Wandering Eyes

The horse giveth, the horse taketh away. How typical that Mopotism (Uncle Mo), one of those rare commercial diamonds that oblige with a champion at the first attempt, succumbed to her animal frailty in the very week that Journalism (Curlin) excavated new depths of the toughness she had given him. At least the cruelty of her premature loss has been matched by a proportionately outsized legacy. For while we can't yet be certain that even a prowess measured as persuasively as that of Journalism will be competently replicated, surely his endeavors–along with the explosive impact at stud of the latest Triple Crown winner–have terminally embarrassed any talk of desecrating the Classic schedule. Michael McCarthy and his patrons have unanswerably challenged the new orthodoxy that horses are no longer equal to the brief met by their predecessors. It is hardly as though they have gone wild, starting this horse in five Grade I races across 15 weeks. I must remind you, yet again, how Jim Bolger in 2021 ran Poetic Flare (Ire) (Dawn Approach {Ire}) in three Classics in 22 days, winning the first and beaten a short head in the third, before destroying his rivals at Royal Ascot after a 24-day vacation! As it is, Journalism has been beaten by a single horse since his debut, and who can say how that horse might have fared in a conventional Belmont? Regardless, the fearless campaigning of Journalism has become a fabulous stallion advertisement–due reward for taking risks abjured by so many others. Faint heart never won fair maiden, nor fair broodmare either. Yet owners are allowing trainers to imply shortcomings in their stallion prospects that may well not exist. Look how Kenny McPeek has been filling the gaps obligingly left by rivals better resourced in all but horsemanship. Eventually, surely, the big investors will tire of trainers who only run their horses every other moon, and take their business elsewhere. That would be something to remember Mopotism by! Obviously Curlin has played his part in Journalism, too, as a great stallion trademarked by stock that continues to thrive. But Mopotism made 26 starts across three years, including 19 inside 21 months, and 21 at Grade I/II level. Her only day in the sun admittedly came in a photo for the GII La Canada Stakes, but she meanwhile banked nearly $900,000 and was then cashed out to Don Alberto Corp for $1.05 million. Some of the rock from which she was hewn traces to Sylvanaise (Fr) (Meridien {Fr}), imported from France by Elmendorf Farm in the early 1950s. Two of Sylvanaise's granddaughters shared the limelight on Florida Derby day in 1983. One produced Croeso (Super Concorde), to land a shock in the big race; another, Rare Bouquet (Prince John), produced Slewpy (Seattle Slew) to dazzle on his sophomore debut after being stopped three times. Besides Slewpy, Rare Bouquet stands above quite a black-type dynasty. One daughter, for instance, produced millionaire Top Corsage (Topsider); another, Kentucky Derby fourth Water Bank (Naskra), who later finished third to Slewpy when the family ushered Deputy Minister into retirement in the GI Meadowlands Cup; while still another, stakes winner Fresh Pepper (B. Major), is granddam of a pertinent mare in Peppy Lapeau (French Deputy). Though unraced herself, Peppy Lapeau's first foal was that fast but infertile horse Songster (Songandaprayer). Then, mated with a distaff legend in the making, she produced Peppy Rafaela (Bernardini). While this filly showed little in a light track career, she was bought for $100,000 by Frank Batten at the 2014 January Sale, carrying a first foal by Uncle Mo. The resulting filly cleared that investment as a $135,000 weanling back at Keeneland that November and then, after two pinhook cycles, was named Mopotism for a racing career with Reddam Racing. Journalism himself, in turn, recovered most of the price eventually paid by Don Alberto for Mopotism, raising $825,000 as her first yearling. And even though he remained unraced when his Tapit half-brother followed him to Saratoga last summer, Flying Dutchmen still had to stretch to $1.5 million. Mopotism certainly paid her way in the little time she was allowed, then, and was also considerate enough to ensure that her last two foals, by Into Mischief and Flightline, were fillies. Batten, meanwhile, will also remember her with affection. After she had shown their genetic wares on the track, he sold a brother for $775,000; while earlier this month her retained full-sister Ruth returned to winning form over the same Monmouth surface that has now exalted the family higher than ever. No Second Thoughts on Collected Having burdened him with “gold” in my Value Podium for $10,000 sires last winter, I am relieved to see Collected kicking on with Thought Process, whose dashing success in the GII San Clemente Handicap was her fifth in six since debut. Seven graded stakes winners to date leave Collected behind only big guns Justify and Good Magic in what has proved a formidable intake. (Oscar Performance and Bolt d'Oro also have seven; City of Light and that quiet achiever Mo Town, six.) Thought Process | Benoit Collected has already produced a useful juvenile from his fourth crop in Comport, a debut winner at Churchill before running second in the Bashford Manor. But the sire's own template guarantees that his stock will keep progressing, as we lately saw with 5-year-old Taxed adding a near-miss in the GI La Troienne Stakes to her resume. Those emulating their sire's class on dirt have this year also been complemented by a graded stakes winner on synthetics, consistent with the nice blend of influences in his pedigree. But Thought Process obviously adds to Collected's turf profile and, with first four dams by Johannesburg, Danehill, Lyphard and Alleged, he really needs to be on the radar of European pinhookers–especially as the next dam Runaway Bride (Wild Risk {Fr}) produced Blushing Groom himself. Tenuous as that blood may seem, remember that Collected's grandsire Carson City is out of a Blushing Groom mare. That flavor was artfully replicated in the mating (yet another credited to the late Brereton C. Jones) that produced Thought Process, whose dam Creative Thinking (Creative Cause) adds two further strains of Blushing Groom: her granddam, a European Classic runner-up, is by one of his sons, Groom Dancer; while Mariah's Storm–dam of Creative Thinking's grandsire Giant's Causeway–is by another, in Rahy. Collected must ride out that familiar, lonely “bubble” with his present yearlings, with only a handful likely to reach the market, but numbers already started picking up last year and there's a rising tide to catch. Overcoming Our Insecurities When you've had as raw a deal as Maximum Security, you take your blessings wherever they may fall. It feels typical of his fortunes, however, that his biggest score to date should have been as remote from the Kentucky radar as a group race at Chantilly last weekend. His travails are too familiar to need reprising, but none has been his own fault, nor that of the farm that took him on as crop champion. His pedigree admittedly contained its challenges, but his dam is half-sister to multiple Grade I winner Flat Out (Flatter) and the functionality of those genes has only ever been doubted by dint of unfortunate association. His fee having plummeted, it would be a hard heart that does not warm to this underdog now fighting his corner. Instant Replay built on his strong finish in the GII Louisiana Derby with two stakes scores and his approach to adversity in the GIII Indiana Derby suggests that he's not done yet. And the way Rosa Salvaje (Ire) saw off her pursuers in the G3 Prix Chloe was another of those low-key reminders, to Europeans, that the elusive combination of speed and stamina is precisely what they have been missing in neglecting speed-carrying dirt sires for so long. After all, this filly bears a heavy imprint of A.P. Indy: one of his sons, Malibu Moon, as damsire and another, Anasheed, serving the same role for Maximum Security himself. The intriguing name, however, is that lurking behind Rosa Salvaje's granddam–a daughter of Storm and a Half. Instant Replay | Renee Torbit/Coady Media That son of Storm Cat was a milestone sales success in the emergence of Ashview as one of the exemplary family farms of the Bluegrass, raising $1.2 million at the 1998 September Sale. He was out of four-time stakes winner At the Half (Seeking the Gold), herself homebred from a $9,000 mare. Unfortunately Storm and a Half never made the starting gate, but he was given a chance at stud by Arkansas stalwart Donald Dewitt McDowell and almost immediately came up with Downthedustyroad, who broke her maiden under a $25,000 tag, but won the GI La Brea Stakes before the year was out. Sold for $1.5 million soon afterwards, she appeared to achieve little from some commensurate coverings at stud. But her daughter by Malibu Moon, Idle Hour, was stakes-placed besides winning two of just six starts before being picked up by Yeguada Centurion for $130,000 at the 2020 Keeneland November Sale. And Rosa Salvaje, who surfaced at Arqana as a yearling to make €75,000 from Frederic Sauque, is only her second foal. Taken in context, she's a legitimate feather in the cap of Maximum Security. Who knows, perhaps his up-and-down saga could yet level off into a heartwarming sequel. The post Breeding Digest: Tragedy of Journalism’s Dam Redeemed by Vital Legacy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders have elected three new members to its Board of Directors. Conrad Bandoroff, vice president of Denali Stud; Rowland Hancock, a Thoroughbred owner and breeder based in Paducah, Kentucky; and Craig Brogden, co-owner of Machmer Hall, have each been elected to three-year terms by the full membership of the organization. Incumbents Ned Toffey, Michael Banahan, Price Bell, Dr. Natanya Nieman-McMahon, Dr. Stuart Brown, Fergus Galvin, Jeffrey Thornbury, Neil Pessin, Tommy Drury, and Paul McGee were re-elected. The election was facilitated by Dean Dorton Technology, who set up, received and monitored digital and paper ballots. Anne Archer Hinkle, T. Wayne Sweezey, and Craig Bandoroff are outgoing directors of the organization. The post KTA, KTOB Elects New Board Members appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gary Bannon, private trainer to owner Bill Durkan, has opened up about how breaking his one golden rule of not backing horses paid rich dividends with a bumper 33-1 payout last week when Time Bender landed a Leopardstown maiden on debut. There may be an even bigger payout on the horizon for Bannon and the Glenanaar Syndicate, who bought the horse back off Durkan for just €2,500 at the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale, with the handler reporting a number of bloodstock agents have been in touch about the Gustav Klimt colt. He said, “It's been a bit of a different thrill for us. Parkside Lad (Elzaam) won a Bellewstown maiden for us a couple of weeks ago as well. He's owned with a group of friends and we got a great buzz out of that and then this fella went and won at Leopardstown so we've run two two-year-olds this year and they've both won. They're both for sale as well. Normally we concentrate on the National Hunt side of things but we might buy a few more of these Flat horses now! Time Bender is in the shop window.” Time Bender landed the same 7f auction series maiden that Group 3 scorer Caught U Looking was successful in two years ago. He did it impressively, too, winning by just under two lengths despite ducking under Chris Hayes at the winning line. Bannon added, “One or two lads have come to see him but obviously Gustav Klimt doesn't really do it for everyone and we had the sister as well. She never managed to win a race but she was third in a barrier trial and we liked her initially. For some unknown reason, she just went over the top and became hard work. We tried to give her a break and bring her back for a nursery at Dundalk but she just never really took to training and we retired her. “Time Bender is the complete opposite. He has a great attitude and is nothing like the sister. In actual fact, someone was talking about the sister the other day and I said, 'sure Elvis was a great singer but his brother was brutal'. We're not too worried if we sell Time Bender or not because we think he's a smart horse who is open to progression.” Time Bender is the first winner that Durkan's Tamayuz mare Dali's Dream has produced. And while Dali's Dream failed to win in seven starts herself, she hails from a family that bears huge significance to the owner, given she is a granddaughter of Miss Beabea (Catrail), the producer of Durkan's Group 1 heroine Miss Beatrix (Danehill Dancer). Bannon said, “It's a good story because Time Bender is out of Dali's Dream, who goes back to Miss Beatrix, the filly that won the Goffs Million and the Moyglare Stakes for Bill almost 20 years ago back in 2006. Dali's Dream is one of the last fillies that the Durkans have from the family and she has a Cotai Glory and a Persian Force coming through, which is really exciting.” On the direction of the stable, he concluded, “I've been active on behalf of Bill over the past few years and we've had some good and bad luck together. Bill is in his late eighties now and obviously his sons Neil, Danny and Liam are behind me as well. I train the horses and put my heart and soul into the place. I worked for Ado McGuinness for eight or nine years and learned everything there. I was there when Stephen Thorne was there and, when Stephen went off to do the Godolphin Flying Start, I became Ado's head lad. “So I got into it through Ado, spent a couple of years with Eddie Lynam as well, and now we're here. This has been a great opportunity. We have cleared out a lot of horses since I joined the team and started buying a lot more at the horses-in-training sales. The blue colours started to get back into the winner's enclosure and Bill seems to have gotten the bug back again, which has been great to see.” The post Team Behind 33-1 Leopardstown Winner Relishing New Lease Of Life On The Flat appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

King Charles III and Queen Camilla were in Newmarket on Tuesday, beginning their first official tour of British horseracing's headquarters with a visit to the National Stud and a meet-and-greet with the four resident stallions. Their Majesties, both owner-breeders, are honorary members of the Jockey Club and became joint-patrons in 2024, while the Queen is patron of the National Stud, its breeding and education arm, as well as the National Horseracing Museum. The King and Queen were received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie Spence, and introduced to the stud's chairman, Lord Grimthorpe, and CEO, Anna Kerr, before meeting other members of the team and board, as well as representatives from a number of racing charities and trusts. After a stallion parade, two trees were planted and a plaque was unveiled to mark the visit. A walkabout on Newmarket's High Street followed, along with a tour of the Jockey Club Rooms, which is home to one of the finest collections of equine art and historical artefacts presented by members over the years. Baroness Dido Harding, senior steward of the Jockey Club, greeted Their Majesties on arrival, before escorting them to the Committee Room to meet representatives from the National Horseracing Museum, British Sporting Art Trust and Newmarket Community Foundation. Coinciding with the royal visit, the Jockey Club announced the launch of its Patrons Scholarship, which is to be delivered in partnership by The National Stud and the British Racing School. The new initiative will provide access to careers in racing to those from diverse ethnic communities, working with organisations such as The Ebony Horse Club in Brixton, London. Two students will be selected each year for the next three years from the diversity recruitment pathway and trained at the National Stud and the British Racing School. “It was a great honour to welcome The King and Queen to Newmarket today. Their Majesties became the Jockey Club's joint Patrons last year and it has been our privilege to introduce them to those working in and supporting our sport right in the heartland of British racing,” said Baroness Harding. “As racehorse owners and breeders Their Majesties are already extremely knowledgeable about the industry and today provided an opportunity to celebrate its success and pay tribute to its extensive heritage, while also demonstrating the role the Jockey Club and our industry plays in the town of Newmarket and the local community. “Looking to the future, the launch of the Jockey Club Patrons Scholarship provides a lasting legacy from today's visit and offers a fantastic opportunity to those from diverse ethnic backgrounds who may not otherwise have considered a career in the horseracing industry.” Anna Kerr added, “The National Stud was officially opened by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1967 and it is such a significant moment in our history to welcome Their Majesties here 58 years later. “Our business activity is connected to all within the Thoroughbred industry – from breeders and trainers to third party providers and the industry's colleagues of the future, our students. “It has been truly wonderful to celebrate that community with our royal patrons today and to see how Their Majesties share our own passion for a thriving Thoroughbred industry for generations to come.” The post Newmarket Royal Visit Marked With Launch of Jockey Club Scholarship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After winning the July 19 Haskell Stakes (G1) by half-length at Monmouth Park, Journalism has sprung from No. 6 to No. 3 in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top Thoroughbred Poll.View the full article

Jockey Tyler Gaffalione returned from a four-month injury layoff to win aboard five of his first seven mounts at Ellis Park, including sweeping the July 20 Jeff Hall Memorial Stakes aboard Banishing and the July 21 Twin Bridges Stakes on Asternia.View the full article

Gary Barber, Blue Crevalle Racing and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partner's Classic Q looks for her second win at Saratoga Race Course in the $175,000 Lake George Stakes (G3T) July 26. She will face a field of nine 3-year-old fillies.View the full article

The fourth annual HRWA Conference, held this year in Lexington, KY, Wednesday October 8 and Thursday October 9, will feature a welcome reception, keynote address by Molly Fletcher, featured afternoon speaker, three panel discussions, and a special presentation of the Jane Goldstein Award. FanDuel TV's Andie Biancone, a racing reporter and analyst, will serve as the emcee for the event. Hailed as one of the first female sports agents, Fletcher negotiated over $500 million in contracts and represented over 300 of sports' biggest names in her almost two-decade career. A World's Top 50 Keynote Speaker, she is also an author and founder/host of a successful podcast, Game Changers with Molly Fletcher. “I'm honored to join this incredible community of game-changing women who are shaping the future of the industry,” said Fletcher. The featured speaker of the afternoon will be Lindsay Czarniak. An EMMY-Award-winning sportscaster, host, speaker, and storyteller, Czarniak is an accomplished media personality with more than two decades of experience in sports journalism. In addition to the featured speakers, attendees of this year's HRWA Conference will have the opportunity to sit in on a unique trio of panel discussions hosted by a talented array of panelists that come from all corners of the Thoroughbred industry. Panel 1 – Roadblocks to Relationships: Building Networks That Change the Game. Moderated by Jessica Paquette, Track Announcer at Parx Racing Panelists include Caton Bredar, Analyst, Writer and Handicapper for FanDuel TV; Kate Galvin, Sales and Communications Manager of Godolphin USA; Lesley Howard, CEO of Stonestreet Farm; and Sheri Holmes Sterling, Vice President of Administration at Gulfstream Park. Panel 2 – Fueling the Fire Without Burning Out. Moderated by Shannon Kelly, Executive Director of The Jockey Club Safety Net Foundation. Panelists include Melanie Case, Director of Women's Ministry at the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy; Erin Halliwell, Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Charities of America; Brittany Middlebrooks, a Fertility Vet at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute; and Kelley Stobie, Co-Founder of Caribbean Thoroughbred Aftercare. Panel 3 – Horse Racing Ecosystems: Markets, Models, and Money. Moderated by Alison Zeitlin, Equine Law Lawyer at Stites & Harbison. Panelists include Anna Seitz Ciannello, Director of Client Relations at Fasig-Tipton; Kelly Kraeszig, Senior Vice President of Business Operations & Administration at Equibase; Maggi Moss, an Attorney, Racehorse Owner and Advocate; and Katy Ross, Senior Director of Gaming Operations of Exacta Systems, LLC. “We are thrilled to bring the [HRWA] Conference to Kentucky for the first time, following three inspiring years in California,” said Jodie Vella-Gregory, HRWA Head of Logistics. “This event offers a unique and welcoming opportunity for everyone in the horse racing industry, from seasoned professionals and established leaders to emerging voices, to connect, share insights, and empower one another. It's a space where attendees are encouraged to invest in themselves and in the future of the sport.” Tickets are now on sale for this year's conference in Lexington, the featured event on the 2025 HRWA calendar. For early bird pricing, valid until September 7, individual tickets can be purchased for $395 (non-HRWA members) or $350 (HRWA members). After September 7, individual tickets can be purchased for $495 (non-HRWA members) or $450 (HRWA members). For groups planning to attend, limited tables of eight are available to purchase until September 7 for $2,900. To purchase tickets to the 2025 HRWA Conference, click here. The post Sports Agent Molly Fletcher Named Keynote Speaker For Horse Racing Women’s Association 2025 Conference appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The former Australian champion jockey Darren Beadman will join the Chris Waller Racing team from August 1, the start of the new racing season. He has been employed in a senior role by Godolphin for the last decade. A statement released by Waller on Tuesday noted that Beadman will “assist with race day operations, track work and trials, and serve as a mentor for our emerging talent”. Beadman, 59, was inducted into the Australian racing Hall of Fame in 2007 following a career in which he won the Sydney jockeys' premiership seven times. He also won the Melbourne Cup twice for Bart Cummings aboard Kingston Rule and Saintly among a host of top-level victories. Waller, whose main base is in Sydney, will also be strengthening his Melbourne operation with a move to Flemington's Carbine Lodge, which has room for 50 horses. The historic stable will be vacated by current Godolphin trainer James Cummings on his departure to Hong Kong, where he will train from 2026. The post Darren Beadman Joins Chris Waller Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame continues to mark their 75th anniversary with several special Hall of Fame-themed events coinciding with the annual induction weekend celebration Aug. 1-2. Kicking off the festivities will be the traditional Hall of Fame induction ceremony held Friday, Aug. 1. The inductions will take place at Fasig-Tipton with doors open to the public at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony starting at 10:30 a.m. The event is free to attend, but seating is limited. The 2025 Hall of Fame class is comprised of racehorses Smarty Jones, Decathlon, and Hermis; trainer George H. Conway; and Pillars of the Turf Edward L. Bowen, Arthur Hancock III, and Richard Ten Broeck. Tom Durkin will serve as the master of ceremonies and the event will be broadcast live on the Museum website. The GII National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Stakes will highlight the Friday card at Saratoga Race Course and there will be a special winner's circle presentation with Hall of Fame members following the race. Additionally, racing fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet numerous Hall of Fame members on Saturday, Aug. 2 during the Saturday Morning Social program at the Museum from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Admission is free and there will be coffee and doughnuts courtesy of Stewart's Shops and complimentary Saratoga Spring Water. More than 30 Hall of Fame members are expected to be in attendance for a commemorative 75th anniversary Hall of Fame poster signing at Saratoga Race Course from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. in front of the Jockey Silks Room. Hall of Fame members expected to participate (subject to change) include Steve Asmussen, Roger Attfield, Braulio Baeza, Bob Baffert, Jerry Bailey, Bill Boland, Mark Casse, Javier Castellano, Steve Cauthen, Angel Cordero, Jr., Pat Day, Ramon Dominguez, Janet Elliot, Victor Espinoza, Earlie Fires, Jack Fisher, Sandy Hawley, Julie Krone, King Leatherbury, Eddie Maple, Chris McCarron, Shug McGaughey, Bill Mott, Carl Nafzger, Corey Nakatani, Laffit Pincay, Jr., Todd Pletcher, Edgar Prado, Joel Rosario, Jose Santos, John Velazquez, Jorge Velasquez, and Nick Zito. Posters are complimentary while supplies last with a suggested donation to benefit the Museum. The post Hall Of Fame To Mark 75th Anniversary With Weekend Of Special Events appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Howard Read chuckled as he recalled the instructions he gave trainer Jeremiah Englehart, who was shopping for a New York-bred at the 2024 OBS April Sale. “To get somebody we could get on the track last summer and actually win,” Read said, “rather than buying a horse and then letting him work out for a few months and then maybe get him on the track in September, or something like that, which happens all too often. I said, 'Let's get us one that's ready to go.' And this is the one he selected.” With his first purchase for Read and his partners in R and H Stable, Englehart followed the guidance he received from his clients of six months. The colt he bought for $45,000, subsequently named Mo Plex (Complexity), promptly won his two starts at Saratoga Race Course, his ownership group's home track. Both victories came in stakes, the GIII Sanford and the restricted Funny Cide, and Mo Plex will try for a third Saturday in the GII Jim Dandy Stakes. Englehart and the owners decided to try the Jim Dandy following Mo Plex's two-length victory in the GIII Ohio Derby on June 21, his first venture around two turns. Legion Bloodstock touted Englehart on Mo Plex, a member of Complexity's (Maclean's Music) first crop and out of Mo Joy, an unraced Uncle Mo mare. The colt was bred by Everything's Cricket Racing and was being offered at OBS April by consigner Jesse Hoppel. Mo Plex has never been worse than third in eight career starts (5-1-2) and has earned $745,000 for R and H Stable of Read and Rick Higgins and their minority partner Geoff Cannon. All three are attorneys that live in the Capital Region of New York around Saratoga. Read and Higgins met through mutual friends. Cannon was Higgins' attorney when he was in real estate. While having a Saratoga starter is a goal for many owners, it's a really big deal for local owners like the R and H Stable partners. “That's what we point to every year for all of our horses. It doesn't always work out,” said Higgins as he and Read both laughed. Read, 81, said he has owned horses since 1987 and that he and his partners, in the small stables of New York-breds he has managed, have had Saratoga starters and winners through the years. However, Mo Plex was their first Spa winner since Evaluator (Overanalyze) in 2020. Mo Plex is by far the most successful horse that Read and partners have raced and have exceeded whatever hopes they had for the bay colt Englehart acquired in Florida. “I think everybody's expectations,” Read said. “Not just ours.” Punctuating the comment, Read and Higgins, 73, laughed in unison. “We've been in the game long enough to know that we don't have very high expectations,” Higgins said. “It's a tough game.” Mo Plex proved he was ready to run for R and H with a 10-length victory in his maiden debut at Aqueduct on June 20. He won the historic Sanford on July 13 and improved to 3-0 in the Funny Cide on Aug. 25 as the even-money favorite. Next came a third in the GI Champagne. Englehart feels he made a tactical error in that race. “It was kind of like we were looking at trying to stalk, and probably just took him out of his game,” Englehart said. “It seems like he'll run all day long at a really high cruising speed and just kind of let him do his thing.” Three weeks later in his final start of the year, Mo Plex was second in the Sleepy Hollow for state-breds. Englehart gave him the winter off in South Carolina at the farm operated by Travis Durr, a partner in Legion Bloodstock. “He came down to get a break, which Jeremiah does with a lot of his horses. I started him back up here, and he really grew and changed and matured,” Durr said. “The four or five breezes I did with him, he did it the way good horses really do it.” Mo Plex bobbled at the start of his comeback race, the Gander for New York-breds on March 8, and ended up third by a half-length. On April 19 he won the open-company seven-furlong Bay Shore by a head. The original plan was to run next in another seven-furlong stake for New York-breds, the Mike Lee on June 4 at Saratoga. He was however unable to be entered because Englehart's barn was in quarantine after another horse nearby was found to have a case of strangles. Mo Plex continued to train, and his connections decided to send the speedy colt to the 1 1/8 miles Ohio Derby on June 21. “I was optimistic, but you never know until you do it,” Englehart said. “There was enough skepticism about it, where you're always going to have questions. But that's life as a trainer. They'll make a liar out of you all the time.” Read and Higgins understood it was tough assignment for Mo Plex. “That was a big step, a giant step,” Read said. In addition to the two turns and nine furlongs, Higgins noted that Mo Plex was shipping for a race at a new track with a new rider, Joseph Ramos. Howard Read, Rick Higgins, and Jeremiah Englehart | Sarah Andrew “There were many question marks,” Higgins said. After breaking to his right from the outside post, putting him last and wide early, Mo Plex accelerated to get into contention. He pressed pacesetter Clever Again (American Pharoah) through the backstretch, surged to the lead on the turn and repulsed the late challenge of Chunk of Gold (Preservationist). The R and H Stable crew was not at Thistledown for their colt's most important victory. Read and his wife Susan and Higgins and his girlfriend Jane Sanzen were all in England for the Royal Ascot meet. Higgins said that at 11:25 p.m., they were able to watch the race live. “NYRA Bets works fine, so we watched it on my phone,” Higgins said. “That's all we could do.” Naturally, the Mo Plex quartet cheered loudly in their hotel bar during and after the $500,000 race. “Probably more than the proprietor of the place wanted,” Read said. “He came out and said, 'what's going on here?' Basically.” Read and Higgins laughed again as they described the situation. “He asked us to cool it, like we were a couple of teenagers,” Higgins said. The Ohio Derby score forced the Mo Plex connections to decide whether their colt was capable of competing at the highest levels of the 3-year-old male division, the GI Haskell or the Jim Dandy, the Saratoga stepping stone to the GI Travers. They had to choose between facing GI Santa Anita Derby and GI Preakness winner Journalism (Curlin) in the Haskell or GI Kentucky Derby and GI Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief) in the Jim Dandy. They settled on staying home and running in the Jim Dandy, but said they might have gone to Monmouth Park if Journalism had not entered the race. Journalism came from off the pace with a determined run through the stretch Saturday to win the Haskell. “The horse was here and we prefer to race here,” Read said. Englehart said that Mo Plex is ready for the Jim Dandy. Manny Franco and Mo Plex will leave from Post 3 in the field of five. “I've always kind of felt that he could be this type of horse,” Englehart said, “especially if he proved that he can handle two turns and longer distances, and kind of use his natural speed, because he just keeps going and going and going. Now is, obviously, going to be the biggest test he'll have to date. Hopefully, he gives a good showing, like I think he will.” Read, Higgins and Cannon will be part of a group of dozen or more relatives and friends who will be at the Jim Dandy, cheering for a colt that a year ago they were hoping could simply compete and perhaps snag a win at the Spa. The situation is much different this summer for R and H Stable as it approaches its biggest race to date. “I think we know one thing about our horse is that he's going to run and he will give it everything he has,” Higgins said. “And, you know what? You can't ask for more. One deal you can't train into a horse is heart, and he's got heart. The only thing I know is he's going to run. He's going to run as hard as he can.” The post Mo Plex: More Than A Fun Saratoga Summer Horse For R & H Stable appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dollars and Sense with Frank AngstView the full article

With the longed-for rain having arrived across Britain in the last week, Ed Walker has confirmed that progressive four-year-old Almaqam will head to the G2 Sky Bet York Stakes this Saturday. Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's colt has run just twice this year, notably beating beating subsequent G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes winner Ombudsman in the G3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes in May. Walker said of the son of Lope De Vega, “I left him in the King George but didn't feel Ascot was the right track in which to test him over a mile and a half for the first time against the Ballydoyle horses. “At York the ground should be ideal, as well as the track and the trip. It's the natural progression into a Group 2 and if he wins well, I will throw him into the deep end and take him back there for the Juddmonte [International Stakes].” Now the winner of three of his eight starts, Almaqam also has the Irish Champion Stakes in mid-September as a major autumn target. Walker added, “I've always thought the world of him as he's seriously exciting. My hopes and expectations make the nerves kick in as I think he's very special, and personally I will be very disappointed if he doesn't win a Group 1 as he's got everything you want in a racehorse. “I've tried to be responsible and not to get impatient, and hopefully his big time will be in the autumn as the Irish Champion is a perfect target after which we might look at the Arc. But 10 furlongs is where we are going for now. “He's certainly the best I've ever had so far, he's different gear.” The post Group 1 Targets for ‘Different Gear’ Almaqam After York Stakes Resumption appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday's G2 Railway Stakes winner True Love has shot to the top of Timeform's two-year-old fillies' rankings following her five-length success, in which she beat three rival colts. The daughter of No Nay Never, who broker her maiden when winning the G2 Mary Stakes, has been awarded a mark of 110p, which puts her just 1lb behind her stable-mates, G2 Coventry Stakes winner Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) and the G3 Marble Hill winner Charles Darwin (No Nay Never), both of whom are on 111p. “True Love was impressive on Saturday and is now Timeform's top-rated two-year-old filly, with a rating of 110p,” said Timeform's Andrew Asquith. ” “She looks ready for Group 1 company next and holds entries in the Phoenix Stakes and Moyglare Stakes as well as the Nunthorpe at York. “With doubts over both Albert Einstein and Charles Darwin running again this season, she could well be pitched in against the boys once more at some point, where she would be very interesting from a ratings perspective once her sex allowance is taken into consideration.” For context, True Love's fellow Aidan O'Brien trainee Bedtime Story (Frankel) was rated 116p after her wide-margin win in last year's Chesham Stakes. The post True Loves Tops Timeform’s Juvenile Fillies’ List appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dubai Racing Club has announced a new strategic partnership with France Galop. As part of the agreement, members of the Dubai Racing Club will be in Deauville on Saturday, August 9 and will sponsor the G3 Prix de Reux. In return, France Galop representatives will visit Meydan Racecourse for the running of the G3 Dubawi Stakes on Friday, January 2. Ali Al Ali, CEO of Dubai Racing Club, said, “We are honoured to partner with France Galop in this exciting new venture. Our upcoming visit to Deauville and their presence at Meydan during the Dubai Racing Carnival reflect our mutual commitment to the advancement of international racing. Our leadership encourages us to look ahead and engage globally, and this partnership is a proud reflection of that vision.” Henri Pouret, Deputy CEO of France Galop, added, “This partnership between France Galop and the Dubai Racing Club reflects our mutual commitment to strengthening ties with major international racing institutions. By combining our expertise through two high-level events, in Deauville and Meydan, we jointly reaffirm our dedication to promoting the international influence of Thoroughbred racing.” The post DRC Teams Up With France Galop appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 1 PRYDA HANDICAP 1700m TICKFORD (K Hercock) – Trainer Mr. R French advised Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, however, TICKFORD will now no longer be considered as a racing prospect for his stable. The post Feilding Jockey Club @ Awapuni Synthetic, Thursday 17 July 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 5 CODY SINGER MEMORIAL MAIDEN STEEPLE 4000m NAME THE GAME (E Callwood) – Trainer Ms. G Temperton advised Stewards, she was satisfied with the post-race condition of the gelding, and it is her intention to look to nominate NAME THE GAME for the Racing Te Aroha meeting on Sunday 27 July. NIGHTFALL (H McNeill) – Stable representative Ms. E Quinn reported to Stewards, the stable was satisfied with the post-race condition of NIGHTFALL, and it is the intention to continue his preparation. The post Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club Date: Sunday, 13 July 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 2 ENTAIN/NZB INSURANCE PEARL SERIES MAIDEN 3YOF 1200m AMULET (V Colgan) – Co-trainer Mr. D Walker reported to Stewards, that the filly underwent a post-race examination, which revealed soreness in the back muscles. The condition has since been treated, and AMULET has now been sent for a spell. The post Avondale Jockey Club @ Avondale, Wednesday 16 July 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Race 8 2 AUG – BREAM BAY BUSINESS DAY 1200m FAIRSHARE (Y Okubo) – Trainer Mr. A Forbes reported to Stewards, he was satisfied with the post-race condition of FAIRSHARE, and it is the intention to continue his preparation. The post Whangarei Racing Club @ Ruakaka, Saturday 12 July 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Stephen Marsh is turning to a number of his promising young gallopers at Cambridge’s synthetic meeting on Wednesday, including stakes hopeful Miss Moet All (Russian Revolution). The compact two-year-old by Russian Revolution showed promise earlier in her juvenile season before defeating the older horses when resuming on the all-weather surface in May. Switching back to the turf at Ruakaka, she battled on well in unfavourable conditions, and Marsh believes she can match up in the Group One Turf Bar MAAT Final 970, with the aid of stable apprentice Jack Taplin’s claim bringing her impost down to just 52kg. “I thought her win was really good, she jumped well, travelled well and beat the older horses,” he said. “Then she went up to Ruakaka, which had a fair bit of rain, and she really wants a good track. “She just struggled a bit in the soft ground, but back on the synthetic with a good draw and a light weight, she can certainly bounce back to winning form here.” Weather-dependant, Marsh is considering a return to the winterless north for the Gr.3 Cambridge Stud Northland Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) on August 16, the first three-year-old stakes race of the new term. “We’ll see what the next Ruakaka meeting is like in August, with the Breeders Stakes over 1200m, but the beauty of the synthetic is that no matter how much rain you get, the track is always in great order,” he said. “You can keep these sort of horses running.” The filly’s stablemate Hakushu (I Am Invincible) caught plenty of attention when breaking maidens at the course in mid-June, second-rating a field that included race winners. Marsh is hopeful for a repeat performance in the Cambridge Equine Hospital MAAT Final 1300, where Hakushu opened a $1.95 favourite on the TAB. “He’s pretty smart,” he said. “We were going to take him up to Ruakaka last Saturday, but it got pretty wet and he was in the last race, so that put us off. “With a nice draw, he looks to have a really nice chance in an even sort of a race, and I think he’s well-above average.” A son of I Am Invincible out of a Group Three-winning mare in Shoko, Hashuku debuted for Marsh before heading across to be trained in his homeland of Australia, but ended up back with the Cambridge horseman without appearing on race day. “He went to Australia and probably just didn’t settle in that well there, it was possibly a maturity thing as well,” he said. “But he’s come back, had a break, and he’s turning into a very nice horse.” The third of Marsh’s key contenders is Mulan Ardeche (NZ) (Dundeel), a winner on the synthetic at her only attempt two starts back. She too then headed to the north to contest the ITM/GIB 3YO Winter Championship Final (1600m), where she closed gamely into third behind Levakia and Casemiro. She will take her place in the TCL Earthworks MAAT Final 2000 and holds the early favouritism with Michael McNab to ride. “I thought her run up at Ruakaka was great, she really got going late and through the line was very good,” Marsh said. “The step to the 2000m should suit, particularly on a smaller track like the synthetic. It’s not like stepping up to 21 or 2200 on a wet track, this should be perfect for her. “She should get a gun run.” Marsh views the young trio as his best of the day, while factoring in Penurious (NZ) (Sacred Falls) in the Vosper Law 2000, and Billy Lincoln (NZ) (Belardo) in the TAB 1550. “Those would certainly be our best three chances and Penurious should be a nice each-way chance,” he said. “I think Billy Lincoln can bounce back to form tomorrow as well.” View the full article

Prominent owner Daniel Nakhle could have another exciting horse on his hands, with his well-related juvenile Armagh (NZ) (Brazen Beau) impressing with his debut trial win at Avondale on Tuesday. The son of Brazen Beau is out of Nakhle’s broodmare gem Irish Colleen, who has been a prolific producer, with her progeny including Group One performer Crosshaven, Group Three winner Killarney, and two-win mare Gracehill, the dam of Group One-winning sprinter Crocetti (NZ) (Zacinto). The latter has put Danny Walker and Arron Tata’s Byerley Park stable up in lights over the past couple of seasons, and they are hopeful his close relation has a bright future instore. The South Auckland trainers were confident of a nice trial from the youngster and were duly pleased with his front-running display, holding out Group Three performer He Who Dares to win by a head. “He is a nice colt who goes well,” Walker said. “It’s (trial) basically what we expected. He showed a fair bit when he was in work last time, but we have just had to wait for him. “This little fella is pretty precocious. He has done nothing wrong yet and he has got untold ability. He is showing a lot of potential.” Walker isn’t any rush with his promising colt and has yet to make any concrete spring plans. “We will probably give him another trial before he goes to the races. He will learn a lot from that,” he said. “We will just see (about his spring preparation), we will plan it out as we go along.” Looking ahead to tomorrow, Walker will have one runner at Cambridge’s synthetic meeting in Jurisprudence (Justify), who will contest the Onyx Restaurant 1300. Walker is unsure of how the Justify entire will handle the surface, but is confident of a bold showing. “If he cops the synthetic, he will be thereabouts,” he said. TAB bookmakers agree with Walker’s assessment, installing the four-year-old a $3.20 favourite ahead of Bonifleur at $3.90. Meanwhile, Walker said stable apprentice Triston Moodley is recuperating well from surgery after being kicked in the head at the Waipa trials a fortnight ago. “He is improving day-by-day,” Walker said. “It is going to be a little while, but he is improving, so that is the main thing.” View the full article

Talented filly Intention (NZ) (Bivouac) made an impressive winning return to the Foxton trials on Tuesday, ticking the first box in a journey towards top three-year-old honours. In a five-start juvenile campaign, Intention upset the market when claiming the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m), and despite attempting to buck for several strides when leaving the barriers, she was just a long neck from taking out the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m). Her barrier woes continued when missing away in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m), and while she was slow out again in the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), she picked up to finish a creditable fifth. The daughter of Bivouac subsequently went out for a spell and when she returned to Mike Breslin’s Awapuni barn amending her racing manners came to the forefront. With that in mind, he engaged the services of experienced senior hoop Jonathan Riddell in the 850m heat where she jumped well, travelled on the bridle throughout and was never headed, cruising to the line under her own steam. Breslin was delighted to get the result he was after, particularly in the gates. “She did exactly what I took her there for. I ran her against the two-year-olds so that she could have a quiet trial, she’d only had about three reasonable gallops coming into it,” he said. “It was just a quiet day out and I was happy with how she went, so that’s the first step done. “We’re wanting to iron out her barrier manners a little bit, which is why I specifically got Jonathan Riddell to ride her today, even though unfortunately, as she’s a filly, he probably won’t be able to make the weight for her on raceday. “I wanted some feedback from him in that respect, and he gave me some very useful information about her in the barriers. Hopefully we can utilise that going forward, she’s just a little bit nervous in the gates and has been costing herself. She cost herself dearly at Matamata and a couple of other times. “That probably stopped her from being right up with the best two-year-olds.” Already a $128,000 earner, Intention proved herself in strong company as a juvenile, and Breslin hopes to do the same at three, with the Gr.1 Barneswood Farm New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) being the ultimate goal this spring. “I’ve pencilled in a programme with her first main aim being the 1000 Guineas in Christchurch,” he said. “I’ve got a map in getting her there, so if everything goes smoothly, hopefully we can make it happen. “She has to match up against the best three-year-olds and you don’t know until you get on a racetrack whether they will do that, but I think she’s got enough ability, it’s just ironing out the barrier manners. “That will make everyone’s job, including hers, a lot easier.” Before she heads to the races, Breslin intends to take the filly back to Foxton to contest an open trial on the 15th of August. “She’ll have another trial in two weeks’ time, and I may put her in an open heat there,” he said. View the full article

Emily Murphy is joined by Sam Weatherley in this week’s edition to review racing from Hawera, New Plymouth, Rotorua & Oamaru and we hear from NZTR’s Darin Balcombe on changes to feature racedays for the upcoming spring racing carnival. Winter Weigh In, July 21 View the full article

Tough stayer Wolfgang (NZ) (Puccini) showed enough during a brief Melbourne campaign last spring to warrant a return visit. The six-year-old is making good progress toward a new campaign, with the aim of crossing the Tasman early in the new season. “He’s had three gallops this time in, and he didn’t seem blow much at all this morning, he’s more mature now,” said Peter McKay, who prepares the gelding with son Shaun. “There’s an open handicap mile at Awapuni in early August for a start-off point and then maybe a 2100m race at Te Rapa before we hopefully go to Melbourne in September or early October.” Wolfgang won both of his starts at Hastings and Matamata before he ventured overseas last October and finished an encouraging sixth in his Australian debut in the Gr.2 Herbert Power Stakes (2400m). He then ran a gallant fourth in the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) behind Onesmoothoperator, who went on to finish midfield in the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m). “There’s a lot of those 2400 and 2500m races over there for him, he’s best over those distances, he can relax and go to sleep and does his best work late,” McKay said. “It’s a big step up, but the couple of runs he put in over there last spring showed he can be competitive in the lesser Cup races. “We’ll put in nominations for the Caulfield (Gr.1, 2400m) and the Melbourne Cup just in case he does really step up. “Otherwise, we’ll follow similar races to last year but just stay on longer. That’s the plan at this stage.” Wolfgang continued to race well on his return from Melbourne last year to claim top honours in the Gr.3 Welington Cup (3200m) and New Zealand St Leger (2500m). He also finished runner-up in the Gr.3 Balmerino Stakes (2000m), Gr.3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) and the Listed Kaimai Stakes (2000m). “He is tough and does take a bit of work, he’s not the sort of horse you just tick over quietly, he’s like Puccini and cops the racing as well,” McKay said. He trained Wolfgang’s sire Puccini to win eight races, including the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and the Gr.1 Thorndon Mile (1600m), with the son of Encosta De Lago also a multiple domestic and Australian Group placegetter. Meanwhile, Ballon d’Or’s (NZ) (U S Navy Flag) emergence earlier this season is almost certain to see him continue his career in Hong Kong. “He’s passed the vet tests and has been cleared so I’d say there’s a 95 percent chance he’ll go,” McKay said. The son of U S Navy Flag has four wins and six placings from 15 starts and finished a close fifth in the Gr.2 Wellington Guineas (1400m). View the full article

Joe Waldron will be a welcome addition to the southern training ranks at the start of the new season. Hailing from Otago, the former international eventer has returned to his home region to continue his training career after spending half a dozen years in Melbourne, and he is looking forward to plying his trade on home soil. “The decision to come home was mainly based around wanting to come home. I was missing the New Zealand lifestyle and family and friends,” he said. Waldron also cited the increasing competitive nature of racing in Australia as another major factor and felt the move back to New Zealand was the best choice to help further his training career. “Australian racing is becoming more top heavy every season, it is dominated by the big stables,” he said. “Realistically you need to have 100 horses to be relevant, and I don’t really have an ambition to train a huge team of horses. “Training in New Zealand, especially down here, you can have a smaller team in work and still be competitive, which I am really looking forward to.” The New Zealand racing landscape has changed significantly since Waldron moved across the Tasman, and he said the growth in prizemoney was a massive lure to come home. “Entain has been game changing for racing here and it is going to be cool being a part of it going forward,” he said. Formerly based in Te Awamutu when initially training in New Zealand, Waldron said he felt the South Island was a better option for his return, and he has secured a dozen boxes at Wingatui Racecourse. “We think the horses that we have brought over will be really competitive racing around here,” he said. “They have all got good ratings where they should be able to win a couple of races. “The prizemoney is very similar for those rating races (as the North Island) and we think our horses will slot in well.” The ODT Southern Mile Series was another massive drawcard, and Waldron believes he has a horse that will be ideal to target towards the $200,000 ODT Southern Mile Final (1600m) next year. “We have got one horse in particular, Awesome Lineup, who is probably the ideal horse for that Southern Mile Series,” he said. “It is really good prizemoney to be racing for.” Waldron is enjoying training out of Wingatui, where he said he has been warmly welcome, and he is looking forward to building on his team of half a dozen racehorses. “Everyone here is very welcoming, so it makes it very easy,” he said. “We have got 12 boxes here, which is a really nice number to kick-off with. We don’t really plan to get too much bigger than that this (coming) season. Maybe next year we can build if we have a bit of success. “We have got six here in work at the moment and there are still a couple more to come in. Our first runners will be at Riccarton on August 6 with Carisbrook (NZ) (Darci Brahma) and Secret Beau (I Am Invincible), and we will go from there.” Waldron has been joined on his new venture by his partner Sarah Fannin, who has a wealth of experience in racing, highlighted by her last role as assistant trainer at Lindsay Park Racing, where she led the Pakenham barn for the Victorian juggernaut. “It is fantastic to have someone to bounce ideas off and I feel very lucky to have her,” Waldron said. We both work really well together, which is cool.” While pleased to be back home, Waldron said he is grateful for his time training in Australia, which helped him grow as a horseman. “It was a big learning curve,” he said. “The last 18 months I was over there I did a bit of work for Annabel and Rob Archibald and the Lindsay Park team alongside Sarah, my partner, who was running the Pakenham stable for them. It was cool seeing how they do things. “I was lucky to learn from Murray (Baker) and Andrew (Forsman) while I was here (New Zealand), but you never stop learning in this game and it was fantastic to see how those guys do things too.” Racing has always been a big interest of Waldron’s, however, his first love was eventing, and he excelled in the sport, representing New Zealand on several occasions before transitioning to racing and working as travelling foreman for Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman several years ago. “I come from a three-day eventing background and I represented New Zealand a couple of times eventing and in the young rider team and senior team,” Waldron said. “I always had a passion for racing and that led to riding a bit of trackwork, which led to the travelling role with Murray and Andrew, and it progressed from there. “I always wanted to train myself and after a couple of years with them I kicked off at Waipa, we had a little bit of luck, and then had six years in Aussie.” The move back to New Zealand has been in the works for some time and Waldron is excited to finally be back on home soil and commence a new challenge. “It has been a long time in the planning getting back here,” he said. “Sarah had such a good job in Melbourne, and we had a super season last year which kept us in Australia a little bit longer while they were earning good prizemoney. “It’s great to be back home and I am really looking forward to getting stuck into it here.” View the full article