Wandering Eyes

6th-NII, ¥14,250,000 ($96,772), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800m, 1:55.2, ft. MATENRO DA VINCI (c, 2, Uncle Mo–Spring Eclipse, by Unbridled's Song) opened his account at first asking with a thoroughly dominating display. Alertly away from gate 10 for Yuga Kawada, the 17-10 favorite was tossing his head pretty good down the lane for the first time, but ultimately settled better to stalk the pace from second. Traveling smoothly through the middle furlongs, the $1-million Keeneland September acquisition was asked to kick in upper stretch and was never in serious trouble en route to a six-length success. The Mar. 29 foal is out of a stakes-placed mare whose four winners from five runners to date includes Bet She Wins (First Samurai), winner at two of the Arlington-Washington Lassie Stakes. Spring Eclipse is a daughter of the late Jim Tafel's SP Coragil (Metfield), the dam of the graded winners Softly (Binalong), Coragil Cat (Forest Wildcat) and the granddam of GSW Conquest Big E (Tapit). Under the third dam White Jasmine (Whitesburg) is GSW & MGISP Til Forbid (Temperence Hill), herself the dam of GSW Scoop (Gone West). The Not This Time yearling half-sister to Matenro Da Vinci made $775,000 to the bid of Live Oak Plantation at this month's Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale and Spring Eclipse was covered by Practical Joke this past breeding season. Sales history: $1,000,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $51,008. VIDEO (SC 10) O-Chiyono Terada; B-Camas Park Stud (KY); T-Mitsumasa Nakauchida. 新潟6Rは一番人気マテンロウダビンチが後続に6馬身差を付ける大楽勝早め早めの正攻法で能力の高さを見せ付けました先々が楽しみですね おめでとうございます #マテンロウダビンチ #中内田充正 厩舎 pic.twitter.com/nMD6nSCJBl — 競馬専門紙「優馬」 (@umakeiba_com) August 31, 2025 The post Million-Dollar Uncle Mo Colt An ‘Artful’ Winner On Niigata Debut 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 at a ceremony at The Star in Brisbane Aug. 31.View the full article

Following Monday's confirmation stage, French star Lazzat, July Cup heroine No Half Measures (Cable Bay) and the supplemented Sky Majesty (Blue Point) feature among 22 possible runners in Saturday's Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock. Jerome Reynier's Lazzat got the better of Japanese ace Satono Reve when striking Royal Ascot gold in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes on his penultimate start. The son of Territories then suffered a surprise defeat when bidding for back-to-back wins in the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville last time, but he is the sponsor's 2/1 favourite to get back on the winning trail in this weekend's Group 1 feature on Merseyside. No Half Measures reduced Richard Hughes to tears when providing the former leading jockey with his first top-level success as a trainer in Newmarket's July Cup and she will get the opportunity to prove that shock 66/1 victory was no fluke. “It was a brilliant day in the July Cup,” Hughes said of that performance. “We were hoping she would run well, but on that ground we didn't think it would be possible to win. “I thought she would need it softer to be able to overcome that level of horse, but she went and proved she can do it on any ground. I don't think she had an advantage with the draw, so you could probably upgrade the performance. She did everything right and got to the line well. “Before you get that Group 1 winner you feel like you are hanging on by your fingertips trying to survive in this game getting the winners and keeping your owners happy. “When you get that Group 1, it feels like you can freewheel for a bit. We haven't had that many winners since, but a big win like that takes the pressure off.” He added, “She looks really good at the moment and we are really pleased with her. She has had a nice gap, but we always thought this was going to be her Derby. “When we got started with her in the spring, we said the Sprint Cup was her race as it is normally slow ground, but either way now it doesn't matter what the ground is really. “If it is slower ground up there, she will step forward again. My horses always seem to run well up at Haydock I'm not sure why they do, but they do and that is a good thing to have on your side, while Neil [Callan] will keep the ride.” Hughes could also saddle Sayidah Dariyan (Dariyan), who was beaten four lengths when last seen finishing seventh in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York, while William Haggas has supplemented fast-improving filly Sky Majesty to join similarly progressive stablemate Almeraq (Dark Angel) at a cost of £20,000. Sky Majesty is one of two supplementary entries along with Eve Johnson Houghton's Rage Of Bamby (Saxon Warrior). Other leading contenders include Harry Eustace's G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Time For Sandals (Sands Of Mali) and the James Fanshawe-trained Kind Of Blue (Blue Point), who won last season's G1 British Champions Sprint Stakes and bounced back from an underwhelming start to his campaign when finishing third in the G3 Phoenix Sprint Stakes at the Curragh. The post Lazzat and No Half Measures Headline 22 Sprint Cup Contenders appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lord Charles Allen has outlined his vision of turning British racing into “a modern commercial and cultural powerhouse” as he assumed his position as the new chair of the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) on Monday. Allen, who also offered his backing for the cancellation of next Wednesday's racing in protest of proposed betting tax changes, believes that with the “right governance and ambition” the sport can realise its full potential. In a statement, he said, “I am delighted the industry is coming together on September 10 to say 'Axe the Racing Tax'. It is an historic step to cancel all racing on this date, but this will help us to explain just how concerned we are for the sport on many levels. “Horse racing is a sport for everyone, not just for the few. There are 85,000 people dependent directly and indirectly on racing. The proposed changes would not only negatively impact many communities both rural and urban but would reduce our ability to be a world leader and the opportunity to have inward investment in the sector. “Ensuring sustainable finances is essential if we are to support our participants, our workforce, our horses and our racecourses, and continue to engage our fans, owners, customers and the betting public. “British racing is admired worldwide for its heritage, its quality, and the standards of integrity and welfare it upholds. My vision is not simply that we work to preserve this, but to develop British racing into a modern commercial and cultural powerhouse: a sport that commands attention on the global stage, attracts new audiences, inspires fans at home, supports its people, and continues to set the gold standard for the care of the horse. “With the right governance and ambition, I believe this is possible and I look forward to working across the sector to achieve this vision.” Allen was initially due to take up his role on June 1, but his tenure was delayed as he negotiated changes to make the BHA's Board independent of racecourses and the sport's participants. He added, “It is nine months since I was nominated for the role. In that time, I have had over 100 meetings with racing people. As well as industry leaders I met many frontliners for whom the sport is both a matter of professional pride and also a labour of love. I immersed myself in the industry so that I could truly understand the opportunity. “There was a consistent agreement during my meetings that things needed to change if racing was to prosper, but often those I spoke to held the view that change needs to come from elsewhere in the sport rather than from their own segment of the industry. “However, I hold the view that there are opportunities and requirements for change across the whole sport, and I believe that overall there is agreement and appetite for this. “I am sincerely grateful to the Board of the BHA and its stakeholders that they agreed that change should start at the top and that we should have an independent board where everyone is focused on putting horse racing first rather than representing a vested interest.” The post Lord Allen Issues Rallying Cry on First Day as BHA Chair appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien outlined plans for some of his stable stars at a Ballydoyle open morning on Monday where it was revealed that Minnie Hauk would chart a direct path to the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and Christophe Soumillon was likely to fill in for the injured Ryan Moore. It was announced on Saturday that Moore will be sidelined for an indefinite period of time after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in his femur. Wayne Lordan is the yard's second rider, but he is currently due to be suspended for 10 days after the Goodwood stewards found him to have used his whip in the incorrect place aboard Prestige Stakes winner Precise. Lordan has lodged an appeal against that ban, which runs from September 9-18, but with the St Leger meeting at Doncaster and the Irish Champions Festival both taking place next week, O'Brien would still be in need of multiple big-race riders as Delacroix is due to run in the Irish Champion Stakes while Scandinavia is a short-priced St Leger favourite. Asked how plans will change given the news of Moore's injury, O'Brien said: “Wayne is having his appeal this week and obviously Christophe has ridden a lot for us through the year, all those things are changing at the moment. I don't know how long Ryan is going to be but we will tell him to take as much time as he wants.” O'Brien has often turned to Soumillon, who was previously retained by the late Aga Khan, with the rider partnering Diego Velazquez to win last month's Prix Jacques le Marois while he also rode two Group 1 winners for the team on Arc weekend last year. He added, “Christophe has always been (part of the plans). He's not tied down to anybody now. He's a world-class jockey everywhere, he's been riding for us a lot since he's been released.” Meanwhile, Minnie Hauk, who is as short as 5-1 with most firms for the Arc, is likely to head straight to France. Providing an update, O'Brien said, “We haven't seen the best of Minnie Hauk at all and you're not going to see the best of her until the tempo is very strong all the way. Physically she's getting bigger and stronger. “We weren't sure what she was and I thought we'd know this time but we still don't know, she's relentless. She's on the Arc programme.” He added, “The last day was lovely but we didn't really find out because the second horse (Qilin Queen) pulled back off Wayne (Lordan, on Garden Of Eden) a little so for half a furlong or a furlong she was in limbo land where we would have preferred if she was behind the pacemaker. But it might have been the best thing in the world because she had a very easy race. “We think when she goes there she doesn't do much, that's the way she is at home. The Arc hopefully will be a strong run race and we're going to find out. She looks very exciting and is still in the 'could be anything' category.” The post O’Brien Turns To Soumillon In The Absence Of Moore For Big-Race Rides appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Top bloodstock agent Anthony Bromley and more speak about the yearling market ahead of the Tattersalls Somerville Sale He may have accounted for a little over seven per cent of the £14,327,000 turnover at last week's Goffs Premier Yearling Sale by coming home with 18 lots on behalf of various different clients, but Highflyer's super agent Anthony Bromley has revealed that the job is only half completed and that he is excited about what business can be drummed up at the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale this week. Despite the Somerville Sale being in its infancy, it has already been labelled as one of Bromley's favourites. It's not hard to understand why given he has sourced big-race winners like Chipotle, Bradsell, Relief Rally and Havana Hurricane at basement prices here in recent years. And while Bromley hopes to carry the momentum built up last week, where he ended the sale as the leading buyer largely down to his significant spend on behalf of owner Phil Cunningham, he said that the combination of the slimmed-down Somerville Sale catalogue and the buoyant trade at Doncaster leads him to believe that the market will remain strong on Tuesday. “Doncaster felt a stronger sale than last year,” Bromley reflected. “The day-two session held up a lot stronger than it did last year. We didn't break a record or anything over the two days but there was a buoyant trade and it kept up right until the last lot went through the ring. There were some lovely horses in the last 10 lots, for example, and I felt that they really made their money. Whereas last year, the buoyancy definitely waned. I thought it was a good, solid renewal. I felt there wasn't a horse that was going to break the £200,000 mark, and I was right in the end, but there were a lot of horses [26] who were knocking around that £100,000 mark, which is the sign of very good trade.” He added, “Last year we went into the Somerville Sale off the back of some of that waning and 426 horses was too many for the Somerville Sale to take at that time. Therefore, it was a weak sale which was good for me because I bought plenty and had a lot of success from it. But the good thing for the Somerville Sale this year is it is down to one day with 272 lots and the sale didn't peter out at Doncaster so I suspect it will hold up quite well this week. When you looked at the top 10 buyers' list at Doncaster, there were groups of people there. For example, Hugo Palmer's team and Phil Cunningham's team were up there, but you also saw Richard Hughes buy nine. There was a good number of bulky buyers and I think that will roll into this week. I think it will be good trade on Tuesday because the numbers are tighter.” The Premier Yearling Sale catalogue was down 77 horses on last year, which obviously played a huge part in the turnover dropping by 5% to £14,297,000. However, the clearance rate remained stronger than ever with a three per cent bump to 86 per cent, while the average climbed by nine per cent to £43,194 and the median by 17 per cent to £35,000. Goffs chief Henry Beeby admitted that, while he would have loved more quality yearlings to sell, the figures posted last week bode well for the rest of the season. He said, “Strong clearance rate and obviously the median and average strengthening by double digits was great. We thought we had a really good turnout of people but, if I was being really honest, I would have liked some more horses. We were maybe 30 horses short of what would have been an optimum number. We didn't compromise by just taking extra horses for the sake of it because we wanted to keep the standards high. It was a very encouraging start [to the yearling sale season in Britain and Ireland] and followed on well from Arqana. I think it will give people a bit of heart going into the rest of the season.” Last year represented the largest Somerville Yearling Sale catalogue and it didn't work. The 426 yearlings offered across two days was up 121 lots on the previous edition of the sale yet the turnover climbed only marginally and both the average and median took a hit. One thing that Tatteralls can never be accused of is standing still and the return to the one-day format along with the slimmed-down catalogue is expected to drive figures back in the right direction when the sale kicks off at 10am on Tuesday. Associate Director Jason Singh commented, “The Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale has only been held four times but has made a very significant impact in a short space of time. It was designed to cater for early, commercial yearlings and since 2023 there have been 40 individual Group/Listed performers from the sale which is a pretty remarkable statistic. Every week there are winners coming out of the sale and none better highlighted the value to be found than Havana Hurricane who cost only 9,000gns last year and who won the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot. “Group 1 winners from the sale include Bradsell and Anisette, who cost only 12,000gns and 26,000gns respectively, and are great illustrations of the quality of horse that can be purchased on a budget.” He added, “We have pulled the catalogue back to one day in 2025 and tightened up our selection criteria so we are hopeful that we have a nice bunch of yearlings and that they will sell well. We have also increased the prize-money for both the Somerville Yearling Sale race and October Auction Stakes to £200,000 with graduates of both sales and the Autumn Yearling Sale able to enter both races. “The combination of top class prize-money and quality yearlings on offer mean that the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale is a sale that buyers can come to with good confidence that they'll be able to find that magic combination of value and success.” It is fair to say that Bromley has had the keys to the lock of this sale in recent times. Windsor Castle Stakes winners Chipotle and Havana Hurricane, both sons of Havana Gold, were bought for just 10,000gns and 9,000gns respectively – yes, you read that correctly. Bromley says that he still has plenty of orders left to fill and the search is on for his next big-name star. He concluded, “I was underbidder at £80,000 and £90,000 at Donny and those orders are still there. I couldn't fill them. As I said about those last 10 lots at Donny, I waited for them all day because I thought there was a chance I'd get them but everybody was there for them. So I think the market is in a sound position coming into the Somerville Sale. I'm still really excited about the Somerville. We bought 18 at Doncaster and I'd like to think we'd be just as active this week. There are plenty of orders left over from last week and I'm excited about what I can buy this week.” The post Bromley: ‘Market In A Sound Position And I’m Excited About The Somerville’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Shipping across the pond was well worth it to owner and breeder Tim Gredley as Wimbledon Hawkeye banked more than $1.1 million for his Nashville Derby (G3T) victory at Kentucky Downs Aug. 30.View the full article

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Editor's note: Stuart Angus, a Senior Thoroughbred Advisor for Taylor Made, passed away Aug. 28 at the age of 60. His friend, Hunter Houlihan, is encouraging those he touched to submit `Stu stories' to the TDN. “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man,” is a quote attributed to Winston Churchill. I think we can all agree with that. If you had the chance to meet Stuart Angus, even once, you would undoubtedly agree that there was something about him that was good for the inside of all of us. It goes without saying, but the horse business may not always be a welcoming one for a rookie. Times are few and far between that someone will take you under their wing, warn you of the dangers you face, or offer invaluable advice. Hell, maybe even show you an offset knee. In July of 2006, within a month of my employment at Taylor Made, Stuart showed me an offset knee. He took me under his wing. He warned me of the dangers I faced and gave me the best advice I have ever received. I was baffled about why he had done so until three or four years later. At that point he, and I were well beyond colleagues: it was daily lunches, looking at horses together, maybe a beer after work. There was a new intern in the office with a lot of potential. I noticed Stu saying and doing a lot of the things he had shown me. That was the day I realized Stuart was the Unicorn of the bloodstock world: he thrived on bringing along the next generation (no, honestly: he would be more than happy for you to drive him to a yearling inspection, especially if you took good conformation notes.) But in all seriousness, I believe that is and will be Stuart's legacy: being that unicorn that took so many people under his wing, pun intended. Warning them of the dangers of this business. Offering invaluable advice. Very few people are willing to do so today, and that is what truly defined his character: “Hunter, come look at this baby with me. Tell me what is wrong with him.” Wayne Lukas trained trainers. I like to think that my friend Stuart was first and foremost a trainer of good people, and then a very good trainer of horsemen. By a nose. So, that said: I am honored to continue the legacy I am so truly blessed to be a part of-and I hope you all do as well. Stuart would want all of us to just very simply provide a younger person a little help, so that is what I am going to do. I will strive to find people that Stu would have taken under his wing. People that he would have warned of the dangers of this business. I will give them the best advice I can, just like he gave to me. Hell, I might even show them an offset knee. To contribute your own `Stu story,' email suefinley@thetdn.com The post Letter to the Editor: Stu Story #1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Hopeful Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course is a race intended to point out stars of the future. Though for one of the New York Racing Association's most liked and respected officials, it will mark the end of a long and stellar career. View the full article

As the Harness 5000 draws ever closer HRNZ has come up with a thermometer-type tracker showing how many horses have become eligible for the new series. The Harness 5000 Progress Tracker will be updated every week as more and more horses qualify for the 12 $60,000 finals at Ashburton on December 21. It’s anticipated around 350 horses will be in the mix come December, though this figure could fluctuate. As of today 83 horses are eligible, an increase of 14 on the same time last week. The biggest category so far is the 5YO and older Pacing Entires and Geldings which has 24 horses who have met the qualifying criteria. The Harness 5000 is for trotters and pacers whose sire stood for an advertised retail service fee of $5,000 or less in the breeding season of conception. This year the qualifying period is from July 3 to December 9, 2025 and to be eligible horses must compete in at least five race day starts within this period. To see the latest Harness 5000 leaderboard click here Harness 5000 – “It’s our Cup day!” By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk For the Chapman Brothers, the Harness 5000 meeting at Ashburton is a huge target. “It’s our Cup Day”. With 12 $60,000 Finals, Harness 5000 is open to the stock of stallions whose stud fee is $5,000 or less in the year of conception. To be eligible, horses must have a minimum of five race day starts between 3 July and 9 December 2025. “We are the Kiwi battlers, and Harness 5000 has changed our thinking,” says Greg Chapman. “For the next five years there’s a mini Cup Carnival in December, like Cup Day at Addington in November, but for horses that are not the progeny of Bettor’s Delight, and the like.” “You do not need to have paid a $25,000 service fee to race a horse in this Harness 5000.” “Plus, with a meeting like this to look forward to, and the stakes on offer, we have changed our thinking about possibly selling our horses to Australia; whereas before we might have, if the price was right.” From Waitarere Beach near Levin, Greg Chapman co-bred I’m Rockin, a Johny Rock four-year-old, and races him with his brother Tony (aka Chappo), who was the key figure in piquing both their interest in the sport. The gelding has won four races for top trainer Regan Todd. He has had three starts so far in the Harness 5000 qualifying period and needs two more before he becomes eligible. We believe that is only a formality, says Greg, who is confident I’m Rockin will take his place in the 4YO Geldings and Entires Pace. “The way he’s going, he will be one of the favourites,” says Greg, “we have waited a long time for a reasonable horse.” The Chapmans first dipped their toes into horse ownership in the 1980s, with a horse called Chappo. It was not a success, but they returned in the 2000s and had better fortune with All The Way, who had seven wins in this country and five more across the Tasman. Other race-winners included the Chief Stipe Gale-trained pairing of Wyatt Earp and Onedin Punter. In 2014, Greg bought a share in Johny Rock, a former champion in North America who later stood at stud in Canterbury at Graham Court’s Pinelea farm. As part of the deal, Greg got a free service each year. He talked to Chief Stipe Gale who possesses a “horse bible” which traces the bloodlines back to Hambletonian, and asked what broodmare he should lease, to use the Johny Rock service. “Chief Stipe advised an Artsplace broodmare would be the best match.” The Chapmans put out some feelers via Facebook and were contacted by Kelly Williams who advised that I’m Joe King was available. I’m Joe King is an unraced Art Major mare based at Kevin and Bonnie Williams’ (of Master Mood fame) Tall Tree Stud. With Art Major being Artsplace’s richest performer, the mare was ideal for their needs. I’m Rockin was I’m Joe King’s second foal. The Chapmans then leased I’m Joe King for a further year and gained a full sister called I’m Elegant. The Chapmans hope that I’m Elegant will debut next year as a three-year-old before she eventually becomes a broodmare. She is the last of her bloodline in New Zealand. “And that ties into Harness 5000 as well. She may or may not race there in the future, as could her progeny,” says Greg. “With the Harness 5000 it gives a Carnival Day target to aim for – every year for the next five years at least.” “We are looking forward to heading south for the inaugural Carnival Day at Ashburton on 21 December. We are all booked!” View the full article

Harness Racing New Zealand’s Blue September campaign is officially underway after a bone-chilling start in Mid Canterbury today. The “Into The Blue” launch saw nine ambassadors plunge into the cold pools at the Opuke Thermal Pools and Spa at Methven. All had to go completely under. With the water at around 8-10 degrees it’s fair to say for some it was the quickest of dips. In the individual battle to see who could last longest Rory McIlwrick was a clear winner. He lasted three minutes. This the fifth year of HRNZ’s involvement in Blue September, the annual New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation campaign to raise awareness of the disease and funds for research. Last year’s total was more than $40,000. Money is raised every time one of the Blue September ambassadors win a race during the month, with contributions coming from HRNZ ($100 per win), clubs and the drivers’ individual sponsors. Blair Orange was the leading fund-raiser last year with 24 wins and $8200. Orange is back again this year while son Harrison is one of three newcomers to the campaign, along with John Dunn and Josh Dickie. Blue September Ambassadors 2025: Tony Cameron Robbie Close Jonny Cox Josh Dickie John Dunn Rory McIlwrick Blair Orange Harrison Orange Sam Thornley Matty Williamson Nathan Williamson The first Blue September meetings will be at Cambridge and Wyndham this Thursday. To donate to the cause click here View the full article

Buoyed by positive responses from Hong Kong owners, Brett Crawford is eyeing a dream start to his new venture when the prominent South African trainer starts Speedy Smartie at Sunday’s season opener at Sha Tin. Crawford, who has won 38 Group Ones and almost 1,500 races throughout his career, is the only addition to the Hong Kong training ranks for the 2025-26 season. Speedy Smartie – one of 25 gallopers on Crawford’s books – will be the handler’s only runner on Sunday and the former Benno Yung...View the full article

New Zealand Bloodstock has unveiled the 2025 Ready to Run Sale catalogue, comprising a quality line-up of 480 two-year-olds. Combining commercial pedigrees with professional sale preparations, the offering follows a blue-chip honour roll, with recent graduates amassing 10 Group One wins and 12 other stakes victories last season alone, further underlining the sale’s global reputation as the best of its kind. Graduates span the spectrum from Hong Kong headline acts Golden Sixty (Medaglia D’oro) and Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) to current Australian Group One winners such as Mr Brightside (NZ) (Bullbars), Antino (NZ) (Redwood), Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto), Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth), Ceolwulf (NZ) (Tavistock) and War Machine (NZ) (Harry Angel)— the source of Group One stars cannot be ignored. In Malaysia, pin-up graduates Lucky Magic (NZ) (Mendelssohn) and Antipodean (NZ) (Derryn) will clash in the Selangor Gold Cup in a fortnight as the latter attempts to retain his crown. Meanwhile the host of emerging stars from last November’s sale is encouraging, with juvenile Group One performers Hostility (I Am Invincible) and Hidden Achievement (I Am Invincible) poised for strong three-year-old seasons, along with the unbeaten Planet Red (Admire Mars) and Quantum Legend (Castelvecchio). New Zealand Bloodstock’s Managing Director Andrew Seabrook reflected on the incredible results of the Ready to Run Sale both on the track and in the sale ring. “The results of the last few years from this sale have just been incredible,” he said. “From the $1.65 million colt last year (Hostility), to the sheer number of Group One winners this season, there’s just no comparison. “We are thrilled with the calibre of horses on offer again this year, educated by New Zealand’s elite horsemen and women. “With the number of hotel bookings already, we’re looking forward to November and welcoming everyone back to Karaka.” What’s in the catalogue? Stallion power: Progeny of 114 sires, led by Southern Hemisphere heavyweights Savabeel, Proisir, Per Incanto, Super Seth, Almanzor, Satono Aladdin, Zoustar, I Am Invincible, Snitzel and more, plus a strong cast of emerging and first-season stallions. Black-type depth: 90+ siblings to black-type performers (including relations to War Machine, Coeur Volante, Jungle Magnate, Globe, La Crique and others) and two-year-olds from 76 stakes-performed mares, among them Miss Sentimental, Consensus, Fox Play and Anabandana. Bonus pathways: More than two dozen catalogued lots are eligible for the TAB Karaka Millions Series, and any purchase can target the $4m NZB Kiwi (1500m). Key dates Breeze Ups: Mon 13 – Tue 14 October, Te Rapa Racecourse. Sale: Wed 12 – Thu 13 November, from 10:00am (NZT), Karaka Sales Centre Buyer services The full catalogue is available online at https://www.nzb.co.nz/sales/25rtr International buyers wishing to physically attend the 2025 Ready to Run Sale can enquire about accommodation options and travel assistance by emailing: travel@nzb.co.nz View the full article

Top-class galloper Antipodean (NZ) (Derryn) produced devastating turn of foot to win the RM70,000 Trinity Cup for Class 1 horses over 1400m at Sungai Besi on Sunday for ex-pat Kiwi trainer Simon Dunderdale. Winning jockey Bernardo Pinheiro said the best is yet to come from the champion galloper. “He’s about 85 percent today and should be 100 percent for the Selangor Gold Cup (on Sep 14),” said the Brazilian jockey. Pinheiro should know. He rode Antipodean to four of the gelding’s nine wins last year including the 3YO Pacific Cup (1200m) and the Selangor Gold Cup (1600m). Antipodean was transferred to trainer Tiang Kim Choi at the end of 2024 and although he won once in six starts for his new conditioner earlier this season, he failed to regain his brilliant best form. That prompted his owner Yee Kin Kong to send him back to trainer Simon Dunderdale just one month before the RM1mil Selangor Mile (for four-year-olds) on Jul 20. Antipodean ran a mighty race – according to Pinheiro who rode him that day – when he gave weight away all-round and finished third to Lucky Magic. Antipodean progressed from that run to come from the clouds to collar leader Pacific Vampire right on the line. Jockey Bernardo Pinheiro, owner Yee Kin Kong and trainer Simon Dunderdale with their trophies “He (Antipodean) is an amazing horse,” Pinheiro said. “He is one of the top horses in Malaysia. He got out of his form a while ago but Simon (Dunderdale) and his team did an amazing job to being him back (to form). “Since arriving back in KL (Kuala Lumpur) I have been riding him every day on the track and he has been improving. I am very happy with the win and now we look forward to the Selangor Gold Cup. “He has all the chance to fight in the Cup. We used this race to prepare him for the Cup and we can expect a better race from him.” Winning trainer Simon Dunderdale was delighted to see Antipodean return to the winner’s circle now back in his care. “It’s a very strong win from Antipodean,” Dunderdale said. “He had to work very hard to catch Pacific Vampire and didn’t have the easiest of runs. Bernardo knows the horse very well.” Antipodean was purchased by Dunderdale for NZ$23,000 from the draft of Regal Farm at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale in 2022. View the full article

Mathew Gillies brought up a memorable milestone at Te Aroha on Sunday when recording his 100th win in the saddle in New Zealand. The 39-year-old went into the meeting with several promising rides, but it was upon the Dean Wiles-trained Justice that he brought up his riding century in the Dean Wiles Racing Maiden Steeplechase (3600m). Gillies had schooled the Belardo six-year-old and took plenty of confidence from his debut steeplechase in July. “I went and schooled him during the week and he jumped really well,” Gillies said. “On his previous run, in his first steeplechase at Te Aroha with Kylan Wiles on him, he went really well for his first time and I thought there would be some improvement off that, and that’s exactly what happened, he went really well.” Gillies was rapt to bring up his 100th winner, but said he wasn’t aware he had reached the milestone until he was told after the race. “I didn’t think about it yesterday until someone told me,” he said. “It wasn’t really on the top of my mind, but it was good to get it.” Among Gillies’ 100 wins, there are a few horses that stand out. “Southern Countess was a nice horse,” he said. “She won and was second in the Northern and she won three Pakuranga Hurdles. “Ima Heroine won a Northern Steeple and Pakuranga Hunt Cup. “Tallyho Twinkletoe was a good horse for me and we won a National. “I won five races on Gagarin and he won a Wellington Steeplechase, a Northern Hurdle, a Hawke’s Bay Hurdle and a Manawatu Steeplechase, he was a nice horse to me. “And Finito, one of my father’s horses, was a good horse that got my name out there.” Raceday riding is a part-time pursuit for Gillies, who was back at his regular jobs the next day, riding work for Cambridge trainer Tony Pike before heading to Auckland Airport to work for equine airfreight services company Airport Livestock Services Limited. “We help get the stalls ready for IRT and NZB,” Gillies said. “We are loading and unloading horses, getting the stalls ready, driving on the airside of the airport and taking the stalls down and back. “It is something that I have been doing for the last three years and now I do it a couple of times a week. “I ride work for Tony Pike as well. I was able to ride seven horses this morning, come up here and we have got a load going out to Sydney at 6pm tonight.” With 100 New Zealand riding wins to his credit, Gillies is now eyeing that number in a jumps racing capacity. “I would rather get 100 jumping wins and I am at about 85 at the moment,” he said. “If everything is going right, and barring falls or injuries, hopefully jumps racing keeps going and I can get to that 100 wins. It is in the distance at the moment.” While the jumping season is nearing a close, Gillies is hoping he can inch closer to that goal in the next few weeks. “Justice is going into a 0-1 win steeplechase at Te Aroha. He seems like he will be a good chance in that,” Gillies said. “If the ground dries up a bit, I think Taika will be a good ride in the Northern Hurdles.” View the full article

The Waikato horseman was close friends with The Oaks Stud General Manager Rick Williams, who said he will be a big loss to the industry. “It is a terrific loss,” Williams said. “He had been ill for some time unfortunately with a very acute form of Parkinson’s. His last year has been very tough on the family. “He was a champion bloke and a champion trainer. We travelled the world together and had a lot of fun together.” Priscott has a lifelong involvement in racing and was introduced to the sport through his father, Bruce. Priscott got a taste of topflight success at an early age when strapping his father’s smart stayer Il Tempo. “His father, Bruce, was a butcher and trainer,” Williams said. “They had that great horse Il Tempo before I knew Robert. He won two Wellington Cups and it should have been two Auckland Cups. “Robert was his strapper when he went to Australia. He was a red-hot favourite for the Melbourne Cup and they think he did a suspensory before he raced over there. He went over in a boat in those days.” Priscott followed in his father’s footsteps and became a trainer, and he tasted plenty of early success. “When I went to Waikato Stud, I got to really know him a lot through Graeme Sanders because my father had horses with Graeme Sanders,” Williams said. “Robert never had more than 30 horses, but he had some good ones, and Red Tempo was one of his early good horses.” Red Tempo was victorious in the Gr.2 Great Northern Guineas (1600m) and Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) in New Zealand before continuing his career in Australia where he won the Gr.1 Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and Gr.1 Futurity Stakes (1400m). “He won so many Group races for us with a small team,” Williams said. “We had so many good horses together in the Terry Jarvis (former The Oaks Stud owner) days. “He bought Buzz Lightyear and I had just started at The Oaks with Terry Jarvis. Buzz Lightyear won at Te Rapa in his first start. I talked Terry into buying him off Robert, who was always a seller. “He (Priscott) had another good two-year-old he had bought that year called Quorum. “The two of them went down for the Magic Millions (Listed, 1200m) at Trentham. We had this secret track gallop at Te Rapa on the Tuesday morning and Buzz Lightyear would have beaten Quorum by about eight lengths. “We went to Trentham feeling very good about life and Chris Munce rode Quorum and got up and won, and Buzz Lightyear didn’t travel well, had a bad night, and ran a very plain race. “Robert got Quorum sold after that. Terry Jarvis, who was my boss at the time, raced Buzz Lightyear and he was the best horse by a mile. He went on and won the 2000 Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m), Levin Classic (Gr.1, 1600m) and went to Australia and ran second or third behind Pins in the Caulfield Guineas (Gr.1, 1600m). He was a great horse. “There are a lot of great moments, it is the end of an era.” Williams said Priscott was a down-to-earth family man, and his loss will be felt by many in the industry. “He was very proud of Matt and Mel (children),” Williams said. “Melanie worked for me here at The Oaks for three or four years and then she went off to the world of insurance. We followed Matt’s rugby career and they saw our kids grow up too. We were family friends.” “He was the old style of trainer and was outstanding at what he did. “In some many ways he was underrated, but he was understated too, and that is the way he liked it.” View the full article

After racing behind a slow pace, The Padre unleashed a brisk turn of foot for his first graded stakes win and second consecutive stakes victory at the current Del Mar meeting.View the full article

Although different running styles carried them to victory in million-dollar stakes at Kentucky Downs Aug. 31, Johnny's Red Storm and Meringue both impressed with their triumphs and gave their connections excitement for the future.View the full article

It came down to the Aug. 31 closing day program of the Royal Palm Meet, but Saffie Joseph Jr. edged Jose D'Angelo with a three-win day to earn leading trainer honors for the 13th consecutive race meeting at Gulfstream Park.View the full article

Fairmount Park Casino & Racing is celebrating its 100th anniversary with three days of events from Thursday, Sept. 18-Saturday, Sept. 20. The schedule includes giveaways, family-friendly entertainment, and the St. Louis Derby.View the full article

Unlock a range of exciting racing deals from Australia’s top horse racing bookmakers this Monday, September 1. Take your punting to the next level with money-back specials, bonus-back offers, and boosted odds. These promotions give you more ways to win and add extra value to your Monday racing bets — all from trusted online betting sites. Here are the standout Aussie racing promotions for September 1, 2025: Top horse racing offers for today Hobart Race 1 | Bet Back Run 2nd or 3rd Enter the Bonus Code BONUS100 on the Bonus Bets/Offers page, place a fixed win bet on Hobart race 1 and if your selection runs 2nd or 3rd get up to $100 in Bonus Cash. One Bonus per week. Neds T&Cs apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo 10% Winnings Boost! – Port Macquarie 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 | Monday Thoroughbred Meetings Get a bet boost on thoroughbred races around Australia on Monday. 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 Where do we find these bookmaker offers? At HorseBetting.com.au, our team keeps a close eye on the latest promos from Australia’s most popular horse racing bookies — so you don’t miss a thing. We dig through the daily deals and highlight the best value racing offers for Monday, September 1. While some bookmakers pause their promos, others ramp up with can’t-miss specials — and we bring it all to you in one place. Bookmark HorseBetting.com.au for your go-to guide to the freshest racing bookmaker promotions. From enhanced odds to cashback perks, there’s something for every punter. Just log in to your account with any featured bookie to activate your chosen bonus. Need help picking winners? Don’t forget to check our daily free racing tips to make the most of your bonus bets. Explore racing promos View the full article

The Padre, who closed into a tepid pace to win the La Jolla Handicap last time out, repeated the dose Sunday, powering to the lead late to make it two in a row over the Del Mar lawn in the GII Del Mar Derby. The 3-5 favorite was well held while positioned off the pedestrian pace set by Freedom's Not Free. He rolled up three wide at the top of the lane and surged past the pacesetter to win with authority. “He was up against it last time with no pace and it kind of looked like a more murky scenario this time,” winning trainer Phil D'Amato said of the slow pace the favorite has closed into in both of his recent victories. “I just think it shows what a tremendous turn of foot this horse has. To overcome fractions that slow two times in a row and outkick them like he does, that's a real racehorse.” The Padre began his career in his native Ireland, where he won his 1 1/4-mile debut over the all-weather at Dundalk in January for trainer/breeder John Halley. Transferred to D'Amato's Southern California barn, he opened his stateside campaign with a late-closing runner-up effort in a one-mile optional claimer at Santa Anita June 13 and got on top late to take the 1 1/16-mile La Jolla Handicap last time out Aug. 3. “I think the year-end goal for him would be something like the GI Hollywood Derby,” D'Amato said of next targets for the winner. “We will just work around that. If we can make him a Grade I winner–he's still in tact–and develop him for next year.” Pedigree Notes: The Padre became the third graded winner for his sire Ghaiyyath, who has also been represented by a pair of French group winning fillies in My Highness (Ire), who won last weekend's G2 Prix du Calvados, and Mandanaba (Fr). The Godolphin stallion won the 2020 G1 Juddmonte International, G1 Coral-Eclipse, and G1 Coronation Cup, as well as the 2019 G1 Grosser Preis von Baden. Shalanaya, who won the 2009 G1 Prix de l'Opera in The Aga Khan's colors, was purchased by Halley for €55,000 at the 2019 Arqana December sale. The mare produced a full-brother to the winner last year. Sunday, Del Mar CAESARS SPORTSBOOK DEL MAR DERBY-GII, $300,000, Del Mar, 8-31, 3yo, 1 1/8mT, 1:49.23, fm. 1–THE PADRE (IRE), 122, c, 3, by Ghaiyyath (Ire) 1st Dam: Shalanaya (Ire) (G1SW-Fr, GISP-Can, $637,986), by Lomitas (GB) 2nd Dam: Shalamantika (Ire), by Nashwan 3rd Dam: Sharamana (Ire), by Darshaan (GB) 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. (60,000gns RNA Ylg '23 TATOCT). O-Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables, LLC and Naify, Marsha; B-J Halley (IRE); T-P D'Amato; J-U Rispoli. $180,000. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0, $259,585. *1/2 to Shalamba (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), GSP-Ity, MSP-Fr, $103,110. Werk Nick Rating Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Freedom's Not Free, 122, c, 3, Omaha Beach– Wonderfuladventure, by Tiz Wonderful. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($75,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $300,000 2yo '24 EASMAY). O-Blinkers On Racing Stable, Janlois Racing, LLC, Valinor Racing Stable, LLC, Corbett, Tom, Kwan, Andy and Wagner, Jay Lester; B-Cove Springs, LLC (KY); T-Mark Glatt. $60,000. 3–Game Warrior, 122, c, 3, Game Winner–Le Mi Geaux, by First Samurai. 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE. ($52,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP; $200,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR). O-Jethorse LLC; B-George W. Ruggiero (KY); T-Peter Miller. $36,000. Margins: 1, NK, 3/4. Odds: 0.70, 2.20, 10.20. Also Ran: Geometry, Mythical Reel (Ire). Scratched: Iron Man Cal. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. THE PADRE (Ire) ($3.40) hits the gas under @umbyrispoli for a birthday win in the $300,000 Del Mar Derby (G2). @PhilDamato11 trains for owners @lrfracing, @StablesSterling and @Marsha_Naify. pic.twitter.com/f2TAtbukeH — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) September 1, 2025 The post The Padre Runs Down Freedom’s Not Free to Win Del Mar Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-Del Mar, $82,000, Msw, 8-31, 2yo, 6f, 1:08.83, ft, 3/4 length. KRISTOFFERSON (c, 2, Nyquist–Impasse, by Quality Road), installed the even-money choice for this debut, came out gunning and assumed a narrow advantage as Falcon Jet (Justify) and Mr A P (American Pharoah) pressed the issue to his outside. Three wide turning for home, Mr A P began his retreat, however, Mr A P wouldn't relent and inched in front for a brief moment. Undeterred, the Bob Baffert trained-colt dug in to overtake his game foe and was 3/4 of a length on top at the wire. It was a long way back to Falcon Jet in third. A $1,150,000 KEESEP yearling purchase, Kristofferson is out of Impasse, a daughter of MSW and GSP Tempus Fugit (Alphabet Soup) who is a half-sister to Grade II winner Majestic River (A.P. Indy). The 12-year-old mare, purchased by Candy Meadows for $385,000 while in foal to Into Mischief at Keeneland November in 2019, was bred back to Nyquist this season. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $48,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine; B-Candy Meadows LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert. The post Nyquist’s Pricey Kristofferson Graduates at Del Mar appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

During Keeneland September last year, bloodstock agent Steve Young signed the ticket to the tune of $150,000 on a dark bay colt bred by Gainesway (hip 1408) for his client Harrell Ventures. Sent to Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, Sunrise (Karakontie {Jpn}–Spanish Bunny, by Unusual Heat) made his second start a winning one after a gritty battle over the turf in the ninth race at Saratoga on Sunday afternoon. When reached by phone, Young said that in the days leading up to the sale that the colt was high on his client's list, especially since Gainesway's Karakontie has turned into such a dependable value sire. “He [Sunrise] was not a hard horse to find,” said Young. “We honestly were prepared to pay more and thought that because of his pedigree that he was going to bring more. Gainesway always brings quality horses to the sales and we knew what we were getting.” Sunrise is a full-brother to 2022 New York-bred Horse of the Year Spendarella, who took down for Gainesway and trainer Graham Motion the GI Del Mar Oaks, won the GII Appalachian Stakes at Keeneland and was also the runner-up in the GI Just a Game Stakes at Belmont. Spanish Loveaffair is Sunrise's other full-sibling who is a multiple-stakes winner. The debuting Sunrise counts GI American Oaks heroine Spanish Queen (Tribal Rule) as a half-sister, which only adds to potential when it comes to running on grass. Sunrise's connections in the winner's circle | Sarah Andrew “Being out of Spanish Bunny, a full to Spendarella and Spanish Loveaffair, half to Spanish Queen, we saw him walk and knew that this was a proper horse,” said Young. “I think Karakontie has a tremendous pedigree on the female side and he's proven to be a quality stallion.” With that strong turf bloodline of his, Sunrise earned the lead at the top of the lane in today's Spa maiden special weight, went head-to-head with first-time starter Glavine (Not This Time) and bested him on the square. “Sending him to Todd [Pletcher] was the right move and when he drew in, we were excited to see that he was running today,” he said. “Ricardo [Santana] gave him a million-dollar ride. We can't wait for what he has up next.” 9th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 8-31, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:44.24, fm, head. SUNRISE (c, 2, Karakontie {Jpn}–Spanish Bunny, by Unusual Heat) took on two turns for his unveiling over the Spa turf course Aug. 2 and weathered brushing the gate to finish well in fourth place. Drawing in off the also-eligible list here, the 3-1 second choice had no issues moving from the outside at the break to take up a position behind the speed heading into the first turn. The juvenile kept close tabs on the pacesetter up the backstretch, but around the far turn it was time to wind up for a charge. Fellow firster Glavine (Not This Time) went with the new leader and the pair engaged in a thrilling battle down the lane. In the shadow of the wire Sunrise gained the upper hand to break his maiden. Favorite Tacticality was fifth. The winner is a full-brother to Spendarella, GISW-USA, G1SP-Eng, $795,459 and Spanish Loveaffair, MSW & MGSP, $284,090, plus a half to Spanish Queen (Tribal Rule), GISW, $423,600. Gainesway bought Spanish Bunny for $130,000 at the 2015 Keeneland November Sale. Her more recent produce includes current 3-year-old gelding in-training Silly Rabbit (Uncle Mo) and a yearling filly by Justify. She visited Karakontie once again for 2026. Sales History: $150,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $61,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Harrell Ventures LLC; B-Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD. (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. @campbellparlay Sunrise breaks his maiden at second asking in R9 at Saratoga! Todd Pletcher trains and @RSantana_jr was up. pic.twitter.com/pyCKUyQaCf — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 31, 2025 The post Saratoga Maidens, Presented by Keeneland, Sunrise! Well-Bred Son Of Karakontie Up And At ‘Em On Spa Turf appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article