Wandering Eyes

One day after an arbitrator ruled that Phil Serpe would be suspended for two years in a contested clenbuterol positive case from last summer at Saratoga Race Course, the 66-year-old trainer was back in federal court Tuesday seeking to renew his request for a preliminary injunction in his nine-month-old lawsuit against the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). At the same time, Serpe's legal team also wasted no time in filing an immediate appeal with the FTC to have his July 14 Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) arbitration decision reconsidered by an administrative law judge. A key issue in Serpe's federal court filing is the fact that HIWU and HISA did not pursue any monetary fine against him. That's a departure from how the agencies handled a dozen other clenbuterol detections since the Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program (ADMC) went into effect in May 2023. Although it might seem paradoxical that a penalized trainer would go to federal court to focus on why he wasn't fined up to $25,000 (as ADMC Rule 3223 seemingly calls for), Serpe is arguing that the non-pursuit of any monetary penalty by HISA and HIWU is an alleged end-around to stymie his efforts to prove in his lawsuit that he has been wrongfully denied his constitutional right to a jury trial. Serpe's Oct. 17, 2024, civil complaint cites a United States Supreme Court case that previously ruled that a federal regulatory agency's enforcement for civil monetary penalties must be brought in a federal court, subject to the Seventh Amendment's jury trial right. Serpe's July 15, 2025, legal filing in U.S. District Court (Southern District of Florida) explained his renewed contentions in light of the arbitrator's decision: “As anticipated, Serpe's Arbitration concluded with sanctions for violating the ADMC Program. But, despite that HISA Rules mandated the imposition of a fine if Serpe could not show a significant lack of fault or negligence and that the Arbitrator found that Serpe could not do so, the Arbitrator did not impose a fine. “Instead, the Arbitrator only imposed equitable sanctions of a two-year suspension, [and] the Arbitrator never analyzed whether the HISA Rules required or permitted him to not impose a fine. Rather, he chose not to impose a fine simply because HIWU asked him not to,” the filing stated. Phil Serpe with Weekend Hideaway | Sarah Andrew “This was intentional,” the filing continued. “While Defendants had told this Court that Serpe's Seventh Amendment challenge against the FTC was unripe, all parties essentially agreed that, were the Arbitrator to comply with the law and impose a fine, Serpe's appeal to the FTC would have immediately ripened his challenge based on Serpe's demand for a jury trial. “And upon that demand, were it meritorious, Serpe would have been entitled to defend himself against the Authority's entire prosecution–not just for a fine–in an Article III court, instead of before the FTC. “But by illegally preventing the FTC from reviewing a fine on appeal, the Authority (via HIWU and the Arbitrator) strategically sought to deprive federal-court jurisdiction over Serpe's entire prosecution, including a Seventh Amendment jury trial on both a fine as well as the facts of liability required for any sanction. “This gamesmanship has to stop,” the filing stated. On Wednesday, a HISA spokesperson declined the opportunity to comment on these latest developments in Serpe's ongoing lawsuit. Serpe's sanctions took effect on Monday, the date the arbitrator's decision was made public. But as of Wednesday, it was unclear if or when another trainer would be named to take over the running of his New York-based stable. Serpe has six horses entered at Saratoga for the upcoming Thursday and Saturday programs. Serpe did not respond to messages left prior to the deadline for this story asking about the status of his stable. His attorney, Bradford Beilly, did not want to discuss on the record any meetings that might have taken place between Serpe, the Saratoga stewards, and the New York Racing Association (NYRA). A NYRA spokesperson would not comment on the matter to TDN, citing the pending litigation. Serpe's suspension stems from a clenbuterol positive detected in the urine (but not blood) samples taken from his trainee, Fast Kimmie (Oscar Performance) after her Aug. 10, 2024, victory in a $30,000 claiming race. Clenbuterol is a bronchodilator that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the management of horses with airway obstruction. Clenbuterol cannot be administered to any HISA “covered horse” other than in the context of a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship in accordance with the conditions set forth in ADMC rules. Clenbuterol is classified as a “banned” substance by the ADMC, meaning it is never to be present in any HISA-regulated Thoroughbred. In the 1990s and 2000s decades, clenbuterol first started being regulated by American racing commissions because of its propensity for abuse as a drug known to mimic the muscle-building properties of anabolic steroids. Serpe, a licensed trainer since 1984 who has maintained a nearly violation-free record while campaigning graded stakes winners up and down the East Coast, denied he had authorized any veterinarian to dose Fast Kimmie with clenbuterol. The rulings portal for the Association of Racing Commissioners International, which lists most (but not all) actions reported by state racing commissions, shows only two entries for Serpe over that four-decade span: One was a 2013 Class 4 (lowest level) phenylbutazone overage detected at Gulfstream Park, to which Serpe agreed and consented to a $250 fine. The other was a 2018 workout violation at Saratoga related to breezing a horse too soon after it had received shock or pulse wave therapy, an infraction to which Serpe waived his right to appeal and had $500 stayed from a $1,000 fine. A story published by TDN earlier this week detailed how Serpe presented evidence to the arbitrator during his June 5 hearing showing that Fast Kimmie had undergone out-of-competition (OOC) testing at the behest of HIWU nearly eight weeks before her Saratoga win, and that no prohibited substances were detected in her blood at that time. A follow-up OOC test three months after Fast Kimmie's race-day positive also came back negative for clenbuterol in both blood and hair samples. But the arbitrator, Jeffrey Benz, wrote in his decision that “nowhere in the ADMC Program does it provide that prior or subsequent testing is relevant” and that it is “not necessary” for HIWU to demonstrate intent, fault, negligence, or knowing use on the part of any trainer to establish a presence-based drug finding. Saratoga's main track | Sarah Andrew Benz summed up: “Despite the findings of this Arbitrator, no one should read this decision as determining that Mr. Serpe is a cheater. The only determination that can be taken from the findings in this Final Decision is that Mr. Serpe was unable to meet his burden and standard of proof under the applicable rules.” Serpe's July 15 legal filing stated that, “During the arbitration hearing, Serpe's counsel explained that while Serpe certainly was not requesting a fine, a fine of some amount was nevertheless mandatory if the Arbitrator found liability without also finding that Serpe proved no fault or negligence. Serpe explained that the Arbitrator had an independent legal obligation to enforce federal regulations and that HIWU's strategic decision to forgo a fine was not a basis to ignore certain HISA Rules. During the hearing, the Arbitrator seemed skeptical about the argument.” The filing also noted that, as per the rules of his pending appeal, “the FTC has stipulated the ALJ will not (and cannot) seek a jury trial before imposing that fine.” The filing stated that because the FTC “right now is prosecuting Serpe for violating the ADMC Program, which includes a civil penalty,” Serpe should, again, “be in federal court” to resolve the matter. Serpe's legal team told the court in the filing that, “Under any theory, Serpe is entitled to a preliminary injunction enjoining the FTC from enforcing the Arbitrator's order and, eventually, a permanent injunction against enforcing any penalties without a jury trial. The Arbitration has resulted in irreparable harm through Serpe's two-year suspension, which was imposed without a jury first finding Serpe liable.” Tuesday's legal filing explained the alleged “irreparable harm” this way: “Serpe attests that the economic value of all these losses is difficult–if not impossible–to quantify. A two-year suspension will not simply deprive Serpe of money, but it will destroy his entire business as a trainer. “HISA arbitrations have life-altering and devasting impacts. The Court originally determined that Serpe's harm was not irreparable as to the Authority because he could sue the Authority for damages caused by the business harms [because, at the time] 'Serpe continue[d] to be allowed to train horses to compete in races.' “Irrespective of Serpe's ability to sue the Authority for damages, he is no longer 'allowed to train horses to compete in races,'” the filing stated. The post Suspended Trainer Serpe Back In Federal Court Against HISA: ‘This Gamesmanship Has To Stop’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aiming for her third straight victory and back-to-back graded stakes wins, Pipsy battles familiar foes in the $175,000 Caress Stakes (G3T), a 5 1/2-furlong grass sprint July 19 at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas, G1) runner-up Shes Perfect may have run her last race of the season after suffering a setback.View the full article

After Sandman breezed a half-mile in :49.01 at Saratoga Race Course July 16, dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse discusses how he's coming into the $500,000 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) and why he's adding blinkers for the July 26 race.View the full article

The post Saratoga Rain appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Haskell Stakes (G1)-entered Kentucky Outlaw is a classic blue-collar runner with ham-and-eggs connections in Felissa and John Dunn, who dream he someday will deliver their first graded stakes score after their decades in the Thoroughbred game. View the full article

Rested and a little more grown, Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Sandman is ready for another crack at Sovereignty in the July 26 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2), recording a maintenance half-mile at Saratoga Race Course July 16 in :49.01.View the full article

One of the favourites for the 1,000 Guineas, Juddmonte's TDN Rising Star Red Letter (Frankel) is being slowly built back up by Ger Lyons and his patience paid off on Wednesday as the talented filly captured the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cairn Rouge Stakes. Denied by her classy peer Barnavara in Navan's Listed Kooyonga Stakes last month, the 8-11 favourite had to work again for Colin Keane but mastered Fiery Lucy (Without Parole) close home to score by half a length in the mile feature. “She's a filly we've always thought a lot of and I'd say she bumped into one last time,” Keane said. “This is the first time she's got an ease in the ground, which she appreciates. Up in trip, I'll think you'll see more improvement. They didn't go quick enough for me, as she's a filly that picks up and then lengthens.” 2025 account officially OPEN Down-in-grade needs to dig in to land the Listed Cairn Rouge Stakes but she's off the mark for the calendar year.@IrishEBF_ | @ctkjockey | @KillarneyRaces pic.twitter.com/VzGdzC2r4d — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 16, 2025 The post Frankel’s Exciting Red Letter Back To Winning Ways At Killarney appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Last year's Shuvee Stakes (G2) marked the beginning of an impressive three-race win streak for Alpha Delta Stables' Raging Sea. View the full article

A week after sending out stable star Vera's Secret to win her second Group 3, John Feane, widely regarded as one of the shrewdest handlers in Ireland, is eyeing another major payday in the Scurry Handicap at the Curragh with Greek Flower, a filly the trainer describes as being “seriously well-handicapped.” And there would be few more deserving winners on Irish Oaks Weekend. Greek Flower flashed home to fill the runner-up spot in the Rockingham as well as the Scurry last season. Luck was not on her side, either, when she was beaten just over four lengths in the Rockingham last month and Feane will be bidding to maintain his excellent record in sending out winners at some of Ireland's biggest meetings with the six-year-old daughter of Australia on Saturday. Not one for courting publicity, the Curragh-based trainer with no more than 24 horses at any given time prefers to let them do the talking. Crucially, wins achieved on Irish Champions Weekend as well as at the Guineas and Derby meetings in the past 12 months alone say more about the man than he ever will. “We went pot-hunting with Greek Flower last year and she was second in the Rockingham and second in the Scurry,” Feane said. “She flew home for second in both of those races and I can remember reading that there was only one horse all year who covered the final two furlongs quicker and that was Believing. She's a hard filly to win with but she won over €50,000 in prize-money last year and wasn't far off bagging a big one. Hopefully her day might come this weekend.” Feane added, “She was beaten just over four lengths in the Rockingham last time and, basically, things didn't work out for her on the day. She's 3lb out of the handicap but, if Big Gossey comes out, the weights will go up and she'd appear well-in. If they go quick, and the pace doesn't hold up, she could fly home and be in the mix for good prize-money. She could be running around in lesser races and have a better chance of winning but I'd rather go where the prize-money is. I think she's seriously well-handicapped.” Vera's Secret is very much Feane's flag-bearer. She has won four of her 10 starts, with the latest of those wins achieved in last week's Group 3 Brownstown Stakes at Leopardstown. A return to that course and distance on Irish Champions Weekend could be in store for the mare with Feane revealing that he is eyeing an audacious tilt at the Group 1 Matron Stakes next. He said, “She's had just three runs this year and has won two Group 3s and run well in a Group 2. Leopardstown is a track that suits her and she's improving as well. She's in the Matron Stakes and is usually best fresh so we're thinking of aiming her towards that. Obviously, Group 1 races are hard to win and she'll need to step forward but she deserves to take her chance.” He added, “We're not afraid to go where the prize-money is and had winners last year on Derby Weekend, Guineas Weekend and Irish Champions Weekend. We only keep about 20 horses in training so we need to be targeting the bigger meetings. We're just targeting prize-money these days and, with the fillies, the ultimate aim is to gain black-type. We're lucky to train for a lot of owner-breeders so that's another hugely enjoyable aspect of the business as well.” Ballyhimikin Stud boss James Hanly is one such owner-breeder who has enlisted the services of Feane. In fact, not long after Ombudsman landed the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot, the breeder heaped praise on Feane for calling it right from the start about the Group 1-producing Syndicate. That daughter of Dansili reached a modest rating of 78 with her wins coming in handicaps at Ffos Las and Southwell but Hanly revealed that Feane was adamant that the filly deserved her place in the paddocks and how right he was. More recently, the distinctive light blue and red silks of Ballyhimikin Stud were carried to victory by impressive maiden scorer Charasson (Kodiac) at the Curragh on Derby Weekend and Feane revealed that black-type races await that filly. He said, “Charasson will run in the Sweet Mimosa Stakes at Naas next week and, Fregada (Kodiac) [similar ownership], who is another very good filly, has some big targets coming up as well. She's very talented and we're looking forward to her. The market has become so strong at the breeding stock sales that many owner-breeders have decided to go out and make their own stock by putting them in training. That's obviously fantastic for me because they have patience and let me train them to the best of their ability. These are the horses that you want to be training.” There was a time when Feane was associated with orchestrating and executing eye-watering gambles. Not anymore. That aspect of the business has been dead and buried for a number of years now for the simple fact it has become too difficult for connections to get bets on. But Feane has not stood still. After seeing the wood from the trees, he has refined his business model and, along with training for a number of renowned owner-breeders along with long-standing supporters who continue to keep fun handicappers on the go, he has traded a number of horses from Irish maidens in recent years. He said, “It's sad when you see some top trainers finishing up in Ireland. We train for a few owner-breeders, then we have a few handicappers there and a few that might run well in a maiden and be traded on. We run it as a business. But the gambling side of things is finished. I haven't been betting in the past two or three years because there's no such thing anymore. There are no accounts, everything is closed off and owners can't even get bets on. The real trick here is to train horses to run well in maidens and sell on to other jurisdictions. Now, the biggest gamble you can land is selling horses out of maidens.” Feane added, “Where are the best jurisdictions for owning and training horses? I would say Japan, Hong Kong and France. And what do those places all have in common? They are Tote monopolies. If Ireland was a Tote monopoly, where would we be?” Along with Scurry Handicap contender Greek Flower, Feane will be represented at his local track on Oaks Weekend by Havana Grey newcomer Shadow Of The Moon in a seven-furlong maiden and stable stalwart Indigo Five (Fast Company) in the Group 3 Meadow Court Stakes. All three of Feane's runners “will run well,” according to the trainer, who has encouraged people to start getting behind the Curragh. He said, “My partner Susan and I bought a yard on the Curragh together last year and things are going great. We've plenty of staff, the horses are running well and we're happy. We have a couple of new owners this year but I don't really advertise or go around with my chest out. I like doing my own thing to a degree. But I'm happy with what I'm doing and we do the best with what we have.” Feane added, “The Curragh is getting a lot of criticism lately but I think they are putting on a good show. Brian Kavanagh is doing a good job. If we had a think tank and everybody put their thoughts down on paper, I think we'd be far better off rather than just criticising people. The Curragh is an easy target because of all the money that was spent on it but, if we can't be positive about it, who else will?” The post Feane Bids To Bolster Big-Race Record With ‘Well-Handicapped’ Runner On Irish Oaks Weekend appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ana O'Brien's A Boy Named Susie (Starspangledbanner), a G1 Vincent O'Brien National Stakes entry, faced five rivals for his debut in Wednesday evening's €25,000 Irish EBF Median Sires Series Race at Killarney and returned with a three-length tally. The extended one-mile contest was won by dual Derby hero Lambourn last year. “In fairness, Donnacha [O'Brien] always liked this horse and I'm delighted he came out and did that,” said O'Brien after claiming her first win as an owner. “It's my first time back here since my fall, so thankfully this is a much better day.” Donnacha O'Brien added, “We thought he was good as he did a really good piece of work up the Curragh a few weeks ago. This auction race looked a tough ask as he was giving away weight to winners and it is a tough track first-time-out, but he is obviously just smart. For an auction race at Killarney, it has thrown up Iridessa, Luxembourg and last year Lambourn and a few Group 2 winners as well, so it's a nice start for him. They hacked and then sprinted, but I think he could be a proper one. He has plenty of gears for a big horse.” The 10-3 chance broke to the fore and accepted a tow in second after the initial exchanges. Looming large on the bridle with a quarter-mile remaining, he quickened to the front entering the final furlong and was pushed clear in the closing stages to defeat Bellamano (Lucky Vega) in decisive fashion. A Boy Named Susie, half to a yearling filly by State Of Rest, is the seventh of eight foals and third scorer out of an unraced half-sister to dual Group 1-placed sire Mehmas (Acclamation). The April-foaled bay's dam Soho Susie (Montjeu) is also a kin to the dams of black-type performers Siamsa (Starspangledbanner), Heritage House (Dark Angel) and Pivotal Connection (Pivotal). ”His work was very good at home.” Donnacha O'Brien has become the first person to train a winner in the colours of his sister Ana after A Boy Named Susie scored on debut @KillarneyRaces. The question is, will the colt be carrying the same colours next time it runs? pic.twitter.com/7BipzlMzKe — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 16, 2025 The post Ana O’Brien Silks to the Fore for First Time as A Boy Named Susie Notches Killarney Debut Victory appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thursday, Leopardstown, post time: 18:52, BOYLESPORTS MELD STAKES-G3, €36,000, 3yo/up, 9fT Field: Galen (GB) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Lord Massusus (Ire) (Markaz {Ire}), Snellen (Ire) (Expert Eye {GB}), Sparks Fly (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Expanded (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Purview (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Shiota (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}). TDN Verdict: Ballydoyle's sole 2,000 Guineas runner Expanded is threatening to enter oblivion if he can't turn his form around, but we know from his Dewhurst second he is capable of that. Juddmonte's Purview split Delacroix and Tennessee Stud in this track's 10-furlong Derby Trial when last seen and that form is probably the key, even allowing for the presence of the solid older yardstick Galen. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Vichy, France, post time: 16:38, PRIX MADAME JEAN COUTURIE-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, f, 10fT Field: Benamira (GB) (Waldgeist {GB}), Calamandra (Fr) (New Bay {GB}), Al Uqda (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Pinatique (Fr) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Sea The Aurora (Fr) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), Fleur De Lis (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}), Thordis (Fr) (Earthlight {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Mickael Barzalona has opted to ride Calamandra of the two Graffard runners and she steps back in trip having been fourth in the Listed Prix de Thiberville. Unbeaten in three starts, Al Uqda remains an unknown quantity along with the Marseille maiden winner Fleur De Lis, a half-sister to the 2021 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches heroine Coeursamba. [Tom Frary]. Friday, Newbury, post time: 16:10, THE IRE-INCENTIVE – PAYS TO BUY IRISH ROSE BOWL S.-Listed, £45,000, 2yo, Open, 6f 0y Field: Amorim (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Do Bronxs (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), First Legion (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Kolkata Knight (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), Nuevo Slovo (Ire) (James Garfield {Ire}), Rock On Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Wise Approach (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Verdict: TDN Rising Star Wise Approach sets the standard on his Norfolk Stakes second, with this trip sure to suit better than the five at Ascot. Amorim broke his maiden by six lengths at Windsor last month and comes here with confidence high, which may not be the case with the Coventry and Norfolk also-rans Rock On Thunder and First Legion. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Expanded Eyeing Meld Redemption Tour appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The NTRA's Tom Rooney has a lot to deal with in Washington right now, arguing on behalf of the racing industry for immigration, tax relief, and tariff relief. He appears on the TDN Writers' Room, presented by Keeneland, as the Gainesway Guest of the Week to discuss what progress is being made in Washington on those issues. Rooney was asked first about the new 30% tariffs recently announced by Donald Trump on racing-heavy regions like the European Union, Canada, and Japan, and how that would affect racehorses. The tariffs are scheduled to go into effect August 1, unless trade deals are struck before that date. Proposed tariffs earlier in the year were postponed by the administration. “It is somewhat frustrating to try to plan this way and to get ready to go over to one of those sales, whether it be in England or Ireland or France or wherever, and game plan and look at pedigrees and try to figure out if you're going to buy a horse, if there's going to be a tariff or not,” said Rooney. “It just is such a frustratingly moving target. We have to just keep an eye on it and see if he delays it again. I think his words were something like, `it's definitely August 1st unless he changes his mind.' And when the stock market crashes or goes down and then he delays it and the stock market goes back up, you know, you think, `okay, well, he's not going to do that again.' But then he does. So at our office are on top of what what the actual cost will be should these tariffs actually go into effect.” Rooney also discussed the new provision in the tax bill that reduces the amount of gambling losses that can be written off against winnings. “We heard a rumor that the reason why this happened was they were looking for money wherever they could get it,” said Rooney. “It was a billion dollars that they thought they were going to be able to (make) from this. But that begs the question if people will bet as much if they can't write off as much of a loss. But we'll see. It was one of those things that was thrown in there at the last second. We couldn't change it. Now we have our next project that we're working on.” Elsewhere in the show, hosts Bill Finley, Zoe Cadman, and Randy Moss previewed the upcoming Haskell Saturday at Monmouth, featuring Preakness winner Journalism (Curlin), and the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga. In the WinStar Fastest Horse of the Week segment, presented by the stallion Nashville, they reviewed the co-fastest horses of the week, Excellent Truth (Cotai Glory {GB}) and Malarchuk (Nyquist), both trained by Chad Brown and each of whom won stakes at Saratoga with a 102 Beyers, and discussed the impact on handle of the ongoing rains at Saratoga. They also discussed the news of the week, including Lady Eli's son Dr. Agne (Into Mischief) being named a 'TDN Rising Star', Steve Kornacki's upcoming speech at The Jockey Club Round Table, and the strength of the JHRA sale in Japan. The TDN Writers' Room is also sponsored by 1/ST TV, West Point Thoroughbreds, and the PHBA. To watch the video of the Writers Room, click here. To listen to the audio version of the podcast, click here. The post NTRA CEO Tom Rooney Talks Immigration, Tariffs, Taxes on TDN Writers’ Room appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 4-5 favorite on the morning line Journalism (Curlin) was out on the Monmouth Park racing strip first thing Wednesday morning as the colt makes his final preparations for Saturday's 58th running of the GI NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes, the track said via a Wednesday press release. The Michael McCarthy-trainee arrived on Tuesday evening after an uneventful transcontinental flight from his Southern California base, jogged one mile around the oval under regular exercise rider Marc Witkowski. “I've been galloping horses my whole life. I've been on Grade I winners. He is the best I've ever been on, by far,” said Witkowski, who has partnered in the mornings with Journalism since the colt first came into the barn as a 2-year-old. “He's a strong horse and he's really smart,” said Witkowski. “He's a very intelligent horse and he just loves it out there. He's very competitive. He kind of puffs himself up but at the same time he's still calm and quiet. McCarthy plans to arrive at Monmouth Park on Saturday to saddle the winner of the GI Preakness Stakes and the GI Santa Anita Derby, who is co-owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables Five, and the Coolmore Partners of Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith. Justin Curran, a longtime McCarthy assistant who has also worked under Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, is tightening the screws on the colt in the meantime. “He's doing great. He traveled well and he's happy with himself,” said Curran. “He got over the track nice and easy. That's him. Every racetrack, he takes with him. We'll gallop a-mile-and-a-quarter tomorrow.” 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented | Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO Journalism, the only horse to contest all three legs of the Triple Crown this season, will meet Gosger (Nyquist) and 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) in the Haskell. Gosger, the third choice in the morning line at 9-2, is trained by Brendan Walsh and Goal Oriented, the second pick at 4-1, represents Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. Goal Oriented shared the flight from the West Coast with Journalism and arrived at the Jersey Shore track Tuesday evening while Gosger vanned from Kentucky and shipped in Wednesday in the early morning hours. Walsh assistant Stephan Dolan, who accompanied Gosger on his travels, said: “He's doing well and he's happy. He just relaxed today. He might walk this evening and do something small. He'll be out on the track in the morning. The boss will decide what he'll do. Brendan will be here on Friday.” Baffert, the owner of the Haskell record of nine wins, said that Goal Oriented is a big, strong horse who has improved since his last effort in the Preakness. “I feel good with the way he's coming into this race,” Baffert said. “He didn't go backwards on us. He's been moving forward. He's a much better horse than he was in the Preakness and he needs to be. Whether he's good enough, we'll see. I have a lot of respect for Journalism. This will be a good race.” The 5-1 morning line choice Burnham Square (Liam's Map), the only other Grade I winner in the field who captured the Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland in April, is expected to arrive on Friday. The post Journalism Preps For GI Haskell, Gosger And Goal Oriented Onsite appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aiming for her third straight victory and back-to-back graded stakes wins, Pipsy battles familiar foes in the $175,000 Caress Stakes (G3T), a 5 1/2-furlong grass sprint July 19 at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, in partnership with Parx Racing, is pleased to announce the addition of a live race day on Thursday, July 24, to help offset the recent cancellations caused by extreme summer heat. 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 Thursday at Saratoga. Thursday, July 17, 2025 Saratoga 6, $90k, 2yo, f, (S), 5 1/2fT, 4:02 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze My Boston Beauty (Galilean)–AE, OBSMAR, 25,000 (PS), :10 3/5 C-Gene Recio, agent; B-Gary Contessa, agent for Joseph Grant Sacred Goddess (Kantharos), OBSAPR, 200,000, :9 4/5 C-Grassroots Training & Sales, agt; B-Team Penney & Icon Racing Too B Wed (Yaupon), FTMMAY, 85,000, :11 C-Tom McCrocklin, agent; B-Dennis O'Neill The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: Thursday, July 17, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CEO Bill Carstanjen of Churchill Downs Inc. will be the luncheon keynote speaker at the Racing & Gaming Conference at Saratoga, which will take place from Aug. 11-13, the organizers said in a Wednesday press release. The conference will feature 12 panel discussions concerning industry issues. Attendees will also enjoy a reception at the Adelphi Hotel, a networking happy hour, and a day at the races at Saratoga Race Course. “It's a privilege to join this year's Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga and contribute to the conversation around racing and gaming,” said Carstanjen. “I welcome the opportunity to be part of a dialogue that brings together so many leaders who care deeply about the future of these industries.” Click here to view the conference agenda. The post CDI’s Bill Carstanjen Named Keynote For Spa Racing and Gaming Conference appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Matthew Poon Ming-fai clung on to win his maiden Tony Cruz Award in a remarkable photo finish with Derek Leung Ka-chun at Wednesday night’s season finale at Happy Valley. The 31-year-old entered the night one clear of Matthew Chadwick and two ahead of Leung, but it looked set to be a heartbreaking evening when Ragnarr arrived a nose too late in the opening Class Five Silver Grecian Handicap (1,200m). Frustration would have been building for Poon just 30 minutes later when Flying Wrote missed out...View the full article

FanDuel TV will provide on-site coverage of the entire Del Mar meet, which begins Friday. Opening weekend coverage will feature jockey Joe Talamo's return to the oceanside oval–this time from behind the broadcast desk. Talamo won 364 races at Del Mar and enjoyed a banner season in 2012 when his 12 stakes wins tied him for third all-time for a single summer season. He also won three consecutive editions of the GII Del Mar Mile from 2011-2013. “Del Mar has always been a special place for me as a rider and now working for FanDuel,” said Talamo. “It's our marquee summer race meet that everyone looks forward to and the vibe there is truly something I wish every horse racing fan could get to experience. Even though I won't be riding there this meet, I'm beyond excited to be there with FanDuel and get to see all the owners, trainers, jockeys, and fans that I've been around for most of my 18-year career.” Opening day Friday will also mark a transition in the announcer's booth as Larry Collmus, another member of the FanDuel TV broadcast team, takes over from longtime announcer Trevor Denman, who retired earlier this year. FanDuel TV will offer fans a special feature reflecting on Denman's career and looking ahead to the new voice of Del Mar. FanDuel TV's other experts on-site at Del Mar for opening weekend include Todd Schrupp, Scott Hazelton, Christina Blacker, Matt Bernier, and Simon Bray who will provide exclusive interviews, insights and handicapping selections. “We are looking forward to another summer where the surf meets the turf,” said FanDuel TV's General Manager of Racing Andrew Moore. “This is one of the most prestigious and anticipated meets of the year and we are looking forward to bringing fans and horseplayers close to the action with full coverage every day.” The post FanDuel’s Meet-Long Del Mar Coverage Includes Return of Joe Talamo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 16th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game, which benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, as well as the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, will be played Aug. 6 at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center beginning at 7 p.m. The jockey team will once again be coached by Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero, Jr. Assisting him on the sidelines this year will be Taaj Ridley, the head of player development and assistant coach for the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League. The horsemen's team will be coached for the first time by trainer Kenny McPeek and retired New York-based trainer Rick Schosberg. They will succeed Todd Pletcher and Kiaran McLaughlin, who coached the team over the past 15 years. This year's special guest player will be former Syracuse University star Ryan Blackwell, who is now the assistant men's basketball coach for Siena College. Mitch Levites of the New York Racing Association TV department will once again serve as the announcer and provide commentary for the game. The Saratoga Springs Recreation Center is located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Admission to the game is free. For information on sponsorship opportunities for the game, visit the New York Chaplaincy website at www.rtcany.org. The post Saratoga Jockeys Versus Horsemen Charity Basketball Game to be Held Aug. 6 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Flavien Prat won the first grade 1 event of the Saratoga meet aboard Excellent Truth in the Diana Stakes (G1T), earning Jockey of the Week honors by the panel of racing experts for the second week in a row.View the full article

Tens of thousands of punters packed into Hong Kong’s Happy Valley Racecourse to soak up the party atmosphere on the last day of the horse racing season on Wednesday, with many saying it was the busiest they had ever seen. A full house, estimated to be around 20,000 spectators, attended Happy Wednesday, which featured live bands, DJs and a fireworks display. Happy Wednesday is one of Hong Kong’s two horse racing events that run weekly throughout the season. The Happy Valley event is known to...View the full article

Flavien Prat won the first grade 1 event of the Saratoga meet aboard Excellent Truth in the Diana Stakes (G1T), earning Jockey of the Week honors by the panel of racing experts for the second week in a row.View the full article

The Charlie Fellowes-trained Shes Perfect has suffered a setback which could potentially keep her out of action until next year. Last seen finishing down the field in the G1 Prix de Diane, Shes Perfect arrived at Chantilly having already proved herself a high-class filly, notably finishing first past the post in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, before being demoted by the ParisLongchamp stewards for causing interference to her closest pursuer, Zarigana. The G3 Valiant Stakes run at Ascot later this month had been identified as the next port of call for the daughter of Sioux Nation, but her connections are now plotting an autumn return in the event that all goes to plan with her recovery. “I'm afraid Shes Perfect has had a setback. It will be touch and go as to whether we see her again this year,” said Fellowes. “She's going to need a few weeks on the easy list and we are hopeful of having her back in time for the [G1 Prix de la] Foret. “It's nothing serious, but she will require a little bit of time off. We will work backwards from the Foret, but if it's not the right thing to do then we will put her away and she will be back bigger and better next year. “She's a lovely filly and she's only going to improve next year. The future is still very bright.” The post ‘The Future Is Still Very Bright’ – Shes Perfect Sidelined by Setback appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article