Wandering Eyes

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

With 50 Oaks points on the line in Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs, Fondly (Upstart–Lifetime Memory, by Istan) showed grit in the final jumps as she secured the haul for Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. A winner on debut at Tampa back in mid-February, the 3-year-old filly led in the initial stages, but was soon joined by Anonima (Sharp Azteca). Fondly slugged it out with her rival and the pair took their battle inside the final furlong marker. However, it was the Graham Motion trainee who surged ahead before the wire. Early On (Union Rags) was up for second. The final running time was 1:42.51. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. Sales History: $50,000 '23 FTKOCT. O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Brereton C Jones (KY); T-H. Graham Motion. Fondly stretches out and remains perfect in the Virginia Oaks! Onto the Kentucky Oaks! @grahammotion trains and @iradortiz was aboard! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/pcacBTugQL — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 15, 2025 The post Fondly Signs Off On Points For Kentucky Oaks At Colonial Downs appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After running a lengthy March 2 opinion piece by Noah Shachtman that questioned why so much money from slot machines, casinos and other subsidies was being to paid to what Shachtman describes as a dying industry in horse racing, the New York Times let its readers have their say. Saturday's edition included five letters to the editor, all from people reacting to a piece entitled “Dead Athletes. Empty Stands. Why Are We Paying Billions to Keep This Sport Alive?” Five letters were published, including one from NTRA CEO Tom Rooney and another from PETA Vice President Kathy Guillermo. Rooney focused in on the positive economic impact the sport produces for not just racing but for many industries. “Mr. Shachtman's essay about horse racing gave short shrift to the sport's upside,” Rooney wrote, “including its positive economic impact. Thoroughbred racing in the United States, according to 2023 data collected by the American Horse Council, has an annual economic impact of $37 billion. It supports 491,000 jobs, thousands of farms and related businesses. Protecting those jobs and reinvesting in racing is no different than measures that states take to support other sports and businesses that are important to local economies and cultures.” He continues: (Shachtman's) essay also discounted racing's safety record and its popularity. The sport has never been safer, with 2024 producing the lowest rate of fatal injury since the data have been kept. And, while the sport may not have the standing it did in the days of Seabiscuit, when the gates open for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, that event will attract 150,000 attendees and more television viewers than any single game of the World Series, the N.B.A. finals or the Stanley Cup.” Guillermo thinks the answer is to replace live racing with Historical Horse Racing Machines, completely overlooking the fact that would destroy the industry and, in particular, the breeding industry. “The racing industry also cons itself into thinking that its biggest issue is its public image, when it actually has a reality problem,” she wrote. “Hundreds of its involuntary athletes suffer gruesome, catastrophic injuries on the track every year, and you can't spin that away. “There is a solution. Historical horse racing machines–glorified slot machines that allow gamblers to bet on videos from past races from which all identifying information (date, location, names of horses and jockeys) has been removed–generate billions of dollars annually in Kentucky. “These machines circumvent the enormous expenses that make live horse racing one of the worst business models. They are not only profitable, but racing without live horses also solves the dead horse problem. Even PETA would support this.” Nicole St. Clair Knobloch of Arlington, Ma, fell into the pro-racing camp. “Horse racing is a multilevel socioeconomic enterprise that provides jobs at all levels,” she writes. “Shutting down the sport would mean that those jobs, and the livelihood and meaning derived from them, would never be replaced. Racing-related businesses run from conglomerates to individual trainers, grooms and jockeys, who are perpetual free agents, looking for the next great ride.” She continued: “It's critical that improvements to the animals' welfare are happening; there are many industries where worker treatment needs improvement. But those improvements are made possible by more public opportunity to enjoy the sport, as there surely will be with the rehabbing of storied tracks like Belmont and Pimlico, providing beauty, nature, animals and afternoon fun right on Long Island and in Baltimore.” Alex Hanson of Geneva, New York, also took exception to the New York Time story. “Noah Shachtman's essay portrays horse racing as a sport that is corrupt and dependent on government subsidies to survive while exploiting the animals and workers within it,” he wrote. “But it doesn't paint the whole picture. My father has bred standardbred horses for more than 40 years. His love and care for the animals is profound, and his work has taught me so much about building relationships with people across a range of experiences and identities. I did not recognize my father or the people I have encountered in the harness horse industry in Mr. Shachtman's piece. The good aspects of this sport and the good people involved in it deserve to be seen.” Judith Mazzucco, from Clarksburg, New Jersey focused on the slaughter issue. “While Noah Shachtman refers to the vast amounts of money involved in the racing industry, the racehorse owners, the investors, the excellent care the racehorses are given, he never addresses the horror that awaits many of these horses at the end of their racing careers,” she wrote. “Racehorses are retired once they have outlived their usefulness as sources of income for their owners. There are some responsible owners who retire their horses to green pastures. Racehorse retirement organizations strive to save many by finding them adoptive homes. Unfortunately, the fate of thousands of these racehorses each year is to be shipped to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada. That is the true money trail.” The post Readers Respond to Negative Racing Coverage in the New York Times appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rolando (Vekoma) is on a roll. A sharp, wire-to-wire optional claiming winner sprinting at Gulfstream Mar. 2, he delivered again as the favorite in Saturday's Hutcheson S. Rolando pressed Mucho Macho Man S. winner 'TDN Rising Star' Guns Loaded (Gun Runner) from an outside second and took over on the far turn. He kicked for home in complete control and dug down deep in the stretch to fend off Multiverse (Practical Joke) by a neck. Rolando becomes the ninth black-type winner for Vekoma. Mixteca, a half-sister to fellow St. George Stables homebred and champion Letruska (Super Saver), had a filly by Charlatan last year and was bred back to Street Sense. “He's a horse with natural explosive speed,” winning trainer Fausto Gutierrez said. “You always want a horse that goes long, but in this case, we have a horse for one-turn, and I'm happy.” HUTCHESON S., $102,000, Gulfstream, 3-15, 3yo, 6f, 1:10.57, ft. 1–ROLANDO, 118, c, 3, by Vekoma 1st Dam: Mixteca, by Tapizar 2nd Dam: Magic Appeal, by Successful Appeal 3rd Dam: Call Her Magic, by Caller I. D. 1ST BLACK TYPE WIN. O/B-St. George Stables, LLC (KY); T-Fausto Gutierrez; J-Tyler Gaffalione. $61,380. Lifetime Record: 6-3-1-2, $152,860. 2–Multiverse, 118, g, 3, Practical Joke–String Section, by Candy Ride (Arg). ($575,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). 1ST BLACK TYPE. O-Pin Oak Stud LLC; B-Highlight Thoroughbreds (Bryan and Peden Fraley) (KY); T-Riley Mott. $19,800. 3–Joey Muscles, 118, c, 3, Khozan–Smokin Red Hot, by Stormy Atlantic. O-John Grossi's Racing Corp.; B-John Grossi (FL); T-Jena M. Antonucci. $11,900. Margins: NK, 4, 2 1/4. Odds: 1.20, 2.80, 14.60. Also Ran: Tapirs Valor, Guns Loaded, Corta Fuego. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. #5 ROLANDO ($4.40) dug in late under @Tyler_Gaff to hold off #6 Multiverse to win the $115,000 Hutcheson Stakes at Gulfstream Park. The son of Vekoma (@spendthriftfarm) is trained by Fausto Gutierrez. Watch more on @FanDuelTV. pic.twitter.com/5lwR1Bc96g — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 15, 2025 The post Vekoma’s Rolando Keeps it Rolling in the Hutcheson appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article