Wandering Eyes

8th-KEE, $110K, Msw, 3yo, f, 7f, 4:44 p.m. ET. PLAY WITH MAGIC is set for her unveiling under the care of trainer Cherie DeVaux. Bred by Glenwood's John D. Gunther and his daughter Tanya on the same Mendelssohn-Ghostzapper cross as GSW Somethinabouther, the late May foal is out 2018 Broodmare of the Year Stage Magic (Ghostzapper). This dam's productivity includes one of the top North American sires in Justify (Scat Daddy), GSW The Lieutenant (Street Sense) and SW Stage Raider (Pioneerof the Nile). Stage Magic is also responsible for a yearling filly by Into Mischief and she threw a Gun Runner colt Mar. 7. TJCIS PPS The post Friday’s Insights: Justify’s Half-Sister Looks To Conjure Family Magic On Debut At Keeneland appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Despite his third-place finish to U.S.-trained Hit Show and Mixto in the April 5 Dubai World Cup (G1), Saudi Cup (G1) hero Forever Young remains at the top of the most recent Longines Word's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2025. View the full article

The Breeders' Cup announced an expanded schedule for the 2025 Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In, which will feature 93 races in 15 countries—the most in Breeders' Cup history.View the full article

With 26 graded stakes victories to its credit, Godolphin is tied with Claiborne Farm at the top of that statistic in Keeneland history. Jabaara could provide the tie-breaker when she goes to the starting gate in the April 12 Jenny Wiley Stakes (G1T).View the full article

After finishing a close second with Savaglee in the Australian Guineas (G1), trainer Pam Gerard sends out New Zealand-bred Dubai Gold in the April 12 Australian Oaks (G1). View the full article

The Peter O'Sullevan Lambourn Open Day will be held on Good Friday, April 18, this year. Last year's event was cancelled due to waterlogging. Fans will be able to visit over 20 training yards in Lambourn from 9a-1p, including Nicky Henderson's legendary Seven Barrows, home to Constitution Hill (GB) (Blue Bresil {Fr}) and Jonbon (Fr) (Walk In The Park {Ire}), among others. There will also be the Parade of Equine Heros, sponsored by Windsor Clive International that afternoon. Some of the big names in the parade are champion chasers Altior (Ire) (High Chaparral {Ire}) and Sprinter Sacre (Fr) (Network {Ger}), as well as Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Coneygree (GB) (Karinga Bay {GB}). There will also be the Carisbrooke Stud Celebrity Showjumping, featuring stars such as Nico de Boinville, James Bowen and A.P. McCoy. Tickets are £15 per person with children under 12 free. If you are attending only the afternoon portion of the Lambourn Open Day, tickets are £10 per person. Mark Smyly, chairman of the Lambourn Open Day, said, “We're thrilled to welcome everyone back to Lambourn for this year's event, especially after the disappointment of last year's cancellation. The Open Day is not only a chance for fans to meet some of the sport's biggest stars, but it also serves as a vital fundraiser for the Lambourn community and horse racing as a whole. We're looking forward to seeing the yards buzzing and hope visitors enjoy everything the day has to offer.” For tickets and additional information, please visit the Lambourn Open Day website. The post Peter O’Sullevan Lambourn Open Day Returns On Good Friday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Promising three-year-old Edge Of Mali (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), who chased home Irish 2,000 Guineas entrant Currawood (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) on debut at Dundalk, has been sold to continue her career in America. The six-figure sale represents a remarkable upswing in value for trainer Claire O'Connell's filly, who was a 3,000 gns Clipper Logistics cast-off at last year's Tattersalls July Sale. It was Joe Foley, long-time advisor to Clipper boss Steve Parkin, who saw the merits in what was at the time an unraced two-year-old. The sale of Edge Of Mali comes hot on the heels of Copacabana Sands (Ire), another nice prospect by Sands Of Mali, finishing an unlucky fifth in a 1,000 Guineas Trial at Leopardstown. The Ballyhane-based sire also has two entries in Saturday's G3 Fred Darling Stakes and Foley has hailed the young stallion as the best he has ever had through his hands. “We're very proud of how Sands Of Mali is going,” Foley said. “In fairness, in spite of all the drama that has surrounded him in recent times, he's standing up for himself, is doing it the hard way and is definitely the best stallion that I have ever had. He is fully booked and lots of good breeders are on him. He has a good reputation and he deserves it.” Foley added, “He looks like a serious stallion to me. His first crop features Copacabana Sands, Clarie's filly and now Time For Sandals (Ire) and Ellaria Sand (GB) are exciting runners in the Fred Darling on Saturday. That's not even mentioning the Royal Ascot winner from last year [Aint Nobody (Ire)] as well.” Edge Of Mali was pre-trained by Andrew Lynch and Riona Teggart at Kilbrew Stables on behalf of Clipper Logisitics before being offered under the hammer at last year's July Sale. So impressed was Lynch by what he had been seeing from the filly in her early development, he told Foley to go and buy her. The pair partnered up on the filly and have now been rewarded ten-fold for their faith. O'Connell explained, “Everyone is delighted–Andrew and Riona from Kilbrew Stables used to break all of the Clipper horses and, when she came up in the July Sale, they got Joe Foley to buy her for just 3,000gns. She was very big and just needed a bit of time. We love Sands Of Mali and actually have a mare in foal to him. We think he upgrades his mares. Andrew did all of the pre-training and, when he brought her up to me, I didn't have to do much with her at all. It's a great result.” Sands Of Mali | Ballyhane Stud Edge Of Town (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}), the dam of Edge Of Mali, was also offloaded by Parkin's Rathbride Farm for just €1,000 at the Goffs November Sale. It is well-documented that the High Court rejected an application from Parkin to have Sands Of Mali removed from Foley's Ballyhane base after the relationship between the pair broke down. However, Foley insists that he never had anything to hide, and that he was happy to sign for Edge Of Mali at public auction, given he always believed that the filly could go on to show her true colours on the track. He explained, “When I bought the filly, a few people asked why I put my name on the docket. My reply was, 'why not? It's a public auction, I know more about the filly than anybody else, so why wouldn't I?' I'm not sneaking around corners hiding and pretending to do anything because I've nothing to hide. I loved her as a yearling, and that's why I nominated her for the Bronte syndicate, who were going to race her last year until various circumstances changed. When she was put up for sale, of course I was going to be interested in buying her. In actual fact, she wasn't the only one that I bought.” He added, “Andrew had pre-trained her for the previous owners and he liked her. That's why we both clubbed together and bought her at the sales. Andrew kept her and did a great job prepping her before she went to Claire, who readied her for the race. In fairness to Andrew, he always said she was a good filly-he said she could be Stakes-class. I'm also delighted for Claire who put the finishing touches on the filly before Dundalk.” Edge Of Mali is understood to have been snapped up by California-based trainer Jeff Mullins on behalf of the Rancho Temescal ownership group. There is something of an irony to that sale given it was Mullins who raced River Boyne (Ire), a colt that Foley pinhooked by his late stallion Dandy Man (Ire), to a good degree of success. And while Sands Of Mali has just 24 yearlings coming through this year, Foley reports many of the top breeders to have stood up and taken notice of what the young sire–whose fee is private–has achieved to date. He said, “Sands Of Mali has only got 24 yearlings coming through but he's going to have a big crop of foals this year as he covered 115 mares last year. He also has a solid crop of two-year-olds, albeit only 40-something, and the first of those was quite eye-catching at Redcar the other day.” Foley added, “There have been some very good reports already about some of those two-year-olds. So the smallish crop of yearlings this year is as a result of him missing 17 days of a crucial part of the breeding season due to an accident. There will be a lull but nowadays people are clever enough to judge a stallion on his merits for good or for bad. “Obviously fashion comes into it but there are a lot of very clever people who can analyse this game properly. Farhh (GB) is a perfect example. He doesn't have a lot of runners but he has a lot of high-class horses and is a very good stallion. Even though Sands Of Mali has a small crop coming through, lots of people are able to work out that he is a good stallion.” The post Foley Hails Sands Of Mali ‘Best I’ve Had’ After Sale Of Smart Prospect By The Stallion appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lonnie Briley's first starter at Churchill Downs came three years ago in the Kentucky Juvenile Stakes on the Thursday of Derby week. Although his trainee Cool Spirit (Mor Spirit) broke a step slow and finished last, the experience left Briley with lasting memories of Louisville. “I tell you, when the horses took off running, it was like there was an airplane taking off,” Briley recalled with a soft-spoken Cajun drawl. “It was like a big roar, like the bleachers could come off the ground. It was the first time I've seen a grandstand that covers half the track, all the way down the lane and into the first turn.” If Briley thought the crowd at 'Thurby' was impressive, he's in for a real show come Derby day. Briley, age 72, has been a veteran trainer on the Louisiana circuit for over three decades. He had never ran a horse in a graded stake until this year, when stable star Coal Battle (Coal Front) stormed home in the GII Rebel Stakes. Briley picked out Coal Battle for just $70,000 at the 2023 Texas Thoroughbred Association Yearling Sale for his longtime client Norman Stables. The horseman thought the colt could be something special last summer, when he came flying late to get up for fourth in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes behind eventual fellow Derby hopeful Tiztastic (Tiz The Law). But even at the start of this year, Briley was not exactly Derby dreaming. “I never even thought about it really,” he admitted. “It was never on the bucket list. I didn't think I'd have that kind of horse and then when I found him, I was just looking for a racehorse. I had three on my short list and I kept going back to him and ended up saying that he was the one I wanted.” Briley and Coal Battle, along with three of the colt's stablemates, arrived at Churchill Downs this past Sunday with just under four weeks to go until the first Saturday in May. Tuesday morning, Briley watched from the backside viewing stand as Coal Battle put in his first work at Churchill Downs. As the temperature hovered just above freezing, Coal Battle stepped onto the track and paused to take in the view of the sunrise and the twin spires before jogging off. “You see how he does that?” Briley asked with a proud grin. “Every day he'll look and observe. He's made over a million dollars doing that, so that's okay.” Briley's exercise rider and assistant trainer Bethany Taylor had her work cut out for her as Coal Battle eagerly cruised through a breeze that stretched out maybe a little further than the intended half a mile. The Churchill Downs clockers recorded the colt going four furlongs in :48.40. Back at the barn, Coal Battle didn't seem fazed by the workout. Taylor said this is the norm for the athletic colt. “He's funny because whenever he works–doesn't matter if he's going three-eighths, half a mile or five-eighths–he'll gallop out as far as he wants to and when I go to pull him back to bring him up, he'll put his head down and start bucking a little bit.” Lonnie Briley oversees Coal Battle's arrival at Churchill Downs | Coady Media Briley reported that the plan is for Coal Battle to work five furlongs next week, six furlongs the following week, and then a quick three furlongs five days before the Derby. While Coal Battle is all energy on the racetrack, the colt is much more easygoing in the barn. “He'll lay down most of the day and then he'll stand in his corner,” Briley explained. “If somebody comes to his door, he's gonna come meet them and play with them. He's neat, you know, it's like he talks to you in his own little way. After every race, he'll come back to the barn wheeling and squealing like he didn't even run.” Coal Battle has won five of his eight lifetime starts, highlighted by four straight stakes victories that culminated in the GII Rebel where he defeated the likes of Madaket Road (Quality Road), Sandman (Tapit) and Publisher (American Pharoah). In the GI Arkansas Derby with jockey Juan Vargas aboard, Coal Battle took the lead at the top of the stretch, but was overtaken by closers Sandman and Publisher. If they could get a do-over in the race, Briley said he believes the outcome may have been different. “He was a little too fresh,” he said. “I had to saddle him on the walk and I've never had to do that with him before. Then the rider punched the button too quickly. At the half-mile pole he sent him and that was too early. If he had waited until the 5/16th pole, I think he'd have had a good shot. He has a really quick turn of foot. It's just knowing when to push the button. You have to be patient with him. But he still ran good and he came back good.” Following the Oaklawn meet, Briley sent three of the seven trainees he had there back home to Louisiana, where he has a string of about 20 horses at Evangeline Downs, and brought the other four with him to Kentucky. The conditioner is hoping to get races into each of those horses between the Keeneland and Churchill Downs meets. Go Captain (Mo Town), a 4-year-old colt also owned by Norman Stables, broke his maiden at Kentucky Downs last summer and was second in his most recent start at Oaklawn on March 7. Following a bullet :58.80 work on Tuesday, Briley hopes to enter him at Keeneland next week. With an admirable youthful zest, Briley plans to make a quick trip to Ocala next week for the OBS April Sale before returning to Louisville to put in the final two weeks of preparation for the Kentucky Derby. Briley and Coal Battle are undoubtedly one of this year's Derby Cinderella stories. To what does Briley attribute his growing fan base? “Well I'm from over there, where they talk like dat,” he said with an easygoing grin and a deep bayou twang. Then he added, “There is pressure, more than anything. A horse race is a horse race, but when you get to the Kentucky Derby, it's a little more.” The post Coal Battle and Company Settling In at Churchill Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are more than three weeks to go before the running of the GI Kentucky Derby, but it wasn't too early for the TDN Writers' Room Podcast team to dive into last weekend's preps and look ahead to the first Saturday in May. The podcast is presented by Keeneland. The team of Randy Moss, Bill Finley and T.D. Thornton, all thought the best race of the week was the GI Santa Anita Derby, won by Journalism (Curlin). He overcame trouble to win the race and earned a solid 102 Beyer in the process. All agreed that he deserves to be the favorite in the Derby. Santa Anita Derby runner-up Baeza (McKinzie) was also the subject of a lively debate. Moss called the half-brother to Classic winners Dornoch (Good Magic) and Mage (Good Magic) the second best 3-year-old in the country, behind only Journalism. But, at this time, he may not have enough points to get into the Derby field since the points were reduced for the Santa Anita Derby because of its small field, and he got only 37 1/2 points for finishing second. All agreed that he belongs in the Derby field, but there was also agreement that finding the perfect system for finding the 20 best 3-year-olds in training was an exercise in futility. The team also went over the results of the GII Wood Memorial Stakes and the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes. Moss was particularly impressed with Blue Grass runner-up East Avenue (Medaglia d'Oro), but worried that the Brendan Walsh-trainee might be part of what could be a vicious speed duel. Thornton went over the latest developments concerning the decoupling situation in Florida, where a Senate committee has said that Gulfstream cannot decouple for seven years. In a prior bill, the time frame was five years. The Gainesway Guest of the Week was TDN European and International editor Emma Berry, who talked about how Donald Trump's proposed tariffs might affect European and U.S. racing. The podcast segment with Berry was taped before Trump called for a 90-day pause on implementing most tariffs. In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment, which is sponsored by WinStar, the team went over the many reasons there are to breed to WinStar stallion Cogburn. The fastest horses of the week were Journalism and Santa Anita allowance winner Wound Up (Mendelssohn). Both earned figures of 102. The podcast, is also sponsored by the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, West Point Thoroughbreds, 1/ST Racing and 1/ST TV. Click here to watch the podcast and click here for the audio version. The post TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Focuses On Derby, Derby Preps appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 2025 Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: 'Win and You're In' will feature 93 races in 15 countries, the most in the history of the event. Each winner receives an automatic berth into a corresponding race, with all fees covered. In 2025, Breeders' Cup Challenge races have been or will be contested at premier tracks in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Dubai, England, France, Ireland, Japan, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, the United States and Uruguay. While several international qualifiers–a record 49 overseas races are scheduled–have already been staged, the 44-strong domestic component of the series kicks off during the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga June 6 and 7, with the GI Odgen Phipps Stakes (Distaff), GI Hill 'n' Dale Metropolitan Handicap (Dirt Mile) and GI Jaipur Stakes (Turf Sprint) offering Breeders' Cup spots to their winners. Ten automatic berths are to be awarded for the $7-million GI Breeders' Cup Classic. Three horses have already qualified for the centerpiece of the weekend–Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}, G1 Saudi Cup); Costa Nova (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}, G1 February Stakes); and Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}, G1 Dubai World Cup). The other qualifying races, all Grade I/Group 1 contests, include the Stephen Foster Stakes; Haskell Stakes; Whitney Stakes; Juddmonte International Stakes; Pacific Classic Stakes; Jockey Club Gold Cup; and the Goodwood Stakes. As part of the benefits to horsemen, Breeders' Cup has allocated a record $6.51 million in free entry fees and $480,000 in domestic foal nominator awards for this year's Challenge Series and will pay the entry fees and guarantee a starting position in a corresponding Championships race for all Challenge Series race winners. If not already nominated, the Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 20 to receive the rewards. In addition, Breeders' Cup will provide a $10,000 travel allowance for all starters within North America that are stabled outside of California, and a $40,000 travel allowance to the connections of all Championship starters based outside of North America. “It is immensely gratifying to see trainers and owners leverage the many opportunities offered by the Challenge Series, the leading pathway to a coveted spot in the World Championships,” said Dora Delgado, Chief Racing Officer at Breeders' Cup Limited. “We thank the racing authorities close to home and abroad for their crucial partnerships, and look forward to watching the world's best competitors prioritize the Challenge Series as their path to the Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar.” This year's running of the Breeders' Cup World Championships will take place Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1. Click here for the complete Breeders' Cup Challenge schedule. The post Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Features Record Races, Awards appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The inaugural Coolmore Careers Day, in association with Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School, took place in the Fethard Town Park on Thursday, April 10. Students also had the opportunity to visit Coolmore and see the stallion yard at first hand, along with mares and foals in their paddocks. More than 700 students from 15 post-primary schools across County Tipperary availed of the opportunity to attend the Careers Day, dedicated to bloodstock, farming, tourism, hospitality and associated sectors. As part of the Careers Day, farriers and trades people did live demonstrations and each office-based discipline had a stall staffed by a member of the Coolmore team, showcasing the wide range of careers available across these industries. Stalls were also hosted by the University of Limerick, Kildalton Agricultural College, Gurteen Agricultural College and CAFRE–the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise in Northern Ireland. Billy Walsh, principal of Fethard Patrician Presentation Secondary School, said, “Bloodstock, farming and tourism are the lifeblood of County Tipperary and we are blessed to have Coolmore and Ballydoyle on our doorstep. Farming and bloodstock are two of the major employers in this region and they also support tourism, heritage, sustainable communities and our environment. “Today's visit shows that whether a student is considering a Solas apprenticeship, Agricultural College or university, there are careers to suit all interests and talents and that's something to celebrate.” Tom Lynch, farm manager, Coolmore, added, “Each year Coolmore employs numerous apprentices and graduates who cut their teeth working with some of the best in the industry. We wanted to showcase to these students the array of opportunities they have on their doorstep. “We'd love to see this event growing from strength to strength, as a showcase for the much broader farming and bloodstock sector.” The post More Than 700 Tipperary Students Attend Coolmore Careers Day appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Vicki Donlon has been appointed interim CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) announced on Thursday. Donlon rejoins the team at Leopardstown with immediate effect as the process continues to find a permanent replacement for Tim Husbands, who steps down this week after five years in the role. Having joined HRI when appointed commercial & marketing manager at Leopardstown in 2015, Donlon has led the commercial brief for HRI's Racecourse Division for the last four years, working with Leopardstown, Fairyhouse, Navan and Tipperary. Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses, said, “I am delighted to see Vicki rejoining the team at Leopardstown Racecourse as interim CEO. She played a huge part in the commercial development of Leopardstown in the past and continued that fine work in her role as commercial manager of all four HRI racecourses since 2021. “The process to fill the role of Leopardstown CEO on a permanent basis is ongoing and we expect to be in a position to make a further announcement on this in the coming months.” The post Vicki Donlon Appointed Interim CEO of Leopardstown Racecourse appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Equine Analytical Chemistry Laboratory at the University of Kentucky is now under the ownership of Eagle Diagnostics, according to a release from the school. The newly branded Equine Integrity and Anti-Doping Sciences (EQIAS) Labs will continue to serve as a leader in anti-doping testing for the equine and competition animal industries, while expanding opportunities for research and innovation, the release said. EQIAS Labs utilizes state-of-the-art analytical equipment to detect performance-enhancing drugs in horses and other animal species to ensure fairness, integrity and animal welfare. The laboratory also performs routine analytical tests, such as an equine prepurchase drug screen, to serve the equine industry. EQIAS will maintain a collaborative partnership with the university to perform research studies to advance analytical testing capabilities, detect new and emerging threats and support the equine industry's initiative of ensuring equine safety and integrity. The new director of EQIAS Labs is Travis Mays, Ph.D., a 20-year veteran of the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory where he oversaw the daily operations of the drug testing and toxicology sections. His extensive background includes antidoping testing in racing and exhibition animals, veterinary toxicology, pharmacology and analytical chemistry. “We are excited about this new partnership and the opportunities it brings,” said Chris West, CFO of Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, representing Eagle Diagnostics. “EQIAS Labs looks forward to continuing our strong collaboration with the University of Kentucky, fostering future research initiatives and advancements in equine science.” Leaders from the university echoed how this transition can increase the lab's impact through research collaborations that support its drug testing operations and open new avenues for impactful scientific discovery. “This transition underscores our commitment to meeting the highest industry standards for equine drug testing and expanding innovation and collaboration in equine research,” said Jamie Matthews, associate dean of research at UK's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “We look forward to working closely with EQIAS Labs to ensure that the regulatory needs of the equine industry continue to be served.” The post UK’s Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab Acquired By Eagle Diagnostics appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Following his victory in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, Danon Decile (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) has moved into third position in the second edition of the LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings for 2025. Last year's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) hero raised his rating from 125 from 118 in winning at Meydan, producing a career-best performance to beat Calandagan (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) by over a length. The runner-up sits just outside of the top three with a rating of 123, while Durezza (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) and Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) are both rated 120 after finishing third and fourth, respectively. The rankings are still headed by February's G1 Saudi Cup one-two, Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), despite their respective defeats at Meydan. Forever Young remains on a rating of 127 after his third-place finish in the G1 Dubai World Cup, while G1 Dubai Turf runner-up Romantic Warrior is just behind on a rating of 126. His previous exploits still see him ranked superior to his Meydan conqueror, Soul Rush (Jpn) (Rulership {Jpn}), whose rating of 121 also earns him a spot in the top 10. The full list and further information on the LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings are available on the IFHA website. The post Danon Decile Joins World’s Elite with Dubai Sheema Classic Win appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

by Jim Reisler, Edited Press Release Courtesy of NYRA For Laurie Scott of the Great Strides Equestrian Foundation, the biggest impact of escorting a group of teenage students to Saratoga Race Course as part of the New York Racing Associations, Inc. (NYRA)'s Leg Up! program, didn't happen on the day of their visit. The impact came days later when Scott realized the students were still buzzing about the races and meeting people from across NYRA–and most of all, about the range of job opportunities in horse racing. “What really hit home for them was the idea that the equine industry could lead to a job and maybe even a career,” said Scott, whose foundation helps to provides under-resourced teens access to equestrian sports and polo. “Seeing what goes on at a racetrack and talking with people who make a living there helped put them in a career mindset, and the idea that there's no time like the present to begin thinking about what you might want to do five or 10 years down the road.” Launched by NYRA in 2024, Leg Up! is designed to educate students, ages 12 to 19, about career opportunities both at NYRA and across Thoroughbred racing. In recent months, NYRA has steadily ramped up the program by hosting students from schools near its two downstate locations, Aqueduct Racetrack and Belmont Park. On track, the students discuss potential careers with NYRA management, visit the stewards' stand, jockey room and paddock, and watch a race from the winner's circle. “I'm continually blown away at the great questions students ask about a range of industry topics,” said NYRA Senior Vice President, Racing and Operations Andrew Offerman. “We have discussed what makes racing in New York unique as compared to the rest of the country, the reasons behind rebuilding Belmont Park and more nuanced topics regarding the operations of such big facilities. “We're connecting with a lot of people in our communities who never really interacted with the track before. They're seeing that a lot goes into making racing function–and that there are opportunities for everyone in this industry.” To date, more than 200 young people have visited Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct as part of the program with upwards of 50 staffers volunteering their time and expertise. Leg Up! participants are given surveys that rate their day at the track, and the reviews are exceedingly positive: 95% of students said they met professionals they otherwise would not have; 82% said the program expanded their awareness and interest in opportunities within the industry; and, 79% said that they were not previously aware of opportunities within the horse racing industry for careers or involvement. Starting last fall, NYRA has hosted students groups from John Adams High School in Jamaica, NY, as well as Epic High School South in South Ozone Park and Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn. Meantime, students from the Automotive Technology program at Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park visited the backstretch at Belmont Park, where the rebuilt track is due to open in 2026. The itinerary of each student group varies according to the educational interests of attendees. A recent visit to Aqueduct included 30 students from John Adams High School, who met with Offerman as well as representatives from various NYRA departments, including communications, racing, marketing and NYRA Bets. “Our students had a valuable experience during the visit,” said Denis Dwyer, a school counselor at John Adams. “Many were surprised by the wide range of career opportunities available in horse racing. The team at NYRA really helped our students envision their futures.” Gabriela LoMacchio, a John Adams teacher and Director of the school's Business Smaller Learning Community, who also attended the field trip, hopes the connection with NYRA marks the beginning of a lasting partnership. “The students connected with the role models they met at NYRA,” she said. 'We would love for that kind of access to continue.” While NYRA will continue to offer one-day visits, the organization is committed to growing the scope and impact of the Leg Up! program. Robert Hines, NYRA Manager of Community Affairs added, “We are excited to expand our offerings to other members of our community including military veterans and elementary school students. The next step is to create workforce opportunities for our communities and work-based learning projects that engage students more consistently.” To learn more or register for the NYRA Leg Up! Program, contact Robert Hines at rhines@nyrainc.com. The post NYRA Providing Local Students a ‘Leg Up!’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The death was reported last week of William (Bill) Berkeley Leach at the age of nearly 92. Bill Leach was, for many years, the owner and manager of Meddler Stud, situated in Kentford, on the outskirts of Newmarket and came from an established racing family. A successful businessman, he was also active in local politics. Although not seen about as much of late, he had inherited his family's jovial and clubbable nature, and for many years, was an amusing and generous host. The Stud had been laid out by his grandfather, Felix Leach (1868-1952) who had come down to Newmarket, from Wigan, to assist Matt Dawson at Health House Stables during St Simon's time, and he later assisted Richard Marsh at Egerton House, when Persimmon won the Derby for the King in 1896. The following year Felix Leach commenced training, on his own account, at Graham Place. An enormously popular figure, well known for breeding gamecocks and fox terriers, Felix had three sons, all of whom were apprenticed to him and rode winners. Felix junior died when he was only 31, but Jack Leach (1901-1972) rode a Classic winner (Adam's Apple – 2,000 Guineas), trained for 20 years and wrote possibly the most amusing book ever written on racing, “Sods I have cut on the turf”, eventually handing over his training business to his assistant, a young Bernard Van Cutsem. The third son was Henry Leach (1908-1970), Bill's father, always known as Chubb. Once out of his time, he was stable jockey to Capt. Boyd Rochford for four years, until, in 1931, increasing weight cut short his career in the saddle, and he started training at Queensbury Lodge. Mickey The Greek (July Cup, Nunthorpe and King's Stand) owned by Lt. Col. N.E. “Nat” Freeze of Lanwades Stud was probably his best horse. On his father's death, in 1953, he ceased training and took over the management of Meddler Stud. Chubb died in 1970 and his son, Bill, took over at Meddler Stud. Despite riding out with his father he didn't follow the family into training like his father, uncles and cousin Geoff Wragg. He operated Meddler as a stud farm with stallions such as Will Somers, Nelcius, Most Welcome, Pretendre and Tutankhamen (who was imported from America) were the main stays. Meddler was also one of the first large-scale boarding studs in Newmarket, for many years housing Sheikh Maktoum al Maktoum's Gainsborough Stud yearlings. A large part of the stud was sold at the turn of the century and is now a housing estate, but the main part of Meddler now forms part of neighboring Lanwades Stud. A few of Grandpa Felix Leach's grey gamecocks lingered on, in a feral state, in the shelter belts, until the houses were built, but with their demise and Bill's death, a Newmarket racing dynasty comes to an end. Bill is remembered warmly for his uplifting laugh and good humour, his gentle honesty and warmth to all those around him. He leaves a wife, Bente, and a son Charles and daughter Tania, son and daughter-in-law plus grandchildren Zena, Rex, Lily and Zac. The funeral will be at All Saint's Church in Newmarket at 3pm on Thursday 24th April and afterwards at the Jockey Club Rooms. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The National Horseracing Museum. — MP and KR The post Former Meddler Stud Owner Bill Leach Dies at 91 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cashel Palace Hotel has extended its sponsorship of the G3 Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes for three years, Leopardstown Racecourse announced on Thursday. The 2025 edition, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 11, will also offer an increased prize fund of €100,000. Paul Dermody, CEO of HRI Racecourses, said, “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with a quality brand such as Cashel Palace Hotel and the support they have committed to the Derby Trial Stakes running through to 2027 is very significant. “This important race in the calendar will carry a prize fund of €100,000 for the next three years and is one of a number of prize-money enhancements across the Flat programme that Leopardstown have confirmed for this season and beyond.” The illustrious roll of honour for the Derby Trial Stakes includes the subsequent Epsom winners Sinndar (Ire), Galileo (Ire) and High Chaparral (Ire), as well as the four-time Gold Cup hero Yeats (Ire). Cashel Palace Hotel sponsored the contest for the first time last year when Los Angeles (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) ran out a commanding winner, before going on to win the Irish Derby after his third-place finish at Epsom. The post Cashel Palace Hotel Extend Sponsorship of €100,000 Derby Trial Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Loose Sally will contest Saturday’s Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton Park. Photo: Monica Toretto Wingatui trainer Shankar Muniandy is riding the crest of a wave with his talented filly Loose Sally, and he is hoping that continues at Riccarton on Saturday when she contests the Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m). The daughter of Turn Me Loose placed behind in-form filly Pivotal Ten in the Listed NZB Insurance Stakes (1400m) at Wingatui on Boxing Day before returning to the Dunedin track last month where she was victorious in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1600m), giving Muniandy his second consecutive win in the race following Collect Your Cash’s triumph last year. The Otago horseman has been pleased with Loose Sally following her home track success and has cast his eye further north to test her talent at Riccarton this weekend. “It was a big thrill (to win the Dunedin Guineas) and she is a pretty smart filly,” Muniandy said. “After her last run she has just been ticking along quietly, and she is really well. I am pretty confident in her.” Loose Sally has drawn barrier seven on Saturday and will once again be ridden by Muniandy’s brother Ruvanesh. She is a big horse and needs plenty of room,” Muniandy said. “She loves to get back and will run home strongly. “My brother is back on again. He has done a lot of work on the horse since day one and he knows the horse well.” There has been plenty of interest in Loose Sally since her Guineas triumph, but Muniandy said the plan at this stage is to press on to the Listed New Zealand Bloodstock Warstep Stakes (2000m) at Riccarton later this month. “I have got a few people interested in her, but the owner is pretty keen to keep her,” Muniandy said. “He has turned down a couple of offers and he is pretty keen to keep her and race her himself. “If she does everything right and pulls up well, we will look towards the Warstep in two weeks.” Muniandy will also head to Riccarton on Saturday with Sabots D’or and Unusual Affair, who will both contest the Angus Meats Rating 65 (1600m). “Both of them ran good races down here at Wingatui last start,” Muniandy said. “Unfortunately, there are no mile races down here, so we decided to take them to Christchurch for the mile. “Unusual Affair didn’t get much luck last start, and the other mare gets back and runs on as well. Both of them are good chances, so hopefully they can run a good race for us.” Horse racing news View the full article

What Morphettville Races Where Morphettville Racecourse – 79 Morphett Road, Morphettville, SA 5043 When Saturday, April 12, 2025 First Race 12:17pm ACST Visit Dabble Morphettville Racecourse is set to host a competitive nine-race meeting on Saturday, where the Group 3 R N Irwin Stakes (1100m) and Group 3 Auraria Stakes (1800m) headline proceedings. A 32 degree day is forecast for Adelaide for race day, meaning the Good 4 track rating will likely be upgraded to a Good 3 at some point, while the rail comes out 9m from the 1200m to the winning post and out 6m the remainder. The first race at Morphettville is set to jump at 12:17pm ACST. R N Irwin Stakes Tip: Asfoora Asfoora is having her first Australian start since her trip to the UK, and she looks poised to make it a winning return. The six-year-old mare has three wins and two minor placings to her name from six fresh runs, and if she presents anything close to what she did on the international stage, she will take some running down. Barrier three will suit her perfectly, with Mitch Aitkn able to either take up the running or stalk the speed throughout. As long as she settles in the first four, Asfoora should have a bit too much class for her rivals. R N Irwin Stakes Race 7 – #7 Asfoora (3) 6yo Mare | T: Henry Dwyer | J: Mitchell Aitken (56.5kg) Auraria Stakes: Phenom Phenom hardly knows how to run a poor race, and at a $12 quote with horse racing bookmakers, she presents great value in the Auraria Stakes. The three-year-old filly chased home classy types in Cilacap and Too Darn Lizzie at Moonee Valley last time out, and the start prior was too gritty for Athanatos at Sandown. The form reads quite well heading into her first look at 1800m, and considering she will be up on speed throughout, Phenom will take a power of running down if she sees out the trip at the first time of asking. Auraria Stakes Race 8 – #8 Phenom (13) 3yo Filly | T: Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | J: Rochelle Milnes (55kg) Best Bet at Morphettville: Bakeel Bakeel has been bombproof since arriving from Singapore, having put together three stylish victories when progressing through the grades. The son of Sioux Nation can get the job done from close to the speed or from the second half of the field, and that type of tactical versatility looks crucial for his winning chances on Saturday. Manoel Nunes – who has ridding him 11 times for six wins and four minor placings – will likely have him closer to the rear of the field from barrier 11, but with a bit of speed engaged in this, the race sets upperfectly for Bakeel to blouse his rivals late. Best Bet Race 6 – #8 Bakeel (11) 4yo Gelding | T: Aaron Bain & Ned Taylor | J: Manoel Nunes (54kg) Next Best at Morphettville: Gallant Son Will the real Gallant Son stand up? If he does, the Written Tycoon colt is going to prove far too good for his rivals, especially if he replicates what he put forward at Flemington last time out. The three-year-old ran the classy Kiwi, Alabama Lass, to within a half-length at Flemington on March 29 after sprinting sharply from a midfield position. Zac Spain will have him in a similar position throughout, and when asked for the ultimate effort, Gallant Son has the finishing burst to overhaul the leaders and will prove too hard to hold out. Next Best Race 5 – #2 Gallant Son (7) 3yo Colt | T: Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman | J: Zac Spain (56kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Morphettville Morphettville quadrella selections Saturday, April 12, 2025 1-8 1-2-7-8-9 1-7-8-11 1-2-3 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

What Ascot races Where Ascot Racecourse – 71 Grandstand Rd, Ascot WA 6104 When Saturday, April 12, 2025 First Race 12:09pm AWST Visit Dabble The Group 3 Roma Cup and Gimcrack Stakes will both headline the nine-race card at Ascot on Saturday afternoon. The track is expected to remain in the Good 4 rating that was posted at the time of acceptances. The rail will be in the +8m position for the entire circuit, with the opening event scheduled to kick off at 12:09pm AWST. Roma Cup tip: Jokers Grin Jokers Grin returned from a 17-week spell with an arrogant victory in the Listed Rock Magic Stakes, where the Bernie Miller-trained gelding burst through a gap late to win by one length. The son of Maschino looked as though he was going to be a hard-luck story before Patrick Carbery pushed him through a gap between the leaders to win with ease. From barrier three, Jokers Grin will settle off the fence, stay out of trouble, and prove too good for his rivals once again. Roma Cup Race 8 – #7 Jokers Grin (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Bernie Miller | J: Patrick Carbery (58.5kg) Gimcrack Stakes tip: Yes Queen Dion Luciani and William Pike will combine with Yes Queen in the Group 3 Gimcrack Stakes, when they will seek to go one better after being beaten in the Listed Supremacy Stakes two weeks ago. The daughter of Yes Yes Yes was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers, but she overraced in the lead throughout and was run down in the final 100m. Pike will push forward and settle on the speed from barrier 13, and if Yes Queen settles this time, she will bounce back with a win. Gimcrack Stakes Race 7 – #2 Yes Queen (13) 2yo Filly | T: Dion Luciani | J: William Pike (56.5kg) Perth Stakes tip: Do I Feel Lucky Do I Feel Lucky is yet to finish outside the top two in four career starts for Sean & Jake Casey, and the two-year-old gelding just fell in to win the Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic at Pinjarra last start. This son of Dirty Work led every step of the way, but it was clear to everyone that he struggled to see out a strong 1200m, so a drop back to 1100m for this race is ideal. Brad Parnham can hold his spot on the fence from barrier one, and if he can lead at a solid tempo, Do I Feel Lucky can win again. Perth Stakes Race 6 – #1 Do I Feel Lucky (1) 2yo Gelding | T: Sean & Jake Casey | J: Brad Parnham (56.5kg) Best Bet at Ascot: Be Bardot Team Williams and William Pike will be hoping for a little more luck this time around when they combine with Be Bardot, who never saw daylight at this track on March 29. The daughter of Toronado settled behind the speed throughout the 1400m contest, but when Pike wanted to get going on the mare, she was boxed in by a number of horses and was never tested in the final 400m. Drawing barrier 10 should mean Be Bardot will avoid any traffic problems, and with a strong finish over 1600m, she can record her first win of the campaign. Best Bet Race 5 – #7 Be Bardot (10) 4yo Mare | T: Grant & Alana Williams | J: William Pike (56.5kg) Saturday quaddie tips for Ascot races Ascot quadrella selections Saturday, April 12, 2025 1-2-3-6 1-2 2-7 3-4-8-9 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip Horse racing tips View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Percy Sykes Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, April 12, 2025 Location: Randwick Racecourse – Sydney, New South Wales Prize Money: $1,000,000 Distance: 1200m The Percy Sykes Stakes is a Group 2 race for two-year-old fillies, run over 1200m at Royal Randwick by the Australian Turf Club as part of The Championships. First held in 1960 as the Keith Mackay Handicap, it was renamed in 2015 to honour renowned veterinarian Percy Sykes, a key figure in Sydney racing. Originally a quality handicap, the Percy Sykes Stakes is now run under set weights and penalties. It held Listed status from 1979, became a Group 3 in 2014, and was elevated to Group 2 in 2017. Since 1986, it has been run over 1200m and is now the richest fillies-only juvenile group race in Australia, offering $1,000,000 in 2025. The 2024 Percy Sykes Stakes was won by Eneeza, defeating Lady Of Camelot and Erno’s Cube. Notable Percy Sykes Stakes past winners include Streama, Eloping, Ottoman, Shoals, Away Game, and Jamaea. 2025 Percy Sykes Stakes betting odds Eneeza ridden by Damian Lane has taken out the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick. Photo: RacingNSW Odds for the Percy Sykes Stakes as of April 9 – Courtesy of Neds Tempted Win $3.10 Place $1.45 Inkaruna Win $4.80 Place $1.85 Within The Law Win $5.00 Place $1.90 Memo Win $9.00 Place $2.70 Dream Side Win $12.00 Place $3.40 Military Tycoon Win $13.00 Place $3.50 Sequista Win $13.00 Place $3.50 Savvy Hallie Win $23.00 Place $5.50 Recuperato Win $26.00 Place $6.00 Wootton Lass Win $26.00 Place $6.00 Pleasure Queen Win $51.00 Place $9.50 Alabama Charm Win $91.00 Place $15.00 How to bet on the Percy Sykes Stakes All of our recommended bookmakers have markets for Percy Sykes Stakes. The top horse racing bookmakers will have markets at least a week in advance of the Percy Sykes Stakes, meaning they should be accessible in late March. The best horse betting sites will have odds like outright betting, while when race day, or the Percy Sykes Stakes field is released, there will be wagers like trifectas, first fours and quinellas available on the race. The best Percy Sykes Stakes bookmakers are accessible via several different means, including horse betting apps, via telephone betting and of course, via their betting websites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. 7 Bet With A Boom BoomBet Daily Racing Promotions – Login to view! Join Boombet Review 18+ Gamble responsibly. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place. Full terms. 8 By Players, For Players UniBet Unibet offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Join Unibet Review 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Chances are you are about to lose. Full terms. 9 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Percy Sykes Stakes News Randwick race-by-race tips & quaddie | The Championships Day 2 Horse Racing Tips 4 hours ago Check out HorseBetting.com.au’s free race-by-race preview and quaddie for Day 2 of The Championships at Randwick on Saturday, April 12, … Read More The Follow Files: Moroney gelding ready for Queensland test Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago In this week’s Follow Files, we have found three runners from the meetings at Randwick and Bendigo last Saturday that … Read More Eneeza topples Slipper winner in Percy Sykes triumph Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Eneeza, ridden by Damian Lane, produced a strong turn of foot to secure the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes at … Read More Randwick full racing tips & quaddie | The Championships Day 2 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Randwick is set to host Day 2 of The Championships on Saturday afternoon. Check out HorseBetting’s race-by-race preview of the … Read More Kristilli dazzles in Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes triumph Australia horse racing news 2 years ago The Annabel Neasham-trained Kristilli has produced a jaw-dropping performance to claim the Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes at Randwick … Read More Mustang Valley returns home to Group One target New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago The Andrew Forsman-trained Mustang Valley was on a plane back to New Zealand on Sunday after an excellent run for … Read More 2025 Percy Sykes Stakes Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Within The Law Bjorn Baker Jason Collett 4 57kg 2 Tempted James Cummings James McDonald 12 57kg 3 Memo Peter Snowden Kerrin McEvoy 8 56kg 4 Military Tycoon Ciaron Maher Thomas Stockdale 3 56kg 5 Inkaruna Anthony & Sam Freedman Mark Zahra 2 56kg 6 Recuperato Peter Gelagotis Ben Melham 9 56kg 7 Savvy Hallie Brad Widdup Jay Ford 1 54kg 8 Dream Side Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Zac Lloyd 11 54kg 9 Alabama Charm Bjorn Baker Rachel King 10 54kg 10 Sequista Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Tyler Schiller 6 54kg 11 Wootton Lass John Sargent Jamie Melham 7 54kg 12 Pleasure Queen Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Tommy Berry 5 54kg Previous Percy Sykes Stakes Fields 2024 Percy Sykes Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Lady Of Camelot Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Blake Shinn 13 59kg 2 Erno’s Cube Ciaron Maher Jason Collett 7 57kg 3 Drifting Peter & Paul Snowden Tom Sherry 2 56kg 4 Tobeornottobe Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock Mark Zahra 9 56kg 5 Eneeza Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Damian Lane 6 55kg 6 Castanya Annabel Neasham Zac Lloyd 11 55kg 7 Too Darn Lizzie Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Tim Clark 12 54kg 8 Fly Fly Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Tommy Berry 10 54kg 9 El Morzillo Kelly Schweida Craig Williams 14 54kg 10 Devine Force Chris Munce Robbie Dolan 3 54kg 11 Nymphadora Stephen O’Halloran Michael Dee 15 54kg 12 Ameena Anthony & Sam Freedman James McDonald 5 54kg 13 More Territories John O’Shea Tyler Schiller 4 54kg 14 Empress Of Japan Michael Freedman Dylan Gibbons 8 54kg 15 Diddle Dumpling Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou Regan Bayliss 1 54kg 16 Lady Zodiac Anthony Cummings Chad Schofield 16 54kg 2024 Percy Sykes Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Randwick-2024-Group-2-Percy-Sykes-Stakes-13042024-Eneeza-Peter-Moody-Katherine-Coleman-Damian-Lane.mp4 1st – Eneeza (+320) 2nd – Lady Of Camelot (-181.82) 3rd – Erno’s Cube (+455) Recent runnings of the Percy Sykes Stakes: 2024: Eneeza finishes best Eneeza turned the tables on her Golden Slipper rival Lady Of Camelot with a sharp victory in the 2024 Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. The Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained filly benefited from a 3.5kg weight swing and a perfect ride by Damian Lane, who settled her just behind the leaders from barrier six. After saving ground early, Lane switched back to the rail in the straight, where Eneeza unleashed a brilliant turn of foot to take over at the 200m. Lady Of Camelot, forced to work early from a wide draw, charged late but fell short, with Erno’s Cube and El Morzillo flashing home for third and fourth in a thrilling finish. 2023: Kristilli produces jaw-dropping finish Kristilli announced herself as a filly to follow with a brilliant win in the 2023 Group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. Trained by Annabel Neasham, the daughter of Hellbent was having just her second start and exploded clear in the straight to win by 1.7 lengths. Despite racing greenly, Joao Moreira kept her balanced and found clear running at the top of the straight, where she unleashed a powerful sprint. Tiz Invincible chased hard to grab second, while Kimochi ran on strongly into third. 2022: Paris Dior digs deep Paris Dior dug deep to claim a narrow win in the $1 million 2022 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. Trained by Peter & Paul Snowden, the Pierro filly was a drifting $3.90 favourite but delivered under James McDonald, scoring by 0.15 lengths over the brave Willinga Beast. After jumping cleanly from barrier three, McDonald settled Paris Dior in the box seat behind the leaders. A gap appeared on the rail turning for home, and the filly surged through to hit the front, holding off Willinga Beast in a tight finish. Previous winners of the Reisling Stakes Percy Sykes Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Eneeza Damian Lane Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman 2023 Kristilli Joao Moreira Annabel Neasham 2022 Paris Dior James McDonald Peter & Paul Snowden 2021 Jamaea Tommy Berry Robert & Luke Price 2020 Away Game Glen Boss Ciaron Maher & David Eustace 2019 Anaheed Tim Clark Peter & Paul Snowden 2018 Pure Elation Michael Walker Peter & Paul Snowden 2017 Shoals Mark Zahra Lee & Anthony Freedman 2016 Missrock Hugh Bowman Robbie Laing 2015 Ottoman Sam Clipperton John O’Shea 2014 Eloping Stephen Baster Peter Morgan & Craig Widdison 2013 Everage Nathan Berry Craig Carmody 2012 Single Style James McDonald Gary Portelli 2011 Streama Hugh Bowman Guy Walter 2010 Golden Millennium Jay Ford Anthony Cummings 2009 Readyor Rod Quinn Jack Denham 2008 Shoboard Larry Cassidy Patrick Webster 2007 Sliding Cube James Innes Gai Waterhouse 2006 Catechuchu Craig Williams David Hayes 2005 Blizzardly Darryl McLellan Gai Waterhouse 2004 Strawberry Storm Lenny Beasley Graeme Rogerson 2003 Bella Corona Darren Beadman Robert Pearse 2002 Before Too Long Larry Cassidy Gary Portelli 2001 Allez France Jim Cassidy Gai Waterhouse 2000 Actress Danny Beasley Gai Waterhouse Percy Sykes Stakes winners pre-2000 Percy Sykes Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Katima 1998 Emotive 1997 Snapshots 1996 Law Of Logic 1995 Ginzano 1994 Alouette 1993 Miss Prospect 1992 Flitter 1991 Dangerous Seam 1990 Rhythmic Charm 1989 Dazzling Flyer 1988 Paris Weekend 1987 The Cloisters 1986 Magic Flute 1985 Zipella 1984 Stater / Dinky Flyer 1983 Lady Eclipse 1982 I Like Diamonds 1981 Circle Of Song 1980 Gay Rosalind 1979 Charity 1978 Impede 1977 Red Cat 1976 Fleet Princess / Truly Brave 1975 La Stupenda 1974 Catkin 1973 Favoured 1972 Admire 1971 Kiss Me Cait 1970 Tumberlua 1969 Obelia 1968 Miss Mink 1967 Surre Queen 1966 Candy Floss 1965 Lone 1964 Anemone 1963 Constant Image 1962 April Wonder 1961 Cymbal 1960 Primrose Lane Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly View the full article

Superstar jockey picks up rides on two-time QE II Cup runner-up and comeback sprinter on April 27.View the full article

Lekvarte (NZ) (Reliable Man) has already surprised her trainer once this campaign and Joe Pride is hoping she can take that to a whole new level by bowing out of racing as a Group One winner. The six-year-old will be auctioned as a breeding prospect at the upcoming Chairman’s Sale and Saturday’s Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick will be her final start for the stable. As the winner of 10 of her 36 starts, the grey mare has been a wonderful campaigner but even Pride was shocked to see her take out the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) on a heavy track last start, given she had previously shown an aversion to wet conditions. “It was weird. I’m not sure what to put that down to, but she was good,” Pride said. “She is an older mare who felt like running really well, I think, and normally when she hits form she holds it.” Pride says Lekvarte will need to do that and more if she is to compete against the likes of top mare Fangirl, Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica and proven performers Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) and Amelia’s Jewel on Saturday. “It’s another level up for her to go into a Group One race but she has been in a couple before and always run well and she loves the Randwick mile,” Pride said. “She has won three or four times over the Randwick mile, including some black-type races.” Lekvarte’s three wins over the course and distance include a brace of Group 2 victories in the Angst Stakes and Aspiration Quality, both last year. Stablemate Sounds Of Heaven will also line up and Pride says she is capable of improving on her last start second in the Epona Stakes (1900m) at Rosehill. “We haven’t seen the best of her yet,” he said. “She has to step up in grade again but she is pretty capable. She is a nice mare and she will run well.” View the full article

Promising filly Mille Grazie (NZ) (Super Seth) has made an encouraging start to her career and another bold showing at Riccarton will earn her passage further afield. The well-related daughter of Super Seth made her way south without incident this week from Samantha Logan’s Cambridge base for a crack at Saturday’s Listed NZB Airfreight Stakes (1600m). “She is earmarked to go to Australia and if she runs really well that will definitely be the case,” Logan said. “It’s a good opportunity for some black type while she’s going so well.” Mille Grazie has also continued the successful association Logan has forged with breeder and Elsdon Park principal Lib Petagna, who races the three-year-old under his JML Bloodstock banner. “I’m very lucky that he continues to support me after a good start and we mostly do education and trials,” she said. “Every now and then we get a nice one like this to have a few starts with.” An earlier prime example was Ardrossan’s son Saltcoats (NZ) (Ardrossan), who made three appearances from Logan’s stable for Petagna and won the Listed Futurity Stakes (1400m) in his farewell performance as a juvenile. He then relocated across the Tasman to Chris Waller and has since added two further victories to his record and three stakes placings. “I’ve got three for him (Petagna) at the moment and it’s been a really good relationship,” Logan said. Mille Grazie was a trial winner before she made a successful debut at Taupo in February and then finished a sound third behind stakes performer Romilly at Matamata last month. “After she won on debut, we had a chat and looked at a nice race to try and get some black type as she’s such a nicely bred filly,” Logan said. “She’s continued to progress nicely, we’ve taken her along quietly and everything she has done has pleased us. “She’s got a lovely nature and has been very easy to have around.” Mille Grazie is out of the Makfi mare Collay, whose half-sister Ruud Awakening won the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) and the Karaka Millions (1200m) to be crowned the champion juvenile of her year. Meanwhile, Logan’s progressive Swiss Ace four-year-old Flanagan (NZ) (Swiss Ace) is likely to make one more appearance before a break. Raced by Westbury Stud’s Gerry Harvey, she placed in two of her first two starts before breaking her maiden at Matamata last month and made it two on the bounce at Ellerslie last time out. “She has really stepped up with each race and might have one more start at Pukekohe on April 23 and then we’ll put her out and come back for the spring,” Logan said. View the full article

Central Districts jockey Sam O’Malley has had a quiet last few years in the saddle but made a winning return at Waverley on Thursday when taking out the Pioneer – P8240 (1650m) aboard the Allan Sharrock-trained Fulla Grace (NZ) (Ocean Park). It was O’Malley’s first win in three years, with weight issues derailing his riding career on the flat, and with no ambitions of riding over fences, he elected to take some time away from the sport. “The weight was a problem on the flat and it was getting too hard, and I don’t want to ride over jumps at all,” he said. “I stepped away and went farming for a couple of years for a bit of a change and came back to the horses two years ago.” O’Malley is now employed by Waverley trainer Bill Thurlow and while he is relishing being the South Taranaki horseman’s right-hand man, he is enjoying being back out on the track on raceday, riding in high weight races. “I am up here at Waverley with Bill Thurlow, I am assistant trainer to him at the moment, so that is my main focus,” O’Malley said. “This (high weight riding) is just something I am doing on the side.” O’Malley has been with Thurlow for the last season and he is enjoying his time at Waverley, with the lure of entering into partnership with the Group One-winning trainer on the horizon. “I think next year we are going into partnership,” O’Malley said. “We are building a bit of a team around us at the moment and hopefully the roll keeps on going.” O’Malley has now won 69 races in the saddle and has earned more than $1.25 million in prizemoney, with the highlight being his victory aboard Justaskme (NZ) (No Excuse Needed) for Sharrock in the Gr.2 Tauranga Stakes (1600m) in 2021. View the full article