Wandering Eyes

The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation announced amendments to its veterinary examination rules June 25, to take effect July 1, two days before the opening of Ellis Park's summer meeting.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 (HIWU)'s “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 06/20/2025 Licensee: Edward Barker, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on June 21, 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 fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Mepivacaine-a Class B controlled substance-in a sample taken from Cajunette, who finished second at Finger Lakes on 5/12/25. Pending ADMC Violations 06/25/2025, Francisco Rodriguez, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Methamphetamine-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Driver's Ed on 5/9/25. 06/24/2025, Norm Casse, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Lookster on 5/25/25. 06/24/2025, Brittany Russell, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole (GastroGard)-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Magico on 5/20/25. 06/24/2025, Lynn Chleborad, trainer: Pending medication violation for the use or attempted use of a Class C controlled substance on Count de Monet during the race period dated 5/17/25. Count de Monet did not make a start that day. 06/24/2025, John Salzman, trainer: Pending medication violation for the use or attempted use of a Class C controlled substance on Had to Have Him during the race period dated 5/16/25. Had to Have Him did not make a start that day. 06/24/2025, Manuel Alejandro Chavez, trainer: Pending medication violation for the use or attempted use of Caffeine and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)-Class B and C controlled substances respectively-on Moringa during the race period dated 5/1/25. Moringa did not make a start that day. 06/23/2025, Scott Lake, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO)-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Texas Air Force, who finished second at Parx Racing on 5/19/25. 06/23/2025, Saffie Joseph, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Ranitidine-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Whiskey Park, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 4/20/25. 06/23/2025, Dale Romans, trainer: Pending 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. 06/20/2025, Ruben Sierra, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Dexamethasone-a Class C controlled substance-in a sample taken from Juan Mo Time, who did not finish a race at Gulfstream Park on 5/16/25. 06/20/2025, Angel Sanchez-Pinero, trainer: Provisional suspension for a pending medication violation for the presence of bronchodilator Albuterol (Salbutamol)-a banned substance-in a sample taken from Gone Boy, who won at Aqueduct on 4/19/25. 06/18/2025, James Nicholson, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone-a controlled substance (Class C)-in a sample taken from Sheer Dominance, who won at Parx Racing on 5/17/25. Violations of Crop Rule Los Alamitos Ricardo Ramirez – violation date June 21; $250 fine, one-day suspension The post National Regulatory Rulings, June 19 – June 25 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The two-for-two 'TDN Rising Star' Here Comes Francis (Improbable) will make his next start in the Carry Back S. going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Park July 4. He worked five furlongs in a bullet :58.62 (1/3) in Hallandale Beach June 20. “After the Carry Back, my plan is to run him in the (GI) Allen Jerkens (Memorial S. at Saratoga Aug. 23),” trainer Victor Barboza, Jr. said. “He's run two times and is a very fast horse. I think middle distances–seven furlongs, one mile–are perfect for him. Step by step, he's more focused now.” Here Comes Francis posted a razor sharp, wire-to-wire debut win over next-out winner Pursuitneversleeps (Ghostzapper) going six furlongs at Gulfstream Mar. 15, good for a 97 Beyer Speed Figure. He earned his 'Rising Star' badge by 5 1/4 lengths, also in front-running fashion, in an optional claimer at Tampa Bay Downs Apr. 26. His final time of 1:16.09 for 6 1/2 furlongs that day was just 0.62 seconds off the track record. Jeff Kresnak's Arcadia Michigan Stable went to $250,000 to acquire Here Comes Francis after powering through a :9 4/5 breeze on his left lead at last year's OBS April Sale. He was previously a $100,000 Keeneland September yearling. Here Comes Francis hails from the first crop of the gone-too-soon Improbable. His unraced dam is a daughter of the talented Tar Heel Mom (Flatter), a three-time graded winner at sprint distances and runner-up to Hilda's Passion (Canadian Frontier) in the 2011 GI Ballerina S. “Francis was always the best horse in my barn,” Barboza said. “He's a very professional and smart horse. His first and second workouts were impressive, you immediately knew you had a good horse on your hands.” Barboza is also the previous trainer of this year's GIII Gotham S. winner Flood Zone (Frosted). The $45,000 OBS June graduate was purchased privately by Wathnan Racing and transferred to trainer Brad Cox after breaking his maiden for Barboza at second asking at Gulfstream Park for owners Big Frank Stable, Enrico Ascione, Guy Mancini and Veb Racing Stable Corp. Seventh in the G2 UAE Derby, Flood Zone is entered to make his next start in Sunday's Maxfield S. at Churchill Downs. “Flood Zone is a very good horse,” Barboza said. Here Comes Francis • Samuel Marín • Víctor Barboza, Jr. #TampaBayDowns pic.twitter.com/WD4PLunXn0 — Pascual Artiles (@artilespascualf) May 1, 2025 The post Carry Back Up Next for Unbeaten Here Comes Francis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amendments to 810 KAR 4:030, Section 17, Entry Examination by Attending Veterinarian, take effect July 1. View the full article

America's Best Racing takes a look at competitive group of nine turf horses ages 4 and older are set to face off in the Wise Dan Stakes (G2T) June 28 at Churchill Downs. View the full article

California stewards suspended trainer Chief Stipe O'Neill seven days and fined him $2,500 for not having the required primary and secondary veterinary examinations of the horse Ivan the Great when the colt resumed training following a layoff this spring.View the full article

Oliver Cole said he is "looking forward to the future" after his Derby-winning father, Paul, announced his retirement with immediate effect June 25.View the full article

Grade 3 winner Hollow Games (Beat Hollow) is one of 103 lots catalogued for the upcoming Tattersalls Online July Sale, which was released on Wednesday. The sale begins at 11 a.m., Tuesday July 1 and concludes beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 2. Also placed twice at the highest level, the bay is one of three consigned by Gordon Elliott's Cullentra House Stables. Henry de Bromhead consigns the Grade 1-placed Life In The Park (Walk In The Park), a winner over both hurdles and fences and multiple black-type placed. The 87-rated I Bid You Ajou (Shalaa) has won his last three starts at sprint distances and will be offered by Mark Fahey Racing. Other lots of note include the placed Flawless Fusion (Dawn Approach) from Jim Bolger's Glebe House Stables; broodmare New Romance (Dubawi) in foal to Kingman on Southern Hemisphere time from New England Stud; that mare's January-born yearling filly by Zoustar; and Tinnakill House's Trexie (Australia), a half-sister to G1 Melbourne Cup hero Prince Of Arran (Shirocco). The post Hollow Games Leads Tattersalls Online July Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A total of HK$1,574.4m (approximately £150m) was bet on the Hong Kong Jockey Club's World Pool type wagers during the five-day 2025 Royal Ascot meeting, an increase of 10% on 2024's figures. Turnover was up year-on-year every day last week with the highlight being Wednesday's record-high of HK$330.7m, the most bet on the second day of the meeting since the inaugural World Pool meeting at Royal Ascot in 2019. Turnover on the 2022 meeting remains the highest at HK$1,609.1m, approximately 2% higher than this year's level. A World Pool Moment of the Day winner was chosen on each of the five days of Royal Ascot, with a total of £20,000 awarded to grooms. Winning grooms collected a cheque for £4,000 as well as entry into the World Pool Moment of the Year competition for the chance to win a VIP trip to Hong Kong next year. The five winners from Tuesday-Saturday were: Docklands and Michael Vokins Havana Hurricane and Tom Clemit Trawlerman and Ben de Paiva Cercene and TJ Comerford Lazzat and Jessy Cabot Sam Nati, head of commingling at the HKJC, said, “Turnover was strong and only marginally below 2022 which, of course, was inflated due to Covid. In terms of quality, quantity and competitiveness, the fields were fantastic all week. There was also some good international representation, both in the horses running and the jockeys taking part, so it was a good mix of key factors for both local and overseas punters.” The post World Pool Betting Figures At Royal Ascot Rise 10% To £150m appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Flint completed his training career officially with 3,551 victories, which ranks No. 28 all time in North America. That includes 501 at Churchill Downs, at the time making him the sixth trainer to reach 500 under the twin spires.View the full article

Booth seeks his fifth straight win and fourth straight grade 3 victory in the $250,000 Kelly's Landing Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs June 28.View the full article

Everett Dobson admits there were a lot of anxious moments on the path to this year's NBA championship. But Dobson, an owner and breeder who operates Cheyenne Stables and Candy Meadows and is a minority owner of the Oklahoma City Thunder, says he was ready for them. “When you have a horse going into the gate for a Grade I race there is a level of anxiety and excitement and your heart is pounding,” said Dobson, who will take over as the Chairman of the Jockey Club this August. “That is what it feels like to be playing in the NBA finals. The difference is an NBA finals game will last almost three hours while a horse race lasts a couple minutes. But it is a similar feeling. You're on edge and you are excited and nervous. It's obviously an incredible experience.” To make it to the championship, the Thunder were forced into a seventh game in two rounds of the playoffs, including the finals against the Indiana Pacers. “Were there anxious moments? To say that least,” Dobson said. “We beat Denver in a Game 7 and we won this series against Indiana in a Game 7,” he said. “It highlights the importance of having the best record in the NBA because you are assured that, if it is a seven-game series, it will be played on your home court regardless of who you are playing. That gave us a little comfort knowing we were going to be in front of our home crowd if this does go to 7. That's exactly what happened. It was an exciting finish, to say the least.” It was a good year for racing people who are involved in other sports. Vinnie Viola, who operates St. Elias Stable along with his wife Theresa, is the owner of the Florida Panthers. The Panthers wrapped up their second straight Stanley Cup final when defeating the Edmonton Oilers earlier this month. The group that owns the Thunder is made up of seven individuals, all of them from Oklahoma. They bought the Seattle Supersonics in 2006 and moved the franchise to Oklahoma City in 2008. The seven owners also make up the board of the Thunder. Dobson is listed as a managing partner. The chairman is Clayton I. Bennett. Forbes estimates the team is worth $3.65 billion. The team was bought for $350 million. “I like the asset class, I like the NBA,” Dobson said. “It's been a very good financial investment. It's been an incredible story.” Oklahoma City is far from a metropolis. Oklahoma City is 20th largest city in the U.S. When it comes to the television it is the 47th largest market. Dobson said that being in a small market can have its advantages. “You wouldn't have thought it was a small town if you rode in the parade,” Dobson said. “They were estimating over a half-million people were at the parade. Now they're estimating that it was more like 600,000, maybe close to 700,000. We are the only big-league sport in the state. We have a population of 4 million in the state and we get the attention of all 4 million. Everybody in the state takes ownership. We don't have to worry about dividing their attention with other big-league sports. If you look at our metrics across things that are relevant like attendance and season ticket sales, we're actually in the top third in NBA.” The NBA does not resume playing until Oct. 21. That should give Dobson time to immerse himself in his new job with the Jockey Club. “It would be aspirational to think that horse racing could grow to the level of our big-league sports like the NBA,” he said. “It is still a very important sport and there are a lot of good things that are happening in the sport right now. I understand that it has its challenges that need to be addressed. “With the horse we have to be able to tell their story quickly because their careers don't last long. But these horses can be compelling stories. The Triple Crown, Saratoga, Del Mar, the Breeders' Cup, those are all compelling stories. Creating stars is a challenge. You just have to step up and deal with it.” Dobson isn't planning on being an absentee chairman when it comes to the Jockey Club. Though not yet officially the organization's chairman, he's already gotten to work. “Racing has its challenges that need to be addressed and will be addressed,” he said. “I'm really optimistic about the future of horse racing.” The post Incoming Jockey Club Chairman Everett Dobson Basking in the Glow of an NBA Championship appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jessica Harrington has provided a positive bulletin on Green Impact ahead of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby and said that success in Sunday's big race would rival any of her exploits to date. Green Impact is a general 10-1 chance for Irish Derby glory and comes into the race off the back of a confidence-booster in the Glencairn Stakes at Leopardstown after losing a shoe at a vital stage of the 2,000 Guineas on his seasonal return. Harrington said, “These are very important races and ones that are recognised worldwide – just like winning a Champion Chase and Gold Cup in the National Hunt sphere, but winning an Irish Derby would be fantastic. It would very much be top of the list, so I would love to win the Irish Derby.” She added, “I wouldn't say he didn't get the run of the race in the 2,000 Guineas as he travelled into the race great, but when he got down to the dip he went to change his legs and went to go and try to win the race and he then just lost a shoe and got a bit unbalanced and ended up finishing sixth. “At the time I was disappointed but coming out of that race afterwards he was sore and so we gave him a bit of time. The intention was to go to the French Derby but we didn't get there, so we gave him the run in Leopardstown and all roads lead to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby after that.” The Wootton Bassett colt prepares to tackle a-mile-and-a-half for the first time in a race that could feature the first three home from the Epsom equivalent. “I think he'll benefit for the step up in trip, he won over a mile as a two-year-old and usually if they do that they stay,” added Harrington. “He's by Wootton Bassett and out of a Galileo mare and he's also a very laid-back character and very relaxed and easy to do anything with, so I think he will stay. “It's a big task and everyone looks and sees only 10 runners, but the majority of those 10 runners are quality horses.” Aidan O'Brien's Epsom hero Lambourn is a general 4-1 chance to complete the Derby double while Lazy Griff and Tennessee Stud, who chased home the Derby winner in that order, are also in contention to run at the Curragh. The post Harrington Talks Up Green Impact Ahead Of Lambourn Clash In The Irish Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Amendments to the Entry Examination by Attending Veterinarian, 810 KAR 4:030, Section 17, will take effect July 1, 2025, according to a release by the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation Wednesday. The changes will be applied to entries for races occurring on or after July 1, 2025. Entries for Ellis Park's opening day on July 3, 2025, close June 26, 2025. The amended regulation states: Section 17. Entry Examination by Attending Veterinarian. (1) A horse shall only start if: (a) The horse has been examined by an attending veterinarian licensed by the veterinary regulatory body in the jurisdiction where the examination occurs within three (3) days after the close of entries and no later than two (2) days before the race; and (b) The attending veterinarian certifies and electronically submits a report to the Equine Medical Director or its designee that the horse is in serviceable, sound racing condition. (2) The examination required by subsection (1)(a) of this section shall include, at a minimum, examination of the legs and observation of the horse at rest and while jogging. (3) If the attending veterinarian who examines the horse prescribes a diagnostic test as part of the evaluation of the horse's soundness, the results of the test shall be provided to the corporation's veterinarian no later than one (1) day before the horse is set to start. The attending veterinary records and report may be submitted electronically through EquiTaps or the HISA database. Questions may be addressed to Alicia Ritter at Alicia.Ritter@ky.gov or 502-545-3212. The post Amended Regulations For Entry Examination by Attending Vet Take Affect July 1 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Having mastered Juddmonte's Red Letter last time, Barnavara (Calyx) was at it again on Wednesday with another Ger Lyons-trained daughter of Frankel held at bay in the G3 Al Shira'aa Racing Irish EBF Jannah Rose Stakes at Naas. This time, it was the unbeaten Faiyum who failed to get by Alpha Racing's improving filly having her first try at an extended 10 furlong trip. Undeterred by that, Shane Foley set out to make all on the Jessica Harrington-trained Barnavara who was third in the G2 Debutante Stakes in August and had been in that same spot after the G3 Athasi Stakes prior to upstaging Red Letter in Navan's Listed Kooyonga Stakes. At the line, the 11-4 second favourite had 1 1/4 lengths to spare over the 10-11 market-leader Faiyum, with a telling 5 1/2 lengths back to And So To Bed (Kodiac) in third. Barnavara (Calyx) downs warm order Faiyum and strikes in the Group 3 @alshiraaracing @IrishEBF_ Jannah Rose Stakes for Shane Foley and @Jessica_Racing @NaasRacecourse pic.twitter.com/gb3m1UF30k — Racing TV (@RacingTV) June 25, 2025 The post Barnavara A Cosy Group 3 Winner At Naas For Her Late Sire Calyx appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Field of Gold has established a significant lead in the Cartier Horse of the Year standings, with the brilliant St James's Palace Stakes (G1) winner forming part of an outstanding Royal Ascot for trainers John and Thady Gosden.View the full article

Fresh off a nose victory over 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan in the May 3 Lake Ouachita Stakes at Oaklawn Park, Saudi Crown pursues a second consecutive stakes victory in the $300,000 Hanshin Stakes June 29 at Churchill Downs.View the full article

It has taken more than 40 years in the industry to build the resume, but it's a pretty good bet that there's not a more well-rounded, experienced person at the helm of a bloodstock agency than Bernie Sams. Sams will launch a new chapter in that storied career with the debut of BF Sams Bloodstock Advisory, which will be representing clients at a sale for the first time under that banner in July at Fasig-Tipton. Sams has worked for farms large (Claiborne, Gainesway) and small (Wimbledon, Manchester), at home and abroad, spending two years in France. He started out as a stallion groom, worked in the stallion shed, worked for businesses like Matchmaker and the American Championship Racing Series, and agencies like Reynolds Bell Thoroughbred Services. He has created, fortified and managed broodmare bands, and overseen the careers of some of the most successful stallions in the history of the sport. But for the first time, now he will be doing it for himself. “I looked at different ideas for what to do when I left Claiborne, and this worked out to be the most logical,” said Sams, who will work out of the Muirfield Insurance offices. “Michael Levy was kind enough to give me some office space over here. I'm excited.” Sams left Claiborne after 23 years on the job as Bloodstock and Stallion Manager, and said that his reception as an independent has been an enthusiastic one, and that he was prepared to help owners and breeders with everything in his arsenal. “I would like to be able to help people with the sales,” he said. “I would like to be able to help people purchase mares. I'd like to be able to help people with matings. I would like to be able to help buy seasons and shares. And after doing the matings or if you're interested in buying shares, help with the share purchases, and I'm going to do more equine insurance than I've done in the past.” After attending the University of Kentucky, interested in joining the racing industry, Sams worked as a stallion groom at Wimbledon Farm and Gainesway. At the latter, he met Jacques Permin, whose father owned a stud farm in France. Permin invited him to work with his family at the Haras de Roiville, about an hour south of Deauville. “I probably learned more there than I did at the other jobs, which were just groom jobs, because his mom and dad were good to me, and his father took me to the races, to Chantilly, to the training centers, and I probably started to learn more about looking at horses, and how to care for them, raise them.” He spent two years there before the Norman winters caught up to him. “It started raining there in around October,” he said. “And it rained until April. You'd literally spend five months walking through mud. The spring was great, and the summers were fine, but the winters could wear you out after awhile.” He returned to Kentucky to work at Manchester Farm with Wayne Sweezey, spent two years with Bobby Powell, and another couple of years at Overbrook Farm before taking a job at Matchmaker. “I will say, working at Matchmaker was great because I learned the business part of it,” he said. “Syndicates and shares and buying and selling seasons. It wasn't so much mating horses, but more how syndicates and stallions were managed in Central Kentucky. Then we did the American Championship Racing Series. You learned all about the racetrack. We'd leave town and be gone for week here, a week there, hustling nominations. I wouldn't have done any of that if I'd have stayed here and worked on a farm. I probably learned as much there as I had from anybody at that point.” But a couple of years after Graham Beck purchased Gainesway Farm, Pat Payne recruited Sams to return, this time selling nominations. His first year there, Unbridled and Cahill Road were both retired to the farm. He later spent six years working with Reynolds Bell selling seasons and shares and jointly managing the Gainsborough Stallions-Elusive Quality and Quiet American–before his 22 years at Claiborne. So what's his specialty, he was asked? “What do I think I'm good at?” he said. “I think I'm good at managing stallions and helping to syndicate stallions and identifying young horses that I think will make successful stallions. And I think I've been good at buying mares at all levels that have gone on to be producers. So I think it is more, for me, it's probably at this point been the breeding end of it. Stallions and mares.” Now, he's setting up an Instagram account, @Bfsamsbloodstock-or his son Bernie is doing it for him-and learning to promote himself. “My man's got it all dolled out and there's a couple of posts on there now and I was like, `wow. That's pretty impressive, bud. Thank you.'” After all the experience and all the people he's worked for, now he's doing it for himself and his family. And it has been more than okay. “It's been fantastic,” he said. “People have reached out to say, `congratulations, good luck,' et cetera. I've had two or three people call asking for advice about horses, I'm looking at the racetrack now to help manage placement of stallions and help with the broodmares. So it has been good. Now, it's just a matter of turning some of these phone calls into money.” The post Bernie Sams Kicks Off New Agency in Time for Fasig-Tipton July appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Kalpana might have been missing from Andrew Balding's Royal Ascot squad, but the trainer now heads to the Curragh with his stable star in tow and a spring in his step, buoyed by what was a “fantastic” week in Berkshire which yielded four winners from Park House Stables. Top billing went to the two-year-old Humidity who, having been considered Balding's best chance of a winner at the start of the week, duly delivered with a gutsy performance to land the Listed Chesham Stakes on the final day of the meeting. A trip to Goodwood is now on the cards for the son of Ulysses, who is said to be exciting his trainer as much as any of his top-class predecessors at Kingsclere, certainly at this early stage of his career. “Very much so,” Balding confirmed when asked if the unbeaten Humidity compares favourably to the other good juveniles he's trained. “And there seems to be huge improvement in him still. That's my feeling given his scope and he's also got a great attitude which is important. “He's a lovely horse. You're always guessing with the two-year-olds, but we felt that he'd improved for his debut and that certainly looked the case at Ascot. That gave us huge satisfaction. I imagine we'll wait now and go to Goodwood with him [for the G2 Vintage Stakes].” GUTSY! HUMIDITY WINS THE CHESHAM STAKES! #ROYALASCOT pic.twitter.com/l2smJPUcbj — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 21, 2025 An appearance at Goodwood could also be next for another of Balding's Royal Ascot winners in Never So Brave, who routed his rivals in the Buckingham Palace Stakes. The son of No Nay Never has since been raised to a lofty BHA mark of 115, suggesting the time is nigh for a step up in grade. For context, last week's G1 King Charles III Stakes winner American Affair has a revised rating of 114, while the G1 Queen Anne Stakes scorer Docklands has gone up to 118. “He looked like a Group horse in a handicap,” Balding said of Never So Brave's display. “We'll be looking at stakes races next for him. He's got an entry in the [G2] Lennox Stakes, and I think Goodwood would suit him well, but we've got alternatives. I'll discuss that with the owners and see what they want to do.” The stable's Royal Ascot four-timer was completed by Miss Information (Blue Point), who was successful in the Kensington Palace Stakes, and Quai De Bethune (Persian King), a last-gasp winner of the Golden Gates Stakes. Balding is now considering a step up in trip for the progressive Quai De Bethune, while Miss Information could go in the opposite direction after gaining her first victory over a mile at the royal meeting. “Funnily enough, I think she won in spite of the trip,” Balding said of the latter. “I think Oisin [Murphy, jockey] certainly felt that seven [furlongs] would be more suitable for her. She's actually got an entry in a Listed race at Chelmsford next week. That looks the most likely next step if she's okay. She'll be retained by her owners [Norman Court Stud], so getting black type will be the number one objective.” Away from the stable's winners, Balding also expressed his delight with the third-place finishes of See The Fire (Sea The Stars) and Flora Of Bermuda (Dark Angel), in the G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes and G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes, respectively, whilst acknowledging the importance of finding your way to the number one spot on the biggest stage of all. “By and large, the team we sent there all performed to expectations, bar a couple, and that's all we can really hope for,” he summed up. “But, of course, winning is important and to get four on the board was fantastic. “See The Fire, all being well, will go for the Nassau Stakes, which she was second in last year. Flora Of Bermuda has come out of her race well and we'll be hoping to go for the July Cup. Hopefully, they will both get their opportunities to win a Group 1 at some stage–they both deserve to. They're a pleasure to have in the yard and we were very proud of both of their performances.” Whilst See The Fire and Flora Of Bermuda continue to knock at the door at the top level, Kalpana is most definitely the one with bragging rights at Kingsclere, having already gone through it last October when she won the G1 Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot. Following an encouraging return to action in last month's G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup, when passing the post just a length and a half behind Los Angeles in third, the daughter of Study Of Man will now return to the Curragh on Saturday with the aim of doubling her Group 1 tally in the Pretty Polly Stakes. LOS ANGELES! Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore claim success in an eventful @Tattersalls_ie Gold Cup @curraghrace | @coolmorestud pic.twitter.com/ZnCeYRjYrj — Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 25, 2025 Explaining why the Pretty Polly was preferred to the G2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, as well as Sunday's G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, Balding said, “We know she's better at a mile and a half, but we just felt at this stage that a run against her own sex would be preferable, particularly given that we'd be hoping to take on the colts again in the King George. “She's got to give a lot of weight for age to Whirl and that won't be easy if she runs. She's obviously a nice filly, but Kalpana's last run suggests she should be the one to beat.” Balding will be without a runner in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud, with another setback to the fragile but very talented Eydon (Olden Times) set to keep him on the sidelines until August, but it promises to be another busy weekend closer to home. Ante-post favourite Who's Glen (Gleneagles), last seen finishing fifth in the Chester Cup, is one of four entries for the stable in Saturday's Northumberland Plate at Newcastle, while exciting filly Formal (Dubawi) is also set to head north for a tilt at York's G3 Criterion Stakes. “He's a horse who has been very consistent,” the trainer said of Who's Glen. “I thought he ran a very good race in the Chester Cup where perhaps the extended two miles just stretched him a little bit. I think this will be the perfect test for him. He's effective on the surface and I'd hope he's equipped to run a decent race, but it's a very tough race to win and the draw is very important there as well. Hopefully, we get lucky with that and we can see him run a good race. “Spirit Mixer definitely gets in as well and he's been second in the consolation race before. He could run a decent race if he gets well drawn, while Contacto will probably end up in the consolation race. He's ready to run well.” Of Formal, he added, “She seems in great shape. It will be interesting to see her on a quicker surface. She won on both a slow surface and a quick surface for Sir Michael [Stoute] last year, so it shouldn't be a problem. She has a bit more on her plate taking on older horses, but we had hopes she'd be our Guineas filly earlier in the year, so I'd hope she's up to it.” The post Four Royal Ascot Winners for Kingsclere and Kalpana Still to Come appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Field Of Gold has established a significant lead in the Cartier Horse of the Year standings, with the brilliant St James's Palace Stakes (G1) winner forming part of an outstanding Royal Ascot for trainers John and Thady Gosden.View the full article

June 28 at Churchill Downs could be redemption day for 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna in the $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2).View the full article

A pair of $225,000 listed stakes for 2-year-olds are among the highlights of the June 29 card at Churchill Downs, which features five stakes races.View the full article

Lyle Hewitson, Jerry Chau Chun-lok and Karis Teetan were taken to hospital after a horror fall during the Class Three St George’s Challenge Cup (1,000m) at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Hewitson was speared into the turf when $3 favourite Seasons Wit came down around 75m from the line after fracturing his left fore fetlock, with the South African jockey suffering a fractured wrist and a suspected fractured ankle. Seasons Wit fell in front of Eternal Fortune under Chau and Teetan’s mount,...View the full article

Trainer Kenny McPeek discusses 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mystik Dan and Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna ahead of their starts in Breeders' Cup Challenge Series races at Churchill Downs June 28.View the full article

Derby-winning trainer Paul Cole has retired from the training ranks with his son Oliver set to take over on the licence. Cole is best known for saddling brilliant 1991 Derby winner Generous and announced he is to retire following 38 years in the training ranks. The 83-year-old enjoyed over 1,500 winners during a stellar career which began in Wantage in 1987, and later became British Flat champion trainer in 1991. It was during that same season he saw stable star Generous claim Classic glory at Epsom by five lengths, with Alan Munro aboard. The Fahd Salman-owned colt would go on to complete the English-Irish Derby double at the Curragh and land the King George at Ascot. Since 2020, Cole has shared the licence with Oliver, who will now take over the operation at Whatcombe on a full-time basis. “I looked out at a horse this morning and just thought the time has come for me to retire,” Cole told The Sun. “I've been sharing the licence with my son Oliver since 2020, and I'm just very old now. Oliver knows what he's doing and is more than capable.” The post Derby-Winning Trainer Paul Cole To Retire From Training With Son Oliver To Take Over appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article