Wandering Eyes

The new Maryland Jockey Club and the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association announced $25,000 purse increases for a quartet of stakes races at Laurel Park on June 28.View the full article

By Jordyn Bublitz Harrison Orange has a big few days ahead of him. He has four drives at Cambridge tonight, four more at Alexandra Park tomorrow and is listed to drive Goorambat Art at Ashburton on Sunday. Depending on how he goes he could book himself a spot in the Australasian Young Drivers’ Championships (AYDC) at Albion Park in July. He rates the Matthew White-trained Mhai Surfer Girl in Race 6, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Mobile Pace at Cambridge tonight (8.01pm) to be his most promising chance. “She’s been racing good and running on strong, it’s a smaller kind of field so hopefully we should be able to get over the top of them late.” Mhai Surfer Girl is currently a $1.80 favourite. He also thinks High Energy in Race 7 at Alexandra Park, the Garrard’s Horse & Hound Pukekohe Mobile Trot, can provide him with another win “She ran on really good last week after getting held up a bit, but if she can find a helmet to follow, she’s capable of coming at them strong late.” Greased Lightnin in Race 1, the Book Now For Mid-winter Christmas Mobile Pace, also looks a big chance. Since driving his first winner with his first race day drive in August last year, Orange has achieved the sort of success most budding drivers dream of. At only 18 years of age, he has amassed 44 wins, 40 seconds and 25 thirds from 243 drives and boasts an impressive UDR of .3213. “It’s pretty surreal to me,” said the reinsman, “the half points scheme for junior drivers has been a huge help, and a lot of trainers have supported me and put me on nice horses which I’m really thankful for and I’m definitely not taking it for granted.” Harrison accredits a lot of his success to his employers Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan. He’s been at their Clevedon barn for around two years. “They’ve given me a really good start, they’re pretty supportive putting me on a few of theirs and when I’d been doing a lot of travelling at the beginning of the year, they were really great to let me take the days off to do that.” Orange and Crystal Hackett are involved in a tight battle to be the top North Island driver and secure the fourth and final place for the AYDC. Wilson House, Sam Thornley and Carter Dalgety are already assured of going. The cut-off for AYDC is Sunday night and as of today both Hackett and Orange are tied on 36 wins. “Obviously it would be pretty cool to be able to go over there on my first year,” says Orange, “but hey, if I don’t it is what it is and I’m sure I’ve got plenty of time to try and get in again.” View the full article

Dusty Road (NZ) (Shamexpress) often finds another gear around Te Rapa and his trainer Graeme Cameron is hoping that trend can continue in Saturday’s Captain Compost Landscape Supplies (1400m). The consistent son of Shamexpress won twice at the Waikato venue through the winter period last year, before placing in a Gr.3 Spring Sprint (1400m) during the spring carnival. On resuming this campaign, he was beaten less than a half-length when fourth behind Super Photon (NZ) (Super Seth) at Te Rapa, before filling the same position in Sterling Express’ (NZ) (Shamexpress) race at Ellerslie last time out. In the latter, Dusty Road covered more ground than any other runner being wide throughout, and Cameron has designs on a more economical trip from barrier six on Saturday. “He’s had a bit of bad luck in the last two races,” he said. “Hopefully going back to his favourite track this weekend, with a bit of rain around, his luck can change. “I just hope he can stay out of trouble. I don’t want to be running three-wide again so hopefully he can have a nice trip and see how he goes from there.” The five-year-old has shown his versatility performing on all surfaces up to a mile, but Cameron plans to remain around his sweet spot if possible this preparation, that being 1400m on a rain-affected surface. “At the moment, we’ll stick to those 1400m races, he seems to be going alright so we’ll keep chipping away,” he said. “I don’t think it matters too much whether he’s going right-handed or left-handed, he’s run well at Ellerslie the other day and I think it’s becoming one of his favourite tracks as well.” Continuing his association with three-kilogram claiming apprentice Liam Kauri, Dusty Road will carry 57kg, placing him just below Wexford runners Lux Libertas (NZ) (Almanzor) and Karman Line (NZ) (Myboycharlie) in the weight scale. View the full article

Highview Stud have announced the service fees for their quartet of stallions this coming breeding season, headlined by Group One producer Wrote, who will stand for a fee of $12,000+GST. A Group One winner himself of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Stakes (1600m), Wrote sired last year’s Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) heroine Pulchritudinous, while his stakes-winning honour roll also includes Group One performer Best Seller and Group Two winner Wrote to Araraki. “We have increased his fee to $12,000+GST for 2025 because he deserves it,” Highview’s Brent Gillovic said. “He is a massive upgrader of his mares and who knows where he will end up with the far better-quality mares that he covered in 2024, and that he is likely to cover in 2025. “He doesn’t have huge numbers racing, but has two individual Group-winning mares in Australia – Pulchritudinous and Wrote to Araraki. “He will be restricted to a book of approximately 100 mares in 2025 and we feel he offers breeders great value and opportunity.” Wrote will once again be joined by Divine Prophet, a Group One-winning full-brother to Champion New Zealand stallion Proisir, and he will stand for a fee of $9,000+GST. Highview’s stallion roster will be completed by Santos and Mr Mozart, who will stand at unchanged fees of $8,000+GST and $6,000+GST respectively. View the full article

Mike Breslin has an eye on the future with his two talented three-year-olds when heading to Te Rapa on Saturday. The Awapuni horseman will present speedy filly Pleasing (NZ) (Russian Revolution) and the untapped Kosta (NZ) (War Decree) at the meeting, each with strong recent form to bring into their respective races. Often the frontrunner, Pleasing has been successful in two of her seven appearances, including the most recent effort when putting a space on her Rating 65 rivals at Hawera earlier this month. Having continued to improve throughout the season, Breslin is hoping to finish on a high when she contests the Ambient Group 3YO (1100m). “She’s just starting to mature, she’s always had plenty of speed but she’s just starting to put other things into place now which is good to see,” he said. “She’s just naturally a speed horse and will race on the pace, the query on Saturday is just going to be the heavy track. She may have had her first start on one and failed, but the horse herself is in top order. “I want to give both her and the other horse (Kosta) a trip away before they have a spell and come back for the spring.” The daughter of Russian Revolution will be partnered by three-kilogram claimer Rihaan Goyaram, while fellow apprentice Liam Kauri will take off the same impost aboard Kosta in the Signature Homes Jumps Day June 14 Mile (1600m). Breslin made no secret of the challenge Kosta has been in his short career so far, with five starts to date showing his clear ability, but also a lack of raceday manners. “He’s just been a bit frustrating, I think he’s only concentrated for 200m in his entire life and that was when he won his maiden at Waverley,” he said. “When he runs straight and true, he’s got plenty of ability. “I think the few gear changes will be beneficial, I’ve taken the blinkers off and put on a shadow roll. He’s talented and is a horse to watch for the future, I think he’ll go 2000m-plus next time in.” A gelding by War Decree, Kosta will carry the silks of Central Districts-based syndicator In To Win, who combined with Breslin earlier in the season to win at Group Two level with juvenile filly Intention. Closer to home, Breslin will line-up two runners at Wanganui’s Saturday meeting, including Ima Brazen One (NZ) (Brazen Beau) in the Dawn Eales-Baldwin Memorial Open 1200 and Papa Surf (NZ) (Dalghar) in the Whanganui Chronicle 1200. View the full article

Waikato Stud will have strength in numbers to add to its success rate in the Gr.1 Queensland Derby (2400m) and boost its seasonal tally at the top level. The premier farm has bred and sold two past winners of the Eagle Farm Classic in Brambles (2012) and Lachlan River (2005), while Kukeracha (2021) was a graduate of the Matamata nursery. Saturday’s edition of the Ladbrokes-sponsored event will feature a quartet of homebred and sold contenders in King Of Thunder (NZ) (Tivaci), Party Crasher (NZ) (Ocean Park) and the Cliff Brown-trained stablemates Scintillante (NZ) (Savabeel) and Rogan (NZ) (Super Seth). “I don’t know whether we’ve achieved that before, but it’s the old story that as long as one of them wins then we’ll be very happy,” Mark Chittick said. “We’ve been following them all and we’re looking forward to it. We are very proud to have that representation in a Group One.” Trained by John O’Shea and Tom Charlton, King Of Thunder is a son of Tivaci and the Zabeel mare Sheezababe and was a $50,000 buy for the former at New Zealand Bloodstock’s Ready to Run Sale. He was offered on behalf of Waikato Stud by Ohukia Lodge and is a two-time winner and a last-start third in the Gr.3 Rough Habit Plate (2000m). Ocean Park’s son Party Crasher was originally claimed out of Waikato Stud’s yearling draft at Karaka by Kurtis Pertab and Cody Cole for $40,000 and subsequently purchased by clients of trainer Michael Hickmott. Out of the Rock ‘N’ Pop mare Party Popper, he has won his last two starts over ground at Morphettville against older opposition. Savabeel three-year-old Scintillante, a son of the O’Reilly mare Glistening, was bought for A$120,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale by Brown. He has won once from eight appearances and was most recently fourth in the Gr.1 South Australian Derby (2500m). By Super Seth from the O’Reilly mare Tiara, Rogan was secured by Brown at Karaka for $50,000 and has won two of his last three appearances, including a lead-in victory over 2000m at Caulfield. “I wouldn’t write off King Of Thunder, they’ve been wanting a wider draw to let him settle back,” Chittick said. “The Ocean Park (Party Crusher) is obviously a very, very tough horse and the two for Cliff Brown are both also in good form. “It’s great we’ve got four that we bred in the Derby and another two by our stallions.” King Of Thunder’s stablemate Maison Louis (NZ) (Super Seth) is by Super Seth while the Tony and Maddysen Sears-trained Beau Dazzler (NZ) (Ardrossan) is a son of Ardrossan. “We’ve already bred three Group One winners this season and to get another one would be a hell of an achievement,” Chittick said. He was referring to the successes of Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), La Dorada (NZ) (Super Seth) in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) and Atishu (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m). View the full article

2004 Canadian Horse of the Year Soaring Free died the morning of May 28 at Sam-Son Farm's Ocala, Fla., farm due to complications of old age. He was 26.View the full article

The 2025 Inglis Digital USA May Sale closed Wednesday with a pair of six-figure fillies leading the way with close relations to the top two finishers in this year's GI Kentucky Oaks. Topping Wednesday's session with a $300,000 final bid, Regaled (Mohaymen–Ascot Walk, by Daaher), a Grade III-placed half-sister to Oaks runner-up Drexel Hill (Bolt d'Oro), sold to Legion Bloodstock, the same operation that campaigns Drexel Hill. A three-time winner, the dark bay was third in last year's GIII Delaware Oaks. She entered the sale off a runner-up finish in the Heavenly Cause Stakes at Laurel Park on Apr. 12, and a third in the Allaire DuPont Distaff Stakes at Pimlico Race Course on May 16. Bred in Kentucky by Chris Baccari, Regaled is out of the winning Daaher mare Ascot Walk, whose two foals to race are both black-type earners. In addition to finishing second in the Ketnucky Oaks, Drexel Hill won the Busher Stakes earlier this year. “She's a pretty filly with a solid race record to this point,” said Kristian Villante of Legion Bloodstock. “We're obviously partial to the family having Drexel Hill, and we were underbidder on the 2-year-old out of Ascot Walk that sold last week [a Modernist filly that went to Repole Stable for $310,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May Sale]. We think all three fillies have bright futures and we're just happy our clients believe the same. She's going to head to Whit Beckman at Churchill Downs and we'll let him and his team do their thing. Hopefully, we can target some fun races with her this summer.” Samuel G. Davis previously trained Regaled for owner Brittnee Caballero, and she was made available for inspection during the sale from her barn at Laurel Park. Paramount Sales consigned the filly, as agent. “We are delighted to see the ownership of Drexel Hill pick up her half-sister Regaled,” said Paddy Campion of Paramount Sales. “We had confidence in being able to put her up for sale just as everything was falling into place for her, and couldn't be happier to see her hammered down to these connections.” The day's second-highest price came for a 4-year-old half-sister to the dam of Kentucky Oaks winner Good Cheer who sold to Machmer Hall for $220,000. The unnamed More Than Ready filly is out of the unraced Coronado's Quest mare Golden Sheba, making her a half-sister to the MGISW Wedding Toast, herself the dam of the undefeated star Good Cheer. Her extended family features MGISW Congaree. “A More Than Ready mare with exceptional good looks out of a half-sister to the dam of this year's Kentucky Oaks winner with a huge deep family? What's not to love?” said Machmer Hall's Carrie Brogden. “Now just to come up with a good name.” The filly was bred in Kentucky by Campo Oaks Management, and she was offered from her base at Santa Anita Park with consignor Leonard Powell. “I'm delighted that a filly with such an active pedigree goes to a very astute breeder in Carrie Brogden,” Powell said. “I hope she finds success wither her progeny in the sales ring. This is our first time consigning with Inglis Digital USA and couldn't have been happier with the process and the result.” In total, Wednesday's auction saw 19 horses sold for revenues of $625,250, with an average sale price of $32,907. “We're very pleased with the results from the May sale,” said Kyle Wilson, Senior Director of Sales and Recruiting for Inglis Digital USA. “The popular listings were just that–popular. There was a lot of activity around the sale and I credit the team with assembling a quality catalog. “We're going to keep working to move some of the horses that didn't get done on the day. There's certainly still some value out there. We appreciate all the sellers and buyers that supported us.” Entries are now open for the 2025 Inglis Digital USA June Sale, and they will be taken through Monday, June 16. The catalog will be released Friday, June 20, and bidding will commence on Wednesday, June 25. To enter a horse in the June sale or to register as a bidder, visit www.inglisdigitalusa.com The post Regaled, 1/2 to Kentucky Oaks Runner-up Drexel Hill, Tops Inglis Digital USA May Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Aidan O'Brien believes the best is yet to come from Camille Pissarro , who is set to spearhead a strong Ballydoyle duo in the Prix du Jockey Club (French Derby, G1) June 1 at Chantilly Racecourse.View the full article

A stakes winner from one mile to 1 1/2 miles, on turf and synthetic, and with more than $2.1 million in earnings, there isn't too much Get Smokin hasn't accomplished in his six seasons at the track. View the full article

Undefeated in two career starts, Lennilu has given trainer Patrick Biancone confidence that the 2-year-old filly is ready to take on Royal Ascot.View the full article

Due to anticipated wet weather, the Penn Mile Stakes (G3T) and three other scheduled turf races, which were carded for May 30 at Penn National Race Course, have been postponed three weeks until June 20. View the full article

Longtime Canadian-based trainer, breeder and owner Paul Buttigieg died, according to a Woodbine release Wednesday. Over the course of his career at Woodbine, the horseman amassed 672 wins and more than $19 million in earnings as a trainer. Buttigieg also operated his own training center in Egbert, Ontario–Buttigieg Training Centre–where trainers such as Robert Tiller, Kevin Attard and Michael De Paulo were stabled. Buttigieg's most significant horses were led by champion Phil's Dream, who he bred, owned, and trained. Phil's Dream captured the GI Nearctic Stakes in 2013 and was honored as that season's Champion Male Sprinter at the Sovereign Awards. Buttigieg also notably campaigned multiple graded stakes winner Artie's Storm, who was a Sovereign Award finalist in 2022, Strait From Texas, who won the 2003 GII Nassau Stakes, and MSW and MGISP Gypsy Ring. “Paul Buttigieg was the embodiment of dedication in Canadian racing,” said Jim Lawson, Executive Chair, Woodbine Entertainment. “Paul was a true horseman in every sense of the word as a breeder, owner and trainer. He did it all with passion for the Thoroughbred and was part of the fabric of our Woodbine racing community. His loss is deeply felt and he will be dearly missed.” The post Canadian Horseman Paul Buttigieg Dies appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some 10 years ago, I found myself alone in Chantilly, France at a horse sale and attending the Arc de Triomphe. I didn't know anyone and certainly didn't speak French. France Galop had it set up for me to meet Nicolas Clement at his yard in Chantilly. For those of you who don't know, “yard” is their barn area and the yard is also located at their home. Nicolas was delightful. Showed me around and invited me to a barbecue he was hosting at his home the next day. The barbecue was attended by the who's who in racing. I slipped into the house in search of, as they say in France, the “toilette.” Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, the first door I opened happened to be to a bedroom. I quickly realized that I had intruded in on a lovely lady and after many apologies I stated that I was looking for the mysterious “toilette.” Turns out the lovely lady was Valerie Clement and she laughed and quickly pointed me in the right direction. A bit later while wandering in the yard, Valerie came up and introduced herself and immediately made me feel so welcomed. As everyone began to leave for the races, Valerie suggested I ride with them to the races. It was then that I met the rest of the Clement family as we piled into the car. Christophe driving, Valerie giving commands from the front and me, Charlotte, and Miguel in the back. Off we went. Not down the normal road to the track but suddenly we were flying on a dirt road through the forest. Bump after bump and Christophe yelling “HANG ON.” Turns out you could be arrested for taking this short cut but as luck would have it, we made it to the parking lot unnoticed and no jail time for me. As we unloaded, Valerie said to Charlotte and Miguel, “Do not lose Dean. You two are in charge of Dean and make sure when we leave, he is with us.” Little did I know at that moment that the Clements would become such dear friends and the impact they would have in our lives. Shortly thereafter, Christophe and Miguel began training horses for Patti and me. It was through this relationship that Reeves Thoroughbred Racing began to enjoy much success at the track. We had found a family that made racing fun. A hard-working family with integrity, class and a family that relished all the good things that life had to offer. Patti and I are so thankful and blessed to have been a small part of the extraordinary life of Christophe Clement. We will cherish the wins, the champagne toasts and glasses of Munity shared around the world. Christophe accomplished so much and will be missed but we are now starting a new chapter. I look forward to watching the Clement family grow and to being a part of Miguel's rise as he becomes a top trainer in his own right. Miguel and his wonderful staff will carry on in the same tradition of those who have come before him. We look forward to being a part of that journey. Because as Valerie said, “Don't lose Dean.” The post Letter to the Editor: Dean Reeves Recalls Meeting Christophe Clement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Triple Bend Stakes (G3) descended in grade and value this year, but the latest renewal of the seven-furlong sprint May 31 at Santa Anita Park still lured several notable but sparsely raced runners.View the full article

Races from "Stephen Foster Preview Day" May 31 at Churchill will be shown live on FanDuel TV. View the full article

Friday's GIII Penn Mile has been posted postponed until June 20 due to inclement weather conditions impacting the eastern portion of the country, according to a Pennsylvania Horse Racing Association release Wednesday. Entries will be retaken on June 13, while existing nominations will be honored. Other existing stakes that will be moved to June 20 are the Lyphard Stakes, Alphabet Soup Stakes and Penn Oaks. Penn National will proceed with the seven overnight races that were originally intended for the May 30 card. Racing is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. The post Weather Forces Postponement of Penn Mile, Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Canadian Horse of the Year Soaring Free (Smart Strike–Dancing With Wings, by Danzig) died due to complications of old age at Sam-Son Farm's Ocala, Florida division Wednesday. Campaigned by his breeder Sam-Son Farm, the Ontario-bred won 15 of 27 career races for trainer Mark Frostad earning Canada's champion sprinter honor in 2003 followed by the champion grass horse title the following year, when he was also named that nation's Horse of the Year. Jockey Todd Kabel was aboard Soaring Free for 22 of 27 of his career starts. During his racing career, he won eight races at the graded level, highlighted by a score in the 2004 GI Atto Mile at Woodbine before retiring with $2.1 million in earnings. Nicknamed 'Muffin', he was cared for by his longtime groom, Tracy Smith. The gelding, who hails from a deep Sam-Son family, was out of Dancing With Wings, a half-sister to Canadian Horse of the Year Ruling Angel (Vice Regent), champion 3-year-old filly Tilt My Halo (Halo) and SW Tiffany Tam (Tentam), dam of champion sophomore colt and Canadian Classic winner Regal Intention. The 26-year-old stallion will be interred at the Florida farm. The post Canadian Horse of the Year Soaring Free Dies at 26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Lazzat (Territories), a winner of the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest in 2024, has been purchased by Wathan Racing. He will remain in training with Jerome Reynier and target the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot next month. Bred and formerly raced by Nurlan Bizakov's Sumbe, the bay gelding won his first six starts at three, including the Prix Maurice de Gheest, before running a strong second in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill Down Under. Unplaced in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint in December, he made his 4-year-old bow in the Listed Prix Altipan at Saint-Cloud and finished fourth in March. The Listed Prix Servanne went his way at Chantilly on May 2. Richard Brown, racing adviser to Wathnan, said, “We've long admired Lazzat–who wouldn't? He's a sensational sprinter, a huge talent, and he's been extremely well managed to put together a string of outstanding performances. He'll be a force wherever he turns up in the top six and seven furlong races and we are delighted he'll be running in the Wathnan colours.” Out of the Australia mare Lastochka, Lazzat is a descendant of G1 1000 Guineas heroine Sleepytime (Royal Academy). Reynier added, “We are all very proud to have Wathnan Racing in the yard, and excited to have the antepost favourite for the big Royal Ascot race. Lazzat is a very easy horse to deal with and gets on very well with his work rider Franck Blondel. He's unbeaten over straight courses and has never looked better.” The post ‘Huge Talent’ Lazzat Purchased By Wathnan Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gavin Wallace, breeder of Derby outsider Al Wasl Storm, says he is completely flabbergasted about having produced a Classic contender and believes his story serves as a timely reminder for small breeders to keep on dreaming. The 52-year-old farmer, whose family bred dual Tingle Creek Chase winner Long Engagement, has only two mares on his County Kilkenny farm. Along with his wife Orla, he has been provided with an earlier update than expected in the shape of Al Wasl Storm, a horse he openly admits to having been bred for fences rather than the undulations of Epsom. He explained, “This is the first foal out of the mare and I'm as surprised as anyone! It's unreal. People were telling me that there were too many mares like mine in the system but here we are. I'm still in disbelief.” Dearborn, one of two mares that Wallace owns, is a 10-year-old daughter of Martaline who never graced the track. She has produced three foals, all with the view of being National Hunt prospects, but somehow Al Wasl Storm found his way into Owen Burrows's system after being snapped up by Green Team Racing for €7,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland November Foal Sale in 2022. Whatever way you slice it, that is looking like €7,000 well spent by Ahmad Alshaikh and, win, lose or draw at Epsom, Al Wasl Storm has proved himself a quality performer after landing his maiden on the third attempt at Chepstow and earning himself a rating of 86. “I couldn't raffle Dearborn's most recent foal, which happened to be by Affinisea as well, so that's the reason why I actually didn't put her in foal this year,” Wallace explained. “I wanted to wait and see if there was anything coming along. I thought I might have to wait three or four years – never in my wildest dreams did I think the update would be coming on the Flat. “It was all so strange. She was bought online at the Tattersalls Ireland November Foal Sale by Ahmad Al Shaikh for €7,000. It wasn't until I saw the horse was named that I realised that he was going to be running for Green Team Racing.” Al Wasl Storm | John Hoy He added, “They seem to be delighted with him and, going by the interviews after Chepstow, they're pretty excited by him. Look it, I've only two mares so things like this are not supposed to happen to a fella like me. I think that's what makes it so special. A fella said to me, if this horse runs well in the Derby, I'll have the RTE cameras down doing a piece with me. I'm not sure about that but sure isn't it a great story for all of the small breeders in the game. Nobody would have predicted this – not even myself – so it just shows you there's no law to it at times.” Even Michael Browne, who consigned Al Wasl Storm at the foal sales on behalf of Wallace, admits to being taken aback by the success of the Mocklershill Stables graduate. He said, “The Derby? We thought we were selling a horse for the Derby Sale! Are you joking me? I actually hadn't a clue that this horse was running in the Derby until the other day when somebody said to me. Sure I thought they were joking. It just goes to show you. Gavin is a lovely fella and this is a great story. It would be an even better story if he manages to run well.” For all that Wallace and Browne speak with a heavy dollop of reality, the two men – and indeed the wider industry – appreciates the magnitude of the achievement of the small-time hobby breeder to produce a Derby runner. And, do you know what? They've come this far, so who's to say the ink has run dry on this story yet. Wallace said, “I have two mares – Dearborn and another unraced mare by Robin Des Champs. We have always had mares down through the years and we actually bred a very good chaser, Long Engagement, who won the Tingle Creek twice. Listen, we're farmers and this is just a hobby. I actually got both of these mares off Paul Nolan, who is my wife's brother-in-law. They had broken down but, credit to Paul, he said they had a bit of book to them and that they might be worth breeding from. I was interested in getting back into breeding so I said I'd chance my arm and we've bred a winner at least so it's great.” Asked if he will make the trip to Epsom for what is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, Wallace concluded, “I gave it serious consideration but I decided against it because I don't want to jinx them! I am an AI technician – I inseminate cows – so this would be my peak time at work. I couldn't take the time off work. If it was a month later? Absolutely. But I'll be tuning in without a doubt. I actually missed his previous races but I won't miss this. Horses like this keep the small fella interested in breeding and it would be brilliant if he could run a big race. I've had great help from Paul and Matt Gilsenan from Norelands Stud, which is close to me here in Kilkenny. It's a great interest. I know that he's 100-1 but he's already exceeded expectations so we won't go writing him off just yet.” The post ‘I’m In Disbelief’ – Meet The Derby Runner’s Breeder Who Was Expecting The 100-1 Shot To End Up In The Derby Sale appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thursday, Sandown, post time: 19:05, STAR SPORTS HENRY II STAKES-G3, £80,000, 4yo/up, 16f 50yT Field: Al Nayyir (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Burdett Road (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Tashkhan (Ire) (Born To Sean {Ire}), Trawlerman (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}). TDN Verdict: Trawlerman looks to strengthen his Gold Cup claims now that old foe Kyprios has been ushered out of the scene and the 2023 G2 British Champions Long Distance Cup winner is a cut above these rivals on all evidence. The last time Burdett Road ran on the Flat, he was four lengths behind Trawlerman as they chased home Kyprios in the latest renewal of the Long Distance Cup and it will be interesting to see how he fares after a subsequent jumping campaign including a second in the Champion Hurdle. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Sandown, post time: 19:35, STAR SPORTS BRIGADIER GERARD STAKES-G3, £80,000, 4yo/up, 9f 209yT Field: Ombudsman (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Persica (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Aafoor (Qurbaan), Almaqam (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Ancient Wisdom (Fr) (Dubawi {Ire}), Bolster (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), Cicero's Gift (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Enfijaar (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Military Order (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), Phantom Flight (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}). TDN Verdict: One of the key stepping stones to the G1 Prince of Wales's Stakes sees the return of the Gosdens' exciting Ombudsman who has a penalty for his success in the G3 Prix du Prince d'Orange when last seen in September. That will make life tough given that the likes of Almaqam has a fitness edge having finished third in the course-and-distance G3 Gordon Richards Stakes last month. Interestingly, his career-best win came in the Listed Heron Stakes on this card 12 months ago and this really has to be the time that he lives up to Ed Walker's expectations. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Baden-Baden, Germany, post time: 16:35, 47TH KRONIMUS BADENER MEILE-G3, €55,000, 3yo/up, 8fT Field: Penalty (Ger) (Frankel {GB}), Best Lightning (Fr) (Sidestep {Aus}), Montanus (Ger) (Amaron {GB}), Short Final (Fr) (Zelzal {Fr}), Switsch (Ger) (Millowitsch {Ger}), Words Of Peace (Ger) (Palace Prince {Ger}), Namaron (Ger) (Amaron {GB}). TDN Verdict: Last year's G3 Oettingen Rennen winner Penalty may have most to fear from the unexposed 3-year-old Namaron, who captured Krefeld's G3 Dr Busch-Memorial last month and gets a healthy weight-for-age boost. [Tom Frary]. Thursday, Sandown, post time: 20:05, STAR SPORTS HERON STAKES-Listed, £45,000, 3yo, 8fT Field: Bay City Roller (Ire) (New Bay {GB}), Jackknife (GB) (Kameko), Matauri Bay (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Nebras (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Opera Ballo (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}), Pellitory (GB) (Sergei Prokofiev), Suhail Star (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). TDN Verdict: This launchpad to Royal Ascot boasts a roll of honour which includes subsequent G1 St James's Palace hero Without Parole (Frankel) and St James's Palace placegetters Consort (Lope De Vega), King Of Comedy (Kingman) and My Prospero (Iffraaj). Godolphin's TDN Rising Star Opera Ballo emptied early behind Field Of Gold in last month's G3 Craven Stakes and bids for redemption and black type in this second turf start. Opposition includes the unbeaten duo Bay City Roller, who annexed last term's G2 Champagne Stakes, and last month's Epsom novice winner Jackknife. [Sean Cronin]. Thursday, Sandown, post time: 18:35, STAR SPORTS NATIONAL STAKES-Listed, £40,000, 2yo, 5f 10yT Field: Alkuwarrior (Ire) (Alkumait {GB}), Clear Force (Ire) (Supremacy {Ire}), First Legion (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Kamakameleon (GB) (Kameko), Anthelia (Ire) (Supremacy {Ire}), Eskimo Pie (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Sayidah Hard Spun (GB) (Ubettabelieveit {Ire}). TDN Verdict: This stepping stone to the Royal meeting is most often used a trial for the G2 Norfolk Stakes and G2 Queen Mary Stakes. Rizeena, the 2013 winner, was the last to prevail here and double up at Ascot. The Richard Hannon stable, last successful with subsequent Norfolk third King Of Rooks (Acclamation) in 2015, is represented here by First Legion who comes back off a York debut victory two weeks ago. His chief threat is Karl Burke nominee Clear Force, who notched a clear-cut success at Ripon last month. Burke has previously won this with Norfolk 10th Havana Grey (Havana Gold) and Norfolk third Elite Status (Havana Grey). [Sean Cronin] Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Makes His Bid For Redemption In The Heron Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

In 10 days, Frank Mirahmadi will be in the announcers' booth to call the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, both on-track and for the national Fox broadcast. His best trick to combat the nerves? His imagination. “Once the big Fox broadcast starts, there's no question the adrenaline goes to a new level,” said Mirahmadi, appearing as the Gainesway Guest of the Week on the TDN Writers' Room podcast, presented by Keeneland. “The key with the big races–and I've learned this over many years, it's almost 30 years now that I'm calling races-is to trick yourself into pretending it's a starter allowance event. And with these horses, it should theoretically be easier because there's no worry about who they are. You know who they are as a racing fan. And so for me, I think the whole key is to just try to stay calm.” Not that the Saratoga announcers' booth makes it easy. “The reason it's so difficult is because of how low to the ground the booth is,” said Mirahmadi. “It's just it's almost impossible. You're bobbing and weaving, you're low to the ground, which means there's more preparation necessary because you have to learn every nook and cranny. You know with announcers we start with the silks and then the equipment and then of course the horse, but in this case you've got to look at the sleeves and every little bit of the cap because when horses are across the course or across the track you can't see them. And so it's important to be able to have every little thing to identify them with.” But the Belmont won't be the only reason Mirahmadi-whose permanent job is as the announcer at Santa Anita–is happy to come to New York. A vegetarian, he says he lives on a diet that includes pizza every day. “I'm actually one of the fattest vegetarians in North American history,” he said. “I don't eat meat. I don't eat chicken and I don't eat fish. I don't eat anything that's walked, talked or breathed. So I have very strange eating habits. You've heard of the no-carb diet? Well, you're looking at a man closer to 300 than 200 pounds and it's because the all-carb diet is not very healthy. But cheese pizza is my favorite food. And so, needless to say, in Los Angeles, we are challenged. But on the East Coast, it's a beautiful thing. The East Coast definitely has the far superior pizza. I do eat pizza every day. I don't recommend it for obvious reasons. And if you do, you might want to exercise a little bit.” The hosts-T.D. Thornton, Bill Finley, and Randy Moss-also remembered trainer Christophe Clement, who passed away this week at the age of 59, and weighed in on the ongoing Preakness jockey debate, reignited this week by trainer Steve Asmussen. Randy Moss revealed the Fastest Horse of the Week in a segment sponsored by the WinStar stallion Nashville. The show, also sponsored by the PHBA, 1/ST TV, the KTA-KTOB, and West Point Thoroughbreds, recapped last week's racing, including Saffie Joseph's big weekend at Santa Anita. To watch the video version of the podcast, click here. For the audio podcast, click here. The post Belmont Stakes Announcer Frank Mirahmadi Is The TDN Writers’ Room Guest appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Returning on 15 days' rest, Domeyko Taylor's Charlene's Dream targets a second consecutive graded success when she faces 10 fillies and mares in the $250,000 Mint Julep Stakes (G3T) at Churchill Downs June 1.View the full article

Top United States jockey Flavien Prat has been snapped up to partner French raider Facteur Cheval in the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot June 18.View the full article

Cutting back in trip and facing softer competition, the Mark Casse trainee looks on the right path back to the winner's circle in the $400,000 Penn Mile (G3T) May 30.View the full article