Wandering Eyes

New Plymouth trainer Debbie Harris will head south to Hawera’s postponed meeting on Tuesday with just the one runner, but she is hoping that is enough to bring home a winner’s cheque. Harris had two runners initially entered for Saturday’s meeting, which was postponed due weather and track conditions, but she has been forced to withdraw debut placegetter Daysofbliss from the Sharna Caskey @ Metcalfe Real Estate (1200m) after she presented lame on Monday morning. That leaves four-win gelding Urenui as her sole representative, with the five-year-old son of Derryn set to kick off his preparation in the Scott Roberts @ Metcalfe Real Estate (1600m). Urenui has been pleasing Harris with his progression this time in, winning his 1400m trial at Foxton last month, and she is confident he is forward enough to put in a bold performance first-up. “He has been working really well so fingers crossed we can have a race meeting and he goes well,” Harris said. “He has done plenty of work and has had a few jumpouts and a trial, so he should be pretty forward. “The draw (2) isn’t ideal, but Jimmy (Chung, apprentice jockey) has ridden him in his jumpouts and trial this prep, so he has a bit of a feel of him so he will figure it out.” Harris has plenty of time for the gelding, who made his stakes debut in the Listed Wanganui Cup (2040m) in his last start in November, and she said Urenui will likely target the feature once more as she feels they have unfinished business in the Cup. “All going well we will try and look for a few nice staying races with him,” Harris said. “He was pretty competitive in some open company races last year so hopefully we can get a nice win for him and the owners. “He didn’t get much luck during the running in the Wanganui Cup last year so that is something we will probably look at again this year. “He is a pretty handy horse, he has got a bit of ability. We do have a few feet problems with him, so he is a little bit hard to keep sound, but when he is right, on his day he is not a bad horse.” While upbeat about the future with Urenui, Harris is also excited about the prospects of one of his promising stablemates who is set to make their debut in the near future. “I have got a nice three-year-old by Darci Brahma called Chibra,” she said. “He trialled a couple of weeks ago and I think he is going to be a nice progressive type of horse. He isn’t too far off coming to the races.” View the full article

On Saturday 26 July, the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding community will gather at the National Breeding Awards — not only to celebrate excellence, but to invest in the future of our people and our industry. At the heart of the evening is a fundraising effort supporting the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship, which gives emerging Kiwi leaders a unique nine-month global experience to build the skills, confidence, and connections our industry needs to thrive. Over 20 past recipients have gone on to contribute significantly across the industry, here and abroad — click here to see the full list of Sunline Scholarship alumni. The Sunline Scholarship continues a proud tradition of investing in people. In both 2001 and 2012, stallion nominations were generously donated and auctioned to raise funds for the programme — a testament to the industry’s willingness to support its own and secure opportunities for the next generation. Thanks to the vision and generosity of some of New Zealand’s leading stud farms, the scholarship’s next chapter can begin. Three of New Zealand’s leading stallions will have service nominations auctioned on the night — Proisir, offered by the Proisir Syndicate and standing at Rich Hill Stud; Circus Maximus, standing at Windsor Park Stud; and Sword of State, standing at Cambridge Stud — with all proceeds going to the Sunline Trust International Management Scholarship. Proisir, from humble beginnings, has rocketed to prominence with a string of Group 1 winners and was crowned New Zealand’s champion sire for the 2023–24 season. Standing at Rich Hill Stud, his progeny continue to impress both on the track and in the sales ring; this season alone he has sired eleven individual stakes winners, and his yearlings have sold up to $1.1 million at Karaka 2025. Circus Maximus, a triple Group 1-winning champion miler in Europe, is already making a strong impression with his first two-year-olds, which include stakes winners and impressive metropolitan performers. His progeny are showing the same class and toughness that defined his racing career. Sword of State, New Zealand’s leading first-season sire at the 2025 yearling sales, was a brilliant juvenile himself, winning the Group 1 Sistema Stakes by a wide margin and defeating top-level performers like Imperatriz and On The Bubbles along the way. His first yearlings sold for up to $540,000 and have been praised for their precocity and quality. The leaders of these farms spoke passionately about why they chose to support the scholarship. John Thompson, owner of Rich Hill Stud, said: “The Sunline Management Scholarship gives young New Zealand horse people the chance to travel abroad, expand their knowledge and skillset and ultimately contribute to the New Zealand industry. The achievements of some of our previous Sunline winners reflect how successful this initiative has been. The Proisir Syndicate recognise the opportunity the management scholarship provides for the next generation of thoroughbred industry leaders. We are gifting this nomination to be auctioned with the funds generated helping finance future Sunline recipients to continue this great legacy.” Scott Calder, Head of Sales & Nominations at Cambridge Stud, added: “You only need to look at the list of alumni and the positions they now hold to see the value the Sunline Scholarship provides to our industry. It’s essential we continue to provide opportunities for our best young people, which is why we are committed to helping fund the scholarship’s future.” Steve Till, General Manager at Windsor Park Stud, agreed: “At Windsor Park, we’ve always prided ourselves not just on investing in thoroughbreds, but in people. Supporting initiatives like the Sunline Scholarship is our way of giving back to an industry that has given us so much — and of helping to inspire and equip the next generation to carry it forward.” Nick Johnson, CEO of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association and a trustee of the Sunline Trust, summed up: “The Sunline Scholarship has opened doors, broadened minds, and built confidence in the leaders our industry needs. To see the Proisir Syndicate and Rich Hill Stud, Windsor Park Stud, and Cambridge Stud stand behind this cause with their stallions shows the kind of vision and generosity that makes our industry special. We hope everyone will get behind the auction and help secure this opportunity for the next generation.” For more information about the Sunline Scholarship and the National Breeding Awards, visit www.nzthoroughbred.co.nz, or to discuss supporting the scholarship further, contact nick@nzthoroughbred.co.nz. View the full article

Bregman Family Racing and Swinbank Stables' Governor Sam showed the talent that made him a three-time stakes winner and grade 1-placed at 2 as he conquered his five foes in the $175,000 Quick Call Stakes (G3T) at Saratoga Race Course July 13.View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Saturday, there were three $100,000 maiden special weight races at Saratoga Race Course. All of them were won by a 2-year-old with prior experience. On Sunday the beat continued as Malus (Into Mischief) rolled to a three-length win in his second career start. Originally scheduled for the Mellon Turf Course at 5 1/2 furlongs, it was moved to the main track at the same distance because of Saturday rain. And it was just what Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher ordered. Malus, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Joel Rosario, got it right after finishing a non-threatening fifth in his career debut, which came at Saratoga on June 8 during the Belmont Stakes Festival. After that first race, which was also run at 51/2 furlongs on dirt, Pletcher made an equipment change and put blinkers on the colt. “We thought he was a little bit green, looking at horses, so we put the blinkers on,” Pletcher said after winning his third race on the Sunday card. It certainly didn't hurt. Malus powered past even-money favorite Augustinian (Galilean) just outside the five-sixteenths pole and began to widen into the stretch. Augustinian, the only other runner in the seven-horse field to have started, was caught by Pletcher's Final Score (Not This Time), who was making his first career start. “He had the experience edge today,” Pletcher said. “It seems like a big advantage with the way the track has been playing. It's been demanding and a start somewhere really helps you.” Final Score was ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. Augustinian, ridden by Jose Ortiz, is trained by Hall of Famer Mark Casse. Malus, a homebred, owned by Brookdale Racing, Inc., is the second foal out of Lady Apple (Curlin) and was the first to make it to the races when he debuted last month. When the colt came to Pletcher, he thought he had some ability. “He is like a lot of the Into Mischiefs,” Pletcher said. “He was precocious and was one of the early ones in. He had trained forwardly, which is typical of that stallion.” Malus covered the distance in 1:05.23 and paid $13.60, $7.60 and $3.50. Brookdale Racing Inc., co-owner of champion Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), has had four winners on its own this year, including 'TDN Rising Star' Hypnus (Into Mischief), with two seconds in 21 starts. Three wins today for trainer Todd Pletcher! Malus gets blinkers and wins easy in R6 at Saratoga! @jrosariojockey was aboard. pic.twitter.com/8QnY6QnMrX — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) July 13, 2025 6th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 7-13, 2yo, 5 1/2f (off turf), 1:05.23, ft, 3 lengths. MALUS (c, 2, Into Mischief–Lady Apple {MGSW & GISP, $1,078,324}, by Curlin) faded to fifth in his debut over this track and trip June 8 and was adding blinkers for this second start. The 5-1 shot broke sharply, but had to settle for a stalking second as even-money favorite Augustinian (Galilean) took control on the front end through a quarter in :22.63. Malus darted through an opening along the rail to take the lead out of the bend and was clear as the half went up in :45.89. The bay sailed under the wire a geared-down three-length winner. Final Score (Not This Time) closed strongly late to be second, a half-length in front of Augustinian in third. Multiple graded stakes winner Lady Apple, a $1.2-million purchase at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton November sale, has a yearling colt by Gun Runner and was bred back to that stallion this year. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $59,000. O-Brookdale Racing, Inc.; B-Phoenix Thoroughbreds (III) LTD (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. The post Saratoga Maidens, Presented by Keeneland: The Beat Goes on As Experience Keys Victory for Malus appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After winning leading trainer titles at both Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots and Churchill Downs, trainer Joe Sharp hopes to keep the momentum rolling into the Saratoga Race Course summer meet.View the full article

Well-known New Jersey breeder John Bowers Jr. enjoyed the gift that keeps on giving July 6 when his homebred He'spuregold won the Irish War Cry Handicap at Monmouth Park for a fifth consecutive year. View the full article

Winless since October of his juvenile year, Governor Sam (Improbable) finally broke out of his slump with a smart effort in the GIII Quick Call Stakes at Saratoga. The George Weaver charge managed to string together four victories in a row last season, and begrudgingly faded to third Nov. 1 at Del Mar in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint to wrap that campaign. Back in action Apr. 30 at Churchill Downs for his 3-year-old bow in the William Walker Stakes, Governor Sam again faded to third behind SW Bridle a Butterfly (Country House) and GSP Out On Bail (Tiz the Law). He similarly faded in an allowance dash at that venue last out June 6 when it came off the turf, failing to outkick SW Dreamaway (Flameaway) for the lead and finishing fourth. Outrun by his lightly-raced stablemate SP Ortley Avenue (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) for the frontrunning spot, the 3-5 favorite was content to watch the situation unfold from third behind an opening quarter in :21.71 and was traveling comfortably as the field went into the bend. Moved to the outside as Supersonic Blue (Air Force Blue) joined the pacesetter up front as they arrived at the head of affairs, the eventual winner needed little urging from Irad Ortiz Jr. before he inhaled his inner rivals and kicked away to score stylishly by open lengths. Ortley Avenue held on to second to give Weaver the exacta while No Evidence (Vekoma) had to settle for third in a photo when his rally up the fence came short. The final time was 1:02.68. GOVERNOR SAM easily wins the Grade 3 Quick Call Stakes presented by @trfinc under @iradortiz for trainer George Weaver. Congratulations to co-owner @ABREG_1 and connections! pic.twitter.com/1P0KyYjWo0 — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) July 13, 2025 The post Governor Sam Returns to Winning Ways in Quick Call Masterclass appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After exiting her July 12 victory in the Diana Stakes (G1T) in good order, trainer Chad Brown said plans are undecided for Excellent Truth's next start.View the full article

Down on the Lone Star Park turf, Ritzaphena (Lexitonian–Ritz and Glitz, by Desert Party) held on late to graduate at first asking and also hand her first-crop sire his first win. The 2-year-old exited from the extreme outside and worked her way over nicely to rate in third around the far turn. Gearing up through the backstretch, the filly started to make her move on the leader and she took control around the far turn. Ritzaphena was pursued by Shidoni (Gormley) down the lane, and she found the wire in time to don cap and gown. A Calumet homebred by Speightstown who stands at the farm, Lexitonian's racing days were marked by a massive score in the GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga in 2021. Currently, the freshman sire has 59 foals of racing age. The winner's dam Ritz and Glitz (Desert Party) is responsible for a yearling filly by Volatile and she was sent to Echo Town for last spring. Her own unraced dam, Tani (Theatrical {Ire}), is a full-sister to GI Flower Bowl Handicap heroine Dahlia's Dreamer. 5th-Lone Star, $33,000, Msw, 7-13, 2yo, f, 7 1/2fT, 1:31.18, gd, head. RITZAPHENA (f, 2, Lexitonian–Ritz and Glitz, by Desert Party) Sales History: $20,000 Ylg '24 FTKOCT; $75,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,500. Click for the Equibase.com chart. O-Sandeep Patel; B-Brandywine Farm (Jim & Pam Robinson) (KY); T-Jayde J. Gelner. The post Lexitonian’s First Winner Comes From Deep In The Heart Of Texas appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Before this year, the last time Victor Espinoza rode at Saratoga was the summer of 2015, the year of American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile). “That was not a great memory,” Espinoza said, recalling when the Triple Crown winner was upset in the Travers by Keen Ice (Curlin). The 53-year-old Hall of Fame jockey is hoping to make a better impression 10 years later as he is spending the summer at the Spa for the first ever. Espinoza, who owns 3,520 career victories, has been working the Saratoga backstretch daily, looking for a professional rejuvenation. He has spent the majority of his jockey life riding in California, but recently decided to take some time off. After a three-month respite, it was time to go back to work and also have a change of scenery. About three weeks ago, he was visiting Saratoga and liked what he saw. “When I was here, I saw many trainers and so many horses,” Espinoza said on the Saratoga backstretch. “I have never seen so many horses. I think I will have more opportunities here than I would in California.” Things out west had pretty much dried up for Espinoza, who had ridden two horses–California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) in 2014 and War Emblem (Our Emblem) in 2002–to victories in the first two legs of the Triple Crown only to lose in the GI Belmont Stakes. In 35 mounts this year, he had three wins, four seconds and six thirds. It was time for a move. “I still have the fire, 100 percent,” Espinoza said. “When I came here, it was like heaven. I feel like I can get more opportunities. In California, there are like three or four trainers that dominate the circuit and if you don't ride for them, what's the point in staying?” Espinoza's agent here is Jose Santos Jr., the son of Hall of Fame jockey Jose Santos. Santos Jr. picked up Espinoza after the first Saratoga condition book was out, so it has been hard to get business. He expects that will pick up as the meet goes on. “What we are focusing on is finding some quality,” Santos Jr. said. “Showing up as late as we did, well, people have been coming up here to start getting ready for the meet since mid-May. Starting with book two, I think things will pick up.” Espinoza has had three mounts thus far at the meet and finished third on two of them. “I am going to hustle every morning,” he said. “Hopefully, I can do good around here.” Trainer Abreu Chasing First Spa Grade I With Scottish Lassie Scottish Lassie | Sarah Andrew There will always be a spot in trainer Jorge Abreu's heart for Scottish Lassie (McKinzie). She gave the 44-year-old trainer his first Grade I win when she won the Frizette Stakes last October. That spot will get bigger if the 3-year-old filly can find a way to win the GI Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga on Saturday. That would be the first Grade I Saratoga win for Abreu. “I think I am knocking on the door,” Abreu said outside his barn at the Annex across the street from the Oklahoma Training Track. Abreu, 44, a former assistant to Chad Brown, has been training on his own since 2016. Scottish Lassie was last seen finishing third in the GI Acorn Stakes at Saratoga on June 6. She was beat just a head for second by Look Forward (Bolt d'Oro). La Cara (Street Sense) was a three-length winner in the Acorn, which was run over a sloppy track. Scottish Lassie tuned up for the CCA Oaks Sunday, working four furlongs in 48.87 (55/143) with Hall of Fame jockey Joel Rosario on board. He will ride her for the first time on Saturday. “She is coming into this race at 100 percent,” Abreu said. “I think she is coming into this race the same way she went into the Frizette.” Scottish Lassie romped to a nine-length win in that race, one race after she started her career with a third-place finish in a maiden last September at Saratoga. She was third in an allowance race before her Acorn effort. That was her first start since finishing fourth in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies race at Del Mar in November “I thought she was going to be second in the Acorn,” Abreu said. “She got a little tired. She was stretching out from a mile to a 1 1/8 miles with a different caliber of horses. I really think she fits with these horses. It's not like she is going to embarrass herself.” A field of six was entered for the CCA Oaks on Sunday. Scottish Lassie drew post No. 3. The field, in post-position order with trainer: Immersive (Nyquist), Brad Cox; Sweet Seraphine (Quality Road), Cherie DeVaux; Scottish Lassie; Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy), Kenny McPeek; Dry Powder (Gun Runner), Chad Summers; La Cara (Street Sense), Mark Casse. Jose Ortiz Off To Fast Start At Saratoga Jose Ortiz enjoyed a four-win day at Saratoga | Sarah Andrew Jockey Jose Ortiz knows how to win a riding championship at Saratoga. Here's the proof: he's done it three times. The 31-year-old also knows how to win four races in one day at the Spa. On Saturday, he did it for the third time in his career. With the four-bagger, Ortiz took the early lead in the annual competition between the best jockey colony in the country. Going into Sunday's card, Ortiz had eight wins. “It's not easy to win one race, let alone four,” Ortiz said on the Saratoga backstretch Sunday morning. “I have a pretty good business, and we are coming here thinking about winning the meet. We think we are good enough. It's early, but I love the start we've had.” Ortiz is represented by agent Steve Rushing, who also works with Ortiz's brother, Irad Ortiz Jr. Irad Ortiz Jr. has won the Saratoga meet six times and is the three-time defending champion. Jose Ortiz has already had a good year after winning the winter riding title at Fair Grounds (97 wins”) and then the spring meet at Churchill Downs (63 wins). He was the champ at Saratoga in 2016, 2017 and 2019. “I had good momentum going from Fair Grounds to Churchill and good momentum from Churchill coming here,” he said. “I built up a nice business with the Kentucky people and I have had plenty of business here with the New York people because I have ridden here for 12 years. The combination is paying off.” Jose Ortiz also won four races at Saratoga Aug. 15, 2016, and July 17, 2022. The post Saratoga Notebook, Presented by NYRA Bets: Espinoza Making Saratoga His Summer Home for First Time appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association announced July 13 that the mandatory quarantine covering horses previously stabled in Barn 66 at Saratoga Race Course has been lifted by the New York State Department of Agriculture effective immediately.View the full article

The mandatory quarantine covering horses previously stabled in Barn 66 at Saratoga Race Course has been lifted by the New York State Department of Agriculture (NYSDA) effective immediately, announced the New York Racing Association (NYRA) via press release. To minimize any impact on the general horse population at Saratoga, and to allow for Barn 66 to be cleaned and disinfected under NYSDA protocols, the group of horses completed the mandatory quarantine at Aqueduct Racetrack. As a result, horses previously stabled in Barn 66 are permitted to return to Saratoga and train with the general horse population beginning Monday, July 14. Horses stabled in Barn 66 were placed under a mandatory quarantine June 25 when a 2-year-old filly [Tenacious Child] returned a positive test for strangles. There are currently two horses that remain under quarantine at a private facility–a 2-year-old colt [Tranquil Sea] and a 2-year-old gelding [Mo Curls]. Per NYSDA protocols, they will be permitted to return to NYRA property upon presenting a negative PCR test for strangles. The post Mandatory Quarantine for Horses Previously Stabled in Barn 66 at Saratoga Lifted appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Monday, Vichy, France, post time: 16:25, PRIX FREDERIC DE LAGRANGE-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, 12fT Field: Quinteplus (Fr) (Telecaster {Ire}), Tommy Boy (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), Zarakchic (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Starnberg (Fr) (Lawman {Fr}), Marchemalo (Fr) (Toronado {Ire}), Espoir Avenir (Fr) (Montmartre {Fr}), Yellow Jersey (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Master Cath (Fr) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Zingara (Fr) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Verdict: While the Tour de France wends its way through the nearby mountains, Qatar Racing's Yellow Jersey is favoured to follow up an impressive debut performance over this distance at Saint-Cloud and makes his first black-type start here. The Andre Fabre trainee was value for more than the official winning margin of four lengths and will bid to become the maestro's first winner since Doha Dream prevailed in 2016. Jerome Reynier, who annexed this in 2022 and 2023, relies on G3 Prix Hocquart third Zarakchic, sporting a maillot jaune of his own, and G2 Derby Italiano fifth Starnberg. Christophe Ferland's two contenders are Swiss Derby hero Espoir Avenir and ParisLongchamp handicap winner Zingaro. Both Quinteplus, who is three-from-four, and Master Cath, who is five-from-nine, merit respect. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete field. The post Black-Type Analysis: Yellow Jersey Fancied in Listed Feature at Vichy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Saratoga meet has just gotten started and it's already appears that Mother Nature is ready for a nasty fight, one NYRA is going to have a hard time winning. On paper, Saturday's card looked excellent with the GII Bowling Green S. and the GI Diana S., plus three maiden 2-year-old races that included a lot of horse with a lot of potential. But the card was wrecked before it started, thanks to a deluge of rain Saturday morning. It came down hard and heavy for about an hour. They took four races off the grass, choosing to run only the two stakes on a turf course that was listed as “good” by the time the Diana rolled around. The track was listed as yielding for the Bowling Green. The damage to the bottom-line was huge. On the same Saturday in 2024, when it was 85 degrees out and the tracks were fast and firm, the 12-race care card handled $33,225,605. On this Saturday, five races were taken off the grass and there were 46 scratches. Two races, including the Bowling Green went with four-horse fields. The handle was $22,304,942. Friday was also a rainy mess. This year they handed $13,762.784 on the card, a steep drop from the $22,648,941 handled the year before. It was no better Sunday, when five more races came off the grass. There were 13 races taken off the grass during the traditional opening week. There's no track in the world more affected by rain than Saratoga. They rely heavily on grass races, which, when they aren't taken off the turf, tend to be terrific betting races with large fields. They get hammered whenever they have to take races off the grass, which was also the case for the GI Belmont S. festival. Things got so bad on Belmont Day that they had to take every race off the grass. There were two Grade I grass races on the card, the GI Jaipur and the GI Manhattan. Both were postponed and run the following day. The difference between a good meet and a bad meet comes down to how much rain there was and how often they have to take the races off the grass. There's nothing anybody can do about the weather, but that doesn't mean that NYRA can't take some measures that would help with problem. How about: Are they too careful when it comes to shifting races to the dirt? That the Diana was run over a course listed as good, meaning the turf course wasn't in that bad of shape. Yes, they need to keep the courses in top shape to get through a meet where they are used heavily, but running, say, three more turf races on Saturday, would that really have presented such a problem? They have to be more cognizant of the impending weather. Yes, it's unpredictable in Saratoga but there are also plenty of times when you know in advance that rain is likely coming. How about only carding two or three races on the grass on those days? Entries are now taken far in advance of race days. The Saturday July 19 card was drawn Sunday, six days before the actual races. Why are they in such a hurry? If they drew, say, three days out, wouldn't they have more accurate, up-to-date weather forecasts? Install a Tapeta course. To do so would solve most of their problems. But is it feasible? During his recent appearance on the TDN Writers' Room Podcast presented by Keeneland, NYRA President CEO David O'Rourke said that, with a main track and two turf courses, there isn't enough room to put in a fourth track. He said the subject has come up. “We've looked at it,” he said on the podcast. “It's just difficult with the configuration. So in the near term (will they install a synthetic track), the answer is no. But on the same podcast, O'Rourke threw out an interesting concept. Why not turn the dirt track at Oklahoma into a synthetic track and use that when races come off the turf? “But in terms of the main surfaces now, there's even some ideas out there and you can think of them as sort of crazy as putting one over at Oklahoma and bringing off the turf races over there,” he said. It would be difficult to do, but maybe not impossible. They'd have to do things like build a stewards stand, put in teletimers and erect replay towers. Probably not all the fans would be in love with the idea. They didn't pay good money to come to the races only to have to watch four or so races run across the street at Oklahoma on TV. But put in that track in and you'd no longer have to worry about a bunch of four-horse off-the-turf races. Wagering on the Jockeys race Would love to see NYRA take wagering on who will be the leading rider at Saratoga. It would be a particularly interesting and fun bet this year with Flavien Prat and Jose Ortiz emerging as major threats to topple Irad Ortiz Jr., who has won the last three titles. My money would be on Jose Ortiz. It would be a pari-mutuel wager and they could keep the bet open for the first half of the met. Here's my morning line for the jockey title: Irad Ortiz Jr. (6-5), Jose Ortiz (8-5), Flavien Prat (3-1), All others 12-1. The post Week In Review: Who’ll Stop the Rain? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-pedigreed horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Monday's Observations features the son of a Breeders' Cup heroine. 5.15 Killarney, Mdn, €18,000, 2yo, 8f 20yT BENVENUTO CELLINI (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) made a deep impression when coming off second best to stablemate Dorset at The Curragh last month and will be expected to go one better in this race won by Anthony Van Dyck in 2018. The second foal out of the Just A Game and Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf heroine Newspaperofrecord (Lope De Vega) and full-brother to the yard's Listed Lingfield Oaks Trial winner Giselle, he is joined by another Rosegreen representative in Endorsement (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), the first foal out of a full-sister to the top-level performers Johannes Vermeer and Wembley. The post Benvenuto Cellini Runs in the ‘Anthony Van Dyck’ Maiden appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With a spring in his step out of the box on debut, Two Out Hero (War Front–Song River, by Liam's Map) was smashing as he graduated at first asking in Toronto on Sunday which earned him a 'TDN Rsing Star' for the effort. In a race which was moved from the turf to the all-weather, the 2-year-old did not mind the new venue one iota. Blazing ahead, Two Out Hero distanced himself from the rest of field, motored around the far turn and found more in a romp down the lane. Aki (Midshipman) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:10.47. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: $240,000 '24 KEESEP. O-Gold Square LLC; B-Corser Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Kevin Attard. “Look at this win! Mark this one down.” – @WoodbineGeller #7 TWO OUT HERO ($5.30) blew away his competitors in Race 4 at @WoodbineTB. The juvenile colt by @ClaiborneFarm's War Front got the maiden win with Rafael Hernandez in the irons. @kevin_attard trains. pic.twitter.com/ypsjbiZRBy — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) July 13, 2025 The post War Front Colt Two Out Hero Bags ‘TDN Rising Star’ On Debut At Woodbine appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

At 23 years of age, Danny McLoughlin is the youngest trainer in Ireland. He has belied his youthful years to send out winners at some of the best tracks in the country and just last month, he saddled debut winner Magny Cours (Awtaad) to run in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot. That was a notable feather in the young man's cap and, after switching to the renowned Conyngham Lodge on the Curragh, the dream is to keep building on what has been an eye-catching start to his career as a trainer. “I started out working for Adrian Keatley when I was about 13 and I suppose, like everyone in this game, whether it's breeding, training or riding, we all got into it for the same reason – and that's a love for the racehorse,” McLoughlin explained. “For me, that's what it is all about and, the day that goes, I'll stop. That might be in six months, tomorrow or maybe even in 70 years' time. But hopefully the longer the better because I just love getting up every morning and facing into doing what I'm doing.” Easy to love what you are doing when you have sent out five winners since taking out your licence in one of the toughest jurisdictions there is. Duckadilly (Churchill) provided McLoughlin with a notable first winner at Naas last year. One quickly became two when Bold Optimist (Gleneagles) scored at Cork before delivering a memorable triumph to land a Curragh handicap under Ben Coen. On his strong start, McLoughlin commented, “It's going good and I can't complain. Look, it's not easy and there's no point in hiding it. Financially, it's tough. I never came from money and even now you're doing what you can to keep going but we're giving it a good go anyway and having a bit of success and having a bit of luck. “[I have] good lads around me and have a lot of support. Whether it's owners, staff, friends or family, there are a lot of good people keeping us going. I always believed in myself and, if we keep it going the right way now is the main thing. But we'll give it a good crack.” McLoughlin hit the ground running since joining Tracey Collins's Conyngham Lodge stables on the Maddenstown side of the Curragh this year. His first two-year-old winner Duckadilly added to her tally when accounting for a smart bunch of runners at Fairyhouse back in June. That performance suggested that black-type races could await the lightly-raced four-year-old, and McLoughlin insists that he has no excuses not to deliver the results on the track given the facilities at his disposal. He said, “This place needs no introduction and is steeped in history. Tracey Collins trains here and her father and grandfather enjoyed huge success from here as well so it goes a long way back. When you mention Maddenstown on the Curragh, this place always comes up in conversation. So the facilities are on our doorstep and it's a beautiful place – a very peaceful place where the horses relax.” McLoughlin concluded, “I feel a lot older than what I am and I probably feel like I've skipped a few years. I don't think I know what it feels like to be 18 or things like that. As I said, I wouldn't change it for anything. It's what I love getting up and doing. I have unbelievable support and I just love what I do.” The post Ireland’s Youngest Trainer Danny McLoughlin Making Big Strides appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The tears were flowing following a dramatic finale to Sunday's G1 Cygames Grand Prix de Paris, with Jean-Claude Rouget pulling off an upset with Leffard (Le Havre). Rested since beating only one rival in the Prix du Jockey Club, Gerard Augustin-Normand and Ecurie Antonio Caro's 15-1 shot was able to run down Ballydoyle's favourite Trinity College (Dubawi) in the dying yards under Cristian Demuro for a short-head success. Rouget, who is in an ongoing battle with lymphoma, said, “Of course this is a very emotional moment for me. I was always high on this horse, but he had a bad draw in the Jockey Club and was bumped badly and was very quickly out of the race so was unable to show his true form. He had been doing great since and I didn't hesitate to supplement him. He was brave and rewarded us for being courageous. We'll see how he comes out of this one and decide on his future.” Two-for-two after educative runs at Cagnes-sur-Mer and Toulouse in January and March, Leffard who is one of the last of the Le Havre brigade had split Nitoi and New Ground (New Bay) when runner-up in Chantilly's Listed Prix de Suresnes over a mile and a quarter in May before failing to figure in the 10 1/2-furlong Classic back there the following month. Granted an honest pace on his first try over a mile and a half, he needed every yard to reel in the 3-5 favourite and provide his trainer with a second renewal. New Ground was 5 1/2 lengths back in third, having run too free in the early stages. LEFFARD WINS THE GRAND PRIX DE PARIS! pic.twitter.com/Xk7nTuzmaW — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 13, 2025 The post Emotions Run High As Leffard Wins The Grand Prix De Paris For Rouget appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Saturday at Saratoga, while stuck in Mother Nature's crosshairs, provided trainer Chad Brown a tenth GI Diana Stakes victory with Excellent Truth (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) and saw 'TDN Rising Star' Far Bridge (English Channel) dominate the GII Bowling Green Stakes. With their charges emerging from the efforts in good shape, the connections are tentatively looking to the future. In the Brown camp, Excellent Truth's effort only served to strengthen what the conditioner already believed going into the contest–that his mare was one of the best in the country. After two prior instances of 'so close and yet so far', the Irish-bred finally broke through with a top-level victory in the States with a hard-won effort. “That was a very courageous performance,” said Brown, who won his ninth Diana in the past 10 years. “I'm so proud of her, with the way she battled back and showed a lot of heart. She got a really good trip–she got bumped a little bit in the lane–but outside of that, she got a good trip and she's been a very consistent horse. You could argue with a little better racing luck, she could've won all three of her starts here.” “If she had, I think everyone would be viewing her as a clear leader of the division. I still think she is a slight leader of the division, with a heads up win there just now, but I view her as a horse that easily could've been undefeated so far, at three different distances. She is a remarkable talent, and I'm not surprised–she has always trained super.” While Excellent Truth exited the Diana in good order, Brown said it was doubtful that the mare would contest the GII Ballston Spa Aug. 8, and that he has yet to decide on a next target for her. “I think it [the Ballston Spa] is too tight. I can't see any scenario where I wheel her back in that race.” Stablemate Dynamic Pricing (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), who ran on late to claim third in the race, might see a cutback in distance in her future. “The turf was to her liking, but I think with the pace, those two horses sprinted home. Additionally, my reservation with her stretching out was the pace gets a little softer and it might dilute her kick just a touch. I was happy she got up for third,” Brown said. Far Bridge Emerges in Fine Shape, Targets Sword Dancer Title Defense Team Far Bridge enters the winner's circle after the Bowling Green | Sarah Andrew The rain may've scratched out a good portion of the field in the GII Bowling Green Stakes, but 'Rising Star' Far Bridge was not to be beaten either way, strolling home the easiest of winners under Hall of Famer Joel Rosario. “He's sound and in good order, and I'm delighted with him,” said trainer Miguel Clement. “He handles all adversity, obstacles and challenges. He was enjoying himself, which I love to see, and his ears were pricked up. He's enjoying life and it's great. He and Joel have a great relationship, and we're off to the Sword Dancer.” The GI Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer Stakes Aug. 9 offers a 'Win and You're In' berth to the GI Breeders' Cup Turf in November at Del Mar. Should he successfully defend his title, Far Bridge would become just the eighth horse to win two editions of the Sword Dancer since it started being contested at the mile and a half distance in 1980. Minaret Station Eyeballs Grade I Saratoga Derby Invitational Last October's GII Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes winner Minaret Station (Instilled Regard) has been impressing his connections since his successful return to the races June 28 at Churchill Downs when he claimed the Listed American Derby, and trainer Will Walden reports that the colt is ready for the elite level. The OXO Equine colorbearer will point to the GI Saratoga Derby Invitational Aug. 2 at The Spa. “He's doing great. I'm really excited about him,” Walden said. “It was a long layoff having the winter off. We targeted that spot [American Derby] from the moment he stepped foot in Keeneland in April. We were lucky that we didn't have any hiccups along the way.” Minaret Station posted a half-mile move Friday over Saratoga's main track in :49.65 (58/92)–it was his first at the venue. Prior to that, he had been based at Keeneland and then Churchill. “He's still a big baby, figuring all this out. He's getting better, and his confidence level is really high. He's a happy horse and he's doing well. We're aiming for the Saratoga Derby and we're excited about it.” Kentucky Oaks Victress Good Cheer On Track for Alabama Beaten GI DK Horse Acorn Stakes favorite GISW Good Cheer (Medaglia d'Oro) breezed a half-mile on Sunday over the Saratoga main track as she continues her preparations for the GI Alabama Stakes Aug. 16. According to NYRA clockers, the Godolphin homebred covered the four furlongs in :50.66 (99/114). It was her second breeze back since her first career defeat June 6 in the Acorn when she ran fifth with no apparent reason to explain the effort. “She just went a nice smooth half-mile from the three-eighths pole,” said Blake Cox, on-site for the breeze as the assistant trainer to his father Brad. “We kept her off the rail. I believe she worked in 50 [seconds], which is exactly what we wanted her to do. We have plenty of time until the Alabama, and in the next few weeks, we'll start asking her to do more.” “I don't really know about the Acorn, that was just a flat effort, and we can't really come up with an excuse. You could tell on the backside that she wasn't traveling well, but hopefully she comes back to her old self in the Alabama.” The post Saratoga Updates: Saturday’s Big Winners in Good Form, Hopefuls Tune Up for Coming Targets appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

2nd-ELP, $100K, Msw, 2yo, f, 6 1/2f, 1:19 p.m. ET. The seventh highest priced Gun Runner to be taken home for $975,000 by Lael Stables during Keeneland September last year is now making her debut at Ellis on Monday. Sent to trainer Cherie DeVaux, GLORY ME is out Blue Heaven Farm's GSW Our Khrysty (Newfoundland), who acquired her for $600,000 at the 2011 Fasig-Tipton Fall Sale while she was in foal to Tiznow. The productive mare counts among her offspring GISW & $2-million buy Grace Adler (Curlin) and recently retired GSW & MGISP Pyrenees (Into Mischief). Our Khrysty is responsible for GSP Virginia Key (Distorted Humor)–herself the dam of GI Curlin Florida Derby hero Tappan Street (Into Mischief). Glory Me's extended female family includes GI Whitney Handicap victor Bullsbay (Tiznow) and MSW Miuccia (Mitole). TJCIS PPS The post Monday’s Racing Insights: Well-Bred Son Of Gun Runner, Out Of Our Khrysty Makes Ellis Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leading at every step in Sunday's G2 Cygames Prix de Malleret at ParisLongchamp, Qilin Queen (Pinatubo) put another feather in the cap of TBT Racing with a game career-best. Hunted down all the way to the line by the hot favourite Sunly (Night Of Thunder), the 6-1 shot who had beaten only one rival in the Oaks clung on to score by a short neck under Kieran Shoemark. “We went to Epsom with big hopes, but were so disappointed and felt it was the soft ground,” trainer Ed Walker said. “We knew it would be quick here and she stays well, so we were confident she would stay the mile and a half. She's in the Yorkshire Oaks, so we'll try and get the Group One now.” Favourite beaten! Sunly just can't get past Qilin Queen, who makes almost all to land the G2 Prix de Malleret for Kieran Shoemark and @edwalkerracing… pic.twitter.com/85KGyhQQyf — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) July 13, 2025 The post Pinatubo’s Yorkshire Oaks-Bound Qilin Queen Too Tough In The Prix de Malleret appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Godolphin's Kentucky Oaks (G1)-winning homebred Good Cheer breezed a half-mile in :50.66, according to NYRA clockers July 13 over the Saratoga Race Course main track as she prepares for the 1 1/4-mile $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) Aug. 16 at the Spa.View the full article

Jockey Flavien Prat had himself a year in 2024 on the way to his first Eclipse Award for Outstanding Jockey. How good was he? He set records for Stakes wins (82) and Graded Stakes wins (56). He won the Breeders' Cup Classic. He won 16 Grade I races. The list could go on, but he has turned the page. He will make no predictions for 2025. The 32-year-old French native just wants to keep on riding. He sat down with Tim Wilkin to talk about life as a top jockey in the U.S. TDN: We're sitting here outside the jockeys' room at Saratoga and before you sat down, you went out and gave a pair of jockey goggles to somebody. Is that something you always do? Flavien Prat: Here, there are a lot of kids and most of them ask for goggles. I used to be a kid, and I did the same thing. TDN: How many goggles do you think you will give away up here? FP: Honestly, at the end of the meet, I don't know. I would say at least an average of two a day. TDN: So, close to 100. FP: Yeah, probably. TDN: It's important for you to be there for the kids. FP: Like I said, I used to be that kid that was asking for goggles back in France. When you are a kid, it is something that you really enjoy. Of course it makes me feel good. TDN: It's nice, I suppose, when you walk through the crowd on the way back here after a race to have a kid ask for goggles. But you must hear some not so nice things once in a while after a loss. FP: (laughs) You hear just about anything you can imagine. But, really, it's great to meet with the fans. It's important to be closer than usual. TDN: As we are speaking, it's opening day, and you won the first three races of the meet. Do you think you can win your first Saratoga riding title? FP: It's a possibility. There is a long way to go, and you need to have a clean meet. You have to be consistent and get the right horses for the right races. TDN: And there will be a few days you will miss because you'll be out of town. FP: That's right. TDN: Last year you had a season for the ages. You always want to do better, but can you do any better than what you did last year? FP: You sure can try. TDN: You are chasing yourself. FP: (smiles) There is nothing wrong with that. Even if you don't win as many races or you don't win as many good races, you can always do better on your riding, I think. There is always room for improvement. Can I do as good as last year, or even better? I will sure try. TDN: You have been riding in the U.S. for 10 years. What was the reason to come here from France? Excellent Truth (with Prat in the irons) after denying She Feels Pretty in the GI Dunkin' Diana Stakes | Sarah Andrew FP: I used to spend the winter in the States, and I always enjoyed myself. I was doing okay in France; I won a few stakes. Not bad. I was leading apprentice. It came very quickly and once I lost my bug it was a lot harder, and I was not prepared for that. I was very young. Things were getting better. I was second call for the Wertheimers. I won a few graded stakes. I just felt like every time I came here, I was very happy and enjoyed myself more than when I was in France, and I thought it was the right time to move. At the time, I was riding for Mr. Mandella, and he gave me a lot of support. That was very important. Looking back on it, how Richard Mandella supported me was very key to where I am now. TDN: Best horse you ever rode. Flightline? FP: (nods). Yes. Yeah. I have been very fortunate to have been on a lot of good horses. That day at Keeneland when he won the (Breeders' Cup) Classic, I think he could have won the Sprint, I think he could have won the Dirt Mile and he won the Classic. TDN: He was so good, maybe he could have won them all on the same day. FP: (laughs) I don't know about that, but he was very good. I had the chance to be part of his journey. Everyone had high expectations from the get-go. It came with more responsibility and pressure. Once he won the Pacific Classic and then the Breeders' Cup Classic, everyone expected him to win. As a rider, you know anything can happen. TDN: You always look for another one like that. FP: Always look for the good horses. I was very fortunate to be part of (Flightline's) journey. TDN: If you could ride any horse from history, who would it be? FP: Just one? I will say Secretariat. Europe, I would say Frankel. TDN: I ask everyone this question. If there was a movie made about your life and you could pick the actor to play you, who would it be? FP: They would need to be small, and they would have to have gray hair (laughs). There aren't too many. How about the guy who played in “Seabiscuit.” TDN: Tobey Maguire. FP: Yes. I thought he did a great job. TDN: Favorite horse racing movie. FP: It would be “Seabiscuit.” TDN: Are you into the history of this sport? FP: A little bit. I'm probably not the best one in the jocks' room but I will do it a little. TDN: If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would it be? FP: Bobby Frankel. Chris McCarron. And Richard Mandella. TDN: Who buys? FP: I'll buy. Flavien Prat | Sarah Andrew TDN: Jockeys have to make a lot of sacrifices, especially with their diet. If you could have one day to eat whatever you wanted, what would it be? FP: French fries, for sure. I love French fries. And a nice piece of meat. I would be a happy man. TDN: What is your diet like? FP: A lot of meat, fish and salad. I don't eat lunch. I have coffee and yogurt in the morning and then nothing until dinner. TDN: Your body is trained for that. FP: On off days, because you're at home, I'll snack. It is so much easier when you ride. TDN: Pound for pound, jockeys may be strongest athletes in the world. Explain to me how hard it is to hold a 1,000-pound (or heavier) horse together. FP: It's very physical. It demands every part of your body and your mind. So, it's very demanding. I am lucky enough that I don't have to reduce. There are a lot of guys that have to reduce. TDN: You have a full workload every afternoon. How tired are you at the end of a race day? FP: What is very tiring is when you have to work horses in the morning. Those days go non-stop. That is when you get tired. I would say I average four or five a morning and then you ride all day. TDN: No time for a nap. FP: Quick nap. Power nap. TDN: If you were not a jockey, what do you think you would be doing? FP: I was always intrigued with flying airplanes. TDN: Did you play any other sports growing up? FP: I played soccer. I was terrible at it. I played because most of my friends played. I enjoyed it, but I was very bad at it. TDN: You were always interested in horse racing from a young age. FP: I was. It was always on my mind. TDN: Do you have a nickname? FP: Richard Mandella called me Flavor Flav when I came here. It stuck a little bit in California. TDN: Do you have a favorite television show? FP: I like “Knockers. TDN: Would you call yourself a funny guy? FP: (laughs) I don't think so. TDN: Who is the funniest guy in the room? FP: I don't know. Eric Cancel is pretty funny. Let's say him. TDN: What is so unique about this sport is that all the competitors are in the same room. Is there ever any yelling? Arguing? Fisticuffs? FP: It happens. As you get older, you learn how to manage it. There is emotion. When I was younger it was harder to manage. There is always tension. It's a competitive sport. TDN: Favorite racetrack. FP: Santa Anita is the prettiest. The first time I went to the track – and I remember like it was yesterday – any condition … raining, hot, cloudy … you name it, it's always pretty. TDN: During your record-setting season last year, if I got it right, you rode at 20 different racetracks. You go everywhere. FP: Yes. I enjoy it because when I travel, it's to ride good horses. I think it is something that everyone would love to do. TDN: Is there one race you haven't won that you really want? FP: There are a lot of them. The post Q and A with Flavien Prat appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

John Size won a 13th trainers’ premiership at Sha Tin on Sunday thanks to a treble on the night spearheaded by Bundle Award’s last-gasp win in the feature Class One Hong Kong Racehorse Owners Association Trophy (1,600m). The 71-year-old entered the penultimate meeting of the season with a six-win lead over David Hayes but put the exclamation point on his season by sprinting into a nine-win lead to put the race beyond doubt. With Hayes having entries in only eight of the nine races at Happy...View the full article

HOKKAIDO, Japan — At the Shadai Stallion Station, it's not so much a changing of the guard, more a succession plan. In 2023, the late Duramente caused a temporary break in the passing of the baton from Sunday Silence to Deep Impact to Kizuna. But that was rectified last year, and Kizuna is now the reigning champion sire of Japan. He only has to achieve that 10 more times to match the reign of his father, or 12 to equal Sunday Silence's long run of championships. Signs were promising from the start, however, and, Kizuna was Japan's champion first-season sire in 2019, as well as being the leading sire of two-year-olds last year. To adapt LP Hartley's famous line from The Go-Between, we could state the obvious and say that Japan is a foreign country; they do things differently there. That is true of most things in this refreshing nation, where the day-to-day manners and courtesy do indeed hark back to days gone by. They also do the stallion scene differently – some might say in an old-fashioned way, others might say the right way. It all depends on what breeders value, of course. And if stamina and soundness with a vital dash of speed are your thing, then you are likely to find plenty of what you are looking for around the various stallion studs of Hokkaido. Kizuna was a winner of the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby), just like Deep Impact. The latter would go on to complete the Triple Crown, then win the Tenno Sho (Spring) over 2m before dropping back to 1m4f for the Japan Cup and Arima Kinen. He was quite brilliant, of course, and was only ever beaten twice in 14 starts. Few could match him on the track or at stud, but Kitasan Black, a coming force in the Japanese ranks, has a markedly similar profile. Japanese champion sire Kizuna | Emma Berry He may have bombed out in the Derby but he too won the Kikuka Sho (Japanese St Leger), Arima Kinen, Tenno Sho (Spring) and Japan Cup. No surprise then that Kitasan Black is also a rather good stallion, with the world champion Equinox bursting from his first crop and now this year's Derby winner Croix Du Nord also to his credit, as well as the 2023 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) winner Sol Oriens. Kitasan Black also has a dose of Wind In Her Hair's blood in his pedigree as his sire Black Tide is Deep Impact's full-brother. At Northern Horse Park, it remains rather moving to be able to see the 34-year-old Wind In Her Hair, a granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth's dual Classic heroine Highclere, out in her paddock with her tiny friends from the park's Happy Pony Show. Alongside the hustle and bustle of the next-door yearling sale, she is a calm and stately presence; royalty herself when it comes to Japanese bloodstock history. Fifteen minutes away at the Shadai Stallion Station, her name features increasingly regularly among the pages of the 30-strong roster, if receding in its prominence. It is a line-up which draws visitors like pilgrims. After all, who could have watched racing over the last few years and not want to stare in awe at the near-black wonder horse that is Equinox? He does not disappoint in the flesh but his sire – quite literally a towering presence as the tallest of the Shadai stallions, with a swagger in place of a walk – is the one we should all queue up to see. The yearlings of Kitasan Black are bound to be among the most sought after as the JRHA Select Sale gets underway on Monday, but come Tuesday he may have to vie for the spotlight with Equinox, whose 25 foals in the catalogue have already been heavily scrutinised at farms across the land before they make their first public appearance at Northern Horse Park this week. But it's not all about Equinox, of course, and his fellow Japanese-based retirees of 2024 – Grenadier Guards, Schnell Meister, Westover and Titleholder – are all represented among the foals for sale on Tuesday, while there is also one foal catalogued by each of Haras de Beaumont's Arc winner Ace Impact and Darley's Breeders' Cup Mile winner Cody's Wish. Grenadier Guards and Westover are both sons of Frankel, whose first ever Grade 1 winner came in Japan with Soul Stirring, and Frankel's Derby-winning son Adayar is also in Japan under the Darley banner. The Grade 1-winning miler Schnell Meister is by Frankel's stud-mate Kingman and, though bred by Northern Farm, comes from a strong German dam-line, his mother Serienholde (Soldier Hollow) having won the 2016 G1 Preis der Diana. Titleholder had the beating of Schnell Meister in a Grade 2 contest prior to running second to Efforia in the G1 Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas). He later won the G1 Kikuka Sho by five lengths and, as established above, the name 'St Leger' does not instil dread in the hearts of Japanese breeders in the way it does British and Irish Flat breeders. Along with the aforementioned Deep Impact and Kitasan Black, other Kikuka Sho winners at stud in Japan include the very useful Epiphaneia – a personal favourite at Shadai – and the most recent Triple Crown winner Contrail, who has his first two-year-old runners this season. Lot 470, a colt foal from the first crop of Titleholder | Emma Berry Titleholder can be viewed as an important addition to the stallion ranks at Lex Stud in the hope that he can pick up where his late sire Duramente left off. The winner of the Japanese Derby and 2,000 Guineas, Duramente was a son of the influential King Kamehameha and was only nine when he died in 2021. He looks quite a loss as, along with Titleholder, another of his sons, Durezza, also won the Kikuka Sho, while his daughter Liberty Island won the Fillies' Triple Crown of 2023 a year after Stars On Earth had landed the first two races of that particular challenge. Titleholder's four foals catalogued for Tuesday's sale include lot 470, from Oiwake Farm, a strong colt out of the American Pharoah mare Glutton Lassie. And on the subject of the brilliant Liberty Island, who was sadly fatally injured in Hong Kong earlier this year, it would be no surprise to see her half-brother by Saturnalia (lot 90) feature prominently among the JRHA yearling results by the end of Monday. The post A Pilgrimage in Pursuit of Kizuna, Kitasan Black and Co appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article