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Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Saturday's Observations features a daughter of Group 2 winner Indie Angel. 1.40 Newmarket, Mdn, £25,000, 2yo, f, 7fT DARKWING (GB) (Frankel {GB}) is one of the key players in this maiden won in recent times by Ballydoyle, Poetic Charm and Desert Flower, being the first foal out of Cheveley Park Stud's G2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes winner Indie Angel (Dark Angel). John and Thady Gosden introduce the homebred in a fascinating affair which includes Sky Racing Club's fellow newcomer New Vega (GB) (New Bay {GB}), a Simon and Ed Crisford-trained €450,000 Arqana May Breeze-Up graduate from the family of the triple Group 1 winner Ervedya (Siyouni). The post Newmarket Debut For Frankel’s Darkwing, Daughter Of Indie Angel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Out since Mar. 26 when he broke his left ankle in an incident prior to a race at Gulfstream, Tyler Gaffalione will be back on July 16. Gaffalione was shaken up during the post parade of the claiming event for 3-year-old fillies when his mount, China Blue (Social Inclusion), acted up and pinned his leg against the rail. The surprise is not that he is coming back, but where he will be riding after resuming his career. His agent Matt Muzikar said that Gaffalione will ride the meet at Ellis Park and will try to ride some at Saratoga on Ellis dark days. “We're all set for Ellis and will be coming in and out of town at Saratoga,” Muzikar said. “With him coming back at this particular time, I think it is the best fit for him. I'm trying to keep him from getting too excited. He is chomping at the bit. There will be a lot of Kentucky outfits that send horses to Saratoga, so, hopefully, he'll pick up some of those mounts.” Gaffalione, with Dylan Davis, tied for third in last year's Spa standings with 36 winners. But the purses at Ellis Park have risen so much that Gaffalione may be better off financially riding there versus Saratoga. NYRA continues to lose jockeys to the Kentucky tracks. Luis Saez and Jose Ortiz, who were year-round staples at the NYRA tracks for years, will ride at Saratoga, but each has become a regular rider on the Kentucky and Fair Grounds circuits. Ellis Park announced recently that its maiden races would go for $100,000. Most Saratoga maidens also have purses of $100,000. The post Gaffalione Ready to Return, But at Ellis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The GI Dunkin' Diana Stakes has run through the Chad Brown barn for the last three years and while Brown has two solid entries here, the race runs through the rail-drawn Cherie DeVaux starter She Feels Pretty (Karakontie {Jpn}). The 4-year-old Lael Stables-owned filly has won four straight dating back to last year, including three Grade I races over several of the rivals she'll line up against Saturday. For reference her last two 1 1/8-mile races resulted in wins by a combined 8 1/4 lengths and she'll be stepping back up, though just barely, to that trip from the 1 3/16-mile GI New York Stakes on yielding turf at the Spa June 6. “She's doing well,” said DeVaux. “She's trained well here since the New York, and she's on track for this. She's been very impressive this year.” Brown, who seeks his 10th overall Diana win, carries a strong hand to challenge She Feels Pretty with side by side entries starting with GI Just A Game Stakes winner Dynamic Pricing (Ire) (Night of Thunder {Ire}). The Klaravich Stables runner, who got her top-level win on yielding turf, comes in on a two-race win streak but tries the 1 1/8-mile trip for the first time, though she did take the 1 1/16-mile GIII Beaugay Stakes at Aqueduct in early May without issue. Just to her inside, stablemate Excellent Truth (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) ran second as the favorite in the Just A Game for Resolute Racing and was also second in her first start stateside in the GI Jenny Wiley at Keeneland Apr. 12. John Stewart picked up the pair from France at the Arqana December Breeding Stock Sale for €1,600,000 at the end of 2024. Excellent Truth and Dynamic Pricing | Sarah Andrew “In both of her starts for me, she has been unlucky,” Brown said of Excellent Truth. “At Keeneland, she had a rough trip in the stretch and I'd say she is due for a cleaner trip this time around. At least, I hope so. Both Excellent Truth and Dynamic Pricing are on target for this, they've come out of their works well.” Talent runs deep in this field with Saffie Joseph, Jr. shipping in 'TDN Rising Star' Be Your Best (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}). The 5-year-old mare dominated in the 1 1/8-mile GI Gamely Stakes at Santa Anita last out May 26 to tip her earnings over the seven figure mark and also kicked off her year taking the Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf Invitational at Gulfstream. Sandwiched between those starts however is a head-scratching eighth in the Jenny Wiley. “She is a good workhorse, loves her job, and getting that Grade I win on her resume was huge,” said Joseph, Jr. “The nine furlongs is good. She is unique in the sense that she has enough speed to go a mile, and enough stamina to go longer. Her ability to have that variation of distance is unique, but I feel that nine furlongs is perfect for her. It tests both speed and stamina.” Adding yet another Grade I winner to the field, Choisya (GB) (Night of Thunder {Ire}) beat out Excellent Truth in the Jenny Wiley but faded from contention in the Just A Game last out for trainer Simon Crisford and Rabbah Bloodstock. The Jenny Wiley was this mare's first start in the states since taking several graded wins in the United Arab Emirates early this year. Far Bridge Back On Track For Clement In Bowling Green 'TDN Rising Star' Far Bridge (English Channel) started his year a perfect two for two for Christophe Clement and ran well to wind up third beaten just a neck in the 1 1/8-mile GI Manhattan at Saratoga June 8. The 5-year-old LSU Stables runner now stretches back out to 1 3/8 miles, the winning distance two back in the GII Man O' War Stakes at Aqueduct. Far Bridge at Saratoga | Sarah Andrew “Maybe the distance was a touch short at that level, but I think he ran a gallant race,” Clement said of Far Bridge's run in the Manhattan. “He ran a terrific figure and came out of it in great order. He ran probably too good of a race to lose, but that's racing for you.” Clement also sends out Tawny Port (Pioneerof the Nile) who was eased last out in a rained-off edition of the GIII Belmont Gold Cup June 6 but has plenty of back class on the turf through the last 16 months. Sandwiched between the stablemates, Webslinger (Constitution) comes in off a pair of seconds for Mark Casse. Second in the 1 1/2-mile Colonial Cup in September last year, the 5-year-old gelding then came off the extended layoff to nearly steal the GII Eclipse Stakes at Woodbine in his first try on the Tapeta May 31. “He ran great his first start back at Woodbine,” Casse said. “I've been very impressed with him. I think he's training better than I've ever seen him. The key with him is he'll sit back and make his run. I'm expecting a big year out of him.” Casse also saddles Corruption (Medaglia d'Oro) who ran fourth just behind Far Bridge in the GI Manhattan. He previously wired the field at Churchill facing allowance horses May 10 going 1 1/8 miles. “He's definitely improved,” Casse said of Corruption. “He's our most improved child for the year. He likes to get in a rhythm and the farther you go, the easier it is to accomplish that.” The post She Feels Pretty Seeks Toughest Divisional Test Yet In Diana appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Sigh No More in the Boiling Springs Stakes at Monmouth. Boiling Springs Stakes To Sigh No More Heider Family Stables' Sigh No More ran out a 1 1/2-length winner of Monmouth Park's Boiling Springs Stakes at the end of last month (video). Conditioned by Brendan Walsh, the daughter of Starspangledbanner was making her second US start. Bred by Barronstown Stud out of the Galileo mare Silent Thoughts, the May foal made €50,000 as a Goffs Orby yearling before winning four of her seven Irish starts for Bronsan Racing, Stride Racing and trainer Joseph O'Brien, culminating in the G3 Eyrefield Stakes at Leopardstown last October. The relative of G1 Golden Jubilee Stakes hero Malhub (Kingmambo) caught the eyes of Ted Durcan and David Lanigan acting for Heider Family Stables for 260,000gns at the 2024 Tattersalls December Mares Sale. Sigh No More is a half-sister to Irish listed winner Neptune Rock (Muhaarar), the multiple stakes-placed Unreasonable (No Nay Never) and the No Nay Never pair of a yearling filly, and a colt foal. Coolmore's Starspangledbanner has sired 20 winners from 34 American runners (59%). His nine stakes winners there (26%) are anchored by Grade I winners Rhea Moon and State Of Rest, with the latter in his third season at Rathbarry Stud. Starspangledbanner stands for €45,000 this year. Zarak Mare Wires Foes At The Spa Hoolie Racing Stable's In Time (Zarak) was trying 1 1/2 miles for the first time in her career on July 6, and pulled off a win for Miguel Clement at Saratoga (video). A three-time winner in her native France including a final start at Fontainebleau in March of 2023, the daughter of two-time winner Mixed Evidence (Elusive City) was bred by J.B.S. Invest N.V. She was campaigned by Jan Romel and Pia and Joakim Brandt prior to her switch to America. One of five foals and two winners for her dam, herself a full-sister to multiple stakes winner and multiple group-placed Mixed Intention (Elusive City), In Time is kin to both G2 Queen Mary Stakes heroine Quick Suzy (Profitable) and G1 Prix du Jockey Club third Millebosc (Le Havre). Zarak has sired 50% winners from his 10 runners in the US. Both Parnac, successful in the GII Flower Bowl Stakes, and Laurelin are stakes winners. He stands under the Aga Khan Stud banner at Haras de Bonneval for €80,000. Queen Of Canada Repole Stable's Boca Queen (Kingman) zipped to a 3 1/4-length debut victory in a seven-furlong maiden at Woodbine on July 5 (video). Part of the Flaxman Stables breeding programme, the daughter of multiple group winner Bocca Baciata (Big Bad Bob) is trained by Kevin Attard. Knocked down for a cool €400,000 by West Bloodstock acting for Mike Repole at the 2023 Goffs Orby Sale, Boca Queen is a half-sister to listed winner and €775,000 Goffs November alumni Foniska (Galileo), as well as the unraced 2-year-old filly Botagoz (Mehmas) (€260,000 Goffs Orby pickup by Sumbe); a yearling colt by Frankel and a weanling filly by that Juddmonte sire. Dual group winner and G1 Pretty Polly Stakes runner-up Bocca Baciata is a half-sister to group winner and G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches third Topeka (Whipper). Juddmonte's Kingman commands a fee of £125,000 this year. Of his 79 runners in the US, 47 are winners and nine of them have made their mark at stakes level. Domestic Spending, a winner of the Manhattan, Turf Classic, and Hollywood Derby at the top table, is his local star. Lovely Is As Lovely Does Fergus Galvin and Rebecca Hillen's Loveliest (Siyouni) sailed to a five-length victory at Ellis Park on July 5 (chart). The $150,000 Keeneland September yearling was selected by Stephen Hillen and was making her first trip to the post for Eddie Kenneally. Her dam, the Galileo mare Lovelier, won the Listed Cairn Rouge Stakes and was runner-up in the G2 Kilboy Estate Stakes in Ireland. Loveliest is her second foal and first winner, while she produced a colt by Gun Runner last spring. Lovelier is a full-sister to the four-time Group 1 winner and Classic scorer Winter. Another stallion standing under the Aga Khan Studs' umbrella, Siyouni is credited with 23 winners from 51 runners (45%) Stateside. Standing for €200,000 this term, Siyouni has a septet of stakes winners in that locale include five Grade III winners, among them the dual graded winner Sacred Life, who was twice placed at the highest level. Too Darn Hot On The Double So Darn Pretty kicked off a brace of winners for her sire in the latest Making Waves when taking a Saratoga affair for Michael Ryan on July 3 (video). Part of the Brittany Russell barn, the dark bay was bred by Centerville Bloodstock. Although she did not meet her reserve when a 180,000gns buy-back during Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, So Darn Pretty found her way to American shores regardless and was making her third start. The seventh foal out of Zondaq (Bernardini), she is a half-sister to two-time stakes winner and GII Delaware Handicap heroine Saddle Up Jessie (More Than Ready) and the G3 Thoroughbred Stakes and G2 Gimcrack Stakes-placed King's Gamble (Kingman). Zondaq has fillies by Palace Pier and Nyquist born in 2024 and 2025. She was bred back to the latter sire this spring. Kin to five stakes winners under the second dam including GII Jessamine Stakes and GIII Wonder Again Stakes victress Sweet Melania (American Pharoah), So Darn Pretty counts blue hen Lassie's Lady (Alydar) as her fourth dam. So Darn Pretty and Luis Saez take them gate to wire to score the maiden victory in the finale today at @TheNYRA #Saratoga for Mike Ryan pic.twitter.com/GkRhZRkgVj — Brittany Russell Racing Stable (@BTRracingstable) July 3, 2025 The fourth time was the charm for Elite Heat at Horseshoe Indianapolis for Brad Cox on July 5. The Chasemore Farm-bred carries the MyRacehorse silks. Grove Stud purchased the bay as an 80,000gns yearling out of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, with Arthur Hoyeau acting for MyRacehorse, in action for the filly during the Arqana Summer Sale. Hoyeau acquired the third foal of the winning Formidable Kitt (Invincible Spirit) for €210,000. Already a half-sister to the Listed Pretty Polly Stakes third Kitteridge (Camelot), Elite Heat has a 2-year-old half-brother by Starspangledbanner, a yearling half-brother by Saxon Warrior, and a half-sister by Study Of Man born this year. Her granddam is the G2 Queen Mary Stakes victress Ceiling Kitty (Red Clubs). Darley's Too Darn Hot is responsible for five winners from seven to race in America counting his latest duo (71%). Listed Wild Applause Stakes victress Oversubscribed was his first stakes winner in that jurisdiction. His 2025 fee at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket is £90,000. Repeat Winners Newstead Stables' Laurelin remained perfect in four starts with a win in the Penn Oaks at Penn National on June 27 (video). The daughter of Zarak, who is trained by Graham Motion, first featured in Making Waves when breaking her maiden in New York last October. Lush Lips (Ten Sovereigns) added a tally in the Listed Tepin Stakes to her ledger for trainer Brendan Walsh on June 28 (video). She races for Medallion Racing, Steve Weston, Stewart Hoffman, Mrs. Paul Shanahan and Mrs. MV Magnier. Making Waves regular Zulu Kingdom (Ten Sovereigns) reigned supreme in the GIII Manilla Stakes at Saratoga on July 4 in the colours of Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, William Strauss and Michael J. Caruso (video). Trained by Chad Brown, the 3-year-old ridgling is on a three-race winning streak and became a Grade I winner in the GI American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs in May. Marksman Queen (Dubawi) carried the silks of breeder Cayton Park Stud to victory in the GIII Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes at Delaware Park on July 5 (video). The win was the first graded victory for the Graham Motion trainee. Arnaud Delacour trainee Evershed won her second consecutive start with a tally at Colonial Downs in Virginia in the colours of Mark Grier on July 9 (video). The daughter of Churchill and the Darshaan mare Balankiya won a Tampa Bay maiden in December. Cheyenna Stable's Ozara (Lope De Vega) is now a dual listed winner in the U.S. after taking the De La Rose Stakes on Saratoga's opening day for trainer Miguel Clement (video). Third in both the GIII Herecomesthebride Stakes and GIII Eatontown Stakes, the consistent 4-year-old filly has now won six of her 12 lifetime trips to the post. Zulu Kingdom | Sarah Andrew The post Making Waves: No Sighs Here, Only Smiles appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Saturday at Saratoga and Ellis Park. Saturday, July 12, 2025 Saratoga 1, $100k, 2yo, 6f, 12:35 p.m. Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Tagermeen (Into Mischief), OBSAPR, 1,400,000, :9 4/5 C-Kings Equine, agent; B-Mahmud Mouni Tapit's Legacy (Tapit), OBSMAR, 550,000, :10 C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-Spendthrift Farm & Epic Horses Throckmorton (Caracaro), OBSAPR, 250,000, :20 3/5 C-Global Thoroughbreds LLC, agent; B-Chad Summers, agent Ellis 1, $44k, 2yo, f, Moc, 6f, 12:50 p.m. Heaven's Hope (Frosted), FTMMAY, 17,000, G C-de Meric Sales, agent; B-John Ennis, agent Saratoga 2, $100k, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:07 p.m. Fraudster (Charlatan), OBSMAR, 400,000, :10 2/5 C-White Lilac (Katie Miranda), agent; B-Leland Ackerley Ellis 6, $100k, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 3:12 p.m. Carolyncaroline (Tiz the Law), OBSAPR, 95,000, :21 2/5 C-Ocala Stud; B-Schultz Racing Stable LLC My Secret Dreams (Summer Front), FTMMAY, 20,000, G C-Parrish Farms Inc, agent; B-John Ennis, agent The post Summer Breezes: Saturday, July 12, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Godolphin's Arqana May Breeze-Up graduate Distant Storm (Night Of Thunder), who was knocked down for a sale-topping €1.9-million, displayed a highly encouraging will to win and prevailed by a short-head from Constitution River (Wootton Bassett) to earn a TDN Rising Star rosette in Friday's £25,000 Weatherbys British EBF Maiden Stakes at Newmarket. Field Of Gold (Kingman) attained Rising Star status in this seven-furlong heat last year. “He's been straightforward since he's arrived and full credit to the people who prepared him before that,” said Charlie Appleby. “He's one of the nicest breeze-up horses I've seen, in terms of the future, and another run of two will do him this year.” Prominent throughout following a sharp getaway, the 5-6 favourite was bustled along approaching the final furlong and found extra under continued urging in the closing stages to deny Constitution River on the nod after a ding-dong duel. The pair were 3 1/2 lengths clear of an outmuscled remainder. Winning debut 1.9 million guineas buy Distant Storm (Night Of Thunder) gives @godolphin, Buick & Appleby yet another win on the July Course pic.twitter.com/CuTT7Xrv3V — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 11, 2025 The post Arqana Breeze Up Topper Distant Storm Shows Mettle in TDN Rising Star Display at HQ appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Last term's GI Belmont Oaks Invitational heroine Cinderella's Dream (Shamardal) was undone by Crimson Advocate (Nyquist) at last month's Royal meeting and exacted revenge on that rival in Friday's G1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes, providing Godolphin with a breakthrough success in the one-mile contest. “I don't think she was quite 100% on song and she was beaten too far out at [Royal] Ascot,” explained Charlie Appleby. “She came out of it well, we freshened her up and we came here with confidence. I don't really want to travel with her like we did last year. I want to take her back to the Breeders' Cup and the [G1] Nassau [Stakes at Goodwood] is an option.” Steadied to race under cover in fifth after breaking on the lead, the 5-2 second favourite made smooth headway from halfway to challenge going well passing the quarter-mile marker and was driven out up the rising ground to assert by a half-length from January (Kingman). Crimson Advocate held every chance at the foot of the hill and played her part in a thrilling three-way tussle, finishing 1 3/4 lengths adrift in third. Cinderella's Dream – back in business with @Tattersalls1766 Falmouth Stakes glory pic.twitter.com/l1SSFGvHbB — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 11, 2025 The post Cinderella’s Dream Bounces Back in Style, First Falmouth for Godolphin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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In this continuing series, we take a look ahead at US-bred and/or conceived runners entered for the upcoming weekend at the tracks on the Japan Racing Association circuit, with a focus on pedigree and/or performance in the sales ring. Here are the horses of interest for this Saturday running at Fukushima Racecourse: Saturday, July 12, 2025 6th-FKS, ¥14,250,000 ($97k), Newcomers, 2yo, 1150m OSLO QUEEN (f, 2, Liam's Map–Take Ten, by Uncle Mo) is out of a stakes-placed mare who was acquired by Dr. David and Betty-Gayle Williams' Forever Spring Farm for $75,000 with this filly in utero at the 2022 Keeneland November Sale. Take Ten is a granddaughter of SW & MGSP Terre Haute (Caro {Ire}), the dam of GI Hollywood Futurity hero Tactical Cat (Storm Cat) and second dam of MSW Susie Bee (English Channel). A $70,000 KEESEP yearling, Oslo Queen is bred on a similar cross to MGSW/GISP Crazy Beautiful and SWs Who Dey, Dr Ardito and Everett's Song. O-Nasuno Bokujo; B-Forever Spring Farm (KY); T-Ryo Takei The post Liam’s Map Filly Gets Going at Fukushima appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Associations held its AGM this week in Newmarket where a number of key challenges and potential threats facing the industry were discussed. Major topics of discussion included the European Union's proposed animal transport regulations, mandatory vaccinations and much more. Commenting on the AGM, EFTBA Chairman Joe Hernon said, “The federation will continue to combat against the serious threats facing Europe's thoroughbred breeding industry, our fellow breeders and their livelihoods, while ensuring equine wellness is at the centre of all our actions and decisions. “Despite such challenges, we can rightly take pride in our industry, which for us all is a wonderful and rewarding way of life. It is in this vein we will continue to be the guardians of the thoroughbred and strive to make it current and respected in an ever-changing world.” The post EFTBA Holds AGM During The July Meeting At Newmarket appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Ka Ying Rising has prevailed in the tightest Hong Kong Horse of the Year fight in years, with the David Hayes-trained superstar crowned at the Jockey Club’s Champion Awards gala dinner at the Rosewood on Friday night. Ka Ying Rising’s undefeated eight-win season, which included four Group One victories, was enough to see him get the nod over Voyage Bubble, who also won four Group Ones this term, and globetrotting giant Romantic Warrior. Ka Ying Rising also scooped the Champion Sprinter and...View the full article
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Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 16:35, THE AL BASTI EQUIWORLD, DUBAI JULY CUP-G1, £657,000, 3yo/up, 6fT Field: Inisherin (GB) (Shamardal), Jasour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Night Raider (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Rogue Lightning (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), Run To Freedom (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Twilight Calls (GB) (Twilight Son {GB}), Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Flora Of Bermuda (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), No Half Measures (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), Big Mojo (Ire) (Mohaather {GB}), Ides Of March (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Spy Chief (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Symbol Of Honour (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Whistlejacket (Ire) (No Nay Never). TDN Verdict: Notable Speech tightens up here, with the two pertinent questions being whether he can turn it on in the first part of the race and how good the established sprinters are. One of them is in his own stable, so Charlie Appleby must have a clear idea of where he sits with the Carnarvon and Sandy Lane winner Symbol Of Honour. Whistlejacket, who captured the July Stakes over course and distance at this meeting 12 months ago, was a touch unlucky in the Commonwealth Cup but needs to prove he is up to this calibre, while last year's July Cup favourite Inisherin just gets more and more disappointing as time goes on and looks more of a seven-furlong performer. It is a concern that the normally reliable Believing was below-par at Royal Ascot, but she is the kind of hard-knocking sprinter this race suits while Ides Of March is not out of it if things fall his way. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Ascot, post time: 14:22, THE CORNISH ORCHARDS SUMMER MILE-G2, £140,000, 4yo/up, 7f 213yT Field: Dark Tornado (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Haatem (Ire) (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}), My Cloud (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}), Never So Brave (Ire) (No Nay Never), Nostrum (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Point Lynas (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}), Prague (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Quddwah (GB) (Kingman {GB}). TDN Verdict: The Royal meeting's winners Haatem, My Cloud and Never So Brave clash here, with the former having the Stakes form having conquered the 10-furlong Wolferton. My Cloud went through the Royal Hunt Cup like a class act in the making and is full of untapped potential as a half-brother to Palace Pier, while Never So Brave showed in the Buckingham Palace what Sir Michael Stoute was prophesying in 2024. Last year's winner Quddwah is back at a more realistic level after his Queen Anne flop, but needs to regain some confidence. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, Newmarket, post time: 16:00, THE BET365 SUPERLATIVE STAKES-G2, £100,000, 2yo, 7fT Field: Bourbon Blues (GB) (Space Blues {Ire}), Italy (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Moonfall (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Raakeb (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}), Saba Desert (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), Wild Desert (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Venetian Lace (Ire) (Masar {Ire}). TDN Verdict: TDN Rising Star Italy beat the subsequent Chesham runner-up Thesecretadversary with a degree of panache at Leopardstown in May and it is hard to get away from the buzz that surrounds him. Charlie Appleby has an excellent record in this and William Buick is on the Sandown winner Saba Desert by Dubawi, who captured this in 2004 and has sired three winners of it. Stablemate Wild Desert did little wrong when turned over by the second-string Pacific Avenue in an important course-and-distance stepping stone last month and remains an exciting prospect. [Tom Frary]. Saturday, York, post time: 15:45, THE JOHN SMITH'S SILVER CUP-G3, £85,000, 4yo/up, 13f 188yT Field: Al Qareem (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}), Maghlaak (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}), Onesmoothoperator (Dialed In), Samui (GB) (Siyouni {Fr}), Subsequent (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), Tabletalk (Ire) (Camelot {GB}). TDN Verdict: Al Qareem looks the solid one on his second to Illinois in the Ormonde and when taking the course-and-distance Listed Grand Cup by storm. Subsequent is making his seasonal debut, having signed off at three with a win in the Listed Noel Murless Stakes and is from a stable that can do no wrong at present. [Tom Frary]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 20:25, CYGAMES GRAND PRIX DE PARIS-G1, €600,000, 3yo, c/f, 12fT Field: Surabad (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}), Leffard (Fr) (Le Havre {Ire}), New Ground (GB) (New Bay {GB}), Trinity College (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Uther (GB) (Camelot {GB}), Frankly Good Cen (Fr) (Frankel {GB}). TDN Verdict: Prix du Jockey Club form is the order of the day here, with half the field having crossed swords in the Chantilly Classic. Jockey Club fourth and TDN Rising Star Trinity College has since prevailed in Royal Ascot's G3 Hampton Court Stakes and reopposes Chantilly seventh Frankly Good Cen and 17th Leffard. Juddmonte's New Ground was a never-nearer fourth in Epsom's G1 Derby and rates a serious threat while Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's G3 Prix Noailles winner Uther, a half-brother to last year's hero Sosie, comes back off a third in May's G3 Prix Greffulhe. The in-form Francis Graffard stable is represented by G3 Prix du Lys second and supplementary entry Surabad, who snagged April's Listed Prix de l'Avre over this course and distance. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 19:10, PRIX RADIO FG – PRIX MAURICE DE NIEUIL-G2, €119,000, 4yo/up, 14fT Field: Sibayan (Fr) (Blame), Columbus (Ger) (Oasis Dream {GB}), Yashin (Ire) (Churchill {Ire}), Emblet (GB) (Aclaim {Ire}), Waldadler (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}), Double Major (Ire) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}), Internaute (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Francis Graffard's in-form stable is represented in this stamina test by Sibayan, who was defeated by a whisker in last month's G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly and seeks a pattern-race breakthrough here. He will be confronted by the Wertheimer duo Double Major, who won this last year, and Internaute. The pair met when fifth and sixth in May's G1 Prix Vicomtesse Vigier at ParisLongchamp. Double Major's Christophe Ferland-trained stablemate Columbus annexed last year's G3 Prix Gerald de Geoffre and rates a danger returning off a short-neck second in Saint-Cloud's Listed Prix La Moskowa on seasonal comeback one month ago. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, ParisLongchamp, France, post time: 19:50, CYGAMES PRIX DE MALLERET-G2, €119,000, 3yo, f, 12fT Field: Rabbit's Foot (Fr) (Golden Horde {Ire}), Indalimos (Fr) (Cloth Of Stars {Ire}), Sunly (GB) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), Miss Of Change (Fr) (King Of Change {GB}), Three Pearls (Fr) (Intello {Ger}), Qilin Queen (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Juddmonte's hitherto undefeated Sunly puts her perfect record on the line and will head postward coming back off a taking victory in last month's G3 Prix de Royaumont at Chantilly. Seeking revenge is Royaumont runner-up Indalimos and fifth home Rabbit's Foot. Victoria Head trainee Three Pearls is held by the latter on their Listed Prix Caravelle running while Classic form is represented by G1 Oaks eighth Qilin Queen and Czech Derby heroine Miss Of Change. [Sean Cronin]. Sunday, Mulheim, Germany, post time: 16:15, BBAG DIANA TRIAL-Listed, €25,000, 3yo, f, 10fT Field: Bastion (Ger) (Brametot {Ire}), Lips Vega (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), German Style (Fr) (Shamalgan {Fr}), Ismahane (Ger) (Isfahan {Ger}), Near Rib (Ger) (Ribchester {Ire}), Nurania (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Que Bella (Ger) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}), Rockshalaa (Fr) (Shalaa {Ire}), Stugardia (Ger) (Tai Chi {Ger}), Sunshine Baby (Fr) (Areion {Ger}), Tausendschon (Ger) (Destino {Ger}), Winnyzja (Ire) (Sottsass {Fr}). TDN Verdict: With eight prior starts in the books, G3 Schwarzgold-Rennen third Lips Vega is the most experienced contender in this late-stage launchpad to next month's G1 Preis der Diana (German Oaks) and sets the domestic standard. Stugardia also has black type to her name, having run second in April's Listed Henkel Stutenpreis at Dusseldorf, while Tausendschon makes her stakes bow coming back off a clear-cut debut success at this venue last month. [Sean Cronin]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Notable Speech Aiming For Redemption In July Cup appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Fasig-Tipton has catalogued 304 entries for the New York Bred Yearlings Sale, to be held Sunday and Monday, Aug. 10 and 11, in the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion in Saratoga Springs, New York, the company said via a release on Friday morning. The Sunday session will begin at 7 p.m. ET., and the Monday session will begin at noon. “The New York Bred Yearlings sale annually offers the highest concentration of quality New York-breds of any Thoroughbred auction,” said Fasig-Tipton President Browning. “It's the 'go-to' source for those looking to take advantage of the lucrative New York-bred racing program.” A new development for the New York program begins in 2026 when state breds will run for equal purse money on the NYRA circuit as open company horses. “All yearlings offered in this catalogue will compete for the same purse money as open company horses on the NYRA circuit next year, providing buyers even more incentive to participate in this year's sale,” said Browning. “There has never been a better time to own a New York-bred.” The catalogue may now be viewed online and will also be available in the Equineline sales catalogue app. Print versions are now also available. The post Fasig-Tipton New York Bred Yearlings Sale Catalogues 304 Entries appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Resolute Racing owner John Stewart is making good on his promise that he posted on X this past Wednesday to offer a quarter stake in promising 'TDN Rising Star' Verifire (Authentic) when the flash sale goes live on the Inglis Digital USA platform Monday, July 14 at 2 p.m. ET. and will close Friday, July 18 at 2 p.m. ET., according to a press release from the sales company on Friday morning. “For me, it makes a lot of sense to offer this opportunity to a potential partner,” said John Stewart. “Resolute's core business is focused on a breed-to-race model. It is very unlikely that we will be selling any of our race mares. Since it is not my intention to stand stallions, I see the opportunity to monetize the colts that are performing as a way to generate income to support my operation. It is important to bring things to market when the demand is the highest and right now Verifire has proven himself as one of the top sprint performers in the 3-year-old division on the dirt in North America.” Resolute said via the Inglis USA release that Verifire will be based at trainer Brad Cox's barn at Churchill Downs during and after the flash sale. Per the terms of the agreement, Resolute will retain control of management decisions regarding the colt. The winning bidder will have the option to have Verifire race under their own silks next out. The new owners will then become part of a rotation. If the winning bidder in the share is a Northern Hemisphere stallion farm, they will have the right to stand Verifire at stud upon his retirement. There are no kickers included in this transaction, meaning the sale price does not increase if Verifire wins major races or awards going forward, as there might be for a typical stud deal transacted while a horse is still running. John Stewart after Verifire cleared an optional claimer at Pimlico | Bill Denver/MJC The second to the races for his stakes-placed dam Ruby Trust (Smart Strike), Verifire certainly shined bright when he debuted a winner by 6 1/4 lengths at Colonial Downs Mar. 15. For the effort, the colt garnered a coveted 'TDN Rising Star' badge and his 92 Beyer Speed Figure tied for the fifth-highest to for a maiden at six furlongs this year. Next, Verifire was entered against optional claimers on the Black-Eyed Susan Day undercard at Pimlico May 16 and the chestnut did not disappoint his backers as he won pillar to post by 6 1/2 lengths. The colt then made a successful jump into stakes competition in the Maxfield Stakes at Churchill Downs June 29 when he took control and won by 2 3/4 lengths. As for Verifire future racing plans, the colt is being pointed to the GI H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 23 “This is a once in a lifetime chance to see your silks in Saratoga with a very legitimate chance of visiting the winner's circle,” said Senior Director of Sales and Recruiting at Inglis Digital USA Kyle Wilson. “We applaud John Stewart for making this opportunity available and following through with his plan of strengthening racing through partnerships. “The figures do not lie,” he said. “Verifire is a very serious horse and this is a rare opportunity to get involved at the beginning of not just his racing, but potentially his breeding career. This could be a long and exciting ride for the successful bidder.” All inquiries regarding the sale should be directed to ELiTE Sales or Inglis Digital USA. #10 VERIFIRE ($7.18) and Flavien Prat won the $250,000 Maxfield Stakes at @ChurchillDowns. The three-year-old colt by @SpendthriftFarm's Authentic is undefeated in three starts. @bradcoxracing trains for @resracingky. pic.twitter.com/9be1oQyyIs — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) June 29, 2025 The post Resolute Offers Quarter Stake In ‘TDN Rising Star’ Verifire During Inglis USA Digital Flash Sale Starting July 14 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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The British Racing School has completed a significant redevelopment of its main yard, made possible through the support of The Childwick Trust and the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust. The transformative project is understood to have substantially enhanced the School's facilities. The redevelopment was toured this week by a number of existing supporters of the British Racing School as part of its annual Showcase Event, during which improvements to the School's Foundation Course were outlined. From August 1, the programme, which supports young people aged 16-24 into stable staff roles in the industry, will be extended to 18 weeks (from 6 or 12 weeks), ensuring that all students receive a thorough grounding in racehorse care and management and allowing for greater flexibility in individual student's development plans. Additionally, in line with Government skills funding criteria, the School will also offer 100 hours of Maths and English tuition to 16-18 year olds who have not gained a pass at GCSE. Andrew Braithwaite, Chief Executive of the British Racing School said, “We're incredibly grateful to The Childwick Trust and the Gerald Leigh Charitable Trust for supporting the redevelopment which has elevated the standard of care we provide for our horses and also created a better learning and working environment for our students and staff. Likewise, during the redevelopment we were also extremely lucky to be provided with temporary stabling for our horses, courtesy of LH Woodhouse. This important project forms part of the School's ongoing commitment to providing industry-leading facilities and reflects our mission to prepare students for successful careers in horseracing.” The post British Racing School Unveils Major Redevelopment appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Royal Ascot heroine Venetian Sun (Starman) had history on her side entering Friday's G2 bet365 Duchess Of Cambridge Stakes, with four of the last 10 winners backing up a G3 Albany Stakes triumph, and she added her name to that roll of honour with a narrow victory in the six-furlong dash at Newmarket. “The race panned out perfectly and she lengthened correctly on the rising ground,” said winning rider Clifford Lee. “But she hit the front too soon, she thought he race was finished and started to cruise,” he added. Trainer Karl Burke listed the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes as possible targets. Racing in a handy fifth until gliding forward on the bridle once past halfway, the 2-5 favourite powered to the fore approaching the final furlong and idled once in front as Royal Fixation (Palace Pier) flashed home fast and late to reduce the winning marging to a neck. “This race wasn't part of the plan originally, we just made a decision last week to enter,” explained Burke. “There's been no issues with the filly, but we haven't trained her for this race. We've been fairly easy on her since Ascot, as you would expect, with the thought that we'd go for the [G2] Lowther at York or maybe the [G1] Prix Morny. Now she's won a Group 2 that brings the Morny into it more than the Lowther. We won't say we're definitely going to the Morny, but if the ground is a bit easier and it's a race we think we can be very competitive in we could go there and still have time to get her ready for the Moyglare. If we're not happy with her for the Morny, we'll go straight to the Moyglare. She's a very straightforward filly with a fantastic mind.” Reflecting on the performance of runner-up Royal Fixation, Ed Walker commented, “I'm very proud of her. You come in here off the back of a Thirsk maiden and you don't really know how good you are, but she's very good. It would have been disappointing if she had run badly as we rate her very highly among our two-year-olds, but to run that filly [Venetian Sun] as close as we did is pretty exciting because I think she's a very special filly. Briefly, I thought we might get there. I think she was a bit green, she never came off the bridle at Thirsk, so today is the first time she's had a proper race. There's lots more to come, I'd say. I don't know where we'll go next, I'll have a cold beer and worry about that later. The Lowther has got to be a potential target.” 111 Venetian Sun remains unbeaten pic.twitter.com/8UFXlby4BO — Racing TV (@RacingTV) July 11, 2025 Pedigree Notes Venetian Sun is the third of five foals and one of three scorers for the dual stakes-placed Johara (Iffraaj), herself the leading performer out of a full-sister to Listed Winter Derby Trial third Mister Green (Green Desert). The February-foaled bay's third dam, Group 3-winning G1 Prix Saint-Alary third Summertime Legacy (Darshaan), also produced G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud hero Mandaean (Manduro), G1 Prix Saint-Alary victrix Wavering (Montjeu) and G1 Fillies' Mile placegetter Winters Moon (New Approach). The latter is the dam of dual Group 1-winning sire Earthlight (Shamardal) and dual Group 1-winning 2000 Guineas third Shadow Of Light (Lope De Vega). Wavering is the dam of three black-type performers headed by multiple stakes-winning G1 Prix Rothschild runner-up Life In Motion (Sea The Stars). Ventian Sun is a half-sister to Listed Roses Stakes third Sir Yoshi (Mehmas) while her dam has a yearling filly by Kodiac and a weanling filly by Cotai Glory to come. The post Venetian Sun Completes Albany-Duchess Of Cambridge Double, Prix Morny an Option appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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Just six runners will line up for Sunday's €600,000 G1 Cygames Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp after final declarations for the 12-furlong test were confirmed Friday morning. Aidan O'Brien has five prior renewals in the books, some way shy of Andre Fabre's record 14, and relies on G1 Prix du Jockey Club fourth Trinity College (Dubawi), who was last seen annexing Royal Ascot's G3 Hampton Court Stakes. He will depart from stall five. Jockey Club seventh Frankly Good Cen (Frankel) and 17th Leffard (Le Havre) reoppose from stalls six and one. Leffard's fellow supplementary entry Surabad (Bated Breath), added to the field for a fee of €15,000, has been allocated stall four. Henri-Francois Devin trainee New Ground (New Bay), fourth in the G1 Derby when last seen, gets the two stall. Alain and Gerard Wertheimer registered a first victory in the race with Sosie (Sea The Stars) last year and his G3 Prix Noailles-winning half-brother Uther (Camelot) will exit from stall three. Of the eight overnight contenders, Ballydoyle's G2 King Edward VII Stakes third Galveston (Frankel) and Listed Lingfield Derby Trial winner Puppet Master (Camelot) were not declared. The post Six Declared for Grand Prix de Paris, Ballydoyle Relies on Trinity College appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article
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by Michael Guerin New Zealand’s two equine racing codes are set to join forces to plan for the future of the industry. The thoroughbred and harness racing codes were once considered staunch rivals because while there is plenty of cross over between owners, punters and even trainers in the two codes, they uses to compete for turnover. Those days are all but gone, with harness more or less a non factor on thoroughbred racing’s biggest days while both codes benefit from a stronger overall turnover at the TAB. At the moment racing’s percentage of that TAB profit is also shared with greyhound racing but it is slated for extinction next July, the death sentence handed down by Racing Minister Winston Peters last December. That is, however, being legally challenged by Greyhound Racing New Zealand, although they may not get their day(s) in court until as late as next March. The other two codes, thoroughbreds known to many as the “gallops” and harness racing still referred to as “the trots” have announced they will work together on their infrastructure issues and even which tracks may survive the next five years. Racing’s aging infrastructure is one of its greatest concerns, with abandoned race meetings on tired track, mainly in gallopiing, costing the industry tens of millions in lost turnover and eroding owner and punter confidence. So New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing New Zealand have launched Project Stamina, which supported by TAB NZ, will work toward answering the infrastructure questions which hang over the industry. Some of the biggest questions will be around the Waikato Greenfields project, the almost certain closure and sale of Avondale and the troubled Central Districts where Hastings and Awapuni have had serious track problems and Trentham may need a new grandstand they can’t realistically afford. In harness racing the Auckland region will need a new training track once Franklin Park at Pukekohe is sold and with so many potential projects looming the two codes are better working together, especially when applying for funding from TAB NZ after their legislative net payout from Entain or even asking for government assistance. Project Stamina’s main purpose is, according to NZTR chief executive Matt Ballesty, to move from “reactive maintenance to long-term, future focused investment.” What that means is maybe stop fixing tracks that don’t work or will eventually be closed and spend money on the tracks that can be fixed and make long-term financial sense. Working out which tracks are which, overcoming parochial bias and building a cohesive and affordable plan is a mammoth undertaking. Ballesty and HRNZ boss Brad Steele say that plan to use consultants for initial leg work but are quick to emphasise that their boards will be making the final decisions, with input from TAB NZ and the new TAB Advisory Committee, which contains some of New Zealand racing’s biggest players. Working together makes sense for the two codes as it ensures a sharing of information and what each code hopes to achieve, especially important as they already share some venues and could end up working together on others, especially any Greenfields projects “We have reached a critical point that calls for bold decision making,” says Ballesty. “Project Stamina is about making the necessary decisions to ensure our infrastructure supports a thriving future for horse racing in New Zealand. “Working alongside Harness Racing NZ and TAB NZ, we have a chance to build something enduring and unified. HRNZ boss Steele echoed Ballesty’s sentiments and sees the potential in code collaboration. “This is a chance to reshape our future. Collaboration is key to creating venues that serve our people and our sport for generations. It’s time to build infrastructure that matches our industry’s potential,” says Steele. Project Stamina is supposed to have a “first draft” of what the future of New Zealand racing infrastructure may look like by January. View the full article
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by Jordyn Bublitz In-form trotting mare Boss Jo added another strong performance to her record at Cambridge Raceway last night, taking out the Gavelhouse.com Silk Rd Northern Trotting Mares Ht. 1 Mobile Trot. The six-year-old daughter of Sebastian K has now won two of her last four starts and continues to build on her consistent vein of form. Monika Ranger guided the mare to victory, settling patiently 5-back the pegs and moving forward as horses came off the fence in the final lap. Rounding the home bend the pair found their way to clear air and let down with a powerful sprint to win the race by a 1 ¼ length margin. Trainer Jason Teaz said the team felt she was a strong chance going into the race. “At times last night we were all a little bit nervous,” Teaz said. “I thought Monika showed a lot of patience and it paid off for her. She’s got a horse there that possesses a lot of speed so she can sort of make her way out of trouble which she’s had to do a couple of times. Last night when they went so hard early it just played into her hands.” While Teaz holds the trainer’s licence, he’s quick to point out that much of the credit for Boss Jo’s progress belongs to her owner and his stable foreman, Jan Gillies. “I thought Jan might’ve spent too much when she bought her but as it’s turned out it’s been an amazing buy for her. She does all of the work with her; they’re a great little team and Jan is certainly in love with her.” Boss Jo has been a bit of a traveler during her career. She originally raced in the South Island before spending time with Derek Balle in Pukekohe. She was later purchased off Gavelhouse by Gillies and transferred to Teaz’s Ohaupo stable. “Jan is a really dedicated person, and the horse has really responded to her,” Teaz explained. “To be fair she’s also taken a liking to the laid-back lifestyle here, she’s paddock trained and she’s just a really happy horse at the moment.” Boss Jo will now head toward the Silk Road Series Final in two weeks — a $20,000 race with the added bonus of being penalty-free. “It’s a $20,000 race,” said Teaz, “and the prospect of it being penalty free is even better. After that the world is Jan’s oyster, she could easily sell but the way she loves that horse I’d say she’ll keep a hold of her for now.” View the full article
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by Frank Marrion, courtesy Harness Express The recent burst of form from Lottie’s Moment has been a reminder as to the tragic passing of Katie Cox last year. Cox bred the four-year-old daughter of Majestic Son and raced her briefly in the spring of 2023, when she was placed in all three two-year-old races behind the likes of Wilma’s Boy and Princess Sadie. Lottie’s Moment has won three of her eight races this time in for John Morrison, but her last three starts have been particularly good. She won a double at Addington last month culminating in a $26,000 final of the Silk Road Winter Series over 1980m, while last week’s meritorious fifth in a standing start heat showed she could easily win another final next week. Lottie’s Moment got a 20m head start on I Dream Of Jeannie last week, but she missed away and settled last where she remained until the home turn. I Dream Of Jeannie was back to her best in her first start for the Dunns and sprinted brilliantly to easily down Princess Sadie, but Lottie’s Moment finished just as well to be beaten two and a half lengths. I Dream Of Jeannie was timed to come home in 27.82 while Lottie’s Moment was timed in 27.91. A lot of people are now going to enjoy this ride with over 40 parties involved in her syndication, including at least a dozen first-time owners. Bringing all of this together last year was Jo Townshend, a daughter of Mike DeFilippi who had known Cox for many years. “We knew Katy from her days of showing horses and eventing and she also served her apprenticeship with Colin and Julie (DeFilippi),” said Townshend. “We live near Dunsandel and Katie wasn’t far away in Leeston, and when dad wasn’t able to do much more than jogging up, we sent our horses to her. “I know how hard Colin and Mike had to work to be successful, so I’ve always had a mind to help young people in the game who aren’t the bluebloods.” When Cox was diagnosed in October, 2023, the outside horses needed to be relocated and Townshend sent most of hers to John Morrison. They included Watching Brief, who won three of 13 starts before a recent sale to America, while Revolution went to Colin DeFilippi and he won his last start at Ashburton in January. When Mike was at the end of his training career in 2020, he’d turned to Morrison as a driver and they combined to win three races with Only In America, who was bred and raced by Townshend. When Only In America won a race at a Rangiora winter meeting in 2019, he was Morrison’s 100th driving win, while at the same meeting many years earlier, Mike DeFilippi had recorded his 1000th win. When Lottie’s Moment had begun racing so well, she was vetted ahead of a sale to Merv Butterworth, but the test raised some concerns. “There was only a minor issue but the advice was she would be better off being in a paddock than racing, and Merv wanted her for some big two-year-old races coming up, so he pulled out. “Katie began getting sick at the same time so she sent Lottie’s Moment to the paddock for six months and hoped for the best.” Cox brought Lottie’s Moment back into work in April last year, but she passed away on July 3. “Lottie’s Moment was in full work and ready for the trials when we bought her outright and began syndicating her. “She’d had two weeks off when Katy died as we didn’t want to be picking her up the next day. “But when she got to Johnny, she wasn’t trotting as well as he would have liked, so he started trying different things. “There’s been a lot of issues and niggles to work through and she’s basically been in and out of work since August. “They’ve played around with the shoeing, but a big help has been a vet that can do body work (chiropractor).” Lottie’s Moment reappeared in March when she won workouts at Methven and Motukarara and that was the first time she’d been seen in public for 15 months. She was sent out the favourite when she resumed in a maiden at the Waimate meeting on the grass at Oamaru, but she broke going over the crossing, which resulted in Morrison adding an undercheck. Ironically, that race was won by Harriet’s Moment, a four-year-old Volstead mare from the same family who had also been back in work with Cox last year. Ricky May organised her purchase by the Strappers Syndicate and placed her with Phil Williamson and drove her to win at Oamaru. Cox had purchased an Armbro Invasion sister to Take A Moment in Stay A Moment from Leeston’s Paul Corkran back in 2017, along with a Love You daughter in Love A Moment. She later bred Harriet’s Moment from Stay A Moment and Lottie’s Moment is the first foal from Love A Moment. The latter has since been acquired by Michael Ward, who is also in the ownership now of Lottie’s Moment. Ward’s son Craig was the partner of Cox and he’s bred a yearling filly by Royal Aspirations from Love A Moment, while Michael has bred a weanling filly by King Of The North. A three-year-old filly by Muscle Mass in Birstall Babe is now owned by Rob Courtney and Keith Gardner and qualified recently for the Hopes at Rangiora. Harriet’s Moment has similar ability to Lottie’s Moment and is in this week’s heat of the Silk Road. They could quite conceivably quinella next week’s final although Harriet still has some head issues. Lottie’s Moment ran into the promising three-year-old’s Tyrons Strapping Lad and Paramount Picture at Addington in her second start back, finishing third, but then she bolted in at Methven. Morrison had put her on the unruly and they were still at the rear and wide on the home turn, but she won by three lengths. That led to a junior drivers’ race at Addington, but Lottie’s Moment can over race when left parked and she proved a difficult drive for Harrison Orange, fading late to seventh. Again sent out favourite at Ashburton for Morrison, Lottie’s Moment clipped a wheel at the top of the straight, resulting in a $300 fine, but she won a week later at Addington beating Waihemo Hannah. The latter is owned and trained by Dunsandel’s Ken Hannah, who also joined the ownership of Lottie’s Moment. Waihemo Hannah has also been contesting the Silk Road races and that will continue this week and next. Nelson’s George Hill also took a share in Lottie’s Moment along with Peter and Ross Edwards, whose father Dave bred and raced Sundowner Bay (16 wins, $260,000) with Mike DeFilippi. “Those people have all had trotters before so they were good victims. “George only bred pacers but he’s been getting into the trotters lately with the Hopes.” Then there’s no less than five syndicates racing Lottie’s Moment in Don’t Tell The Boys, Family Ties, The Dumpster, Four Blokes and Bit By Bit. Don’t Tell The Boys is a syndicate of 10 ladies who are also racing Donttelltheboys, also a starter at Addington this week for Colin DeFilippi. Family Ties is a syndicate of DeFilippi and Townshend family members, while The Dumpster has 10 members and is also racing Aldebaran Crystal. Dumpster is a bunch of golfing mates which includes trainer Regan Todd and they’ve raced the lies of Cheezel and Teagan Banner. Aldebaran Crystal joins the Silk Road picture this week and will be another big factor in next week’s final. Four Blokes is four Ashburton farmers who are first-time owners, including Ashburton District Council mayor Neil Brown. Bit By Bit has eight members and they’re also all first-time owners. “Some of the people involved are in the North Island or even Australia, but there’s always plenty of us on track and we do make a lot of noise. “I’m not sure if Lottie’s Moment will keep going for the Kurow Trotters Cup and Jasmyn’s Gift or have a break soon. “She has turned a corner now but she has also been up quite a while. “We’ll get through next week’s race and go from there.” Regardless, there’s going to be a lot of fun with Lottie’s Moment, and some sadness. View the full article