Wandering Eyes

Jose Ortiz won three stakes races, including sweeping the track’s feature races, the Arkansas Derby (G1) and the Fantasy (G2) on March 29 and the Hot Springs Stakes on March 30. The panel of racing experts voted Ortiz Jockey of the Week.View the full article

While Forever Young is the talk of the Dubai World Cup media briefings April 2, out on the track it was the Noburu Takagi-trained pair of Ushba Tesoro and Wilson Tesoro that drew admiring glances after going through their pre-World Cup paces. View the full article

The season kicked off Dec. 26, 2024, with the largest non-weekend or holiday opening day crowd in 34 years. To date, Santa Anita has hosted more than 293,000 visitors during the Classic Meet, a gain of more than 8% over last year.View the full article

The non-profit Manitoba Jockey Club, operators of Assiniboia Downs, announced the addition of five new members to the board of directors, bringing the total to 11.View the full article

Three major Kentucky Derby (G1) preps are this weekend. Don't miss a race with this handy schedule of programs on radio and TV compiled by America's Best Racing.View the full article

Stonestreet Stables' Emery looks to extend to three her unbeaten streak at Keeneland as she will face familiar foes and talented older mares in the $650,000 Madison Stakes (G1) April 5.View the full article

Maybe starting my Breeding Digest on Monday mornings is not such a good plan. The dust may by then be settling on the racing weekend, but by the look of it, perhaps I need a little longer to recover from my own, somewhat less wholesome exertions! How else do I account for failing to include the principal guarantor of Distorted Humor's male line, Maclean's Music, alongside my reflections on his burgeoning legacy as a broodmare sire? Maclean's Music has three young sons at stud in Kentucky, in Jackie's Warrior, Drain the Clock and Complexity. The latter made a brilliant start with his first juveniles last year and, if that is any indicator of what is to come, we will certainly be able to salute Maclean's Music–an inspired roll of the dice by John Sikura, after running off the screen on his sole start–as a sire of sires into the bargain. Maclean's Music landed running with Classic winner Cloud Computing in his first crop and, with River Thames heading into the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes this weekend, is plainly far from done. And of course his best-bred crops are only now coming through. The other son of Distorted Humor with a young son at stud, as mentioned, is Jimmy Creed. Quite a contrast, plainly, between the indefatigable campaigner Casa Creed and the fleeting meteor that was Maclean's Music. Between all these sons and grandsons at stud, however, the common denominator is the kind of speed that Distorted Humor himself showed on the racetrack. His two-turn sons have proved less successful, in terms of replicating his versatility as an influence, albeit Funny Cide can obviously be excused as being deficient in two crucial attributes. With Constitution, Arrogate and Practical Joke having made the impact they have, and Life is Good, Arabian Lion and Happy Saver among those meanwhile entering the equation, it may well prove that Distorted Humor's daughters will indeed end up achieving a still greater legacy. But that's no better an excuse than Monday morning bleariness for overlooking a son with as much going on as Maclean's Music. Mea culpa! The post Maclean’s Music: Let’s Take it from the Top appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer lauds family member’s advice as the key to six-year-old galloper’s 2,200m victory at city circuit.View the full article

Santa Anita continues to report gains in both on-track attendance and total all-sources handle as the track prepares for the final weekend of its Classic meet. The season kicked off Dec. 26 with the largest non-weekend or holiday opening day crowd in 34 years. To date, Santa Anita has hosted more than 293,000 visitors during the Classic Meet, a gain of more than 8% over last year. Last weekend's on-track crowd was up over 30%. The total all-sources mutuel handle, paced by the opening day number of more than $21.4 million, currently stands at $414 million, a 4% increase over last year. Over the last weekend, horseplayers on-track and around the world wagered over $20 million. Field size, bolstered by an influx of Northern California horses, is up 8% over the corresponding time last year, with 307 horses entered the final three days of the meet. The post Attendance, Handle Gains Continue at Santa Anita appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES — There's that age-old saying in the Thoroughbred business that a good horse can come from anywhere. Perhaps no equine athlete in training anywhere in the world embodies that axiom more than Tuz (Oxbow). At the ripe old age of eight, the burly dark bay gelding–he stands 16.3hh–is in career form, arguably even better than when he won the 2024 G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen, and that's really saying something, as he kicked away from his rivals late on that occasion to dominate by a towering 6 1/2 lengths. Bred by Calumet Farm, home to their 2013 Preakness-winning Oxbow, Tuz–an Apr. 26 foal–was consigned to the 2018 Keeneland September Sale by Mill Ridge Sales. Hip 4000 was stabled in barn 43 on the Keeneland backstretch at the top of the hill overlooking the training track and more than a handful of steps from the sales pavilion where he would fetch a mere $7,000 from Oracle Bloodstock's Conor Foley, acting on behalf of Russian-based clients, during session 12 of the 13-day auction. “I actually remember him well, because that sale, it was like 95 degrees every day. And then the day we had to look at those horses, it was like 30 degrees, cold and rainy,” Foley recollected. “He was in one of the back barns and he just stood out. At that stage of the sale, there's still some good physicals in those books, they just don't have the pedigrees. He was one that just stood out enormously, just because of how good he looks.” Brad Kelley acquired Tuz's dam Suede Shoe (Pulpit) for $42,000 in foal to then Bluegrass Hall (Kelley's operation that pre-dated his acquisition of Calumet) stallion U S Ranger at the 2012 Keeneland November Sale. A foal of 2008, Suede Shoe is a daughter of GII Dahlia Handicap heroine Grande Melody (Ire) (Grand Lodge) and the deeper female family includes Watership Down Stud's outstanding G1 Fillies' Mile heroine Crystal Music (Nureyev). “He had a lot of Pulpit to him, and Oxbow, I think the jury was still out on him at the time,” Foley said. “But our client said, 'Just buy the best horse in the sale that day,' and he was easily that. “I thought he would cost 80 [thousand]. So I remember him only costing seven [thousand] and being like, 'What?' You go back to the barn, and you make sure you didn't screw something up. Even the owner was like, 'How did he only cost that?' you said he was the best horse selling today. I was like, 'Well, we just got lucky.'” Tuz made the first two starts of his career at Pyatigorsk in the south of Russia, winning those races by something in the vicinity of 40 lengths combined. In some circles, he was referred to as the 'Russian Frankel.' What attributes must a horse have to succeed in that jurisdiction? “You wouldn't want a light-boned horse,” said Foley, who has purchased any number of Russian winners for a variety of clients. “It's fun buying for those regions of the world. A small, tiny horse doesn't work. Physically, it's just probably a horse that just would have more dirt angles, so to speak. Horses that look like turf horses, they usually don't work.” Having proved himself heads and shoulders above the competition on the small stage, it was time for a call up to major leagues, and Tuz joined the barn of Satish Seemar in Dubai. He was supremely game when runner-up in the Listed Al Bastakiya Stakes (1900m), a course-and-distance prep for the G2 UAE Derby, but he was denied that chance when the 2020 World Cup meeting was called off at the 11th hour in the early days of COVID-19. “He probably would have won it, too,” Foley insists. Tuz getting topped off for Saturday's Dubai Golden Shaheen. Stands 16.3 as related to @LauraKingDXB by trainer @BhupatSeemar pic.twitter.com/ZpkWU3OGnf — Alan Carasso (@EquinealTDN) March 31, 2025 A listed winner over 1600 meters at the back end of his 4-year-old season, Tuz was never dangerous in the G2 Godolphin Mile the following March, and when the new season dawned in the Emirates in late 2022, his new trainer Bhupat Seemar–nephew of Satish and a one-time assistant to Bob Baffert–tried to teach the old dog new tricks, electing to forgo longer races for sharper ones. “I always thought he had speed to burn. He's an unbelievably quick horse,” Seemar said. “He was classy enough that he could get a distance, but I was of the opinion that if you bring him back in distance, you're going to find the best of him.” Indeed, the turnaround was nothing short of dramatic, ultimately if not immediately. Winner of the 2023 G3 Al Shindagha Sprint, Tuz was a reasonably close seventh behind Sibelius (Not This Time) in that year's Golden Shaheen, one of just two finishes outside the top three in 1200-meter events at the tracks of the Emirates Racing Association. But since finishing well down the field in the 2024 G3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint 13 months ago, Tuz has not so much as been tested. His current five-race winning streak commenced with his thrashing of his world-class rivals in last year's Golden Shaheen and his average margin of victory is better than five lengths, a massive distance over a trip as short as six furlongs. His latest defeat of Japan's American Stage (Into Mischief) in the G3 Mahab Al Shimaal on Mar. 1 completed the set of major sprints in Dubai, a feat never before accomplished. Seemar added, “He does things so easy, he can go 10 and change all the way down, plus he's got stamina, so we're not afraid to rock and roll and keep going and see what happens. “Horses don't know what kind of price they cost or where they are. He's a gorgeous-looking horse, gorgeous-looking animal. Seven-thousand to however many million now.” Tuz's success since dropping back to sprints isn't all that surprising to Foley either. “Sprinters really don't get good until they're older,” he offers. “I look at sprinters like a weightlifting competition–a senior's always going to beat a freshman. You can be quick, but to win these big sprints around the world, you've got to be fast, and then you've got to be able to call on a couple of runs within the race.” Foley actually has two rooting interests in this year's Dubai Golden Shaheen. “I actually want him to run second to Straight No Chaser, because I did the [Godolphin] Flying Start course with Dan Blacker, he's like a little brother to me,” Foley said. “So I'm actually rooting for Straight No Chaser. If Tuz hadn't won the race last year, I'd probably feel differently. He continued, “Tuz winning again is not going to change my life, but it would definitely change Dan's. I suspect that Tuz will probably run his race. It wouldn't be ideal [for Straight No Chaser] to go from California to Saudi, where he ran big and then come to Dubai. It's going to be, probably to me, one of the top two races of the night. I'm probably looking forward to that race probably more than the World Cup.” Tuz translates into English as 'ace.' From the very humblest of humble beginnings, Tuz has been that and much, much more to his connections and to the racing world at large. The post Tuz: A Sprinting ‘Ace’ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sixteen new projects and 10 continuing projects at 17 universities, as well as two career development awards, have been granted $2,693,312 in expenditures approved by the board of directors of the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation. The 2025 slate of research brings Grayson's totals since 1940 to more than $44.4 million to underwrite more than 450 projects at 48 universities. “I'm very proud of Grayson's commitment to furthering the research and development of projects that affect all horses, no matter their breed or discipline,” said Jamie Haydon, president of Grayson. “We are equally ecstatic that we could offer our two career development awards to this year's recipients, continuing to cultivate a future for young researchers.” The new projects are: Can Smartphone-Based Sensors Provide Reliable And Repeataable Lameness Data, Melissa King, Colorado State University; Chimeric VP7-VP4 MVA-Vectored Equine Rotavirus Vaccines, Mariano Carossino, Louisiana State University; Ex Vivo DFTS Adhesion Model To Evaluate Therapies, Lauren Schnabel, North Carolina State University; Effects Of SGLT2i On Triamcinolone-Induced Equine ID, Teresa Burns, The Ohio State University; Finite Element Analysis Of SDFT Microdamage Sushmitha Durgam, The Ohio State University; A Molecular Study On Hemorrhagic Anovulatory Follicles, Eduardo Gastal, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale; Improving a VapA mRNA Vaccine For R. Equi In Foals, Noah Cohen, Texas A&M University; Organoid Model For Equine Placentitis Research, Pouya Dini, University of California-Davis; Genetics Of Cervical Spine Malformations In The Horse, Carrie Finno, University of California-Davis; Pharmacokinetics And Efficacy Of Pregabalin In Horses, Heather Knych, University of California-Davis; Characterization Of Antibodies Against Equine IL-31, Rosanna Marsela, University of Florida; Characterization Of Laminitis Using PET, Dianne McFarlane, University of Florida; Effects Of Inflammatory Cytokines On MSC Homing, John Peroni, University of Georgia; Racehorse Stride Changes And Workload During Training, Peta Hitchens, University of Melbourne; Synthetic Proteoglycan Replacement For Osteoarthritis, Kyla Ortved, University of Pennsylvania; Wearable Biometric Sensor Development, American Association of Equine Practitioners. Dr. Erica Secor was awarded the Storm Cat Career Development Award, a $20,000 grant given to an individual considering a career in equine research. A 2013 graduate from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Secor is attending Cornell as a Ph.D. student. Her proposed study involves defining the immune cell populations present in naturally occurring equine Osteoarthritis and the response to intra-articular therapeutics, expands on the limited knowledge regarding immune cell populations within equine joints with osteoarthritis. The Elaine and Bertram Klein Career Development Award was given to Dr. Shannon Connard. First given in 2015, the award grants $20,000 to a prospective equine researcher. Connard received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2017 from the University of Georgia, she went on to pursue an internship at Louisiana State University followed by a large animal internship and residency at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine. She is a postdoctoral fellow/Ph.D. candidate in the Comparative Medicine and Translational Research Training Program at North Carolina State University and her current research is dedicated to the advancement of regenerative therapies for equine musculoskeletal injuries. For details on the new projects, click here. The post Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation Approves 2025 Funding appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Five new members have been added to the board of directors of the non-profit Manitoba Jockey Club Inc., operators of Assiniboia Downs. Added to the board are: Barry Arnason, Pat Beavis, Bill Drew, Lisa Osachoff, and Larry Wandowich. “We are so pleased to welcome these new directors to our board. They provide a wealth of diversified business knowledge and senior management experience to our team. We are well positioned to continue to guide this important Manitoba industry forward,” said Dr. Norm Elder, Board Chair of the MJC. For more on the new board members, click here. The post Assiniboia Downs Adds Board Members appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Two key appointments were announced on Wednesday, with Sharon O'Regan becoming the CEO at Weatherbys Limited following the departure of Russell Ferris, who is moving on to fill the new role of managing director at Racecourse Media Group (RMG). Ferris, formerly the managing director of Limerick Racecourse and the director for At The Races in Ireland, joined Weatherbys Ireland in 2016 and was promoted to Weatherbys Ltd Group CEO three years later. Nick Mills, CEO of RMG, said, “Russell is highly regarded within the industry and will bring a wealth of expertise, experience and enthusiasm to RMG. Russell will oversee and further align the commercial and broadcast departments and help take the business to new levels in terms of innovation, engagement and revenues. I very much look forward to welcoming Russell to RMG in August ” Ferris, who will officially start in his new role on August 18, said, “I am delighted to be joining a great team at RMG and very much looking forward to the new challenge. RMG play a pivotal role within the industry, both domestically and internationally, and I am excited by the company's vision to further enhance the sport's appeal, reach and engagement to ensure a bright future for all. “As I step away from my tenure as chief executive, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Weatherbys family for providing me the opportunity of leading this wonderful business. It has been an incredible journey, made ever more special because of the talented and dedicated team in Weatherbys. I have no doubt that Weatherbys will continue to thrive under Sharon's exceptional leadership.” O'Regan has been a part of the team at Weatherbys for over 20 years, latterly as deputy chief executive of Weatherbys Limited and general manager of Weatherbys Ireland. A statement from the company confirmed that she will step up to the role of CEO from July, whilst thanking Ferris for his service. “We wish Russell the very best of luck for when he takes up his new role with RMG,” read the statement. “We will miss him but thank him for the wonderful job that he has done for Weatherbys over the last nine years. “We are confident that, working with the fantastic team at Weatherbys, Sharon will drive the business forward building on the excellent job done by Russell.” O'Regan added, “I am proud to have had a career in Weatherbys moving within various roles of the business and am truly honoured to step into the CE role at a very exciting time for our company. Weatherbys has an incredible legacy, a passionate team, and limitless potential. I look forward to working alongside all our teams to drive innovation, growth, and new opportunities. “I am very confident that together, we will continue to build on past successes and chart a dynamic, successful future for our customers, colleagues and stakeholders.” The post O’Regan Appointed CEO of Weatherbys as Ferris Joins RMG in New Role appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DUBAI, UAE–Ace Japanese trainer Yoshito Yahagi has laid down a pretty frightening gauntlet to his Dubai World Cup rivals by revealing that Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) could have even more improvement up his sleeve following his epic Saudi Cup triumph over Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) last month. With the Hong Kong superstar being aimed at the Dubai Turf, Forever Young is set to go off odds-on for Saturday's showpiece event. And while the Breeders' Cup was put forward as the ultimate long-term aim for Forever Young, Yahagi also revealed that the four-year-old was likely to race on next season and that a tilt at one of Europe's major turf races, namely the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, was a possibility. “Huge pressure,” the trainer admitted at a press conference organised by the Dubai Racing Club on Wednesday morning. “I couldn't wait to see his breeze yesterday [Tuesday] morning and, after the breeze, I checked him and he seems to have improved from the Saudi Cup so I am happy.” Yahagi added, “Of course he had a tough race [in the Saudi Cup] and he was a little bit tired afterwards – it took him about a week to recover from that race. My staff looked after him really well and from there the plan was always to come here and compete at the Dubai World Cup. He's recovered well and his condition is very good. I actually think, through experiencing that tough race, he has improved from that level of competition. I believe it's all positive – I don't think anything negative.” Forever Young has won seven of his nine starts and accumulated over £11 million in career earnings. He was also successful on this undercard 12 months ago when taking out the G2 UAE Derby but has yet to race on turf. That could all change in time, according to Yahagi, who was weighing up options beyond Saturday. He said, “Definitely, the Breeders' Cup Classic is our main target because the American horses have not come here and they don't come to Japan either. That's why we need to go and compete against the highest level of dirt horses in the world. At the moment, we are talking with his owner about him remaining in training in 2026. Japanese racing fans want to see Forever Young run on the turf and we discussed this with his owner and are thinking of running him on turf at some point before the end of his career. But we don't know and haven't decided which race. Maybe the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, the Japan Cup or the Grand Prix Arima Kinen.” On what it would mean to land a breakthrough $12 million Dubai World Cup triumph, Yahagi added, “The Dubai World Cup is one of the biggest races in the world and my staff even mentioned that it is a race we want to win. It means a lot to us. Back in 2011, straight after the devastating Japanese earthquake, Victoire Pisa (Jpn) delivered a Japanese winner [of the Dubai World Cup] on that day. That was meaningful for the Japanese people and the people of Japan took so much encouragement from that. The Dubai World Cup is so popular and this race has huge prestige and history.” Forever Young drew stall five at a lavish ceremony later on Wednesday morning while Romantic Warrior was handed stall nine in his bid for a 11th Group 1 win in the Dubai Turf. Yahagi seemed pleased to avoid an inside draw for Forever Young, stating, “the wider we got, the better.” Meanwhile, trainer Kenny McPeek, who is bidding to become the first American trainer to win the Dubai World Cup since Country Grammer did the business for Bob Baffert in 2022, was visibly pleased about being allotted stall two for his charge Rattle N Roll (Connect). McPeek said, “The inside draw was good. It's a long run to the first turn and he can tuck in and find his way from there. In these races you need to save as much ground as possible.” Click here for a link to the complete Dubai World Cup night fields. The post Yahagi Says Even More Improvement In Forever Young Ahead Of Dubai World Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The annual TBA National Hunt Breeders' Awards, sponsored by Goffs, will take place on Monday, May 19 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Doncaster, during the Goffs Doncaster Spring Sale. The evening will see breeders, owners, trainers and their teams come together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of British-based breeders and British-bred horses during the 2024/25 National Hunt season. The awards will be presented over the course of the evening, including the Queen Mother's Silver Salver, which is awarded by the TBA National Hunt Committee to an individual who in their eyes has made an outstanding contribution to British National Hunt racing and breeding. Last year the Silver Salver was won by a very surprised host, leading broadcaster, Nick Luck, who will again be at the helm for this year's ceremony. Simon Cox, chairman of the National Hunt committee and TBA trustee, said, “We are incredibly grateful to Goffs for their ongoing support of this event since its inception 11 years ago, as well as all the individual award sponsors. “We are looking forward to celebrating in May and when you look at the list of previous winners, the quality of horses that British breeders have and continue to produce and who perform at the highest possible, this event serves as a fitting occasion to acknowledge these successes in front of a very passionate and dedicated community. “I would encourage not only breeders, but owners, trainers, agents and their teams who are attending the Goffs Spring Store Sale to make sure that they add the awards evening into their diary and secure their tickets.” Attendees will be welcomed by a champagne reception, followed by a two-course dinner before the awards ceremony. Tickets are available to purchase for £75 and can be secured here. The post TBA National Hunt Breeders’ Awards Evening Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tattersalls Ireland has moved the Sapphire Sale to Tuesday, December 16, positioning it as the final European breeding stock sale for the year. The sale, which is open to foals, yearlings, fillies and mares, will also offer a reduced entry fee for foals of €295. Previously known as the November Flat Foal, Yearling and Breeding Stock Sale, the Sapphire Sale featured a top foal price of €50,000 in 2024 and recent graduates include the G1 Matron Stakes winner Champers Elysees (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}). Tattersalls Ireland chief executive Simon Kerins said, “Following consultation with breeders and vendors, their feedback indicated that moving the sale from November to a mid-December date would be beneficial for the Sapphire Sale where it has a date not competing with other sales. Reducing costs for Irish breeders was also a key consideration, leading us to lower the foal entry fee. The Sapphire Sale offers an alternative choice to both vendors and purchasers, and we are determined to ensure its success.” ITBA chairman Cathy Grassick added, “I would like to commend Tattersalls Ireland on their proactive response to market demands and for thinking outside the box regarding the Sapphire Sale. I hope that these new developments will be of great benefit and will give additional options to both the vendors and breeders in Ireland. A vibrant and healthy marketplace for mares and foals is of the utmost importance to the health of the breeding industry in Ireland and I look forward to seeing how this initiative develops.” The post Tattersalls Ireland Sapphire Sale Moved to December appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Maiden Watch: Week of March 24-30View the full article

James McDonald confident the Hong Kong superstar is ready to produce another top performance at Meydan this Saturday.View the full article

The Irish EBF Barrier Trials are soon to return with three dates approved from May to August, Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) announced on Wednesday. Naas will again host the first day on Monday, May 26 on the inside track over six and seven furlongs, with Dundalk staging the middle fixture on Monday, July 7. The final date is set for Leopardstown on Wednesday, August 27, again over six and seven furlongs. As in the past, each fixture will be restricted to named and unraced two-year-olds and three-year-olds with stalls certificates. “We are grateful to everyone involved for giving us the go-ahead to put on three more days of trials,” said Charles O'Neill, CEO of Irish Thoroughbred Marketing. “Last year was the best yet in terms of participation and horses sold abroad unraced and we would love to generate similar trade this year.” The post Three Irish EBF Barrier Trial Dates Announced for 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The three-time Group 1 winner Zougotcha (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}) is set to go under the hammer at next month's Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, which will also feature an International Section for the first time this year. Trained by Chris Waller, the five-year-old Zougotcha will be offered as the winner of eight of her 18 starts, with the first of her three Group 1 victories coming at Randwick in October 2022 when she won the Flight Stakes. Altogether seven of her eight wins were achieved at Group level, with three of them coming in the first half of 2024 when she completed a hat-trick in the G2 Millie Fox Stakes, G1 Coolmore Classic and G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes. Bred by Widden Stud, Zougotcha was a A$500,000 purchase at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale. She is one of four winners from five runners out of the multiple Listed-placed Fast Talker (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}), with the others including the Listed scorers Persuader (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}) and The Actuary (Aus) (Sebring {Aus}). Fast Talker, in turn, is out of a Listed-winning half-sister to the G1 Golden Slipper heroine Crystal Lily (Aus) (Stratum {Aus}). “We thank the connections of Zougotcha for entrusting Magic Millions to offer their superstar to a global audience,” said Magic Millions managing director Barry Bowditch. “A triple Group 1 winner and eight-time winner from just 18 starts, Zougotcha danced every dance and raced against the finest of her generation. “What truly set Zougotcha apart was her consistent performance at the highest level. Of her 18 career starts, 12 came in either Group 1 or Group 2 company–an elite arena where she triumphed on seven occasions against the best in the country. It's a record that places her in rarefied air; few mares of her generation can match such sustained success at the top of the sport. “Her race record, impeccable pedigree and good looks make Zougotcha one of the finest prospects to go to market anywhere in the world in 2025.” Bowditch also provided details of the new International Section, which will allow high-performing fillies and broodmares who are located internationally to be presented at auction to a worldwide audience. The overseas-based entries will be offered virtually following the last catalogued lot on the opening day of the sale (Tuesday, May 27). The new section has already been the subject of strong support from Te Akau Racing in New Zealand–the vendor of Imperatriz (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}), who topped last year's National Broodmare Sale when selling virtually for A$6.6 million. Te Akau have confirmed three outstanding New Zealand-based members of their team will go under the hammer, including the G1 Zabeel Classic winner Campionessa (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}). “The new International Section to the National Broodmare Sale will see lots abroad offered to the strongest buying bench in the Southern Hemisphere,” Bowditch added. “It will combine both the live and online sale buying benches for stock, increasing overall visibility and competition.” The post Triple Group 1 Winner Zougotcha to be Offered by Magic Millions appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Cambridge’s Night of Champions is one of racing’s biggest, and it promises to be another epic trans-Tasman battle. Friday’s 10-race card will be highlighted by the $1m Race by betcha and the $600,000 TAB Trot plus a support card that includes the Dorothy Cutts Invitational. To mark what will be a huge occasion we have produced a special Liftout with previews, tips, opinion pieces and more. To view the Liftout please click here View the full article

By Brigette Solomon No stable is winning races like Michael House is right now. On Tuesday at Manawatu his runners won five of the night’s seven races – it’s the third time this year that he’s had five wins at the same meeting. The previous five-fors were also at Manawatu on February 11 and February 13. Four of the five winners were driven by son Wilson House, who is second in the drivers’ premiership with 43 wins this year, 10 shy of seven time champion Blair Orange. “It was a really good day, but a lot of credit has to go to the team that work for us,” said Michael House, “we have a bunch of really good horse people that give the horses such good consistent care prior to and after racing.” “I’m really proud of my two boys as well, Wilson is doing well with his driving and my youngest son George has taken on the role of travelling manager for me and he’s doing a great job and is really finding his feet and developing into the role.” The stable’s five winners included two horses having their first look at Manawatu with Koko Kaboom taking out the Creative Catering Handicap Trot despite losing considerable ground when galloping on the first bend. Patiently driven by House, the gelding settled with the back markers and caught the leading pack to land the one out one back position. Koko Kaboom was shuffled back one spot when stable mate Tinkerbelle rounded the field to take the parked position, but Koko Kaboom was tough when House made his move with 400 metres left to run, reeling in the field to win by a length. “It was touch and go if we sent Koko Kaboom up as I didn’t think he’d handle the track and he’s not very tractable and there’s still a few things to iron out yet,” said House “he definitely raced better than he’s been working but credit to Wilson who got him round in his two starts prior after we had changed his shoeing and got him a bit more organised.” “Matai Harry was the other having his first look at Manawatu and the genuine pace in the race turned it into a bit of a staying contest which played right into his hands.” Matai Harry, also driven by House, was content to let the gelding settle at the rear of the field before setting off three wide with 700 metres to run. House allowed the gelding to steadily improve, levelling with the leader Jahi 400 metres from home, and from there Matai Harry edged in front to take out the Happy 45th Birthday Greg Olsen Mobile Pace. House also went on to win on Doctor Tim (R5) and Matai Lizzie(R7), while Sailesh Abernethy was the successful driver of Stickifingers (R4) for the House Stable. House now has 56 wins for the season to date. He leads the drivers’ premiership by 32 from nearest rivals Steve and Amanda Telfer. “Chasing the premiership is definitely not one of our goals but it’s been great to see the endeavour of targeting the summer and autumn racing circuits up here pay off” said House, “it was something I had envisioned back in November and after securing Harrison Orange as a concession junior driver for the team it was all systems go.” “There will be a few of the big stables that will have a lot of horses coming out shortly and I’m happy to leave it to them to target premierships, we’ll just be focussing day to day on the stable.” View the full article

Nina Hope’s record-breaking final training tally, an increase to the minimum wage, and plenty of chat about Cambridge’s Night of Champions all feature in this week’s News Briefs. Nina Hope’s final training tally This country’s most successful female trainer Nina Hope is leaving the training ranks with 903 career wins. As announced last week Hope is not renewing her trainers’ licence, with son Ben joining Greg in partnership from yesterday, April 1. The Woodend-based husband and wife combo of Greg and Nina Hope have been a huge successful training operation since their first winner Eyreton Bay at Marlborough 24 years ago. Nina Hope’s last race day was at Rangiora on Sunday where they had two wins with Blue Rock Dancer and Crown Moment, both driven by Ben. With 903 wins she finishes as the most successful female trainer in this country, five wins ahead of Natalie Rasmussen who had 898 in partnership with Mark Purdon between the 2014 and 2021 seasons. The first Greg and Ben Hope runners will be at Timaru today. House draws clear at top of premiership After winning five races at Manawatu last night Michael House has extended his lead in the trainers’ premiership. He now has 56 wins in 2025, 32 ahead of his closest rival Steve and Amanda Telfer. House’s winners last night were Koko Kaboom, Matai Harry, Stickifingers, Doctor Tim and Matai Lizzie. On the back of the stable’s success Wilson House is now second in the drivers’ premiership with 43 wins, 10 behind leader Blair Orange. House is a clear leader in the junior drivers’ ranks, with Harrison Orange next on 29. Minimum Wage Increase – Effective 1 April 2025 Employers are reminded that, effective from 1 April 2025, the minimum wage rates in New Zealand have increased as follows: Adult Minimum Wage: Increased from $23.15 to $23.50 per hour.​ Starting-Out and Training Minimum Wage: Increased from $18.52 to $18.80 per hour. Please ensure all employment agreements and payroll systems are updated accordingly to reflect these changes. For more information on employment obligations and details on the minimum wage rates, visit Employment New Zealand. 3YO Semi Finals at Cambridge on Friday The New Zealand Sires’ Stakes are excited about the two semi finals for the 3YOs at Cambridge’s Night of Champions on Friday. To read their latest newsletter click here To see the Fillies field click here To see the Colts and Geldings field click here Purdon flying at Cambridge Chase A Dream’s return to form last Friday gave co-trainer Mark Purdon his sixth driving win in the Waikato Flying Mile. Paying $24, the Captaintreacherous four-year-old cleared out to beat a quality field by two lengths to confirm his place in Friday’s $1m The race by betcha as part of Cambridge’s Night of Champions. It was his 11th win in 21 starts. Chase A Dream cut out the mile in a new track and race record of 1:51.4, beating the old mark of 1:52 set by Self Assured in 2023. Purdon’s other wins in the event have been Chase Auckland (2020), Turn It Up (2019), Lazarus (2017), Auckland Reactor (2009) and Young Rufus (2003). Chase A Dream will start one the second row in Friday’s $1m The Race by betcha. The BGP Punters Club – how to get involved The BGP Punters Club is currently at just over $65,000 for the Night of Champions at Cambridge. It’s hoped that figure will increase sharply in the last few days heading into Friday’s big meeting. For those wanting to get involved you can purchase a share in the BGP Punters Club directly from the TAB APP. You can no longer enter via a retail store, betting option or the online site. You must use the app. Follow this link: https://www.tab.co.nz/hosted-group/BGPAID2024 which will take you direct to enter. Alternatively: 1. You need to go to the TAB App and bottom right you will find ‘More’. 2. Top left you will see ‘Boys Get Paid’ – click on this. 3. You will see ‘Boys Get Paid’ under groups. If it asks for a joining code that is BGPAID2024 or BGPAID24 4. Once you have joined that you will see ‘The Pot’. 5. Select The Pot and join it and you can follow the steps to add funds. Copy That Perth-bound Dual New Zealand Cup winner Copy That will stand at stud in Western Australia. The $2m earner will be based in Perth from the end of April . The eight-year-old was retired from racing in September 2023 after winning 33 starts, including the Race by Grins two years ago. Another Ray Green-trained pacer is also on the move, with Frisco Bay heading to North America following his last start second to Jolimont in the Lincoln Farms Founders Cup at Alexandra Park on March 14. Milestones for Hackett-Wallis Two milestones were recorded in one race when the Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett-trained Courmayeur won at big odds in the MVS Waikato Country Cup Handicap Trot at Cambridge last Friday night. It gave the husband and wife training combination their 377th win together and it was Wallis’ 700th overall and Hackett’s 500th. Wallis has had 323 on her own account between 1999 – 2012 while Hackett had 123 on his own account between 1988 and 2012. The pair had three wins on the night 75 wins in North America While Take After Me’s record-breaking 400th start got plenty of attention last week he was not alone in racking up some big numbers. In North America former top-liner J L Cruze had career win number 75 in Maryland. The 14-year-old’s winning time was 1:54.4. Take After Me is also 14 with 21 wins from his 400 starts. His third at Ashburton on March 26 may have delayed his retirement with Fred Scott saying no firm decision’s been made yet about his racing future. Winning USA debut for former Kiwi After having two wins for the Telfers in this country, Aardie B Miki has made a winning debut in the USA. He won his race at Yonkers in New York in 1:53.8 for top driver Jason Bartlett. Aardie B Miki headed to Australia last year and won seven times between June and November there before heading to North America. Meanwhile defending champion Catch A Wave is on track for the $1m Nullabor in Perth on April 25. The six-year-old driven by Kate Gath was too good at Geelong in 1:51.9, equaling the track record. It was a bounce back performance from Catch A Wave after a disappointing effort in the Miracle Mile. His last half was timed at 53.8 – not bad considering he raced much of it three wide. Club News : Invercargill The Invercargill Harness Racing Club hosts the annual Regent Race Day at Ascot Park Raceway in Invercargill on Thursday (3 April). A nine-race programme commences with the first race at 2.00pm. Regent Car Court and many of those that they have a business relationship with support the day of exciting harness racing while the programme also consists of a heat of the Southern Belle Speed Series supported by VetSouth Equine. Admission to the course on the day will be free. View the full article

By Michael Guerin Champion horseman Luke McCarthy has only one plan for Don Hugo after securing the perfect barrier in Friday’s $1million Race by Betcha at Cambridge. “We will be leading and staying there,” he says matter-of-factly. That was the New South Wales superstar driver’s only tactic after Don Hugo, the Inter Dominion and Miracle Mile champion, drew barrier 2 for the slot race over 2200m mobile, suggesting he will be the early leader. His arch rival and best horse in the race Leap To Fame drew the outside of front line, with Merlin (barrier 7) and Don’t Stop Dreaming (5) drawn between the two Aussie big guns. The latter three will all move in one starting spot if emergency Mo’Unga, as looks likely, doesn’t gain a start from barrier 4. Before the draw McCarthy said the most important factor for him was drawing inside Leap To Fame, who he says the still the best horse in the race and deserves to be favourite. “But now we have the draw to try and lead if he can sit parked outside us and beat us he is just too good. “He couldn’t do that in the Miracle Mile and it will be hard to do here,” said McCarthy from Cambridge. Leap To Fame’s best chance looks to be sitting parked and trying to outstay Don Hugo but that has understandably been his Achilles Heel at the highest level in the last two years, sometimes through a lack of gate speed but also because of a succession of poor draws. Merlin’s co-trainer Barry Purdon suggests while he wasn’t thrilled with his wide draw for the defence of the title he won last season it could work out better than first glance would suggest. “He could roll forward and maybe get the back of Leap To Fame if he ends up parked and that would be okay,” said Purdon. He and training partner Scott Phelan also have Duchess Megxit in the race drawn the ace and looking a chance to trail the potential leader Don Hugo, giving her a place chance. Immediately after the drawing the TAB bookies opened Leap To Fame the $2.30 final field favourite, with Don Hugo at $2.50. While there was little movement in that market favouritism for the $600,000 TAB Trot changed then changed again after varied fortunes in the draw for the best trotters from each country. Oscar Bonavena and The Locomotive went into the draw as the $3 equal favourites but when Oscar drew barrier 3 and The Locomotive was given barrier 6, Oscar Bonavena moved into favouritism. That didn’t last long. Punters quickly rallied for The Locomotive, clearly believing he will still have the gate speed to cross to the lead and trainer-driver Brad Hewitt made it clear that was still his plan. So after the dramatic few hours he was back as the $2.70 favourite with Oscar Bonavena out to $2.80, with Arcee Phoenix $7 into $5.50 after drawing barrier 4. View the full article

Chris Waller‘s Wodeton, narrowly defeated in the Golden Slipper, is the favourite in a closely contested Inglis Sires’ 2025 betting market this Saturday at Randwick. The Group 1 $1 million Inglis Sires’ (1400m) features ten of the season’s top two-year-olds. “Wodeton is favourite to return to winning form in the 2025 Inglis Sires’ this weekend […] The post Inglis Sires’ 2025 Field & Betting Update: Slipper Runner-Up Wodeton Favourite appeared first on HorseRacing.com.au. View the full article