Wandering Eyes

Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa has acquired a half-interest in 2024 Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna) in a deal which includes former NFL star Marshawn Lynch, according to a press release from the farm. Trained by Kenny McPeek, who selected her as a yearling, she is one of only seven distaffers in the history of the American turf and only the second 3-year-old filly, along with the fabulous Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro), to claim the coveted title. A six-time Grade I winner with victories in the GI Kentucky Oaks, the GI Acorn Stakes, the GI CCA Oaks, the GI Cotillion Stakes, the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff and the GI Apple Blossom Handicap, the mare has compiled a record of 11 wins and two seconds from 14 starts, with earnings over $5 million. “It is extremely rare, if not impossible, to acquire an interest in a mare of this caliber,” said John G. Sikura, owner of Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. “A Horse of the Year, out of a Broodmare of the Year is beyond a unique commodity. A consummate Champion, Thorpedo Anna hails from a pedigree that I have been involved in and respect as foundational to the modern breed. Deep in her pedigree are the names of Cosmah, Almahmoud and the great sires Halo and Northern Dancer who is perhaps the greatest sire ever. “Kenny has managed her career to perfection and I am excited to be part of the team,” added Sikura. “We have a shared responsibilty to expose our sport to a new audience, as such, NFL superstar and actor Marshawn Lynch is participating in the deal. Mr. Lynch came to Saratoga and experienced our sport and was utterly enthralled.” Thorpedo Anna will race the remainder of 2025 and plans are for her to continue next year. “It has been an amazing journey being around Thorpedo Anna,” said Kenny McPeek. “Judy Hicks, Mark Edwards and Sherri McPeek's Magdalena Racing will continue to retain their percentage ownership of Thorpedo Anna and we are all excited to continue with such a great partner as John Sikura and Hill 'n' Dale.” The post Hill ‘n’ Dale Acquires Half Interest In HOY Thorpedo Anna, Deal Includes NFL Star Lynch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

LE MESNIL MAUGER, FRANCE — Ahead of the inaugural sponsorship of the Prix Jacques Le Marois by the Aga Khan Studs, Princess Zahra Aga Khan has spoken of her team's “recognition of the industry” in supporting the entire card at Deauville on Sunday. The 104th running of the Group 1 race which commemorates owner-breeder Jacques Le Marois looks set to feature two runners from the Aga Khan Studs, Zabiari (Wootton Bassett) and Ridari (Churchill), among a maximum field of 11, including the supplemented Docklands (Massaat) and Rosallion (Blue Point), who fought out a scintillating finish to the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot. The Japanese contenders Ascoli Piceno (Daiwa Major) and Go To First (Rulership) add extra international spice to an intriguing contest. The Aga Khan Studs last gave their name to the National Stakes back in 2002 and they take over this sponsorship from the Niarchos family's Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard, which supported the Jacques Le Marois for almost 40 years. The winningmost owner of the race over the last century is Marcel Boussac, whose entire breeding operation was purchased by HH Aga Khan IV in 1978. His bloodlines remain prominent within the Aga Khan Studs' broodmare band, with the aforementioned Ridari being an eighth-generation descendant of Boussac's foundation mare Astana (Arbar). Referring to the various acquisitions over the years, which include the stock of renowned breeders Francois Dupre and Jean-Luc Lagardere, Princess Zahra said, “Each individual purchase, including Brook Holliday, and purchases like that, was very important because they brought new families and new blood into our basic breeding stock. And with every acquisition, they brought a different aspect, so either some very classic French bloodlines or the speedier Lagardere lines, and I would say that the Lagardere stock has had a very rapid impact on the speediness.” She continued, “If you look at Siyouni's descendants, they tend to be precocious and fast, and every time there's an acquisition, it's an interesting exercise in marrying them and blending them with the older Aga Khan families. We're trying to keep the same attitude and aspect towards racing. “My father always said that he was looking for not just cruising speed but acceleration, and I would say that over time that is proving to be true. Siyouni's daughters, like Tahiyra and Zarigana, have not only inherent speed but they also have an incredible turn of foot.” Pierre Gasnier has recently succeeded Georges Rimaud in the role of manager of the French studs within the operation, and he, alongside Princess Zahra, Pat Downes, who manages the Irish studs, and racing manager Nemone Routh, work as a team of four to decide on each year's matings. “We meet for many, many hours,” said Princess Zahra. “We have our own breeding theories and our own analysis of the families and the theoretical offspring pedigrees would be produced. We do have a database, but it is a repository for information that doesn't make any decisions or help us take any decisions. So far, we have not used AI, or anything like that. We might in the future, but at the moment are just going on the same theories that my great grandfather developed.” Siyouni on parade | Zuzanna Lupa Those theories have stood the operation in good stead for more than 100 years and, in 2025, Zarigana, an eleventh generation of Mumtaz Mahal, one of the earliest yearling purchases by HH Aga Khan III back in 1922, became the latest Classic winner for the Aga Khan Studs in the season immediately following the death of Princess Zahra's father in February. Candelari (Frankel) and Calandagan (Gleneagles) have added to the Group 1 tally this year, too, and represent a bit of a departure for the Aga Khan Studs in that they are both geldings. “If you're building a reputation for a colt it is great to be able to take him overseas and have a sort of public image around the world. It's nice to stay in France and to win in France and if it's a filly we will probably take different decisions because we don't want to risk them, but for a colt it's great,” said Princes Zahra. “And a gelding,” added racing manager Nemone Routh with a laugh, referring to the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Calandagan, whose possible path through the rest of the season will be a prep run in the Prix Prince d'Orange, which is now open to older horses, before heading to the Champion Stakes at Ascot and then the Japan Cup in late November. “It still needs to be discussed. He would carry a big penalty in the Prix Prince d'Orange, but it's a mile and a quarter and it's mid-September, so it would then set him up for Ascot, and then on to Japan,” Routh added. She also had news of the unbeaten three-year-old Daryz (Sea The Stars), who will make his first venture into Group 1 territory when lining up for next Wednesday's Juddmonte International Stakes at York. “Daryz worked very well this morning and we're very happy with him,” Routh said of the G2 Prix Eugene Adam winner who was ridden in his morning work by jockey Mickael Barzalona. “This is obviously a massive step for him. We're asking him a big question and it is a really tough field, but we just felt the horse is in good form, this is his distance and he will probably have his ground. “It might come a bit early but we have decided to take our chance.” The Aga Khan Studs team hosted a press day at Haras de Bonneval on Thursday. We will bring you more news of the farm's four resident stallions and a range of broodmares, both active and retired, and including the great Zarkava, in Saturday's edition of TDN. The post Princess Zahra Aga Khan on Blending Bloodlines and Backing the Jacques Le Marois 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. Friday's Observations features a son of Best In The World (Galileo). 4.05 Dundalk, Mdn, 2yo, 8f (AWT) KING OF SPARTA (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) is the fifth foal out of Coolmore's precious broodmare Best In The World (Galileo) and a full-brother to the useful Alfred Munnings and half to the much-more-than-useful Snowfall (Deep Impact). The dam's full-sibling Found remains one of the yard's select Arc winners and with Mark Crehan on board the inference is that he will need time and distance to come into his own. Wayne Lordan is on the Leopardstown fourth Pierre Bonnard (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), a son of the G1 Nassau Stakes winner Sultanina (New Approach) who was one place behind Montreal there. The post Ballydoyle Take The Wraps Off Snowfall’s Half-Brother King Of Sparta appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bidding commenced Aug. 14 and runs until Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m PT for the major reduction of Harris Farms on Fasig-Tipton Digital, according to a press release from the platform on Thursday. Ninety entries are catalogued as part of the reduction of leading California owner and breeder John C. Harris who participated in all aspects of the Thoroughbred business until his passing at the age of 81 in July. The reduction consists of breeding and racing stock. Included in the catalogue are: Nu Pi Lambda (City Zip) (Hip 50): She is a half-sister to MGISW Deterministic. Nu Pi Lambda is offered in foal to Deterministic's sire Liam's Map; Hennys Crazy Train (Epicenter) (Hip 51): GSP earner of more than $300,000 carries her first foal; 24 mares offered with foals with foot; 40 horses of racing age, including unraced 2-year-olds being prepared for their career debuts. All offerings are being sold with no reserve. “We are honored for Fasig-Tipton Digital to be entrusted with the reduction of Harris Farms,” said Leif Aaron. “Mr. Harris, a pillar of racing for more than four decades, spent his life developing these families, which have consistently produced top-quality runners since he assumed leadership of his family's stable in 1981.” Since 2000, Harris runners have won 695 races for earnings of more than $22-million. Prospective buyers may view the catalogue and register to bid by clicking here. The post Fasig-Tipton Digtal Opens Bidding For Major Reduction Of Harris Farms appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DEAUVILLE, FRANCE – Pound for pound, Camas Park Stud has produced the goods like no other consignment at the Arqana August Sale in recent years. Queen Mary third Balantina (Ten Sovereigns), Saratoga Oaks runner-up Evershed (Churchill) and genuine Derby hope Isaac Newton (Camelot) are just some of the August Sale graduates that have been strutting their stuff on the track this year alone for an outfit that sold the 2022 European Champion Two-Year-Old Little Big Bear on this sale ground. Put simply, few people run a tighter ship than Tim Hyde snr and Tim Hyde jnr and the hope is that there are one or two potential stars lurking in their seven-strong draft this year. “We've been coming here a long time – didn't miss a year since the mid-80s,” Hyde snr says in the baking hot sun in yard C at Arqana. “We've been lucky here. And a lot of good horses have come out of here also. Arqana is a great company to deal with. Very helpful. I think our horses are up to scratch. There are some really nice horses. But you need a good horse to come here. You need a Book 1 horse.” Balantina, Evershed and Isaac Newton are good horses alright and are just the type of animal that the Hydes bring to the market. Balantina was beaten a whisker in a Group 3 in Deauville a few days ago while Evershed ran a career-best to finish second in the Saratoga Oaks last time. But Isaac Newton could be something out of the ordinary. Trained by Aidan O'Brien on behalf of the Coolmore partners, he won his maiden at Goodwood in the style of a colt with Classic aspirations for next year. Hyde jnr said, “Isaac Newton looks a very good horse. He won very nicely at Goodwood and could be a Derby horse for next year. We have a good roll of honour but we tend to bring good horses here. For a select sale like this, you have to come with good horses and, when they perform on the track, people tend to come back. We've been coming here for a long time. This sale has always been supported well internationally. You'd always have people from Japan, America and all across Europe attending this sale.” The general chat in Deauville is that the horses assembled for this year's August Sale are the best for some time. So, the horses are here. But are the buyers? Judging by the footfall on Wednesday and Thursday, many of whom have travelled long journeys to be here, there is plenty of money around. Hyde jnr concurs. He said, “The traffic has been really good. There are a lot of people here from a lot of different countries so I would expect that it will be a very good sale. The market was good in Saratoga and we had a good sale there. We sold four or five yearlings and they all sold very well. I think it took people by surprise just how strong the market was over there but there is a big hunger for horses in the US.” Despite its international footing, Camas Park Stud remains a consignment rooted in quality rather than quantity. It's a model that has allowed the farm to thrive with Whistlejacket, Russian Camelot, Ten Sovereigns, Capri, Highland Reel, Rekindling, Idaho and Osaila being other big-name graduates to note. “We're not that big of an operation,” Hyde jnr explained. “We don't sell huge numbers and tend to concentrate on quality. We have 60 or 70 mares and keep only 30 of them at Camas. So we're not huge. And it is becoming harder and harder. Expenses have doubled in the past seven or eight years. The cost of running any thoroughbred business has sky-rocketed in recent years. That's why you need to focus on quality. Trading in low-end mares, the margins are so small that the costs are outweighing the margins.” On the Hyde family's affinity with France, in particular Deauville, he added, “We sold Little Big Bear here. We owned part of No Nay Never and he won the Prix Morny. Then we bred Whistlejacket and of course he won the Prix Morny as well. That day with Whistlejacket meant a lot. If they grow up outside your door and you follow them the whole way here to the Prix Morny, that's special. This place is very close to our hearts and we like coming here and we like selling here. We've a big association with No Nay Never and we've three of them to sell here this year and they are three very good animals. If you want to go to Royal Ascot, you've got to consider No Nay Never because he is top of the list. He is an amazing stallion.” Hyde snr and Hyde jnr are in agreement that this year's consignment ranks highly, with the latter indicating that the three yearlings selling on Monday will be worth the wait. Speaking about their draft, Hyde jnr said, “We have just one Blackbeard to sell here but we have a lot more of them at home that will be going to other sales. I'd say that he is stamping his horses really well. They've great strength and good action – he's making the right type. “But we could be in for a very busy Monday. The No Nay Never filly out of Panthere [182] is a bullseye filly – really strong and a great mover. Every time we pull her out, people just go 'wow'. If you're thinking about Royal Ascot, lot 262, a No Nay Never colt out of Snow Shower, is your man. We've sold a lot of good No Nays and he ranks right up there with the best of them. There's a Churchill filly out of Travel [289] and her No Nay Never colt won impressively at Monmouth Park and he looks the real deal. So she's another lovely filly who is going down well.” On working the sale alongside his father, Hyde jnr concluded, “I'll never fill his shoes. It's great to be here and to be associated with him as he is a legend.” The post ‘She’s A Bullseye’ – Camas Park Bidding To Maintain Amazing Record At Arqana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Mike Renfro caught 28 touchdowns during his eleven seasons in the NFL playing for the Houston Oilers and the Dallas Cowboys. Like most athletes, even after all these years, he misses those Sunday afternoons, the camaraderie with his teammates and the thrill of competition. But what would fill the void when he walked off the field for the last time in 1988? To Renfro, that's a very easy question to answer. He discovered horse racing. Thirty-seven years later, Renfro is part of the CJ Thoroughbreds ownership group, which has its sights set on Saturday's King's Plate at Woodbine with Tom's Magic (Justify). To talk about his careers–in football and in racing–Renfro was the Gainesway Guest of the Week on this week's episode of the TDN Writers' Room Podcast Presented by Keeneland. “Any ex-athlete that spent some time at least at the highest level for a while will tell you the same thing,” Renfro said. “There's been others before me and there'll be others to come. But any pro athlete that gets out of the game, it's hard. We have a lot of ex-teammates. We have a lot of teammates that struggle after a life of fame and the fortune, right? And whether it's Hollywood actors, pro athletes, whoever it may be, if they're in the spotlight and they've been exposed to that lifestyle, it can be very difficult. Thank goodness for horse racing. It's a wonderful sport.” Tom's Magic was bought by CJ Thoroughbreds out of the 2023 Keeneland September sale. The podcast's very own Zoe Cadman helped pick out the horse along with partner Marette Farrell. Paying only $200,000 for a son of Justify, they got a bargain. “I think Zoe said it right when she said we just got lucky,” Renfro said. “It's as simple as that. He needed a little time, not from anything that stands out in my memory or anything that put him on the vet's list, but he came to our farm instead of going directly to Florida. Normally, we send them to Ocala. He came to our farm and just chilled for about 60 days. And then he went on to Kevin Nolmeyer's at Silver Springs right there in Lexington. But bottom line is I think we just got lucky.” Tom's Magic is 3-for-5 lifetime and won the Black Gold Stakes at Fair Grounds and the Tale of the Cat Stakes at Monmouth. He has raced only on the turf. Renfro said they began to think of Tom's Magic as a King's Plate horse almost from the start. “We're all traveling for the first time to Woodbine Racecourse and to have an entry in the King's Plate is pretty special,” Renfro said. “We've been pinching ourselves. It's been a plan for several months. This plan actually worked out, which is somewhat rare in our industry as you know. “We've been thinking about this race for a long time. We had an Ontario-bred. We knew he had some talent. Our friend Zoe was very involved in helping select this horse. But you know, things worked out. We got to run him late as a two year old and he showed some promise and won his second start. Since really the first of the year, we've been honing in on this race and he stayed sound as he can be and it's worked out. He's certainly a contender.” In our “Fastest Horse of the Week,” segment which is sponsored by WinStar, the team went over the many reasons there are breed to WinStar stallion Life Is Good. The fastest horse of the week was GI Sword Dancer winner El Cordobes (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), who earned a 104 Beyer. Elsewhere on the podcast, which is also sponsored by 1/ST Racing, the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders' Association,West Point Thoroughbreds, and 1/ST TV, the team of Cadman, Bill Finley and Randy Moss previewed the GI Alabama Stakes and the King's Plate. They reviewed the GI Sword Dancer Stakes and the GI Arlington Million Stakes. Also on the docket, the group discussed the foul-up last Saturday at Saratoga where the last race on the card was run at the wrong distance. To watch the Writers' Room, click here. To view the show as a podcast, click here. The post Retired NFL Receiver Mike Renfro Joins TDN Writers’ Room Podcast Presented By Keeneland To Talk King’s Plate appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Britain's clean sweep of Deauville's valuable juvenile Arqana Series races was completed in style on Thursday by Valmont's Cape Orator (Mohaather) in the 6 1/2-furlong Criterium d'Ete. Off the mark for the Ralph Beckett stable at Kempton in June, the 15-1 shot cut loose approaching the final furlong and surged to a 3 1/2-length verdict over Street Show (Showcasing), the only French-trained two-year-old to make the first two in the trio of sales races. “We've always thought he was a very good horse, it's just taken a long time for him to mature,” jockey Hector Crouch said. Cape Orator (H. Crouch – @RalphBeckett) avec la manière dans les @InfoArqana Series – Criterium d'Été À noter qu'il est le frère utérin de Minoushka (@CYLerner), deuxième du Prix de la Grotte (Gr. 3) en 2024 pic.twitter.com/xART7iujSB — Equidia (@equidia) August 14, 2025 The post Brits Complete Arqana Series Domination As Cape Orator Takes The Criterium D’Ete appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Off his late heroics in the GI Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 2, Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) once again cracked the LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings. Owned by Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith, last year's Eclipse Champion 3-year-old rolled from the back of the pack as is his style to take the Whitney by a length. The Chad Brown trainee is now rated 120 on the 2025 list. Topping the chart at 127 is still a three-way tie between Field of Gold (Ire) (Kingman {GB}), Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) and Ombudsman (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}). Since last month's release, Field of Gold was fourth in the G1 Visit Qatar Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and Ombudsman finished as the runner-up in the G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown Park. Forever Young has not raced since he was third in the G1 Dubai World Cup. Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who bested Ombudsman in the Coral-Eclipse remains in the co-fourth position in the rankings with a rating of 126. Sharing that same mark is Hong Kong champions Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}) and Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}). As for the U.S.-based contingent, MGISW Sovereignty (Into Mischief) who is pointing to the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes remained at 125, and checking in again at 124 was MGISW White Abarrio (Race Day), who could ship west to run in the GI Pacific Classic Stakes at Del Mar. The complete LONGINES World's Best Racehorse Rankings are available here. The post Whitney Champ Sierra Leone Back Among World’s Best In Longines Rankings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The sixth installment in the 2025 OwnerView webinar series was held Aug. 12 and covered buying horses at sales and digital sales.View the full article

A nomination to Australian Champion First- and Second-Season Sire Too Darn Hot has been added to the Inglis Digital August (Late) Online Sale held from August 22-27. The son of Dubawi broke the first-season sire earnings record during the 2023/2024 season. Responsible for four-time Australian Group 1 winner Broadsiding, Too Darn Hot has sired the winners of more group races than well-known Australian stallions Snitzel, Fastnet Rock, I Am Invincible and newly crowned champion sire Zoustar, at the same stage of their careers. The sale of the Too Darn Hot nomination is a collaboration between Godolphin, Watership Down Stud and CatWalk and will see all proceeds go directly toward funding critical research to help those living with spinal cord injuries. Inglis Digital business manager Nick Melmeth said, “It's a real honour for the Inglis Digital platform to be entrusted with this Too Darn Hot nomination which is for such a great cause. “Too Darn Hot has proven to be a stunning success story and this is a rare and exclusive opportunity for outside breeders to gain access to him.” Andy Makiv, managing director of Godolphin Australia, said “Too Darn Hot returns to Australia after a season off and is almost impossible to get access to, given his achievements and popularity. “To support CatWalk with the last available nomination to be offered before the breeding season starts is something we are very proud to be part of.” Too Darn Hot is co-owned and bred by Watership Down Stud, of Lord and Lady Lloyd Webber. The Darley stallion shuttles from his base at Dalham Hall in the UK to Australia. The post Too Darn Hot Nomination Added To Inglis Digital August (Late) Online Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

July Cup-winning Richard Hughes's breakthrough summer as a trainer got better on Thursday as Rose Ghaiyyath (Ghaiyyath) landed Deauville's valuable Arqana Series des Pouliches. Always prominent under Christophe Soumillon, Jaber Abdullah's 6-1 shot started to gain the upper hand inside the last 1 1/2 furlongs and clung on gamely to deny Zaravina (Zarak) by a short head for another British one-two in the card's sales races. Like the winner of the colt's equivalent, Northern Champion, Rose Ghaiyyath is a graduate of the Arqana May Breeze-Up, having cost €110,000. A nice type for the @RHughesracing team! Rose Ghaiyyath lands a valuable contest on debut with a gutsy performance to fend off the late challenge from Zaravina in Deauville! pic.twitter.com/R91zf3HJyb — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 14, 2025 The post Another Big Day For Hughes As Rose Ghaiyyath Wins The Arqana Series des Pouliches appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Enjoying the stand-out profile ahead of Thursday's Arqana Series Des Poulains at Deauville, TBT Racing's €820,000 Arqana Breezer Northern Champion (Wootton Bassett) didn't disappoint en route to his big debut payday. Always comfortable tracking the leaders under Kieran Shoemark, the 17-5 stayed on strongly to hit the front inside the final furlong and beat compatriot River Card (Hello Youmzain) by a length. “He was very brave and has plenty of speed,” Shoemark said of the Ed Walker-trained son of the G3 Bow Mistress winner Zargos (Shamardal). “He knew his job and is a really likeable sort with talent.” It's another successful French raid for the @edwalkerracing team! Wootton Bassett-colt Northern Champion follows in the footsteps of Maranoa Charlie in landing this valuable prize first time up in the hands of Kieran Shoemark! pic.twitter.com/it4DvaaQ01 — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) August 14, 2025 The post Wootton Bassett’s Arqana Breeze-Up Sensation Northern Champion In Command At Deauville appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Eclipse Award winner Smart Angle and classic winner Caveat have been selected for induction into the Maryland Thoroughbred Hall of Fame for 2025 after a vote by a committee of Maryland racing industry members.View the full article

Sierra Leone (120), last year's champion 3-year-old male in the United States, got back to his winning ways when he took the Whitney Stakes (G1). He came into the Whitney having finished second to Mindframe (120) in the Stephen Foster Stakes (G1).View the full article

During this year's Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale, Len and Jon Green's D.J. Stable will offer a curated reduction of its bloodstock portfolio consigned by Taylor Made Sales Agency, the auction house said in a press release on Thursday. While their reduction represents a meaningful milestone, the Greens remain as committed as ever to the sport. D.J. Stable will continue to be active in racing and at future sales, with plans to invest in new opportunities and further grow their presence in the sport. “This is a one-time offering–strategic and deliberate, not something we plan to do annually,” Len Green said. “From a business perspective, there's no better time to capitalize on opportunities in the breeding industry. The 'Big Beautiful Bill' is strategically crafted to offer compelling incentives for high net worth individuals to invest in broodmares, making it both a smart financial move and a savvy tax strategy.” For more than four decades, D.J. Stable has earned more than 2,600 wins with more than 150 stakes victories; earned 14 leading owner titles across major racing jurisdictions; and raced Eclipse Award and Sovereign Award winners. “D.J. Stable has been developing their broodmare operation for decades,” Taylor Made President and CEO Mark Taylor said. “This is a unique opportunity for buyers to access quality bloodstock and turnkey mares who can offer an immediate return on investment in 2026 and beyond.” Details of the D.J. Stable consignment, including offerings, will be released in the coming weeks along with the November Breeding Stock Sale catalog. “This reduction is a nice standard of quality,” Keeneland Vice President of Sales Tony Lacy said. “D.J. Stable has always approached the sport with professionalism and purpose, and this consignment is no exception. It's a unique opportunity for buyers to invest in proven bloodlines from a first-class operation. Keeneland is pleased to sell these horses for the Greens, and we look forward to them remaining active buyers at future Keeneland sales.” The post D.J. Stable To Hold Strategic Reduction Consigned By Taylor Made At Keeneland November appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The E. P. Taylor Stakes (G1T) has long been an elite international contest, with winners carrying British, Irish, French, American, and Canadian running lines. This year's lineup also has an international flair.View the full article

Winner of the San Clemente at the current Del Mar meeting, Thought Process could repeat in the Oaks for Little Red Feather and partners, following Iscreamuscream last year.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 Friday at Saratoga. Friday, August 15, 2025 Saratoga 1, $90k, 2yo, (S), 1 1/16mT, 1:10 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Jack's World (Rock Your World), OBSMAR, 150,000, :10 2/5 C-Jose Munoz; B-Steven W Young, agent Saratoga 6, $90k, 2yo, (S), 6f, 4:06 p.m. ET Froutien (Galilean), FTMMAY, 700,000, :10 1/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (Ciaran Dunne), agt; B-Mahmud Mouni The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Friday, August 15, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Bill Turner has died aged 78 following a serious accident earlier this week. Turner, who was based in Sigwells, Somerset, was a former jockey and as a trainer became synonymous with the Brocklesby Stakes at Doncaster, having won the traditional first race of the Flat turf season six times. He had been in a serious condition in hospital after reportedly fracturing his skull in a fall on Monday and his daughter, Kathy, announced his death on Thursday afternoon. Speaking at Chepstow, Kathy Turner told Sky Sports Racing, “Dad passed away about an hour and a half ago. We got the call in the lorry, I'd made the decision to come here. The horse [Red Snapper] was to run in dad's name in his honour, whatever had happened he would have wanted that. “He slipped away this morning. The support from everyone in racing has been absolutely outstanding. I've tried to reply to as many people as I could, but I am so sorry if I haven't replied to you or someone else. The love that man had was absolute. He wasn't just my dad and my sister's dad and Ryan's grandfather. He was everyone's dad and the people who he has helped in their careers saw him as a dad. “He would have preferred to have been going flat out up the gallops but unfortunately it was a freak accident. I still can't get round that this injury has done this to him, as I've pulled him out from such serious injuries on the gallops. Only last Sunday he was re-felting my sister's salon roof.” Mick's Yer Man was Turner's last Brocklesby winner in 2013 and that victory held special significance. Kathy added, “His best ever moment was when Ryan [While, grandson] won the Brocklesby on Mick's Yer Man.” The post Popular Trainer Bill Turner Dies at 78 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Delacroix (Dubawi) and Ombudsman (Night Of Thunder), first and second, respectively, in last month's G1 Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, headline nine confirmations for Wednesday's G1 Juddmonte International at York. The Aidan O'Brien-trained Delacroix is one of three possible runners from Ballydoyle, along with dual Derby hero Lambourn (Australia) – who also holds an entry in the G2 Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes earlier on the card – and high-class filly Whirl (Wootton Bassett), the winner of the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes and G1 Nassau Stakes. Meanwhile, G1 Prince Of Wales's Stakes winner Ombudsman is set to be joined by another Godolphin-owned runner in the Andre Fabre-trained Birr Castle (Cloth Of Stars), who has been supplemented at a cost of £85,000 to fulfil pacemaking duties for the leading fancy from the Gosden stable. Last year's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) scorer Danon Decile (Epiphaneia) adds plenty of intrigue as a rare runner from the Far East, making his first appearance since also winning March's G1 Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan, while last year's G1 Champion Stakes hero Anmaat (Awtaad) and dual York winner See The Fire (Sea The Stars) also feature in a strong contingent of older horses. The potential line-up is completed by the unbeaten three-year-old colt Daryz (Sea The Stars), who is set to make the journey over from France after impressing his connections in a gallop on Thursday morning. “I've spoken to the trainer [Francis-Henri Graffard] and jockey, because Mickael Barzalona rode him, and they were very happy with his piece of work,” said Nemone Routh, racing manager for owners the Aga Khan Studs. “He'd taken a step forward from his piece of work last week and they were very happy with his condition. He worked with Sibayan and Surabad, a Group 2 winner and Group 3-placed, so good horses. After that the plan is now to run at York, if everything goes fine.” Daryz will be running in a Group 1 for the first time on the Knavesmire, but he proved himself a potentially top-class colt when last seen winning the G2 Prix Eugene Adam at Saint-Cloud in good style. Routh added, “We were very impressed last time, in a race which wasn't run to suit him. He pulled too hard as they were crawling but then he really picked up. That was a Group 2, so you feel it makes sense to run in a Group 1 and this came up at the right time. “It's obviously a big ask from what he has been doing so far. The field is a strong one and we're under no illusions it's going to be a very tough race. But Francis took the view that the horse is in great form, it will be fast ground, which he handles well, and we've always rated him, so we'll see how good he is next week.” The post Eclipse Principals Delacroix and Ombudsman Confirmed for York Rematch appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai Gimcrack Stakes at York on Friday, August 22 is to be run in honour of the late Tom Lacy, the legendary trainer and breeder who died last month at the age of 89. The move comes at the request of Al Basti Equiworld, Dubai founder and CEO Malih Al Basti, who said, “Tom's achievements as a trainer and breeder are well documented, but he was also an inspiration and mentor to a great many who thrived n the racing industry thanks to his generosity, support and encouragement. “Adding Tom's name to the Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes this year is a small gesture but one which I hope will serve as a poignant reminder of the enormous impact he had on the sport.” Lacy rode 50 winners as a jockey and found only Arkle and Flyingbolt too good aboard Height Of Fashion in two Irish Grand Nationals. As a trainer, he sent out hundreds of winners from his yard in Rhode, County Offaly, spearheaded by Ingabelle, who went on to become a hugely important foundation mare at Ballylinch Stud. More recently, Lacy, along with his son Barry, bred the G2 July Stakes winner Persian Force (Mehmas) from €1,200 mare Vida Amorosa (Lope De Vega). The post York’s Gimcrack Stakes to be Run in Honour of Tom Lacy appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Letters to the Editor for the Aug. 14 edition of BH Daily.View the full article

After a spectacular 2024 that saw him take home six New York-bred trophies, he's a finalist for 2024 TOBA Small Breeder of the Year.View the full article

Antoine Bellanger is another young gun making waves in France. After spending over 10 years working under Henri Bozo at Monceaux, the 39-year-old set up his own consignment business at Arcadia Elevage in 2019, and the outfit has gone from strength to strength ever since. Arcadia Elevage offers just one horse this week, a Sea The Stars colt [lot 295], and Bellanger said he is optimistic ahead of what is shaping up to be a strong Arqana August Sale. What type of horse does well at this sale? The biggest thing you need is quality. Obviously the sale comes quite early so they need to be quite mature and possibly have a bit of preciosity for it all to come together. But, you know, you can find any type of horse in this sale – you can buy fast horses and nicer three-year-old types as well. You need quality in the pedigree number one and a horse that is physically mature enough to take the prep well. What are your expectations for the market? We have got a lot of question marks about the market and it's hard to predict due to tariffs and other things so that is quite a hard question to answer. The one thing that is extremely positive is the amount of people on the ground inspecting horses this week. Hopefully that means it will be a lively sale and the market will be strong. Your favourite Arqana memory? We've got a few. We are still a very young operation but we had a few nice pinhooking results with friends down through the years and now we are starting to offer our own homebreds, which, I have to say is quite a pleasure because we have been with them from the start. Where do you go in Deauville to celebrate a sales success? I usually prefer a quiet drink at the sales bar with the team and clients just to unwind and enjoy the moment. Best piece of advice you received? I think the best advice I ever got was to do things your own way. Of course, you have to look about what the people do next to you, but it is important to do things your own way and always give things one hundred per cent so that you will have no regrets. Biggest influence on your career? Henri Bozo. I worked for 12 years with him and that was a very good experience. It was especially good to see the progress of Monceaux in a little over 10 years because, when I started at Monceaux, I have to say it was quite a small farm. How much it has grown in that time is amazing. I learned a lot there. Do you have a good-luck charm? Not really. I believe more in hard work than in luck. What is your must-have snack at your marquee to get you through the sales season? Any sweets or pastry with a nice cup of coffee. Not very healthy I admit but rather comforting. What first-crop stallion's progeny has caught your eye? Starman seems off to a great start. In France, I'm keeping a close eye on Victor Ludorum and Armor. I'm very much looking forward to see the first foals of Paddington, Modern Games and Chaldean this year. What television streaming series are you bingeing right now? To be original, I will say a French series called OVNI(s). A refreshing and funny series, somewhere between The X-Files and Stranger Things, with an immersive 1970s atmosphere. Entertaining and the soundtrack is fantastic. Favorite vacation spot? Anywhere with nice landscapes, great food and a peaceful atmosphere. I have to say French Brittany has some beautiful spots. The sun may be a bit shy there, but it's a region full of character. The post Arqana Vendors In The Spotlight: Q&A With Arcadia Elevage appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Seymour Races Where Seymour Racing Club – 55 Kobyboyn Rd, Seymour VIC 3660 When Friday, August 15, 2025 First Race 12:25pm AEST Visit Dabble A competitive nine-race meeting awaits punters at the Seymour Racing Club on Friday afternoon. A typical winter day is forecast in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley, with a top of 15 degrees forecast and showers increasing as the meeting rolls on. The rail comes out 3m for the entire circuit, while the track’s rating of a Soft 6 is likely to end up in the Heavy range if the rain arrives. Best Bet at Seymour: Facilitate Facilitate has been knocking on the door in terms of a maiden victory and draws barrier three with Ben Allen set to stalk the leaders throughout. Expect him to camp just off the speed, blend three wide into the better ground, and launch from the 250m. With fitness on his side and a race shape that favours those within two lengths at the bend, Facilitate gets every possible chance to put his maiden triumph on the board. Best Bet Race 4 – #8 Facilitate (3) 3yo Gelding | T: Leon & Troy Corstens & Will Larkin | J: Ben Allen (57kg) Next Best at Seymour: Another Nephew Another Nephew draws barrier three to hold a spot behind the leaders, and his provincial figures say he’s up to this grade when he lands within striking distance. Will Gordon is a positive booking from the alley, and the setup at Seymour should suit his tractable on-speed pattern. If he can pinch a breather mid-race and be the first to go from the 500m, he will take some running down in the closer. Next Best Race 9 – #4 Another Nephew (3) 5yo Gelding | T: Patrick & Michelle Payne | J: Will Gordon (60kg) Best Value at Seymour: Choice Witness Choice Witness has been a model of consistency all prep and now finds a BM64 that he can control from barrier two. The 3kg claim for Alice Kennedy brings him in nicely at the weights, and his on-speed style is tailor-made for Seymour when the rail is out. With Rock The Bar and Mojo Music ensuring tempo, expect the five-year-old gelding to hold leaders’ backs, present at the 300m and kick on the Soft 6 to figure at a big price with horse racing bookmakers. Best Value Race 6 – #3 Choice Witness (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Ben Brisbourne | J: Ms Alice Kennedy (a3) (61.5kg) Friday quaddie tips for Seymour Seymour quadrella selections Friday, August 15, 2025 1-2-3 2-4-5-9 2-4-5-6-7 1-4-5-6-8 Horse racing tips View the full article