Wandering Eyes

Tim Thornton was the leading jockey and veteran conditioner Allen Landry was the top trainer at the Delta Downs meet which concluded Saturday. Thornton has now won five leading rider titles at Delta Downs dating back to the 2018-19 season, when he started a string of four consecutive titles before being unseated by Vicente Del Cid during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. Del Cid missed the first month of the 2024-25 meet, but quickly rose through the ranks to finish in the standings. Thornton won 85 races from 352 mounts at the 76-day meeting. The Louisiana native also led all jockeys by mount earnings with a total of $1,996,075. Landry's first leading trainer title at Delta Downs came after a season-long battle with Abel Ramirez-Rodriguez, who took over the barn of 13-time leading trainer Karl Broberg before the season began. Landry finished on top of the standings with 45 wins from 172 starts to Ramirez-Rodriguez's 42. His runners earned a season-leading $1,165,920. Broberg and Matt Johanson's End Zone Athletics won its 13th leading owner title at Delta Downs this year with 35 wins and $565,095 in total earnings. The post Thornton, Landry Top Delta Downs Standings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The 18-race Smullen Series, targeting middle-distance 2- and 3-year-olds, was announced by the Irish European Breeders' Fund (Irish EBF) on Tuesday evening. Alongside that announcement, a record €3.1 million will be contributed by the Irish EBF to Ireland's overall prize-money in 2025. The Irish EBF is Irish racing's largest sponsor and it is funded by Irish stallion Farms. In addition, there are prize-money commitments of €150,000 to Irish EBF named races in the UK and for retired racehorses through Treo Eile, bringing the overall 2025 prize-money sponsorship amount to €3.25 million. Regarding the new Smullen Series, it will include a new 2-year-old listed race at Naas Racecourse in July named in honour of Pat Smullen, the Irish EBF Pat Smullen Stakes. The Spring Series of races originally designed for middle distance 3-year-old horses, including the valuable €200,000 Gowran Classic will become part of the overall Smullen Series that will provide trainers, owners and breeders of middle-distance horses valuable opportunities to race throughout the season. To boost prize-money and interest in nursery races there will be three Irish EBF nursery handicaps each worth €40,000 starting with one in August, followed by the Auction Series Nursery at Cork Racecourse in September and culminating with the traditional Birdcatcher Premier Nursery at Naas Racecourse in October. The aim is to encourage horses eligible for these races to compete in one or all three of the nurseries to avail of the €120,000 of prize money on offer. In addition, the Irish EBF can now confirm that all Curragh and Leopardstown 2-year-old EBF maiden races will each run for a minimum of €20,000 in 2025. All other 2-year-old Irish EBF maidens races in Ireland will be run for a minimum of €18,000. This compliments the €1.6 million of prize-money on offer for 2-year-olds in the successful Auction Series and the Median Sires Series which both include big race targets in the €120,000 Irish EBF Auction Series Final and the €200,000 Irish EBF Ballyhane Stakes. Joe Foley, Irish EBF chairman, said, “The combined spend from Irish Stallion Farms to the industry is an enormous €3.25 million, that is €3.1 million directly to Irish prize-money plus €100,000 to Irish EBF named races in the UK and €50,000 to prize money at Treo Eile supported events for retired racehorses. This amount equates to 10% of what the government will spend on Irish prize money this year and showcases how significant the funding from Irish Stallion Farms is to the industry. The Irish EBF has flourished in the last 10 years when the annual contribution to racing was €1.6m, now it is a staggering €3.25m, double the amount in 2015, which is a credit to each and every stallion farm who contribute to the scheme year after year.” Since the foundation of the Irish European Breeders' Fund in 1983, the overall contribution is over €63 million. All Irish EBF money is put directly into Irish Racing and encompasses nearly 500 races, both Flat and National Hunt, that will carry EBF conditions throughout the year. As previously announced the Irish EBF will be the flagship sponsor of the new Academy Hurdle Series which will commence October 2025. This sponsorship reinforces the support the Irish European Breeders' Fund have consistently given to Irish National Hunt racing, breeding and sales with the following highlights. Fifty percent of the National Hunt allocation targeted at mares' chases, hurdle and bumper races, Connolly's Red Mills Irish EBF Auction Hurdle Series worth nearly €400,000 with 16 qualifying races and a €75,000 final at the Punchestown Festival which is backed up by the Irish EBF Auction Bumper Series with six races worth €15,000 each over the season. Added Jonathan Mullin, Horse Racing Ireland, director of racing, “Today's announcement of a record sponsorship figure for 2025 is another reminder of the vital role that the Irish EBF play in Irish racing. This investment in prize-money from the Irish EBF comes from voluntary contributions from stallion farms all over Ireland and Horse Racing Ireland is hugely appreciative of this long-standing investment. “In 2024, the EBF and HRI targeted support towards later developing middle distance horses with higher value early season 3-year-old median auction maidens, and with the Irish EBF's help this strategy will be enhanced in 2025 with the advent of the Smullen Series. Named after an Irish racing hero, this series has as its ambition the promotion of horses bred for stamina and will see a new race enter the Pattern, the Pat Smullen Stakes for 2-year-olds over a mile at Naas in July, as well as increased values on a number of autumn 2-year-old maidens over a mile and a mile-plus. “I want to also acknowledge the Irish EBF's title sponsorship of the upcoming Irish EBF Academy Hurdle series in October and thank them for their enthusiastic support of this new initiative for Irish National Hunt racing.” The post New Smullen Series Launched By Irish EBF, Alongside Record €3.1 Million Irish Prize-Money Announcement appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Trainer Dan Blacker is pleased with the resiliency Straight No Chaser has shown in his travel as the target now focuses on the April 5 Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1).View the full article

A total of 346 lots have been catalogued for the Bloodstock South Africa National Yearling Sale on Apr. 10-11. Set for the TBA Complex in Germiston and beginning at 10 a.m. each day, the sale sees the majority of South Africa's top stud farms represented. Yearlings are by such sires as Gimmethegreenlight (Aus), Master Of My Fate (SAf), One World (SAf), Querari (Ger), Rafeef (Aus), Trippi, Vercingetorix (SAf) and What A Winter (SAf), as well as Harry Angel (Ire) and Lucky Vega (Ire), who stand outside of South Africa. There are also several Grade 1-winning mares with offspring represented in the sale, including Alboran Sea (Aus) (Rock Of Gibraltar {Ire}) with a colt by Hawwaam (SAf); a colt by What A Winter out of Nightingale (SAf) (Silvano {Ger}); Ash Cloud (SAf) (Black Minnaloushe)'s Futura (SAf) colt; Orchid Island (SAf) (Silvano {Ger})'s Rafeef filly is set to sell; Gimmethegreenlight and Pine Princess (SAf) (Captain Al {SAf})'s filly will be offered; and River Jetez (SAf) (Jet Master {SAf}) has a colt that will visit the ring. The post BSA National Yearling Catalogue Released appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Byron King's Top 12 on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, presented by Spendthrift Farm.View the full article

From Bob Hutt Let me preface my remarks as President of the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association (PTHA) by saying I am humbled and honored that Smarty Jones was made a finalist for the Hall of Fame. Smarty Jones was the first horse unbeaten through the Kentucky Derby and Preakness since Seattle Slew in 1977. Justify and Seattle Slew are the only horses to win the Triple Crown while unbeaten. Smarty's run through the 2004 Triple Crown races compares very favorably with Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify. In fact, Smarty Jones's Beyer figures for the Kentucky Derby and Preakness were better. Smarty got a 107 Beyer in the Derby and a 118 in the Preakness when he won by 11 1/2 lengths, the largest margin in the race's history. American Pharoah got a 102 in the Derby and a 105 in the Preakness. Justify got a 103 in the Derby and a 97 in the Preakness. In 2004, “Smarty Fever” was rampant as he was even nominated by Time magazine for Person Of The Year, its highest honor. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Smarty Jones was so popular by the Belmont Stakes that a record 120,000 fans came to see him run that day at Belmont Park. What happened during the running of the race will be debated for decades. The bottom line was that Smarty ran a courageous race from the start and was just one length short of a perfect nine-for-nine/Triple Crown-winning career. The post Letter to the Editor: The Case for Smarty Jones appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

After conquering a third consecutive stop on the Road to the Kentucky Derby in the Feb. 23 Rebel Stakes (G2), Coal Battle surged into the third position in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association's Top 3-Year-Old Poll, released Feb. 25.View the full article

By Brian Sheerin and Emma Berry As the entries for the Betfred Derby were announced on Tuesday, Aidan O'Brien has admitted that it would be no surprise to see another of his colts take a major step forward this spring to rival current favourite The Lion In Winter (Ire), a son of the 2009 Derby winner Sea The Stars (Ire). “Being realistic, The Lion In Winter won his maiden very nicely and then went and won a Group 3 at York [Acomb Stakes]. They were two very good runs but obviously he was meant to go to the Dewhurst but didn't make it,” he said. “He's had a good long winter off and is back cantering again. Is he the number one? Who knows? “Everything hinges around his form at York and you can interpret that run whichever way you want. It was only a Group 3 but the Justify horse of Charlie Appleby's [Ruling Court] is well regarded and he finished third. The Lion In Winter is by Sea The Stars so going the Derby trip has always been on his agenda and we are very happy with him. Having said that, some horses develop and progress at this time of year and we'll know a lot more when the trials have been run.” Asked to nominate some horses who were perhaps open to above-average progression at three, O'Brien responded, “Well, there are a lot of horses there. Delacroix (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who was second in the Futurity at Doncaster, is one of them. Then there are a lot of horses who ran well or won maidens who we like a lot. Acapulco Bay (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) is one of those horses who could progress. He had a lovely run first time up and then he won his maiden at the Curragh. But when he won his maiden, he never even rose a gallop—he was in front the whole way and was like a horse who was never on the track before. That maiden that he won was absolutely no reflection of what he could be capable of at all.” The man who has won the Derby a record 10 times, including in the last two seasons with Auguste Rodin (Ire) and City Of Troy, continued, “That's what makes the Derby and the Classics so intriguing and we can't wait for when the trials start to see what's going to happen and what way horses have progressed and how much they've learned. Some horses mature differently physically and mentally and, to be honest, that's what makes us all dream around this time of year.” He added, “The Derby is always very open and anyone who thinks differently is only kidding themselves. Some horses go back in the springtime, others go forward and the rest will stand still. The Derby is the ultimate test of the thoroughbred—no matter what anybody else thinks—over the distance and the track. If you think you have an outstanding horse, you can never be sure until they come through the Derby test on the day, because it is the ultimate test of the Thoroughbred.” Ninety colts have been entered for the Epsom Classic on June 7, 31 of which are trained in Ireland, with another two from America and one from France. Graham Motion, the British-born trainer based in Maryland, USA, is at this stage represented by Amerman Racing's Test Score, a son of the GI Preakness Stakes winner Lookin At Lucky “It would be a tall order but we got to thinking about it last year after Trikari won the American Turf at Churchill, which was a 'win and you're in' for the Derby, which I think is a good concept but I think it would be asking a lot of him,” Motion said. “I'm big on international travel but I would want to be sure it's the right thing.” Along with automatic entry for the winner of the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom on April 22, a runner from the GII American Turf Stakes, which is run on the Kentucky Derby undercard on May 4, will receive an entry and a travel incentive to run in the Derby. The post O’Brien Relishing ‘Ultimate Test’ as Derby Entries are Revealed appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Jim Benes, Cheryl McIntyre, and Rich Nilsen have been voted by their peers for induction into the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship Hall of Fame, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) announced Tuesday. These decorated handicappers represent the 11th class of NHC Hall of Fame inductees and will be recognized during the NHC Champions Dinner held Sunday, March 16 following the conclusion of the 26th NTRA National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) at the Horseshoe Las Vegas. “This is a huge honor,” said Benes. “The Hall of Fame didn't exist when I started betting horses so it was never a thought. Now that it does and I'm in it, it is unbelievable. The NHC has to be on any horseplayer's bucket list, as what is better than a room filled with all horseplayers competing?” “I was the first woman horseplayer to win the Tour and I was very proud of that achievement,” said McIntyre. “It was a lot of really hard work and dedication and traveling because it required me to play at many different venues and tournaments to get to the top and stay there. But it was also very satisfying and rewarding. I enjoy every minute of playing in the NHC in Las Vegas and hopefully can continue to do so for another few years. It's hard work sometimes, but I enjoy every minute of the journey.” “Being voted into the NHC Hall of Fame by my peers is a great honor,” added Nilsen. “I'm blessed to have made a lot of friends on the tournament circuit over the past two decades, so getting in through their votes is very humbling.” The post Benes, McIntyre, Nilsen Lead NTRA National Horseplayers Championship Hall Of Fame Class appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

A bill that would authorize fixed odds betting on Thoroughbred and greyhound racing was filed Monday in the West Virginia Senate. If enacted, 5% of each licensee's adjusted gross wagering receipts from fixed odds wagering would go to a fund to supplement purses for Thoroughbreds and greyhounds. The money bet via Thoroughbred fixed odds would go to Thoroughbred purses; the greyhound revenue would be earmarked for greyhound purses. According to the text of Senate Bill 576, “Any content authorized for fixed odds wagering on horse races from West Virginia, or fixed odds wagering on dog races from West Virginia, to be offered for wagering by a licensed operator, licensed gaming facility, or management services provider, shall require the consent of the host racetrack and recognized horsemen's group for horse races.” The legislation was filed by Republican Senator Jason Barrett. The bill has been assigned to the Finance Committee, which Barrett chairs. The post Fixed Odds Wagering Bill Filed In West Virginia appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

All-American National Champion gymnast Olivia “Livvy” Dunne along with Major League Baseball star Jayson Werth will host meet-and-greets in Sports Illustrated's Club SI at historic Churchill Downs during the 151st runnings of the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks and GI Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, respectively. Club SI, a multi-year exclusive partnership between Churchill Downs Racetrack and Sports Illustrated, debuted at last year's Kentucky Derby and offers guests a modern, sophisticated race day experience as part of the racetrack's recent $200 million reimagined Paddock Project. As part of his Derby Week activities, Werth will also record an episode of his podcast, Off the Rail with ICON Racing, from Club SI, bringing fans exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes coverage of horse racing's biggest weekend. Affording guests an unparalleled behind-the-scenes experience, Club SI offers luxury dining with an immersive view of the Paddock and Paddock Runway. The interior design of Club SI showcases iconic Sports Illustrated magazine covers and editorial featuring past Kentucky Derby races, and a sneak peek into Sports Illustrated's new SI Resorts vertical. Club SI is open on select premium race days throughout the year at Churchill Downs. Guests have the option to book dining tables, indulge in gourmet dishes from the curated Chef's Table Buffet, visit dedicated wagering windows and private bars, and enjoy outdoor trackside viewing for live races. Steps from the club, guests are treated to the SI Enclosure which delivers a front-row experience of the Paddock with covered outdoor dining tables. The post Olivia Dunne And Jayson Werth To Host Oaks, Derby Festivities In Sports Illustrated’s Club SI appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The only rule is that there are no rules. Some of our most expensive freshmen are entering precisely the end game that drove their purchase: Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo) and Muth (Good Magic) cost $2.3 million and $2 million respectively, as juveniles; Prince of Monaco (Speightstown) was a $950,000 yearling. Yet the GI Kentucky Derby remains as likely to be won by a $30,000 claim like Rich Strike (Keen Ice) or, most recently, a son of the $10,000 cover Goldencents. Last week, we saluted the advent of a $2,500 yearling by Preservationist on the Derby trail and now we find a colt topping the leaderboard by a stallion available at $2,000. Like Preservationist, the sire of Coal Battle had launched only a second crop of juveniles when packing his bags for a fresh start outside of Kentucky this spring. Coal Front was the overlooked fifth prong of Spendthrift's 2020 assault on the stallion market, the other four duly dominating the 2023 freshman title with much larger books: Mitole with 148 named foals, Maximus Mischief 128, Vino Rosso 162, and Omaha Beach 121. Coal Front had just 44, conceived at $5,000–yet his two stakes winners that year were a match for all his neighbors bar Maximus Mischief, with three. The cream has since risen to the top, Omaha Beach justifying his status as priciest of the five by heading the cumulative table on nearly all indices. Yet Coal Front's five black-type winners (62 starters) represent a higher percentage of named foals than any stallion in the intake. In fairness, he's hardly typical of the ridiculous predicament in which so many young stallions find themselves today, having never benefitted even from the customary stampede from one new stallion to the next. His slide from a debut book of 89 to 51 mares last spring is nothing like as steep as that experienced by another from the same intake (on a different farm), from 221 to 34! But those who brought Coal Front to Louisiana deserve congratulations for recognizing that if you truly believe in a stallion, the time to double down is when everyone else is nervously moving on. The question now is whether Coal Battle is equipped for more searching tests ahead. For his success in the GII Rebel Stakes, over a barely extended mile, hardly diminished the sense that he's primarily a dasher. Coal Front himself won the GIII Razorback Handicap over a similar distance on the equivalent card in 2019, before adding the GI Godolphin Mile, but his previous graded wins had come over 6f/7f. Aside from this colt, he has produced Haulin Ice to romp the one-turn Azalea Stakes at Gulfstream, and dual 6f stakes winner Xtreme Diva. The oddity is that Coal Front's pedigree is loaded with Classic influences, notably Seattle Slew–whose son A.P. Indy accounts for both grandsire Bernardini and damsire Mineshaft, and who also sired Coal Front's third dam. Coal Front's sire Stay Thirsty now has an even more blatant sprint type at stud in Mind Control. It would be edifying, if a little unexpected, if this speed-oriented pair could extend a Bernardini male line to complement his remarkable legacy as a broodmare sire. Coal Battle may not get much assistance, in terms of stamina, from his maternal family–even though his dam Wolfblade (Midshipman) introduces three additional strains of Seattle Slew! (Her sire is out of a mare by his son Avenue of Flags, while the sires of her first two dams are out of mares respectively by Seattle Slew and his son Capote.) While Midshipman channels some sturdy Classic brands, and has had good stayers in Chile, his principal footprint as a broodmare sire is Golden Pal (Uncle Mo)–and the fact is that Wolfblade herself won eight times over 4.5f at Charles Town. Admittedly she operated under tags as low as $4,000, obtaining her solitary black-type amongst West Virginian state-breds. She's out of another sprinter, Venice Queen (Latent Heat), a half-sister to graded stakes winner Easy Time (Not This Time) with a couple of minor stakes placings to her name; while the next dam is an unraced Cape Town half-sister to GIII Iowa Oaks winner He Loves Me (Not For Love). Eventually the line tapers to the important mare Enchanted Eve, via her champion daughter Tempted. Overall, however, physique probably contributed more than page when Coal Battle realized $70,000 as a yearling, a top 10 price at the 2023 Texas Thoroughbred Association Sale. Bravo to Coal Battle's breeders Hume Wornall and Jay Adcock for raising a Derby colt, at the first attempt, from a mare anyone could have claimed for even less than her chosen partner's fee. (Adcock, incidentally, heads the partnership that brought Coal Front to his Red River Farm.) The placed horses Sunday cost $650,000 and $1.2 million respectively. So while nobody knows where Coal Battle may reach his ceiling, in distance or class–well, that's the whole point. Maximum Security | Sarah Andrew Maximum Misfortunes Secure Sympathy Except, of course, there are actually a whole bunch of rules. Just ask Maximum Security. There were the ones his rider was deemed to break in the 2019 GI Kentucky Derby; and then there were those flagrantly breached by his trainer, Jason Servis, who was jailed in 2023. Five years ago, Maximum Security was the inaugural winner of the G1 Saudi Cup, but his contentious disqualification (despite zero test abnormalities) was only confirmed last summer. In the meantime, the poor horse has been trying to shake free of this welter of misfortune and launch a stud career. When Coolmore bought into the horse, they knew that a son of New Year's Day might not work for everybody. But the functionality of his genes appeared evident: he was about to be anointed crop champion, a single horse having finished in front of him in nine starts; and would later win the GI Pacific Classic for his new trainer. Through no fault of horse or owners, however, Maximum Security would suddenly become a hard sell. He did muster 135 mares for his debut, at $20,000, but last year was down to 54 at $7,500. Of 51 first-crop starters last year, 17 winners were highlighted by just one stakes-placed horse and this spring Maximum Security was trimmed again to $5,000. How timely, then, was the succor he found last weekend, showing what he might yet do given a chance. Presumably he can't have received many more accomplished mares than GI Ruffian Handicap/GI Lady's Secret Stakes winner Tough Tiz's Sis (Tiznow). True, she appeared to have peaked as a producer with her first foal, GII Bayakoa Stakes winner Tiz Midnight, albeit the latter has since produced triple graded stakes scorer Midnight Memories (Mastery), while her Tapit half-sister came up with GIII Holy Bull winner Rocket Can (Into Mischief). But Tough Tiz's Sis is booked straight back to Maximum Security after the 'TDN Rising Star' debut of their son Tiz Secure, homebred by Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, at Santa Anita. With Maximum Promise third in the John Battaglia Stakes on the same day, perhaps Maximum Security is starting to turn things round. On the face of it, his dam introduces no more glamor than his exiled sire, as a $2,200 yearling by Anasheed. But she was a half-sister to triple Group 1 winner Flat Out (Flatter), while Anasheed's overall failure doesn't alter the fact that he filters some of the best blood in the book. Who knows, perhaps Tiz Secure will prove the straw in the wind that allows Maximum Security to prove himself a victim, and not a beneficiary, of human vice. Honor A.P. | Sarah Andrew Not Just Vekoma Deserving Honor The stallion in Maximum Security's intake who's kicking on unmissably is Vekoma, whose promoters couldn't dream of a G3 Saudi Derby winner named more obligingly than Golden Vekoma. After shading a desperate race for the freshman title, Vekoma's sophomores are consolidating fast. He produced five stakes winners among his first juveniles, a tally matched by Tiz the Law and Complexity; but already has four in 2025, while Complexity remains his only peer with even two. Golden Vekoma is a half-brother to Midshipman's Dance (Midshipman), who won the Mockingbird Stakes last year. Their dam, Remington Park Oaks winner Sticks Wondergirl (Stevie Wonderboy), was the sole daughter of a Quiet American half-sister to a splendid producer in Choreograph (Dynaformer). The latter's serial stakes performers and/or producers for the exemplary Ramona Bass program include Goliad (War Front), who won a couple of graded stakes at seven last year. But don't overlook the sire of Heart Of Honor (GB), who had chased home Golden Vekoma on their previous start and again flew late when failing by just a head in his local prep for the UAE Derby last Friday. Sold as a weanling after his dam was exported to Britain, Heart Of Honor made €160,000 at the Arqana Breeze-Up and is hinting that Honor A.P. does not deserve to be swamped by the big numbers fielded by Vekoma and his pals at the top of the table. I remain convinced that Honor A.P. was the most talented of his crop and, while his slow-burning profile hardly promised a ton of precocious sprinters, he nonetheless included a couple of single-turn stakes winners among his first juveniles. The progress of his overseas flagship now confirms this beautiful horse ($850,000 yearling) as exactly the type to be supported by any breeders inclined to quell the witless trends currently putting the whole stallion scene in crisis. The post Breeding Digest: Can He Keep Piling On The Coal? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Dear Readers, If you are reading this, you are likely already involved and educated enough to understand the challenges and struggles our beloved industry faces. Conversely, I would like to focus on a few of the amazing things that the Thoroughbred racing industry offers. I will then challenge others to bring to light more positive news from our industry. Unfortunately, much too often, the only Thoroughbred news that reaches the mainstream media is negative. We, as an industry, must share, educate and enlighten others, both inside and outside of our world, about how special it really can be. Caring for a horse is, in my opinion, a very highly-skilled trade or even an art. There are very few trades left in our culture that you must learn from an expert themself. You cannot read in a book how to groom, ride, feed, shoe, etc. These are skills learned face to face, from a master, over many years. A master of the trade has exponentially more learning hours than any degree that any college offers. We have all seen a master horseman interact with a horse and it is magical. It is truly an art form when mastered. We should view horsemanship as more of an art, as possibly this could open up opportunities for additional educational funding. Thoroughbred racing bridges a cultural and social gap unlike any other industry. In what other industry does a Fortune 500 CEO ask opinions of a groom, rider or hotwalker? In what other industry does a bond between an owner, animal and all of the support staff often assimilate to more of a family feel, rather than just associates? Social status, ethnicity, gender, political beliefs, religion or financial status matters not when a “family” is cheering their beloved horse down the lane. It brings groups of people together that would never otherwise break bread and rarely cross paths in normal life. We should market the opportunities for a successful career. You don't have to have generational wealth, a college degree or even any specialized training to take a job and excel in this industry. That is what makes it so enticing and magical. The $1,000,000 dollar horse runs against the $1,000 horse in the Kentucky Derby, and that can be related to industry professionals. If you are willing to work hard and learn, there is no limit to your potential in horse racing. If you made it to this paragraph, I would wager your passion for the animals, industry, lifestyle and sport matches mine. I merely touched upon a few points. We have a culture that could slip away quickly without a fight. I challenge all of us to spread some good news about Thoroughbred racing. For example, let's focus on the inspiring aftercare success stories, or the first-generation immigrant family who just had a child graduate law school. There is much we have to be so proud of and we should spread the word. These majestic horses have often left us in awe. I can't imagine future generations not having the opportunity to feel the joy, euphoria and raw emotions that this industry has offered me. The post Open Letter To The Industry: Joseph Pickerrell appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Sam Agars AURORA LADY - R8 (2) Returns to his happy hunting ground and can also return to winners' list Jay Rooney AURORA LADY - R8 (2) Had excuses last start and should bounce back at his preferred C&D Trackwork Spy STURDY RUBY - R7 (4) Consistent type who has drawn low and looks primed to win Phillip Woo RED MAJESTY - R7 (2) Can salute on the back of two solid Valley mile runs at this level Shannon (Vincent Wong) SERANGOON - R2 (5) Drawn to get the run of the race and is ready to win again Racing Post Online YEE CHEONG SPIRIT - R4 (1) Solid effort for second last start and gets the chance to make amends here Tom Wood YEE CHEONG SPIRIT - R4 (1) Has found a race that isn't strong after a good second last startView the full article

Dominic Sutton has Feroce (NZ) (Super Seth) set for an Australian Guineas tilt and the up-and-coming trainer is hopeful Detroit City can join the Caulfield Guineas runner-up in the Group One feature at Flemington on Saturday. Feroce will be aiming to go one better in Saturday’s Australian Guineas than his narrow defeat in the Caulfield Guineas last spring, while stablemate Detroit City is 19th in the ballot order with a field limit of 16 plus four emergencies. Acceptances for the Australian Guineas are taken on Wednesday. “We’ll accept with both,” Sutton said on Tuesday. “Detroit City will be touch and go whether he makes the field, he’s probably likely going to be an emergency, but the plan is to try to run both of them.” Feroce went close to giving Sutton his first Group Ome when he charged late only to be narrowly beaten by Private Life in the Caulfield Guineas last October. The three-year-old made his return this campaign in the Gr.3 C.S. Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on February 15, finishing third behind Sepals and Ndola in a run which pleased Sutton. “He didn’t handle the Soft track that day and got beaten by two horses with race fitness on the day,” Sutton said. “I think it was a really good prep run ahead of stepping up to the mile. I think seven furlongs is as short as he wants it now, so he’s really starting to show that he wants a mile-plus.” Sutton believes Feroce has come back as well as he was in the spring and also believes he will stretch out further in distance this campaign. “I think he’s probably looking for a little bit further now in distance,” he said. “He’s starting to shape and look more like a 2000-metre horse, but in saying that he wasn’t far away over seven furlongs and he has shown he is good at the mile. “He’s as good as he was heading into the Caulfield Guineas in the spring.” Detroit City finished fourth in the Autumn Stakes at Caulfield first-up this campaign, which was won by Australian Guineas favourite Angel Capital, and Sutton is also not discounting his hopes if he sneaks into the field. “We wanted to ride him a little bit quieter than that, being first-up,” Sutton said of Detroit City’s Autumn Stakes run. “He had a really long break, he was first-up and rode the speed and got a bit tired late. “He’ll really appreciate stepping up to a mile, he’ll enjoy Flemington, the blinkers go back on and if he gets a run, I think he definitely shouldn’t be forgotten about. “Feroce is obviously the classier horse, probably, on paper. “They are quite similar in type, they’re both horses I think will get over 10 furlongs (2000m) this time around. “It looks like we’re going to get a dry track, which is good. “You’d have Feroce ahead of Detroit City, but Detroit is a real tough horse and his work on Monday was excellent, so I think if he gets a run, he’ll give the race a shake as well.” Sutton saddled up his first runner as a trainer just under a year ago and Saturday shapes as another important day in his young training career to date. “Even just to have horses good enough to run in these races is a pretty hard thing to do, so to have potentially two is pretty exciting,” Sutton said. “They are only three once and when they do turn four it gets a lot harder. They both will be live chances in the race if Detroit (City) gets a run as well. “It’s big for us being so early on in our career but it’s what we’re striving to do, to race these good horses in these good races.” View the full article

Savaglee (NZ) (Savabeel) might be the mystery horse for some in Australia in the lead-in to Saturday’s Gr.1 Australian Guineas, but not so for Flemington-based trainer Mike Moroney. The budding Kiwi star was initially to come to Moroney to train in 2025, but after his illness midway through last year, Moroney had to relinquish his New Zealand training partnership with Savaglee’s conditioner Pam Gerard at Matamata so as to be able to take on training partner Glen Thompson at Flemington. Gerard will fly the son of Savabeel into his temporary stables at Flemington this week to tackle some of Australia’s best middle-distance three-year-olds on Saturday, before he returns to New Zealand. Moroney said Savaglee is the real deal and will take plenty of beating on Saturday. “He’s a very smart horse and I think he’ll be here to run really well,” he said. Savaglee has eased out to $11 in Sportsbet’s Guineas market on the back of a luckless third placing against the older horses in the Gr.1 BCD Group Sprint (1200m) at his latest run. He is a Group One winner of the 2000 Guineas and boasts a record of 14 starts for seven wins. Savaglee’s presence in the $1 million race on Saturday had dented Moroney’s hopes of victory with his smart The Autumn Sun gelding Plymouth, but he suggested the pair could run the quinella. Plymouth was a brave first-up second in the Autumn Stakes (1400m) behind Guineas favourite Angel Capital and Moroney said he had been pleased with how he had trained on. View the full article

Tattersalls has released the catalogue for the Craven Breeze-Up Sale, of which dual Group 1 winner Vandeek (GB), Champion Two-Year-Old Native Trail (GB) and more recently G1 Futurity Trophy winner Hotazhell (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) are graduates from. The sale is set to take place between Monday 14 and Wednesday 16 April. A total of 182 juveniles have been catalogued for the Craven Breeze-Up Sale, which features progeny by top-class sires like Dubawi, Blue Point, Kingman, Mehmas, Too Darn Hot, Wootton Bassett, Havana Grey and more. Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony commented, “The Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale is unquestionably Europe's leading breeze up sale for Group 1 winners with Hotazhell the latest two-year-old graduate to score at the highest level, following in the illustrious footsteps of outstanding juvenile Vandeek and Classic winners Native Trail and Cachet. “Both last year's Derby runner up Ambiente Friendly and Believing, the top-rated sprint filly in Europe who sold for 3,000,000 guineas at last year's December Mares Sale, etched their own marks on the sale's roll of honour and the calibre and the consistency of Group 1 winners sourced from the Craven Breeze Up Sale are a testament to the outstanding quality that Europe's leading breeze up consignors offer year after year. This year's catalogue is no exception and the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale looks certain to attract a strong contingent of domestic and international buyers.” He added, “The 'breeze' for the Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale will take place at Newmarket's Rowley Mile Racecourse on Monday 14th April starting at 9.30am, with the sale taking place on Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th April after the conclusion of racing on the first two days of Newmarket's three-day Craven Meeting.” Willie Browne's Mocklershill will offer the largest consignment with 10 juveniles catalogued, followed by Thomond O'Mara's Knockanglass Stables and last year's leading consignor Tally-Ho Stud, who are both represented by nine horses. Glending Stables, consignors of the sale's top lot in 2024 and dual Group 1 winner Vandeek in 2023, will offer five lots whilst Eddie Linehan's Lackendarra Stables, who consigned Group 1 Futurity Trophy winner Hotazhell last year, has three juveniles catalogued. Buyers looking to benefit from additional incentives will be well catered for with four lots entered in the £25,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonus Scheme, six two-year-olds eligible for French Owners' Premiums, 20 lots entered in the Swedish Derby and Oaks Series and seven fillies registered for the Great British Bonus Scheme. There are also several lots entered in lucrative Tattersalls sales races including the £100,000 Tattersalls Somerville Auction Stakes, the £150,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes and the €250,000 Tattersalls Ireland Super Auction Stakes. Along with the stellar cast of progeny by leading European-based sires, there is a good representation of American pedigrees, with the likes of American Pharoah, Bolt D'Oro, Justify, Not This Time, Street Sense, Speightstown and more represented. The catalogue can be viewed here https://www.tattersalls.com/sales/craven-breeze-up-sale/4DCGI/Sale/CBU25/Main/. The post Anticipation Builds For Breeze-Up Season As Tattersalls Release Craven Sale Catalogue appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Odds Bookmakers News Field Past Winners Blamey Stakes Group Two Betting Guide Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025 Location: Flemington Racecourse – Melbourne, Victoria Prize Money: $300,000 Distance: 1600m The Blamey Stakes is a Group 2 race run over 1600m at Flemington under set weights and penalties, conducted by the Victoria Racing Club. Named after Field Marshal Sir Thomas Blamey, the Blamey Stakes was first held in 1955 over 10 furlongs (2000m approx) before shifting to 1600m in 1973. Initially a weight-for-age race, the Blamey Stakes was run as a handicap from 1981 to 1986 before reverting to its current conditions. The Blamey Stakes has long been a key lead-up to major races, originally the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) and, since 2019, the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m). The 2024 edition, worth $300,000, was won by Atishu, defeating Holymanz and Ayrton. Notable past winners include Rising Fast, Gunsynd, Surround, Vo Rogue, Apache Cat, and Fifty Stars. Dual winners of the Blamey Stakes include Sailor’s Guide, Tobin Bronze, Hyperno, and Durbridge. 2025 Blamey Stakes betting odds Betting markets for the 2025 Blamey Stakes are currently unavailable. 2025 Blamey Stakes odds will be released on February 24, 2025 How to bet on the Blamey Stakes All of our top bookmakers have markets for the Blamey Stakes. Most of the Melbourne Autumn Carnival races have markets opened well in advance and the Group 3 Blamey Stakes is no exception. The best Blamey Stakes betting sites have also got apps available, with these generally coming for Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. 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. 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Blamey Stakes News Atishu claims All Star Mile berth with Blamey Stakes win Australia horse racing news 12 months ago The Chris Waller-trained Atishu has booked herself a spot in the All-Star Mile following her win in the Group 2 … Read More Flemington free race-by-race tips | Australian Guineas Day 2024 Horse Racing Tips 12 months ago The Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) headlines Flemington’s 10-race meeting on Saturday. Check out HorseBetting’s free race-by-race preview and quaddie … Read More ‘Interesting’ Makram hunting further autumn success Australia horse racing news 1 year ago Ben Hayes, co-trainer of Makram, envisions the Irish-imported gelding as a formidable contender in the lucrative races during the autumn … Read More Abounding to bypass All Star Mile Australia horse racing news 1 year ago Abounding, the victorious filly in Saturday’s Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m), is set to remain in Queensland and bypass a … Read More Flemington full racing tips & quaddie | Australian Guineas Day Horse Racing Tips 2 years ago Nine races are set down for decision on Saturday at Flemington for Australian Guineas Day, and HorseBetting’s James Herbert presents … Read More Inspirational Girl books a spot in the All Star Mile Australia horse racing news 3 years ago The Danny O’Brien-trained Inspirational Girl has booked her spot in the All Star Mile in a fortnight following a win … Read More 2025 Blamey Stakes Final Field HorseBetting will update this page when the 2025 Blamey Stakes final field is released on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. Previous Blamey Stakes Fields 2024 Blamey Stakes field No. Silks Horse Trainer Jockey Barrier Weight 1 Bustler Neville Parnham Steven Parnham 15 59kg 2 Atishu Chris Waller Blake Shinn 11 57kg 3 Future History Ciaron Maher Mark Zahra 6 57kg 4 Muramasa Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Daniel Moor 8 57kg 5 Ayrton Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) Ms Jamie Kah 1 56kg 6 Riddle Me That Matt Laurie Daniel Stackhouse 9 56kg 7 Captain Envious Paul Preusker Jamie Mott 10 56kg 8 Makram Ben, Will & JD Hayes Harry Coffey 12 56kg 9 Holymanz Ciaron Maher Michael Dee 3 56kg 10 Panfield Chris Waller Craig Williams 7 55kg 11 Berkeley Square Dan O’Sullivan Luke Currie 4 55kg 12 Suizuro Trent Busuttin & Natalie Young Craig Newitt 13 55kg 13 Cadre Du Noir Ciaron Maher Jye McNeil 2 55kg 14 Carini Danny O’Brien Damian Lane 14 55kg 15 Arale Benjamin Smith Fred Kersley 5 53kg 2024 Blamey Stakes result https://horsebetting.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Flemington-2024-Group-2-Blamey-Stakes-02032024-Atishu-Chris-Waller-Blake-Shinn.mp4 1st – Atishu (+300) 2nd – Holymanz (+220) 3rd – Ayrton (+130) Recent runnings of the Blamey Stakes: 2024: Atishu finishes best On return to her favourite track, Atishu ($4.00) took out the Group 2 Blamey Stakes thanks to a calm ride from Blake Shinn at Flemington, earning herself a run in the $4 million All Star Mile. The Chris Waller-trained mare was coming through the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes, where she was only able to beat one of the nine runners’ home over 1400m, but many believed she would enjoy further second-up, and they were correct. The race favourite with online bookmakers settled a lot closer to the leaders than she normally does, but it didn’t affect her finishing burst, as the daughter of Savabeel rounded her rivals up by the 100m mark and kicked clear. Holymanz ($11.00) attempted to go with the winner and stuck on well for second, while Ayrton ($7.50) ran home nicely and grabbed third place in the concluding stages of the race. 2023: Nonconformist causes minor upset Nonconformist reigned supreme in the 2023 Group 2 Blamey Stakes, recording his first win since the Naturalism Stakes in 2021. The win over 1600m, which is considered to be well short of his best distance, considering he ran second in a Caulfield Cup in 2021. With a solid tempo set by Gentleman Roy, it set the race up to be won by a runner with a good turn of foot and that was exactly what Nonconformist showed as he ran away with an easy 2.25 length victory. There weren’t many that believed that this six-year-old gelding could win first-up over 1600m, as he jumped at $19 with online bookmakers, with very little support shown during the day. 2022: Inspirational Girl arrives in time The Danny O’Brien-trained Inspirational Girl qualified for the $5 million All Star Mile after taking out the Group 2 Blamey Stakes at Flemington. The six-year-old mare, who was having just her third start for the O’Brien stable, was slow to begin before jockey Damian Lane was able to find the rail and push up to a midfield position. Race-favourite Zaaki took the lead a little over 100m out after being held up in the early part of the straight. The Annabel Neasham-trained gelding looked to have had the race won after bursting through a gap, but Inspirational Girl was able to get going late to power over the top of the Sydney-trained galloper to score by 0.2 of a length. Previous winners of the Blamey Stakes Blamey Stakes Past Winners Year Horse Jockey Trainer 2024 Atishu Blake Shinn Chris Waller 2023 Nonconformist Harry Coffey Grahame Begg 2022 Inspirational Girl Damian Lane Danny O’Brien 2021 Star of the Seas Damian Lane Chris Waller 2020 Fifty Stars Craig Williams David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2019 Fifty Stars Ben Allen David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2018 Humidor Mark Zahra Darren Weir 2017 Palentino Mark Zahra Darren Weir 2016 He Or She Craig Williams David & Ben Hayes & Tom Dabernig 2015 Suavito Damien Oliver Nigel Blackiston 2014 Lidari Luke Nolen Peter Moody 2013 Puissance de Lune Glen Boss Darren Weir 2012 Green Moon Craig Williams Robert Hickmott 2011 Whobegotyou Damien Oliver Mark Kavanagh 2010 Tavistock Jason Waddell Andrew Campbell 2009 Largo Lad Chris Symons David Hayes 2008 The Fuzz Vlad Duric David Hayes 2007 Apache Cat Damien Oliver Greg Eurell 2006 Rosden Adrian Patterson Roslyn Day 2005 Grey Song Steven Arnold Tom Hughes 2004 Gold Wells Damien Oliver Danny O’Brien 2003 Walk On Air Danny Nikolic Colin Alderson 2002 Tears Royal Peter Mertens Grant Dalziel 2001 Market Price Vincent Hall Tony McEvoy 2000 Oliver Twist Damien Oliver Brian Mayfield-Smith Blamey Stakes winners pre-2000 Blamey Stakes Past Winners Pre 2000 Year Horse 1999 Thackeray 1998 Willoughby 1997 Zuccherino 1996 Racer’s Edge 1995 Durbridge 1994 Durbridge 1993 Prince Salieri 1992 Shiva’s Revenge 1991 Better Loosen Up 1990 Better Loosen Up 1989 Vo Rogue 1988 Vo Rogue 1987 Playful Princess 1986 Lord Of Camelot 1985 Beechcraft 1984 Penny Edition 1983 Trissaro 1982 Kip 1981 Hyperno 1980 Hyperno 1979 Leonotis 1978 Opposition 1977 Surround 1976 Lord Dudley 1975 Zambari 1974 Sobar 1973 Gunsynd 1972 Surrender 1971 Gay Icarus 1970 Cyron 1969 Fileur 1968 Future 1967 Tobin Bronze 1966 Tobin Bronze 1965 Sir Dane 1964 Teppo Star 1963 Mamburdi 1962 Dhaulagiri 1961 Dhaulagiri 1960 Wool Man 1959 But Beautiful 1958 Sailor’s Guide 1957 Sailor’s Guide 1956 Rising Fast 1955 Prince Cortauld Recommended! Take It To The Neds Level Home of the Neds Toolbox Check Out Neds 18+ Gamble Responsibly Full terms Punters Prefer Blondes It’s a fact, Blondes have more fun Join BlondeBet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Next Gen Racing Betting Top 4 Betting. Extra Place. Every Race. Join Picklebet 18+ Gamble Responsibly. What are you really gambling with? It Pays To Play New online bookmaker Check Out PlayUp 18+ Gamble Responsibly Say Hey to the social bet! You Better Believe It Join Dabble 18+ Gamble Responsibly. THINK. IS THIS A BET YOU REALLY WANT TO PLACE?. Full terms. View the full article

Simone Meloni was named the 2025 Employee of the Year at the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards, sponsored by Godolphin, which were held at York Racecourse on Monday. The event, now in its 21st year, was hosted by broadcaster Rishi Persad and featured special guest appearances from double-Olympic gold medallist Laura Collett and dual champion jockey, William Buick. With a background in showjumping is his native Italy, Meloni is now employed by National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson. He took home £10,000 of prize-money for winning the Employee of the Year Award, plus a further £10,000 which will be shared among his colleagues at Seven Barrows. Nick Luck, chair of the judging panel, said, “Deciding this year's Employee of the Year was as difficult a decision as I've known in this role. The judges deliberated long and hard, and Simone should be very proud to have come out on top in such an incredibly strong year. “Ultimately, we felt that Simone is the perfect embodiment of what the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards represent. Throughout his discussions with the judges, Simone could not stop talking about his horses, and we were struck by the tailored approach he brings to dealing with each as an individual, from how he sets their beds to how he rides. “As well as being an outstanding horseman, his personality is utterly infectious. He wears a beaming smile while working and it was clear to see that his approach to his job makes a big impact, which is not insignificant at a yard where the pressure is always on.” Earlier in the ceremony, Meloni had also won the Rider/Racing Groom Award, which itself carried a £5,000 prize along with a further £5,000 for his colleagues. All of the evening's winners received their share of a total of £128,500 of prize-money, at an event which was organised by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), in conjunction with media partners Racing Post and Racing TV. The finalists for each category (with winners in bold) were: Newcomer Award Tina St. John – William Haggas Tyla Macfarlane – Andrew Balding Uwitonze Wenham-Beckford – Karl Burke Leadership Award Ivo Thomas – Tweenhills Mark Ellwood – Nick Alexander Rachael Lytham – Greenall Guerriero Racing Rider / Racing Groom Award Emma Kettlewell – Karl Burke Sarah Macdonald – Julia Feilden Simone Meloni – Nicky Henderson Stud Award Fiona McGlone – Hascombe & Valiant Stud Kelly Stevens – Littleton Stud Kim Skolfield – Newsells Park Stud Dedication Award Anthony Smith – Karl Burke Jane Smith – John Ryan Joe Scally – Roger Varian Community Award Anne Richardson – HEROS Charity Jacqui Greet – Ascot Racecourse Sally Lyons – Great British Racing Brant Dunshea, acting chief executive of the BHA, said, “I would like to congratulate all of the winners this evening and in particular Simone on his magnificent achievement of being named the 2025 Employee of the Year. “We often speak about racing being a community and people like Simone are vital to this. Not only is he clearly extremely skilled around horses but his colleagues value him so highly, meaning he is a vital cog in one of the country's most successful operations. “We are very lucky to be able to count Simone among our number in Britain and I am absolutely delighted he has been recognised this way.” The post Simone Meloni Named 2025 Employee of the Year appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

Qualifying races for the Grand Prix de Paris have been extended to a number of fillies' races following a meeting of the European Pattern Committee at France Galop's HQ on Friday 14 February 2025 where several changes to the black-type programme were approved. The first three finishers in the Qatar Prix du Jockey Club and the Epsom Derby, as well as the winners of the Prix de l'Avre, Prix Hocquart, Prix Greffulhe, Prix du Lys Longines, Chester Vase, Derby Trial Stakes, Dante Stakes and King Edward VII Stakes have already been the beneficiaries of a qualification system (such as a refund of entry fees or free supplementary entries) for the Grand Prix de Paris. In 2025, several fillies' races will join this list of qualifying events, including the first three finishers in the Prix de Diane Longines and the Epsom Oaks, as well as the winners of the Auguste Rodin Coolmore Prix Saint-Alary, Prix Pénélope, Auguste Rodin Coolmore Prix Cléopâtre and the Prix de Royaumont. The qualifying system for the Grand Prix de Paris has also been extended to the winner of the Italian Derby (Group 2) since it was moved back two weeks. This year, the Italian Derby takes place on 2 June. The Grand Prix de Paris takes place on Sunday, 13 July 2025 at the ParisLongchamp racecourse. The post Qualifying Races For Grand Prix de Paris Extended To Number Of Fillies’ Contests appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

There are six horse racing meetings set for Australia on Wednesday, February 26. Our racing analysts here at horsebetting.com.au have found you the best bets and the quaddie numbers for Launcston, Rosehill, Sandown & Happy Valley (HK). Wednesday’s Free Horse Racing Tips – February 26, 2025 Launcston Racing Tips Rosehill Racing Tips Sandown Racing Tips Happy Valley (HK) Racing Tips As always, there are plenty of promotions available for Australian racing fans. Check out all the top horse racing bookmakers to see what daily promotions they have. If you are looking for a new bookmaker for the horse racing taking place on February 26, 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

What Happy Valley Races Where Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong When Wednesday, February 26, 2025 First Race 6:40pm HKT (9:40pm AEDT) Visit Dabble Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday evening, with a bumper nine-race program lined up under lights. Participants will be racing on the C course throughout the night, and although some rainfall is forecast to hit the region in the lead-up, it shouldn’t have any affect on the Good 4 rating at the time of acceptances. All the action is scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm local time. Best Bet at Happy Valley: Copartner Prance Copartner Prance has a formidable record at this course and distance, with the son of Epaulette boasting six wins from seven starts. He gets all the favours in this small field of five runners, with Ryan Moore likely to head straight to the top in this Class 1 contest. Expect the likes of Raging Blizzard and Taj Dragon to take him on mid-race, but with no significant pressure engaged, Copartner Prance must be considered the one to beat in the Happy Valley opener. Best Bet Race 1 – #3 Copartner Prance (2) 5yo Gelding | T: Francis Lui | J: Ryan Moore (59.5kg) Next Best at Happy Valley: Super Sixty Super Sixty only found one better in the form of Hayday in his latest outing at Happy Valley on February 5, with the pair clearing out on their remaining rivals to fight out the finish. He was gallant in defeat after settling worse than mid-field throughout the journey, with the son of Written By forced to drag back from barrier nine. He can sit much handier from gate two this time around, and provided he can accelerate in similar fashion, expect Super Sixty to crack his maiden at a good price with horse racing bookmakers. Next Best Race 4 – #8 Super Sixty (2) 4yo Gelding | T: Caspar Fownes | J: Alexis Badel (55kg) Best Value at Happy Valley: Aeris Nova Aeris Nova comes out of a hot form race at Sha Tin on February 9, finishing 4.3 lengths behind the likes of Light Years Charm and Juneau Pride. The latter has already franked the form winning at Sha Tin on Sunday, and while Aeris Nova couldn’t match motors with the quinella pair, he did well fending off some other key challengers at the end of 1400m. He maps to find the one-one from barrier five, and if he can slingshot off the tight-turning Happy Valley circuit, there is no reason why Aeris Nova can’t figure once again. Best Value Race 3 – #6 Aeris Nova (5) 4yo Gelding | T: Benno Yung | J: Harry Bentley (53.5kg) Wednesday quaddie tips for Happy Valley Happy Valley quadrella selections February 26, 2025 2-4-5 1-2-4-7-10-12 2-3-4-5 2-3-4-6-7 Horse racing tips View the full article

Trainer calls on Mauritian jockey to ride Irish import while chasing a late victory in DBS x Manulife Million Challenge on Wednesday night.View the full article

David Hayes joined RSN on Tuesday after New Zealand breds Ka Ying Rising and Mr Brightside both won Group Ones over 1400 metres last weekend. David Hayes reflects on a brilliant weekend for the Lindsay Park team – Racing Pulse with Michael Felgate – Omny.fm View the full article

Group One performer Malt Time (Adelaide) will head to the races for the final time this weekend before transitioning to her next career as a broodmare. The eight-year-old daughter of Adelaide has been a consistent performer for trainers Shaun and Emma Clotworthy, winning five of her 39 starts, including the Listed Legacy Lodge Sprint (1200m). She was also placed on 10 occasions, including the Gr.1 TAB Classic (1600m), Gr.1 Arrowfield Stud Plate (2040m), Gr.2 Westbury Classic (1400m), Gr.2 Auckland Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1400m) twice, Listed Tauranga Classic (1400m), and has accrued more than $500,000 in prizemoney. Bred by Nearco Stud, Malt Time has been raced by Bill and Carrie Borrie, and will look to bow out a winner for the couple when she heads to Matamata on Saturday to contest the $350,000 COMAG Wairere Falls Classic (1500m). Malt Time will back-up from her eighth placed run in last Saturday’s Gr.1 Otaki- Maori WFA Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie, and Shaun Clotworthy said she has bounced through that run well. “She has come through it well. She will back up for her final race on Saturday. It’s a great stake and we are keen to get her there,” he said. “She has been very consistent, has tried her heart out, and has been a little unlucky not to have won a Group One. “She is still competitive but is starting to get on a bit in years and is in-foal to Hello Youmzain.” Meanwhile, Clotworthy said $1.25 million Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m) favourite Willydoit (NZ) (Tarzino) has pulled up well following his 10th placed run in Saturday’s Gr.2 Avondale Guineas (2100m), and said a veterinary examination found nothing untoward following the subpar result. “It is a bit hard to get a line on it with the way the race was run. We have put a line through it and are carrying on as we were planning to,” Clotworthy said. “He seems to have come through it well, we are happy enough with him. We got him vetted yesterday and he seems nice and happy. He has had a bit of work in the pool and had a trot and canter this morning and all looks okay.” While Clotworthy has a leading chance in next week’s Derby, he will have another leading contender to barrack for in the inaugural $3.5 million NZB Kiwi (1500m) in the form of Dealt With (NZ) (Ace High). The Roger James and Robert-Wellwood-trained gelding will represent the Kerri Spence Bloodstock and Clotworthy Racing slot in the southern hemisphere’s richest three-year-old race, and takes a strong form line into the race. Victorious in his first two outings, the son of Ace High was third in the Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) last month before finishing runner-up in Saturday’s Listed Uncle Remus Stakes (1400m), and Clotworthy is excited about his prospects. “He looks like he has got a bit of improvement from him, according to Robert and Roger, and the slot team are very pleased with him,” he said. “It (Champions Day) is going to be the biggest day ever in New Zealand’s racing history, so to have a couple of chances is pretty incredible.” View the full article