Wandering Eyes

Set to return to England after her April 12 victory in the Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1T) at Keeneland, Choisya could return to America this summer to run at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen shares his thoughts on Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Tiztastic and Arkansas Derby (G1) runner-up Publisher after their April 12 five-furlong work in 1:00 4/5 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

English invader Choisya (GB) ( Night Of Thunder {Ire}) survived an objection to claim her first elite victory in Saturday's GI Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland, and according to her trainers, will now point to the GI Just A Game Stakes June 6 during the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained mare registered a 100 Beyer in that victory, and with the race offering a fees-waived berth into the Just A Game, Ed Crisford reports that they will be taking advantage of their winnings. Until then, Choisya will ship home to the U.K. to enjoy a quick spell before preparations begin in earnest for her next transatlantic trip. “We're delighted with Choisya's win yesterday. She's been improving all winter long in Dubai and obviously put up a career-best effort yesterday in such a great race like the Jenny Wiley at Keeneland,” Crisford said. “The plan is to bring her back home to the U.K. and give her a couple of weeks and then prepare her for the Just a Game at Saratoga. We're really, really pleased with her. She's improving and a tough filly. Hopefully, she has a very fun year ahead of her.” The reported plan is to follow a similar path to that of the Charlie Appleby-campaigned Althiqa (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who parlayed her European group form into Grade I wins in New York via the Just A Game and GI Diana Stakes before ending her career finishing fourth in Keeneland's GI First Lady Stakes in 2021. The post Jenny Wiley Victress Choisya Pointing to Just A Game at Belmont Festival appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trevor McCarthy is only 30 and a winner of 1,871 races, which suggests he had many good years left in the saddle. Instead, McCarthy, who last rode on Aug. 15 at Colonial Downs, has retired and has gone into the real estate business. It was his way of escaping a job that was not only making him unhappy but bringing about mental health issues that he knew he had to find a way to get under control. “Mostly, this was about my mental health and my happiness,” said McCarthy, who is on a growing list of jockeys and other athletes speaking out about the mental toll their job takes on them. “To me, it made more sense to do something different than go back to what was making me miserable.” “I had just been so unhappy for so long and was a miserable person to be around. That's why I took the steps to retire. I don't want to go back to being that person. Riding was bringing out the worst in me. It put a lot of tension on our family and I just kind of didn't want to go down that road again.” The mental health of jockeys became a front-and-center issues after two, Alex Canchari and Avery Whisman, committed suicide in 2023. McCarthy was happy to open up about his problems, and admitted that the stress of his profession was getting to him. Now, he has partnered with a friend and joined a real estate investment firm. “I became a real estate investor and I hooked up with a friend of mine,” he said. “His name is Dan Balassone and he is part of a real estate group called Vylla Homes. I hooked up with those guys. They have experience with real estate investing, with rentals, with fix and flips and selling houses, too. I didn't want to be a real estate agent. I just kind of wanted to do my own thing. But I was lucky enough to partner up with Dan and for him to take me under his wing and show me the ropes of real estate investing.” He doesn't miss the racetrack. “The truth is, I really don't miss it,” he said. “I miss the horses. Being here on Long Island and with my wife, who is also riding, I don't really get to spend a whole lot of time with the horses. I don't venture over to the racetrack much. So I miss being with the horses. Otherwise, I don't miss it.” Though he'll be a way from the racetrack, McCarthy wants to help other people, be they jockeys or from some other profession, deal with mental health issues, “I still want to continue to work on mental health,” he said. “Besides my wife and my family being involved in racing, that's pretty much the only involvement I want to have with racing at the moment. Leaving the sport, for me, was the right things to do. I lost two friends to suicides. For their families sake, I want to keep going. A lot of people think this is easy. A lot of people struggle. I still continue to talk to a lot of people and not just jockeys, to trainers, backstretch employees that at are having a hard time, to anyone who is having a bad experience.” He is working with HISA and the Jockey's Guild to try to make life better for jockeys and others in racing. “Our ultimate goal with HISA and the Jockeys Guild, we've all been working together to find resources for backstretch employees as well,” he said. “Some tracks already have therapists on the ground, but I don't think a lot of people know that. It's something we wanted to get more of and get resources to help people with mental health. We have, with HISA, and a 24-7 hotline that you can work with a therapist or even speak with other athletes that have had some of the same problems. There's someone you can talk to that you can talk to and express your feelings and frustrations.” McCarthy started riding in 2011, was an Eclipse Award finalist in 2014 for the top apprentice jockey and won 13 individual meet title in Maryland. He won 253 races in 2019 but his win total dropped to 42 in 2024. The post Saying He was Miserable While Riding, Trevor McCarthy has Retired appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Facing down the boys in the Sunday opener at Keeneland, Ohoopee (Bee Jersey–Lady Ekati, by Tale of Ekati) cruised home to graduate at first asking. Tabbed as a 9-5 shot behind her stablemate Diblasi (Win Win Win), the 2-year-old filly fired out of the blocks and made the lead. Ohoopee continued to set the pace around the far turn and she hit the wire a no-doubt winner. Diblasi checked in as the runner-up. The final running time was :51.96. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: KEESEP '24 $11,000. O-Hat Creek Racing; B-Charles Fipke; T-Wesley Ward. Wesley Ward es volvio a hacer. Diblasio 3/5 con Joel Rosario Ohoopee con Walter Rodriguez 9/5 quien gano? Veanlo abajo y comenten sus opiniones. La mia me la reservo para Mi pronostico en la suscripción fue con ella (Tuvimos un error con el otro de Ward q es… pic.twitter.com/Ky9GuI6HYD — Jose Luis y Diego Suscripcion Elite (@DiegoABelloTor1) April 13, 2025 The post Bee Jersey Filly Ohoopee Beats The Boys In the Keeneland Opener appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

San Siro has never raced at Keeneland in his 10-race career, but if he takes after his sire, Classic Empire, who won his only Keeneland start, the Brendan Walsh-trained gelding could be successful there April 19 in the $350,000 Ben Ali Stakes (G3).View the full article

Monday, Chantilly, France, post time: 16:15, PRIX SIGY-G3, €80,000, 3yo, 5 1/2fT Field: Arizona Blaze (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev), Estepona (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), Mehmist (Fr) (Mehmas {Ire}), The Strikin Viking (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}), King Of Light (GB) (Mehmas {Ire}), Rayevka (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Une Pointure (Fr) (Dabirsim {Fr}), Miss Lamai (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Apollo Fountain (GB) (No Nay Never) and Polyvega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). TDN Verdict: TDN Rising Star Polyvega was smart last year for Carlos Laffon-Parias, but she looks to have taken a leap forward judged on her debut for the Christophe Ferland stable when winning by five lengths in the Listed Prix Ronde de Nuit here last month. The daughter of the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest heroine Polydream (Ire) (Oasis Dream {GB}) renews rivalry with the Listed Prix Yacowlef scorer Apollo Fountain, having dealt that Juddmonte homebred a 2 1/2-length beating on their juvenile bows here in June and it is anybody's guess how much progress the latter has made from two to three. Another TDN Rising Star and filly Rayevka excelled over this course and distance in September before being pitched into the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes 12 days later. That went awry, but knowing that we are dealing with The Aga Khan's Studs and Francis-Henri Graffard the boldness of that decision speaks volumes as to the regard in which she is held. Of the colts, last year's G3 Marble Hill Stakes winner and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint runner-up and G1 Phoenix Stakes third Arizona Blaze is a stand-out and he resumes sprinting having pushed Henri Matisse (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) in the seven-furlong G3 Ballylinch Stud Red Rocks Stakes. Click here for the complete fields with trainer and jockey information. The post Black-Type Analysis: Polyvega and Arizona Blaze Star in Prix Sigy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In the age of stride length and cadence, stopwatches and sectionals, top speeds, biometrics and all of the other measurement tools out there to judge a racehorse on, one could be forgiven for thinking that all bases are covered at the breeze-up sales. However, handler Willie Browne, bloodstock agent Ross Doyle and trainer Joseph O'Brien, three titans of the bloodstock industry, say they don't care if you utilise data until your eyes bleed–there will always be good horses that will escape through the net. That is good news for the goose, but it's also excellent news for the gander. You see, be it the breeding stock sales, yearling market or indeed the breeze-up game, the demand for high-end stock has never been greater. But clearance rates remain a worry and buyers need to think they have a chance. Whether Browne has been watching too much of the action at Augusta, or whether he's gone completely cuckoo over the clock, the Mocklershill maestro says he expects the middle market to be a 'bogey' area for vendors ahead of the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale. Therein lies the value. He said, “I think the market will be very good if you have a good one, but that's not any fresh news story for you. That's the way the market has been for a little while. I haven't got a crystal ball so I don't know if the trade will be there for the nice horse who does a nice breeze but doesn't make it into the top 20 per cent on the clock. I don't know how that is going to go. I'm hoping it will go well but, if it does, it will be a change to what we have been used to in the past few years because it's gone so clock-orientated it's unreal.” Browne added, “I keep going back to Arqana last year as an example-I sold three or four very nice horses and, if they're not Group horses already, they're on their way to being Group horses. But I was only getting my money back on those horses because they didn't break the clock. God be with the days when you had a nice horse with a bit of book and a nice big stride on him, you'd always get your money back at worst, but if he breezed smart, you could get a few quid. Now, if you're not in the top 15 or 20 per cent, you may as well go home. It's just the middle market that is the bogey area here.” Ross Doyle: has bought a number of smart types inexpensively at the breeze-ups | Tattersalls Doyle and O'Brien have shopped the middle market with a huge degree of success in recent years. This year's Craven will be played out to a soundtrack of star graduate Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), and rightly so given her Group 1 exploits on the international stage in Dubai last week. Lest we forget that Believing didn't cost the sun, moon and stars either at 115,000gns at this sale two years ago. Nor did her sire, Mehmas, who Doyle and his father Peter sourced for just 170,000gns at this same sale in 2016. Doyle recalled, “Mehmas breezed very similarly to how he raced on the track. He wasn't the most imposing, but he had such good action and dropped his head down low and it just got lower and lower as the breeze went on. You could see that he was trying very hard and, when he went past the line, still in a very controlled manner, you could see he was a very good horse. That's what his trademark is now and his progeny are just like him-they seem to try very hard. But he came from a very good home in Roger Marley and John Cullinan, who have sold a lot of good horses over the years. That's very important as a buyer, to go back to the right vendors.” You could say there's something of a, 'you can look but you can't touch,' approach to agents with a limited budget utilising times at the breeze-up sales. Yes, they are there, but there is always going to be a premium to seeking out and trying to buy those who are deemed faster than the rest. That's why horses like recent G3 Irish 1,000 Guineas trial fourth Carla Ridge (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) and genuine Classic prospect Stem (Ire) (Calyx {GB}) were purchased for inexpensive sums of €105,000 and €120,000 respectively using the one tool that has served the Doyles well down through the years. Their eyes. He explained, “We've bought between eight and 10 horses at the breeze-up sales over the past few years. Obviously, the yearling market is our main business. But we like buying breeze-up horses. We're not able to get involved at the top end of the market, which we have seen over the past few years to be very, very strong, but we usually work in that 50,000-250,000 bracket and we've been lucky to have bought some nice horses down through the years. There's definitely value around, though, especially in the past couple of years where things seem to have become quite polarised. I think this could be a good year for people to be doing their homework as there will be some nice horses who can be bought at the breeze-up sales.” Doyle added, “We watch the horses up close during the breeze. That's the process I have been taught, as Peter would have done back in the day, as the Liam Brownes and the Richard Hannon Snrs of this world would have done. They were absolutely obsessed with the horse's physique-that always came first. And then, if it fell into their bracket budget-wise, it worked. But it has always been down to liking the horse physically. We look at all the horses breeze and we're looking for something that's nice and relaxed, with a good temperament and good action. There is plenty of data out there if people want to use it and obviously we use as much as we can but, when it comes down to it, we've got to send these horses to trainers. When it comes to pulling the horse down from off the box, if the horse is not the normal type that we buy physically, the trainers would be very upset. I can't turn around and say, 'Well, he did a very good time but he's not there physically.' That's not going to work.” Joseph O'Brien: I work a lot of the breeze-up sales with Stuart Boman [Blandford Bloodstock] | Sarah Andrew O'Brien agrees. And while he admits that he is a stickler for the two As, attitude and action, he revealed there are some parameters he is rather more relaxed on when it comes to sourcing the value at the breeze-up sales. “First and foremost, finding value for clients is the most important thing for us, he said. “Generally speaking, in order to find value, you have to go against the grain a little bit. I work a lot of the breeze-up sales with Stuart Boman [Blandford Bloodstock], who obviously has his own clients, but he makes a list for me. I watch the breeze at home before flying over on the day of the sale. “The bottom line for me is the performance. If they don't perform in the breeze, I don't look at them. There's a couple of things that are important for us. You have to have a horse who behaves well–behaviour and attitude is one thing that's very important for me–and you like to see them moving well. If they behave well and they move well, the rest of the pieces in the puzzle are all relative. You're not going to expect a middle-distance horse to come up there in the top 10 per cent on times. But behaviour and action is non-negotiable.” O'Brien added, “We've bought every type of horse from the breeze-ups. Stuart bought Up And Under (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) [at Arqana for €135,000] on behalf of his clients [Go Racing] and he finished fifth in an Irish Derby. Galileo Dame (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}) was a stakes-placed filly who also wasn't an expensive breeze-up purchase and, on the quicker side of things, we had Rudi's Apple (Ire) (No Nay Never) who ran imminently after the breeze-up sales and won and was traded on. We just try to find value in the market and, whether it's a veterinary issue that we can live with, or even a sire that isn't fashionable, wherever there's value, we'd look to try and take a view on that.” There is no denying that this sphere has never been more professional. Doyle concedes that, similarly to the National Hunt business where point-to-point handlers are out-bidding trainers at the store sales, he has been forced to play second fiddle on numerous occasions to breeze-up handlers at the yearling markets. While the quality and standard of consignor has never been higher, there is still room for the diamond in the rough, of which Tattersalls Guineas Breeze-Up Sale graduate Anshoda (Ire) (Inns Of Court {Ire}) is a perfect example given her 5,000gns price tag proved no barrier in her making it to the Breeders' Cup last year. And while Browne says he doesn't have a crystal ball ahead of the Craven, he says he's willing to bet big money that more high-class horses will slip through the cracks throughout the breeze-up season. Browne concluded, “A bit like Book 1, the ordinary man doesn't come to the Craven but he should because there is value there. I know that there's value there. I'm not saying that the fast horses don't end up being very good horses because they do. And the stats will back this up, the breeze-ups are the best source of winners by a country mile and more people should be turning up because there's a lot of value there. “But I'll admit that I am scratching my head a little bit about where this market might be for the horse who might not run until October. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of good agents and trainers who are clever enough to give horses a chance-Jake Warren, Hubie de Burgh, Ross Doyle, Joseph O'Brien and plenty more-but there are an awful lot of good horses slipping through the net.” The post Industry Heavyweights Have Their Say On The Market Ahead Of Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rounding off a four-timer on ParisLongchamp's Sunday card including all group races, Mickael Barzalona steered the Wertheimers' Uther (GB) (Camelot {GB}) to success in the G3 Prix Noailles. Settled with one behind early, the 5-1 shot who was runner-up in Saint-Cloud's Listed Prix Francois Mathet last month powered to the front 300 metres from the finish en route to a 1 3/4-length success from the operation's other runner and 19-10 favourite Nitoi (Siyouni {Fr}). “He was fit, but will progress from here as he's a big strong horse who will get better with racing,” trainer Christophe Ferland said of the half-brother to last year's G1 Grand Prix de Paris hero Sosie (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). “He's a very nice horse–he was a little bit unbalanced when he accelerated, but will stay a mile and a half no problem.” A four-timer on the day for Mikael Barzalona at ParisLongchamp! A half-brother to Group One-winner Sosie, Uther comes from last to first to win the Prix Noailles! pic.twitter.com/gd5JpkQR2p — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 13, 2025 The post Barzalona Rules ParisLongchamp As Camelot’s Uther Takes The Noailles For The Wertheimers And Ferland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Entering Sunday's G3 Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp with her reputation sky-high, The Aga Khan's Studs' Zarigana (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}) emerged with it intact ahead of a big Classic campaign. Always travelling strongly on the wing having shown a sound temperament as she was re-shod before the start, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained G3 Prix d'Aumale winner and G1 Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up was given the command by Mickael Barzalona only approaching the furlong pole. Quickly gaining the edge over Shes Perfect (Ire) (Sioux Nation), the 1-2 favourite had to work harder than expected to subdue that game British raider but found the line a neck to the good. Godspeed (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) was two lengths away in third. “There is so much expectation and pressure with this filly,” Graffard said of the grandaughter of Zarkava (Ire) (Zamindar). “Mickael said that as soon as she saw daylight, she changed gear quickly but when she got to the front she stopped. She needed that mentally big-time. At the moment, she'll stay at a mile–this job is easy for her, which is not a surprise when you look at her pedigree. She has a lot of quality and excitement in her, so we need to manage her properly and it is obviously very important to win a group 1 with her.” Zarigana wins the Prix de la Grotte at ParisLongchamp! The regally-bred filly shows a lovely turn of foot to put the race to bed for @GraffardRacing and Mikael Barzalona! pic.twitter.com/DQ9Rb6mRos — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 13, 2025 The post Another For The Aga Khan’s Studs As Siyouni’s Zarigana Wins The Grotte appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It was tight between the unexposed pair Ridari (Fr) (Churchill {Ire}) and Sahlan (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) at the end of Sunday's G3 Prix de Fontainebleau at ParisLongchamp, with the photo favouring the former. Last seen breaking his maiden over this mile trip on Chantilly's Polytrack in November, The Aga Khan's Studs homebred was squeezed exiting the stalls in this trial for the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains and ended up in last with Mickael Barzalona keen to establish a rhythm. Finding room in midstraight, the Mikel Delzangles-trained 7-1 shot was out in time to reel in Al Shaqab's Sahlan in the shade of the post. A nose separated the pair, with 1 3/4 lengths back to last year's G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere third Misunderstood (Fr) (Hello Youmzain {Fr}) in third. “I'm very pleased, as he's not an easy horse to ride–he can be quite keen, so the jockey gave him a real good prep,” Delzangles said. “He quickened nicely and it was a good prep for the big one in four weeks' time. He's a May foal and not even three yet, so there should be more to come.” Ridari wins the Prix de Fontainebleau at ParisLongchamp! Sahlan kicked for home and looked to have the race at his mercy but Ridari flies home to collar him late on! pic.twitter.com/IasjPKnA8G — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) April 13, 2025 The post Churchill’s Ridari Takes The Fontainebleau For The Aga Khan’s Studs And Delzangles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 10-time stakes winner Amelia's Jewel (Aus) is the latest addition to the catalogue for the Inglis Chairman's Sale, with a stellar cast set to go under the hammer at Riverside Stables on the evening of Thursday, May 8. She will be consigned by Segenhoe Stud, on behalf of her owner and breeder Peter Walsh. Amelia's Jewel started her career with Simon Miller, who was responsible for the then-three-year-old when she gained her most notable victory in the 2022 G1 Northerly Stakes at Ascot, after an unbeaten, three-race two-year-old season. More recently, the daughter of Siyouni (Fr) has remained a force at the highest level since being transferred to the care of Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald as a five-year-old, with the final success of her 24-race career coming in March's G2 Guy Walter Stakes at Randwick. Beaten a little over four lengths when finishing fifth in Saturday's G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes, she will be offered as the winner of over A$4.1m in total prize-money. Amelia's Jewel's dam Bumbasina (Ire) (Canford Cliffs {Ire}) is also responsible for the electric three-year-old colt Bosustow (Aus) (Blue Point {Ire}), the winner of the R. Listed Magic Millions 3YO Guineas and twice placed at Group 1 level as a juvenile. She also has a full-sister to Amelia's Jewel on the ground who was born in the spring. “She means so much to us,” Walsh said of Amelia's Jewel. “It's not an easy decision to sell her, but I've got the mother at home so we'll keep breeding the family and racing the family. I'm only selling her because of my age–I'm almost 70 so somebody a bit younger can enjoy her for the rest of her time. “She's perfectly sound and could easily race on if her buyer wants to do so, or she's going to make one hell of a broodmare when that phase of her life comes too. I've been lucky enough to have had some great horses, but she's by far the best.” Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch described it as an “honour” to be offering Amelia's Jewel at the Chairman's Sale. He said, “I was lucky enough to meet Peter Walsh early on in my time at Coolmore, so have enjoyed following the career of Amelia's Jewel and know how much she means to both Peter and Annie. “Clearly she was freakishly talented and while her accomplishments are incredible, I think it's fair to say that her race record doesn't quite do justice to her fantastic ability. “Never did I imagine that we would get the chance to bring her to market, so it really is a truly special opportunity and I have no doubt that she will attract worldwide interest.” The post Group 1 Winner Amelia’s Jewel Added to the Inglis Chairman’s Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Angus Chung drives Divano clear. Photo: HKJC Angus Chung successfully forged new territory on Sunday (April 13), posting his first Sha Tin treble crowned by Divano’s dominant victory in the HK$3.72 million Class 1 Healthy Community Handicap (1400m). After scoring on Tony Cruz pair Parents’ Love and Gustosisimo, Chung produced a clinical ride on Divano (112lb) in the afternoon’s feature to down Patch Of Theta (127lb) and Taj Dragon (122lb) in 1:20.69 after trailing Invincible Sage and Drombeg Banner in the run. “I’ve got a treble at Happy Valley before but never Sha Tin – always a double,” Chung, 28, said. “I spoke to Divano’s owner (Chen Chun Man) and the trainer many, many times about this horse (Divano). I’ve been looking to ride the horse for a while and I’m glad I got the opportunity. “He could take a sit today. It was the same as the Class 2 (Gustosisimo) with two horses going quick and benefiting me. I could sit behind both times. It’s great to get a chance on good horses. Today is a success.” By Brave Smash, Divano improved his record to five wins from 14 starts and, with the winner’s purse of HK$2.08 million and a PPG Bonus of HK$1 million, the four-year-old boosted his earnings to HK$10.5 million. Purchased for AU$90,000 (approx. HK$438,700) at the 2022 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, Divano competed in the Four-Year-Old Classic Series before returning to form with a last-start third over 1400m under Ryan Moore on March 23. Patiently ridden by Chung, the gelding rewarded reigning Hong Kong champion trainer Lui’s faith. “I think he keeps improving little by little. He’s more relaxed and once he relaxes, he can have a good turn of foot. In the (Hong Kong) Classic Mile (1600m), I think he learnt from that race,” Lui said. Last season’s Tony Cruz Award winner as Hong Kong’s leading homegrown jockey, Chung took his seasonal tally to 15 and his Hong Kong career haul to 92 with the success of Parents’ Love and Gustosisimo, who claimed a PP Top-Up Bonus of HK$1.5 million with success in the Class 2 Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy Handicap (1200m). Parents’ Love continued a productive season with his third win of the campaign, striking in the Class 4 JC Echoes Of Love Fund Handicap (1000m). Having his 10th start this preparation, the Deep Field gelding triumphed by a short head over Alsonso. Lui sealed a double when Winning Wing landed the Class 3 Advancing Culture & Sports Handicap (1800m) with Dylan Mo. A one-time winner in South Australia for Grant Young when he raced as Samid, Winning Wing is the first of Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) victor Preferment’s progeny to win in Hong Kong. Chris So reached the 400-win milestone as a trainer with Hong Lok Golf’s success in the Class 3 Sustainability Handicap (1400m) under Harry Bentley and With A Smile’s victory in the Class 4 Thriving Youth Handicap (1400m) for Zac Purton. “400 wins, it’s good to celebrate,” So said. “12 seasons, 400 wins – not bad.” Me Tsui also celebrated a brace, striking with Wind Speeder who posted his first win since July, 2022 by leading virtually all of the way in the Class 5 Clap@JC Handicap (1200m) under Keith Yeung and Another Zonda, who gave James Orman his fourth win since moving to Hong Kong in the Class 4 Positive Ageing Handicap (1400m). Andrea Atzeni notched his 40th winner of the season when Ricky Yiu-trained Ahren swept to victory in the Class 4 JC Campsite Reimagination Project Handicap (1200m). A three-year-old by Hellbent, Ahren jumped smartly from gate 12 and moved into a striking position behind Lean Master before surging clear. “He’s learning so quick and he’s got a good temperament. When we work him in the mornings on his own, he’s very casual. We knew Lean Master would lead and that would make it easier for us,” Yiu said. Jamie Richards won the opening Griffins race of the season when The All Out fended off Quick Money under Purton to win the Racing For Charity Plate (1000m) by a short-head. By Brutal, the gelding provided Richards with his 13th victory of the campaign. “I would have liked to see him win a little easier, but a win’s a win. He’s got more improvement to come – he’s a big, strong horse and he’ll improve with more racing,” Richards said. “It didn’t go exactly to plan, he got a bit softened up in front and the horse that ran second got an easy time of it and was going to be strong late after trialling well at Conghua earlier in the week. “But The All Out’s got more scope for improvement yet, so hopefully he can go on with the job.” Frankie Lor’s Dream Winner produced an upset victory in the Class 3 Nurturing Talent Handicap (1000m) under Jerry Chau, triumphing at +6500 with horse racing bookmakers in his first win since January, 2023 when he was unbeaten in three starts. Horse racing news View the full article

Luring in accomplished graded stakes-winning fillies Just F Y I, Candied, and Tarifa, the $350,000 Doubledogdare Stakes (G3) drew a field worthy of a grade 1 April 18 at Keeneland.View the full article

Jamie Richards’ two-year-old has ‘improvement to come’, while 65-1 chance shocks at Sha Tin on Sunday.View the full article

Emerging four-year-old narrowly beats Light Years Charm to mark a significant milestone for veteran trainer.View the full article

Young jockey celebrates breakthrough three-timer aboard Parents’ Love, Gustosisimo and Francis Lui-trained galloper.View the full article

Driver Penalties J Buckland-Stevens | NZ Metropolitan 9 April; use of whip; suspended 10 April – 21 May inclusive. C Negus | NZ Metropolitan 9 April; breach of push out rule; fined $250. D McCormick | NZ Metropolitan 9 April; careless driving; suspended 20-25 April inclusive. D McCormick | NZ Metropolitan 9 April; use of whip; suspended 26-30 April inclusive. P Nairn | NZ Metropolitan 11 April; use of whip; suspended 14-30 April inclusive. L Whittaker | NZ Metropolitan 11 April; use of whip; suspended 12-30 April inclusive. C Hackett | Methven 13 April; careless driving; suspended 16-22 April inclusive. R Close | Methven 13 April; careless driving; suspended 16-21 April inclusive. B Hope | Methven 13 April; contacted track marker; fined $100. Trainer Penalty G Rogerson | Auckland 11 April; incorrect gear; fined $100. Horse Penalties VICTOR BRAVO | Manawatu 8 April; broke at start; must complete mobile start trial. WANNA SNUGGLE | Wairio 10 April; elevated heart rate; veterinary clearance required. MAZEPPA | Auckland 11 April; fell in running; veterinary clearance required and must complete trial. ITAINTNECESSARILYSO | Auckland 11 April; broke at start; must complete standing start trial. MIDNIGHT DIAMOND | NZ Metropolitan 11 April; backed away prior to start; must complete standing start trial. GOTTA ELECT BILL | NZ Metropolitan 11 April; atrial fibrillation; veterinary clearance including ECG required and must complete trial. HACKSAW RIDGE | Methven 13 April; atrial fibrillation; veterinary clearance including ECG required and must complete trial. Protest MIDNIGHT DIAMOND | NZ Metropolitan 11 April; unsatisfactory manners prior to start; declared a non-runner. The post 7-13 April 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

Michael McNab earned a great deal of praise after Force Of Nature (NZ) (Savabeel) won Sunday’s Inspire Racing Sprint (1200m), but the top jockey was quick to credit his mount who made a big impression when resuming in the Te Rapa contest. A lightly-raced four-year-old, Force Of Nature was appearing for the first time since late November, where he finished third in a competitive Stella Artois Championship Qualifier behind Frostfair. It was the lowest placing he had recorded all preparation, after winning two in a row through maiden and Rating 65 company. Cambridge trainer Andrew Forsman then opted to bypass the firm summer tracks with his gelding and return in the autumn with no trial to prepare, making the performance all the more eye-catching. Starting a well-backed prospect at $6, Force Of Nature was one of the slower runners to find their stride from the barrier, settling in the back half of the field under McNab. Mirabella and race-favourite Perfect Dividends had the field strung out through the mid-stages under a hot tempo, and on straightening, the field fanned across the track. One horse that covered no extra ground was Force Of Nature, with McNab hugging the rail and finding a tight gap between the two leaders to storm into contention. Perfect Dividends didn’t give away the fight all the way to the post, but Force Of Nature showed a sharp turn-of-foot to his inside and won comfortably, albeit only by a short neck. Force Of Nature was the second of a winning treble for McNab on the card, after collecting a double at Trentham on Saturday. “He’s a sharp horse, he’s got a good record and I think he’ll keep adding to that, because he’s a horse with a lot of ability,” McNab said. “They ran along at a good speed, so back where I was, I couldn’t really get to the outside or it was going to make it hard. I got the runs when I needed them, but he was good when he got the splits. “He’d shown that good ability when I trialled him earlier on and he showed that last prep, so hopefully he can do a bit better again this prep.” Forsman’s stable representative Joe Walker echoed McNab’s sentiments, indicating the gelding is held in high regard by the team. “He didn’t get away that cleanly, but they went along nice and quick and it was a good ride from Michael,” Walker said. “He’s certainly got the ability to (go through the grades), last time he strung a few (wins) together and even before he went out, he was racing well. He’s had a decent break and I think there’s more to come.” A son of Savabeel, Force Of Nature was bred and raced by Milan Park Stud principal Tony Rider. He is out of an unraced O’Reilly mare Elusive Nature, who is a half-sister to Savvy Dreams and three-quarter sister to Pussy O’Reilly, both placegetters at Group One level. In the broodmare paddock, Elusive Nature has produced Listed winner and Group Three performer Shezzacatch and four-race winner Astraeus, both also by Waikato Stud’s champion sire. In just seven starts, Force Of Nature has won three races and over $72,000 in prizemoney. View the full article

Karman Line (NZ) (Myboycharlie) has proven to be an enigma for Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott throughout her career, but the Group Three winner was right back to her best when taking out the BCD Group 1400 at Te Rapa on Sunday. The daughter of Myboycharlie has mixed her form from the outset and while she won the Lisa Chittick Plate (1400m) and Gr.3 Rotorua Stakes (1400m) last term, she missed the top five in her opening four appearances this season, albeit in strong company. A fourth placing behind Chattahoochee and stablemate Little Bit Of Love last time out indicated she was on the up, but punters were still wary of the mare and she closed at $10.80 on Sunday, with Witz End on top at $3.20. In the hands of Masa Hashizume, Karman Line jumped positively and found her position off the rail in fourth, while Mr Mojo Risin’ sped up to lead the seven-horse affair. Witz End ranged up to the pacemaker on the home turn, but Karman Line was cruising under Hashizume and hit the lead at the 100m, fending off a strong challenge from Cannon Hill to score by a head. Mr Mojo Risin’ held on well to finish third narrowly ahead of Lingjun Xiongfeng. O’Sullivan was on course for the victory and commended the efforts of Hashizume, who has guided the mare to two previous successes. “It was a very good ride by Masa, he gave her every possible (chance) and nursed her right up for as long as he could,” he said. “It was good to see her back winning again. “She’s tricky, we don’t really know (why) and she mixes her form a little bit. We’ve tried different things with her around the stable and tried mixing it up with her, but she does seem to come right at this time of the year. “We’ll be heading to Rotorua for the race she won last year, that’ll be her target once again. She certainly is hard to catch, but on her day, she has the ability.” This year’s Gr.3 Rotorua ITM Stakes (1400m) will be held at Arawa Park on the 10th of May. Karman Line was bred by Little Avondale Stud and presented at the 2020 National Yearling Sales by Cambria Park, where she purchased by Wexford Stables for $67,500. She was the first foal out of a Pierro mare World Away, who went on to produce two-race winners Alexandra Quick and Tristar, the latter also in the care of O’Sullivan and Scott. In 24 starts, she has won four races and collected $246,750 in stakes earnings. View the full article

Midnight Edition (NZ) (Wrote) narrowly missed out on a feature three-year-old crown in December and he’ll have a shot at redemption in a fortnight after defeating a quality field at Te Rapa on Sunday. Midnight Edition caused a major market upset when dead-heating the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1400m) on Boxing Day, but was relegated to second position after an enquiry by the connections of Yaldi. The son of Wrote has been tested at a range of difference distances this campaign, but has found his sweet spot at 1200m, the distance he faced in the Forsman Racing 3YO (1200m). Yaldi, Celestial Wonder and She’s Untouchable were all well-back runners in the race, but the latter dipped heavily at the start before recovering to settle on the rail in third, while Celestial Wonder took the lead inside of Midnight Edition. Yaldi over-raced fiercely in the second half of the field and ended up three-wide, giving the two leaders a big head-start as they turned for home. Both Celestial Wonder and Midnight Edition kicked strongly at the top of the straight and fought it out all the way to the post, with Midnight Edition just finding the edge late to score by a half-head in the hands of Warren Kennedy. The big impresser in third was Whiskey ‘N Roses, who bounced back into the form that he produced when finishing second behind Savaglee in the Gr.2 James and Annie Sarten Memorial (1400m) in October. Bruce Wallbank, who trains the gelding at Pukekohe, was rapt with the performance heading towards the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Cambridge Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) at the Hamilton venue on April 26. “He’s a very good horse, people don’t realise how good he is,” he said. “We’re setting him for the Group Three and that’s what we want to win. He’s had one gallop since his last race so that’s not too bad is it? “We always give him a week or ten days off, but he’s tightened up now and they’ll know he’s in the race next week. “(After the Breeders), he’ll be turned out for six weeks, then look out for him next year.” In his first season of racing, Midnight Edition has won three of 12 starts with three minor placings, accumulating just shy of $125,000 in stakes earnings. He was bred by Aston Racing and is raced by Wallbank, alongside his wife Raelyn and son Mark. He is out of Wallbank’s two-win mare Midnight Gossip, who finished fourth in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and has also produced Australian stakes winner Midnight Mass. View the full article

Trainer Dom Sutton is planning to keep Gr.1 Australian Guineas winner Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth) to races up to a mile during this year’s Spring Carnivals, with the rich Golden Eagle set to be his major target. The three-year-old gelding is having a spell after finishing sixth in the Gr.1 Australian Cup at Flemington on March 29 in his first try over 2000m, which came against seasoned older horses at weight-for-age. A runner-up in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas last spring, Feroce’s autumn preparation was highlighted by his win in the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington on March 1 – a first elite-level victory for both Sutton and Feroce. “He went to the paddock last week,” Sutton said. “He’s going to have a really nice break and try to get some good weather before it turns against us in Victoria. “His grand target will be the Golden Eagle (in the spring). I’ll keep him at a mile for his spring four-year-old campaign and there’s a few nice races on the calendar for him.” The Australian Cup was won by the Ciaron Maher-trained Light Infantry Man, in a field which included placegetters Deny Knowledge and Zardozi, along with unplaced runners of the calibre of Atishu, Pride Of Jenni and Attrition. Sutton is confident Feroce will get 2000m in time, but with the carrot of a big prizemoney race like the Golden Eagle (1500m) for four-year-olds at Rosehill and other feature mile races on the racing program in spring, he is happy to stick to those options for now. “It was an itch I really wanted to scratch seeing him at 2000m,” Sutton said, in regards to what he learned from the gelding’s Australian Cup mission. “I do think he will be a 2000-metre horse at some point. “Obviously it was hard to judge with the tempo that they went, but he’s just a bit brilliant at the moment, probably and he’s also shown that he’s a good miler. “So we’ll keep him at a mile (in the spring) and there’s plenty of nice races.” View the full article

The team review Day Two of the Championships where the Kiwi ‘s were again to the fore. Plus, we review the all domestic action from Riccarton and Trentham and have a few laughs along the way. Weigh In, April 13 View the full article

Dog Penalties GO CONCORDE | Waikato 10 April; marring; stood down for 28 days and must complete trial. OPAWA GORDON | Christchurch 10 April; unsatisfactory performance; veterinary clearance required and must complete trial. The post 7-13 April 2025 appeared first on RIB. View the full article

What Benalla Races Where Benalla Racing Club – Midland Hwy, Benalla VIC 3672 When Monday, April 14, 2025 First Race 2pm AEST Visit Dabble A new week of racing in Victoria gets underway with a quickfire seven-race meeting at Benalla. Perfect conditions are forecast, and with the track rated a Good 4 at the time of acceptances, it is almost a certainty that track will be upgraded to a Good 3. The first event is set to jump at 2pm AEST. Best Bet at Benalla: Absolute Sunshine Former Hong Kong galloper Absolute Sunshine has put in two smart runs since arriving in Australia, over 1200m and then 1306m, but with the step up to 1406m third-up, he looks ready to strike. The son of Tosen Stardom was unlucky not to win last time out when held up for a run at a crucial point in the home straight before making up a stack of ground to be beaten by a long neck. Luke Cartwright will likely roll forward and look to slot into the one-one throughout from barrier 11, and if Absolute Sunshine has the breaks go his way, he should get his moment in the spotlight on Monday. Best Bet Race 4 – #2 Absolute Sunshine (11) 5yo Gelding | T: Ben, Will & JD Hayes | J: Luke Cartwright (a1.5) (61kg) Next Best at Benalla: Rocket Tiger Rocket Tiger is coming off an eye-catching run in town at Caulfield on April 5, and if the son of Cluster is anywhere near his best, he should be winning. The six-year-old was forced to make up a stack of ground after drawing awkwardly last time out and was hitting the line better than most when beaten by 1.9 lengths behind Heart Of Glass. From barrier six on Monday, Alice Kennedy can settle a touch closer, and if Rocket Tiger finds clear air at the right time, he is going to take some holding out. Next Best Race 7 – #1 Rocket Tiger (6) 6yo Gelding | T: Ben Brisbourne | J: Alice Kennedy (a4) (62.5kg) Best Value at Benalla: Saint Loft The Michael Travers-trained Saint Loft is a tough horse to catch on its day, but the six-year-old gelding finds the race to bring up a fourth career win. The son of Written Tycoon won a similar race over 2145m at Goulburn two starts ago before being overhauled inside the final 100m over 1800m at Wagga last time out. Blaike McDougall will look to be positive out of the gates and hold a prominent position from barrier 12 and without much pace in the race, has the chance to take up the running. With a cheap sectional or two, Saint Loft will take some catching from a forward position at a double figure quote with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 5 – #8 Saint Loft (12) 6yo Gelding | T: Michael Travers | J: Blaike McDougall (57kg) Monday quaddie tips for Benalla Benalla quadrella selections Monday, April 14, 2025 2-4 1-2-3-7-8 1-4-9-10 1-6 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article