Wandering Eyes

Godolphin's Opera Ballo scored a second straight impressive win on the Kempton Park all-weather course Feb. 26 and moved into the lead on the Euro/Mideast Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard.View the full article

The most recent shifts in Northern California horse racing have prompted The Big Fresno Fair Board of Directors and Fair Management to make the decision to postpone horse racing in 2025, according to a press release from the operator on Wednesday. Factors cited by the fair include, the uncertainty regarding the availability of horses, increased financial risk and the lack of a racing management collective for Northern California fairs. The decision allows for continued in-depth industry analysis to assess the viability of horse racing at the site before making any long-term determinations. “This tough decision was made with careful consideration for the long-term economic health of The Big Fresno Fairs,” said CEO of The Big Fresno Fair, Christina Estrada. “It is a necessary step to fully evaluate the future of a successful horse race meet in Fresno, which is one aspect of our annual event that serves our community–both at Fair-time and year-round. We remain committed to exploring all options in an ever-evolving industry situation, and will continue working closely with industry leaders to assess potential paths forward. In the meantime, The Big Fresno Fair is determining alternate entertainment options in the Grandstand for our community to enjoy.” The release also said that significant shifts in Northern California racing–such as the closing of Golden Gate Fields and the California Authority of Racing Fairs (CARF) not seeking race applications at several locations–have changed the horse racing business model and created unprecedented challenges. The Big Fresno Fair, which has put on horse racing dating back to 1883, is the fifth largest fair in the state and home to more than 250 interim events throughout the year. The post Citing ‘Uncertainty’ Big Fresno Fair Postpones Horse Racing For 2025 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

By Jonny Turner The winning chances that Rory McIlwrick teams up with at Winton on Thursday are in good hands. McIlwrick has been on a winning run recently, but not in the way many punters would suspect. The horseman has been producing great results through his equine bodywork and massage business. McIlwrick is hoping his hands can produce more success with his book of five drives at Winton. They’ll be especially important when Claasee lines up behind the mobile to chase down her second career victory in Race 3, the Rheem Mobile Pace (4.16pm). The mare looks the horse to beat on the strength of her two starts back from a spell. “She ran on pretty well fresh up at Winton and then I was happy with her next run at Gore,” McIlwrick said. “She was four back on the inside and in hindsight I maybe shouldn’t have come off.” “It was impossible to make ground but she ran on quite well for fourth.” From barrier 2, Claasee looks to get her winning shot on Thursday. But it may depend on whether McIlwrick’s hands can worth their magic behind the mobile gate. “She used to gallop a bit but she has been quite good this time in.” “You would love to roll to the top from that draw, but making sure she does everything right is the most important thing.” “If she ends up in a handy enough spot she should be a pretty good chance, it is an even field.” Majestic Love is another of McIlwrick’s stronger winning hopes in race 5, the MM Brands Handicap Trot (5.19pm). The reinsman combined with the mare to win the Gore Trotters Cup in December and with a similar effort she would be hard to hold out. “She can be a funny horse, if she brought her A-game she would probably win.” “She’s had a couple of runs back after a break and it looks like a bit of a drop back in class for her.” “If she can bring her manners she would have to be a good each way chance.” Ultimate Perfection has the ability to get among the placings in Race 6, Plumbing World Mobile Pace (5.47pm), but the pacer is looking like a risky proposition. The four-year-old was charging around the field when breaking on the home turn in his last start at Gore. But before that effort, Ultimate Perfection ran on nicely from the rear to run fifth at Winton. “He definitely has the ability to be competitive but it is all about whether he can do things right.” Sonny Jim and Velocity Jet look rough chances for McIlwrick at Winton. View the full article

The GIII Honeybee S., rescheduled for one day due to cold weather at Oaklawn, figured to be the key GI Kentucky Oaks prep run so far this year. And it was. Our No. 1 in previous polls Muhimma (Munnings) ran well to finish third, but it was not enough for her to keep her top spot. Take Charge Milady (Take Charge Indy) was 10th and Look Forward (Bolt d'Oro) was seventh. Off those performances both have dropped out of the Top 10. This will be a big weekend for Oaks-bound horses as they will sort themselves out in the GIII Fasig-Tipton Santa Ysabel S., the Busher S. and the GII Fasig-Tipton Davona Dale S. Here's a look at the fourth installment of our Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for 2025: 1) GOOD CHEER (Medaglia d'Oro–Wedding Toast, by Street Sense) O/B-Godolphin (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Lifetime Record: MGSW, 5-5-0-0, $637,630. Last Start: Won Feb. 15 GII Fasig-Tipton Rachel Alexandra S. Kentucky Oaks Points 45. Next Start: GII Fair Grounds Oaks., FG, Mar. 15. Probably should have had this horse at No. 1 all along, but was equally high on her stablemate from the Brad Cox barn, Muhimma. With Muhimma failing to win the Honeybee, we've moved her to fourth and Good Cheer up to first. When it comes to Good Cheer, there's nothing not to like. She's five-for-five in her career and came back running in the Rachel Alexandra in what was her first start of the year. Some may want to downgrade her win in the Rachel Alexandra because it was just a four-horse field. But she exploded in the stretch after having to wait to find room. It's going to be hard to topple this one. 2) TENMA (Nyquist–Amagansett, by Tapit) O-Baoma Corp.; B-B Flay Thoroughbreds (Ky); T-Bob Baffert. Sales history: $200,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $850,000 2yo '24 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: GISW, 5-4-0-1, $429,000. Last Start: Won Feb. 2 GIII Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 33. Next Start: GII Santa Anita Oaks, SA, Apr. 5. Trainer Bob Baffert will be represented Sunday in the Santa Ysabel at Santa Anita with a couple of interesting prospects. Cipriani (Bernardini) was second behind Tenma in the GIII Fasig-Tipton Las Virgenes and Maysam (Game Warrior) comes back in just two weeks after a stunningly poor effort in the Sunland Park Oaks. But it's hard to imagine either one turning out to be No. 1 in the Baffert barn. That spot belongs to Tenma. Last year, Baffert had some concerns about her maturity and did not run her in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. It looks like that was the right move as she's since won the GII Starlet S. and the Las Virgenes. Clearly the top 3-year-old filly in California. 3) QUIETSIDE (Malibu Moon–Benner Island, by Speightstown) 'TDN Rising Star' O/B-Shortleaf Stable (Ky); T-John Ortiz. Lifetime Record: GSW & MGISP, 6-2-3-1, $552,200. Last Start: Won Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 68. Next Start: GII Fantasy S., OP, Mar. 29. Quietside finally broke through. She had lost four straight after breaking her maiden, but they were all in stakes races and she was never worse than third in any of them. Facing the toughest field of 3-year-old fillies assembled so far this year in the Honeybee and drawing the 12 post, last Sunday's stakes at Oaklawn didn't look like the race where she would break her losing streak. But she was game in the stretch, winning a three-horse battle to the wire. “The filly came back in great shape,” said trainer John Ortiz. “She's happy, she's sound, she's eating all her meals and is as bright-eyed as she's always been. She showed us her true potential.” 4) MUHIMMA (Munnings–Princesa Carolina, by Tapit) 'TDN Rising Star' O-Shadwell Stable; B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (Ky); T-Brad Cox. Sales history: $700,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: GSW, 4-3-0-1, $319,460. Last Start: Third Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: GI Ashland S., Kee, Apr. 4. Usually on or near the lead, Muhimma stalked the leaders from third in the Honeybee. It turned out to be a perfect trip as she appeared to make a winning move on the far turn as eventual race-winner Quietside clung to the lead. But she ran out of gas in the stretch and wound up finishing third and losing by 4 1/2 lengths. Perhaps she needed the race and can rebound in the GI Ashland S., but the way she ran through the final sixteenth of the Honeybee was disappointing. Don't give up on her just yet, but an improved effort in her next start is a must. 5) LA CARA (Street Sense–Cara Caterina, by Bernardini) O/B-Tracy Farmer (Ky); T-Mark Casse. Lifetime Record: GSW, 7-3-1-0, $378,520. Last Start: Won Feb. 8 Suncoast Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 33. Next Start: GII Fasig-Tipton Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 1. The Davona Dale will be a good test for this Mark Casse-trained runner. She looked to be in over her head when a distant fifth in the Juvenile Fillies, but came roaring back to win the Suncoast at Tampa Bay Downs by 6 1/4 lengths. Casse wheels her right back in three weeks to go in the Davona Dale. The seven-horse race did not come up that tough, but a win would solidify her position as the top 3-year-old filly in Florida. It will be interesting to see what kind of trip she will get. She's won on the front end and she's won coming from as far back as seventh. 6) FIVE G (Vekoma–Triumphant, by Quality Road) O/B-Gatsas Stables (NY); T-George Weaver. Lifetime Record: SW & GSP, 5-2-2-0, $240,290. Last Start: Second Feb. 23 GIII Honeybee S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 25. Next Start: TBD. Though beaten a length by Quietside, the George Weaver-trained filly turned in a big performance when second in the Honeybee to prove that she is among the upper echelon of 3-year-old fillies. She drew the 13 post in what was her first try around two turns on the dirt and nearly pulled it off. The post was not a problem as Irad Ortiz, Jr. had her on the rail and on the lead on both turns. Weaver reports that the filly came out of the race in good order and said the Ashland, the GII Gulfstream Park Oaks and the Fantasy are all options for her next start. 7) BALLERINA D'ORO (Medaglia d'Oro–In the Moonlight, by Tapit) O-Rodeo Creek Racing, LLC; B-Rock Ridge Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Chad Brown. Sales history: $320,000 yrl '23 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 4-1-1-0, $156,975. Last Start: Second Dec. 7 GII Demoiselle S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 5. Next Start: GII Fasig-Tipton Davona Dale S., GP, Mar. 1. After being scratched from the GII Rachel Alexandra S., the late-running filly re-emerges for the Davona Dale. After three grass starts, trainer Chad Brown switched her to the dirt and she responded with a big second-place effort in the GII Demoiselle S. Her problem is that she comes from far back early and the Davona Dale is a one-turn mile. No one should be discouraged if she doesn't win because this is exactly the type of race that should sharpen her up for better efforts down the road in longer, two-turn races. Tyler Gaffalione will ride as Dylan Davis opts for La Cara. 8) RUNNING AWAY (Gun Runner–Allez Marie, by Unbridled's Song) O/B-Stud TNT (Ky); T-Wesley Ward. Lifetime Record: SW, 4-2-1-1, $166,875. Last Start: Won Jan. 18 Busanda Stakes. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: GI Ashland Stakes, Kee, Apr. 4. It's going to be a while before we know if this horse is the real deal or not as trainer Wesley Ward has decided to skip this weekend's round of Oaks preps and wait for the Ashland at Keeneland. She has not had an official work since her win in the Jan. 18 Busanda at Aqueduct. 9) RUNNIN N GUNNIN (Gun Runner–Charity Belle, by Empire Maker) O-Douglas Scharbauer; B-Dixiana Farms, LLC (Ky); T-Steve Asmussen. Sales history: $250,000 yrl '23 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: SW, 6-3-0-0, $193,940. Last Start: Won Feb. 16 Sunland Park Oaks. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: TBD. The best thing this filly has going for is that she is trained by Steve Asmussen. But she's going to have to improve many lengths after winning the Sunland Park Oaks against a very weak field. There were three maidens in the seven-horse race. 10) WHITE ROCKS (Frosted–Kitten's Catch, by Kitten's Joy) O-Jastar Capital Ltd., Polivka Equine Holdings LLC & Timothy Madden; B-Sandra Sexton & Silver Fern Farm (Ky); T-Arnaud Delacour. Sales history: $35,000 yrl '23 KEESEP; $180,000 2yo '24 EASMAY. Lifetime Record: SW, 3-2-1-0, $166,354. Last Start: Won Feb. 21 Cincinnati Trophy S. Kentucky Oaks Points: 20. Next Start: TBD. An interesting new face on our Top 10 list, White Rocks moved into 10th position after winning last week's Cincinnati Trophy S. at Turfway Park. A $180,000 purchase at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale in 2024, she is three-for-three and her weapon is her early speed. In the Turfway race she led by as many as eight lengths down the backstretch. The question is how will she handle dirt after having made all three of her starts on the Tapeta surface at Turfway? Trainer Arnaud Delacour said she will make her next start in either the Ashland on the dirt at Keeneland or go back to the synthetic surface for the Bourbonette at Turfway. The post The TDN Kentucky Oaks Top 10 for Feb. 27 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Bidding is now open on the Fasig-Tipton Digital platform for the “Soul of an Angel Flash Sale,” a one-horse online auction of Eclipse Champion Female Sprinter Soul of an Angel (Atreides–Factor One, by The Factor), which will close Tuesday, Mar. 4, at 6 p.m. ET, the auction company said via a press release on Wednesday. Soul of an Angel clinched Eclipse Champion Female Sprinter honors after she won the GI PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Del Mar last fall. With a strong turn of foot, she swept past a field which included a trio of Grade I winners. For her effort, she earned a 3 3/4 Ragozin speed figure. Only Gamine (Into Mischief) recorded a faster number over the past 10 years of the race. Earlier in her 2024 campaign, Soul of an Angel won the GII Ruffian Stakes in New York. She also cruised to an open length victory in the GIII Princess Rooney Stakes at Gulfstream. In the GIII Molly Pitcher Stakes she was only beaten by a head. “An Eclipse Champion and Breeders' Cup Champion with outstanding physical conformation, Soul of an Angel is a true collector's item,” said Fasig-Tipton Director of Digital Sales Leif Aaron. “She uniquely suits a variety of programs both domestically and internationally. We're honored to have the opportunity to showcase her on Fasig-Tipton Digital.” Soul of an Angel is being offered as a racing/broodmare prospect by Taylor Made Sales Agency, agent. She has current earnings of more than $1,200,000. The current 6-year-old is stabled at Gulfstream Park and available for inspection. Prospective buyers may click here to view the entry and register to bid. Inquiries may be directed to Steve Castagnola of Taylor Made Sales Agency at (859) 684-8180. The post Eclipse Champion Soul Of An Angel Offered On Fasig-Tipton Digital As Bidding Opens appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

La Cara faces six 3-year-old fillies in the $215,000 Davona Dale Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park March 1, including graded stakes winner The Queens M G. View the full article

Two different panel discussions at the National HBPA conference—one featuring lawyers and one with research veterinarians—recommended steps trainers can take to diminish the chances of a horse's postrace drug test coming up positive.View the full article

Trainer Mark Casse will seek to continue his dominance in Gulfstream Park's Herecomesthebride Stakes (G3T) March 1 when he saddles a trio of runners led by D. J. Stable and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners' Vixen.View the full article

There are six horse racing meetings set for Australia on Thursday, February 27. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Pakenham. Thursday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – February 27, 2025 Pakenham Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top online bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 27, 2025 check out our guide to the best online racing betting sites. Neds Code GETON 1 Take It To The Neds Level Neds Only orange bookie! Check Out Neds Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Set a deposit limit today. “GETON is not a bonus code. Neds does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. Full terms. BlondeBet Signup Code GETON 2 Punters Prefer Blondes BlondeBet Blonde Boosts – Elevate your prices! Join BlondeBet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. WHAT ARE YOU REALLY GAMBLING WITH? full terms. 3 Next Gen Racing Betting Picklebet Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? Full terms. Recommended! 4 It Pays To Play PlayUp Aussie-owned horse racing specialists! Check Out PlayUp Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Full terms. Dabble Signup Code AUSRACING 5 Say Hey to the social bet! Dabble You Better Believe It Join Dabble Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE? Full terms. Bet365 Signup Code GETON 6 Never Ordinary Bet365 World Favourite! Visit Bet365 Review 18+ Gamble Responsibly. GETON is not a bonus code. bet365 does not offer bonus codes in Australia and this referral code does not grant access to offers. What’s gambling really costing you? Full terms. Horse racing tips View the full article

Those thinking that lightning can't strike twice may have to think again after Godolphin's TDN Rising Star Opera Ballo (Ire) (Ghaiyyath {Ire}–Dubai Opera {GB}, by Invincible Spirit {Ire}) trod a familiar path for Charlie Appleby at Kempton on Wednesday evening. Introduced in the same course-and-distance maiden last month won in 2024 by the yard's subsequent 2,000 Guineas hero Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), the €600,000 Arqana Deauville August graduate had not let the side down with an emphatic 8 1/2-length success on that occasion and was duly sent off the 11-10 favourite to emulate his predecessor by adding this “European Road To The Kentucky Derby” Conditions Stakes to his tally. Always tanking in the hands of William Buick breathing down the neck of his pacemaker Olympus Point (Ire) (Earthlight {Ire}) throughout this mile contest, the grandson of the G3 Prix des Reservoirs winner Emily Bronte (GB) (Machiavellian) took control two out and settled matters quickly. At the line, he had four lengths to spare over the useful dual-winning yardstick Hott Shott (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}), with another length back to the Southwell debut scorer Saddadd (Ire) (Pinatubo {Ire}), the Roger Varian-trained half-brother to last year's Listed Heron Stakes winner Almaqam (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}). “He was very smooth,” Buick said of the winner, quoted in the immediate aftermath as short as 8-1 for the Guineas. “We came here today not really knowing what to expect and it was a warm race with horses with proven form from novices, so I thought he showed plenty there. I do think he's a work in progress and it's all there for him. The Ghaiyyaths really showed up at the end of last season and like this one, they will progress.” Opera Ballo – all class in the “European Road To The @KentuckyDerby” Conditions Stakes for team @godolphin Two runs Two wins Smart prospect pic.twitter.com/cQi0kw86xX — Racing TV (@RacingTV) February 26, 2025 The post Ghaiyyath’s Opera Ballo Impresses Again For Godolphin appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Thoroughbred racing at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Oklahoma is set to open for its spring season after a tornado hit the track after last year's meet concluded, according to a press release from the organization on Wednesday. Will Rogers's barns were heavily damaged during the storm. New structures were completed back in January and the track reports that they are already at capacity for the season. “It's incredible to see the resiliency of this property and the hard work put in by the staff to build it back more beautiful than ever,” said Danielle Barber, executive director of the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma. “We can't wait to welcome fans, owners and trainers for what promises to be an outstanding season.” The 28-day Thoroughbred meet runs from Mar. 3 through Wednesday, May 14. Daily average purses are estimated at $170,000, with raises in the handicap, maiden and allowance categories. “Horsemen are anxious to get back to racing at Will Rogers this spring. Last season we inaugurated the Blue Ribbon and Welder stakes races for Oklahoma-bred 3-year-olds in March that were well received,” said John Lies, who serves as the racing secretary, announcer and oddsmaker. The post Will Rogers Downs Returns After Tornado Last Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Damon Thayer's theme when he delivered the keynote address Feb. 25 at the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association's 2025 conference? "Cooperation is always better than extinction." View the full article

Sam Houston Race Park will pay tribute to jockey Stewart Elliott when he turns 60 years-old on Saturday, March 1.View the full article

Two different panel discussions at the National HBPA conference—one featuring lawyers and one with research veterinarians—recommended steps trainers can take to diminish the chances of a horse's post-race drug test coming up positive.View the full article

With Tenma and Vodka With a Twist, two of the top 3-year-old dirt fillies in Southern California, sitting out the March 2 Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park, opportunity knocks for six others in the 1 1/16-mile dirt race.View the full article

A total of 93 lots have been catalogued for the Tattersalls Online March Sale on Mar. 4-5, including Willie Mullins's Closutton Stables-consigned Horantzau D'Airy (Fr) (Legolas {Jpn}) who holds an entry in the Grand National. Sold as lot 25, the gelding is one of 66 horses in- and out-of-training in the sale. He was third in the G3 Novice Hurdle at the Galway Festival last summer, and was also second in both the G3 Kerry National at Listowel in September and the G3 Munster National at Limerick a month later. Also Grade 1-placed over hurdles, Horantzau D'Airy is rated 144 (Chase) by the IHRB. Another lot of note is Cherie D'Am (Fr) (Great Pretender {Ire}) (lot 58), consigned by Dan Skelton's Lodge Hill Stables. The mare is a listed winner and Grade 1-placed. G2 Dublin Racing Festival winner Lily Du Berlais (GB) (Shirocco {Ger}) (lot 35) will be offered by Stuard Crawford's Newland Stables. On the Flat side, novice winner Northern Ruler (GB) (Kingman {GB}) (lot 43) will sell with a Timeform rating of 89. Of the dozen broodmares, Menandore (Fr) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}) (lot 86) graces the ring with a covering to Group 1 winner Angel Bleu (Fr). Among the seven yearlings is a son of Havana Grey (GB) out of the group-placed Kodiac (GB) mare Barroche (Ire) (lot 66). There are also five 2-year-olds and two stores in the catalogue. A breeding right in Group 1 winner and Classic sire Aclaim (Ire) (lot 92) will sell, as well. The sale begins at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Mar. 4 and the first lot is scheduled to close from 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 5. The post Horantzau D’Airy Highlights Tattersalls Online March Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Every week, the TDN posts a roundup of the relevant Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) related rulings from around the country. The following rulings were reported on HISA's “rulings” portal and through the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit's (HIWU) “pending” and “resolved” cases portals. Resolved ADMC Violations Date: 02/25/2025 Licensee: William Blair, trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Triamcinolone—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Dot on 1/19/25. Date: 02/25/2025 Licensee: Dr. Larry Rickman Overly, veterinarian Penalty: 36-month (18 months for each violation) of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on February 26, 2025; a fine of $25,000 ($12,500 for each violation). Admission. Explainer: Possession of Testosterone and Isoxsuprine—both banned substances—for an event dated 7/23/24. There are no further details currently publicly available. Date: 02/24/2025 Licensee: Alejandro Mendieta, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the use or attempted use of a Class C controlled medication on Pure Elegance during the race period. Date: 02/24/2025 Licensee: Juan Munoz Cano, trainer Penalty: 7-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on February 25, 2025; Disqualification of Both Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Treated as 1 violation. Admission. Explainer: Medication violations for the presence of Capsaicin—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Iceatude, who won at Churchill Downs on 11/15/24, and Voodoo Zip, who won at Churchill Downs on 11/16/24. Date: 02/21/2025 Licensee: John Salzman Sr., trainer Penalty: A fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Vets' list medication violation for the presence of Methocarbamol—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Happy Hour Joker on 1/16/25. Date: 02/21/2025 Licensee: Roshan Samsundar, trainer Penalty: Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $500; imposition of 1.5 Penalty Points. Admission. Explainer: Medication violation for the use or attempted use of a Class C controlled medication on Gringotts during the race period. Date: 02/20/2025 Licensee: Robert James Gherardi, trainer Penalty: 15-day period of Ineligibility for Covered Person, beginning on February 21, 2025; Disqualification of Covered Horse's Race results, including forfeiture of all purses and other compensation, prizes, trophies, points, and rankings and repayment or surrender (as applicable); a fine of $1,000; imposition of 2 Penalty Points. Final decision of Internal Adjudication Panel. Explainer: Medication violation for the presence of Caffeine—controlled medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Little Pinch, who finished second at Albuquerque on 10/18/24. Pending ADMC Violations 02/26/2025, Phil D'Amato, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Omeprazole (Gastrogard)—Controlled Medication (Class C)—in a sample taken from Ms. Brightside, who won at Santa Anita on 1/1/25. 02/25/2025, Gustavo Delgado, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Capsaicin—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from Avant Glory, who won at Gulfstream Park on 11/26/24. 02/25/2025, Angel Sanchez Pinero, trainer: Pending vets' list medication violations for the presence of Boldenone—a banned substance—in a sample taken from Magical Jaime on 8/5/24; For possession of Prasterone—a banned anabolic substance—for an event dated 12/5/24; And for the use or attempted use of a banned substance (Prasterone) on Magical Jaime during the race period, dated 12/5/24. 02/24/2025, Danny Morales, trainer: Pending medication violation for the presence of Caffeine—Controlled Medication (Class B)—in a sample taken from First Again, who finished second at Zia Park on 11/25/24. The post National Regulatory Rulings: Feb. 20-26 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Thoroughbred Education and Research Foundation has opened its 2025 grant awards cycle, with money available to support students in pursuit of education in equine industry careers and to fund research efforts that better the life of the Thoroughbred racehorse. Information regarding the grant award program can be found at www.terfusa.org. Grant applications will be accepted now through Apr. 1 for applications about equine education and scholarship support and June 30 for research grant funding applications. Grant recipients will receive written notice of TERF's acceptance of their funding request and notice via phone or e-mail by June 30 of the application year for education and scholarship support and not later than Sept. 1 for research grant awards. In 2024, TERF awarded $61,500 in education grants to seven organizations and $47,015 in research grants for three research projects. The post TERF 2025 Grants Available appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Ascot Racecourse, The Jockey Club, and Churchill Downs announced an extension of the 'wild card' entry initiative launched last year that ties together Royal Ascot, the Epsom Derby Festival, and the Kentucky Derby meeting at Churchill Downs. View the full article

Jockeys Jose Ortiz and Juan Vargas share the Jockeys' Guild's Jockey of the Week honors for Feb. 17-23 after stakes-winning weekends at Oaklawn Park.View the full article

Damon Thayer's theme when he delivered the keynote address Feb. 25 at the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association's 2025 convention? "Cooperation is always better than extinction." View the full article

In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Kingman's Ocean Mermaid at Tampa Bay Downs. Tampa Win Boosts Ocean Mermaid's Sale Charm Stonestreet Stables' Ocean Mermaid (GB) (Kingman {GB}) ran second in the Royal Palm Juvenile Fillies Stakes on debut in May of 2023 to subsequent G2 Queen Mary Stakes heroine Crimson Advocate (Nyquist), and graduated in her fifth lifetime start at Tampa Bay Downs for Josie Carroll this past week (video). Her success last Friday prompted RWB to shell out $210,000 during Tuesday night's Fasig-Tipton Digital February Sale to acquire the well-bred bay from the Taylor Made Sales Agency draft as lot 10. Bred by Peter Winkworth, the daughter of Sparkling Surf (GB) (Frankel {GB}) was acquired by Ben McElroy on behalf of Stonestreet for 210,000gns during Book 1 of the 2022 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. The winner is a half-sister to the 3-year-old winner Glittering Surf (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), and colts by Palace Pier (GB) and Baaeed (GB) born in 2023 and 2024, respectively. Her granddam is the G3 Pinnacle Stakes heroine Shimmering Surf (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}), responsible for G1 Prix Vermeille heroine Kitesurf (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the G2 Dante Stakes third Surfman (GB) to the cover of Kingman. Juddmonte's Kingman has been well-represented in the U.S., with 45 winners from 78 runners (58%). Eight of his progeny have won stakes in that locale, six of them at graded level anchored by Grade I winner Domestic Spending (GB). #8 OCEAN MERMAID ($14.20) used a nice stalking trip under @Pablojockey88 to get the lead and hold on late to win the finale at Tampa Bay Downs. The daughter of Kingman is trained by Josie Carroll. pic.twitter.com/D8zJk9tL1Q — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) February 21, 2025 Angel Game In Florida Wathnan Racing's Serene Seraph (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) closed to take her American debut at Gulfstream Park earlier this month (video). Trained by Hall of Famer Bill Mott, the 4-year-old was bred by Stowell Hill Partners, and cost 80,000gns when she caught the eyes of Peter and Ross Doyle during Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale. Well-tried in seven UK starts, first for Barnane Stud and Partners for trainer Richard Hannon, and later for Wathnan Racing, the bay won twice there. Serene Seraph is a half-sister to the unraced colt Blarney (GB) (Belardo {Ire}), a 2-year-old filly by Palace Pier (GB), and a yearling colt by Saxon Warrior (Jpn). The daughter of French listed winner Pacific Angel (Ire) (Dalakhani {Ire}) is from the same family as the decorated trio of group winners Policy Maker (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), Pushkin (Ire) (Caerleon) and Place Rouge (Ire) (Desert King {Ire}), with the first two also Group 1-placed. Group 1 winners and sires Planteur (Ire) and Persian King (Ire) are also under the third dam. Darley's Blue Point's eldest foals are 4-year-olds of 2025. He has five winners from 12 (42%) runners in the U.S., with GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner and new Tally-Ho sire Big Evs (Ire) and GIII Goldikova Stakes heroine Raqiya (Ire) his best in North America. The bay stands for €100,000 at Kildangan Stud in Ireland this year. Serene Seraph (IRE), with @JuniorandKellyA, reaches the wire first in the second race. #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/yqLMuZSASP — Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) February 22, 2025 California Jungle Jungle Peace (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) broke her maiden at Santa Anita for CYBT, McLean Racing Stables, Jerry McClanahan, Michael Nentwig and Jeremy Peskoff earlier this month (video). The Phil D'Amato trainee, bred by M Brigid B, Ltd., was a €14,000 yearling pickup by Toberona Bloodstock from Rathasker Stud. Put back through the ring at Goffs UK Breeze-Up Sale in April of 2024, she did not meet her reserve and was a £5,000 buy-back. Unplaced when making her bow at Navan last September, Jungle Peace improved to third on the Dundalk all-weather a month later in her final start for owner/trainer Paul Nolan. A daughter of the War Command mare Peace Treaty (Ire), Jungle Peace is her first winner from two to race. Herself a half-sister to the stakes-winning dam of G3 Gimcrack Stakes hero Siren Assault (Aus) (Rich Enuff {Aus}), Peace Treaty has a 2-year-old colt and yearling filly by Coulsty (Ire) still to come. Rathasker Stud's Bungle Inthejungle has sired four winners from eight runners (50%) in the U.S.. His Manhattan Jungle (Ire) won the Listed Sweet Life Stakes at Santa Anita in the winter of 2023. He stands for €7,500 this year. Repeat Winner Sorrento Sky (Ire) (Prince Of Lir {Ire}) returns to the Making Waves column after winning a five-furlong Santa Anita affair on Feb. 16 (video). The 4-year-old filly races for an ownership group of the Benowitz Family Trust, CYBT, Mclean Racing Stables, Saul Gevertz, Marc Lantzman and Michael Nentwig. Phil D'Amato trains the four-time winner and 2024 Stormy Liberal Stakes runner-up. The post Making Waves: Kingman Filly Parlays Tampa Score To Sales Ring Stardom appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A special aspect of British racing is the existence of some spectacular country estates devoted solely to the purpose of breeding and training racehorses. For anyone with a love of the turf, names such as Kingsclere, Manton and Beckhampton have resonated down the years. We owe a debt of gratitude to those who ensure that they continue in this modern era, with their swathes of land so attractive to developers and their historic buildings so expensive to maintain. Andrew Balding's base at Park House Stables has subsumed its village's name of Kingsclere during its existence of nearly 160 years to become almost a brand of its own, synonymous with racing excellence. When John Porter, who designed the stables under the patronage of Sir Joseph Hawley, set up shop there in 1867, he had just 14 stables. The following year he had three runners in the Derby and one of which, Hawley's Blue Gown, won. The bar, then, was set pretty high from the outset. Balding, who succeeded his father Ian and grandfather Peter Hastings-Bass as the resident trainer, had a suitable riposte in his own first season of training when he sent out William Farish's Casual Look to win the Oaks of 2003. This maintained a long tradition of support from leading American owner-breeders at Kingsclere, including Paul Mellon and George Strawbridge, whose silks have hung in the famous colours room – once famously used as a makeshift surgery for Mellon's Mill Reef – alongside those of the King and Queen, Jeff Smith, Kirsten Rausing, Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, Qatar Racing, King Power, and joined more recently by the likes of Cheveley Park Stud and Juddmonte. If Porter could return to Kingsclere now, it is easy to imagine that he would be both pleased and impressed. His original designs live on, functional and useful, and his initials remain lavishly carved into the masonry. The significant expansion of his own time has continued through the Balding family's tenure, with a number of new roomy barns dotted across the hub of the training centre. The old brick stable yards remember the greats of yesteryear, such as Flying Fox, one of Porter's three Triple Crown winners, while the barns commemorate more recent star graduates such as Kameko and Elm Park. Poignantly, 'The Chairman's Barn' is named in honour of the late Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, the racehorse owner behind King Power and chairman of Leicester City FC. “I'd love to bring my dad back, but sadly he's not in a good way at the moment,” says Balding of his 86-year-old father, who was diagnosed with Alzheimers several years ago. “I think he would be immensely proud of how it's been developed because I think the key to it is doing it in the style of John Porter and the attention to detail in his design plans. What we try to do is update but still keep it so it aesthetically fits, as it were. It's a wonderful place to train because we've got so much space.” Andrew Balding with his father Ian and Grey Shot in 2002 | Racingfotos On work mornings, Balding can take advantage of some of the best turf in England up on the famed Watership Down, across the road from Park House Stables. He continues, “The reason this yard was built here was to have access to the gallops on the downs and we've actually put in a mile all-weather up there as well. So we've constantly updated the training facilities to try to give us a chance to provide the best training service we can, essentially.” When he took over from his father there were around 100 horses in the stable. That number has now more than doubled and the trainer admits that he has “been lucky”. In racing, however, luck tends to go hand in hand with graft. Balding, the leading British trainer last season, was denied the championship only by Aidan O'Brien. His tally of 163 winners in 2024 speaks to both the quality and quantity of bloodstock now housed at Kingsclere, which has been home to two of the last five 2,000 Guineas winners. “You could be the best trainer in the world, but if you didn't have the kit – the owners who send you the horses, and the staff to do the job – you couldn't achieve anything,” he says. “We are very lucky in those two departments. And when I took over, we may have had 100 horses but it wasn't really viable. Kingsclere's a really big place and to make it viable, we had to look to increase the numbers and now we're in a good position where we've got in excess of 200 horses. If we want to develop, if we want to replace, none of these things are cheap. To redo the main gallop, you're looking at a £150,000 investment and we've got to be doing that every five or six years. So there's a huge outlay required to maintain a property like this.” It's not just the equine facilities either. Around 80 members of staff live on the estate, either in cottages, flats or the hostel, which over time has been home to some of the biggest names in the jockey ranks, including William Buick, Oisin Murphy, David Probert, and Rob Hornby, who served their apprenticeships at Kingsclere. The first two names in that list have shared the British jockeys' championship between them in the last six years. Facilities for the human inhabitants include a gym, tennis court and cricket pitch, with Andrew's wife Anna Lisa and mother Emma overseeing the needs of the staff in that village within a village. “Both my grandfather and my father were very forward-thinking in building properties for our staff to live in, and to be able to provide accommodation now with a job really gives you the upper hand in employing staff,” Balding acknowledges. Succession is a theme in the equine ranks, too, and one of the stable's biggest hopes for the season is New Century (GB), winner of the G1 Summer Stakes at Woodbine last year and a son of Kameko. “We always really hoped Kameko would make a stallion,” Balding says. “Obviously he was a high-class horse and probably he would've had a more appealing race record if it hadn't been for Covid, which really upset his campaign as a three-year-old. He's beautiful looking with a great temperament, so he had the basics to make a go of it and I think everyone involved couldn't be happier with the way his first season went. “And I think New Century's very good, so I really hope he'll go on and emulate his dad, which would give that continuity for everybody involved. Marie, who looked after Kameko, still works here; Maddie, who took him on his international travels; Kevin, the barn manager, is now looking after New Century in his barn and everybody is hoping that he can really give Kameko the start he needs.” Whether or not we will see New Century in a Classic trial this spring remains “up in the air”. “We'll know more come the end of March as to whether we need a prep run,” says the trainer. “He was a horse who just thrived on racing last year, so it would be in my mind that possibly a prep would be suitable, but there's so little time between the Craven, which would be the preferred trial from my point of view. But he's a Group 1 winner already, so we know he's good enough to be running in the Guineas.” He adds, “I think the difference from when Dad was training is that we are starting fast work earlier because we've got these all-weather surfaces that enable us to be probably six weeks ahead of where he would've been, because he would've been waiting for the grass to be usable in March. Sometimes that didn't happen until early April and so they needed to be looking for a trial to get them ready for those early-season big races, but I think it's less important now, really.” Along with the best son of one of its recent Classic winners, the stable also contains a half-sister to another in Kassaya (GB) (Kingman {GB}), whose big brother Chaldean (GB) (Frankel {GB}) landed the Guineas two years ago. “She looks very smart in her own right,” says Balding. “She won her second start and she started favourite for the Queen Mary and just nothing went right for her. She never got any sort of a run for the entire five furlongs and finished on the bridle. Then unfortunately she got an issue, which meant she had to have the rest of the year off. But she's done very well physically, so we'd be pretty hopeful of her having a good year.” Kalpana and recent Godolphin TIEA winner Tyla Macfarlane | Emma Berry Balding has kept hold of his two best fillies of last year, Juddmonte's Kalpana (GB) (Study Of Man {GB}), winner of the G1 Qipco British Champion Fillies and Mares Stakes, and Jeff Smith's See The Fire (GB), a daughter of Sea The Stars (Ire) and Arabian Queen (GB) who has been placed three times at Group 1 level as well as winning the G3 Strensall Stakes. Her three-year-old half-brother Royal Playwright (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) also showed more than a little promise for the stable last year when finishing runner-up in the G2 Royal Lodge Stakes. Balding says, “Kalpana just got better and better with racing last year. This time last year, she'd just won a novice on her first start and she sort of crept up on us because she'd been a little weak and hadn't shown a huge amount through her two-year-old career, but she just found her feet. “Royal Playwright looks like he could be a really top three-year-old – it's all ahead of him. It's wonderful for Jeff to have a mare like Arabian Queen because not only was she a brilliant racemare but she's had Spirit Mixer, by Frankel, who's rated 100. He hasn't got any black type yet but he will do. Then we had a Kingman, Arabian Storm, who unfortunately just had a host of problems but he was listed-placed, and then we had See The Fire. I would be really hopeful that she could win at the top level at some stage.” He adds, with refreshing candour, “I've probably made an absolute mess of campaigning See The Fire. We started in the Guineas and she ran no sort of a race, so we stayed at a mile because there just wasn't the evidence to say that we should be going further at that stage. By the end of the season we realised that the filly should probably stay a mile and a half and we essentially missed a lot of opportunities through last year. But that happens. We've got all of this year to put it right. “Jeff does it for fun and for sport, and that sort of sentiment is sadly dying out, though not everyone can afford to do that. But he's breeding to race and to compete in the best races we can. And it just amazes me, the enthusiasm he still has. He is just the best man to train for.” Coltrane, white face, returns from exercise at Kingsclere | Emma Berry Balding is understandably fond of the Arabian Queen family but another horse who plainly has a special place in his heart is Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}). The gallant stayer has won eight of his 29 races, including the G2 Doncaster Cup and G2 Lonsdale Cup, and taken his loyal owners Mick and Janice Mariscotti to many of the big meetings across Europe. “He's just shy of a million pounds in earnings now, which is remarkable,” says Balding of the eight-year-old, who may next be seen attempting to win his third consecutive Sagaro Stakes. “The Mariscottis have been such great supporters, and as a family we have just enjoyed racing him so much. My son Jonno, who's now 6'8″ and playing rugby for England under 18s, was riding him all through lockdown when he was only about eight or nine stone. And he kept saying, 'I think this horse is alright.' He looked slow and weak to me but as soon as we got him on the racecourse, he showed what he had and he just improved and improved. His CV reads well now and stayers are the most fabulous horses to have. If I could ever get a stayer like him again, who can compete in those races over a period of five years, I mean they're hard to find, but it would be a great joy if we could find another one.” Balding is already out in front in this year's trainers' table and, though the turf season is still a month away, we can expect to see the team at Park House Stables ensure that Kingsclere remains a name which conjures up an image of the best British racing has to offer. The post Balding Stable Leads the Charge After Stellar 2024 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Damon Thayer, who recently completed a 22-year tenure in the Kentucky State Senate, delivered the keynote address Tuesday at the National Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Convention in Safety Harbor, Florida. With a theme of “cooperation is always better than extinction,” Thayer's 35-minute address focused on the importance of horsemen in every racing jurisdiction building relationships with their state legislators. “It's mind-boggling what a legislator has to absorb every day, and if an industry isn't aligned, the easiest thing for a legislator to do is to wash their hands of it and say, 'I'm a no,'” Thayer said. “But our industry [in Kentucky] got together quickly, because of this one truism: Cooperation is always better than extinction. “Now, don't wait for a crisis,” he said. “Because there will be a crisis. A need. A break the glass, pull-the-fire-alarm moment. Build those relationships now, not just when you need something… When they're not in session, invite them to the racetrack, your farm, your training center, your vet clinic. They need to see the jobs. Tell them how many checks a month you write to vendors, to blacksmiths. “And do not get complacent…. Because we have it now doesn't mean somebody isn't going to want to take it away. There are enemies of horse racing in Kentucky. You have to be vigilant. But you've got to build these relationships.” Thayer also discussed his role as senior advisor to the newly formed Thoroughbred Racing Initiative, an industry collaboration, of which the National HBPA is part, which is working to defeat Florida's decoupling legislation. “It looks like the skids are pretty greased in Tallahassee for [decoupling bill] to pass the House,” Thayer said. “So our goal is to kill the decoupling bill in the Senate. It's going to be a tough uphill climb. But we're all working together.” Thayer said he believes the racing circuits that will survive and thrive in the next five to 10 years will be “states where the industry has great relationships with their legislators and legislature.” He cited Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Indiana and Arkansas “just to name a few.” He said horsemen must ensure lawmakers hear their stories, adding, “Racing has a great story to tell about the jobs, the tourism and preservation of land and green space, the taxes paid, reinvestment in the economy.” Thayer also noted other positives he sees in the industry, including Tina Bond's “Heart of Horse Racing” high-tech marketing venture and Equibase pursuing a system of race ratings in America; the rebuilding of Pimlico and construction of a training center in Maryland even as Maryland and Virginia work together to create the beginnings of a Mid-Atlantic circuit; while New York put up $500 million to rebuild Belmont Park. “And then what I'm particularly fond of, the Kentucky story, where every track figures to offer maiden races for Kentucky-breds being $80,000 or more,” Thayer said. “We're seeing billions of dollars being spent on facilities in Kentucky because of a couple of laws we passed that allow the industry to invest in itself.” Discussing the National HBPA's challenge to the constitutionality of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, Thayer said, “HISA is a polarizing event in our industry. The bill snuck through in the dark of night in the budget reconciliation process by people I like and respect. I just disagree with them on this issue. I'm a state's rights guy. Tenth Amendment. The federal government should only do what the state's can't do for themselves…. I also don't think the federal government should foist on us an $85-million law and not pay for it. Why is it the states have to pay for a federal law? “There are going to be states who decide they won't participate in HISA. They're going to forgo simulcasting rights under the Interstate Horse Racing Act [of 1978], and we're going to have less uniformity under that scenario than we had before the formation of HISA. There are a lot of people in my area code who are for it. I'd like to help be a voice to try to make it better or get it replaced with something better.” Panels during Tuesday's opening session of the two-day National HBPA convention also included discussions on recommended steps trainers can take to diminish the chances of a horse's post-race drug test coming up positive for an impermissible substance and recommended actions to help mitigate potential sanctions if that positive finding occurs; as well as updates on the organization's challenges to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. The post ‘Get to Know Your Legislators:’ Thayer Gives Keynote Address at HBPA Convention appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Star British jockey boots home David Hayes-trained gelding to claim series victory at the city circuit.View the full article