Wandering Eyes

PUNTERS PREFER BLONDES Family run bookmaker, competing with big names in odds and promotions. Join BlondeBet The racing action is set to light up Australian Cup Day at Flemington on Saturday, March 29, and BlondeBet is giving punters a prime chance to maximise their returns for a huge day of Group 1 racing. Below are all the promotions available for a massive day at Flemington: Blonde Returns Horse Racing Bet Return – 100% Bonus Cash Back 2nd or 3rd, up to $50 SGM Bet Return – 4+ leg SGM, 100% Bonus Cash Back if 1 leg fails, up to $100 Blonde Boosts Horse Racing Boost – Max Bet $500 (10%) Greyhound Racing Boost – Max Bet $500 (10%) SRM Boost – Max Bet $500 (10%) Multi Boost – Max Bet $500 (10%) As the Australian Cup approaches, BlondeBet should be on your radar—especially for value odds on roughies and their strong promotional offerings. BlondeBet is offering Bonus Cash Back for 2nd or 3rd place on select races at Flemington, covering Races 7-10 at each venue, with up to $50 in bonus returns. While BlondeBet might not be the biggest name in Australian wagering, the Pendlebury family-run bookmaker has been entrenched in the racing scene for years. With their Blonde Boosts and Bet Returns, they’re ready to take on a stacked Saturday of Group 1 racing. Saturday horse racing promotions at BlondeBet BlondeBet Saturday horse racing promos include: Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Flemington Races 7-10 | Run 2nd & 3rd Bonus Cash Back Place a fixed odds win bet on Races 7 to 10 at Flemington today and if your horse runs 2nd or 3rd, get Bonus Cash back. BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo What betting markets will BlondeBet offer on Saturday? BlondeBet may not be a household name yet, but they stand out with competitive odds and enticing offers. BlondeBet’s bet types available on Saturday include: Win/Place Same race multis Trifecta Quinella Exacta First Four Quaddie Early Quaddie Daily Double Does BlondeBet have a free bet offer for new customers? BlondeBet does not offer a new account incentive, as these are banned under Australian laws. This means there are no free bet promotions for new users. BlondeBet.com.au Saturday Referral Code BlondeBet.com.au readers can use our exclusive BlondeBet.com.au Saturday Code: GETON More horse racing promotions View the full article

Cascadian (left) claiming Pride Of Jenni to win the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m). Photo: Racing Photos The Australian Cup Day at Flemington is set for Saturday, March 29, and shapes as a key highlight of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival. Headlined by the prestigious Group 1 Australian Cup over 2000m, the meeting features a quality card of black-type racing and strong betting opportunities across the board. While Australia Cup promotions may not reach the hype of Melbourne Cup Day, many of the top Australian bookmakers are still rolling out enhanced odds, cashback specials, and unique betting tools to give punters added value on this iconic race day. Australian Cup Day Bookmaker Promotions & Betting Offers The top Australia Cup Day promotions for 2025 include: Flemington Races 1-4 Bonus Back for 2nd or 3rd | Up To $50 Bonus Cash Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip on Races 1-4 at Flemington this Saturday and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up $10 back as Bonus Cash. Bet Back Tool is only available to use on the day of race, on Fixed Win bets, and on races with 5 or more runners. Neds T&C’s Apply Login to Neds to Claim Promo Flemington Races 7-10 | Run 2nd & 3rd Bonus Cash Back Place a fixed odds win bet on Races 7 to 10 at Flemington today and if your horse runs 2nd or 3rd, get Bonus Cash back. BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Morphettville – Jason Holder & Taylor Johnstone To Combine For 3+ Winners – $2.50 Odds Get $2.50 for Jason Holder & Taylor Johnstone to combine for 3+ winners at Flemington on Saturday. Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo Saturday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at 3 Metro Meetings Flemington, Rosehill & Ascot. Available from 12:00AM AEDT Saturday. Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Promotion limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility. Unibet T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Australian Cup (Flemington Race 8) – Pride Of Jenni $5.00 Odds Get $5 odds on Pride Of Jenni to win the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington on Saturday. Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Flemington R1-5 | $25 Bonus Back if your runner finishes 2nd or 3rd If your runner finishes 2nd or 3rd in R1-5 at Flemington on Saturday, get $25 bonus back. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo 25% Winnings Boost! – Flemington & Rosehill Get 25% BOOSTED WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bet only. Max bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Hotbet Australian Cup – Either Pride Of Jenni, Zardozi Or Middle Earth To Win At $2 Get $2 odds for either Pride Of Jenni, Zardozi or Middle Earth to win the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Flemington – Craig Williams & Jamie Melham to combine for 3+ Winners – $1.90 Odds Get $1.90 for Craig Williams & Jamie Melham to combine for 3+ winners at Flemington on Saturday. Eligible customers. T&C’s apply. Login to Bet365 to Claim Promo COPYCASH. GET COPIED. GET PAID – Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets Earn $0.10 per unique Copy Bet. Max $1000 per week. Copy Cash is real money into your account. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Boost ‘Til You Boom Place a boosted racing single bet and get your racing boost back each time your boosted bet doesn’t win Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo $8.00 – Alabama Lass (#6) & Pride Of Jenni (#6) both to win Flemington R7 & R8 Saturday Price Push Double. Price subject to change. Limits apply. Check your Vault for eligibility. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo How does HorseBetting.com.au source its Australian Cup Day betting offers? HorseBetting.com.au carefully reviews Australia’s top online bookmakers to uncover the best betting promotions and bonuses for Australian Cup Day on March 29, 2025. These betting specials reflect the competition between bookmakers trying to stand out on a major Saturday of racing. From bonus-back offers to boosted odds and exotic bet enhancements, there’s plenty to take advantage of on Cup Day. HorseBetting.com.au is your trusted source for the best racing offers, daily tips, and up-to-date betting advice. For the latest bookmaker promos and expert picks, check out our free Australian Cup Day racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

Doomben’s Cup meeting has been postponed due to wet weather. Saturday’s race meeting at Doomben (March 29) has been abandoned after heavy and consistent rainfall rendered the track unsuitable for racing. Following an early-morning inspection by QRIC Stewards, the Brisbane Racing Club confirmed that the decision was made in the interest of safety. Despite the on-track cancellation, the race day will continue in a reduced capacity as a phantom meeting, with bars and facilities remaining open for racegoers. Patrons at the track can still enjoy a top-tier day of thoroughbred racing, with Group 1 contests to be broadcasted live for Australian Cup Day at Flemington. Unfortunately, Rosehill has been called off due to heavy rain in Sydney as well, so the sole focus will be on Flemington. Flemington hosts the Group 1 Australian Cup, with Pride Of Jenni aiming to continue her remarkable comeback story. The Brisbane Racing Club is encouraging racegoers to come along and enjoy the day in comfort, with Champions and Bookies Bars open for both members and the general public. Horse racing news View the full article

Williamsburg winning on Tancred Stakes Day 2022 before the meeting was postponed. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au The Rosehill races scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, have been postponed due to the track not being suitable for racing. Racing NSW Stewards made the announcement via social media platform X on Saturday morning just before 8:30am. “Following 17mm of rain up to 8am and with up to 50mm forecast for the remainder of the day, the meeting has been postponed due to the track not being suitable,” the post stated. The Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) and Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) were scheduled to be run on the 10-race program. It is the second time since 2022 that this meeting has been affected by rain, with the 2022 meeting postponed after three races had been run, with the remainder of the meeting being held at Newcastle on the Monday. A decision around the meeting is expected to be made at some point on Saturday, with a meeting likely to be added to the racing calendar to facilitate the two Group 1 races and the six other stakes races that were scheduled. Tancred Stakes Day Update Racing NSW has made the decision to reschedule the meeting for Tuesday, April 1 at Rosehill. All scratchings will be reinstated, with the races time to remain the same. Horse racing news View the full article

Though high on his Arkansas Derby (G1) entrant, debut winner Cornucopian and the Arkansas Derby's 7-5 morning-line favorite, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert says Coal Battle is the deserving public choice.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. Saturday's Observations features the return of a Group 1 runner-up. 3.15 Kempton, Listed, £55,000, 4yo/up, f/m, 8f (AWT) SHUWARI (IRE) (New Bay {GB}) makes her belated comeback in this Listed Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes, having missed the whole of last season. One of 2023's better juvenile fillies, the Ollie Sangster-trained Listed Star Stakes winner and G1 Fillies' Mile runner-up is met by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing's G3 Prix de Lieurey winner and GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup runner-up Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). 4.25, Saint-Cloud, Debutantes, €27,000, 3yo, f, 8fT ALAVESA (IRE) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) starts out for Ballylinch Stud and Andre Fabre in this intriguing affair and warrants close attention as a half-sister to the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes hero Bayside Boy (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) and the multiple group winner Forest Ranger (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}). Also in attendance is SARL Darpat France's homebred Villalba (Fr) (Recoletos {Fr}), a Victoria Head-trained half to the dual G1 Doomben Cup hero Huetor (Fr) (Archipenko). The post Shuwari Returns In The Snowdrop appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association of Ontario president Sue Leslie said unity is the best way the Ontario Thoroughbred racing industry can address the significant challenges the sport faces. View the full article

Explore a multitude of captivating racing promotions offered by horse racing bookmakers on Saturday, March 29. Immerse yourself in the thrill with generous bonus back offers, elevating your betting experience. Delve into these promotions from top-tier online bookmakers to maximise your betting opportunities. The top Australian racing promotions for March 29, 2025, include: Today’s best horse racing promotions Flemington Races 1-4 Bonus Back for 2nd or 3rd | Up To $50 Bonus Cash Activate your Bet Back Tool in your Betslip on Races 1-4 at Flemington this Saturday and if your runner comes 2nd or 3rd, get up $10 back as Bonus Cash. Bet Back Tool is only available to use on the day of race, on Fixed Win bets, and on races with 5 or more runners. Neds T&C’s Apply Login to Neds to Claim Promo Flemington & Rosehill R1-5 | $25 Bonus Back if your runner finishes 2nd or 3rd If your runner finishes 2nd or 3rd in R1-5 at Flemington & Rosehill on Saturday, get $25 bonus back. PlayUp T&Cs apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo 25% Winnings Boost! – Flemington & Rosehill Get 25% BOOSTED WINNINGS paid in BONUS CASH. Fixed win only. First eligible bet per race. Must apply Promotion in betslip. Cash bet only. Max bonus $250. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo Flemington, Rosehill & Doomben R7-10 | Run 2nd & 3rd Bonus Cash Back Place a fixed odds win bet on Races 7 to 10 at Flemington, Rosehill & Doomben today and if your horse runs 2nd or 3rd, get Bonus Cash back. BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo Rosehill Races 1 & 2 – Copy any Bet And If Your Horse Runs 2nd Or 3rd Cash Back Up To $25 Copy a bet on race 1 & 2 at Rosehill and if it runs second or third get real cash back up $25. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Saturday Bonus Back 2nd or 3rd in R1-3 at 3 Metro Meetings Flemington, Rosehill & Ascot. Available from 12:00AM AEDT Saturday. Auto-applied in Bet Slip. Promotion limits apply. Min 6 runners. Fixed odds only. Check your Vault for eligibility. Unibet T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Australian Cup (Flemington Race 8) – Pride Of Jenni $5.00 Odds Get $5 odds on Pride Of Jenni to win the Group 1 Australian Cup at Flemington on Saturday. Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo Punters Toolbox! Supersized Saturday helps you Bet it Out with neds! Get MORE Price Boosts, MORE Bet Backs, MORE Fluc Ups, MORE Back Ups & MORE Extra Nudge tools! Available to use on ANY races of your choice. Neds T&C’s Apply. Login to Neds to Claim Promo Blonde Boosts! Elevate your prices! BlondeBet T&C’s Apply. Eligible Customers Only. Login to BlondeBet to Claim Promo $3.00 – Ceowulf (#1) & Treasurethe Moment (#1) both to win Rosehill R4 & R6 Saturday Price Push Double. Price subject to change. Limits apply. Check your Vault for eligibility. T&C’s apply. Login to UniBet to Claim Promo Owners Bonus – Win a bet on your horse & receive an extra 15% of winnings in cash Account holder must be registered as an official owner of the nominated horse. Fixed odds only. PlayUp T&Cs Apply. Login to PlayUp to Claim Promo Top 4 Betting! Bet and win up to 4th place. Picklebet T&Cs apply. Login to Picklebet to Claim Promo COPYCASH. GET COPIED. GET PAID – Get paid $0.10 every time someone uses Copy Bet to copy your bets Earn $0.10 per unique Copy Bet. Max $1000 per week. Copy Cash is real money into your account. Dabble T&Cs apply. Login to Dabble to Claim Promo Boost ‘Til You Boom Place a boosted racing single bet and get your racing boost back each time your boosted bet doesn’t win Eligible Customers Only. BoomBet T&C’s Apply. 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Login to BoomBet to Claim Promo How does horsebetting.com.au source its racing bonus offers? HorseBetting.com.au meticulously assesses leading Australian horse racing bookmakers, revealing thoroughbred bonus promotions for March 29, 2025. These ongoing offers underscore the dedication of top horse racing bookmakers. In the realm of horse racing betting, when one bookmaker isn’t featuring a promotion, another is stepping up. Count on HorseBetting.com.au as your go-to source for daily rewarding horse racing bookmaker bonuses. Enhance your value with competitive odds and promotions tailored for existing customers. Easily access these offers by logging in to each online bookmaker’s platform. For valuable insights into races and horses to optimise your bonus bets, trust HorseBetting’s daily free racing tips. More horse racing promotions View the full article

American Promise may have secured a Kentucky Derby (G1) spot in winning the $500,000 Virginia Derby March 15 at Colonial Downs, but his Derby preparations are not over.View the full article

Dundalk's gossip was red-hot about the debutante Lady Iman (Ire) on Friday and the 4-6 favourite did not disappoint to get her Tally-Ho Stud-based first-season sire Starman (GB) off to a flyer. Happy to stalk early, the Ger Lyons-trained half-sister to the G2 Blue Point Sprint and G3 Nad Al Sheba Turf Sprint winner West Acre (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) took control two out and despite running green was the authoritative 3 1/2-length winner from Stop The Nation (Ire) (Sioux Nation). “We thought she was a nice filly and she is,” jockey Colin Keane said. “You'd imagine she'd be better going another furlong and she's a typical Tally-Ho, very professional and she ticks a lot of boxes.” Off to a flyer Lady Iman gets off the mark in dominant fashion on debut, providing first-season sire Starman with his first winner.@ctkjockey | @DundalkStadium pic.twitter.com/IsAcksPuLU — Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 28, 2025 The post First Runner, First Winner For Starman appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.–When 'TDN Rising Star' and GI Kentucky Oaks hopeful Quietside (Malibu Moon) jettisons like an escape pod from the Oaklawn Park gate in the GIII Fantasy Stakes on Saturday, the conflict between the light and the dark inside of John A. Ortiz will be at peace. It's the way of the trainer. In the sport of Thoroughbred racing, all conditioners develop coping mechanisms when it comes to managing raw emotion before the bell sounds, but Ortiz and his stable chooses to draw insight from 'A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away …' He Says 'Patience' “I'm a big believer that all of us have to seek and find a balance in our lives,” said Ortiz, outside the Davona Dale barn at Oaklawn. “For me the Star Wars Universe is an escape and there are lessons there that I can always identify with no matter what's going on. I am willing to admit that I feel the Force.” Pod Racing: Quietside works with Ramon Vasquez at Oaklawn on Sunday | Coady Media Most would agree that developing a young horse to race takes patience, and requires a mental discipline that is first and foremost rooted in belief. Being a self-described student of the story created by George Lucas has made Ortiz more introspective. In ways that cannot always be explained–like an energy field created by all living things–Star Wars has penetrated his existence. He says that when it comes to relationships in his own family and with the horses, he has uncovered something truly special, a life of significance. “There's no question in my mind that I identify with [George] Lucas's Skywalker story,” said Ortiz. “I especially understand how Anakin Skywalker becomes [Darth] Vader. This is a good dude with strong skills as a general during the Clone Wars and he's the guy who burns down the entire Jedi Order. That's a clear warning to me about how patience can fail you when you let power and desire get the best of you. These are universal truths.” For Over a Thousand Generations … As a kid growing up around the racetrack in New York, Ortiz loved the original trilogy, the Episode 1-3 prequels that began in the late 90s and he has always had a special affinity for Wookies and unsung droids. His own kids are now taking their turn at lore learning on Disney Plus. However, it wasn't always like that for the trainer. It was his brother Daniel Ortiz and his love of the television series “The Clone Wars” on the Cartoon Network that sparked John's renewal as a devotee–no Jedi mind tricks here. CT2599: Daniel Ortiz with his 'Captain Rex' tattoo | JN Campbell “Daniel was like eight and I thought at first that it was kind of silly kid stuff,” Ortiz said. “But then I started watching reruns with him as he got older and we really bonded over the themes. There were serious storylines about leadership and morality, plus who doesn't want to watch a lightsaber duel?” Around the Ortiz barn at Oaklawn, John's kid brother is now all grown and is an active member of his older sibling's staff. A budding horseman, Daniel has come to handle more of the workload and is an integral member of the team. His nickname is 'Captain Rex' because in the television series the character is a clone who embodies the soul of dependability. “My brother has sent me everywhere from Saratoga to California,” said Daniel. “It's really gratifying to see this stable grow and with Quietside's development these past six months we have enjoyed how the hard work has paid off. We are a young bunch and we rely on one other, just like the clones always did to fight the good fight. Every time we send a horse up to the track, we do the same.” Daniel's affinity for the clone-style of brotherhood can be seen on his left arm, which has a giant image of Captain Rex tattooed on it. As a nod to his birthday, he's CT-2599 and probably would have been a strong candidate for the 501st Legion. “As you can tell, Rex is my guy,” said Daniel. “It just goes to prove that things from your childhood can serve a greater purpose and can influence your life for the good. It's a reminder like my brother says that this isn't the John Ortiz Racing Stable–it's Ortiz Racing Stables.” Mind you, when either Ortiz is talking about Star Wars, it's not as a replacement for religion. You can find John after he saddles one of his runners in the paddock regularly making the Sign of the Cross and saying a prayer for a safe trip. The world of lightsabers and lightspeed tracking is more about identity and camaraderie than faith. Padawan Found Speaking of the racing team's persona, an important cog in their training circle is Sandra Washington. As an assistant to the trainer, she is the youthful Padawan (a younger Jedi in-training) and is known as 'Snips,' which is a reference to Anakin's protege Ahsoka Tano. “She's ready for the trials that will be coming soon,” said John Ortiz. Kessel Run: Quietside gallops with Daniel Ortiz up | Coady Media As a learner, Washington has soaked up information with the intent of becoming a master someday. “This is a big family and we support each other no matter what,” Washington said. “I have always wanted to be a part of something where anyone is willing to do whatever it takes for the horses. That's what we all love doing.” Imparting knowledge to the next generation means everything to John Ortiz, who says that is a major part of his program. “In training, when you take your time, whether it's with people or horses, you will find things to be way more gratifying at the end of the day,” said Ortiz. “I always say, we are never just trying to make a race. What we are about is trying to make a racehorse. People are no different.” 'Do or Do Not, There Is No Try' A major theme in “Star Wars” has always been generational development and so is learning to face your fears. Anakin, Ahsoka, Kanan, Luke, Ezra and Rey were all asked to 'do or do not' when it came to trying something new. For Ortiz, he says the same Yoda-like teachings are ever-present around his shedrow and that is why the saga is useful when it comes to finding the right fit for each person and each horse. 'We Meet Again At Last'–Karla Ortiz and her Vader tattoo, with actor Hayden Christensen | courtesy of Karla Ortiz “I want to bring out the best in everyone here,” Ortiz said. “My sister Karla [Ortiz] handles all of our social media and production when it comes to videos, which is brilliant stuff. She's an even bigger Star Wars fan than any of us. She met Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen last year. Karla keeps us informed about the latest news in both universes. We found the perfect fit for her.” Jedi That Was, Jedi To Be As far as equine athletes go, there are numerous examples of how something works and doesn't in certain situations. The development of two Thoroughbreds around Ortiz's barn is instructive. 'Rising Star' Quietside, who finally cracked the graded stakes ranks when she scored in the GIII Honeybee Stakes in Hot Springs last month, currently sits near the top of the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard. After her final drill last Sunday, the Shortleaf homebred is ready to contest the Fantasy, but her targeting computer is honed in on the Oaks. John Ortiz has said even before the filly broke her maiden on debut at Saratoga that she was a major talent. “She just needed time and the opportunity to grow,” he said. “She's developed muscle and we knew she was headed in the right direction coming into the Honeybee. She's like a Padawan who learns what she needs to do. We were patient with her and she is showing us that the sky's the limit.” According to the trainer, when a Thoroughbred's racing career comes to an end it is always time to game plan for the next phase and as he jokes, “May the Horse be with you.” Landspeeder: Former Ortiz racehorse Barber Road (right), now John's stable pony | JN Campbell One of the stable's most accomplished runners to-date is GISP Barber Road (Race Day), who John Ortiz can be found riding when his string hits the course for workouts. Like a hovering landspeeder awaiting a pilot, the 6-year-old is always ready for a trip. “Barber Road has made the transition from being a racehorse into ponying, but you can tell when he's approaching the track that he still thinks of himself as a racehorse,” he said. “There's a lesson in that for all of us about transitions and accepting new roles as we move through life.” Seeking solace and insight in the “Star Wars” Universe continues to be a youthful gift worth unwrapping for Ortiz and company. It's kept them grounded. The light shines at times and the dark creeps in, but it's the strong foundational relationships around family and the horse which remain constant. In true “Star Wars” fashion, from a certain point of view Quietside's Oaks trials will come to an end in the Fantasy on Saturday. However, with John Williams's “Imperial March” playing in the background for Ortiz Racing, the way of the trainer is a saga that continues. The post Way Of The Trainer: The Ortiz Saga Feels The Force appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-GP, $94k, Msw, 3yo, 7f, 1:26p.m. ET Though not the most expensive in the field, TOTAL SENSATION (Speightstown) comes into this race with perhaps the best-known family as the son of Eblouissante (Bernardini), the half-sister to Hall of Famer Zenyatta (Street Cry {Ire}). A $300,000 yearling from KEESEP in 2023, and racing for the partnership of Qatar Racing, CHC, Inc., and Trilogy USA, the colt is a half-brother to GSW Confidence Game (Candy Ride {Arg}) and GSP The Process (More Than Ready) from the family of the aforementioned Horse of the Year and three-time champion older mare. He heads to post from the barn of Todd Pletcher. Also in this maiden field packed with pedigree-heavy debuters is Mainstream (Speightstown) from the family of Canadian Horse of the Year Uncaptured (Lion Heart). Out of a twice winning half-sister to that champion, his dam's siblings also include MSW Dancing Raven (Tomahawk). That half-sister produced MSW Breeze Rider (Paynter) and SP Ravella (Liam's Map). This is the extended female family of MGISW Curalina (Curlin). Mainstream is a $485,000 FTSAUG purchase and heads out for trainer Brad Cox. On the rail and debuting for co-owner and breeder St Elias Stable is Completeeffort (Ire) (Curlin) from the barn of Anthony Margotta Jr. The Irish-bred chestnut is out of a half-sister to the late great European Horse of the Year Giant's Causeway (Storm Cat) and his full-sister multiple Group winner You'resothrilling. That latter sibling would go on to attain blue hen status through her eight (yes, really) Group/Grade I runners; all full-siblings with the most notable of that bunch being multiple Group 1 winners Gleneagles (Ire) and Happily (Ire), and G1 Prix de Diane Longines victress Joan of Arc (Ire). ARM Racing owns this one in partnership with St Elias. Debuting for Pin Oak Stud is Speedstorm (Volatile), a $400,000 KEESEP buy now in the care of Bill Mott. The grey hails from the extended female family of champion juvenile filly MGISW My Miss Aurelia (Smart Strike). To the outside of the fleet is Makes Sense (Street Sense), a Centennial Farms-owned $375,000 FTSAUG purchase hailing from the female line of Broodmare of the Year Oatsee. TJCIS PPs The Queens M G winning the Davona Dale | Lauren King 2nd-OP, $110k, Msw, 3yo, 6f, 12:50p.m. ET Vital Mind (Into Mischief) debuts here for CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm from the barn of Steve Asmussen. A $600,000 KEESEP buy, the colt is the first offspring to the races for MGISW She's a Julie (Elusive Quality). From the female family of GISW Bodemeister (Empire Maker) and MGSW Under the Stars (Pioneerof the Nile), Vital Mind also claims MGSW The Queens M G (Thousand Words), a top contender for the GI Kentucky Oaks who is set for a start Saturday in the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks, as extended family. TJCIS PPs 10th-SA, $65k, Msw, 3-5yo, f, 6 1/2fT, 8:41p.m. ET On a wickedly busy racing day across the country, Into the Hall (Into Mischief) will round out the action in the Santa Anita nightcap for C R K Stable and trainer John Shirreffs. A half-sister to MGSW Share the Ride (Candy Ride {Arg}) and out of GI Test Stakes-placed Belle of the Hall (Graeme Hall), Into the Hall hails from the immediate female family of Hong Kong Horse of the Year Electronic Unicorn (Housebuster), Canadian champion grass mare GSW & GISP Ambitious Cat (Storm Cat), and GI Kentucky Oaks victress Blushing K. D. (Blushing John). She was an $875,000 KEESEP purchase in 2023. TJCIS PPs The post March 29 Insights: Son of Eblouissante Unveiled in Florida, Pricey Auction Buys Abound appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Chris McCarron is one of the most successful and recognizable figures in the sport. He appears this week as the guest on Ferrin Peterson's Boundless podcast. McCarron tells Peterson of how he got off to a fast start in Maryland. In 1974, his first year of riding, McCarron set a record of 546 races, earning the Eclipse Award as the top apprentice jockey in the country. “I was young and dumb and all I was doing was having fun,” he said. “I really didn't know a great deal about what I was doing out there, but because I was riding so often, I was able to learn quite quickly.” McCarron tells Peterson about the additional things he learned along the way, like establishing trust with his horses, how to talk to trainers and having respect for his horses. He tells the story of one particularly difficult morning on Tiznow. “He was tricky to ride only in the mornings. Very straightforward in the afternoons. He could run all day. Fast. But in the mornings, he could be a little obstreperous.” On a morning before the 2001 Breeders' Cup, it took him 40 minutes to get Tiznow to go to the gate for a work. McCarron recalls the event in detail to Peterson. He moved to California in 1974, where he would ride until he retired in 2011, with 7,141 wins and over $260 million in earnings. He won each Triple Crown race twice, and won nine Breeders' Cup races, including five Classics. It is available on Apple podcasts, here, or on Spotify, here or on YouTube, below. The post Chris McCarron on Boundless Podcast appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Keeneland opens its spring meet on Friday, April 4, to launch 15 days of exceptional Thoroughbred racing, featuring 19 stakes worth a spring meet record $9.4 million. View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has called upon Mike Smith to fill in for Tyler Gaffalione, who sustained a broken ankle in a starting gate mishap, to ride Madaket Road in Saturday’s $1 million Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park. View the full article

Japan's top sprinters mix it up in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1) March 30 at Chukyo Racecourse, a race marked in recent years by big upsets.View the full article

Eclipse Award-winning sprinter Straight No Chaser (Speightster–Margarita Friday, by Johannesburg) will stand at WinStar Farm upon his retirement, the farm announced Friday. After beginning his year with a win in the G2 Riyadh Dirt Sprint in Saudi Arabia in February, the Dan Blacker trainee is entered in next Saturday's G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan on Dubai World Cup Day. “Acquiring the breeding rights to Straight No Chaser ensures that we will retire the fastest horse in the world two years in a row, following Cogburn this season,” said WinStar Farm's president, CEO, and racing manager Elliott Walden. “Straight No Chaser has a profile very similar to his grandsire, Speightstown. He was a Breeders' Cup winner in the sprint division and a champion who retired at age six. Straight No Chaser is an exceptionally good-looking horse, and he has demonstrated incredible speed. We're looking forward to working with Michael Behrens and the entire MyRacehorse team.” All told, Straight No Chaser is a winner in 7-of-11 career starts and he has amassed earnings of $2,616,300. He has recorded four triple-digit Beyer Speed Figures, including a career-best 107 in winning the Maryland Sprint Stakes. His win in the aforementioned Riyadh Dirt Sprint guarantees him a return berth in this year's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. The post Eclipse-Winning Sprinter Straight No Chaser To Stand At WinStar Upon Retirement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gulfstream Park's GI Curlin Florida Derby tips off one hour ahead of Oaklawn's GI Arkansas Derby on Saturday and, with 100 points on the 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' on offer in each spot, both races offer what amounts to a 'win and you're in' spot in the gate on the first Saturday in May. Between them, the two tracks host eight of the day's 10 graded stakes. Godolphin homebred Sovereignty (Into Mischief), one of two runners in the Florida Derby along with Madaket Road (Quality Road) facing a jockey change this week after the untimely and unfortunate injuries to both Junior Alvarado and Tyler Gaffalione, had just enough to deny 'TDN Rising Star' River Thames (Maclean's Music) by a head in the GII Coolmore Fountain of Youth Stakes March 1 to take his second straight graded stakes. “I think plans changed when he won the Fountain of Youth,” said Sovereignty's regular rider Alvarado. “Ideally if he would have finished second or third, he probably would have gotten the extra week and shoot for the Wood Memorial or the Blue Grass to make sure he was good going into those races to pick up the points. But now that we picked up the points, I think running here makes more sense because then you have one extra week going into the Derby. Mr. Mott is in the Hall of Fame for a reason.” The only 'Rising Star' in Saturday's field, $1.15m KEESEP grad Disruptor (Gun Runner) romped by nearly double digits at second asking on the Fountain of Youth undercard but now gets a serious talent ask. Brad Cox brings back GIII Holy Bull runner up Tappan Street (Into Mischief), a million-dollar FTSAUG yearling who has been working lights out at Payson Park in the lead up to the Florida Derby. Florida-bred Neoequos (Neolithic), third at long odds to Sovereignty in the Fountain of Youth after setting the pace early, also gets the stretch-out Saturday for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. Jimmy's Dailys (Vekoma), another runner with strong Florida ties as a homebred for Donald Dizney, is one of three runners in the field to have contested the 1 1/8-mile distance, albeit not in stakes company when second last out (just ahead of Indecisiveness {Decisive Moment} and Smoken Boy {Catholic Boy}) at Gulfstream facing optional claimers Feb. 27. “After his first start at Churchill, he had an unusual injury that we had to give him time for,” said trainer Brian Lynch of Jimmy's Dailys. “He's owned by the Dizneys, so we sent him down here to their farm in Florida. He probably wasn't in the form that we'd have liked but we wanted to try to get him on the Derby program. So, he probably wasn't as ready for his first start as he could have been but he's really come on from that. I thought he ran very gritty his first start around two turn. You have to think second time around two turns he's going to get better.” Cornucopian | Coady Media Weather threatens to dampen racegoers in Arkansas Saturday but will do little to limit expectations for impressive first-out winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Cornucopian (Into Mischief) who will stretch out from six furlongs to 1 1/8 miles for Bob Baffert in the Arkansas Derby. He'll face a host of far more experienced rivals including the GII Rebel Stakes winner Coal Battle (Coal Front) who rides a four-race win streak for trainer Lonnie Briley. Rebel third (and beaten favorite) Sandman (Tapit) will be looking to capitalize on early pace to make a late run and is well-versed over the track, having also finished runner up in the GIII Southwest Stakes Jan. 25. “He's feeling good and everything,” Briley said of Coal Battle. “I kind of need a race in him. It would be 10 weeks before the [Kentucky] Derby if I wouldn't have done it. It was either the Arkansas Derby or the Blue Grass. The Blue Grass, to me, would have been a little close. And this one's kind of in the middle.” Of Sandman, trainer Mark Casse said: “He worked good [on March 19]. I guess there was a fairly significant headwind [in the stretch], which makes it a little more difficult for the rider to know exactly how fast they're going. But Cristian [Torres] said he worked well. He said he actually thought he was going faster than what he was, but he finished nice and galloped out strong.” The longshot Southwest winner Speed King (Volatile) will need a rebound effort after coming up empty in the Rebel for Ronald Moquett. Publisher (American Pharoah), fourth in the Rebel after a troubled beginning, is still looking for his first win but finished an encouraging second over the local course at 1 1/16 miles (and on a muddy track to boot) behind Virginia Derby winner American Promise (Justify). He adds blinkers Saturday and retains the services of Flavien Prat for Steve Asmussen. Not to be outdone, the 'Road to the Kentucky Oaks' also offers a pair of 100-point races Saturday. GIII Honeybee Stakes winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Quietside (Malibu Moon) tackles the undefeated Simply Joking (Practical Joke) who last took the listed Silverbulletday Stakes at Fair Grounds Jan. 18. The field of 10 also features Martha Washington Stakes winner Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) who will reset for Ken McPeek after a bad trip in the Honeybee. The Coach brings in maiden winner Princess Aliyah (Into Mischief), a $1.2m KEESEP half-sister to GISW Eskimo Kisses (To Honor and Serve). Florida's GII Gulfstream Park Oaks features GII Davona Dale Stakes winner The Queens M G (Thousand Words), one of three entries for Saffie Joseph, Jr. alongside Virginia Oaks runner up Early On (Union Rags) and rail-drawn Paradise City (McKinzie). Gatsas Stable homebred Five G (Vekoma) took the Cash Run Stakes and was second to Quietside in the aforementioned Honeybee for George Weaver. And maiden winner Cassiar (City of Light) will stretch out past her 6 1/2-furlong debut for Claude McGaughey after winning at Tampa Feb. 8. White Abarrio | Coglianese Gulfstream's Saturday feature for the older horses on the dirt, the GIII Ghostzapper Stakes, sees the return of GI Pegasus World Cup hero White Abarrio (Race Day) who has been two-for-three since returning to the barn of Saffie Joseph, Jr. He'll face Tuscan Sky (Vino Rosso) for Todd Pletcher and a talented filly in Power Squeeze (Union Rags) who, though a winner of the GI Alabama Stakes last year, was never a factor in the Pegasus World Cup. Both 1 1/2-mile events on the turf, the GIII Pan American Stakes and the GIII Orchid Stakes close out the graded action in Florida. Cash Equity (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}) and 'TDN Rising Star' Far Bridge (English Channel) line up opposite another 'Rising Star' in Capture the Flag (Quality Road) in the Pan American while La Mehana (Fr) (Al Wukair {Ire}) draws inside of Queen Regent (GB) (Roaring Lion) and Beach Bomb (Saf) (Lancaster Bomber) in the Orchid. The GIII Oaklawn Mile drew a field of eight including outside-drawn Saudi Crown (Always Dreaming), the stakes return of Just Steel (Justify), The Wine Steward (Vino Rosso) in his second start off the layoff and GIII Razorback Handicap second Banishing (Ghostzapper). Two races for older horses at Santa Anita, the GIII San Carlos on the dirt and the GIII Wilshire on the grass, swing the action out west. Baffert brings two of five entries into the San Carlos with Pilot Commander (Justify) and Fort Bragg (Tapit) drawn side by side with John Sadler's For All Mankind (Into Mischief) outside of that pair. The one-mile Wilshire drew Tirupati (Mitole) on the rail tackled by Don Alberto Stable homebred Alpha Bella (Justify) and Phillip D'Amato's Uncorked (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}). The post Gulfstream And Oaklawn Split The Spotlight On Stakes-Laden Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas told the Oaklawn media team Friday morning that Caldera (Liam's Map) and American Promise (Justify) will make their next starts in Kentucky Derby prep races at Keeneland over the coming weeks. A $500,000 OBS March purchase by MyRacehorse, Caldera earned 10 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby when finishing the narrow runner-up in the Sunland Park Derby Feb. 16, but he effectively lost all chance at the break of the Mar. 22 GII Louisiana Derby, stumbling and checking early before finishing a distant eighth. The gray colt looks likely to wheel back on two weeks' rest in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes on Apr. 5. “That was the whole idea,” Lukas said of the quick backup. “I tell you what, he didn't get a chance to run at all. When they fall like that out of the gate, they don't pick it up. It'd be a miracle for him to win.” American Promise has already earned his spot in the Derby field by virtue of his upset in the $500,000 Virginia Derby on Mar. 15. He will represent the stable in the GIII Stonestreet Lexington Stakes on Apr. 12, a race used as a springboard to Derby success by former Lukas trainee Charismatic (Summer Squall). American Promise breezed five furlongs in Hot Springs Mar. 25, covering the distance in :59.80 (2/5). “I don't want a seven-week break, trying to win the Kentucky Derby,” Lukas said. “The whole idea is trying to win the Derby and I think in order to win the Derby, I would feel better if I had another out in him.” The post Lukas Sophs Pointing For April Derby Preps appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gone is the mud, the horses' coats are on the turn, and the blossom is abundant. What's more, there's good racing on the telly – and lots of it. If you're reading this in a European time zone, here's hoping that your Saturday morning begins good and early in order to be conscious, if not out of bed, in time for Australia's G1 Tancred Stakes at 5.35 (or a more leisurely 6.35 for those on the continent). You'll find lots of familiar names among the 14 runners, not least Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai {Aus}), winner of two Group 1s in Australia this time two years ago, who has subsequently proved that the 1m4f of the Tancred is within his scope by winning last year's G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. The old boy is seven now but William Haggas and his travelling team headed by Issy Paul have long proved that they are capable of keeping these older horses sweet while clocking up the airmiles and plundering big pots. Dubai Honour faces fellow seven-year-old Vauban (Fr) (Galiway {Fr}), fresh from his last-time-out win in the G3 Sky High Stakes and looking to add a Flat G1 to his three over hurdles. In that latest win at Rosehill a fortnight ago, he had behind him Arapaho (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Circle Of Fire (GB) (Almanzor {Fr}), Kinesiology (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}) and Land Legend (Fr) (Galileo {Ire}), all of whom are declared to do battle once more on Saturday. In a not entirely new theme, you'll have noticed that all of these horses were bred and started their careers in Europe. In fact, of the 14 runners in the A$1.5m (€876,000) contest, not one was bred in Australia. Three hail from New Zealand, five from Ireland, three from France and three from Britain. This should be as worrying for the Australian industry as it is for those trying to stem the flow of decent middle-distance horses from this part of the world. Over at Flemington, in the G1 Australian Cup, which is set to go off 20 minutes before the Tancred, the story is a little cheerier for the locals. But the 1m2f test is not without its European starters, with four of the ten being either British- or Irish-bred. These include Middle Earth (GB), which means that the late Roaring Lion is represented by a Group 1 runner in both this and the Tancred, in which the former Ger Lyons-trained and Juddmonte-bred Waltham (GB) appears. It's an important weekend for Pride Of Dubai, who may have drifted from memories over here but is flying high in the general sires' table in Australia, just behind Zoustar (Aus). Not only does Dubai Honour represent a major chance for him to boost his progeny earnings further, but the stallion also has the mighty treble Group 1 winner Pride Of Jenni (Aus) running for him in the Australian Cup along with Deny Knowledge (Ire), who landed the G1 Might And Power Stakes back in October for Yulong. Hello Donny! All this Antipodean action is merely an hors d'oeuvre for Saturday's main excitement, which is of course the return of turf racing in Britain. Adam Houghton has provided an accompanying horse-by-horse guide to the Brocklesby, and good luck with finding the winner of the fiendishly difficult Lincoln. Thunder Run (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) heads the market and he, like his Karl Burke stable-mate and fellow challenger Native Warrior (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), is another to have been sold by Clipper Logistics in the last year. The favourite makes his first start in the colours of The JC Organization. This correspondent rather likes the look of the Gosdens' Orne (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) at double-figure odds under the useful 5lb claimer Luke Catton, but let's not give up the day job to start a tipping line. A Group Double for Bateel? France is well ahead of the rest of us with its group races this season and Saint-Cloud opens its doors once more on Saturday. It will be interesting to see how Tajlina (GB) (Kingman {GB}) fares in the G3 Prix Penelope as her year-older half-brother Map Of Stars (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) has already got the turf season off to a great start for trainer Francis Graffard by winning the G3 Prix Exbury on his seasonal debut for Wathnan Racing. Their dam Bateel (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) was a star performer for breeder Al Asayl, with her eight wins including the G1 Prix Vermeille. Also of interest in the Penelope is Cortella (Fr), one of only two winners from a handful of runners to date for second-season sire Telecaster (GB). Remember him? The thrilling winner of the G2 Dante Stakes six years ago, beating Too Darn Hot (GB), went on to win two further group races in France and earned himself a spot at the Devins' Haras du Mesnil. Typically, the Devin family support their home stallions with gusto and, just as they have made such a success of the career of Doctor Dino (Fr) in recent years, it would be no surprise to see Telecaster supply some decent dual-purpose horses in the years to come. The grey Cortella, bred and part-owned by Antonia Devin and trained by her son Henri-Francois, is out of a mare by another notable former Mesnil resident, Kaldounevees (Fr), and has won two of her three starts in the provinces to date. Sofa Surfing You might need an extra strong cuppa, or perhaps even an early G&T, by the time the runners go to post for the Lester Piggott Gladness Stakes at the Curragh at 4pm. Aidan O'Brien pitches in two smartly-bred three-year-olds (does he have any other type of three-year-olds?) against their elders with the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Camille Pissarro (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) making an unorthodox seasonal debut. If you've been up in time for the Australian Cup you'll need a few tactical naps on the sofa through the day in order still to be awake until just before midnight for the Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby, both regularly informative lead-ins to the Kentucky Derby. We won't even try to extend our unofficial tipping line to predict the outcome of American races except to say that, in the current political climate, Disruptor (Gun Runner) may be the omen bet in the big one at Gulfstream Park. The post Weekend Watch: What Not To Miss This Saturday appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The British Flat season will officially get underway on Saturday with the sight of 17 unraced juveniles barrelling down the Doncaster straight for the traditional curtain-raiser that is the Brocklesby–the starting point for subsequent Group winners such as Hearts Of Fire (GB), The Last Lion (Ire) and Persian Force (Ire) since the turn of the century. Here, we've provided everything you need to know about this year's contenders, from trainer quotes to a pedigree nugget or two. AHEAD OF FASHION (GB) Dream Ahead–Fashion (GB), by Lope De Vega (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This gelding was a 1,500gns purchase at Book 4 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Bred by Denford Stud, he is the second foal out of the four-race maiden Fashion who, in turn, is out of a winning half-sister to Michelangelo (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) and Private Secretary (GB) (Kingman {GB}), both winners of the Listed Cocked Hat Stakes. This is also the family of the Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero and sire Aussie Rules and the dual Group 1 winner Coronet (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}). Dominic Ffrench Davis: “He goes nicely and we've liked him from the word go. We gelded him quite soon after we got him because he was a little bit above himself and I thought he was a bit heavy. He's a good model of a horse now and his work has been good. If he breaks on terms, I think he'll run a big race. Judging by the pedigree, the softer the ground the better.” ALKUWARRIOR (IRE) Alkumait (GB)–Elegant Peace (Ire), by Intense Focus Sales/pedigree info: Bought for €11,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale, this colt then failed to find a buyer at 1,000gns when offered at Book 4 of the October Yearling Sale. He was bred by John Malone out of the two-time winner Elegant Peace, a half-sister to the G3 Sprint Stakes scorer Hoh Mike (Ire) (Intikhab). Elegant Peace is the dam of three winners from six runners thus far, while Alkuwarrior will be the first runner for Capital Stud's freshman sire Alkumait. Des Donovan: “He goes nicely at home, but the ground is going to be the problem there, I'd say. You'd like it to be good ground for two-year-olds having their first run. There's 17 runners and it's going to be tough–we'll need a lot of luck. He's the sire's first runner and I have a few foals by him. He seems to throw nice ones and I just hope they can run now.” ARCHIBALD IVES (IRE) Arizona (Ire)–Divine Truth (Ire), by Mastercraftsman (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This gelding fetched 13,000gns at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale, before being bought back for 3,000gns when returning to Park Paddocks for the Somerville Yearling Sale. He was bred by Athnid Stud out of an unraced half-sister to the Listed Stanerra Stakes winner Arya Tara (Ire) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}), who is also the dam of the G2 Debutante Stakes heroine Agartha (Ire) (Caravaggio). His second dam is a half-sister to the G1 Prix Ganay winner and sire Astarabad, as well as the Listed Trigo Stakes scorer Asmara (Lear Fan), the dam of the multiple Group 1-winning sire Azamour (Ire). Darryll Holland: “He's well forward–as forward as our previous runners in there. Primrose Ridge was second [in 2022] and Paddy's Courage was three lengths clear with half a furlong to run last year when she capitulated because of the heavy ground. Otherwise, she probably would have won. He's a rocket out of the gates and he knows his job, that's for sure. He's bulletproof.” EXCLAMATION (IRE) Acclamation (GB)–Amanda (Fr), by Kendargent (Fr) Sales/pedigree info: This colt was picked up for 27,000gns at the Tattersalls Somerville Yearling Sale. Bred by A V Bloodstock, he is out of a winning half-sister to the GIII Hendrie Stakes runner-up Clitheroe, while the winning second dam is a half-sister to the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner Muarrab (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), as well as the prolific sire Bungle Inthejungle (GB), who was successful in the G3 Molecomb Stakes and G3 Cornwallis Stakes at two. Grace Harris: “We'd have hardly any two-year-olds in, but we think he's a nice horse. He's done everything right and he's been a very quick learner. Hopefully, he can run a nice race and we can go forward with him.” HAROME STAR (IRE) River Boyne (Ire)–Maramba, by Hussonet Pedigree info: Bred by Derek Iceton, this gelding is out of the Listed Radley Stakes third Maramba, a half-sister to the Listed Prix du Cercle scorer Coco City (Fr) (Elusive City). Maramba is already the dam of five winners from eight winners, including the G3 Premio Chiusura runner-up Dream Mover (Ire) (Dream Ahead). Roger Fell: “He's only a small horse, but he goes well at home. We'll have to see how he goes, but I think he's got a bad draw–you couldn't fancy him from stall 1.” HARSWELL CALLING (IRE) Coulsty (Ire)–Libiamo (Ire), by Alhebayeb Pedigree info: Another bred at Iceton's Tara Stud, this gelding is a half-brother to the stable's dual winner Call Me Harswell (Ire) (Soldier's Call {GB}). Libiamo, who failed to beat a rival in her two starts, is a half-sister to the GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes hero and Tara Stud resident River Boyne (Ire). Roger Fell: “He came to us from Tara Stud and he's bred nicely–his half-sister [Call Me Harswell] won twice for us.” KAMAKAMELEON (GB) Kameko–Moravia (GB), by Siyouni (Fr) Sales/pedigree info: This colt fetched £30,000 at the Goffs UK Premier Yearling Sale. Bred by the Moravia Partnership, he is the second foal out of the G3 Silver Flash Stakes runner-up Moravia, a half-sister to the G3 Prix Miesque heroine Moon Ray (Fr) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) and Swedish Dream (Fr) (Helmet {Aus}). Swedish Dream and this colt's second dam, Demeanour (Giant's Causeway), were both Listed winners in Sweden. Dylan Cunha: “He's very nice–he's as nice as our winner last year [Zminiature], put it that way. I like him a lot. Five furlongs will be his absolute minimum trip, but I expect a massive run. He'll be one of the horses to beat, for sure. I'm just hoping the ground stays nice like it is now because nobody wants a bog.” KANISHKA (IRE) Coulsty (Ire)–Blushing Rose (GB), by Dalakhani (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This colt sold at Book 2 of the Goffs Orby Yearling Sale for €20,000. He was bred by Aguiar Bloodstock and Padraig Williams out of Blushing Rose, a three-time winner for Sir Michael Stoute, whose first foal, Red Rambler (GB) (Iffraaj {GB}), won his sole career start at Doncaster. Blushing Rose herself is out of the G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes runner-up Russelliana (GB) (Medicean {GB}). Brian Ellison: “He's doing everything right at the moment. It's early stages, but he's a nice colt and he's done plenty.” MIGHTY VEGA (IRE) Lucky Vega (Ire)–Own Gift (GB), by Rahy Sales/pedigree info: This colt was a 19,000gns purchase at the Somerville Yearling Sale. Bred by Golden Vale Stud, he is a half-brother to five winners, including the G3 Acomb Stakes third Broxi (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}). His second dam is the G1 Nassau Stakes winner and Oaks third Zahrat Dubai (GB) (Unfuwain), whose other progeny include the Listed Severals Stakes scorer and G2 Prix de Royallieu third Modeyra (GB) (Shamardal). Mighty Vega will be the first runner in Britain for the Irish National Stud's Lucky Vega. Lemos de Souza: “I'm pleased with him. He's very straightforward and works well enough. Whether it's good enough for him to win this race, I don't know, but I wouldn't swap him for anything, anyway. I have two by Lucky Vega, him and another one. I like them both. This one is well put together–a typical early type.” MONTY MAGOO (IRE) Kessaar (Ire)–Charlize Angel (Ire), by Dark Angel (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This gelding was picked up for £4,500 at the Premier Yearling Sale. Bred by Rossenarra Bloodstock, he is out of an unraced full-sister to the G3 Hackwood Stakes winner and sire Heeraat (Ire). Charlize Angel, who is also a half to the multiple Listed scorer Ambiance (Ire) (Camacho {GB}), is herself out of an unraced half-sister to the G1 Golden Jubilee Stakes hero and sire Malhub. Roger Fell: “He's done everything asked of him and he's going well. I don't know [why he's the shortest price of the stable's four runners], to be honest. They're all much of a muchness. It's very hard to say until you get there and it all happens.” NORMAN'S CAY (IRE) Sioux Nation–Dear Miriam (Ire), by Acclamation (GB) Sales/pedigree info: This colt was bought for 60,000gns at the Somerville Yearling Sale. Bred by Louise McLoughlin and Jack Maher, he is the second foal out of Dear Miriam after Bright Smiles (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), a two-year-old winner in Germany last year. Dear Miriam herself is one of six winners out of the unraced Phillippa (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a three-parts sister to the Listed Zetland Stakes runner-up Ayam Zaman (Ire) (Montjeu {Ire}), with the others including the G3 Bahrain Trophy runner-up Naseem Alyasmeen (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}). Richard Hannon: “He's a straightforward horse and he's shown a bit at home. He's quite forward in his coat. It might happen a bit quick for him, but he's mentally ready for a race, so let's have a go. I wouldn't think he's a Persian Force [the stable's 2022 winner], but I'd like to think he'll run well.” SON OF SARABI (GB) Cable Bay (Ire)–Sarabi Mshairi (GB), by Poet's Voice (GB) Sales/pedigree info: This colt was offered at Book 4 of the October Yearling Sale but failed to find a buyer at 5,000gns. He was bred by Charlock Stud and is the second foal out of his unraced dam, after his full-sister Sarafina Mshairi (GB), a recent handicap winner over five furlongs at Wolverhampton. His second dam is the G3 Prix du Calvados runner-up Sara Lucille (GB) (Dansili {GB} who, in turn, is out of the G3 Prix Miesque winner and G1 Prix Morny runner-up Magic America (High Yield). Jonathan Portman: “He's a lovely horse. He came to hand very swiftly and he's never put a foot wrong. It's not a race that I've ever really targeted, but he's just one of those horses who has been so straightforward that I haven't been able to find a reason not to run him. I'm not saying for a minute that he'll win–I just don't think he's a horse who will let me down.” THE BOREHAM BULLET (IRE) Kessaar (Ire)–Ola Bonita (Ire), by Zebedee (GB) Sales/pedigree info: A €3,000 foal purchase at the Tattersalls Ireland Sapphire Sale, this colt then sold at Book 4 of the October Yearling Sale for 1,000gns. Bred by Eileen Flanagan Bourke, he is the first foal out of his winning dam who, in turn, is out of a sibling to multiple black-type performers, including the G3 Stockholm Cup International winner Dorcia (GB) (Henrythenavigator). His third dam is the G2 Cherry Hinton Stakes heroine Spinola (Fr) (Spinning World). JUSTICE TWICE (IRE) Inns Of Court (Ire)–Second Life (Ire), by Dubawi (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: This filly was led out unsold at 16,000gns when offered at the Somerville Yearling Sale. Bred by A Al-Mulla, she is the first foal out of her winning dam, while her third dam is the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes scorer and G1 Prix Saint-Alary runner-up Hi Dubai (GB) (Rahy), a full-sister to the multiple Group 1-winning sire Fantastic Light. Hilal Kobeissi: “She's very nice, very straightforward with a great mind. Mentally, she's very forward going and she's always done everything we've asked of her. I think she's got every right to be there.” LADY OF HONOUR (GB) Bungle Inthejungle (GB)–Society Guest (Ire), by Society Rock (Ire) Sales/pedigree info: After being bought for 1,000gns at the December Foal Sale, this filly then sold for 3,000gns at Book 4 of the October Yearling Sale. She was bred by John Guest Racing and is the third foal out of her winning dam, a half-sister to the Listed-placed Lexington Grace (Ire) (Sir Prancealot {Ire}). Society Guest, in turn, is out of a half-sister to the multiple Group 3 winner and 1,000 Guineas runner-up Arch Swing (Arch). Seb Spencer: “She has a lot of speed but the hardest part is trying to get her to channel her energy in the right way. She can be a bit of a handful at home–she's not completely straightforward. This will be a stepping stone to see where we are and I wouldn't be expecting big things of her.” LOPE HARSWELL (GB) Lope Y Fernandez (Ire)–Livella Fella (Ire), by Strategic Prince (GB) Sales/pedigree info: A 5,750gns purchase at the December Foal Sale, this filly then went unsold at the Goffs Autumn Yearling Sale. Bred by W H R John And Partners, she is out of the three-time winner Livella Fella, a half-sister to a pair of black-type performers. Livella Fella has already produced two winners from three runners thus far, while this filly will be the first runner for the National Stud's freshman sire Lope Y Fernandez. Roger Fell: “She's a nice little horse and she goes well.” SUCKING DIESEL (IRE) Aclaim (Ire)–Sonko (Ire), by Red Clubs (Ire) Pedigree info: This filly was bred by Hyde Park Stud out of the six-time winner Sonko, a half-sister to the Listed Bosra Sham Fillies' Stakes scorer and G3 Sceptre Stakes third Terror (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}). This is also the family of the G2 Mill Reef Stakes hero and sire Indian Rocket (GB). Alice Haynes: “She's a nice, straightforward filly and very precocious. She knows her job very well. I'm not saying she's a world-beater, but she should give a good account of herself. She'd be better than [last year's fourth] Atherstone Warrior, anyway.” The post A Horse-By-Horse Guide to the Brocklesby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fairy Godmother (Ire), who has been off the track since winning the G3 Albany Stakes for Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore partners last June, has been retired from racing following a training setback. The news was first reported by the Irish Field. With entries in the 1,000 Guineas in Britain and Ireland, she had been as short as 6/1 for the Newmarket Classic on May 4. Bred by Paul and Marie McCartan's Ballyphilip Stud, the daughter of Night Of Thunder (Ire) fetched 425,000gns when sold to MV Magnier at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Second on debut in a Naas maiden last April, she went on to win the G3 Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies' Sprint Stakes before her Royal Ascot triumph. A minor injury ruled her out of the remainder of her juvenile season and a recurrence of that issue has now forced her premature retirement. Fairy Godmother, who is out of the winning Siyouni (Fr) mare Scintillating (GB), will now be covered this spring by Wootton Bassett (GB). The post Classic Hope Fairy Godmother Retired; Will Visit Wootton Bassett appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Edited Press Release The Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit (HIWU) announced today the release of its 2024 Annual Report. The full report is available here. The Annual Report details HIWU's organization-wide activities as the independent enforcement agency of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's (HISA) Anti-Doping and Medication Control (ADMC) Program. Among the highlights are statistics on testing, results management, the adjudication of cases, investigations, and educational efforts. The 2024 Annual Report introduces expanded testing statistics by state and racetrack, including the number of samples collected for each test type. Additionally, it reveals shorter turnaround times for results reporting compared to 2023, showcases the impact of HIWU's investigative efforts, and reports a consistently low rate of Adverse Analytical Findings for Controlled Medications, demonstrating that the vast majority of Covered Persons are complying with the ADMC Program Rules. “HIWU's successes in 2024 reflect the dedication of our team and the entire Thoroughbred industry,” said Ben Mosier, executive director for HIWU. “The collaboration between HIWU and industry stakeholders enabled us to build on the ADMC Program's strong foundation that was established in 2023. HISA's reported record-low fatality numbers last year indicate that we are fulfilling our mandates to enhance equine safety and welfare and promote the integrity of racing.” All Annual Reports and Quarterly Statistics are archived in the About Us section of the HIWU website at hiwu.org for viewing anytime. The post HIWU Issues 2024 Annual Report appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sprinting is the order of the day at Chukyo on Sunday, as the 1200-metre G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen drew a full field of 18. The first two home last year, Dark Angel (Ire)'s Mad Cool (Ire) and Namura Clair (Jpn) (Mikki Isle {Jpn}), lock horns again after being separated by just a neck in the 2024 edition. The former was unplaced in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Cup in April and in the G1 Sprinters Stakes behind Lugal (Jpn) (Duramente {Jpn}) in September. He found Namura Clair too good in the G2 Hanshin Cup upped to 1400 metres at Kyoto on Dec. 21 and makes his 6-year-old bow here from the rail with Ryusei Sakai aboard. “He's looking almost too good,” said trainer Manabu Ikezoe of his horse, who will be attempting to be the second horse to win the race in consecutive years after Kinshasa No Kiseki (Aus) in 2010/11. “I think his rotation this year is better than last year's. I'm able to give him one more fast workout and he's working well.” One of his chief rivals, the 6-year-old mare has fared better since running second to the grey last March and is currently favoured in the ante-post markets. Fifth to subsequent G1 Hong Kong Sprint third Satono Reve (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in the G3 Keeneland Cup in August, she was third–with Mama Cocha (Jpn) (Kurofune) fifth–in the aforementioned Sprinters Stakes later that year prior to her Hanshin Cup tally. Sunday is her third attempt at the Takamatsunomiya Kinen, and she leaves from gate 14 under Christophe Lemaire. Trainer Kodai Hasegawa has yet to win at the Group 1 level but delivered a positive bulletin on his charge and said, “I have no worries this time. At six years' old, she seems to have finally come into her own. It's rare to meet a horse like this and I am so very much hoping she can land a big title.” Fellow mare Mama Cocha is looking for her second Group 1 win in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen. A winner of the G1 Sprinters Stakes–beating Mad Cool no less–back in 2023, the 6-year-old has encountered mixed fortunes since. Fourth to Lugal in the 2024 Sprinters Stakes, she dropped a spot in the Hanshin Cup but enters this contest with a stalking half-length win of the G3 Ocean Stakes at Nakayama on Mar. 1. Yuga Kawada is at the controls and the duo will leave from gate 15. The post Cool And Clair Clash Again In Takamatsunomiya Kinen appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

You would want to go easy with that lot in the trailer. “Weekend had the box stall in the back by herself,” Callan Strouss recalls. “She was the queen back there, and the boys were riding on the ground level.” This was back in 1984 and, for Lane's End, a radical departure. Because when its longest-serving employee was first hired by William S. Farish III–longest, at any rate, since his old buddy Mike Cline retired as manager in 2020–there had been no sense that the farm might become what this precious cargo would help to make it. “That first small section he bought, that was as big as it was ever going to be,” Strouss says. “The house was there, and it was beautiful but needed work. But where you come in today, from the guard shack, none of that was Lane's End. We had a yearling barn and two mare barns, and that was going to be it.” Strouss was working with the mares, still his favorite aspect of the job; and they all helped with the yearlings. But now here he was supervising a game-changing transfusion. “So that day I rode back with the first three stallions,” he says. “And Weekend Surprise. We picked her up from Belmont, Del Carroll's barn. Young Del. And we got Fit to Fight and Hero's Honor from Mack Miller. And Dixieland Band at Bayard Sharp's farm. All on the one trailer.” Two of Weekend Surprise's first three foals, Summer Squall and A.P. Indy, would themselves return to Lane's End as stallions. Farish and partner W.S. Kilroy had bred her by sending Gay Missile's daughter Lassie Dear to Secretariat (half-brother to Gay Missile's sire Sir Gaylord). Nowadays, this dynasty comprises some of the modern breed's deepest roots, but back then it remained merely green shoots. No matter how successful a program may become, after all, the uncertainty always abides. “A.P. Indy was a sale-topper, of course,” Strouss says. “He was always special, always looked the part. When he scratched the morning of the Derby, we were all on the floor. But you can look at a yearling and it's the most perfect individual, great walk, great everything. And it does nothing. And then maybe a lesser type, one of those you weren't so sure about, goes on and becomes a great runner. What did they pay for Seattle Slew, $17,500? “It's the same with mares. They can surprise you, whether for good or bad. But that's what keeps it all going, the fact that nobody can ever have it all figured out.” His entry into this unpredictable walk of life had been suitably adventitious. Strouss had no background on the Turf, his father having sold musical instruments and run a center for their instruction, but the family loved riding and polo. And a single summer with a law firm in his hometown of Youngstown, Ohio, had been enough for Strouss. “I just couldn't be inside,” he says wryly. “My mom had wanted me to go to law school, but as soon as I graduated from college, I packed my Volkswagen Rabbit and drove straight down to Kentucky. I had a sister here, who'd gone to UK, and I lived with her right on the Kentucky River, a house that eventually got flooded.” Strouss had no plan other than to drive up Midway Road, calling at farm to farm, asking if they happened to need help. “But no one was hiring,” he recalls. “And by the time I got down to Waterford Farm, it was late afternoon. So again I asked did they need any help, and Dr. West just grabbed my wrist, taking my pulse. It was like, if I was alive, I would be hired. 'When can you start?' And I said, 'Right now.' But it was already after four, so he said, 'Just come in the morning.'” Smiser West and his son Bob proved to be valuable mentors in what was his first real engagement with Thoroughbreds. “I got there as the breeding season was ending; we might have bred a few mares late May,” he remembers. “But for four years after that, prepping yearlings as well, I learned an awful lot from them both.” A.P. Indy at Lane's End | Horsephotos A relentlessly modest man, Strouss is hardly going to acknowledge what everyone in the Bluegrass community could tell you: that he doubtless reciprocated with priceless service of his own. According to marveling peers, his appetite for work has always been (and remains) prodigious. Nor did the Wests stand in his way when Strouss befriended Cline, who was helping Farish establish his farm, and was urged to come aboard. Strouss talked it over with Dr. West and they agreed that he should undertake the next chapter of his equine education at Lane's End. That next chapter, however, has also proved to be his last. Forty-four years later, he's still there. At first the farm remained so embryonic that Strouss was living at Lane's End but working with mares still at Big Sink. For the last three decades, however, Strouss has presided over the farm's Oak Tree division, base for the farm's partnership with the Niarchos family. As a result, he has been on intimate terms with paragons of the modern breed, above all the great Miesque. “She had a strong temperament,” Strouss confesses. “She was a little fiery to work with. But actually I quite like some temperament in a mare. You want some strength in their character. But it's like everything; there have certainly been quiet, gentle ones that have been just as successful. “It's not like she was dangerous, just really didn't want you petting her neck. She must have had the strongest heart. She beat the boys her whole career, right from when she was two, and then threw Kingmambo, East of the Moon, so many good racehorses. She did everything.” There's no mistaking the trust that has developed, over the years, between Strouss and the Niarchos operation. “Alan Cooper has been there that whole length of time, as well,” he notes. “It's just been a great team to be part of: looking at the horses, figuring out who to sell, who to race. I never really worked with Mr. [Stavros] Niarchos, I didn't have much involvement back when they were buying the earlier mares, like Northern Trick. But Maria will come down and look at all the horses several times a year.” Miesque | ScoopDyga Somehow it has become a hallmark of this program that it produces horses with extra flamboyance. Paradoxically, however, that is seemingly founded in plain, yeoman virtues: patience, for instance, and just getting the basics right. “We do try to keep them outside,” Strouss says. “We don't hothouse them, don't overdo things. We try to let a horse mature, let them grow up. We don't use tons of supplements, just a real good feed program with good, solid hay. But they've got that land, so it's a case of getting all they can from that, and slowly putting it into their physical development. “You have your top nutrition, veterinary care, staff. But as much as anything it's trying not to mess them up: stay out of their way, and let them be all they can be.” That said, the families have always been seeded by the classiest sires. That way, if managed well, the blood will keep refining just by cycling through genetic quality. “Those with good family are the ones you'll give chances to,” reasons Strouss. “You certainly see genetic traits and dispositions carried through from some of the Lane's End mares–the old, old ones we had, like The Garden Club and [her daughter] Up the Flagpole. Bold Bikini was not quite as rangy and long. She had a champion in Europe, Law Society. He was a tough, temperamental horse, I think Alleged threw that to him.” Names carved in tablets of stone, for the rest of us, but flesh and blood to Strouss. (And indeed bones: Gay Missile is among those buried at Oak Tree.) And that sense of heritage extends from remarkable horses to remarkable horse people, right up to Queen Elizabeth II, who would come and visit mares like Highclere. “Oh, she knew her horses, she really did,” Strouss says. “Whenever she visited, she wouldn't have seen them in a long time but could always pick them out. I think she became more comfortable each visit. The first time, it was just me and one other guy showed her all the horses. The next time more people did, then the third time she literally just went around the farm. I even had a couple at Oak Tree, later on. “But also meeting Presidents, Vice-Presidents. Just the experience, the good fortune we've had, working for these people. They've always treated me like family. It's just been very lucky, to be involved with groups like that.” The relaxed team spirit that has suffused the farm during his long service is captured in one humorous vignette from the early days. Strouss was already playing polo with Farish before moving across, but nearly made his new employer repent of hiring him when hitting a ball so violently that Farish was knocked clean out of the saddle. The boss was fine, so the farm trainer at the time, Hector Garcia, rushed up and demanded: “Who hit Mr. Farish?!” Strouss held his hand up sheepishly. Garcia chuckled and congratulated him: “Great shot!” But while Strouss enthuses about the loyalty and insight of these two families, whose branding is instantly recognizable in a Niarchos page, a Farish page, that cuts both ways. For anyone to hold such a position of responsibility, for so long, also speaks to his own diligence, skill and integrity. “I think it's from being around a good environment,” Strouss reflects. “All the people I've worked with have had the same kind of attitudes. Once you find people like that, you want to keep them. It's just nice to go to work every day.” To be fair, that was something inculcated long before he came to Lane's End. “I think my parents instilled a good work ethic in me, and that's just carried through,” Strouss says. “My mother was a fiery individual. She wanted things done exactly how you were told. And I guess I come to work every day and want to do a good job and see some results.” First and foremost, however, that ethic is sustained by an undiminished passion for the horses themselves, above all in the foaling and breeding seasons. That Youngstown law office feels blessedly distant then. “I don't go to every single foaling anymore, but I do a lot with the vet,” Strouss says. “And yes, I still find it challenging. And it changes. Things you think are just the same routine, but then some variation comes along that you want to keep up with. Some of the newer vets bring in different theories and ideas, and you want to see whether they'll work. But yes, just to see those foals get up and nurse, and then watch them develop, it's surreal.” And that magic abides throughout, in all his daily dealings with the animal. “Why do they let us do what we do?” he asks. “If they didn't want us on their backs, I don't think you're going to get up there. So you always want to find ways to get along with them. And sometimes you figure, 'Okay, we won't push this.' So you try to work together, whatever you need to accomplish: whether it's palpation, or showing at the sales. You have to be ready to adapt, be flexible, make it mutual. It's a mystery, really, and all a challenge–but that's what makes it so fulfilling.” The post The Acorn That Made Oak Tree Mighty appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article