a lot there. “He ended up blowing out at the 600m, and if you look between the second-to-last and last fence, he was tired but he came back to challenge them again, which was quite impressive considering he needed that race for fitness. “I think with a week between the runs and having that fitness, he’ll be a better horse on Saturday. I know there is the extra distance as well, but what he’s done in his hurdling and with his talent, he should be a really good chance.” Aside from a fall earlier in the season, Gillies has enjoyed being back in the saddle this year, crediting his success largely to the Hastings trainers. “It’s been great to ride for Paul and Corrina, they are very good trainers and you get confidence riding their horses,” he said. “They are always fit and know how to jump well, which makes my job a lot easier. “I had a fall at Te Rapa and got kicked in the back ribs and it got my kidney, which took a bit of healing. But, I only took two or three weeks and I was back riding, so other than that, it’s been pretty smooth sailing. “It’s been good to be back.” View the full article

Niall Quinn’s Wanganui stable again promises to be a force to be reckoned with at Riccarton on Saturday. He savoured success on the opening day of the Grand National meeting and will be hoping for the celebrations to continue and cap off a grand week. “We really enjoy Riccarton and try to bring the best of our team down here,” Quinn said. “They look after us really well and do an exceptional job, the hospitality has been grand and made us feel so welcome.” Quinn produced Hidalgo to score over jumps at the first time of asking last Saturday and the son of Pure Champion will attempt to make it two on the bounce in the Speight’s Ultra Tap 0-1 Win Hurdle (3100m). “He has done really well and will continue to improve,” Quinn said. “It won’t be as easy on Saturday with the improved track conditions and obviously Duke Of Plumpton and Doctor Iris are good horses. “He’s a new boy and it’s a nice next step for him and his future.” Stablemate Mr Fahrenheit will take a consistent form line into the Hospitality NZ Canterbury Grand National Hurdles (4200m). The son of Zed has yet to break through over fences after multiple placings and will face a step up in grade after running fourth behind Hidalgo on the opening day. “He will really like the extra trip, he has trained on really well and has a good group of owners from the South Island who are keen on jumps racing,” Quinn said. They include Allan Stalker, who prepared Joint Effort to win the 2010 edition of the National. “Allan does a lot of the pre-training with this bloke and he’s a very genuine horse, I think he deserves his chance to be there and anything can happen,” Quinn said. Off the back of the jumping events, Quinn will look to his Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) runner-up Who Knows to go one better in the Heatstore Open Handicap (1800m). “It was a very good field and I didn’t think she could win fresh-up over a mile in a Group Three, but we were expecting a pretty good run after being happy with her work going into it,” he said. Who Knows has won four of her 14 starts and her southern sojourn will stand her in good stead for the future. “We really wanted trip give her a good trip away to help her mature a bit more, although she’s a six-year-old she is still relatively new to the whole thing,” Quinn said. “We’ll reassess her when she gets home and look at future targets.” View the full article

JJ Rayner is bidding to follow in the footsteps of her father at Riccarton on Saturday. The Wanganui horsewoman will realise a long-held dream if her charge Lord Spencer can claim top honours in the Hospitality NZ Canterbury Grand National Hurdles (4200m). In 1990, the Evan Rayner-trained Mister Divinsky won the Sydenham Hurdles (3200m) before he produced another dashing display seven days later to coast home in the National and remain unbeaten over the small fences. “It would be so awesome to match that, he was a fabulous jumper and won all six of his races before he sadly broke down,” JJ Rayner said. Last year’s Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) winner Lord Spencer didn’t figure in the finish of the Sydenham on the opening day of the festival but will strip a lot fitter for the outing. He had suffered a minor setback after finishing fifth in the Hawke’s Bay Hurdles (3000m) before heading south. “It probably didn’t look much last Saturday, but he really needed it,” Rayner said. “After Woodville, he tweaked his joint a little bit. It was nothing major and we had to give him a few days off and then go quietly. “He was a bit fresh on the first day and pulled hard, he was probably way too handy during the running, so it was all a bit upside down for him.” Since then, Lord Spencer has done everything right ahead of the National, in which he will again be ridden by Lemmy Douglas. “He’s done so well during the week, he hasn’t left an oat and had a good bowl around on the plough on Thursday morning,” Rayner said. “He’s really good, he’s bouncing around and eating well, he’s fighting fit.” She has also made a change with Saturday’s extended trip in mind. ‘I’ve taken the side winkers off for Saturday, he’s got another 1000m to go so we’re hoping he’ll settle like he normally does,” Rayner said. “I won’t be too worried if he switches off and goes back and then gets going again, that’s how he likes to do things. “He can go through a flat patch, he’s a really funny horse and you can’t boss him around. “He can’t be told what to do, he can dig his toes in, so you just have to go with him.” Lord Spencer has won three times over fences and finished fourth in the National 12 months ago and less than five lengths off the winner Berry The Cash, the pre-post favourite in the defence of his title. View the full article

What Moonee Valley Races Where Moonee Valley Racecourse – Gate 2 Feehan Ave, Moonee Ponds VIC 3039 When Saturday, August 9, 2025 First Race 12:20pm AEST Visit Dabble The Valley serves up a nine-race metro card on a Soft 6 with the rail true — classic winter Moonee Valley. The chute sprints often reward speed and the inside lanes early, but as the tread wears you can see winners angling a couple off the rail on the bend. The opener is scheduled for 12:20pm AEST and the closer at 5:10pm local time. Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Sayedaty Sadaty Sayedaty Sadaty is flying and profiles perfectly for the 2040m BM100. He’s put back-to-back wins together at Caulfield and then Flemington. The stable has found a sweet Valley set-up: from barrier 7 he can land one-off midfield, stalk the speed and launch from the school. The 2kg claim for Logan Bates brings him in to a very workable 57kg, ideal on a Soft 6 where momentum is king. His recent figures say he sustains a strong 600m build-up, and this looks a race where several map awkwardly or give him first run. If the track is playing fair, he should be too strong late. Best Bet Race 7 – #5 Sayedaty Sadaty (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Logan Bates (a2) (59kg) Next Best at Moonee Valley: Midwest Midwest is a proper Moonee Valley 1000m operator and maps for the dream run in this BM100. From barrier five, expect Mark Zahra to bounce, hold a spot outside the lead and control things before the bend — exactly the on-speed pattern that wins around here on a Soft 6 with the rail true. He brings rock-solid short-course ratings, handles give in the ground, and his tactical speed means he’s never stuck looking for runs in the short straight. Clean jump, hold the lane, kick — that’s the blueprint for Midwest winning. Next Best Race 4 – #2 Midwest (5) 5yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Mark Zahra (58.5kg) Best Bet at Moonee Valley: Galilaeus Galilaeus has turned into a proper winter stayer, and this 2500m BM78 (R2) looks tailor-made to go on with it. He was terrific winning last start at Sandown, when rated well despite a trickier map, and now finds The Valley with the chance to park midfield and flow into the race from the school. The claim helps offset his impost, and the gate is perfect to avoid traffic while gaining a perfect run for as long as possible. He owns the best recent staying figures in this, handles soft going, and crucially has a clean turn of foot for the short Moonee Valley straight. Best Bet Race 2 – #4 Galilaeus (GB) (8) 6yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Logan Bates (a2) (59kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Moonee Valley Moonee Valley quadrella selections Saturday, August 9, 2025 1-3-9-11 1-5-8 2-3-5-12 2-4-10-11 Horse racing tips View the full article

Check out the great racing offers available from horse racing bookmakers on Friday, August 8. Enjoy bonus back deals and other promotions to boost your betting experience. Explore these specials from top online bookmakers and get more value from your bets. Top Australian racing promotions for August 8, 2025, include: Today’s horse racing promotions Geelong Races 1 & 2 | Run 2nd or 3rd Bonus Back up to $50 Bonus Cash Place a Fixed Win bet on the neds’ #7 greyhound in any race at Richmond this Friday and if your runner wins, get double your winnings in Bonus Cash up to $50. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo 10 Again! – Port Macquarie Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. 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 Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet 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. Check your vault for eligibility. Login to Unibet to Claim Promo Friday 50% Bet Back up to $25 in Cash | Run 2nd, 3rd or 4th at Geelong R8, Port Macquarie R8 & Ipswich R7 Bet $50 and receive $25 back in cash for eligible bets. Apply from bet slip. Once per fixed odds win bet per eligible race. Minimum 5 runners. Excludes boosted odds, bonus bets & multis. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp 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 Bet Boost | Friday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Friday. 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 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 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 Top 4 Betting! Bet and win up to 4th place. Eligible customers only Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au find these racing offers? HorseBetting.com.au reviews Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers to share the best thoroughbred promotions for August 8, 2025. Bookmakers are always competing, so if one doesn’t have a deal, another usually does. Rely on HorseBetting.com.au for daily racing bonuses and betting specials. Get better value with competitive odds and offers for existing customers. Just log in to your betting account to see what’s available. For extra help picking winners and using your bonuses wisely, check out our daily free racing tips. View all horse racing promotions View the full article

What Missile Stakes Day 2025 Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Saturday, August 9, 2025 First Race 11:30am AEST Visit Dabble Royal Randwick is the destination for metro racing in NSW this Saturday, with the Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m) headlining a bumper 10-part program. The rail is in the true position for the entire circuit, and with Sydney expecting 10-20mm of rainfall heading into the weekend, punters can expect the surface to be rated a Heavy 10 prior to the opening event at 11:30am local time. Check out our best bets and quaddie selections for Missile Stakes Day 2025. Missile Stakes Tip: Private Eye Private Eye appears perfectly placed in the 2025 Missile Stakes, as the set-weight conditions should benefit the lone Group 1 winner in the field. The son of Al Maher only needs to give 3kg to lesser-rated opposition, and while many key rivals have queries on the testing ground, it should be no issue for the tried-and-tested eight-year-old. Nash Rawiller should find the one-one from gate two, and provided Private Eye is somewhere near his devastating best, he has the quality to dispatch this lot. Missile Stakes Race 8 – #1 Private Eye (2) 8yo Gelding | T: Joseph Pride | J: Nash Rawiller (57.5kg) Best Bet at Randwick: Kerguelen Kerguelen caught the eye when closing off impressively behind King Of Roseau at Rosehill on July 19 and should be primed to strike in this BM78 contest. Dropping to 1200m will suit after he peaked on the run over 1300m last time out, and with three wins and two minor placings from five goes on Heavy decks, the conditions look ideal. From barrier one, Nash Rawiller will try to get off the rail at a key stage, and if he succeeds, Kerguelen will prove hard to hold out this time. Best Bet Race 7 – #2 Kerguelen (1) 5yo Gelding | T: Joseph Pride | J: Nash Rawiller (60.5kg) Next Best at Randwick: Amreekiyah Amreekiyah was sensational on return at Canterbury on July 23, producing a barnstorming finish to remain undefeated at start three. The Peter Snowden-trained mare did it lugging 61kg, and the lightly raced four-year-old won’t know herself dropping down to 57kg in this BM72. Kerrin McEvoy needs to positive from barrier three to stick with the muddling tempo, but as long as Amreekiyah is within striking distance turning for home, expect her to keep the winning streak intact. Next Best Race 4 – #5 Amreekiyah (3) 4yo Mare | T: Peter Snowden | J: Kerrin McEvoy (57kg) Best Value at Randwick: Karinska Karinska returns after a 147-day spell, with the Spirit Of Boom filly a late withdrawal at Canterbury on Wednesday to be saved for this tougher assignment. She appears to be in good order after two strong barrier trials, and with Zac Lloyd set to gain an economical run from gate three, Karinska should get every chance to make an impression at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 3 – #8 Karinska (3) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: Zac Lloyd (52kg) Missile Stakes Day quaddie tips for Randwick Randwick quadrella selections Saturday, August 9, 2025 1-2-12 1 1-2-4-5-9-10-11-12-16 3-6-7-8-15 Horse racing tips View the full article

9th-Saratoga, $110,000, Alw (NW1$X)/Opt. Clm ($100,000), 8-7, 3yo, 1mT, 1:35.03, fm, 3/4 length. STARS AND STRIDES (c, 3, American Pharoah–Holiday Blues, by Ghostzapper) debuted a winner by a head over a sloppy track at the Spa June 7, then was well-beaten behind Rookie Card (Adios Charlie) when he caught a fast main in an allowance race upstate July 19. Trying turf and off as a 9-1 shot here, the colt was up on the pace in the early stages before being taken back into the second flight before the first turn. A trio of pacesetters pushed one another along as the field entered the backstretch, but Stars And Strides was patiently being handled in the meantime. Entering the far turn, jockey Junior Alvarado began to let out the throttle on his mount and the 3-year-old tipped to the two path off the rail. The bay went after the lone longshot leader Landing Craft (Omaha Beach) on the straight, but a misstep nearly derailed his run to the wire. Getting things sorted by the sixteenth pole, Stars And Strides found the right gear and reached the wire by 3/4 length to the good over a charging Griffin's Wharf (Constitution). The winner is a half-brother to Panther Island (Speightstown), SW, $254,120. Holiday Blues produced filly Jet Mist (Frosted) who is currently an unraced 2-year-old and a colt by Maxfield, now a yearling. This dam was a $210,000 buy for Maytime Bloodstock during the 2025 Keeneland January Sale, while an April filly by Arcangelo was in-utero. Holiday Blues was bred to McKinzie for 2026. As for Stars And Strides's grand dam, Canadian MSW Deputy Cures Blues (War Deputy), she is responsible for MSW Wine Police (Speightstown). This is an extended female family that includes Canadian SW Nyuk Nyuk Nyuk (Mutakddim). Sales History: $160,000 Wlg '22 KEENOV; $475,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $116,050. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Pin Oak Stud LLC; B-Four Pillars Holdings LLC (KY); T-William I. Mott. Stars And Strides scores at 9/1 in R9 at Saratoga under @juniorandkellya for trainer Bill Mott! pic.twitter.com/MWFq9NudXr — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 7, 2025 The post American Pharoah’s Stars And Strides Takes To The Turf At Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

On Wednesday came the news that Fasig-Tipton will offer a digital auction, to run Aug. 14 through Aug. 19, of 90 horses owned and bred by the late John Harris, who passed away in July aged 81. Harris leaves behind a towering legacy of Thoroughbred breeding and ownership in the state. The sale signifies a major reduction of Harris Farms' bloodstock and not a total dispersal, however, with the operation expected to continue with a smaller footprint going forward. Harris's reduction sale will take place just over a month before Fasig-Tipton's annual yearling sale, at Pomona, on Sept. 23. Given the seismic shifts over the past 12 months that has seen racing in the state consolidated in the South, this sale constitutes an important barometer of industry health. To discuss these developments, the TDN spoke with Mike Machowsky, Fasig-Tipton's California representative, a position he has held since 2019 after handing back his trainer's license. The following has been edited for brevity and clarity. TDN: Before we dig in, tell us a little about your personal history with John Harris. MM: I met John Harris many years ago when I was just starting training. I never had the opportunity to train for him or anything like that, but I just have so much respect for what he did for so long, the way he raised a horse, and how he just loved the game. And he took care of people. I have a lot of respect for that. Mike Machowsky | Fasig-Tipton TDN: The Harris auction includes 26 2-year-olds, 13 3-year-olds and two 4-year-olds. Quite a few of the mares sell with foals at their side. What more can you tell us about the horses on offer? MM: I think everybody has to take a look. John always raised a good horse, had some nice mares and everything else involved with his operation. He has a couple mares that are in Kentucky that are in foal, and he has a couple that are in training in Kentucky as well. He is going to be selling some mares with foals by their side, and those mares are back in foal, too. So, I think a lot of our breeders need to be looking at that, should be looking at that, because there's an opportunity to pick up some nice mares and babies. His [200-acre plus] Kings River Ranch is, as you know, outside of Fresno. The Kings River runs directly through or basically behind it and has these beautiful paddocks, plenty of water, a lot of trees. That's where he raises his foals and yearlings—it's just beautiful. TDN: What can you tell us about the restructuring going on at Harris Farms? MM: I think, you know, John wanted to keep his name going and horse racing going for many more years, as far as what I've been told. And that's great. John loved the horse racing and breeding. He was very supportive of a lot of people throughout the whole state, Northern and Southern California. They just want to have more of a manageable number. TDN: The loss of John Harris—at such a critical juncture for California racing—has obviously rattled a lot of stakeholders both personally and professionally. How do you frame the loss of such a stalwart of California breeding against the backdrop of the industry's broader issues? MM: He was an icon for California racing. He has bred a lot of great horses through the years and he has created a lot of good things for racing. He's going to be a tough person to replace, but hopefully, we get others that come in with the same passion that John had, support the California breeding program and racing program. You know, we still have plenty of top breeders out here in California, and top people involved. TDN: The September sale is a critical sale for California racing for all sorts of well documented reasons. What can you tell us about this year's consignment? MM: It's a solid group of horses. I've seen quite a few of them at the farms through the past few months. A lot of the Kentucky-sired Cal-breds as well as the good sires in California are being represented in sale. We're just looking for strong support of our sale. For guys that enjoy racing in California, it's a very important thing to have a good quality Cal-bred in your barn. TDN: Talking of which, it's been a good run for Cal-breds at Del Mar this summer. MM: Yeah—just look at the results. We've had a Cal-bred [Kantharos filly, Pushiness], owned by Mike Repole—he's supported our sale out here for the last few years—go and win the Daisycutter Handicap. Then came the GI Bing Crosby winner, Lovesick Blues. He's another Cal-bred [by Grazen]. There's the filly Bit's Tiger Magic [Smiling Tiger]. She's won four in a row, gone through her conditions on both dirt and turf. In just five starts, she's made $180,000. [Bit's Tiger Magic cost $30,000 at the 2022 September sale]. All of this emphasizes why owning a Cal-bred is so important. TDN: For as long as you've been doing this job (including just a moment ago), you've emphasized how important it is that local support of the sale is strong. MM: Yeah, it's always important. We need local support in any sale we put on throughout the country, and national support. being with Fasig-Tipton we're fortunate—we've created over the years a great clientele that support our sales. And, you know, we're always looking to grow on that. Over the years, look at the great Cal-breds that have come out of the state, from Tiznow to California Chrome. Just come out and support it and hopefully you get the next Tiznow. TDN: You raised the idea recently of a Western regional breeding program, covering many of the states in the West and South West. Have you had any discussions about that since? MM: Nothing seriously. The guys I have approached and mentioned it to, they liked the idea. It's something we'd need to talk about. As I'm passing out the yearling catalogues—which'll be coming up here pretty soon—I'll make sure I contact our clients in New Mexico and Arizona, Washington and others. Try to get them down here to the sale, maybe get together and sit down and figure something out to help the whole industry out on the West Coast. The post Q&A: Machowsky Talks Harris and September Fasig-Tipton Sales appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 7 A1 HOMES BREAM BAY STAYERS 2100m BARCELONA (M McNab) – Trainer Ms. M Falconer reported to Stewards, she was satisfied with the post-race condition of BARCELONA, and it is her intention to carry on with the mare’s current preparation. M Falconer further advised she may look to nominate BARCELONA for the Rotorua and Bay Of Plenty Hunt meeting on Wednesday 13 August. MARRIAGE VOWS (S McNab) – Trainer Mr. L Collins reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the mare, however, in his opinion MARRIAGE VOWS may not have been suited to the Soft 5 track conditions and could benefit from more rain-affected footing. L Collins further advised that it is his intention to continue on with the mare’s current preparation. The post Whangarei Racing Club @ Ruakaka, Saturday 2 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

A stakes schedule packed with $3,575,000 in purses will headline this year's 14-day September meet at Churchill Downs, featuring 11 black-type events over three weekends.View the full article

Making her first start in the United States for celebrity chef Bobby Flay, no small detail has been overlooked by trainer Miguel Clement as Go Go Boots prepares for the $500,000 Saratoga Oaks Invitational (G2T) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 9.View the full article

In 2020, amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, jockey Abel Lezcano was diagnosed with non-functioning kidneys. Now, he's healthy again and riding at Del Mar - after his wife Maria donated one of her two kidneys to him.View the full article

Effective this weekend, 1/ST Racing will discontinue selling the simulcast signal from Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park to Hipódromo Camarero in Puerto Rico to address increasing concerns regarding horse welfare and safety at that racetrack. View the full article

Effective this weekend, 1/ST RACING will discontinue selling the simulcast signal from Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park to Hipódromo Camarero in Puerto Rico to address increasing concerns regarding horse welfare and safety at that racetrack, it was announced Thursday evening. This announcement comes in agreement with the horsemen's groups in Florida and California after other measures in recent years have failed to substantially bolster the care for racehorses in Puerto Rico, particularly when horses are no longer racing. “Exporting our signal to Hipódromo Camarero represents millions of dollars of handle to 1/ST RACING but we, along with our horsemen's groups in Florida and California, have agreed this is a necessary step to ensure Puerto Rican racing stakeholders understand that we will not do business with individuals or companies that do not make horse safety, welfare and post-racing retirement a top priority,” said Aidan Butler, President, 1/ST. “I am grateful for the support of the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association as well as the Thoroughbred Owners of California in this decision and together we hope Hipódromo Camarero will work quickly to improve the treatment of horses both during and following their racing careers.” Tom Cannell, President of the Florida Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, added, “The Florida horsemen stand firmly behind 1/ST RACING's decision to suspend its racing signal to Puerto Rico. The ongoing welfare issues surrounding the treatment of Thoroughbreds on the island are unacceptable, and meaningful change will only come when the industry demands accountability. We commend 1/ST for taking this principled stand.” Butler said, “In addition to discontinuing the simulcast signal to Hipódromo Camarero, any license holder who chooses to ship or sell a horse to Puerto Rico will no longer be welcome to race or train at 1/ST facilities. We are mindful of the potential impact these policies could have on the horses currently racing in Puerto Rico. To help protect and support the safety and welfare of these racehorses, we will be donating $100,000 to the Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare.” “There is no place in our sport for neglect or inhumane treatment of horses,” said Bill Nader, President of Thoroughbred Owners of California (TOC). “The TOC fully supports this action by 1/ST RACING as a necessary step and its $100,000 donation to help drive home the message that the horse must come first.” 1/ST previously worked with industry stakeholders to address significant welfare and safety concerns for horses transported from 1/ST tracks and training centers to race in Puerto Rico, including banning the transport of racehorses by cargo ship from 1/ST facilities. While this measure led Puerto Rico to change its policies on horse shipment, it exposed inadequate funding for aftercare for horses retiring from Hipódromo Camarero. As a result, 1/ST required the connections of any horse sold to Puerto Rico from a 1/ST racing or training facility to deposit money into an account with the horsemen to cover the aftercare and potential return shipment to the United States upon the horses' retirement. The post Citing Horse Welfare and Safety Concerns, 1/ST Racing to Cut Simulcast Signal to Puerto Rico appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dear Editor: A July 31 letter printed by Thoroughbred Daily News criticized Florida's racing and breeding programs. This letter, seemingly targeted at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' & Owners' Association, compels a direct response, particularly given the source and timing. Considering the Source The author of this letter has not appeared as a breeder-of-record on a registered Florida-bred foal that we know of since 2019, holds no current Florida racing license that we are aware of, appears to have no recent Florida starts as an owner or trainer, and is not a member of the FTBOA. This outside perspective is not fully informed and is not based on a commitment to the success of Florida's program. Disconnected criticism fits a troubling pattern of external interests attempting to destabilize our industry for their own purposes. The unoriginal suggestion that the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company should “take over” the FTBOA is premised on a misunderstanding of corporate law. No legal mechanisms exist whereby the for-profit OBS may assume control of a not-for-profit association. It is hard to perceive that OBS would entertain such a perilous and impermissible course. These attacks coincide with intensifying efforts by non-Florida entities positioning for control of valuable industry assets–suggesting coordination rather than genuine concern for Florida breeding. Record Resources While decoupling legislation remains stalled, the state has demonstrated its commitment to Florida's Thoroughbred industry through increased incentives for racing. As FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell noted following Governor DeSantis' newest budget approval, “We are grateful to our Governor and leaders in the Florida Senate who ensured ongoing support for the Thoroughbred breeding industry. Were it not for key Senate allies, Florida's breeding program would be in a precarious position. Today's additional state investment affirms the racetracks' responsibility to the Florida industry. We anticipate benefits to our breeders as purse incentives drive up market values for the second most valuable state-breds in the nation.” In 2024, combined Florida-bred breeding, stallion and open race incentives outpaced all states outside of Kentucky. Thanks to recent legislative support, we anticipate 2025 may accelerate this pattern. With more purse and incentive dollars available than ever before in Florida's history, we anticipate historic high offerings as racetracks organize and deploy these substantial new resources effectively. Program Responsibility It's important to clarify that matters of the Florida condition books, including Florida-bred restricted races, fall under the domain of the racetracks, not FTBOA. While we always desire to collaborate with track management and horsemen, the scheduling and structure of race conditions are operational decisions made at the racetrack. Consistent Strength Claims of decline ignore that Florida's breeding program continually delivers exceptional performance and market leadership. Florida-breds globally won 64 open stakes races and 13 graded stakes in 2024, dramatically outpacing all other regional breeding programs outside of Kentucky. This tour-de-force continues into 2025 where, to date, we have 49 open stakes winners across the nation, of which 15 are graded stakes–again, more than doubling our nearest state-bred rivals outside of Kentucky. Florida-bred 2-year-olds commanded the highest average prices among all major regional programs in 2024. Our 2-year-old prices demonstrate remarkable resilience, achieving a 73% increase from 2020 to 2024, even as other major states experienced double-digit declines. And, while New York leads in yearling prices among major regional breeders, Florida maintains a strong second place. For over a decade, Florida-breds have consistently made up 40% of all Florida race starters, 40% of victories, and earned 40% of Florida purses, demonstrating sustained competitive excellence in-state. Caution: Quality Over Restriction Florida-breds compete and win against all comers, in open company, across the nation. In-state, our runners have long appreciated open-race purse incentives and likely can look forward to expansion of those benefits. Increased restricted race programming can compromise this fundamental advantage by developing horses suited for state-bred competition rather than open success. And restricted racing can net reduce overall field sizes at a time when our racetracks, through repeated decoupling attempts, have indicated declining interest in robust race dates. Coordinated Outside Attacks The FTBOA controls the final remaining Thoroughbred racetrack permit in Florida–a significant not-for-profit asset that, while not yet activated, represents tremendous potential value for the entire industry. The recent letter attacking the FTBOA's stewardship must be viewed in this context, as outside agitators circle this asset with a clear intent to wrest control for their own interests. The timing and source of these criticisms are telling. This fits the emerging pattern of predatory maneuvers by non-Florida influences who have proven sloppy and self-serving, prioritizing their own commercial interests over the industry's welfare. Moving Forward The Florida Thoroughbred industry stands at a pivotal moment with more financial support and opportunity than ever before. The FTBOA remains committed to maximizing these resources through engagement with like-minded Florida industry partners while preserving the competitive excellence that has made Florida-breds a respected global brand. Regards, FTBOA The post Letter to the Editor: Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association Issues Response to Letter Critical of Florida’s Racing and Breeding Programs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article