Wandering Eyes

After beating Romantic Warrior in the Saudi Cup (G1), Forever Young enters the April 5 Dubai World Cup (G1) looking around for another challenger.View the full article

If Mike Repole had his druthers, the St. John's University alum would be in San Antonio this weekend for the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four.View the full article

Vinrock ridden by Mark Zahra wins the VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Matt Laurie-trained Vinrock will aim to break a 44-year-old record when he lines up in Saturday’s Group 1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). While 19 two-year-olds have won both the Group 2 VRC Sires’ (1400m) and ATC Sires’ double, the last VRC Sires’ winner to also take out the Sydney version was Full On Aces in 1981. However, Laurie believes his last-start ATC Sires’ winner has the right credentials to land Saturday’s Group 1. Vinrock, who also won on debut in February, looks set for a competitive performance. “He’s got the right profile to be coming up here and tackling this, I think he’s going to be super competitive,” Laurie told Racing NSW. “Even beyond that I think the mile looks spot on but we’re here to win so hopefully we do.” Vinrock’s preparation has impressed Laurie, with the colt finishing a closing second in a 1050-metre barrier trial at Randwick last Friday. “It was a beneficial trial, he got a little bit lost getting around the turn but when he balanced up in the straight I really liked the way he lengthened out,” Laurie said. “He galloped (Tuesday) morning, I was really happy with him.” Mark Zahra will ride Vinrock from barrier one in the upcoming race. “Mark’s a gun rider and he’ll work it out (the draw), he doesn’t have to lead and he can settle where it suits,” Laurie added. “He’s going to be in the firing line, so he’s going to get a really good run.” Horse racing news View the full article

After delivering a memorable runner-up performance in his first try on dirt, 10-time grade/group 1 winner Romantic Warrior will return to grass racing when he starts in the $5 million Dubai Turf (G1T) April 5 at Meydan Racecourse.View the full article

Our Jumala (NZ) (Zed) finished runner-up in last year’s running of the Gr.3 intowin.co.nz Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2050m), and trainer Robbie Patterson is hoping she can go one better in this year’s edition at Wanganui on Saturday. The daughter of Zed is in a purple patch of form, winning her last two outings, including victory in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham last month. Patterson has been duly pleased with her impressive run of form and is confident of another bold showing this weekend, but she will have to contend with the wet weather bomb that is set to hit much of the country over the coming days. “She has hardened off now, everything is going right for her and hopefully she goes on with it from her last win,” he said. “The field doesn’t look any stronger, so it will just depend on where Wanganui gets at with this weather coming. “If it gets like a real Wanganui wet track it won’t be a great draw (2), she will probably have to drop back and go around them, but she can race wherever you want her.” Further Group targets await Our Jumala post-Saturday, with Patterson eyeing the Gr.2 Travis Stakes (2000m) at Te Rapa on April 26, otherwise he will switch his focus to winter racing, with the Gr.3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton the major target. “We might go to the Travis in two weeks, or we could freshen-up and get into winter racing, and I might even target the Winter Cup with her,” he said. “There are plenty of options for her.” Patterson will also head to Wanganui with four-win gelding Ragamuffin (NZ) (Belardo), who will be fresh-up in the Taranaki-Wanganui NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (1350m). “He enjoys a bit of cut out of the ground,” Patterson said. “He had a nice trial last week and he is a horse that has got another win or two in him.” A day prior at Waverley, Patterson will be represented by a quartet of runners and he is particularly upbeat about the chances of Marketa (NZ) (Eminent) in the Kawa Farm 1650, and last-start winner Hot Mama (NZ) (Too Darn Hot) in the Good Luck Team Wanganui At Halberg Games (1400m). “Marketa has been knocking on the door to win a race, and you’re not going to get a much easier race than a maiden high weight,” Patterson said. “Hot Mama is a really nice filly, and she is going to end up quite a nice horse in the future, so I expect her to go well as well.” Meanwhile, Patterson has received positive reports from across the Tasman about his Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) heroine Leica Lucy (NZ) (Derryn), who is set to attempt to double her Oaks tally for new trainer Chris Waller at Randwick next week. “She has gone to Chris Waller’s and he is pretty happy with her, so they have pushed forward and it is looking like she is going to be running in the Australian Oaks (Gr.1, 2400m) on Saturday-week,” Patterson said. “It will be tough, that Treasurethe Moment is a good horse, but so is she.” View the full article

Well-performed mare Fall For Cindy (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will make a return trip to the Central Districts this weekend in a bid to deservedly turn her fortunes around. The Pam Gerard representative will head south for Saturday’s Gr.3 intowin.co.nz Manawatu Breeders’ Stakes (2050m) at Wanganui where conditions are expected to suit the Waikato Stud-owned mare. The Matamata trainer also has travel plans in place for stablemate Dubai Gold (NZ) (Pride Of Dubai) to head further afield for the Gr.1 Australian Oaks (2400m) at Randwick on April 12. Fall For Cindy came in the opposite direction for her current campaign after winning five times, including victory in the Gr.3 Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) for trainer John O’Shea. Th daughter of Sacred Falls showed she is verging on success here with a game run for fifth behind Legarto in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1400m) and was luckless last time out when again fifth in the Gr.3 Cuddle Stakes (1600m) at Trentham. In between times, she was unsighted in the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m). “The hard track at Auckland just didn’t suit her and we probably rode her the way wrong way, but settled back last time she was super, very unlucky not to have gone a lot closer in the Cuddle,” Gerard said. “She likes a bit of rain around and it looks like they’ll get a bit. She has been very unlucky not to have won one here. “She has got all the ability and she’s amazed me, she just keeps getting better and better and her work on Tuesday was outstanding.” Gerard is also happy with last season’s Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1200m) winner Pericles (NZ) (Rubick), who will run in Saturday’s Elson Park Handicap (1300m) at Ellerslie off the back of a midfield run in the Listed Aotearoa Classic (1600m) behind Orchestral (NZ) (Savabeel). “We had a bit of a hiccup, nothing major but it put us back a little bit and he’s back firing on all cylinders now,” she said. Meanwhile, Dubai Gold has done well since her gallant second in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). “At the moment, we are hoping to go to Sydney and we’ll gallop her Saturday and Monday and check that she’s 100 percent right before we pay the late nom,” Gerard said. “We’ve got everything in place as long as we are happy with her work.” View the full article

Racing Queensland (RQ) has announced the cancellation of Thursday’s Ipswich Turf Club meeting after heavy rainfall in the area left the track unsuitable for racing. The persistent downpour has led to unsafe track conditions, prompting officials to call off the event to ensure the safety of both horses and jockeys. RQ confirmed they are currently reviewing potential contingencies to address the disruption caused by the abandonment. Horse racing news View the full article

Jun Zhang has been appointed as the new general manager of Yulong, the organisation posted on X early Thursday morning. The announcement follows the news of Vin Cox's resignation just a handful of days previously. Zhang has been an integral part of Yulong for many years. “Having seen the positive impact Vin had in his time at Yulong, I am confident we can continue to build on this as we head towards the 2025 breeding season,” said Jun Zhang in a statement. “I feel it is important as a company that we keep moving forward, and this week has given us an opportunity to learn and grow. The positions and duties of our current management staff will remain the same as they continue to drive the company towards further success. “Thank you to all those who have and continue to support us in what has been a phenomenal year for Yulong. I am excited to take the reins and lead the team as we seek to develop Mr Zhang's vision and look forward to meeting you all very soon both at the sales and on the track.” Yulong, which stands stallions in both hemispheres and has a high-quality broodmare band, races G1 Cox Plate heroine Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), a seven-figure acquisition out of the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Their juvenile Group 1 winner Lucky Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) has his first runners in the Northern Hemisphere this spring. The post Jun Zhang Appointed As New Yulong General Manager appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

James McDonald accompanying Romantic Warrior at trackwork. Photo: HKJC James McDonald believes Romantic Warrior and Howdeepisyourlove are well positioned to snare Group 1 glory at Meydan on Saturday after the Hong Kong pair drew neutral gates at the official barrier draw on Wednesday. Acclaimed as the LONGINES World’s Best Jockey last year, McDonald will bid to add to his career haul of 114 Group 1 victories after Romantic Warrior drew barrier nine in the Group 1 Dubai Turf (1800m) and Howdeepisyourlove also drew gate nine in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m). McDonald will also ride Sword Point, who will jump from gate two in the Group 2 Godolphin Mile (1600m, dirt). The New Zealander said Romantic Warrior had held his form since his narrow defeat in the Group 1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) in February – a performance McDonald said was among the best of the globetrotting champion’s career. “He gave his all. I almost believe it’s almost one of the best performances he’s put on a race track. It’s phenomenal to be almost 10 lengths back to third. To gap the field like that was remarkable and I was so proud of the horse and proud of how Danny has prepped him up and how Danny’s team has looked after him,” McDonald said. “We’re really looking forward to the challenge again. Obviously, he’s been here and competed at a high level before and we’re very much looking forward to the challenge. This race is a very strong race than what he competed in in January here but he’s very good. “It seems like he’s taken no side effects from Saudi, he’s bounced out of it well – all guns blazing really. “He seems to be very happy, healthy and he’s working well. He’s a horse that thrives on high pressure and obviously the tougher the races, the better he goes as we’ve found out over the years. “So, he’ll be up for the challenge again. Obviously, it’s a very competitive race with some very strong contenders and he’ll have to be at his brilliant best but from my point of view, I don’t think he’s taken a backward step from Saudi so hopefully he runs well.” Returning to Dubai for the first time to race since he smashed the track record in winning the Group 1 Jebel Hatta (1800m) in January, Romantic Warrior will face 10 rivals this weekend, including last year’s Dubai Turf winner Facteur Cheval, who jumps from gate 11. “I think if he (Romantic Warrior) runs up to the Jebel Hatta run, he’ll be very hard to beat,” McDonald said. “We’re confident he likes the surface, he’s got round this track beautifully which he normally does anyway. With the 1800m, it’s a long run down the (back) straight. He certainly enjoys the firm surface we’re likely to get on the hot day and he copes with everything pretty well. He’s a well-seasoned horse.” Reflecting on Romantic Warrior’s barrier draw, Shum said: “Gate nine is not a problem. He’s flexible. If he gets a fast pace, (McDonald) can give him a chance to settle. If the race is slow, he can sit close.” Assessing Howdeepisyourlove’s chances, McDonald said: “I’m really looking forward to his race. He’s a really good horse who’s really consistent, so I think that’s a really good thing when travelling. “He doesn’t really run a bad one and he’s competed against the best sprinter in the world at the moment in Ka Ying Rising – obviously, a fair way back behind him, but he’s always second or third duelling it out with Helios Express. “I think that form line is as good as any sprinting form line around. You could safely say if Ka Ying Rising was in this field, he’d be a very short-priced favourite and probably winning by four or five lengths, so we’re in the ballpark and I think he’s a terrific hope.” McDonald starred on his Dubai debut in January with a treble crowned by Romantic Warrior’s record-breaking Jebel Hatta romp. Horse racing news View the full article

Jumbo Legend successfully steps up in trip. Photo: HKJC Admirably consistent across his 35-start career, Jumbo Legend (119lb) added another string to his bow on Wednesday at Happy Valley with a stamina testing success in the Class 3 Hanshin Handicap (2200m). Racing beyond 1800m for the first time after four wins at the city circuit – twice at 1200m and 1650m, trainer Caspar Fownes’ six-year-old showcased ample staying power by producing a neck victory over Fallon (126lb) with jockey Harry Bentley. Settled close to the rear throughout the contest, Bentley swung his mount into clear air with 300m left to run. Angling into the open, the bay overhauled Fallon tenaciously in 2m 14.18s with Charity Gain (121lb) grinding into third a further three lengths away. “Stepping up in distance was a slight question mark. He always finishes his race out so well, so it looked to be suitable. I was happy with how he came into it and he relaxed beautifully,” Bentley said. “Fallon really stuck his head out and obviously the weight played a bit of a part but take nothing away from this lad’s victory.” Jumbo Legend boasts HK$6.92 million earnings for Fownes, who said: “He’s a very honest horse. He ran a good race last start with good sectionals over 1800 metres. We felt that he could get any distance from a mile to 2000 and 2200 tonight.” Concluding his six-week short-term Hong Kong contract on Wednesday evening along with Declan McDonogh, Richard Kingscote exulted with his first Happy Valley win aboard Giant Leap in the second section of the Class 4 Nakayama Handicap (1200m) for trainer Ricky Yiu. “I’m really happy. Obviously, tonight’s my last night, so it’s nice to get another one. I’m very grateful to Ricky and his team – they’ve supported me a lot since I’ve been here. It’s good,” Kingscote said. Kingscote rode a treble last Wednesday from three rides at Sha Tin’s all-dirt fixture, while McDonogh departs with the one win at Happy Valley on 5 March. Following 10 wins through March, Andrea Atzeni extended his sparkling run as Crystal Powerful (121lb) landed the Class 4 Japan Racing Association Trophy Handicap (1000m) for trainer Cody Mo from gate two, edging past a hard Plentiful (126lb) by a short head. Atzeni said: “It’s not a surprise to see him win. He won in Class 4 last year and dropping him back to 1000 (metres) is sort of the key to him – he’s showing more speed this year and he’s won both times but the draw has been a big help. Both times he’s had a good draw, good trip and he’s won but you can’t take anything away from him.” Atzeni strengthened his grip on third place in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship with a double after scoring on Fownes-trained Kaholo Angel in the Class 3 Kyoto Handicap (1200m), boosting his haul to 38 for the term to trail only Zac Purton (88 wins) and Hugh Bowman (52). Keagan De Melo and Chris So continued a fruitful union by grabbing their sixth win in tandem this season with three-year-old Top Time’s triumph in the first section of the Class 4 Chukyo Handicap (1650m). “Chris has been really good to me. I’m just really thankful because you need someone who relies on you a little bit,” De Melo said. “He’s still a young horse but I thought that was a very good win.” Dragon Four Seas skipped up the inside for a second straight win in the first section of the Class 4 Nakayama Handicap (1200m) under Bowman for trainer Manfred Man. Hard Spun gelding Highland Rahy lowered Flying Elite’s long-held Class 4 1650m course record (1m 38.83s) set in 2013 to 1m 38.42s with an all-the-way victory in the second section of the Chukyo Handicap under Lyle Hewitson for trainer Francis Lui. “He galloped strongly and got stronger through the race. He had a breather up the hill (back straight) and then put the pressure on again. I felt him come to me this time, it just felt like he might have kicked a little better,” Hewitson said. “He was tough to the line.” Golden Darci soared from last-to-first to land the Class 5 Niigata Handicap (1200m) with jockey James Orman for trainer Douglas Whyte. Orman secured his third win this term. “It was going to be hard from that barrier (12) but it worked out pretty good for us. He just came around them and he was too good,” Orman said. Purton and Pierre Ng combined for their eighth victory of the season when Aestheticism overpowered his rivals to clinch the Class 3 Tokyo Handicap (1650m). All four of Aestheticism’s career wins have come under seven-time Hong Kong champion Purton. Horse racing news View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Thursday, April 3. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for April 3, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Wyong Jockey Challenge | Dylan Gibbons & Jason Collett To Combine 2 + Winner – $2.10 Dylan Gibbons and Jason Collett to combine for 2 winners at Wyong for $2.10 odds. Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Wyong Top 5 Treble | Magnatear (R7), Metallic Ruler (R8) & Bellenth (R9) To Run Top 5 – $3 Magnatear (Race 7), Metallic Ruler (Race 8) and Bellenth (Race 9) to All Run Top 5 at Wyong Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo 10 Again! – Pinjarra Get 10% Boosted Winnings paid in BONUS CASH. Paid in bonus cash. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bets only. Max bonus $100. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Daily Multi Insurance Any Race. Any Runner. Any Odds. Get a Bonus Back if your Multi loses by a specified number of legs. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility. Unibet T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win A Bet On Your Greyhound Or Horse & Receive An Extra 15% Winnings Win a bet on your greyhound or horse and receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash. Max payout $2000. Account holder must be registered. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting Bet & win up to 4th place! Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Pakenham | Any 2 Icarus (R6), Magnemite (R6) or Fear No Evil (R7) to win – $3.50 Any 2 of Icarus (Race 5), Magnemite (Race 6) or Fear No Evil (Race 7) to win at Pakenham. Dabble T&Cs apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Daily Exotic Boosts Boost your exotics by up to 20%. Available on Exactas, Quinellas, Trifectas & First Fours. Excludes Quaddies. Check your Vault for eligibility. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Pakenham Jockey Challenge | Daniel Stackhouse and Damien Lane To Combine 2 + Winner – $2.10 Daniel Stackhouse and Damien Lane to combine for 2 winners at Wyong for $2.10 odds. Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Boost ‘Til You Boom Place a boosted racing single bet and get your racing boost back each time your boosted bet doesn’t win Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for April 3, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. Horse racing promotions View the full article

"The Senate's first of three committee stops showed that there's more work to be done to fight this deeply flawed bill, but this is a fight we can win," said FTBOA CEO Lonny Powell.View the full article

A lawsuit seeking the removal of seven board members of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association has been set for trial.View the full article

With much of Kentucky under a flood watch amid heavy rain expected to pound the state from April 3-6, Keeneland has postponed its first two days of racing.View the full article

Due to a forecast of severe storms and significant flooding expected in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky this weekend, Keeneland is rescheduling the first two days of its Spring Meet to ensure the safest environment for horses, participants and fans, according to a press release from the track late on Wednesday afternoon. The decision was made following Gov. Andy Beshear's declaration earlier today of a state of emergency ahead of potentially historic amounts of rain and strong winds across the state during the next four days. Keeneland's opening Friday, April 4 race card, including the GI Central Bank Ashland Stakes, now will take place on Monday, Apr. 7. The Saturday, Apr. 5 race card, featuring the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes, will be rescheduled to Tuesday, Apr. 8. Gates will open at 11:00 a.m. ET and first post is set for 1:00 p.m. ET. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically non-racing days. Keeneland is closely monitoring track conditions and plans to run Sunday's race card, which now will serve as opening day of the Spring Meet, as planned. “The safety of our equine and human participants, as well as of our fans, is at the core of every decision we make at Keeneland,” said Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin. “Our team has spent months preparing for opening weekend, and we recognize the significant impact of rescheduling our two biggest race days. While we have navigated challenging weather in the past, the conditions being forecast for the region are unprecedented for Keeneland. Ultimately, ensuring the safety of everyone involved is our top priority.” “Keeneland takes its responsibility seriously to host these important racing events in the safest environment possible,” said Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell. “We have been in close communication with horsemen, industry officials and trusted meteorologists, and we believe rescheduling these race days is the best way to take care of each other. Keeneland appreciates the understanding of its fans, horsemen, jockeys, trainers and sponsors as we work to ensure the safety of all involved in our race meet.” Information for Friday and Saturday ticketholders: For those patrons who purchased tickets for opening Friday and Saturday, previously purchased general admission tickets now will be valid for single entry on any race day during the Spring Meet, including dates that are currently sold out. All Grandstand reserved seating, dining reservations and parking will automatically receive a full refund including fees. This credit will appear to the original purchaser up to seven business days after the refund is processed. Previous Friday and Saturday ticketholders will have the opportunity to purchase new tickets for Monday and Tuesday race days through an exclusive pre-sale window. Eligible patrons will receive an email with instructions to access. Remaining tickets for Monday and Tuesday will be available to all fans at tickets.keeneland.com beginning 8 a.m. on Friday. Free admission for Monday and Tuesday race days: Free General Admission will be available to all guests on both Monday and Tuesday, and no ticket purchase is required. Changes to scheduled opening weekend events at Keeneland: The Hill will be closed the first week of racing and resume normal operations on Friday, April 11. Guests who purchased private tailgate experiences or Race Day Social tickets will be contacted by RevelXP regarding their reservations. Race Day Social tickets will be automatically refunded. Sunrise Trackside is canceled for opening Saturday and will resume Saturday, Apr. 12. Kids Club Family Day will be held as planned on Sunday, Apr. 6, with slightly modified activities For more information and ongoing updates regarding Keeneland's opening weekend operations and Monday and Tuesday race cards, please click here. The post Keeneland Reschedules Opening Friday And Saturday Cards Due To Forecast Of Severe Weather appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Stakes winner Out On Bail makes his sophomore debut April 6 in the $300,000 Palisades Stakes at Keeneland, going 5 1/2 furlongs on the turf against nine 3-year-olds.View the full article

Virginia horseman Harold "Sonny" Via Jr., owner of dual Eclipse Award-winning jumper and Hall of Famer Good Night Shirt, died March 25 at age 94, according to Jack Fisher, who trained the champion as well as other Via runners.View the full article

Three Heating Up: Tappan Street, Publisher, and Sandman are profiled this week.View the full article

The Royal Palm Meet at Gulfstream Park begins April 3 highlighted by the Royal Palm Juvenile and Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies, races that will offer automatic berths to one of six juvenile races at the upcoming Royal Ascot meet in England.View the full article

A total of four horses sold for more than $100,000 at Wednesday's Texas 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale at Lone Star Park, with Hip 15 topping the sale at $150,000, the Texas Thoroughbred Association (TTA) said in Wednesday release. All told, 58 of 85 juveniles offered sold for a total of $1,666,100. The average was $28,726 and the median was $18,000. The 2024 edition of the auction saw 66 head go for a total of $2,294,500, with an average of $34,765 and a median of $24,500. A total of 47 went unsold. The sales topper was purchased by Clark Brewster from the consignment of Bryan Ford Training Center LLC, the Oklahoma-bred colt by Omaha Beach clocked :10 in Monday's breeze show to tie for the fastest time. The mid-April foal is out of the stakes-placed Into Mischief mare Natalie's Mischief, whose first registered offspring is a winner. The high-selling filly was Hip 1, a Louisiana-bred daughter of Lone Sailor who went to Patricia's Hope LLC from Pike Racing at Highlander, agent. She also worked :10 and is out of a Yes It's True mare who has produced a pair of stakes winners from three starters. “We had a Texas-bred sell for $265,000 last year, which really boosted the average and was one of the highest prices we've had in quite a while, so considering we didn't have one hit that lofty mark this year we are quite pleased to be close to $30,000 for our average,” said Sales Director Foster Bridewell. “I think this proves that the 2-year-old market is strong in the Southwest.” Click here for complete results. The Texas Summer Yearling Sale sponsored by the TTA is set for Aug. 26. The post Oklahoma-Bred Colt Goes For $150K To Top Texas 2-Year-Old Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In racing, the advent of spring doesn't just mean delightful weather and foals capering through fields. It also means a multiplication of the number of graded events across the nation. The month of March boasted more graded races in the U.S. than January and February combined. With GI Kentucky Derby and Oaks preps in full swing, top older campaigners returning from winter breaks, and 2-year-old racing just around the corner, it's an exciting time in the sport. We took a look at trends and notable items from the country's graded races in March. With several blockbuster Saturday cards, March featured 43 graded races, split between Aqueduct (2), Fair Grounds (4), Gulfstream (14), Oaklawn (6), Santa Anita (11), Tampa Bay Downs (4), and Turfway Park (2). Five were contested as Grade I events, while 14 were Grade II and 24 were Grade III. A total of 25, or 58%, were on dirt. Sixteen were on the grass and the final two were on Turfway's all-weather surface. Seven were held at 10 furlongs or further and five at seven furlongs or less. The remaining 31 varied between eight and 9 1/2 furlongs, with 1 1/16 miles being the most popular (12). Fifteen of the 31 at those distances were carded for sophomores. Ten different trainers won 13 graded Derby and Oaks preps (two of the 15 graded 3-year-old races were contested on the turf), with only Brad Cox winning multiple events (4). Each of the Cox quartet was at a different track. Mark Casse did win three sophomore graded races in March, although they included the two turf races. Only one breeder had a graded sophomore double; no one will be surprised to learn it is multiple Eclipse-winning outstanding breeder Godolphin. Seven of the 15 sophomore graded winners are homebreds, including Journalism (Curlin). Breeder Don Alberto Corp. sold the colt for $825,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale, then joined the partnership that now campaigns the current Derby favorite. Two of the remaining eight graded sophomore winners sold for seven figures: Sandman (Tapit) for $1.2 million at OBS March and Tappan Street (Into Mischief) for $1 million at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga. Into Mischief netted two March graded-winning sophomore colts likely headed to the Derby, while both Medaglia d'Oro and Vekoma each got two sophomore graded-winning fillies, although the Oaks may be in the cards for only one of the March winners for each of those stallions as both of their second winners were on the grass. The GI Curlin Florida Derby has just under 75 years of history, yet 25 winners of the Kentucky Derby have run in the Florida Derby (15 as winners). Tappan Street won this year's edition. The highest Beyer Speed Figure of the month was 109, set by Locked (Gun Runner) and matched by Touchuponastar (Star Guitar). Journalism got the highest for a sophomore at 108, while the biggest figure for a sprinter was the 107 set by Booth (Mitole). The five Grade I winners in March were split between City of Light, Gun Runner, Into Mischief, Nyquist, and Tapit. With the exception of Locked for Gun Runner, the rest were all first-time Grade I winners for their sires, who are all active in Kentucky and all currently ranked in the top 25 sires in the nation for 2025. Thirty-three individual sires were represented by graded scorers in March. Both Gun Runner and Into Mischief had three individual winners, while Lancaster Bomber, Malibu Moon, Medaglia d'Oro, Mitole, Vekoma, and War Front had two. Three stallions doubled up on single days of racing: Gun Runner, Into Mischief, and War Front. Twenty-one of the 33 graded-winning stallions currently stand in Kentucky, while five are deceased and two were last reported to be standing in Korea. Of the remaining five, two stand in Louisiana, one in Florida, and one each in England and Ireland. Thirty-four individual broodmare sires were represented, with the biggest beneficiaries being Distorted Humor with two Grade I winners Mar. 29, Street Sense with four individual graded winners spread throughout four separate Saturdays, Tapit with three graded winners out of his daughters Mar. 22 (and his own Grade I winner Mar. 29), and Uncle Mo with three, including the reigning Horse of the Year and the current Derby favorite. Both Street Sense and Tapit are still active. Beach Bomb (SAf) (Lancaster Bomber) won two graded stakes, both at Gulfstream and both on the lawn, during the month of March. She joins other March graded winners Cavalieri (Nyquist), Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro), Quietside (Malibu Moon), Saffron Moon (Malibu Moon), and White Abarrio (Race Day) as dual scorers for 2025, but she is the only one to do it in one calendar month. Twelve of the 42 individual graded winners in March were homebreds, with three of the breeders taking on partners for ownership (two after a public sale). Twenty-five more went through public auctions, while the remaining five changed hands privately. Tapit sired a Grade I winner, had three sons and a grandson sire graded winners, and had three daughters produce graded winners during the month | Sarah Andrew Sandman ($1,200,000 2yo '24 OBSMAR) was the highest seller, while four have been sold at public sales for less than six figures. The Queens M G (Thousand Words) was the biggest bargain of all ($3,500 Ylg '23 FTKOCT). The latter is the only graded winner for her sire to date, while Sandman's sire Tapit is such a force he had three sons (Constitution, Frosted, and Race Day), as well as a grandson (Tiz the Law), sire graded winners in the U.S. during the month. GII TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby winner Tiztastic (Tiz the Law) is inbred 3×2 to Tapit. As a breeder, Godolphin was represented by three individual graded winners in the U.S. in March, two of which are campaigned as homebreds. The other, Saturday's GIII Oaklawn Mile Stakes winner Banishing (Ghostzapper), was sold last July for $80,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Horses of Racing Age Sale. Spendthrift Farm LLC also bred two graded winners, as did Joseph Allen LLC (one in partnership). GI Santa Anita Handicap winner Locked is bred on the identical cross (Gun Runner out of a Malibu Moon mare) as last year's 3-year-old champion Sierra Leone. Augustin Stable lost Tirupati (Mitole) to the claim box for $25,000 last October at Woodbine, claimed her back for $50,000 just 23 days later, and increased her value exponentially in March with a win in the GIII Wilshire Stakes at Santa Anita. January's Eclipse-winning apprentice jockey Erik Asmussen scored his first career graded win with Booth in Oaklawn's GIII Whitmore Stakes. Booth is trained by his father, Steve, who in March also trained GIII Essex Handicap winner Red Route One (Gun Runner), giving another jockey son, Keith, his second career graded victory. The post The Graded Gist for March: 43 Races. What Did We Learn? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 03/28/2025 Licensee: Antonio Sano, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Vet's list medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from La Touche on 3/2/25. Date: 03/28/2025 Licensee: Michael Simone, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision by HIWU. Explainer: Vet's list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from The Bearrish One on 2/21/24. Date: 03/27/2025 Licensee: Jabdiel Castillo, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Play Ball, who finished seventh at Mahoning Valley on 2/11/25. Date: 03/27/2025 Licensee: Andrew McKeever, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Viley Lane on 2/10/25. Pending ADMC Violations 04/02/2025, Juan Munoz Cano, trainer: Pending medication violations (including vets' list violations) for the presence of Clenbuterol–a banned substance permitted under certain circumstances–in samples taken from Outofnothingatall on 11/20/24; from Solidify, who won at Churchill Downs on 11/20/24; from True Jedi on 11/21/24; from Global Sensation on 11/21/24; from Protomagic on 11/21/24; and from Beer With Ice on 1/15/25. 03/31/2025, Miguel Ramirez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Trichlormethiazide–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Five O Cocktail, who finished third at Santa Anita on 1/17/25. 03/28/2025, Devin Cook, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Port Party, who finished sixth at Tampa Bay on 2/23/25. 03/28/2025, Stacy Campo, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Lidocaine–a controlled substance (Class B)–in a sample taken from Lucky Burglar, who won at Turf Paradise on 1/21/25. 03/28/2025, Carlos Caban, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Trichlormethiazide–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Jess's Moment, who won at Parx Racing on 1/14/25. 03/27/2025, William Martin, trainer: Pending medication violation for the potential breach of Rule 4221–Alkalinization or use/administration of an Alkalinizing Agent (TCO2)–on Pittsburgh, who won at Oaklawn Park on 2/28/25. 03/27/2025, Pablo Torres, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol–a controlled substance (Class C)–in a sample taken from Fort Charles, who finished third at Tampa Bay on 2/22/25. 03/27/2025, Tommy Carl Short, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Accident, who finished third at Turfway Park on 1/4/25. Violations of Crop Rule Oaklawn Park Jaime Torres–violation date Mar. 29; $1,000 fine, one-day suspension The post Weekly National Regulatory Rulings, Mar. 27-Apr. 2 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Just seven years into his own stud career, the continually climbing Hill 'n' Dale sire Good Magic already has four Grade I-winning sons standing in Kentucky. The team at Darby Dan Farm believes that with their new son of Good Magic, value is the distinguishing factor. Standing for $12,500 in his debut season, Blazing Sevens (Good Magic -Trophy Girl, by Warrior's Reward) not only has the lowest stud fee among Good Magic's sons, but also among the four Grade I-winning juveniles new to stud in 2025. A 'TDN Rising Star' and the winner of the GI Champagne Stakes, Blazing Sevens's commercial sireline and precocity have piqued the interest of breeders in the Bluegrass. “Price is so important in this day and age,” said Stuart Fitzgibbon, the Stallion Director at Darby Dan. “It's probably the most important thing with a stallion because it's the one thing you're in control of at the start. What price are you going to set this horse at? If you get it wrong, you're in big trouble. We got it absolutely spot on with this horse's price and he will breed a very, very good book of mares this year. The key with him is value.” Fitzgibbon reported that when breeders started visiting Blazing Sevens after he arrived at the farm last fall, word spread on the newcomer's good looks. “For a Good Magic he is quite big,” said Fitzgibbon. “He's out of a Warrior's Reward mare and is over 16.2. I'm always curious about how our new stallions stack up against all the other first-season horses. I know people are generally very polite, but the more people said that he stacks up really well, the more I believed them. He's a very good-looking horse with plenty of bone and a great walk. I think that has really sold him.” A $225,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga purchase for Rodeo Creek Racing, Blazing Sevens broke his maiden at Saratoga by over six lengths. He was third in the GI Hopeful Stakes before earning his Champagne victory, where he bested multiple Grade I-placed Verifying (Justify). As a sophomore, the Chad Brown trainee was third in the GI Blue Grass and a close second to National Treasure (Quality Treasure) in the GI Preakness. He was also a winner at four before retiring with just under a million in earnings. “There are certain races that seem to produce stallions over time and this horse won the Champagne like Scat Daddy, Practical Joke, Uncle Mo, Complexity and all these really good horse,” noted Fitzgibbon “$12,500 for a Champagne winner is very good and he looks the part. With him, we are always saying not to complicate things. If he gets foals that look like him, which you'd like to think he would, they will be very well-received.” Blazing Sevens heads to the stallion barn as 2019 GI Kentucky Derby winner Country House looks on | Sara Gordon Blazing Sevens has already taken the first step in the right direction by winning the support of a wide variety of breeders. “A lot of breeders came in to buy shares,” said Fitzgibbon. “Tracy Farmer, who bred him and sold him as a short yearling, ended up buying a share in him. The Capeks of Rodeo Creek Racing have retained a few shares as well. John Oxley and Mt. Brilliant have bought shares in him and we have a lot of other commercial guys around town like Hunter Valley Farm and Springhouse Farm. We also have Japanese shareholders in the horse, so we're delighted with all the support.” It has been a busy start to the breeding season at Darby Dan. Along with filling a rapidly growing book of mares for Blazing Sevens, the farm has welcomed two other new stallions. Shirl's Speight (Speightstown-Perfect Shirl, by Perfect Soul) boasts a standout pedigree as a Grade I winner out of a Breeders' Cup champion. His dam Perfect Shirl won the 2011 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, while Shirl's Speight himself captured the 2022 Maker's Mark Mile Stakes and was runner-up in the 2022 GI Breeders' Cup Mile. After racing from three to seven, Shirl's Speight will stand for $5,000 in his debut season. Gufo (Declaration of War-Floy, by Petionville), a fan favorite in New York for several seasons, has also joined the stallion ranks at Darby Dan after standing at Ballycroy Bloodstock in Ontario last year. Also standing for $5,000, the hard-knocking chestnut won or placed in 12 graded stakes and reeled off Grade I victories in the 2020 Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes and the 2021 and 2022 Sword Dancer Stakes. “Both of these horses had long careers and were very sound horses,” said Fitzgibbon. “We believe the pendulum is moving slowly every year more and more towards turf acceptance. The market is more accepting of it as each year goes by, so with both Shirl's Speight and Gufo, I think they fit the bill.” Last month, Darby Dan announced their new Breeder Reassurance Plan, which will extend the stud fee payment deadline to 60 days instead of the standard stand-and-nurse timeframe. Fitzgibbon said the incentive has seen a positive initial reaction from breeders. “We've moved the goalpost by introducing a 60-day payment due date,” he explained. “It's a great reassurance to the breeder that Darby Down as a stallion farm is insuring the foal's first couple of months of life. It has gone down really well with breeders and we've gotten a lot of praise from our competition. We're all in the same boat together. We're all trying to help each other, making sure that it's a vibrant business, and this is one thing that we've introduced that has really resonated with breeders.” The post Darby Dan Feeling Lucky with Reception of Blazing Sevens appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A joint HISA and HIWU virtual Town Hall is scheduled for Friday, April 11 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET, the pair of organizations said in a release on Wednesday afternoon. Leadership will discuss and answer questions regarding the HISA 2024 Annual Metrics Report and the HIWU 2024 Annual Report. Attendees are welcome to submit questions about the annual reports in advance or live during the event. Speakers include: Lisa Lazarus, HISA CEO Anjali Salooja, HISA Director of Operations & Compliance Jennifer Durenberger, HISA Director of Equine Safety & Welfare Ben Mosier, HIWU Executive Director Kate Mittelstadt, HIWU Chief of Operations Click here to register and submit questions in advance. The post HISA & HIWU Town Hall Scheduled For Apr. 11 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Journalism and Citizen Bull, considered the top two Kentucky Derby (G1) prospects, will meet for the first time in the Santa Anita Derby (G1)View the full article