Wandering Eyes

The NTRA's Tom Rooney has a lot to deal with in Washington right now, arguing on behalf of the racing industry for immigration, tax relief, and tariff relief. He appears on the TDN Writers' Room, presented by Keeneland, as the Gainesway Guest of the Week to discuss what progress is being made in Washington on those issues. Rooney was asked first about the new 30% tariffs recently announced by Donald Trump on racing-heavy regions like the European Union, Canada, and Japan, and how that would affect racehorses. The tariffs are scheduled to go into effect August 1, unless trade deals are struck before that date. Proposed tariffs earlier in the year were postponed by the administration. “It is somewhat frustrating to try to plan this way and to get ready to go over to one of those sales, whether it be in England or Ireland or France or wherever, and game plan and look at pedigrees and try to figure out if you're going to buy a horse, if there's going to be a tariff or not,” said Rooney. “It just is such a frustratingly moving target. We have to just keep an eye on it and see if he delays it again. I think his words were something like, `it's definitely August 1st unless he changes his mind.' And when the stock market crashes or goes down and then he delays it and the stock market goes back up, you know, you think, `okay, well, he's not going to do that again.' But then he does. So at our office are on top of what what the actual cost will be should these tariffs actually go into effect.” Rooney also discussed the new provision in the tax bill that reduces the amount of gambling losses that can be written off against winnings. “We heard a rumor that the reason why this happened was they were looking for money wherever they could get it,” said Rooney. “It was a billion dollars that they thought they were going to be able to (make) from this. But that begs the question if people will bet as much if they can't write off as much of a loss. But we'll see. It was one of those things that was thrown in there at the last second. We couldn't change it. Now we have our next project that we're working on.” Elsewhere in the show, hosts Bill Finley, Zoe Cadman, and Randy Moss previewed the upcoming Haskell Saturday at Monmouth, featuring Preakness winner Journalism (Curlin), and the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga. In the WinStar Fastest Horse of the Week segment, presented by the stallion Nashville, they reviewed the co-fastest horses of the week, Excellent Truth (Cotai Glory {GB}) and Malarchuk (Nyquist), both trained by Chad Brown and each of whom won stakes at Saratoga with a 102 Beyers, and discussed the impact on handle of the ongoing rains at Saratoga. They also discussed the news of the week, including Lady Eli's son Dr. Agne (Into Mischief) being named a 'TDN Rising Star', Steve Kornacki's upcoming speech at The Jockey Club Round Table, and the strength of the JHRA sale in Japan. The TDN Writers' Room is also sponsored by 1/ST TV, West Point Thoroughbreds, and the PHBA. To watch the video of the Writers Room, click here. To listen to the audio version of the podcast, click here. The post NTRA CEO Tom Rooney Talks Immigration, Tariffs, Taxes on TDN Writers’ Room appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 4-5 favorite on the morning line Journalism (Curlin) was out on the Monmouth Park racing strip first thing Wednesday morning as the colt makes his final preparations for Saturday's 58th running of the GI NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes, the track said via a Wednesday press release. The Michael McCarthy-trainee arrived on Tuesday evening after an uneventful transcontinental flight from his Southern California base, jogged one mile around the oval under regular exercise rider Marc Witkowski. “I've been galloping horses my whole life. I've been on Grade I winners. He is the best I've ever been on, by far,” said Witkowski, who has partnered in the mornings with Journalism since the colt first came into the barn as a 2-year-old. “He's a strong horse and he's really smart,” said Witkowski. “He's a very intelligent horse and he just loves it out there. He's very competitive. He kind of puffs himself up but at the same time he's still calm and quiet. McCarthy plans to arrive at Monmouth Park on Saturday to saddle the winner of the GI Preakness Stakes and the GI Santa Anita Derby, who is co-owned by Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Robert LaPenta, Elayne Stables Five, and the Coolmore Partners of Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith. Justin Curran, a longtime McCarthy assistant who has also worked under Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, is tightening the screws on the colt in the meantime. “He's doing great. He traveled well and he's happy with himself,” said Curran. “He got over the track nice and easy. That's him. Every racetrack, he takes with him. We'll gallop a-mile-and-a-quarter tomorrow.” 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented | Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO Journalism, the only horse to contest all three legs of the Triple Crown this season, will meet Gosger (Nyquist) and 'TDN Rising Star' Goal Oriented (Not This Time) in the Haskell. Gosger, the third choice in the morning line at 9-2, is trained by Brendan Walsh and Goal Oriented, the second pick at 4-1, represents Hall of Famer Bob Baffert. Goal Oriented shared the flight from the West Coast with Journalism and arrived at the Jersey Shore track Tuesday evening while Gosger vanned from Kentucky and shipped in Wednesday in the early morning hours. Walsh assistant Stephan Dolan, who accompanied Gosger on his travels, said: “He's doing well and he's happy. He just relaxed today. He might walk this evening and do something small. He'll be out on the track in the morning. The boss will decide what he'll do. Brendan will be here on Friday.” Baffert, the owner of the Haskell record of nine wins, said that Goal Oriented is a big, strong horse who has improved since his last effort in the Preakness. “I feel good with the way he's coming into this race,” Baffert said. “He didn't go backwards on us. He's been moving forward. He's a much better horse than he was in the Preakness and he needs to be. Whether he's good enough, we'll see. I have a lot of respect for Journalism. This will be a good race.” The 5-1 morning line choice Burnham Square (Liam's Map), the only other Grade I winner in the field who captured the Toyota Blue Grass at Keeneland in April, is expected to arrive on Friday. The post Journalism Preps For GI Haskell, Gosger And Goal Oriented Onsite appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aiming for her third straight victory and back-to-back graded stakes wins, Pipsy battles familiar foes in the $175,000 Caress Stakes (G3T), a 5 1/2-furlong grass sprint July 19 at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article

The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, in partnership with Parx Racing, is pleased to announce the addition of a live race day on Thursday, July 24, to help offset the recent cancellations caused by extreme summer heat. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Thursday at Saratoga. Thursday, July 17, 2025 Saratoga 6, $90k, 2yo, f, (S), 5 1/2fT, 4:02 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze My Boston Beauty (Galilean)–AE, OBSMAR, 25,000 (PS), :10 3/5 C-Gene Recio, agent; B-Gary Contessa, agent for Joseph Grant Sacred Goddess (Kantharos), OBSAPR, 200,000, :9 4/5 C-Grassroots Training & Sales, agt; B-Team Penney & Icon Racing Too B Wed (Yaupon), FTMMAY, 85,000, :11 C-Tom McCrocklin, agent; B-Dennis O'Neill The post Summer Breezes, Sponsored By OBS: Thursday, July 17, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

CEO Bill Carstanjen of Churchill Downs Inc. will be the luncheon keynote speaker at the Racing & Gaming Conference at Saratoga, which will take place from Aug. 11-13, the organizers said in a Wednesday press release. The conference will feature 12 panel discussions concerning industry issues. Attendees will also enjoy a reception at the Adelphi Hotel, a networking happy hour, and a day at the races at Saratoga Race Course. “It's a privilege to join this year's Racing and Gaming Conference at Saratoga and contribute to the conversation around racing and gaming,” said Carstanjen. “I welcome the opportunity to be part of a dialogue that brings together so many leaders who care deeply about the future of these industries.” Click here to view the conference agenda. The post CDI’s Bill Carstanjen Named Keynote For Spa Racing and Gaming Conference appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Matthew Poon Ming-fai clung on to win his maiden Tony Cruz Award in a remarkable photo finish with Derek Leung Ka-chun at Wednesday night’s season finale at Happy Valley. The 31-year-old entered the night one clear of Matthew Chadwick and two ahead of Leung, but it looked set to be a heartbreaking evening when Ragnarr arrived a nose too late in the opening Class Five Silver Grecian Handicap (1,200m). Frustration would have been building for Poon just 30 minutes later when Flying Wrote missed out...View the full article

FanDuel TV will provide on-site coverage of the entire Del Mar meet, which begins Friday. Opening weekend coverage will feature jockey Joe Talamo's return to the oceanside oval–this time from behind the broadcast desk. Talamo won 364 races at Del Mar and enjoyed a banner season in 2012 when his 12 stakes wins tied him for third all-time for a single summer season. He also won three consecutive editions of the GII Del Mar Mile from 2011-2013. “Del Mar has always been a special place for me as a rider and now working for FanDuel,” said Talamo. “It's our marquee summer race meet that everyone looks forward to and the vibe there is truly something I wish every horse racing fan could get to experience. Even though I won't be riding there this meet, I'm beyond excited to be there with FanDuel and get to see all the owners, trainers, jockeys, and fans that I've been around for most of my 18-year career.” Opening day Friday will also mark a transition in the announcer's booth as Larry Collmus, another member of the FanDuel TV broadcast team, takes over from longtime announcer Trevor Denman, who retired earlier this year. FanDuel TV will offer fans a special feature reflecting on Denman's career and looking ahead to the new voice of Del Mar. FanDuel TV's other experts on-site at Del Mar for opening weekend include Todd Schrupp, Scott Hazelton, Christina Blacker, Matt Bernier, and Simon Bray who will provide exclusive interviews, insights and handicapping selections. “We are looking forward to another summer where the surf meets the turf,” said FanDuel TV's General Manager of Racing Andrew Moore. “This is one of the most prestigious and anticipated meets of the year and we are looking forward to bringing fans and horseplayers close to the action with full coverage every day.” The post FanDuel’s Meet-Long Del Mar Coverage Includes Return of Joe Talamo appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 16th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game, which benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, as well as the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, will be played Aug. 6 at the Saratoga Springs Recreation Center beginning at 7 p.m. The jockey team will once again be coached by Hall of Fame jockey Angel Cordero, Jr. Assisting him on the sidelines this year will be Taaj Ridley, the head of player development and assistant coach for the Maine Celtics of the NBA G League. The horsemen's team will be coached for the first time by trainer Kenny McPeek and retired New York-based trainer Rick Schosberg. They will succeed Todd Pletcher and Kiaran McLaughlin, who coached the team over the past 15 years. This year's special guest player will be former Syracuse University star Ryan Blackwell, who is now the assistant men's basketball coach for Siena College. Mitch Levites of the New York Racing Association TV department will once again serve as the announcer and provide commentary for the game. The Saratoga Springs Recreation Center is located at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Admission to the game is free. For information on sponsorship opportunities for the game, visit the New York Chaplaincy website at www.rtcany.org. The post Saratoga Jockeys Versus Horsemen Charity Basketball Game to be Held Aug. 6 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Flavien Prat won the first grade 1 event of the Saratoga meet aboard Excellent Truth in the Diana Stakes (G1T), earning Jockey of the Week honors by the panel of racing experts for the second week in a row.View the full article

Tens of thousands of punters packed into Hong Kong’s Happy Valley Racecourse to soak up the party atmosphere on the last day of the horse racing season on Wednesday, with many saying it was the busiest they had ever seen. A full house, estimated to be around 20,000 spectators, attended Happy Wednesday, which featured live bands, DJs and a fireworks display. Happy Wednesday is one of Hong Kong’s two horse racing events that run weekly throughout the season. The Happy Valley event is known to...View the full article

Flavien Prat won the first grade 1 event of the Saratoga meet aboard Excellent Truth in the Diana Stakes (G1T), earning Jockey of the Week honors by the panel of racing experts for the second week in a row.View the full article

The Charlie Fellowes-trained Shes Perfect has suffered a setback which could potentially keep her out of action until next year. Last seen finishing down the field in the G1 Prix de Diane, Shes Perfect arrived at Chantilly having already proved herself a high-class filly, notably finishing first past the post in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, before being demoted by the ParisLongchamp stewards for causing interference to her closest pursuer, Zarigana. The G3 Valiant Stakes run at Ascot later this month had been identified as the next port of call for the daughter of Sioux Nation, but her connections are now plotting an autumn return in the event that all goes to plan with her recovery. “I'm afraid Shes Perfect has had a setback. It will be touch and go as to whether we see her again this year,” said Fellowes. “She's going to need a few weeks on the easy list and we are hopeful of having her back in time for the [G1 Prix de la] Foret. “It's nothing serious, but she will require a little bit of time off. We will work backwards from the Foret, but if it's not the right thing to do then we will put her away and she will be back bigger and better next year. “She's a lovely filly and she's only going to improve next year. The future is still very bright.” The post ‘The Future Is Still Very Bright’ – Shes Perfect Sidelined by Setback appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lightly-tried three-year-old Ad Vitam broke maiden ranks in impressive fashion at Sandown on Wednesday when swooping under Blake Shinn to score over 1400m. The son of Proisir finished runner-up on debut for Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young and took good improvement and shapes as a horse with a bright future for prominent owners Kevin and Vikki Payne. “He has benefited from that first start at Sale, with that added experience,” Shinn said. “He was good in the gates, and that gave me a good indication he would jump better. He hasn’t shown any tactical speed in his jumpouts, so I expected him to be back. We got in a nice position, blended into the dip well, and quickened like a decent horse. “I love the way he rounded that race off. He is mentally still six months away, but he has a good engine. It’s just great to ride another win for Kevin Payne in these colours, he has been a big supporter of mine. “The more I asked him to lengthen, the more he wanted to attack the line, I like that in a horse. “When he gets a grasp of racing, he is going to keep developing, and he will get at least a mile, maybe 2000m. He’s got a bright future.” Ad Vitam shows off a scintillating turn of foot in the opener at Sandown Hillside as @blake_shinn extends his lead atop the Vic Metro Jockeys’ Premiership leaderboard @busuttin pic.twitter.com/x1gbQPzPzy — Racing.com (@Racing) July 16, 2025 Bred by Gary and Jenny Hennessy under their Weowna Park banner in conjunction with Andrew Wong and Stephen Yan, the chestnut son of Proisir is out of the O’Reilly mare Mariota and stems from the family of Samantha Miss, Cronus and Pravda. Ad Vitam was presented for sale in the Book 2 session of the 2023 Karaka Yearling Sale but failed to meet his $120,000 reserve. Owner Kevin Payne later purchased the now gelding privately from Hennessy after he was broken in. Busutiin and Young’s racing manager Sam Griggs was impressed with the performance. “He took a while to get to the leader, but once he did, he put them away well,” Griggs said. “That’s probably as good as he has ever jumped. He is usually very slow away. It was on terms for him, and the rest was up to Blake, but once he went for him and he quickened up, it was painless. “I thought he only had to hold what he did on his debut to win this race today. It’s nice to vindicate it and come out and win it. It is a nice one going forward for Kevin and Vicki Payne. “Certainly, he has a good eye, ‘KP,’ and he’s provided us another nice one here.” The Hennessy’s have retained an Ocean Park two-year-old half-sister to Ad Vitam. View the full article

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) has confirmed that two key Spring Group 1 races will be transferred from RACE Awapuni, as the track continues through its Return to Racing protocols. The decision reflects a commitment to delivering early certainty for Trainers and Owners preparing campaigns for Group 1 runners. Key Programme Adjustments (may still be subject to change): Saturday 23 August | RACE Awapuni: Planned return raceday as scheduled Saturday 6 September | RACE Awapuni: Planned raceday as scheduled Saturday 20 September | RACE Awapuni: $100,000 Group 3 Merial Metric Mile (1600m) raceday with a supporting card Friday 26 September | Ōtaki-Māori Racecourse: Programme to be advised Saturday 27 September | Te Rapa Racecourse (New Group 1 Day): $400,000 Group 1 WFA 1600m (previous Arrowfield Stud Plate) $175,000 Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) Supporting races including Open 1200m, R75, R65 and MAAT across key distances Saturday 11 October | RACE Awapuni: Meeting retained as scheduled, minus the $550,000 Group 1 WFA 2040m (previously the Livamol Classic) $120,000 Group 3 Spring Sprint (1400m), with the undercard to be maintained at $65,000 minimums Saturday 18 October | Ellerslie Racecourse: $550,000 Group 1 WFA 2040m (previously the Livamol Classic) added to the existing Ellerslie raceday NZTR Chief Executive Officer Matt Ballesty said the move gives participants the clarity they need at a critical planning stage. “This hasn’t been an easy decision, nor does it reflect the significant effort that has gone into preparing the Awapuni track by the Club’s leadership and their wider team,” he said. “It simply comes down to timing, and this call has been made to give Trainers and Owners confidence as they plan their Group 1 Spring campaigns. “This is not a reflection of any safety concerns, but a proactive step to provide certainty while the track completes the necessary Return to Racing testing. It’s the right decision for the industry at this time, and we remain fully committed to supporting Awapuni’s return as a key metropolitan venue,” Ballesty said. RACE Inc. Chairman Richard Simpson says the Club remains committed to the long-term success of RACE Awapuni. “While we are naturally disappointed with the decision, our focus remains firmly on the return to racing on the course proper at Awapuni. We are confident that the extensive maintenance carried out since April has been successful, supported by the data from the going stick, which is an important track assessment tool moving forward,” Simpson said. “Although it’s unfortunate that Central Districts participants will miss out on premier stakes early in the Spring, we are grateful to NZTR for maintaining those stakes at the October 11 meeting. “We will continue to work closely with NZTR and the external experts involved to ensure we deliver the best possible racing surface when Awapuni returns to action,” he said. The $400,000 Group 1 WFA 1600m (previously the Arrowfield Stud Plate), initially set for RACE Awapuni, will now headline a newly created Group 1 raceday at Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s Te Rapa Racecourse on Saturday 27 September. The revamped programme will also feature the $175,000 Group 2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas (1400m) and a strong undercard of open and rating-band races. The $550,000 Group 1 WFA 2040m (previously the Livamol Classic) will be pushed back one week and relocated to Ellerslie Racecourse on Saturday 18 October, where it will feature on Auckland Thoroughbred Racing’s existing feature raceday. The programme will also include the $175,000 Group 2 Windsor Park Stud Soliloquy Stakes (1400m). The remainder of the original $550,000 Group 1 WFA 2040m support card, including the $120,000 Group 3 Spring Sprint (1400m), will remain at RACE Awapuni on Saturday 11 October, subject to the necessary Return to Racing protocols being met. All races on this RACE Awapuni card will be maintained at a minimum stake of $65,000. NZTR Chief Operating Officer Darin Balcombe said the decision was made with the long-term success of the RACE Awapuni track in mind, while also ensuring industry confidence heading towards headline Spring racing events. “This decision follows weather-related delays in the turf’s recovery after decompaction work carried out in response to the abandoned Awapuni meeting on 25 April,” Balcombe said. “The surface has shown encouraging signs, but remains untested, with horses only due to return to work on it in the coming weeks. “We are continuing to implement a staged return-to-racing plan for Awapuni, with track performance having been closely monitored throughout July,” Balcombe added. Horses are scheduled to begin working on the RACE Awapuni surface from Monday 21 July, followed by restricted trials on Tuesday 29 July as part of NZTR’s standard Return to Racing protocols. RACE Awapuni’s return raceday is currently scheduled for Saturday 23 August and remains the intended resumption date, subject to a successful final track assessment. The decision is supported by track advisor Liam O’Keeffe, who acknowledged the positive progress at RACE Awapuni but noted that several key steps still need to be completed before the track can be cleared for a full return to racing. As part of the programme changes, the $100,000 Group 3 Merial Metric Mile (1600m), originally scheduled for Whanganui Racecourse on Saturday 20 September, will now be run at a new meeting at RACE Awapuni on the same date. The Wanganui Jockey Club meeting will now be deleted, with a new meeting added at Ōtaki-Māori Racecourse on Friday, 26 September, taking the date vacated by Waikato Thoroughbred Racing’s meeting at Te Rapa Racecourse. View the full article

Cambridge horsewoman Margaret Falconer celebrated a winning double at Avondale on Wednesday with a pair of progressive staying prospects. The first to salute on the midweek card was Hakata Bay (NZ) (Mongolian Khan), a one-win galloper resuming off a spell in the Byerley Park 1400. The son of Mongolian Khan had collected his maiden on a firm surface over the summer, but faced a stark contrast at the Auckland venue, stepping out in the middle of the card on a true Heavy10 track. In the hands of Joe Doyle, Hakata Bay settled midfield and had plenty of ground to make up on the leaders turning for home. Race favourite Blondie hit the lead around the 150m mark and Hakata Bay was steadily making up ground, and in the final 50m, Doyle asked for an extra effort and he responded, defying his $34 winning quote to score by a neck. Doyle, who recently returned to the Kiwi riding ranks after spending much of the winter overseas, praised the gelding’s effort after being well back on the turn. “On the turn, I thought we were going to be nowhere, but once he got balanced and got running in the straight, I thought we’d be involved,” he said. “He got his neck out at the right time. “He looks a bit progressive, I think he’ll stay, and he’s handled the ground well today. He’s won on a Good track before, they’ve got loads of options. Just on the turn, I thought he was falling apart under me, but once we got straightened and running, he wasn’t bad, so nicer ground will suit him.” It hadn’t been a comfortable watch for Falconer, but she was delighted with the result. “He has been going really well, I think he’s a lot stronger than last prep, but we were worried being fresh-up on the heavy ground,” she said. “When he got down on the rail, I was thinking ‘how is he going to get out of here’, because he’s a big horse. “He’s quite a nice galloper, so it didn’t surprise me that when he got out, he ran home well. “He’ll make into a staying horse for the early spring, that’s our target. He jarred up last time after he won and he’s had a nice break, so that’s the plan. “He won on Good3 at Te Rapa when he won his maiden, so I think he does prefer it better.” Falconer was back in the winner’s circle two races later, courtesy of improving filly Gina Rosa (NZ) (Belardo). A three-year-old by Belardo, Gina Rosa shortened from a price of $31 into $9.50, and she justified the late plunge with an impressive performance in the Volare Italian Restaurant Maiden 1600. Yuga Okubo decreased her impost down to a featherlight 52.5kg, and the young apprentice sat back in the second half of the field early as a speed battle unfolded on top. Among those near the lead was the favourite in Rio Grande, who started a two-horse war in the straight was Costanza. Those two looked set to fight out the finish, but coming flying up the inside was Gina Rosa, who showed a tidy turn of foot in the conditions to get up by 1–¼ lengths. Falconer, who also bred the filly, had hoped for a positive showing and was duly rewarded. “We had a little bet on her, but not very much,” she said. “I thought she may have needed another run for experience, but we’re happy with that. “She can gallop and it was nice that he (Okubo) let her find her feet early, she is going to get up over ground and stay. “She’s been a bit of a work in progress, she missed some early trials when we couldn’t get a run, so we probably went to the races a bit early with her. She’s taken a bit to learn, but she’s a half to Wordsworth, who won nine races for us, so I think she can go on with it.” The winning brace took Falconer’s season total to eight wins from just 63 starts. “They are horses that we are hoping to have coming through for the spring, so it was really good to get the wins today,” she said. View the full article

Ruakaka visitor Sulabella (NZ) (Proisir) will be out to keep her perfect record intact at Arawa Park on Saturday, as the mare takes on the open-class gallopers in the Arawa Park Hotel Rotorua 1560. A winner of six races, Sulabella hit a purple patch of form when saluting at the Rotorua course last year at the beginning of July, and in the same race earlier this month she took the top spot once again. Michelle Bradley, who trains the daughter of Proisir, is looking forward to heading back to the course. “She’s come through her last run really well, this is a big step up in grade, but she’s trained on well and loves Rotorua,” Bradley said. “She’s two from two on the track, so we’ll go back and have a go. “There is a lot of rain around and she’ll have a very light weight (54kg), so it would be nice if she could be thereabouts again.” Drawing the ace barrier, Sulabella will continue her association with jockey Bridget Grylls, who was on board in her most recent success. It wasn’t all smooth sailing in the torrid conditions that day, with Grylls’ saddle ending up on the mare’s wither, but Bradley explained that was a common occurrence for the six-year-old, who tends to pull down both in trackwork and on raceday. “She can pull a bit in her races, and the way she does pull, it moves the saddle forward,” she said. “I don’t think that will happen again, she should be a little bit more relaxed this time. “She’s like that in her work at home, she’s very strong and tucks her head in, which starts moving that saddle up. There’s not a lot you can do, we’ll put it back a little further this time and if she settles, it’ll be fine. “That draw (1) may have its advantages, it may not, we’ll just have to see how she jumps on the day and leave it up to Bridget, she’s ridden her enough to know what she’s like.” Sulabella will be Bradley’s sole runner this week across the country, having been well-represented at her home meeting last Saturday. Of her four runners, two were successful, including her talented stayer Bosch, who will return to the venue for an identical assignment on August 2. “He’s come through the run well, he spent a few days in the paddock and hasn’t had a saddle on as yet, we’ll do that tomorrow,” she said. “He seems pretty bright in himself. “It was pretty satisfying, it was good to see him get the win and it was great for the owners, who live locally. “He’ll line-up again here in three weeks in the stayers race, then when Ellerslie is back up and going and the rain sticks around, I think he can be competitive there in some of the staying races there.” Earlier in the day, it was the turn of Wyndspelle filly Iridescent, who was having just her second appearance to the races. “It’s always nice to have a filly go nicely first-up, and then improve on it,” Bradley said. “For her to come out and win was great, for more local owners that have only had a couple of horses, they were over the moon. “Full credit to the owners, she didn’t come into the stable until she was a three-year-old, so the time has done her the world of good. I liked her early on, she was just a silent achiever and did everything very easily, she was never a hassle. “She’s been in the paddock with Bosch for the last few days and came back up this morning, I’m not too sure of my plans for her because we’re mindful of not rushing her. “She’s had the two trials and two races, so if she needs a proper break, we’re happy to give that to her. I think she’ll only improve going forward.” View the full article

For just the second time in his 40-year training career, Howie Mathews is currently winless for the season, something he is looking to change when he heads to Awapuni’s synthetic meeting on Thursday. “We haven’t trained a winner this season, which is quite unusual for us. We would like to change that and if it could happen tomorrow that would be nice,” he said. The Otaki horseman will have three chances to correct his plight, headlined by a two-pronged attack in the Spray Specialist LTD 2140, courtesy of Weneedashock and Free Spirit. Five-win gelding Weneedashock has been knocking on the door, placing in his last two starts, including a last start runner-up effort behind Final Chapter on the same track and distance a fortnight ago. Mathews is hopeful his charge can turn the tables on the Lisa Latta-trained runner on Thursday, where he has drawn barrier five and will be ridden by Liam Kauri. “He seems to be getting beaten by easy horses,” Mathews said. “But he is a fairly honest horse. I got him off Jamie Richards from Te Akau and he said to me he is not going to be a champion, but I would have a bit of fun with him.” While the son of Shocking contested the $100,000 Polytrack Championship (2000m) at Cambridge last year, Mathews holds no aspirations of tackling the rich feature with his gelding this year and will keep to local targets in the near future. “It’s only 2000m, so I will be staying clear of that,” he said. Weeeedashock will be joined in his race on Thursday by stablemate Free Spirit, who will be seeking to recapture some form. “She hasn’t raced up to expectations,” Mathews said. “She has always shown us plenty on the track, but she just hasn’t performed this year. “I have applied a bit different gear to see whether that helps her out, but she might be destined for the broodmare paddock.” Later on the card, Mathews is looking forward to Justify That making her stable debut in the Tomo’s Aluminium Services 1000. “I think she is going to be a firm track mare,” Mathews said. “We have had her in work for nearly three months now, just ticking her over and hoping the tracks are starting to come right, but it just gets wetter and wetter. “We were going to go to the jumpouts at Levin, but they were canned and if it keeps raining I can’t even see the trials being any good at Foxton next week either, so I thought why not just chuck her in. It will be her first outing for us and it is a bit of a learning curve. “We bought her off clients of Hollie Wynyard’s. She has had 11 starts and a few placings, so she might fit in somewhere. “We are just getting her ready for spring racing, so we are not in a hurry with her.” Meanwhile, Mathews has welcomed the Kelvin Tyler-trained Freddie Time to his stable to pre-train ahead of some spring targets. Riverton-based Tyler often stays with Mathews in Otaki during northern campaigns, and Mathews is looking forward to welcoming his long-time family friend back to his property next season. “Freddie Time has come back from Brisbane and is spending a bit of time with us at the moment,” Mathews said. “Kelvin likes to come up to this area (Central Districts) and campaign a couple of horses through the summer and have a go at the bigger spoils. “We are great family friends, we have got plenty of room for him, and it fits in with our system really well.” Mathews’ association with the Tyler family goes back nearly 60 years, having ridden for Tyler’s father, Ken, when he was an apprentice jockey. “I rode his father’s first winner in 1969,” Mathews said. “I was apprenticed to Dave O’Sullivan, and I saw him (Ken Tyler) one day walking his horse around, so I went over to him and said I would ride him in work for him and he said I could ride him on raceday the next week if I wanted. “I owned a bit of land not far from his farm and he always helped me out with home kills and hay baling. He was very good to me and my family. “I never really had much to do with the boys growing up, they were a bit younger than me, but I knew of them. “When Kelvin started training down in Riverton, I have always taken a big interest in what he has done and kept in contact with him and his brother Allan, who owns quite a few of the horses. “We have become pretty close.” View the full article

The Tab recently opened some long term markets around feature races in November so here’s an early look forward with harness analyst Greg O’Connor. The three-year-old season has a predictable feel to it with last season’s 2yo’s of their respective season’s dominating the early bird markets. Marketplace is basically $1.40 in every major race he is likely to line up including the2nd running of the Velocity and of course the jewel in the 3yo year, the Garrards NZ Pacing Derby. His nearest rival and most likely to bridge the gap in the second half of the season, Got the Chocolates is on the second line of betting and is the last horse to beat the star 3yo ahead of Rubira who is the only other horse to have beaten him this year and is currently campaigning in Queensland. The big mover since moving south has been Bar Louie ($12) who is yet to get to the above trio’s level but looks capable having won all three runs in his current campaign. Similarly in the 3yo trotting ranks the brilliant Meant To Be dominates both of the above races, the Derby and The Accent in his age group. The Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan trained son of Father Patrick is unbeaten in three runs as a 3yo with the emerging Rogue Hero ($4.00) and Tarragindi ($5.00) on the next line of betting. The former a son of Marcoola has been super impressive winning half of his six starts for trainers Ken Ford and Amanda Tomlinson, including his last two whilst the latter looks an immense talent for master trainer Phil Williamson. He was 2nd to Rogue Hero first up before beating the older horses by seven lengths at his only other run. The Christian Cullen is in its second year after Rakero Rocket provided an upset in December. The market reflects the emerging talent amongst the 4yo’s although the top three spots are headed up by stars of the back end of last season’s three-year-old year. Chase A Dream ($3) and We Walk By Faith ($3) and Better Knuckle Up ($7) all won features in October and November last year with the latter stealing the show in the Inaugural running of the Hill, Lee and Scott Velocity. Since then they have all had mixed campaigns giving plenty of hope to the emerging crop. Sideshow Bruce ($7) has been super since joining the Bob Butt team with Harrison John ($8), Duchess Megxit ($10) and Vessem ($10) all have the credentials to play a part on the big night which this year is a week after IRT NZ Cup Week. View the full article

When the field for the $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) was drawn July 15, it conjured thoughts of the Preakness Stakes (G1), which isn't a bad thing at all.View the full article

Foxton trainer Suzy Gordon has enjoyed a good run of success in the tried horse market and has welcomed another well-performed newcomer to her stable. Gordon’s latest acquisition is Turn The Ace, a multiple winner from Andrew Forsman’s stable who recently changed hands on the Gavelhouse platform for $9,750 to dissolve the syndicate that raced the son of Turn Me Loose. “The best part is that he’s all ready to go and will have a quiet trial at Foxton next week over 800m,” Gordon said. “We’re obviously learning about him, he’s been very good and is probably not the soundest horse, so we’ll be careful with him.” A half-brother to the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1400m) winner Here To Shock, Turn The Ace has nine victories to his credit including the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Stakes (1100m) as a juvenile. “He’s certainly worth a try and I’ve had some nice Gavelhouse horses,” Gordon said. Among them is Ka Ying Lucky who will attempt to seal a spot in next month’s $100,000 Polytrack Championship (1200m) at Riccarton when he steps out on the synthetic track at Awapuni on Thursday. Gordon’s hand has been forced to run the son of Zoustar in the Tomo’s Aluminium Services Handicap (1000m) in a bid to guarantee a berth in the southern final. “I would rather have gone straight to Riccarton, but I’m a bit worried he might not make the field,” she said. Ka Ying Lucky was a $10,500 purchase and that quickly proved to be a smart piece of business. “I bought him and in his first start for me he won a $35,000 race and has since won another two and probably should have won the other day, he was pretty unlucky,” Gordon said. “He was a hard horse to follow, but in his last few starts he seems to have gained a lot of confidence.” Meanwhile, Ka Ying Lucky’s stablemate Doubtful Sound, a $4,700 Gavelhouse buy, is on target for the $100,000 Polytrack Championship (1400m) at Awapuni on August 3. The son of Not A Single Doubt has won two of his last three starts on the all-weather track and was a last-start third on the Riccarton synthetic surface. Yet another online purchase, this one for $7,250, is the Proisir mare Prioress who will bid to cap off a consistent run of form in the Sandfords Rural Carriers Handicap (1200m) at Hawera on Saturday. She has a pair of runner-up finishes at Wanganui and Otaki and a fourth at Trentham from her last three appearances. Prioress was also nominated for the Listed Sinclair Electrical @ Refrigeration Opunake Cup (1400m), but Gordon opted for the softer option. “It would be nice to have a go at black type with her, maybe further down the line,” she said. View the full article

To strengthen industry support and impact, Breeders' Cup Limited will donate all royalties from merchandise purchases to Breeders' Cup Charities as well as host an Annual Day of Giving July 23. The official outreach program of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Breeders' Cup Charities will lend support to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation, and the Race Track Chaplaincy of America in 2025. These charities highlight five key pillars for the organization: Thoroughbred aftercare, jockey health and wellness, backstretch and industry workers, equine research, and other impactful community initiatives. “This enhancement is just the beginning of a renewed commitment to generate meaningful, sustainable funding for critical causes within our industry,” said Drew Fleming, President & CEO of Breeders' Cup Limited. “Through Breeders' Cup Charities and with the support of our partners, fans, and community, we can create positive, lasting change that benefits our sport for generations to come.” Donors can visit Breederscup.com/charities to make contributions on the July 23 Annual Day of Giving, scheduled for exactly 100 days before the Breeders' Cup. Ken Freirich, a co-owner of GISW Sandman (Tapit), will kick off the day by matching up to $100,000 for donations raised. “I am excited to continue the partnership with Breeders Cup and thrilled that they are expanding their philanthropic commitment to a diverse array of deserving organizations through Breeders' Cup Charities,” said Freirich. “It is critical that we recognize and support the real 'rock stars' of the industry: the grooms, hot walkers, jockeys, trainers, and everyone who takes care of these amazing equine athletes both during and after their racing careers, as well as the research organizations that help the industry continue to improve and evolve. I hope that my match donation will ignite a philanthropic spark across the world to support these wonderfully important charities.” The post Breeders’ Cup Expands Charities Program appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Porter on PedigreesView the full article

John and Thady Gosden have been fined £3,000 after two of their horses tested positive for the banned substance ketamine last summer.View the full article

BloodHorse's assistant news editor Sean Collins joins co-owner and trainer Jorge Abreu for Scottish Lassie's July 15 training session ahead of her start in the July 19 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.View the full article