Wandering Eyes

The Princess Rooney Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park has seen its grade and purse gradually reduced since it was moved from Calder Race Course a dozen years ago, but the race has experienced a renaissance in its impact on the female sprint divisionView the full article

David Fiske, racing manager for Winchell Thoroughbreds, doesn't have a solid explanation for Magnitude's performance in the Travers Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, a third-place finish in a field of five and more than 20 lengths behind Sovereignty.View the full article

Jamie Insole was a man on a mission at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, with the Urloxhey Stables joint-trainer featuring among the buyers at the Kentucky bonanza via a daughter of sire-on-fire Justify. View the full article

The latest twist in the legal odyssey involving Phil Serpe and the agencies that regulate racing at the federal level was made public late on Tuesday, when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an order staying the issuance of a $25,000 fine that had been imposed against the veteran Thoroughbred trainer barely one day earlier by an administrative law judge (ALJ). That ALJ, Jay Himes, had been assigned by the FTC itself to adjudicate Serpe's FTC-level appeal of banned-substance charges. In addition to re-imposing the fine that the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) had withdrawn earlier this year, the 130-page decision by Himes also criticized various aspects of the agencies' handling of the case. For nearly half a year, Serpe, a currently suspended, 66-year-old, East Coast-based conditioner, has claimed that the non-pursuit of a fine by HISA and HIWU is an alleged end-around by those agencies to stymie his efforts to prove in a federal lawsuit that he has been wrongfully denied a constitutional right to a jury trial. Bradford Beilly, an attorney from Serpe's legal team, told TDN on Wednesday that the FTC's order staying the just-imposed fine was abrupt, unexpected and possibly unprecedented with regard to how the FTC has handled previous ALJ decisions involving banned-substance appeals. “The FTC's so-called 'stay' of the $25,000 fine doesn't change anything,” Beilly told TDN. “The ALJ never said Serpe had to pay it right away in the first place. Under HISA, fines are normally due at the end of a suspension–not up front. I'm not aware of a single case where someone had to pay a fine immediately after getting a two-year suspension. “The FTC's order looks like more of the same tactics we've seen from HISA–an attempt to sidestep Serpe's Seventh Amendment challenge and block the court from addressing the real harm he's facing,” Beilly said. Johnny ElHachem, a lawyer representing HISA, wanted the judge handling Serpe's lawsuit to know right away about this latest development by the FTC. ElHachem wrote in a Wednesday federal court filing that, “Within one business day of the ALJ's decision, the Commission exercised its authority [to] review that decision, issue a briefing schedule, and stay the fine pending its review. That order and the ALJ's decision both underscore why this Court should deny Plaintiff's request for the 'extraordinary and drastic remedy' of a preliminary injunction while administrative proceedings are ongoing…” ElHachem continued: “…the [FTC's] order staying the imposition of the fine effectively puts the parties back into the same position they were in before the ALJ's decision: [HISA] is not seeking (and has not sought) a fine, and Plaintiff does not owe one. So Plaintiff does not face any imminent, irreparable harm connected to his Seventh Amendment claim.” Because the FTC's two-page Sept. 15 order did not state any reasons or findings about why the stay was necessary or appropriate, TDN on Wednesday reached out to April Tabor–the secretary of the FTC, who signed that document–to explain the reasoning behind the order and to put the FTC's decision in context. But that attempt to get the FTC's side of the story did not yield any reply from Tabor prior to deadline for this article. Last year, when Serpe was first charged by HIWU with a clenbuterol positive in one of his trainees at Saratoga Race Course–a violation that carried a possible two-year ban and $25,000 fine as punishment–the case seemed to hinge on whether or not Serpe would be able to disprove or mitigate the banned-substance findings. That seemed like a tall task, because since the effective date of HIWU's rules in mid-2023, 12 of the agency's 15 adjudications for clenbuterol had resulted in fines of at least $15,000 and varying suspensions. In just two instances, the anti-doping violations were withdrawn, and in one other case the split sample did not confirm the presence of the drug, so the charge was dropped. But even as Serpe followed the proper administrative procedures to contest his case via the rules mandated by the FTC, HISA and HIWU, he concurrently filed a federal lawsuit against HISA and the FTC, bringing up a legal point no other trainers facing similar banned-substance penalties had ventured to try: His Oct. 17, 2024, civil complaint cited a United States Supreme Court case that ruled that a federal regulatory agency's enforcement for civil monetary penalties must be brought in a federal court, subject to the Seventh Amendment's jury trial right. Phil Serpe in 2021 | Sarah Andrew Put more simply, if HIWU and HISA were going to threaten a fine against Serpe, the trainer asserted that because of that Supreme Court precedent, he was entitled to have his entire case heard in a federal court before a jury, where broader rules of discovery would be in play. Both the HIWU/HISA proceedings and the lawsuit lingered for eight months until this past spring, when HIWU, at the behest of HISA, withdrew the threat of the $25,000 fine just as Serpe's case was about to go to HIWU arbitration. At that time, attorneys for the FTC and HISA wrote in an Apr. 24 federal court filing that the move to make the monetary fine go away “moots Plaintiff's Seventh Amendment claim and removes any risk of cognizable harm with respect to it.” Subsequently, a HIWU arbitrator issued a decision that meted out the exact penalties sought by HIWU and HISA–a two-year suspension, plus a race disqualification and forfeiture of purse winnings. Over the summer, Serpe's legal team responded with its own series of filings, alleging in a July 15 court document that the agencies' decision to take the fine off the table was “gamesmanship” intended to stymie Serpe's efforts to prove that he has been wrongfully denied a constitutional right to a jury trial. HISA, in an Aug. 15 legal filing, denied those allegations, writing that Serpe “has completely turned this case on its head.” After the decision by the HIWU arbitrator, Serpe next appealed to the FTC. The agency assigned Himes as the ALJ, and his decision (dated Sept. 12 but not publicly released until Monday, Sept. 15) contained scathing criticisms of HISA and HIWU in addition to “modifying” the penalty to add back in a $25,000 penalty. Himes wrote in his decision that HISA's reasoning behind withdrawing the threat of a fine against Serpe “misses the forest for the trees” and put Serpe in a “catch-22” by setting up a situation whereby “Serpe cannot have his Seventh Amendment claim heard either on this review or in his Federal Action.” Hines continued in his Sept. 12 decision: “That cannot be right…..Suffice it to say at this point that, in my view, the Authority and HIWU have sought to deprive Serpe of the opportunity to have his Seventh Amendment claim heard and resolved….As Serpe rhetorically asks in the Federal Action: 'Will Defendants run this set of plays every time a Covered Person is prosecuted under HISA and seeks to vindicate his Seventh Amendment right?….In executing the Authority's directive, HIWU became complicit in the Authority's wrongful conduct.” The FTC's response, dated Sept. 15, was swift: Serpe's fine (but not suspension) was stayed, and the FTC ordered a “further review” that the FTC itself will undertake. The FTC also set a briefing schedule, ordering Serpe's legal team to file the first brief by Oct. 16–but without stating specifically what aspects of the case are going to be reviewed. Meanwhile, in the separate federal court case, Serpe's renewed motion for a preliminary injunction is still awaiting the judge's decision. On Monday–after the ALJ's decision re-imposing the fine, but before the FTC stayed it–Serpe's attorney, Beilly, implored the court to rule in the trainer's favor on the injunction. “No longer 'imminent,' the FTC has now in fact violated Serpe's Seventh Amendment Right,” Beilly wrote. “Regardless of what transpired during the Arbitration hearing, the ALJ has independently (i) found Serpe liable for [the] violation, (ii) confirmed the continuance of the two-year suspension, and (iii) imposed a $25,000 fine–all without a jury trial… “The FTC's violation has caused Serpe irreparable harm through the various injuries arising out of his two-year suspension, which itself was imposed based upon the administrative proceeding rather than a prior jury trial,” Beilly wrote. The post Day After FTC Judge Issues Criticisms Of HISA And HIWU In Serpe Case, FTC Orders Halt To Re-Imposed Fine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz Northern reinswoman Holly Moralde Sands gets a special opportunity at Cambridge Raceway tonight, teaming up with Regal Girl in the Harness Hoedown Skyline Lounge 25th Sept Handicap Trot (6.29pm). The five-year-old daughter of What The Hill is trained by Moralde Sands’ employer Tony Herlihy and while she has had a handful of race-day drives so far, this will be her very first behind one from Herlihy’s team, and her first official drive at Cambridge. Until now, all four of her race day appearances have come aboard her own trotter, Grace N Elegance. She admits she’s still finding her feet in the sport but is relishing every opportunity to learn. “Driving at the races is a lot different to what I expected, it’s a lot calmer and quieter than I would’ve thought,” Holly explained. “It’s a great feeling to be out there on my own horse, she’s a lovely animal and a great teacher.” Tonight she climbs aboard Regal Girl, who has been racing in strong Alexandra Park company in recent weeks. The mare is backing up from her race last Friday in a tough free-for-all assignment, and two starts ago caught the eye when charging into third after an early break cost her valuable ground. On paper, tonight’s field is a drop in grade, but the pair will need to overcome a 35m handicap to feature. Despite the challenge, Holly is upbeat about their chances. “She’s been racing really well, it’s just her last few starts she’s been held up and hasn’t really gotten a run,” Holly said. “She should go well tonight, her best form hasn’t been over the 2700m but compared to what she’s been up against at Auckland this is a decent drop in grade.” The opportunity to drive Regal Girl is made even more special by the fact it comes for Herlihy, who along with his wife Suzanne has played a central role in her career so far. “I’ve learnt most of what I know from Tony. Both he and Suzanne have been massive supporters of mine,” Holly said. “With all of the support that they have given me, it would mean a lot to be able to drive a winner for them.” View the full article

By Jonny Turner Punters shouldn’t be alarmed if they see Matthew Williamson in an unfamiliar spot at Winton on Thursday. The reinsman will reunite with Always Be Batman who could sit well off the pace when he starts from barrier 12 in his first start following a brief freshener. Known as one of the best front-running drivers going around, it could be considered a bit odd to see Williamson well back on a warm favourite though if it does pan out that way there shouldn’t be cause for concern. “I drove him earlier in the year in the Supremacy heats and it is probably fair to say he is the class horse of the field,” Williamson said. “Even if he gets back from the draw, I would think he has the ability to round up a field like that.” “Over 2400m we should have the time to work into it at some stage, if we do end up settling a fair way back.” “He’s got a good turn of foot which is a big help.” He is a $3 favourite for the Book A Marquee for WDC25 Mobile Pace at 4.23pm. Williamson’s last two drives at Winton are for the Jeremy Douglas stable, starting off with last-start runner-up Magic Sign. “His last start was good and he’s drawn the same spot.” “He is a horse that has punched above his weight at times and he is very honest.” “He would have to be a top four chance.” Williamson also links up with two more outside drives at Winton in November Nine and Hacksaw Ridge. “November Nine improved from her first start to win her second, she is definitely not the worst.” “Hacksaw Ridge never gives it away, his first-up run was good and even though he probably won’t be one of the favoured runners he’s a handy chance.” Williamson takes two of his own team south to Winton in Granny Rose and Sargent Best. Granny Rose steps up in grade after producing strong overall form in Canterbury. “It is a harder grade for him but of the horses off the front and 10m, he would be one of the better chances.” “He’s got great manners and I think he can go a handy race.” Sargent Best has been largely luckless in his last two starts, but that could change from barrier 4 on Thursday. “Looking at the field you’d think he would be a great chance if he was in the mood.” “But it depends which version of him turns up.” View the full article

Friday, Ayr, post time: 14:33, THE BRITISH EBF STALLIONS HARRY ROSEBERY STAKES-Listed, £35,500, 2yo, 5fT Field: Boston Dan (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}), Chairmanfourtimes (Ire) (Nando Parrado {GB}), Rikki Tiki Tavi (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}), Ipanema Queen (Ire) (Sands Of Mali {Fr}), Arduis Invicta (Ire) (Invincible Army {Ire}), Daneh Of Dandy (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Hanney Girl (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Lebron Power (GB) (Starman {GB}), Our Cody (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Pearl Fortune (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Shine On Me (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Spicy Marg (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}), Temple Of Athena (GB) (Magna Grecia {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Never a factor in the Nunthorpe, Spicy Marg still holds considerable street cred having previously upstaged King Power's flying filly Revival Power in Goodwood's Alice Keppel. Third in the G3 Prix d'Arenberg last time, Shine On Me is one of the highest-rated maidens in training and surely warrants one of these. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Spicy Marg Locks Horns With Shine On Me In Harry Rosebery Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After finishing third in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) Aug. 23 off a 4 1/2-month layoff, grade 2 winner Barnes ships back east to Parx Racing for the $400,000 Gallant Bob Stakes (G2) Sept. 20.View the full article

Trainer Jorge Abreu highlights dual grade 1 winner Scottish Lassie's progress since her dominant Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) victory as she trains at Parx Racing for the $1 million Cotillion Stakes (G1) Sept. 20.View the full article

Let go at odds of 24-5 shipping down from Saratoga to debut going a mile on the Presque Isle Tapeta track, the well-related THE BIG CON (GB) (c, 2, Dark Angel {Ire}–Nakuti {Ire}, by Mastercraftsman {Ire}) made an eye-catching sweep for the lead when asked fully three furlongs from home and shot away from his four overmatched rivals to graduate by a highly impressive eight lengths en route to 'TDN Rising Star' honors. Top local jockey Pablo Morales looked to be asking the 115,000gns Tattersalls October graduate for some speed to secure a spot from his rail draw, but the Mar. 18 could not quite go the early gallop and Morales elected to settle him at the tail of the field as the pace was slow to develop. Traveling three or four off the inside, but with cover as they raced into the final four furlongs, The Big Con was edged out widest of all and in the blink of an eye, raced up to the leaders without truly being asked. On even terms passing the quarter pole, The Big Con opened up readily approaching the eighth pole and was taken well in hand for most of the final sixteenth of a mile, while still shading :25 seconds for the last couple of furlongs. The Big Con is the full-brother to Wathnan Racing's Heredia (Ire), recent winner of the GII Yellow Ribbon Stakes at Del Mar on Aug. 9. Sales history: 115,000gns Ylg '24 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. O-Reeves Thorougbred Racing, Tony Weintraub & Brandon M Dalinka' B-St Albans Bloodstock LLP; T-Miguel Clement. Well done to THE BIG CON, who won impressively on debut today! He was much the best under @Pablojockey88. Congratulations @ReevesThorobred, @pattiannreeves, Tony Weintraub, and @BDalinka! pic.twitter.com/tLilzNLfWS — Clement Racing Stable (@clementstable) September 17, 2025 The post Debuting Dark Angel Colt No ‘Con’ Artist, Becomes a ‘TDN Rising Star’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a son of dual Group 1 winner Amazing Maria (Mastercraftsman). 5.48 Naas, Debutantes, 2yo, 7fT PORT FERDINAND (IRE) (Camelot {GB}) is a son of the Falmouth, Prix Rothschild and Duke of Cambridge Stakes winner Amazing Maria (Mastercraftsman) and is one of two runners for Ballydoyle in this newcomers' event. The first-string on jockey bookings, the grey is joined by Cape Primrose (Ire) (St Mark's Basilica {Fr}), a son of the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Moyglare heroine Again (Danehill Dancer) whose daughter Delphinia (Galileo) was twice Group 1-placed. The post Port Ferdinand An Eyecatcher For Ballydoyle At Naas 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: 09/16/2025 Licensee: Dale Romans, 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. Final decision of internal adjudication panel. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol-a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Defiant Lass, who finished second at Keeneland on 4/11/25. Date: 09/15/2025 Licensee: Billy Miller, trainer Penalty: No consequences, charges removed. Explainer: HIWU alleged that he had breached rule 3510(b), “Refusal/failure to cooperate promptly and completely with HISA/HIWU under the ADMC Program Rules.” Date: 09/12/2025 Licensee: Elias Lopez, 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 Methocarbamol–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Late Blacksmith, who won at Belterra Park on 8/6/25. Date: 09/11/2025 Licensee: Sergio Morfin, trainer Penalty: Combined 22-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on Sept. 12, 2025; 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 combined fine of $3,500; combined imposition of 3 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violations for the presence of Methocarbamol–a Class C controlled substance–in samples taken from Lady Dosia, who finished sixth at Santa Anita on 6/12/25; and when she finished fourth at Santa Anita on 5/16/25. Date: 09/10/2025 Licensee: Hector Palma, 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 Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Uncle Evco on 7/30/25. Pending ADMC Violations 09/17/2025, Moises Yanez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from She's Gone Rogue, who won at Colonial Downs on 8/16/25. 09/16/2025, Rasheed Pinnock, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Dantrolene–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Catalierra on 8/17/25. 09/16/2025, Jose Roberto Gonzalez, trainer: Pending vets's list medication violations for the presence of testosterone–a banned substance–in a sample taken from Ol' McClintock on 4/22/25; and for the presence of Albuterol–a banned bronchodilator–in a sample taken from Discovery N Sight on 7/23/25. 09/15/2025, Jose Miguel Jimenez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Lidocaine–a class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Into Inspiration, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 7/28/25. 09/12/2025, Vladimir Cerin, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Betamethasone–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Saqeel on 8/13/25. 09/12/2025, Harry Lynch, trainer: Pending vets's list medication violation for the presence of Flunixin–a class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Cutlass King on 8/12/25. 09/11/2025, Eusebio Juarez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Sparteine–a banned Antiarrhythmic–in a sample taken from Desoto's War, who won at Will Rogers on 4/28/25. Violations of Crop Rule Aqueduct Ruben Dario Silvera–violation date Sept. 11; $500 fine, one-day suspension Delaware Park Jean Briceno–violation date Sept. 11; $250 fine, one-day suspension Julio Hernandez–violation date Sept. 11; $250 fine, one-day suspension Cecily Evans–violation date Sept. 11; $250 fine, one-day suspension Los Alamitos Assael Espinoza–violation date Sept. 13; $250 fine, one-day suspension The post Weekly National Regulatory Rulings, Sept. 11-17 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 297-strong catalogue for the BBAG Sale and Racing Festival is now online. Set to begin after the races on October 17-18, the sale features 210 yearlings, three foals, 32 broodmares, and 51 horses-in-training. There is also a breeding right to Tunnes catalogued as lot 236. Most of the yearlings are nominated for the BBAG auction races and some are also nominated for French premiums. Broodmares in foal to Alter Adler, Amaron, Best Solution, Iquitos, Japan, Make Believe, Neatico, Rubaiyat, Torquator Tasso, Van Beethoven and Windstoss will go through the ring. Racing will take place at Baden-Baden on Friday, October 17 and Sunday, October 19. The most valuable 2-year-old race in Germany, the €200,000 Ferdinand Leisten Memorial (BBAG Auction Race), takes place on the opening Friday. Bidding for the sale begins at 5 p.m. on the Friday and at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. The post BBAG Sale And Racing Festival Catalogue Revealed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After racing in the shadows of either Sovereignty or Journalism throughout the spring and summer, Baeza and Gosger have the chance at the spotlight in their absence in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx Racing Sept. 20.View the full article

While May Day Ready is sure to attract plenty of attention at the windows off her victory in the Lake Placid Stakes (G2T), Opulent Restraint looks to be the one to beat in the cut back to a mile in the Sept. 20 $175,000 Winter Memories Stakes (G3T).View the full article

After finishing third in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) last month off a 4 1/2-month layoff, grade 2 winner Barnes ships back east to Parx Racing for the $400,000 Gallant Bob Stakes (G2) Sept. 20.View the full article

5th-Churchill Downs, $94,094, Msw, 9-17, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:11.09, ft, 2 1/4 lengths. SCOT'S LAW (f, 2, Tiz the Law–Bodebabe, by Bodemeister) was secured for just $50,000 at last year's Keeneland September Sale a handful of weeks before her half-sister Scottish Lassie (McKinzie, $677,560), took out the GI Frizette Stakes at Aqueduct. Taking advantage of this auction-price restricted spot, but lightly regarded at 15-1 on debut, the chestnut bounced nicely from the inside stall and galloped her rivals along at a modest tempo while being pressed along by second-time starter Noroomformischief (Maximus Mischief). Scot's Law began to gain the upper hand in upper stretch and kept on in the final eighth of a mile to graduate by 2 1/2 lengths. Scottish Lassie, one of three Grade I winners set to contest this Saturday's GI Cotillion Stakes at Parx, has done her part to further enhance her year-younger half-sister's value with a 15 1/2-length romp in the GI CCA Oaks at Saratoga July 19. The current yearling out of Bodebabe is a Corniche colt that was sold to Saffie Joseph, Jr. for $435,000 at Keeneland September and the mare was most recently covered by Practical Joke after failing to produce a foal this year. This is the family of Grade I winners Visionaire (Grand Slam) and Tara's Tango (Unbridled's Song). Sales history: $50,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $52,320. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Millard R Seldin Revocable Trust; B-Winchester Farm (KY); T-John Alexander Ortiz. SCOT'S LAW ($32.38) laid down the law in the 5th at @ChurchillDowns. @johnnyortiz24 trains the 2YO daughter of Tiz The Law (@coolmoreamerica). The 1/2 sister to Scottish Lassie was ridden by Edgar Morales for owners Millard R. Seldin Revocable Trust. pic.twitter.com/pUwp1HU93O — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) September 17, 2025 The post Scottish Lassie Half-Sister Off The Mark On Churchill Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sea The Stars's Renato (lot 95) led the way at the Tattersalls Online September Sale when selling for 80,000gns on Wednesday. Consigned by Prestige Place, the Timeform 89-rated 3-year-old colt has placed in four of his seven starts and is a full-brother to Call Me Love, a winner of the G2 Premio Lydia Tesio and the G3 Premio Verziere – Mem. A Cirla in Italy and multiple graded-placed in the U.S.; and a half to listed winner Freetown (Speightstown). The grandson of G1 Prix de la Foret heroine Field Of Hope (Selkirk) was sold to dissolve a partnership and was bought by former Italian part-owner Beppa E Gigi SRL. Marco Botti said, “It worked out quite well for the owners who had decided to dissolve their partnership and the online sale was a quick and easy way to do this. In the end, he sold well. He will go to Italy now. There was quite a lot of interest in him and he had been vetted many times.” Ardad's Baker Blue (lot 12) was next at 31,000gns from the Commonstown Stables draft. The placed relative of G1 Matron Stakes heroin Echelon (Danehill) was purchased by Fortune Bloodstock. Both Babylon (Sea The Moon) and Awaafi (Far Above) broke the reached or exceeded the 20,000gns mark, with Hussain Aldossary in action for the former at 23,000gns. Lot 11 was offered by Highfield Stables. Richard Fahey's Musley Bank Stables sent lot 9, Awaafi, through the ring, where he caught the eye of Mohammed Al Khalifa to the tune of 20,000gns. Overall, 88 lots sold from 167 offered (53%) for a gross of 499,100gns. The average was 5,672gns and the median was 2,900gns. The post Renato Leads The Way At The Tattersalls Online September Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Haulin Ice is the perfect poster horse for Arkansas' breeding program, and is on the cusp of dethroning Nodouble—who last raced in 1970—as the highest-earning Thoroughbred bred in the state. View the full article

Grade 2 scorer Allegorie De Vassy (No Risk At All) is one of several mares trained out of Willie Mullins's Closutton Stables confirmed for the Goffs December NH Sale. The Rich and Susannah Ricci runner is in foal to Jukebox Jury and won twice over fences at Grade 2 level. She is also out of a half-sister to six-time Group 1 winner Laurens (Lawman). Other mares set to go through the Goffs ring include G1 Triumph Hurdle fourth Lady Vega Allen (Saint Des Saints), who is also Grade 1-placed; Jet Away's Grade 1-winning Brandy Love, carrying to Jukebox Jury; and Je Garde (Kapgarde), a full-sister to the Grade 1-placed Hors Piste and a half-sister to the Grade 3 winner Kitzbuhel (Cokoriko). Goffs Group chief executive Henry Beeby said, “Following last year's success with Pink In The Park, we are honoured that Willie Mullins and his owners have again chosen Goffs December Sale for these outstanding mares who are sure to capture the imagination of every National Hunt breeder. Their support is a strong endorsement of the sale's established reputation as the premier marketplace for National Hunt breeding stock. From Apples' Jade to Concertista to Marie's Rock, we have offered some of the very best at Goffs in recent years and we anticipate more fireworks in the ring in December with this wonderful draft from Closutton.” The post Allegorie De Vassy One Of Several Closutton Mares Headed To Goffs December NH Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 1-2-3 finishers from last month's Seaway Stakes (G3) at Woodbine venture south to contend for the $300,000 prize in the Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes (G2) Sept. 19. View the full article

5th-BAQ, $85k, Msw, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, post time: 3:15 p.m. ET The first foal from 2020 Eclipse Award-winning juvenile filly Vequist (Nyquist), THE JEWELER (Into Mischief) has drawn the inside stall for a race scheduled for the turf, but which could well be transferred to the main track after a day of wet weather in the Northeast. Winner of the GI Spinaway Stakes, GI Frizette Stakes and the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, Vequist fetched $3.4 million from Spendthrift Farm at the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November Sale. The Jeweler debuts in the Wathnan Racing colors, with Junior Alvarado to ride. Isadora Duncan (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a homebred full-sister to SW & GI Belmont Oaks third Opulent Restraint (Ire), both fillies out of Significant Form (Creative Cause), who carried the Stephanie Seymour Brant silks to a pair of graded scores for Chad Brown. The Valentine's Day foal is out of a half-sister to the dam of recent Skidmore Stakes winner Bobrovsky (Daredevil). This is the family of the impressive recent Japanese maiden winner Wayny Su (Into Mischief) and Aqueduct main winner Memorized (Tapit). Belle of Georgia (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is a half-sister four winners, including Never So Brave (Ire) (No Nay Never), who took the G1 City of York Stakes Aug. 23. TJCIS PPs 1st-DEL, $45k, Msw, 6f, 12:45 p.m. ET HONOR BRIGHT (Quality Road) cost the Speedway Stables braitrust $850,000 at last year's Keeneland September and has obvious pedigree appeal. The Apr. 26 foal is set to become the 10th runner for dam Justwhistledixie (Dixie Union), a two-time Grade II winner and runner-up in the GI Acorn Stakes at three whose six to salute include GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile hero New Year's Day (Street Cry {Ire}); MGSW Mohaymen (Tapit); Enforceable (Tapit), winner of the 2020 GIII Lecomte Stakes in this country and recently a Group 1 winner in Peru; and GSW Kingly (Tapit). TJCIS PPs The post Thursday Insights: Champion Vequist Represented By First Starter appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After years as the COO of his family's Three Chimneys Farm, which was bought by the Borges Torrealba family in 2013, Case Clay was ready for a change. So in 2022 he moved full-time to his own business, Case Clay Thoroughbred Management Since then, he has also become the racing manager for Wathnan Racing, which is the Emir of Qatar's stable. On the racetrack, Wathnan is one of the fastest-growing racing operations in the world. Racing in the U.S. for less than two years, Wathnan has won the GI Dubai World Cup with Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}) and the GI California Crown with Subsanador (Arg) (Fortify). This week at the Keeneland September Sale, Clay has already purchased 19 yearlings representing a number of clients, including two Into Mischief colts, which both sold for $900,000, and a Flightline colt for $850,000. To discuss his new enterprises, the huge numbers coming out of Keeneland September and even his brief fling with trying to become a standup comic, Clay joined this week's TDN Writers' Room presented by Keeneland. He was the Gainesway Guest of the Week. Clay believes that the robust numbers coming out of Keeneland are due to a number of factors-the huge purses in Kentucky and, in particular, Kentucky Downs, the new tax regulations which allow for 100% bonus depreciation and the overall amount of wealth in the U.S. As the son of Robert Clay, he was exposed to racing at a very young age. “My first foray into racing was when I was in the fourth grade,” Clay said. “My father was in the fertilizer business and the horse business at the time. He told me, 'I'm going to get out of the fertilizer business and do the horse business full time.' I told him that I thought that was a really bad idea, that he had a family to support. His first big horse was Slew o' Gold. Fortunately, it all worked out. We would go to New York and see him run and win races like the Marlboro Cup, the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Woodward. At that time, I thought, 'Well, this is easy.' You know, you just go up to New York, you watch them win and then you go to Wendy's on the way to the airport. The reason I'm bringing that up is I've always just really loved the racing part of it, even though that wasn't my day-to-day business and the family business at Three Chimneys. But what an absolute pleasure it is for me now that the racing part of it is part of my business.” Wathnan represents deep pockets and the Emir has a desire to win at the highest level. What are the stable's goals? “The idea from the beginning has been to try and buy horses that the Emir and his family would enjoy and be proud of,” Clay said. “That's what we're trying to do-what I'm trying to do in America and what Richard Brown is trying to do in Europe. And, of course, the goal in America is not only to buy horses that the Emir and his family would enjoy and be proud of, but to win the Kentucky Derby, just like everyone else out there at Keeneland right now. ” Had things broken a little bit differently for Clay, he might be on Saturday Night Live right now. His then girlfriend, who is now his wife, took him to a Second City comedy show. When it was done Tina Fey came out on stage and said that they had a training center and invited him to take classes. “That's what I wanted to do, get a day job and try to do the comedy at night,” he said. His classmates included Seth Myers and Jason Sudeikis. He remains good friends with Myers. It didn't work out, but he has nothing but fond memories about that part of his life. “I did love it and I wouldn't trade it for anything the world,” Clay said. “W.T. Young told me when I was 17, take a big risk before you're 30, because if it doesn't work out, you're still young enough and you can go do something else. I had that in my mind. I thought I'm going to take a risk and try this. I'll never kick myself for trying it. I made some great friends and it was a great adventure. I obviously was not funny enough because here I am in the horse business and I'm not in Hollywood or New York.” The Fastest Horse of the Week was Bentornato (Valiant Minister), who got a 108 Beyer in his win in the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes at Churchill Downs. The Fastest Horse of the Week segment is sponsored by WinStar. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by 1/ST TV, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association, the KTOB and West Point Thoroughbreds, the team of Bill Finley, Zoe Cadman and Randy Moss reviewed the major races from last weekend and took a look ahead at Saturday's card at Parx, which includes the GI Pennsylvania Derby and the GI Cotillion S. They also discussed the phenomenal year Paco Lopez, who leads the nation in wins, is having and whether or not he is an elite talent or someone who wins a lot of races only because he doesn't face off with the best jockeys in the sport on a daily basis. To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To view the show as a podcast, click here. The post Case Clay Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

1/ST CONTENT, a provider of North and South American horse racing content, and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry (MASAF) have joined forces ahead of the Breeders' Cup. The deal now opens gateway local pool betting on North American, South American and Turkish racing in Italy – and was soft-launched over last month's 100th edition of the Hambletonian at The Meadowlands, NJ. The agreement kicks off with the Breeders' Cup on October 31 and November 1. Other races that will be shown to Italian audiences include: the GI Pegasus World Cup on January 24, the GI Preakness Stakes on May 16, and the GI Belmont Stakes on June 6. Key points of the deal include: Comprehensive Coverage: exclusive signals of all racetracks in the United States, Canada, South America and Turkey, ensuring an extensive and diverse range of racing content for Italian audiences. Cutting-Edge Technology: high-quality, immersive broadcasts, providing viewers with an unparalleled access to live racing and informative content that both engages the seasoned viewer and educates those unfamiliar with the sport. Enhanced Viewer Engagement: accompanying innovative marketing strategies, promotions, and engagement initiatives, enhancing the overall viewer experience and speaking to a dedicated racing community in Italy. Simon Fraser, senior vice president international at 1/ST CONTENT, said, “We're thrilled to be working as a partner with MASAF on a program to rejuvenate their horse racing audience and breathe new life into the Italian industry.” Remo Chiodi, director general for horse racing at MASAF, added, “This partnership is part of a broader framework aimed at strengthening relations between Italy and the United States in the horseracing sector: it is a path that consolidates ties between the two countries, enhances both our national excellence and international achievements, and opens up new opportunities for growth and exchange. Thanks to this agreement, major American racing events will be broadcast free-to-air on EQU TV, expanding the television offering and allowing betting on the races within a fully integrated system.” The post 1/ST CONTENT And Italy’s MASAF Partner Ahead Of Breeders’ Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Susumu Fujita's Shin Emperor has been ruled out of the upcoming G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe next month due to a respiratory illness, trainer Yoshito Yahagi posted on X. A Group 2 winner in Saudi Arabia and a Group 3 winner in Japan, the full-brother to 2020 Arc hero Sottsass will target the G1 Japan Cup in November, a race he finished second in last year. Third in the 2024 G1 Irish Champion Stakes, he ran sixth in the 2025 edition of the race. The post read, “Shin Emperor underwent an endoscopic examination on Monday local time due to an abnormality observed in its racing performance. As a result, asthma and moderate pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) were identified. “While these conditions do not require immediate complete rest, it was determined that competing in the Arc de Triomphe in optimal condition would be difficult, and the decision was made to withdraw from the race.” The chestnut, who topped the 2022 Arqana August Yearling Sale at €2.1 million, will aim to go one better in the 2025 Japan Cup after he recovers. “Moving forward, the plan is to return to Japan on September 28 and prepare for the Japan Cup,” the post continued. “We kindly ask for your continued support in Japan as well.” The post Shin Emperor Knocked Out Of The Arc With Respiratory Illness, Japan Cup New Target appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article