Wandering Eyes

There is no shortage of serious contenders in Saturday’s Racecourse Hotel and Motor Lodge Koral Steeplechase (4250m), and Marton trainer Dan O’Leary will saddle two of those in Te Kahu (NZ) (Zacinto) and Captains Run (NZ) (Nom du Jeu). Captains Run made the journey south last year, finishing third in both the Koral and Grand National Steeplechase (5600m), while his talented stablemate and former Great Northern Steeplechase (6500m) winner Te Kahu was recovering from a minor injury that put him out after winning the Hawke’s Bay Steeplechase (4900m) in July. The pair will have their first attempt over the bigger fences in 2025, with Te Kahu coming into the National carnival off the back of two flat runs and an impressive jumping trial at Cambridge. After seeing his performance in the latter, O’Leary was satisfied with his condition heading south. “We took him to a jumping trial and he went quite well there,” O’Leary said. “He was full of running and Nick Downs (jockey) said he was he was hard to pull up after two rounds, he wanted to do another. “He’s still got plenty of enthusiasm, so we thought, while he’s in good order and good form, we’ll bring him down. “I’m hoping for a nice, competitive run, hopefully he’s running on at the end ahead of the National.” As with Te Kahu, the main goal for Captains Run is the Racecourse Hotel and Motor Lodge 150th Grand National Steeplechase (5600m), run seven days later at the Riccarton venue. The versatile son of Nom du Jeu gave a sight when second over hurdles at Woodville, a run that pleased O’Leary particularly when knowing the flat ability of the winner (Quid). “It was a good effort, the Myers’ horse is quite a nice horse so we’re happy with that,” he said. “We know he can cope with the distance and he should be in with a good chance I think.” Downs will continue his association with Te Kahu, while Joshua Parker, this season’s premiership-winning hoop, takes the ride aboard Captains Run. View the full article

These horses have trialled pleasingly in recent weeks and this week 31/7/25 they head back to the racetrack. Pretty In Pink (3f Father Patrick – Tickle Me Pink) Tr. A Herlihy Well-bred young trotter who hasn’t started since November 2024 but primed by recent workouts at Auckland. The latest workout (18/7/25) where she trailed before sweeping up around final turn and proving far too good for three rivals, with plenty of petrol left. MR:2:07.6, 800m in 59.7, 400m in 29.2. Resumes this Friday at Auckland in Race 7 and with her best manners, should take a power of beating for in-form stable. The veteran of just six starts with one win and four placings to show for it. Dam won 9 from 16 + $160k and this filly is her first foal. To place a bet in this race click here Smackdown (2f Downbytheseaside – Lady Smack) Tr. S Reid Only qualified recently (22/7/25) at Ashburton but super impressive against only one rival, leading then clearing out by an official 16L in a 1:56.6MR, 800m in 57.5. Had won two other public outings in July before that jaw dropping effort. Debuts this Friday at Addington in Race 6 and up against some handy sorts with stable reputations but still expected to be highly competitive. Dam qualified but was unraced and has already left 3 foals for 3 winners. This filly is her fourth foal. She is also a half to champion filly The Orange Agent (23 wins from 33 starts + $746k) so plenty to like about the potential of this filly as a racehorse. To place a bet in this race click here Smokin Ashes (3g Captain Crunch – Ashes To Wings) Tr. R & J Dunn Resumed in June after some handy trial runs at Rangiora and has backed those efforts up with some very solid race night performances at Addington in recent weeks, made all the better with starting off the unruly mark behind the mobile. Last start fifth behind Here Comes Marty (25/7/25) and less than 1L from the winner, coming from the rear and very wide final turn. Back at Addington this Friday in Race 2 and significantly comes off the unruly for this mobile assignment. Still the unfinished product but stable junior driver Riley Harrison has been doing a good job behind him in the cart. That combination in line to get a well deserved winning turn this week. To place a bet in this race click here Donny Do (3g Sweet Lou – Star Of The Ball) Tr. K Green Solid trials during June and July led Donny to being public elect on debut at Winton (17/7/25) and didn’t disgrace himself behind Major Burns after racing parked throughout MR:2:01.5, 800m in 58.4, less than 2L from the winner. Given time to get over that effort, he goes to Winton again this Sunday in Race 2 against many of those whom he beat on debut. Only runner on the second line but drawn behind a debutante who didn’t have much gate speed in recent workout (although a winner). Just a mile and the first 200m crucial to Donny’s chances but looks one to follow if not a winner on this occasion. Dam won eight and has already left 10 winners! Willy Away (4g Always B Miki – Jungle Jane) Tr. C Butt Trialed in June behind subsequent winner Berrettini then debuted for solid third behind Coba Charged (6/7/25) when less than 2L from the winner. Another close up placing (13/7/25) but wilted on last run when asked to sit parked over the last lap on a 57.1 last 800m. Back at Addington this Sunday in Race 6 and if he gets the start right over 2000m looks a strong contender to dispute the finish. Dam was more than handy winning 6 races and has left 7 winners including The Coalman. Willy looms as her 8th! View the full article

Southern representative Riviera Rebel (NZ) (Pure Champion) will be out to extend his golden run at Riccarton Park this Saturday when he contests the Gr.3 Winning Edge Presentations 128th Winter Cup (1600m). The rising five-year-old son of Pure Champion has had five starts at the Christchurch track for three wins, including the Gr.3 Canterbury Gold Cup (2000m) in April, and Riverton trainers Graham Eade and Brooke Kincaid are hoping he can extend that to four on Saturday. “He seems to love Riccarton, I am not sure why,” Eade said. “If a horse likes it, you’re alright, but if they don’t, you might as well stay at home. “Comanche Gold (Group Three performer) loved Riccarton too, I think he won six there. It is just the type of horse.” Riviera Rebel will be second-up after beating just one runner home over 1200m at Oamaru 10 days ago, but Eade said conditions didn’t suit. “He never had much going for him at Oamaru,” he said. “I didn’t think he would go that well because he had the wrong draw and wrong distance, but I just had to give him a run.” Eade had Group One aspirations in the north for Riviera Rebel this spring, with hopes of tackling the second two legs of the Hawke’s Bay Spring Carnival, however, with their move north to Te Rapa and Ellerslie, he has decided to keep closer to home. “We were looking at nominating him for those Group Ones, but they have been shifted now, and they have gone up to Ellerslie, which is the wrong way around,” he said. “The nominations had to go in on Tuesday. He is still young enough and that is why I pulled pin. I would like to give him another year. If he does keep up his recent form, I would like to give him another year and then have a go at them.” Eade will also head to Riccarton this week with Ataahua Pipedream and Intercept, who will line-up over a mile and 1200m respectively. “Ataahua Pipedream is a funny horse,” Eade said. “If it doesn’t suit him, he just won’t try. On the day it suits him, he is quite quick. “Intercept’s work has been very good, we are very happy. She has grown up and muscled up, and she is doing what we ask. We are very happy with her.” Depending on Saturday’s outcome, Eade said the trio could remain in Christchurch for the entirety of the Grand National Festival of Racing. “There is an 1800m which we are contemplating with Riviera Rebel, but a lot depends on Saturday, so we might stay on for another week,” he said. View the full article

Thistledown canceled racing July 29, a day after its eight-race card was scrapped following a fatal breakdown in the first contest. But there is hope that racing can resume July 30.View the full article

With his Hall of Fame induction around the corner on Aug. 1, Smarty Jones is still just as strong and as popular as ever. The superstar currently resides at Equistar Training and Breeding near Annville, Pa.View the full article

Thistledown canceled racing July 29, a day after its eight-race card was scrapped following a fatal breakdown in the first contest. But there is hope that racing can resume July 30.View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of July 21-July 27View the full article

Keeping a 3-year-old in its comfort zone can be difficult when there are rich rewards for taking a gamble. View the full article

Scandinavia slowly but surely inched his way past his stablemate and the favorite Illinois to earn his first graded stakes win in the Goodwood Cup (G1) July 29. View the full article

Retro payment checks for racing conducted at Golden Gate Fields from Dec. 26, 2023 through June 9, 2024 are ready for distribution, according to a release from Thoroughbred Owners of California. The statement read, “As a result of a thorough review, it has been determined that a total of $670,455 was underpaid to the purse account. This resulted in an 8.04% retroactive payment to all participants who earned purse money in overnight races during this period.” Eligible owners can log into their InCompass Horsemen's accounts to view the exact amount they are entitled to receive. The post Golden Gate Fields Retro Payments Available appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After growing clamor among horse players about the role that Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) players had in driving a spate of marked late odds changes at Del Mar this summer, track officials announced Tuesday that starting this Thursday, they would close CAW access to its win pools at two minutes before the off time. “I'm really pleased. This is a stepping stone to getting things right as it effectively creates a retail only pool, and it stabilizes prices,” said Marshall Gramm, an economics professor at Rhodes College in Tennessee and someone who has studied the effects of CAW teams across the country. At the same time, more could be done to “stabilize pricing” in all the visible non-win pools at the track, said Gramm. “But this is certainly going to help things,” Gramm said about Tuesday's announcement. “It's a big step in the right direction.” The debate around CAW players typically surrounds the major edge they wield over regular gamblers thanks to their use of sophisticated technologies that allow them to precisely read the markets and to place massive wagers across nearly all polls in the final seconds of betting, as well as the attractive rates and rebates offered to them which are unavailable to the average punter. Since the start of racing this summer at Del Mar, there have been a growing number of examples of drastic late odds changes, many of them circulated on social media by frustrated horseplayers. Del Mar Thoroughbred Club (DMTC) president Josh Rubinstein wrote in Tuesday's press release about the win pool change: “This is part of an overall effort to ensure an optimal wagering experience for fans on-track, at simulcast locations and those playing via our advanced deposit wagering partners.” Rubinstein added, “We had taken steps to encourage CAW players to process their win wagers earlier in the cycle, but it has become clear that we need to take additional measures. We will continue to do our best to create a racing and wagering product that appeals to all segments of the horseplayer market.” Emphasizing how he views Tuesday's announcement as a major net positive for horseplayers, Gramm added how track officials should now take further steps to curb CAW play in the place, show, Exacta and double pools. As an example, Gramm pinpointed Saturday winner Nanci Griffith, who went from 18-1 while loading to a final price of 6-1. Analyzing ADW Tote cycles, Gramm found that while about $10,000 was bet on Nanci Griffith before the last cycle in the win pool, some $25,000 came in for the filly after the last cycle, constituting 36% of the total amount wagered on her. Furthermore, while she jumped from 4.4% to 11.4% in the win pool, “she went from 4.7% to 11.6% in the Exacta, so it wasn't just a win plunge,” said Gramm. “There was an Exacta change. A Double change. And that was fairly typical for these big market movers.” Gramm's Del Mar analysis follows his recent study of last cycle activity at New York Racing Association's (NYRA) Aqueduct winter meet since 2022. In that study, Gramm found that the estimated percentage share from CAW players of monies wagered into the Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta and Early Pick 5 pools at the last cycle (now moved to 30 seconds) has increased noticeably since 2022. He found that the estimated increase in CAW participation in these pools is significantly higher than that seen in the Win, Late Pick Five, and Pick Six pools, for which NYRA has taken tough steps in recent years to curb CAW play. The largest apparent increase in last cycle money occurred in the Place pool (a 23.2% increase since 2022), and the Show pool (a 22.7% increase since 2022), according to Gramm. Interestingly, Del Mar's steps to curb CAW access to the win pool at two minutes to post follow steps NYRA had already implemented since 2021. NYRA blocks CAW access to the win pool at three minutes to post. The TDN recently asked three influential figures from the world of gambling to respond to Gramm's NYRA findings. They suggested several measures for all tracks to better manage CAW activity, such as incrementally broadening the steps NYRA has already taken in its Win pools to include all visible pools, and cutting the rebates CAW teams receive, so tracks make more on each dollar bet. Over the last couple of years, Del Mar has been the focus of scrutiny for its pricing policies in terms of the rates it charges individual CAW teams, and the potential impacts from these pricing decisions on the track's pools. The TDN found that in 2023, Elite 17–one of more than a dozen individual Elite Turf Club players–enjoyed a noticeably more favorable rate than those other players that year. Owned by The Stronach Group and NYRA (the latter with a 20% controlling interest), Elite Turf Club is a CAW wagering platform that makes up a significant portion of Del Mar's handle. But the favorable rate that Elite 17 enjoyed gave the betting breakdown of Elite Turf Club's ledgers that year a lop-sided look. Indeed, Elite 17's play constituted nearly 47% of Elite Turf Club's total handle on Del Mar in 2023, according to data obtained by TDN. This was no small amount of money–Elite 17 wagered some $53 million on the track alone that year. And little had changed last year, with Elite 17 still wielding the same lop-sided impact on CAW wagering at the track. According to 2024 data obtained by the TDN, the amount Elite 17 wagered constituted 46% of the overall handle that Elite Turf Club players placed on Del Mar's product–what amounted to $63.4 million of a total $138.1 million (including Breeders' Cup play in the fall). Earlier this month, however, Rubinstein told the Paulick Report that “at the request of the TOC (Thoroughbred Owners of California), we have further modified our [CAW] pricing policies for this year.” The TDN reached out to Del Mar for a response to Gramm's suggestions. A track spokesperson said that it had no comment beyond Tuesday's press release. The post Del Mar CAW Change Analysis: ‘Big Step in Right Direction,’ but More Needed to ‘Stabilize’ All Visible Pools appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Racketeering claims filed in a lawsuit against Hawthorne Race Course by a fired veterinarian were dismissed by a federal court judge who concluded the allegations do not meet required legal thresholds.View the full article

The Sussex Stakes is set to host a mighty clash Wednesday between the highest rated 3-year-old in training in the UK, Field of Gold, and last year’s Irish Guineas (G1) victor, Rosallion.View the full article

After winning the July 5 Sanford Stakes (G3) by 10 1/2 lengths, Leland Ackerley Racing's undefeated Obliteration will look to add to his resume Aug. 2 in the $200,000 Saratoga Special Stakes (G2). View the full article

No Time provided a July 26 Woodbine Oaks victory in memory of Boss Lady J.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. Wednesday's Observations features the return of 'TDN Rising Star' Zelaina. 2.10 Redcar, Novice, £8,000, 2yo, 5f 217yT HYPNOTISED (GB) (No Nay Never) is a notable Juddmonte newcomer as a half-brother to the dual GI Diana Stakes heroine Whitebeam by Scat Daddy's Caravaggio. Harry Charlton trains the newcomer, as his father did that top-class mare, who is also a half to last year's G3 Autumn Stakes-placed Nightwalker. 4.20 Goodwood, Cond, £75,000, 2yo, f, 5fT ZELAINA (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}) bids to bounce back from a disappointing show in the Queen Mary for Wathnan Racing and Karl Burke in this valuable British Stallion Studs EBF Alice Keppel Fillies' Conditions Stakes won in recent times by the sprinting heavyweights Flora Of Bermuda and The Platinum Queen. At £650,000 the top-priced filly of the Goffs UK Breeze-Up, she meets another key member of a major operation in King Power Racing's Revival Power (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), the Tim Easterby-trained full-sister to the Nunthorpe heroine Winter Power who was also unplaced in the Queen Mary. The post Zelaina Bids to Get Back On Track in the Alice Keppel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

When Sedburys Ghost (Shaman Ghost) burst from the pack to capture the Plate Trial Stakes at Woodbine a week ago, the gelding gave his owner/breeder Yawen Wu her first stakes victory and has the Canadian engineer dreaming of her first trip to the King's Plate. After finishing fourth in the 1 1/16-mile GIII Marine Stakes in June, Sedburys Ghost was given just a 7-1 chance to win the Plate Trial at an extra half-furlong July 20. Wu admitted she wasn't sure herself how the strapping chestnut would do in the trial, but trainer Barbara Minshall had enough confidence for all of them. “I had mixed feelings,” Wu said. “But Barb said, 'Yawen, dress up because you're going to win.' In the Marine Stakes, we thought if he didn't get first, he would get second or third, but he ended up fourth, so we were a little disappointed. But Barb was so confident. She said, 'Sedbury is training well and I have no doubts unless something happened. If everything goes well, he has speed and he has talent and the jockey [Ryan Munger] had been working with him since we started training him.” Sedburys Ghost traces back to Wu and husband James Mann's first foray into Thoroughbred breeding. The gelding's second dam Bayou Mist (Silver Ghost) was part of a small group of mares the couple acquired in 2007 to stock their newly acquired farm land in Port Perry, Ontario. “My husband and I, we are both engineers by trade, we have our own company,” Wu said. “So it's not like we've been involved in racing our whole lives. But we both love horses, so we bought the farm land. We bought acres and built the farm from scratch.” While Thoroughbred racing wasn't originally in the couple's plans for their new farm, the land just happened to be near the historic Windfields Farm, which was in the process of winding down just as they were building up their farm. “Originally, we thought we would just have horses in general and then we met [Windfields manager] Bernard McCormack and he told us that we had a great setting for broodmares and foaling,” Wu explained. “We are on an island. It's a great piece of land. Very beautiful and quiet. That was almost 20 years ago, but at that time, it was a new barn, custom made, and a big riding arena. Bernard said it would be great, good for the broodmares and the foals and the yearlings.” Wu and Mann purchased three mares at the 2007 Keeneland January Sale, where they acquired Bayou Mist for $35,000. The mare's 2006 foal was multiple stakes winner Selva (Forest Wildcat), who went on to produce multiple stakes winner Vanzzy (Verrazano). The couple's initial breeding operation was short-lived when the demands of family and business, where they operate Mann Engineering with a focus on renewable energy, overtook the racing game. “I had four kids and they were all busy in the school,” Wu recalled. “And our business was also busy. So we took a five-year break. We sold all the horses in the first group that we had bought in Kentucky. All the yearlings we sold with Bernard. He took all our crop back to Kentucky and we sold all the stock. But it was the best decision, I kept Hurricane Mimi. She was the only one I kept.” Put into training with Ross Armata, Jr., the hard-knocking Hurricane Mimi hit the board in 11 of 28 starts with three wins and earnings of $171,078 before retiring in 2017 and taking up residence at the Mann family's Spirit Run Farm. Sedburys Ghost is the mare's fourth foal and her fourth winner and, like all of his siblings up to that point, was entered in the yearling sales where he RNA'd for $20,662 in August of 2023. “I put a reserve at $29,500 and I didn't get him sold,” Wu said. “Bernard asked if I wanted to lower that, and I said, 'No. I am going to keep him and race him.' I didn't want to give him away. I wanted to race him. I was with Barb already, so I asked her if she would train him.” Sedburys Ghost | Michael Burns Photo Sedburys Ghost has rewarded that decision, breaking his maiden in his second start last June and returning nearly a year later to add an optional claimer before his traffic-compromised effort in the Marine Stakes. But it was his 1 1/4-length victory in the Plate Trial that has Wu most excited. “This was my first stakes winner, so I am very excited,” she said. “I was sitting beside Barb and my two daughters. In the beginning, he was in mid-pack, so after the turn, I saw he had a clear lane and he just went and as soon as we saw that, I knew he was going to close. I have never been so excited in my life, actually. I was shaking.” The family's broodmare band has grown back up to five head, but Wu has decided to forego the sales ring and aim instead for the racetrack. “I just need a little bit more courage to breed to sell because the Canadian sires have a lower commercial value,” Wu said. “But they are good horses. I have two yearlings right now and I was going to August to sell, but I withdrew them and decided I am going to race them. They have great pedigrees and they are nice looking and good conformation. I just feel like they will have more value to race then to give away.” One of those racehorses in the pipeline is Hurricane Amelia, a 2-year-old full-sister to Sedburys Ghost, who has been working steadily at Woodbine for Minshall. “I heard great things about her from Barb,” Wu said of the juvenile. “She says she is very competitive and she reminds her of Sedbury as a yearling. And they look identical. Chestnut with three white socks.” Hurricane Mimi produced a filly by Souper Speedy this year and was bred back to Tamarkuz. Wu has plenty of racing to look forward to, but it's the Aug. 16 King's Plate that is the stable's immediate focus. “I've never been to the King's Plate,” Wu said with a laugh. “I've never been invited. Usually you have a friend or a friend of a friend who has a horse in the King's Plate and they invite you.” While her daughters are busy googling 'What to wear at the King's Plate,' Wu admitted, “I am nervous. Excited. But also kind of nervous.” The post ‘Dress Up Because You Are Going to Win;’ Sedburys Ghost Gives Wu First Stakes Victory in Plate Trial appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Wednesday, Goodwood, Britain, post time: 15:05, VISIT QATAR SUSSEX STAKES-G1, £1,057,500, 3yo/up, 8f 0y Field: Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Docklands (GB) (Massaat {Ire}), Qirat (GB) (Showcasing {GB}), Rosallion (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Field Of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Henri Matisse (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Serengeti (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: The Qatar Goodwood Festival's undoubted highlight brings about a clash of the generations, with G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas and G1 St James's Palace Stakes hero Field Of Gold replicating his sire Kingman's sophomore campaign. He will enhance his status as Europe's leading miler with victory here. The likely odds-on favourite crosses swords once more with G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains victor Henri Matisse, who ran second in the Royal Ascot feature and seeks a record-equalling seventh renewal for Aidan O'Brien. The year-older Rosallion has placed in both starts since snagging last term's Irish 2000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes and is taken to exact revenge upon his G1 Queen Anne Stakes conqueror Docklands. Three-time Grade I winner and Queen Anne sixth Carl Spackler is in at the deep end again. [Sean Cronin]. Wednesday, Goodwood, Britain, post time: 13:55, HKJC WORLD POOL OAK TREE STAKES-G3, £100,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 7f 0y Field: Bright Thunder (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Chic Colombine (Fr) (Seahenge), Cloud Cover (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Fair Angellica (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}), Havana Pusey (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Jabaara (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), Jasna's Secret (Fr) (Galiway {GB}), Romantic Style (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Arabian Dusk (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Betty Clover (GB) (Time Test {GB}), Formal (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Saqqara Sands (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Silver Ghost (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), Tabiti (GB) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Verdict: Juddmonte's day-two operations commence with Cape Breton in the programme's opening handicap and his lightly raced Ralph Beckett stablemate Tabiti is a leading contender in this highly competitive distaffers' contest. She ran fifth in last term's G1 Fillies' Mile and heads postward coming back off a third in Royal Ascot's Sandringham Handicap on sophomore bow. Last term's G1 Falmouth Stakes runner-up Jabaara has enjoyed a busy campaign this year, with her five outings including a sixth in Keeneland's GI Jenny Wiley Stakes, and the three-time Listed winner is on the hunt for a Pattern-race breakthrough here. Godolphin's Romantic Style enjoyed a fruitful, albeit brief, Meydan campaign over the winter and last year's G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches fourth needs to bring forth improved form back up in trip after posting a close fifth in Newmarket's five-furlong G3 Abernant Stakes in April when last seen. Bright Thunder posted a clear-cut victory in this month's Listed Prix Goldikova at Deauville and, representing the red-hot Karl Burke stable, possesses solid each-way claims. [Sean Cronin]. Wednesday, Goodwood, Britain, post time: 14:30, HKJC WORLD POOL MOLECOMB STAKES-G3, £100,000, 2yo, 5f 0y Field: Ameeq (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Dickensian (GB) (Pinatubo {Ire}), Lady Iman (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Military Code (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Rogue Supremacy (GB) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), Rydale Frosty (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Sands Of Spain (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Argentine Tango (GB) (Mattmu {GB}). TDN Verdict: Ger Lyons trainee Lady Iman comes back off a first defeat in four having chased home Beautify in last month's G2 Airlie Stud Stakes at the Curragh. She had previously breezed through victories in the Listed First Flier Stakes and G3 Naas Fillies Sprint and sets the standard here. Godolphin representative Military Code lowered the colours of subsequent G3 Princess Margaret Stakes victrix Fitzella at Ascot in May, but finished down the field in the Royal meet's G2 Coventry Stakes before getting back on track with a second in Sandown's Listed Dragon Stakes earlier this month. Nottingham maiden winner Ameeq was a commendable fourth in the G2 Norfolk Stakes and is an obvious danger, while G2 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes placegetter Argentine Tango and Weatherbys Super Sprint third Sands Of Spain hold each-way claims. [Sean Cronin]. Thursday, Goodwood, post time: 15:05, QATAR NASSAU STAKES-G1, £600,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 9f 197yT Field: Running Lion (GB) (Roaring Lion), See The Fire (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), Bedtime Story (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Cercene (Ire) (Australia {GB}), Whirl (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}). TDN Verdict: Three-year-olds have generally dominated of late and after the performance of Kalpana at Ascot on Saturday it is hard to make a solid case against Whirl continuing that trend. The way she put away the Juddmonte filly in the Pretty Polly suggests she has improved since the Oaks and with her pedigree it is almost a given that there is more there. If this was at York, See The Fire would be closer to the favourite in the betting, but it is worth remembering that she was a neck second to Ballydoyle's Opera Singer in this 12 months ago. Aidan O'Brien's other runner Bedtime Story has been at the top, come down and is now working her way back up in the right manner judged on her Diane second, while the Coronation heroine Cercene adds more Irish menace. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Goodwood, post time: 13:55, MARKEL RICHMOND STAKES-G2, £175,000, 2yo, c/g, 6fT Field: Azizam (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Chicago Call (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Coppull (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Egoli (GB) (No Nay Never), Havana Hurricane (GB) (Havana Gold {Ire}), Maximized (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Puerto Rico (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Super Soldier (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Underwriter (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}). TDN Verdict: An open renewal, with the Coventry third Coppull bidding to provide Clive Cox with a third in seven years. Back over the trip at which he was second to Maximized in Epsom's Woodcote Stakes, the Windsor Castle winner Havana Hurricane brings valuable experience to the mix, as does Ballydoyle's maiden Puerto Rico, who was no match for the yard's all-conquering filly True Love in The Curragh's G2 Railway Stakes. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Goodwood, post time: 14:30, HKJC WORLD POOL GORDON STAKES-G3, £200,000, 3yo, 11f 218yT Field: Galveston (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Merchant (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}), Rahiebb (GB) (Frankel {GB}), Sir Dinadan (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Too Soon (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Kameko), Windlord (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Having captured Royal Ascot's Group-race in disguise, the King George V Stakes winner Merchant now enters the Pattern-race fray for real taking on a host of three-year-olds who are relatively journeyed at this stage. Looking to the St Leger, the Irish Derby fifth Sir Dinadan has the staying power to continue down that route and has course form having been second to his stable's high-flyer Amiloc in the Listed Cocked Hat in May. [Tom Frary]. The post Black-Type Analysis: Field Of Gold Faces Older Rivals in Sussex Thriller appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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West Point Thoroughbreds came into existence in 1991. It was founded by Terry Finley, a graduate of West Point. He wasn't at the top of his class, but he was able to complete the required obstacle course, something he can still do today. He talked to the TDN about his experiences with a horse named Flightline, who the most important person is in his phone and why he likes the nickname, Captain America. Here is the Saratoga Q&A. TDN: Do you remember your first winner? Terry Finley: Sun Belt, August of 1991. At that time, it was Philadelphia Park (now Parx). TDN: How long had you been in the game before you got your first win? TF: When I was 12, I started working at a racehorse farm in Colts Neck, New Jersey. I loved being around. I used to run the hot walking machine. TDN: Who did you work for? TF: I worked for a guy by the name of Bill Rodgers. TDN: Correct me if I'm wrong, but no one else in your family was ever into the horses, right? TF: My dad was a teacher, but he loved going [to the races]. There was a whole group of them that loved going. Just like a lot of people, you go for the last two after school. You didn't have to pay admission and you got a free program because you'd grab it from one of the guys coming out of the track. We went to Liberty Bell, we went to Delaware Park, we went to Atlantic City. We went to Garden State. We came up to New York some, but Philadelphia Park was about 20 minutes away from us. TDN: When did West Point Thoroughbreds come into being? TF: 1991. TDN: How many members, or partners, are in it now. TF: 720. TDN: Did you ever imagine it would be that big? TF: Of course not. Look, partnerships are the way of the world in our industry now. We work hard but other partnerships also work hard. There's not a whole lot of variations in the model. We buy horses, we put partners into them and we try to win races. The model is straightforward. It's the administration, it's the communication, it's the recruitment of new owners. We do everything we can to try and retain the partners that we have. It's simple, but it's complex. Just like most things in life. TDN: Is it a no brainer to say that the best horse you have been involved with is Flightline? TF: A no brainer to the nth degree. We look back and it was like, gosh, it was like a snap of a finger. The day after the Breeders' Cup in 2022, everybody followed the van over to Lane's End and Bill Farish gave a loaded speech about how amazing the opportunity was to stand him. Now [that was] over three years ago and it has just flown by. But as we expected, the vibe is very, very good, as it should be. He arguably had the best book of mares in his first book of any stallion in the history of thoroughbred racing. It's what we all dream of. I think we took time and really appreciated the ride. My family and I, and the partners and the whole group, I'd like to think we appreciated the true greatness that we were around for two plus years. TDN: Does any part of you wish he would have run more (six wins in six starts)? TF: Of course, of course. He never had surgery; he never really had a major injury. He had a bruised foot, and he had the trauma to his hip. That was inflicted by a nail that was stray that he amazingly got caught up in. He was not unsound. He was just such a brilliant horse. I know it gets used a lot, but he was a generational talent. We would have loved to have had a chance to run him more. You couldn't imagine how hard and how fast your heart was beating when he walked into the paddock and you knew you were 10 minutes away from seeing him perform and you knew greatness was there. It was short period of time but it sure was quality. Flightline -Classic_bc22cl19_PRINT-BC2022_Horsephotos.jpg" alt="" width="612" height="445" /> Flightline | Horsephotos TDN: The West Point insignia. Who came up with that? TF: I've always been into simplicity. The colors of West Point are black and gold. The Black Knights. In the early 90's, I thought it would be good just to be simple about it and to be very straightforward and clean with our branding. Everybody knows your silks are your brand and what you represent. TDN: The star, right? I always equated that to Captain America, which is a nickname I gave you a couple years ago. TF: You did. I took it. You have to be in the top five percent at West Point to be a star man. I was in the top 93 percent of my class. TDN: That was bad. TF: There were seven percent that were worse (laughs). If you're a Star Man, that means you are top dog. I could design a pair of silks easier than being an actual Star Man at school. TDN: Did you like the name Captain America? TF: I do. It's a good name. I have had a shot to look at a couple (movies). Captain America is good. You try not to be goofy about it, but this is a great country. Why do people all across the world want to come to America? With all of our defects and all of our problems, it says something about people wanting to come to where we are. The vast majority of people I know, there's no other place they'd like to wake up in the morning than America. TDN: Who is the most famous person in your phone? TF: I have some famous people. If you are in the horse business, you know some influential people. I talk to my college roommate, who spent 35 years in the FBI, every day. TDN: What's his name? TF: Jimmy Diorio. To me, he is the most famous person in my phone. We've all fought the fight. Through thick and thin we have been together. He was undercover for two years and I had no contact with him. Some kind of undercover thing. As soon as he came out of that operation, we ended up engaging every day. TDN: I always ask this question. If there is a movie made about your life and you can pick the actor to play you, who you got? TF: I hate to say it but Tom Cruise. He wants to be me and I want to be him. TDN: I always thought you were an Ed Harris kind of guy. TF: We talked about that. Let's go with that. He is one of my favorite actors, especially the role he played in “Glengarry Glen Ross.” TDN: A little bird told me you recently did the obstacle course at West Point. That is a requirement you have to do to graduate. TF: I did part of it. I took Dale Romans and (partner) Tammy (Fox) to West Point for a tour. I always like to introduce people to the national treasure that is West Point. He was pretty impressed by that. TDN: What is the obstacle course? What do you have to do? TF: There's a whole bunch of different things, but basically, it's strength, it's agility, it's running, it's physical fitness. Everybody that has graduated from West Point has memories of the IOCT, the indoor obstacle course test. TDN: Is it hard? TF: It's very hard. You have to climb a high rope, you have to go through balance beams, you have to go through an obstacle course on the ground. You have to grab a platform up above and pull yourself up. You've got to run. TDN: And there is a time limit? TF: There is a time limit. TDN: What is the time you have to shoot for? TF: It's been 40 years! Whatever it is, you've got to get after it. You have to be proficient. It's very similar to that American Ninja Warrior show on television. TDN: When you went and did it in front of Dale and Tammy, how long did it take you? TF: I didn't do the whole thing. I did parts of it, but Dale was very impressed by it. TDN: Did Dale try it? TF: He didn't do it. It might have been before he lost all his weight. He would have a better shot to have a lower time now than he did three years ago. TDN: Favorite holiday? TF: Christmas, of course. I've got five grandkids and it's a beautiful time. Labor Day, also. I have four brothers and two sisters and all four of my brothers were or are union cement masons. I got a very good sense of how, especially immigrants, built this country. I would say Labor Day is pretty important. I always pause and reflect on the impact unions and people that work with their hands have made on this country. TDN: The President and CEO of the Thoroughbred Daily News is Sue Finley. No relation. But you know her, right? TF: I know her. My sister, who is also named Sue, I sent her a happy birthday message and Sue Finley of the TDN replied and said it was really nice to get a note from me, but it was not her birthday. TDN: You sent the email or text to the wrong Sue Finley. TF: Yes. So, every year on my sister's birthday, I send a note to Sue Finley from the TDN and she sends one back and says, 'thanks, but it's not my birthday.' A 25-year running joke. I will tell you; I have always been a big fan of Sue and we met about 30 years ago. I know this is an interview for the TDN, but I think she is a treasure for the business. She has really navigated the changing dynamics of our business, the politics of our business. She is not in an easy position. She has really led the company in an amazing way. She would be a very good general. I would follow her anywhere. TDN: You read my script very well. I'll get a raise off of this now. TF: (laughs). TDN: If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be? TF: Ronald Reagan. He was president the first two years I was at West Point. I would love to have dinner with my dad again. I would love to spend one more day at the races with him (he passed away in 1989). And Abraham Lincoln. There is a reason why he is such an important figure in America. They would be the three. TDN: My favorite part of the of the race day is the mornings? How about you? TF: It's the mornings because you always have something to talk about. If you're smart and you keep your mouth shut, a good number of times you can learn a lot. When you sit in a golf cart at the far turn and you talk about the world, you can pick up a lot. There's a lot of wisdom in our game. The second thing is, I love when Frank Mirahmadi says, 'they're at the gate,' and your heart is beating twice as fast as it does at rest. And you're like, 'ok, let's see what happens here for the next minute and a half or so.' TDN: Last question. Describe Saratoga in one word. TF: Serene. When you get a little bit older–I started coming here when I was 12 and I'm 61 now–you don't know how much longer that we're going do have a chance to do this, much less live. You realize, you've been pretty darn lucky. The post Saratoga Q&A: West Point’s Terry Finley appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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Amid frustrations from retail gamblers over a series of dramatic odds changes, Del Mar announced July 29 it would close access to its win pools by computer assisted wagering players at two minutes prior to the off time for each race.View the full article

Following a third consecutive graded stakes victory, coming in the July 26 Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) at Saratoga, 3-year-old Sovereignty has supplanted 4-year-old Mindframe in the latest National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top Thoroughbred Poll.View the full article

Trueshan, one of the most popular stayers of the modern era, suffered a fatal injury in the Goodwood Cup that was won by Scandinavia. Alan King's stable star was running in the race for a fourth time, having won the Group 1 contest in 2021, and the nine-year-old was taking part in his 35th race all told. However, he was pulled up by regular rider Hollie Doyle at about halfway after suffering what was later revealed to be a fatal injury. James Given, the British Horseracing Authority's director of equine welfare, told ITV Racing, “I want to express my sincere condolences to all the connections and anyone associated with the horse, no one is going to feel this more than them. He's been a stalwart, he's been a firm friend, he's been everything to them “What has happened unfortunately is just an accident, mid-race, in a straight line going up a hill. His left-hind pastern broke and left him in a situation that wasn't recoverable from. Alan was able to get down there and assess him with the vet and they felt there was no option really but to put him down.” A 16-time winner, three of them coming at Group 1 level, Trueshan had attracted a following that is unusual for a Flat horse due to his longevity. In 2022 he dropped into handicap company to defy one of the highest marks in recent times when winning the Northumberland Plate at Newcastle. He struck up a famous partnership with Doyle, who rode him to 11 of his victories, including three successive triumphs in the Long Distance Cup at Ascot on British Champions Day. More to follow The post Popular Stayer Trueshan Suffers Fatal Injury In The Goodwood Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

NOBLE CONFESSOR, SAR, 7/24, 1 3/16 miles (turf) (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure- 83 (c, 3, by Quality Road–Sweeter Than Wine, by Noble Mission {GB}) O/B-St Elias Stable. T-Todd Pletcher. J-Irad Ortiz Jr. Prior to his Wednesday wire-to-wire victory on the stretch-out to 9 1/2 furlongs, the Vinny Viola product was a six-race maiden despite losing to Zulu Kingdom by a neck in last September's Grade II Pilgrim Stakes (and blowing past on the gallop-out) then finishing 6th while beaten 2 1/4 lengths in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (the third-best finish by a North American-based runner). TOMMY JO, SAR, 7/26, 6 furlongs (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure- 85 (f, 2, by Into Mischief–Mother Mother, by Pioneerof the Nile) O/B-Spendthrift Farm (Ky). T-Todd Pletcher. J-John Velazquez. Definitely the most impressive of Pletcher's five 2-year-old first-timers to win at Saratoga thus far in 2025. Tommy Jo dropped 5 lengths back in the opening furlong while collecting her thoughts, and then blew past the competition. The second foal to race for Mother Mother, who won two ungraded stakes for Bob Baffert but was 2nd or 3rd in three Grade I's. CIVIL LIBERTY, DMR, 7/26, 5 1/2 furlongs (2nd) (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure-87 (c, 2, by Independence Hall–Love and Respect, by Tiznow) O-Mark Davis and Great Friends Stables. B-St. Simon Place (Ky). T-Chief Stipe O'Neill. J-Antonio Fresu. Bet down to 5-1 for his debut after a string of quick breezes, Civil Liberty had the misfortune of running into a buzzsaw named Brant–but more than held his own with a encouraging runnerup finish. He set fast early fractions under pressure, and still checked in 3 1/2 lengths ahead of the rest of the field. USHA, DMR, 7/27, 6 1/2 furlongs (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure- 95 (f, 3, by Tiz the Law–Animal Appeal, by Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) O-Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman. B-Elser and Raine (NY). T-Bob Baffert. J-Juan Hernandez. It would be easy to say this came out of nowhere, with her four previous starts topping out at 67 on the Beyer Speed Figure scale. However, she debuted at 2-5 against Proud Starlet and Thought Process exactly one year earlier then was 7-10 next out versus stablemate Tenma. Usha was always highly regarded, and after nine months on the sidelines she reemerged with a vengeance–and paid $11.80 after an 11 1/2-length romp. BRANT, DMR, 7/26, 5 1/2 furlongs (1st) (VIDEO) Beyer Speed Figure- 101 (c, 2, by Gun Runner–Tynan, by Liam's Map) O-Zedan Racing Stables. B-PTK (Ky). T-Bob Baffert. J-Flavien Prat. Zedan and agent Donato Lanni shattered the OBS record in March by going to $3 million to bring home this colt after he drilled a furlong in 9 3/5 seconds. The steel-gray Brant rolled past Civil Liberty for a 5 1/4-length score at first asking, and his Beyer was the fastest for a 2-year-old debut since fellow Baffert trainees Speed Boat Beach (104) and Cave Rock (101) at the 2022 Del Mar meet. Zedan named him to honor his friend Peter Brant, a longtime owner who shares his enthusiasm for horse racing, polo, and fine art. The post Five Fastest Maidens, Presented By Taylor Made, For July 21-28 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amo Racing's Ancient Egypt (Frankel) had already caused a stir when knocked down for 1,100,000gns at last year's Tattersalls October Book 1 sale and he made a winning debut for the Charlie Johnston stable in Tuesday's EBF Novice Stakes at Beverley. Stalking the tempo in second through the halfway mark of the extended seven-furlong contest, the 8-11 favourite inched ahead passing the furlong pole and was ridden out to deny the rallying pacesetter Jeddaal (Lope De Vega) by a half-length. The £1.1m racehorse wins on debut! Ancient Egypt, by the brilliant Frankel, lands the odds in the @BritishEBF Novice Stakes for @rowan_49, @Johnston_Racing and @amoracingltd pic.twitter.com/qG2B71hxE7 — Beverley Racecourse (@Beverley_Races) July 29, 2025 The post Amo Racing’s Book 1 Millionaire Ancient Egypt Makes Winning Debut at Beverley appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former WinStar stallion Congrats (A.P. Indy–Praise, by Mr. Prospector) passed away Monday at the age of 25. The news was confirmed by Scott Kintz who heads Six K's Training & Sales at Florida's Woodford Thoroughbreds where the pensioned stallion retired in 2021. A GSW/MGISP son of A.P. Indy, Congrats won the 2005 GII San Pasqual Handicap and earned placings in the GI Santa Anita Handicap and the GI Hollywood Gold Cup Handicap while also finishing fifth behind Roses In May (Devil His Due) in the 2005 G1 Emirates Airline Dubai World Cup. Through a career spanning four years, Congrats earned just shy of seven figures for owner Cloverleaf Farm and trainer Kathleen O'Connell. Retired to stud in 2007, he initially stood at Cloverleaf's Florida base before moving to Vinery Stud from 2008-12 and eventually winding up at WinStar in 2013 where he stood the bulk of his career before his pensioning to Woodford, formally the site of Cloverleaf Farm, in October 2021. Always a consistent source of winners, Congrats sired 1,552 runners of which 1,293 started and 932 found the winner's circle. His leading progeny include Grade I winners Turbulent Descent, Haveyougoneaway, Emma's Encore and Wickedly Perfect. Notably, as a broodmare sire, daughters of Congrats have produced the likes of Japan's Forever Young (Jpn) (Reel Steel {Jpn}) and Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}). The post Pensioned WinStar Stallion Congrats Dies At 25 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article