Wandering Eyes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reigning Canadian Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan was humanely euthanized July 10 due to the effects of a soft tissue injury sustained by the 5-year-old gelding when winning the Highlander Stakes (G2T) at Woodbine June 28. View the full article

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

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

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

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

With a strong team of NZ Junior Drivers heading to Brisbane to contest the Australasian Young Drivers next week we put together a lift-out with profiles, stories and the racing schedule. You can view it here View the full article

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR) and Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ), supported by TAB NZ have today announced the launch of Project Stamina, a landmark collaboration to develop a unified Master Plan for the future of New Zealand’s racing infrastructure. This joint initiative marks a strategic shift from reactive maintenance to long-term, future-focused investment across both Thoroughbred and Harness racing codes. “We have reached a critical point that calls for bold decision making. Project Stamina is about making the necessary decisions to ensure our infrastructure supports a thriving future for horse racing in New Zealand.” said Matt Ballesty, CEO of NZTR. “I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity Project Stamina presents, not just for Thoroughbred racing, but for the entire racing industry. Working alongside Harness Racing NZ and TAB NZ, we have a chance to build something enduring and unified. HRNZ CEO Brad 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, this unified approach is important given the ownership and use profile of many of our venues” Steele added. A key priority now is the engagement of independent consultants who will be central to the delivery of Project Stamina. The selected consultant will work closely with industry leaders and advisors with a target completion date prior of December 2025. View the full article

by Michael Guerin Ray Green may be way past a normal retirement age but he is still looking for his next good horse. “That doesn’t stop,” says Green, who just three seasons ago completed a New Zealand Cup double with Copy That. The 79-year-old still trains at Pukekohe, these days with Nathan Delany, and while they may not have a pin-up horse the stable is still a regular Friday night force. Their 23 training wins for the season, which in harness racing runs the calendar year, puts them second behind Michelle Wallis and Bernie Hackett (36 wins) among trainers who operate solely from a northern base. “We still have 35 horses in work and plenty of nice horses but we are looking for that next really good one like all trainers,” says Green. “It is hard here [Pukekohe] at the moment as nobody knows the timeline for when the training track here will be sold and what will happen next. But by the time all that goes through maybe I will be winding things down.” Green and Delany take eight horses to Alexandra Park tonight but leave what could have been their best chance at home. “We thought Sammy Lincoln could have won the juvenile race but we are going to scratch him because we was just a bit sore during the week,” says Green. “He will keep though and we have a couple of nice fillies still in that race with Lincoln’s Spice [R3, No 3] our better hope,” says Green. The stable starts the night in a race they probably can’t win as Leo Lincoln and Kevin Kline take on hot favourite Mantra Blue in the opener. “I am not sure we can beat her but both of ours are nice horses and Kevin is really maturing into a lovely horse,” explains Green. “He looks a bit life a giraffe but he is getting stronger all the time and doing a great job when you consider he is still only three.” Another stable rep taking on older horses is juvenile Johnny Lincoln, one of three Green and Delany have in a deepish Race 5. “He is probably going to end up the best of our three in this race. “He is doing a really good job but I also think Tyson is also at an improving stage this week. “He had a hoof issue which we cut out and he needed a long break to let that grow back and I think he has needed the racing. “So Tyson should go better this week but I am losing patience with Sugar Ray Lincoln, he has been disappointing me lately.” The stable has The Rascal in the last race and after two luckless placings lately he should win a race soon, although Tytate may have the wood on him tonight. The best race tonight should be the $34,000 Silk Road Final for the fillies and mares in which last Friday’s heat winner Seaclusion has the widest draw and whether she can still cross to the lead easily could determine not only her chances but the shape of the race. High Energy (R7, No 6) is racing so well she deserves to be favourite for the main trot for junior driver Harrison Orange, who last week became the fastest ever New Zealand driver to 50 career wins. View the full article

by Michael Guerin Cran Dalgety may be taking one of the best horses at the meeting in Franco Sinatra to Addington tonight but that won’t be the highlight of his harness racing weekend. Because tomorrow sees the return to the stable he runs with wife Chrissie and son Carter of arguably New Zealand’s best pacer Republican Party. The now mutiple Group 1 winner of the Auckland and Invercargill Cups as well as the Messenger and Roy Purdon Memorial, Republican Party has spent the last month on the water walker and has grown out, if not up. “He hasn’t got much taller but he has put on 24kgs,” says Dalgety, “That brings him up to around 460kgs which isn’t too bad for him because he has never been a big horse but we think he will be stronger this campaign.” After his dazzling last eight months Republican Party is being set for the race the Dalgetys want most, the IRT New Zealand Cup in November. “It is the one race that has got away from me and it bugs me,” admits Dalgety. “It looks like it could be a really strong Cup this year if we get Leap To Fame back and Swayzee looking for his third Cup, so it won’t be easy. “But we have a really good horse who will be on his home track so it has to be his aim.” Dalgety realises that Franco Sinatra (R6, No 9) who starts off a 30m handicap tonight could even end up racing Republican Party in some of the spring races even though he is not in the same class. “He is becoming a hard horse to place,” he says of Franco Sinatra. “He can’t beat Republican Party or those other better horses but the owners are all keen to see him race down here and he is off 30m this week even though I’d really rather not start him. Where else do I go with him?” “We toyed with the idea of sending him to Aussie or even selling him but the owners are loving racing him and I really respect that. But it won’t be easy this week. It isn’t just the 30m handicap but the fact you have to either try to get around them at some stage or drive for luck and neither of those are easy.” Franco Sinatra was brave beating many of these last start when fresh up last start but goes back 10m in the handicaps and that could cost him valuable field position and suggests his last start runner-up Slots is the one to beat tonight. The Dalgetys are only racing a few horses through winter and one goal is to get a win with maiden Delighted (R4, No 1), a sister to former Derby hero Sheriff. Her broodmare career would benefit from a win and even some black type, which shouldn’t be too far away as both races she has contested so far have been run in sub 2:0 mile rates. View the full article

by Michael Guerin The Auckland Trotting Club could finally dig itself out of a $120million financial hole with the potential sale of its training track to be voted on by members on July 23. But while the ATC board have to ask their members for permission to sell the Franklin Park training track in Pukekohe, in reality they either vote in favour of the sale or risk losing harness racing in the region all together. The ATC has been under enormous financial strain since the building of apartments with commercial spaces underneath was botched by original developer Canam. When a court judgement ruled Canam owed the ATC an enormous compensation payout the company went into liquidation, leaving ATC all but financially ruined and with no way of claiming the payment awarded to them. While Alexandra Park now houses some wonderful residential and commercial developments the club’s debt ballooned to $120million with crippling interest bills. The sale of a land package at Alexandra Park has reduced that to $83million but an initial deal to sell the Franklin Park training track, on the outskirts of Pukekohe township, fell through even after that developer paid a $10million deposit. There is now another offer on the table, which the Herald understand is for significantly less money, to buy the training complex and ATC members will be asked to vote on that at the special meeting on July 23. That deal would be subject to due diligence on the buyer’s behalf and the ATC hopes to be able to lease the property back for at least a year so horses trained at Franklin Park can remain in work while the ATC try to find land to develop a new training centre. But with the new price paid for Franklin Park less than the $83million still owed to the bank, members at the July 23 meeting will also be asked to vote on whether some or all of the commercial property at the base of the Alexandra Park apartment buildings can also be sold to clear the debt and even leave the ATC with a small surplus. That could then be put toward the new training complex. ATC president Jamie MacKinnon says while the members vote is needed under the club’s constitution he sees no realistic other option for them but to approve the sale. “In reality the bank thinks it is a fair offer and if we don’t accept it and pay off a large portion of our debt they could take matters into their own hands,” MacKinnon told the Herald. “It is less money than the original deal which fell through but the market has changed and that is why we will ask members to vote to allow us to also go to the market with some or all of the commercial property under the apartments at Alexandra Park.” Any of that “profit” would quickly be swallowed up by the new training facility which MacKinnon says is crucial to keeping harness racing viable north of the Bombay Hills. “We are confident Harness Racing New Zealand agree we need a new training facility and their chief executive Brad Steele will be at the July 23 special meeting and another meeting we plan to have with Franklin Park trainers earlier that day. “We hope HRNZ will be able to help contribute to the new training facility as they recognize the importance of Alexandra Park to the industry.” HRNZ actually need to approve the sale of Franklin Park but that would appear a rubber stamping job should the members approve it. What will happen to northern harness racing if the members don’t vote “yes” does not bear thinking about. HRNZ chief executive Steele has confirmed that HRNZ is behind the establishment of a new training facility if and when Franklin Park is sold and they are already investigating funding options. But even with HRNZ’s backing, the sale of Franklin Park and any, or all, of the commercial assets under the apartment buildings may be the only way to save harness racing in Auckland and bring to a close a horrendous chapter in New Zealand racing. It has, and will forever be, the cautionary tale on many levels of how business shouldn’t be done and how a racing club shouldn’t have been run. View the full article

Having been left in the paddock waiting to be picked up for a career in the equestrian field, Prix De Turn (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) is making a comeback to the racetrack. Having not raced since the Yarra Valley Cup (1968m) in March last year, Prix De Turn heads to the Sportsbet Race Replays Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on Saturday. A rising seven-year-old, Prix De Turn has only two wins to his credit, including the Gr.2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley, from 18 career starts, but has always displayed plenty of talent. Prix De Turn was thrown in the deep end at his second career start, finishing seventh behind Anamoe (Street Boss) in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) in 2021 having finished second in a maiden at Sandown on debut. Trainer Matthew Brown said he was always managing niggling problems with Prix De Turn, but after an extended break he has come back a different horse. “He’s a horse that has pretty average conformation, and feet, and always had niggling issues,” Brown said. “He’s talented, but the issues caught up with him and in the end, he was putting in some poor runs for a reason. “He had trialled well before Yarra Valley last year, but he was pretty scratchy after the race, so we decided to pretty much pull up stumps with him. “We had people that were going to take him as a show-horse or an eventer, but nine or 10 months later he was still sitting in the paddock at our place. “So, we trotted him up, had a look at him, and he was sound, and we thought we may as well go again with him.” Prix De Turn has had two jump-outs in preparation for his return and ran fourth in his most recent on heavy ground. Brown said he was treating Saturday’s outing like another trial to see if Prix De Turn still has the zest for racing and has engaged apprentice Rose Hammond for the ride. Her 3kg claim will bring Prix De Turn with 50kg on Saturday. “Saturday is going to be pretty much like a third trial for him, but his two trials have been OK, and he closed off well on a pretty wet track last time behind some pretty sharp ones,” Brown said. “We’re trying to help him a bit, and he gets in with 50 kilos after the claim. “We want to see if he still wants to do it, but if he puts the white flag up early, he might be in retirement, or we may have a change of mind and send him over to Glenn Stevenson and train him off the beach down in Tassie and give him another go down there. “But all signs are that he is fit, he’s healthy and in a good headspace.” View the full article

Trainer Dan Meagher is banking on fresh legs with his former Singapore champion Lim’s Kosciuszko (Kermadec) when he runs at Caulfield. Lim’s Kosciuszko is coming back in distance from 1400m four weeks ago to contest the Gr.3 Sir John Monash Stakes (1100m) on Saturday. Meagher is banking on Lim’s Kosciuszko’s proven ability and lining up in a weight-for-age race on Saturday as being pivotal to the gelding’s chances. Lim’s Kosciuszko won 22 of his 30 starts in Singapore and Hong Kong and has raced twice in Australia, finishing third first-up at Flemington before a midfield finish at Sandown last time out. “He was disappointing on face value last time but at the end of the day he (Ryan Houston) had to make a decision, and he led, which was fine,” Meagher told RSN. “But he had to go up that hill, he was carrying topweight, and he hadn’t led for two-and-a-half years, and it probably didn’t suit him to do that on that day. “He probably should have come back a little bit and at the end of the day he had been racing in weight-for-age races for the last three years in Singapore and Hong Kong, so giving weight to horses when he is getting older is probably not ideal for him anymore. “I thought this race, being weight-for-age gave him his best opportunity to win. “He’s come out of that last run terrific, his first run was amazing, so I hope he can get back to that form of two runs ago.” Lim’s Kosciuszko has yet to race short of 1200m, but Meagher does not see that as a problem with the gelding entering Saturday’s race fresh. To have Lim’s Kosciuszko on the fresh side for Saturday’s 1100m journey, Meagher has refrained from giving the gelding a jump-out between runs. “I think sometimes these older horses enjoy not being extended in distance and they like to come back in distance and have the fresh legs,” Meagher said. “I don’t think it will be too sharp. On his day at weight-for-age, he’s good enough to run really well, but he’s getting older and he’s getting harder to read. “He hasn’t been putting in the effort like he used to, but he still looks well, and his work has been good enough. “I think this is a race for him to run well in.” Jason Maskiell takes over from Houston in the saddle on Saturday. Bred by Brent and Cherry Taylor’s Trelawney Stud, Lim’s Kosciuszko was passed in twice at the New Zealand Bloodstock Sales and then sold privately after winning his first and only trial in New Zealand when under the care of Clayton Chipperfield. View the full article

MGSW Patches O'Houlihan (Reload–Maythefourthbwithu, by Silent Name {Jpn}), the reigning Canadian Horse of the Year was humanely euthanized according to a press release from Woodbine Entertainment late on Thurday night. Woodbine issued the following statement on behalf of Frank Di Giulio, Jr., the owner and breeder of the 5-year-old gelding. The message republished here in its entirety said: We are heartbroken to announce that 2024 Horse of the Year Patches O'Houlihan was humanely euthanized on Thursday, July 10. After sustaining a soft tissue injury while galloping out after winning the GII bet365 Highlander Stakes, it was hoped that he would recover well enough to be retired to pasture. However, in the time since then, his prognosis worsened. We consulted with veterinarians and surgeons on an ongoing basis and it was determined surgery was not a viable option for a sustained quality of life. Condolences and sincere thanks go out to the many people who cared for Patches on a daily basis including trainer Bob Tiller, assistant trainer Tom Lottridge, groom Clifford Knight, his exercise rider Thorney Herriot and the whole Tiller team, as well as veterinarians Dr. Vicky Banks, Dr. Dan Colangelo and Dr. Natalie Cote. Everyone at the barn is devastated. Also, thank you to Sherry McLean for foaling and raising Patches, Ian Dick at Buttigieg Training Centre for his off season care, Sofia Vives for her tremendous rides the last two years, Daisuke Fukumoto for riding him in his three year old year, and the Woodbine starting gate crew for attending to Patches so quickly after the accident. We are going to dearly miss watching him run, as will his many fans. He gave us so much pleasure and so many thrills during his career. Patches O'Houlihan was an amazing animal that was beautiful both inside and out. He absolutely loved to race and possessed outstanding heart and desire, and was as honest as they come. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Patches, but we are truly blessed and grateful to be part of such a true Champion. Ontario-bred Patches O'Houlihan won 13 of 16 races at Woodbine, which included six graded races. The Robert Tiller trainee sustained his injury in the Highlander Stakes June 28. The post Canada’s Reigning Horse Of The Year Patches O’Houlihan Humanely Euthanized appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Australian-sourced talent has shone brightly among Stephen Marsh’s two-year-olds this season, and that trend could continue when the Cambridge trainer unveils the royally bred Moretothinkabout at Ruakaka on Saturday. Marsh’s juveniles have combined to record eight wins this season, headed by Listed successes by To Cap It All in the Wellesley Stakes (1100m) and Little Black Dress in the Star Way Stakes (1200m). To Cap It All also finished second in the Gr.2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes (1200m) and third in the Gr.1 Sistema Stakes (1200m). Both members of that stakes-winning duo came out of the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale in Sydney, where To Cap It All was bought for A$280,000 and Little Black Dress for A$240,000. Another of Marsh’s purchases at that same sale was Moretothinkabout, a blue-blooded son of So You Think and the eight-time Group One winner More Joyous. Marsh and Dylan Johnson Bloodstock secured him for A$300,000. Saturday’s Promote Waipu 2YO (1200m) at Ruakaka marks the raceday debut for Moretothinkabout, who was a smart trial winner at Avondale on June 24. “He’s a lovely colt,” Marsh said. “He’s trialled up very well. Michael McNab rode him in his trial win and was very keen to stay with him. “He’s probably going to be better over a bit further than this, but we want to give him one run as a two-year-old before putting him aside for next season. “He’s beautifully bred and we paid a bit of money for him. It would be great if he could kick his career off with a win on Saturday, but either way, I think he could be a serious three-year-old come the spring and summer.” Moretothinkabout is part of a three-pronged Ruakaka contingent for Marsh, who will also saddle Mercurial in the Northpine Waipu Cup (1400m) and runaway last-start maiden winner Hakushu in the 2 Aug Bream Bay Business Day (1200m). Last year’s Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) winner Mercurial was entered for Te Rapa last Saturday, but was scratched on the morning of the race due to the Heavy10 track conditions. “It was just the amount of rain they got,” Marsh said. “He’s had no luck in that regard – in the 24 hours or so before his races, the tracks have got a massive deluge. So things haven’t quite worked out in his favour lately. “I thought we’d keep him for this weekend instead and run him over 1400m. He’ll probably need this run, but I reckon he’s going well and can make his presence felt. “After this, we’ll look at the open 1300m race on Taumarunui Cup Day at Te Rapa in a couple of weeks, then give him a little freshen-up before racing through the spring. We won’t be taking on the Group One horses this time around, but there’s still some very good prizemoney on offer just below that level and he’s shown that he can still be competitive.” Hakushu is a three-year-old son of I Am Invincible and recorded a second, two fourths and a fifth from his first four starts. The gelding wore blinkers for the first time at Cambridge on June 18 and blitzed his maiden rivals by six and three-quarter lengths. “He was just a bit immature before that and not quite putting things together,” Marsh said. “The blinkers went on last start and he won very impressively and with great sectionals. His work has been great since then. Hopefully he’ll strike a decent track on Saturday. He should be a nice chance if he does.” View the full article

Scientific tests have revealed surprising results on the distance aptitude of this season’s star New Zealand staying three-year-old Willydoit. The son of Tarzino produced his peak performance to romp home in the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) and was transferred to leading trainer Ciaron Maher following a gallant fourth in the Gr.1 Australian Derby (2400m). Willydoit was raced by Byerley Park trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy with Bryan Black and international micro share syndicator MyRacehorse, who all remain in the ownership of the gelding. “I spoke to Ciaron over at the Gold Coast Sale and they’d done a DNA test on him to work out what his ultimate distance might be,” Shaun Clotworthy said. “It came back as showing he was a 1400m to a mile horse, which was interesting. “He thought they may give him a lighter spring, he’s about three or four weeks away from a jump-out after spelling in Queensland in the warmer weather. “He might kick off around Sydney this preparation and then target some bigger races in the autumn.” Willydoit was bought out of Westbury Stud’s Book 1 draft at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale for $75,000 and his career earnings have surpassed $910,000. Meanwhile, the Westbury-bred and raced Hula Beat will make his first appearance from the Clotworthy stable in Saturday’s Northbeam Strong Stuff Handicap (2100m) at Ruakaka on Saturday. Previously trained by Stephen Marsh, the son of Redwood hasn’t won since he was successful in the Taumarunui Gold Cup (2200m) a year ago and it’s hoped a change of environment may turn his recent form around. “Russell (Warwick, Westbury General Manager) thought that maybe a bit of work at the beach and jumping would be something different for him,” Clotworthy said. “We’re doing that, and he wasn’t that keen on schooling at first, but he’s taken to it now. “We’ve been paddock training him as well, so we’ll see how he goes on Saturday. “It’s an ideal race for him and he seems to go a bit better left-handed, his form right-handed isn’t quite so good. “In saying that, he will be competitive at his best and if he does go well enough then he’ll go to the Taumarunui Cup to defend his title.” Stablemate Suavetta may find the distance of the Tanalised Mile (1600m) on the short side but has three placings from her last four starts to her credit. “She’s probably looking for 2100m, but there’s not much else around. Her and Hula Beat are probably our best two,” Clotworthy said. View the full article

Andrew Campbell will unveil another exciting youngster at Hawera on Saturday when two-year-old gelding Valvano makes his debut in the Simon Bendall @ Metcalfe Real Estate (1200m). Purchased out of Rich Hill Stud’s 2024 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft by Campbell, Tommy Heptinstall and Michael Hickmott for $110,000, Valvano has shown a lot of promise and Campbell is excited about his future. “We like the horse, he is above average,” Campbell said. The son of Shocking had his first public outing last month when placing in his 1000m trial at Foxton on a Heavy10 track, pleasing Campbell with his performance. “It was a pretty soft trial, we were just trying to educate him, but I thought he went very nice,” Campbell said. Valvano will jump from barrier three on Saturday with Ashvin Mudhoo aboard and is rated a $2.80 winning hope by TAB bookmakers. Campbell is hopeful of a bold showing from his promising youngster this weekend but said the Heavy10 track conditions are his only concern. “I am just a bit worried about the track and whether he will get through it because I think they are getting a bit of rain,” he said. “But he ran on a Heavy track at the trials and seemed to get through it alright.” The Listed Phils Electrical and Gipsy Caravans – Ryder Stakes (1200m) at his home track of Otaki in a fortnight looms as an obvious target, however, Campbell said he will more likely head for a freshen-up ahead of the spring. “He would have to win on Saturday to possibly go there (Ryder Stakes), but I am more intending to put him out in the paddock for a little bit, maybe 10 days, and aim him for some big three-year-old races hopefully in the spring.” Campbell is looking forward to stepping his gelding up over ground over the spring, with his ultimate aim being the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) at Riccarton in November. “He’s a Shocking out of a Zabeel mare so you wouldn’t think he would be running in a two-year-old 1200m on his pedigree,” Campbell said. “I think he is going to get ground eventually, but you have got to kick them off somewhere and if he does everything right we will be over the moon. “The 2000 Guineas is the dream. The money is so good at the moment in New Zealand racing, you almost don’t have to go to Australia anymore.” Meanwhile, Campbell said Croupier has returned from his Queensland campaign in good order and will also be set for spring targets. “He stayed over there (Queensland) for a spell and he just came back into the stable on Wednesday and he looks fantastic,” Campbell said. “We will just get him up and going, hopefully he has matured mentally after his campaign in Aussie. There are some nice races for him in the spring.” Having recently returned to the training ranks following a short hiatus, Campbell has plenty of young stock in his care and he is excited about their prospects. “We have got some really nice young horses coming through, it’s quite exciting times,” he said. “It’s a great thrill with young horses, they are all untapped and exciting, it is like sitting around a Christmas tree waiting to open your presents.” View the full article