Wandering Eyes

Before Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and Journalism (Curlin), there was Fierceness (City of Light) and Sierra Leone (Gun Runner). While we patiently wait for round three between the top two 3-year-olds in the country, last year's two standout sophomores and 'TDN Rising Stars' Fierceness and Sierra Leone will meet for the fifth time and first this year in Saturday's GI Whitney S. at Saratoga, a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. Fierceness defeated Sierra Leone in both the GII Jim Dandy S. and GI Travers S. at Saratoga last summer. Sierra Leone turned the tables with a powerful, come-from-behind win after benefitting from a hot pace with Fierceness back in second in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar. The two also met in last year's GI Kentucky Derby. Sierra Leone was a painful second, beaten just a nose, while Fierceness never fired as the 3-1 favorite in 15th. Fierceness, campaigned by Repole Stable and the Coolmore partners of Derrick Smith, Michael B. Tabor and Mrs. John Magnier, has made two starts so far this season. The champion 2-year-old colt of 2023 established a new track record for 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs in his comebacker in the GII Alysheba S. May 2, then was a disappointing second as the favorite after encountering some early trouble in the GI Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan H. over a sloppy-and-sealed track at the Spa June 7. “He's been training great like he always does and, so far, everything has gone according to plan,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “He's just super talented, and when he's able to put together his 'A' race, he's very, very good.” Pletcher has won the Whitney four previous times. The rail-drawn, two-time GISW this term and 'Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution) was also entered by Pletcher, but will scratch as long as Fierceness is good to go. “I think it has established itself as sort of the marquee older horse race in the country next to the Breeders' Cup Classic,” Pletcher said of the Whitney. Last year's champion 3-year-old colt and $2.3-million Fasig-Tipton Saratoga buy Sierra Leone, owned by Peter Brant, Magnier, Tabor, Smith, Westerberg and Brook T. Smith, is winless in two attempts for trainer Chad Brown since his Classic win. He finished third in the GII New Orleans Classic S. Mar. 22 and a rallying second behind Mindframe in the GI Stephen Foster S. June 28. Sierra Leone | Sarah Andrew There should be plenty of pace in the Whitney courtesy of 50-1 outsiders Mama's Gold (Bolt d'Oro) and the Brown-trained and Brant-owned Contrary Thinking (Into Mischief). “Hopefully the race sets up for him,” Brown said. “He's run some good numbers here and just come up a little short. His end results have been better at other racetracks, but I don't think he hates this track. We'll see how the track is playing Saturday and if it's playing fairly and the pace is fair, I think he has a good shot.” The field for the Whitney includes eight millionaires. It has also attracted: last year's GI Jockey Club Gold Cup S. winner Highland Falls (Curlin); the classy Saffie Joseph, Jr.-trained duo of White Abarrio (Race Day) and Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator); and popular Maryland-bred Post Time (Frosted). Saturday's 13-race program at the Spa features four other graded stakes events, including the 'Win and You're In' GI Fanduel Fourstardave S. Johannes (Nyquist) invades from Tim Yakteen's Southern California base after winning five of six starts last season, led by the GI Shoemaker Mile S. The 5-2 morning-line favorite followed a very good second-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Mile with a win in the 1 1/8-mile GII San Gabriel S. last out Dec. 26. The field of 10 also includes last-out GI Resorts World Casino Manhattan S. winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Deterministic (Liam's Map) and the race's beaten favorite and MGISW Spirit of St Louis (Medaglia d'Oro). Johannes | Sarah Andrew Echo Sound (Echo Town) headlines a fantastic renewal of the GI Test S. She earned a field-best 101 Beyer Speed Figure winning the local GIII Victory Ride S. July 3. The unbeaten and rail-drawn 'Rising Star' Ragtime (Union Rags) tries stakes company for the first time for Bill Mott. Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), winner of the 2024 G1 William Hill Futurity Trophy S. at Doncaster, will make his U.S. debut in the GI Saratoga Derby Invitational. The 7-5 morning-line favorite will face eight rivals, including last-out GI Belmont Derby Invitational winner Test Score (Lookin At Lucky). A pair of very exciting 2-year-olds will face off in the GII Saratoga Special S. Obliteration (Violence) won his first two career starts by a combined 18 lengths, led by a runaway decision in the GIII Sanford S. July 5. Ewing (Knicks Go) was a slam dunk 'TDN Rising Star' on debut, winning by 12 lengths two races earlier on the same program. Obliteration | Sarah Andrew The talented Kopion (Omaha Beach) will stretch out to 1 1/16 miles for Richard Mandella in the 'Win and You're In' GI Clement L. Hirsch S. at Del Mar. The field of six also includes Seismic Beauty (Uncle Mo) and Richi (Chi) (Practical Joke), a pair of impressive last-out graded stakes winners for Bob Baffert. Other graded stakes action this weekend includes: the GIII Seagram Cup S. at Woodbine Saturday; and Sunday's GII Troy S. and GIII Adirondack S. at Saratoga; GIII Pucker Up S. at Ellis Park; and GIII West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer. The post Fierceness, Sierra Leone Renew Rivalry in Loaded Whitney appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The first yearling by champion Flightline to sell in the U.S. will go through the sales ring early during Monday's first session of the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale and the filly, bred by Jeff Drown and Don Rachel and consigned by Indian Creek, is from a family that has already enjoyed a heady day at the Humphrey S. Finney pavilion. Out of All American Dream (American Pharoah), hip 34 is a half-sister to graded-stakes winning Barnes (Into Mischief), who sold for $3.2 million at the 2023 Saratoga sale. Hip 34 will be one of nine yearlings from the first crop of Flightline scheduled to go through the ring at the two-day Saratoga auction next week. “Obviously, Flightline generated incredible buzz as a racehorse and I think it's just held, if not strengthened, as he's gone into the breeding shed,” Indian Creek's Sarah Sutherland said. “And now here we are with his first crop of yearlings. Shares in him have sold well, weanlings by him have sold well. And to have a boutique group of them here in Saratoga with, I am sure, physicals to match these incredible pedigrees, is going to be exciting. As a seller, we are all going to help each other. Everybody that has a nice one, we all give each other a boost that way.” Of Indian Creek's offering by the stallion, Sutherland said, “She is a filly that will speak for herself, I think, here on the grounds. She will be easily identified by people on paper, obviously, being by Flightline, and the mare is off to a great start with Barnes. And then when you see her, I think you understand pretty quickly how much class and how serious she is.” All American Dream is one of the first horses Drown, founder and CEO of the Minnesota-based Lyon Contracting, and good friend Rachel, founder of Rachel Contracting, acquired when they got into racing in the late 2010s. The filly, who RNA'd for $775,000 at the 2018 Fasig-Tipton October Yearling Sale, is out of A.P. Dream (A.P. Indy), a full-sister to Grade I winner Majestic Warrior, and a daughter of multiple Grade I winner Dream Supreme (Seeking the Gold). “Jeff and Don, in partnership, when they buy fillies at the yearling sales, the plan is always long-term thinking and you are looking for fillies that could potentially turn into top mares and have that residual value and that back class,” Sutherland said. While All American Dream failed to hit the board in just two trips to the post, she has quickly rewarded the partners in the breeding shed. “She wasn't able to race for as long as we hoped, but I think we are seeing now that the depth of her pedigree is really coming forward with what she has produced,” Sutherland said. “She is a mare that we have long-term plans for, hopefully.” Barnes was All American Dream's first foal. After selling for $3.2 million to Amr Zedan, the colt followed his debut victory at Churchill Downs last November with a victory in the GII San Vicente Stakes in his second start. He was second behind Journalism (Curlin) in the GII San Felipe Stakes. “I think we are still living a fairy tale with Barnes,” said Sutherland. “This mare is pretty special. Barnes was her first foal and he was one of those where when he was born, you sort of just knew immediately. There was no guess work or questioning. He was pretty outstanding at birth and he just continued to show that at each stage through his growth. As a weanling and a yearling, anything you asked him to do, he just did so willingly and happily. He was a horse with a lot of quiet confidence and I think you see that in this filly as well. Just the class level is pretty neat to be around.” Drown and Rachel had almost immediate success on the racetrack with the likes of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Structor (Palace Malice), while Drown made it to the GI Kentucky Derby with 2022 GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes winner Zandon (Upstart), who finished third on the First Saturday in May. Of the push and pull of maintaining both a racing stable and a commercial breeding operation, Sutherland explained, “You are sort of looking at the individuals. Especially with a young mare like All American Dream, you do feel protective of them and you want to make sure they get off on the right foot with those first couple of foals. When we brought Barnes up here, our thought was, we love him and hopefully the market receives him in the same light. If so, he will get into good hands and a great program. If not, we will protect him and try to help the mare ourselves.” In the winner's circle with Zandon | Janet Garaguso Barnes's seven-figure price tag made it an easier decision to keep the mare's second foal, a son of Essential Quality. Now a 2-year-old and named All American Boy, the chestnut is in training with Brad Cox at Ellis Park. “He was impressive when he was down with Ian Brennan at Stonestreet and, so far, I think it's been all positive,” Sutherland said of reports on the juvenile. “He's got to go and do it now, but so far, so good.” All American Dream produced a full-brother to Barnes this year and was bred back to Into Mischief. While the partners offer the mare's only filly to date, Sutherland agreed there were hopes to eventually have a daughter out of her to join the broodmare band. “We have a lot of confidence in her,” Sutherland said of the yearling filly. “We will see how we get on here. All American Dream is a young mare. We are confident we can have luck on our side and get another filly from her.” Ultimately, it's a balancing act between racing and selling, but always with an eye towards the bottom line, Sutherland agreed. “It is business,” Sutherland said. “As much fun as it is to race, some of these can help some others in the program. So we do try to look at it that way as well and balance it out.” Drown has about 10 broodmares in his band and, according to Sutherland, expects to stay on that number as he focuses on breeding at the top level. “Similar to his racing operation, the focus is on quality and trying to breed and participate at a very high level,” Sutherland said. “And he's been great that way. He's been very careful about what mares he buys and supports them with top stallions. And it's been fun supporting Zandon, too. He raced Zandon, so we have had a couple mares go to him.” Just like the fast start on the racetrack, the partners have stormed out of the gates in the sales ring. “That was first sale that Don came to,” Sutherland said of the 2023 Saratoga sale that saw Barnes bring $3.2 million. “So he's at 100%.” She continued, “It's been a lot of fun working with them. Jeff and Don are great friends and have great energy and a lot of enthusiasm. It's just a very positive sort of program and group to work with. They make it a whole lot of fun.” The Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale will be held Monday and Tuesday evenings at the Humphrey S. Finney Sales Pavilion. Bidding begins each night at 6:30 p.m. The post Flightline Filly Could Keep the Mojo Working for Drown, Rachel at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale 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-pedigreed 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 Action (Ire), the Frankel (GB) half-brother to Lambourn (Ire) (Australia {GB}). 4.27 Galway, Mdn, €20,000, 2yo, 8f 73yT ACTION (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) could hardly have shaped with more promise on debut at The Curragh last month and looks poised to build on that third placing behind fellow Ballydoyle runner New Zealand in a maiden the stable has performed well in. The third foal out of the G2 Queen Mary runner-up Gossamer Wings (Scat Daddy), the half-brother to the current Derby and Irish Derby hero Lambourn by Galileo's Australia is joined by the yard's newcomer Christmas Day (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), a 450,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 half-brother to the triple Grade III winner Missed The Cut. Meeting them is Imad Al Sagar's Spectical (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), a Jessica Harrington-trained half-brother to the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Lumiere (Shamardal) who cost €450,000 at Goffs Orby Book 1. The post Saturday Observations: Action! Lambourn’s Half-Brother in the Spotlight Again at Galway appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY–The cell phone rang, and, on the other end, Mike Repole was rolling. “I've won the Alabama twice, I've won the Jim Dandy three times … I have to pinch myself,” Repole, his rat-a-tat-tat all-Queens accent working in overdrive, said from his summer home in New England. “I've won the Coaching Club (American Oaks) twice. I've won the Hopeful … to win the Travers once in your life is one in a million. I've won it twice, so it's one in a billion!” And a pause. In the background, Gioia, his 10-year-old daughter could be heard. “Are you bragging?” Gioia asked her dad. Dad laughed and kept on going. Until he came to the $1-million GI Whitney Stakes. He's over a barrel on that one. The flamboyant and outspoken 56-year-old horse owner hasn't gotten to the Whitney winner's circle.Yet. He's hoping that changes Saturday when 'TDN Rising Star' Fierceness (City of Light) carries the Repole flag in the Saratoga signature race for older horses. He owns the 4-year-old, the 9-5 Whitney morning-line favorite with Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor and Mrs. John Magnier. Repole's 'Rising Star' Mindframe (Constitution), who he owns with Vinnie and Teresa Viola's St. Elias Stable, is also entered in the Whitney, but will only run if Fierceness scratches. Both horses are trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher. This looks to be Repole's best chance to win the Whitney. Vino Rosso (Curlin) finished third in 2019. “Listen, on the New York circuit, I don't know how many races I feel I have to win,” he said. “The Whitney is definitely No. 1 on my bucket list. It's obviously a special race. I remember going to this race and seeing both Marylou (Whitney) and her husband (John Hendrickson) and they have both passed. It's a tradition in a historic place. Very special.” Repole is in an enviable position having two of the best older horses in training. Fierceness has won six of 11 career starts and is three for four lifetime at Saratoga. Last summer, he won both the GII Jim Dandy Stakes and GI Travers Stakes. Mindframe has won five of seven in his career and will be pointed to the GI Jockey Club Cup at the end of the meet. One day soon, most likely in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 1, both horses will square off. “If it happens, I would be blessed to have both in the Classic,” Repole said. “I guess it would be like having two kids on different sides of the football or basketball teams. Only one can win. You root for both of them to run great and one wins, and one comes in second. It is special to have these two older horses.” Post Time Always Gives it His Best Shot It was just a typical day for Post Time (Frosted), the playful 5-year-old horse from trainer Brittany Russell. After taking his tour of the Oklahoma Training Track with assistant trainer Emma Wolfe on board, Post Time came back to the barn and, after being unsaddled, was walked outside the shedrow. When he spied a small patch of dirt within the grass, Post Time did what Post Time does. He plopped himself down and rolled around while Wolfe just smiled and held on to his lead. Then he popped up and continued his walk. “Emma obviously does a fantastic job with him,” Russell, who arrived in Saratoga from Maryland Thursday, said. “She is really in tune with him. That goes a long way. If a horse needs a little extra special TLC, it's important to have someone who knows him like she does.” Post Time has been extra special to the Russell barn because wherever he goes, he shows up. In 18 career starts, he has never missed the board with 11 wins, three seconds and four third place finishes. Post Time with exercise rider Emma Wolfe | Sarah Andrew He was second in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, was third in last year's GI Whitney Stakes. He was also third in the GI Met Mile in 2024. As good as he has been, he has never won a Grade I and he will have to run the race of his life to get it in this year's Whitney, which is being held Saturday. “I want it for him,” Russell said of the elusive Grade I. “I want it for Ellen (Charles, of Hillwood Stables LLC, owner of Post Time). “I want it for my team. What will be will be. Horse racing is a tough sport. Keeping him healthy and competing at that level is a big part of it. If he could get it done, it would mean so much.” Post Time will be ridden by Sheldon Russell, Brittany's husband. He has been Post Time's partner in his last 15 starts. In their last appearance, Post Time won the Deputed Testamony Stakes at Laurel by 3 1/2 lengths on June 28. “This horse just always shows up,” Russell said of Post Time, who is 12-1 on the morning line in the loaded Whitney field. “It really doesn't matter what we throw at him. He is five years old and still playing at this level so, as long as he is loving it and keeps running like this, it's just special. These are good horses, it's an awesome race. I really feel like he deserves to be in there.” Look Forward Looking Forward to Test Trainer Michael McCarthy has sent a horse to Saratoga. Ok. Hold on. It's not Journalism (Curlin). While McCarthy continues to mull over what is next for his 3-year-old star, he has sent another 3-year-old to Saratoga. It's Look Forward (Bolt d'Oro), a 3-year-old filly who is here to run in Saturday's $500,000 seven-furlong GI Test Stakes. She was here nearly two months ago and ran a credible second to La Cara (Street Sense) in the GI Acorn Stakes. La Cara won that by three lengths; Look Forward won the battle for second by a neck over Scottish Lassie (McKinzie), who returned to win the GI Coaching Club American Oaks by 15 lengths. McCarthy, speaking from California, was perusing the weather forecast for the Saratoga weekend. He liked when he saw rain in the forecast for Thursday; not so much when he saw sunny and clear for the weekend. Look Forward, owned by Reddam Racing LLC, relished the off track in the Acorn. “I want it to pour,” McCarthy said with a laugh. “We were very pleased with that effort in the Acorn.” Look Forward arrived in Saratoga earlier this week. She has won three of seven career starts with a pair of seconds. She will be ridden by Umberto Rispoli, who is making the trip from California. He rode her in the Acorn and was on board when she won the seven-furlong GII Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill Downs on May 2. The post Saratoga Notebook Presented By NYRA: Whitney The Race Repole Really Wants To Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SCRATCH IT (f, 2, Tapit–Carolyn's Cat, by Forestry) posted the 12-1 upset Friday in her debut going 1 1/16 miles on firm turf at Saratoga. The Fasig-Tipton grad, who brought $490,000 at the Saratoga Sale last year, led this field from the beginning but had company for much of her run from Miss Picky (Uncle Mo) who dogged her throughout. Set down under Manny Franco at the quarter pole, Scratch It found another gear and stole away for a front-running score ahead of Connect the Stars (Connect). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Galvin, Fergus, Magnier, Mrs. M. V. and Shanahan, Linda; B-Newtown Anner Stud Farm; T-Brad H. Cox. Sales History: $490,000 ylg '24 FTSAUG. #5 SCRATCH IT ($26.60) finds she has an extra gear and wins on debut in Race 4 at Saratoga. @jockeyfranco was in the saddle for @bradcoxracing. Congratulations to all of the connections with this 2yo filly by @Gainesway's Tapit. Bet Saratoga at https://t.co/D7Oyk4P0QQ pic.twitter.com/LDHQm6Mna0 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 1, 2025 The post Tapit Filly Scratch It A 12-1 Upset Winner On Debut At Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Having a grade 1 win at Saratoga Race Course is a huge asset when it's time to run in another grade 1 at the Spa. But all grade 1s are not the same. Especially at Saratoga.View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk There’ll be a new Borcoskie in the sulky at Addington on Sunday. Just 17, Thomas Borcoskie will make his race day debut when he drives two horses trained by his father Paul. Mount Thomas will be at big odds in Race 2, the Thank You , Bill and Helen Bishop and Canty Equine Trot (1.07pm), while Archer will be well-supported in Race 3, the Woodlands Stud Producing World-class Equine Athletes Pace (1.45pm). In Race 2 he will line up against some very familiar faces, most notably his uncle Brent Borcoskie who trains and will drive Bacardi Doll At $67 Mount Thomas is not expected to be a factor with Tom Borcoskie saying “he doesn’t have a lot of high speed and will probably benefit from the grass tracks”. In contrast, Archer heads back to the races after a win two starts back when Blair Orange speared him to the front then took the perfect trail before getting up on the markers. Archer is currently a $5.50 equal third favourite behind Arizonawildcat ($2.60) and Wolf Of Wall Street ($3.90). Both Mount Thomas and Archie race in the blue and gold colours that were used by Tom’s grandfather Brian Borcoskie, who died in March. Based at Sefton in North Canterbury, the family’s been involved in many good horses over the years including Silk Brocade (15 wins) and The Bloss (18 wins). “The first time I went to the races with Dad and Grandad it was with Jaffa Josh and he actually won a maiden pace,” says Borcoskie. That was in January 2020 with the Borcoskie-bred son of Auckland Reactor winning at Addington. Jaffa Josh was later sold and raced in Australia and North America, winning 20 races. Still at school (St Bede’s College) where he’s in the first 11 cricket team (opening batsman) Tom Borcoskie views harness racing as a “bit of a hobby”. He has plans on heading to university and a career potentially in rural valuation. Much of his harness racing education has come from his own family with help from Robbie Holmes – “he lives about 1k up the road from our farm” – as well as the likes of Tom Bagrie and Bob Butt. In preparation for his debut he’s had 35 drives at the trials. “There’s a bit of nerves but not too much now … but there will be closer to the time.” View the full article

Following a month-long fundraising effort, Delaware Park presented a check in the amount of $12,000 to the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), designated as the charity of the month for June. Jay Scott, the father of Alex Scott, accepted the check on behalf of the foundation, which supports funding research to find a cure for childhood cancer, an area which remains underfunded, according to ALSF. During the month of June, Delaware Park collected donations from casino visitors through donation boxes and redemption machines. Employees were also able to contribute by 'paying' $5 per week for the right to wear jeans to work. ALSF also operated a lemonade stand on the inaugural Delaware Derby Day program. “It's amazing that Delaware Park has been supporting Alex's Lemonade Stand since 2005,” said Scott, co-executive director of ALSF. “They have seen us grow from a startup organization to now the largest childhood cancer charity in the world. I just want to thank Delaware Park for being with us along the way.” Over 20 years ago, the owners of Afleet Alex began anonymously donating a portion of their prize money to ALSF. Eventually, they made the decision to take the partnership public, setting up pop-up lemonade stands at races. “Delaware Park Casino is proud to partner with these important organizations to help raise awareness and funds for the valuable work they do,” said Terry Glebocki, Delaware Park's president and general manager. “In the coming months, we will be supporting organizations such as Faithful Friends, United Way, Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition, Ronald McDonald House and Toys for Tots.” The post Delaware Park Raises $12K for Alex’s Lemonade Stand appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After nearly breaking Cogburn's course record in the Harvey Pack Stakes, Bring Theband Home rolls into the $300,000 Troy Stakes (G2T) on a wave of momentum for owner/breeder Live Oak Plantation and trainer Mark Casse.View the full article

Puca (Big Brown), the dam of the classic winning full-brothers Mage (Good Magic) and Dornoch, will be offered at Fasig-Tipton's 'Night of the Stars' Nov. 3, John Stewart told Ron Flatter on his podcast on Horse Racing Nation on Friday. Stewart, the owner of Resolute Racing, told Flatter that Puca had not gotten into foal this year. “She's 13 [and] she's empty. The broodmare of the year, we're taking her to the Night of the Stars, and we'll see what happens.” Stewart said on the podcast that he expected a $5-million reserve would be set for Puca, who was taken home by Resolute for $2.9-million during Keeneland November in 2023. “I think it's going to take north of $5 million to buy her,” Stewart said. “We paid $2.9 million for her. I don't want to put horses with unrealistic expectations even though some people think that. You know, the guy that [says] his toys are always worth more than everybody else's toys. I'm an investor at the end of the day. I may think she's worth $20 million, right? That's not like a market asset.” When Stewart purchased her, a full-brother to Mage and Dornoch was in-utero. The productive mare is also responsible for MGISP Baeza (McKinzie) and an early May filly once again by Good Magic. “She foaled late this year,” said Resolute's owner. “We were going to send her to Frankel. That's what I would do if I had kept her. He's the best stallion in the world. I think that there's turf in the pedigree. She's already proven on dirt what she can do. To take her to the next level and showing her [via turf], I understand that. But there's a commercial part of this business as well.” Currently, Puca is not in foal after having visited multiple leading North American sire Into Mischief. During the podcast, Stewart told Flatter that buying Puca back could be a possibility. The post Blue Hen Puca To Be Offered At Fasig-Tipton’s ‘Night Of The Stars’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Robert N. Clay has been selected by the Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Club of America (TCA) as the 2025 Honor Guest, the organization said via a Friday press release. A former president of the TCA, Clay will be feted at the 94th Testimonial Dinner, which will be held at Keeneland on Saturday, Nov. 15. Current TCA President W. Chapman Hopkins said, “Mr. Clay's impact on the Thoroughbred industry has spanned decades. From managing influential stallions, to owning and breeding multiple graded stakes winners and most recently leading Grandview Equine, Mr. Clay's career exemplifies vision, determination, and enduring influence.” The post Clay Named As Thoroughbred Club Of America’s 2025 Honor Guest appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mike Pegram, a horse owner and racing executive on the national scene for more than three decades, has been named the 21st recipient of the Laffit Pincay, Jr. Award, according to a press release from Del Mar Thoroughbred Club on Friday morning. Pegram will be honored at the track on Sunday, Aug. 10, which is the same afternoon as the 57th running of the GIII Sorrento Stakes. The race launched the Hall of Fame career of Pegram's filly Silverbulletday (Silver Deputy). A Kentucky native who first got into horses in the 1970s when he and his father raced Thoroughbreds, Pegram has partnered with Karl Watson and Paul Weitman on several successful Bob Baffert trainees, including Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike), Midnight Lute (Real Quiet) and McKinzie (Street Sense). The Pincay Award, named for, and presented by, the Hall of Fame rider, goes to those who have served the sport of racing “with integrity, extraordinary dedication, determination and distinction.” The post Owner Mike Pegram Named 2025 Winner Of Pincay Award appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Saturday at Saratoga, Del Mar and Ellis Park. Saturday, August 2, 2025 Saratoga 1, $100k, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 12:05 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Abrigado (Yaupon), OBSMAR, 875,000, :20 3/5 C-Pick View LLC, agent; B-Spendthrift/West Point/Schurman/CJ Stables Sar 3, Sar Special-GII, $200k, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 1:09 p.m. Ewing (Knicks Go), OBSAPR, 585,000, :10 1/5 C-Hidden Brook, agent; B-D J Stable/West Point Thoroughbreds Obliteration (Violence), OBSMAR, 200,000, :21 3/5 C-Ocala Stud; B-Leland Ackerley Ellis 4, $100k, 2yo, f, 6f, 2:16 p.m. Click (Connect)-AE, OBSAPR, 45,000, :10 1/5 C-Wildheart Thoroughbreds, agent; B-Martin Racing Stable LLC Epic Lady Luck (Vekoma), OBSMAR, 165,000, :10 C-Kings Equine, agent; B-Epic Horses LLC, Shannon Potter, agent Ellis 5, $100k, 2yo, 1m, 2:44 p.m. Beale Street Boy (Street Sense), OBSPAR, 150,000, :10 2/5 C-Eddie Woods, agent; B-Davant Latham, agent Knick the Quick (Knicks Go), OBSAPR, 100,000, :10 2/5 C-Britton Peak, agent; B-Dare To Dream Stable Mgmt LLC Saratoga 6, $100k, 2yo, f, 2:45 p.m. Alpenglow (Charlatan), OBSAPR, 350,000, :10 C-Lucan Bloodstock (Karl Keegan), agt; B-Fergus Galvin, agent Fletch's Rockette (Tiz the Law), OBSMAR, 375,000, :21 3/5 C-Eddie Woods, agent; B-Donato Lanni, agent for Frank Fletcher Racing Operation Ornellaia (Girvin), FTMMAY, 1,100,000, :10 1/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (C Dunne), agent; B-Kerri Radcliffe/Alex Elliott, agent, Memo Racing & Amo Racing Del Mar 1, $80k, 2yo, f, 5fT, 5:00 p.m. Miss Queue (Mo Town), OBSMAR, 60,000, :10 1/5 C-Majestic, agent; B-Colbart Stables We Salute You (Rock Your World), OBSAPR, 55,000, :10 1/5 C-Majestic, agent; B-Peter Miller, agent Del Mar 6, $100k, 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 7:33 p.m. Separator (Charlatan), FTMMAY, 115,000, G C-SGV Thoroughbreds (S Venosa), agt; B-Michael McCarthy, agt The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Saturday, August 2, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After nearly breaking Cogburn's course record in the Harvey Pack Stakes, Bring Theband Home rolls into the $300,000 Troy Stakes (G2T) on a wave of momentum for owner-breeder Live Oak Plantation and trainer Mark Casse.View the full article

5th-SAR, 100K, Msw, 3yo/up, f, 7f, 2:13 p.m. Shadwell's now 3-year-old METFARDEH (Into Mischief) makes her debut two years after the operation picked her up as a yearling at Keeneland September for a Book One-topping $2,300,000. Bred by International Equities Holding, the filly is out of GIII Monmouth Oaks winner Delightful Joy who retired to IEH for $700,000 at KEEJAN in 2017. Herself a half to SW/MGISP Quickick (McKinzie), she's produced three winners from three to race led by GII Summertime Oaks winner Window Shopping (American Pharoah). TJCIS PPS 6th-SAR, 100K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 2:45 p.m. The Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Sale topper, Ornellaia (Girvin) worked a quick :10.1 furlong over a sloppy surface in Maryland before bringing $1,100,000 from Memo Racing and Amo Racing USA. First dam Scarlet Dixie, who sold for just $18,000 at KEENOV in 2023, has two winners from as many to race. Trainer Todd Pletcher sends out Steer Clear (Street Sense), a $575,000 FTSAUG grad for the partnership of Repole Stable and Spendthrift Farm. The filly is a half to G3 Masdar U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas winner Fore Left (Twirling Candy) who was also a stakes winner and graded stakes-placed in the United States. TJCIS PPS 1st-SAR, 100K, Msw, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 12:05 p.m. Kicking off the Saratoga card, the coupled entry of Abrigado (Yaupon) and Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) debut out of different barns for Spendthrift Farm. Abrigado, a $875,000 OBS March grad, is a Brad Cox runner and also races in partnership for James Schurman, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables while the cleverly-named Ted Noffey comes from the Todd Pletcher barn and cost Spendthrift $650,000 at KEESEP last year. $1,400,000 OBS April grad Tagermeen (Into Mischief) makes his second start for Steve Asmussen Saturday after running a well-beaten second behind 'TDN Rising Star' Curtain Call (Tiz the Law) on debut over a sloppy track July 12. Pletcher sends out another runner in Repole Stables entry Grittiness (Curlin) who cost owner Mike Repole $575,000 at KEESEP and is the first to the races for GSW Coach Rocks, a mare purchased by WinStar for $450,000 at FTKNOV in 2019. TJCIS PPS 2nd-SAR, 100K, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 12:37 p.m. Rounding things out at Saratoga, $500,000 FTSAUG buy Souper Caliber (Gun Runner), a half to GSW Dennis' Moment (Tiznow), debuts for Live Oak Plantation. He draws inside of British Invasion (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), a Miguel Clemente runner who is a full-brother to English MGSW Max Vega (Ire) and a half to Irish GSP Camphor (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). He was a 325,000gns buy out of Tattersalls October Yearling Sale and now runs for a partnership that includes Reeves Thoroughbred Racing, West Point Thoroughbreds, Tony Weintraub and Brandon Dalinka. TJCIS PPS 4th-ELP, 100K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6f, 2:16 p.m. In Kentucky, Bella Ballerina (Street Sense) is a Godolphin homebred who is a half-sister to champion 3-year-old filly and GI Kentucky Oaks winner Pretty Mischievous (Into Mischief). First dam Pretty City Dancer, herself a Grade I winner in the Spinaway and a half to another Grade I winner in Lear's Princess (Lear Fan), sold to Stroud Coleman Bloodstock for $3.5m at FTKNOV in 2018. She faces rail-drawn Morning Menace (Curlin), a $525,000 KEESEP purchase for Jeffrey Drown who is out of SW/MGISP Dawn the Destroyer. Further outside, Quality Ami (Essential Quality) is a half-sister to Canadian champion 3-year-old colt Ami's Gizmo (Giant Gizmo) along with MGISW Kopion (Omaha Beach), GSW/GISP Ami's Flatter (Flatter) and SW Aragorn Ami (Aragorn {Ire}). TJCIS PPS 6th-DMR, 100K, Msw, 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 7:33 p.m. Del Mar closes out the day in style with Don Alberto Stable sending out homebred runner Umbralle (Into Mischief), a daughter of his dual Eclipse winner Unique Bella who was named champion female sprinter in 2017 and champion older dirt female in 2018. Don Alberto purchased her for just $400,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in 2015 while second dam Unrivaled Belle went the way of Whisper Hill Farm for $3.8m at Keeneland in 2016. TJCIS PPS The post Saturday Insights: Quality Start To Finish At The Spa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When you think of Lodge Park Stud, horses like Derby winner New Approach and Oaks heroine Was spring to mind. Time to add bullet sprinter Jm Jungle (Bungle Inthejungle) to that illustrious roll of honour with John and Sean Quinn's speedster flying the flag for the famous County Kilkenny nursery with a Group 2 success in the King George Qatar Stakes at Goodwood on Friday. The win represented a career-best for Jm Jungle, who had cut his teeth in handicaps and stakes races before Friday's career-best performance. But that's not to say such a result came as a surprise to his breeders. Damian Burns commented, “He's a bit of a legend. I can remember meeting Richard Knight, who bought the horse off us a yearling, in the May of Jm Jungle's two-year-old career. He said, 'John Quinn tells me, whatever ability he has, he is going to win an awful lot of races.' “That was before the horse ever raced. That's quite the mark of the trainer that he was able to call it. And it is the mark on how himself and his son Sean train the horses, too. They let their horses progress and progress. The horse is so tough, to be fair.” Jm Jungle was sold by Lodge Park Stud to Knight and the Quinns for £46,000 at the 2021 Goffs Premier Yearling Sale. Now a five-year-old, Jm Jungle has amassed almost £500,000 in prize-money and Friday's success suggests there are even bigger days to come from the progressive sprinter. Burns said, “When American Affair won the King's Stand I thought this fella might have a chance of winning a big race. There wasn't much between them when they bumped into each other earlier in the year. The other thing is, fast or slow, the ground doesn't appear to matter to Jm Jungle and of course he had won at Goodwood before. He's just so tough. You can set your clock by him. I am delighted for the horse but I am also delighted for the connections.” Jm Jungle put the cherry on top of what has been a memorable Goodwood Festival for Lodge Park Stud given fellow graduate Principality (Calyx) won there on Thursday. Burns concluded, “It was the second one of the week, which was nice. Jm Jungle's dam, The Shrew (Dansili), is based with my uncle Anthony Phelan [Glashare House Stud] now. She had a Coulsty filly, which Anthony got €18,000 for as a foal. She is in foal to King Of Steel now. The mare was a bit of a slow burn and eventually we got her right with Bungle. It's very important as a consignor to produce these Stakes winners so we're delighted.” The post ‘He’s A Bit Of A Legend’ – Celebration Time For Lodge Park Stud With Jm Jungle appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The group behind the United Football League (UFL), which includes RedBird Capital Partners, FOX, ESPN, Dany Garcia and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, has gained a new investor in Thoroughbred owner Mike Repole. The story first appeared in The Athletic. In a statement Thursday, the spring football league said Repole's private equity firm, Impact Capital, “will lead the league's business operations” going forward. A UFL spokesperson declined to specify how much Repole paid for his ownership stake, but he did confirm that the billionaire is one of the league's top three investors. “I think today is the first day of the United Football League,” Repole told Sports Business Journal. “It probably took a couple of years for them to get comfortable and have the right conferences and leagues. I think they learned a lot.” The UFL, formed when the struggling USFL and XFL spring leagues merged in December 2023, faced a 20 percent decline in viewership during its second season, according to league numbers compiled by Sports Business Journal. “The UFL is thrilled to welcome a visionary like Mike Repole to our ownership group,” said UFL President and CEO Russ Brandon in a statement. “Mike's entrepreneurial accomplishments are extraordinary, and his dynamic leadership will immediately elevate the league's business and brand trajectory.” According to the article in The Athletic, game attendance dropped 5 percent from 2024, and was down in seven of the eight cities with UFL teams. St. Louis, the league's strongest market, fueled in part by the Los Angeles Rams's departure from the city, saw a 13 percent drop in attendance this season. Detroit did see attendance increase by a third, however. Individual games, on average, have drawn about 10,000 fans. “The vibe hasn't been to where it should be,” Repole told ESPN on Thursday. “You can hear a pin drop when someone runs 80 yards. That's not so good. Nobody wants to turn on the TV and see 10,000 fans in a 65,000-seat stadium. It's like watching a COVID game.” UFL co-owner Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson | Getty Images) The piece says that Repole also told ESPN the UFL plans to move at least two teams before its next season begins, and that he sees the league's number of teams doubling over the next decade. “We're going to be aggressive as far as being nimble and scrappy and gritty and making aggressive moves,” the head of Repole Stable said. “If by 2035, if we can't have 16 teams, I'm going to consider it a personal failure. This is it. Other leagues didn't have the capital that this league has, didn't have the media giants that this league has, didn't have the entrepreneurs that this team has.” The article said that the new owner confirmed long-simmering rumors that Columbus, Ohio, will be one of the relocation destinations, with games played at the Columbus Crew's stadium. However, he did not say which team will move there or which other new markets are under consideration. The current cities with UFL teams are Arlington, Texas; Birmingham, Ala.; Detroit; Houston; Memphis; San Antonio; St. Louis and Washington D.C., whose team (the DC Defenders) won the 2025 UFL Championship. The Athletic piece reported that both of the UFL's first two seasons had 10-game schedules, but the league has not yet said when the 2026 season will begin. It announced on Tuesday that 26 UFL players who appeared during the 2025 season have since signed NFL contracts, one of its key value propositions to attract potential players. The post Repole Joins UFL As Investor, Promises ‘Aggressive Moves’ Ahead appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The high-class Bountiful and Many Men have been catalogued for the Tattersalls Online Southern Hemisphere Pop-Up Sale to be held in collaboration with Inglis Digital Australia on Wednesday 6th August to Thursday 7th August. Full details of the sale which will take place on the Tattersalls Online website are now available to view at www.tattersallsonline.com. Highclere Thoroughbred Racing will consign the Listed-placed filly Bountiful (Zoustar). With appeal as a racing and breeding prospect, the three-year-old is out of the Group 2 May Hill Stakes winner and Group 1 Fillies' Mile fourth Rich Legacy, from the family of German Champion siblings Boreal and Borgia. She is being offered with an official BHA rating of 94. Many Men, consigned by Jim Boyle Racing, boasts a Timeform rating of 95 following his most recent success in a two-mile handicap at Ascot last week. Katherine Sheridan, Tattersalls Online Sales Manager commented, “Tattersalls Online is pleased to continue its unique partnership with Inglis Digital, following the success of the inaugural Southern Hemisphere Session in December last year. The aim of this pioneering initiative is to expand on the opportunities available to vendors and purchasers in the global thoroughbred marketplace. This sale has been strategically timed to align with upcoming racing carnivals in the southern hemisphere and we are delighted to be taking a collaborative approach to presenting these horses to the widest possible audience.” Inglis Bloodstock Sales Manager and European Representative Harry Bailey added, “I have seen Bountiful and she makes obvious appeal to an Australasian audience. She is good looking with some quality form and good depth of pedigree. Zoustar is a champion stallion now and a likely champion broodmare sire of the future, so it makes sense that his daughters would be well sought after.” “Our first Digital Sale collaboration with Tattersalls in December worked particularly well and these two horses provide an excellent opportunity to leverage our respective networks to the benefit of the vendors.” Bidding in the Tattersalls Online Southern Hemisphere Pop-Up Sale will commence from 11am on Wednesday 6th August and will close from 11am Thursday 7th August on the Tattersalls Online website at www.tattersallsonline.com. The post Bountiful And Many Men Head Tattersalls Online Southern Hemisphere Pop-Up Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

John Quinn seems perennially capable of producing a sprinter to make a mark in Pattern company and in partnership with son Sean he pulled off the feat again on Friday with Jm Jungle (Bungle Inthejungle) in Goodwood's feature G2 King George Qatar Stakes. A proven lover of downhill tracks, Epsom's Dash Handicap winner was in his element far side under Jason Hart and asserted from the furlong pole to hold the fillies She's Quality (Acclamation) and Time For Sandals (Sands Of Mali) by a neck and half a length respectively. “He's probably not so good going uphill, but we don't have to worry about that so much,” Sean said of the 14-1 shot, who adds to the yard's tally here having supplied Liberty Beach to win the 2019 Molecomb and Highfield Princess to capture this two years ago. “He's just a good horse and he had form with American Affair earlier in the year. Jason said after York last time that he'd love to ride him in the Nunthorpe, where they go lickety-split and we won't have far to go to run there.” The sprint kings strike again Jm Jungle lands the King George Qatar Stakes for the @johnquinnracing team – they just love Goodwood! @Qatar_Racing | @jasonhart13 pic.twitter.com/FayWSwsksX — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 1, 2025 Friday, Goodwood, Britain KING GEORGE QATAR STAKES-G2, £317,000, Goodwood, 8-1, 3yo/up, 5fT, :57.57, g/s. 1–JM JUNGLE (IRE), 130, g, 5, by Bungle Inthejungle (GB) 1st Dam: The Shrew (GB) (MSP-Eng), by Dansili (GB) 2nd Dam: Whazzat (GB), by Daylami (Ire) 3rd Dam: Wosaita (GB), by Generous (Ire) 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN; 1ST GROUP WIN. (£46,000 Ylg '21 GOFFUK). O-MPS Racing Ltd & The Ayrshire Tradesmen; B-Lodge Park Stud; T-John & Sean Quinn; J-Jason Hart. £179,771. Lifetime Record: 37-6-6-8, $607,119. Werk Nick Rating: D. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–She's Quality (Ire), 127, f, 4, Acclamation (GB)–Quality Time (Ire), by Exceed And Excel (Aus). (€195,000 Ylg '22 GOFOR). O-Aristia Park Bloodstock & Partners; B-Rathbarry Stud; T-Jack Davison. £68,155. 3–Time For Sandals (Ire), 129, f, 3, Sands of Mali (Fr)–Days Of Summer (Ire), by Bachelor Duke. (€35,000 Ylg '23 TATIRY). O-D Bevan & Mrs D Bevan; B-Ballyhane; T-Harry Eustace. £34,109. Margins: NK, HF, 1. Odds: 14.00, 9.00, 3.33. Also Ran: Frost At Dawn, Big Mojo (Ire), Night Raider (Ire), Asfoora (Aus), Kerdos (Ire), Spartan Arrow (Ire), Khaadem (Ire), Town And Country (Ire). DNF: Clarendon House (GB). Scratched: Manaccan (GB), Celandine (GB). The post Another Big Sprint For The Quinns As Slalom Lover Jm Jungle Takes The King George, Nunthorpe Next 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 weekend running at Chukyo and Niigata Racecourses: Saturday, August 2, 2025 8th-CKO, ¥29,890,000 ($203k), Allowance, 3yo/up, 1200m T O ELVIS (c, 3, Volatile–Stopshoppingdebbie, by Curlin), a good third to the very talented Natural Rise (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) in the Cattleya Stakes (allowance) at Tokyo back in November, was the easy five-length winner in one-win allowance company at the end of March going this distance (SC 9, see below) and is favored to go back-to-back off the four-month freshening. The colt's eight-time stakes-winning dam, also responsible for SW & GISP Generous Tipper (Street Sense), is a half-sister to five winners, including fellow Pacific Northwest standout Smarty Deb (Smart Strike). Ryusei Sakai has the mount for 'T O' trainer Daisuke Takayanagi. O-Tomoya Ozasa; B-Jeff & Melissa Prunzik (KY); T-Daisuke Takayanagi Sunday, August 3, 2025 2nd-NII, ¥14,250,000 ($96k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1800m SUMMER MADNESS (c, 2, Good Magic–Nefferkitty, by Kitten's Joy), bought back for $115,000 at Keeneland November in 2023, fetched $150,000 at the same auction house's September Sale last fall and was hammered down to Hideyuki Mori for owner Susumu Fujita after breezing in :9 4/5 (see below) at this year's OBS March Sale. The colt's dam, a $30,000 purchase carrying this colt at KEENOV in 2022, is a daughter of Australian Group 3 scorer Thyme For Roses (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}), herself the dam of GII Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes heroine Zeitlos (Curlin) and of Natural Rights (Constitution), a maiden winner at Horseshoe Indianapolis June 14. O-Susumu Fujita; B-Three Times A Charm & Chesapeake Farm (KY); T-Hideyuki Mori The post Nicely Bred Good Magic Colt Debuts Long at Niigata appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Irish trainer Jessica Harrington says that the likely pace setup of the Grade I Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes and the prospect of keeping Hotazhell (Too Darn Hot) to his own age group were contributing factors to making the trip across the Atlantic Ocean with her stable star. One of the best juveniles in Europe last year, Hotazhell landed the G1 Futurity Trophy Stakes. However, he has raced only twice this campaign and was forced to sidestep the French 2,000 Guineas due to unsuitably quick ground. Both of Hotazhell's efforts this year, when third to Field Of Gold in the Irish 2,000 Guineas at the Curragh and when not beaten far against his elders in the Coral-Eclipse, suggest he remains a pretty serious prospect and he is as short as 13-8 with some firms to double his Group 1 tally at Saratoga on Saturday evening under regular rider Shane Foley. “The nearer you get to a race, the worse your nerves seem to become but we're very happy with Hotazhell and we are looking forward to the race,” Harrington said on Friday. “We had a lot of rain here yesterday in Saratoga – it rained all day – so it's going to be lovely conditions for him.” Speaking on the reasoning behind travelling to the United States rather than taking in targets closer to home, the trainer said, “This race fitted in nicely and we thought it was a good idea to come over here and take on three-year-olds as opposed to taking on the older horses in the Juddmonte or wherever else.” She added, “It just seemed to fit into our programme well before we brought him back to have an autumn programme in Europe. Races like the Irish Champion Stakes, Arc Weekend and even the British Champions Stakes could be on his radar towards the second half of the year.” Hotazhell is owned by the American-based Bonnie and Tommy Hamilton of Silverton Hill Farm, who enjoyed huge success with Harrington over a decade back with another Group 1 scorer in Pathfork, winner of the National Stakes at the Curragh in 2010. The Hamiltons are proving to be lucky owners for the Harringtons and hopes are high that Hotazhell can continue what is proving to be a fruitful relationship. Bonnie Hamilton said, “I am always really confident in Hotazhell because he just lays it down. Sometimes it's enough and sometimes it's not. His will to win got him across the wire in his Group 1. I always have a lot of confidence because he shows up every time and is a very sound horse.” If successful, Harrington will be emulating fellow Irish trainer Joseph O'Brien, who won the Saratoga Derby in 2021 with his globetrotting star State Of Rest. Fellow European trainer Charlie Appleby also features on the roll of honour, having won the race in 2022 with Nations Pride, and Harrington is quietly confident that Hotazhell can justify the trip. She said, “All things considered, we have been happy enough with how his year has gone. He has run solid races to finish third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas before running well in the Coral-Eclipse, which wasn't really run to suit as they didn't go quick enough for him. I'm hoping that there will be a pretty quick pace on over here and that would really suit us.” She concluded, “I went through the race in detail with a few people last night. Graham Motion's horse [Test Score] has good, solid form and he could be hard to beat. But there is not a bad horse in the race and it will be hard to win. I'm actually quite glad we're not drawn down the fence and, in stall seven, we're out a little bit and at least then you can go where you want to go. We're really looking forward to it.” The post Harrington Confident That Saratoga Derby Test Will Suit Stable Star Hotazhell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Friday's G3 Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood was shorn of the Godolphin duo Opera Ballo and Spectacular View, and it was the former's Listed Sir Henry Cecil Stakes vanquished Seagulls Eleven (Galileo) who stepped forward to claim a stakes breakthrough in his eighth attempt at black-type level. Last term's G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes third and G1 Dewhurst Stakes fourth led on sufferance through the early strides, but soon warmed to his frontrunning role. Coming under pressure when threatened approaching the quarter-mile marker, the 11-4 third favourite refused to surrender his advantage and kept on in resolute fashion under a late drive to hold Diego Ventura (Mehmas) by 3/4-of-a-length. King Of Cities (Dubawi) was a half-length back in third, while TDN Rising Star Cosmic Year (Kingman) was all dressed up with nowhere to go along the fence inside the final quarter-mile and finished 1 1/4 lengths adrift in fourth. A win for the seagulls! Seagulls Eleven, owned by some @OfficialBHAFC players, wins a messy edition of the Bonhams Thoroughbred Stakes for team @hpalmerracing and @themichaelowen. pic.twitter.com/R3L1sIl4cz — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 1, 2025 The post Seagulls Eleven Makes All for Thoroughbred Triumph at Goodwood appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge, presented by GaineswayView the full article

The Irish Thoroughbred Breeders' Association will hold an industry forum designed to help breeders take their business to the next level. The event, which is titled Thoroughbred 360, will be held alongside the Irish Equine Centre and is set to take place at the Newpark Hotel, County Kilkenny, on September 10 between 12pm and 4pm. Although this is a free event, anyone interested in attending is required to register via email to Hannah Marks. Her email address is hmarks@itba.ie. A press release issued by the ITBA read, “Join us for an inspiring and interactive day designed by breeders, for breeders. Thoroughbred360 puts you right at the centre of the conversation – connecting passionate professionals from across the sectors to share insights, spark new ideas, and explore every stage of the mare and foal journey.” It added, “This dynamic event promises valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals and practical advice for anyone seeking to boost their success in the Irish thoroughbred sector.” The post ITBA To Host Industry Forum Designed To Help Breeders With Their Business appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tattersalls has increased the prize money for next year's Somerville Auction Stakes and October Auction Stakes to £200,000 apiece. The increase doubles the value of the Tattersalls Somerville Auction Stakes and is a £50,000 increase in the prize fund of the Tattersalls October Auction Stakes. Both races are open to any yearling offered at the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale, the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, Book 3 or the Tattersalls Autumn Yearling Sale, or for horses withdrawn from any of those sales and subsequently offered at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale. The £200,000 Tattersalls Somerville Auction Stakes will be run over six furlongs at Newmarket's July Course on 22nd August, 2026 with the £200,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes following over seven furlongs on Newmarket's Rowley Mile six weeks later on 3rd October, 2026. The notable double has been completed on two occasions to date by 26,000 guineas purchase Woodhay Wonder in 2023 and 15,500 guineas purchase Amichi in 2022, both earning in excess of £135,000 for their exploits. The prize money increase will offer even greater opportunities for purchasers at Tattersalls yearling sales to win significant prize money, in addition to the lucrative £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonus scheme for all yearlings purchased at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale which has awarded £9,620,000 to the owners of its 410 winners to date. Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said, “Our commitment to rewarding owners in as many innovative ways as we can has resulted in over £10,000,000 in bonus prize money being paid out by Tattersalls in the last ten years, along with our sponsorships of three european Classics, two further Group 1s and seven Group and Listed races, as well as the lucrative programme of high-value developmental races. The increase to £200,000 for both the Tattersalls Somerville Auction Stakes and the Tattersalls October Yearling Stakes provides an opportunity for owners to run for substantial prize money and will further enhance the appeal of both sales.” The post Tattersalls Somerville And October Auction Stakes Races Increased to £200,000 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article