Wandering Eyes

Riding a three-race winning streak, Kumanyuk (Black Tide) faces 17 rivals in the G1 Shuka Sho over 2000 metres at Kyoto on Sunday. The third jewel of the Japanese Triple Tiara brings together the winners of the first two legs. A winner of the G2 Flora Stakes, G1 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks) and G2 Rose Stakes in succession, the last coming on September 14, the filly is the one to beat. She had Theresa (Admire Mars) back in second with G1 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies second Vip Daisy (Satono Diamond) fourth in that affair last month. Said trainer Yasuo Tomomichi, “Coming into the homestretch in the Rose Stakes, a horse to her inside moved out and bumped into this one, causing her to lose her balance. However, after regaining her balance she quickened nicely. She got cut on her hind leg, but we were able to ride her soon after. Her work Oct. 1 centered on keeping her calm. Jockey Yuga Kawada rode work on Oct. 9. I left it to Kawada how hard he would push her in the final stage, and he just pushed her a bit toward the end. She looked good and worked seriously. This week, we just did enough to get her breathing right. Her weight is up but she's taller and bigger all around. I think 2000 meters will be a plus. The biggest concern is starting in front of the stands. I think she'll be able to handle the ground even if it's a bit rain-affected.” Opposing Kumanyuk is G1 Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) heroine Embroidery (Admire Mars). Although she was only ninth in the Yushun Himba to that foe, she also had Ma Puce (Mind Your Biscuits) back in second in the G3 Daily Hai Queen Stakes earlier in the season. Said trainer Kazutomo Mori, “She's gotten one size bigger over the summer, and her weight was over 490kg when she returned from the farm to Miho about three weeks ago. Christophe Lemaire rode her on the flat at Miho on Oct. 9 with a horse in front of her. The focus was on keeping her balanced and her responses were excellent. We shipped her to Ritto and her weight didn't drop. I think most of the gain is due to her bigger frame and added muscle. This week, she worked alone up the hill course. “To be honest, I think the 2000-meter inner course will not be easy. She has a very big stride and does better over a more spacious course. Being able to sustain a good speed at length is her forte.” The top three from the September 7 G2 Shion Stakes have also returned in Kelly Fled Ask (Duramente), Jocelyn (Epiphaneia), and Danon Fair Lady (Kizuna). The post Kumanyuk Squares Off With Embroidery In Shuka Sho appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Approaching the threshold of the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, MGISW Journalism (Curlin) had his penultimate workout for the big race at Santa Anita Park on Friday, but according to a report in the Daily Racing Form that same day, the colt's regular rider Umberto Rispoli will be replaced by Jose Ortiz for the Classic. In all but one of Journalism's 10 career races (his maiden win at Del Mar in Nov. '24), Rispoli has ridden the son of Curlin. This includes three GI victories this year in the Santa Anita Derby, Preakness Stakes and Haskell Stakes. Last time out in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, Journalism under Rispoli finished as the runner-up to champion Fierceness (City of Light), who took the $1 million event by 3 1/4 lengths. Journalism worked five furlongs Friday morning at Santa Anita, going in :59.20 seconds alongside stablemate & GISP Yellow Card (Lost Treasure {Ire}). According to the DRF, Aron Wellman–whose Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners is one part of an ownership syndicate in Journalism–said the decision had been made that morning. He declined to give a reason as to the jockey switch. Later Friday morning, McCarthy told the TDN he was “very pleased” with Journalism's work. “I thought he worked very well, 5/8ths in :59.2. He caught some unexpected company but finished up nicely. Very pleased,” said McCarthy. Aboard Journalism for the drill was his regular work rider, Tony Gutierrez. “It was good for him,” Gutierrez said. “We were going to get a little serious today. I caught my workmate near the quarter pole, but then when [Journalism] saw that horse in front of us, he puffed himself up, went to the rail and chased him. It was perfect. Everything with him is perfect. His mind. His body. He wasn't even blowing when I got him back to the barn. Amazing horse.” The Journalism got serious this morning for @mwmracing working a strong 5-poles @santaanitapark in 59 & change. The Santa Anita Derby, @PreaknessStakes & Haskell @MonmouthPark hero is 15 days from competing in a @BreedersCup Classic for the ages. #BelieveBig pic.twitter.com/5FFSIWlheJ — Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (@EclipseTBP) October 17, 2025 The post Journalism Drills Five Panels At Santa Anita For Breeders’ Cup Classic, Jose Ortiz To Take Mount appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Sunday running at Kyoto Racecourse: Sunday, October 20, 2025 10th-KYO, ¥35,040,000 ($234k), Allowance, 3yo/up, 1400m DANON FIGO (JPN) (c, 3, Into Mischief–Ollie's Candy, by Candy Ride {Arg}), a maiden winner in a pair of juvenile appearances, was off the board in his first two runs this term, but took a course-and-distance allowance May 4 and returned from a layoff to repeat the dose going this distance at Hanshin Sept. 21. The February foal is the first produce for his dam, winner of the GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes and purchased by K. I. Farm for $1.65 million at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. Leading rider Yuga Kawada has the call. O-Danox Co Ltd; B-K I Farm; T-Yasuo Tomomichi The post Into Mischief Colt Danon Figo Goes For Three Straight at Kyoto appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The two-day BBAG October Sale kicked off in Germany on Friday with lot 101, a chestnut filly by Torquator Tasso, selling for €110,000 to A-Turf. Consigned by Gestut Hof Ittlingen, the daughter of Lucy Lou (Soldier Hollow) is a half-sister to €200,000 Ferdinand Leisten Memorial BBAG Auktionsrennen hero Loucas (Best Solution). The duo are from the extended family of G1 German Derby hero and sire Lando. Second on the buyers' sheet was lot 120, a filly by Alson, who caught the eye of Gestut Fahrhof and Philip, Baron von Ullmann for €64,000. Already named Verdani, the OH Consignment member is a half-sister to the stakes-placed Stingray (Zarak). Originally set to be the last lot in the ring, the filly was followed by lot 106, who was reoffered at the very end of the day. Of the 94 lots offered, 67 sold (71%) for a gross of €1,063,000. The average was €15,865 and the median was €11,000. The post Torquator Tasso Half-Sister To Loucas Tops The First Day Of The BBAG October Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Tim Williams admits he doesn’t know what Miki Bennett will do when the tapes fly in the Placemakers Oamaru Cup (4.22pm) on Sunday. The pacer comes into the 2600m handicap after botching his last standing start before producing a huge recovery to win. That victory came down in the grades, and if Miki Bennett does it again he will face an almighty task to win. But Williams is hopeful his charge can do things right because of one crucial factor. “He is a quirky character and, to be honest, you never quite know what he might do.” “But being one of only two horses off 20m on Sunday, with no horses behind him, he is going to get his chance to step away.” “I would like to think he would be able to get it right, but I think everyone knows what he is like and what he can do if his brain isn’t in gear.” While Miki Bennett may have a reputation for waywardness – which he has earned – Williams is sure the pacer is a much more refined product than he was in the past. “I definitely think he has gotten better; he is good a lot more times than he is bad these days.” “I think he is probably just one of those slower-maturing horses, and he is a lot more settled now.” “He’s been going nice races from behind the mobile, and this looks quite a suitable grade for him.” “If he can do things right, he would have to be a handy chance.” Williams links up with another Stonewall Stud pacer on Sunday in Riptide, who has an exemplary record behind the tapes. The pacer looks a big winning threat from his 10m handicap on the back of three second placings. “He is just a lovely, genuine horse and obviously very consistent.” “I’d like to think he would be able to go another lovely race on Sunday.” Utah Blaze looks a serious winning threat at Oamaru, with his barrier 1 on the second row looking the only significant factor against him. The pacer ran a respectable race in his latest outing when seventh behind star two-year-old Jumal in the recent $200,000 Harness Million. “His sectionals were very good in the Harness Million, and dropping back into a maiden race, he is well placed.” “He might need that little bit of luck, but if he gets it, he should be right there.” Treasure Cove looks a serious threat for the Stonewall Stud stable despite making errors in his last start on grass. The three-year-old has taken on much stronger company than he meets on Sunday. Williams also links up with stablemates Spanish Princess and Silvester at Oamaru. Spanish Princess looks brilliantly placed as a race-winner taking on maidens. To place a bet in the Oamaru Cup click here View the full article

5th-Belmont The Big A, $85,000, Msw, 10-17, 2yo, 1m, 1:36.11, ft, 5 1/4 lengths. PALADIN (c, 2, Gun Runner–Secret Sigh, by Tapit) scored his first career win here, albeit not in a way his connections likely believed he would after Renegade (Into Mischief)–first across the line–was disqualified to second. The even-money favorite for this unveiling, Paladin was never far from the front as he pushed Credit History (Nyquist) through an opening quarter in :23.20 and a half in :46.48. Asked to take command passing the half-mile, he had a slim margin coming off the bend as Renegade loomed the danger behind him. The pair came together inside the final furlong and distanced themselves from the field before Paladin found himself on the receiving end of late contact in the stretch. They hit the wire heads apart, but the inquiry sign was immediate posted afterwards. After a Stewards' inquiry, it was determined that Renegade had impeded Paladin in the final yards of their duel, and the order was reversed with the son of Into Mischief being disqualified to second as the Chad Brown-trainee was elevated to the first-out score. Paladin was a $1.9-million yearling pick up at the boutique FTSAUG sale across town in 2024 by M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm for a partnership that would ultimately comprise of Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Peter Brant, Brook Smith, and Summer Wind Equine LLC. The victor is out of an unraced daughter of MGSW India (Hennessy), making the dam a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Mozu Ascot (Frankel {GB}) in Japan and SW Kareena (Medaglia d'Oro), herself mother of SP Padma (Tapit). Secret Sigh's first to the races was unplaced Pippi Longstocking (Frankel {GB}), who foaled a Practical Joke colt this past spring, while placed Stop the Press (Uncle Mo) was her first to hit the board. Paladin is her most recent of racing age and she has a yearling colt by Into Mischief in the wings. Her 2025 Elite Power foal died. This is the immediate female family of Pilfer, most famous as the dam of MGISW To Honor and Serve (Bernardini) and his full-sister GISW Angela Renee. A third full-sibling to that pair named Cara Caterina would go on to claim MGISW La Cara (Street Sense) to her broodmare tally. A full-sister to India named GSP-Eng Sing Softly went on in her second career to produce French Group-placed Coetzee (Frankel {GB}). Sales history: $1,900,000 Ylg '24 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $46,750. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael B., Smith, Derrick, Brant, Peter M., Smith, Brook T. and Summer Wind Equine, LLC; B-Summer Wind Equine LLC (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. The post Gun Runner’s Paladin Elevated to First Out Win at Belmont Big A appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Presenting data Oct. 16 during the monthly meeting of the California Horse Racing Board in Sacramento, Calif., CHRB equine medical director Dr. Jeff Blea said regulatory protections for certain aspects of horse welfare are working well in the state.View the full article

Field of Gold bids to bounce back from his shock defeat in the Sussex Stakes (G1) but those closest to the leading miler know he will have to be at his brilliant best to overcome a wide draw in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) Oct. 18 at Ascot.View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher on Oct. 17 sent out a quartet of workers targeting the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1)—Fierceness, Mindframe, Antiquarian and Locked—on the Oklahoma dirt training track at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher sent out a quartet of workers over the Oklahoma dirt at Saratoga on Friday who are all intended for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Classic. The group of workers included Antiquarian (Preservationist) and 'TDN Rising Stars, presented by Hagyard, Fierceness (City of Light), Mindframe (Constitution) and Locked (Gun Runner). Mindframe breezed to the inside of Locked shortly after the first renovation break and the pair covered five furlongs in 1:01.49, according to NYRA clockers. Mindframe edged clear of the Sept. 27 GII Woodward-winner Locked just before the wire, galloping out in front and strongly through the turn. “I thought Mindframe went super,” Pletcher said. “He had a really strong gallop out. Locked, since he's run more recently, we weren't looking for quite as much on the gallop out from him, but I thought they both went well.” Repole Stable and St. Elias's Mindframe was 3-for-3 this year with a pair of Grade I wins entering his last race in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga Aug. 31. The 4-year-old dark bay was on the receiving end of a chain reaction of bumping caused by Phileas Fogg (Astern {Aus}) and lost jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. shortly into the 10-furlong race. “I don't know how to quantify exactly what he got out of the Jockey Club from a fitness perspective and an actual true race,” Pletcher said. “We felt like we needed a little more from him [in training]. We've gotten some good works and good gallop outs, so I think we have accomplished what we were hoping to from a fitness perspective.” Pletcher confirmed Locked, owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Walmac Farm, is currently targeting the Classic rather than the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Antiquarian outside of Fierceness | Sarah Andrew Champion Fierceness, who was last seen taking the GI Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar Aug. 30, breezed to the inside of Antiquarian following the second renovation break and the pair were on even terms as they covered five furlongs in 1:00.56, according to NYRA clockers. “Just another 'typical of what we've seen from him [Fierceness].' Every breeze, he just does things very effortlessly,” said Pletcher. “He looked good coming to the wire, stayed on, galloped out nicely. We wanted to match him up with a little stronger mate today, to get a good solid work. “I thought [Antiquarian] responded well. He stayed on course and galloped out nicely, a good work from both of them,” Pletcher added. Centennial Farms's Antiquarian broke through at the top-level and earned a career-best 108 Beyer Speed Figure in the Gold Cup, inching close to millionaire status with $944,100 banked through a 9-4-3-0 record. “We felt like with all four horses, today was the sternest work we were going to look for. They are going to ship next week, we won't look to do quite as much next week,” Pletcher said, confirming that the four Breeders' Cup Classic contenders will work again at the Spa next week before shipping.” Derrick Smith, Repole Stable, Michael Tabor and Mrs. John Magnier's Fierceness was a 1 1/2-length second in last year's Classic to champion Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). “It is always comforting to know that he appears to like the surface out there, two good races, there gives you optimism,” Pletcher said. The post Pletcher Breezes Quartet At Spa With Eye On Breeders’ Cup Classic For All appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After a summer of toing and froing and ding-dong battles, Ascot's feature G1 QIPCO Champion Stakes brings it all to a satisfyingly gladiatorial climax on Saturday. Having revelled in Ombudsman's dramatic surge at the end of the Prince of Wales's, Delacroix's huge move coming off Leopardstown's bend in the Irish Champion and the relentless power of Calandagan at the close of the King George, it all comes together in a perfect blend on a perfect sunlit autumn afternoon for the latest QIPCO Champions Day. The headline race is a qualifier for the GI Breeders' Cup Turf in November. These actors didn't come around by accident, with messrs Gosden, O'Brien and Graffard responsible for crafting their careers almost with this moment in mind. There is also a subplot to the 2025 running which threatens to become the main act, with William Haggas having completed his long, slow, careful building process to get the long-absent Economics back into the fray. Ombudsman, who like Economics is a son of this year's sire sensation Night Of Thunder, is a potent force given a strong pace and with Devil's Advocate in here he should get that. Undone by Delacroix when the tempo was only modest in the Eclipse, he was stunning in the Juddmonte International despite the well-documented tactical mess of that race. Overall, he is the champion elect until proven otherwise and could be sealing a momentous day for Clarehaven if all goes to plan for the father-and-son combination. Delacroix, who brings together that heady mix of Dubawi and Tepin, has excelled this term with his Sandown smash-and-grab supplemented by his domination of the feature of Irish Champions Weekend. The ten pounds weight-for-age allowance he got from the Godolphin colt in the Eclipse is now only four and while his York run was compromised to a degree by the pace scenario it is notable that he was nowhere near as dynamic as Ombudsman throughout the final three furlongs. Calandagan was denied by Anmaat 12 months ago on ground that would have undermined his chance, but up against two true 10-furlong specialists he is up against it on officially good going. It also has to be said that his Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and King George wins have taken some knocks of late and he will need a career-best here. Ed Walker has always made it clear that Almaqam (Lope De Vega) is the apple of his eye and while he got the better of a penalised Ombudsman in the Brigadier Gerard in May he would have needed it softer than this to cause the upset. That also applies to Kirsten Rausing's unexposed three-year-old Almeric (Study Of Man), whose two Listed wins five months apart suggest we are talking about next year's horse rather than a now horse. Regarding the latter, Oisin Murphy gave some notable insight. “It would be lovely to go step-by-step, but there weren't many options for Almeric,” he said. “He's the most beautiful athlete and physical that you'll ever see. If anyone wants to see a racehorse, have a look at him.” Going For Gold Since it was shuffled onto this card and made a straight mile contest in 2011, the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes has become the mother of all understudies and this year's renewal promises to steal some thunder from the main event. Juddmonte's Field Of Gold (Kingman) was supreme around the turns in the St James's Palace before the wheels came off in the Sussex, but there is nothing to suggest he won't come back as effective as before. Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum's enigmatic Rosallion (Blue Point) has met with defeat more times than connections would have dared to dread this season, but perhaps it is merely a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time on each occasion. Drawn on the wing here, he will have to be played with exacting precision by Sean Levey but he has at least shown a love for this track having won impressively at two and in last year's St James's Palace. Perhaps Rosallion's most mystifying reversal so far this term was his fourth behind Never So Brave (No Nay Never) in the City of York and it would be a mistake to rule the Andrew Balding-trained improver out of the equation here. He seems to conjure what is required each time despite being set stiffer tasks and Oisin Murphy is quietly confident. “He feels great,” he said. “He has a bit to find, but is probably my best ride on the day.” Wathnan's multiple Group 1 winner Fallen Angel (Too Darn Hot) probably could have done with softer ground to take the potency out of Field Of Gold and Rosallion, but is a dangerous proposition as a filly blooming at this time of year. Can Kalpana? Like Rosallion, Kalpana (Study Of Man) has developed a serious case of seconditis this season but is back in her comfort zone preparing to defend her crown in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes. Her King George near-miss confirmed her liking for this course and distance and it might just be a case of what the Arc took out of her 13 days ago. Cheveley Park's burgeoning homebred Estrange (Night Of Thunder) dodged that test, which may have been a stroke of luck if she can take advantage of a weakened Kalpana here. Her Yorkshire Oaks form with Minnie Hauk looks even better at this juncture and the ground will be a touch more forgiving this time. Other intriguing candidates are Ballydoyle's Bedtime Story (Frankel), who seems quite far removed from the spellbinding juvenile who tore up this track in the Chesham last June, and Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's Lillie Langtry winner Waardah (Postponed). The latter has the kind of freshness that can be a serious weapon at this time of year and is from the Owen Burrows academy of perfectly-honed improvers. Wathnan's Big Opportunity After a stellar Royal Ascot, a big-race win on Champions Day would be the icing on the cake for Wathnan Racing and with three leading contenders it looks most likely to come in the G1 QIPCO British Champions Sprint Stakes. Lazzat (Territories) won the sprint of the year at the Royal meeting, but has gone under twice subsequently with no obvious excuses so this is very much his moment of truth. Jerome Reynier still believes. “We were disappointed to be beaten in the Prix Maurice de Gheest, but Sajir on the day was really good and in the Haydock Sprint Cup Lazzat was drawn in the middle and there was a bias towards the stands' rail,” he said. “He was not beaten far but was always under pressure, which is not the way he is usually.” “This time, he is spot-on and back on a racecourse he has done so well at,” he added. “He seems very happy to be back at home because, between the Maurice de Gheest and Haydock, he was based in Deauville, which is not the training environment he is used to. Now he needs to show the world that he is the best European sprinter.” Also in the colours is last year's winner Kind Of Blue (Blue Point), another who excited at the beginning of 2025 only to miss the target time and again. Second at Haydock last time, he could be on the way back and it is worth noting that James Fanshawe did get his relative The Tin Man back from a more serious issue a few years ago. Sporting the operation's black cap is Flora Of Bermuda (Dark Angel), but she is some third string having been beaten around half a length when third in this 12 months ago. Where the July Cup heroine No Half Measures (Cable Bay) fits in is anybody's guess, with her Newmarket victory still as surprising now as it seemed at the time. Big Mojo (Mohaather) is drawn on the outside, but there isn't a more willing campaigner in this division and his presence makes it more of a contest than it would otherwise be, while The Aga Khan Studs runner Rayevka (Blue Point) is still unexposed and gives the impression one of these is well within her grasp. Off To A Flyer With Trawlerman? While the Gosdens are well-stocked all afternoon, they will be hoping that it is only a case of going through the motions for their star stayer Trawlerman (Golden Horn) in the opening G1 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup. Armed also with Sweet William (Sea The Stars), Clarehaven take to the high seas hoping for plain sailing with the only looming threat on the horizon being Ballydoyle's St Leger third Stay True (Galileo). The latter is one of the last of the Galileos to grace this meeting and who is to say that the late Coolmore deity doesn't yet have one or two more big days to come. The post Will Ombudsman Rule At Ascot? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a full-brother to multiple Group 1 winner and Classic heroine Lake Victoria (Frankel). 4.50 Leopardstown, Mdn, 2yo, c/g, 7f 30yT DRUIDS GLEN (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) is a significant newcomer for Ballydoyle on an intriguing card, being a full-brother to the yard's outstanding Irish 1,000 Guineas, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, Cheveley Park and Moyglare heroine Lake Victoria. Out of the top-class sprinter Quiet Reflection (Showcasing), he meets nine peers in the maiden won 12 months ago by the subsequent Criterium International winner Twain and in 2016 by Cliffs Of Moher. 1.30 Ascot, Cond, 2yo, 6fT WORDS OF TRUTH (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) greatly enhances this inaugural £250,000 Qipco British Champions Day Two-Year-Old Conditions Stakes, having captured Newbury's Mill Reef Stakes when last seen. Charlie Appleby will be hoping that Godolphin's son of the dual Group winner Beyond Reason (Australia) can make his class tell, but this won't be easy pickings with Wathnan Racing's Listed Rockingham Stakes winner Division (GB) (Kingman {GB}) engaged along with proven Group performers Mission Central (Ire) (No Nay Never) and Kansas (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). 2.10 Leopardstown, Mdn, 2yo, f, 8fT MUSICAL CHIMES (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is another fascinating newcomer for Ballydoyle, this time in the maiden won 12 months ago by Minnie Hauk. A half-sister to the St Leger hero Continuous (Heart's Cry) from the family of Saxon Warrior, she is probably in this for educational purposes above all with the stable's proven Amelia Earhart (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) hot favourite to shed her maiden tag after a latest Group 3 fourth. 2.40 Leopardstown, Mdn, 2yo, c/g, 8fT ANTIGUA (IRE) (Camelot {GB}) cost Peter Brant and the Coolmore partners 600,000gns at the Tattersalls October Book 1, by virtue of the fact that he is a full-brother to the G1 South Australian Derby and G1 Underwood Stakes hero Russian Camelot. Making his debut for Rosegreen in a maiden the stable has dominated and used for the likes of Bolshoi Ballet and Serious Contender, he is joined by Il Corsaro (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), a half-brother to the Group 1-placed Big Blue (Galileo) and full-brother to the yard's one-time Derby prospect Denmark. 3.50 Leopardstown, Mdn, 2yo, f, 7f 30yT GARDEN PARTY (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is another outstanding prospect to emerge from Ballydoyle on this fixture, being the third foal out of the Falmouth, Prix Rothschild and Sun Chariot heroine Roly Poly (War Front) and granddaughter of Misty For Me (Galileo). Aidan O'Brien has two other runners, with the key player being the G3 Weld Park Stakes third Minerva (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), the 1.5 million gns daughter of Prize Exhibit (Showcasing) who is looking for a win at the seventh attempt. The post Lake Victoria’s Brother Druids Glen Debuts At Leopardstown appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-Keeneland, $100,719, Msw, 10-17, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 1:02.83, fm, 2 3/4 lengths. BEACH HEIST (f, 2, Omaha Beach–Pearl Heist, by Graydar) ran this group of maiden fillies off their feet in her debut race Friday for Will Walden. The 6-1 shot, drawn wide in this 10-horse field, was pushed from the gate for speed and was able to forge an advantage heading into the far turn. Opening up a sizeable gap back to Cardiff Reef (Omaha Beach) at the quarter pole, Beach Heist looked to put this race away down the lane even as 7-2 favorite Lion Lake (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) rocketed home from the back but still checked in a well-beaten second 2 3/4 lengths behind the winner. Beach Heist is the first foal out of a winning Graydar mare who has since produced a Hard Spun filly sold for $125,000 at Keeneland last month and a weanling Authentic colt. Pearl Heist is due to leading freshman sire Yaupon for 2026. Sales History: $80,000 Wlg '23 KEENOV; $80,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $63,938. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Redeemer Racing; B-J. Stephen McDonald (KY); T-William Walden. #8 BEACH HEIST ($14.56), a juvenile filly by @SpendthriftFarm's Omaha Beach, stole R4 at @KeenelandRacing. @NikJuarez was aboard for the @wwaldenracing trainee's maiden win. pic.twitter.com/yJU5VxCNJe — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 17, 2025 The post Beach Heist Steals Away Up Front To Win Keeneland Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

BBN Racing LLC has supplemented GISW Kilwin (Twirling Candy) to Book 1 of Keeneland's November Breeding Stock sale on Tuesday, Nov. 4, and the owners are offering a 25% interest in GSW Bracket Buster (Vekoma) during the second edition of the Keeneland Championship sale at Del Mar on Wednesday, Oct. 29, according to a press release from the auction company on Friday afternoon. Consigned by Royal Oak Farm (Damian and Braxton Lynch), agent for BBN, 3-year-old Kilwin has four wins in eight starts led by a signature come-from-behind score in the GI Test Stakes at the Spa this past summer. At last year's inaugural Keeneland Championship sale, the filly RNA'd for $575,000. Kilwin is a half-sister to GSW One Timer (Trappe Shot) and SW Just Basking (Arrogate). Her unraced dam is the Blame mare Spanish Star–a half-sister to GI Belmont Stakes hero Sir Winston (Awesome Again). “Kilwin is an incredibly versatile performer who was precocious at 2 with a win in a million-dollar race on turf and the next year scored a Grade I victory on dirt at Saratoga with a heart-stopping performance to win one of America's most historic races,” BBN Racing Founding Partner Brian Klatsky said. “With her prowess on dirt and turf, she's a true collector's item.” Also consigned by Royal Oak, a quarter stake in GI DK Travers Stakes runner-up Bracket Buster will be offered during Keeneland's sale at Del Mar. Last out, the 3-year-old colt won the GIII Oklahoma Derby as the odds-on favorite at Remington Park Sept. 28. “BBN Racing purchased both Kilwin and Bracket Buster at Keeneland's September Yearling sale, and both horses are wonderful additions to our upcoming sales,” said Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy. “We thank them for their tremendous support.” Click here for the November sale catalogue and here for the Championship sale catalogue. The post BBN Racing Supplements GISW Kilwin, Share In GSW Bracket Buster To Upcoming Keeneland Sales appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lael Stables's MGISW She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}), considered the top American runner to challenge the Europeans in GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf Stakes, continued her steady pattern for trainer Cherie DeVaux by working a half-mile in :48 on Friday morning at Keeneland. Drilling with stablemate & GSW Taking Candy (Twirling Candy), the 4-year-old logged her fifth Friday half-mile breeze since winning the GI E.P. Taylor Stakes at Woodbine on Aug. 16, which offered the filly an automatic ticket to the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar. “She has been working well, and I just need to keep her sound and happy,” trainer Cherie DeVaux said after the work. She Feels Pretty is scheduled to work again here next Friday and then fly to Del Mar as part of a three-horse World Championships contingent for DeVaux, who collected her first championship score last year with More Than Looks (More Than Ready) in the GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile. DeVaux's other runners are expected to be GISP Rebel Red (GB) (Frankel {GB}) for the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf and GISW Vahva (Gun Runner) for the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. The former–who will be offered in Book 1 of Keeneland's November Breeding Stock sale Nov. 4–worked a half-mile Friday morning over the local course's main track in :48.80 in company with SW Northern Invader (Collected). Vahva is scheduled to work Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET. “I was pleased with him this morning,” DeVaux said of Rebel Red, whose best finish in graded stakes this year was a second in the GI Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 9. “He has run some really good races and that puts him right there [with possible Breeders' Cup entrants].” The post MGISW She Feels Pretty Looks The Part Drilling For DeVaux At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

St Elias Stable's Captain Cook (Practical Joke), a heartbreaking second at 20-1 in the GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial S. at Saratoga Aug. 23, will be favored to register a first career graded success in Saturday's GIII Perryville S. at Keeneland. Winner of the Withers S. in February, the 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' was making his first start for Todd Pletcher in the Allen Jerkens. The field of six for the Perryville also includes GII San Vicente S. winner and Allen Jerkens third Barnes (Into Mischief) and GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby winner Owen Almighty (Speightstown). 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Ragtime (Union Rags), the 3-1 morning-line favorite in Keeneland's GII Lexus Raven Run S., is a neck away from a perfect four-for-four record. The Godolphin homebred was a too-good-to-lose second in the GI Test S. at Saratoga Aug. 2, then annexed the GIII Dogwood S. at Churchill Sept. 20. The full field of 12 also includes 'Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) and Simply Joking (Practical Joke), who both return following disappointing efforts in the GI Kentucky Oaks May 2. Saturday's graded action also includes: the GII Sands Point S. at the Belmont at the Big A meeting and the GIII Ontario Derby at Woodbine, featuring a rematch between King's Plate S. winner Mansetti (Collected) and Prince of Wales S. winner Runaway Again (Hard Spun). The post ‘Rising Stars’ Captain Cook, Ragtime Headline Keeneland Graded Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Embroidery and Kamunyak, winners of the first two legs of the Japanese Filly Triple Crown, square off in the final leg, the Shuka Sho (G1) Oct. 19 at Tokyo Racecourse.View the full article

TATTERSALLS, ENGLAND – A world away from Book 1 and 2 of the October Yearling Sale, Adam Kirby stocked up on four yearlings on the final day of Book 3, where the Derby-winning jockey admitted that his 'heart went out' to the people who produced the lion's share of the horses that went through the ring on Friday. The top price generated on Friday was a 44,000gns Palace Pier filly that was consigned by Oakgrove Stud and sold to Spanish interests Outsider Bloodstock. Two more horses managed to make 40,000gns on a day when the total turnover climbed by 11% to 1,837,100gns. The median was up by 6% to just 8,500gns while the average climbed 14% to 11,776gns. The clearance rate was the exact same as last year at 72%. With four yearlings bought for a combined 33,000gns, Kirby was one of the busier buyers on the ground on Friday, but he wasn't celebrating. In fact, he drew empathy to many of the breeders and consignors who lost money despite the sale being strong compared to previous years. He commented, “I'm well aware that it's Book 3 but, as far as I am concerned, I feel I have bought some well-priced and nice horses. I wouldn't have liked to have bred them and produced them for the money that I have paid for them. But I am very pleased to have got my hands on a few yearlings. A couple of them look to be quite sharp. We're excited – roll on next season and away we'll go.” He added, “It hasn't been easy for them [the consignors who sold horses on Friday] and my heart does go out to them. Obviously, there were some amazing prices at Book 1 and 2, but I am not going to stand here and say that I can afford them because I can't. Like I said, I am very pleased with the prices I have paid but I feel sorry for the people who have produced them – it's barely the price of the stallion nomination in many cases.” A gifted rider, Kirby's greatest day in the saddle came when he partnered Adayar to win the Derby 2021. Since his retirement, he has earned a reputation as being one of the most talented pre-trainers in Britain, but the competitive bone in his body has driven him to take his trainers' licence out. “Listen, we'll only train a select few horses from a small yard. All of the pre-training will be staying exactly how it is. We will not be sacrificing that side of the business whatsoever. We're simply buying a few to race to keep our eye in and for a day out. When you sit at home all the time, it gets a bit boring! We'll scratch that itch now and we'll see how we go. I'm not an outwardly confident person but this is something that I am pleased that I have decided to pursue.” Kirby added, “When you're buying a yearling, you're buying a dream. They're not exposed and they're not ruined. So, the dream is alive until you find out it isn't. That's the beauty of buying yearlings.” As for Book 3 on the whole, the turnover was up by 17% to 9,517,600gns, the median by 27% to 19,000gns and the average by 19% to 23,676gns. The clearance rate dropped by 2% to 79%. Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented, “The three Books of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales represent arguably the most important fortnight in the European bloodstock calendar as the thoroughbred world descends on Newmarket, the hub of European horse racing. Over the last two weeks we have seen turnover surpass 200 million guineas for the third time in four years, the two highest priced yearlings sold anywhere in the world this year, 16 lots selling for 1 million guineas or more and sustained demand for quality yearlings from all corners of the globe. “The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale consistently attracts the largest share of the best European yearlings to come to market each year, and Books 1 and 2 have seen a remarkable 189 yearlings realise 300,000 guineas or more, 77% of the yearlings to realise that figure at public auction in Europe this year. Tribute must be paid to the breeders and consignors from Britain, Ireland and further afield who entrust their best yearlings to Tattersalls, safe in the knowledge that the global racecourse success of those yearlings continues to attract the world's leading buyers year after year.” He added, “We have welcomed large numbers of international visitors to Newmarket throughout Books 1 to 3 with significant numbers of American purchasers joined by buyers from throughout the Gulf region including Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. They have been joined by purchasers from Australia, China, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan and Spain alongside a strong domestic buying bench. Those buyers include many principals, whose continued support is such a feature of sales at Tattersalls, attracted by the numerous racecourse successes of graduates including recent Group 1 winners Gewan, Ombudsman, Venetian Sun, Wise Approach and 35,000 gns purchase Zavateri. “The demand for quality yearlings, especially from overseas buyers, reflects the esteem in which British and Irish thoroughbreds are held globally. However, this success is under continual threat by headwinds including the spectre of increased betting taxes which could cost the industry millions, the fragility of the rural economy due to increased costs and taxes, and the failure of governments to recognise the value of an industry that can legitimately be regarded as a world leader. These challenges undermine a true British success story and threaten livelihoods.” The post Adam Kirby Lands Four Yearlings At Lowkey End To Tattersalls Book 3 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Oisin Murphy will donate £25,000 to the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and an equal amount to Racing Welfare, if he keeps his place at the top of the World Pool Jockeys' Championship, which ends at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day on Saturday. The four-time champion jockey holds a considerable 54.55-point lead over Kieran Shoemark, meaning Shoemark would have to ride a winner at World Pool odds of 54.60 and Murphy draw a blank to be passed. Back in third is the now Hong Kong-based Richard Kingscote, while David Egan is 67.80 points adrift in fourth. Ryan Moore, currently sidelined through injury, sits fifth. Murphy said, “I can't thank World Pool enough. It's an amazing initiative and I've been so pleased to see myself climbing to the top of the leaderboard and then stay there over the last few months. “It's a huge amount of money, and I'd like to split it between two charities. Firstly, the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), which touches me because a very close family friend of ours is suffering with it at the moment, and Racing Welfare, who do so much for our industry. “This has been a particularly sad week for all at Racing Welfare and in our industry, as we were shocked to hear of the death of Nicki Strong, who headed Racing Welfare's communications and marketing, and all our thoughts are with her colleagues, friends and family at this very difficult time.” The post Murphy To Evenly Split £50K Donation Between MNDA And Racing Welfare appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), the sire of 11 graded winners in 2025 (17 black-type winners in total), including three at the elite level, will stand the 2026 breeding season at Goncalo Torrealba's Three Chimneys Farm for a fee of $250,000 LFSN, the nursery announced Friday. During another banner season for his offspring at the races, Gun Runner is the sire of 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Sierra Leone, who made this year's Whitney Stakes the third Grade I success of his career and who remains on track to defend his title in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar in two weeks' time. Fellow 'Rising Star' Locked was imperious in romping to a daylight victory in the GI Santa Anita Handicap, while 'Rising Star' Brant, who topped this year's OBS March Sale on a bid of $3 million from Zedan Racing, became the most recent of his sire's 11 overall top-level scorers in September's Del Mar Futurity and figures one of the choices for the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Gun Runner's influence was not just confined to the racetrack, as his youngest progeny continued to make headlines in the sales ring. According to TDN Sales Statistics, Gun Runner is the leading general sires of yearlings in 2025, with 49 sold from 56 through the ring for an average of $974,591. No fewer than 17 of his yearlings sold for pricetags in excess of $1 million and he made history at this year's Keeneland September Sale, becoming the first sire to account for the toppers in the four sessions comprising Books 1 and 2. A colt out of Grade II Adirondack Stakes heroine Thoughtfully (Tapit) topped the sale on a bid of $3.3 million from M.V. Magnier, White Birch and Winchell Thoroughbreds. “Gun Runner is continuing to prove our dreams can become a reality,” Torrealba said. “Three Chimneys and our partners continue to breed our best mares to him which we believe will further his influence on the breed.” Newgate (Into Mischief) will command a service fee of $17,500 in 2026. “Into Mischief's son Newgate, who won the GI Santa Anita Handicap, competing among the best of his generation, defeating eight Grade I winners during his career, was extremely popular with breeders,” said Three Chimneys board member Chief Stipe Cauthen. “Newgate is one of the best-looking horses you will ever see,” added Cauthen. Gun Runner's Grade I winner Gun Pilot enters his second season at Three Chimneys and will cover mares at $12,500. “He is very much like his sire Gun Runner–scopy and strong,” said Three Chimneys Director of Stallion Nominations Rebecca Nicholson. “He bred a full book of mares in his first season, and we want to continue the momentum by offering great value on him.” Volatile (Violence) is the sire of 10 stakes performers in 2025, 50% of which were graded performers, and will stand for a fee of $10,000. Among his leading earners this year are GSW and track-record setting 'TDN Rising Star' Tip Top Thomas, GIII Southwest Stakes winner Speed King, and promising 2-year-old Igniter, who is targeting the GII Remsen Stakes. Rounding out the roster is Funtastic (More Than Ready) who hails from the family of Gun Runner. His top earner, Funtastic Again, captured the GIII Dominion Stakes at Woodbine. Funtastic will stand for a fee of $2,500 LFSN. Three Chimneys has also announced that Sky Mesa (Pulpit) will be pensioned. Now 25, the son of Caress (Storm Cat), accounted for 80 stakes winners, 26 at the graded/group level, and four at the highest level–General Quarters, Perfec Alibi, Sky Diva and Uruguyan Group 1 winner Giulia. The post Gun Runner Anchors Three Chimneys Stallions at $250K, Sky Mesa Pensioned appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

3rd-KEE, $110k, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 2:04 p.m. ET Naughty by Nature (Into Mischief), a daughter of GI Del Mar Debutante S. and GI Chandelier S. winner Moonshine Memories (Malibu Moon), debuts for LNJ Foxwoods and Church Street Stable and trainer Rusty Arnold. The $450,000 KEESEP yearling purchase was bred in Kentucky by Orpendale/Chelston/Wynatt, Westerberg Ireland ULC, et al. Tyler Gaffalione has the call. TJCIS PPs The post Saturday Insights: Into Mischief Filly Out of Moonshine Memories Debuts at Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Over 40 lots have been catalogued for the ThoroughBid October Sale. Bidding gets underway at 9 a.m. on Friday, October 24. One of the most notable consignments is from Gordon Elliott, who will send the 132-rated chaser Mars Harper (Sulamani) (lot 34) through the ring. He will be sold with an entry into Aintree's Grand Sefton over National fences on November 8. Elliott also has Tullybeg (Sholokhov) (lot 18) set to sell. Also rated 132, he is joined by a mix of experienced winners and young prospects, including Eternal Echo (Fascinating Rock) (lot 23), who won on debut over hurdles earlier this year. Apart from the Elliott draft is Tony Joe (Westerner) (lot 29), a half-brother to Ahoy Senor (Dylan Thomas) who is trained by Tom Ellis. He won on his seasonal bow at Hexham last week. ThoroughBid CEO James Richardson said, “We're thrilled to have Gordon Elliott back with such a strong and varied consignment for the October Sale. His support and the quality of horses he brings always add a great deal of appeal to our catalogues. Mars Harper and Tullybeg in particular stand out as two excellent prospects. “The Tom Ellis-trained Tony Joe, who's a half-brother to five-time Graded winner Ahoy Senor, is also a strong feature of our October Sale catalogue as well as Henry de Bromhead's seven-year-old gelding Marv Michael, rated 126 over fences. With a total of 42 lots entered across the board, there's something for every type of buyer, which is very exciting.” The post Baker’s Dozen From Gordon Elliott’s Yard Anchor ThoroughBid October Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There likely aren't many, if anyone for that matter, involved in any meaningful way in the steeplechase industry in the U.S. that has not heard of Keri Brion. However, the 34-year-old is quickly making a name for herself with her flat stable as well, largely helped by a quintet of winners at Saratoga last summer, including Miztertonic (Mission Impazible), victorious at the Spa the past two seasons. On full display and getting to flex both muscles at Far Hills in New Jersey Saturday, Brion will saddle horses in five of the six events on the card, including the 2 5/8-mile G1 Grand National Hurdles Stakes as well as the day's finale, the John Forbes Memorial over two miles on the flat. Brion will be represented by Swore (Broken Vow) in the Grand National, while 5-year-old Ocean City (American Pharoah) will wave the KB Racing banner in the John Forbes. Notably, Brion has won both races previously, taking the Grand National with The Mean Queen in 2021 in addition to the inaugural John Forbes Memorial with Agitare the following season. “Swore was eligible for the Novice stake [the restricted Foxbrook Champion Hurdle, race 4] and the Grade 1 [Grand National] and we decided to take a shot at the Grade 1,” she explained. “We went back and forth about what the right thing to do was and I just think the track and distance and everything about him screams that he should love this track.” Previously trainer by Graham Motion on the flat, Swore has made only three starts over hurdles, finishing better than second in all of them. Stepping up from a [jump] maiden win at Colonial Downs in August, the 6-year-old won the G1 Lonesome Glory Handicap at the Big A on Sept. 18. “My horse is a bit of an unknown,” she admitted. “He is young and slightly inexperienced against some of these more seasoned horses, but I think very highly of him. It's a very hot race. But I have loved him from the day he came to my barn and the decision to run him in the Grade 1 is not a decision we took lightly. I am quietly confident.” Also somewhat of an unknown in the card's final race, Brion was equally high on this year's John Forbes contender, Ocean City. “I have won the race before and I know what it takes to win it and he definitely has what it takes,” Brion said. “He should definitely run well.” Previously trained by Brittany Russell, the 5-year-old was a well-beaten sixth in his debut going 2 1/4 miles over the hurdles at Colonial Downs in August before finishing a much-improved second in a two-mile test on the flat on Sept. 11. “He ended up in a maiden race at Colonial Downs that went incredibly fast early,” Brion said explaining the gelding's poor debut jumping effort. “If you look at the fractions they were almost going flat horse time. It's a very hard thing to do to make your hurdle debut with a pace in front of you going that fast. The leaders didn't stay on either, but it's really a hard thing for a horse to do. It wasn't really anything on him. He got the trip. His jumping was a bit green, but it was hard for him to make up ground when they went so fast early.” Despite his poor showing over hurdles, Brion explained that she still feels the gelding has options in the future. “I will jump him again but I think very highly of him on the flat,” she said. “We ran him at Colonial in the 2-mile race just as a prep. He got into a lot of traffic, but he came flying late. I am quietly confident about him going two miles up and down hills.” Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree A native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Brion grew up in nearby Kirkwood, where her passion for horses and racing was ignited at a very young age. “I started with racehorses when I was 10 years old,” she said. “I was with Ronnie and Betsy Houghton [Sylmar Farm]. It was just up the road from me. I was there for nine years.” Riding junior pony races when she was 14, she took on competing in junior races at the steeplechase meets at 15. After joining Hall of Fame Jonathan Sheppard's operation in 2009, Brion rode her first flat race at a steeplechase meet in 2010 and it was another year before she rode her first hurdle race. The last assistant to Sheppard after an 11-year tenure, Brion launched her own training operation upon Sheppard's retirement in 2021. Sheppard died in 2023 at the age of 82. “I didn't really work for anybody else so I really came up under him,” she said. “I developed a very good relationship with a lot of the owners, and I knew there would come a time that I would go out on my own, but I decided to stick it out as long as I did.” What did Brion learn from her Hall of Fame mentor? “Everything.” She explained, “The biggest things that I learned from him was about letting them just be horses and training each horse individually. It was also his ability to get inside a horse's head. He treated very horse as an individual. We did some things with horses that I remember thinking, 'this will never work.' Maybe it was with a horse that refused to train. He would get them out in the fields and eventually get them training. He did different things that stayed with me.” In her first season after hanging up her own shingle, she campaigned The Mean Queen, winner of the [American] Grand National and ultimately was named the Eclipse Award winning steeplechase horse that season. Primarily based at Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland, Brion currently extends her team of runners to compete on other circuits, including Fair Grounds in the winter as well as maintaining strings at Saratoga, Colonial and Delaware in the summer. While Brion is probably still most recognized for her success in steeplechase, the concentration of flat horses versus her jump team weighs heavily toward the former division. “We probably have about 70 [flat horses] to 30 [NH],” she said. “We pretty much race everywhere in the Midlantic.” As is the case with most new trainers, the start wasn't an easy one, however, it didn't take long for success to come knocking. “I had 20 stalls at Fair Hill when I started and eight of them weren't filled,” she laughed. “Now I have two barns of 70 horses there with others horses stabled elsewhere too.” Looking to manage her training operation as a business rather than just an expensive hobby, Brion admits that purses in the steeplechase industry makes it a little cost prohibitive in term of expanding that area of her operation further as well as maintaining her ever-expanding staff. “At this point, we focus at the top level with the jumpers,” she said. “I have been so blessed in that area and my business model is to focus at that level. Horses like Swore, who you know pretty early on that they are nice horses, that's what I look at. I've become very selective with the steeplechase horses I have in the barn.” In 2024, Brion's stable won 42 races for earnings of $2,079,202. So far this year, she appears on track to surpass that figure with already over $1.9 million in the coffers. Yet, despite her well-publicized connection to jump racing, Brion admits that playing, and winning, on a big stage like Saratoga was an important step in also boosting her growing recognition in flat racing circles. “[In 2024], I had my first flat winner at Saratoga [won four at the meet] and this year we had 5 from the small group that we ran,” she explained. “We've done well with the flat horses, and two Saratoga meets have gone a long way in terms of my clientele, like getting new clients and investing in young horses. The consistency in the stable has given me the opportunity to increase the quality and quantity of the horses.” “Overall, the quality in the barn has increased a lot in the last 2-3 three years. We have better horses. [Kirk and Debra Wycoff's] Three Diamonds Farm has also really helped amp up my flat horses, because they have given me better horses in general.” Whether it's on the flat or over hurdles, the goal remains crystal clear for the up-and-coming trainer. “It's been a goal of mine since I took over training–developing my stable,” she said. “It's not so much about the numbers but to have the winners and have the quality to do that.” The post Brion Poised to Shine Bright at Far Hills and Beyond appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The G1 Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle will move from Champion Day, March 10, to St Patrick's Thursday, March 13, during next year's Cheltenham Festival, the racecourse announced on Friday. Due to the date change, the distance of the race is now 2m 4f 56y on the New Course, instead of 2m 3f 200y on the Old Course. Moving into the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle's old spot is the TrustATrader Plate Handicap Chase, which will be the sixth race on Champion Day. A further change to the running order on St Patrick's Thursday is that the feature race, the Ryanair Chase, will now take place at 4 p.m. with the Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle being run at 3:20 p.m. Jon Pullin, head of racing at The Jockey Club and clerk of the course at Cheltenham Racecourse, said, “The race programme at The Festival is one of constant evolution and we are always looking at ways to enhance the experience for all stakeholders. “Having previously been run on Champion Day, the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle was always somewhat in the shadow of the Unibet Champion Hurdle. The Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle is the pinnacle of a very successful mares' programme that has been developed by the industry over the last 20 years. In this time, we have seen the number of mares training in Great Britain increase from 18% to almost 25% and some of the most memorable moments at The Festival include performances by mares such as Honeysuckle and Epatante. By moving to St Patrick's Thursday, we feel the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle will receive more attention and receive the coverage a race of its status merits. We also believe this change enhances the overall race programme across The Festival, with each of the four days now having at least three Grade 1 contests.” The post Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle Moved To St Patrick’s Thursday At Cheltenham appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The catalogue for the Goffs October HIT and Yearling Sale at Doncaster has grown by 14 lots with the late addition of Mr McLoughland (Forever Now) (lot 89) and 13 other lots. A winner of two of his three hurdle starts for Jack Jones, Mr McLoughland is joined by lot 90, Jaycee Reidy (Walk In The Park), who won his second and most recent point-to-point; lot 92, Western Zephyr (Westerner), a four-time winner over hurdles and fences and second in a Grade 2 chase at Cheltenham last season; and King Jon Oliver (Karaktar) (lot 95) among others. The main sale features a 13-lot unreserved dispersal of Brookhouse Racing. The Goffs October HIT & Yearling Sale will be held at Doncaster on Tuesday, October 21 at 11 a.m. The post Classy Hurdler Leads Supplements To Goffs October HIT And Yearling Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article