Wandering Eyes

They've been racing at Fairmount Park, which opened its doors for business on Sept. 26, 1925, now for 100 years. For most of those years, the odds have been stacked against the little track in Collinsville, Illinois. Tracks without revenue from casinos and with a poor racing product usually don't last that long. But for all those years, Fairmount kept grinding away. For horsemen and track owners, it was a battle to survive. But survive they did and now Fairmount has a new lease on life and there are reasons to be optimistic about its future. “The horsemen that have remained here and have remained in the business are very strong and very loyal to our program,” said Jim Watkins, the president of the Illinois HBPA. “They've shown a lot of stick-to-itiveness. They've been resilient and now they have been rewarded.” Year 100 begins Tuesday at Fairmount Park. The first change people will notice is that the name of the track has reverted to Fairmount Park. When owned by FanDuel, it was called FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, a cumbersome and awkward name that no one seemed to like. The name has been changed because FanDuel has sold the track to Accel Entertainment, the largest operator of video gaming terminals in Illinois. They may not have bought the place because they wanted to run a racetrack. They wanted a casino. But, according to Fairmount General Manager Vince Gabbert, Accel is dedicated to improving the racing side of the business and has earmarked $25 million for racetrack-related projects. Accel does not own any other racetracks. “I think they are bullish on racing in the right environment as a way to grow their portfolio,” said Gabbert, who comes from Keeneland, where he was the vice president of strategic initiatives and legislative affairs. Watkins has also been impressed by the Accel team. “The new ownership group is dedicated to, not only improving things when it comes to the casino, but also the horse racing end of the business,” he said. “Without question they care about racing. The leadership, they've been here since Day 1. They came here to evaluate things and left no stone unturned to see what can be improved. Then they ventured from coast to coast looking at other tracks and what they liked about them. They were especially pleased with Oaklawn. They said that they really liked how the gaming and racing are intertwined. In the permanent facility, they're looking to do something that will model Oaklawn Park.” A temporary casino that will be situated in the grandstand is close to opening. Gabbert said that after the meet ends in mid-November, work will begin on a permanent casino. At this meet, purses will remain small, about $100,000 a day. But Gabbert said that once the casino is up and running, purses should gradually reach the $250,000-a-day level. “I'm hoping that we stabilize at 50-60 race days a year,” he said. “I'd love to be at $250,000 a day in purses. We're just a tick above $100,000 now. So in five years, it's very feasible for us to be at $250,000 a day.” A total of $125,000 will be paid out in purses on opening day. One thing they won't have to worry about is the live handle. Fairmount is located about 10 miles from St. Louis. Despite the lower level of racing that it has been offering, Fairmount has always been supported by the local community. “It's really a testament to the community and our fan base,” Gabbert said when asked how Fairmount had survived as long as it has. “One of the things that really amazed me when I made my first trip here last fall was that I came on a Tuesday afternoon and there were probably 4,000 people here. There are some tracks that would kill to have that crowd on a Saturday afternoon. The fact that the fans and the locals were so supportive of this place is one more thing that gave me a real sense of optimism about its future.” Fairmount's new management team could easily sit back and watch the casino money roll in while ignoring racing. More often than not, that's how it works when a gaming company buys a racetrack. Scott Becker, the top trainer at Fairmount, doesn't see that happening. “The new group has come in and is willing to invest to make the product better,” he said. “We couldn't be happier. We need to build some more racing days, but right now we've got a pretty good band-aid on the product.” Gabbert is focused on improving the racing product and the fan experience. Among other things, he said he will look to build a turf course. He wants to put in fixed-odds wagering and to also work with Hawthorne and Canterbury Park to have a three-track circuit. “One of the great things about racing at this level is that it gives you the ability to try some stuff that you might not do at larger tracks,” Gabbert said. “Things I certainly wouldn't have tried or advocated for when I was at Keeneland. I would love to really push fixed odds. Especially in these more-educated and more-fervent markets, that people know they can get 7-1 on Thursday on a horse that will be 2-1 when the gates open is appealing to people. You do some things and if they work, everyone adopts them. If they don't, you scrap it and go to the next thing.” Fairmount will race on Tuesdays and Saturdays and the meet concludes Nov. 16. The highlight of the meet will be the Sept. 19 St. Louis Derby, which has a purse of $250,000. The post One Hundred Years In, the Best May be Yet to Come at Fairmount Park appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Later this week, the 2025 class of inductees for the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame will be announced. Among the eight racehorses included as finalists on the ballot is 2004 dual Classic winner Smarty Jones (Elusive Quality). All eight of the horses have marvelous credentials–obviously, or they wouldn't be on the ballot–but if there was a Hall of Fame for the intangible, Smarty Jones would be a shoo-in at the top of the class. “I think there was this trickle-down effect in what he did that will never be able to be properly quantified, but it was very special,” said Jessica Paquette, the current race caller at Parx. Smarty Jones was based at the Parx property, formerly known as Philadelphia Park, and made his first two career starts there. “It's my understanding Smarty Jones truly saved horse racing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” added Paquette. Rodney Eckenrode, who now stands the 24-year-old at his Equistar Training and Breeding near Annville, Pennsylvania, agrees. “It was one of the most amazing stories in racing. Believe me, the Cody's Wish story was amazing in itself, but this was the same kind of deal where Smarty Jones reached across the rail to bring in non-racing people to the community. “He is responsible for Pennsylvania getting slot machines. He changed the sport in the state. All that was in legislation when he was on the Derby trail. Governor [Ed] Rendell went to all his races. There was so much energy and buzz about him; it was just amazing.” Smarty Jones shows off at Equistar last month | Sarah Andrew Pat Chapman, who bred and raced Smarty Jones with her late husband Roy, summed it up. “This is the horse that just keeps giving, time and time again. I still hear people, who are now in the racing world, say, 'I got involved because of Smarty Jones. He was the first racehorse I fell in love with and he's why I follow racing.' I still hear that, time and time again.” The Smarty Jones story is a Pennsylvania story through and through. From the second crop of Elusive Quality, Smarty Jones was foaled in Pennsylvania, was based in the state throughout his racing career, and despite forays out to stand at two different farms in Kentucky and to shuttle to Uruguay, he is back home in Pennsylvania, less than two hours from Parx. Philadelphia is well known for sports passion, particularly when it comes to underdogs. The fictional Rocky may have introduced the Philadelphia zeal for an underdog to the wider world, but Smarty Jones lived it in real life. “Some people say it's the name–Smarty Jones was foaled on my mother's birthday and it was her nickname–other people say he came along at a time we were in dire straits,” said Chapman. “The world was not going as we would like it at the time–a couple of years before was 9/11 and we were at war with Afghanistan–and he came along and made a lot of people feel good. When he kept winning races, the momentum grew. A lot of people claim he's their sports hero.” Smarty Jones and Rodney Eckenrode | Sarah Andrew Longshots aside, Smarty Jones was as unlikely a GI Kentucky Derby favorite and winner as can be found. The Chapmans, small-time breeders, were getting out of the sport after their regular trainer, Robert Camac, who had also trained Smarty Jones's dam, was murdered. Smarty Jones was one of only two horses they retained. His racing career was in doubt as the colt fractured his skull in a starting gate incident as a 2-year-old and nearly lost his eye. “We had murder and intrigue involved with this horse and then he had his accident in the starting gate,” remembered Chapman. “He reared up and shattered his skill. He almost lost his eye and it would have been his rail eye. All of those things came together just to make a remarkable hero when he began winning those races and everybody got on the bandwagon. That wagon got bigger and bigger.” Without Camac, who had always trained for the Chapmans and helped them pick out Smarty Jones's dam as a yearling, the couple went to a young trainer based at Philadelphia Park, John Servis, and used a Philadelphia Park-based jockey, Stewart Elliott. Neither Servis nor Elliott had ever participated in the Derby. It was not a recipe for success on the biggest stage in racing. However, Smarty Jones wasn't an average horse. He overcame all the setbacks and challenges, growing more and more popular as he reeled off six straight wins on his way to entering the Derby starting gate undefeated. There was just something about his catchy name and humble roots that served to transcend racing and capture the public's imagination. Even Sports Illustrated pictured him on the cover. “It's a little bit of 'a good horse can come from anywhere'-type deal,” said Eckenrode. “People rallied behind him because he was a local hero, a local horse on the rise, if you will. The Chapmans lived the ultimate dream. They were small breeders, saw him on the ultrasound for the first time and he went from their paddock to the greatest stage in racing. It was the ultimate ride for the dreamers. People expect a horse like this to come from Kentucky, to come from Baffert's barn. To come out of Philadelphia Park, it tells the small people that you can do this.” All alone in the stretch of the 2004 Preakness | Bill Denver/Equi-Photo Everyone knows the story: Smarty Jones was the first unbeaten colt to take the Derby since Seattle Slew in 1977. He then captured the GI Preakness Stakes by 11 1/2 lengths, still the biggest margin in Preakness history, and Smarty mania turned into a frenzy. A record crowd of 120,000 turned up at the GI Belmont Stakes, but the Triple Crown was not to be. He finished second to Birdstone. Paquette was one of the 120,000 in attendance that day. “As a sporting fan, I've never to this day felt an arena or stadium or anything go silent the way Belmont Park did that day,” she remembered. “I was a member of 'Kids to the Cup,'” Paquette said, referencing a national youth organization at the time that served to introduce young people to racing, “and one of my really vivid memories with Kids to the Cup is watching the Belmont at Belmont Park. It was one of the formulative racing experiences of my life.” Smarty Jones suffered some bone bruising and didn't race again, retiring with a career record of 8-1-0 from nine starts and an Eclipse Award as the champion 3-year-old colt, but his story doesn't end there. No, he hasn't set the world on fire as a sire, although he's been very useful with 12 graded winners among his 32 black-type winners and 75% winners from starters. His progeny have included a champion in Uruguay and 2013 GI Triple Bend Handicap winner Centralinteligence. John Servis, left, with Roy and Pat Chapman | Equi-Photo “The most important thing for people to know is that if recovery from addictions wasn't possible, there wouldn't have been a Smarty Jones,” said Chapman. “My husband and I met because we were both in recovery from serious problems with alcohol. Later, we found out our jockey [Stewart Elliott] was also in recovery from addiction. And since then, I have a son in recovery.” Chapman continued, “Addiction to drugs and alcohol runs rampant through the horse racing world, but recovery is possible. We have so many trainers, jockeys, hot walkers, and other people involved in the racing world who have reached out and shared their recovery stories because of Smarty Jones.” Whether Smarty Jones inspired an addict or a child or someone in between, he brought the Sport of Kings to everyday people in the days when racing syndicates were still more of the exception than the norm and micro-share partnerships hadn't even been invented yet. The people of Pennsylvania felt he was theirs. Their enthusiasm for this horse was infectious as racing fans sprouted up all over America due to Smarty Jones. It was a magical phenomenon and an electrical cultural impact that is rarely seen, impossible to predict, and unable to be counted. Smarty Jones at Equistar Training and Breeding | Sarah Andrew “It has been an amazing ride,” said Eckenrode, who has cared for the chestnut since just before the 2019 breeding season. “We just feel blessed to be part of this whole journey with this horse. He is still a sports hero to so many people. Most people think of basketball or football players, but this horse is a lot of people's sport hero. “It's always kind of the same story. 'This horse got me into horse racing' or 'I follow racing because of Smarty.' During that Derby run, it was an amazing movement here in Pennsylvania. You couldn't turn on the t.v. or watch the news without hearing about him. It was a crazy, but good, frenzy that was going on. The kids in the schools were doing Smarty coloring contests. There was so much energy at that time, it was unbelievable.” Eckenrode said even now, 21 years after his Derby win, Smarty Jones still has an impact. “People walk up to his stall and they just start crying. They're so overwhelmed to see him. People come from all over the place just to see him. We had a gentleman fly here from Japan last year. We have a couple that comes from Alaska two or three times a year. There's another girl who is in her mid- to late-teens now with a long list of health problems who comes about once a year to see him.” Smarty Jones at 24 | Sarah Andrew He said the horse has an uncanny knowledge of how best to treat people with physical or emotional challenges. Eckenrode said Smarty Jones “gets the softest look in his eye” and allows people to stroke him as they weep. “He'll come up to the bars in his stall, park himself parallel to the wall, and just sit there and go to sleep. It's like he knows. It's an odd deal. He's very intelligent. “He's a really, really neat horse. Even aside from the race record, he's just one of those special horses.” Chapman, who said one of her favorite things is to talk about Smarty Jones, has known from the early days that there was something different about Smarty Jones. Now widowed, she lives in a retirement community in Florida and has become something of a celebrity among the other residents as people find out she is the owner of Smarty Jones. She marvels at how, 21 years after his Triple Crown campaign, he remains a topic of conversation. “I remember John Servis telling me, 'These good horses have the 'it factor' and I thought, 'What is the it factor?' John said they walk out of the stall and puff out their chest as if to say, 'Here I am,' and I thought, 'That is Smarty! That's what he does.' I'm getting goose bumps even as I say it now. He still does that,” said Chapman. “We knew we had a special horse when he went into very early training, but we were thinking stakes races. Never the Kentucky Derby! It was unbelievable. This horse was so special and I had such mixed feelings to be on the Derby trail because it's such a grueling period. He ran nine races from November to June. That's a huge campaign, but even a workout was like a race for him [because he put so much into it]. He was such a wonderful competitor.” People turned out in droves to see Smarty Jones gallop | Horsephotos Eckenrode, who was then extensively showing in the Arabian horse world, also remembers that time and had no idea he'd be part of the horse's story someday. “You couldn't turn the news on at that time without hearing about Smarty, so we followed it and it was just amazing at every step. Here's this horse: he wins, he wins again, he wins again. Eight for nine with a second is pretty impressive. Now, looking back at his stats and his speed figures, you realize he was just a monster.” Paquette also marvels at the Smarty effect. “What you really see is how many people he inspired to get involved in racing. There were so many young people that fell in love with racing who got exposed to it because of him, especially in Philadelphia because it's such a great sports market. Many became fans or horseplayers or owners or work in racing in some capacity.” When asked if she could see any concrete evidence at Parx that showed the continued impact of Smarty Jones, she said simply, “It exists. Philadelphia Park back then would not have necessarily survived without expanded gaming and Smarty Jones happened right at the perfect time to help show how important Thoroughbred racing was to the state.” Eckenrode said after he met with Mrs. Chapman about standing Smarty Jones, he was nervous when the gravity of the responsibility for this charismatic horse hit him when the horse van pulled up. Chapman had described what the horse meant to people and how people sometimes react when they see him, as well as how important it was to her that the horse would be available to the public. “I knew he was a great horse and I respected him tremendously, but I got to tell you, I never dreamt at that time that this horse would be one of those special horses. I figured we were not going to retrain a [then] 18-year-old horse. We just needed to figure out how to get along with him. Some horses will allow you to be a part of them and some won't, but he and I get along pretty darn good. We're pretty good buds.” Smarty Jones and Eckenrode share a laugh | Sarah Andrew Smarty Jones remains hale and hearty at age 24, said Eckenrode. “He looks very, very youthful. If somebody told you he was 12, you'd believe them. He just looks great. He's still going strong, still breeding well. He's also full of personality. He's still coltish, kind of ornery, but it's all bluff. I joke that if he could talk, he would sound like Eddie Murphy. He looks amazing, but the reality is he's 24 years old. You just never know, so we want to enjoy him.” Humorously, Eckenrode said Smarty Jones has one item of kryptonite. “Nobody believes it unless they see it, but this horse is so intelligent. We have people come to his stall a couple of times a week, but the people that bring up the Belmont, this horse will turn his head and look away from them. I swear he knows.” Chapman, who kept the majority share of Smarty Jones when he was originally syndicated because “I didn't want him leaving the country or leaving my control,” has repurchased most of the shares and owns 95% of the horse. “I had wonderful syndicate members, but I've guarded him very carefully.” She added, “I love that Smarty is where he is with Rodney. He is in the best possible place. I'm just so thrilled with the care and love and attention that Smarty gets.” For her part, Chapman hasn't gotten out of the game. She still has nine horses, including two 2-year-olds in training, a 3-year-old daughter of Smarty Jones with Servis at the track “named Miss Jones, who has broken her maiden and is catching on,” and an Into Mischief broodmare, whom she breeds exclusively to Smarty Jones. “I'm ever hopeful something is going to come out of it,” she said. “I'm 83 and I plan to be around for a long time. I'm at the top of my game, I really don't think I've ever felt better.” Smarty Jones and Eckenrode at Equistar | Sarah Andrew Both Chapman and Eckenrode are eagerly awaiting the Hall of Fame news this week. “I'm so pleased he's on the ballot,” said Chapman. “I am so hopeful, ever hopeful, that he's going to get in.” Eckenrode echoes the same feelings, saying how much it would mean to everyone associated with Smarty Jones. “It would just be the icing on the cake for Mrs. Chapman, John Servis, and his fans. I'm cautiously optimistic he gets in. I hope I'm not wrong, but I have a really good feeling about it.” A new documentary about Smarty Jones, which was featured Saturday in the Philadelphia Film Society's SpringFest, can be seen here. The post On Cusp of Hall of Fame Decision, Smarty Jones Remains ‘Ultimate Ride for the Dreamers’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Southern California-based duo of Rodriguez (Authentic) and Baeza (McKinzie) turned in their final local works before shipping to Churchill Downs for the May 3 GI Kentucky Derby Sunday at Santa Anita. Baeza worked in company with stablemate Atitlan (The Factor), a multiple graded stakes winner on turf, for trainer John Shirreffs. Working under jockey Hector Berrios, the GI Santa Anita Derby runner-up was officially credited with a seven-furlong work in 1:28.00 (3/4). Shirreffs clocked the colt in 1:28.20. “Because his morning gallops have been a little on the easy side, I wanted to give him a longer work to put a little more air in him and with a good finish,” Shirreffs said. Baeza's work was his second since finishing second behind Journalism (Curlin) in the Apr. 5 Santa Anita Derby. He went four furlongs in :50.00 (39/52) Apr. 14. Shirreffs said Baeza will depart for Kentucky on either Wednesday or Thursday. “It depends on the space available, but the sooner the better,” Shirreffs said. Baeza, who sits 23rd on the Derby points list, needs three defections to make it into the gate for the 1 1/4-mile race. Should he make the field, Flavien Prat will have the mount. Rodriguez, last-out winner of the GII Wood Memorial, worked five furlongs in 1:00.40 (13/74) Sunday at Santa Anita for trainer Bob Baffert. “All went well,” Baffert said. Baffert added Rodriguez and stablemate Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) will ship to Churchill Downs either Tuesday or Thursday. The post Rodriguez, Baeza Have Last Local Works Ahead of Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), last year's champion juvenile, will give jockey Martin Garcia his first Derby mount since 2015. “It's a dream come true,” said Garcia, a 40-year-old native of Veracruz, Mexico. “It's what every jockey wants.” Garcia has ridden in the Kentucky Derby four times, all between 2010 and 2015. His best finish came in 2015 when Dortmund, also trained by Bob Baffert, finished third behind subsequent Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. “I'm excited to get back, most of all because I know I have a very good horse to ride,” Garcia said. Garcia secured the mount on Citizen Bull thanks to a fortuitous phone call before the GI American Pharoah Stakes last October. Baffert planned to enter three horses in the American Pharoah, but was short one jockey when Garcia just happened to call Baffert on the morning of entries. “I go, 'Hey, I'm glad you called. What are you doing Saturday?” Baffert shared after the American Pharoah. Citizen Bull went on to win the American Pharoah by two lengths in front-running fashion and four weeks later, Garcia and Citizen Bull were back in the winner's circle after winning the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar. After kicking off his 3-year-old season with a win in the GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes in February, Citizen Bull most recently finished a disappointing fourth after setting the pace in the Apr. 5 GI Santa Anita Derby. “I think it just wasn't his day,” Garcia said of that effort. “Horses can be similar to people, sometimes we all have difficult days. But everybody knows he's a superstar horse. Hopefully we can get a good result in Kentucky.” Citizen Bull turned in a positive work Friday ahead of shipping to Kentucky this week. Working with a target several lengths in front, the champion swept past his workmate in the stretch and galloped out strongly. He was credited with a six-furlong work in 1:11.80 (1/4). “He worked really good,” Garcia said. “Mr. Baffert told me to be a little off the pace. Then in the stretch when it was time to let him run, he switched leads perfectly and started reaching out like he does. The gallop-out was also really good.” The post Citizen Bull Takes Garcia Back to Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Whit Beckman discusses some training adjustments he's making with Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Flying Mohawk and Kentucky Oaks (G1) contenders Simply Joking and Drexel Hill after their April 19 workouts.View the full article

It appears that the Hawkes team has another stallion prospect on their hands in the form of Nepotism, who on April 19 laid his claim to being the best juvenile colt around with an awe-inspiring late run to win the Champagne Stakes (G1) at Randwick.View the full article

Fresh off a sweep in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1), jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. is back in 2025 with Burnham Square in the Derby and Take Charge Milady in the Oaks.View the full article

Museum Mile swept by the previously undefeated favorite, Croix du Nord, in the closing strides to win the Satsuki Sho (Japanese Two Thousand Guineas, G1) April 20 at Nakayama Racecourse.View the full article

Monday, Cologne, Germany, post time: 16:10, SAUREN DACHFONDS PREIS (GERLING-PREIS)-G2, €70,000, 4yo/up, 12fT Field: Lordano (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Alleno (Ire) (Nathaniel {Ire}), Augustus (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), Duraji (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Lion's Head (Ger) (Protectionist {Ger}), Padre Palou (Ger) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and Rashford (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}). TDN Verdict: In an unsual move by Dermot Weld, the veteran supremo pitches the inexperienced Leopardstown maiden winner Duraji against some hardened German campaigners. Late to come on to the scene, the son of his late mother Gita's G1 Irish 1,000 Guineas heroine Nightime (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and full-brother to Ghaiyyath (Ire) has so much latent potential he is sure to keep the domestic brigade guessing here. Last year's winner Lordano is solid but doesn't set a lofty standard, while the 2024 G1 Deutsches Derby third and fourth Augustus and Alleno have done so little for that form subsequently that we can only assume that it was one of the worst renewals of the Hamburg Classic for some time. Click here for the complete fields with trainer and jockey information. The post Black-Type Analysis: Weld Runner One to Watch at Cologne appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Coming back to the scene of her debut win over this trip last month, Rabbit's Foot (Fr) (Golden Horde {Ire}) followed up in Sunday's Listed Prix Caravelle to suggest bigger and better things are ahead. Always happy tracking the front duo, the Francois Rohaut-trained half-sister to last year's G2 Prix d'Harcourt winner and G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes runner-up Zarakem (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}) took control approaching the furlong pole en route to an authoritative 1 1/2-length success from Ginalyah (Ire) (Chachnak {Fr}). Léger problème technique pour @maximeguyon_off… Aucun souci, il décroche une Listed, sans toque mais avec les lunettes dans la bouche. C'est l'image insolite de ce dimanche après-midi à Toulouse ! pic.twitter.com/OALnIu0iUM — Equidia (@equidia) April 20, 2025 The unraced dam, whose 2-year-old filly by Victor Ludorum (GB) was a €75,000 purchase by Meridian International at Arqana Deauville August, is out of the G3 Prix Allez France runner-up Harem Lady (Fr) (Teofilo {Ire}). The third dam Luminosity (GB) (Sillery) was responsible for the GIII Dixiana Bourbon Stakes winner Keep Quiet (Fr) (Elusive City) and the GII San Clemente Handicap winner Little Treasure (Fr) (Night Shift). Little Treasure produced the GII La Canada Stakes winner and GI Clement L. Hirsch Stakes, GI Santa Margarita Stakes and GI Vanity Handicap-placed More Chocolate (Malibu Moon), whose son Mirahmadi (Into Mischief) was second in the GI Del Mar Futurity. This family also includes the group and graded-stakes scorers New York Girl (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}), Rhythm Of Light (GB) (Beat Hollow {GB}), Atomic Jones (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Go Athletico (Fr) (Goken {Fr}). PRIX CARAVELLE – HARAS DES GRANGES – FONDS EUROPEEN DE L'ELEVAGE-Listed, €55,000, Toulouse, 4-20, 3yo, f, 10 1/2fT, 2:11.00, hy. 1–RABBIT'S FOOT (FR), 123, f, 3, by Golden Horde (Ire) 1st Dam: Harem Mistress (Ire), by Mastercraftsman (Ire) 2nd Dam: Harem Lady (Fr), by Teofilo (Ire) 3rd Dam: Luminosity (GB), by Sillery 1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. (€50,000 Ylg '23 ARQOCT). O-BS Racing SARL; B-J P Cayrouze (FR); T-Francois Rohaut; J-Maxime Guyon. €27,500. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, €37,500. *1/2 to Zarakem (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), GSW-Fr, G1SP-Eng, $471,444. 2–Ginalyah (Ire), f, 3, Chachnak (Fr)–Creamcake, by Mr. Greeley. 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Hocine Boudouaia, Ecurie Normandy Spirit, Ecurie la Vallee Martigny EARL & Yvan Lachaud; B-Ecurie La Vallee Martigny EARL (IRE); T-Jerome Andreu. €11,000. 3–Zakharova (Fr), 123, f, 3, Zelzal (Fr)–Diva Cattiva (GB), by Lujain. 1ST BLACK TYPE. (€22,000 Ylg '23 ARAUG). O/T-Francois Belmont; B-Scuderia Micolo SNC (FR). €8,250. Margins: 1HF, 1, 1. Odds: 2.80, 10.00, 23.00. Also Ran: Three Pearls (Fr), Porte Molitor (Fr), Pinatique (Fr), Feve (Fr), Soccer Sister (Ire). The post Golden Horde’s Rabbit’s Foot Unbeaten After Caravelle Test appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sunday evening saw Coolmore Australia unveil its much-anticipated 2025 fees and roster, including three new Group 1-winning stallions in City Of Troy, Private Life (Aus) and Switzerland (Aus). It was also confirmed that Wootton Bassett (GB) will continue to shuttle, with a fee still to be announced. “Wootton Bassett is the hottest stallion in the world at the moment and he is already making an undeniable mark on the breed in Australia,” said Coolmore's Tom Magnier. “What is most exciting about him in an Australian context is that he has 100 unraced two-year-olds from his first crop and every trainer we speak to seems to have a good one. His fee is yet to be confirmed but will be announced in due course. We're just excited to have him back again, as we see him as a Champion Sire of the future in Australia.” Coolmore had already announced the arrival of G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes hero Switzerland at a fee of A$60,500, while European Horse of the Year City Of Troy is set to join Wootton Bassett in shuttling from County Tipperary. It was revealed last month that the four-time Group 1 winner will stand for a fee of A$49,500. Completing the trio of newcomers is the G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Private Life, who has been introduced at a fee of A$19,250. “Private Life is not only an immensely talented colt, but one of the best-looking stallions we have had in the barn at Jerry's Plains in my time,” said Coolmore Australia's racing manager, John Kennedy. “He is an absolute standout and breeders are going to love him when they see him. If he leaves stock that look like himself, breeders can expect a quick return. “The [Chris] Waller stable always knew that he had serious Group 1 ability and that was clear when he defeated Feroce and Broadsiding in the Caulfield Guineas, but he also got within 1.2l of Sunshine In Paris in the Champions Sprint where he should have finished much closer and beat home horses like Giga Kick and Overpass.” Of the other stallions on the 13-strong roster, Home Affairs (Aus) is the most expensive at an unchanged fee of A$82,500, ahead of Shinzo (Aus), So You Think (NZ) and another shuttle stallion in St Mark's Basilica (Fr). Shinzo and St Mark's Basilica both remain at their 2024 fees at A$55,000 and A$38,500, respectively, while So You Think has dropped from A$77,000 to A$44,000. Magnier added, “The 2025 Coolmore Australia stallion roster is one of immense quality, that we are extremely proud to offer to breeders throughout Australia and New Zealand. We thought long and hard when setting our fees this year, with a strong focus on offering value to breeders. We understand that people are doing it tough, but we want to work with them and see them prosper.” The post Wootton Bassett to Shuttle Again as Coolmore Australia Announce 2025 Fees appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Immediacy returned to winning form on Saturday, with the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained four-year-old powering home in the Enchanted Adventure Handicap (2000m) at Mornington. (Photo: Bruno Cannatelli) The Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained four-year-old Immediacy was back in the winner’s circle with a strong win at Mornington on Saturday. The gelded son of Tarzino was a Group Two winner at three and has built towards another raceday victory. Ridden by Michael Dee, Immediacy was put into the race, settling one out and one back and went on to score by 1.5 lengths from Foujita San with Golden Crusader back in third. Immediacy came into the race off a solid fresh-up sixth over a mile at Flemington and covered the 2000m in a slick 2:03.09. “We were confident he could win,” stable representative Darren Saunders said. “He was very good first up at Flemington and stepped up to the 2000m but still with some improvement in him. “There are nice races coming up in South Australia and we will assess in a few days and then find something for him.” Winning rider Michael Dee ensured Immediacy had every opportunity to reward his backers who supported Immediacy into a $2.80 favourite with horse racing bookmakers. “He showed me a lot as we wanted to be one off the fence and in a position where we could use his momentum,” Dee said. “He came off the bridle coming down the side and I wasn’t sure just how well we were going but he really built through his gears and he was strong to the line. “I popped out and took about 100m to wind up but on the bend I knew at that point the race was ours but also keeping in mind he was only second up at 2000m so there is plenty more in store going forward. “He pulled up having a nice healthy blow so there is plenty of improvement to come as he goes through his grades.” Horse racing news View the full article

Kiwi filly Movin Out powers home in Mornington Guineas. (Photo: Bruno Cannatelli) Kiwi-bred filly Movin Out made a successful switch from Sydney racing to a tilt at Victorian riches when she came from well back to race to a dominant victory in the Mornington Guineas (1600m) on Saturday. The three-year-old daughter of Novara Park- stallion Staphanos originally began her career out of the Bill Thurlow stable at Waverley where she broke maiden status at her second start before finishing a meritorious third in the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) behind Captured By Love and Alabama Lass at her third and final New Zealand run. Subsequently purchased by thoroughbred powerhouse Yulong, the filly joined Chris Waller’s operation in Sydney where she ran an eye-catching fourth first up in the Group 2 Phar Lap Stakes (1500m) before dropping out to finish last in the Group 1 Vinery Stakes (2000m) behind Treasure The Moment. Sent south by Waller, Movin Out was having just her third Australian outing on Saturday and she showed just what she is made off as she buried her rivals with a powerful home straight surge in the hands of Ben Melham to power away with the Guineas by more than two lengths. Waller stable representative Lizzie Collett was delighted with the filly who has already shown the stable she has a few tricks up her sleeve, both on and off the track. “She only arrived Monday morning with us but she travelled down well,” Collett said. “She is a fairly quirky character and I think the Sydney stable would agree with that, but she did everything right today as she was quiet and relaxed, and you couldn’t fault her in the mounting yard. “I was happy with the way she settled and she just did everything perfectly and next week we hope to back her up and go to Adelaide for the (Australasian) Oaks (Group 1, 2000m).” Melham was taken by the run and is keen to stick with the filly if she makes it to Adelaide. “She was very good and has been running in the right races where she was very unlucky in that first start in a slowly run race,” he said. “She got it all wrong in the Vinery but she has good ability and is still learning. She’s very aggressive and was much better today. You just have to switch her off and you can see the turn of foot she has. “I wasn’t happy to come around the lot of them but she had a class edge on them and when she relaxed, I was happy to take luck out of the equation and she was too good. “I would definitely ride her in Adelaide as she is more than good enough to win as long as she can get some tempo in the race.” Horse racing news View the full article

Bankers Choice (#4) claimed victory in Saturday’s Listed Mornington Cup (2400m), securing a valuable spring opportunity. (Photo: George Sal – Racing Photos) Versatile Kiwi-bred galloper Bankers Choice has provided himself with a shot at one of the biggest prizes on the Victorian spring racing calendar with victory in Saturday’s Listed Mornington Cup (2400m). The seven-year-old son of Mongolian Khan provided trainer Glen Thompson with his first solo victory since the shock passing of his co-trainer Mike Moroney when he won his last start at Caulfield. Bankers Choice has often looked a capable stayer and Saturday’s victory was not only his second straight success over 2400m but the victory also makes him ballot exempt for the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) later this year. Regular rider Daniel Stackhouse was all out to hold off a strong late challenge from the Ciaron Maher-trained Strawberry Rock who lunged late to get within a nose of Bankers Choice at the winning post. Stable representative Anthony Feroce was all smiles as he provided a glowing report on the change to the horse who had gone through a form slump during the spring. “It’s just amazing as last year the plan was to get him into the Caulfield Cup after he ran second in the Sandown Classic (Group 2, 2400m) but he ran poorly during the spring,” Feroce said. “He went out to Jake Noonan’s partner Mariah’s place and she freshened him up nicely, so a big thank you to her. “Daniel gets on really well with him and when he jumped on him at Moonee Valley he decided to go forward on him, which worked out well and ever since he has been a different horse”. “It worked out perfectly today as we got into the place we wanted (third) early on, although I thought he was tugging a little bit and he hit the wall. Thank God that post came up when it did”. “We may look at Warrnambool (Cup, 2300m) next or we might just put him away until the spring. He is the sort of horse that seems to like continual racing so we will look at that when we are making any decisions.” Stackhouse was also rapt with the victory after the pre-race plan went exactly as he had hoped. “A big thanks to Glen Thompson as he has done an amazing job with this horse,” he said. “The plan worked out perfectly, near the speed which was just fine and he travelled so well”. “I nursed him into it at the 600m with plenty of horse underneath me and he was just too tough”. “He is jumping out of the gates so well now and is a very happy horse.” Horse racing news View the full article

Sarah Steinberg trainee Fire And Ice (Ger) (Masar {Ire}), a half-sister to G1 Deutsches Derby and G1 Grosser Preis von Baden hero Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}), made a winning debut in Sunday's 10-furlong Volker Schleusner-Eroffnungsrennen at Hoppegarten. The 19-10 second favourite, who was led out unsold at €470,000 as a Goffs Orby yearling, swooped late to secure a 3/4-of-a-length victory at the Berlin venue. „Volker Schleusner-Eröffnungsrennen” over 2000m at Berlin-Hoppegarten 3yo maiden fillies FIRE AND ICE by MASAR NURANIA by CAMELOT GRACE DE VEGA by LOPE DE VEGA FIRE AND ICE is owned and bred by Graf & Gräfin von Stauffenberg, trained Sarah Steinberg and was ridden… pic.twitter.com/cKXecQaFH3 — Deutscher Galopp (@DeutscherGalopp) April 20, 2025 1st-Hoppegarten, €10,000, Mdn, 4-20, 3yo, f, 10fT, 2:09.42, g/s. FIRE AND ICE (GER) (f, 3, Masar {Ire}–Frangipani {Ger}, by Jukebox Jury {Ire}) recovered from a hesitant break to race in a handy fourth after the initial exchanges of this debut. Shaken up with 500 metres remaining, the 19-10 second favourite came under sterner urging thereafter and was ridden out to deny Nurania (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) by 3/4-of-a-length nearing the line. Fire And Ice is the fourth of five foals and third scorer out of a winning half-sister to G3 Marit Sveaas Minnelop victor Fearless Hunter (Ger) (Alhaarth {Ire}) and Listed Arnfinn Lunds Minnelop third Fil Rouge (Ger) (Lord Of England {Ger}. Her second dam Firedance (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}) is a half-sister to the multiple Group-placed dual stakes winner Fabriano (GB) (Shardari {Ire}) and G3 Rockfel Stakes-winning matriarch Germane (GB) (Distant Relative {Ire}). The April-foaled homebred is a half-sister to G1 Deutsches Derby and G1 Grosser Preis von Baden hero Fantastic Moon (Ger) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) and a yearling colt by Sea The Stars (Ire). Sales history: €470,000 RNA Ylg '23 GOFORB. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €6,000. O/B-Graf & Grafin von Stauffenberg (GER); T-Sarah Steinberg. The post Half-Sister to Fantastic Moon Makes Winning Debut at Hoppegarten appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

American turns attention to Hong Kong feature as the final international contenders touched down in the city on Sunday.View the full article

Backed late from $16 to $6.2, Tony Cruz’s tough four-year-old rebounded from a last-start 11th to Cap Ferrat with a thrilling win on Sunday.View the full article

Champion jockey sets a new Hong Kong record for all-weather wins after striking top form on Sunday.View the full article

Goliath arrives in Hong Kong for the FWD QEII Cup. (Photo: HKJC) John Stewart is hoping Goliath can kickstart an ambitious international campaign with victory in the HK$28 million Group 1 FWD QEII Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday. The mastermind behind the burgeoning racing empire Resolute Racing moved to purchase the French-trained star after his +2500 success in the Group 1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2400m) at Ascot last July. Stewart made the acquisition with the intention to showcase Goliath’s talents on the global stage and swiftly made inroads on those ambitions with victory in the Group 2 Prix du Conseil de Paris (2200m) in October and sixth in the Group 1 Japan Cup (2400m) the following month. The horse who shares his name with a Philistine giant is now hoping to live up to his billing as the poster boy of Hong Kong’s premier contest, with the recent G1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) winner Dubai Honour a non-runner and three-time reigning champion Romantic Warrior now in Dubai. “He’s already at Sha Tin and seems in great shape,” Stewart said. “At this stage in his career he’s the ideal horse to travel the world and we’ve had this race in mind for him for a long time. “As I’m building my stable, competing internationally is at the top of my agenda. The Hong Kong fans are so passionate and it’s good for them to get the chance to see him. I tell my trainers I’m not interested in prize money – I just want to run in the best races.” While the opposition to Goliath has been hit, he will still face five Group 1 winners from across the globe, but Stewart and trainer Francis-Henri Graffard can take confidence from his regular rider Christophe Soumillon’s ample experience of Sha Tin. Stewart said: “It’s a shame some of the bigger names won’t be turning up, but it will still be a competitive race as you always have to take the Japanese horses seriously and the local horses deserve respect. “Christophe is a world-class rider and he and Francis will sit down and talk about how they want the race to go during the week. We think he could have been ridden more positively in the Japan Cup.” Stewart is drafting another adventurous year for the five-year-old, with a trip to Royal Ascot and avenging last year’s Japan Cup defeat high on the agenda. “I’d love to go for the Prince of Wales’s Stakes (Group 1, 2000m) and then on to the King George,” he said. “I’d also like to run him in the States at Saratoga and in Australia, as well as going back to Japan.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Monday, April 21, 2025 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble The Lakeside track at Sandown is in action on Monday afternoon, with a competitive eight-race metropolitan meeting set down for decision. Clear but autumnal weather is forecast, meaning the track should remain a Good 4 throughout the day, while the rail will be out 6m for the entire circuit. The first event is set to jump at 1pm AEST, and below are our free Sandown betting tips for Easter Monday. Best Bet at Sandown: Supernima Supermina has been in some solid form this time in and can add a second win to his name this campaign. The three-year-old gelding was only overhauled late by a couple of handy types at Caulfield on April 5, and before that ran into the class Proved at Pakenham. He is a natural front-runner and Luke Cartwright on board claiming 3kg means the pair will seemingly be wanting to dictate terms throughout. With just 57kg on his back and on the back of a well-rated ride, Supernima should prove too hard to run down. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Supernima (5) 3yo Gelding | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Luke Cartwright (a3) (60kg) Next Best at Sandown: Illative Illative has always had a bit of a spruik on her but has failed to put it all together, however on the back of an eye-catching trial, she looks primed to strike fresh from a spell. The I Am Invincible mare went to the paddock after chasing home the classy Cleo Cat when beaten 1.4 lengths and in a field like the one she faces on Monday, that form reads quite well. Ethan Brown will have her midfield with cover from barrier five, and armed with a strong finish, Illative will prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 7 – #5 Illative (5) 4yo Mare | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | J: Ethan Brown (61kg) Best Value at Sandown: Peschiera Peschiera may be a nine-start maiden, but she gets an ideal chance to bring up that elusive win as she steps up to the 1400m second-up. The four-year-old mare was only run down late at Pakenham when resuming from a 20-week spell after leading the field up over 1200m. From barrier nine, Jye McNeil will have the I Am Invincible settled up on speed once again and in a race without much pressure, Peschiera will run a bold front-running race at an each-way price with horse racing betting sites. Best Value Race 2 – #10 Peschiera (9) 4yo Mare | T: Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | J: Jye McNeil (57.5kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Sandown Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, April 9, 2025 1-3-5-8-11-13 2-5-8-11 4-5-9 2-4-7-16 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Canterbury Races Where Canterbury Park Racecourse – King Street, Canterbury NSW 2193 When Monday, April 21, 2025 First Race 12:50pm AEST Visit Dabble Public Holiday racing returns to Canterbury Park on Monday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program set for decision. The rail reverts to the true position the entire circuit, and although there is some rainfall forecast on race-day, hopefully it can keep the surface rated somewhere in the Soft range throughout proceedings. The opening event is scheduled to commence at 12:50pm local time. Best Bet at Canterbury: Full Hao Full Hao was impressive breaking her maiden at Hawkesbury on April 9, cutting along the inside running rail to score by two lengths eased down on the wire. The daughter of Castelvecchio was only getting better at the end of 1600m, and although this BM64 contest possesses much more depth on paper, the lightly raced three-year-old should be suited to stepping out to the 1900m for the first time. James McDonald takes the reins from an awkward draw (10), but provided he can slot in for cover, watch for Full Hao to be flashing over the top to secure back-to-back wins. Best Bet Race 6 – #6 Full Hao (10) 3yo Filly | T: Chris Waller | J: James McDonald (58.5kg) Next Best at Canterbury: Apex Apex returns after a 107-day spell and brings some exceptional form lines to this BM64 contest. The son of Exceedance was beaten by less than a half-length by Dance To The Boom towards the end of last preparation and was gallant in defeat behind With Your Blesssings at Randwick on January 1 before being sent to the paddock. His barrier trial on April 11 suggests he’s returning in supreme order, and with Nash Rawiller set to gain the gun run from stall two, Apex should justify the $2.60 with . Next Best Race 4 – #2 Apex (2) 3yo Gelding | T: Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes | J: Nash Rawiller (61kg) Next Best Again at Canterbury: Silver Wedding Silver Wedding has shown plenty of promise across her three career starts, with her latest effort behind Aeliana in the Group 3 Reginald Allen Quality (1400m) jumping off the page. She was well held on that occasion, but it does give a strong opinion of what the Ciaron Maher camp thought of her potential last preparation. She returns after a strong barrier trial at Warwick Farm on April 7, and with an element of class against some key opposition, punters should be willing to lean in her favour at the current price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Again Race 2 – #11 Silver Wedding (7) 3yo Filly | T: Ciaron Maher | J: Jason Collett (57.5kg) Monday quaddie tips for Canterbury Canterbury quadrella selections April 21, 2025 2-5-7-8-9-10 5-6-8-11 1-2-3-5-10 3-5-9-11-14 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

By Michael Guerin Got The Chocolates joined the rarest of racing clubs at Alexandra Park on Saturday night: horses who won a race they were scratched from. And he beat the budding superstar of New Zealand pacing in Marketplace to do it. The three-year-old pacer was enormous in the Woodlands Stud Northern Derby Prelude at Alexandra Park on Saturday night, sitting parked before holding out the red hot favourite in Marketplace, courtesy of a blazing 26 second last 400m. The irony for punters is Got The Chocolates, who was originally scratched, was only allowed back into the race because the Alexandra Park meeting was transferred from last Thursday to Saturday because of rough weather in Auckland. “We scratched him last week because he had an abscess in his hoof that burst out at the wrong time,” says driver John Dunn. “But with an issue like that once they burst out they can heal pretty quickly. “We flew our farrier Paul Howlett up from Canterbury and he did a great job and once the scratched horses were allowed back in after the meeting was postponed we decided to start.” Many multi punters wish they hadn’t reinstated him as Marketplace was the red hot $1.24 favourite but Got The Chocolates beat the boom three-year-old fair and square. Got The Chocolates sat parked for the last lap and while Marketplace had to come three wide and got unbalanced on the home bend, he still had time to catch the winner, albeit the sectionals were against him. His defeat suggests there is life in races like this Friday’s Northern Derby and the other features that lie ahead as Marketplace was starting to look clearly superior but has now lost two of his last three starts, both when unable to chase down the horse on the speed. “I think our horse will be even better suited by the 2700m next Friday but then again so will Marketplace and even though we beat him he is still the benchmark,” says Dunn. The Dunn stable also won the three-year-old trot with Ya Rite Darl, who led throughout in the hands of Zachary Butcher to bolt away for the Sires’ Stakes Prelude over stablemate Frazzled. The race changed complexion at the start when Habibti Pat became the latest in a long line of good trotters to blow their Alexandra Park debut, galloping early to give punters another bleeding nose. But smart punters were gifted one free hit when Beside Me won the Northern Oaks Prelude effortlessly for fill-in driver Tony Herlihy. Beside Me strode straight to the front and was way too good and while she closed a $1.30 favourite punters were able to get as much as $3 on a TAB promotion, for a maximum bet of $100, that was exempt from any deductions for scratchings. Beside Me will face a deeper field in next Friday’s Oaks, with Arafura and Stella Rouge who were scratched on Saturday both returning, but she is now the $1.70 favourite to win the Oaks, one of five Group 1s at the Alexandra Park meeting. View the full article

Guy, Aidan & Emily review the racing action from Ellerslie and Riverton, featuring very tidy stakes races. They also catch up with the Stephen Marsh in Hong Kong ahead of El Vencedor’s big assignment and are joined by Sam Williams from Little Avondale Stud after another Group 1 win for Per Incanto. Weigh In, April 20 View the full article

Driver Penalties N Chilcott | Waikato Bay of Plenty 4 March (heard Waikato Bay of Plenty 15 April); careless driving; fined $200. C Butt | NZ Metropolitan 15 April; use of whip; suspended 20-25 April inclusive. K Green | Winton 17 April; use of whip; fined $300. O Kite | Winton 17 April; breach of push out rule; fined $150. S Thornley | NZ Metropolitan 19 April; careless driving; suspended 22-25 April inclusive. B Hope | NZ Metropolitan 19 April; careless driving; fined $250. R May | NZ Metropolitan 19 April; careless driving; fined $300. B Hope | NZ Metropolitan 19 April; started from incorrect position; fined $400. Trainer Penalty M Purvis | NZ Metropolitan 15 April; failed to report treatment; fined $200. Horse Penalties HENRIK LUNDQVIST | Waikato Bay of Plenty 15 April; broke in running; must complete trial. TOP POCKET CHANCE | Winton 17 April; lame; veterinary clearance required. TILLY DUNNAGE | Winton 17 April; swollen knee; veterinary clearance required. ONE TWO MENNY | Winton 17 April; broke at start; must complete standing start trial. KATYS SHADOW | Winton 17 April; refused to score up; must complete mobile start trial. Protests KATYS SHADOW | Winton 17 April; unsatisfactory manners prior to start; declared a non-runner. T K MEGASTAR | NZ Metropolitan 19 April; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. WHO’S QUEEN | NZ Metropolitan 19 April; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. FORGIVENESS | NZ Metropolitan 19 April; denied a fair start; declared a non-runner. The post 14-20 April 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Rider Penalties B Jacobson | Ashburton 16 April; use of whip; suspended 27 April – 7 May inclusive. D Cooper | Ashburton 16 April; careless riding; suspended 27 April – 9 May inclusive. W Pinn | Matamata 17 April; careless riding; suspended 27 April – 3 May inclusive. T Moki | Matamata 17 April; failed to make weight; fined $100. G Rooke | Auckland 19 April; careless riding; suspended 27 April – 9 May inclusive and fined $350. M Hashizume| Auckland 19 April; use of whip; suspended 27 April – 7 May inclusive and fined $150. M Cartwright | Auckland 19 April; failed to make weight; fined $100. A Najib | Riverton 19 April; use of whip; fined $250. C Campbell | Riverton 19 April; medical clearance required. Trainer Penalty R Bergerson | Non-raceday dated 17 April; failed to present horse to trials free of prohibited substance; fined $4,500. Horse Penalties SQUIRE | Matamata 17 April; slow to begin; must complete trial. XPLORER | Matamata 17 April; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. UNIQUE VALOR | Matamata 17 April; unsatisfactory performance; must complete trial. STORM FRONT | Auckland 19 April; cardiac arrhythmia; veterinary clearance required. Protests WATER LILIES | Ashburton trials 25 February; trialled with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from 1st. ASAHI | Foxton trials 11 February; trialled with prohibited substance in system; disqualified from last. The post 14-20 April 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article