Wandering Eyes

I'm not going to apologise for saying it again: in the old days, before veterinary science released the shackles, quality was locked into stallion books. To reach a top sire, you had to earn the right. In 1962, Hirsch Jacobs requested access to Swaps for Searching, a granddaughter of La Troienne, winner of 25 races, meanwhile in the Hall of Fame. After all, she had got to Swaps for her first cover, two years previously, and there was a nice filly duly entering training named Affectionately. But John Galbreath told Jacobs that he was sorry, he just couldn't fit Searching in this time. Well, too bad. Jacobs didn't have to ask anyone's permission to send Searching back to his own young stallion, Hail to Reason. (She had just delivered their daughter, Admiring, later one of Paul Mellon's greatest matriarchs.) Jacobs named the resulting filly Priceless Gem. Swaps ended up siring 430 named foals across 16 seasons, an average of 29. Hail to Reason had 319 in 15, which works out at 21. Golden Pal covered 502 mares in his first two seasons. Maybe he's going to be a top stallion. He'd better be… In September 1965, the same week that Affectionately (“Queen of Queens”) was denied her 14th Aqueduct stakes by a nose, Jacobs saddled Priceless Gem for a showdown with Buckpasser in the Futurity Stakes. A couple of weeks previously she'd made an impressive return from a layoff with sore shins. On the same day, however, both the male and female crop leaders had all but sealed their titles: Buckpasser with his eighth consecutive success, in the Arlington-Washington Futurity; and Moccasin by winning the Matron Stakes. Ten days later, Priceless Gem won the fastest juvenile race of the year at Aqueduct (1:09 4/5). And now, just FOUR days on, she took on Buckpasser. “Sure I'll run her,” Jacobs had said. “I paid $250 to keep her in, so I might as well try to get it back.” The match-up would showcase the developing La Troienne dynasty. Buckpasser's dam Busanda was by War Admiral out of her daughter by Blue Larkspur, Businesslike. Priceless Gem's dam, Searching, also by War Admiral, was out of her daughter by Black Toney, Big Hurry. (Black Toney, moreover, was Blue Larkspur's grandsire: he had conceived Big Hurry at 25.) Jacobs had bought Searching in the paddock at Belmont. He was saddling a filly in the next stall and said to Ogden Phipps, “I see you have another daughter of Big Hurry in here.” “Yes,” Phipps replied. “And you can have her after the race for $15,000.” Jacobs was not put off by failing to get a win out of an earlier daughter of Big Hurry, No Fiddling, after claiming her for $7,500. (No Fiddling's daughter by Stymie, sent to Hail to Reason, would produce the champion juvenile filly of the following year, Regal Gleam, later granddam of Caerleon). Nor by the fact that Searching entered the Jacobs barn off a 20th consecutive defeat. Sure enough, after her new trainer diagnosed and treated tender feet, Searching won 25 of her remaining 69 starts. Now her daughter saw off Buckpasser in an epic, by half-a-length, the pair 10 clear. But though adding the Frizette, she couldn't keep an appointment with Moccasin at the end of the year and ceded all the laurels. (Ah, Moccasin, with her full siblings Ridan, Lt. Stevens and Thong! Four of just 186 named foals by Nantallah, across 14 seasons…) In 1970, Priceless Gem was sold for $395,000, a record for an in-foal mare. But she had already delivered her second foal, a filly by Sea-Bird (Fr), purchased as a yearling by Daniel Wildenstein. As Allez France, she won eight Group 1s, including the 1974 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Of five named foals out of Allez France, much the most accomplished was Action Francaise (Nureyev), a Group 3 winner in a light career and dam of four group performers or producers as well as listed scorer Astorg (Lear Fan). Astorg in turn produced Asti (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) to be beaten a neck in the G1 Priz Saint-Alary, albeit she proved only a bit player in graded stakes when tried in the U.S. Astorg also had a daughter by Peintre Celebre, Azalee (Ire), but that one never made the track and was culled at Tattersalls in 2008 for 22,000gns. She certainly offered an intriguing pedigree. Aside from her distinguished maternal line, she was inbred 2×3 to Nureyev (Peintre Celebre's sire/Astorg's damsire). And while a fairly modest producer overall, Azalee did come up with Azaelia (Fr) (Turtle Bowl {Ire})–whose fourth in the G1 Prix de Diane earned her a transfer over the water. While she did win an allowance for Joe Allen and Peter Brant, Azaelia couldn't eke any further black-type before going to the paddocks. She was sent for her first cover to Allen's cherished War Front and the resulting colt, having won a turf stakes as a sophomore in 2022, appeared to have reached a plateau when hammered for $260,000 at Fasig-Tipton's HRA Sale the following July. It is only this year, as a fully mature 6-year-old, that he has really started to thrive, winning three of his last four–including, last Saturday, the GI Arlington Million at Colonial Downs. The demise of the racetrack that gave us the Million remains a torment to many, but Fort Washington's maternal line reminds us that our world will always keep changing. Like it or not. Noble Lines Also Behind Del Mar Duo Besides emerging from the usual barn, the juveniles who last weekend laid down their respective markers among the West Coast's leading colts and fillies also shared a genetic imprint. The GIII Sorrento Stakes winner Himika is a daughter of Curlin, and so is the dam of GIII Best Pal winner Desert Gate (Omaha Beach). On the face of it, Himika brought a pretty bald page to the OBS catalogue in April, quickly reaching her fourth dam. Yet her $900,000 sale was underpinned by some distinction in each of the intervening trio. She's the first starter out of Motivated Seller (Into Mischief), who flashed plenty of talent across just six starts: won her first two, thwarted by just a neck on her stakes debut, signed off with a 5.5-furlong track record at Saratoga. Motivated Seller was out of a stakes winner by Empire Maker, while the next dam was runner-up in a Group 1 race in Australia. So albeit with little else in the vicinity, there's a thread of talent adequate to the fact that this line eventually tapers to none other than Cosmah. Desert Gate | Benoit Desert Gate also traces to aristocratic roots. His first two dams similarly showed plenty. He is out of dual stakes winner/Grade II runner-up Theogony (Curlin), whose own mother Upcoming Story (Tale of the Cat) was twice placed at graded level in a light career. But it's third dam Old Star (Arg) (Southern Halo) who takes us somewhere exotic. Group 1-placed in her native land, she begins a sequence of seven consecutive dams foaled in Argentina, extending all the way back to Parvula (Arg) in 1890. This was the most important daughter of Ante Diem (GB), one of the foundation mares of the South American Turf. For a time, none of this seemed to be helping Theogony replicate her ability. Given expensive covers, her only starter from her first three foals was an Into Mischief gelding who made $12,000 as a yearling and made that look expensive on the track. Theogony was sold carrying Desert Gate for $70,000 at the 2023 Keeneland January Sale and, while he cleared that investment as a $125,000 weanling in the same ring that November, that did not appear to earn her a reprieve when sold–with as purposeful a cover as Medaglia d'Oro–for $3,000 deep in the next edition of that sale, last November. Theogony's yearling colt by the same sire is offered as Hip 553 in the September Sale and, assuming all to be well in the meantime, someone out there will be very curious to see how the mare's upgrade plays out in the market. Laurelin A Golden Tree In their curation of a family tracing to 1980 Epsom Oaks winner Bireme (GB) (Grundy {Ire})–via a daughter herself since granddam to another Oaks scorer–how marvelous to see the kind of thought that Mark Dixon and Luke Lillingston put into the mating of her great-granddaughter Bari (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) with Zarak (Fr) in 2021. Zarak, of course, is a son of the great Zarkava (Ire), whose sire Zamindar was full-brother to Bari's damsire Zafonic. Both were by Gone West out of Zaizafon (The Minstrel), acquired in utero when Mofida (GB) (Right Tack {GB}) was recommended by the late James Delahooke as one of Juddmonte's foundation mares. Laurelin | Sarah Andrew The mating that replicates this combination also featured, in the same generation, some of the sturdiest staying brands in Europe: Deploy (GB), Kahyasi (Ire), Rainbow Quest. Few would expect to find those names behind an unbeaten stakes winner at two, but “stamina” very often just means “class,” the ability to carry speed. Regardless, Laurelin duly reached a new high when raised in distance last weekend, going five-for-five in the GII Saratoga Oaks. Congrats to Mount Coote and partners, and their customers who exported Laurelin. There can't be many broodmare prospects in North America with a better profile. The post Breeding Digest: A Long Road to Washington appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The leading 10 horses are unchanged in the latest National Thoroughbred Racing Association Top Thoroughbred Poll following a week of racing action in which none of the top-ranked horses were in competition. View the full article

Miguel Clement has many memories of the conversations he had with his father about Deterministic (Liam's Map). In Christophe's book, a good horse could perform well across different surfaces and distances, and he always believed Deterministic fit that description. Over the past two years, Deterministic has proven him right, checking both those boxes for the Clement racing stable and serving as a steady presence through a poignant period of change following Christophe's passing in May. “My dad and I both loved him from the get-go and he has been a joy to train,” said Miguel Clement. “This horse has been great to us because when we needed him most, he provided a well-needed distraction for both the stable and the family. I guess the one great constant thing I've got going on in my life, especially at this moment, is having a horse like Deterministic.” Liam's Map). In Christophe's book, a good horse could perform well across different surfaces and distances, and he always believed Deterministic fit that description. Over the past two years, Deterministic has proven him right, checking both those boxes for the Clement racing stable and serving as a steady presence through a poignant period of change following Christophe's passing in May.”> Campaigned by St. Elias Stable, Ken Langone, Steven Duncker and Vicarage Stable, Deterministic arrived in the Clement barn when Miguel was in his sixth year of working as an assistant for his father. The colt was a 'TDN Rising Star' on debut, breaking his maiden going seven furlongs on the main track at Saratoga. While a seven-month layoff forced the Clements to adjust their plans for the promising youngster, Deterministic returned in style in last year's GIII Gotham Stakes. Two unplaced efforts on dirt followed, prompting father and son to make a change they had been considering for the colt from the start. Christophe and Miguel Clement | Tod Marks A move to the turf proved to be a turning point. Deterministic hit the board in his next five starts at three, highlighted by wins in the GIII Virginia Derby and GIII Hill Prince Stakes. This spring, he added another graded score in the GII Fort Marcy Stakes, just three weeks before Christophe passed away at the age of 59. Less than two weeks after Miguel officially took up the reins of the stable, the young trainer earned his first Grade I when Deterministic put in a front-running effort in the Manhattan Stakes. “The ground was a bit soft, which may not have been ideal for him,” explained Clement. “Nevertheless his class prevailed. He showed tactile speed straight from the gate and he always looked like he was in control of the race.” Returning to Grade I company for the Fourstardave Stakes, Deterministic revealed a different dimension when he settled just off the pace and took command in the final furlong. “The fact that he's that versatile, where he can just wait for the rider's command, was quite impressive,” explained Clement. “He was able to sit second, just half a length off the leader, and wait for his cue. Per usual, he showed a great turn of foot and his athleticism carried us.” The Fourstardave win earned Deterministic an automatic entry into the GI FanDuel Mile at the Breeders' Cup—a stage that has been woven into Miguel's life for as long as he can remember. Miguel was always destined to follow in his father's footsteps. His mother Valerie said that early on, she and Christophe had hoped their son might pursue a different career, but the pull of racing proved too strong. “We pushed Miguel away from horse racing, to the point where if people were going to give Miguel a job over the summer, Christophe would call them and tell them not to,” Valerie admitted. “That's how he ended up in a bank in California for one summer, but he disliked it passionately.” Before joining the Clement stable as an assistant in 2017, Miguel graduated from the Godolphin Flying Start program, working for top trainers around the globe like Chris Waller in Australia and Mike de Kock in South Africa. He later spent two years in Newmarket as an assistant for Hugo Palmer. By the time he returned full-time to the family stable, the Breeders' Cup was already woven into his earliest memories. Some trips from his early childhood might be a bit hazy—like Flag Down's third in the 1997 Turf or Coretta's runner-up finish in the 1999 Filly and Mare Turf—but others are unforgettable. Christophe had seven runner-up finishes at the Breeders' Cup, a testament to how difficult it can be for even the sport's best to reach the winner's circle there. His lone victory came in 2021, when Pizza Bianca (Fastnet Rock {Aus}) claimed the Juvenile Fillies Turf. Deterministic scores in the 'Win And You're In' GI Fourstardave | Sarah Andrew “When Gio Ponti struck the front and got ran down by Zenyatta [in the 2009 Classic], I thought he was going to win that day,” Clement admitted. “Then the very next year he was second to Goldikova [in the Mile]. That was a painful memory too. But the stable highlight was Pizza Bianca for Bobby Flay and with Jose Ortiz. When she had that incredible turn of foot to weave through traffic and get up, that was impressive.” For everyone at the Clement barn, getting Deterministic to this year's Breeders' Cup will carry special significance. For Valerie, it will be one of the last opportunities for Christophe to have a presence on one of racing's biggest stages. “Every time I walk in the barn now, it's Christophe's story, but I know one day Miguel will train horses that Christophe has never seen,” she said. “So that will be different as things progress, but at the moment every horse has had a story from the beginning where I know what Christophe was hoping for each one.” For most of Deterministic's time in the stable, Miguel and Christophe shaped the colt's career together. Now, the talented runner is a living connection to the way they worked and dreamed as a team. “It would be very rewarding and very fulfilling for many reasons,” Clement said. “We're very lucky in the sense that [the Breeders' Cup] is something we've done many times, but I guess not with Dad by our side. So it will be a bit different, but we will have to make it work.” Different, yes, but in many ways, Deterministic's path to the Breeders' Cup mirrors Miguel's own—shaped by years of preparation, patient guidance, and Christophe Clement's unwavering belief in them both. The post Breeders’ Cup Connections: Deterministic Anchors Miguel Clement in New Chapter appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A 2016 referendum that would have allowed the Meadowlands to open a casino was a colossal failure. The ballot question lost by about 1.5 million votes. But nine years later, there is renewed hope that casino gaming could be on its way to two of the last tracks in the country that do not benefit from gaming revenue. Meadowlands owner Jeff Gural is confident that he will get a casino license sometime in 2026. Monmouth officials are also hopeful voters will approve a casino at the Jersey Shore track. If the Meadowlands gets a casino and Monmouth does not, Meadowlands would have to share the proceeds evenly, which would go towards purses at both tracks. The game changer is that New York is about to award three casino licenses to down state properties. They can be in the five boroughs or Yonkers. Currently, there is a racino at Aqueduct and Yonkers, but they are limited to slot machines and electronic table games. The favorites to get a downstate license are Aqueduct, Yonkers and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, who has proposed building a casino near Citi Field in Queens. If there is the status quo in New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area gets three new casinos, Gural predicts that residents of the Garden State will flock to the nearby New York casinos. Yonkers Raceway is 8.5 miles from the George Washington Bridge and the Jersey border. Will New Jersey politicians and voters allow for a scenario where millions of gambling dollars from New Jersey residents are spent in New York State? “I'm fairly confident, especially if they put a casino at Yonkers, which would be the closest to Northern New Jersey, that people will say to themselves, 'why would I drive over the bridge, sit in traffic and pay $18 if I could go to the Meadowlands to gamble?'” Gural said. “I'm a big believer in common sense. People have told me that a casino at the Meadowlands would be the most successful casino in the country, and I don't doubt that. We have a beautiful facility. We have sports betting. A full casino, I think would pack them in.” Legislative efforts are already underway to facilitate casino development at the two racetracks, including a proposed constitutional amendment (Bill SCR130) that would allow casino gaming at the Meadowlands Racetrack and Monmouth Park Racetrack. In a race between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli, there will be a new governor in New Jersey early next year. Neither has come out for or against New Jersey getting racetrack casinos. “Once we know where the downstate licenses are going to be and who the governor is going to be, then we've got to try to get a referendum that would allow a casino only at the Meadowlands and not any place else,” Gural said. Gural said with the way the 2106 referendum was written, it was never going to be approved by the voters. “I learned from that experience what not to do,” he said. Gural will campaign for a casino at the Meadowlands only. He doesn't fear the Atlantic City casino lobby, which has successfully kept casinos out of the New Jersey tracks for nearly 50 years. “I think the opposition is going to come from New York,” he said. “Once New York opens, then people from New York aren't going to go to Atlantic City anymore. So why wouldn't they want to see money stay in New Jersey? It can only help them eventually. The states are broke. So their biggest fear is that the state raises the tax rate on them. They just raised the tax rate on online gambling. If I were the Atlantic City casinos, my biggest worry would be the state needing money would simply raise the tax rate in Atlantic City. So this would help them because they could say, well, we sat on the sidelines and allowed a casino at the Meadowlands, which is generating hundreds of millions of dollars. You should leave us alone. And my guess is that that would be a persuasive argument, too.” Gural says that should he get a casino and Monmouth does not, the money from the casino earmarked for purses would be split evenly between the two tracks. “I think this would solidify us as the premier harness track in the country,” he said. “We are already the number one harness track in North America, but we really struggle because we're competing with Yonkers. They get $50 million a year in purse subsidies. And the two Pennsylvania tracks (Pocono Downs and Harrah's Philadelphia) get $30 million each. We've been getting a $6-million subsidy from the state. You can see why we're at a major disadvantage.” At Monmouth, Dennis Drazin, who heads the Darby Development team that manages Monmouth Park, isn't quite as optimistic as Gural. “This is a tough one,” he said. “I've been trying to get a casino for 20 to 30 years and frankly have not been successful. The last time we went around and had the ballot question, it was overwhelmingly defeated, but I think it was set up to be a failure because the legislation made it easy to challenge. There was no specificity of where they'd be located, tax rate, who would benefit from it. It just didn't have the accompanying enabling legislation for people to intellectually evaluate it, and it was easy for the opposition to spend 30 minutes to get it defeated. “Having said that, things have changed. Now they're going to award downstate casinos. It's going to be direct competition for New Jersey. I think the New Jersey legislators and Governor Murphy and whoever the next governor is, either Ciattarelli or Mikie Sherrill, understand that we need to protect the gaming dollars in New Jersey. So I share Jeff's hope this will get done, but I don't think it's any easy lift.” While any new source of revenue would help Monmouth, Drazin said he will fight to see to it that both tracks gets a casino. He said that the legislation calls for full casinos at both the Meadowlands and Monmouth. “[Casino owner] Morris Bailey is our gaming partner at Monmouth Park,” Drazin said. “If we were to get one, I think that there may be less of an impact on Atlantic City if we just get slots and not full table games. So that's one scenario that Monmouth Park would be willing to accept in order to get this done. We currently are not in favor of a casino at Meadowlands and not at Monmouth Park. We think the ballot question should be for both racetracks. Jeff is unlikely to get the support of Morris Bailey or Monmouth Park without our getting something out of this, and that won't help him.” Nothing is imminent but the sense of optimism is something new. Both New Jersey tracks struggle to fill cards and run limited schedules. The Meadowlands runs only twice a week and Monmouth is open three days a week and offers only 50 days of racing. With casinos, that will no doubt change and purses should rise dramatically. The first casino in New Jersey, Resorts International, now owned by Bailey, opened on May 26, 1978. It's been a tough grind for the Meadowlands and Monmouth ever since and Atlantic City and Garden State Park closed long ago. Could it be that the fight is about to end, with the racetracks being declared the winner? There is hope. The post At Last Optimism that Meadowlands and Monmouth May Get Casinos appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. 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The spotlight turns to Haras du Chevotel stud manager Hugo Namur, who is next up in TDN Europe's consignor Q&A, which provides an insight behind some of the vendors in the build-up to the August Yearling Sale in Deauville. Haras du Chevotel is based in the heart of Normandy and has been associated with quality breeding for many years. One of the younger guns on the sales circuit, Namur runs through the farm's consignment, offers what young stallions he is taking note of and much more. Tell us a bit about the background to your draft. You are one of the younger guns on the sales scene. We are a small farm which has been consigning horses for 11 years now. Each year, we sell one or two in August or in October. This year, we had two for August, but one of them got sick, and we will surely sell that one in October, but he will be unable to be sold at this sale. That is the colt by Space Blues out of Oriental Road (lot 179). So the one remaining is the Night of Thunder out of Tres Americanqueen (lot 290). Still, not bad. He's a very beautiful colt, with some size and is well-proportioned. He has a beautiful way of moving, and a beautiful pedigree. I think he'll do well. What young sires are you most looking forward to seeing the progeny [yearlings or foals] of this season? You know, we only have 10 or 12 mares, so we go to very few stallions. Personally, I really like Space Blues. He has his first two-year-olds this year, but I like him a lot, and Ghaiyyath (Ire), who has his first three-year-olds this year. But we're not really using very fast, commercial stallions. So I'm not that interested in them. In your experience, what type of horse does particularly well at the August Sale? You really need a horse who is well-made, with a beautiful way of going, a great pedigree and one who walks well, because today people are really looking at that a lot more than they used to. What is you best memory on the sale ground at Arqana? It was the first year that we sold horses in August. We sold a filly for 500,000 euros to Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum, bought by his bloodstock agent (Angus Gold). That was a great moment. That was a crazy memory for us, going with a filly like that who made 500,000 euros. It was really a big moment for us. Magnificent. And when you do get that all-important result in the sales ring, how do you like to celebrate? And with whom? Honestly, we celebrate the failures as well as the victories. It never stops and you know that if you have a setback, that can turn into a success, and when you have a success, you know that can turn as well. So the best thing to do is to always enjoy a good meal and try to have a good time. We work a lot with the same bloodstock agent, John Tyrrell from Ireland, who the bosses have worked with for 25 years. And you know, we are really a little guy in the midst of big guys. So, we try to create our own little mix of horses. We keep some of them to race. We sell some. And that's it. We try to do our best. Predictions for the yearling sale market? Every year, we say that it's going to stop, that the market will go down, and all of that. But I have the impression that there will always be people who have money and who are interested in investing. So, I think that the good market that has been ongoing for several years is going to continue. But I think stallions are becoming much too expensive, and at some point, that's going to have to stop. We have to pay attention to that. Too much is the enemy of good, and unfortunately, the economy encourages the desire to make money, and that's understandable. But I think we have to pay attention to that. If you weren't involved in bloodstock, what career path would you have taken? I think I would have worked in real estate. I really like everything that has to do with stone, wood and architecture. So yes, it's a little bit different, because there, you have to talk to people. Whereas here, I'm talking to horses and it's good because they don't respond. But yes, I think I would have done something like that. Tell us something that people don't know about you? That I exist. Do you have any superstitions or good luck charms? No. I try not to do that. Best piece of advice you ever received? To be someone who is honest and can be relied upon. The post Arqana Vendors In The Spotlight: Q&A With Haras du Chevotel appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

What Sandown Lakeside Races Where Sandown Racecourse – 591-659 Princes Hwy, Springvale VIC 3171 When Wednesday, August 13, 2025 First Race 1pm AEST Visit Dabble Wednesday’s Victorian metro card is set for the Sandown Lakeside circuit with the rail out 6m the entire circuit and the course posted as a Good 4. The opener jumps at 1pm AEST and the closer at 5:05pm. Lakeside often rewards on-pace runners early, but once the racing line shifts, the best ground comes three-to-four off the fence in the straight with the rail out so far. Best Bet at Sandown: Aqueduct Aqueduct has come back a sharper, more professional galloper, stringing together three wins on the synthetic before graduating to a city-grade assignment. He draws to land 2–3 pairs behind the speed from barrier four, and the 3kg claim for Luke Cartwright keeps him nicely in at 59.5kg. His recent wins featured genuine tempo and strong last 400m splits, exactly the profile that transfers to Lakeside’s 1200m. With race-fit rivals like Some People Callme and Flying Valley to measure up against, a clean jump and tractable run-in transit should see Aqueduct put them away late. Best Bet Race 3 – #1 Aqueduct (4) 4yo Gelding | T: Tony & Calvin McEvoy | J: Luke Cartwright (a3) (62.5kg) Next Best at Sandown: Du Clisson Du Clisson is a likeable mare who keeps turning up and running time, and she gets the right set-up second-up at 1200m. Barrier 13 isn’t ideal, but Jordan Childs can ride patient, blend into the three-wide lane from the 500m and launch late — a pattern that often plays at Lakeside. Her profile (5:1-3-0) says she gives you a run for your money, and her recent seconds at BM64 grade stack up nicely against this lot. With even luck in transit, Du Clisson will take some holding out Next Best Race 8 – #9 Du Clisson (13) 4yo Mare | T: Tom Dabernig | J: Jordan Childs (59kg) Best Value at Sandown: Super Trooper Super Trooper was dominant winning a BM70 at Pakenham last start, and finds another suitable 1400m with a soft map. From barrier three, Logan Bates can park the Freedman gelding just behind likely pace-setters King Tut and Emphasize, then angle off turning for home. He carries 59.5kg but again gets the 2kg pull from the apprentice, and his recent figures say he can sustain a strong 600m build at this trip. Super Trooper is holding together beautifully this prep and looks ready to go on with the job. Best Value Race 4 – #3 Super Trooper (3) 4yo Gelding | T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | J: Logan Bates (a2) (59.5kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Sandown Sandown quadrella selections Wednesday, August 13, 2025 1-7-8 3-6-8 2-3-5-7 4-9-11-14 Horse racing tips View the full article

The List, with guest writer Frank AngstView the full article

What Kensington Races Where Royal Randwick Racecourse – Alison Rd, Randwick NSW 2031 When Wednesday, August 13, 2025 First Race 12:50pm AEST Visit Dabble Randwick serves up a competitive eight-part program on the Kensington circuit this Wednesday afternoon, with the rail set true for the day. The surface was rated a Heavy 9 at the time of acceptances, and with more light rainfall forecast in the lead-up, participants can be assured yielding ground come race-day. The opening race for the Randwick-Kensington meeting is scheduled to get underway at 12:50pm local time. Best Bet at Kensington: Artistic Venture Artistic Venture returns after a 151-day spell and brings an element of class to this maiden contest. She went winless in her two-year-old campaign but caught the eye on multiple occasions, including her last-start effort when travelling wide without cover in the Group 3 Magic Night Stakes (1200m). Her two recent trials have been impressive, and with Zac Lloyd set to have the pair stalking from the one-one after drawing gate two, Artistic Venture gets the perfect setup to claim her first win at start five. Best Bet Race 1 – #1 Artistic Venture (2) 3yo Filly | T: John O’Shea & Tom Charlton | J: Zac Lloyd (61kg) Next Best at Kensington: Tazima Tazima looks to have settled nicely since arriving from the UK. The son of Awtaad relished the Heavy track in his latest effort at Warwick Farm on July 30, with the four-year-old narrowly headed by The Years as the pair produced a ding-dong battle in the concluding stages. Dropping back into this BM64 contest appears ideal third-up, and with the 3kg claim of apprentice hoop Siena Grima having Tazima well in at the weights, expect this guy to prove too classy for this lot. Next Best Race 3 – #1 Tazima (7) 4yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Siena Grima (a3kg) (62.5kg) Best Value at Kensington: More Felons Despite returning after a 501-day absence, the $15 about More Felons in the Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) seems too big to ignore. The son of Churchill was a long-standing favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the 2024 Sydney Cup (3200m) before suffering a setback after finishing runner-up in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m). His barrier trials suggest he’s returning in terrific order, and provided he can replicate his first-up win in the Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m) last preparation, More Felons must be considered a major player in this. Best Value Race 7 – #1 More Felons (5) 6yo Gelding | T: Chris Waller | J: Siena Grima (a3kg) (62.5kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Kensington Kensington quadrella selections Wednesday, August 13, 2025 1-4-5-6 8-9-10-11-12 1-9-10-12-16 1-3-12 Horse racing tips View the full article

While there was a lot number of disappointed people the Randwick meeting last Saturday was called off, there was possibly no more so than Victorian trainer Gavin Bedggood. The Bedggood-trained St Lawrence (NZ) (Redwood) was down to run in the Premier’s Cup Prelude (1800m) on Saturday but after a deluge of rain on Friday night, the majority of the meeting was abandoned. One race that was not was the Premier’s Cup Prelude which has been shifted to the Kensington track on Wednesday with all scratchings from Saturday reinstated and run over the same distance. Bedggood noted St Lawrence would have been one of seven runners had the race gone ahead on Saturday on the gelding’s preferred heavy ground. Already there are six scratchings for Wednesday’s race with the field still remaining two over the safety limit of 12. Bedggood said transferring the race to Wednesday was not ideal, but the gelding will run. “He had done all his work around running on Saturday, but it is what is and he’s already up there,” Bedggood said. “We’re not going to get wet ground down here, I don’t think. “So, we’ll take our chance and the move to the Kensington might discourage a few of those better horses from stepping out and they might look for another option. “After all the scratchings, the field fell away to a field of seven, and I thought he was a great chance, but it was a very hard race to read. “There was a lot of horses that are early in their campaigns, a lot of horses from the same stable, so it was a bit of a raffle. “I’m not all over the form up there, so, for me, it was a hard race to read.” Bedggood will break new ground on Wednesday when St Lawrence is the trainer’s first runner on the Kensington circuit. “I’ve never seen the Kensington track,” Bedggood said. “I know it’s an assistance to be up near the speed , so we’ll see what it (the race) looks like once the final scratchings come through and what sort of field we are left with.” View the full article

Champion trainer Ciaron Maher has been pleased with the progress of his Kiwi-bred Group One winner Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) ahead of what he hopes to be a lucrative spring campaign. Last month, a deal was brokered between managing owner Aziz “Ozzie” Kheir and the TAB to represent their slot in October’s A$20 million The Everest (1200m), and Maher couldn’t be any happier with the six-year-old gelding. The winner of last season’s Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate (1200m) and Gr.1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) made his first public appearance of the season when placing in his 800m trial at Gosford last week, and Maher was pleased with what he saw. “He is a little ripper,” Maher told SENTrack. “He is built between a cross of a polo pony and a quarter horse. “He had his first trial the other day and I am rapt with the way he has come back. He will have another one of those and he is going to have a run in The Shorts (Gr.2, 1100m) and then it will be a month, a trial in-between, into The Everest.” Maher is also pleased with the progression of his ownership-mate and fellow New Zealand-bred Gringotts (NZ) (Per Incanto). The winner of last season’s Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) also made an appearance at Gosford’s trials last week, winning his 1000m heat. An elite-level assignment is looming first-up for the son of Per Incanto, who may be seen interstate over spring. “He has certainly furnished a bit, he has got good weight on,” Maher said. “His two trials have been very solid and he will kick-off in the Winx (Gr.1, 1400m). The 7 Stakes (A$1 million, 1600m) and King Charles (Gr.1, 1600m) and he might end up in Melbourne for a Champions Mile (Gr.1, 1600m).” Elite-level mile targets could also be in the offing for fellow Kiwi-bred Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino), who has recently joined Maher’s barn following a pleasing three-year-old season in New Zealand for former trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, which netted four victories from six starts, including the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby (2400m). “He is an interesting horse,” Maher said. “He is a big, traditional looking stayer but he has got quite a bit of toe. He trialled the other day at Warwick Farm and he is going to have another one. “I think he is going to kick-off in the 1400m Group Three and he will have a run over the mile. The Epsom (Gr.1, 1600m) might be a nice race for him, and we can work out what path we take, whether he stretches out or stays at those shorter trips. “He is a very exciting horse. Shaun (Clotworthy) and the team did a super job with him in New Zealand to keep him up for as long as they did in his first racing preparation.” View the full article

A return to racing on Awapuni’s grass track is inching ever closer, and it passed its first test for that return following a successful set of trials on the surface on Tuesday. 30 horses line-up over five heats at the track and RACE’s General Manager of Racing Brad Taylor received positive reports at the conclusion of the trial meeting. “The feedback was very positive from the riders,” he said. “As expected with the surface we have, there was a little bit of the sand kicking back, but all-in-all it was very positive today.” Awapuni’s grass track was initially out of commission for 19 months as it underwent an extensive renovation, and it was set to commence racing on ANZAC Day, however, that meeting was abandoned following a slip in the opening race. The track has subsequently undergone further remedial work, and the club has called upon the expertise of Flemington track manager Liam O’Keefe to assist in that process. “We have had Liam O’Keefe, the track manager at Flemington, who has been a big part of the project over the past eight months,” Taylor said. “We have what they would call core and swept the tracks. We have put another sand carpet on top and there has been a lot of verti-draining and a bit more coring. “We had to reseed some of the track because there were a couple of bare patches, which is expected with the works we did. We are now just waiting for the grass to grow.” As part of their return to racing protocol, RACE is set to have one final set of trials on the surface, which will determine whether they can proceed with the planned return to racing on September 6. “It has been a long, slow process and it is just nice to tick that next step off,” Taylor said. “It is tracking in the right direction. At this time of year, the grass growth is minimal and that will only improve as we get into the next month, and further. “We have had just over 100 horses gallop on the course proper over the last four weeks. We had 30 horses trial this morning and then we will have a bigger set of trials of roughly 80-90 horses in a fortnight. We will get that tick of approval and then we will be ready for September 6.” It has been a frustrating process for the club, local trainers, owners and punters, and Taylor is hoping they will be rewarded for their patience in the coming weeks. “A credit to the whole, team, especially the track team, they have put in a lot of hard work to that surface and to see it coming to fruition now is pleasing and exciting for everyone,” he said. “The local trainers have been extremely patient, having to float to every meeting and go elsewhere to trial and gallop. They have done an incredible job and to see the results they have had over that time has been incredible. “It is only going to improve for them over the next wee while and having the course proper back for them on a weekly basis is a positive for everyone.” Mike Breslin was one of the local trainers to utilise the grass trials at Awapuni on Tuesday, and he is looking forward to racing’s return to the surface next month. “We have all got our fingers crossed to get racing back on the grass at Awapuni, it is essential for our businesses,” he said. “I think the track will be superb, but in my opinion, it is just going to have to be gently-gently until they get some decent spring (grass) growth.” View the full article

Emily Murphy brings you Winter Weigh In, your place for Thoroughbred racing news, reviews and insights throughout the colder months. We recap the Historic Grand National Steeple and Hurdle from Riccarton as well as looking forward to some spring features. Winter Weigh In, August 11 View the full article

A couple of New Zealand’s feature two-mile contests are in the offing for Palmerston North stayer Crouch (NZ) (Tarzino) this season, but track conditions will play a key part in those plans. The six-year-old son of Tarzino had a pleasing summer preparation last term, headlined by his runner-up performance behind Wolfgang in the Gr.3 Wellington Cup (3200m) at Trentham in January. The gelding made his first public appearance of the new season when trialling over 1000m at Awapuni’s newly-renovated grass track, finishing runner-up behind stablemate Showbastian Coe (NZ) (Showcasing). Trainer Mike Breslin was pleased with his hit-out and believes he is in career-best condition heading into the spring. “I think he is coming up the best of his life,” he said. The Wellington Cup once again looms as an obvious target, but Breslin is weighing up between the Gr.3 New Zealand Cup (3200m) at Riccarton Park in November or the Gr.3 Waikato Cup (2400m) at Te Rapa a month later as his other major test. “Ultimately, another go at the Wellington Cup is definitely on the cards,” he said. “I’ll probably see how he goes in his first couple of runs back and keep an eye on the weather down south because he doesn’t like it really hard. “He will be an outside New Zealand Cup candidate if there is going to be a bit of cut in the track. He is not a horse I would back-up down there, he would go down just for the New Zealand Cup. “There is lead-up racing here, otherwise I think a race like the Waikato Cup is an option for him over 2400m.” Breslin, who also part-owns the gelding, has taken a patient approach with his charge, and he is now starting to reap the rewards. “He is a bit of a slower-maturing type of horse, but he has always shown ability,” he said. “He has shown that he is up to our open handicappers, and I think he has come up better this time, and hopefully he can win a decent race.” Breslin was pleased to be back trialling on Awapuni’s turf track on Tuesday after its first meeting back after 18 months of refurbishment was abandoned after a slip in the first race on ANZAC Day. The track has undergone subsequent remedial work and passed its first test on Tuesday. “We have all got our fingers crossed to get racing back on the grass at Awapuni, it is essential for our businesses,” Breslin said. “I think the track will be superb, but in my opinion, it is just going to have to be gently-gently until they get some decent spring growth.” While a trip south to Christchurch for New Zealand Cup Week is on the cards for Crouch, he could be joined on the float trip by stablemate Intention (NZ) (Bivouac). The three-year-old daughter of Bivouac showed plenty of ability as a juvenile, winning the Gr.2 Wakefield Challenge Stakes (1100m) at just her second start before placing in the Listed Wellesley Stakes (1100m). Her starting manners were a major obstacle last season, and Breslin is hoping he has gotten on top of those issues heading into her three-year-old term. “She did a bit wrong at the start of her races, but she won a Group Two, and she was placed in another stakes race, and even in the Sires’ Produce (Gr.1, 1400m) I think she had the fastest last 400m that day (when fifth). “Her slow starts have just been hindering her against the best two-year-olds, so she needs to overcome that. “She has had two trials and we have been really happy with them. If she can just overcome those barrier woes at the start and then we will get a good line on if she is up to the best fillies this year, and if she is, we will hopefully get down to Riccarton for the 1000 Guineas.” Intention will begin her path towards the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) at Taupo on Sunday where she will contest the Taupo Pak ‘N Save (1100m) first-up. She will be joined on the float trip north by stablemate Call A Friend (NZ) (Akeed Mofeed), who will contest the MVS Equine (1800m). “Call A Friend hasn’t had a lot of luck in her last couple of starts and is better than her form suggests,” Breslin said. “Both should hopefully be handy chances.” View the full article

Frankie Barrett could hardly wipe the smile off her face after riding the first winner of her career at Hawera on Sunday. The 20-year-old apprentice had just ticked over 20 rides when she was legged aboard the Kevin Myers-trained Shawshank (NZ) (El Roca) in the last on the card, with the son of El Roca rated the second-favourite in an even Rating 65 contest. Jumping from the ace barrier, Shawshank flew the gates and took a clear lead early, settling into a lovely rhythm for Barrett along the back straight. The gelding was still travelling into the home straight and the only danger was coming from I Don’t, who is prepared by Barrett’s employer Allan Sharrock. Under hands and heels, Shawshank had the upper hand on I Don’t and drew away late to score by 2 – ¼ lengths, delivering Barrett a moment she has dreamed of. “I’m over the moon, I can’t really believe it and it’s been a long time coming for me to get raceday riding,” she said. “It felt amazing, I knew Shawshank would be an exciting ride and quite a good chance for me to get the job done. “I was originally told to sit third, but he jumped so positively and travelled beautifully, I had so much horse underneath me. I saw Allan’s horse, I Don’t, was coming up on my outside, but I couldn’t let him have this one. “It was very special to get a winner for Kevin Myers, who has given me so many opportunities, and Shawshank’s owner John Bell, who I rode for on Saturday as well. “Allan doesn’t trial as many horses because we are so far away, whereas Kevin Myers has a lot of horses and a lot of jumpers trialling. It was the best way for me to get fit and learn by going around at the trials on the jumpers, he was very supportive of me the whole way through. “I have a long way to go still but getting that first step out of the way was very rewarding.” English-born Barrett has lived in Auckland for most of her life, and while she was always involved with horses, racing came into the picture four years ago. “I was born in England, but have grown up in New Zealand, so I have a bit of a twang (accent),” she said. “I grew up riding ponies, breaking in Gisbornes and doing showing, but there isn’t much money in that, so being short and super competitive, I decided to go down the path of becoming a jockey. “I started off trackwork riding at Byerley Park under the New Zealand Equine Academy with Donovan Mansour, and I did my Level 2 with him. That was a great experience and a really good introduction into the industry. “I then went to Kylie Hoskin’s and she was amazing, she put a lot of time and effort into me back when I was a bit young and lost, she was a huge support and like family to me. I knew from there that I was ready to give it a real go, and I knew of Allan, so I tried to get in touch with him. “I called and messaged him every day for about two weeks, then finally on a Sunday night when he was having dinner, I caught him and he let me come down to New Plymouth and ride for him. “I’ve been down here for the last two years, and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Everyone is very bright and happy in the mornings, it’s a great way to start your day. “I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.” Under Sharrock’s guidance, Barrett progressed through jump-outs and trials, and he provided her first two raceday rides in mid-June after she was accepted into NZTR’s newly-established Elite Jockey Programme. She recalled how positive that first day at Te Rapa was as a young rider, but from there, she had to up her game. “In my first day racing, I almost got a bit lucky and had some really nice rides, so after that I thought it was pretty sweet and I was good to go,” she said. “After a few more rides, I realised that it is a totally different energy out there, people aren’t just out training, they are competitive and it was a bit of a shock to the system. I took a step back and knew I needed to up my game and start focussing on where I can improve. “I was so chuffed winning on Sunday, but every time I go out there, you learn so much from the other riders and when you make a mistake, you try to be better for the next time.” Alongside Sharrock, Hoskin and Myers, Barrett shared her gratitude for her family, as well as the Clotworthys and apprentice mentor Kim Clapperton. “I have to thank my family for being so supportive of me and helping me get set up down in New Plymouth while they are in Auckland,” she said. “Shaun and Emma Clotworthy have also been hugely supportive, they helped me get in touch with Allan and I’ve stayed in close contact with them, they are always there if I need a place to stay or need help with anything. “One of my biggest thanks has to go to my apprentice mentor, Kim Clapperton. I cannot thank her enough, she’s an amazing woman and does so much for us. She is tough enough to push us to be our best, but also when you’ve had a hard time, she’s there to support you any time of the day.” View the full article

The well-related Life Of Riley (NZ) (Turn Me Loose) is forward enough for a bold bid at a deserved victory when she returns to action at Rotorua. The daughter of Turn Me Loose has required patient handling and will attempt to break her maiden at her third appearance when she runs in Wednesday’s Entain/NZB Insurance Pearl Series Race (1400m). The five-year-old is a half-sister to winning stablemate Powerofpersuasion (NZ) (Ten Sovereigns), who claim four-time Group One winner Riverina Charm as their third dam, with the pair raced by breeder Sir Peter Vela. “It’s a nice race for her to kick off in, she had a quiet jump-out and we think she’s ready enough to go fresh-up over 1400m,” said Steven Ramsay, who trains in partnership with Julia Ritchie. Life Of Riley has placed in both of her runs, including a debut second behind subsequent winner Cashla Bay, at Matamata in the autumn before a break. “She’s just taken a bit of time to mature and will be a better horse on a bit better track, but with a couple of drying days it might come back a touch,” Ramsay said. Meanwhile, the team’s top-rated performer Island Life (NZ) (Vadamos) has begun her build-up toward her four-year-old campaign. “She’s back in work and is a couple of weeks off a trial,” Ramsay said. Island Life made impressive progress last season and finished second in the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) behind Tuxedo off the back of a maiden victory at her third outing. She then ran third in the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) and triumphed in the Gr.3 Sunline Vase (2100m) before a spell after an unplaced effort in the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m). “She did a really good job, we were very happy that she got that valuable black-type win, which is what we always strive for,” Ramsay said. “In hindsight, the Oaks was just one step too far, but we had to have a go.” Ramsay said Island Life had thrived during her time in the paddock. “She has had a good break and has definitely strengthened up and looks very well,” he said. “It can be difficult to place a four-year-old mare, so we’ll trial her and see how she comes up. We’ll pick our way along, but nothing has been set in stone.” By Vadamos, Island Life is out of the unraced Montjeu mare Lycia who is a half-sister to the Gr.1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) winner De Beers (NZ) (Quest For Fame) and to the dam of last season’s Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m) winner Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth). View the full article

Corrina McDougal is still getting her voice back after cheering home Suliman (NZ) (Redwood) to win last Saturday’s Grand National Hurdles (4200m), but it is straight back to business this week for the Hastings horsewoman. McDougal was watching from home as Suliman toughed out a gruelling edition of the National, her second victory in the Riccarton feature after she and co-trainer Paul Nelson took out the 2021 edition with The Cossack. “I don’t have a cold at the moment, I’ve just lost my voice from screaming at the TV,” she said. “It was pretty exciting and I haven’t seen such a big smile on Paul’s face in a long time. “Hamish (McNeill, jockey) had been talking about doing a rain dance during the week, and on Saturday morning, he rang me and said ‘do you hear that Corrina, it’s raining!’. He had a fair bit of faith in the horse, so it was very cool to get that result. He gave him the perfect ride, as he did at Wellington when he rode him there. “He (Suliman) bled down there two years ago, so to go out and win this year, it was really neat and satisfying.” The win came at the perfect time for the stable, after their Sydenham Hurdles (3100m) winner and pre-post National favourite Dictation (NZ) (Tavistock) was scratched on Wednesday afternoon. “To be quite honest, that was really gutting,” McDougal said. “He had a bit of an injury pop up earlier in the season, but had come through that, so to go down, win very well (in the Sydenham) and have a different injury come up was tough.” She was also very proud of the efforts of Nedwin (NZ) (Niagara), a relatively inexperienced steeplechaser who stepped up to finish third in the Grand National Steeplechase (5600m) behind Captains Run and Jesko. “Nedwin was really good, especially looking forward,” she said. “He would’ve taken a lot of learning out of that, mileage-wise and the experience would’ve done him the world of good. “I feel that he’s still jumping a little big, I’d love to see him come down a bit lower and be more economical, but that’ll come and he gutsed it out really well on Saturday. “He’ll only improve from here, and next year, I think we’ll see quite a nice chaser.” The trio, alongside stablemate Skaw Valley (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle), are still in the South Island, with inclement weather halting their ferry crossing over the last couple of days. “The ferry was delayed again, and at the moment, they’ll head over at 2pm (Tuesday),” McDougal said. “Hopefully that will happen, but it’s still sounding a little sketchy. “They’ve found a paddock in Blenheim, so they’ll have a bit of time out and some grass which is quite nice.” With the Grand National features run and won, the jumping fraternity turn their attention towards the newly instated Great New Zealand Jumps Carnival, run at Te Aroha in mid-September. The stable opted to bypass Christchurch with The Cossack (NZ) (Mastercraftsman) this year, and off the back of a fourth-placed effort in the Wellington Steeplechase (4900m), McDougal has dialled up his trackwork ahead of a tilt at the Pakuranga Hunt Cup (4200m) on August 31. “He’s been ticking over at home, he’s had a couple of nice gallops recently,” she said. “I might’ve been a bit soft on him in trackwork this time in, I probably got a bit tripped up because we’re used to him doing things so easily. “We had a different preparation with him having been on a treadmill, so he might’ve been a bit underdone. We’ve got a bit more fitness into him now and he’s galloping well.” The 12-year-old will step out on the flat on Wednesday at Rotorua, where Ellie Callwood will provide three kilograms of weight relief in the Seeka Growing Futures HWT (2200m). “His flat race at Wanganui (in May) was quite nice, he ran home well there, but he was a bit detached early,” she said. “I’d like to see him put himself amongst the field a bit more and continue to finish it off.” Joining The Cossack in the highweight event will be Taika (NZ) (Mettre En Jeu), a Great Northern Hurdle (4200m) placegetter searching for his best form after recent efforts. “He’s been a bit of a headscratcher in his last couple of runs, but we’ve had Tommy Behrns (equine chiropractor) looking at him and he had been quite sore,” McDougal said. “Hopefully that will help. “He seems to be quite smart, he thinks he’s pretty clever, so I hope that’s a good sign. “We’re looking at the Pakuranga Hurdle and the Great New Zealand Hurdle for him.” View the full article

Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) hopeful Sharp ‘N’ Smart. (Photo: Kenton Wright/Race Images) Graeme and Debbie Rogerson are dreaming of the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) once more with their multiple Group One winner Sharp ‘N’ Smart following his pleasing trial outing at Te Rapa on Saturday. The former New Zealand Horse of the Year finished fourth in a star-studded line-up over 1000m, which was taken out by Group One performer Alabama Lass. The six-year-old son of Redwood competed in last year’s Melbourne Cup but was a shadow of his former self according to Graeme Rogerson, but the Hamilton horseman is buoyed by the way his gelding has returned following a decent spell. “He went a couple of nice races (last season),” Rogerson said. “He ran third in the Moonee Valley Gold Cup (Group 2, 2500m) and Manawatu Challenge Stakes (Group 2, 1400m), but he wasn’t the same as he was as a three-year-old, so we gave him a really long spell. “Bailey (Rogerson, jockey) said he wanted to be a racehorse on Saturday, he wanted to go to the line, and I am very happy with the horse’s work.” Rogerson is hoping Sharp ‘N’ Smart has returned to his three-year-old form, which netted three Group One victories and a New Zealand Horse of the Year crown, with the hope of getting to the Melbourne Cup once more. “He is probably going to kick-off in the Foxbridge Plate (Group 2, 1200m),” Rogerson said. “He is going to be nominated for the Melbourne Cup. He will run here and run in the Livamol Classic (Group 1, 2040m) and then we will look to whether we go to the Melbourne Cup or not.” Sharp ‘N’ Smart is a $101 hope in futures markets with horse racing bookmakers for the Melbourne Cup. Horse racing news View the full article

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A week on from the blockbuster Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, more records fell at the Humphrey S. Finney Pavilion Monday when the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearling Sale concluded with highwater marks for gross, average and a record-tying median. During two sessions, 199 New York-bred yearlings sold for a $23,870,000. The average was $119,950–up 15.1% from a year ago, while the median remained constant at $85,000. With 55 horses reported not sold, the buy-back rate was 21.7%. It was 26.3% a year ago. “This sale hit the quinella,” Fasig-Tipton President Boyd Browning said. “The gross is up, the average is up, the median is up and the RNA rate is down. From every statistical category it was an improved sale. We are ecstatic.” Marc Gunderson matched the highest bid from Sunday's opening session of the auction when going to $525,000 for a colt by Practical Joke from the Indian Creek consignment Monday. That bid equaled the figure for a filly by Early Voting purchased Sunday night by Sabby and Gargan Racing. “I think there is a high demand for really nice horses, good physicals by proper stallions,” Indian Creek's Sarah Sutherland said of the yearling market. “There is such a high demand for that. I don't think it matters what sale they are in, we are going to see those horses well received. And then there is that separation in the market for anything less than that when it starts to get a little thin.” Reflecting on four record-setting days of sales in Saratoga, Browning said, “There was a fantasic marketplace. We had a really strong group of horses on the grounds for the New York-bred sale, as well as the main sale. That's what happens when you have quality horses. This New York-bred program is the best state-bred program certainly in the United States. There continues to be a concerted effort to improve it with the breeders and with NYRA and I think we have to give credit to the political arena which has supported Thoroughbred racing in the state of New York and it's thriving. That is reflected in these sales results today. There are lots of reason for optimism for New York and for Kentucky and in several areas of the United States. People are enthusiastic to own quality racehorses right now. And we are fortunate that we have the ability to offer that in Saratoga.” 'It's a Surprise': Practical Joke Colt Brings $525k Marc Gunderson, bidding over the internet from overseas while on the phone with bloodstock agent Nick Sallusto on site in Saratoga, went to a co-sale topping $525,000 to acquire a colt by Practical Joke (hip 502) during Monday's session of the Fasig-Tipton New York-Bred Yearlings Sale. The yearling was consigned by Indian Creek on behalf of his breeder, Jeffrey Tucker's Stone Bridge Farm. “When they are singled out like that and you identify them as in the top couple percentile in the sale, you have to be ready [to pay that],” Sallusto said. “When you look at what happened at the select sale, it was a pretty good foreshadowing for what was coming here for anything that measured up at that level.” Of his exchange with Gunderson during the bidding, Sallusto said, “Marc doesn't need any encouragement. He understands the market. He is deeply invested in the industry.” The colt was the first horse Indian Creek had offered for Stone Bridge. “This is a horse that we always loved at the farm and it was really neat to see him come here and step up and really enjoy and thrive in the sales process,” said Indian Creek's Sarah Sutherland. “[Tucker] sent weanlings down to us in the fall. Heidi [Fischer], who manages his farm, does an amazing job. So we just tried to keep everybody healthy and happy and here we are.” The yearling is out of the unraced Cuello de Luna (Cherokee Run), who is a half-sister to Stone Bridge-bred stakes winner Neck of the Moon (More Than Ready). “We knew he was a nice horse and well-prepped, but of course at that price, it's a surprise,” Tucker said when reached by phone. “We are excited. I can tell you my phone has rung several times already with people who have some connection to me and the horse.” A longtime New York breeder, Tucker currently has five broodmares. “I sold my farm in New York in 2001 and then leased back some of one of the properties on Clark Road in Ganesvoort,” Tucker said. “The lease is about to come to an end and I will send my mares to Rock Ridge. I keep what I think the market won't pay me a fair price for, but for the most part I sell.” 'Doesn't Get Better Than That': Street Sense Filly to Hudson River Farm Ed Swyer of Hudson River Farm was recently honored for his contributions to steeplechasing and, while he was seated in front of noted steeplechase trainer Keri Brion after purchasing a filly by Street Sense (hip 522) for $400,000 Monday in Saratoga, it was bloodstock agent Alan Quartucci seated next to him who quickly quipped, “We are not making her a jumper.” The yearling, bred by Thirty Year Farm and consigned by Paramount Sales, is out of Evening Primrose (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a full-sister to group winner Sizzling (Ire). The mare's first foal, Cosmic Candy Girl (Twirling Candy), was second on debut at Saratoga July 31. “Ed loves turf and she is out of a Galileo mare,” Quartucci said. “She is out of a great family. Her half by Twirling Candy ran a good second up here. And the filly looked the part. She's really nice.” Swyer added, “She has a great pedigree. That was really the thing that got me interested to begin with. And then I looked at the horse. Everything checked out. I didn't expect to spend that much money.” Asked if the filly's future potential as a broodmare was a factor in the purchase, Swyer said, “Absolutely. I prefer fillies. And a New York-bred. It doesn't get better than that.” Eatons in a New York State of Mind John Eaton and his wife Kathy got outbid at the select sale last week, but the Montana breeder was determined not to leave empty handed Monday at Saratoga, ultimately going to $390,000 to acquire a filly by Constitution (hip 408) from the Eaton Sales consignment. “I got outbid on a Gun Runner filly in the select sale and I decided I wasn't going to get outbid today,” Eaton said. “So it could have gotten more expensive, but it didn't, so I am happy. Now we have enough money to buy a broodmare in November.” Hip 408 | Fasig-Tipton The yearling is the first foal out of Too Sexy (Quality Road), a stakes winner who was trained by the late Christophe Clement, and was co-bred by Kathleen Burke Schweizer and Daniel J. Burke's Longford Farm and Clement Stable. Longford Farm purchased the mare for $450,000 at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton November sale. “Physically she was nice, mentally she was very good,” Eaton said of the yearling's appeal. “Everybody I talked to knew she was brought up [at Longford] and they bred her really well. I thought it was a wide open young family. Even the second dam [Cake Baby {Stormy Atlantic}] is a young mare. I think she is a 2013 and has been bred well.” Cake Baby, in foal to Quality Road, sold at the same 2022 auction as her daughter and went for $750,000 to Blanford Bloodstock. Eaton, who was co-owner with First Row Partners of two-time champion Goodnight Olive and co-bred last year's champion sprinter Straight No Chaser (Speightster) with Steve Laymon, admitted he made his purchase Monday with an eye to the filly's future after the racetrack. “She will become a broodmare for us,” he said. “That's always an option when I am buying, I am looking for that. I only have three mares [in Kentucky at Hidden Brook]. But I want to build it up. So this is a start.” Eaton said his plan is to sell colts out of his broodmares, while retaining fillies. But with four straight colts, Straight No Chaser's dam Margarita Friday (Johannesburg) hasn't gotten the memo. “Margarita Friday is in foal to Gun Runner,” he said. “Unfortunately, a colt. We have four colts in a row. We pretty much sell the colts and we need her to have a filly.” Monday's New York-bred purchase falls in line with another purchase the couple made recently. “We just bought a home in New York, so we will be here in the summers,” Eaton said. “We live in Montana. It's a long drive, so when we get here, we are going to stay for a few months. We want New York-breds. I am thinking of sending one of our mares here to foal.” As for a trainer for the yearling, Eaton said, “[Trainer] Miguel Clement came over–he had the dam–and they still own 25% of the mare. So that is certainly an option. Obviously they do a great job and he's had a great meet so far. Our racing partnership–First Row Partners–all of our horses are with Chad Brown. But this is outside of that partnership. I will leave it open, don't know if she will be dirt or turf, that will a little bit make a decision for us.” Eaton said he was done shopping following his lone purchase of the auction, but before heading out, he said, “The greatest part about the horse business is you have hope. Sometimes in life, you don't have hope. But you have hope when you come and buy a horse. Most of the time, it doesn't work out, but you never know.” Hip 403 | Fasig-Tipton A Sales Success Generations in the Making When trainer Chad Brown made a final bid of $370,000 to acquire a filly by Nyquist (hip 403) on behalf of Klaravich Stables Monday at Fasig-Tipton, cries of excitement and congratulations went up from near the back walking ring. Breeder Ned Williams and partners Mike Matese and Jack Murray have developed four generations of the filly's family and were recording their biggest sales success to date. “We usually do race, but occasionally we sell,” Williams said. “But Nyquist has been so hot. My partners, Mike Matese and Jack Murray, and I decided that she was almost too nice for us to keep. So we thought we would try her in the sale.” Of expectations Monday, Williams said, “I don't even know. We just were hoping that she would sell well and go to a nice barn. And we are honored that Klaravich and Chad Brown bought her. We know that she will be well taken care of. We own the mare and it's a family that we've had for four generations and we worked on this family. So the family means a lot to us.” The yearling is the second foal out of stakes-placed Three Hawk (Violence), who in turn is a daughter of graded winner Maddalena (Good and Tough). Maddalena is the dam of graded winner Bern Identity (Bernstein), as well as the multiple stakes-placed Battle of Evermore (Scat Daddy). “We were up here when he was running,” Matese recalled of Battle of Evermore with a laugh. “He won, but I had shorts on, so I couldn't go in the winner's circle. My wife was in the winner's circle and we have that photo of Battle of Evermore, so we have a long history with that family.” For consignor Chris Shelli of Fort Christopher's Thoroughbreds, Monday's result was the completion of a well-developed plan. “Ned Williams has been an amazing client for a long time,” Shelli said. “And Stuart Morris and I had a plan for that horse literally before we bred her. Our plan was to foal her in New York, raise her in Kentucky and come back up here and sell her. Luckily for us and the owners, that plan came to fruition. It happens once in a while.” Three Hawk, one of just two mares owned by the partners, produced a filly by Honest Mischief this year and was bred back to Gunite. The post ‘We Are Ecstatic’: More Records Fall at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Off since finishing fifth in the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1), Owen Almighty is nearing a return to the races in either the Aug. 22 Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes at Charles Town Races or the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Aug. 23.View the full article

People may grow old, but winning never does. Trainer Bob Dunham will attest to that. View the full article

On the Aug. 11 episode of BloodHorse Monday, Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing president Hunter Rankin highlights Big Truzz's victory in the Ellis Park Derby, and Frank Angst recaps The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton's select yearling sale.View the full article

Today 12th August in horse racing news history From the extensive Horse Betting news archives we present the all the thoroughbred racing action in Australian and overseas racing news in history. Delve in and enjoy our walk back in horse racing time. Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago Hawkesbury free betting preview & quaddie tips | August 13, 2024 Racing heads to Hawkesbury on Tuesday, April 13, for a competitive seven-race card. Check out HorseBetting’s free tips and quaddie … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Amelia’s Jewel returns at Warwick Farm trials Former Western Australia Group 1 winning mare Amelia’s Jewel has stepped out for the first time this campaign at Warwick … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Busuttin & Young still Melbourne Cup dreaming with Muramasa Co-trainer Trent Busuttin remains hopeful for Muramasa’s Melbourne Cup bid, despite a challenging autumn campaign and a recent health setback … Read More Australia horse racing news 12 months ago Arkansaw Kid poised for Caulfield return Arkansaw Kid, impresses after gelding operation. Trainer Ben Hayes is confident in the horse’s potential as he begins his campaign … Read More Horse Racing Tips 1 year ago Today’s horse racing tips & quaddie selections | August 12, 2024 Four horse racing meetings are scheduled for around Australia today on Monday, August 12. Check out HorseBetting’s free betting tips … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Valley quinella for Tavistock Tavistock played a starring role at Moonee Valley on Saturday with Superstock and Havisham running the quinella in the Challenger … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago Prince Alby returns in style Prince Alby improved from a game effort in last weekend’s Group 3 Winter Cup (1600m) at Riccarton to charge home … Read More Australia horse racing news 2 years ago Retirement plans on hold for Rosehill winner Travelling Kate has put retirement plans on hold with a purple patch of form, which she continued with a hard-fought … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 2 years ago West Coast defends Grand National Steeplechase title Awapuni trainer Mark Oulaghan produced a winning double in the feature jumps events with stablemates West Coast and Berry The … Read More Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | August 12, 2023 12 horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips and quaddie selections for free here at … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Katherine Cup Day racing tips & value bets | Saturday, August 13 We have seven races to sink our teeth into on Katherine Cup Day this weekend. HorseBetting’s NT racing expert has … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Neasham weighing up options for Zaaki Annabel Neasham has a decision to make in the coming days, with plans for superstar gelding Zaaki slightly up in … Read More Australia horse racing news 3 years ago Overpass stakes Everest claim with impressive trial win It may have only been a barrier trial, but Bjorn Baker’s Overpass sent tongues wagging as he scorched the turf … Read More Australia horse racing news, France horse racing news 3 years ago Frankie Dettori ‘super excited’ to partner Verry Elleegant “It’s very well known that I’ve never won the Melbourne Cup, but if you can’t win it yourself, you may … Read More Horse Racing News 3 years ago Punt Drunk: Mackay favourite shot down by early crow The Punt Drunk team dissects some of the more interesting stories to crop up in the past few days, including … Read More Horse Racing Tips 3 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | Friday, August 12, 2022 Five horse racing meetings are scheduled around Australia today. See the top tips, best odds and quaddie selections for free … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Ipswich betting preview, top tips & quaddie | Friday 13/8/2021 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the betting preview for the Ipswich races on Friday, August 13. See the top tips, value bets, … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Today’s horse racing tips & best bets | August 12, 2021 Horse racing around the country sees four meetings being held around the country on this Thursday afternoon. Our racing analysts … Read More Horse Racing Tips 4 years ago Geelong betting tips, quaddie picks & value bets | 13/8/2021 HorseBetting.com.au brings you the Geelong racing preview for Friday, August 13, with all the top tips, value bets, best odds … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Victorian campaign awaits delayed Browne trio Cambridge trainer David Browne has arrived in Victoria ahead of a spring campaign with a trio of promising gallopers, but … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago The Cossack, simply the best Prominent jumps trainer Paul Nelson has had plenty of top-class hurdlers pass through his care over the years but he … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 4 years ago Riddell looking forward to spring racing Two top-class horses are giving leading jockey Jonathan Riddell reason to look forward to an exciting spring of racing. Riddell, … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Moody in good health heading into spring Having recently bolstered his spring carnival team, trainer Peter Moody is looking forward to launching a Caulfield and Melbourne Cups … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Sherry celebrates another Sydney milestone Tom Sherry, an emerging talent among Sydney’s apprentice jockey ranks, has ridden a brace of winners at Warwick Farm to … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Rawiller lodges appeal against riding ban Top jockey Nash Rawiller will appeal the severity of a riding ban stemming from his winning effort aboard Eduardo in … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Williams returns to the fold at Caulfield Champion jockey Craig Williams will return to riding after a three week break and has already set his sights on … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Holyfield can send Neasham out a winner A stakes victory by Holyfield would be an ideal farewell gift for Annabel Neasham as she prepares for her final … Read More Australia horse racing news 5 years ago Sydney off the menu for Jennifer Eccles Trainer Shaun Ritchie has confirmed the Melbourne spring carnival remains on the radar for Jennifer Eccles, provided her form warrants … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Meetings to be run behind closed doors Following a meeting between New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), stewards and club representatives it has been decided that Wednesday’s meeting … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Hastings targets for Jennifer Eccles Shaune Ritchie has resisted the temptation to campaign last season’s Group 1 New Zealand Oaks (2400m) winner Jennifer Eccles in … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Kiwis given clearance to fly There was an echoed sigh of relief in Waikato Monday with a handful of trainers receiving travel exemptions for their … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Social Racing descend on Taupo Brent Cooper’s Social Racing syndicates will be represented by a trio of runners at Taupo on Wednesday, including a debutant … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 5 years ago Cambridge back on track The construction of the Cambridge Jockey Club’s synthetic track is back on target. Civil works for the track are nearing … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Legend of Condor to run at Randwick Trainer Gerald Ryan will rely on Legend Of Condor at Randwick with talented filly Villami to wait a week for … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Baller and Libertini win Randwick trials Libertini and Baller have won barrier trials at Randwick as has star mare Sunlight who is headed to the $14 … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Four from Lindsay Park for Lawrence Stakes Lindsay Park has loaded up with four nominations for the Group Two P B Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tom Melbourne ready for spring carnival Tom Melbourne has trialled well and is among nine horses from Chris Waller’s Gold Coast stable heading south for carnival … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tom Sadler breaks leg in freak accident Jockey Tom Sadler has broken his leg after being kicked by a riderless horse in a steeplechase at Casterton … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Wet forces Smith duo to miss Tatura trials Heavy rain in Victoria has caused the cancellation of the Tatura barrier trials forcing an interruption to the preparations of … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Boost for Queensland summer carnival The rejuvenated Eagle Farm racetrack will play an important role in the upgraded Queensland summer carnival which will feature 22 … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Tarzino Trophy fresh-up for Shadows Cast Mark Oulaghan is set to start the star of his stable, Shadows Cast, fresh-up in the first leg of the … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Another Riccarton milestone being considered Levin trainer Leanne Elliot could get an opportunity to add another Riccarton highlight to her list of achievements. Elliot has … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 6 years ago Ritchie pulls right rein at Ruakaka Trainer Shaune Ritchie’s decision to base a number of the members of his Cambridge stable at Ruakaka over the past … Read More Australia horse racing news 6 years ago Tom Sadler breaks leg at Casterton Jockey Tom Sadler has broken his leg after being kicked by a riderless horse in a steeplechase at Casterton … Read More United Kingdom Horse Racing News, USA horse racing news 6 years ago Arlington Group 1 clean sweep for Chad Brown Chad Brown has trained the winners of the three Group One turf races at Arlington … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Racing’s loss with death of Nick Columb One of the principle voices of change for racehorse owners in Australia, Nick Columb has died as the result of … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Another Qld trainer outed on cobalt charge Queensland trainer Darryl Gardiner has been disqualified for 12 months on a cobalt related charge … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Countdown begins for Winx return Winx has had a trouble-free preparation leading into her return in the Group One race at Randwick named in her … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Lindsay Park pair to tackle G2 Lawrence Boom Time and Harlem are set to have their spring season returns in the Group Two P B Lawrence Stakes … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Childs rapt with Written By after gallop Jordan Childs is looking forward to the spring campaign of Group One winner Written By after getting back aboard the … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago McEvoy fillies to run in separate states Oohood will make her season return in the Silver Shadow Stakes on the same day Magic Millions winner Sunlight takes … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago First Crush to head south for more Cups Tough Brisbane stayer First Crush will head to Sydney later this month to run at Rosehill before he tackles the … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Qld racing stars to help drought relief Some of Queensland’s biggest racing names have volunteered to be auctioned as slaves for a fund-raiser to help drought victims … Read More Australia horse racing news 7 years ago Girls team wins the Shergar Cup at Ascot Hayley Turner and the Girls team have taken the honours in the Shergar Cup at Ascot in which Corey Brown … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 7 years ago Hello It’s Me all class in Ruakaka opener Last season’s Group 2 Royal Stakes (2000m) winner Hello It’s Me made a winning start to her spring campaign when … Read More New Zealand horse racing news 7 years ago Verry Elleegant caps top weekend for Bishara Ardmore trainer Nick Bishara completed a weekend to remember when Verry Elleegant broke her maiden status in emphatic fashion at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Michelle Payne ruled out of Shergar Cup MIchelle Payne has been ruled out of the Shergar Cup teams event at Ascot after failing to recover from a … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Tim Clark tactics irk Rosehill stewards Jockey Tim Clark’s ride on Spring Preview favourite Washington Heights is subject to a stewards’ inquiry after the gelding was … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Walker back on winner’s list at Flemington Jockey Michael Walker has returned to the winner’s circle at Flemington after an injury lay-off that resulted in back and … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Hey Doc resumes with win in Aurie’s Star Australian Guineas winner Hey Doc has made a successful start to his four-year-old season with a fighting win first-up in … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Marty leads the party at Doomben Smart galloper Let’s Party Marty could get a chance in Melbourne this spring after his debut win at Doomben … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Menari stakes claim for Everest climb Trainer Gerald Ryan is happily talking to slot holders in the $10 million Everest hoping Menari can claim a berth … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Elouera defies pattern to win at Rosehill Elouera has rewarded her trainers’ patience with a come-from-behind win at Rosehill against the pattern of the day … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 8 years ago Sheer Madness’ connections focusing on group glory SHEER Madness’ connections are hopeful that group races are on the horizon after the gelding recorded a powerful win at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Stella Ombra wins again at Doomben Improved gelding Stella Ombra has made it four wins from his past five starts by leading all the way at … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Swampland goes back-to-back at Flemington Swampland has landed her fourth win from 11 starts with a impressive victory at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Jaminzah wins again at Flemington The Chris Waller-trained Jaminzah has finished strongly to win for the second time in as many weekends at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago The Pharoah reigns with second win The Pharoah has registered the second win of a consistent career at Rosehill, which will provide a boost to his … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago The Pharoah reigns supreme at Rosehill A BRILLIANT front-running ride by Jay Ford has delivered a strong benchmark 83 win at Rosehill on Saturday for consistent … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Timing key to Badajoz’s win at Rosehill Badajoz has come with a well-timed run to claim a well-deserved win at Rosehill … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Cup Prelude romp for adaptable Arbeitsam Arbeitsam scored over 1800-metres for the first time as the versatile Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained gelding crushed his rivals … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Cup Prelude romp for adaptable Arbeitsam Arbeitsam scored over 1800m for the first time as the versatile Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained gelding crushed his rivals … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 8 years ago Toorak Handicap the target for Sovereign Nation NEW connections of star gelding Sovereign Nation may target a group 1 race in the spring after the five-year-old blitzed … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Master Zephyr back in winner’s circle Imported stayer Master Zephyr has broken a 16-month drought by chasing down fellow import Kilimanjaro and winning by a neck … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Sovereign Nation gives new owners a win A gelding operation has turned around the fortunes of Sovereign Nation, who was explosive in his win at Flemington … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Heaven-sent debut for Another Sin Another Sin has created history at Rosehill by winning a Highway Handicap in his first start … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago King Viv makes up for last-start second King Viv has made up for his last-start second at Doomben with a strong performance to win at Rosehill … Read More Australia horse racing news, Horse Racing News 8 years ago Another Sin makes history at Rosehill BRETT Cavanough-trained three-year-old Another Sin became the first ever debutante to win a Highway Handicap race after engaging in an … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Sheer Madness heading on a path to Derby A city win for Sheer Madness at Flemington has his connections dreaming of bigger prizes … Read More Horse Racing News, New Zealand horse racing news 8 years ago Upper Cut lands decisive blow in NZ Grand National Steeplechase TOUGHNESS was on show at Riccarton Park on Saturday as Upper Cut landed the decisive blow to win its second … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Meagher continues run for Waratah Monteux has held on to win the first race at Doomben, giving trainer John Meagher more success for Waratah Thoroughbreds … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago BRC to re-open memberships The Brisbane Race Club is expected to re-open its books soon after new memberships were suspended in June … Read More Horse Racing News 8 years ago Michelle Payne must pass fitness test Michelle Payne must undergo a medical examination before she is allowed to ride in the Shergar Cup at Ascot … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Two day meeting becomes one super day Six jumps races including the Grand National Steeplechase will be conducted on one super day of jumping at Ballarat … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Abracadash ready for Saturday racing Trainer Kelso Wood has kept faith with Abracadash who lines up for her first Saturday race at Eagle Farm … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Awesome Rock returns at Caulfield Stephen Baster is looking forward to the spring with Awesome Rock who makes his return in the P B Lawrence … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Awesome Rock returns at Caulfield Stephen Baster is looking forward to the spring with Awesome Rock who makes his return in the P B Lawrence … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Tango to rain on Capitalist’s parade Tango Rain has a formidable opponent in the San Domenico Stakes and trainer Gerald Ryan is keen to see how … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Rocky King in distance test at Eagle Farm The speedy Rocky King will be out to change his recent luck when he steps out over 1400 metres for … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Lindsay Park 3YOs kick off at Caulfield The Lindsay Park stable will saddle up two runners in each of the Group Three races for three-year-olds at Caulfield … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Angel Dancer jumps up to open company In-form mare Angel Dancer faces her biggest test at Eagle Farm where she steps up to open company … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Jess Taylor out of action for eight weeks Jockey Jess Taylor will spend around eight weeks on the sidelines after breaking her right wrist for a second time … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Patrick Payne speaks out about little sister Michelle THE older brother of 2015 Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Michelle Payne has spoken out about the recent sacking of Payne from … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Samantha Clenton nears return from injury Apprentice Samantha Clenton is nearing a returh to riding, three months after suffering shoulder and back injuries in a multiple-horse … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago Highland Reel entered for International Cox Plate placegetter Highland Reel is the second favourite behind Postponed for the Juddmonte International at York … Read More Horse Racing News 9 years ago McEvoy reunited with Lucia Valentina Kerrin McEvoy will be back aboard Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Lucia Valentina when she resumes in the Warwick Stakes … Read More View the full article

At first glance, Jay Hovdey's latest literary output, “The Oak Tree Story: A History of Racing's Most Generous Benefactor,” might seem an exercise in nostalgia only, recounting as it does the origins, lifespan and ignominious death of an organization that last put on a show nearly fifteen years ago. The Oak Tree Racing Association came about as an industry-led non-profit to operate a race-meet during the then barren autumnal months when there was no major racing in Southern California, only to grow into a philanthropic powerhouse and gamechanger for the sport with global ripple effects. But in chronicling the Oak Tree Racing Association's tenure-spanning both the halcyon summer of California racing and the early fissures of later earthquakes-it's hard not to frame the narrative against the present day, when horse racing's future rests so precariously on the short-term profit-driven whims of corporate track owners and wagering platforms and their broader real-estate and business ambitions that so often run counter to the long-term viability of the sport. In doing so, the reader is left with the impression of what can be achieved when horse racing takes charge of its own destiny, led by a cohort of smart, thoughtful souls who want for the industry more than it promises to give back. The story begins in July of 1967, when California governor Ronald Reagan signed into law a bill expanding the racing calendar in the state to include a fallow period from Labor Day through the day after Christmas. Three individuals were largely responsible for planting Oak Tree's roots, all noted owners and breeders who each had excelled in their chosen professional paths: Clement L. Hirsch (of Kal-Kan pet food fame), Louis R. Rowan (a real estate mogul), and Dr. Jack Robbins (a veterinarian with x-ray like diagnostic skills). Perhaps not coincidentally, both Rowan and Hirsch were veterans of WWII, having served in the U.S. Army and the Marines respectively. With its core mission statement of operating “a meet run for horsemen by horsemen,” the Oak Tree group's business model was a revolutionary one (for the time), funneling all non-wagering related revenues towards important equine research projects, backstretch worker welfare and other charitable causes. In Hovdey's words, Oak Tree hoped to provide an “island of stability in a shifting, uncertain California racing landscape.” Sounds familiar. Oak Tree endured something of an extended pregnancy, having first to overcome obstacles laid before it from the likes of the state's powerful Standardbred interests, and then from the workers' union group tied to Hollywood Park's fall harness meet that overlapped Oak Tree. But launch it eventually did at Santa Anita on Tuesday Oct. 7, 1969, attended by 16,733 souls who wagered nearly $1.5 million over a nine-race card that bore a murderer's row of talent in and out of the saddle. Think Rudy Rosales and Bill Hartack, Charlie Whittingham and Johnny Longden. Indeed, month by month, decade by decade, the stars both horse and human that made the Oak Tree Meet such a resounding success are detailed with the sort of meticulous fashion that would give Rain Man a run for his money. If the Oak Tree of the 1970s was all about laying foundation stones (thanks to the exploits of Tizna and Ancient Title and co.), the 1980s were all about building the edifice of the meet up and out (through age-defying exploits from the likes of John Henry, and then as a vital proving ground for the newly inaugurated Breeders' Cup). The Oak Tree founding board of directors gathers in the Santa Anita Directors' Room–(standing) Louis Rowan, Clement Hirsch, B.J. Ridder, William Pascoe, (seated) Harold Ramser, J.T. Jones, and Dr. Jack Robbins | Courtesy Jay Hovdey If the 1980s belonged in large to Charlie Whittingham, the 1990s saw the emergence to center stage of more contemporary training touchstones. Headley. Frankel. Baffert. Mandella. Drysdale. The first decade of the new millennium rounded out with the sort of thrilling late flourish epitomized by that era's undisputed headline act, Zenyatta. And then Oak Tree was over. In 1998, Austrian entrepreneur Frank Stronach purchased Santa Anita Park under his Magna International (MI) Developments banner. Despite his initial qualms, the new owner signed a long-term lease with Oak Tree, allowing the non-profit to continue operating at the track. MI Developments, however, would be folded under Stronach's Magna Entertainment Corp. (MEC) banner. And in March of 2009, MEC filed for bankruptcy, citing hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. Santa Anita was up for grabs-or so it appeared. Hovdey recounts how a group of influential owners maneuvered to purchase the track and operate racing there “as an Oak Tree-style, non-profit entity.” But Stronach would have none of it. By April of the following year, a Delaware bankruptcy court agreed to a reorganization of MEC that saw Santa Anita Park and Golden Gate Fields remain under Stronach's control. More pointedly for Oak Tree, its lease with Santa Anita-which was to have continued to 2016-was voided. By 2011, Oak Tree was effectively dead as a racing operator, drowned beneath a swirling confluence of events including California's botched experiment with synthetic surfaces, Hollywood Park's threatened closure and redevelopment, as well as, in Hovdey's words, Stronach's hardened stance “against leasing Santa Anita to an outside group.” In reading Hovdey's clinical autopsy of Oak Tree's life and death, it's hard not to extrapolate from it a set of lessons built around a different north star, one that which places at its core the sport and its participants' best long-term interests. To be sure, corporate interests don't hold their fangs to horse racing's throat only. But the sport does appear especially vulnerable right now, its carotid arteries bared for the killer bite. The success of Oak Tree, however, affords industry stakeholders the reminder of a different way to do business. New York has gotten the memo. Still with much work to be done, Maryland promises to do the same. “Oak Tree was a brilliant idea,” says Del Mar supremo, Joe Harper, as something of a coda. “It was a bunch of well-heeled, very smart business guys who loved the game. But don't get me wrong. They were very diligent businessmen when it came to operating Oak Tree. They worried about every cent they spent, because everything going to Oak Tree was going to help the game. Most companies are formed to make a profit. This company was formed to do good.” The post The Oak Tree Review: Paean and Promise of a Different Way to Run Horse Racing appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

5th-Ellis, $99,763, Msw, 8-11, 2yo, f, 5 1/2fT, 1:01.04, fm, 7 3/4 lengths. HOT MASH (f, 2, Not This Time–More Oats Please, by Smart Strike), sent off the 3-2 choice for this unveiling, settled just off the outside hip of 7-2 chance Daphne Blue (Munnings), who cut out a fast :20.27 initial quarter. Overtaking that rival turning for home, the bay strode clear to score by an impressive margin over Windy Houston (Munnings). The winner, a half to GISW Peace and War (War Front), $439,667, also has foal brother by Mandaloun. Sales history: $375,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $59,488. Click for the Equibase.com chart. O-Avalon Racing Stables, Mainline Stables and Green, Jonathan I.; B-Sally J. Andersen (KY); T-John C. Servis. On debut 2yo #9 HOT MASH ($5.10) was quick out of the gate and ran away from the field in the stretch to win race 5 @EllisParkRacing. The daughter of Not This Time (@TMStallions) was ridden by @a_concepcion16 and is trained by John Servis. pic.twitter.com/InKtqsKdt8 — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) August 11, 2025 The post Not This Time’s Hot Mash Airs in Career Debut at Ellis appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article