Wandering Eyes

A brilliant mind, a love of animals and a massive contribution to many facets of the racing and breeding industry are being recalled following the death of Matamata equine veterinarian Dr Bill Ewen. His sudden death at his home last Tuesday aged 68 followed a period of poor health. After growing up in Auckland and studying at Massey University’s School of Veterinary Science, Ewen was an honours with distinction graduate in 1979 and put his degree to good use with one of the country’s eminent equine veterinary practices, Thompson and Marks. In due course he became a partner and was to forge his career in both the breeding and performance sides of the industry. “After completing his secondary education at King’s College, Bill was accepted for both the Auckland and Otago University medical schools as well as Massey University,” his wife Jane recalled. “I suspect his parents would have preferred him to become a doctor, but his love of animals won over and while he did qualify as a doctor, it was as a veterinarian.” Another aspect of Ewen’s formative years included attending race meetings at nearby Ellerslie racecourse, which was another seed that led to specialising in equine medicine. Colin Thompson’s son John, best known now as the principal of Rich Hill Stud, remembers Ewen’s arrival in Matamata off the back of a phone call to the Thompson residence seeking employment. “Two things from the call that my mother took stood out – Bill’s polite request for my father to call him back at his convenience, and to make it a collect call. “Then when Colin did call him back, he was further impressed by Bill’s qualifications, which led to him getting a job at Thompson and Marks and eventually becoming a partner in the practice.” The younger Thompson was to form a lasting relationship with Ewen, initially in his role as broodmare manager at Blandford Lodge and then when he established Rich Hill Stud. “While Colin and Jim were his seniors, in breeding matters as new technologies developed, Bill became something of the breeding guru of the practice. “The biggest change was the ultrasound scan in the late 1980s, which revolutionised the assessment of mares in their breeding cycles. “One of his skills at the vet bail was his ability to remember a mare’s follicle from one day to the next and using that knowledge to determine optimum covering times. “Bill had that unique ability to explain things in layman’s terms and he was always the same mellow guy, no matter how hectic his schedule might be during the peak of the breeding season.” Cambridge veterinarian Dr Paul Fraser, one of Ewen’s contemporaries over many years, remembers him for not only his professional skills but also the other facets of his persona. “Bill was one of those guys who was always seeking knowledge and involvement, not just as a vet but also fully immersing himself in so many aspects of racing as an owner and breeder and as an administrator. “He had this passion for sport, just about every sport. With all respect I have to say that with Bill’s passing, the world has lost one of its greatest sports observers. “Amongst his veterinary colleagues he was so popular, a really good guy who will be missed.” On both a professional and personal level, few were closer to Ewen than former Matamata, now Karaka, trainer Lance Noble. “From the time I arrived in Matamata as a 17-year-old to work for Jim Gibbs, Bill became one of my mentors,” Noble said. “I was keen to learn as much as I could and he was the perfect guy to explain things. “He became my stable vet when I went training on my own, which included helping with my yearling selections. He worked alongside two of the best equine vets of that era and like Colin and Jim, Bill bred, sold and raced his own horses, which made him very well-rounded as far as practical knowledge and understanding went. “He became a very loyal friend, which included our mutual love of sport. Rugby union and cricket were his favourites, and in his mind there were only two rugby teams – the All Blacks and the Blues. “He would have been pretty niggly after the Chiefs beat the Blues so narrowly in Hamilton on Saturday night, but no matter what, he never lost that great sense of humour. “Our many trips to his favourite sports ground, Eden Park, were just the best fun as the carload debated team selections on the way north and even when the All Blacks invariably won, the drive home was all about what they could have done better.” In racing administration, Ewen gave more than 25 years’ service to the Matamata Racing Club, beginning as a steward, then as a committee member and in the final nine years as a director, after which he was accorded life membership in 2023. Bill Ewen’s funeral service is scheduled for 11am this Thursday at the All Saints Anglican Church in Matamata, followed by a gathering at the Matamata racecourse. View the full article

The fast-improving You Say D’Orsay (Under The Louve) indicated he is a serious contender for the upcoming Gr.3 Manco Easter Handicap (1600m) with a gusty victory at Tauranga on Saturday. An Australian-bred son of Under The Louvre, You Say D’Orsay has been lightly-raced by Cambridge trainer Chris Wood, with just four starts as a three-year-old resulting in two wins and two runner-up finishes. The gelding has continued his upward trajectory at four, placing fourth in the $1 million Aotearoa Classic (1600m) and was deservedly among the favourites in Saturday’s St Cundy Bayleys Country and Lifestyle (1400m). In the hands of apprentice jockey Ace Lawson-Carroll, You Say D’Orsay tracked up on-speed in his usual pattern, finding a good position outside Sako who maintained a solid tempo mid-race. The pair drew level at the top of the straight and neither horse would give an inch, with You Say D’Orsay finding the extra kick in the closing stages to score by a short neck. “Everything panned out well, Ace rode him nicely,” Wood said. “He jumped well and when Stephen Marsh’s horse (Sako) wasn’t going to hand up (the lead), we just sat on the outside of him. “In the first two races, it looked like it was going to be a bit of an on-pace day so I thought if I had one that was going to handle it for the day, it was him. He kicked well when he came up to the other horse and pulled away in the last little bit. “It was a game effort with plenty of weight on board, I thought it was a good, strong win.” All roads now lead to the Easter for the gelding, who will have another run before the mile feature at Ellerslie on April 19. “I’ll have to have a good look at the book in the next 24 hours, we probably do need a stepping stone to get to the Easter, it just depends which race that is,” Wood said. An earner of over $185,000, You Say D’Orsay was identified and purchased for $50,000 by Wood, Paul Moroney and Catheryne Bruggeman at the 2022 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. In 12 starts, the gelding has never finished out of the first six, with four wins and four minor placings to his credit. “He was a nice horse, Paul Moroney bought him for me and he came with nice credentials and a good walk on him,” Wood said. “Paul did a good job to find him for not a lot of money and since he’s arrived here, he’s just taken every step and not put a foot wrong really. “He can get a little bit tender in his feet, but that’s the only problem we’ve had with him. “Apart from that, he’s just a dream to have around the stables. He’s the loveliest, kindest horse you could ever deal with.” View the full article

Northern apprentice jockey Sienna Brown earned a fitting first victory in the saddle aboard Hadid (NZ) (Charm Spirit) at Tauranga on Saturday. The 19-year-old had ridden the daughter of Charm Spirit on four previous occasions, including at the trials in the early stages of becoming an apprentice. Prepared by Hanna Orting, Hadid is owned by Brown’s parents Tony and Nikki, who were on course to witness a very special moment in the Larissa Reid Bayleys Whakatane Commercial (1600m). Having observed the pattern of the day, Brown took initiative from the jump, utilising her lightweight to press forward and put the pressure on her rivals. At the 800m, she extended the margin and had an eight-length buffer on Monday Melody, and turning for home, she had the winning break, holding off the late closing favourite to score by 2 – ¼ lengths. Brown was delighted with the result, particularly on a horse that means so much to her family. “They had all been coming off the front and on the rail, so from that gate on this track, everything was really set out for her,” she said. “It is really special, especially because this horse has been with me since the start. She was my first trial winner and I helped name her as well.” Coming from an equestrian background, making a career out of the horse industry appealed to Brown and racing was the obvious choice, with her parents also breeding a number of quality horses, including recent $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) contender Hankee Alpha (NZ) (Proisir). “I did a bit of show jumping and dressage, and I thought it would be cool to be able to make money out of riding,” Brown said. “Racing came naturally with Mum and Dad and I’m really enjoying it. “I’m apprenticed to Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, Maryanne and George Simon recommended them to us and I went and gave it a go, and they’ve been very good to me. My riding has really improved since I’ve been with them. “I’ve had so many opinions from other jockeys and they’ve been really helpful in helping me improve, giving me tips and things like that. “I’m going to try to travel around as much as I can and get as many rides as I can.” View the full article

Syndicator Joe O’Neill has enjoyed the results over summer with his two-year-olds, but it’s the prospect of having a champion hurdler with The Cunning Fox (NZ) (Reliable Man) which is whetting his appetite for the future. O’Neill watched the undefeated jumper trial at Cranbourne on Thursday when he finished second in a 2400m hurdle trial to Dashing Willoughby. “He trialled brilliantly at Cranbourne on Thursday. We thought he was extraordinary,” O’Neill said. The Patrick and Michelle Payne-trained jumper won his three hurdle starts last season, with his final win coming in the J.J. Houlahan Hurdle at Ballarat. O’Neill said The Cunning Fox will return to jumps racing in the M.J Bourke Hurdle at Pakenham on Sunday, April 13, which will be his lead-in to the Galleywood Hurdle at Warrnambool on April 30. “He’s a very good jumper. A lot of people think he’s the best jumper around. He won his first two hurdle races easily and then at Ballarat he wasn’t suited by the rock-hard track and he still won,” he said. The Cunning Fox resumed from a spell with an eighth placing at Sandown on February 26 and O’Neill said he will have another run on the flat before Pakenham. Meanwhile, O’Neill said his smart Tom Dabernig-trained two-year-old filly Cavalry Girl has gone to the spelling paddock after her disappointing seventh behind Shining Smile in the Festival Stakes at Flemington. “She did a great job running second in the Geelong Diamond and then winning at Flemington before she got that cold before the Inglis Millennium. She pulled up a little bit short the other day,” he said. “She’ll have a couple of months off. We’re in no hurry to get her back.” He said she could even be back to contest two-year-old races at the end of the season. View the full article

Now that Wrote To Arataki (NZ) (Wrote) has ticked off the 1600 metres box she will return to that trip in next Saturday’s Gr.2 Sunline Stakes (1600m) at The Valley. After Wrote To Arataki won the Gr.3 Frances Tressady Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 15, Trainer Matt Williams gave the six-year-old mare her first opportunity over 1600 metres when she finished third in the Gr.3 Matron Stakes at Flemington. In that race, she took up the running and was still in front with 50 metres to go, before she was overhauled by Jennilala and Charisse. Williams said that effort gave him confidence heading into the Sunline Stakes as it proved she could handle the trip. “I thought she was really good at the mile for the first time. Dean (Yendall) felt that she was a little bit keen in the run for her first attempt at the mile,” Williams said. “Plus, she had gone three weeks between runs as ideally two weeks would have been perfect, but that’s just the way the calendar unfolded. She now has two weeks between runs for the Sunline, which will also be her first run at The Valley.” Williams said Wrote To Arataki wasn’t a great traveller and as a result she will miss the Sydney carnival. “We will give her the run in the Sunline and then a couple of weeks in the paddock, then we will look to the spring with her.” Williams said 1600-metre races such as the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap at Caulfield and the Gr.1 Empire Rose Stakes would be target races. “It would be great for her value if she could place in a Gr.1,” Williams said. The under-rated mare already has a Gr.2 win and two Gr.3 wins to her credit. View the full article

The Team unearth some great stories from what on paper looked like a quiet week in racing. They cover everything from Waitak returning to the winners circle, exceptional Australian racing, international jockeys and retired ones. That and plenty more on this weeks Weigh In. Weigh In, March 16 View the full article

What Taree Races Where Manning Valley Race Club – Racecourse Dr, Taree NSW 2430 When Monday, March 17, 2025 First Race 1:15pm AEDT Visit Dabble Manning Valley Race Club is the destination for country racing on Monday afternoon, with a competitive eight-part program lined up at Taree. The rail moves out +3m the entire circuit for the meeting, and with the track rated a Soft 7 at the time of acceptances and more light rainfall forecast across the weekend, punters can expect that rating to hold on race-day. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 1:15pm local time. Best Bet at Taree: Mindspace The Sally Taylor-trained Mindspace looks a big price at the as he gets set to peak third-up into the campaign. The son of So You Think hit the line well in his latest effort at Tamworth on February 14, with the five-year-old building the revs at the end of 1600m. He will be aided by the 4kg claim of apprentice hoop Nick Palmer taking the reins for the first time, and with the 2000m a perfect trip for Mindspace to recapture his best, this guy must be considered the one to beat. Best Bet Race 2 – #2 Mindspace (7) 5yo Gelding | T: Sally Taylor | J: Nick Palmer (4kg) (62kg) Next Best at Taree: Tsunoda The trio of Tsunoda, Highly Tempted and Toy Story all meet again after clashing at this course over 1400m last time out, and it appears advantage Tsunoda as they step up to the mile. He was too far back in a slowly run affair on that occasion; however, he worked through the line nicely to suggest he’s ready to fire fourth-up into the preparation. Aaron Bullock elects to stick, and with gate five allowing him to navigate his way to the one-one, expect Tsunoda to turn the tables at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 5 – #3 Tsunoda (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Marc Quinn | J: Aaron Bullock (61kg) Best Value at Taree: Aquafire Aquafire ran into a smart one in the form of Éclair Vitality when returning at Port Macquarie on March 3 and should take big improvement heading into this second-up assignment. The Headwater gelding was victorious second-up last preparation and should appreciate the sting out of the ground this time around. Luke Rolls appears set to stalk his rivals from barrier seven, so with even luck, watch for Aquafire to be barrelling down the centre of the course at a terrific each-way price with Dabble. Best Value Race 6 – #5 Aquafire (7) 3yo Gelding | T: Stephen Farley | J: Luke Rolls (58kg) Monday quaddie tips for Taree Taree quadrella selections March 17, 2025 1-2-3 1-2-5-6-9 1-3-9-10-11-12 5-6-8-10-11 | Copy this bet straight to your betslip (Quaddie Link from Boombet needed^) Horse racing tips View the full article

The Yarra Valley Cup has been abandoned due to heavy rainfall. The Jack Hirsch Memorial Yarra Valley Cup meeting has been abandoned after the running of the first race due to heavy rainfall making the track unsuitable for racing. Racing Victoria (RV) confirmed that 22mm of rain had fallen since 7:30 am, leading to surface water forming on the Bet365 Yarra Valley track. Stewards made the decision to call off the meeting at 1:18 pm, prioritizing the safety of horses and jockeys. With the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting continued rainfall throughout the afternoon, officials determined that there was no chance of the track drying sufficiently to resume racing. RV’s Racing Operations team will assess upcoming race programs to determine potential adjustments for horses affected by the abandonment. Trainers with runners engaged at Yarra Valley have the option to nominate their horses for Wednesday’s Sandown meeting by submitting extended entries via email before 4:00 pm today. Horse racing news View the full article

Rising jockey Zac Lloyd has once again found himself in the hot seat after copping a five-meeting suspension for careless riding at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, triggering a heated exchange with chief steward Steve Railton. Lloyd, who will now miss the prestigious Group 1 Tancred Stakes, meeting was charged with shifting in aboard Willaidow in the early stages of the Group 2 Ajax Stakes, causing interference to Pericles and Just Fine. The young rider pleaded guilty but was quick to argue the charge’s specifics, insisting that Pericles had moved away from him rather than him causing interference. Ajax Stakes race replay https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Rosehill-2025-Group-2-Ajax-Stakes-15032025-Iowna-Merc-Bjorn-Baker-Joshua-Parr.mp4 “This is every week,” Lloyd vented in frustration, as Railton reminded him that such debates should be reserved for a not-guilty plea. The two-time Sydney champion apprentice was urged to give sufficient clearance in future rides to avoid repeated run-ins with the stewards. Meanwhile, apprentice Bailey Wheeler also endured a tough day at Rosehill, missing out on his maiden Group 1 opportunity after failing to make weight on multiple rides. Forced to forgo his Coolmore Classic booking aboard Elettrica, Wheeler not only lost his chance on the big stage but also copped a $500 fine for the blunder. With Lloyd now sidelined until April 3, his absence will be felt as the Sydney Autumn Carnival heats up, while Wheeler will need to reassess his weight management as he chases a breakthrough moment in the top grade. Horse racing news View the full article

The D. Wayne Lukas entry in the March 15 Virginia Derby, American Promise, delivered a career-best effort to finish 7 3/4 lengths ahead of Render Judgment and set a track record for 1 1/8 miles on the dirt at Colonial Downs.View the full article

The D. Wayne Lukas entry in the March 15 Virginia Derby, American Promise, delivered a career-best effort to finish 7 3/4 lengths ahead of Render Judgement and set a track record for 1 1/8 miles on the dirt at Colonial Downs.View the full article

Lady Claypoole is a new lady in this relatively new year. She is 3-for-3 in 2025 after winning the March 15 Santa Ana Stakes (G3T) at Santa Anita Park.View the full article

Mr Brightside (NZ) ridden by Craig Williams wins the VRC Champions Mile at Flemington Racecourse on November 09, 2024 in Flemington, Australia. (Photo by Jay Town/Racing Photos) Champion galloper Mr Brightside will not contest the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, with Lindsay Park electing to take a more cautious approach following his bruised heel setback. The nine-time Group 1 winner, who finished second in the All-Star Mile last start, is now being considered for either the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes next month or a direct trip to Hong Kong for the Group 1 Champions Mile. “Our campaign is probably going to be set between two races,” co-trainer Will Hayes said. “We’re going to have a look at the All-Aged Stakes or go straight to Hong Kong. That’s the logical path we’ll plan back from on Monday, given we are happy with how he’s now pulled up after the run.” Mr Brightside, who placed second in the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes before winning the Group 1 Futurity Stakes, endured a challenging run in the All-Star Mile, narrowly beaten by Tom Kitten. Despite initially being on the third line of betting for the George Ryder Stakes at $6, the decision was made to prioritise his recovery and long-term goals. “Off the way he pulled up (after the All-Star Mile), we decided not to go to the George Ryder,” Hayes said. “We wanted to get him right … we wanted to cruise around on it (the bruised heel) and not gallop him and make it worse. We just did the right thing by the horse, and after a quiet week, he’s come good.” Meanwhile, Lindsay Park could still be a key player on Saturday, with Tycoon Star set to line up in the Group 1 Golden Slipper who opened betting at . The promising two-year-old, who finished third in the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes and fourth in the Group 2 Todman Stakes, is rated a $21 chance with horse racing bookmakers in the pre-final-field market. “He’s in terrific order, and we think it was a great practice run on the Sydney leg,” Hayes added. “It’s a very open Golden Slipper.” Horse racing news View the full article

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In the Saturday finale on the turf at 'The Great RIP' first timer Misleading (Not This Time–Heart of Paradise, by More Than Ready) executed a perfectly-timed rush to graduate in-style. A 10-1 shot here, the Keeneland September grad was in no hurry when it came to exiting the gate. Biding her time at the back of the field, the filly seemed out of it by the far turn, but the 3-year-old was gearing up for a late push. Misleading tipped towards the center of the course at the top of the lane and uncorked a furious rally. With one big gulp and some impeccably-crafted late heroics, the John Shirreffs trainee was up in time to walk the stage. Longshot Prestige Fungson (Always Dreaming) was the runner-up. The final running time was 1:10.39. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0. Sales History: $270,000 '22 KEENOV; $550,000 '23 KEESEP. O-C R K Stable LLC; B-Fred W. Hertrich lll & John D. Fielding (KY); T-John A. Shirreffs. The post Not This Time’s Misleading Comes From The Clouds In Santa Anita Finale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Taking charge from the start, Booth became a graded stakes winner in capturing the $250,000 Whitmore Stakes (G3) March 15 at Oaklawn Park.View the full article

The D. Wayne Lukas entry in the March 15 Virginia Derby, American Promise, delivered a career-best effort to finish 7 3/4 lengths ahead of Render Judgement and set a track record for 1 ⅛ miles on the dirt at Colonial Downs.View the full article

By Jonny Turner A hugely satisfying MLT Wyndham Cup victory is set to be the starting point for a huge week for Craig Ferguson. The trainer-driver produced Wag Star for a well overdue and thoroughly deserved victory in his home track’s big feature. Wag Star has produced many big performances while being handed little racing luck over the past six months. But for just under four minutes on Saturday that changed and it delivered Ferguson a win in a race he’s always wanted to get his hands on, as well as giving owners Bill and Pauline Bain and Bill and Mary McDowell reward for their faith in their star pacer. “It’s a race I’ve always wanted to train the winner of and I’m pleased for this horse and his connections,” Ferguson said. “He’s had a lot of bad luck and things haven’t really gone to plan for a wee while.” “But we’ve got a dream run today and it all worked out.” What may not be well known about Wag Star is that the pacer has been far from straightforward for Ferguson and his staff to manage. “He’s got a few quirks to him and even today he probably should have won a bit easier than what he did.” “He got his nose in front and then just switched off and went to sleep.” “So there are still a few work-ons but hopefully we can give him a few runs like that running on at the finish and we can teach him how to do it.” Though Wag Star is owned by the Bains of Central Otago and the McDowells of Canterbury, the pacer’s win is still very much considered a home town victory. “To win any race is good, but to win a Wyndham Cup is great because the horse has spent all his life here,” Bill Bain said, “he got broken in at home and then he’s been down at Craig’s ever since.” With the Wyndham Cup secured, Ferguson can now focus on his next feature race assignments. The reinsman will link up with Marketplace who is set to start a hot favourite in the Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 3YO Final at Alexandra Park on Friday night. Ferguson will also drive Don’t Stop Dreaming in his first start for the Hayden and Amanda Cullen stable in the Group 2 City Of Auckland Free-For-All. View the full article

Trying graded company for the first time in his career, 'TDN Rising Star' Booth (Mitole–Sophia's Song, by Bellamy Road) made every pole a winning one as he took home the GIII Whitmore Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Saturday afternoon. Earning a 'Rising Star' merit badge as a late juvenile, Booth won the Commodore Stakes in Hot Springs last month. The 5-2 choice here was sent hard out of the gate and he never looked back. Full of run down the lane, the 4-year-old won by more than a length over Giant Mischief (Into Mischief). The final running time was 1:09.79. Back-to-back wins for Booth, who wins the G3 Whitmore at Oaklawn Park! Steve Asmussen trains. It's a hat trick for Erik Asmussen! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/f08Wij47LL — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 15, 2025 Saturday, Oaklawn Park WHITMORE S.-GIII, $250,000, Oaklawn, 3-15, 4yo/up, 6f, 1:09.79, ft. 1–BOOTH, 124, c, 4, by Mitole 1st Dam: Sophia's Song (SW & GSP, $155,892), by Bellamy Road 2nd Dam: Dreamscape, by Mt. Livermore 3rd Dam: Big Dreams, by Great Above 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN. ($120,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $225,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR). O-L. William Heiligbrodt, Corinne Heiligbrodt, Jackpot Farm and Whispering Oaks Farm LLC; B-Clearsky Farms (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen; J-Erik Asmussen. $142,500. 'TDN Rising Star' Lifetime Record: 9-5-0-0, $476,191. *1/2 to Musical Mischief (Into Mischief), GSW & GISP, $519,276; 1/2 to Bright Future (Curlin), GISW, $947,940. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. 2–Giant Mischief, 124, h, 5, Into Mischief–Vertical Oak, by Giant Oak. ($475,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP). O-Spendthrift Farm LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Steve Landers, Martin S. Schwartz, Michael Dubb, Ten Strike Racing, James J. Bakke, Titletown Racing Stables, Kueber Racing LLC, Big Easy Racing Racing LLC, Winner Win Racing and Michael J. Caruso; B-Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY); T-Brad H. Cox. 'TDN Rising Star' $47,500. 3–Tejano Twist, 124, g, 6, Practical Joke–Haley's Lolipop, by Cuvee. O-JD Thoroughbreds LLC and Joey Keith Davis; B-Tom Durant (KY); T-Chris A. Hartman. $23,750. Margins: 2 1/4, 3HF, 1. Odds: 2.50, 2.80, 4.30. Also Ran: Happy Is a Choice, Closethegame Sugar, Miles Ahead, Jaxon Traveler. Scratched: Durante, Glengarry. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Booth Goes Gate-To-Wire In GIII Whitmore At Oaklawn appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Unfazed by a step up to stakes company, the Graham Motion-trained Fondly outbattled more seasoned rivals to take the March 15 Virginia Oaks in only her second career start.View the full article

Both New York State legislative houses have accepted a plan by Gov. Kathy Hochul to provide funding for a new advanced equine imaging screening program at the Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists Hospital adjacent to Belmont Park.View the full article

The Horseracing Welfare and Integrity Unit has suspended three trainers and disqualified dozens of race results as part of its investigation into an alleged conspiracy at Penn National Race Course to inject horses too close to races and workouts.View the full article

Added to the Kentucky Derby Trail for the first time, the Virginia Derby entered a new era over the dirt at Colonial Downs on Saturday and it was American Promise (Justify–Tapella, by Tapit) who deposited 50 points into his 'Run for the Roses' account. With John Hancock (Constitution) opting to go to the GII Louisiana Derby next week, favoritism lay clearly with 'TDN Rising Star' Getaway Car (Curlin). At the break, both the chalk and the 7-1 second choice hooked up in a duel that lasted through the far turn. At the top of the lane, American Promise shifted into high gear and put away his opponent. The 3-year-old ran up the score and won easily. In the process, the colt set a new track record. The final running time was 1:46.41. American Promise dominates in the Virginia Derby at @colonialdowns to pick up 50 points towards the @kentuckyderby! @nikjuarez had the mount for D. Wayne Lukas! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/pXV5QHYm14 — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 15, 2025 Saturday, Colonial Downs VIRGINIA DERBY, $527,500, Colonial Downs, 3-15, 3yo, 1 1/8m, 1:46.41 (NTR), ft. 1–AMERICAN PROMISE, 123, c, 3, by Justify 1st Dam: Tapella, by Tapit 2nd Dam: Princess Arabella, by Any Given Saturday 3rd Dam: Tortuga Lady, by Thunder Gulch ($750,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O-BC Stables LLC; B-Candy Meadows LLC (KY); T-D. Wayne Lukas; J-Nik Juarez. $300,000. Lifetime Record: 9-2-1-1, $444,874. *1/2 to Hoosier Philly (Into Mischief), GSW, $974,465. 2–Render Judgment, 123, c, 3, Blame–Barbara Gordon, by Commissioner. ($310,000 Ylg '23 FTKJUL). O-Baccari Racing Stable LLC, Dream Walkin Farms, Inc., MJM Racing and Rocket Ship Racing; B-Green Lantern Stables (KY); T-Kenneth McPeek. $100,000. 3–Omaha Omaha, 123, c, 3, Audible–England Swings, by Kitten's Joy. O/B-On Your Left Racing, LLC (VA); T-Michael E. Gorham. $82,500. Margins: 7 3/4, 3/4, NK. Odds: 7.40, 21.00, 12.90. Also Ran: Getaway Car, Studlydoright, Rapture, Authentic Gallop. Scratched: Calling Card, Georgia Magic, John Hancock. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. The post ‘Run For The Roses’ Points Go To American Promise In Virginia Derby appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Sunday's Observations features a full-sister to Palace Pier GB) (Kingman {GB}). 15.10 Curragh, Mdn, €20,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 7fT Coolmore and Westerberg's hitherto untested WIN ME OVER (IRE) (Kingman {GB}) is a full-sister to five-time Group 1-winning sire Palace Pier (GB). The Aidan O'Brien trainee, who is set to be partnered by Ryan Moore, encounters 19 rivals in this debut. The post Full-Sister To Palace Pier In Line For Curragh Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Mike Love The final day of the Team Teal campaign gets underway today at the Banks Peninsula and Wingatui meetings. Team Teal ambassador Gemma Thornley reflects on what has been a successful campaign. “It’s been really good. Everyone really supports it and it’s been a lot of fun too doing something for a great cause,” said Thornley. Thornley heads into today with a book of six drives – and though none are stars, they will be sure to give punters a run for their money at good odds. In Race 1, the DC Installations Mobile Pace over 2000m will see Times Are A Changin ($31.00FF) have start number 95. The Barry Ward-trained mare can pop up occasionally and Thornley is hopeful it may be today. “You can never underestimate Barry’s runners – especially at Motukarara. It’s a bad draw but they can fly home late.” Superfast Gorsey ($31.00FF) for trainer Chris Thornley should at least trot all the way for Thornley in Race 5, the Waihora RFC Ttrot over 2170m. “He will trot all the way. So if we get a good enough trip he will be a top four chance.” Lay On Macduff ($31.00FF) in Race 6, the Crate & Barrel, Alpine Inn Hanmer, Mark Tweedy Pace will be looking for an economical trip to feature. “I was stoked with him at his last start. He doesn’t have a very long sprint so hopefully I can kid him a bit up the straight.” A Girl Named Vinny ($21.00FF) won well two starts back then did not have the smoothest of runs at Ashburton February 22. Thornley is hoping for a more economical trip today. “We’ll probably go forward and then look for cover. She’s a bit funny, but I think in that field she should be a good place chance.” Franco Tim ($10.00FF) returns from success at Cromwell three weeks ago to face a much different scenario – back to a stand and coming off the unruly. “He’s been racing really well. He’s on the unruly which can make it tricky. But he’s racing well enough and he likes the track. I think he shouldn’t be far away.” Just Ask Paddy ($26.00FF) also faces a stiff task in the final race of the day The Start Crew Thanks Clocktower Motors Mobile Pace over 2000m drawn 14. “I was really happy with him at Addington. No luck from the draw so I’ll have to follow them round and hopefully he’s hitting the line well.” Race one gets underway at 12:30pm. Williamson lines up strong chances at Wingatui By Jonny Turner Matthew Williamson knows there are no certainties at what is arguably New Zealand harness racing’s most unique track. Williamson takes Major Boy to Wingatui on Sunday, where he will take on its famous uphill straight and wide open spaces. The pacer heads to Dunedin on the back of an excellent debut third at Ascot Park last week. The three-year-old is a clear cut-favourite following the scratching of rival Prosperity who ran to a front-running victory at Wyndham on Saturday. While Major Boy is the horse to beat in his maiden assignment at Wingatui, the race is no gimme. “His first up run was great and being a little bit green he should be a lot better for that run,” Williamson said. “It was a harder field at Invercargill, he is the horse to beat but it won’t be easy for him.” “Wingatui can be a tricky track and it is his first time on grass.” Williamson has his stablemates Haley Robyn and Mack Pack going head-to-head at Wingatui on Sunday. Haley Robyn looks a strong each way hope for junior driver Georgia Goodman. “Her last start second at Oamaru was good and even though she’s drawn wide she is one of the better form horses in the race and she looks an each way chance,” Williamson said. Mack Pack drops back in grade for Williamson, but he has to overcome barrier 13. “He will probably be driven for one run from the draw, he’s not the worst chance.” Race one gets underway at 11.55am. View the full article