Wandering Eyes

Tattersalls Ireland will continue to sponsor the Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series 2025. Returning for 2025 with an increased prize fund of €10,000, the series will feature eight qualifiers, beginning at the Northern Ireland Festival on May 2, and culminating at the Iverk Show on Aug. 23. With the diverse range of venues, the series ensures accessibility and opportunities for competitors nationwide. Tattersalls Ireland CEO Simon Kerins said, “The Showing Pathway Series has become a real favourite on the show circuit throughout the summer months. The interest in the class has grown significantly, and the series has an ability to produce some wonderful stories. The series demonstrates how versatile and adaptable these thoroughbreds are, who once given the time and training from their skilled riders, forge second careers in the showing arena. We look forward to welcoming back some familiar names, and seeing new faces participating in the qualifiers.” For more details on the qualifier schedule and information on the series, please visit the Treo Eile website. The post Tattersalls Ireland Extends Its Sponsorship Of Treo Eile Showing Pathway Series appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Rockridge Stud has added two new stallions for the 2025 season, bringing its roster up to seven members. With MGSW/GISP 'TDN Rising Star' Messier (Empire Maker – Checkered Past, by Smart Strike) and 2022 GII Joe Hernandez Stakes winner Chewing Gum (Candy Ride {Arg} – Shared Heart, by Forestry), the farm aims to capitalize on bloodlines that are not already represented in New York. Standing privately for a partnership that includes Wachtel Stable and Pantofel Stable, Chewing Gum is the only son of Candy Ride standing in New York. Over six years on the racetrack, the hard-knocking bay placed in 19 of his 35 career starts. His five wins included a maiden score at Kentucky Downs in 2019 and the aforementioned GII turf event at Santa Anita. An impressive runner-up to Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed) in the 2021 GI Jaipur Stakes, Chewing Gum also placed in both the 2020 and 2021 editions of the GIII Belmont Turf Sprint Invitational Stakes. “Chewing Gum was good on turf, dirt and synthetic,” said Lere Visagie, the owner and manager of Rockridge Stud. “He's a horse that a lot of breeders can get behind. With the new Belmont coming in with the new synthetic, this horse will fit that bill.” Also new to Rockridge in 2025, Messier is the only son of Empire Maker standing in New York. A $470,000 2020 Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearling purchase by Donato Lanni on behalf of SF Bloodstock, Madaket Stables and Starlight Racing, Messier broke his maiden on his second try, earning 'Rising Star' status in his 6 ½-length score. Next time out, he won the GIII Bob Hope Stakes and followed that with a runner-up finish in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity. In his 3-year-old debut, Messier dominated the GIII Robert B. Lewis with a 15-length victory, earning a 103 Beyer Speed Figure. He earned a spot in the GI Kentucky Derby with a second in the GI Santa Anita Derby. Later as a 5-year-old, Messier scored in the GIII Westchester Stakes. He retired with a record of 15-4-5-1 and earnings of just under $600,000. Chewing Gum | Sarah Andrew “When we saw [Messier] in Kentucky, we loved him at first sight,” said Visagie. “We knew he would work for New York just because he was very impressive and pretty, and with his race record. If you look at him, you can see why he was such a good racehorse because he's got all the parts of a tremendous athlete.” Messier will stand for $5,000 in his debut season. Part of Rockridge's model for success is about gaining solid support for first-year stallions by forming partnerships among other players in the breeding business. Americanrevolution -03-04-2025-at-Rockridge-SA6_8781-PRINT-Sarah-Andrew.jpg" alt="" width="1155" height="840" /> Americanrevolution sees his first foals in 2025 | Sarah Andrew “A few years ago, the stallion market was kind of a little on a lull, and we looked at what we could do to rejuvenate everybody to get more involvement in the stallion business.” said Visagie. “We went with a few of the farms and sat down and said, 'Let's go in on a horse and get together and participate as a group in supporting him.'” The first horse they chose was Mind Control. In his first year at stud, Mind Control bred 191 mares. The model seemed worth replicating. “We followed up with Americanrevolution,” said Visagie. “Winstar had campaigned him and when they wanted him to retire, we got in touch with them. They helped us and we formed another big group to support a stallion with multiple farms involved.” Americanrevolution's first foals are on the ground this year. “All of them came out very nice, good-sized and very flashy,” said Visagie. “On top of that, there was a lot of substance to these foals.” The post With Messier and Chewing Gum, Rockridge Offers Something New in New York appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association announced March 7 the stakes schedules for the June 4-8 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and July 4 Racing Festival to be held July 3-6. Both festivals will be held at Saratoga Race Course. View the full article

The Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament will tee off at noon Monday, March 24 at Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club in Plantation, FL, one of the state's top-rated public golf courses, and will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (TAA), per a release Friday. The day will include raffles, food and beverages, gift bags, sponsored golf holes and awards. Sponsorship packages are available. Interested players can register by clicking here. The post Florida Derby Charity Golf Tournament To Benefit TAA appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association announced the stakes schedule for the 2025 Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet, which will begin May 1 and continue through July 6.View the full article

Churchill Downs will be offering a record $26 million in purses for their upcoming spring meet. View the full article

4th-Turfway, $78,125, Msw, 3-6, 3yo, f, 6f (AWT), 1:12.25, ft, 4 3/4 lengths. FAMILY (f, 3, Sharp Azteca–Heidi Maria {MSW, $220,764}, by Rockport Harbor) was let go on this unveiling at a chilly 27-1 but ran like the favorite en route to her graduation. Employing her early foot to get out and lead, she was challenged by Maclean's Lullaby (Maclean's Music) entering the bend after splits of :23.01 and :46.45, but managed to repel that rival coming into the lane. Giving the field the slip, she strode out to a 4 3/4-length victory while the early hopeful held on comfortably to second. Family is a half-sister to Vegas Magic (Good Magic), GSW, $247,200, the victress of the GII Sorrento Stakes in 2022, as well as the dam of MGSP Don't Bring Crazy (Maximus Mischief). The winner is the most recent to the races but does have a juvenile half-brother named Collecting (Collected) in the wings. The mare aborted her 2024 Good Magic foal and visited both Epicenter and Practical Joke for the 2025 season. This is the extended female family of MSW & GSP Beth's Dream (Jess's Dream) as well as GSW & GISP Sweet Whiskey (Old Fashioned). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $47,269. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. O-Machmer Hall Thoroughbreds; B-Machmer Hall (KY); T-Michelle L. Elliott. Family takes them gate-to-wire to upset at 27/1 on debut in R4 at @turfwaypark for trainer Michelle Elliot with Fernando De La Cruz in the saddle! TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/kh8pfDcYhU — TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) March 7, 2025 The post Sharp Azteca’s Family Gives Them the Business on Turfway Debut appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Clem Murphy, one of the most respected senior members of the Coolmore team in Ireland, has died after a short illness. He was 75. Described by John Magnier as a man who had “the respect of all”, Murphy's passing on Friday comes as a blow to his many friends and colleagues, both within the close-knit team at Coolmore and in the wider bloodstock world. Leading the tributes, Magnier said, “We count ourselves extremely lucky to have had Clem with us at Coolmore since the outset. He soon became part of our family and his friendship was treasured by us all. “He had an unparalleled knowledge of the global bloodstock market and a great interest in the sport of racing. Firm but always fair, he was an extraordinarily clear thinker who could always find solutions where others only saw problems. A family man through and through, I will miss him greatly as will all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Clem had no enemies and the respect of all, a perfect example for us all to follow.” Demi O'Byrne spoke of Murphy as “a magnificent man”. He continued, “I've been a close friend of his and worked closely with him for 50 years and you would have never had a better companion. He was a very gifted man at his job and we went to endless rugby matches – he had a huge knowledge of rugby. If I was away and came back to Ireland to meet him on a Friday evening in McCarthy's there was nobody like him.” A native of County Limerick and a passionate supporter of Munster Rugby and Limerick Hurling, Murphy had a background in finance and was employed by the leading accountancy firm Price Waterhouse prior to his move to Tipperary. His involvement with Coolmore stretches back almost to the operation's origins. He arrived there in 1978 – having been interviewed for the job by Noel O'Callaghan – and has been one of the closest and most trusted allies of John Magnier through the intervening years as Coolmore has expanded its interests across the racing and breeding world. “It's a dark, dark day for us all here,” said another of his close friends, Paul Shanahan. “Clem hired me – he was the one who interviewed me. It was his rule of law for everybody. He was different class.” David Nagle of Barronstown Stud also paid tribute. He said, “I thought the world of Clem and, more importantly, John Magnier thought the world of him. He's been an integral part of Coolmore for close on 50 years. Nothing happened in the horse world in Coolmore without Clem's approval. He was just a very special man. He was a wonderful ambassador and was world-renowned in our business. He was one of those guys who was very level-headed; he was just different. This is a very sad day.” Clem Murphy, left, with many of his Coolmore friends and associates | Tattersalls Coolmore's David O'Loughlin, who, along with Tom Gaffney, was involved in breeding a number of good horses with Murphy, said, “I've known him for nearly 40 years and he was exactly as he appeared – very sound, smart, a fun guy and very straightforward. He was also very kind and very fair. There was no side to him. “We'd have some great nights out in Deauville or Newmarket when we were away at the sales and we used to hear some great stories. He was here from the [Robert] Sangster days and would have come though the downs of the 90s when the world collapsed. The syndication of Fusaichi Pegasus would have been one of his big deals. He knew everybody and knew what was going on everywhere. He had unbelievable knowledge of the business side of horses and stallions – how to put together a share and syndicates – he knew all of the angles.” With his great friend Gaffney, Murphy bred the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes winner Wannabe Grand (Ire) (Danehill) and the pair bred and raced her Group 3-winning half-sister Wannabe Better (Ire) (Duke of Marmalade {Ire}), later the dam of G3 Darley Stakes winner Lady Wannabe (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). They also bred the outstanding four-time Group 1 winner Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never) as well as the G1 Middle Park Stakes runner-up and Group 3 winner Castle Star (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}). “Clem was also involved in the ownership of Atlantic Jewel in Australia,” O'Loughlin added. “He loved all sports and was a big rugby man but he loved racing in particular. He was really clued into it; he was living the dream.” A regular figure at all the major bloodstock sales, Murphy represented the ownership triumvirate of Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith on the board of the Breeders' Cup, having also served as chairman of the Breeders' Cup racing and nominations committee. Rogers Beasley, the former director of sales and racing at Keeneland and now executive vice-president and chief strategy officer for Breeders' Cup, said, “Clem was a great plus for our industry. I knew him for 40 years or so from when I was running Keeneland, and also through his work for the Breeders' Cup, and he was always so good to deal with. He did a great job representing the European interests on the Breeders' Cup board. “He was also a great conduit for the Europeans in general and for the Irish community in Kentucky from a sales viewpoint. He will be sorely missed by so many people in the industry.” A statement issued by Breeders' Cup Ltd read, “We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Clem Murphy, a valued and long-serving member of our board of directors. “Clem joined our board in 2006 and served with unwavering dedication and passion for 20 years. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in the international growth of the Breeders' Cup World Championships and was instrumental in the expansion to a two-day festival of racing with purses and awards of more than $34 million. As co-chair of the racing and nominations committee, Clem was a driving force behind the expansion of the Breeders' Cup international stallion program and played a key role in incorporating major international races into the Breeders' Cup Challenge: Win & You're In Series. “Clem's wisdom, insight, strong will, and unwavering commitment to our industry will be deeply missed. He was not only a respected colleague but also a dear friend to many within our organization. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Coolmore team during this difficult time.” Clem Murphy will be laid to rest in Fethard over the weekend. He is survived by his wife Barbara, children Alix, Lauren, and Michael John (MJ), and his grandchildren, to whom we extend our deepest sympathies. The post ‘A Magnificent Man’: Clem Murphy Dies at 75 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has expanded its overall investment in the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet and the July 4th Racing Festival from 56 stakes worth $16.85 million in 2024 to 55 stakes totaling $17,250,000 this year, according to press releases from the racing entity on Friday. Highlighted by the 157th edition of the Grade I, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, June 7 at Saratoga, the five-day 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will include 27 stakes races with purses totaling $11,275,000, the richest purses and highest number of stakes offered since the launch of the multi-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in 2014. The third leg of the Triple Crown will once again be contested at 1 1/4 miles in 2025 rather than the traditional 1 1/2 miles due to the configuration of the Spa's main track. For the third consecutive year as the television home of the festival, FOX will present live broadcast coverage during the week. The stakes schedule for the 2025 Belmont at the Big A spring/summer meet is also set and will begin on Thursday, May 1 and continue through Sunday, July 6. The ongoing construction of the new Belmont Park will again require adjustments to the customary NYRA schedule. The meet–which includes the July 4th Racing Festival at the Spa–features 28 stakes worth $5,975,000, which is a change from 32 stakes at $6.6 million last year. Typically held at Belmont Park, the July 4th Racing Festival will serve as a prelude to the traditional summer meet at Saratoga and conclude the Belmont at the Big A spring/summer slate. Following the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from June 4-8, live racing on the NYRA circuit will return to Aqueduct from June 12 to June 29 prior to the July 4th Racing Festival. With the addition of the Belmont Stakes and July 4th Racing Festivals, Saratoga will host nine live race days in 2025 outside of the traditional 40-day summer meet. Click here to access a list to the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival stakes rundown, and here for the July 4th schedule. The post NYRA Raises Investment To Over $17m For Upcoming Stakes Slate, Includes Spa’s Belmont Racing Festival appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Adam Hamilton Jason Grimson is growing in confidence his dual New Zealand Cup winner Swayzee can add a Miracle Mile to his stunning CV at Menangle tonight (11.45pm). Many felt Swayzee, one of the great modern day stayers, wouldn’t adapt to sprint racing, but he proved them wrong with a stunning 1min48.6sec mile qualifying win at Menangle last Saturday night. But a dramatic twist in the Miracle Mile barrier draw has the doubters emerging again. Swayzee drew gate two, which looked ideal, but moments later emergency Bulletproof Boy drew one. It means Swayzee will move down the pole if, as expected, the emergencies come out. “One’s not bad, but two would have been a lot better,” Grimson said on Melbourne radio SENTrack. “He’s got more gate speed than people realise though.” Grimson surprised by saying he was confident Swayzee had enough early speed to hold-out key rival and noted quick beginner Don Hugo, who will start next door in gate two. Swayzee is a $5 third favourite behind Leap To Fame ($2.15) and Don Hugo ($3.20). “He (Swayzee) did hold out Kanena Provlima once and he’s very quick out,” he said. “I think he’s got enough speed to hold Don Hugo. It’s very hard to cross when you’re right next to another horse. “Tact McLeod is the quickest out and he’s the one I think is most likely to get across, if anything can. “I’ll leave Cam (Hart) to make the decisions, but he’s got to come out as quickly as he can.” Grimson agreed a key in the early stages of the race was staying in front of favourite and defending champion, Leap To Fame, who will start from out wide in gate seven, which he won from last year. “I think we can and it’ll be important because we know we can beat him when we’re in front of him,” he said. Swayzee trails Leap to Fame 2-3 in their five clashes. His two wins have come when he has drawn better and settled in front of Leap To Fame. “Leading is the place we’d love to be, but he’s more versatile than people realise,” Grimson said. “Just because he’s been out and rolling in most of his races, people think that’s how he has to be driven, but he’ll go great off a helmet (with a sit). That’s how we work him.” Given the amazing depth and strength of this Miracle Mile, Grimson thinks they can test the race and Australasian record 1min46.9sec if conditions suit. “I’m sure Swayzee can go low 1min47sec or even beat the record and Larry (Leap To Fame) can, too,” he said. “I’d love them to break the record. It would be cool to be part of it.” For all his stunning success in the past four years, Grimson said winning a Miracle Mile would top it all. “It’s the race I want. It’s my home track, we train here and race here and it’s a race with such history,” he said. “It’s so hard just to get into it.” Grimson also has former pin-up pacer Captain Ravishing in the race. “He can surprise them. He went super last week and has bounced through the race even better than I expected,” he said. “If he can position up handy, without doing any early work, he’ll be right in the finish.” Grimson had two runners in last year’s Miracle Mile, but his chances plummeted when second favourite Himanameisjeff galloped while dashing to the lead and lost all chance. His other runner Frankie Ferocious charged home from the rear to run fourth. View the full article

Nice and Easy Thoroughbreds isn't the type of operation that rolls into the 2-year-old sales armed with a battalion of juvenile prospects. Such was the case for the 2021 renewal of the OBS March Sale when the consignment led only two head to the venue–a colt by Shaman Ghost who breezed an eighth in :10 flat and a colt by Race Day who completed the task in :10.2. While the former, subsequently named Grave Danger, would never exit the claiming ranks, the Race Day colt, subsequently named White Abarrio, would achieve a level of success that people could only dream of. Offered by Summerfield at the 2020 OBS Winter Mixed Sale, the grey was purchased for the bargain sum of $7,500 by the nephew-and-uncle team of Edilberto Herrera and Jose Ordonez. “When I saw him at the barn, thought he was acting like all horse,” Herrera recalled. “I liked his conformation, his walk and his body. He moved with a lot of class and with a long stride. He is out of an Into Mischief mare, so that was good too. At that time, people didn't really like the horses by Race Day because nothing had really run well. But I had it in my mind, there was [Tapit] on top and it might be a nice cross.” Asked what precluded him from offering the colt during his yearling year, the longtime Ocala horseman explained, “I decided not to take him to the yearling sales because he was changing and just looked better and better. I had him over a year and the horse always showed me something serious. I thought he would fit better at the 2-year-old sales.” Prepped by Herrera for the following season's March sale, the colt was secured by trainer Carlos Perez, who signed the ticket after the colt brought $40,000 in Ocala. “When he sold for $40,000, I thought the price was Ok. It was good for that year,” he admitted. “When he breezed well and had a strong gallop out, everybody liked him. But one of the big reasons he didn't bring a lot of money was that he was by Race Day. If he had been by Tapit, he would have brought a lot more. But anyway, I couldn't have bought him if he had been by Tapit!” He continued, “When I was training him, he was like a car. You push a little bit and he's gone. If you don't push, the horse stays the same. You want to go short; he'll do it. You want to go far, he's right there. He has the class and a strong mind to go with it. I think the horse has everything.” Perez was the trainer of record when White Abarrio, sent off at 12-1 for his debut, galloped home a 6 3/4-length winner in a 6 1/2-furlong test at Gulfstream in October of his juvenile year. Transferred to Saffie Joseph Jr. after the C 2 Racing Stable stepped in to purchase the son of the Into Mischief mare Catching Diamonds, the striking grey won three of his next four starts, including Gulfstream's GI Florida Derby and GIII Holy Bull Stakes and later finishing runner-up in that year's GIII Ohio Derby and third facing older horses in the GI Cigar Mile. In his second start of the 2023 season, the Spendthrift Farm bred won a seven-furlong optional claimer in Hallandale in March and was subsequently sent to Rick Dutrow Jr., a move triggered by what would ultimately prove to be a temporary suspension for Joseph. For Dutrow, the grey finished third in the GI Met Mile before taking the GI Whitney Stakes and GI Breeders' Cup Classic. “I was watching on TV and I went crazy the day he won the Classic,” he said. “He's my favorite horse.” After a couple of lackluster early season starts, White Abarrio returned to Joseph, who took his time bringing him back to the races. A 10 1/4-length winner going seven-eighths at Gulfstream in November, White Abarrio concluded 2024 with a second in the oval's GIII Mr. Prospector. Making his first start at six in this year's Pegasus, he steam-rolled his opposition–including runner-up Locked (Gun Runner) who subsequently won the GI Santa Anita Handicap–airing by 6 1/4 lengths. “When I saw the horse at the Derby or even now, the horse is still the same–A lot of class. I follow him all the time,” Herrera said. “I am so proud of him. I did everything with him, I broke him and I rode him. The only thing I didn't do was ride in the breeze show. I'm still a big fan of the horse.” White Abarrio winning this season's Pegasus World Cup | Adam Coglianese The Nice and Easy Team arrives at OBS this time around with a trio of juveniles–a pair of fillies and a colt. Leading the trio is Hip 52, another granddaughter of Tapit, by Cupid and out of SP Cruzette (War Pass), who breezed an eighth in :10.1 on the initial day of works. She was a $12,000 purchase at Keeneland last September. “I really love that filly. She is a nice filly and she can run,” he said. “I really thought she could go :10 flat or :9 4/5, but the track was a bit flat. But it was the same for everybody. I think it's sometimes more important for the buyers to see how they can get over the track.” “When I bought this filly, she was a bit skinny, but so was White Abarrio when I bought him.” Also representing the operation, Hip 347 is by Rock Your World out of Miss Vero (Tale of the Cat) and Hip 640, a colt by Win Win Win out of Torchme (Gimmeawink), a sister to Classic winner Da' Tara. The former was a $9,500 KEENOV buy and the latter brought $10,000 at the 2024 OBS Winter Sale. “She is a bit on the small side but I like how she moves,” he said of the Rock Your Work filly. “I really love her since she got here. I love how she moves on the Polytrack.” The sole colt in this year's Nice and easy consignment, Herrera admitted he was particularly high on the colt. “He has a beautiful body. He is a monster,” he said. “I have never had one like him. He has the [physical] and the class. It might be a bit too early for him. I can't believe how much he's grown, but I think he'll be good [down the line].” Herrera, who offered his first juveniles five years ago, admits he typically brings a small sampling to the venue given its timing on the calendar. “I don't bring a lot of horses here because it's a bit early for them. I don't try to force it. If they are sound and have a good mind, I'll bring them to March. If they don't have the good mind, this is a hard sale to sell them. If they need more time, I bring them here next month.” He confirmed Nice and Easy will be represented by four 2-year-olds at the upcoming OBS April Sale. The April consignment will consist of juveniles by Frosted, Candy Ride, Bucchero and Galilean. The post Nice and Easy Tbreds Hopes To Unveil Another White Abarrio at OBS March appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Gelding bought by Philip Liu is half-brother to the Group 1-winning Summer Passage.View the full article

PENN Entertainment's Zia Park Racetrack is seeking applications for a track superintendent and official starter for its 2025 fall season, the organization said in a press release on Friday. The position's duties include managing the track maintenance team, oversight of all equipment, maintaining compliance with HISA and New Mexico Racing Commission rules and regulations, and ensuring a safe racing surface for all equine and human participants. The role of the starter includes the recruitment and managing of assistant starters, starting of all races, gate schooling for horses and oversight of maintenance on the starting gates in compliance with HISA standards. Individuals interest in obtaining more information regarding either position may contact Christopher McErlean, Vice President of Racing, PENN Entertainment at christopher.mcerlean@pennentertainment.com. The post Zia Park Seeks Track Superintendent And Starter For 2025 Meet appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A gelding by I Am Invincible (Aus) brought top dollar at the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Hong Kong International Sale when selling for HK$5 million (€593,909) to Philip Liu. Sold as lot 12, he is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Summer Passage (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}). I Am Invincible's star progeny to race in Hong Kong include Group 2 winner Wishful Thinker (Aus) and 2024 HKIS graduate Markwin (Aus), who has earned HK$3.76 million, including a HK$1-million ISG Bonus. Second on the buyers' sheet was lot 5, a gelding by So You Think (NZ) who sold to So Wing Keung for HK$4.6 million (€546,396). His dam Andresa (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) is a full-sister to four-time Group 1 winner Mosheen (Aus). A pair of lots each made HK$4 million (€475,127)–lot 15 a son of Siyouni (Fr), and lot 17, a chestnut gelding by Lope De Vega (Ire). The former sold to HKJC Racing Club Limited, while the latter caught the eye of Alan Chan. Other lots with a European slant to their pedigrees include a son of No Nay Never (lot 9) who made HK$3.2 million (€380,102) on the winning bid of Cheung Kwai Po; and lot 2, a son of Mehmas (Ire) that hammered for HK$1.2 million (€142,538) to Lee Lit Lung. The sale average was HK$3.006 million (€357,137) (-9%), while the gross was HK$45.1 million (€5,357,058) (-2.6%). The median dropped to HK$2.6 million (€308,833) (-18.8%). Danny Rolston, executive manager, International Sale/Owners Advisory Services, HKJC, said, “We've put some really nice horses up, we were really selective on the final group that we offered to the market. “As you would know from the withdrawal list, we took out the horses that weren't suitable for sale right at this point–some of those will be made available for sale at a later stage–but what we did offer here tonight are horses that we have a lot of confidence in. Some of the horses at the lower end of the market this year, we're absolutely positive that there's some great value in hand. “I think the market has dictated that horses aren't worth the same as what they perhaps were two years ago and we're confident that we've released some really nice horses into the market for our permit holders and in another 12 months we'll be telling more stories like Markwin and New Future Folks and permit holders have come to the international sale and they've actually got value and they've been able to buy horses that are right here and ready to train and have a pretty good chance of going and winning a race in their first 12 months and being a chance in their 4-year-old season.” The post I Am Invincible Gelding Tops Hong Kong International Sale At HK$5m appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Churchill Downs has scheduled 50 stakes races cumulatively worth a record $26,175,000–a $525,000 increase–for its 2025 Spring Meet, which covers 43 race dates between April 26-June 29, the track said in a Friday press release. The American Turf for 3-year-olds, annually staged on the Kentucky Derby undercard, had its purse raised to $1 million after the American Graded Stakes Committee elevated the 1 1/16-mile grass race to Grade I status. The American Turf is one of four Spring Meet stakes that received purse hikes for 2025 and one of seven races that warranted upgrades by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association. Here are the changes for 2025: American Turf: Upgraded status from Grade II in 2024 to Grade I in 2025; Purse increased from $600,000 in 2024 to $1 million in 2025; Aristides: Upgraded from Listed to Grade III status in 2025; Chicago: Upgraded status from Grade III in 2024 to Grade II in 2025; Purse increased from $250,000 in 2024 to $300,000 in 2025; Chorleywood: Received Listed status in 2025; Purse increased from $175,000 in 2024 to $200,000 in 2025; Issac Murphy Marathon presented by Resolute Racing: Received Listed status in 2025; Mamzelle: Upgraded from Listed to Grade III status in 2025; Maxfield: Purse increased from $175,000 in 2024 to $250,000 in 2025; Roxelana presented by LG&E: Received Listed status in 2025. During Kentucky Derby Week (April 26-May 3), there will be 22 stakes races cumulatively worth a record $17.9 million, including nine stakes totaling $11,150,000 on Derby Day and seven totaling $5.25 million on Oaks Day. As was the case last year, Churchill Downs has partnered with Ascot Racecourse and Great Britain's The Jockey Club to extend a “wild card” entry initiative that ties together Kentucky Derby Week with the Betfred Derby Festival and Royal Ascot. The winner of the American Turf on Kentucky Derby Day will receive an entry and travel stipend to compete in the G1 Betfred Derby at Epsom June 7 and G1 St. James's Palace at Royal Ascot June 17, while the winner of the Edgewood on Kentucky Oaks Day will receive the same benefits for the G1 Betfred Oaks at Epsom June 6 and Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot June 20. The winner of the GI Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic will receive a berth to either the G1 Queen Anne Stakes or the G1 Prince of Wales' Stakes at Royal Ascot, and the Twin Spires Turf Sprint winner will receive an entry to the G1 King's Charles III Stakes, also staged at Royal Ascot. In return, a runner from both the Queen Anne and Prince of Wales's will receive an entry and travel incentive to run in the GI Arlington Million at Colonial Downs in mid-August. Also, a runner from the G1 Tattersales Falmouth Stakes will receive an entry and travel stipend for the GII Beverly D Stakes on the Arlington Million undercard. Other Spring Meet highlights include Stephen Foster Preview Day on Saturday, May 31; Stephen Foster Day on Saturday, June 28; and five closing day stakes on Sunday, June 29. Following its annual closure for wintertime renovations, the Churchill Downs stable area will reopen Tuesday, March 18. The first day of training on the main dirt track will be Wednesday, March 19. The post Churchill Downs Ups Stakes Purses To Record $26m For Spring With GI American Turf Set At $1m appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will host a job fair on Wednesday, Mar. 19 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET to support the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course, the track said via an early morning Friday release. The job fair will be held in the 1863 Club at the Spa. Attendees should enter through the Wright Street entrance (Gate 8) with parking available in the 1863 Club lot. Festival positions include mutuel clerks, cashiers, merchandise clerks, customer service representatives, white caps, security guards, restaurant supervisors, barbacks, bussers, runners, prep cooks, dishwashers and parking attendants. NYRA, Dyehard Fan Supply, Integrated Staffing and Levy Restaurants will be among the companies and organizations represented at the job fair. Prospective workers must be at least 15 years of age and have New York State Certified Working Papers. Those interested in positions as security guards, cashiers and betting clerks must be at least 18 years of age to apply; security guards must have a high school degree or GED. All applicants must present a photo ID and Social Security card or I-9 alternative. The post NYRA To Hold Second Job Fair For Belmont Stakes Racing Festival 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 Santanna Mach is the very essence of the 1980s Tourism New Zealand slogan : “Don’t Leave Home Until You’ve Seen The Country” The grand old campaigner lined up for start number 224 at Westport this evening in the BP2GO Westport Team Teal Pace, finishing seventh with Rapid Response winning for Sam Ottley, her third victory for the day. In doing so he completed a truly remarkable feat. The 11-year-old has now raced at every active harness racing course around the country and even at some that are now no longer going. In total he’s raced at 31 different venues. Michael House has been his only trainer and clearly holds the veteran pacer in the highest regard. “This is quite novel what he’s done,” says House, “and he’s touched a lot people’s lives along the way.” House only became aware of Santanna Mach’s incredible record late last year. He worked out that of all the tracks in the country the only other ones missing on the CV were Blenheim, Omakau (Central Otago) and Westport. He then hatched a plan. House took Santanna Mach to Omakau on January 2, finishing second, followed up by an eighth at Waterlea Raceway in Blenheim on January 17. That left Westport as the only racecourse left. And now that’s been ticked off too, with Kimberly Butt driving him for the first time. She’s the 39th individual driver to have guided the horse since his debut in 2016! Leading junior driver Wilson House has had the most drives with Santanna Mach and it was one of their wins, at Addington in 2023, that stands out for his father. “He really launched him … it was a daring drive and it was at the stage when Wilson hadn’t done much and I was very proud of both the horse and Wilson.” Wilson House’s 100th driving win was Santanna Mach’s 20th. At the time Wilson described him as a “pretty cool old horse”. Bred and raced by retired Whakatane accountant John Rennie, Santanna Mach didn’t win the marquee races though he was the Country Cups king for a while, winning at places like Otaki and Tauherenikau as well as closer to home. Under-rated by many, when he won his 21st race in December last year at Rangiora he still paid $36.70 for the win. “He’s very easy to train but difficult to get right – he runs his own races,” says Michael House. The fact that he’s won races every year from 2018 to 2024 is a testament to this longevity and attitude. With harness racing planned for Taupo (January 26 2026) Santanna Mach’s jaunt around the country might not be finished yet. “He’s been everywhere so why wouldn’t I?” Santanna Mach : Career record : 224 starts for 21 wins 39 different race day drivers They are : (from most to least drives) : Wilson House 58 Blair Orange 39 Sam Ottley 19 Sarah O’Reilly 14 Jimmy Curtin 10 Kirstin Green 9 Nathan Delany 7 Sam Thornley 7 Michael House 6 Benjamin Butcher 4 Colin DeFilippi 4 Todd Mitchell 4 Kerryn Tomlinson 3 Ricky May 3 Zev Meredith 3 Alicia Harrison 2 Crystal Hackett 2 Daniel Anderson 2 Dexter Dunn 2 John Morrison 2 Jordyn Bublitz 2 Kim Blakemore 2 Robbie Holmes 2 Tyler Dewe 2 Zachary Butcher 2 Alan Edge 1 Andre Poutama 1 Barry White 1 Ben Laughton 1 David Butcher 1 Dylan Ferguson 1 Kimberly Butt 1 Luke Whittaker 1 Matthew White 1 Matthew Williamson 1 Peter Ferguson 1 Sailesh Abernethy 1 Steph Burley 1 Tony Cameron 1 View the full article

There are 13 horse racing meetings set for Australia on Saturday, March 8. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Flemington, Randwick, Ellerslie, Murray Bridge, Bunbury & Alice Springs. Saturday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – March 1, 2025 Flemington Racing Tips Randwick Racing Tips Ellerslie Racing Tips Murray Bridge Racing Tips Bunbury Racing Tips Alice Springs Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on March 8, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 3 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Recommended! 4 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. 5 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Di Arbuthnot, the former chief executive of the charity Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) was presented with the Sir Colin Spedding Award at the National Equine Forum on March 6 in recognition of her dedication to racehorse welfare. . Head of the RoR for more than 20 years, Arbuthnot received her award from the HRH The Princess Royal. She said: “It was a privilege, 25 years ago, to become part of a charity that has helped many thoroughbreds have another career. “Bringing awareness of their adaptability and their successes has helped change the way those both inside and outside of the industry look at the life of a thoroughbred. It would not have been possible without the commitment and foresight of the chairmen and trustees of RoR, particularly in those early days, as well as the dedication and hard work of a small team. I am delighted to accept this award on their behalf.” The post Di Arbuthnot Recognised for Racehorse Welfare Work appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Hong Kong-based Mauritian rider will make another trip to Australia to ride Chris Waller’s promising colt in feature sprint.View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Kewney Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 Location: Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $300,000 Distance: 1600m The A.V. Kewney Stakes is a Group 2 race for three-year-old fillies, run over 1600m under set weights at Flemington by the Victoria Racing Club. First held in 1952, the Kewney Stakes honours Arthur V. Kewney, VRC secretary from 1925 to 1946. Originally contested over 2000m, the Kewney Stakes shifted to 1600m in 1985, 1400m in 2010, and returned to 1600m in 2021. The Kewney Stakes race has a strong history of producing future classic winners, with past victors claiming the Group 1 AJC Oaks (2400m), Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m), and Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m). Notable past winners include Sunline, Northwood Plume, Special Harmony, Mannerism, Zarita, and I Am A Star. The 2024 Kewney Stakes, worth $300,000, was won by Autumn Angel, defeating Basilinna and Mollynickers. 2025 Kewney Stakes betting odds Autumn Angel ridden by Mark Zahra winning the 2024 Kewney Stakes at Flemington. (Photo by Pat Scala/Racing Photos) Odds for the Kewney Stakes as of March 5 – Courtesy of Neds Treasurethe Moment Win $1.75 Place $1.12 Too Darn Lizzie Win $9.00 Place $2.35 Cilacap Win $10.00 Place $2.50 London’s Image Win $11.00 Place $2.70 Sneaky Sunrise Win $12.00 Place $2.80 Jenni The Fox Win $12.00 Place $2.80 Another Prophet Win $14.00 Place $3.20 Captured By Love Win $15.00 Place $3.30 Princess Montecito Win $34.00 Place $6.00 She Nailed It Win $151.00 Place $18.00 How to bet on the Kewney Stakes Many of the top online bookmakers feature markets on the Kewney Stakes, with these generally out in the week leading up to the race. The team at HorseBetting has compiled comprehensive reviews of our trusted online bookmakers which all offer odds on the Kewney Stakes. 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Full terms. 9 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Kewney Stakes News Flemington race-by-race tips & quaddie | All-Star Mile Day 2025 Horse Racing Tips 1 day ago A massive 10-race meeting awaits punters at Flemington for All-Star Mile Day 2025 on Saturday, March 8. Check out HorseBetting’s … Read More The Follow Files: Godolphin mare flashes home late at Randwick Horse Racing Tips 2 weeks ago Following the races at Flemington and Randwick last Saturday, HorseBetting’s Ciaran Jackman has found three runners that are worth sticking … Read More Autumn Angel just holds on to claim Group 2 Kewney Stakes Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman and Mark Zahra have combined with Autumn Angel to take out the Group 2 Kewney … Read More Flemington full racing preview & quaddie tips | March 9, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago A stacked eight-race meeting awaits punters at Flemington on Saturday for Newmarket Handicap Day. Check our free race-by-race preview for … Read More Revolutionary Miss records a much-deserved win in Kewney Stakes Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Mark Zahra and Peter & Paul Snowden have combined with Revolutionary Miss to take out the Group 2 Kewney Stakes … Read More Flemington full racing tips & quaddie | Newmarket Handicap Day Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Nine races are set down for decision on Saturday at Flemington for Newmarket Handicap Day, and HorseBetting’s James Herbert presents … Read More 2025 Kewney Stakes Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Treasurethe Moment Matt Laurie Damian Lane 9 56kg 2 Another Prophet Ciaron Maher Ethan Brown 8 56kg 3 Captured By Love Mark Walker Jamie Melham 1 56kg 4 London’s Image Ryan Hill Brad Parnham 4 56kg 5 Sneaky Sunrise Ben, Will & JD Hayes Daniel Stackhouse 5 56kg 6 Cilacap Grahame Begg Craig Williams 10 56kg 7 Jenni The Fox Alex Rae Craig Newitt 7 56kg 8 Too Darn Lizzie Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Ben Melham 2 56kg 9 Princess Montecito Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman – 6 56kg 10 She Nailed It Tim Hughes Thomas Stockdale 3 56kg Previous Kewney Stakes Fields 2024 Kewney Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Serasana Robbie Griffiths & Mathew de Kock John Allen 7 56kg 2 Sassy Boom Danny O’Brien Craig Williams 13 56kg 3 Mislead Rachael Frost Luke Currie 2 56kg 4 Grinzinger Belle Danny O’Brien Damian Lane 12 56kg 5 Autumn Angel Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Mark Zahra 5 56kg 6 Mollynickers Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman Ben Melham 6 56kg 7 Basilinna Emma-Lee & David Browne Blake Shinn 3 56kg 8 So Glamorous Grahame Begg Michael Dee 10 56kg 9 French Endeavour Matthew Smith Jye McNeil 8 56kg 10 Pink Chandon Michael Moroney Jamie Kah 11 56kg 11 Into You Shay Keating Alana Kelly 1 56kg 12 Ethel Maude Pat Carey & Harris Walker Ethan Brown 4 56kg 13 Vieste Benjamin Smith Fred Kersley 9 56kg 2024 Kewney Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Flemington-2024-Goup-3-Kewney-Stakes-09032024-Autumn-Angel-Peter-Moody-Katherine-Coleman-Mark-Zahra.mp4 1st – Autumn Angel (+360) 2nd – Basilinna (+450) 3rd – Mollynickers (-125) Recent runnings of the Kewney Stakes: 2024: Zahra lifts Autumn Angel to Kewney triumph Autumn Angel ($4.60) saluted in the 2024 Group 2 Kewney Stakes at Flemington, thanks to a smart ride by Mark Zahra. The Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman-trained filly settled midfield and received good cover before she began to make her run under a vigorous ride from Zahra, as she hit the front with 250m to go. After putting the stablemate Mollynickers ($3.90) in a pocket upon straightening, the daughter of Autumn Angel lengthened nicely and appeared to have the race within her keeping at 200m mark, but the swoopers were coming. Along with stablemate, Basalinna ($23.00) started to challenge the leader but the strength of Zahra in the final 50m helped the filly hold on and claim a valuable win over a distance that is slightly short of her best. 2023: Revolutionary Miss explodes late Mark Zahra gave Revolutionary Miss a top steer in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes at Flemington, with the win being her second win of her career after she broke her maiden in the Blue Diamond Fillies Prelude in February of 2022. After running in the Group 2 Light Finger Stakes and Group 1 Surround Stakes at Randwick at her previous two starts, running fifth both times over 1200m and 1400m, the obvious next step was the 1600m third-up at Flemington. The eventual runner up Papillon Club and third placegetter Nunthorpe settled outside the winner in the running, leaving Zahra with no choice but to wait for a run to appear between horses and then push the button on his filly.Jumping as a $3.60 second favourite with online bookmakers, the daughter of Russian Revolution was the strongest runner in the field at the end of 1600m, as she got the better of Papillon Club in the final strides. 2022: Barb Raider fends off rivals The Jerome Hunter-trained Barb Raider backed up her first-up performance by scoring a win in the Group 2 Kewney Stakes (1600m) at Flemington. The daughter of Rebel Raider turned in another terrific performance after winning the Group 3 Vanity Stakes (1400m) at the same venue three weeks prior when first-up from a spell. Jockey Craig Williams continued his successful association with the Mornington-trained filly. He took her forward to settle outside the lead in the early stages of the race, before eventually fighting off the leader in the final 100m and holding on to score a narrow win from the fast-finishing race-favourite Argentia. Previous winners of the Kewney Stakes Kewney Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Autumn Angel Mark Zahra Peter Moody & Katherine Coleman 2023 Revolutionary Miss Mark Zahra Peter & Paul Snowden 2022 Barb Raider Craig Williams Jerome Hunter 2021 Starelle Craig Williams Danny O’Brien 2020 Rubisaki Billy Egan Patrick Payne 2019 Spanish Whisper Dwayne Dunn David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2018 Bella Martini Dwayne Dunn Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes 2017 I Am A Star Dean Yendall Shane Nichols 2016 Badawiya Craig Newitt Mick Price 2015 Wawail Michael Walker David Hayes 2014 Solicit Damian Lane Mathew Ellerton & Simon Zahra 2013 Flying Snitzel Craig Williams Gerald Ryan 2012 Empress Rock Steven Arnold Bart Cummings 2011 Do Ra Mi Michael Walker Peter Moody 2010 Faint Perfume Michael Rodd Bart Cummings 2009 Gallica Damien Oliver Mick Price 2008 Zarita Greg Childs Pat Hyland 2007 Anamato Craig Newitt David Hayes 2006 Doubling Danny Nikolic Mick Price 2005 Ballet Society Steven King Pat Hyland 2004 Special Harmony Damien Oliver Lee Freedman 2003 Lashed Damien Oliver Graeme Rogerson 2002 Elegant Fashion Scott Seamer Tony McEvoy 2001 Ponton Flyer Damien Oliver Tom Hughes 2000 Umaline Craig Williams Colin Little Kewney Stakes winners pre-2000 Kewney Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Sunline 1998 Rose Of Danehill 1997 Regal Crown 1996 Eureka Jewel 1995 Northwood Plume 1994 Tristalove 1993 Orsay 1992 Tarare 1991 Mannerism 1990 Reganza 1989 Pray For Colleen 1988 Tennessee Vain 1987 Send Me An Angel 1986 Imperial Regina 1985 Love A Kiss 1984 Mapperley Heights 1983 More Rain 1982 Voli Dream 1981 Deck The Halls 1980 Bravita 1979 Prunella 1978 Sun Sally 1977 In Pursuit 1976 How Now 1975 Cap D’Antibes 1974 Love Aloft 1973 Sweet Vamp 1972 Gossiper 1971 Sanderae 1970 Gay Poss 1969 Cautious Sue 1968 Lowland 1967 Spell 1966 Dual Quest 1965 Whitsome 1964 Swell 1963 Marpyrean 1962 Holiday 1961 Miss Dante 1960 Mintaway 1959 Wiggle 1958 Gay Satin 1957 Sandara 1956 Arbolado 1955 Orbona 1954 Waltzing Lady 1953 Just Caroline 1952 Great Field Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk It’s been years in the making and Claire Downey is still in a bit of disbelief that she and her “Mr Reliable” Major Ouch are Horse of the Year winners. Yesterday at equestrian’s biggest event, the Defender Horse of the Year show, the combo were crowned NZ Standardbred Breeders Association Ridden Standardbred of the Year at Hastings. “It was a shock to the system, I can’t really believe it,” says Downey, “but I’m stoked to have won it with him.” Over the years she has literally collected buckets of ribbons in the Show Ring but before yesterday she hadn’t won the title she wanted the most. “This was Ouch’s fourth or fifth year in the Ridden class. So much time and effort and money go into it,” says Downey, “it was emotional.” She has been close before, and just last year the pair finished third in both the Inhand and the Ridden disciplines. So what changed this year? “I thought beforehand he’s 17 now and maybe this is our swansong so I was pretty relaxed about it.” “I just took the pressure off myself and thought he’s nothing left to prove to anyone.” “He’s also had a much easier season. He’s only been to two shows and in the past he’s been to 12 or 13. He was the happiest he’s been.” “If this is the last time we go to HOY what better way to finish?” The win caps off a remarkable association between horse and rider. Major Ouch was a six race winner on the track. The son of Art Major had four wins for dual New Zealand Cup-winning trainer Ray Green before getting injured. In 2012 Downey then took the horse and re-educated him under saddle. She thought his racing days were over until she was noticed “he was just hooning around the paddock”. After an absence of over two years, and after getting approval for Major Ouch’s owners John and Lynne Street, he returned to the racetrack, winning fresh up at Pukekohe. Trained by Claire’s husband Roydon and/or his late father Errol, Major Ouch also took out the 2014 Taranaki Cup. Major Ouch finished racing at Hawera in 2015 after winning six races from 35 starts. Since then he’s done all sorts of things in his life after racing – saddle paces, endurance races and of course many events in the show ring. “I know him inside out,” says Downey, “he’s Mr Reliable, just the coolest easiest horse.” While yesterday was a huge day in their lives together there was no time for celebration. They had an eight hour road trip back to Kumeu! Tonight though they might be able to relax a bit with Claire off to see country star Chris Stapleton at Auckland’s Spark Arena. Horse of the Year 2025 Results : The NZ Standardbred Breeders Association Ridden Standardbred of the Year : 1st- Claire Downey and Major Ouch 2nd- Taylah Dolan and Michelangelo 3rd- Tash Higgs and You Can Fly Arden 4th- Chanelle Dickie and Eagles Nest 5th- Sarah Collinson and Smith Willow Bay 6th- Annie Eldershaw and Ideal Zen The Harness Racing NZ Inhand Standardbred of the Year : 1st- Connor Hill and Hawk (pictured above) 2nd- Simon Higgs and Does It On His Ear 3rd- Chanelle Dickie and Eagles Nest 4th- Tash Higgs and You Can Fly Arden 5th- Christina Bird and Shake Your Bon Bon 6th- Alessandra MacFarlane and Seize the Moment View the full article

HRNZ Chief Executive Brad Steele says there is still room for optimism despite the fall in breeding numbers for the 2025 season. Latest figures show that a total of 1552 individual mares have been bred to, a drop of 12 per cent on last year. “Breeding numbers have been under pressure over the past two decades,” says Steele, “and it is disappointing to see a double figure decrease. We have to own that but there are encouraging signs that we can stabilize and eventually rebuild.” The total for 2025 is 225 mares bred down on the corresponding 12 months, with Trotting Mares services stable at around 500 and Pacing Mares services down 200 from 1351. “The trotting totals are gratifying. They reflect recent initiatives to increase their funding and recognition, with trotters making up 30 per cent of our sport,” says Steele. Volstead leads the way with 53 mares, ahead of Tactical Approach (47) and On A Streak (37). Sweet Lou tops the pacing stallions’ list with 149 while his son Confederate had good numbers (67) as did the likes of Always B Miki (113), Captain Crunch (81) and Pebble Beach (79). Some colonial sires like Carlton (28), Krug (23), Royal Aspirations (27), Habibi Inta (27), Sky Major (19) and Oscar Bonavena (15) have also been in demand. Steele says the latest figures just reinforce how critical is it to get new and younger people involved in the sport. “It is evident that smaller breeders are especially reducing their numbers,” says Steele, “and there are a number of reasons for that – costs are rising and some of the breeders themselves are getting older and getting out of the breeding game.” Steele is confident the tide can turn. “Our surveys show that there is confidence in the future of our sport, and that is crucial.” “Several positive industry developments are also beginning to take effect, creating a more attractive environment for breeders, owners, and investors.” Steele says these include increases in stakes, the success of Next Gen, proposed tax reforms, the Entain 2YO bonuses and other incentive schemes and the strong results at the recent NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales. “We cannot lose sight of the fact that there is a lot of optimism for our sport and we are committed to doing all we can to turn these breeding stats around,” says Steele. View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Group Three Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 8, 2025 Location: Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $200,000 Distance: 1400m The Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap is a Group 3 race run over 1400m under handicap conditions at Flemington by the Victoria Racing Club. First held in 2001, the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap briefly lost its Group status from 2008 to 2010 but has since regained its place on the autumn calendar. The Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap, worth $200,000 in 2025, has produced a mix of winners, with some finding success later in their careers. Notable past winners of the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap include Sedation, Orange County, dual winner Launay, Amorino, Kissonallforcheeks, and Scallopini. 2025 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap betting odds Von Hauke ridden by Craig Williams winning the 2024 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap at Flemington. (Photo by Brett Holburt/Racing Photos) Odds for the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap as of March 5 – Courtesy of Neds Is It Me Win $2.80 Place $1.40 Fancify Win $5.50 Place $2.00 Ayrton Win $8.00 Place $2.50 Territory Express Win $9.00 Place $2.70 Aztec Ruler Win $9.50 Place $2.80 Nugget Win $10.00 Place $3.00 Klabel Win $15.00 Place $3.90 My Khalifa Win $17.00 Place $4.40 Cote Atlantique Win $21.00 Place $5.00 Lady Jones Win $23.00 Place $5.50 Communist Win $41.00 Place $8.50 How to bet on the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap The Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap isn’t a race that’s on the tip of every punters’ tongue, but Australian betting sites do have markets out in the weeks leading up to the event. Some of the top Australian online bookmakers will open up Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap all-in markets, which don’t provide insurance if your selected runner doesn’t start in the race, but the odds are more appealing. 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Full terms. 9 On Your Side Betfair Australia Australia’s only betting exchange Visit Betfair Review What are you prepared to lose today? Set a deposit limit. Full terms. 10 Ladbrokes Switch Ladbrokes Ladbrokes offer daily promotions to registered and logged in customers only Visit Ladbrokes Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Ladbrokes does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap News Flemington race-by-race tips & quaddie | All-Star Mile Day 2025 Horse Racing Tips 24 hours ago A massive 10-race meeting awaits punters at Flemington for All-Star Mile Day 2025 on Saturday, March 8. Check out HorseBetting’s … Read More Von Hauke storms home to claim Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Cliff Brown and Craig Williams have combined with Von Hauke to take out the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap on … Read More Flemington full racing preview & quaddie tips | March 9, 2024 Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago A stacked eight-race meeting awaits punters at Flemington on Saturday for Newmarket Handicap Day. Check our free race-by-race preview for … Read More Scallopini proves way too good in Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Damian Lane and Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted have combined with Scallopini to win the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap … Read More Flemington full racing tips & quaddie | Newmarket Handicap Day Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Nine races are set down for decision on Saturday at Flemington for Newmarket Handicap Day, and HorseBetting’s James Herbert presents … Read More Kissonallforcheeks takes out the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Australia horse racing news 3 years ago WA raider Kissonallforcheeks has given her rivals a galloping lesson in Saturday’s Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap, with Group 1 goals firmly … Read More 2025 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Final Field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Ayrton Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Jamie Melham 9 58.5kg 2 Nugget Ciaron Maher Declan Bates 8 58kg 3 Territory Express Paul Niceforo Ms Carleen Hefel 1 58kg 4 Aztec Ruler Stefan Vahala Damian Lane 10 56.5kg 5 Lady Jones Stephen Brown Jye McNeil 7 54kg 6 Fancify Michael Hickmott Joe Bowditch 11 54kg 7 Cote Atlantique Henry Dwyer Harry Coffey 4 54kg 8 My Khalifa Gordon Richards & Damien Moyle Lachlan Neindorf 2 54kg 9 Communist Anthony & Sam Freedman Craig Newitt 6 54kg 10 Is It Me Daniel Bowman Billy Egan 3 54kg 11 Klabel Richard & Chantelle Jolly Zac Spain 5 54kg Previous Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Fields 2024 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Berkshire Shadow Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 3 59kg 2 Pinstriped Enver Jusufovic Ben Allen 2 59kg 3 Amenable Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Damian Lane 7 55kg 4 Savannah Cloud Phillip Stokes Thomas Stockdale 8 54.5kg 5 Wild Planet Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes Jye McNeil 10 54.5kg 6 Brayden Star Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Daniel Moor 1 54kg 7 Windstorm John Leek (Jnr) Harry Coffey 6 54kg 8 Jimmysstar Ciaron Maher Jamie Kah 4 54kg 9 Superium Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes N/A 9 54kg 10 Von Hauke Cliff Brown Craig Williams 5 54kg 2024 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Flemington-2024-Goup-3-Shaftesbury-Avenue-Handicap-09032024-Von-Hauke-Cliff-Brown-Craig-Williams.mp4 1st – Von Hauke (+115) 2nd – Amenable (-125) 3rd – Savannah Cloud (+190) Recent runnings of the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap: 2024: Von Hauke rolls odds-on favourite Craig Williams and Cliff Brown combined with Von Hauke ($8.00) to take out the 2024 Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap, which gave Williams his fifth victory in the race in the last 13 years. Race favourite, Amenable ($1.80) led the field from the barriers and beat all bar the winner, as he began to tire in the final 100m after doing all of the hard work into the strong wind. Savannah Cloud ($3.90) faded out of the race in the concluding stages to finish third after settling outside the leader, leaving the top two to fight the race out, gapping the rest of the field by 2.5 lengths. 2023: Scallopini proves too gritty Scallopini gave the rest of the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap field 1.5kg and he still gave them a beating, bringing up his fourth win from four starts at the Flemington 1400m. After jumping from barrier 14, Damian Lane pushed forward and was made to work three-wide for the first 200m of the race, before crossing and settling outside Savannah Cloud at the front of the field. Rounding the home turn, Lane asked for the ultimate effort and when he did the eight-year-old son of Snitzel exploded away to put two lengths on Savannah Cloud who couldn’t go with him and with nothing making up considerable ground, Scallopini was home with 100m to go. 2022: Kissonallforcheeks cruises to victory Western Australian visitor Kissonallforcheeks took out the 2022 Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap (1400m) at Flemington in convincing fashion. WA Trainer Dan Morton made the trip over after a first-up second in the Listed Cyril Flower Stakes (1200m) at Ascot. She had also managed to record Group 1 placings last preparation in both the Railway Stakes (1600m) and Kingston Town Classic (1800m). The Ascot-trained mare appreciated the step up to 1400m; a distance where she had won three times from five attempts. Jockey Mark Zahra settled the four-year-old mid-field, one off the fence. Kissonallforcheeks then cruised up to join the leaders at the 300m mark before sprinting away with an impressive 2.25 length victory over the Ben & JD Hayes-trained Crosshaven. Previous winners of the Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Shaftesbury Avenue Handicap Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Von Hauke Craig Williams Cliff Brown 2023 Scallopini Damian Lane Steven O’Dea & Matthew Hoysted 2022 Kissonallforcheeks Mark Zahra Daniel Morton 2021 Morvada Damian Lane Peter Jolly 2020 Blazejowski Craig Williams Greg Eurell 2019 Violate Michael Walker Brent Stanley 2018 Nozomi Jye McNeil Anthony Freedman 2017 He Or She Mark Zahra David & B Hayes & T Dabernig 2016 Red Bomber Damian Lane David & B Hayes & T Dabernig 2015 Amorino Craig Williams Archie Alexander 2014 Mouro Craig Williams Tony McEvoy 2013 Launay Kerrin McEvoy Peter Snowden 2012 Rockpecker Craig Williams Ken Fythe 2011 Launay Kerrin McEvoy Peter Snowden 2010 Wind Shear Stephen Baster Dale Sutton 2009 Chasm Brad Rawiller Heath Conners 2008 Skiddaw Peak Greg Childs Michael Moroney 2007 Archie Senior James Winks Danny O’Brien 2006 Vroom Vroom Craig Williams David Hayes 2005 Roman Arch Noel Callow Robbie Laing 2004 Rain Gauge Vincent Hall Tom Hughes 2003 Old Man Darren Gauci John Hawkes 2002 Prince Benbara Brett Prebble Tony Rosolini 2001 Yammer Nash Rawiller Tony Noonan 2000 Arabian Magic Brett Prebble Ken Newman Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly View the full article

Left with more questions than answers after the Gr.2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m), Linebacker‘s (NZ) (Super Seth) trainers John O’Shea and Tom Charlton are focusing on the three-year-old’s pleasing work at home as the best guide to his Gr.1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) prospects. Following a solid first-up performance in the Gr.3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m), Linebacker turned in a head-scratching effort in the Hobartville when he drifted back in the field and never seriously threatened, finishing sixth and more than three lengths from winner Broadsiding. Tom Charlton admits the stable has ben unsure what to make of the run but cannot fault the horse at home. “It was hard to get a good guide on him from where he got to in the run, and he never really had a chance to get balanced and build up his revs,” Charlton said. “But we’re confident he is going well enough to run very well. Whether it’s good enough to beat Broadsiding is probably a separate conversation. “His work at home is very good. His SP (starting price) profile the other day was very good so it seemed like a few people were expecting to see a more improved run as much as we were.” Linebacker led in the Eskimo Prince and Charlton said they had anticipated him stalking the speed last start. While still to analyse the race makeup for Saturday’s Randwick Guineas (1600m), he expects Linebacker to assume a more positive position. “I haven’t had a good look at the map but that’s our intention,” Charlton said. “We definitely wouldn’t want to ride him in such a negative way.” In-form jockey Zac Lloyd has been booked for his first race ride on Linebacker, whose only other start over the Guineas course and distance yielded a Group One second to nemesis Broadsiding in the Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m). As is the case with many of his rivals, Saturday’s feature is a fork in the road and will determine whether Linebacker is stretched out in distance to a Rosehill Guineas (2000m) or targeted towards a race like the Doncaster Mile (1600m). View the full article