Wandering Eyes

The placed Cristalino (lot 18), a full-sister to two stakes winners, topped Wednesday's Tattersalls Online August Sale at 80,000gns when selling to Tally-Ho Stud. Sold as a horse-in-training, the 3-year-old daughter of Fastnet Rock and the Galileo mare Stars At Night is a full to multiple group winner and G1 Jebel Hatta Stakes runner-up Poker Face, as well as the multiple stakes winner Star Devine, who was second in the GIII Intercontinental Stakes and third in the GIII Franklin Stakes. She was offered by Amo Racing, who bought the relation to three-time Group 1-winning Classic scorer Blue Bunting (Dynaformer) for 200,000gns at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2. Amy Drummond, head of operations at Amo Racing, said, “The filly retained value to us with her pedigree but she wasn't quite what we hoped for on the track, so we're delighted that she's gone to Tally-Ho, who also stand the stallions Persian Force and King of Steel for us.” The six-lot Gigginstown House Stud Annual Dispersal all found new homes. Best of the bunch on the buyers' sheet was Harsh (Dark Angel) (lot 35), who is rated 129. Dan Astbury and Mickey Bowen purchased the winning hurdler for 30,000gns. Gigginstown House Stud's Eddie O'Leary said, “Following on from last year's success, we were delighted to support the Tattersalls Online August Sale again. The team do a fantastic job promoting the sale. They made it a seamless process and we look forward to using the platform again.” Of the 135 lots offered, 80 sold (59%) for a gross of 774,400gns. The average was 5,500gns and the median was 9,680gns. There were a record number of bidders registered, 382 representing over 20 countries: France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Zambia and from across the Middle East. The post Fastnet Rock’s Cristalino Bought By Tally-Ho For 80k At Tattersalls Online appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Dave Di Somma, Harness News Desk Already having his best ever season, trainer-driver Matty White has an interesting book of drives at Alexandra Park on Friday night. He will continue his association with the in-form pairing of Tytate and Bettor Reaction, and also line up two first starters from his Clevedon barn. Both two-year-olds, Milford, a Raging Bull gelding, will start in Race 2, the Tardina Stud – Here for the Horse Mobile Pace and Iron Mike Tyson, a $40,000 purchase from the 2024 National Yearling sales at Karaka, will debut in Race 7, the Lincoln Farms – Here for the Horse Mobile Pace. “They are in the same boat,” says White, “they have been at the trials and they head to the races inexperienced and they will be better off for that.” “The draw (8) is against Milford so Iron Mike is the better chance. He does have a good turn of foot.” “Milford is a bit green and faces a nice enough maiden field.” Milford is currently at $5.50, with his rivals including Captain Moonlight ($4.80FF), The Rascal ($3.50FF) and The Night Angel ($2.15). Milford is raced by White’s wife Brigette Solomon and father Les White, who lines up the in-form Bettor Reaction ($7.50FF) in Race 4. Matthew White will again take the drive. “He’s been a model of consistency and I can’t see why he wouldn’t be there or thereabouts again.” Iron Mike Tyson meanwhile is owned by gun West Australian trainers Greg and Skye Bond. “He’s not 100 per cent in his gait yet,” says White, “but he has ability and has shown some potential.”. And heading to Perth is not on his immediate agenda. “He’s staying put for the meantime.” Iron Mike Tyson is at $18 in a market dominated by the two Mark and Nathan Purdon-trained runners Alecto ($2) and Andretti ($1.75). White will also line up his best performer of late Tytate ($2.10) in the night’s opening race, the Diamond Racing Here for the Horse Mobile Pace. The American Ideal four-year-old mare has won her last three. “She’s really found her groove and racing very tractable, early on she was very keen.” He has plans to head to the Winter Rewards with her at Cambridge and then the Golden Gait at Alexandra Park in December. Her success has helped him to 19 wins so far this year. It’s his best ever tally, eclipsing the 16 he had in 2021 and 2024. “We have a nice team and if you find the right races they can do a good job for you.” View the full article

The Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA) will present the 2025 Owners and Trainers Appreciation Day on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Parx Racing, the organization said via a Wednesday press release. The event features 12 races with purses totaling over $650,000, with a first post of 12:40 p.m. ET. A total of 163 horses were entered on the card, including 153 in the body of the races. This will be the first day back for live racing after the annual Parx summer break. That same day, horsemen will be treated to a PTHA luncheon on the third floor of the racetrack. A valid Pennsylvania owner's or trainer's license permits entry into the event. The post PTHA Celebrates Owners And Trainers Appreciation Day With Parx Card Aug. 18 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tickets for Keeneland's 2025 Fall Meet, to be held Oct. 3-25, will go on sale Tuesday, Aug. 19 at 9 a.m. ET., according to a press release from the track on Wednesday. Fans attending October racing will be among the first to experience the initial phase of Keeneland's new construction enhancements. Officials have said that ticketed dining for the newly-constructed Paddock Building will open to race-day guests at a later time. “At Keeneland, we approach each project deliberately, always striving to create meaningful experiences for our fans and horsemen,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We are excited to welcome guests for 17 incredible days of racing and to debut the thoughtful first phase of our facility enhancements.” Click here for more information. The post Keeneland Fall Meet Tickets On Sale Aug. 19 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Among this week's rulings, trainer Calixto Juarez has been banned a combined 36-months and fined a total $25,000 for an incident at Delaware Park June 4. The case was resolved without a hearing. The suspension began Aug. 8. In the case resolution, Juarez was observed and recorded “giving an oral substance to the Covered Horse Seafarer at Delaware Park in Wilmington, Delaware, and that substance was found to be the Banned Substance Ethanol. The bottle of the Banned Substance was also located in his barn and seized on that same date.” According to HIWU, ethanol is a depressant that comes under the licensed names “Grain Alcohol” and “Everclear.” The case resolution doesn't elaborate upon what specific bottle was seized from Juarez's barn. According to Equibase, Juarez has been training since 2014, with 19 career victories to his name and just over $700,000 in prize money earned. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 08/11/2025 Licensee: Hernan Parra, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning Aug. 12, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Mischievous Han, who finished fifth at Gulfstream Park on 6/29/25. Date: 08/11/2025 Licensee: Tito Feliz Moreno, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Final decision of HIWU. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Flunixin–a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Terpeye, who finished second at Belterra Park on 6/14/25. Date: 08/07/2025 Licensee: Howard Brown Jr., trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Aegean Sea, who won at Parx Racing on 6/9/25. Date: 08/07/2025 Licensee: Calixto Juarez, trainer Penalty: Combined 36-month period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning Aug. 8, 2025; 60-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Horse, beginning on June 4, 2025; Combined fine of $25,000, admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the possession of banned substance Ethanol, and for the attempted use of Ethanol on an event dated 6/4/25. Pending ADMC Violations 08/13/2025, Oscar Manuel Gonzalez, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a Class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Wolverton Mountain on 7/18/25. 08/13/2025, Juan Polanco, trainer: Pending vet's list medication violation for the presence of Acepromazine–a Class B controlled substance–in a sample taken from Michi on 7/13/25. 08/12/2025, Francisco Rivera, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone–a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Pizzicato, who finished second at Gulfstream Park on 7/12/25. 08/12/2025, Michael Siculietano, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone–a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Emirates Honor, who won at Monmouth Park on 7/11/25. 08/11/2025, Michael LeCesse, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone–a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Gimmedamoney, who finished fourth at Finger Lakes on 7/14/25. 08/11/2025, Raymond Paquette, trainer: Pending vets's list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole (Gastrogard)–a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Riley's Redemption on 7/10/25. 08/11/2025, Clarence King, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Phenylbutazone–a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Nezy's Girl on 7/6/25. 08/08/2025, Anna Meah, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole (Gastrogard)–a Class C controlled substance–in a sample taken from Trouble Ahead on 7/9/25. 08/07/2025, Agustin Gonzalez Jr., trainer: Pending medication violations for the presence of Lidocaine–a Class B controlled substance–in samples taken from C V Ronin Legacy, who finished second at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 6/19/25; from Skippinjustice, who finished second at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 6/24/25; and from Money War, who finished second in the William Garrett H. at Horseshoe Indianapolis on 7/4/25. Violations of Crop Rule Colonial Downs Roland Clement – violation date August 8; $250 fine, no other details Delaware Park Jose Gregorio Torrealba – violation date August 7; $250 fine, one-day suspension Jose Batista – violation date Aug. 7; $500 fine, two-day suspension Los Alamitos Francisco Orduna – violation date Aug. 9; $250 fine, one-day suspension The post Weekly National Regulatory Rulings, Aug. 7-13 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After knocking heads against division heavyweights Mindframe and Sierra Leone in his most recent outing, Godolphin's First Mission faces softer company in his return to action in the $250,000 Philip H. Iselin Stakes (G3) Aug. 16 at Monmouth Park.View the full article

BURSARD, FRANCE — Described by sales house Auctav as 'D-Day', the sale of some of the stock of Jean-Pierre Dubois ended up being a little more V-Day after a little over half of the 99 lots on offer were bought back by the legendary owner-breeder. The auction did however draw a bustling crowd to the Haras de Bois Roussel, where Helenium (lot 50), a Frankel half-sister to Calyx, stole the show when sold to Coolmara Stables for €600,000 through agent Conor Quirke. Offered in foal to Calyx's sire Kingman, the six-year-old mare already has two fillies on the ground by that same sire. The page has also been enhanced in recent years by the treble Group 1 winner Native Trail (Oasis Dream), whose dam Needleleaf is a half-sister to Helenium's dam, the Group 3 winner Helleborine (Observatory). “It didn't take much thinking as to why you'd want Helenium,” Quirke said. “Her unraced three-year-old half-sister by Kingman made 550,000gns just last month in Tattersalls. This mare has a couple of Kingmans to run for her, she is back in foal to Kingman, she's by Frankel, so she made a lot of sense.” He added, “Coolmara Stables are really looking to get into breeding at the top table by buying blue-chip mares and I think she fitted the bill perfectly. They are well known as National Hunt breeders but they are starting to move into Flat breeding and they bought some yearling fillies a few years ago that they have in training.” Quirke also bought the winning New Approach mare Sidewalk earlier in the session for €80,000 for a “very well-established Irish breeder”, describing the length of time it took for the hammer to fall at €80,000 as “painfully slow”. Indeed, the selling rate was roughly 15 lots per hour through the first half of a leisurely afternoon, though those who had turned out, either to observe or to participate, could partake of a lavish free barbecue lunch and bar. Sidewalk is a daughter of the Listed winner Discernable (Elusive Quality) and was sold in foal to Ace Impact. “Auctav have put on a good show today and I think everybody will be happy with that transaction,” Quirke added. Mathieu Alex of Haras de Beaumont, where Ace Impact stands, also signed for a mare in foal to him for €82,000. Lot 42, Blue Wings, is a Listed-winning daughter of the Derby winner Wings Of Eagles from the family of Showcasing and Camacho. Alex said, “She's in foal to our top stallion Ace Impact, whom we strive to support. We also need to support our clients, our stallions, and those who place their trust in us.” The Frankel mare Frisella (lot 15) had been the first to make a splash, when selling for €390,000 to Hervé Barjot on behalf of Pegasus Farm. The nine-year-old mare, who is out of Kingman's half-sister Panzanella (Dansili), was a winner herself and has produced the dual winner and black-type earner Grand Scoop (No Nay Never). “She's by the right sire in Frankel and the covering sire is Blue Point, who is a very good stallion and had another stakes winner recently,” Barjot said. “She was bought for plenty of money [320,000gns at Tattersalls, in foal to No Nay Never]. I think the market is recalibrating. She's made her value, and I think if she'd been at Arqana in December she would have made more. I have bought her for a client who breeds and sells.” He continued, “Jean-Pierre Dubois carved the path that we all follow today. I don't think there is another person in racing who could fill his shoes. Although, I don't know if he will completely stop his activity. He's a great man and I learned many, many things from him.” Nicolas de Watrigant's Mandore Agency went to €260,000 for Salerne (Charm Spirit), who is herself a half-sister to the G1 Prix du Moulin winner Sauterne (Kingman) and out of a half-sister to top racemare and producer Stacelita (Monsun). The eight-year-old mare (lot 39) is carrying a foal from what will be the first crop of Auguste Rodin. The penultimate horse through the ring, the two-year-old Siciliano (Time Test), brought a bid of €250,000 from Jeremy Para of Le Marais. The colt has won two of four starts in the Dubois colours for trainer Patrice Cottier. The post ‘She Made a Lot of Sense’: Quirke Signs Up Well-Related Helenium at Auctav’s Dubois Dispersal appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Some of the most highly anticipated races during the summer season are the 'baby' races during the boutique meetings at Saratoga and Del Mar and at Ellis Park, which attract its fair share of high-priced juveniles from a variety of top national outfits. Summer Breezes, sponsored by OBS Sales, highlights debuting and stakes-entered 2-year-olds at those meetings that have been sourced at the breeze-up sales earlier in the year, including links to their under-tack previews. Here are the horses entered for Thursday at Saratoga. Thursday, August 14, 2025 Saratoga 6, $100k, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 4:02 p.m. ET Horse (Sire), Sale, Price ($), Breeze Belgian (Beau Liam), OBSMAR, 185,000, :10 C-SGV Thoroughbreds (S Venosa), agent; B-Hanzly Albina, agent Gypsy Art (Munnings), FTMMAY, 200,000, G C-Scanlon Training & Sales, agent; B-D Farrington Peace Negotiator (War of Will)-MTO, OBSAPR, 80,000, :10 3/5 C-Wavertree Stables Inc (Ciaran Dunne), agent; B-Mossarosa The post Summer Breezes Sponsored By OBS: Thursday, August 14, 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

6th-SAR, 100K, Msw, 2yo, 5 1/2fT, 4:02 p.m. Bloodstock agent Kerri Radcliffe signed the ticket on SCHWARZENEGGER (Not This Time), a $950,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale grad one year ago who now races for a partnershpi which includes David Fennelly, Brook Smith, Mrs. John Magnier and Resolution Road Stables. It was the colt's second time at auction having first sold for $410,000 as a weanling at KEENOV in 2023 to Violet Stables. His winning Lemon Drop Kid first dam just passed through the ring herself, realizing $350,000 from Gainesway at KEENOV in 2024. She's already produced one winner from her first foal to race with Schwarzenegger being her second to the track. Trainer Wesley Ward showed confidence in cross-entering Schwarzenegger in the Skidmore Stakes Saturday but opted for this spot as long as the race stays on the grass and has tabbed Hall of Famer John Velazquez to ride. TJCIS PPS The post Thursday Insights: $950,000 Not This Time Colt Debuts At The Spa For Ward appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features a pricy breeze-up purchase. 4.38 Deauville, Debutantes, €160,000, 2yo, c/g, 7fT NORTHERN CHAMPION (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is the stand-out among the baker's dozen assembled for this valuable Arqana Series Des Poulains, being TBT Racing's €820,000 purchase from the Arqana May Breeze Up. Ed Walker has charge of the son of the G3 Bow Mistress winner Zargos (Shamardal), who is joined by compatriot Eagles Attire (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}), Valmont's son of the G2 Oaks d'Italia winner Fashion Statement (Rainbow Quest) from the Oliver Cole stable. 6.45 Chelmsford, Novice, 2yo, 6f (AWT) DARTREY (IRE) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) is Juddmonte's €750,000 Goffs Orby Book 1 purchase who is a half-brother to New Bay's Rothschild and Sun Chariot heroine Saffron Beach. Ralph Backett has charge of the newcomer, who meets seven rivals over a trip possibly on the sharp side. The post Arqana Breeze-Up Sensation Northern Champion The Focus In Arqana Series Des Poulains appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Tyler Gaffalione won four of the six stakes races on the card at Ellis Park Aug. 10 to cap a week of 10 wins and leading rider status. The panel of racing experts voted Gaffalione Jockey of the Week for Aug. 4-10.View the full article

Trainer Aidan O'Brien has described Camille Pissarro as an "extremely classy colt" following the shock retirement of the French Derby (G1) winner due to a hairline fracture in his fetlock. View the full article

Thursday, Cork, Ireland, post time: 19:22, IRISH STALLION FARMS EBF GIVE THANKS STAKES-G3, €39,000, 3yo/up, f/m, 12f 0y Field: Ameerat Jumaira (GB) (Australia {GB}), Chorus (GB) (Kingman {GB}), Elana Osario (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Elizabeth Jane (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Royal Entry (Ire) (Fracas {Ire}), Uluru (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), Calrissiana (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), Island Hopping (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}), Medici Venus (Tiz The Law). TDN Verdict: The Dermot Weld stable has dominated this contest, with a record eight renewals since its 2003 inception, and is represented by last term's G1 Irish Oaks fourth and TDN Rising Star Elizabeth Jane. She gets another chance at opening her pattern-race account stepping back up to 12 furlongs for the first time since that Classic outing. Aidan O'Brien seeks a sixth edition and sends forth Medici Venus and last month's G1 Irish Oaks third Island Hopping, the latter being Ballydoyle's first string here. Fittocks Stud's consistent William Haggas nominee Chorus is the lone overseas challenger, while the Paddy Twomey-trained duo Royal Entry and Elana Osario should not be discounted. [Sean Cronin] Friday, Clairefontaine, France, post time: 14:33, PRIX GENYBET SPORT – GRAND PRIX DE CLAIREFONTAINE-Listed, €50,300, 3yo, 12fT Field: Jenilat Bright (Fr) (Birchwood {Ire}), Parachutiste (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Think Giant (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), Waldnebel (Ger) (Reliable Man {GB}), Square D'Alboni (Fr) (Zarak {Fr}), Spanish Breeze Cen (Ire) (Too Darn Hot {GB}). TDN Verdict: Francis Graffard trainee and G1 Prix du Jockey Club close-up 10th Parachutiste finished under three lengths adrift of Daryz when sixth in June's G3 Prix Eugene Adam and is presented with the opportunity of making a black-type breakthrough here. Waldnebel is another with unplaced Classic form and returns to action coming back off a 4 1/2-length eighth in last month's G1 Deutsches Derby. Eckhard Sauren's G3 Preis des Winterfavoriten second Think Giant was last seen running third in Compiegne's Listed Prix Pelleas and, like Parachutiste, steps up to 12 furlongs for the first time. British raider Square D'Alboni is the only contender with a black-type victory in the books and represents the storied G3 Chester Vase form, but it must be noted he ran last of eight in that Roodeye contest. [Sean Cronin]. Friday, Newbury, post time: 16:45, THE SEQUOIA HAIR & SPIRIT ST HUGH'S STAKES-Listed, £45,000, 2yo, f, 5f 34yT Field: Daneh Of Dandy (Ire) (Dandy Man {Ire}), Duskaura (Ire) (Twilight Son {GB}), Entailed (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}), Flowerhead (Ire) (Starman {GB}), Hollywood Treasure (Ire) (Gregorian {Ire}), Killavia (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Little Jaybee (GB) (Due Diligence), Lope El Fuego (Ire) (Lope Y Fernandez {Ire}), Novelette (Ire) (Sioux Nation), Our Cody (Ire) (Kodi Bear {Ire}), Palmeira (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}), Sapphire Steps (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}), Solana Rose (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}), Wateen (Ire) (Profitable {Ire}). TDN Verdict: Starman has been the story of the season as far as the two-year-olds are concerned and the Queen Mary runner-up Flowerhead is just one of his several smart representatives. Fifth in the six-furlong Princess Margaret, she will be more at home back over the minimum. Entailed looked useful at Sandown and the fact Andrew Balding has her back out again eight days later is significant, with her owner-breeders Cheveley Park looking to break their duck in this race. [Tom Frary]. Click here for the complete fields. The post Black-Type Analysis: Weld’s Elizabeth Jane Clashes With O’Brien Pair In Give Thanks Stakes appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

With the two only realistic contenders of the three runners contesting Wednesday's Listed British Stallion Studs EBF Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury, Darley's first-season sire Palace Pier was almost guaranteed to make his breakthrough in black-type company and so it proved as Morris Dancer led home A Bit Of Spirit for a neat one-two. Runner-up in the Vintage at Goodwood last month, Godolphin's homebred surprisingly drifted to 11-10 second favouritism to see off the Clive Cox-trained 5-6 market-leader and after taking over from that peer approaching the furlong pole drew away to do so by four lengths. “He ran a huge race at Goodwood and he's learning on the job, is very genuine and straightforward,” jockey William Buick said. “It was a far-run race and you can take a bit out of it–there was no bias and so you can take that form seriously. He won't mind a bit of juice in the ground and he can go back to seven furlongs or stay at a mile.” Morris Dancer (Palace Pier) dominates in the Listed @BritishEBF Stonehenge Stakes for John & Thady Gosden, @WilliamBuickX and @godolphin @salisburyraces pic.twitter.com/LBUCaJRPrj — Racing TV (@RacingTV) August 13, 2025 The post First Stakes Winner For Palace Pier As Morris Dancer Leads Stonehenge One-Two For Freshman appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Three new auction items, with all proceeds benefitting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund, and Belmont Child Care Association, will become available for bidding beginning Aug. 14-20. Items include: a complete set of artist Greg Montgomery's signed Travers Stakes poster series from 1986 through 2025 in one-of-a-kind presentation packaging; the Museum's box seats at Saratoga Race Course for this year's Travers Stakes day; and Twice the Heart, a limited-edition casting designed by artist Jocelyn Russell based on the monument completed in 2023 depicting Secretariat in retirement at Claiborne Farm in Paris, KY. To view and bid on these items, please click here. The post Auction Set To Benefit National Museum Of Racing, Belmont Child Care Association And PDJF appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Leanna Packard has been appointed Head of Marketing and Partnerships at TBA and Aushorse to take effect Sept. 1, the company announced Wednesday. Originally from the United States, Leanna is a graduate of The Ohio State University and began her career in marketing at WinStar Farm in Kentucky before relocating to Australia. For the past eleven years, she has served as Marketing Manager and Racing Coordinator at Newgate. In her new role, Leanna will lead marketing across both TBA and Aushorse, manage sponsorships and partnerships, and drive stakeholder engagement initiatives to further elevate the visibility and influence of Australia's thoroughbred breeding and racing industry. Also joining the TBA/Aushorse team: Meagan McGrath as Head of Advocacy & Communications, Gemma Cameron as Head of Finance & Administration and Madison Tims as Head of Education & Projects. “These appointments mark an exciting new chapter for TBA and Aushorse,” said TBA and Aushorse CEO Andrew Hore-Lacy. “With the guidance of our Boards and the support of our members, we are well positioned to strengthen our industry and advance the interests of Australian breeders both nationally and internationally.” The post Leanna Packard Named New Head Of Marketing And Partnerships For Thoroughbred Breeders Australia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Fergus Galvin, their consignor, called it “one of the greatest pinhooks of all time.” To Blaise Benjamin and Charles Hynes, it was just another example of the way every new day at Ashford Stud brings a fresh lesson, a fresh opportunity. That might just involve quietly clocking the way one of the old hands reassures a nervous horse, or it might mean catching the $1,000 Tiz the Law weanling who fell through the cracks at the New York Mixed Sale at Saratoga last fall. Back in the same ring last Sunday, she brought $170,000. Benjamin and Hynes, along with their contemporary Michael Norris, happened to sit down with TDN ahead of the auction to share their privileged sense of how their work, by daily increments, nourishes their evolution as horsemen. But all three also stressed how they are encouraged to convert observation to opportunity. The whole Coolmore saga having begun with its founders' flair for stockmanship and trade, staff are always encouraged to participate in the market themselves. Because there is no better way to understand clients' needs than to share their ups and downs—the painful challenge to your tenacity, when things don't work out, as well as the euphoria or simple relief when they do. “A lot of us have got involved in the game ourselves: pinhooking, breeding, racing,” Norris confirmed. “That way, you're immersed in the industry on a day-to-day basis. Even though I'm now based more in the office, come sales season we're all out there every day: we see every colt, every filly, by any of our stallions. We rate the progeny, make notes on them all, compare what a mare produces from different matings.” There is a natural confluence, after all, between that exhaustive appraisal and the quest by any regular pinhooker for outlying value. And, working where they do, they will never lack for paragons. “Because you're lucky enough to see what the good ones look like, you can then go out and try to apply that,” Hynes said. “Going to the sales is the greatest perk of the job. Touch wood, I'm still getting educated, but the grounding you get here is a huge part of any touches we have managed to have at the sales.” In this particular case, the daughter of an unraced sister to Grade I winner Unbridled Mo (Uncle Mo) was the first weanling Benjamin and Hynes wrote up as they set to work last fall: she had some growing to do, but she was a fluid mover with great genes and so they lined up a couple of partners to follow her through. They barely had time to ask each other what they might have missed about her when the hammer fell. They sent her to Hannah and Aidan Jennings at Killora Stud, Tiz the Law gained momentum, and the rest is history. But such are the potential destinations, once the individual roads taken by this generation converged at Ashford. Their inception tended to be very different. Norris, for instance, was raised at storied Jockey Hall Stud in Ireland, and his great-grandfather owned Cottage Rake. Benjamin, in contrast, spent his boyhood in Jamaica and, when first urged that he might work with horses, replied: “With what!? Absolutely not.” Michael Norris | Coolmore Yet now they find themselves sharing a renewal, at Coolmore, parallel to the way Justify is reopening the kind of transatlantic transfusions that once nourished its rise, through sons of Northern Dancer. For a new cycle is also underway in the responsibilities nowadays entrusted, most obviously to M.V. Magnier, but also to numerous of his contemporaries. All, naturally, have been well schooled in a familiar corporate ethic of self-effacement. As such, the three 30-somethings giving us their time represent but a snapshot of peers making an increasing impact across the organization. Each happens to be earning his stripes at Ashford. But many of their colleagues in Ireland and Australia would recognize the pattern: coalface experience, around the farm, before embracing fresh opportunities with the sales team. Norris, as already noted, was bred for the game. Besides Cottage Rake, his “page” includes grandfather Paddy, who trained winners of the Coventry and Irish Grand National–and whose mother-in-law owned Vincent O'Brien's first Classic winner, Chamier (1953 Irish Derby). Norris's father is an equine vet; his mother operated the highly-regarded Jockey Hall consignment; and aunt Ines Malone works for BBA(Ireland). “Open the gate and you'd be looking straight onto the Curragh plain,” he recalls of home. “My mother consigned all over Europe, yearlings and especially mares. So, yes, I was kind of born into it. And when I said I might want to get into the industry, and where should I go, Mum's only suggestion was Coolmore. 'They're the best,' she said. 'And that's not going to change.'” But coming here was a chance he had to earn. His prior resume duly included junior experience at Gilltown, a stint in Australia and, in 2015, the Irish National Stud course. When finally arriving in Kentucky, he pictured staying a year. That was over a decade ago. Having started with barren and maiden mares, Norris moved onto stallions for several years, including shuttles to South America. He has also loved following the Ballydoyle careers of yearlings he helped to break, like Tenebrism (Caravaggio), evidently as tough then as she proved in her races. The adolescent Benjamin, for his part, had never shown the slightest interest in Jamaica's single racetrack when his parents moved to Florida, fortuitously settling at Ocala. “Originally they were thinking Tallahassee,” Benjamin recalls. “But when he was driving north, my dad started seeing all these big oak trees. And I remember him calling my mom and saying, 'Found a spot.'” And, actually, there was a family connection to the Turf: trainer Jose Pinchin is married to Benjamin's aunt. It was Pinchin who suggested that he might find work, pending a crack at college, in one of the many Thoroughbred programs around his new home. We already know what Benjamin thought of that notion. But his dad urged him to give it a try. “You never know,” he said. “What do you have to lose?” Benjamin Blaise and Golden Pal | courtesy Benjamin Blaise So he did six months with Bo Hunt. “And I will tell you, the first month I absolutely hated,” Benjamin recalls. “But then one day I caught a loose colt. That was my first proper interaction. Before that, they'd just had me wrapping bandages. But that day the manager said, 'Right, we're putting you in a stall tomorrow.' So I started mucking out, and gradually got to be more hands-on. And I just fell in love with the whole thing.” Then followed three years with Eddie Woods. “That was an eye-opener,” Benjamin acknowledges. “It was tough work, and Eddie was tough too–but fair. And, again, I loved it. I got to go to all the sales with him, just watching quietly all the way. The way he ran that operation, it's second-to-none.” In 2009, with the Woods juveniles processed, Benjamin landed a summer posting with Todd Pletcher. Grooming a horse owned by Coolmore partner Michael Tabor secured an introduction to Ashford manager Dermot Ryan, and an invitation to the farm on his way back from Saratoga. “I'll never forget pulling up to those big gates and thinking, 'What in the world is this place?'” Benjamin recalls. “I drove down the main avenue, called my mom and said, 'Yeah, I don't think I'm coming home.'” The HR manager thought they could find him something from January. In the event they called a week before Christmas and asked whether he might conceivably come early? “I was 19, didn't have any real ties to Ocala other than my parents,” Benjamin recalls. “So I said, 'Absolutely.' My mom was like, 'You're going right before Christmas?' I told her, 'Don't worry, I'll be back.' That was 15 years ago.” They put him straight in with the stallions. Strong as he was, that would knock the edges off anyone. “But no, it was great,” Benjamin replies. “After working with 2-year-olds, I wasn't sure what to expect. The first horses I groomed were Fusaichi Pegasus and Tale of the Cat. He had a mean streak. You just had to do things his way. Try and fight him, he's going to win every time. FuPeg? He was temperamental. I wouldn't say he was a bad horse, but he could be a bit silly. But I learned so much under Richard Barry. Hard as he had to be, what a man of knowledge. It was like he was put on this earth to take care of stallions.” As for Hynes, he followed a middle path: though raised in a tradition of stockmanship, in Co. Roscommon, he had no exposure to Thoroughbreds. “I did have an interest in horses, and studied equine science at university,” Hynes explains. “My father would go to every horse fair in Ireland. He was a carpenter, but we had cattle at home, and gradually he got into dealing in ponies, just as a hobby. I think it's a great grounding, if you're able to look after animals from a young age.” In 2010, at the University of Limerick, he was lucky to land an internship in Kentucky; luckier yet, to be allocated Ashford. “I was put under Bob Davis: in my opinion, the best in the business,” Hynes recalls. “From foals and yearlings, to pasture management it: all levels of farm management. I came here green as grass. But if you were at all willing, he'd encourage you. And I picked up early that if you walk into a barn where everything's neat and tidy, and you and the horses are well presented, straightaway that creates a positive impression.” Hynes was welcomed back straight after completing his degree. Here was a second education: foaling barn, yearling prep, breaking. The first horse he ever lunged was Take Charge Indy. After a spell back in Ireland–another to take the National Stud diploma–in 2012, Hynes returned to Ashford and within a few weeks found himself escorting 11 stallions to Australasia. Nowadays, besides his work in the sales team, Hynes assists Davis at Brookside with the cream of the broodmare band. And that's what can happen here. No need to formalize modules: if the management like how you take one chance, you'll be offered another. That aggregates to its own kind of flying start. “That's the great thing about Coolmore, you've so many options,” Hynes says. “Everything's here in one spot. If your attitude is right, you can get to see every part of it. And our core group of grooms is so strong, mostly you're picking up from the people you're working with.” Charles Hynes | Coolmore “The Coolmore 'school of education' can rival any program in the world,” agrees Norris. “The one thing I was always told, coming here, was: there are no stupid questions. Ask, and you'll get the answers. You'll be shown the right way to do things. Because the way they do it here is the best way. There are other programs that might have a more formal, more academic emphasis. But here we've all come up through the ranks. Everyone in the office has put in the practical work on the farm.” Benjamin puts it well: “I never went to college, per se–but I ended up at the Yale of horses.” But the privileges of that education are all earned. “Everybody's given the same opportunities,” Benjamin says. “It's about who goes and grabs the bull by the horns. Dermot has been a phenomenal mentor. If he sees you want to learn, he'll give you the chance.” In fact, Benjamin was just 23 when placed in charge of the breeding shed: an extraordinary responsibility at that age. Pretty much all Ryan said to him was: “Don't let me down.” Even then, Benjamin too could diversify. In June, he typically moved onto yearlings. (He remembers taking care of a lazy, big-walking colt from American Pharoah's first crop: Four Wheel Drive.) Then, a couple of years ago, he joined the sales team. “And again, in this organization, that's a broader job,” Norris suggests. “You're helping with ads, and obviously the clientele is so large. It's a great team: Aisling [Duignan], Charlie [O'Connor], Adrian [Wallace], Robyn [Murray], they're the best of mentors, in my opinion the best around at what they do.” (Not least because this team, despite the gender bias in this sample, also benefits from feminine intuitions! As Ryan acknowledges, “Aisling and Robyn have been absolute standouts when any of these lads has looked for advice in how to handle a difficult situation.”) While some stalwarts stay half a century, the industry is full of horsemen who learned their trade here before going solo. That, too, forms part of the wider Coolmore legacy. But precisely that willingness to let people take responsibility also means that the whole empire, through an ongoing transition between generations, has achieved sustainability. “The environment is very calm, and at the same time very professional,” Hynes says. “That comes from the top, and it's encouraged all the way down. Then it's up to all of us to maintain that same standard and atmosphere. If people are good enough to start their own thing, best of luck to them. But they will have that steady grounding behind them. If you're able for it, and have the appetite, you'll get opportunity. And that gives you a responsibility, in turn, to encourage the next people coming in.” “It's always about what happens next,” Norris adds. “When Galileo was producing the best horses in Europe, they needed outcross options. And look at what Wootton Bassett did then, from standing in France for €4,000. That's the kind of thing that happens with an organization that's at the forefront, but always striving for better.” “Just look around you,” says Benjamin, shaking his head. “What a testament to everything Mr. Magnier has built up. It's crazy to think about. When they do something, they do it right. And, knock on wood, they've created something that should be around a very long time. Being here, I just count my lucky stars every day.” The post Next Generation Keeps Coolmore Evolving appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Frankel's Helenium (lot 50) was knocked down for €600,000 to Quirke Bloodstock on behalf of Coolmara Stables halfway through Autav's Jean-Pierre Dubois Sale on Wednesday. Already the dam of a pair of fillies by Kingman, the 6-year-old half-sister to the late Calyx (Invincible Spirit) is carrying once again to that Juddmonte stallion. Helenium was bred by Dream With Me Stable, Inc. Out of the G3 Prix d'Aumale heroine Helleborine (Observatory), Helenium is also a half-sister to the listed winner and GII Distaff Turf Mile second Coppice (Kingman). Under the second dam is G1 Sprint Cup heroine African Rose (Observatory), the ancestress of multiple group winner Fair Eva (Frankel) and Classic winner and sire Native Trail (Oasis Dream). The post Calyx’s Half-Sister Helenium Brings €600k From Quirke Bloodstock On Behalf Of Coolmara Stables At Auctav appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dual Group 1 winner Camille Pissarro has been retired after he suffered an injury at Sandown last month when finishing fourth in the G1 Coral-Eclipse. “Camille Pissarro pulled a shoe at Sandown and was quite sore afterwards,” said trainer Aidan O'Brien in a press release issued by Coolmore. “We had him X-rayed and a fissure fracture was found in his fetlock. The decision was then made to retire him. “Camille Pissarro was an extremely classy colt; he had speed and class. He won the Lagardere on Arc weekend last year at two and then he showed everyone how good he was in the French Derby. He was very classy.” Bred by James Cloney, Camille Pissarro was bought by MV Magnier and White Birch Farm for 1,250,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. A son of Wootton Bassett and the Pivotal mare Entreat, he emulated his half-brother, G1 Commonweatlh Cup hero Golden Horde (Lethal Force), when becoming a Group 1 winner with his victory in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere as a two-year-old. Prior to winning this year's Prix du Jockey Club, Camille Pissarro also finished a close-up third in the G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains won by stablemate Henri Matisse. He retires as the winner of three of his 11 career starts and over £1.1 million in prize-money. Future plans for Camille Pissarro will be announced in due course. The post Classic Winner Camille Pissarro Retired Due to Injury, Future Plans to be Announced appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

DEAUVILLE, FRANCE– When U.S. President Donald Trump made good on his threat to impose tariffs on countries around the world on August 1-including a 15% tax on goods coming into America from the European Union-markets across the world shuddered. In the bloodstock world, the first to be affected will be the Arqana August Sale, which starts this Saturday, August 16. An Arqana-sponsored plane full of Americans arrived Wednesday morning from Saratoga, and the TDN spoke with some of those who came over, and others who stayed home, and international buyers who buy for Americans to see how it would affect not only their spending, but what they do with the horses after they buy them. One thing was clear: the tariffs were on everyone's mind. Deuce Greathouse is at Arqana buying for American interests, and said that the constantly changing nature of the tariffs, first threatened earlier in the year and then postponed only to come back at a different amount, didn't make it easy to make concrete decisions. “They keep changing,” said Greathouse, “so we have kind of just been playing it by ear. But, I guess obviously it could make you a little more conservative in your purchase price. I guess all you can do right now is just kind of assume you're adding 15%, right? You try to factor it into the total price.” “It's definitely a tricky situation,” said Ramiro Restrepo, one of the Americans on the Arqana plane. “We're all kind of lighting a candle that maybe Trump pushes it back somehow, but you still have to come out here and look at nice horses. You know that all these European sales companies are going to be delivering the goods as they do every year. So you have to do your job as a bloodstock agent and visit them and review the offerings. You have to come see, whether it's looking at the new freshman sires and how their yearlings look like, through what these amazing consignors are bringing to the table, because the results on the racetrack are still going to be there. You see constant success in America from European imports, and you do have to be here, but I think once everybody gets through their short lists and vet lists and speaks to their clients, then you have to sit down at the round table and make that decision.” Ramiro Restrepo | Coady photo Restrepo also said that the strength of the recent Saratoga sales could have a positive effect on the European sales by forcing buyers who were shut out in America to come over to Europe. He said he saw new faces on the plane this year. “Eyes were bulging from the way that the market was booming in America. Is that going to continue into the European sales? Is that going to continue into the deeper books when you get back to America at Keeneland and Fasig October? It's going to be a very interesting year to see how it continues.” Kenny McPeek has been a steady purchaser at Arqana for several years now, and like many Americans, isn't quite sure how it's going to shake out. “Honestly, there's going to be a big learning curve on all of it,” he said. “It's going to depend on the market and what I see. I do think that it's going to lower my opportunities to purchase. I've bought eight horses out of this auction and had three stakes winners, so it's been good to me already. But yeah, this is definitely going to be a little bit of a struggle trying to figure it out.” Ben Gowans is here with trainer Arnaud Delacour looking at horses for an American client, Mark Grier. “We have come to the sale with him for the past two years,” said Gowans, who watched a filly they bought here for €340,000 in 2023, Evershed (Churchill) run second in the GI Saratoga Oaks this past weekend. “Arqana does such a great job with the sale that it's a hard opportunity to pass up even with the tariffs,” said Gowans, adding that the intangibles played a part in their presence as well. “Mark loves the experience of coming here and he loves the atmosphere and all that Deauville has to offer. Of course, there was more consideration as to whether or not to come here this year with the tariffs being in place.” But he agreed with Restrepo that the strength of the Saratoga market was a kind of tariff in its own right. “I guess I'll say that after seeing Saratoga last week, I'm sure we're not exactly getting good value over here, but I'm not sure it's as dramatic a difference. I think you could say horses had a markup at Saratoga, too, just naturally. The sale is so strong, and one in every seven horses sold for a million dollars. So I don't know. We're coming here with an open mind and hopeful to find a nice horse or two to bring back to America. And Mark's a lovely man who wants to support Arqana and he wants the experience of Deauville. So here we are.” Ironically, as the tariffs are designed to be a protectionist measure for American companies, several American buyers said that they could cause them to redirect their purchases to be broken, trained, and raced in Europe instead of America, taking business away from service providers in the U.S. Restrepo said those decisions would definitely come into play for him. “We've left a couple of Irish purchases and French purchases here to train in the past, so maybe it'll affect just what we bring over and maybe not what we purchase overall. If they're going to stay here, they'll stay, and we're comfortable with that.” Greathouse agreed. “Every year when I have bought horses here, sometimes we leave them here and run them once or twice before we bring them back. Sometimes we bring them back. So we'll probably wait and just feel out what all the indicators are and what they're telling us it'll be, and then make that decision.” Justin Casse agreed, saying the destination of his purchases were “to be determined. It could be to stay in France, go to Ireland, even England. I'd say it's less likely that I'll send anything back to America, but there's always the possibility.” And would the tariffs be a factor in his buying? “I think it'll depend what the purpose is,” he said. “If it's to race, obviously, yes, it will be a conversation regardless. I think in any circumstance it's factored into what you're willing to pay. So for me, if we wanted to pay, for example, a hundred thousand for a horse, then maybe it becomes €85,000 or €90,000.” In general, said Mark McStay, who buys in America and internationally for a global clientele, including Taylor Made's Medallion Racing, the tariffs have already become a factor, even before this sale. “I've found the tariffs have most certainly been a factor in the private market in the States through the course of this year,” said McStay. “In many instances, both buyer and seller have needed to recalibrate their values in order to get business over the line.” Resolute Racing's John Stewart had a major impact on the Arqana sale last year, buying the top lot on day one in 2024, a Wootton Bassett colt from the Etreham consignment for €1.4 million, will not be at Arqana, but it has nothing to do with tariffs, he said. “I am too busy with my private equity firm this week to make it,” he said. “We will be active at the November and December sales over at Tattersalls and Arqana.” Like everyone, McStay said that he hoped that a resolution could be found to end the tariffs. Current litigation in the U.S. challenges Trump's right to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in order to pass the tariffs, a job which has always been up to Congress. The IEEPA gives the U.S. president the power to address “unusual and extraordinary” threats during national emergencies. The case claims that his use of the act was illegal, as no such emergency or threat exists, and it appears certain to be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. “Hopefully, this impediment can be overcome more readily in the future, as there's a definite and large appetite for the European turf horse in North America,” said McStay. The post How Will U.S. Tariffs Affect Americans Buying at Arqana? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After well-publicized track management issues last month that saw racing and training suspended for a short period, Thistledown has been back up and running since August 4 with a new track superintendent. But that doesn't mean the work is done. The task of keeping a racetrack in good shape is an ongoing daily headache–just ask Michael “Mick” Peterson, professor of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Kentucky and executive director of the Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory (RSTL). The RSTL is the centralized hub where track operators transmit back maintenance information required under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act's (HISA) racetrack safety program. In this edited Q&A, Peterson talks events at Thistledown, the overall state of compliance with HISA's racetracks safety rules, and the worsening impacts from climate change on the sport. TDN: Let's talk Thistledown, with all sorts of different factors that appear to have weighed into events there. MP: The former track superintendent Sean Wright blamed a long dry period, and an allegedly recalcitrant crew who ignored his demands over watering. There were pictures on social media showing rocks on the track. Track management were also for a period failing to submit a set of daily cushion and moisture measurements to the RSTL, as required by HISA. TDN: I also remember comments you made just over a year ago, however, about how former Thistledown track superintendent John Banno was doing an amazing job with subpar tools. MP: Thistledown is a great example of that. That is a fantastic surface. And Dan, I don't know how to say it, the equipment is inadequate,” you said. “But John Banno, he just works so hard to make it work. I'm not sure anybody else could take over there and make it work like he does. TDN: What can you tell us about the key track-management related events that led to what we saw at Thistledown? Does the maintenance crew have what they need to do a good job? MP: We've gone ahead and re-tested and they are now, once again, one of the most consistent tracks tested in North America, if not the most consistent. They've made some progress with the equipment. What's great from our perspective is they have moved forward with getting an Integrated Racetrack Surface Tester, which will give us better daily data to be able to track anything else that's happening. That daily data is so important. If you see an event, then that's additional information that the veterinarians can use when they're assessing the other veterinary related issues for the horses. TDN: In terms of just the track-related issues, what have been the important factors? MP: There are only a few things that change day-to-day. One of them is cushion depth. You have to grade the track properly. If you've had big rain events, you can have segregation of the material, when the fine material goes to the inside rail. You have to know how to water it and you have to make sure you get it sealed properly before a rainstorm or overnight. It's very region-specific, and what we've once again shown is how difficult the job of a racetrack superintendent is. But they [Thistledown] also had a reputation among horsemen going all the way back to [former California trainer] Howard Zucker 20 years ago that it was a fantastic surface. But we never properly tested [the track] until HISA came along. What we've shown is that with the proper expertise and the right team, they can overcome some deficiencies in equipment. TDN: Multifactorial is the much-used phrase around equine fatalities. What are the other factors weighing in on events at Thistledown? MP: I think it's a challenging horse population, and that's a better question for someone like Dr. [Susan] Stover [chair of the Racetrack Safety Standing Committee]. Dr. Stover has emphasized how, through the number of furlongs worked, basically it's like you wear out the horse. That would be one of the things you would immediately look at. Then there are 10 other factors that came out of equine injury database you've got to check off to understand what the risk factors are for these horses. TDN: Is the track now reporting daily what it needs to? MP: Yes. TDN: What should be the main lessons learned from this whole set of events? MP: Well, we've had recently a couple other tracks that have had increases in catastrophic injuries. From my perspective, what we've seen at the other tracks is when we have that complete daily data, we can look at it and say, 'oh, the track was too wet. Too dry. The cushion depth was inconsistent. Or, we're not seeing anything. Maybe we need to look at the other factors?' So, the real lesson is that having the daily data is hugely helpful for the team on the ground to understand what all the risks are to the horse and rider. TDN: Stepping back, how would you grade the compliance rate among all HISA-regulated tracks with the things they're supposed to do under the racetrack safety program? MP: We, HISA, has continued to put pressure on the tracks. What we're seeing is some tracks that are continuing to resist. But I mean, we are in solid B+, A- sort of territory. And that would've been a C last year. TDN: What are the key areas that are still needing work? MP: Some of the issues are difficult and are structural. Some of the old race-rail vendors are not around anymore. Some of the parts are hard to come by. Those are the things that you can't really fault the track on. They need help in order to solve some of those problems. What I'm most excited about is we're now beginning to have the quantity of data to focus efforts on the issues if we see something, like if they begin to see injuries in the gates. But what we're seeing is vastly improved compliance. And that makes it easier for HISA to push the ones who aren't complying because now they're standing out. If it was 40% of the tracks [not complying], it's one thing. But when it gets down to be 10% of the tracks, then it's much easier to push. TDN: Who are those 10% holdout tracks? MP: They're seasonal, and so, what I'm hoping is, as we go into winter this year, we've got another round of tracks opening up, and I think we'll probably see much, much better compliance. Fair Grounds has complete maintenance data and moisture data going back to 2008. I want to get to the point where everybody's a Fair Grounds or a NYRA or a Churchill. Sarah Andrew TDN: It's been a while now since HISA was implemented. I'm sure there'll be a few trainers out there wondering, 'why are the tracks allowed to get away with non-compliance with the rules and not me?' Do you think it's time to really crack down on racetrack safety rules breaches? MP: Oh, they are. That's really the point I was making there. We're down to the point where the tracks that are not complying are getting follow ups. And I think this next round of accreditation, [ongoing issues] are going to be front and center. There were such huge disparities in the expectations of the different racing commissions [prior to HISA] that it was really difficult to make this suddenly happen. Now, with these uniform expectations, people are coming along. I'm thoroughly impressed with what I see at some of the tracks, and it isn't necessarily the tier one tracks. There are the tracks where the money's tight and they have to deal sometimes with the gaming companies to get the [necessary] capital and budgets. TDN: For another piece I did last year we discussed how climate change was impacting the work of maintaining racetrack surfaces. It was good to see climate change brought up this year at the Jockey Club Round Table, as I don't think this sport broaches this topic nearly enough. How are we doing as an industry in grappling with the impacts from climate change? MP: When we talked about this before, the thing that I did not expect was the role of flooding on racetracks. This has been quite a year and a half or two years for racing as far as the risk of that. Belterra and Ellis Park both had turf tracks [flooded]. It's one thing to fix a dirt track. Fixing a turf track is a lot more challenging. TDN: Is there something we could and should be doing to better prepare ourselves in terms of risk mitigation? MP: I have, a number of times, referred racetracks to the engineering firm GRW Engineering, here in Lexington, [to help with their] drainage plans. This is not a cool thing to do with your capital. But drainage plans for facilities are absolutely critical at this point. The poster child for this is what NYRA has done at Belmont. The ability to store water and manage water on that site is going to be second to none. Obviously, most tracks do not have the resources to build out the way the new Belmont facility is being built out. But having an overall drainage plan in place, and every time you rebuild a barn, every time you regrade a horse path, if you've got a master plan to work from, you can help better manage the water on the facility. In other locations, we see these longer, deeper droughts. It's going to be more and more difficult to water the track. So, whatever can be done to manage the water, to retain it, reduce evaporation, is going to be critical as well. It's a long-term challenge that certainly applies to both turf and dirt, and to a lesser extent the synthetic surfaces. Most of the synthetic tracks have a drainage system that's sufficiently oversized that they should be able to handle what's coming. TDN: You mentioned earlier a couple other tracks with an uptick in fatal injuries. There have been five musculoskeletal training and racing related injuries at Saratoga during what has been a typically rainy summer. You've mentioned in the past how tough it is to maintain a track's consistency after opening it up after rain. Is that a factor this time? MP: Here's where having the daily data is fantastic. We have a weekly meeting and we look at it all with the daily data, meaning we're going to be able to look at the time stamps and understand what's happening, [including] when these events occur relative to the rain events. Given that [fatalities are often] multifactorial, as a part of the analysis of the risk to the horse, we're going to be looking at time off, work times, number of fast works, number of races, and how recently it rained. If human medicine had access to the data that's soon going to be available to HISA, it would be just an amazing thing for public health. We don't have this sort of data for the human population, and we probably never will because of privacy issues. It's going take a data scientist to get through these postmortem examinations, which is what HISA is doing at this point with some of their work with Palantir and some of their internal modeling, working with epidemiologists. It is very, very exciting both from a protecting the horse standpoint, but also from a basic public health data standpoint. The post Mick Peterson Q&A: Thistledown, HISA Compliance And Climate Change appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Haras de Beaufay manager Sebastien Bloyet is next in the hot seat. Bloyet joined the famous stud farm a little under a year ago and says he is looking forward to offering a St Mark's Basilica colt [lot 13] at the Arqana August Sale this week. He shares all in TDN Europe's latest consignor Q&A ahead of the three-day sale which begins on Saturday in Deauville. Can you tell us a little bit about the background of your consignment? I took over my role at the Haras de Beaufay in November, 2024, after spending two years in Ireland at Ballyphilip Stud. I have worked at Thoroughbred farms for over 16 years, including at the Haras de Grandcamp, the Haras de Montaigu, and at Bouquetot, where I was the yearling manager. Haras de Beaufay has already consigned horses at the August sale. Last year, they sold the half-sister to Rashabar by Acclamation for €600,000 to Carlos and Yann Lerner. The facilities are ideal for preparing horses. We are thrilled to participate in the August Sale. Our yearlings have the right criteria for this sale. What young sires are you most looking forward to seeing the progeny [yearlings or foals] of this season? My attention will be on the yearlings by Baaeed and Blackbeard, in particular, the latter, because we have a beautiful foal who is destined for the sales next year. Baaeed was an excellent racehorse. His wins were impressive, so I'm interested in him and hoping for the ability to have the chance to be able to use him for one of our mares. Blackbeard showed precocity and a speed on the track that was eye-catching. In your experience, what type of horse does particularly well at the August Sale? One thing that is certain is that they'll need a very good pedigree. A yearling with a certain physical maturity, since the sale is early, and in a perfect world, a very good walker. What are you expecting from the market this year? We are all hopeful, but the top always will sell well. Now, we have to wait to see if the American buyers will be put off because the tariffs have increased. What is your best memory on the sale ground at Arqana? The best moment for me was a pinhooking success with a group of friends who were new to the business and that created an unforgettable buzz. We had found a foal at the Arqana December sale and brought it to the October Arqana sale. Sharing moments between buying and reselling is exciting and they all appreciated it. And when you do get that all-important result in the sales ring, how do you like to celebrate? For me, personally, it's with the people who participated in the adventure. And, at Haras de Beaufay, it's with the team who does such important work at the heart of the farm. And who would be your guests? My friends and the TDN! If you weren't involved in bloodstock, what career path would you have taken? I love the land. It would have probably been in cattle breeding. Tell us something that people don't know about you? I sang in a choir when I was young and I still get royalties. Do you have any superstitions or good-luck charms? My good-luck charm was just born two weeks ago. It's a little female dog that I'm going to go pick up in Ireland. One thing you cannot live without during sale season? Sales catalogues. I spend my time reading them, doing research to learn as much as possible about maternal bloodlines and crosses. Best piece of advice you ever received? The first job of a breeder is observation. And that works for everyone. Your one wish for the upcoming yearling sales? I hope that all the yearlings that we will present end up in good homes. It's very important for their future, but also for ours. The post Arqana Vendors In The Spotlight: Q&A With Haras de Beaufay appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Former Kiwi galloper Saltcoats (NZ) (Ardrossan) was a runaway winner of the rescheduled Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) on the Kensington track in Sydney on Wednesday. The Chris Waller-trained son of Ardrossan had been second emergency for the event which was originally scheduled for the washed-out Randwick meeting last Saturday. Under a ground-saving Zac Lloyd ride, Saltcoats took full advantage of the rescheduled contest when primed third-up. “It was a very tidy win,” stable representative Darren Beadman said. “He has got a bit of class about him and drawn the soft gate (1), he was a little bit gassy early, but had an economical run and got all favours in the home straight. He got on the right part of the track and it was a good solid win. “His two runs this preparation conditioned him up nicely and with these wet tracks around it was nice to be able to get a run into the horse given he will be getting over a bit of ground.” Saltcoats began his career in the Cambridge stable of Samantha Logan, where his three New Zealand starts produced a win in the Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) and a placing in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1200m). He was subsequently sold to a syndicate headed by prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir, with breeder Lib Petagna retaining a share of the ownership and the consistent five-year-old has now notched four wins and a further eight placings as he advanced his career earnings to A$431,290. Winning rider Zac Lloyd was grateful to contest the A$160,000 contest on a Wednesday. “It was pretty easy. He put the writing on the wall last start where he ran really well,” Lloyd said. “Today was the perfect race. On Saturday morning I was filthy at home because I thought it was the perfect race for him and fortunately it got moved to today and he was able to show what he had.” Lloyd said that although Saltcoats has now won twice on wet tracks, it was a case of getting through it better than some rivals rather than being a mudlark. “He has got a lovely action, so you wouldn’t think he would appreciate a wet track, but he’s a Kiwi so he has that advantage on his side,” he said. “He is just a lovely horse and a pleasure to ride.” Saltcoats has now gained a berth in the Gr. 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m), which will be contested at Randwick on Saturday week. By Waikato Stud’s highly-promising young sire Ardrossan, Saltcoats is out of the lightly raced Savabeel mare Savanite, a half-sister to the Gr.2 Waikato Gold Cup (2400m) winner Singing Star, who in turn is the dam of Group Three winner Miss Selby. View the full article

Former Kiwi galloper Saltcoats (NZ) (Ardrossan) was a runaway winner of the rescheduled Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) on the Kensington track in Sydney on Wednesday. The Chris Waller-trained son of Ardrossan had been second emergency for the event which was originally scheduled for the washed-out Randwick meeting last Saturday. Under a ground-saving Zac Lloyd ride, Saltcoats took full advantage of the rescheduled contest when primed third-up. “It was a very tidy win,” stable representative Darren Beadman said. “He has got a bit of class about him and drawn the soft gate (1), he was a little bit gassy early, but had an economical run and got all favours in the home straight. He got on the right part of the track and it was a good solid win. “His two runs this preparation conditioned him up nicely and with these wet tracks around it was nice to be able to get a run into the horse given he will be getting over a bit of ground.” Saltcoats began his career in the Cambridge stable of Samantha Logan, where his three New Zealand starts produced a win in the Listed Auckland Futurity Stakes (1400m) and a placing in the Listed Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre 2YO Stakes (1200m). He was subsequently sold to a syndicate headed by prominent Australian owner Ozzie Kheir, with breeder Lib Petagna retaining a share of the ownership and the consistent five-year-old has now notched four wins and a further eight placings as he advanced his career earnings to A$431,290. Winning rider Zac Lloyd was grateful to contest the A$160,000 contest on a Wednesday. “It was pretty easy. He put the writing on the wall last start where he ran really well,” Lloyd said. “Today was the perfect race. On Saturday morning I was filthy at home because I thought it was the perfect race for him and fortunately it got moved to today and he was able to show what he had.” Lloyd said that although Saltcoats has now won twice on wet tracks, it was a case of getting through it better than some rivals rather than being a mudlark. “He has got a lovely action, so you wouldn’t think he would appreciate a wet track, but he’s a Kiwi so he has that advantage on his side,” he said. “He is just a lovely horse and a pleasure to ride.” Saltcoats has now gained a berth in the Gr. 3 Premier’s Cup (2000m), which will be contested at Randwick on Saturday week. By Waikato Stud’s highly-promising young sire Ardrossan, Saltcoats is out of the lightly raced Savabeel mare Savanite, a half-sister to the Gr.2 Waikato Gold Cup (2400m) winner Singing Star, who in turn is the dam of Group Three winner Miss Selby. View the full article

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