Wandering Eyes

Secretariat's jockey, Ron Turcotte, passed away Friday at the age of 84. The news was confirmed by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in a statement reading: “Ron was a legendary rider and also an inspiration for all he achieved and overcame during his incredible life. Although best known for sweeping the Triple Crown with Secretariat–culminating with a 31-length victory in the 1973 Belmont Stakes–Turcotte's Hall of Fame career spanned 18 years and more than 3,000 wins. As an ambassador for both the sport and the legacy of the great Secretariat, Ron made countless people into fans of racing through his kindness and the time he gave to all, whether telling stories about Big Red, signing autographs, or posing for pictures. He was a fierce competitor on the track and a gentleman off of it. He will forever be remembered as one of the game's greats.” Inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 1979, Turcotte won 3,032 races, but will always be remembered as the primary rider for the great Secretariat. Turcotte did not ride Secretariat in his first two races. Apprentice Paul Feliciano did. Turcotte took over for a 1972 allowance race at Saratoga and, for the next 18 races, Turcotte and Secretariat put on a show unlike anything racing had seen in several decades. Winning the Sanford, Hopeful, Futurity, the Laurel Futurity and the Garden State Stakes as a 2-year-old, Secretariat was named 1972 Horse of the Year. He repeated that feat in1973, thanks in large part to a historic romp through the Triple Crown races. The best of the best came in the Belmont Stakes, which Secretariat won by 31 lengths. The horse was running so fast early that some worried that Turcotte had blown the race and that Secretarial would have nothing left for the stretch. “I knew we were putting Sham and the rest far behind us with Secretariat's long, loping strides,” Turcotte told Tom Pedulla in 2018. “I knew he was going to have no trouble getting the mile and a half. I peeked and the other horses must have been 15-20 lengths behind. Now, the only race was against the clock.” Turcotte referenced the timing issue at the Preakness, where the official time was 1:55, but several observers hand-timed him as fast as 1:53 2/5, more than enough to break the record. “After the Preakness timing controversy, I wanted Secretariat to set a record that would stand a long time. With 70 yards to go, I chirped to him to make sure he did not lose focus. He responded by finding still another gear. Sure that the race was won, that Secretariat would be the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years, I was able to soak in everything. The crowd that was going wild. The teletimer. Track announcer Chic Anderson's memorable race call. 'Secretariat is widening now. He is moving like a tremendous machine!'”` Ron Turcotte and Secretariat's unforgettable Belmont win | NYRA Photo Due to a careless riding suspension, Turcotte was not available to ride Secretariat in his final start, the GII Canadian International at Woodbine. The mount went to Eddie Maple. With trainer Lucien Laurin having passed away in 2000 and owner Penny Tweedy in 2017, Turcotte was the last remaining member of the trio that directed Secretariat's career. Born in Drummond, New Brunswick, Canada in 1941 and one of 12 children, he left school at 14 to work with his father as a lumberjack. A few years later, he would begin his career in racing in 1960, working as a hotwalker at E.P. Taylor's Windfields Farm. Riding in his native country at the start of his career, he won his first race in 1962. A year later and still an apprentice, Turcotte was aboard Northern Dancer when he made his debut a winning one in 1963 at Fort Erie. In 1965, he won his first Triple Crown race, capturing the Preakness with Tom Rolfe. Turcotte would eventually find his way to the New York tracks, where he established himself as one of the top jockeys in the nation. He developed a working relationship with Laurin, who gave him the mount on another Hall of Famer, Riva Ridge. With Turcotte aboard, he won the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont in 1972. A fourth-place finish in the Preakness was sandwiched in between. A year later, Turcotte became the first jockey in seventy years to win back-to-back runnings of the Kentucky Derby. During an 18-year career, his other notable wins include the Kentucky Oaks, the Jockey Club Gold Cup, the Florida Derby, the Travers, the Alabama, the Wood Memorial and the Santa Anita Handicap. He led all riders in stakes wins in 1972 and 1973. Turcotte's career ended tragically on July 13, 1978 when he was involved in a spill at Belmont Park when aboard a filly named Flag of Leyte Gulf. The injuries left him a paraplegic. “What's under the bridge is gone,” Turcotte told writer Eddie Donnally in 1988. “It's funny how you seem to forget the bad memories. You don't remember the hard times. They just seem to evaporate. I've accepted what happened, but I haven't accepted my condition. I still hold out hope I will walk.” Turcotte never did walk again, but he stayed active in the sport, making numerous appearances at racetracks to celebrate his career and to raise awareness for the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund. After his career ended, he moved back to New Brunswick and settled in the town of Grand Falls. In 2015, Grand Falls honored him with a life-sized statue of him riding Secretariat. “I have received many awards and trophies from all over, but to have my own town honor me in this way is very special to me and my family,” said Turcotte. “It is very touching, believe me. It made me cry a few times there.” In addition to the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame, Turcotte has been inducted into, among others, the Canadian Racing Hall of Fame and the New York Sports Hall of Fame. He has received the Avelino Gomez Memorial Award, the George Woolf Memorial Award and Sovereign Award, Canada's version of the Eclipse Awards. Turcotte was named French Canadian Athlete-of-the-Year in 1973 and was the first person from Thoroughbred racing ever to be appointed a member of the Order of Canada. The Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund Chairman William Punk, Jr. released a statement following Turcotte's passing Friday, saying: “The Board of Directors of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund and its recipients mourn the passing of one our greatest champions and ambassadors. Ron's tireless advocacy and efforts on behalf of his fellow fallen rider is beyond measure. Although he is appropriately recognized as a member of the Racing Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in the saddle, his contributions to the PDJF established him as a giant in the hearts of all associated with this organization. His memory and his impact will live on forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gaetane, their daughters and his family and friends at this difficult time.” This post will be updated. The post Hall Of Famer Ron Turcotte Passes Away At 84 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

IRON ORCHARD (f, 2, Authentic–Onebrethatatime, by Brethren), who graduated by open lengths during the Fourth of July Festival at Saratoga, made light work of seven overmatched rivals to run her record to two wins from two starts with a front-running success in Friday's Seeking The Ante Stakes at the Spa. Most recently hammered down for $500,000 at this year's OBS April Sale, Iron Orchard was made the long odds-on favorite for that debut as she faced mostly auction maidens with a stipulation that allowed New York-breds to compete no matter their purchase price at their most recent sale. Having duly dismissed that field by 5 1/2 lengths, she was a logical 3-4 favorite to take this next step and did so with a minimum of fuss. In front almost at once beneath Joel Rosario, Iron Orchard made the running from chief market rival Grazie (Modernist) through an opening quarter in :22.27 and was asked to dispose of the Repole runner after a half in :45.36. Quickly putting several lengths on the field prior to the eighth pole, she coasted under the wire to take it by daylight, becoming the sixth stakes winner for her Spendthrift-based stallion, whose 2-year-old half-sister gets her career started Saturday at Ellis Park. Sales history: $140,000 Wlg '23 KEENOV; $97,000 RNA Ylg '24 FTNAUG; $78,000 Ylg '24 FTKOCT; $500,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0. O-Edward A Childs & R A Hill Stable; B-Pine Ridge Stable LLC (NY); T-Danny Gargan IRON ORCHARD is now 2 for 2 after winning the Seeking the Ante Stakes very impressively under @JRosarioJockey for trainer @GarganRacing! pic.twitter.com/1jrq3H0xtX — NYRA () (@TheNYRA) August 22, 2025 The post Authentic Filly Iron Orchard Dominates the Seeking The Ante appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

It has been a compelling few days at York, but it all comes to a head this weekend with an abundance of high-class action including a new British Group 1 in Saturday's City Of York. Upgraded to become the country's first seven-furlong contest to carry the status, it has duly attracted one of the best of the domestic brigade in Rosallion. While the son of Blue Point has met with three defeats so far this term, the last two when denied in photos in the Queen Anne and Sussex only serve to confirm his standing as one of the elite milers of his time. Although he was an Irish 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace winner last term, this return to seven could be the ideal scenario and it holds no fears for Richard Hannon. “It's back to seven furlongs, but two of his best performances have been at this distance, in the Pat Eddery Stakes at Ascot and Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere,” he said. “I don't think there is anybody who I've seen while racing who doesn't think he deserves another Group 1 win and he's been a model of consistency all year. Hopefully he gets his reward for it.” While Juddmonte's Qirat (Showcasing) denied him in the Sussex when left to his own devices as a rogue pacemaker, this represents an entirely different test and he is unlikely to be ignored now the cat is out of the bag. The Golden Eagle hero Lake Forest (No Nay Never), Summer Mile winner Never So Brave (No Nay Never) and Prix Jean Prat runer-up Maranoa Charlie (Wootton Bassett) add ballast, but Rosallion looks to have a class edge. Morny Caps Big Weekend For The Juveniles… Sunday's G1 Sumbe Prix Morny is a true gem, with five juveniles who have shown a large degree of talent. Ballydoyle's impressive Coventry winner Gstaad (Starspangledbanner) needs no hyping after that display and bids to emulate his half-brother Vandeek's victory of two years ago. The fact that David Armstrong's Coppull (Bated Breath) was so well-beaten in that Royal Ascot feature before recording a convincing win in Goodwood's Richmond says it all about the potential quality of the Rosegreen representative. It is not impossible that Coppull has improved past Gstaad in the interim, while the Albany and Duchess of Cambridge winner Venetian Sun (Starman) has been boosted by the York exploits of Royal Fixation. Godolphin's Wise Approach (Mehmas) is also firmly in the mix, having finished second to Charles Darwin over five in the Norfolk before taking apart the Gimcrack runner-up Rock On Thunder back over this trip in Newbury's Listed Rose Bowl Stakes. Then there is the small matter of the much-vaunted Outfielder (Speightstown), Amo Racing, Jayson Werth and Wesley Ward's potential superstar who left such a lasting impression at Churchill Downs in May. Ahead of this feast, there are the Group 2 contests at The Curragh on Saturday which should tell us a lot more about next year's Classic picture. Ballydoyle have their customary strong representation in both the Futurity and Debutante, with Wootton Bassett's Galway winner Constitution River and Silver Flash winner Composing set to head to post as favourites for each prize. Composing has proven Pattern-race form already and looks a cut above the Anglesey scorer Suzie Songs (Starspangledbanner) and Albany third Balantina (Ten Sovereigns), while the Futurity is perhaps more of a poser with the impressive Killarney and Curragh maiden winners A Boy Named Susie (Starspangledbanner) and Geryon (Lope De Vega) just as valid as Constitution River at this stage. There are more avenues for the two-year-old fillies on Sunday, with Deauville's G2 Sumbe Prix du Calvados seeing the Princess Margaret winner Fitzella (Too Darn Hot) upped to seven furlongs to encounter an exciting Godolphin-Fabre project in My Highness (Ghaiyyath) and Goodwood's G3 Prestige Fillies' Stakes offering a fascinating clash between some genuine 1,000 Guineas types. The latter is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In and the winner will be guaranteed an automatic berth in the $1-million John Deere Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Leading them is Cheveley Park Stud's unbeaten Moon Target (Cracksman), who has won her maiden and novice by a combined margin of 13 lengths and bids to emulate the operation's 1996 winner Red Camellia for Sir Mark Prescott. Ballydoyle have one in here too in the Cork maiden winner Precise (Starspangledbanner), while Al Shaqab and Amo Racing's course-and-distance maiden scorer Aylin (St Mark's Basilica) is another who ticks a lot of boxes. Prescott said of Moon Target, “I've been a while without one for Cheveley and I had a marvellous run for them with Pivotal, Red Camellia who actually won the Prestige, and Hooray, who often gets forgotten and was champion two-year-old filly. I liked her much, much more once I worked her as she always went very, very well without apparently doing anything. Initially I thought the others must be very bad because of the way she just did it, so she's been interesting and I think she caught everybody by surprise when it turned out at home she could go.” Dream Scenario In The Romanet? There are so many sub-plots throughout the weekend it will take a while to digest once the dust is settled. While not exactly a sidenote as a Group 1 race for fillies and mares, Sunday's Sumbe Prix Jean Romanet is usually one of the lighter of its type staged in Europe and this year's edition is no exception. With Ballydoyle's Bedtime Story (Frankel) yet to recover her two-year-old form, it represents an ideal opportunity for Godolphin's Cinderella's Dream (Shamardal) to follow up her Falmouth success provided she sees out this mile-and-a-quarter trip. She was second in last year's 11-furlong Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, but that was at Del Mar and there are some strong-staying fillies in here including the Aga Khan Studs runner Cankoura (Persian King) who took the G3 Prix de Pysche and was third in the Prix de Diane. Other honourable mentions over the two days must go to Juddmonte's Greenham winner and Poule d'Essai des Poulains runner-up Jonquil (Lope De Vega) in Goodwood's feature G2 Celebration Mile, taken on by the progressive three-year-old filly Saqqara Sands (Oasis Dream) who dead-heated in the Oak Tree last time, Lordship Stud's still-promising TDN Rising Star Bowmark (Kingman) in York's G3 Strensall Stakes on Saturday and Wathnan's Copper Horse Stakes winner French Master (Frankel) under top weight in the meeting's feature Ebor Handicap. The post ‘He Deserves Another Group 1 Win’: Hannon Looking To Rosallion To Shine Again appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

John Velazquez, the winningest jockey in the history of Saratoga Race Course, will serve a three-day “careless riding” suspension this coming Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday stemming from the disqualification of his mount from a win in the sixth race there Aug. 17. Velazquez waived his right to an appeal, according to an Aug. 20 stewards' ruling posted on the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) website. The race in which Velazquez got disqualified was a $100,000 maiden special weight turf route for 2-year-olds. He was aboard first-timer Scope (Gun Runner), the 6.5-1 fourth choice in the five-horse field. Scope crossed the finish wire first but was placed second by the stewards for interference to his stablemate, Teleport (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}), the 3-2 favorite who crossed the wire second. There was both a jockey's objection and a stewards's inquiry into the stretch run. The Equibase chart stated that Scope “took the inside route into upper stretch, tipped out to the three path nudging Dynadee (Mo Town) at the three-sixteenths, rallied to latch on the leader Teleport a furlong out, got bumped solidly by that rival coming out under a left-handed crop and continued under a drive despite it, was put to a right-handed crop and came in bumping Teleport solidly inside the sixteenth marker, then inched away to the finish to prevail.” Both Scope and Teleport are trained by Todd Pletcher. In the aftermath of the race last Sunday, Pletcher told TDN's Mike Kane that having one of his trainees DQ'd only to have another put up as the winner was not something he believes he has previously experienced through a three-decade career of 26,257 starters. “If I have, I don't remember,” Pletcher said. “It was kind of a peculiar-run race, very slow early,” Pletcher said. “I think [Teleport] was a little bit green by himself [on the lead]. And then obviously some baby stuff going on down the lane. I was happy with the performance of both colts. You hate to have one disqualified, but sometimes that's the way it goes.” Pletcher described Scope as “a big rangy colt” who's been “training okay on the dirt. We felt like the main thing for him was he needed distance. I thought he kicked in really well, showed a nice turn of foot for a big horse.” It was a TAP exacta in R6 at Saratoga! After a stewards inquiry and jockey's objection, Teleport was moved up to first place over stablemate Scope. @iradortiz was aboard. pic.twitter.com/xqJziXY4bQ — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 17, 2025 The post Velazquez To Serve Three-Day Suspension For Spa DQ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sir Mark Prescott's exciting 2-year-old Moon Target is set for her stiffest task yet as she takes on a compelling field of talented 2-year-old fillies in the Prestige Fillies' Stakes (G3) at Goodwood Aug. 24. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Saturday at Saratoga, Ellis Park and Del Mar. Saturday, August 23, 2025 Saratoga 1, $100k, 2yo, 1 1/16mT, 11:10 a.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Bottas (Vekoma), OBSAPR, 300,000, :10 1/5 C-Paul Sharp, agent; B-Case Clay Thoroughbred Management Grunge (Beau Liam)-MTO, OBSAPR, 260,000, :10 C-Julie Davies, agent; B-J Migliore, agt S Rocco & West Point Ellis 3, $100k, 2yo, 5 1/2f, 1:48 p.m. ET Bricklin (Nyquist), FTMMAY, 450,000, :10 3/5 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-Imagine Maxxus (Maximus Mischief), OBSMAR, 50,000, :10 1/5 C-Caliente Thoroughbreds, agent; B-J Mackor, agt Triton TBs Stormforged (Vekoma), FTMMAY, 250,000, :10 2/5 C-Tom McCrocklin, agent; B-Case Clay Thoroughbred Mgmt Saratoga 6, $100k, 2yo, 6f, 2:00 p.m. ET Old Time Rocknroll (Maclean's Music), OBSAPR, 260,000, :10 2/5 C-Paul Sharp, agent; B-Bradley Thoroughbreds, agent Peace Negotiator (War of Will), OBSAPR, 80,000, :10 3/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (Ciaran Dunne), agent; B-Mossarosa Ellis 4, $100k, 2yo, f, 6f, 2:16 p.m. ET Annie's Allie (Tacitus)-AE, OBSJUN, 70,000, :10 C-Champions of the Future, agent; B-Eric Foster Ellis 7, $44k, Moc, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 3:42 p.m. Velcamp (Combatant)-AE, OBSJUN, 60,000, :20 4/5 C-Blue Sapphire Stables, agent; B-D J Stable Del Mar 1, $100k, 2yo, 1m, 5:00 p.m. ET Eruption (Independence Hall), OBSMAR, 200,000, :10 1/5 C-Pike Racing @ Highlander, agt; B-By Talla Racing, K Lloyd, agt The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Saturday, August 23, 2025 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. Saturday's Observations features a son of a Belmont Oaks heroine. 1.42 Curragh, Debutantes, 2yo, 7fT CIRCLE OF LIFE (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) is a notable newcomer for Ballydoyle in the maiden the stable won with Officer and Continuous in the last three years. Out of the Belmont Oaks winner Athena, he is a full-brother to the dual Group 3 winner and Prix de Diane runner-up Never Ending Story related to the Irish Oaks heroine Bracelet descended from Urban Sea. He is joined by the yard's Ice Dancer (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), a full-brother to this year's Irish Derby runner-up Serious Contender. 5.45 Windsor, Novice, 2yo, 6f 12yT DIVISION (GB) (Kingman {GB}) is an important runner for Wathnan Racing, having cost 800,000gns at Tattersalls October Book 1 by virtue of the fact that he is a full-brother to last year's G2 Lowther Stakes winner Celandine. William Haggas has charge of the Middle Park Stakes entry, whose rivals include Juddmonte's €750,000 Goffs Orby Book 1 purchase Dartrey (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), the Ralph Beckett-trained half-brother to Saffron Beach who starts again having been unsteerable on debut at Chelmsford. The post Curragh Debut For Athena’s Son Circle Of Life appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Mo’unga has sealed his place in the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup with an impressive win in the Allied Security Maurice Holmes Vase at Addington Raceway tonight. The Regan Todd-trained star bided his time early as favourite Franco Marek headed to the front only for driver Robbie Close to unleash late and overhaul the leader, who held on for second ahead of American Me and defending champion Dalton Shard. It was an outstanding effort from Mo’unga, who had started off 10 metres. The Bettor’s Delight six-year-old was sixth fresh up at Addington earlier in the month and was clearly improved by the outing. It was his 12th career win and on the back of his win he is a $21 equal sixth favourite for the IRT New Zealand Trotting Cup at Addington on Tuesday, November 11. Todd was delighted with the victory. “It is great, we can now pick and choose which races we go in.” “It wasn’t a pretty watch but Goose (Robbie Close) knew what he was doing.” “To win is great.” The Maurice Holmes Vase is the first of the automatic New Zealand Cup qualifiers, joining the Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup (September 5) and the Canterbury Classic (October 17), also at Addington, and the Holmes DG at Alexandra Park on October 3. Also at $21 for the NZ Cup is Akuta. The Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained star returned to winning ways in a small field at Alexandra Park in the Auckland Trotting Club – For the Horse Mobile Pace. It was the millionaire pacer’s 17th win in 33 stars. “He knows what it’s all about, he won well,” says co-trainer/driver Mark Purdon. Purdon had three driving successes on the night. His other winners were Special Occasion(R2) and Midnight Miki (R6). Akuta will now head to Addington for the Avon City Ford New Brighton Cup on September 5. On what was a big Friday Night Lights the trotting feature at Addington was the VIP Trade Basil Dean Mobile Free For All. Muscle Mountain was a $3 second favourite behind Love N The Port ($2.90). Muscle Mountain speared to the lead and then got the trail behind Love N The Port only to explode up the passing lane to win easily. It was a Greg and Ben Hope-trained quinella with Midnight Dash running home strongly into second. It was Muscle Mountain’s 37th success. “He’s getting older and he may not be the horse he was but it’s such a privilege to be behind him,” say winning driver and co-trainer Ben Hope. The big target is the Renwick Farms Dominion Trot on IRT New Zealand Cup day on Tuesday, November 11. It’s race he is yet to win. “We’ll head to the Ordeal Cup next,” says Hope. That will be at Addington on September 5, the same night as the New Brighton Cup. Hope had a double for the night, also winning with Our Shangri Lana (R9) while Bob Butt had a driving treble with Crunch Time (R1), the very impressive Duchess of Kent (R5) and Confessional (R6). View the full article

There really isn't a whole lot that trainer Bill Mott has left to accomplish in the Thoroughbred business. Since recording his first graded stakes victory with Heatherten–who also gave him his first Grade I success–for owner John Franks some 41 years ago, the 72-year-old has saddled the winners of over 150 top-level contests with superstars of either sex, such as Taylor's Special, Theatrical (Ire), Paradise Creek, Fraise, legendary dual Horse of the Year Cigar, Ajina, Escena, Wekiva Springs, Favorite Trick, Dream Supreme and her son Majestic Warrior, Drosselmeyer, To Honor and Serve, Royal Delta, Close Hatches, Lea, Yoshida (Jpn), Country House, War Like Goddess, Elite Power, Speaker's Corner and his most recent HOTY, Cody's Wish. And the list goes on. He's prepared those top-class runners for such prominent owners as Allen Paulson, Bert and Diana Firestone, Don Dizney, Kinsman Farm, WinStar Farm, Claiborne Farm, Joe Shields, Jr. and partners, Charlotte Weber, George Krikorian, Juddmonte and Godolphin, to name just a handful. In the twilight of his Hall of Fame career, it is Sheikh Mohammed's far-flung operation that has provided the South Dakota native with the third and fourth Classic victories this season, and Sovereignty (Into Mischief) can tick off what is to this point an unchecked box with a victory in Saturday's $1.25-million GI DraftKings Travers Stakes at Saratoga. Mott has sent out the Travers runner-up three times, including Close Hatches's son Tacitus (Tapit) back in 2019, but he's never hoisted the trophy. Not yet, in any event. “Tacitus was my best shot [in 2019, won by Code of Honor, Tacitus was second as the favorite],” Mott told TDN's Tim Wilkin earlier this week. “He was the livest horse I had coming in. “My chances keep getting better and better,” he continiued. “We were second with Vision and Verse [beaten 3/4 of a length behind Lemon Drop Kid in 1999], that was a long time ago. But I would like to do it.” Just four have signed up to face the son of Crowned (Bernardini), who beat favored Journalism (Curlin) fair and square when ridiculously nearly 8-1 in the GI Kentucky Derby in May, then skipped the GI Preakness Stakes to prepare for the GI Belmont Stakes over Saturday's course and distance on June 7. Incredibly not favored on that occasion, he posted yet another decisive victory while racing much handier to the speed and repeated the dose in the July 26 GII Jim Dandy Stakes, running away from Derby and Belmont third Baeza (McKinzie) to consolidate his spot at the head of this year's 3-year-old class. Still, his experience dictates that Mott takes absolutely nothing for granted. “His record, people have watched him, it's in black and white what he's done,” Mott said. “But by the same token, they've got to go around there. They need to do it in the afternoon. It is not a done deal, that is why they are going to run the race.” A Winchell Thoroughbreds-owned and Steve Asmussen-trained son of Not This Time named Epicenter won the 2022 Travers, and the same connections team with the progressive Magnitude (Not This Time), who has a puncher's chance to pull the Travers upset as the potential controlling speed at the 'Graveyard of Champions.' Practically out of nowhere, the $450,000 Keeneland September purchase overcame gate 12 of 12 to win February's GII Risen Star Stakes by nearly 10 lengths (108 Beyer), but was ruled off the Triple Crown trail due to injury about 48 hours later. Nursed back to health, the bay thumped five overmatched foes by 9 1/4 lengths in the July 5 Iowa Derby (Beyer 105) and if those races are not aberrations, he could give Team Sovereignty something to think about. Magnitude and Carlos Rosas work through the Saratoga fog on Aug. 17 | Sarah Andrew “We thought that was the perfect race back,” said Scott Blasi, assistant trainer to Asmussen. “He ran good figures once again. We wanted to give him plenty of time between that race and the Travers, which we've pointed to. We have to run against a [potential] champion, and that is never an easy task, but hopefully we are doing as good as we can, physically, and get the job done.” Chad Brown has yet to win the Travers in a career that will eventually land him in the Hall of Fame across Union Avenue from the track. Strategic Focus (Gun Runner) was named a 'TDN Rising Star' when running home powerfully to graduate versus older rivals going the one-turn mile at Aqueduct Apr. 19, then was somewhat controversially DQd from an apparent first-level allowance victory here on June 6. When last seen in the restricted Curlin Stakes July 24, the chestnut led late but was run down by 'Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie) and settled for third. The blinkers go on this afternoon, a 30% move for the barn, but he nevertheless needs to find several lengths of improvement to trouble the top two. “I've heard this complaint about him when he makes the lead from two different jockeys, so we'll try a little blinker on him,” Brown said. “He should have a good target to run at in Asmussen's horse–one he very well might not even get by. It's not like he's going to make the lead early on that horse–that's a good horse.” Chancer McPatrick shortens up for the GI H. Allen Jerkens Stakes earlier on the card. A victory from either McAfee (Cloud Computing)–the year-younger half-brother to Horse of the Year and GI Personal Ensign Stakes hopeful Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna)–or Bracket Buster (Vekoma) would represent an upset of near-unprecedented proportions. Stars Come Out To Play On The Undercard The Travers is supported by an additional five graded stakes, four of those at Grade I level. Sophomore sprinters are in the spotlight in the Jerkens, which could well be settled by a trio of 'TDN Rising Stars'. CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm's Patch Adams (Into Mischief) failed to shine when tried around two turns early this season, finishing fourth in the GIII Southwest Stakes and GIII Tampa Bay Derby, but he is only once-beaten at sprint trips, including a 2 1/4-length defeat of the re-opposing Madaket Road (Quality Road) in the GI Woody Stephens Stakes on Belmont Day. “He's a one-turn horse. He showed Belmont Week that he's a Grade I horse,” trainer Brad Cox said. “We always thought he was a Grade I talent and he's training like he's ready to put in a big effort. We're excited about him.” Patch Adams is unraced since taking the GI Woody Stephens S. on June 7 | Sarah Andrew Verifire (Authentic) galloped to 'Rising Star' honors on Colonial debut during their March meeting and has since added two more convincing victories, a 6 1/2-length allowance score at Pimlico on Black-Eyed Susan day May 16 and the June 29 Maxfield Stakes at Churchill, where he had next-out GII Amsterdam Stakes hero Smoken Wicked (Bobby's Wicked One) and Captain Cook (Practical Joke) in second and third, respectively. “Both are doing great–they breezed from the gate last week and are set up for big runs,” Cox said of Patch Adams and Verifire. “It's going to be a good, deep race from top to bottom, and I think they both fit very well.” As mentioned above, 'TDN Rising Star' Chancer McPatrick cuts back for the Jerkens, but was soundly defeated with no apparent alibi in the Woody Stephens. Madaket Road is joined by his Bob Baffert stablemates Barnes (Into Mischief) and the unexposed Midland Money (Shancelot), unbeaten in two starts and a 3 1/4-length allowance winner versus older here Aug. 3. Round four of the head-to-head battle between Book'em Danno (Bucchero) and Mullikin (Violence) is set for the GI Forego Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' Challenge event for the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. An argument can be made that the New Jersey-bred Book'em Danno is the best sprinter currently in training, as he convincingly defeated Mullikin–victorious here last August–in a sloppy renewal of the GIII True North Stakes on June 7 and again in the GII A.G. Vanderbilt Stakes July 19. His most recently piece of work does not appear in his past performances, but trainer Derek Ryan says the gelding is ready for the task. “We blew him out three-eighths out of the gate to sharpen him up. He's good to go,” Ryan said. “He likes the distance; he likes the track. He'd been training awfully good, and he seems to run for [jockey] Paco [Lopez]. He's 3-for-4 at Saratoga now. I just want them to get position and go from there.” Fan favorite Book'em Danno and trainer Derek Ryan back at the barn | Sarah Andrew Most Wanted (Candy Ride {Arg}), winner of last year's GIII Oklahoma Derby, is an intriguing fresh face and the half-brother to 'Rising Star' Life Is Good (Into Mischief) returns to this seven-furlong trip for the first time since winning his maiden by a neck at first asking last June. Thorpedo Anna is clearly the headliner in the GI Personal Ensign Stakes, a 'Win and You're In' for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff, but she has looked vulnerable at times this season and may have to improve to take her local record to three-from-four, having just been defeated in last year's Travers. “She's ultra-consistent. She loves her work, she's very happy in Saratoga, and has been for a long time,” trainer Ken McPeek said. “As always, she's been a pleasure to be around. She's doing great.” Raging Sea (Curlin) took down the colors of champion Idiomatic (Curlin) in this race 12 months ago, but she has also been in suspect form, including a third to 'TDN Rising Star' Leslie's Rose (Into Mischief) in the GII Shuvee Stakes July 18. Fourth after a troubled start last year, Randomized (Nyquist) wired the field in the GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes last time and has speed to lead, but loses Flavien Prat to the defending champ. Speaking of Close Hatches again, her 'TDN Rising Star' daughter Scylla (Tapit) is the 5-2 morning-line favorite in what feels a very open renewal of the GI Ballerina Stakes given the absence–via illness–of 'TDN Rising Star' Ways and Means (Practical Joke). A guaranteed berth in the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint is on the line. Though she is a two-time graded winner going long, the homebred has never been able to get over the hump at the graded level around one turn, including a runner-up effort in this event last summer and a latest third to Halina's Forte (Mitole) in the GII Honorable Miss Stakes July 20. Hope Road (Quality Road), a daughter of 2018 Ballerina heroine Marley's Freedom (Blame), ran races in defeat to Kopion (Omaha Beach) in the GII Santa Monica Stakes and GI Derby City Distaff that would win this, but she was very disappointing when only third in the GIII Winning Colors Stakes May 26. Brightwork (Outwork) is three-for-three at the Spa, but is winless since a narrow victory in the GIII Prioress Stakes just under a year ago. Minnesota-bred Play With Fire (Oscar Performance) is the 2-1 favorite to give Chad Brown his fifth straight win in the GII Lake Placid Stakes, but she certainly does not lay over a field that includes GSW & GISP May Day Ready (Tapit) and Eponine (Ire) (Tamayuz {GB}), Group 2-placed in France this season and having her first start for Repole Stable. Thorpedo Anna | Sarah Andrew Plenty To Play For In Pat O'Brien With horses returning off extended layoffs and class horses cutting back in distance, Saturday's GII Pat O'Brien Stakes, which offers the winner an all-expenses-paid trip to the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, is a true handicapping puzzle. Stronghold (Ghostzapper) won the 2024 GI Santa Anita Derby and was runner-up in his final three starts as a 3-year-old, including the GI Pennsylvania Derby last September and when behind future G2 Godolphin Mile and GI Hill 'n' Dale Met Mile hero Raging Torrent (Maximus Mischief) in the GI Malibu Stakes going this seven-furlong distance Dec. 26. The homebred has just one start since, a distant 10th in the GI Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes back on Jan. 25. Express Train (Union Rags), runner-up to Charlatan (Speightstown) in the 2020 Malibu and winner of the GI Santa Anita Handicap in 2022, makes just the fifth start of his career around one turn in the O'Brien and first since finishing third to The Chosen Vron (Vronsky) in the 2024 Kona Gold Stakes. He drops in trip off a well-beaten fifth to 'TDN Rising Star' and GI Pacific Classic-bound Nysos (Nyquist) in the GII San Diego Handicap July 26. Bob Baffert won the Pat O'Brien for the first time a quarter-century ago with Love That Red and has sent out the winner seven times since. The fleet-footed Speed Boat Beach (Bayern), who earned a 104 Beyer when graduating at first asking over this track in 2022, took out the 2023 Malibu and was not seen again until the May 1 St. Mathews Overnight Stakes at Churchill, when eased home for all intents and purposes. Juan Hernandez ends up there, while Kazushi Kimura is named on 'TDN Rising Star' Maymun (Frosted), a 7 1/2-length maiden winner at first asking in January 2024 and unraced since a battling neck success going a mile at Santa Anita the following month. Dr. Venkman (Ghostzapper) was fractionally unlucky when finishing runner-up in the GIII Kelly's Landing Stakes at Churchill June 28, but there were no apparent excuses in his last, an even fourth in the GI Bing Crosby Stakes here on July 26. With Antonio Fresu sticking with Stronghold, fellow Italian Umberto Rispoli picks up the ride. The post Sovereignty Can Help Mott Break New Ground In Travers appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Several years ago, Godolphin's Michael Banahan knew Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott had two notable omissions on his long list of major New York Racing Association stakes wins.View the full article

California-bred champion Chismosa has faced the brilliant Sweet Azteca four times, winning once, and will try again in the Rancho Bernardo Stakes at Del Mar.View the full article

It's been 13 years since Ortensia (Testa Ross) claimed a first G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes for Australia and Henry Dwyer trainee Asfoora (Flying Artie) gained just reward for connections' long-held faith, doubling the antipodean tally, with a decisive victory in this year's renewal of the Knavesmire dash. Last year's G1 King Charles III Stakes victrix, fourth in the 2024 edition of this five-furlong contest, ran with credit when finishing close up, but out of the places, in June's King Charles III and this month's G2 King George Stakes at Goodwood. She settled under cover behind the front rank after breaking to the fore. Making smooth headway once past halfway, the 11-1 chance loomed large going well soon after angling into the clear approaching the final furlong and dominated the closing stages under an Oisin Murphy drive to defeat 100-1 outsider Ain't Nobody (Sand Of Mali) and Frost At Dawn (Frosted) by 1 1/4 lengths and a nose. ASFOORA! Group One success in the @coolmorestud Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/Zp71FRm58r — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2025 The post Asfoora Wins York’s Nunthorpe For Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former Group-winning trainer Harry Dunlop has announced his involvement with financial and racing specialists Stable Capital, a new company aimed at assisting racehorse trainers to balance the books and access financing options. Dunlop retired from training in 2022 and is an advocate for modernising the business side of the sport. He said, “For years I saw trainers struggling with the same problem – unpredictable costs, uneven cashflow, and too much time spent on paperwork instead of horses. “Stable Capital is designed to change that. It's a simple, transparent solution that lets trainers focus on the thrill of racing, not the stress of admin.” He added, “My career in racing taught me that success depends on great horses, great people, and sound financial planning. With Stable Capital, we're giving trainers the support they need to enjoy this great sport while keeping their finances in balance.” The post Harry Dunlop Announces Launch of Stable Capital appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-Newmarket, £10,000, Novice, 8-22, 2yo, c/g, 7fT, 1:26.43, g/f. MONOCEROS (GB) (c, 2, Dubawi {Ire}–Shirocco Star {GB} {G1SP-Eng, MG1SP-Ire, GSP-Fr, $485,970}, by Shirocco {Ger}), well-supported into 6-5 favouritism, raced under restraint early with Billy Loughnane keen to conserve energy. Staying on strongly to collar the long-time leader I Can Dance (Bated Breath) in the final 150 yards, the 750,000gns Tattersalls October Book 1 purchase asserted to record a half-length success. The winner is the seventh and last foal out of the Oaks and Irish Oaks runner-up Shirocco Star, who produced this yard's G2 Challenge Stakes-winning and G1 Al Quoz Sprint and G1 Jebel Hatta-placed full-brother Al Suhail, the Dante winner Telecaster (New Approach), the G1 Prix de Royallieu third Mistral Star (Frankel) and this year's Jersey runner-up Spy Chief (Kingman). Descended from Meon Valley's foundation mare Reprocolor, the family features some high-class performers including Sadler's Wells' Opera House and Kayf Tara and Zee Zee Top (Zafonic). Sales history: 750,000gns Ylg '24 TATOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $6,913. O-Godolphin; B-Meon Valley Stud; T-Charlie Appleby. A quick double for @godolphin as 750,000gns yearling purchase Monoceros (Dubawi) makes a successful start under @loughnane_billy for Charlie Appleby @NewmarketRace @jenningsbetinfo | @BritishEBF pic.twitter.com/O8mq26Dl3B — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2025 The post Godolphin’s Dubawi Blueblood Monoceros Off The Mark On Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The G1 Commonwealth Cup winner Time For Sandals continued her preparation for the G1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock on September 6 with a spin over five furlongs of Newmarket's July Course on Friday morning. The daughter of Sands Of Mali won at Royal Ascot before finishing third in Goodwood's G2 King George Stakes when dropping back to five furlongs. “Coming here is as much mentally giving them a change of scenery, and a blow out, as it is physically, and we have done that,” said her trainer Harry Eustace. “She has done one bit of work since Goodwood and for a relatively inexperienced filly to then rock up in the Nunthorpe we felt it was all going to happen a bit quick for her. We have just tried to space her races out all year so we can plot our way in.” He added, “More than anything we would like to confirm what she did at Ascot and prove that wasn't a fluke and that would be nice to do. It is obviously a wide-open sprint division, but she has a good opportunity to put her hand up here as a flat six furlongs you would think would be about the sweet spot.” Time For Sandals, who is owned by David and Lori Bevan, has been ridden in all her races by Richard Kingscote, who leaves Britain to take up his contract in Hong Kong prior to Haydock. Eustace says that Kieran Shoemark is “top of the list” to take over riding duties. “I'm pretty sure Kieran Shoemark will ride her as the owners are very keen on him,” said the trainer. “We are trying to find someone who can commit to her next year as well and he is top of the list of people that can do that, so it is now up to him really.” The post Time For Sandals Primed for Group 1 Return at Haydock appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The least-experienced in the line-up for Friday's G2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack Stakes at York, Martin Tedham's Lifeplan (Kodi Bear) stepped up in style to land the six-furlong contest. Coming off a taking Thirsk novice win last month, the Declan Carroll-trained €165,000 Goffs Orby Book 1 purchase who traded at 13-2 tracked the leader Rock On Thunder (Night Of Thunder) throughout and gave all for Zak Wheatley to get up close home and win by a length as they drew clear. “There is no feeling like it, it's amazing,” Wheatley, who was unable to claim his three-pound allowance, said of his biggest riding achievement by far. “He jumped smart, but came back underneath me to take a lead and really took off. I wasn't sure I'd get past the leader, but he found that last gear. He's a beast–he's got such an engine and we've liked him for a long time. For the owners and the boss to trust me is massive.” Lifeplan (Kodi Bear) remains unbeaten to land Group Two honours in the @ABE_Dubai Gimcrack Stakes @declan_carroll | @weeto_10 pic.twitter.com/x2hJhvs7g3 — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2025 The post ‘He’s A Beast’: Wheatley Enjoys Breakthrough On Kodi Bear’s Lifeplan In The Gimcrack appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Royal Ascot's G1 Gold Cup hero Trawlerman (Golden Horn) went postward as the odds-on favourite for Thursday's G2 Weatherbys Lonsdale Cup Stakes at York and, towing home fellow Clarehaven representative Sweet William (Sea The Stars), emulated his John and Thady Gosden-trained former stablemate Stradivarius by winning the two-mile York marathon as a seven-year-old. “The three-year-old [Shackleton] made it a test of stamina, Trawlerman was giving him a full stone in weight, and they made a lovely race of it together,” said John Gosden. “You go 15 rounds with this boy and you know you've gone 15 rounds. There's no sting, he just grinds you into the ground.” The 5-6 pick, burdened with a three-pound penalty for his Gold Cup triumph, broke on the lead before allowing Shackleton (Camelot) a narrow advantage passing the judge first time and sat on that rival's shoulder through halfway. Sent to the front with a half-mile remaining he came under pressure when Sweet William threatened inside the final quarter-mile and stayed on relentlessly under a continued drive to subdue that stablemate by an ultimately comfortable 1 1/4 lengths. Al Nayyir (Dubawi) fared best of the remainder and finished 4 1/4 lengths adrift in third. TRAWLERMAN wins the Lonsdale Cup @weatherbysltd | @yorkracecourse pic.twitter.com/dr7fKUiyiS — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 22, 2025 Pedigree Notes Trawlerman is the leading performer from two scorers out of G3 Deutsches St Leger second Tidespring (Monsun), herself one of three black-type representatives for G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Sweet Stream (Shantou). Tidespring is kin to stakes-winning G3 Munster Oaks third Loveisthehigherlaw (Kodiac) and Listed Radley Stakes placegetter Sweet Dream (Oasis Dream). Sweet Stream is the leading performer out of the stakes-placed Snug Dinner (Jareer) while Sweet Dream produced G3 Prix Penelope victrix Making Dreams (Make Believe). Snug Dinner, the best daughter of the stakes-placed Stand By Me (Home Guard), is the second dam of Listed Premio Royal Mares victrix Testa O Croce (Orpen). The post Trawlerman Leads Home Gosden Stable Exacta in York’s Lonsdale Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Challenge, sponsored by GaineswayView the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz How fortunes can change in the space of a few weeks. On July 31 Dreams Of Eric fell soon after the start of his race at Cambridge. Last night the promising three-year-old colt was back at the track and in the winners’ circle after delivering a determined front-running victory in the NZ Farmers Livestock Mobile Pace. Drawn wide in barrier 8, Dreams Of Eric faced a tough task on paper, but co-trainer and lessee Nathan Delany was quietly confident in the colt’s chances after some sharp work at home. “When I saw the draw, I wasn’t overly confident,” Delany said, “but with the way he was working he definitely felt like a winner. He felt like he’d grown a leg.” Driver Harrison Orange took the initiative early, pressing forward from the wide alley and working hard to find the front. Once there, the son of Vincent controlled the tempo and kicked strongly in the home straight to secure his third career win. “It’s a good feeling getting a win with my own horse,” said Delany, “he’s such an honest animal and for him to just come out and go ‘bang’, it’s great.” In his previous start Dreams Of Eric had to be escorted from the track by the Horse Ambulance, with Delany fearing the worst. “I saw the way he fell and I thought he might’ve broken a leg. It took him a while to get back up,” he said. “I was really worried for Andre (Poutama) too, he was lying on the ground and never really got up.” Thankfully, the colt walked away from the crash with only grazed knees and last night was fittingly wearing the colours of the New Zealand Horse Ambulance Trust. Since making his debut in March, Dreams Of Eric has had 10 starts for three wins and four placings, a strong strike rate for a young horse still learning the ropes. Delany, who has leased the colt since he was a yearling, has been hands-on every step of the way, from breaking him in to getting him race-ready. “I did think he’d be able to win a couple of races, but I didn’t think he’d pick them up as fast as he has.” Looking ahead, Delany has his sights set on taking him to the Harness 5000 series in Ashburton this December. “I think he’ll really enjoy the trip away and thrive. That’s our main goal for this season.” View the full article

Boom pacer Marketplace has had his first serious hit-out ahead of what promises to be a massive few months. The Bettor’s Delight three-year-old, a winner of 10 of his 16 starts, hasn’t raced since his Group 1 success in the Garrards NZ Sires’ Stakes Series 3YO Colts and Geldings Final at Addington on May 16. He then had a five week break before heading to the water walker at Brian and Leslie Court’s in Canterbury. Then there was some light cantering before getting the hobbles back on and the serious job of getting ready to head back to the races. And that’s where his midweek hit-out at Addington Raceway came into play. “He’s done a good eight weeks work now and that was his first serious hit out,” says trainer Regan Todd. It was just Marketplace and a galloping pacemaker working over 2400 metres at Addington. “It’s good because you can work them what you want. You’re not going too slow, you’re not going too quick. And we’ve sort of got everything written down. What we’ve gone with him here in the past, so everything seems pretty bang on at the minute.” says Todd. “His heart rate was sort of spot on where it needed to be at the moment. And his recovery was good. So we’ll probably look to line up at the trials in a fortnight’s time.” His first race back this campaign is likely to be the $25,000 Lazarus 3YO Stakes at Addington on September 26. A $100,000 purchase at the 2023 National Standardbred Yearling sales in Christchurch, he looks set to add significantly to his current stakes earnings of over $670K between now and the end of the year. “I’ve picked out five races for him. So there’s the Lazarus Stakes, the Flying Stakes, Ashburton, hopefully the slot race. And then the Derby is the pinnacle of the end of the year really.” The Ashburton race is the new 3YO Showcase on Labour Day, October 27. Such is his standing in the 3YO ranks, Marketplace is currently a $1.45 favourite in both the slot race (the Hill, Lee and Scott The Velocity on November 14) and the New Zealand Pacing Derby a week later on November 21. Not that Todd seems too bothered about his star three-year-old being billed as the next big thing? “We just try and enjoy them as much as we can. There is a little bit of pressure there, but there’d be a lot of people who would love to train a horse like him so, you’ve just got to embrace it.” While the next few months are looking busy, 2026 could see a step up again to taking on the very best. “We think he could be a Cup horse next year.” View the full article

Minnie Hauk enhanced her Group One Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2,400m) claims after a dominant display in the Group One Yorkshire Oaks (2,400m) at York on Wednesday, but she also has the option of the Breeders’ Cup. The Aidan O’Brien-trained filly was already towards the top of the market for Europe’s premier middle-distance race after wins in the Group One Oaks (2,400m) at Epsom and the Group One Irish Oaks (2,400m) at the Curragh, and this performance was a statement to all her potential...View the full article

James Doyle will not take up his intended mounts at York on Friday and Saturday after being diagnosed with a viral infection. The retained rider for Wathnan Racing had been due to partner Night Raider in the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes and French Master in the Ebor Handicap. Doyle said, “I felt unwell during racing on Wednesday, underwent tests on Thursday and have been diagnosed with a viral infection. I have been prescribed antibiotics and have been advised to rest for a few days. It's hugely disappointing to be missing important rides, but I wish the team well and look forward to being back in action shortly.' Doyle, who was aboard G3 Prix Gontaut Biron winner First Look and Listed Prix Nureyev winner Damysus for Wathnan over last weekend in Deauville, is expected to return to race-riding towards the end of next week. Danny Tudhope will renew his acquaintance with the former Clipper Logistics-owned Night Raider and Rab Havlin will ride French Master. The post James Doyle Stood Down With Viral Infection appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Race 5 LITTLE AVONDALE STUD MAIDEN 1400m UNWRITTEN (V Colgan) – Trainer Ms. D Logan reported to Stewards, that the mare was examined by the veterinarian on Monday, 18 August, which revealed muscular soreness over the rump, consistent with a strain. UNWRITTEN was treated with anti-inflammatory medication and has since been sent for a spell to recover. The post Racing Taupo @ Taupo, Sunday 17 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

Race 4 MARTY & DI’S CATERING MAIDEN STEEPLECHASE 4000m SAINT BERNARD (H McNeill) – Trainer Ms. C Bambry reported to Stewards, that the gelding was treated with anti-inflammatory medication on Sunday and Monday. Ms. Bambry advised that she is satisfied with SAINT BERNARD’S recovery and intends to continue with his preparation, with a nomination planned for the Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club meeting on Sunday 7 September. MUSE (K Wiles) – Trainer Mr. D Wiles advised Stewards, that he was satisfied with the mare’s post-race condition and intends to nominate MUSE for the Racing Te Aroha meeting on Sunday 31 August. The post Woodville-Pahiatua Racing Club @ Woodville, Sunday 17 August 2025 appeared first on Racing Integrity Board. View the full article

Hong Kong Horse of the Year (2024/25) Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress) breezed effortlessly through his first official barrier trial on Friday morning on Sha Tin’s dirt course ahead of a return to racing on Sunday, 7 September followed by his historic bid to scale the world’s richest turf race in Australia. Aiming to win a second straight HK$3.72 million Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m) at the 2025/26 season’s curtain-raiser next month, Ka Ying Rising couldn’t have been more impressive as he sauntered across the finishing line by 14 and a quarter lengths in a time of 59.26s (1050m) today under trusted ally Zac Purton for dual Hong Kong Champion Trainer (1997/98 & 1998/99) David Hayes. Purton said: “You’d like to think he’s going to do it easily against those horses. It’s good to have him back out there going through his routine. He was on the wrong leg on the corner, it’s a bit frustrating how he does that, but apart from that it was all good. “He can get on the wrong leg and then in the straight he doesn’t change legs. The problem is it’s always been very easy for him in the mornings. When he gallops, he won’t change his legs because he’s just floating along and then on race day, he has got into a habit of doing the same thing.” A winner of his last 12 consecutive races, Ka Ying Rising dominated across an invincible eight-race 2024/25 campaign, headlined by two course records at Sha Tin over 1200m and four elite level successes: 2024 Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m), 2025 Gr.1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m), 2025 Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) and 2025 Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m). “He’s not fit, so he’s not going to feel at his best at the moment. He needed the trial and he’s going to improve from it. He was feeling it, which is good. Now he’s got to improve. We just wanted to see him come back nice and he’s done that. So that’s a first step. It’s a long way to go,” Purton said. Five-year-old Ka Ying Rising, rated 134 locally with HK$65.97 million banked, spent the off-season recharging at Conghua before returning to Sha Tin last week for today’s barrier trial as preparations ramp up towards his first race outside of Hong Kong on 18 October in Sydney, Australia: AU$20 million (approx. HK$100.34 million) Gr.1 The Everest (1200m). Ka Ying Rising will trial once more at Sha Tin on Saturday, 30 August. Group One winners Private Harry, Briasa and Jimmysstar also have slots in the lucrative showdown Down Under at Royal Randwick. Ka Ying Rising is expected to trial in Sydney before the race. Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse) also tuned up this morning before his HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup tilt at Sha Tin, clocking a hard-fought 1m 09.29s over 1200m on the dirt – again with a set of blinkers applied – under rider Derek Leung for trainer Manfred Man. Leung said: “His action is good and everything is fine. This is first time back trialling, so he’s a bit heavy and a bit fat. His fitness should be better after this trial. I could feel his action was fine but he just needed a blow. It’s normal for every horse coming back.” Lucky Sweynesse is entered for 28 September’s Gr.1 Sprinters Stakes (1200m) in Japan, a race won by Hong Kong-trained runners Silent Witness (2005) and Ultra Fantasy (2010). “We still need to see how he runs on the first day. Everything is fine right now,” Leung said. View the full article