Wandering Eyes

The 2025 Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Thoroughbred inductees are Ivan Dalos, Builder; Marketing Mix, Female Horse; Perry Winters, Jockey; Ghostzapper, Male Horse; Mike Doyle, Trainer; and Storm Bird, Veteran.View the full article

Griffin Johnson may not be well known within horse racing circles, but that doesn't mean he can't help the sport. For decades, racing has been fighting a losing battle when it comes to attracting a younger audience. That's where Johnson comes in. He is a social media influencer who has 9.7 million followers on TikTok and 2.6 million on Instagram. He's also a horse owner. Johnson is part of the West Point Thoroughbreds group that owns GI Arkansas Derby winner and GI Kentucky Derby contender Sandman (Tapit). He'll be at Churchill Downs during Derby week and has promised to spread the word about the joys of racing and horse ownership to his millions of followers. The plan to get influencers involved in racing and owning horses was hatched by America's Best Racing. West Point Thoroughbreds came forward, joined the program and connected with Johnson, who owns 2.5% of Sandman. Johnson was the Gainesway Guest of the Week on this week's Thoroughbred Daily News Writers' Room podcast presented by Keeneland. “Once he started winning, people started paying attention,” Johnson said of Sandman. “So now they see me and Sandman and all of our content on the Internet. I jumped in from day one. We hadn't even seen him really train or do anything yet. It was kind of a 'I trust you, you trust me moment.' No matter how much money you spend or how much prep you put into it, you never know if you're going to get a true winner. I just thank my lucky stars that I got a piece of Sandman out of all the horses.” He started promoting Sandman as far back as the Arkansas Derby. After that victory, he posted on Instagram: “SANDMAN WINS THE $1.5M ARKANSAS DERBY. WE ARE RACING IN THE 2025 KENTUCKY DERBY!!!!” He believes he can help the sport. “A lot of people have seen the content I've been putting out,” he said. “A lot of people want to see everything about horse racing from what they eat to how they get bathed to where they sleep. It's really incredible how interested people are in the A to Z care of these horses. And now we're starting to reach out and do press and interviews with amazing people like yourself. We're collaborating with Gen Z and some of the younger millennials that are on Tik Tok. We're working on doing the ice bucket challenge this weekend. We're starting to do some charity work when it comes to aftercare. I'm trying to use my leverage and social media to promote that. We have some cool things in the works. We have some things we've already done and I want to be as useful as possible to the sport.” He's not promoting just any horse but one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby. “I would say that I've had Derby Fever for a few months now,” he said. “I know that the Kentucky Derby is the Holy Grail for horse racing. I can't even believe it whenever I say that I'm going to be participating in the Kentucky Derby. It's surreal.” In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar, the hosts went over the many reasons there are breed to WinStar stallion Independence Hall. The fastest horse of the week was GII Oaklawn Handicap winner First Mission (Street Sense), who earned a 109 in his victory. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, Darley Europe, 1/ST Racing and 1/ST TV, the team of Randy Moss, Bill Finley and Zoe Cadman gave their longshot picks for the Derby as well as the horses they thought could be thrown out. We'll save our actual Derby picks for next week. There was also a discussion of the latest developments in Florida over the decoupling issue. All agreed that the anti-coupling forces won a major battle when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came out and said he would not be inclined to sign a bill that allowed decoupling. To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To listen to the show as a podcast, click here. The post Influencer Griffin Johnson Joins The TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented By Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner Tony Stratford’s new recruits are clearly thriving in Southland. Now the Gore trainer is hoping that translates to winning race day form at Ascot Park on Thursday. Stratford is taking three runners to the Diamonds Day warm-up meeting, including a new addition to his stable in La Dama. The six-year-old joined Stratford’s barn after producing ordinary form in Canterbury and Manawatu recently, but that looks set to change after two nice workout wins in Southland. “I am not sure why she is so badly out of form,” Stratford said. “Kevin Townley rang me and he thought she was worth a go in Southland.” “She had been up to Manawatu and obviously didn’t handle it and her form in Canterbury wasn’t much better.” “But since she has come down, I couldn’t fault her really.” “Both of her workouts have been good, she has trotted along good.” “We will find out a lot more at the races, but as I say, I can’t fault her.” Cosmic Star will have his second start for the Stratford stable after a solid southern debut at Winton earlier this month. After sitting parked throughout, the six-year-old fought on strongly to run fourth. Stratford is hopeful his new recruit can produce an even better result with a little more luck. “I don’t think sitting parked was ideal going by the feel of him.” “He has probably got enough gate speed that he could get across them.” “If he was able to get to the markers he would be a pretty good chance.” “It is hard to believe he is a 30-start maiden, because he feels like a horse that will win one pretty quick.” Stratford also starts Van Liberty at Ascot Park. The pacer hasn’t had things go his way in his last two starts, after producing consistent efforts to start his campaign. “He hasn’t had any luck, he was $1.50 favourite two starts ago and got left parked.” “Then last start they ran 2.54 (for 2400m).” “If things pan out for him, he most certainly can run in the top three.” Blair Orange takes the reins behind all three of the Stratford team on Thursday. View the full article

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has decided to pause the multi-year projects to develop The Skye, Conservatory and Infield areas due to the increasing uncertainty surrounding construction costs related to the Trump tariffs and trade disputes as well as current macro-economic conditions, the company said in a press release on Wednesday afternoon. In the coming months, CDI said it will assess the evolving economic landscape and evaluate any changes to the timing and sequencing of these multi-year projects. Renovations of the existing Finish Line Suites and The Mansion at Churchill Downs Racetrack are expected to be complete by April 2026. The renovation of the Finish Line Suites will update the existing 15 suites on the fifth floor overlooking the finish line at Churchill Downs, which will increase the capacity to a total of 750 guests. The Trophy Room, which sits behind the Finish Line Suites, will also have its renovation go forward. Also, renovation of The Mansion will introduce updated finishes and other enhancements to an area that was built out in 2013. CDI expects to spend approximately $25-30 million on these new capital projects. “We are pleased to announce these new projects designed to significantly improve the Finish Line Suites and The Mansion which are two of our most exclusive areas of the racetrack,” said Chief Executive Officer of CDI Bill Carstanjen. “The decision to pause the Skye Terrace and infield projects was a difficult one for us to make because we do not want to disappoint our fans; however, we have a responsibility to be disciplined given the recent changes in the economic environment. We remain committed to growing our iconic flagship asset over the long term with projects that will provide new once-in-a lifetime experiences for our guests and deliver best-in-class shareholder returns.” The post Churchill Downs Pauses Key Projects Due To Trump Tariffs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Colonial Downs, in New Kent, Va., will host an eight-race Claiming Crown Preview Day.View the full article

First Mission has a guaranteed spot in the Pimlico Special Stakes (G3) May 16, but his team has bigger plans for the 5-year-old son of Street Sense. A first career grade 1 victory. The $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes (G1) is June 28.View the full article

There are five horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, April 24. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Tamworth. Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – April 24, 2025 Tamworth Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on April 24, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

A few weeks after taking down Keeneland's Limestone Stakes with Shisospicy, trainer Jose D'Angelo sends Lugamo Racing Stable's Cloe out west for a bid in the $100,000 Senorita Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Tickets for the 2025 Breeders' Cup World Championships are on sale now. Beginning April 23, fans can secure their place at the 42nd running of the season-ending international championships, which will be held Oct. 31-Nov. 1 at Del Mar.View the full article

Ellis Park, which experienced flooding and wind damage following heavy rains earlier this month, will delay the pre-meet opening of its backstretch for training, according to Gary Palmisano, vice president of racing for CDI.View the full article

Since claiming Tirupati back for $50,000, Augustin Stables and trainer Jonathan Thomas have been on a roll, and they will look to continue their success April 26 in the $100,000 Royal Heroine Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

A sprawling, 133-page tax package in the Florida House of Representatives that got advanced by that chamber's Budget Committee on Tuesday includes a small section tacked onto the end of the bill that would maintain $27.5 million in annual purse subsidies at Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs while stripping out the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association (FTBOA) as a receiving or administering entity for that money. The annual purse subsides were signed into law last year. Although the dollar-amount allocation for Thoroughbred entities would remain the same, the language in House Bill 7033 would take away the annual $5-million distribution made to the FTBOA that currently gets used to fund Florida-bred and -sired purses, stallion awards, “other racing incentives” and the “promotion of the Florida Thoroughbred breeding industry.” Instead, the House version of the taxation bill would redistribute the FTBOA-allocated money directly to the two tracks to pay the related purses while deleting the requirement that horses eligible for those state incentives must registered with the FTBOA. The non-profit FTBOA, which has been in existence since 1945, represents over 1,300 Thoroughbred breeders and owners in the state. The FTBOA was instrumental in getting the purse subsidy bill passed in 2024, and it has consistently fought against various decoupling issues over the last two decades, including three pieces of legislation that are currently active in the Florida session that is expected to end May 2. Those highly controversial decoupling bills would remove the live racing requirement for Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs to operate their respective casino and card room. Lonny Powell, the FTBOA's chief executive officer, told TDN on Wednesday that the House's opposition to his organization is intertwined with the FTBOA's adamant stance against decoupling. He added that the FTBOA is used to having to deal with “blowback from any opposition” to such a polarizing legislative topic. “I don't expect that $5 million being removed,” Powell said. “Remember, there are two branches of the legislature. We just don't believe that the other side is going to really approve that type of obvious [attempt to] take FTBOA's money out and spread it amongst the racetracks that want to decouple. It just doesn't have a lot of traction. “If you were calling me and saying the Senate voted [for those anti-FTBOA measures], that would be a different conversation. I'm just saying that the House has consistently voted along these directions from the word 'go' this session. They're finishing out their business, and I don't expect them to get any softer or to take any more pressure off of us,” Powell said. “I'm concerned that such a discussion even took place, but not really surprised on the [anti-FTBOA sentiments of] the House. We just feel really good about the Senate doing the right thing, and [the larger issue of decoupling] is obviously a very complicated and complex issue that [has to] get settled within the last several days of the session. “We do not anticipate the Senate going along with us being unfunded [via House Bill 7033] from the very [purse subsidy] bill that we championed on behalf of the industry over the last two years.” When the House Budget Committee heard about 45 minutes of testimony on the 2025 tax bill before reporting it favorably by a 16-1 margin Apr. 22, the section about purse subsidies and the anti-FTBOA language did not get discussed. The post As Session Nears End, Florida House Tax Bill Attempts To Strip Out FTBOA From Existing Purse Subsidy Law appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Ocala Breeders' Sales Company 2025 June Two-Year-Olds and Horses of Racing Age Sale has been consolidated to two days and will now be held June 17-18, the company said via a Wednesday release. In addition to reduction in dates for the live sale, the under-tack show has also been trimmed and will be held over five days from June 10-14. The sale sessions will begin at 10 a.m. ET with the under-tack show starting at 7:30 a.m. ET each day. Supplemental entries are now being taken. Click here for more information and updates. The post OBS Consolidates June Two-Year-Olds And Horses Of Racing Age Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With total of 86 horses catalogued for the Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale, four horses were added in the latest round of supplements, according to a press release from the auction house on Wednesday. The offerings will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, which coincides with the Spring meet's closing day and the event will be livestreamed on the Keeneland website. The supplements include: Diriyah (Hip 86), a 3-year-old filly by Good Magic who scored her first win at Horseshoe Indianapolis at 2 and most recently ran in the GIII Gazelle Stakes at Aqueduct is consigned by ELiTE; Honorary American (Ire) (Hip 84), a 3-year-old colt by Churchill (Ire) who is in training for his 2025 debut after two starts at 2, including an appearance during the Royal Meeting at Ascot. Hunter Valley Farm, agent, consigns Honorary American; Masmak (Hip 85), a 4-year-old son of Vino Rosso who was most recently third in the Excelsior Stakes Apr. 5 is consigned by ELiTE, agent; Navy Chief (Ire) (Hip 83), a 3-year-old gelding by Wootton Bassett is consigned by Hunter Valley Farm, agent. The catalogue, also available through the Equineline Sales Catalog iPad app, includes pedigrees, Daily Racing Form past performances, and Ragozin and Thoro-Graph figures. Consignors may upload photographs and walking videos. A print version is available for pickup at Keeneland's Information Center (formerly called the Welcome Center) located near the Grandstand South and Clubhouse entrance. A supplement will be printed prior to the sale. Click here for the enhanced digital catalogue. The post Four Horses Supplemented To Keeneland April HORA Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A Review, By Bill Finley Whether it was 60 Minutes, the FX Network, HBO or some other programs, the television media has bludgeoned the horse racing game in recent years. The great parts of this game barely get mentioned while the programs concentrate on the ugly aspects, namely breakdowns and drugs. So it was reasonable to be worried that more of the same was on its way when Netflix announced it was producing a racing documentary called 'Race For The Crown.' But this show, which includes six episodes, isn't like that at all. No spills or breakdowns are shown and the disgraced duo of Jason Servis and the Jorge “the Juiceman” Navarro are never mentioned. The idea, instead, is to portray racing in a positive light by telling the stories of some of its most compelling and colorful figures. Race For the Crown is not for the type of people who read the Thoroughbred Daily News. We already know the Preakness is run two weeks after the GI Kentucky Derby, that the GI Kentucky Oaks is the sport's most prestigious race for 3-year-old fillies, that Wayne Lukas is a legend and that 2024 was a magical year for trainer Kenny McPeek. Don't expect to learn anything that you didn't already know. But that's because horse racing insiders are not the intended audience. It is for people who don't know much about racing, but are intrigued by the sport and, with the Kentucky Derby approaching, want to learn more. It is much like the 2019 Netflix documentary “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” which has gone a long way toward making Formula 1 one of the most popular sports in the world. Can Race For The Crown do for horse racing what the Netflix series did for Formula 1? Maybe not to the same extent, but if enough people watch the show, it can only help the sport grow. In the position horse racing is in, you can't ask for more than that. Netflix has 200 million-plus subscribers. Episode 1 covers the lead-up to the 2023 Breeders' Cup, and the focus is on Frankie Dettori, who wins the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf aboard Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}). Dettori, who came out of retirement and decided to resume his career in the U.S., is one of the main characters in the program. He may be 53, but he has discovered that the flame still burns within, and he wants to keep riding. “I'd rather die on the back of a horse than die of boredom,” he says. The beginning of the show also introduces us to Michael Iavarone and his wife Jules. They made the show not because Iavarone won the 2008 Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness with Big Brown or because he has any top horses in training. No, it's because he has the temerity to go out in public dressed in garish jump suits straight from Elvis's closet, and wearing sunglasses that are three sizes too big for his face. You can't turn away from Iavarone for the same reasons why you can't turn away from a wreck on the highway. Episodes 2 and 3 cover the road to the Kentucky Derby. It is here where we learn of the Twitter feud between high-profile owners Mike Repole and John Stewart and are introduced to Kenny McPeek and Brian Hernandez, Jr. From there we move on to the Derby in Episode 4, followed by the GI Preakness and the GI Belmont. The cameras have wisely been following McPeek, Mystik Dan (Goldencents) and Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) from well before they emerged on the scene at Churchill Downs. We first get to know them when they were at Oaklawn Park preparing for the Derby and Oaks. Someone was very smart–or very lucky?–to focus on and follow a longshot like Mystik Dan and a trainer who had never won the Derby in McPeek. The story of the Preakness is of course then 88-year-old Wayne Lukas, who wins the race with Seize the Grey (Arrogate). But a lot of time is also spent on Katie Davis, who has a mount in the GII Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. An effervescent new mom, she is one of the stars of the show. Likeable and upbeat, she never gets down even though getting mounts can be a struggle. She gets emotional when telling the story of her first agent, who told her she didn't have what it takes to be a successful jockey. The final episode is about the Belmont, trainer Danny Gargan and ultra-enthusiastic owner and retired MLB star Jayson Werth. They win the race with Dornoch (Good Magic) and you can tell that Werth is just as thrilled by this victory as any he enjoyed on the baseball field. He calls racing “the most underrated sport.” That's just the type of thing that can help sell the sport. For industry professionals, serious gamblers or devoted and longtime fans, 'Race For The Crown' might come off as the video version of Horse Racing for Dummies. That's not to say it shouldn't be watched, not when those who work in and love the sport have been longing for just this sort of positive take on our game. The post At Last A Horse Racing Program That Paints A Positive Picture For Horse Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Punters taking the short odds about star three-year-old Marketplace can expect the best version of him in the $200,000 Woodlands Northern Derby on Friday night. That is the opinion of trainer Regan Todd as he prepares the $1.55 favourite for the first Group 1 of his season. Nobody doubts Marketplace is our best three-year-old pacer but he has been beaten in two of his last three starts, both times when storming home after the winner put too much of a break on him. The latest was at Alexandra Park last Saturday when driver Craig Ferguson tried to be more aggressive early by going off the gate but with four across the track he had to go back to last. Ferguson took off at the 550m and looped the field but with a final 400m in 26 seconds and winner Got The Chocolates kicking hard, Marketplace was beaten again. Trainer Todd says he was not disappointed with the run and expects Marketplace to be fitter on Friday. “It is a little bit like before the Harness Million in that he will improve with the run and I think he will be in the same type of form this week as it was that night,” says Todd. In the Harness Million the son of Bettor’s Delight worked forward to lead but then took a trail before being too good for Got The Chocolates up the passing lane. The gate speed Marketplace showed last Saturday would suggest he could hold the lead on Friday if Ferguson wants, with only Got The Chocolates or Bettor Anvil taking a flyer from his wide draw likely to be able to cross him. “I will leave that up to Craig but the horse is very well and he has improved since last week,” says Todd. “And being on the marker pegs is going to be crucial over the 2700m. It always is in a Derby.” Todd has a busy weekend with Mo’unga in the Messenger following out Republican Party while Betterthancash faces a 10m handicap in the $40,000 Regent Car Court Southern Cups Final at Invercargill’s big Diamonds Day on Sunday. “He won well last week but meets Wag Star 10m worse off and a lot will depend on who steps best and ends up where cause they go so hard in those races.” Todd suggests maiden trotter Amendment can make up for her debut gallop as favourite in Race 2 at Rangiora on Sunday as the stable spread their equine resources far and wide. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Successful Kiwi horseman David Butt is grateful for the day five years ago when Minstrel failed a vet test. Leading Western Australian trainers Greg and Skye Bond had landed on a deal to buy the then emerging three-year-old and the last box to tick was a vet check. “He’d just run third in the Flying Stakes, the last lead-up for the NZ Derby, and the offer was a good one,” Butt recalled. “He was as good as sold, but failed the vet when they found he had changes in his knees. Thankfully they’ve never bothered him.” Rather than ditch the deal, Greg Bond proposed buying half of Minstrel and Butt and his fellow owners, largely family, kept the other half. “That’s turned out to be a blessing,” Butt said, “to see how far he’s gone and follow him in all the big races. “We went to the Inter Dominion final at Menangle (last December) and even though he ran second, it was a huge thrill. He ran a mighty race.” Minstrel has raced 70 times for 27 wins, 32 placings and banked $1,447,308. Butt and wife, Catherine, have made the trip to Perth to be trackside for Minstrel’s quest to land his biggest win so far in Friday night’s $1.25mil Group 1 Nullarbor at Gloucester Park. “Catherine went last year, but I’ve made the trip this time, too,” he said. “He ran such a great race from a bad draw (gate nine) last year and he’s drawn much better (gate four) this time.” Such is the importance of the barrier draw, Minstrel was $5 before it and is now $1.90 favourite. His good draw was further enhanced by awful draws for his two main dangers, Swayzee (gate 10, lone back row) and defending champion Catch A Wave (nine, outside front). Swayzee was $2 pre-draw, but has eased to $3.10. Catch A Wave has been $3.20 out to $4.80. “The draw couldn’t have turned out much better,” driver Deni Roberts said. “There was only (barriers) four and nine left when it came his turn to draw a gate and I thought ‘no, not nine again, please’. “Four is great. He’s getting off the gate really well and I’d expect to work to the lead from there. “It’s a huge advantage being in front and on the pegs at Gloucester Park and I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.” Co-trainer Greg Bond said it was a choice to keep Minstrel fresh with five weeks between runs. “As he’s got older and we understand him better, it works,” he said. “We’ve got the facilities at home to get him right where we need him,” he said. “We think he’s as good as ever and now he’s got the draw as well.” Rival trainer Gary Hall Sr, who has exciting former Kiwi pacer Mister Smartee in the race, thinks Minstrel is close to unbeatable. “Swayzee can’t beat him now. In fact, I’m not sure anything can, given he should just run straight to the front,” he said. “Our only chance is to go forward early, get the one-one sit when Swayzee comes around and hope he attacks Minstrel and we can be the last horse standing.” View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 04/22/2025 Licensee: Edwin Alvarez, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from He'squite Mischief on 3/19/25. Date: 04/21/2025 Licensee: Chief Stipe O'Neill, trainer Penalty: No charges, complaint withdrawn. Explainer: Additional testing on the samples taken from What A Dude, who won at Santa Rosa on 8/16/24, found that concentrations of Furosemide (Lasix) could not be determined with sufficient certainty, according to HIWU. Date: 04/18/2025 Licensee: Ben Colebrook, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Ibuprofen–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Interlock Empire, who finished second at Oaklawn Park on 1/24/25. Date: 04/17/2025 Licensee: Scooter Davis, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Apr. 18; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Uncaptured Star, who won at Tampa Bay on 3/15/25. Date: 04/17/2025 Licensee: Pablo Torres, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Fort Charles, who finished third at Tampa Bay on 2/22/25. Date: 04/16/2025 Licensee: Miguel Ramirez, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Trichlormethiazide–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Five O Cocktail, who finished third at Santa Anita on 1/17/25. Pending ADMC Violations 04/21/2025, Darien Rodriguez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Everdoit, who won at Tampa Bay on 3/19/25. 04/21/2025, Jorge Farias, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Trichlormethiazide–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Modera, who finished fifth at Los Alamitos on 3/16/25. 04/21/2025, Vance Childers, trainer: Pending medication violation for the possession of Piper Methysticum (Kava)–a banned anti-inflammatory–for an event dated 11/12/24. 04/18/2025, Pablo Torres, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Holiday Fantasy, who finished third at Tampa Bay on 3/19/25. 04/18/2025, Mike Miceli, trainer: Pending medication violations for the presence of Dexamethasone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Wildcat Annie, who won at Aqueduct on 2/15/25; and from Piston Liz Ablazen, who finished second at Aqueduct on 2/21/25. 04/17/2025, Carlos Inirio, trainer: Pending medication violations for the presence of Caffeine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Fool for the City, who won at Mahoning Valley on 1/25/25; and from Sufferin Succotash, who finished fourth at Mahoning Valley on 1/27/25. Violations of Crop Rule Hawthorne Valentin Esquivel–violation date Apr. 17; $250 fine, one-day suspension The post Weekly National Regulatory Rulings, Apr. 17-23 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Facing a couple of starters from barns that typically hold hot hands in Keeneland's baby races at this time of the year, Percy's Bar (Upstart) overcame trouble in the early going of her 4 1/2-furlong career debut before rolling past her competition late to win by an emphatic margin at Keeneland Wednesday afternoon. Pinched back as In the Aggregate (Raging Bull {Fr}) veered over on her at the onset, Percy's Bar found trouble at the hooves of that rival again, forcing to check while passing the gap as the free-flying favorite Gracie's Delight (American Pharoah), from the Wesley Ward barn, opened a clear lead. Taking it to the frontrunner approaching the home turn, Repole Stable's Nonna's Love (Caravaggio), sent off the 9-2 third choice for Todd Pletcher, caught the pacesetter at the quarter pole and it appeared that either one of those were in position to win. However, steadily making up ground from the back, Percy's Bar narrowed the margin on the frontrunners, drove up the inside to catch them in the final sixteenth and drew clear to score by four widening lengths. Cat Island (Catalina Cruiser) closed to catch second while Nonna's Love held on to third. A $52,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase, the filly is out of the unraced Honestly Deb, who is also responsible for a yearling filly by Cairo Prince. 2nd-Keeneland, $89,629, Msw, 4-23, 2yo, f, 4 1/2f, :52.54, ft, 4 lengths. PERCY'S BAR, f, 2, by Upstart 1st dam: Honestly Deb, by Super Saver 2nd Dam: Deb's Charm, by Silver Charm 3rd Dam: Ms. Cuvee Napa, by Relaunch ($52,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $52,313. O-Hat Creek Racing; B-Brereton C. Jones (KY); T-Ben Colebrook. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree. Click for the Equibase.com chart, the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Percy's Bar gets the rail trip to take the second at Keeneland! @luanmachado85 was in the saddle for trainer Ben Colebrook. TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/9eK24GHDh2 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 23, 2025 The post Upstart’s Percy’s Bar Overcomes Rough Start to Earn TDN Rising Stardom appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A pair of Keeneland-based contenders for the May 2 GI Kentucky Oaks each drilled four furlongs over the Keenelanf main track Wednesday morning. Cypress Creek Equine and Madaket Stable's Bless the Broken (Laoban), last-out winner of the Listed Bourbonette Oaks over the Turfway Poly Mar. 22, covered the distance in :48 flat (6/43) in the company of her thrice-raced Will Walden stablemate Bermuda Triangle (Justify) in splits of :11.60 and :24.80 before galloping out five-eighths of a mile in 1:01 according to Keeneland clockers. “It was good; we weren't trying to do too much,” Walden said while watching Bless the Broken cool out at the barn. “Happy with the way she is coming into the race. Hopefully she is peaking at the right moment.” Bless the Broken, a reference to the 2004 Rascal Flatts song 'Bless the Broken Road,' is penciled in for a shedrow day on Thursday before vanning over to Churchill on Friday. Early On (Union Rags) went her half-mile in :48.60 (10/43) for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. A maiden winner three back at Gulfstream Feb. 5, the New York-bred bay has since finished narrowly runner-up in the Virginia Oaks Mar. 15 and in the GIII Gazelle Stakes Apr. 5. In other Oaks-related developments, MGISP Quickick (McKinzie) worked five furlongs in company at Churchill in 1:01.20 with Edgar Morales up. Quickick was timed in fractions of :24.40 and :36.60 and galloped out six furlongs in 1:14.20 and seven panels in 1:27.80. “She's not that big a filly and all of her major work was behind her,” Amoss said. “This was just a maintenance work.” Umberto Rispoli will take the call on last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies third, Amoss said. Also on track for for the first time Wednesday morning was Baoma Corp.'s GII Santa Anita Oaks winner Tenma (Nyquist) for trainer Bob Baffert. Kentucky Oaks contender Quickick (outside) with @EMoralesRacing up worked 5F with Lady Orient (inside) in 1:01.20 for trainer @TomAmossRacing. pic.twitter.com/CKZwRLoJ3E — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 23, 2025 The post Oaks Hopefuls Turn In Final Breezes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

GI Arkansas Derby hero Sandman (Tapit) completed his final work for Kentucky Derby 151 on a clear Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs, while Journalism (Curlin) and 'TDN Rising Star' Rodriguez (Authentic) made their first appearances after shipping in from California on Tuesday afternoon. Sandman, who was a $1.2-million OBS March buy a year ago, worked five furlongs under Froylan Garcia for trainer Mark Casse. The 3-year-old went easy as he produced fractions of :13.60, :26.20, :38, 1:02.40 and out six furlongs in 1:15.60, according to Churchill Downs clocker John Nichols. “On a scale of 1 to 10 this gets a 10,” Casse said. “That was his last work before the Derby. I think he grows every time I look at him. He is more than 16 hands, more than 16-3.” “He is doing it with ease.” K. Kilroy Sandman puts in a maintenance 5 furlong breeze in 1:02.2 this morning under the TwinSpires for trainer Mark Casse. pic.twitter.com/rBkBE0CKzn — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) April 23, 2025 The winner of the GI Santa Anita Derby, Journalism hit the track with Marc Witkowski aboard. The Michael McCarthy trainee came on during the 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m ET training window and galloped a mile and an eighth. “It looked like he got over the track nicely,” McCarthy said. The conditioner said any gate or paddock schooling would be determined as the week progressed along with when his final work would take place before the Derby. “I'm handicapping the weather,” he said. Rain is in the forecast for Friday with a lesser chance of precipitation Saturday. As for the gate to wire winner of the GII Wood Memorial Stakes, Rodriguez galloped nearly 1 1/2 miles for trainer Bob Baffert. Journalism's first spin around @ChurchillDowns! pic.twitter.com/9q5gfJnhgw — Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) April 23, 2025 The post Sandman Puts In Final Prep As Journalism, Rodriguez Hit Track appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DONCASTER, UK–The clock doesn't lie, nor do the results on the track. Goffs has come good on its promise to send owners and trainers to the hallowed ground that is the winner's enclosure at Royal Ascot with 10 graduates managing such an achievement in the last nine years. Few sales companies can boast a similar roll of honour. Put simply, anyone with designs on rocking up to Royal Ascot in June will not have to think long and hard about speculating at Doncaster this week. Past performances are a barometer to the future and, just last year alone, Queen Mary heroine Leovanni (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}) along with the similarly smart Aesterius, Powerful Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Black Forza (Complexity) and Electrolyte were sourced at this sale. In fact, Leovanni heads a total of nine graduates who have gone on to achieve official ratings of 100 or greater. Not only can Blandford Blodstock's ace agent Richard Brown lay claim to buying the Queen Mary winner for £190,000, but he also bought Coventry Stakes second and third Electrolyte (Ire) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) and Columnist (GB) (Ardad {Ire}), along with G2 Flying Childers winner Aesterius (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). Some shooting, in fairness. But some very smart horses, who undoubtedly will reach high ratings in time, have also been sourced from this sale as well. Take Glenderry (GB) (Mohaather {GB}) for example. He was bought by Jack Davison for £48,000 before being traded on to continue his career in Hong Kong after he achieved a rating of 93 when landing a competitive Dundalk maiden on his second start for the trainer in October. Along with bloodstock agent Barry Lynch, Davison has returned to Doncaster this week in search of more value. He said, “It's well-documented that this sale has a proven track record in producing Royal Ascot winners but, if you go against the grain, you can find value here. I think Glenderry breezed 68th on overall rankings but he was just a gorgeous horse that needed a bit of time. There is more than just early two-year-olds in this sale and, if you are prepared to think outside the box a little, you can find yourself a nice racehorse. I'm looking for the seven furlong or the miler type of horse. If something clocks really well, I'm out of the picture because I don't have the budget. But I love shopping at this sale and hopefully we can find one or two tomorrow that fits into our bracket.” Buyers will undoubtedly have to get the cheque book out to secure lot 175, a Cotai Glory (GB) filly who breezed particularly well for Ellie Whitaker of EMW Equine. The Cotai Glory filly looks a shrewd purchase now given Whitaker sourced the daughter of juvenile winner Rosie Bassett (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) for just £32,000 from Tally-Ho Stud at last year's Premier Yearling Sale. Barry Lynch and Jack Davison | Goffs Whitaker, who is perhaps best known for selling the smart Royal Aclaim (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) through the breeze-up sphere, admits that the Cotai Glory featuring prominently in all of the timing sheets exceeded expectations. Meanwhile, lot 148, a colt by Sergei Prokofiev, also breezed quite well for the outfit. Whitaker said, “Delighted. We've brought two nice horses and one has gone a little bit better than we could have expected. Couldn't be happier, really. When you are watching the breeze on the screen, you can never really tell, but she [the Cotai Glory filly] has a huge stride and has always been very professional. Her homework has always been strong and we thought she was a nice filly so she's gone and proved that today. She can hopefully go on and prove it on the track now as well. The Sergei Prokofiev colt breezed well as well. He is a nice progressive horse so hopefully they can both go well tomorrow. Fingers, toes, legs–everything is crossed for the sale now.” The breeze-up season got underway with a bang at Tattersalls last week where numerous records were broken at the Craven Sale. But away from the two seven-figure lots and record turnover [nearly 20 million gns], the 83% clearance rate pointed to a strong demand for breeze-up horses across the board. Goffs chief Henry Beeby agreed and said he is hoping for more of the same this week. “I thought it [the Craven Breeze-Up Sale] was very positive–there was so much interest at so many levels, which I thought was encouraging,” he explained. “There seemed to be a diverse range of buyers and that's also positive. We've had very good feedback for this sale–the catalogue is good and the reports from the vendors have been strong all the way through.” Beeby added, “We think we have assembled a very strong group of horses and there are plenty of buyers here as well. We campaigned vigorously in the Middle East with extensive trips in Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Dubai and we're hoping that will result in increased interest from that part of the world tomorrow.” There was a notable number of Middle Eastern buyers among the good footfall of people that were busy inspecting the barns following the breeze on Wednesday. Irishman Eoin Sullivan, who has been based in Asia for a number of years now, was one such agent responsible for bringing a group of Saudi Arabian-based owners and trainers to Doncaster this week for the breeze-up sale. He said, “We are buying primarily for Saudi Arabia. There is a chance that we could leave something in Ireland or France and run them in Europe before importing them to Saudi Arabia. We've sent a few to Fozzy Stack and it seems to be working out well. Aziz Alizhabi and Abdullah Alamonif, who actually trains Abriq Alkhayl (Twirling Candy), who we bought here last year, have made the trip so we're looking forward to doing some business this week.” Sullivan added, “There is a bit of momentum in the Middle East at the moment. I used to do a lot of business in Singapore before things went there so it's been a case of one door closing but another door opening with regards to me personally. So we have a few different orders to fill and the plan is to stay on and go to the Guineas Breeze-Up Sale as well.” The sale, which features the progeny of Havana Grey, Wootton Bassett, Blue Point, Mehmas, No Nay Never and more, kicks off at 10am on Thursday. The post Hunt For Royal Ascot Rockets Gets Underway At The Goffs Breeze-Up Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Funeral arrangements have been confirmed for Taylor Made Farm's Josh Bryan, who passed away on Apr. 22 from complications from jaw surgery at the age of 33. Visitation will take place on Thursday, Apr. 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Road in Lexington. Funeral services will take place Friday, Apr. 25 beginning at 1 p.m. at Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 601 Hill N Dale Road, Lexington. Bryan will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3250 Versailles Road in Frankfort. Born with a rare congenital defect called Goldenhar syndrome that affects the development of the ear, nose, soft palate, lip and mandible usually on one side of the body, Bryan endured better than 15 surgical procedures beginning from the time he was seven weeks old. In a 2024 interview with TDN's Katie Petrunyak, Bryan explained “I didn't really feel like I had much to live for” given his too-frequent visits to the doctor and having suffered the loss of his parents during his college years. Having turned to alcohol, Bryan was accepted into Shepherd's House, a residential drug treatment center with the help of Taylor Made's Frank Taylor, his second cousin. His path to recovery was documented by Petrunyak as part of TDN's 'Road Back' series. “He was loved by everyone in the industry,” Taylor told TDN's Sue Finley on Tuesday. “He impacted a lot of people. Had a heart of gold. He was dealt a bad hand and played it to perfection. Our hearts are broken.” The post Funeral Arrangements Set For Josh Bryan appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Victor Espinoza and American Pharoah electrified the sport of horse racing with their accomplishments together. After winning the Triple Crown, they won the Haskell Invitational Stakes (G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).View the full article

The new Maryland Jockey Club, in conjunction with 1/ST Racing, announces the field and morning line odds for the Preakness Stakes Future Win Wager. Journalism is the 8-1 morning line favorite. View the full article